tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8603085079697573752024-03-12T18:02:35.162-07:00From the PastorPastor Hineshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09116473656083061218noreply@blogger.comBlogger342125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-860308507969757375.post-76984536293127997672022-06-03T06:00:00.000-07:002022-06-03T06:00:00.193-07:00“Fire!” - Pastor Jacqueline Hines June 5, 2022<p> </p><p align="center" class="lang-en" style="background: white; margin-top: 0in; text-align: center; vertical-align: baseline;"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><u><span style="border: none windowtext 1.0pt; color: #3d3d3d; font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif; mso-border-alt: none windowtext 0in; padding: 0in;">“Fire!” - </span></u></b><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="border: none windowtext 1.0pt; color: #3d3d3d; font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif; mso-border-alt: none windowtext 0in; padding: 0in;">Pastor Jacqueline Hines<u><o:p></o:p></u></span></b></p>
<p align="center" class="lang-en" style="background: white; margin-top: 0in; text-align: center; vertical-align: baseline;"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="border: none windowtext 1.0pt; color: #3d3d3d; font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif; mso-border-alt: none windowtext 0in; padding: 0in;">June 5, 2022 <o:p></o:p></span></b></p><p align="center" class="lang-en" style="background: white; margin-top: 0in; text-align: center; vertical-align: baseline;"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="border: none windowtext 1.0pt; color: #3d3d3d; font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif; mso-border-alt: none windowtext 0in; padding: 0in;"></span></b></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEitzyoOvaaVwynmgB3i-vxz_xTN80ylPd0zOn4P35237JAbez_HI7CJtWZinnhubRmlfcQA38xhHBCDyrBXatTVHi4tWFQLg05W7bniktUjgsFU5StTxAxB0n26doPwUK3uSK_BOzE2R9dMcOGfxVBGKMjNWl1Z5RgbkdJVWmQgm7g2Km0oQFOfqlS9TA" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="" data-original-height="201" data-original-width="357" height="180" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEitzyoOvaaVwynmgB3i-vxz_xTN80ylPd0zOn4P35237JAbez_HI7CJtWZinnhubRmlfcQA38xhHBCDyrBXatTVHi4tWFQLg05W7bniktUjgsFU5StTxAxB0n26doPwUK3uSK_BOzE2R9dMcOGfxVBGKMjNWl1Z5RgbkdJVWmQgm7g2Km0oQFOfqlS9TA" width="320" /></a></b></div><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><br /><br /></b><p></p>
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</w:wrap></v:imagedata></v:shape><span style="color: black; font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Segoe UI"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">Welcome to Pentecost! Pentecost means it has
been about fifty days after Resurrection Sunday, fifty days after Easter.</span><span style="font-size: 12.0pt;"> </span><span style="color: black; font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Segoe UI"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">“Pente” is Latin for fifty.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Welcome to Pentecost! The first celebration
of Pentecost was thousands of years ago. Then it was called the Feast of Weeks.
Farmers waited seven weeks for the seeds they planted to come up for harvest.
When the plants were ready to be picked, it was time to celebrate. Pentecost is
a celebration of the early harvest. There would soon be another harvest, but
the early harvest was to be celebrated. It was a reminder that we plant the
seeds, we water the seeds, but it is God that miraculously makes the seeds
grow!<o:p></o:p></span></p>
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</w:wrap></v:imagedata></v:shape><span style="color: black; font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Segoe UI"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">Just like us this morning, worshippers were gathered together on
the day of Pentecost to celebrate with a feast and fellowship and with the word
of God. They would warmly welcome each other and kiss each other on each cheek
for they were God’s children. They were brothers and sisters. Who were they
back then? Verse 5 tells us they were devout Jews, religious people, praying
people.</span> <span style="color: black; font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Segoe UI"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Verse 5 also says they were
from every people under Heaven. Pentecost was one of three feasts that required
Jews by law to meet together in Jerusalem. That’s about every quarter. Even if
they were far away, they were supposed to try to get to Jerusalem. They were to
come together during the first feast, the Feast of Passover to celebrate the
death angel passing over them as they were delivered from slavery. The second
was the Feast </span><v:shape alt="Church tabernacle - Wikipedia" id="Picture_x0020_3" o:spid="_x0000_s1035" style="height: 114pt; margin-left: 187.5pt; margin-top: .15pt; mso-height-percent: 0; mso-height-percent: 0; mso-height-relative: margin; mso-position-horizontal-relative: text; mso-position-horizontal: absolute; mso-position-vertical-relative: text; mso-position-vertical: absolute; mso-width-percent: 0; mso-width-percent: 0; mso-width-relative: margin; mso-wrap-distance-bottom: 0; mso-wrap-distance-left: 9pt; mso-wrap-distance-right: 9pt; mso-wrap-distance-top: 0; mso-wrap-style: square; position: absolute; visibility: visible; width: 147.85pt; z-index: -251656192;" type="#_x0000_t75">
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</w:wrap></v:imagedata></v:shape><span style="color: black; font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Segoe UI"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">of Tabernacles to celebrate the God who was with them in the
wilderness, and who was worthy of their worship.</span> <span style="color: black; font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Segoe UI"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Even today, tabernacles or small booths are
built by our Jewish brothers and sisters in various places. They are symbols of
God dwelling with them. They met for the </span><v:shape alt="How We Love Each Other" id="Picture_x0020_4" o:spid="_x0000_s1034" style="height: 90.8pt; margin-left: 4.6pt; margin-top: 150.8pt; mso-height-percent: 0; mso-height-percent: 0; mso-height-relative: margin; mso-position-horizontal-relative: text; mso-position-horizontal: absolute; mso-position-vertical-relative: text; mso-position-vertical: absolute; mso-width-percent: 0; mso-width-percent: 0; mso-width-relative: margin; mso-wrap-distance-bottom: 0; mso-wrap-distance-left: 9pt; mso-wrap-distance-right: 9pt; mso-wrap-distance-top: 0; mso-wrap-style: square; position: absolute; visibility: visible; width: 136.35pt; z-index: -251655168;" type="#_x0000_t75">
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</w:wrap></v:imagedata></v:shape><span style="color: black; font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Segoe UI"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">third feast, during Pentecost to celebrate the wheat harvest. <o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; mso-margin-top-alt: auto;"><span style="color: black; font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Segoe UI"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"></span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEgWbUsVL4ox6xTN-NXPEVXU9LGhqN4y4v4rRXuNNOA3QjoKD_nyQZ5LNXadkRWX_2jxyK8IjZf9T2u64Ftej3EYjYUB9ZfNA1CaHRyMMNsmVocnJZ2lZqks09LIvejbVRcxz2cFE1c6osmcL2cV1paOc031nvA8qCfNhLr85BhJ9CkkYZrIMx7TnQJcKQ" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="" data-original-height="221" data-original-width="352" height="201" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEgWbUsVL4ox6xTN-NXPEVXU9LGhqN4y4v4rRXuNNOA3QjoKD_nyQZ5LNXadkRWX_2jxyK8IjZf9T2u64Ftej3EYjYUB9ZfNA1CaHRyMMNsmVocnJZ2lZqks09LIvejbVRcxz2cFE1c6osmcL2cV1paOc031nvA8qCfNhLr85BhJ9CkkYZrIMx7TnQJcKQ" width="320" /></a></div><br /><br /><p></p>
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</w:wrap></v:imagedata></v:shape><span style="color: black; font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Segoe UI"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">Pilgrims came to these feasts from near and far to worship, to
give thanks, to love on God and to love on one other.</span> <span style="color: black; font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Segoe UI"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>They had all kinds of backgrounds, all kinds
of jobs, all kinds of hobbies and interests. Still, they managed to be TOGETHER
and join in with the local devout Galilean worshippers. What a wonderful thing
to be together in the light of the many ways humans have of being dismissive
and divided. How God must have been pleased to see the children looking and
acting like a loving family!</span> <span style="color: black; font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Segoe UI"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>There is a
reason God calls us to be together. Without that calling, each of us would be
more inclined to wander in our own way.<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; mso-margin-top-alt: auto;"><span style="color: black; font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Segoe UI"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">As they sat there together, suddenly something happened. It
reminds me of a time when I gathered with about five clergy women in the 90’s
when there weren’t as many of us in the Eastern Pennsylvania Conference. We
were talking about what it was like to be in ministry. There were ups and
downs, there were hopes and dreams, there were joys and there were sorrows.
SUDDENLY, the Holy Spirit touched each of us. Every one of us went from smiling
and laughing to gently weeping as the Holy Spirit enabled us to face the depths
of </span><v:shape alt="457 April Showers Photos - Free & Royalty-Free Stock Photos from Dreamstime" id="Picture_x0020_6" o:spid="_x0000_s1032" style="height: 106.5pt; margin-left: .45pt; margin-top: .15pt; mso-height-percent: 0; mso-height-percent: 0; mso-height-relative: margin; mso-position-horizontal-relative: text; mso-position-horizontal: absolute; mso-position-vertical-relative: text; mso-position-vertical: absolute; mso-width-percent: 0; mso-width-percent: 0; mso-width-relative: margin; mso-wrap-distance-bottom: 0; mso-wrap-distance-left: 9pt; mso-wrap-distance-right: 9pt; mso-wrap-distance-top: 0; mso-wrap-style: square; position: absolute; visibility: visible; width: 159.55pt; z-index: -251653120;" type="#_x0000_t75">
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</w:wrap></v:imagedata></v:shape><span style="color: black; font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Segoe UI"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">the pain of our isolation and to feel God’s healing presence. My
head hung in my lap, and for the life of me, I could not lift it. The love of
God constrained me. It happened suddenly to all of us. Like a refreshing spring
shower, it was over before we knew it. We resumed our sunny smiles and laughter
as if too shocked and shaken to acknowledge that we had been touched because we
were shackled by a heavy burden, ‘neath a load of guilt and shame, some ours,
some others. God knew.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; mso-margin-top-alt: auto;"><span style="color: black; font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Segoe UI"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"></span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEhToioq_YpJBMjkr3pWFDosyYPTBEEZ3AdAL1cSZe-VuEtu03y0s84S_XRP8AnScfFO4E3_Tj5BAkEmfFpJobh_b9WY7cQgNJbxTfbx1Nm2Vi5eYF5VEbe5Cp1Za-JmNb7VmMSvmNroSEC5FlBul1YrNCCkLIE2Qa6tf2c6kY-nILvDKuyHB-kFCxvkKg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="" data-original-height="238" data-original-width="308" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEhToioq_YpJBMjkr3pWFDosyYPTBEEZ3AdAL1cSZe-VuEtu03y0s84S_XRP8AnScfFO4E3_Tj5BAkEmfFpJobh_b9WY7cQgNJbxTfbx1Nm2Vi5eYF5VEbe5Cp1Za-JmNb7VmMSvmNroSEC5FlBul1YrNCCkLIE2Qa6tf2c6kY-nILvDKuyHB-kFCxvkKg" width="311" /></a></div><br /><br /><p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; mso-margin-top-alt: auto;"><span style="color: black; font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Segoe UI"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">On the day of Pentecost devout pilgrims from many different
regions that spoke many different languages were taken off guard, suddenly.
They heard a sound like a mighty wind. It was loud but not necessarily pushing
like strong winds do. The wind was rushing. God was in a hurry. The sense of
urgency got everyone’s attention. There were questions about what exactly was
going on. <o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; mso-margin-top-alt: auto;"><span style="color: black; font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Segoe UI"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"></span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEjBpACOlrYL0URN26aDy18_hzBNzNjiyFTuoAlih9L7gOAYpZDyMGcluzw_RVJcPIGiZHQlhEBFzJCHhdNYrPfSrTBacth-4DJs20_-ZA46PkkhIm6-4J2ckdbQdTs4ARNNsY5d7mhXhS4ARa-2eyhxJYSmSJ52okgV3bID9ZaUCAGLPFLepXFBe255XA" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="" data-original-height="189" data-original-width="284" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEjBpACOlrYL0URN26aDy18_hzBNzNjiyFTuoAlih9L7gOAYpZDyMGcluzw_RVJcPIGiZHQlhEBFzJCHhdNYrPfSrTBacth-4DJs20_-ZA46PkkhIm6-4J2ckdbQdTs4ARNNsY5d7mhXhS4ARa-2eyhxJYSmSJ52okgV3bID9ZaUCAGLPFLepXFBe255XA" width="320" /></a></div><br /><br /><p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; mso-margin-top-alt: auto;"><span style="color: black; font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Segoe UI"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">The crowd of pilgrims was surprised, not that the local Galileans
were praising God, but that they were praising God, not only in their own
Galilean language but in all the languages of the pilgrims that had come from a
distance. The Parthians, Medes and Elamites were Iranians; the residents of
Mesopotamia were from what we call Iraq today. Judea was deep in the south of
Israel. Cappadocia, Pontus, Asia, Phrygia and Pamphylia were in Turkey. All
these pilgrims had to have traveled between 75-400 miles away to Jerusalem
depending on how far they were from the border. It was a shock to hear the
local Galileans speaking in all those languages.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; mso-margin-top-alt: auto;"><span style="color: black; font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Segoe UI"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"></span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEj2Oc1tamlpbpYniPPqqAT6gtBnzy3uriqlK1sM53Lf-BiEyLzZ3h4zWidziLtIA7e_lo8muvPEMD1jGRz7Mt3E0Yq3rtSG5l0ePfUEDFuBobr4pzqsWFVo3S0cEKYTOYxdzjkqIccZfmmzsgFtqFb2q6WkjO_Uvo7fHHlSdzWmmTpvZ-VP8ucT_jhlIw" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="" data-original-height="285" data-original-width="286" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEj2Oc1tamlpbpYniPPqqAT6gtBnzy3uriqlK1sM53Lf-BiEyLzZ3h4zWidziLtIA7e_lo8muvPEMD1jGRz7Mt3E0Yq3rtSG5l0ePfUEDFuBobr4pzqsWFVo3S0cEKYTOYxdzjkqIccZfmmzsgFtqFb2q6WkjO_Uvo7fHHlSdzWmmTpvZ-VP8ucT_jhlIw" width="241" /></a></div><br /><br /><p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; mso-margin-top-alt: auto;"><span style="color: black; font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Segoe UI"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">Have you ever talked to someone on the phone and been surprised
when they did not look like what you imagined when you listened to their
voice?<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I was working in the Baltimore
City Community College’s math and English tutoring lab. It was crowded and a
Chinese student volunteered to tutor a math student while she was waiting for
me to help her with her English assignment. In the conversation I was saddened
that this student had come from China where she had a degree as a dental
technician, but had to start at the bottom in order to practice in the United
States. I was </span><v:shape alt="Tongues of Fire in Jerusalem (Acts 2) | Bible Story" id="Picture_x0020_7" o:spid="_x0000_s1031" style="height: 104.9pt; margin-left: 126.85pt; margin-top: 91.25pt; mso-height-percent: 0; mso-height-percent: 0; mso-height-relative: margin; mso-position-horizontal-relative: text; mso-position-horizontal: absolute; mso-position-vertical-relative: text; mso-position-vertical: absolute; mso-width-percent: 0; mso-width-percent: 0; mso-width-relative: margin; mso-wrap-distance-bottom: 0; mso-wrap-distance-left: 9pt; mso-wrap-distance-right: 9pt; mso-wrap-distance-top: 0; mso-wrap-style: square; position: absolute; visibility: visible; width: 209.85pt; z-index: -251652096;" type="#_x0000_t75">
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</w:wrap></v:imagedata></v:shape><span style="color: black; font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Segoe UI"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">shocked when she said she spoke Spanish. It was a surprise! <o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; mso-margin-top-alt: auto;"><span style="color: black; font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Segoe UI"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">The crowd of Pilgrim spectators was very surprised by what they
heard. The crowd was rubber necking trying to figure out what was happening.
They could have <b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><u>seen</u></b> the
tongues of fire described in verse 3, <span style="mso-font-kerning: 18.0pt;">“Divided
tongues, as of fire, appeared among them, and a tongue rested on <b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><u>each</u></b> of them.” There was no
doubt that they all <b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><u>heard</u></b>
their language spoken by those they did not expect would speak <b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">their</i></b>
language.</span><o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; mso-margin-top-alt: auto;"><span style="color: black; font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Segoe UI"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><span style="mso-font-kerning: 18.0pt;"></span></span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEiElB-YJX7sQInpFePzg096B3RaIyiEwqrcjGULXzKiqCoZ7rGpd1eMRXh7NMddxO-SXtmjt6pOH-DKjdfebfnbgh-KslYrsjzLv5eQDS89nKLhqH__StYnhm19K06zfwMisw2O5LPVY2WZESXgW9gg6YmN_l-qAsg_9vgi4H4WwEEby7jOI63cJ9HWvw" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="" data-original-height="222" data-original-width="332" height="214" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEiElB-YJX7sQInpFePzg096B3RaIyiEwqrcjGULXzKiqCoZ7rGpd1eMRXh7NMddxO-SXtmjt6pOH-DKjdfebfnbgh-KslYrsjzLv5eQDS89nKLhqH__StYnhm19K06zfwMisw2O5LPVY2WZESXgW9gg6YmN_l-qAsg_9vgi4H4WwEEby7jOI63cJ9HWvw" width="320" /></a></div><br /><br /><p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; mso-margin-top-alt: auto;"><span style="color: black; font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Segoe UI"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">The dramatic message that day was that God has something to say
that is urgent and worthy of our praise. It will set the world on fire with a
love that heals and transforms until we can see each other and love each other.<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; mso-margin-top-alt: auto;"><span style="color: black; font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Segoe UI"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">When Peter realized there was so much interest in God being
praised in their own language, he talked to them and 3,000 people committed to
Jesus and a movement was born. We call it the Church. It is powerful, it is
dynamic. In fact the word for the power of the Holy Spirit is <b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">dunamis</i></b><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"> </i>which<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"> </i></b>is the root of the word
“dynamite” that causes an explosion and forces new pathways into existence. <o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; mso-margin-top-alt: auto;"><span style="color: black; font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Segoe UI"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"></span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEiqIOguUsjHLnKWOpVUXG5MBMZkOwmSg6B197LqGhEHMvXezjqkX9z1pl_fl8HCrv16cdQuf2chhh6kyOZeg4wg81AnM0V0iTM1bTl4GCe0nB4TLV3dYjsrPNORUgLkNGUcxh3vZhsg5_AOg4yUUVHMdnlFv66OtAdYh39w9_qabkQY0KVzzU9mWUFMzw" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="" data-original-height="219" data-original-width="437" height="160" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEiqIOguUsjHLnKWOpVUXG5MBMZkOwmSg6B197LqGhEHMvXezjqkX9z1pl_fl8HCrv16cdQuf2chhh6kyOZeg4wg81AnM0V0iTM1bTl4GCe0nB4TLV3dYjsrPNORUgLkNGUcxh3vZhsg5_AOg4yUUVHMdnlFv66OtAdYh39w9_qabkQY0KVzzU9mWUFMzw" width="320" /></a></div><br /><br /><p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; mso-margin-top-alt: auto;"><v:shape alt="Start Your Engines Radio Show" id="Picture_x0020_8" o:spid="_x0000_s1030" style="height: 138.6pt; margin-left: -.3pt; margin-top: 0; mso-height-percent: 0; mso-height-percent: 0; mso-height-relative: margin; mso-position-horizontal-relative: text; mso-position-horizontal: absolute; mso-position-vertical-relative: text; mso-position-vertical: absolute; mso-width-percent: 0; mso-width-percent: 0; mso-width-relative: margin; mso-wrap-distance-bottom: 0; mso-wrap-distance-left: 9pt; mso-wrap-distance-right: 9pt; mso-wrap-distance-top: 0; mso-wrap-style: square; position: absolute; visibility: visible; width: 138.6pt; z-index: -251651072;" type="#_x0000_t75">
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</w:wrap></v:imagedata></v:shape><span style="color: black; font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Segoe UI"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">Just like a car that we fire up to start it, we don’t need to be
fired up as dramatically as they were on that day of Pentecost. We just need to
keep adding fuel. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; mso-margin-top-alt: auto;"><span style="color: black; font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Segoe UI"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"></span></span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEgucBjW31iFng04Hz541CNayv3CMAw_1Lx5hto0sozC7BatATMJcNZMeRgg8ZCLXsO8mZBdZ4PdtVyXbfvYdvvS7sJE2jxFK76Ki8nbTgRos3PJsa8KBLJpfVwl29zsqUxsheGfECSZlsy9pwat5iBrcS6Z3euzZSwIZ3zdIK1F7U7nskBDsXPOdGvWgA" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="" data-original-height="289" data-original-width="289" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEgucBjW31iFng04Hz541CNayv3CMAw_1Lx5hto0sozC7BatATMJcNZMeRgg8ZCLXsO8mZBdZ4PdtVyXbfvYdvvS7sJE2jxFK76Ki8nbTgRos3PJsa8KBLJpfVwl29zsqUxsheGfECSZlsy9pwat5iBrcS6Z3euzZSwIZ3zdIK1F7U7nskBDsXPOdGvWgA" width="240" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEhdeGiQkRvHZo3n5vl_3nqib_47FC_amWoHdtsdnmjw7YLcmPzZMJStqccWkWMyRlGsJPUnmOfOYup1TdfaWz3DbxTpXS6feqtmkiGEoBaeIWEkP6DhM34JQraAJI8sQhyphsvpfW2S3YR3tqGTM0Xta3tMIVOM93rwKo_cHrg6oPx1IzyvouoPJ6B8EQ" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="" data-original-height="188" data-original-width="281" height="214" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEhdeGiQkRvHZo3n5vl_3nqib_47FC_amWoHdtsdnmjw7YLcmPzZMJStqccWkWMyRlGsJPUnmOfOYup1TdfaWz3DbxTpXS6feqtmkiGEoBaeIWEkP6DhM34JQraAJI8sQhyphsvpfW2S3YR3tqGTM0Xta3tMIVOM93rwKo_cHrg6oPx1IzyvouoPJ6B8EQ" width="320" /></a></div><br /><p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; mso-margin-top-alt: auto;"><span style="color: black; font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Segoe UI"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"><br /></span></span></p><br /><br /><p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; mso-margin-top-alt: auto;"><v:shape alt="How to Glorify God: Four Ways | James' Mirror - Christian Discipleship Guide" id="Picture_x0020_10" o:spid="_x0000_s1029" style="height: 116.25pt; margin-left: 191.2pt; margin-top: 152.75pt; mso-height-percent: 0; mso-height-percent: 0; mso-height-relative: margin; mso-position-horizontal-relative: text; mso-position-horizontal: absolute; mso-position-vertical-relative: text; mso-position-vertical: absolute; mso-width-percent: 0; mso-width-percent: 0; mso-width-relative: margin; mso-wrap-distance-bottom: 0; mso-wrap-distance-left: 9pt; mso-wrap-distance-right: 9pt; mso-wrap-distance-top: 0; mso-wrap-style: square; position: absolute; visibility: visible; width: 157.2pt; z-index: -251649024;" type="#_x0000_t75">
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</w:wrap></v:imagedata></v:shape><v:shape alt="Filling Up the Gas Tank with Corn, Sugar Cane, and Wood | The Regulatory Review" id="Picture_x0020_9" o:spid="_x0000_s1028" style="height: 90pt; margin-left: 3.4pt; margin-top: 41.15pt; mso-position-horizontal-relative: text; mso-position-horizontal: absolute; mso-position-vertical-relative: text; mso-position-vertical: absolute; mso-wrap-distance-bottom: 0; mso-wrap-distance-left: 9pt; mso-wrap-distance-right: 9pt; mso-wrap-distance-top: 0; mso-wrap-style: square; position: absolute; visibility: visible; width: 134.9pt; z-index: -251650048;" type="#_x0000_t75">
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</w:wrap></v:imagedata></v:shape><span style="color: black; font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Segoe UI"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">God is in a hurry to bless us, to fill us with the power of love
until suddenly and urgently, we weep healing tears, or until we give God the praise
that is due a great God, until we shock the world and speak a language that
those looking at us from a distance can understand and appreciate, until God is
glorified. <o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; mso-margin-top-alt: auto;"><span style="color: black; font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Segoe UI"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"></span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEgpVC-5kdwoFFtpagsaTzUKksKtwjuEkGgmqZLZlfp07Esp3ImL5vmswiGPigS7gOvGfJ7XD_Fx5p2cvD620QlDZQAzndoP2ZnpmOEhkzJuAVuoVvyPAp3q_0gwwU_55ZVIGcCqc2G4ZAysK4LthhXjWvXvSDrAG6z1Xvy4sPFyApV349xp6UMA_diWEQ" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="" data-original-height="242" data-original-width="328" height="236" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEgpVC-5kdwoFFtpagsaTzUKksKtwjuEkGgmqZLZlfp07Esp3ImL5vmswiGPigS7gOvGfJ7XD_Fx5p2cvD620QlDZQAzndoP2ZnpmOEhkzJuAVuoVvyPAp3q_0gwwU_55ZVIGcCqc2G4ZAysK4LthhXjWvXvSDrAG6z1Xvy4sPFyApV349xp6UMA_diWEQ" width="320" /></a></div><br /><br /><p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; mso-margin-top-alt: auto;"><v:shape id="_x0000_s1027" style="height: 75.8pt; margin-left: 3.4pt; margin-top: 115.3pt; mso-height-percent: 0; mso-height-percent: 0; mso-height-relative: margin; mso-position-horizontal-relative: text; mso-position-horizontal: absolute; mso-position-vertical-relative: text; mso-position-vertical: absolute; mso-width-percent: 0; mso-width-percent: 0; mso-width-relative: margin; mso-wrap-distance-bottom: 0; mso-wrap-distance-left: 9pt; mso-wrap-distance-right: 9pt; mso-wrap-distance-top: 0; mso-wrap-style: square; position: absolute; visibility: visible; width: 134.85pt; z-index: -251648000;" type="#_x0000_t75">
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</w:wrap></v:imagedata></v:shape><span style="color: black; font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Segoe UI"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">We can keep our tanks full. Together, let’s keep praying about
everything, practicing the good we preach, and praising God</span><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt;"> from whom all
blessings flow, for where there is praise for God, there is power.</span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; mso-margin-top-alt: auto;"><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt;"></span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEhdIEFia52AI6csvrwAL8JN93feJDo3YIRoEKoye73ZJGJyrhMBB01Aean--Xg2uCOXLdKYb30CSk0JSR0M89Td01GWPYP5yqlfFdQ8g1LIUVaOqMmAFUPJZc3xxnk0gg5PL-2mNh3bajOlqBX8kOqIgJVgNJzoxJczFmdK2zwynonx0on4NE2Bgomedg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="" data-original-height="158" data-original-width="281" height="180" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEhdIEFia52AI6csvrwAL8JN93feJDo3YIRoEKoye73ZJGJyrhMBB01Aean--Xg2uCOXLdKYb30CSk0JSR0M89Td01GWPYP5yqlfFdQ8g1LIUVaOqMmAFUPJZc3xxnk0gg5PL-2mNh3bajOlqBX8kOqIgJVgNJzoxJczFmdK2zwynonx0on4NE2Bgomedg" width="320" /></a></div><br /><br /><p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; mso-margin-top-alt: auto;"><v:shape alt="Pentecost Sunday PowerPoint - Progressive Church Media" id="Picture_x0020_13" o:spid="_x0000_s1026" style="height: 104.75pt; margin-left: 106.9pt; margin-top: 67.45pt; mso-height-percent: 0; mso-height-percent: 0; mso-height-relative: margin; mso-position-horizontal-relative: text; mso-position-horizontal: absolute; mso-position-vertical-relative: text; mso-position-vertical: absolute; mso-width-percent: 0; mso-width-percent: 0; mso-width-relative: margin; mso-wrap-distance-bottom: 0; mso-wrap-distance-left: 9pt; mso-wrap-distance-right: 9pt; mso-wrap-distance-top: 0; mso-wrap-style: square; position: absolute; visibility: visible; width: 126.75pt; z-index: -251646976;" type="#_x0000_t75">
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</w:wrap></v:imagedata></v:shape><span style="color: black; font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Segoe UI"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">God has something urgent to say that sets the world on fire with
love for God and love for people. Welcome to Pentecost! </span><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt;">Amen.</span><span style="font-size: 12pt;"><span style="color: #686868; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><i> </i></span></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; mso-margin-top-alt: auto;"><span style="color: #343434; font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif; font-size: 8.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><o:p></o:p></span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEjXBBvLwuOHnV7PUgIG9NojLT-nPNHnO7Z_79j09CdJpTKA5A9f9bpydiOicgFkSf_C4dRkEBU7LLt7AEbhsrbycqbbw2AJM651WyKLoSkL-eny42d2Yo2L10PaokrKxBfEL_CbVAhTsJ2oe1VbjQ3vV9PFJVqBULJnwFzz06GbL0JUVqbTZ9lOPGxB1Q" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="" data-original-height="218" data-original-width="264" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEjXBBvLwuOHnV7PUgIG9NojLT-nPNHnO7Z_79j09CdJpTKA5A9f9bpydiOicgFkSf_C4dRkEBU7LLt7AEbhsrbycqbbw2AJM651WyKLoSkL-eny42d2Yo2L10PaokrKxBfEL_CbVAhTsJ2oe1VbjQ3vV9PFJVqBULJnwFzz06GbL0JUVqbTZ9lOPGxB1Q" width="291" /></a></div><br /> <p></p>Pastor Hineshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09116473656083061218noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-860308507969757375.post-54632708937802623382022-05-27T07:14:00.006-07:002022-05-27T07:14:42.003-07:00“The Young Fortune-Teller” Pastor Jacqueline Hines May 29, 2022<p> </p><p align="center" class="lang-en" style="background: white; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin: 0in; text-align: center; vertical-align: baseline;"><b><u><span style="color: black; font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif; font-size: 14.0pt;">“The
Young Fortune-Teller”</span></u></b><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><u><span style="border: none windowtext 1.0pt; color: #3d3d3d; font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif; mso-border-alt: none windowtext 0in; padding: 0in;"><o:p></o:p></span></u></b></p>
<p align="center" class="lang-en" style="background: white; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin: 0in; text-align: center; vertical-align: baseline;"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="border: none windowtext 1.0pt; color: #3d3d3d; font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif; mso-border-alt: none windowtext 0in; padding: 0in;">Pastor Jacqueline Hines<o:p></o:p></span></b></p>
<p align="center" class="lang-en" style="background: white; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin: 0in; text-align: center; vertical-align: baseline;"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="border: none windowtext 1.0pt; color: #3d3d3d; font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif; mso-border-alt: none windowtext 0in; padding: 0in;">May 29, 2022 <o:p></o:p></span></b></p><p align="center" class="lang-en" style="background: white; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin: 0in; text-align: center; vertical-align: baseline;"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="border: none windowtext 1.0pt; color: #3d3d3d; font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif; mso-border-alt: none windowtext 0in; padding: 0in;"></span></b></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEjrsL5AKygO81X2sq2wJPdloTNg0WS-LSAmeFdq1Ru9xbxQv1KaW2NoiqqTLAuCilyTV4ZbZGVZt9_4YOElM0nB5LEEyYpKy-h9m2p275DtL5o7_QnqS5lX8ZTBLJB5nnoYB6oYaaTfSQOgYh-e33OndONv2Gr1h6OeItLts5f9-m0OpEjSoyCzNlTnXA" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="" data-original-height="226" data-original-width="431" height="168" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEjrsL5AKygO81X2sq2wJPdloTNg0WS-LSAmeFdq1Ru9xbxQv1KaW2NoiqqTLAuCilyTV4ZbZGVZt9_4YOElM0nB5LEEyYpKy-h9m2p275DtL5o7_QnqS5lX8ZTBLJB5nnoYB6oYaaTfSQOgYh-e33OndONv2Gr1h6OeItLts5f9-m0OpEjSoyCzNlTnXA" width="320" /></a></b></div><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><br /><br /></b><p></p>
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</o:lock></v:path></v:stroke></v:shapetype><v:shape alt="12 Power-Prayers: Sourced from Paul's Prayers - Kelly Balarie Christian Blog" id="Picture_x0020_1" o:spid="_x0000_s1037" style="height: 108.15pt; left: 0; margin-left: -10.8pt; margin-top: 16.05pt; mso-position-horizontal-relative: text; mso-position-horizontal: absolute; mso-position-vertical-relative: text; mso-position-vertical: absolute; mso-wrap-distance-bottom: 0; mso-wrap-distance-left: 9pt; mso-wrap-distance-right: 9pt; mso-wrap-distance-top: 0; mso-wrap-style: square; position: absolute; text-align: left; visibility: visible; width: 207pt; z-index: -251658240;" type="#_x0000_t75">
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<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;"><v:shape alt="Paul and the Slave Girl in Philippi - Biblical Archaeology Society" id="Picture_x0020_2" o:spid="_x0000_s1036" style="height: 148.5pt; margin-left: 202.95pt; margin-top: 226.25pt; mso-position-horizontal-relative: text; mso-position-horizontal: absolute; mso-position-vertical-relative: text; mso-position-vertical: absolute; mso-wrap-distance-bottom: 0; mso-wrap-distance-left: 9pt; mso-wrap-distance-right: 9pt; mso-wrap-distance-top: 0; mso-wrap-style: square; position: absolute; visibility: visible; width: 125.05pt; z-index: -251657216;" type="#_x0000_t75">
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</w:wrap></v:imagedata></v:shape><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt;">What
happened in the book of Acts chapter 16 does not happen every day. Paul and
some of Jesus’ disciples were on their way to pray – <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>that is a good thing. It is quite American for
Christians to go to prayer. On their way, they saw a slave girl. That is not
unusual either. On our way to anywhere these days, we may see persons who are
in trouble, persons both young and old who have been made captive, enslaved by
poverty, addictions, or one evil spirit or another, such as a murderous spirit,
a lying spirit or a spirit of robbery. The other day I heard of a teenager who
was surprised he was arrested because he only stole a little of someone else’s
property.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;"><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"></span></span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEgMcS6-TgzvyXkesn2Xskg-ypMxNDuMZd4OrJEEa4kMdtfigQpQics3y-iwudQYSrE-vs5E65bJLOBx53Qr0bHtQZt_LrWR3ga1e8tHkeYf8taYji_y6plAui80oj1m8WQYSRBnWbf5KBY5jsZpiZoYfBGaDDFodVvUwwVzo5uwgJVSmDxUhiI0A7IScQ" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="" data-original-height="310" data-original-width="260" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEgMcS6-TgzvyXkesn2Xskg-ypMxNDuMZd4OrJEEa4kMdtfigQpQics3y-iwudQYSrE-vs5E65bJLOBx53Qr0bHtQZt_LrWR3ga1e8tHkeYf8taYji_y6plAui80oj1m8WQYSRBnWbf5KBY5jsZpiZoYfBGaDDFodVvUwwVzo5uwgJVSmDxUhiI0A7IScQ" width="201" /></a></div><br /><br /><p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;"><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt;">The
slave girl was being used and abused. She was able to predict the future. She
was a fortune teller, trained to be perceptive as well as deceptive. Fortune
telling is big business as you can imagine. You may remember that psychic phone
service that suddenly went out of business and somebody was surprised that
being psychics, they did not predict or prevent their own future. <o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;"><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt;">We
can only imagine where this young fortune teller’s family was. We can only
imagine where she slept at night or if she had enough to eat. We can only
imagine. Of course, her slaveholder’s motive was a common one. Her
slaveholder’s motive was money.</span> <span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>When we are anxious about life, we long to see
into our future so we can prepare for good news or bad news. Sometimes we make </span><v:shape alt="Greed vs Generosity: Which Gives a Better Competitive Advantage? | Finance Magnates" id="Picture_x0020_3" o:spid="_x0000_s1035" style="height: 90.75pt; margin-left: 2.8pt; margin-top: 1.6pt; mso-height-percent: 0; mso-height-percent: 0; mso-height-relative: margin; mso-position-horizontal-relative: text; mso-position-horizontal: absolute; mso-position-vertical-relative: text; mso-position-vertical: absolute; mso-width-percent: 0; mso-width-percent: 0; mso-width-relative: margin; mso-wrap-distance-bottom: 0; mso-wrap-distance-left: 9pt; mso-wrap-distance-right: 9pt; mso-wrap-distance-top: 0; mso-wrap-style: square; position: absolute; visibility: visible; width: 199.65pt; z-index: -251656192;" type="#_x0000_t75">
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</w:wrap></v:imagedata></v:shape><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt;">heavy
investments in knowing or guaranteeing our future by being greedy.</span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEjBjfxogKtog0_YdUuc4vhOjtYH3or70ikhgapXwEgIi5dGDYFI9N-YUcsHzdURpAsjr9WzNKHl8w9TN1nxXupKAc5hrmXHtfuv5p1W2gzUPN0InUfNwrNGF0Lbw10xLvRXB4RCdEpA7xzjfk9I_khzdpSfMZOH2BR276MwMZ5lgSdEgg-FL6rV_zD-_g" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="" data-original-height="189" data-original-width="416" height="145" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEjBjfxogKtog0_YdUuc4vhOjtYH3or70ikhgapXwEgIi5dGDYFI9N-YUcsHzdURpAsjr9WzNKHl8w9TN1nxXupKAc5hrmXHtfuv5p1W2gzUPN0InUfNwrNGF0Lbw10xLvRXB4RCdEpA7xzjfk9I_khzdpSfMZOH2BR276MwMZ5lgSdEgg-FL6rV_zD-_g" width="320" /></a></div><br /><o:p></o:p><p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;"><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt;">Recently,
I heard a talk on Centralia that has an abandoned coal mine. A dumpster fire
set the whole mine ablaze. It has been burning underground for over fifty
years. What caught my attention was not the burning, but hearing that there
were pillars in the mind made of coal. They kept the mine from collapsing.
Incredibly, there were those who, tempted by greed, would dare to mine the
pillars risking collapse leading to injury and death. Greed can be deadly.<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;"><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt;">As
Christians, we understand the future of our</span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEiwSTX1UmXtVsOG0QHnfPp0ii8ulUYA3qEVmHCPuGMffGg3Y3rZtQY2dyTgxiRywdTUdnNBCCsNEAfIk2i4f-jK8GswkfCXKP6THQaLfpq_oD7ljtlHXJTmrvBKuLuVtCnASdGcD42B2DW3EkKzYuIETKg8Uozv2TUP6OS2DjJc1gHoY39FbDHY2BiQqA" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="" data-original-height="264" data-original-width="315" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEiwSTX1UmXtVsOG0QHnfPp0ii8ulUYA3qEVmHCPuGMffGg3Y3rZtQY2dyTgxiRywdTUdnNBCCsNEAfIk2i4f-jK8GswkfCXKP6THQaLfpq_oD7ljtlHXJTmrvBKuLuVtCnASdGcD42B2DW3EkKzYuIETKg8Uozv2TUP6OS2DjJc1gHoY39FbDHY2BiQqA" width="286" /></a></div><br /> life is in God’s hands. God tells
us what we need to know. God has many ways to tell us the direction our life is
going. God may use prophets, dreams, or just plain common sense. God may give
us information that is clear and definite. At other times, we may get hints and
clues. We may also get options. I recall letting an inmate know that he would
definitely get a job in a kitchen washing dishes, but he did not want to wash
dishes. Another person wanted a better job and was given an opportunity to do a
few weeks of training, but she refused. At times we can reasonably predict our
own path through the options we have or don’t have or the choices we make or
don’t make.<o:p></o:p><p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;"><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt;">You
don’t have to be holy to be used to predict or guide someone into their future.
The gifts of God are without repentance. I knew a man who wore rings in several
parts of his body, seen and unseen. He was a gifted hair dresser and a sweet
soul. He had little to do with the church. He experimented with drugs and a
list of other dangers, BUT, what he predicted about my life was accurate and
clear. God uses whom God chooses. God has a purpose and a plan that is bigger
than our biases. <o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;"><v:shape alt="the love of money… – Reckless Abandon Ministries" id="Picture_x0020_4" o:spid="_x0000_s1034" style="height: 126.85pt; margin-left: 195.4pt; margin-top: 13.5pt; mso-height-percent: 0; mso-height-percent: 0; mso-height-relative: margin; mso-position-horizontal-relative: text; mso-position-horizontal: absolute; mso-position-vertical-relative: text; mso-position-vertical: absolute; mso-width-percent: 0; mso-width-percent: 0; mso-width-relative: margin; mso-wrap-distance-bottom: 0; mso-wrap-distance-left: 9pt; mso-wrap-distance-right: 9pt; mso-wrap-distance-top: 0; mso-wrap-style: square; position: absolute; visibility: visible; width: 151.35pt; z-index: -251655168;" type="#_x0000_t75">
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</w:wrap></v:imagedata></v:shape><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt;">Fortune
tellers are big business preying on the fears of the forlorn as well as the
faithful. There is profit in all kinds of evil and oppression. Greed kills, the
greedy or the needy.<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;"><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt;">It
is said the love of money is the root of ALL evil. Money is wonderful. However,
the love of money is hazardous to one’s spiritual, emotional, and physical
health. Still, we all know what a challenge it is to be good stewards of the
resources God gives us. The spiritual complexity of money is endless. However,
the bottom line is that all that we have and ever hope to be, we owe it all to
God. The Holy Spirit can help us have a right relationship with our valuables,
especially our money.<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;"><v:shape alt="Life in Captivity: The Rhythm of Prison Across the Globe | Globe Drifting" id="Picture_x0020_5" o:spid="_x0000_s1033" style="height: 110.2pt; margin-left: 2pt; margin-top: 141.3pt; mso-height-percent: 0; mso-height-percent: 0; mso-height-relative: margin; mso-position-horizontal-relative: text; mso-position-horizontal: absolute; mso-position-vertical-relative: text; mso-position-vertical: absolute; mso-width-percent: 0; mso-width-percent: 0; mso-width-relative: margin; mso-wrap-distance-bottom: 0; mso-wrap-distance-left: 9pt; mso-wrap-distance-right: 9pt; mso-wrap-distance-top: 0; mso-wrap-style: square; position: absolute; visibility: visible; width: 166.05pt; z-index: -251654144;" type="#_x0000_t75">
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</w:wrap></v:imagedata></v:shape><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt;">A
woman said to me that a coworker asked to borrow her car. She was grateful God
gave her the car, so she loaned it freely and did not want to pry into <b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">WHY</b> he wanted to borrow the car. In
prayer, she believed God revealed to her that he was using the car so as not to
be detected by his wife while he was out with his girlfriend. We can only
imagine how awkward it was to say “no” the next time he asked. We belong to
God. We are bought with a price. That price is submission to God’s will and not
our own. The price is to put no other God’s before the one God.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;"><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt;"></span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEiuuAYJzcyUDZ7YMxkTOm67faNMMijKZyF9EDJdrZja_UEMZ_jgnm5sOIFRPFXxsByGSwiQFN7_XTBJIoxl4nom2V23Loakt2WmA7Sn1XKNSTDeyTQZ2kwFXPLS5tfSRsszfs8F17e56RkIGF2i-9dD3l6UDyW4fZN9g0YaGSe8fwynivJ_CpwXxJ0qBA" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="" data-original-height="229" data-original-width="346" height="212" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEiuuAYJzcyUDZ7YMxkTOm67faNMMijKZyF9EDJdrZja_UEMZ_jgnm5sOIFRPFXxsByGSwiQFN7_XTBJIoxl4nom2V23Loakt2WmA7Sn1XKNSTDeyTQZ2kwFXPLS5tfSRsszfs8F17e56RkIGF2i-9dD3l6UDyW4fZN9g0YaGSe8fwynivJ_CpwXxJ0qBA" width="320" /></a></div><br /><br /><p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;"><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt;">The
slave girls was under the influence of her captors. Strange things happen when
we are captured. One thing that may happen is that instead of taking an
opportunity to become free, an enslaved person may develop Stockholm syndrome
wherein they begin to identify with and empathize with their captor or abuser
and their goals. <o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;"><v:shape alt="A Closer Look at Domestic Abuse | Welcome to the Scene" id="Picture_x0020_6" o:spid="_x0000_s1032" style="height: 111pt; margin-left: 171.9pt; margin-top: .15pt; mso-height-percent: 0; mso-height-percent: 0; mso-height-relative: margin; mso-position-horizontal-relative: text; mso-position-horizontal: absolute; mso-position-vertical-relative: text; mso-position-vertical: absolute; mso-width-percent: 0; mso-width-percent: 0; mso-width-relative: margin; mso-wrap-distance-bottom: 0; mso-wrap-distance-left: 9pt; mso-wrap-distance-right: 9pt; mso-wrap-distance-top: 0; mso-wrap-style: square; position: absolute; visibility: visible; width: 166.35pt; z-index: -251653120;" type="#_x0000_t75">
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</w:wrap></v:imagedata></v:shape><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt;">Police
officers have said that their most dangerous assignments is in a domestic
violence call. When the officer arrives on sight to confront or arrest the
perpetrator, the victim often assaults the officer who has come to help. <o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;"><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt;"></span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEhGFCagdkfRbCrq2c-n_otj-Z7W-LfKfO5RXFa_I39gnBMbbe6eAUqC52JwFQT0mML2DF5xvb4cJLby0Monx907_fJMvVDzGfcKNJhVftjtPigYd9w1fbtxgJkor6b6jO_7fK8lsXmYcKX-MeBqkkiaUCLYRAyc7nRdnpTW2OuBcb_8Kl6mVStCmiIy-A" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="" data-original-height="232" data-original-width="346" height="215" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEhGFCagdkfRbCrq2c-n_otj-Z7W-LfKfO5RXFa_I39gnBMbbe6eAUqC52JwFQT0mML2DF5xvb4cJLby0Monx907_fJMvVDzGfcKNJhVftjtPigYd9w1fbtxgJkor6b6jO_7fK8lsXmYcKX-MeBqkkiaUCLYRAyc7nRdnpTW2OuBcb_8Kl6mVStCmiIy-A" width="320" /></a></div><br /><br /><p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;"><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt;">Whatever
was happening with this slave girl was no simple matter. As Paul and the others
were sharing the gospel, she was following them and shouting. Can you imagine
someone following you yelling these words, “These men are servants of the Most
High God, who are telling you the way to be saved.” We can only speculate as to
why she was following them and why she was saying what she was saying. One
wonders if her captors made her do it because they were trying to irritate Paul
and the others in order to get them off their corner, to rid themselves of the
competition for the territory.<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;"><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt;">In
any case don’t you think it is very annoying to have someone follow you against
your will? Isn’t it a violation of one’s space, an intrusion, and harassment?<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;"><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt;"><br /><br /></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;"><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt;">After
a few days of her following them around and yelling, Paul was annoyed to the
point that he did something that does not happen every day in the Christian
circles that many of us find ourselves in. Many Christians may have lost their
temper and harassed the girl or called the police or yelled at her to get lost,
perhaps making her hardship even worse. <o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;"><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt;">Paul
turned around and</span><span style="font-size: 12.0pt;"> </span><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt;">spoke to the
spirit, “In the name of Jesus Christ I command you to come out of her!” At that
moment the spirit left her. She was no longer able to predict the future for
her slaveholders. That may not be a model for any of us to follow. We may not
do what Paul did. If we could, then every slave in the world would be free by
next week. If we could free every used and abused person on the planet we
would.<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;"></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEiaMJjKWKdr-PEA2hAhEZdcjyynhMJc_oK8NliyIYZsXx4-xjn1KdGw8ocP8MdWGjwfjemumUNzOez5FIqy2XOL6DRYj4vYBtOPvry9RJVDVd7hD1K97vaAOAtPJjuC1PQ8GJntPHyq1KnyuU89rgYGEt44mX5LKkWtjBQOo58L1XE-i68INIqVS4XJqw" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="" data-original-height="199" data-original-width="354" height="180" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEiaMJjKWKdr-PEA2hAhEZdcjyynhMJc_oK8NliyIYZsXx4-xjn1KdGw8ocP8MdWGjwfjemumUNzOez5FIqy2XOL6DRYj4vYBtOPvry9RJVDVd7hD1K97vaAOAtPJjuC1PQ8GJntPHyq1KnyuU89rgYGEt44mX5LKkWtjBQOo58L1XE-i68INIqVS4XJqw" width="320" /></a></div><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt;">I
asked myself why Paul did not deliver her of that fortune-telling spirit as
soon as he found out about it, but I realize no one of us is called to serve
everyone all the time. God’s </span><v:shape alt="U.S. Billionaire Wealth Surged Since The Start Of The Pandemic [Infographic]" id="Picture_x0020_7" o:spid="_x0000_s1031" style="height: 95.5pt; margin-left: 1.3pt; margin-top: 0; mso-height-percent: 0; mso-height-percent: 0; mso-height-relative: margin; mso-position-horizontal-relative: text; mso-position-horizontal: absolute; mso-position-vertical-relative: text; mso-position-vertical: absolute; mso-width-percent: 0; mso-width-percent: 0; mso-width-relative: margin; mso-wrap-distance-bottom: 0; mso-wrap-distance-left: 9pt; mso-wrap-distance-right: 9pt; mso-wrap-distance-top: 0; mso-wrap-style: square; position: absolute; visibility: visible; width: 169.85pt; z-index: -251652096;" type="#_x0000_t75">
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</w:wrap></v:imagedata></v:shape><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt;">timing
is always best. God’s direction is right. Whether we believe it or not, God is
doing something about evil all the time.<o:p></o:p></span><p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;"><v:shape alt="U.S. Poverty Hit a Record Low Before the Pandemic Recession - The New York Times" id="Picture_x0020_8" o:spid="_x0000_s1030" style="height: 112.55pt; margin-left: 171.05pt; margin-top: 73.75pt; mso-height-percent: 0; mso-height-percent: 0; mso-height-relative: margin; mso-position-horizontal-relative: text; mso-position-horizontal: absolute; mso-position-vertical-relative: text; mso-position-vertical: absolute; mso-width-percent: 0; mso-width-percent: 0; mso-width-relative: margin; mso-wrap-distance-bottom: 0; mso-wrap-distance-left: 9pt; mso-wrap-distance-right: 9pt; mso-wrap-distance-top: 0; mso-wrap-style: square; position: absolute; visibility: visible; width: 168.9pt; z-index: -251651072;" type="#_x0000_t75">
<v:imagedata o:title="U.S" src="file:///C:/Users/Owner/AppData/Local/Temp/msohtmlclip1/01/clip_image008.jpg">
<w:wrap type="tight">
</w:wrap></v:imagedata></v:shape><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt;">A
few years ago, it was good news that the world’s poverty level had gone down
significantly. However, the last two years of the pandemic has been extremely
profitable for some. For the last year or so, there has been a new billionaire
on the books every 30 days. Some project that at the same time there are 100
million people<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>plummeting into poverty.
Those statistics keep us on our knees, and they should.</span> <span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;"><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"></span></span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEhwsFpJonhk-gj4wobXT7TaAV1cel7-3aTZO7rnN0V84M4nxN6glbqPHZtORVUVkrINY4qggrt2Zf_2wZODjDrkGYv6IumPqwqowh8pbfFxYvKR_C7jpQUdcXROW2CgRtc02zTfZAwNRNxXn-sPB_DbTTkheuJSCI9pWcPuAi_-io68hxjC-1pZe4Y6GA" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="" data-original-height="234" data-original-width="352" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEhwsFpJonhk-gj4wobXT7TaAV1cel7-3aTZO7rnN0V84M4nxN6glbqPHZtORVUVkrINY4qggrt2Zf_2wZODjDrkGYv6IumPqwqowh8pbfFxYvKR_C7jpQUdcXROW2CgRtc02zTfZAwNRNxXn-sPB_DbTTkheuJSCI9pWcPuAi_-io68hxjC-1pZe4Y6GA" width="320" /></a></div><br /><br /><p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;"><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt;">Even
in times of trouble, we do well to please and praise God every day and repent
every hour. As Michael Smith’s song goes, “The word says, for the spirit of
heaviness, wear the garment of praise. That’s how we fight our battles… That’s
how we fight our battles.” <o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;"><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt;"></span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEhpjleurlaxpLFtEQ7ChSEmqvLudmzNhbquOISFs653vxmM2QNh9WWpn41H-gwHAmOC7oSR_SptIzELlF_ITcBpmZeuv671wCu8ZVGMtDmwRvByZ-cXCGzdFIWju2zvOAIq3Y3nrt5WGSLFN1b9INXH-XH_XrRsQjQSzFOWzsqiuiwIlqThTYOQni1Acw" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="" data-original-height="218" data-original-width="291" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEhpjleurlaxpLFtEQ7ChSEmqvLudmzNhbquOISFs653vxmM2QNh9WWpn41H-gwHAmOC7oSR_SptIzELlF_ITcBpmZeuv671wCu8ZVGMtDmwRvByZ-cXCGzdFIWju2zvOAIq3Y3nrt5WGSLFN1b9INXH-XH_XrRsQjQSzFOWzsqiuiwIlqThTYOQni1Acw" width="320" /></a></div><br /><br /><p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;"><v:shape id="_x0000_s1029" style="height: 69.4pt; margin-left: -3.3pt; margin-top: 61pt; mso-height-percent: 0; mso-height-percent: 0; mso-height-relative: margin; mso-position-horizontal-relative: text; mso-position-horizontal: absolute; mso-position-vertical-relative: text; mso-position-vertical: absolute; mso-width-percent: 0; mso-width-percent: 0; mso-width-relative: margin; mso-wrap-distance-bottom: 0; mso-wrap-distance-left: 9pt; mso-wrap-distance-right: 9pt; mso-wrap-distance-top: 0; mso-wrap-style: square; position: absolute; visibility: visible; width: 186.6pt; z-index: -251650048;" type="#_x0000_t75">
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<w:wrap type="tight">
</w:wrap></v:imagedata></v:shape><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt;">As
Christians, we come into the fold like meek and mild sheep. We may not be aware
that there are wolves waiting in the wings. We have no thoughts about those who
are in trouble and the fierce battles that are ahead of us, making us soldiers
of the cross, enlisting us in the army of the Lord. Now we know! <o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;"><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt;"></span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEickNxf1vjXK0He-2kMlJmBioapowcPjTSe6LGuWrfOyEP4leKyhKYLXoLFPzhYWdu3Lxii624XqqGB_WvnEgpO950aLK2viPIgd3ZNG8yLxgns2JL9PrA-GNkIy2Rzq8Hc66Zi6aaKH4D-nr84Ux0WrpEFCU6Dhqw0Z4fMgXPez8UyHOwEfTOeExCPkQ" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="" data-original-height="195" data-original-width="346" height="180" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEickNxf1vjXK0He-2kMlJmBioapowcPjTSe6LGuWrfOyEP4leKyhKYLXoLFPzhYWdu3Lxii624XqqGB_WvnEgpO950aLK2viPIgd3ZNG8yLxgns2JL9PrA-GNkIy2Rzq8Hc66Zi6aaKH4D-nr84Ux0WrpEFCU6Dhqw0Z4fMgXPez8UyHOwEfTOeExCPkQ" width="320" /></a></div><br /><br /><p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;"><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt;">Paul
saw a young person in trouble and the Holy Spirit used him to bless her, just
as God uses us to bless young people all the time. When the evil spirit left
this slave girl, the slaveholders lost their profits. Instead of being
grateful, they treated him, of course, like a criminal. They dragged him to
jail, stripped him, tortured him, beat him, and put him in chains.</span><span style="font-size: 12.0pt;"> </span><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Paul was in
and out of jail all the time. Hopefully, every church would </span><v:shape alt="Paul's Gospel – Distinguishing Truth" id="Picture_x0020_11" o:spid="_x0000_s1028" style="height: 104.7pt; margin-left: 197.15pt; margin-top: 0; mso-height-percent: 0; mso-height-percent: 0; mso-height-relative: margin; mso-position-horizontal-relative: text; mso-position-horizontal: absolute; mso-position-vertical-relative: text; mso-position-vertical: absolute; mso-width-percent: 0; mso-width-percent: 0; mso-width-relative: margin; mso-wrap-distance-bottom: 0; mso-wrap-distance-left: 9pt; mso-wrap-distance-right: 9pt; mso-wrap-distance-top: 0; mso-wrap-style: square; position: absolute; visibility: visible; width: 139.6pt; z-index: -251649024;" type="#_x0000_t75">
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</w:wrap></v:imagedata></v:shape><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt;">still
welcome him.</span> <span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Paul still had the love for God and a heart to
worship, singing hymns in jail. The Holy Spirit even did a miraculous work
through Paul and Silas. There was an earthquake. The chains were broken and one
of the guards was about to kill himself knowing he would be killed by the
Romans for allowing </span><v:shape alt="Pray, Praise, and Give Thanks, Lesson 7: Paul and Silas in Prison - Seeds of Faith Podcast" id="Picture_x0020_12" o:spid="_x0000_s1027" style="height: 93.6pt; margin-left: -1.05pt; margin-top: 130.65pt; mso-height-percent: 0; mso-height-percent: 0; mso-height-relative: margin; mso-position-horizontal-relative: text; mso-position-horizontal: absolute; mso-position-vertical-relative: text; mso-position-vertical: absolute; mso-width-percent: 0; mso-width-percent: 0; mso-width-relative: margin; mso-wrap-distance-bottom: 0; mso-wrap-distance-left: 9pt; mso-wrap-distance-right: 9pt; mso-wrap-distance-top: 0; mso-wrap-style: square; position: absolute; visibility: visible; width: 166.45pt; z-index: -251648000;" type="#_x0000_t75">
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<w:wrap type="tight">
</w:wrap></v:imagedata></v:shape><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt;">prisoners
to escape. Paul stopped him when he shouted according to verse 28. </span><span style="color: #010000; font-family: "Verdana",sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>‘Do not harm yourself, for we are all here.” </span><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt;">That jailer and
his family became Christians. He fed them and washed their wounds. God is good
all the time.<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;"><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt;">God
may not use us to bless young people in trouble in the same way that God used
Paul, but God will use us to engage in spiritual battle so that one less youth
will become a captive.</span><span style="font-size: 12.0pt;"> <o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;"><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt;">Can’t
we look at Buffalo, Texas, Sandy Hook, Twitter and Tik Tok and see the need?
There are more guns than people, more cars than children and more children
killed by guns than cars. Is it time to control the guns? The horrors are here
every month, every week, every day. Can’t we look at the wondrous ways God
works in our lives and see that God is able to use us and guide us to pray and
act in ways that heal and deliver? <o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;"><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt;"></span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEiMcsPq3o--cNOHTr3SpiGUOUZ1S3X3SHX3mL-h-VGt-bIiFNVKaQuWBmZcCeRS8getZTFAxvuVs7DAnNpyNBPMOP5YHoCTwmVLXQy3hLKVq962JxxZVs5_ZFS1F2ospSvo96Ss5PgYGSIjyt-dIHkA2hW4ezbgTrbZSjngewxeROOKpCqTXMMGgJ3vlA" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="" data-original-height="218" data-original-width="328" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEiMcsPq3o--cNOHTr3SpiGUOUZ1S3X3SHX3mL-h-VGt-bIiFNVKaQuWBmZcCeRS8getZTFAxvuVs7DAnNpyNBPMOP5YHoCTwmVLXQy3hLKVq962JxxZVs5_ZFS1F2ospSvo96Ss5PgYGSIjyt-dIHkA2hW4ezbgTrbZSjngewxeROOKpCqTXMMGgJ3vlA" width="320" /></a></div><br /><br /><p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;"><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt;">Like
Paul, we see God using us as we pray about everything, practice what we preach,
and praise God from whom all blessings come, and keep coming. One of my
favorite songs is Praise the Lord by Russ Taff. It seems to have had our
morning’s text in mind with the words: <o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;"><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt;">When
you're up against a struggle that shatters all your dreams<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;"><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt;">And
your hopes have been cruelly crushed by Satan's manifested schemes<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;"><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt;">And
you feel the urge within you to submit to earthly fear<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;"><v:shape alt="God inhabits our praise | grant + lucy :: romance" id="Picture_x0020_13" o:spid="_x0000_s1026" style="height: 104.5pt; margin-left: 186.4pt; margin-top: 0; mso-height-percent: 0; mso-height-percent: 0; mso-height-relative: margin; mso-position-horizontal-relative: text; mso-position-horizontal: absolute; mso-position-vertical-relative: text; mso-position-vertical: absolute; mso-width-percent: 0; mso-width-percent: 0; mso-width-relative: margin; mso-wrap-distance-bottom: 0; mso-wrap-distance-left: 9pt; mso-wrap-distance-right: 9pt; mso-wrap-distance-top: 0; mso-wrap-style: square; position: absolute; visibility: visible; width: 157.35pt; z-index: -251646976;" type="#_x0000_t75">
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</w:wrap></v:imagedata></v:shape><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt;">Don't
let the faith you're standing in seem to disappear<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;"><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt;">Praise
the Lord, He will work through those who praise Him<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;"><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt;">Praise
the Lord, for our God inhabits praise.<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;"><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt;">Praise
the Lord, for the chains that seem to bind you<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;"><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt;">Serve
only to remind you, that they drop powerless behind you when you praise Him. <o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;"><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt;">Pray
about everything, practice what you preach, praise God anyhow. Do it today and
watch God work. Amen. <o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;"><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt;"></span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEjkiO6T82KKr5SnJXmwgrXMD6FNdhuKEz-rFFGZ3gjtH-DAKiWKjUfvonHpKgPsK9aT4LWYBQSjc81-sElKlT-b2CfbeKS9c8Yty24_OuSFJwgpxekz2sWKQ8NXDLzSxJ-sIG8U2PVLfQJsf4H1sGYZpgFA2TzjkPv25iwrX4zyys_650mq_MBDCAmUug" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="" data-original-height="277" data-original-width="391" height="227" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEjkiO6T82KKr5SnJXmwgrXMD6FNdhuKEz-rFFGZ3gjtH-DAKiWKjUfvonHpKgPsK9aT4LWYBQSjc81-sElKlT-b2CfbeKS9c8Yty24_OuSFJwgpxekz2sWKQ8NXDLzSxJ-sIG8U2PVLfQJsf4H1sGYZpgFA2TzjkPv25iwrX4zyys_650mq_MBDCAmUug" width="320" /></a></div><br /><br /><p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;"><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt;"><o:p> </o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;"><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt;"><o:p> </o:p></span></p>
<p align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; text-align: center;"><span style="mso-no-proof: yes;"><v:shape alt="Praise God stock illustration. Illustration of letters - 32821637" id="Picture_x0020_14" o:spid="_x0000_i1025" style="height: 132.75pt; mso-wrap-style: square; visibility: visible; width: 187.5pt;" type="#_x0000_t75">
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</v:imagedata></v:shape></span><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><o:p> </o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><o:p> </o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;"><span style="color: #343434; font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif; font-size: 8.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><o:p> </o:p></span></p>Pastor Hineshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09116473656083061218noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-860308507969757375.post-79644945009006503592022-05-20T08:19:00.000-07:002022-05-20T08:19:15.422-07:00 “A Place of Prayer Outside the Gate” Pastor Jacqueline Hines May 22, 2022 <p> </p><p align="center" class="lang-en" style="background: white; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin: 0in; text-align: center; vertical-align: baseline;"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><u><span style="border: none windowtext 1.0pt; color: #3d3d3d; font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif; mso-border-alt: none windowtext 0in; padding: 0in;">“A Place of Prayer Outside the Gate” <o:p></o:p></span></u></b></p>
<p align="center" class="lang-en" style="background: white; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin: 0in; text-align: center; vertical-align: baseline;"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="border: none windowtext 1.0pt; color: #3d3d3d; font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif; mso-border-alt: none windowtext 0in; padding: 0in;">Pastor Jacqueline Hines<o:p></o:p></span></b></p>
<p align="center" class="lang-en" style="background: white; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin: 0in; text-align: center; vertical-align: baseline;"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="border: none windowtext 1.0pt; color: #3d3d3d; font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif; mso-border-alt: none windowtext 0in; padding: 0in;">May 22, 2022 <o:p></o:p></span></b></p>
<p align="center" class="lang-en" style="background: white; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin: 0in; text-align: center; vertical-align: baseline;"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="border: none windowtext 1.0pt; color: #3d3d3d; font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif; font-size: 14.0pt; mso-border-alt: none windowtext 0in; padding: 0in;"><o:p> </o:p></span></b></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;"><span style="color: black; font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Segoe UI"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">A few weeks ago during Aubrey’s Sunday school class, Mike raised
the question why in Revelation there was a description of a wall. Why does
Heaven need something to divide or protect? Of course, the question was
discussed fervently from many angles. Answers included, Heaven has walls
because walls are beautiful and have many functions. Walls in revelation are
both symbolic as well as physical. People described in Revelation as outside the
walls were actually in hell. At the same time another scripture from Revelation
talks about a door that stays open because there are people still making it
into Heaven. <o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;"><span style="color: black; font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Segoe UI"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">This morning’s scripture tells us that Paul was going outside the
gates in Macedonia that was walled off from the rest of the area. Often,
government officials and offices are within gated communities. They serve to
wall off and guard an area securing it in order to create a comfort zone. The walls
and gates were central places where official transactions happened, legal
documents confirmed, and important speeches made. Special guards could patrol
walled off, gated areas in order to deter ne’er do wells. <o:p></o:p></span></p>
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</o:lock></v:path></v:stroke></v:shapetype><v:shape alt="Twelve Gates: Where Do the Nations Enter?: Boaz Michael: 9781892124661: Books" id="Picture_x0020_1" o:spid="_x0000_s1035" style="height: 151.4pt; margin-left: -1.05pt; margin-top: .9pt; mso-height-percent: 0; mso-height-percent: 0; mso-height-relative: margin; mso-position-horizontal-relative: text; mso-position-horizontal: absolute; mso-position-vertical-relative: text; mso-position-vertical: absolute; mso-width-percent: 0; mso-width-percent: 0; mso-width-relative: margin; mso-wrap-distance-bottom: 0; mso-wrap-distance-left: 9pt; mso-wrap-distance-right: 9pt; mso-wrap-distance-top: 0; mso-wrap-style: square; position: absolute; visibility: visible; width: 123pt; z-index: -251658240;" type="#_x0000_t75">
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</w:wrap></v:imagedata></v:shape><span style="color: black; font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Segoe UI"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">Paul was very familiar with walls and gates, especially of Jerusalem
because it was known as the city where God dwells. Jerusalem was an iconic
image that remains even with us today. With 12 gates,</span> <span style="color: black; font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Segoe UI"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>12 guardian angels, and the reminder of the 12
tribes of Israel, Jerusalem is mentioned over 800 times in the bible because it
was fortified, sanctified, set apart for worship and sacrificial acts of holiness.
Jesus was crucified outside the gates of Jerusalem, for there was nothing holy
about killing Jesus. <o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;"><span style="color: black; font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Segoe UI"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">Paul was an officer of the law. As a Pharisee, he knew the law
through and through. He knew life within and without the walls and gates. He
interpreted God’s law and believed God considered Jesus and his followers as
lawbreakers. He believed with all of his heart that he was doing the right
thing when he made plans to have Christians persecuted and put in prison. Paul
was against Jesus until he met Jesus. I grew up in a Christian home, but I did
not make a personal commitment to Jesus until I was a teenager. Have you made a
personal commitment to Jesus? <o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;"><span style="color: black; font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Segoe UI"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">Like Paul, many of us have had visions that help us to see God’s
will and direction for our life. Some of us have dreams. Or, we may get a
strong sense of God’s presence while we are reading scripture, listening to a
song, meditating, praying, and talking with a loved one or even a stranger. We
may also feel God’s presence during a catastrophe, tragedy or some traumatic
experience. God speaks whenever and wherever it pleases God to speak.<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;"><span style="color: black; font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Segoe UI"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">Just because we are spiritual, does not mean we are Christian. It
has probably been a long time since someone has asked you, “Are you a
Christian?” It is more likely that someone may ask, “where do you go to
church?’” A farmer was asked the question, “Are you a Christian?” His answer
was, “I can tell you anything. If you really want to know if I am a Christian,
you need to ask my neighbors.”<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;"><v:shape alt="Turkish language, alphabets and pronunciation" id="Picture_x0020_2" o:spid="_x0000_s1034" style="height: 128.25pt; margin-left: 152.75pt; margin-top: 44.95pt; mso-height-percent: 0; mso-height-percent: 0; mso-height-relative: margin; mso-position-horizontal-relative: text; mso-position-horizontal: absolute; mso-position-vertical-relative: text; mso-position-vertical: absolute; mso-width-percent: 0; mso-width-percent: 0; mso-width-relative: margin; mso-wrap-distance-bottom: 0; mso-wrap-distance-left: 9pt; mso-wrap-distance-right: 9pt; mso-wrap-distance-top: 0; mso-wrap-style: square; position: absolute; visibility: visible; width: 177.65pt; z-index: -251657216;" type="#_x0000_t75">
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</w:wrap></v:imagedata></v:shape><span style="color: black; font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Segoe UI"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">As Christians we are wrapped in our culture and our different
backgrounds. The dress we wear and the food we eat are all different. We live
in community with compassion for Christians who look and think differently than
we do. That’s not easy. It is not easy to be a Christian. If it were easy, then
everyone would be doing it.<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;"><span style="color: black; font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Segoe UI"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">Paul was a Christian. He was from Tarsus in Cilicia, known as
Turkey today. They speak Turkish in Turkey. Just out of curiosity, I looked up
some phrases in the Turkish language and they were totally foreign to me as I
imagine they would be to most of </span><v:shape alt="God has big plans for you... | Encouraging scripture quotes, Scripture quotes, Encouraging scripture" id="Picture_x0020_3" o:spid="_x0000_s1033" style="height: 134.9pt; margin-left: 4.2pt; margin-top: 0; mso-height-percent: 0; mso-height-percent: 0; mso-height-relative: margin; mso-position-horizontal-relative: text; mso-position-horizontal: absolute; mso-position-vertical-relative: text; mso-position-vertical: absolute; mso-width-percent: 0; mso-width-percent: 0; mso-width-relative: margin; mso-wrap-distance-bottom: 0; mso-wrap-distance-left: 9pt; mso-wrap-distance-right: 9pt; mso-wrap-distance-top: 0; mso-wrap-style: square; position: absolute; visibility: visible; width: 142.35pt; z-index: -251656192;" type="#_x0000_t75">
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</w:wrap></v:imagedata></v:shape><span style="color: black; font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Segoe UI"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">you.</span><span style="font-size: 12.0pt;"> </span><span style="color: black; font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Segoe UI"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">Turkish is one
of the top twenty languages spoken around the world. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>(Does anyone here speak or know someone who
speaks Turkish?) We live in a world that is much bigger than us, and surely, God
has a purpose and a plan that is so much bigger than us. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;"><span style="color: black; font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Segoe UI"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">Paul had a vision of a man from Macedonia who was not exactly in
the neighborhood, probably miles apart. They very well may have spoken the same
language. The man from Macedonia in Paul’s dream was not inviting Paul to come
and help. He was not asking Paul to come. He was begging Paul to come and help
them. We know about needs that are more urgent than others.<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;"><v:shape alt="Amber Heard - Wikipedia" id="Picture_x0020_4" o:spid="_x0000_s1032" style="height: 162.35pt; margin-left: 220.2pt; margin-top: 94.8pt; mso-height-percent: 0; mso-height-percent: 0; mso-height-relative: margin; mso-position-horizontal-relative: text; mso-position-horizontal: absolute; mso-position-vertical-relative: text; mso-position-vertical: absolute; mso-width-percent: 0; mso-width-percent: 0; mso-width-relative: margin; mso-wrap-distance-bottom: 0; mso-wrap-distance-left: 9pt; mso-wrap-distance-right: 9pt; mso-wrap-distance-top: 0; mso-wrap-style: square; position: absolute; visibility: visible; width: 108.25pt; z-index: -251655168;" type="#_x0000_t75">
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</w:wrap></v:imagedata></v:shape><span style="color: black; font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Segoe UI"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">After that dream, verse 10 says Paul believed God was calling him
to go to Macedonia and preach. God’s word brings light and love in urgent
situations. There are many ways to interpret what we believe God is saying to
us. Our interpretation may not instantly lead us where we need to go, but if
our hearts are right with God, we will eventually get there. The important
thing to know is that God is speaking. We may strain to hear. We may misunderstand
what we hear. We may not want to hear what God says.<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;"><span style="color: black; font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Segoe UI"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">I have not been listening to the Johnny Depp and Amber Heard
domestic violence, defamation trial, but it is intriguing that public opinion
is swinging toward the man being the victim in this case. There are at least a billion
hits for #justiceforjohnny. The few times that I have seen Amber, I do get the
sense that she is more of an actor than a victim. <span style="background: yellow; mso-highlight: yellow;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></span>However, I
have learned that my first impressions are not a hundred percent reliable. When
former US Representative Anthony Weiner declared he was innocent, I believed
him. </span><v:shape alt="The Journey-> Journey with Jesus" id="Picture_x0020_5" o:spid="_x0000_s1031" style="height: 102pt; margin-left: 148.65pt; margin-top: .15pt; mso-height-percent: 0; mso-height-percent: 0; mso-height-relative: margin; mso-position-horizontal-relative: text; mso-position-horizontal: absolute; mso-position-vertical-relative: text; mso-position-vertical: absolute; mso-width-percent: 0; mso-width-percent: 0; mso-width-relative: margin; mso-wrap-distance-bottom: 0; mso-wrap-distance-left: 9pt; mso-wrap-distance-right: 9pt; mso-wrap-distance-top: 0; mso-wrap-style: square; position: absolute; visibility: visible; width: 188.1pt; z-index: -251654144;" type="#_x0000_t75">
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</w:wrap></v:imagedata></v:shape><span style="color: black; font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Segoe UI"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">Later the facts proved him to be a deceiver. Life is a journey.
It’s wonderful to journey with Jesus. Whether or not we are growing in our
relationship to God and our understanding of the truth, God continues speaking in
one way or another because God cares. God loves us. God wants us to succeed and
be blessed. <o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;"><span style="color: black; font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Segoe UI"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">Paul looked for a place of prayer when he got to Macedonia. If you
are going to serve God, it is wise to be prayed up. It is a good thing to give
thanks to God for all God’s goodness and mercy to us. There is no gratitude in
grumbling, no ministry in murmuring. Life goes better when we pray.<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;"><span style="color: black; font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Segoe UI"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">Paul found a place of prayer outside the city, outside the more
safe and secure zones of comfort, outside the designated doors and official
realms. That place was where women gathered by the river says verse 13. Paul
broke political and cultural rules by worshiping with women. That’s a good
thing because it wasn’t God’s rule to make women less equal than men anyway.<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;"><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt;">The
Church is the same rule-breaking blessing as it was two thousand years ago. God
speaks and we listen. When I first arrived at Bethel in 2009, I had a very
uncomfortable vision of having a special place to meet God for prayer. I
thought with all this property and spiritual history in every room, “Why, God,
do we need another place of prayer?” There was a rule in my heart and I did not
see past it. <o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;"><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt;">The
vision stirred in my heart and would not leave, so I brought it to Council.
Surprisingly, Terrie said three words “A prayer garden.” Bethel members love
flowers and they are everywhere. There were tulips a few weeks ago. The irises
and rhododendrons are here along with the lilies, crocuses, daisies, evergreens
and more. Fresh flowers grace our altar during worship. Bethel members invest
heavily in sharing the beauty of plants and flowers. Some members even make it
a point to weed on a regular basis. A few months after discussing the vision of
a special place to pray, we organized and partnered with God to build a prayer
garden. It was a way to do like the Apostle Paul did, pray outside the gate,
uniting with the community, letting our light shine for the world to witness. <o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;"><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt;">Soon
after, I received the vision of an elevator. Over and over again, a still small
voice whispered “elevator.” Again, I took the vision to council having no clue
about what it meant, and frankly being very embarrassed at the idea that God
was speaking and I had been given only a piece of the puzzle, proving once
again that God is God and the pastor is not. Janet spoke up at the meeting and
said, “We talked about getting an elevator years ago. We need to do it now
because things are not getting any cheaper.” Many churches have rules that say,
“We do not have enough money so we can’t spend any money.” Bethel got on board
to defy that rule. After several months, we had an elevator. Most of us
imagined that an elevator was good for the elderly. We soon realized an
elevator has many, many helpful purposes. Both of those visions helped Bethel
to reach those beyond the borders of the sanctuary and minister to others in
the community. <o:p></o:p></span></p>
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</w:wrap></v:imagedata></v:shape><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt;">Bethel
Church started as a Sunday school class that caught a vision to build a
sanctuary and start a church. It began in 1844 during slavery and the
Underground Railroad.</span> <span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt;">There
was no electricity. There were a few posts for those arriving on horseback and eventually
a meeting house that is now the Boy Scout hut. God has been good to Bethel all
that time. <o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;"><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt;">God
gives a vision to every generation. The generation before us built the
education wing. Our generation built an elevator </span><v:shape alt="Our Next Generation, Inc. | LinkedIn" id="Picture_x0020_7" o:spid="_x0000_s1029" style="height: 135.75pt; margin-left: 195.9pt; margin-top: .1pt; mso-height-percent: 0; mso-height-percent: 0; mso-height-relative: margin; mso-position-horizontal-relative: text; mso-position-horizontal: absolute; mso-position-vertical-relative: text; mso-position-vertical: absolute; mso-width-percent: 0; mso-width-percent: 0; mso-width-relative: margin; mso-wrap-distance-bottom: 0; mso-wrap-distance-left: 9pt; mso-wrap-distance-right: 9pt; mso-wrap-distance-top: 0; mso-wrap-style: square; position: absolute; visibility: visible; width: 135.75pt; z-index: -251652096;" type="#_x0000_t75">
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</w:wrap></v:imagedata></v:shape><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt;">and
a prayer garden. I would love to know what vision God will give to the next
generation.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><span style="background: yellow; mso-highlight: yellow;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></span><o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;"><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt;">Whatever
that next vision is, it would be no surprise if it involved praying outside the
gates and jumping over the borders of doctrinal authority. I trust the
intimidating security guards and heavy blankets that weigh us down in a past that
does not fulfill God’s purpose will, once again, be left in the dust. God will
indeed create something new and amazing in the Church and through the church. <o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;"><v:shape alt="All Is Forgiven 6.2.19 | New Mercies Christian Church" id="Picture_x0020_8" o:spid="_x0000_s1028" style="height: 117.75pt; margin-left: 1.65pt; margin-top: 50pt; mso-height-percent: 0; mso-height-percent: 0; mso-height-relative: margin; mso-position-horizontal-relative: text; mso-position-horizontal: absolute; mso-position-vertical-relative: text; mso-position-vertical: absolute; mso-width-percent: 0; mso-width-percent: 0; mso-width-relative: margin; mso-wrap-distance-bottom: 0; mso-wrap-distance-left: 9pt; mso-wrap-distance-right: 9pt; mso-wrap-distance-top: 0; mso-wrap-style: square; position: absolute; visibility: visible; width: 117.75pt; z-index: -251651072;" type="#_x0000_t75">
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</w:wrap></v:imagedata></v:shape><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt;">Through
the years, it is no secret that fulfilling God’s awesome vision can bring out
the good, the bad and the ugly in us. It’s not easy to be a Christian. One of
my mentors Bishop O.T. Jones</span><span style="font-size: 12.0pt;"> </span><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt;">pastor of Holy
Temple Church of God in Christ was one who broke religious rules by ordaining
several women as ministers, breaking church laws and bucking the status quo. He
was known to say at funerals of those whose checkered past was mostly spoken of
in whispers, “All is known; all is forgiven.” Church, by God’s grace “All is
known; all is forgiven.”<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;"><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt;">Just
as sure as God’s sun rises in the east and sets in the west, God will<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>send a vision that will guide each church in
doing its part in making the world a better place. <o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;"><v:shape alt="What do Thyatira, Tyre, and Tiberius have in common? | caroletowriss.com" id="Picture_x0020_9" o:spid="_x0000_s1027" style="height: 99.4pt; margin-left: 172.8pt; margin-top: 18pt; mso-height-percent: 0; mso-height-percent: 0; mso-height-relative: margin; mso-position-horizontal-relative: text; mso-position-horizontal: absolute; mso-position-vertical-relative: text; mso-position-vertical: absolute; mso-width-percent: 0; mso-width-percent: 0; mso-width-relative: margin; mso-wrap-distance-bottom: 0; mso-wrap-distance-left: 9pt; mso-wrap-distance-right: 9pt; mso-wrap-distance-top: 0; mso-wrap-style: square; position: absolute; visibility: visible; width: 174pt; z-index: -251650048;" type="#_x0000_t75">
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</w:wrap></v:imagedata></v:shape><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt;">Outside
the gates, Paul found wonderful hospitality from a business woman named Lydia a
seller of purple garments which were used for rich officials and the royal
rulers. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>She invited the disciples into
her home. So the precious wheels of unity, community, and hospitality in the
church were rolling along as God intended. They take us where we need to go,
fueled by the Holy Spirit. <o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;"><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt;">God’s
vision always includes the spiritual building of unity, community, and
hospitality even as we build buildings and all kinds of physical structures.
Whatever we build, the Holy Spirit can help us build with integrity and
soundness. Whatever we build can be maintained, cared for and repaired when
necessary by God’s grace. We all have resources and connections like Lydia that
we can bring together not only to start a mission, but to sustain a mission. May
today and forever we have God’s vision for the church in our hearts and in our
homes. May we truly build a house where God is at home, where Jesus walks, and where
the Holy Spirit is stirring many to good works. Amen. <o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt;"><o:p> </o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;"><v:shape alt="Welcome to the House of God | ONEeighty Church" id="Picture_x0020_10" o:spid="_x0000_s1026" style="height: 146.4pt; margin-left: 47.7pt; margin-top: 10.15pt; mso-position-horizontal-relative: text; mso-position-horizontal: absolute; mso-position-vertical-relative: text; mso-position-vertical: absolute; mso-wrap-distance-bottom: 0; mso-wrap-distance-left: 9pt; mso-wrap-distance-right: 9pt; mso-wrap-distance-top: 0; mso-wrap-style: square; position: absolute; visibility: visible; width: 260.25pt; z-index: -251649024;" type="#_x0000_t75">
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</w:wrap></v:imagedata></v:shape><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;"><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt;"><o:p> </o:p></span></p>
<p align="right" class="MsoNormal" style="background: white; line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; text-align: right; vertical-align: baseline;"><span style="color: #343434; font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif; font-size: 8.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><o:p> </o:p></span></p>Pastor Hineshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09116473656083061218noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-860308507969757375.post-56845974974426016022022-05-06T07:59:00.007-07:002022-05-06T07:59:51.949-07:00A Miracle for Mother's - May 8th 2022<p> </p><p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;"><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 200%;">Sometime, we need to
resist change. Sometime, we need to speak life in the midst of death. Sometime,
we need to say “no” to trouble. <span style="background: yellow; mso-highlight: yellow;"></span></span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEgkMgsIUU1UWmAup6U2nH8Z9g0daIAYvmcqMOvoN5iaOuNEAeqANc2lbSS8uCtpS58gT3p80_mazMiNUNoDWYqrs_Zj3ojPYKvnp8WyqEwgpVwkcYO_lNE5oN_3_H2s8r2F2B70n7EEALa5P-7kndU5XaaWfU4tZrOY2zzjPXsiW3Qwl9TNST3eZyeQ7A" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="" data-original-height="251" data-original-width="251" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEgkMgsIUU1UWmAup6U2nH8Z9g0daIAYvmcqMOvoN5iaOuNEAeqANc2lbSS8uCtpS58gT3p80_mazMiNUNoDWYqrs_Zj3ojPYKvnp8WyqEwgpVwkcYO_lNE5oN_3_H2s8r2F2B70n7EEALa5P-7kndU5XaaWfU4tZrOY2zzjPXsiW3Qwl9TNST3eZyeQ7A" width="240" /></a></div><br /> That’s what the ladies did the day that
Dorcas died. Something within them refused to let go. Instead of just accepting
a loss, somehow the Holy Spirit pressed them to say “no” to death. That is what
the Holy Spirit does sometime.<o:p></o:p><p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;"><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 200%;">Dorcas, which means “deer”
in Greek, was called Tabitha which in the Hebrew means grace and beauty akin to
a gazelle, a deer, bouncy and lively <span style="background: yellow; mso-highlight: yellow;"></span></span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEg-socK6huYsE4KX6KgD3p4nOV3aInqu2owx40_C58LEZVSvq3kbbfD-Cgb0JDrmMRC2GmDaYovVzEacO4exSKzP6hdpZ7w8mGSkeQV9zuaJqJd-5j_mMroIDZvngF89tK6P6pGtB8wO9YAuZLXqGuLmOmdfvS6eu7RXHEjlP5EYq6EmZvnFR5i8X5O0Q" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="" data-original-height="230" data-original-width="344" height="214" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEg-socK6huYsE4KX6KgD3p4nOV3aInqu2owx40_C58LEZVSvq3kbbfD-Cgb0JDrmMRC2GmDaYovVzEacO4exSKzP6hdpZ7w8mGSkeQV9zuaJqJd-5j_mMroIDZvngF89tK6P6pGtB8wO9YAuZLXqGuLmOmdfvS6eu7RXHEjlP5EYq6EmZvnFR5i8X5O0Q" width="320" /></a></div><br />. When we live in two worlds, we may have
two names. Tabitha shares this exceptional place in the bible because she was always,
not sometime, not once a year, not occasionally, but verse 36 says she was
ALWAYS, doing good AND helping the poor. <o:p></o:p><p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;"><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 200%;">She participated with a
group of women said in verse 39 to be widows; most likely they were mothers too.
Tabitha made robes and clothes. <span style="background: yellow; mso-highlight: yellow;"></span></span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEjwGt-ybv5u9osvr2G_nJrOrvxJL5Z5n3lCvvAy7n25_VYCFj51QcitjnS9VuU5cYmMmMzUb_NvcR7frGmSpJTrAkQHQavilqPrOeuAxC-iI8WSVmwwQGBlg6S_VqM-hQLIXH16vpYIcMyHRmtuHi3j3DmVmgRa6MTczMFgUy5AFnHBsnbD4SNNmonFTQ" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="" data-original-height="289" data-original-width="316" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEjwGt-ybv5u9osvr2G_nJrOrvxJL5Z5n3lCvvAy7n25_VYCFj51QcitjnS9VuU5cYmMmMzUb_NvcR7frGmSpJTrAkQHQavilqPrOeuAxC-iI8WSVmwwQGBlg6S_VqM-hQLIXH16vpYIcMyHRmtuHi3j3DmVmgRa6MTczMFgUy5AFnHBsnbD4SNNmonFTQ" width="262" /></a></div><br /> She made under garments worn next to
the skin and outer clothes like our coats and sweaters as well. In any case,
making anything to wear is both an art and a labor of love. These ladies were
faithfully using their talents and spiritual gifts from God while learning and
developing interesting skills. There was likely some unique skill and some
special touches that each person brought to the table. It is the same as Bethel
women and certainly some Bethel men have talent to create and make beautiful
things with their hands. <p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;"><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 200%;">It is no wonder that since
the beginning of time we have been inspired to honor women, especially mothers
who nurture and co-create with God.<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;"><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 200%;">In the American South, Anna
Jarvis fulfilled her late mother Ann’s <span style="background: yellow; mso-highlight: yellow;"></span></span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEhJrsif5FtCgp-apE8ZV0_vCleB_hpZHVAcc6_acKHxLgXWTK9koQxwfHdh37dTRDoURv49TXKOR1p_I1UpR9Dmobk50bzREOGtd4yrlPSSJ3S_liIze2f4r-i_zAUmvqs8Pm14tBSVbzCcgPoghQ49mEeuLvjpx7kfocW7FLradU-Fgpv309PJl4k56g" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="" data-original-height="288" data-original-width="367" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEhJrsif5FtCgp-apE8ZV0_vCleB_hpZHVAcc6_acKHxLgXWTK9koQxwfHdh37dTRDoURv49TXKOR1p_I1UpR9Dmobk50bzREOGtd4yrlPSSJ3S_liIze2f4r-i_zAUmvqs8Pm14tBSVbzCcgPoghQ49mEeuLvjpx7kfocW7FLradU-Fgpv309PJl4k56g" width="306" /></a></div><br /> wishes to honor
mothers. She campaigned long and hard, meeting with ministers and businessmen
to create a way to honor the work of mothers. Their work was not just about a
special day. Mother’s day clubs developed before the Civil War under Anna’s
leadership to help mothers learn about good nutrition and hydration for their
infants. After the War, i<span style="background: white; color: #181818; font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif; font-size: 14.0pt; letter-spacing: .6pt; line-height: 200%; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial;">n 1868 Jarvis organized “Mothers’
Friendship Day,” at which mothers gathered with former Union and Confederate
soldiers to promote reconciliation. </span><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 200%;"><o:p></o:p></span><p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;"><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 200%;">Mother’s Day did not
became official until 1914 when President Woodrow Wilson signed a proclamation,
however in 1908, six years earlier, the first official Mother’s Day recognition
was in church like ours is today. A worship service celebrating Mother’s Day
was held in at Andrews Methodist Episcopal Church in Grafton, West Virginia,
her home town. That same day a thousand people gathered at a Wanamaker’s
Department Store to celebrate this new day called Mother’s Day in Philadelphia
where she lived and held membership with her mother at Old St. George’s Methodist
Church. <span style="background: yellow; mso-highlight: yellow;"></span></span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEh9rHHSYZZzZMxpQ6bMWUrGJAKJ5ZwvFZ0rR3nKJq9oYRKiNs4Uev0gcr4vxdLNEM-5sG0AQ7pMYZT3fGcjFVVoL29Z7uuO5HJOKx772OmziDBOjCNt1AILNLJHhWzp26KSgJelW020kG3OeL-x2_SNMdMy2wC3bY2tWx0kOepY_C8fPjQnuKaE1guNvw" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="" data-original-height="199" data-original-width="318" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEh9rHHSYZZzZMxpQ6bMWUrGJAKJ5ZwvFZ0rR3nKJq9oYRKiNs4Uev0gcr4vxdLNEM-5sG0AQ7pMYZT3fGcjFVVoL29Z7uuO5HJOKx772OmziDBOjCNt1AILNLJHhWzp26KSgJelW020kG3OeL-x2_SNMdMy2wC3bY2tWx0kOepY_C8fPjQnuKaE1guNvw" width="320" /></a></div><br /> <o:p></o:p><p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;"><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 200%;">Campaigns to make a day
an official holiday in one way or another are not new to us. President Reagan
signed for the Martin Luther King Federal Holiday in 1983. Last June, President
Biden signed a declaration for Juneteenth national Independence Day as a
Federal Holiday. It is now the 12<sup>th</sup> legal public holiday. <span style="background: yellow; mso-highlight: yellow;"></span></span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEh9Pxh7oXhQdWzy8kL-ZvIZXhurqzqCdUJD5LHuWiDYc1-fdnZ653pG-gvAK_dQi0d_xhv9LvDeyhiDHLaoIg3ccb76az8dHqcjegBM_3xTL_AB_AtMxoz3X8E6nw_nYckDSlb8VvZ1_ELf9Q4ehU17qzyuAGvE_iTaqmtGvWSgrq2onkydUnM9-icGYw" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="" data-original-height="355" data-original-width="355" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEh9Pxh7oXhQdWzy8kL-ZvIZXhurqzqCdUJD5LHuWiDYc1-fdnZ653pG-gvAK_dQi0d_xhv9LvDeyhiDHLaoIg3ccb76az8dHqcjegBM_3xTL_AB_AtMxoz3X8E6nw_nYckDSlb8VvZ1_ELf9Q4ehU17qzyuAGvE_iTaqmtGvWSgrq2onkydUnM9-icGYw" width="240" /></a></div><br /> <o:p></o:p><p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;"><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 200%;">I recently learned that
President Jimmy Carter signed for an Asian American week in 1979, and in 2009
and on May 1, 2009, President Barack Obama signed a proclamation for an Asian
American Heritage Month. May was chosen because</span> <span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 200%;">on May 7, 1843,
the first Japanese immigrant arrived in the United States. More than two
decades later, on May 10, 1869, the golden spike was driven into the First
Transcontinental Railroad, which was completed using Chinese labor. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Anna Jarvis campaigned for years before
Mother’s Day became an official U.S. holiday in 1914. When the day became too commercialized
for her liking, she spent much of her inheritance on legal fees to get Mother’s
Day off the calendar. Go figure.<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;"><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 200%;">No doubt, the same
political and spiritual conversations were happening <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>among
the ladies who were always doing good and helping the poor that we read about
in Acts today. When Tabitha died, they called Peter. Peter had witnessed the
miracles of Jesus. He was put in chains and sent to jail because of his
preaching, but an angel of God led him to freedom. He was with Jesus after the
Resurrection. He saw the nail prints in his hand. Peter knew firsthand the
power of the resurrection. A few verses earlier in Acts, he prayed for a man
bedridden for 8 years and the man was healed and two whole towns became
Christians. </span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEhY6z5PnRcOUyGSjf4X8KjUJRO5h_YBhvS5KGpeWqnv_wgFELiRqtGw40wxqAsEVMNUR55vo_LjircQsLQ1XhJOXhT5v6LsfBSK6ACl6F9AZUuB9XaEMLzG_F6coLuKolCK0RuZJ-EyKMTpHxAruK3VHtXYbM8uOHdaEbRoH0vp1C1rEW7Kr3vkfZvXZg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="" data-original-height="240" data-original-width="360" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEhY6z5PnRcOUyGSjf4X8KjUJRO5h_YBhvS5KGpeWqnv_wgFELiRqtGw40wxqAsEVMNUR55vo_LjircQsLQ1XhJOXhT5v6LsfBSK6ACl6F9AZUuB9XaEMLzG_F6coLuKolCK0RuZJ-EyKMTpHxAruK3VHtXYbM8uOHdaEbRoH0vp1C1rEW7Kr3vkfZvXZg" width="320" /></a></div><br /> In our day, if that many people began to believe in Jesus,
you would soon become a Bishop. <o:p></o:p><p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;"><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 200%;">These ladies, in their
sorrow and distress, called for Peter to come because they realized that the
same resurrection power that is in Jesus, is also in their lives. We are a
resurrection people and God intends for us to have life and to have it
abundantly, no matter what evil we may encounter. <span style="background: yellow; mso-highlight: yellow;"></span></span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEh7nKxM4U1EmNmHG07S8iF869gOV8PK1joSH7NNc9fZE5ykvpv_tgJV7Sl8yLmPJfp5Z4cgdI7Q_CrmDyYDo8U3GOZRDzFymYa_fbdG_SR1aKtdvysHrO3NClUiRwOVPKcVBRSb_y75UFVf8hebrqZB2hiRC4-r1S7dQDohEIhGVzshutOU2dooJVSufw" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="" data-original-height="302" data-original-width="302" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEh7nKxM4U1EmNmHG07S8iF869gOV8PK1joSH7NNc9fZE5ykvpv_tgJV7Sl8yLmPJfp5Z4cgdI7Q_CrmDyYDo8U3GOZRDzFymYa_fbdG_SR1aKtdvysHrO3NClUiRwOVPKcVBRSb_y75UFVf8hebrqZB2hiRC4-r1S7dQDohEIhGVzshutOU2dooJVSufw" width="240" /></a></div><br />The ladies
expected God to do something great. <o:p></o:p><p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;"><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 200%;">We too have the same
spirit of Jesus’ resurrection in our minds, in our bodies, in our hearts. We
too can expect god to do something great. That resurrection power shows itself
in many ways. We just need to be still and know that God is God and we are not.
When mother’s hold their children, those children are raised from death to
life. You remember the stories of orphaned babies who died in nurseries simply
because they were not touched, so volunteers were brought in to hold and touch
the babies every day.<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;"><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 200%;">When we speak to one
another in love, when we speak the truth, we speak life. </span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEjGenWcmnTHu7UbuCREoDMh17n_9re_wFYZF_cBDUoUL-9ym0nnjsjy5U3mefFiE1-UzaPZi7CjjwUg3UEaAr9hk9wcZJBh5vItkmWFXr2cH03LL1o3tRtnOAPQH9XItgWiW1hPzvenS9_1vzVtr5RJEK-Zs05RgKYET6dSrWFPbQAopsduo4r65ICWTg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="" data-original-height="303" data-original-width="304" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEjGenWcmnTHu7UbuCREoDMh17n_9re_wFYZF_cBDUoUL-9ym0nnjsjy5U3mefFiE1-UzaPZi7CjjwUg3UEaAr9hk9wcZJBh5vItkmWFXr2cH03LL1o3tRtnOAPQH9XItgWiW1hPzvenS9_1vzVtr5RJEK-Zs05RgKYET6dSrWFPbQAopsduo4r65ICWTg" width="241" /></a></div><br />We
are set free to live and not die because the power of the resurrection of Jesus
is in us and in our words.<o:p></o:p><p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;"><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 200%;">We have seen the
miracles for mothers and for others when the stronghold of addiction to
chemicals and addiction to shopping and addiction to enabling dysfunctional
behavior are broken. Even in the midst of Naomi Judd’s diagnosis of severe,
treatment resistant depression, her daughter could say they were blessed even
when they were broken. The Ukraine, which has such rich soil and perfect ports
became the “bread basket of the world.” That same Ukraine now finds itself in
bread lines. The same Spirit of resurrection in Jesus is in us with death
defying power for the most powerless circumstances, and in the midst of death
and suffering. It is good to pray for deliverance from wars and rumors of wars.
<span style="background: yellow; mso-highlight: yellow;"></span></span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEh_Lw_GezLfzpuCV7kPaNwl4s5GygXKvz9QM2mpd87PbMDbJDXHKUmaozJfld8cnADHy8EK2AMmQjm5TQQnC7TjPqvY1YPp7KdRldfyxMRRiRjvYB3dHiOJ6a3ZS9gWno0I7yZvUU-wploCvaQUuv2o4BbGA2tVEVykfth8CBDGG0hT-c8A8fk4XOjZJg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="" data-original-height="246" data-original-width="310" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEh_Lw_GezLfzpuCV7kPaNwl4s5GygXKvz9QM2mpd87PbMDbJDXHKUmaozJfld8cnADHy8EK2AMmQjm5TQQnC7TjPqvY1YPp7KdRldfyxMRRiRjvYB3dHiOJ6a3ZS9gWno0I7yZvUU-wploCvaQUuv2o4BbGA2tVEVykfth8CBDGG0hT-c8A8fk4XOjZJg" width="302" /></a></div><br />
God hears our every prayer. God is not asleep. God is not dead. As the song
says “God is doing something, right now. God is healing someone. God is saving
someone. God is moving mountains. All of our hope is in the name of Jesus as we
pray God turn this thing around.”<o:p></o:p><p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;"><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 200%;">One of the most awesome
powers of the resurrection happen for mothers when children leave the nest with
confidence, feeling loved, able to use their talents and spiritual gifts, able
to do good and help others to forgive and reconcile, able to come back home
with respect and honor for their parents. <span style="background: yellow; mso-highlight: yellow;"></span></span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEhOmELjHywENbZiVRfaHm3trpIIr8DZbp24HBsbx5Bmju59PB2sHLLtjOSseixgg0XK6Ygv4YJDG9VWIqqXObAzbdrRvZmMj-C12oLip7VtCa6G4xv7VLIQt0W1CdPLirpOeWXXx-Y3NBF62a2dGS5ZyJASfDdZ7dqPnyY_XhwrCKGKRVhktiR-3Slvmw" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="" data-original-height="199" data-original-width="354" height="180" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEhOmELjHywENbZiVRfaHm3trpIIr8DZbp24HBsbx5Bmju59PB2sHLLtjOSseixgg0XK6Ygv4YJDG9VWIqqXObAzbdrRvZmMj-C12oLip7VtCa6G4xv7VLIQt0W1CdPLirpOeWXXx-Y3NBF62a2dGS5ZyJASfDdZ7dqPnyY_XhwrCKGKRVhktiR-3Slvmw" width="320" /></a></div><br /><o:p></o:p><p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;"><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 200%;">The miracle for mothers
and others happens as we turn toward the resurrection power of Jesus. That same
power is in us and around us. That same power can work in us to bring the
miracle of life in the places of our lives that are lifeless. God cares for you
and wants to bless you with life. Whatever is worrying you, holding you back,
making you anxious and afraid, give it to God today and watch God work. Amen. <span style="background: yellow; mso-highlight: yellow;"></span></span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEicZQSjwqG1wCFh1E5S-_85BLX4SSpaeiGztQG9Wn3MoXH7qNTVzKEuktgK1R-KqzBLR3kCfJi_4HJKPIgzHC-E28F9C6o8VJyVK05mmbq4pVTjQY3IuQIPqLmEB4lW_QDkx9zoyT0d3eIJKeEERCUidkHUTsOmWwEEercZ3jUd9Rco89E4SCLiThmmuw" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="" data-original-height="365" data-original-width="484" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEicZQSjwqG1wCFh1E5S-_85BLX4SSpaeiGztQG9Wn3MoXH7qNTVzKEuktgK1R-KqzBLR3kCfJi_4HJKPIgzHC-E28F9C6o8VJyVK05mmbq4pVTjQY3IuQIPqLmEB4lW_QDkx9zoyT0d3eIJKeEERCUidkHUTsOmWwEEercZ3jUd9Rco89E4SCLiThmmuw" width="318" /></a></div><br /><o:p></o:p><p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;"><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 200%;"><o:p> </o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;"><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 200%;"><o:p> </o:p></span></p>Pastor Hineshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09116473656083061218noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-860308507969757375.post-16703822177149195722022-04-29T07:50:00.002-07:002022-05-06T07:50:49.661-07:00Why Me? – Pastor Hines<p> </p><p align="center" class="lang-en" style="background: white; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin: 0in; text-align: center; vertical-align: baseline;"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><u><span style="border: none windowtext 1.0pt; color: #3d3d3d; font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif; font-size: 14.0pt; mso-border-alt: none windowtext 0in; padding: 0in;">Why Me? – Pastor Hines <o:p></o:p></span></u></b></p>
<p align="center" class="lang-en" style="background: white; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin: 0in; text-align: center; vertical-align: baseline;"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><u><span style="border: none windowtext 1.0pt; color: #3d3d3d; font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif; font-size: 14.0pt; mso-border-alt: none windowtext 0in; padding: 0in;">May 1, 2022<o:p></o:p></span></u></b></p>
<p class="lang-en" style="background: white; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin: 0in; vertical-align: baseline;"><span style="border: none windowtext 1.0pt; color: #3d3d3d; font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif; mso-border-alt: none windowtext 0in; padding: 0in;"><o:p> </o:p></span></p>
<p class="lang-en" style="background: white; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin: 0in; vertical-align: baseline;"><v:shapetype coordsize="21600,21600" filled="f" id="_x0000_t75" o:preferrelative="t" o:spt="75" path="m@4@5l@4@11@9@11@9@5xe" stroked="f">
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</w:wrap></v:imagedata></v:shape><span style="border: none windowtext 1.0pt; color: #3d3d3d; font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif; mso-border-alt: none windowtext 0in; padding: 0in;">If
we haven’t asked the question, “Why me?” we have most certainly wondered why
something unpleasant was happening to us. We have most certainly figured we did
not deserve the problems we have and we’ve wondered why those who deserve it
did not get the problems instead. We have witnessed riches and power in the
hands of those who abuse and misuse good things and they certainly have done
nothing to deserve it. Others may lose riches and power and even their lives
when they have worked long and hard in all the right ways throughout their
lives to get it. Don’t we hate that we are not in control? We are not in charge
of anyone’s life. We can barely take care of the 80% of our life that we may be
in charge of. The things that many of us can control such as our diet, our
attitude, and our day-to-day choices may be the things that we may not be
anxious to control. Instead, we may make choices that our doctors and
therapists and family members do not recommend. <o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="lang-en" style="background: white; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin: 0in; vertical-align: baseline;"><span style="border: none windowtext 1.0pt; color: #3d3d3d; font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif; mso-border-alt: none windowtext 0in; padding: 0in;"><o:p> </o:p></span></p>
<p class="lang-en" style="background: white; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin: 0in; vertical-align: baseline;"><span style="border: none windowtext 1.0pt; color: #3d3d3d; font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif; mso-border-alt: none windowtext 0in; padding: 0in;">Even if we don’t deserve all the good we want, we still want it,
and if we don’t get it or we get something we don’t want, we still may ask,
“Why me? Why is it that what I want and long for is not happening. Why is the
opposite happening? Why me?”<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="lang-en" style="background: white; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin: 0in; vertical-align: baseline;"><span style="border: none windowtext 1.0pt; color: #3d3d3d; font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif; mso-border-alt: none windowtext 0in; padding: 0in;"><o:p> </o:p></span></p>
<p class="lang-en" style="background: white; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin: 0in; vertical-align: baseline;"><v:shape alt="Listening To God | Devotional Reading Plan | YouVersion Bible" id="Picture_x0020_4" o:spid="_x0000_s1034" style="height: 95.4pt; margin-left: -1.05pt; margin-top: 2.45pt; mso-height-percent: 0; mso-height-percent: 0; mso-height-relative: margin; mso-position-horizontal-relative: text; mso-position-horizontal: absolute; mso-position-vertical-relative: text; mso-position-vertical: absolute; mso-width-percent: 0; mso-width-percent: 0; mso-width-relative: margin; mso-wrap-distance-bottom: 0; mso-wrap-distance-left: 9pt; mso-wrap-distance-right: 9pt; mso-wrap-distance-top: 0; mso-wrap-style: square; position: absolute; visibility: visible; width: 169.65pt; z-index: -251657216;" type="#_x0000_t75">
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</w:wrap></v:imagedata></v:shape><span style="border: none windowtext 1.0pt; color: #3d3d3d; font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif; mso-border-alt: none windowtext 0in; padding: 0in;">The
Apostle Paul believed that God wanted him to get rid of the followers of Jesus.
I am not convinced that Paul was listening to the voice of God at that time. It
is good to, often, if not always leave some space in our conversation with God
to listen. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Sometimes God guides us in a
way that we have not gone before. Sometimes God guides us in ways that surprise
us, even perplex us. We need to listen.<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="lang-en" style="background: white; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin: 0in; vertical-align: baseline;"><span style="border: none windowtext 1.0pt; color: #3d3d3d; font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif; mso-border-alt: none windowtext 0in; padding: 0in;"><o:p> </o:p></span></p>
<p class="lang-en" style="background: white; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin: 0in; vertical-align: baseline;"><v:shape alt="god-is-with-us" id="Picture_x0020_5" o:spid="_x0000_s1033" style="height: 90.8pt; margin-left: 155pt; margin-top: 70.9pt; mso-height-percent: 0; mso-height-percent: 0; mso-height-relative: margin; mso-position-horizontal-relative: text; mso-position-horizontal: absolute; mso-position-vertical-relative: text; mso-position-vertical: absolute; mso-width-percent: 0; mso-width-percent: 0; mso-width-relative: margin; mso-wrap-distance-bottom: 0; mso-wrap-distance-left: 9pt; mso-wrap-distance-right: 9pt; mso-wrap-distance-top: 0; mso-wrap-style: square; position: absolute; visibility: visible; width: 197.2pt; z-index: -251656192;" type="#_x0000_t75">
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followers of Jesus Paul was persecuting might have wondered, “Why me?” We’re
trying to do good just like you are and you are making it legal for us to lose
our lives and go to jail.” The answer of course is that God has a purpose and a
plan for everything that happens to us. If God brings us to it, God will bring
us through it. It is good to be careful, to be full of care and caution in
living this life, knowing that God is in the midst and will never leave us. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="lang-en" style="background: white; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin: 0in; vertical-align: baseline;"><span style="border: none windowtext 1.0pt; color: #3d3d3d; font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif; mso-border-alt: none windowtext 0in; padding: 0in;"><o:p> </o:p></span></p>
<p class="lang-en" style="background: white; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin: 0in; vertical-align: baseline;"><span style="border: none windowtext 1.0pt; color: #3d3d3d; font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif; mso-border-alt: none windowtext 0in; padding: 0in;">On this Native American Ministries Sunday I ran into a book
recommended by a Native American called First White Frost. While there are many
heroes among Native Americans, the book tells of the failures and successes as
United Methodists worked to incorporate indigenous people into the church.
We’re learning to take care.<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="lang-en" style="background: white; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin: 0in; vertical-align: baseline;"><span style="border: none windowtext 1.0pt; color: #3d3d3d; font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif; mso-border-alt: none windowtext 0in; padding: 0in;"><o:p> </o:p></span></p>
<p class="lang-en" style="background: white; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin: 0in; vertical-align: baseline;"><v:shape alt="Tiffani Dilworth, Licensed Professional Counselor, Spring, TX, 77380 | Psychology Today" id="_x0000_s1032" style="height: 176.45pt; margin-left: -8.25pt; margin-top: 6.15pt; mso-height-percent: 0; mso-height-percent: 0; mso-height-relative: margin; mso-position-horizontal-relative: text; mso-position-horizontal: absolute; mso-position-vertical-relative: text; mso-position-vertical: absolute; mso-width-percent: 0; mso-width-percent: 0; mso-width-relative: margin; mso-wrap-distance-bottom: 0; mso-wrap-distance-left: 9pt; mso-wrap-distance-right: 9pt; mso-wrap-distance-top: 0; mso-wrap-style: square; position: absolute; visibility: visible; width: 174.65pt; z-index: -251655168;" type="#_x0000_t75">
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Tifini Dilworth has heard the views regarding Native Americans and alcoholism.
However, she notes statistics that challenge the idea that Native Americans
have the higher rates of heavy drinking, binge drinking, and that their
children are at higher risk for suicide and self-destructive behavior. She
raises questions as to whether some ideas function as stereotypes </span><v:shape alt="https://www.epaumc.org/wp-content/uploads/Halay-Turning-Heart-1024x1024.jpg" id="Picture_x0020_1" o:spid="_x0000_s1031" style="height: 142.7pt; margin-left: 201.15pt; margin-top: 6.1pt; mso-height-percent: 0; mso-height-percent: 0; mso-height-relative: margin; mso-position-horizontal-relative: text; mso-position-horizontal: absolute; mso-position-vertical-relative: text; mso-position-vertical: absolute; mso-width-percent: 0; mso-width-percent: 0; mso-width-relative: margin; mso-wrap-distance-bottom: 0; mso-wrap-distance-left: 9pt; mso-wrap-distance-right: 9pt; mso-wrap-distance-top: 0; mso-wrap-style: square; position: absolute; visibility: visible; width: 142.7pt; z-index: -251654144;" type="#_x0000_t75">
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she cites statistics indicating that there is less than a 1% difference in the
levels of heavy drinking and other Americans.<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="lang-en" style="background: white; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin: 0in; vertical-align: baseline;"><span style="border: none windowtext 1.0pt; color: #3d3d3d; font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif; mso-border-alt: none windowtext 0in; padding: 0in;"><o:p> </o:p></span></p>
<p class="lang-en" style="background: white; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin: 0in; vertical-align: baseline;"><span style="border: none windowtext 1.0pt; color: #3d3d3d; font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif; mso-border-alt: none windowtext 0in; padding: 0in;">Our Conference is actively working to support all people,
especially those who need it most when they need it most. There is a Pow Wow in
Pottstown at the riverfront today<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>(May
1) from 10-4. There are plenty of books, videos, and documentary that tell the
stories that connect us to one another when we are ready.<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="lang-en" style="background: white; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin: 0in; vertical-align: baseline;"><span style="border: none windowtext 1.0pt; color: #3d3d3d; font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif; mso-border-alt: none windowtext 0in; padding: 0in;">Here is one I heard this week. Haley Turning Heart </span><span style="color: black; font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial;">has a linguistics degree from Dartmouth College, She created a
Yuchi language immersion school in 2018 that became a model and now draws
visitors from around the world. A lifelong United Methodist, she is a former
United Methodist Women’s president at Pickett Chapel in Oklahoma (an historic
Yuchi church), and a former member of the UMC’s General Commission on Religion
and Race (GCORR). </span><span style="border: none windowtext 1.0pt; color: #3d3d3d; font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif; mso-border-alt: none windowtext 0in; padding: 0in;"><o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p style="background: white; margin-bottom: 15.75pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><span style="color: black; font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial;">Language is important. When we spend
time in a place that does not speak the language we speak, we understand.
Ms.Turning Heart is a blessing to the church.<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="lang-en" style="background: white; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin: 0in; vertical-align: baseline;"><span style="border: none windowtext 1.0pt; color: #3d3d3d; font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif; mso-border-alt: none windowtext 0in; padding: 0in;">The Apostle Paul, whose Hebrew name was Saul and his Latin name
was Paul, was an important religious leader. He was an official member of the
Pharisees. Pharisees ruled in similar ways to Church Councils, making important
decisions regarding ongoing religious work and workers. Like our Councils and
Conferences, there were disagreements between the Pharisees and the Sadducees
who did not believe in the resurrection, that’s why they were sad you see.<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="lang-en" style="background: white; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin: 0in; vertical-align: baseline;"><span style="border: none windowtext 1.0pt; color: #3d3d3d; font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif; mso-border-alt: none windowtext 0in; padding: 0in;"><o:p> </o:p></span></p>
<p class="lang-en" style="background: white; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin: 0in; vertical-align: baseline;"><span style="border: none windowtext 1.0pt; color: #3d3d3d; font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif; mso-border-alt: none windowtext 0in; padding: 0in;">All religious leaders and authorities have to exercise the utmost
care not to be the cause of the sufferings of others. Why? Because causes for
suffering are so intricately woven and biases so thoroughly baked into our
hearts and our organizations that it is worth the effort for all of us to
praise God every hour and repent every day. Doing so helps us to be careful and
avoid the results of carelessness and neglect.<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="lang-en" style="background: white; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin: 0in; vertical-align: baseline;"><span style="border: none windowtext 1.0pt; color: #3d3d3d; font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif; mso-border-alt: none windowtext 0in; padding: 0in;"><o:p> </o:p></span></p>
<p class="lang-en" style="background: white; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin: 0in; vertical-align: baseline;"><v:shape id="_x0000_s1030" style="height: 99.8pt; margin-left: -.25pt; margin-top: 63pt; mso-height-percent: 0; mso-height-percent: 0; mso-height-relative: margin; mso-position-horizontal-relative: text; mso-position-horizontal: absolute; mso-position-vertical-relative: text; mso-position-vertical: absolute; mso-width-percent: 0; mso-width-percent: 0; mso-width-relative: margin; mso-wrap-distance-bottom: 0; mso-wrap-distance-left: 9pt; mso-wrap-distance-right: 9pt; mso-wrap-distance-top: 0; mso-wrap-style: square; position: absolute; visibility: visible; width: 162.2pt; z-index: -251653120;" type="#_x0000_t75">
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</w:wrap></v:imagedata></v:shape><span style="border: none windowtext 1.0pt; color: #3d3d3d; font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif; mso-border-alt: none windowtext 0in; padding: 0in;">These
days are delicate, demanding care. One of our audio team volunteers works in
the field of technology and has had projects with people in the Ukraine. Now he
has no idea where his Ukrainian colleagues are or how they are. WBYN radio
station mentioned a Christian calling the station from a bomb shelter in
Ukraine. War is hell. We have to be careful how we maneuver as Christians and
what we say and how we pray whether we are in a time of peace or war. We want
to avoid unnecessary damage. We want to minimize the hurt and pain. Fast is
slow and slow is fast. That is, moving too fast can have the results of a bull
in a China shop. Taking our time and paying attention to details can make
things move as speedily as possible.<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="lang-en" style="background: white; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin: 0in; vertical-align: baseline;"><span style="border: none windowtext 1.0pt; color: #3d3d3d; font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif; mso-border-alt: none windowtext 0in; padding: 0in;"><o:p> </o:p></span></p>
<p class="lang-en" style="background: white; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin: 0in; vertical-align: baseline;"><span style="border: none windowtext 1.0pt; color: #3d3d3d; font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif; mso-border-alt: none windowtext 0in; padding: 0in;">I received a letter from Chester County that said the license
number on my voting ballot application did not match the Department of
Transportation and my ballot may not be counted. That letter gave me the
creeps. It was stressful. I want to be careful in how I react and respond as a
Christian.<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="lang-en" style="background: white; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin: 0in; vertical-align: baseline;"><v:shape alt="Pope Francis - Wikipedia" id="Picture_x0020_7" o:spid="_x0000_s1029" style="height: 159.6pt; margin-left: 210.55pt; margin-top: 13.4pt; mso-height-percent: 0; mso-height-percent: 0; mso-height-relative: margin; mso-position-horizontal-relative: text; mso-position-horizontal: absolute; mso-position-vertical-relative: text; mso-position-vertical: absolute; mso-width-percent: 0; mso-width-percent: 0; mso-width-relative: margin; mso-wrap-distance-bottom: 0; mso-wrap-distance-left: 9pt; mso-wrap-distance-right: 9pt; mso-wrap-distance-top: 0; mso-wrap-style: square; position: absolute; visibility: visible; width: 125.65pt; z-index: -251652096;" type="#_x0000_t75">
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</w:wrap></v:imagedata></v:shape><span style="border: none windowtext 1.0pt; color: #3d3d3d; font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif; mso-border-alt: none windowtext 0in; padding: 0in;"><o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="lang-en" style="background: white; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin: 0in; vertical-align: baseline;"><span style="border: none windowtext 1.0pt; color: #3d3d3d; font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif; mso-border-alt: none windowtext 0in; padding: 0in;">One of the oldest religious authorities is the Vatican in Rome led
by Pope Frances or Jorge Mario Bergoglio a Brazilian. He speaks seven
languages. He rules Vatican City. It’s the smallest state in the world with 110
or so acres and a population of 825. I was surprised to know that the Vatican
has three jail cells. One has a priest prisoner who was convicted of possessing
and sharing child pornography, just as </span><v:shape id="_x0000_s1028" style="height: 118.2pt; margin-left: -.2pt; margin-top: 0; mso-height-percent: 0; mso-height-percent: 0; mso-height-relative: margin; mso-position-horizontal-relative: text; mso-position-horizontal: absolute; mso-position-vertical-relative: text; mso-position-vertical: absolute; mso-width-percent: 0; mso-width-percent: 0; mso-width-relative: margin; mso-wrap-distance-bottom: 0; mso-wrap-distance-left: 9pt; mso-wrap-distance-right: 9pt; mso-wrap-distance-top: 0; mso-wrap-style: square; position: absolute; visibility: visible; width: 176.95pt; z-index: -251651072;" type="#_x0000_t75">
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</w:wrap></v:imagedata></v:shape><span style="border: none windowtext 1.0pt; color: #3d3d3d; font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif; mso-border-alt: none windowtext 0in; padding: 0in;">United
Methodists ministers are also serving time at this moment. <o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="lang-en" style="background: white; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin: 0in; vertical-align: baseline;"><span style="border: none windowtext 1.0pt; color: #3d3d3d; font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif; mso-border-alt: none windowtext 0in; padding: 0in;">I was also surprised to hear someone say that many poor people
stand outside the Vatican, begging.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The
Vatican is not responsible for all the needs of the world but hopefully, they
are doing what they are supposed to do with care.</span><span style="color: #3d3d3d; font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="lang-en" style="background: white; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin: 0in; vertical-align: baseline;"><span style="color: #3d3d3d; font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><o:p> </o:p></span></p>
<p class="lang-en" style="background: white; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin: 0in; vertical-align: baseline;"><v:shape alt="Church Without Walls on Twitter: "What God plants, He also sustains with His life giving power! "..That they may be called trees of righteousness, the planting of the LORD, that He may" id="Picture_x0020_9" o:spid="_x0000_s1027" style="height: 154.4pt; margin-left: -.5pt; margin-top: 5.5pt; mso-height-percent: 0; mso-height-percent: 0; mso-height-relative: margin; mso-position-horizontal-relative: text; mso-position-horizontal: absolute; mso-position-vertical-relative: text; mso-position-vertical: absolute; mso-width-percent: 0; mso-width-percent: 0; mso-width-relative: margin; mso-wrap-distance-bottom: 0; mso-wrap-distance-left: 9pt; mso-wrap-distance-right: 9pt; mso-wrap-distance-top: 0; mso-wrap-style: square; position: absolute; visibility: visible; width: 123.9pt; z-index: -251650048;" type="#_x0000_t75">
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</w:wrap></v:imagedata></v:shape><span style="color: #3d3d3d; font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">Paul
thought he was doing his best when he rejected the followers of Jesus. He
rejected Christians just like Methodists rejected those who drank alcohol,
those who were gay, women in the pulpit and people of color beyond the balcony.
Methodists have split, divided, and waged war over our differences when God
clearly calls us to unity….which does not happen without the Holy Spirit
working in our lives. Receiving the Holy Spirit that unites us will cause us to
grow in righteousness, in missions, in love with Jesus and his people. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="lang-en" style="background: white; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin: 0in; vertical-align: baseline;"><span style="color: #3d3d3d; font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><o:p> </o:p></span></p>
<p class="lang-en" style="background: white; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin: 0in; vertical-align: baseline;"><v:shape id="_x0000_s1026" style="height: 149.7pt; margin-left: 220.9pt; margin-top: 2.9pt; mso-height-percent: 0; mso-height-percent: 0; mso-height-relative: margin; mso-position-horizontal-relative: text; mso-position-horizontal: absolute; mso-position-vertical-relative: text; mso-position-vertical: absolute; mso-width-percent: 0; mso-width-percent: 0; mso-width-relative: margin; mso-wrap-distance-bottom: 0; mso-wrap-distance-left: 9pt; mso-wrap-distance-right: 9pt; mso-wrap-distance-top: 0; mso-wrap-style: square; position: absolute; visibility: visible; width: 123.35pt; z-index: -251649024;" type="#_x0000_t75">
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</w:wrap></v:imagedata></v:shape><span style="color: #3d3d3d; font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">Jesus
confronted Paul on his way to Damascus to get rid of as many of Jesus’
followers as he could. The confrontation was dramatic and shocking. He was
blind for three days and dependent on others to lead him around. While he may
have wondered why all this was happening to him even though he was convinced he
was doing the right thing, Jesus asked Paul, “Why me? Why are you persecuting
me? Soon after Paul humbled himself and started praying, listening, learning in
a new way. He surrendered his life and became one of Jesus’ followers like the
very ones he was bent and determined to wipe off the face of the earth. <o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="lang-en" style="background: white; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin: 0in; vertical-align: baseline;"><span style="color: #3d3d3d; font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><o:p> </o:p></span></p>
<p class="lang-en" style="background: white; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin: 0in; vertical-align: baseline;"><span style="color: #3d3d3d; font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">Paul acted before he humbly prayed. Now we know it is important
to humble ourselves and pray before we act.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>The answer to “Why me?” leads us to praise God every hour and repent
every day in order to ever so carefully discover and fulfill God’s purpose and
plan. May it be so today and always. Amen.<o:p></o:p></span></p>Pastor Hineshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09116473656083061218noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-860308507969757375.post-9944784213942207752022-04-22T08:09:00.000-07:002022-04-22T08:09:07.120-07:00“Receive the Holy Spirit, Today!” April 24, 2022 Pastor Hines<p> </p><p align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; text-align: center;"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><u><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 115%;">“Receive
the Holy Spirit, Today!”<o:p></o:p></span></u></b></p>
<p align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 115%;">April 24, 2022<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 115%;">Pastor Hines<o:p></o:p></span></p><p align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 115%;"></span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEjLL9U9OMkVfhx2CUmlMEeEOmWyNWYS6VPvTqKIQ_S3wmqqd95_B4VjsB2ajenU5ku-Uv4aFk4D21BxeCkF4qFby_3N4FQ5RM58zCslGrpqEMixFYvQl8QldPukLZMh9GncGwS8nUGVCEnzTBMikvp2WaPe8CJwJC9jkX4UO4mKkZ3CIsEIoKr6SSI-4A" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="" data-original-height="193" data-original-width="295" height="209" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEjLL9U9OMkVfhx2CUmlMEeEOmWyNWYS6VPvTqKIQ_S3wmqqd95_B4VjsB2ajenU5ku-Uv4aFk4D21BxeCkF4qFby_3N4FQ5RM58zCslGrpqEMixFYvQl8QldPukLZMh9GncGwS8nUGVCEnzTBMikvp2WaPe8CJwJC9jkX4UO4mKkZ3CIsEIoKr6SSI-4A" width="320" /></a></div><br /><br /><p></p>
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<p class="MsoNormal"><v:shape alt="a gray kitten" id="Picture_x0020_2" o:spid="_x0000_s1032" style="height: 102.75pt; margin-left: 240.75pt; margin-top: 90.8pt; mso-height-percent: 0; mso-height-percent: 0; mso-height-relative: margin; mso-position-horizontal-relative: text; mso-position-horizontal: absolute; mso-position-vertical-relative: text; mso-position-vertical: absolute; mso-width-percent: 0; mso-width-percent: 0; mso-width-relative: margin; mso-wrap-distance-bottom: 0; mso-wrap-distance-left: 9pt; mso-wrap-distance-right: 9pt; mso-wrap-distance-top: 0; mso-wrap-style: square; position: absolute; visibility: visible; width: 105.75pt; z-index: -251657216;" type="#_x0000_t75">
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</w:wrap></v:imagedata></v:shape><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">Have
you ever received a gift? We all have our stories of holiday gift exchanges.
Google has dozens of funny stories of re-gifting where people give you a gift
that you gave them the year before. It even has the personal note you wrote in it
as proof. One man said his friend wasn’t thinking when he gave him a kitten
knowing he was getting ready to move across country with his girlfriend.</span><span style="mso-no-proof: yes;"> </span><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><v:shape alt="Connect! Sunday Reflection: The Messy Joy of the Holy Spirit - LPi" id="Picture_x0020_3" o:spid="_x0000_s1031" style="height: 118.5pt; margin-left: 1.95pt; margin-top: 119.7pt; mso-height-percent: 0; mso-height-percent: 0; mso-height-relative: margin; mso-position-horizontal-relative: text; mso-position-horizontal: absolute; mso-position-vertical-relative: text; mso-position-vertical: absolute; mso-width-percent: 0; mso-width-percent: 0; mso-width-relative: margin; mso-wrap-distance-bottom: 0; mso-wrap-distance-left: 9pt; mso-wrap-distance-right: 9pt; mso-wrap-distance-top: 0; mso-wrap-style: square; position: absolute; visibility: visible; width: 118.5pt; z-index: -251655168;" type="#_x0000_t75">
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</w:wrap></v:imagedata></v:shape><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">Gifts
are given for a variety of reasons. Gifts can be incentives, rewards, bribes,
pay back, signs of mutual affection, and reminders of the love and care we have
for one another. Scripture often refers to the Holy Spirit as a gift. Jesus
loves us and gives us spiritual gifts that help us to live abundant lives. Our
creator father-mother shapes us tenderly before we were in the womb and we
become gifts to each other, the Holy Spirit abides in us to help us bear good
fruit – love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness (or generosity),
faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control. Verse 22 says Jesus breathed on the
disciples and said these words, “Receive the Holy Spirit.” <o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"></span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEg9pU8Vz2xiePA9XeYKTYu0JZs2PuyxHT62gz7CA2vPkMzE60POmF2o2yF_TzH9R0oF8bPiW0h6xwUctIlTG42jlHPsOZPtEOSQOK2atlQWkZdIZhAKk7EgDuD6nosi9nvKUVCXDNDBqan5GR_sb7iv-HLVgjZxyseVta_RH7WNzTWSFcHPXn5b3JyXhQ" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="" data-original-height="214" data-original-width="220" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEg9pU8Vz2xiePA9XeYKTYu0JZs2PuyxHT62gz7CA2vPkMzE60POmF2o2yF_TzH9R0oF8bPiW0h6xwUctIlTG42jlHPsOZPtEOSQOK2atlQWkZdIZhAKk7EgDuD6nosi9nvKUVCXDNDBqan5GR_sb7iv-HLVgjZxyseVta_RH7WNzTWSFcHPXn5b3JyXhQ" width="247" /></a></div><br /><br /><p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">A gift is given when it is received. Have you
received the gift of the Holy Spirit? <o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><v:shape alt="Jesus at the Door (Jesus Knocking at the Door)" id="Picture_x0020_4" o:spid="_x0000_s1030" style="height: 134.95pt; margin-left: 250.1pt; margin-top: 137.2pt; mso-height-percent: 0; mso-height-percent: 0; mso-height-relative: margin; mso-position-horizontal-relative: text; mso-position-horizontal: absolute; mso-position-vertical-relative: text; mso-position-vertical: absolute; mso-width-percent: 0; mso-width-percent: 0; mso-width-relative: margin; mso-wrap-distance-bottom: 0; mso-wrap-distance-left: 9pt; mso-wrap-distance-right: 9pt; mso-wrap-distance-top: 0; mso-wrap-style: square; position: absolute; visibility: visible; width: 90.25pt; z-index: -251654144;" type="#_x0000_t75">
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</w:wrap></v:imagedata></v:shape><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">Jesus
was a gift to us and to all humanity. Not all of us are able to share our
wounds like Jesus did. Most of us hide our wounds and cover up our scars, but
in verse 27 Jesus showed them the nail prints in his hand and the gash from the
spear that was thrust into his side. As one of our Lenten devotionals by abuse
survivor Linda Crocket noted, Jesus was abused. He suffered at the hands of
sadists, people for whom the suffering of others inspired celebration and brought
a satisfied smile to their faces.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"></span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEgoWzfF7esa3EaGo91MGurzgd7HiHtHzqShEfZfjw5xPe_brmdgRdEVRpDaIUrPj1FszXs45LlHXxW11gxCwOYVAp3JFWcvp2t6AVvpWkawnX0HpwOAv6ejMMS9_7yBmiLBvEJz_sTGlKYMLzWbkc0O77XfFr0zf47iIvg-MxsqCdfbYppttjf8KGQj9A" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="" data-original-height="247" data-original-width="247" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEgoWzfF7esa3EaGo91MGurzgd7HiHtHzqShEfZfjw5xPe_brmdgRdEVRpDaIUrPj1FszXs45LlHXxW11gxCwOYVAp3JFWcvp2t6AVvpWkawnX0HpwOAv6ejMMS9_7yBmiLBvEJz_sTGlKYMLzWbkc0O77XfFr0zf47iIvg-MxsqCdfbYppttjf8KGQj9A" width="240" /></a></div><br /><br /><p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">Jesus came to bring the good news of God’s love. He
came that we might have life and have it more abundantly. He didn’t have to do
it but he did. Didn’t you come today for the same reasons, to be the good news,
to share the love that overflows from your life? You did not have to do it, but
you did.<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">We can all see places in our life where we have been
blessed, and blessed abundantly. As Christians, our life is rooted in Jesus and
all the good he represents. Those whose life is rooted in someone or something
other than Jesus may be rooted in money or rooted in their mind’s ability or rooted
in - <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>as a song says, “the pleasures
earthly things afford.”<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"></span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEhNAFh6K7_tVTXJdWuEHcvUfKOaTxPSsxVe3uqnMUVwBRGV1w-NnFvEzdIPwO_jMEK35Koa-mqwRJXTzpL_E3w7bGdbqKt6mvnxa30lLsItXjr7Zg3sCc2jXQ8lmlcNyUwMN039Q1JqnGJSKSmE5eOPJFzSrUy19kPCcQywP8Nk-IRcA0XzFy-qOMlygg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="" data-original-height="281" data-original-width="188" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEhNAFh6K7_tVTXJdWuEHcvUfKOaTxPSsxVe3uqnMUVwBRGV1w-NnFvEzdIPwO_jMEK35Koa-mqwRJXTzpL_E3w7bGdbqKt6mvnxa30lLsItXjr7Zg3sCc2jXQ8lmlcNyUwMN039Q1JqnGJSKSmE5eOPJFzSrUy19kPCcQywP8Nk-IRcA0XzFy-qOMlygg" width="161" /></a></div><br /><br /><p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">Jesus offers us the gift of the Holy Spirit. First,
he breathed on them. He was close enough to them to breathe on them. Breath and
wind are symbols of the Holy Spirit moving and living in our lives. None of us
would argue against the idea that breath is life? The breath you just took and
the one that will come next is a sign that you are alive. Breath is a blessing,
it is a gift. Who can live without it? As Christians, we know that without the
Holy Spirit moving in our lives, we are on spiritual life support. Our
condition is critical without the Holy Spirit.<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><v:shape alt="The Book of Discipline of The United Methodist Church 2016 - Kindle edition by United Methodist Church. Religion & Spirituality Kindle eBooks @ Amazon.com." id="Picture_x0020_5" o:spid="_x0000_s1029" style="height: 137.7pt; margin-left: -8.6pt; margin-top: 118.8pt; mso-height-percent: 0; mso-height-percent: 0; mso-height-relative: margin; mso-position-horizontal-relative: text; mso-position-horizontal: absolute; mso-position-vertical-relative: text; mso-position-vertical: absolute; mso-width-percent: 0; mso-width-percent: 0; mso-width-relative: margin; mso-wrap-distance-bottom: 0; mso-wrap-distance-left: 9pt; mso-wrap-distance-right: 9pt; mso-wrap-distance-top: 0; mso-wrap-style: square; position: absolute; visibility: visible; width: 89.25pt; z-index: -251653120;" type="#_x0000_t75">
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</w:wrap></v:imagedata></v:shape><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">My
mother had Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease otherwise known as COPD. Every
breath she took was hard work. Those with asthma also labor with every breath. Asthma
has increased dramatically. We see more children with asthma than ever. Millions
around the world are impacted. Some of the effects have to do with our
environment.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"></span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEhgLAc9LqWhxq-5m3B3EaUNI46M88skfl6DE5l-9Pm4HR3JxRy_85Vr9X881rQ3DgXz5yxcQjHuRDS9AKrXESRYfbKUketWTkYmwz_Go_hC_ZxPdQS2QGoq8PHcShC5YDkeJYnm-3h9YCtjp-YSqei4mFfthIpliCXpA8SnSfL56yRTfwRij57DvXKRjQ" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="" data-original-height="286" data-original-width="186" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEhgLAc9LqWhxq-5m3B3EaUNI46M88skfl6DE5l-9Pm4HR3JxRy_85Vr9X881rQ3DgXz5yxcQjHuRDS9AKrXESRYfbKUketWTkYmwz_Go_hC_ZxPdQS2QGoq8PHcShC5YDkeJYnm-3h9YCtjp-YSqei4mFfthIpliCXpA8SnSfL56yRTfwRij57DvXKRjQ" width="156" /></a></div><br /><br /><p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><v:shape alt="What is hydraulic fracturing? | U.S. Geological Survey" id="Picture_x0020_19" o:spid="_x0000_s1028" style="height: 111.45pt; margin-left: 202.2pt; margin-top: 134.55pt; mso-height-percent: 0; mso-height-percent: 0; mso-height-relative: margin; mso-position-horizontal-relative: text; mso-position-horizontal: absolute; mso-position-vertical-relative: text; mso-position-vertical: absolute; mso-width-percent: 0; mso-width-percent: 0; mso-width-relative: margin; mso-wrap-distance-bottom: 0; mso-wrap-distance-left: 9pt; mso-wrap-distance-right: 9pt; mso-wrap-distance-top: 0; mso-wrap-style: square; position: absolute; visibility: visible; width: 136.5pt; z-index: -251652096;" type="#_x0000_t75">
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</w:wrap></v:imagedata></v:shape><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">It
is wonderful that our United Methodist Book of Discipline begins with the
Social Principles - a declaration to take care of the earth. This includes being
responsible in regards to water, air, minerals, soil, plants, animals, climate
stewardship, outer space, food safety and food justice. <o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">Of course, not all United Methodists agree on the
policies to make something good happen. We differ on abortion and sexuality.
There have been heated discussions on fracking. Fracking is good business and
income for some. Almost two million U.S. wells have been completed using the
fracking process, producing more than seven billion barrels of oil and 600
trillion cubic feet of natural gas. At the same time concerns are raised
because hydraulic fracking injects chemical-laced water to break up the shale
and allow natural gas to escape into the shale to push out the minerals.
Environmental groups protest because of the negative impacts on the quality of
water, soil and air. It’s a hard call when people depend on the process to feed
their families. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEjOj_z0MJnHUgRS9gDmR5nDjLpQrgHvCnRZ5LGMo3p_dD51qBQzy3Yg3SBBoNjzweC61bk_Aq6BtRKBM64Q5E6PouBhxeb5csAqFglaAgLOf7wlDYndPO-v1J0GFxNyB1lDcwiCv4xMwmbFDY7gAwiIRkiZdC_pvRciNYTZjVOist7fTayJ6U_ONnuFUA" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="" data-original-height="232" data-original-width="285" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEjOj_z0MJnHUgRS9gDmR5nDjLpQrgHvCnRZ5LGMo3p_dD51qBQzy3Yg3SBBoNjzweC61bk_Aq6BtRKBM64Q5E6PouBhxeb5csAqFglaAgLOf7wlDYndPO-v1J0GFxNyB1lDcwiCv4xMwmbFDY7gAwiIRkiZdC_pvRciNYTZjVOist7fTayJ6U_ONnuFUA" width="295" /></a></div><br /><o:p></o:p><p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">There is no path that is without its pros and cons.
There is no way to make every decision that is perfect and without some
controversy. The best thing we can do is to pray and follow God’s guidance. In
this world with its uncertainty of disease and distress, I want all the good gifts
Jesus has for me. And, out of gratitude for God’s loving care and knowing
everything about Jesus is good and leads only to good, I want to walk and talk
with him. I want to be close enough to hear him whisper in even a still, small
voice as he breathes on me and invites me to receive the Holy Spirit. How about
you?<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">One of my favorite hymns is Breathe on Me, Breath of
God<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="background: white; line-height: normal; margin-left: 0in; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; tab-stops: list .5in; text-indent: -.25in;"><!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="color: black; font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Trebuchet MS"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Trebuchet MS";"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">1.<span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";"> </span></span></span><!--[endif]--><span style="color: black; font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">Breathe
on me, Breath of God,<br />
Fill me with life anew,<br />
That I may love what Thou dost love,<br />
And do what Thou wouldst do.<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="background: white; line-height: normal; margin-left: 0in; margin-top: 12.0pt; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; tab-stops: list .5in; text-indent: -.25in;"><!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="color: black; font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Trebuchet MS"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Trebuchet MS";"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">2.<span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";">
</span></span></span><!--[endif]--><span style="color: black; font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">Breathe on me, Breath of God,<br />
Until my heart is pure,<br />
Until with Thee I will one will,<br />
To do and to endure.<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="background: white; line-height: normal; margin-left: 0in; margin-top: 12.0pt; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; tab-stops: list .5in; text-indent: -.25in;"><!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="color: black; font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Trebuchet MS"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Trebuchet MS";"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">3.<span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";">
</span></span></span><!--[endif]--><span style="color: black; font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">Breathe on me, Breath of God,<br />
Till I am wholly Thine,<br />
Until this earthly part of me<br />
Glows with Thy fire divine.<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="background: white; line-height: normal; margin-left: 0in; margin-top: 12.0pt; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; tab-stops: list .5in; text-indent: -.25in;"><!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="color: black; font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Trebuchet MS"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Trebuchet MS";"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">4.<span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";">
</span></span></span><!--[endif]--><span style="color: black; font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">Breathe on me, Breath of God,<br />
So shall I never die,<br />
But live with Thee the perfect life<br />
Of Thine eternity.<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><o:p> </o:p></span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEhShbZyqSCUN2KN3oRjXEXSSiSSWhdlD2gbHRI6lTXiu2Q4pw7btEMUKUa7fp0LZgsgTLJxLKwxNzVSHZfK3rWp78kiQ96KzYoTR6MI8fkv4ctvk64MPmy4E4TV5oyXoFsKrRkfKufZT6xsAHpOYEaXICtGj-tPpLB6DbuIl3pYx1WCDw4-3WRLzo4fNQ" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="" data-original-height="163" data-original-width="314" height="166" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEhShbZyqSCUN2KN3oRjXEXSSiSSWhdlD2gbHRI6lTXiu2Q4pw7btEMUKUa7fp0LZgsgTLJxLKwxNzVSHZfK3rWp78kiQ96KzYoTR6MI8fkv4ctvk64MPmy4E4TV5oyXoFsKrRkfKufZT6xsAHpOYEaXICtGj-tPpLB6DbuIl3pYx1WCDw4-3WRLzo4fNQ" width="320" /></a></div><br /><p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><v:shape alt="Faith Not Fear" Art Board Print by WenaP | Redbubble" id="Picture_x0020_20" o:spid="_x0000_s1027" style="height: 78.15pt; margin-left: -.3pt; margin-top: 111.4pt; mso-position-horizontal-relative: text; mso-position-horizontal: absolute; mso-position-vertical-relative: text; mso-position-vertical: absolute; mso-wrap-distance-bottom: 0; mso-wrap-distance-left: 9pt; mso-wrap-distance-right: 9pt; mso-wrap-distance-top: 0; mso-wrap-style: square; position: absolute; visibility: visible; width: 150.6pt; z-index: -251651072;" type="#_x0000_t75">
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</w:wrap></v:imagedata></v:shape><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">It
was evening when Jesus breathed on the disciples. The door was locked because they
were afraid because hose who crucified Jesus were hoping to kill his disciples,
too. The disciples were afraid, but they had each other. They were afraid, but
they were together. We can relate. We know there is power, peace, and
protection in being together. We know what life is like when evening comes. We too
are afraid for our health, our children, our vulnerability to war and violence,
our future, but we are together. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"></span></span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEhjcwcwF2lv9knWVG53gfzuWmqRXcRdjiz0xvuHst_p34rGszIN6DZn_f3zYzYN3bDuZNWzleStk-ja8IZ5Wd26wcuxCIP2CSOCvz_-ivRj6-qyDtKYdEy0qxZ92fnEDZQn2g8mPJ2QpFbuqblFEw_ZpwoHow46OxQzHtwRj1VUZN36vjhk43mOQ2X5-A" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="" data-original-height="309" data-original-width="241" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEhjcwcwF2lv9knWVG53gfzuWmqRXcRdjiz0xvuHst_p34rGszIN6DZn_f3zYzYN3bDuZNWzleStk-ja8IZ5Wd26wcuxCIP2CSOCvz_-ivRj6-qyDtKYdEy0qxZ92fnEDZQn2g8mPJ2QpFbuqblFEw_ZpwoHow46OxQzHtwRj1VUZN36vjhk43mOQ2X5-A" width="187" /></a></div><br /><br /><p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><v:shape alt="The Holy Wounds of Our Lord Jesus Christ | Angelstarspeaks" id="Picture_x0020_21" o:spid="_x0000_s1026" style="height: 148.5pt; margin-left: 229.95pt; margin-top: 15.85pt; mso-position-horizontal-relative: text; mso-position-horizontal: absolute; mso-position-vertical-relative: text; mso-position-vertical: absolute; mso-wrap-distance-bottom: 0; mso-wrap-distance-left: 9pt; mso-wrap-distance-right: 9pt; mso-wrap-distance-top: 0; mso-wrap-style: square; position: absolute; visibility: visible; width: 115.85pt; z-index: -251650048;" type="#_x0000_t75">
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</w:wrap></v:imagedata></v:shape><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">Right
now, Jesus is with us in <b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">THIS</b> room.
Like Thomas, we are close enough to see, if not touch his wounds. Wounds are real. Many have them. His
words “Peace be with you,” are music to our ears. Every breath comes from him. His
is a gentle breeze that calms our fears. Our hearts are warmed. With every
breath we take we have an opportunity to receive the Holy Spirit. <o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">There are three good reasons we should accept the
gift of the Holy Spirit. First, the Holy Spirit provides light for us to see as
evening falls. Second, the Holy Spirit shows us when to lock the doors.
Thirdly, the Holy Spirit gives us joy for the journey as he did for the
disciples in verse 20 which says they were overjoyed when they saw the Lord. If
you need light to walk in the ways of truth and love, if you need direction
when you are afraid, if you need some joy for your journey, do this one thing
today – say “yes” to receiving the Holy Spirit. Amen.<o:p></o:p></span></p>Pastor Hineshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09116473656083061218noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-860308507969757375.post-13773402947148224262022-04-15T06:59:00.005-07:002022-04-15T06:59:39.695-07:00“Run to the Tomb, Before the Cock Crows” - April 17 Easter Sunday <p> </p><p align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; text-align: center;"><b><u><span style="color: black; font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif; font-size: 13.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">“Run to the Tomb, Before the Cock Crows”<o:p></o:p></span></u></b></p>
<p align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; text-align: center;"><span style="color: black; font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif; font-size: 13.0pt; mso-bidi-font-weight: bold; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">Pastor Hines</span><span style="color: black; font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif; font-size: 13.0pt;"> </span><span style="color: black; font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif; font-size: 13.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; text-align: center;"><span style="color: black; font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif; font-size: 13.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">April
17, 2022<o:p></o:p></span></p><p align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; text-align: center;"><span style="color: black; font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif; font-size: 13.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"></span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEiv7V0q7LHhP71IIX3QxVfjjDru72rlajq5gT1WpeLP4UJkGOQAQqvb8xiPMwbAeSaLU2s44BB68d4qOfFAoRikpsAmyrHzCaO-EMdE3D_cWuj0EKTXtn_qwmt3gQPcawtSKgh2WNG9b-9Acgl4RIT90ZWQfqo8NTfWy4R3wurfOqDRDIF40mvzizQOpQ" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="" data-original-height="220" data-original-width="293" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEiv7V0q7LHhP71IIX3QxVfjjDru72rlajq5gT1WpeLP4UJkGOQAQqvb8xiPMwbAeSaLU2s44BB68d4qOfFAoRikpsAmyrHzCaO-EMdE3D_cWuj0EKTXtn_qwmt3gQPcawtSKgh2WNG9b-9Acgl4RIT90ZWQfqo8NTfWy4R3wurfOqDRDIF40mvzizQOpQ" width="320" /></a></div><br /><br /><p></p>
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</o:lock></v:path></v:stroke></v:shapetype><v:shape alt="Validating Faith in Christ Through the Resurrection | GCU Blog" id="Picture_x0020_6" o:spid="_x0000_s1038" style="height: 105.45pt; margin-left: -.3pt; margin-top: 13.35pt; mso-position-horizontal-relative: text; mso-position-horizontal: absolute; mso-position-vertical-relative: text; mso-position-vertical: absolute; mso-wrap-distance-bottom: 0; mso-wrap-distance-left: 9pt; mso-wrap-distance-right: 9pt; mso-wrap-distance-top: 0; mso-wrap-style: square; position: absolute; visibility: visible; width: 140.25pt; z-index: -251658240;" type="#_x0000_t75">
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<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto;"><v:shape alt="Pin on My Photos & Thoughts" id="Picture_x0020_7" o:spid="_x0000_s1037" style="height: 119.25pt; margin-left: 217.95pt; margin-top: 164pt; mso-position-horizontal-relative: text; mso-position-horizontal: absolute; mso-position-vertical-relative: text; mso-position-vertical: absolute; mso-wrap-distance-bottom: 0; mso-wrap-distance-left: 9pt; mso-wrap-distance-right: 9pt; mso-wrap-distance-top: 0; mso-wrap-style: square; position: absolute; visibility: visible; width: 119.25pt; z-index: -251657216;" type="#_x0000_t75">
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</w:wrap></v:imagedata></v:shape><span style="color: black; font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Segoe UI"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">What a great day! We have made it to Easter. We have reached our
destination. It is a day to celebrate new life because we know that Jesus has
been raised from the dead. How can that possibly be? Some might ask. In John
Wesley’s sermon entitled On the Resurrection of the Dead he answers the
question saying. ‘Our God who forms us from mere dust of the earth is certainly
able to make us alive again from dust. </span><span style="background: #FCFDFD; color: #0a0a0a; font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial;">God can distinguish and keep unmixed from all other bodies
the particular dust into which our several bodies are dissolved, and can gather
it together and join it again, how far so ever dispersed asunder. God can form
this dust, so gathered together, into the same body it was before. God is
infinite both in knowledge and power.’ <o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto;"><v:shape alt="The Power of An Empty Tomb —" id="Picture_x0020_8" o:spid="_x0000_s1036" style="height: 95.8pt; margin-left: -.3pt; margin-top: 77.15pt; mso-height-percent: 0; mso-height-percent: 0; mso-height-relative: margin; mso-position-horizontal-relative: text; mso-position-horizontal: absolute; mso-position-vertical-relative: text; mso-position-vertical: absolute; mso-width-percent: 0; mso-width-percent: 0; mso-width-relative: margin; mso-wrap-distance-bottom: 0; mso-wrap-distance-left: 9pt; mso-wrap-distance-right: 9pt; mso-wrap-distance-top: 0; mso-wrap-style: square; position: absolute; visibility: visible; width: 159.75pt; z-index: -251656192;" type="#_x0000_t75">
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</w:wrap></v:imagedata></v:shape><span style="background: #FCFDFD; color: #0a0a0a; font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial;">Living in this
world, we experience things that we could never ever dream of. With our own
eyes, we have seen technological advances and medical miracles. At the same time,
we have seen unbelievably insane and evil behavior coming from humans. There
has been a cacophony of catastrophic weather and a virus that won’t let go. We
know, now more than ever, that anything is possible – good or evil. So when we
see that the tomb is empty, we believe it. When we hear that the disciples did
not believe Jesus when he said he would crucified, buried </span><v:shape id="Picture_x0020_9" o:spid="_x0000_s1035" style="height: 82.8pt; margin-left: .15pt; margin-top: .15pt; mso-height-percent: 0; mso-height-percent: 0; mso-height-relative: margin; mso-position-horizontal-relative: text; mso-position-horizontal: absolute; mso-position-vertical-relative: text; mso-position-vertical: absolute; mso-width-percent: 0; mso-width-percent: 0; mso-width-relative: margin; mso-wrap-distance-bottom: 0; mso-wrap-distance-left: 9pt; mso-wrap-distance-right: 9pt; mso-wrap-distance-top: 0; mso-wrap-style: square; position: absolute; visibility: visible; width: 124.5pt; z-index: -251655168;" type="#_x0000_t75">
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</w:wrap></v:imagedata></v:shape><span style="background: #FCFDFD; color: #0a0a0a; font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial;">and on the third
day he would rise again, we also understand that sometimes even the faithful
have </span><v:shape alt="30 common Indian spices and what they are called in English | The Times of India" id="Picture_x0020_10" o:spid="_x0000_s1034" style="height: 109.2pt; margin-left: 207.65pt; margin-top: 65.4pt; mso-height-percent: 0; mso-height-percent: 0; mso-height-relative: margin; mso-position-horizontal-relative: text; mso-position-horizontal: absolute; mso-position-vertical-relative: text; mso-position-vertical: absolute; mso-width-percent: 0; mso-width-percent: 0; mso-width-relative: margin; mso-wrap-distance-bottom: 0; mso-wrap-distance-left: 9pt; mso-wrap-distance-right: 9pt; mso-wrap-distance-top: 0; mso-wrap-style: square; position: absolute; visibility: visible; width: 145.6pt; z-index: -251654144;" type="#_x0000_t75">
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</w:wrap></v:imagedata></v:shape><span style="background: #FCFDFD; color: #0a0a0a; font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial;">little faith. <o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto;"><span style="background: #FCFDFD; color: #0a0a0a; font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial;"></span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEj27ahiKHJ56HCix2AljT_YLEXKgDyxmoW2q39MggH05v0CkKf5e7fDZYAO29DVJE_ffycCr3mHvgpm8pAkxtUnyiaDH12RXItjjtOgu3IFqCtMBXW_vXvyp6JARuGeOsD4bjAVKgK4kskmrKk76upq5cnbRfwY1s1NR9-LmpHKR80FmmCfkQ3RuG-VbQ" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="" data-original-height="248" data-original-width="249" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEj27ahiKHJ56HCix2AljT_YLEXKgDyxmoW2q39MggH05v0CkKf5e7fDZYAO29DVJE_ffycCr3mHvgpm8pAkxtUnyiaDH12RXItjjtOgu3IFqCtMBXW_vXvyp6JARuGeOsD4bjAVKgK4kskmrKk76upq5cnbRfwY1s1NR9-LmpHKR80FmmCfkQ3RuG-VbQ" width="241" /></a></div><br /><br /><p></p>
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</w:wrap></v:imagedata></v:shape><span style="background: #FCFDFD; color: #0a0a0a; font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial;">Early in the
morning, while it is still dark, we can hear</span><span style="background: #FCFDFD; color: #0a0a0a; font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial;"> </span><span style="background: #FCFDFD; color: #0a0a0a; font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial;">the footsteps of
the women coming to the tomb. We can smell the sweet fragrance of the pounds of
spices they carried.</span> <span style="background: #FCFDFD; color: #0a0a0a; font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial;">The blinding light
of the angels that greeted them catches our eyes too. That stone that was
sealed to guard the tomb may not have been moved by human hands but by holy angels.
We believe in miracles. <o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto;"><span style="background: #FCFDFD; color: #0a0a0a; font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial;"></span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEgJlUuXD2YPFExpIwEDYZ2ElVTgATSC4t5qLZniiv4dsZA-r6P6h-HHP2ZObNP_lPXxlB2nmIvEyheUcZo_80ohV_0Sm1K91DQVq8rdq8WmI87mn2ou2WxQorpQLicS5wlMrldxopVHqpdZdq3QiCy0-Oc_cPfFxA7DWi8L33qVSPg_sBBYJ2e3EnO5DA" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="" data-original-height="200" data-original-width="333" height="192" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEgJlUuXD2YPFExpIwEDYZ2ElVTgATSC4t5qLZniiv4dsZA-r6P6h-HHP2ZObNP_lPXxlB2nmIvEyheUcZo_80ohV_0Sm1K91DQVq8rdq8WmI87mn2ou2WxQorpQLicS5wlMrldxopVHqpdZdq3QiCy0-Oc_cPfFxA7DWi8L33qVSPg_sBBYJ2e3EnO5DA" width="320" /></a></div><br /><br /><p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto;"><span style="background: #FCFDFD; color: #0a0a0a; font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial;">It is our faith in the resurrection
power of God that makes us run to the tomb. It is our faith in the resurrection
power of God that makes us sing Charles Wesley’s great hymn in the present
tense. Christ the Lord is Risen <b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">TODAY</b>.
<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; text-align: center;"><span style="background: #FCFDFD; color: #0a0a0a; font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial;">Earth and heaven in chorus say, Alleluia!<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; text-align: center;"><span style="background: #FCFDFD; color: #0a0a0a; font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial;">Raise your joys and triumphs high,<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; text-align: center;"><span style="background: #FCFDFD; color: #0a0a0a; font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial;">Sing, ye heavens, and earth reply,<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; text-align: center;"><span style="background: #FCFDFD; color: #0a0a0a; font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial;">2 Love's redeeming work is done,<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; text-align: center;"><span style="background: #FCFDFD; color: #0a0a0a; font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial;">Fought the fight, the battle won,<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; text-align: center;"><span style="background: #FCFDFD; color: #0a0a0a; font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial;">Death in vain forbids him rise,<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; text-align: center;"><span style="background: #FCFDFD; color: #0a0a0a; font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial;">Christ has opened paradise.<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;"><span style="background: #FCFDFD; color: #0a0a0a; font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial;"><o:p> </o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto;"><v:shape alt="File:The-Last-Supper-Restored-Da-Vinci 32x16.jpg - Wikimedia Commons" id="Picture_x0020_13" o:spid="_x0000_s1031" style="height: 79.05pt; margin-left: -9.45pt; margin-top: -4.55pt; mso-height-percent: 0; mso-height-percent: 0; mso-height-relative: margin; mso-position-horizontal-relative: text; mso-position-horizontal: absolute; mso-position-vertical-relative: text; mso-position-vertical: absolute; mso-width-percent: 0; mso-width-percent: 0; mso-width-relative: margin; mso-wrap-distance-bottom: 0; mso-wrap-distance-left: 9pt; mso-wrap-distance-right: 9pt; mso-wrap-distance-top: 0; mso-wrap-style: square; position: absolute; visibility: visible; width: 158.1pt; z-index: -251651072;" type="#_x0000_t75">
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</w:wrap></v:imagedata></v:shape><span style="background: #FCFDFD; color: #0a0a0a; font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial;">Yes. We have made
it to our Easter destination! But, getting here was quite a journey. At the
Last Supper Jesus washed the disciples feet. At that time, </span><v:shape alt="Jesus Knows - song by Patrice Lyle | Spotify" id="Picture_x0020_14" o:spid="_x0000_s1030" style="height: 89.1pt; margin-left: 180.4pt; margin-top: 0; mso-height-percent: 0; mso-height-percent: 0; mso-height-relative: margin; mso-position-horizontal-relative: text; mso-position-horizontal: absolute; mso-position-vertical-relative: text; mso-position-vertical: absolute; mso-width-percent: 0; mso-width-percent: 0; mso-width-relative: margin; mso-wrap-distance-bottom: 0; mso-wrap-distance-left: 9pt; mso-wrap-distance-right: 9pt; mso-wrap-distance-top: 0; mso-wrap-style: square; position: absolute; visibility: visible; width: 166.35pt; z-index: -251650048;" type="#_x0000_t75">
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</w:wrap></v:imagedata></v:shape><span style="background: #FCFDFD; color: #0a0a0a; font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial;">Jesus asked Peter
three times, “Do you love me? If you do, feed my lambs, take care of my sheep,
feed my sheep. Peter declared his willingness to do all that was asked even to
the point of sacrificing his life for Jesus, but Jesus said, ‘not so fast
Peter, that’s a nice thought, but before the cock crows tomorrow morning, you
will disown me.’ Jesus knows us better than we know ourselves. <o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto;"><span style="background: #FCFDFD; color: #0a0a0a; font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial;">In spite of betraying Jesus, Peter would
be running to the tomb to see him. By the grace of God, Peter grew and became a
man of solid rock faith. Fifty days after the resurrection he was preaching
with boldness. Upon him the church was built. Max Lucado says that in just a
short time, Peter went from being a wimp to being a warrior. We too are
standing on that firm foundation called the Church and we have done so since
1869 (153 years). That is no small thing. We are a global church of many
ethnicities and nations, many languages, and many missions to the poor and
oppressed in places that cannot even be named for the protection of many who
are being persecuted.<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto;"><v:shape alt="Journeying From the Cross to the Tomb – Lake Park Lutheran Church" id="Picture_x0020_15" o:spid="_x0000_s1029" style="height: 104.75pt; margin-left: 146.7pt; margin-top: 85.2pt; mso-height-percent: 0; mso-height-percent: 0; mso-height-relative: margin; mso-position-horizontal-relative: text; mso-position-horizontal: absolute; mso-position-vertical-relative: text; mso-position-vertical: absolute; mso-width-percent: 0; mso-width-percent: 0; mso-width-relative: margin; mso-wrap-distance-bottom: 0; mso-wrap-distance-left: 9pt; mso-wrap-distance-right: 9pt; mso-wrap-distance-top: 0; mso-wrap-style: square; position: absolute; visibility: visible; width: 186pt; z-index: -251649024;" type="#_x0000_t75">
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</w:wrap></v:imagedata></v:shape><span style="background: #FCFDFD; color: #0a0a0a; font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial;">The women knew
best of all that the journey from the cross to the tomb was about a mile. Many
travelers may have been nearly 100 miles from home for the Passover Holiday. But,
the distance from the cross to the resurrection was less than a mile, reminding
us that sometime death is not very far from resurrection. Either way, these
folk were like we are today. Sometimes their faith was very much alive. At
other times they had serious doubts and demanded a sign. They grew in love,
just as we do. <o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto;"><v:shape alt="Jesus Saves (Lyric Video) - YouTube" id="Picture_x0020_17" o:spid="_x0000_s1028" style="height: 97.8pt; margin-left: 177.8pt; margin-top: 109.65pt; mso-height-percent: 0; mso-height-percent: 0; mso-height-relative: margin; mso-position-horizontal-relative: text; mso-position-horizontal: absolute; mso-position-vertical-relative: text; mso-position-vertical: absolute; mso-width-percent: 0; mso-width-percent: 0; mso-width-relative: margin; mso-wrap-distance-bottom: 0; mso-wrap-distance-left: 9pt; mso-wrap-distance-right: 9pt; mso-wrap-distance-top: 0; mso-wrap-style: square; position: absolute; visibility: visible; width: 173.9pt; z-index: -251646976;" type="#_x0000_t75">
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</w:wrap></v:imagedata></v:shape><v:shape alt="So you've been clean and sober, but you've relapsed. What now?" id="Picture_x0020_16" o:spid="_x0000_s1027" style="height: 62.25pt; margin-left: -5.85pt; margin-top: 0; mso-height-percent: 0; mso-height-percent: 0; mso-height-relative: margin; mso-position-horizontal-relative: text; mso-position-horizontal: absolute; mso-position-vertical-relative: text; mso-position-vertical: absolute; mso-width-percent: 0; mso-width-percent: 0; mso-width-relative: margin; mso-wrap-distance-bottom: 0; mso-wrap-distance-left: 9pt; mso-wrap-distance-right: 9pt; mso-wrap-distance-top: 0; mso-wrap-style: square; position: absolute; visibility: visible; width: 156.65pt; z-index: -251648000;" type="#_x0000_t75">
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</w:wrap></v:imagedata></v:shape><span style="background: #FCFDFD; color: #0a0a0a; font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial;">Years ago I read a
book that asserted that smokers trying to kick the habit relapsed an average of
five times before they were successful. Relapse is very much a part of
developing good behavior. As we pray, Jesus will speak to us the truth of our
limits, not to condemn us but to save us. If we continue following the path
that Jesus sets before us, if we continue growing, we will love Jesus so much that
we are willing to feed his lambs, take care of his sheep and even feed his
sheep. <o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto;"><v:shape id="Picture_x0020_18" o:spid="_x0000_s1026" style="height: 131.25pt; margin-left: 51.15pt; margin-top: 60.65pt; mso-position-horizontal-relative: text; mso-position-horizontal: absolute; mso-position-vertical-relative: text; mso-position-vertical: absolute; mso-wrap-distance-bottom: 0; mso-wrap-distance-left: 9pt; mso-wrap-distance-right: 9pt; mso-wrap-distance-top: 0; mso-wrap-style: square; position: absolute; visibility: visible; width: 216.75pt; z-index: -251645952;" type="#_x0000_t75">
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</w:wrap></v:imagedata></v:shape><span style="background: #FCFDFD; color: #0a0a0a; font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial;">Every day we
journey toward Easter in order to be with Jesus. May we continue to run to the
tomb like all disciples and may we do so before the cock crows. Amen. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;"><span style="font-size: 12.0pt;"><o:p> </o:p></span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEhonYSG1VZ-MLfMoCoUKRt9fxTOYvXiFH91vsilML9qvIN91HIKmYpqCuZgsiU2xDPyd_jUADQm9IDxjXjb8kCb_5_Mki3LtKYvFvXQBrXUKE51VLbvPTISSDvuwdDQzY-BWbD4V4Pr_BAnaxE8yY8HJWE90jjDmqMoU7zxJ25efS4V89vdDZ7he1rlSg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="" data-original-height="273" data-original-width="452" height="193" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEhonYSG1VZ-MLfMoCoUKRt9fxTOYvXiFH91vsilML9qvIN91HIKmYpqCuZgsiU2xDPyd_jUADQm9IDxjXjb8kCb_5_Mki3LtKYvFvXQBrXUKE51VLbvPTISSDvuwdDQzY-BWbD4V4Pr_BAnaxE8yY8HJWE90jjDmqMoU7zxJ25efS4V89vdDZ7he1rlSg" width="320" /></a></div><br /><p></p>Pastor Hineshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09116473656083061218noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-860308507969757375.post-48337982536135610342022-04-14T06:55:00.003-07:002022-04-15T06:56:33.593-07:00Maundy Thursday Reflections <p> </p><p align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">Reflection
– “Demon Down!”<o:p></o:p></span></b></p>
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</w:wrap></v:imagedata></v:shape><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">Jesus
is so wonderful and extraordinary.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>He
welcomed this gentleman who had so many demons. Those demons caused the man a
lot of problems. For a long time, he was homeless, he was screaming like a
maniac because he was a maniac and if that wasn’t scary enough, for a long
time, he wasn’t wearing any clothes. <o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">The fact that this was happening for a long time is
an important detail. Terrible things that happen for a long time are usually
hidden behind closed doors. Terrible things that happen for a long time are
kept in the dark. I knew a woman who had episodes of mental illness. She walked
naked outside her apartment, to the delight of her young male neighbors. As far
as I know, it only happened one time. That is a blessing. This man that knelt
at the feet of Jesus represents the demonic torture that is endured behind
closed doors and in the dark, and often for a very long time. <o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">He desperately needed Jesus because his life was
being torn apart. After all, that is the devil’s mission, to kill, steal, and
destroy anything good and Godly that is in our life. The mission of the
diabolical is not only to separate us from God, but it is to divide communities
with violence, and to tear families apart at their root. Diabolos means to divide,
to separate. It means to do so viciously. Jesus sent the demons down a steep
bank making it hard for them to return. Has something dark and dirty been happening
for a long time in your life or the life of someone you know? If so, Jesus is </span><o:wrapblock><v:shape alt="Fulfilling Isaiah's Prophecy — Watchtower ONLINE LIBRARY" id="Picture_x0020_2" o:spid="_x0000_s1032" style="height: 131.55pt; margin-left: 28.05pt; margin-top: 0; mso-position-horizontal-relative: text; mso-position-horizontal: absolute; mso-position-vertical-relative: text; mso-position-vertical: absolute; mso-wrap-distance-bottom: 0; mso-wrap-distance-left: 9pt; mso-wrap-distance-right: 9pt; mso-wrap-distance-top: 0; mso-wrap-style: square; position: absolute; visibility: visible; width: 263.3pt; z-index: -251657216;" type="#_x0000_t75">
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<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">stepping
ashore at this very moment. He can handle all the craziness there is to bear.
Jesus can knock demons down, down for the count, down and out. Fall at his feet
today. Amen.<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">Reflection
– “Mad Martha!”<o:p></o:p></span></b></p>
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</w:wrap></v:imagedata></v:shape><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">I
like to eat at home because eating out means eating high calorie foods, rich
sauces and mounds of super-sized portions. I remember a season when I did not
have a lot of money to eat out at fancy restaurants even if I wanted to. My
prayer partner fantasized often about being rich and famous though she wasn’t
quite there yet. She had plenty of money. Once when we went to our favorite
restaurant, she did not hesitate to order an appetizer and eat it in front of
me. I could not believe she refused to share even though I was not in a
position to pay half the cost. <o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">We’ve all been there. It is common to get as mad as
Martha when we don’t get what we want or need or feel entitled to. The feelings
just pop up, but not out of nowhere. Feelings pop up from a reservoir of hurt
and pain.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>When we spend time at the feet
of Jesus that hurt and pain will subside day by day, year by year. Mad Martha
would learn this when she went to Jesus. She did not get the help from Jesus
that she was asking for. She did get the guidance she desperately needed. <o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">Now more than ever we witness the shocking results
of being mad: road rage, cars being driven into an innocent crowd at high
speeds, an increase in domestic violence, strangers knocking out Chinese people
on the streets blaming them for Covid-19, and senseless murders over money. How
many of you have seen the video of actor Will Smith slapping comedian Chris
Rock during the Oscars? These are desperate times that call for desperate
measures. Every solution for desperate situations can be found at the feet of
Jesus!<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Go there if you want to find real
peace. Amen.<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><o:p> </o:p></span></b></p>
<p align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">Reflection
– “Cloak Catch”<o:p></o:p></span></b></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><v:shape alt="Shrunk Your Wool Sweater? Use It for a Craft! • Northpole.com Craft Cottage | Wool felt, Wool sweaters, Craft projects" id="_x0000_s1030" style="height: 129.75pt; margin-left: 147.9pt; margin-top: 9.95pt; mso-height-percent: 0; mso-height-percent: 0; mso-height-relative: margin; mso-position-horizontal-relative: text; mso-position-horizontal: absolute; mso-position-vertical-relative: text; mso-position-vertical: absolute; mso-width-percent: 0; mso-width-percent: 0; mso-width-relative: margin; mso-wrap-distance-bottom: 0; mso-wrap-distance-left: 9pt; mso-wrap-distance-right: 9pt; mso-wrap-distance-top: 0; mso-wrap-style: square; position: absolute; visibility: visible; width: 192.65pt; z-index: -251655168;" type="#_x0000_t75">
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</w:wrap></v:imagedata></v:shape><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">In
Jesus’ day, cloth was hand made from animals and plants. It was much more a big
deal than it is today with clothes that are machine made and machine washed.
Even today, there are certain things that may cause a sweater, for example, to
shrink or stretch. Jesus is warning us just like the tags on clothes warn us
what to do and not to do to have our clothes fit right. The rule was don’t sew
a new patch on old cloth. Animals and plants wear differently than today’s
polyester. </span><v:shape alt="Duro 1/6 Brown Paper Bags - 500/Bundle" id="Picture_x0020_5" o:spid="_x0000_s1029" style="height: 134.8pt; margin-left: 3.15pt; margin-top: .05pt; mso-height-percent: 0; mso-height-percent: 0; mso-height-relative: margin; mso-position-horizontal-relative: text; mso-position-horizontal: absolute; mso-position-vertical-relative: text; mso-position-vertical: absolute; mso-width-percent: 0; mso-width-percent: 0; mso-width-relative: margin; mso-wrap-distance-bottom: 0; mso-wrap-distance-left: 9pt; mso-wrap-distance-right: 9pt; mso-wrap-distance-top: 0; mso-wrap-style: square; position: absolute; visibility: visible; width: 134.8pt; z-index: -251654144;" type="#_x0000_t75">
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</w:wrap></v:imagedata></v:shape><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">The
rules are different today. At the same time, pouring wine into an old, used
wineskin would be like putting wine into something as thin as a brown paper
bag. The Message version makes Jesus’ point this way: “No one cuts up a fine
silk scarf to patch old work clothes; you want fabrics that match. And you
don’t put your wine in cracked bottles.”<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">It’s not so much about the new mixing with the old;
it’s about learning the new rules to get good results for a new day.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The synagogue leader operated with new rules.
Even though his daughter had died, he humbly knelt at the feet of Jesus. He
knew that Jesus would bring life in one way or another. <o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><v:shape alt="Dancing with the Trinity – Gail Johnsen" id="Picture_x0020_6" o:spid="_x0000_s1028" style="height: 112.9pt; margin-left: 193.55pt; margin-top: 3.35pt; mso-height-percent: 0; mso-height-percent: 0; mso-height-relative: margin; mso-position-horizontal-relative: text; mso-position-horizontal: absolute; mso-position-vertical-relative: text; mso-position-vertical: absolute; mso-width-percent: 0; mso-width-percent: 0; mso-width-relative: margin; mso-wrap-distance-bottom: 0; mso-wrap-distance-left: 9pt; mso-wrap-distance-right: 9pt; mso-wrap-distance-top: 0; mso-wrap-style: square; position: absolute; visibility: visible; width: 150.05pt; z-index: -251653120;" type="#_x0000_t75">
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</w:wrap></v:imagedata></v:shape><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">One
of my classmates at Eastern College was raised in the Pentecostal church and
she was very accustomed to what they called dancing in the Spirit. On a bus
trip with our college gospel choir called the Angels of Harmony, she was
grieving over the death of her beloved Godmother. Her loss weighed heavy on her
mind. I went to look for her and she was alone behind the bus, dancing and
crying at the same time. Later she explained that as she was praying, talking
to God about her loss, she had been overcome with a Spirit of praise and
thanksgiving that put dancing in her feet. It was God’s way of holding her and
comforting her. Even in the midst of death, somehow, someway, Jesus brings new
life. <o:p></o:p></span></p>
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</w:wrap></v:imagedata></v:shape><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">As
Mary anointed Jesus’ feet with oil of spikenard from her alabaster box, she did
so in a culture where women and men were separated more often than not. We see
this separation even in religious communities, thousands of years later. We may
see it among Islamic, Sikh, Orthodox Jewish, Coptic Christian, Amish; many Hindu
and some Buddhist worship centers. Their old rules work for them.<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><v:shape alt="What The Woman Healed Of Bleeding Teaches Us About Jesus – The Additional Needs Blogfather" id="Picture_x0020_8" o:spid="_x0000_s1026" style="height: 123.55pt; margin-left: 141.1pt; margin-top: 9pt; mso-height-percent: 0; mso-height-percent: 0; mso-height-relative: margin; mso-position-horizontal-relative: text; mso-position-horizontal: absolute; mso-position-vertical-relative: text; mso-position-vertical: absolute; mso-width-percent: 0; mso-width-percent: 0; mso-width-relative: margin; mso-wrap-distance-bottom: 0; mso-wrap-distance-left: 9pt; mso-wrap-distance-right: 9pt; mso-wrap-distance-top: 0; mso-wrap-style: square; position: absolute; visibility: visible; width: 197.55pt; z-index: -251651072;" type="#_x0000_t75">
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</w:wrap></v:imagedata></v:shape><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>A woman dared to catch Jesus by his cloak, by
the hem, the edge where the anointing oil ran down to represent God’s healing
presence and power. She defied the rules. She boldly used new rules. It had to
cost her something emotionally and culturally.<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">The oil on the hem of Jesus garment and the oil in
Mary’s box was priceless. The oil of God’s healing presence and power means we
pay by giving up our pride and humbling ourselves by decreasing our will and
letting Jesus’ will increase in our lives. As the song suggests, “We don’t now
the cost of the oil in each other’s alabaster box. We don’t know what it costs
each of us to be followers, to be healed and helped, but we do know being with Jesus
is worth more than anything and anyone. Amen.<o:p></o:p></span></p>Pastor Hineshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09116473656083061218noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-860308507969757375.post-19964584261108776562022-04-08T08:32:00.005-07:002022-04-08T08:32:32.960-07:00“You're Untried until You're Untied” - Pastor Hines April 10, 2022<p> </p><p align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; text-align: center;"><b><u><span style="color: black; font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif; font-size: 13.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">“You're Untried until You're Untied”</span></u></b><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><u><span style="color: black; font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif; font-size: 13.0pt;"> - </span></u></b><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><u><span style="color: black; font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif; font-size: 13.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">Pastor Hines<o:p></o:p></span></u></b></p>
<p align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; text-align: center;"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><u><span style="color: black; font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif; font-size: 13.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">April 10, 2022<o:p></o:p></span></u></b></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;"><span style="color: black; font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif; font-size: 13.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Segoe UI"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><o:p> </o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;"><span style="color: black; font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif; font-size: 13.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Segoe UI"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><o:p> </o:p></span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEiomu1SK-8A9ZVgMlUGxlKnAmx_yP3-1RufBmt7Y1P2pW_EvkuGGVTViVv0yp-CZpvFRiryBy6wEZtsAKh_j0YWGoGmtXKN4X06yJ4Z8itFnjetK-XlZYTe_QcJ7VvUYiyQz45OqqrQlgx-v0SoK300tzVzWvtfIWQ3Zfd0jugX1fpj54YX4pyxOmgBcA" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="" data-original-height="197" data-original-width="352" height="179" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEiomu1SK-8A9ZVgMlUGxlKnAmx_yP3-1RufBmt7Y1P2pW_EvkuGGVTViVv0yp-CZpvFRiryBy6wEZtsAKh_j0YWGoGmtXKN4X06yJ4Z8itFnjetK-XlZYTe_QcJ7VvUYiyQz45OqqrQlgx-v0SoK300tzVzWvtfIWQ3Zfd0jugX1fpj54YX4pyxOmgBcA" width="320" /></a></div><br /><p></p>
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</w:wrap></v:imagedata></v:shape><span style="color: black; font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif; font-size: 13.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Segoe UI"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">Jesus sent the disciples to a village to get a donkey colt, a soft
and tender baby. He would soon ride, rather than walk to Jerusalem. Just like
that little donkey in Bethphage, when our hearts, at any age, are fresh, soft,
and tender, we nestle under Jesus. The villagers knew the disciples were coming
to borrow the donkey. They knew they were part of Jesus’ purpose and plan. We
all know. Ready or not, somehow we know Jesus has us in mind.<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;"><span style="color: black; font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif; font-size: 13.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Segoe UI"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><o:p> </o:p></span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEhTtaeblvQrMTATE_TvtvLWx8vsM6kwtx1QMSN3pcHBevnqzGVfIQeJXDXymtnaGuVrsj6ESgFH1d5GZPeWX-zcdoNM9Ffmn3_agLWQTY4wp_8KPs-1U5kg_Ea26wX9YAt_RxZSBmnIz-ZqPE3fflPmlzdVRoPiSQhRknCi8C-Q8wEVIhnbQPzoB4aWxg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="" data-original-height="191" data-original-width="379" height="161" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEhTtaeblvQrMTATE_TvtvLWx8vsM6kwtx1QMSN3pcHBevnqzGVfIQeJXDXymtnaGuVrsj6ESgFH1d5GZPeWX-zcdoNM9Ffmn3_agLWQTY4wp_8KPs-1U5kg_Ea26wX9YAt_RxZSBmnIz-ZqPE3fflPmlzdVRoPiSQhRknCi8C-Q8wEVIhnbQPzoB4aWxg" width="320" /></a></div><br /><p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;"><span style="color: black; font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif; font-size: 13.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Segoe UI"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">Jesus was planning to ride the donkey into Jerusalem just as
royalty would normally do representing kingship. He was glad to be a kind and
just king. It was so desperately needed in that world as it is in ours. Jesus
would ride into Jerusalem just as generals did confident that the enemy was
under their feet. Justice and mercy would prevail everywhere it could among
those who worked for it and received it. People felt secure and confident that
king Jesus would love and care about them. How wonderful it is to know a leader
loves and cares for you, has your best interest at heart, institutes laws and
policies that assure your well-being. How wonderful it is!<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;"><span style="color: black; font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif; font-size: 13.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Segoe UI"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><o:p> </o:p></span></p>
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riding through town was a special way of promoting the cause of God’s justice
and mercy. We all like a parade, especially if the parade affirms our cause. It
makes us happy and gives us joy. Now was the time to lift up, parade, and
promote his position for all to see and receive. <o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;"><span style="color: black; font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif; font-size: 13.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Segoe UI"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"></span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEiD4VZMnzMal-43ENagwdxxHt0Sn4FeWcpjbYP6VmnmkGdAgfIFhGPUup9n20stke__PUz4CIzenKVNQYXKdhbXmUOj3lA5zvCgL9VBnPUxCHvbWExWDBvULYLCoIsLuszXO6uDo3Kg9Ihh3lnawKbJLspQ32KA2f8grSiIrwYGAILfMxY1vwOn5UA_-w" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="" data-original-height="251" data-original-width="298" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEiD4VZMnzMal-43ENagwdxxHt0Sn4FeWcpjbYP6VmnmkGdAgfIFhGPUup9n20stke__PUz4CIzenKVNQYXKdhbXmUOj3lA5zvCgL9VBnPUxCHvbWExWDBvULYLCoIsLuszXO6uDo3Kg9Ihh3lnawKbJLspQ32KA2f8grSiIrwYGAILfMxY1vwOn5UA_-w" width="285" /></a></div><br /><br /><p></p>
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up. We too are untied. We are free. What will we do with that freedom after we
are untied? We are free to be like Jesus – loving, joyful, peaceful, patient,
kind, good, faithful, gentle, and self-controlled. We are free to lift Jesus up
by being faithful church members, by using our gifts, our talents, our
resources to serve the least, the last and the lost and everyone else we can.
We are free to love everybody as God gives us wisdom. Surely, we can’t love
everybody in the same way. God guides us and gives us what we need to love
everybody in whatever way is needed.<o:p></o:p></span></p>
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<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;"><span style="color: black; font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif; font-size: 13.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Segoe UI"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">When we love everybody, a praise lives in our heart because there
is no way to love everybody unless we have within us the power of an almighty
God, and with all that, we cannot help but praise God. When we love everybody,
miracles happen, joyful tears are shed, justice and mercy abound, and God is
glorified. <o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;"><span style="color: black; font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif; font-size: 13.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Segoe UI"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><o:p> </o:p></span></p>
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follow Jesus. When we get off track, we can find our way home to the loving
presence of Jesus, for Jesus provides the light we need. When we nod of in
complacency, the Holy Spirit nudges our hearts. <o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;"><span style="color: black; font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif; font-size: 13.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Segoe UI"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><o:p> </o:p></span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEhPuJlOzbFdSqiWib3fHZA117PAOcqPnUum4jX8UYVdTyb-uomnX87El9Cs-6UbGlk_04NvMnZ3jROgp-qlltYHN7OhnGCXsonBUUu5QTVeSKhTyRCq9ZhnEyR-Bpz5L-okhjOb8rWze1jOUcRbZrGV4KTvSBB26ePP8MtkpP4L6DG0pZt9tNftrlniwQ" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="" data-original-height="191" data-original-width="322" height="190" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEhPuJlOzbFdSqiWib3fHZA117PAOcqPnUum4jX8UYVdTyb-uomnX87El9Cs-6UbGlk_04NvMnZ3jROgp-qlltYHN7OhnGCXsonBUUu5QTVeSKhTyRCq9ZhnEyR-Bpz5L-okhjOb8rWze1jOUcRbZrGV4KTvSBB26ePP8MtkpP4L6DG0pZt9tNftrlniwQ" width="320" /></a></div><br /><p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;"><span style="color: black; font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif; font-size: 13.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Segoe UI"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">Hopefully we will wake up. We will trust and obey, for there is no
way to be happy in Jesus, but to trust and obey. It is not easy to trust and
obey, but with God all things are possible. In this Lenten season, we are free.
What will we do with that free will? Surely, we are untried until we are
untied. Choose to trust and obey Jesus today. Amen.<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;"><span style="color: black; font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif; font-size: 13.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Segoe UI"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><o:p> </o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;"><span style="color: black; font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif; font-size: 13.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Segoe UI"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><o:p> </o:p></span></p>
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<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;"><span style="color: black; font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif; font-size: 13.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Segoe UI"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><o:p> </o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;"><span style="color: black; font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif; font-size: 13.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Segoe UI"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><o:p> </o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;"><span style="color: black; font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif; font-size: 13.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Segoe UI"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><o:p> </o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;"><span style="color: black; font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif; font-size: 13.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Segoe UI"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><o:p> </o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;"><span style="color: black; font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif; font-size: 13.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Segoe UI"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><o:p> </o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;"><span style="font-size: 13.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><o:p> </o:p></span></p>Pastor Hineshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09116473656083061218noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-860308507969757375.post-8839128692998880912022-04-01T09:55:00.007-07:002022-04-01T09:55:47.785-07:00“What's In YOUR Alabaster Box?” Pastor Hines April 3, 2022<p> </p><p align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; text-align: center;"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><u><span style="color: black; font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">“What's In YOUR Alabaster Box?”</span></u></b><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><u><span style="color: black; font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt;"> </span></u></b><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><u><span style="color: black; font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">Pastor Hines<o:p></o:p></span></u></b></p>
<p align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; text-align: center;"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><u><span style="color: black; font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">April 3, 2022<o:p></o:p></span></u></b></p><p align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; text-align: center;"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><u><span style="color: black; font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"></span></u></b></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><u><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEjxDc3yJo7cXp2c1CI6m8d3bRxrJJTRFbz5-uutVK38zsc3ZM3QZXdrBwwmF7KHPjvAHldbgDxSw6xQsgssWtyICNji78GJD_daXKTqkLKlMbfWiIAWTmpyl6aO8twIsfxgflcy8Bgfm3_tr4MZ6guy5AGR4reqhs5zJl6XIi69YivfvWFaUKYmRDO6-g" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="" data-original-height="203" data-original-width="296" height="219" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEjxDc3yJo7cXp2c1CI6m8d3bRxrJJTRFbz5-uutVK38zsc3ZM3QZXdrBwwmF7KHPjvAHldbgDxSw6xQsgssWtyICNji78GJD_daXKTqkLKlMbfWiIAWTmpyl6aO8twIsfxgflcy8Bgfm3_tr4MZ6guy5AGR4reqhs5zJl6XIi69YivfvWFaUKYmRDO6-g" width="320" /></a></u></b></div><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><u><br /><br /></u></b><p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal;"><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt;">It was six days before the Passover,
nearly a week before one of the biggest events of the year. The Passover
celebrated the end of a spiritual war (like the war the Russians and the Covid
are perpetrating in our world today). How we long for such wars to be over! How
we would kiss the ground and thank our God on the day we would become free.
Passover was like that. It was a time to come together and give thanks for the
mercy of God delivering God’s people from the sheer torture of oppression, from
the awful circumstances that kept them anxious and crying both day and night. <o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal;"><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt;"></span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEgDPxOA4eVuoZH3MRV584IfRoSAsUMfHPECbADzxvtojoz937rjFvLuCZBq8LL174ieuMIOPTzX4Z4hq4f_eoi54UjFRFoPK4WE4yB_FcZLetE3pDCrybvuEGOrTs2-WiAa2pqs_VqeTBiX4IHHdWK8nd1rs6k_zTD5_l9ZGmftnzO0zEJ7aSWMo1KPqQ" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="" data-original-height="217" data-original-width="268" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEgDPxOA4eVuoZH3MRV584IfRoSAsUMfHPECbADzxvtojoz937rjFvLuCZBq8LL174ieuMIOPTzX4Z4hq4f_eoi54UjFRFoPK4WE4yB_FcZLetE3pDCrybvuEGOrTs2-WiAa2pqs_VqeTBiX4IHHdWK8nd1rs6k_zTD5_l9ZGmftnzO0zEJ7aSWMo1KPqQ" width="296" /></a></div><br /><br /><p></p>
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</w:wrap></v:imagedata></v:shape><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt;">The
Passover was as important as our season of Christmas and Easter. There was a
buzz of activity. Sales of sacrificial animals were being made like Black
Friday. Room reservations were getting as scarce as they were during the
Chester County storm a few years ago when we lost power for a whole week. Those
without generators for heating and cooking packed the local hotels to capacity.
Seller’s tent pegs were being secured and extra meals made in advance. Details
were vigorously cared for with less than a week to prepare. It was a very good
year in many ways.</span><span style="font-size: 12.0pt;"> </span><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt;">It was an
exciting time. People had high hopes and high expectations for good sales and
good times. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal;"><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt;">Love was in the air. Happiness was
everywhere. At the same time, the religious leaders were planning a murder.
Jesus was on their hit list to be crucified ASAP. Can you imagine? They could
hardly wait for Jesus to be nailed to the cross. Who does that? Jesus had
predicted his death as well as his resurrection.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal;"><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt;"></span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEiRHlTUnHxLtHZq9OICOyTszCAG81xXJtOfiCP3dZYRkCDKlgUSwom_iuXMHjpAj8E60MY3dO0FgIxUk_cYMTk42zTdPUE6sF5hnEI-rMG5ChocVJdKIQCCIbW9loWUddqhgaULqsbSyeLugxKp0_e9hi5qFkP_mhqN1n-IfSpZK3tUa8i-cKGF0hsoTg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="" data-original-height="191" data-original-width="319" height="192" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEiRHlTUnHxLtHZq9OICOyTszCAG81xXJtOfiCP3dZYRkCDKlgUSwom_iuXMHjpAj8E60MY3dO0FgIxUk_cYMTk42zTdPUE6sF5hnEI-rMG5ChocVJdKIQCCIbW9loWUddqhgaULqsbSyeLugxKp0_e9hi5qFkP_mhqN1n-IfSpZK3tUa8i-cKGF0hsoTg" width="320" /></a></div><br /><br /><p></p>
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</w:wrap></v:imagedata></v:shape><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt;">Jesus
was at home with Lazarus. Lazarus was one of three people whom Jesus had raised
from the dead. (Jesus raised the widow's son at Nain (Luke 7:11-17), Jairus'
daughter (Matthew 9:18-26; Mark 5:21-43; Luke 8:40-56), and Lazarus (John
11:1-44).)<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Isn’t it wonderful? Surely,
there are those among us who have been raised from the dead. Perhaps not
literally, but spiritually, morally, or emotionally for sure. And, aren’t you
glad about it? Someone here can testify: “I am not what I ought to be, I’m not
what I want to be, but thank God, I am not what I used to be.”<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal;"><v:shape id="_x0000_s1027" style="height: 102pt; margin-left: 3.55pt; margin-top: 30.6pt; mso-height-percent: 0; mso-height-percent: 0; mso-height-relative: margin; mso-position-horizontal-relative: text; mso-position-horizontal: absolute; mso-position-vertical-relative: text; mso-position-vertical: absolute; mso-width-percent: 0; mso-width-percent: 0; mso-width-relative: margin; mso-wrap-distance-bottom: 0; mso-wrap-distance-left: 9pt; mso-wrap-distance-right: 9pt; mso-wrap-distance-top: 0; mso-wrap-style: square; position: absolute; visibility: visible; width: 130.65pt; z-index: -251655168;" type="#_x0000_t75">
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</w:wrap></v:imagedata></v:shape><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt;">With
the help of a loving God, our lives have been blessed and we have much for
which to be grateful and much to celebrate. Mary was grateful for the love and
friendship she had with Jesus. Jesus was welcome in her home. Verse 3 says she
tended to his feet, which was the humblest job, usually the work of a
slave.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal;"><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"></span></span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEgFsFwhIBQ2YAedq_ZfiUIj_B0JVf830oocBStO9qwUvz2ohqJ3YDVOCj4hsvFQK-gMVSEymCuO2lX86MK8dNA46YSYwHWx60WeUj-aHLspWVGXnGHQw0AXK7UIZgELMEpqyjMeZaR1CnDhhqpK1pnNBvhj8Hb3egcVplQcgt9h9JR3ptNXVDZgHsaM1Q" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="" data-original-height="212" data-original-width="272" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEgFsFwhIBQ2YAedq_ZfiUIj_B0JVf830oocBStO9qwUvz2ohqJ3YDVOCj4hsvFQK-gMVSEymCuO2lX86MK8dNA46YSYwHWx60WeUj-aHLspWVGXnGHQw0AXK7UIZgELMEpqyjMeZaR1CnDhhqpK1pnNBvhj8Hb3egcVplQcgt9h9JR3ptNXVDZgHsaM1Q" width="308" /></a></div><br /><br /><p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal;"><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt;">The Lenten season is as good a time as ever
to make our homes welcoming to Jesus and his followers. I’ve told the story of
how the Holy Spirit convicted me and helped me to put my house in order. Years
ago, as I prayed, my attention was dramatically drawn to a little draw of a
lamp stand. When I looked inside there was a piece of paper with a <o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal;"><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt;">not- so-nice joke written on it. I threw
it away. Another time, I had a dream of a very large rat tail extended from
behind a chair. I was being alerted to a friend of mine who was more of a rat
than a friend. His intentions were less than Godly. We all know that the bigger
the tail, the bigger the rat. Lent is a good time remember to make our homes
welcoming to Jesus and his followers.<o:p></o:p></span></p>
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</w:wrap></v:imagedata></v:shape><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt;">Mary’s
gratitude moved her to humble herself before Jesus by anointing him with the
fragrance of love. She spared no expense. The perfumed oil she used was worth a
year’s wages. It prepared him for his death as well as his resurrection.
Similar stories in the other gospels tell us such perfumed oil was stored in an
alabaster box and poured out to anoint Jesus’ head as priests anointed kings
for God’s chosen leadership. Also, Mary is the only woman mentioned by name and
instead of anointing his head, she anointed Jesus’ feet, a symbol of care and
refreshment for his sorrow-filled journey that would be followed in three days
with his rising to defeat death.<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal;"><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt;">Mary’s alabaster box was filled with her
love for Jesus. It was a sweet aroma that filled the house for all to sense. It
demonstrated that Jesus was worth more than anything and anyone.<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal;"><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt;">Now, the question remains, what’s in
YOUR alabaster box? <o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal;"><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt;"></span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEgtQPaFHOt0J6f6uc3jPEWHR08Awwtl3OE4rHxCtz4l94KhTO2yo6yoHFWvnyM31gHpY8Ms2eRXMNu_Uab9Mhva1pSngG8dms94bwE5WPqmxpy7iGakIyIhk7luQsNzpF_sqUtV63QquT2ePlAuWee0CiexjPpTYd13TQ90TC4nyVm4gcYT2_yO1EdYPw" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="" data-original-height="259" data-original-width="255" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEgtQPaFHOt0J6f6uc3jPEWHR08Awwtl3OE4rHxCtz4l94KhTO2yo6yoHFWvnyM31gHpY8Ms2eRXMNu_Uab9Mhva1pSngG8dms94bwE5WPqmxpy7iGakIyIhk7luQsNzpF_sqUtV63QquT2ePlAuWee0CiexjPpTYd13TQ90TC4nyVm4gcYT2_yO1EdYPw" width="236" /></a></div><br /><br /><p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal;"><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt;">Amen.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span><o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal;"><span style="font-size: 12.0pt;"><o:p> </o:p></span></p>Pastor Hineshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09116473656083061218noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-860308507969757375.post-62943772161976425152022-03-25T07:48:00.001-07:002022-03-25T07:48:19.015-07:00Why God Speaks to Us: To Convict” Pastor Hines March 27, 2022<p> </p><p align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt;">Why God Speaks to Us: To Convict”<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt;">Pastor Hines <o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt;">March 27, 2022<o:p></o:p></span></p><p align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt;"></span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEj7oNsGHhtWPtNZQFGFOjCLqSZ71qdbjoUBmaiDpRyaPKCnzCM1HLPu6bb15Dj0SBgNvxf64aNOARuHsTNoWQl_Vdd-aPHI4MKhIlJd2P52asNYXihm6Yqn2_UfFAZrRYGXVYQxzzysohdE5vQbvogmSIDBE_Z9RqBdZ0RTiGRLGaiIAxtLRg5OcE8znA" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="" data-original-height="251" data-original-width="451" height="178" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEj7oNsGHhtWPtNZQFGFOjCLqSZ71qdbjoUBmaiDpRyaPKCnzCM1HLPu6bb15Dj0SBgNvxf64aNOARuHsTNoWQl_Vdd-aPHI4MKhIlJd2P52asNYXihm6Yqn2_UfFAZrRYGXVYQxzzysohdE5vQbvogmSIDBE_Z9RqBdZ0RTiGRLGaiIAxtLRg5OcE8znA" width="320" /></a></div><br /><br /><p></p>
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<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">The beginning of this text from Luke is a complaint
that Jesus eats with sinners. The ending of the reading also emphasizes eating
with sinners. A father gives a party with a feast for his son who has sinned in
so many different ways. We all have our list of those we label as sinners.
Who’s on your list? Some list people who break the Ten Commandments as
“sinners.” People who break the Ten Commandments by using the Lord’s name in
vain or working on the Sabbath may not be labeled as sinners as much as they were
years ago. Serving other Gods by being greedy corporate managers, traffickers,
drug dealers, thieves, liars, or adulterers may get a frown from Christians,
but for most of us a “sinner” is a person we want God to judge and condemn
because they don’t give us what we want and know we deserve. A sinner is
someone we want God to send straight to hell because they make us mad or they
make our friends and family mad. We all have our list of sinners. <o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">Jesus can sometimes makes us uncomfortable. His
lifestyle of eating with people we know as sinners does not sit well with us.
Jesus is a friend of sinners. Seeing Jesus sitting down, being friendly and
talking with someone we want to stay away from, may make us want to ask Jesus,
“What are you doing? Whose side are you on?” Seeing Jesus eating with
undeserving sinners, makes us less interested in accepting that invitation to
the Lord’s Supper. No doubt Jesus deliberately eats with sinners. That convicts
us. Shouldn’t we too be eating with sinners?<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>We might feel guilty. The question is do we feel guilty enough to ask
Jesus what we should do about it. Do we feel guilty enough to be ready if Jesus
calls us to pray for blessings on one sinner or another? Are we ready to have a
change of heart with some sinner or a conversation, or a cup of coffee, or even
sit at a table with Jesus? Are we at least ready to get ready?<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">Every story that shows the loving Jesus with one
whom some called a worthless sinner is a story that convicts us to do the same.
Luke tells the story of the Prodigal Son a young man who was called a sinner
because he left home after disrespecting his family and squandering his family
estate on loose living. A loving father, representing the Heavenly Father, the
Son Jesus and the Holy Spirit, hovered over the Prodigal Son’s life with love
and prayer. When the Prodigal Son returned home Love sat at a table and
prepared a feast fit for a sinner whom was cherished. <o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">In this Lenten season, doesn’t it make you want to
take out your list of sinners and people you reject and name them one by one
and ask Jesus how we should pray for them, what change of heart we should have
toward them, what kind of conversation to have with them, or when to share a
cup of coffee or even sit at table with them along with Jesus?<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">We all have our stories. It is stories like the
Prodigal Son that convict us that we need to be like Jesus. Henri Nouwen
(January 24, 1932-September 21, 1996) Catholic priest, professor, writer and
theologian is known for his deep spiritual reflections, having written over 40
spiritual books. He saw himself in the story of the Prodigal Son. In his book
entitled Return of the Prodigal Son, Nouwen reflects that he and all of us can
be like the loving father who waited for his wayward son to return, like the
son who left home angrily, </span><v:shape alt="Rembrandt's Prodigal: A Life Lesson - Stanton Lanier" id="Picture_x0020_4" o:spid="_x0000_s1028" style="height: 153.65pt; margin-left: 4.85pt; margin-top: 4.6pt; mso-height-percent: 0; mso-height-percent: 0; mso-height-relative: margin; mso-position-horizontal-relative: text; mso-position-horizontal: absolute; mso-position-vertical-relative: text; mso-position-vertical: absolute; mso-width-percent: 0; mso-width-percent: 0; mso-width-relative: margin; mso-wrap-distance-bottom: 0; mso-wrap-distance-left: 9pt; mso-wrap-distance-right: 9pt; mso-wrap-distance-top: 0; mso-wrap-style: square; position: absolute; visibility: visible; width: 117.85pt; z-index: -251657216;" type="#_x0000_t75">
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</w:wrap></v:imagedata></v:shape><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">and
also like the older son who was angry that the father held a party with a feast
for his stupid, worthless, sinner of a brother who only came home when his
other choice was feeding slop to the pigs. Nouwen was a Dutchman and he was so
enamored with this story as well as his fellow Dutchman Rembrandt’s painting
entitled The Prodigal Son which hangs in Russia’s Hermitage Museum.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"></span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEjO23SJeaLxOwV5XG4BvA28m5wIzIx1PHwXDEM30X7CeLjNp-r91yORyxVpE4i-OgXZPp3cgMOYsYyXhe6qgMxb5yf1ptto-MB_em1cXrsNj-9bNVZolaUIiqIlL9IQYKnXuOCRCPN67EswkMEulvY6X8rAK95LhIu5UIU6Vme0lpUcQqgQybnL8IeSZQ" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="" data-original-height="320" data-original-width="246" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEjO23SJeaLxOwV5XG4BvA28m5wIzIx1PHwXDEM30X7CeLjNp-r91yORyxVpE4i-OgXZPp3cgMOYsYyXhe6qgMxb5yf1ptto-MB_em1cXrsNj-9bNVZolaUIiqIlL9IQYKnXuOCRCPN67EswkMEulvY6X8rAK95LhIu5UIU6Vme0lpUcQqgQybnL8IeSZQ" width="185" /></a></div><br /><br /><p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">Because we love our God, we want to hear God’s call
to conviction. We want to see Jesus at table with sinners because as Nouwen
says “Resentment and complaints, deep as they may seem, can vanish in the face
of him in whom the full light of Sonship is visible.”<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Love saves us, love cures us. Would that we
would be so convicted until we want to be with Jesus more and more even though
he is sitting and even eating with those we quietly think of as worthless
sinners or that anger us or our family and friends. Jesus is a friend of those
sinners we want to avoid. They are messy, upsetting, and inconvenient.<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">Love shows up at that table to save and to cure
sinners like you and me. Love shows up! How wonderful is that. It seems there
are so many stories that convict us. The question is are we convicted enough to
join the sinner at that table when it would be helpful.<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">I heard other stories this week that tell where love
has saved and cured. There was Christina* a poor Brazilian who was young and
beautiful. She ran away from home in hopes of a better life. Her mother Maria,
knowing what happens to girls that wander the streets, took several pictures of
herself with a note that said “Whatever you have done, whatever you have
become, it doesn’t matter. Please come home.” Maria posted her picture with the
note in every bar, hotel and bus stop she could until she ran out of money. Before
long, Christina found one of the notes and she did go back home.<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">In another story **Jason had a faith crisis when his
parents went through a divorce. He told his mom that he loves God but hates
God’s people. His lifestyle began to center around woman, alcohol, and drugs in
order to medicate the pain and struggle he had about his dad. She felt led to
give her son Joseph’s Prince’s book entitled Destined to Reign. He scowled when
she handed it to him but she was shocked to find him reading it during the next
few days. Eventually, he confessed to her saying, “Mom, I thought that God was
not healing my back because I don’t live right but God is going to heal me
because He loves me!” He then began sharing the book with his young friends. <o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">Dateline*** had a story that reminded me that
sinners are everywhere, even in unusual places and everywhere love can save us
and cure us. They need a friend in Jesus. God may be asking us to join them at
the table. Nantucket had not had a murder in two decades, but a couple who had
both gone to the University of Notre Dame started dating. Theirs seemed like a
perfect world with perfect opportunities, no sinners in sight. Within 6 weeks
this perfect situation ended in a tragic murder of the woman at the hands of
her boyfriend who looked and acted successfully, but he himself said he was a
great actor. His character was rotten with excessive drinking, smoking, anger
and a murderous spirit. This story reminds us that Jesus is needed everywhere
and that sinners can wear fancy clothes, be highly educated, and live in nice
places or they can be lice ridden junkies who slobber.<o:p></o:p></span></p>
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</w:wrap></v:imagedata></v:shape><v:shape alt="Former Clinton aide shares his story at Rally in the Valley for people recovering from addiction - The Morning Call" id="Picture_x0020_5" o:spid="_x0000_s1026" style="height: 125.5pt; margin-left: 164.7pt; margin-top: 0; mso-height-percent: 0; mso-height-percent: 0; mso-height-relative: margin; mso-position-horizontal-relative: text; mso-position-horizontal: absolute; mso-position-vertical-relative: text; mso-position-vertical: absolute; mso-width-percent: 0; mso-width-percent: 0; mso-width-relative: margin; mso-wrap-distance-bottom: 0; mso-wrap-distance-left: 9pt; mso-wrap-distance-right: 9pt; mso-wrap-distance-top: 0; mso-wrap-style: square; position: absolute; visibility: visible; width: 171.6pt; z-index: -251656192;" type="#_x0000_t75">
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</w:wrap></v:imagedata></v:shape><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"></span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"></span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEhAFN4njpCG4812SLGOBKxVS4VOoz84_RefRVTezGxUFD14u90lbFxiC09KcQjo3sha-0RGyP3vrBqLTL-s1mKpt6pC9H3I3XYt2fEtTn8ewM2a6q7UuSXhARGHlJn2YA_xdMlrrP4ackqNo-whJh7NCaG605DFSmCAfFLQpqOLRkHWp6WwLR4GAimPvQ" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="" data-original-height="261" data-original-width="358" height="233" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEhAFN4njpCG4812SLGOBKxVS4VOoz84_RefRVTezGxUFD14u90lbFxiC09KcQjo3sha-0RGyP3vrBqLTL-s1mKpt6pC9H3I3XYt2fEtTn8ewM2a6q7UuSXhARGHlJn2YA_xdMlrrP4ackqNo-whJh7NCaG605DFSmCAfFLQpqOLRkHWp6WwLR4GAimPvQ" width="320" /></a></div><br /><br /><p></p>Ryan
Hampton a Clinton aide who, again, was the picture of success. He has a
powerful story. After an injury he became addicted to opioids. He was in Florida
when a law monitoring drug use made it harder for him to get pills from as many
doctors as he could in order to feed his addiction. He knew if he tried, he
would be arrested. He left a clinic with the most horrible withdrawal symptoms
- vomiting, muscle pain, trembling. A heroin dealer was conveniently waiting
for him in the parking lot. Heroin was cheaper and could quell the withdrawal
symptoms. As a result of his addiction, Ryan lost his job and his home. He was
homeless. I don’t know what his faith is, but it’s clear that he did not lose
Jesus. Jesus was in his life to save him and cure him and to sit at table with
him. His mother stood by his side and let him know that he could be saved,
though 100,000 have died of overdoses and money goes into the wrong pockets
while so-called rehab centers do not even have narcan that immediately revives
overdose victims. Ryan is now in recovery and is an advocate for other addicts
who are surrounded by doctors and others who prey on the pain of others by
pushing pills for prophet. Ryan is working to change evil laws that are
designed to hurt rather than help. <o:p></o:p><p></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"></span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEgGw0boTaib03SZAfYCsTSF2UMCxNq9JZeZkU-Ym-ORxjpAy3F47XxeKVR5d4ktKD6uA9spVb0UOvcUHESaqWpv_rfWka4Zibf66AJzAIvmbuZcgy4h88LNj5yakJdQU2LzFwqEDyCOeeSCcXyuNK_aZDL9aViNdsa1Y2tbhgbis1Hrq-ibHw4PyU2_tw" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="" data-original-height="286" data-original-width="286" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEgGw0boTaib03SZAfYCsTSF2UMCxNq9JZeZkU-Ym-ORxjpAy3F47XxeKVR5d4ktKD6uA9spVb0UOvcUHESaqWpv_rfWka4Zibf66AJzAIvmbuZcgy4h88LNj5yakJdQU2LzFwqEDyCOeeSCcXyuNK_aZDL9aViNdsa1Y2tbhgbis1Hrq-ibHw4PyU2_tw" width="240" /></a></div><br /><p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">Hostage negotiator and crisis communication expert
Chris White presented a mental health webinar for our Conferences. He reminded
us that the pandemic has resulted in more experiencing poor mental health and a
rising epidemic of suicide. He urges churches to listen carefully to those who
show signs of distress, to listen without judgment, without trying to problem
solve, but ready to affirm that telling how they are stressed is very brave.
Chris encourages us to promote active listening and resources that help. We
have numbers on our bulletin for those who need help.<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">There is plenty of bad news in this world. We
Christians have good news. We are not the Prodigal Church. We have seen Jesus
being a friend to sinners, eating at table with them. Seeing him convicts us.
We want the world to know through our lifestyle that Love saves. Love
cures.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Amen.<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">=<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="background: #F2F2F2; line-height: 18.0pt; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; vertical-align: baseline;"><span style="color: black; font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">*Max Lucado, <i><span style="border: none windowtext 1.0pt; mso-border-alt: none windowtext 0in; padding: 0in;">No Wonder They Call Him the Savior</span></i>, Multnomah Press,
1986, pp. 158-9.<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">**Joseph Prince<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">***Dateline March 24<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><o:p> </o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><o:p> </o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><o:p> </o:p></span></p>Pastor Hineshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09116473656083061218noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-860308507969757375.post-9195060567936485512022-03-18T07:59:00.001-07:002022-03-18T07:59:17.193-07:00 “Why God Speaks to Us: To Convince” - Pastor Hines March 20, 2022<p> </p><p align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="background: white; line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; text-align: center;"><u><span style="color: black; font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">“Why God Speaks to Us: To Convince” - Pastor
Hines <o:p></o:p></span></u></p>
<p align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="background: white; line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; text-align: center;"><u><span style="color: black; font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">March 20, 2022<o:p></o:p></span></u></p><p align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="background: white; line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; text-align: center;"><u><span style="color: black; font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"></span></u></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><u><br /></u></div><u><br /><br /></u><p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; mso-margin-top-alt: auto;"><span style="color: #010000; font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">It used to be said that the brain is an underutilized part of
our body. It was thought that we used a mere 10 percent of our brain and that
most of us rarely reached our mental potential. Today, neurologists assert that
with brain mapping, we actually use 100% of our brain every day. Our brains are
not only like a machine, our brains are like a computer. Neurologist John
Henley thinks that the myth that we don’t use most of our brain developed because
only a small part of the brain is used at a time, but by the end of a day, our
entire brain gets put to work.<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; mso-margin-top-alt: auto;"><span style="color: #010000; font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">What does it take for us to be convinced of one idea over
another? God speaks to us. Why? In this series that began March 6, Why God
Speaks to Us, we remember that God speaks to us in order to CHALLENGE us. We
looked at Jesus temptation in the Wilderness where his appetite, his attention,
and his altitude were challenged. Last week we saw God speaking to Abram to
COMFORT him with the words, “Don’t be afraid.” This week we see another reason
God speaks to us. God speaks to us to CONVINCE us.<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; mso-margin-top-alt: auto;"><span style="color: #010000; font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">What does it take to convince us humans that something is true
or not true? Dr. Ray Matthews says it takes 20 years for us to catch on to a
new idea. Dr. Matthews is a surgeon who has treated head trauma patients in an
emergency room with dramatic success using high doses of vitamin D. A
phlebotomist recently talked about being convinced that supplementing with
vitamin D relieved her of the inflammation brought on by her auto immune
disease. Dr. Matthews talks about how we experience winter blues and illness in
the winter since our bodies make vitamin D from March to October. Our levels of
vitamin D go down without the sun being at a certain angle, the same as why we
don’t plant when the sun is not high.</span><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt;"> </span><span style="color: #010000; font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">Years ago my doctor
directed me to daily take a handful of vitamin D supplements for the sake of my
health. That was not a typical recommendation 10, 20 years ago. Many have
become convinced of the value </span><v:shapetype coordsize="21600,21600" filled="f" id="_x0000_t75" o:preferrelative="t" o:spt="75" path="m@4@5l@4@11@9@11@9@5xe" stroked="f">
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</w:wrap></v:imagedata></v:shape><span style="color: #010000; font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">of vitamin D.<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; mso-margin-top-alt: auto;"><v:shape alt="As Sea Ice Shrinks, Can Polar Bears Survive on Land?" id="Picture_x0020_7" o:spid="_x0000_s1036" style="height: 121.5pt; margin-left: 224.85pt; margin-top: 231.6pt; mso-height-percent: 0; mso-height-percent: 0; mso-height-relative: margin; mso-position-horizontal-relative: text; mso-position-horizontal: absolute; mso-position-vertical-relative: text; mso-position-vertical: absolute; mso-width-percent: 0; mso-width-percent: 0; mso-width-relative: margin; mso-wrap-distance-bottom: 0; mso-wrap-distance-left: 9pt; mso-wrap-distance-right: 9pt; mso-wrap-distance-top: 0; mso-wrap-style: square; position: absolute; visibility: visible; width: 115.7pt; z-index: -251656192;" type="#_x0000_t75">
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</w:wrap></v:imagedata></v:shape><v:shape alt="The Best Smartphones for 2022 | Reviews by Wirecutter" id="Picture_x0020_3" o:spid="_x0000_s1035" style="height: 107.1pt; margin-left: 7.1pt; margin-top: 53.1pt; mso-height-percent: 0; mso-height-percent: 0; mso-height-relative: margin; mso-position-horizontal-relative: text; mso-position-horizontal: absolute; mso-position-vertical-relative: text; mso-position-vertical: absolute; mso-width-percent: 0; mso-width-percent: 0; mso-width-relative: margin; mso-wrap-distance-bottom: 0; mso-wrap-distance-left: 9pt; mso-wrap-distance-right: 9pt; mso-wrap-distance-top: 0; mso-wrap-style: square; position: absolute; visibility: visible; width: 125.1pt; z-index: -251657216;" type="#_x0000_t75">
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</w:wrap></v:imagedata></v:shape><span style="color: #010000; font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">It can take a long time for ideas to take hold in the world, but
they can take off like a rocket after a while. The first practical TV set was
demonstrated in 1930 at the World’s Fair. When World War II started, all
commercial production of television equipment was banned. In 1946, there were
6,000 television sets in use. By 1951, there were 12 million. No new invention
entered American homes faster than black and white television sets; by 1955
half of all U.S. homes had one.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; mso-margin-top-alt: auto;"><span style="color: #010000; font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"></span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEg80GPbKq3KkPmVNqxPChFaVLKWr2QN-wnqoOGLXaoLsdotR1vZ9YrwuPPJQVhFhn6-7KD82a4fqIVpEcz3fJZN1oE278Yy5T8ASTCTTt-Wj9C1p-cysnGqJuPsYcJ4335BIYuYbKI8jqgI3Tm4nvKHyCy-7gGH9DE6L4t9CIP98OMPd7I9iJwnnSgXtg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="" data-original-height="220" data-original-width="293" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEg80GPbKq3KkPmVNqxPChFaVLKWr2QN-wnqoOGLXaoLsdotR1vZ9YrwuPPJQVhFhn6-7KD82a4fqIVpEcz3fJZN1oE278Yy5T8ASTCTTt-Wj9C1p-cysnGqJuPsYcJ4335BIYuYbKI8jqgI3Tm4nvKHyCy-7gGH9DE6L4t9CIP98OMPd7I9iJwnnSgXtg" width="320" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEjlpp1kt8N1Iiougw0xvcMIE-zGlr64cK9-6LhB-Hx_3CHXL7lwkk0Y_sHYc-EpUXqCL_ynqGqG51TfqsMyIllDFpckcovuaITIESRDYpB2z32M0aLuKhRLaham3MaICBvlC_SJHdFMlClj-QcFQ9nIUnCJinTj4WUAuuSinTMzn5Rki9tMz_GgNecuGQ" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="" data-original-height="223" data-original-width="260" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEjlpp1kt8N1Iiougw0xvcMIE-zGlr64cK9-6LhB-Hx_3CHXL7lwkk0Y_sHYc-EpUXqCL_ynqGqG51TfqsMyIllDFpckcovuaITIESRDYpB2z32M0aLuKhRLaham3MaICBvlC_SJHdFMlClj-QcFQ9nIUnCJinTj4WUAuuSinTMzn5Rki9tMz_GgNecuGQ" width="280" /></a></div><br /><br /><p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; mso-margin-top-alt: auto;"><v:shape alt="Trash islands' off Central America indicate ocean pollution problem" id="Picture_x0020_13" o:spid="_x0000_s1034" style="height: 98.05pt; margin-left: 6.8pt; margin-top: 158.1pt; mso-height-percent: 0; mso-height-percent: 0; mso-height-relative: margin; mso-position-horizontal-relative: text; mso-position-horizontal: absolute; mso-position-vertical-relative: text; mso-position-vertical: absolute; mso-width-percent: 0; mso-width-percent: 0; mso-width-relative: margin; mso-wrap-distance-bottom: 0; mso-wrap-distance-left: 9pt; mso-wrap-distance-right: 9pt; mso-wrap-distance-top: 0; mso-wrap-style: square; position: absolute; visibility: visible; width: 152.55pt; z-index: -251655168;" type="#_x0000_t75">
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</w:wrap></v:imagedata></v:shape><span style="color: #010000; font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">New ideas often start out slow before they are accepted. We
experienced this as the world went from car phones to smart phones. These days
the world is wrestling with big ideas like climate change. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Greed is overusing the soil, keeping it from
resting and replenishing. I heard Dr. Mark Hyman, wellness specialist, thinks
that in 60 years, all the soil for planting will be stripped of its nutrients.
There will be no soil left for planting. We all hope and pray for great ideas
that bring about peace and abolish poverty. Wouldn’t it be wonderful if good
ideas were known in every household and become the rule in every neighborhood.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; mso-margin-top-alt: auto;"><span style="color: #010000; font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"></span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEjxn2l49_XWuUUwjLN-OjKblGKyL0QV-EEqu6_JQfUb43SIWiR-vYd3xqWRW0c7JnWpptQj_wLPfLM2Jr2kTfHuXMVURw5BE2vtAvUVhrv2d_DkJVpte57X7mpUdFIRoHRIs2aAxafJ94NQ9SSwh5B4dphzUv0Mz2vNkvY1Cyrc1eiixM23SOWqnqlhyg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="" data-original-height="253" data-original-width="241" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEjxn2l49_XWuUUwjLN-OjKblGKyL0QV-EEqu6_JQfUb43SIWiR-vYd3xqWRW0c7JnWpptQj_wLPfLM2Jr2kTfHuXMVURw5BE2vtAvUVhrv2d_DkJVpte57X7mpUdFIRoHRIs2aAxafJ94NQ9SSwh5B4dphzUv0Mz2vNkvY1Cyrc1eiixM23SOWqnqlhyg" width="229" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEgduSdP6jTYcdX3AegOtHO-Yqk0i-bpA8qAjA-ZEkCYnyf1ti3adDC_EB9-CEbtd-h_cIIqndn5Est0VUU4xZA7N4_5yoku9ejuC6UktBmJPLy9A56GhAbmyg_La66wpvBhXqj-t-0amIR_F5ifRTQHMrDbKnijgWcu4dAKJzPyjMB9Cr58tIAkJJW0_w" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="" data-original-height="204" data-original-width="318" height="205" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEgduSdP6jTYcdX3AegOtHO-Yqk0i-bpA8qAjA-ZEkCYnyf1ti3adDC_EB9-CEbtd-h_cIIqndn5Est0VUU4xZA7N4_5yoku9ejuC6UktBmJPLy9A56GhAbmyg_La66wpvBhXqj-t-0amIR_F5ifRTQHMrDbKnijgWcu4dAKJzPyjMB9Cr58tIAkJJW0_w" width="320" /></a></div><br /><br /></div><br /><br /><p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; mso-margin-top-alt: auto;"><v:shape alt="VIDEO: Hurricane Ida Rips Gaping Hole in MS Highway 26 : CEG" id="Picture_x0020_15" o:spid="_x0000_s1033" style="height: 116.65pt; margin-left: -2.25pt; margin-top: 196.1pt; mso-height-percent: 0; mso-height-percent: 0; mso-height-relative: margin; mso-position-horizontal-relative: text; mso-position-horizontal: absolute; mso-position-vertical-relative: text; mso-position-vertical: absolute; mso-width-percent: 0; mso-width-percent: 0; mso-width-relative: margin; mso-wrap-distance-bottom: 0; mso-wrap-distance-left: 9pt; mso-wrap-distance-right: 9pt; mso-wrap-distance-top: 0; mso-wrap-style: square; position: absolute; visibility: visible; width: 155.6pt; z-index: -251653120;" type="#_x0000_t75">
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</w:wrap></v:imagedata></v:shape><v:shape alt="Minneapolis Bridge Collapse: 10 Years Later, Infrastructure Still In Decline : NPR" id="Picture_x0020_14" o:spid="_x0000_s1032" style="height: 127.15pt; margin-left: 167.35pt; margin-top: 8.25pt; mso-position-horizontal-relative: text; mso-position-horizontal: absolute; mso-position-vertical-relative: text; mso-position-vertical: absolute; mso-wrap-distance-bottom: 0; mso-wrap-distance-left: 9pt; mso-wrap-distance-right: 9pt; mso-wrap-distance-top: 0; mso-wrap-style: square; position: absolute; visibility: visible; width: 169.6pt; z-index: -251654144;" type="#_x0000_t75">
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</w:wrap></v:imagedata></v:shape><span style="color: #010000; font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">In Jesus’ day, people had the same hopes that we do. A tower
collapsed and 18 people were killed. We’ve seen towers, bridges and roads
collapse. Our own Twin Towers and the World Trade Center collapsed September
11, 2001 killing 3,000. During the evening rush-hour on August 1, 2007, the
center span of an eight-lane, steel truss arch bridge—one that carried
Interstate 35W over the Mississippi River in Minneapolis, Minnesota—suddenly
collapsed. Adjoining sections then crumbled. Last year, two people were killed
and ten were injured when Hurricane Ida left 13 inches of water causing a deep
hole on the two-lane Mississippi Highway 26. <o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; mso-margin-top-alt: auto;"><span style="color: #010000; font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"></span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEgTvRlTfuflFtLV27WfxVf5PAR6dr6mQBf55nxZrBl29NJUr_B0GMRtyXvhm-Ees8wkln5fps0XpsmX3noOYNXn4OMsxJEu5d35CUy2sxd6i-BV22d98LhzykBmoguyhtw2K3fM8n5SvGxn1rL0Dx-DGfcoYjesT0T1p26iKWQp2gMDjUdocT-kDmw3zQ" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="" data-original-height="265" data-original-width="353" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEgTvRlTfuflFtLV27WfxVf5PAR6dr6mQBf55nxZrBl29NJUr_B0GMRtyXvhm-Ees8wkln5fps0XpsmX3noOYNXn4OMsxJEu5d35CUy2sxd6i-BV22d98LhzykBmoguyhtw2K3fM8n5SvGxn1rL0Dx-DGfcoYjesT0T1p26iKWQp2gMDjUdocT-kDmw3zQ" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEh9X0VRgHTUdpzjKsBH9fS_fvnyrNN_E26jETxgrAe26Hk6yYZsYFoKbnOsMheWJIj6BMWs9n2TXritosPrZsKuUeF5fS8wqlbrEL4WUMNq9e9s_SwJXC-qTyXdd2niG6j_asCcImZus6RGdpHTh6VhbkHyCrzRmUkk25QMfm5ey-hsGIS8tYpcSXHMLA" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="" data-original-height="243" data-original-width="325" height="239" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEh9X0VRgHTUdpzjKsBH9fS_fvnyrNN_E26jETxgrAe26Hk6yYZsYFoKbnOsMheWJIj6BMWs9n2TXritosPrZsKuUeF5fS8wqlbrEL4WUMNq9e9s_SwJXC-qTyXdd2niG6j_asCcImZus6RGdpHTh6VhbkHyCrzRmUkk25QMfm5ey-hsGIS8tYpcSXHMLA" width="320" /></a></div><br /><br /></div><br /><br /><p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; mso-margin-top-alt: auto;"><v:shape alt="People need the Lord lyrics - Steve Green - YouTube" id="Picture_x0020_16" o:spid="_x0000_s1031" style="height: 95.15pt; margin-left: 175.35pt; margin-top: 83.5pt; mso-height-percent: 0; mso-height-percent: 0; mso-height-relative: margin; mso-position-horizontal-relative: text; mso-position-horizontal: absolute; mso-position-vertical-relative: text; mso-position-vertical: absolute; mso-width-percent: 0; mso-width-percent: 0; mso-width-relative: margin; mso-wrap-distance-bottom: 0; mso-wrap-distance-left: 9pt; mso-wrap-distance-right: 9pt; mso-wrap-distance-top: 0; mso-wrap-style: square; position: absolute; visibility: visible; width: 168.6pt; z-index: -251652096;" type="#_x0000_t75">
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<w:wrap type="tight">
</w:wrap></v:imagedata></v:shape><span style="color: #010000; font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">Also, news in Jesus’ day was a story in this morning’s text
about Pilate totally disrespecting the altar and the lives of God’s people.
This is similar to the war crimes being perpetrated in the Ukraine with
unbelievable acts of inhumanity and disregard for God.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; mso-margin-top-alt: auto;"><span style="color: #010000; font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">The only way to survive catastrophes and tragedies with a
modicum of sanity is to stay on the Lord’s side. <o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; mso-margin-top-alt: auto;"><span style="color: #010000; font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">Of course, when life is hard for somebody else, we count our
blessings. But, depending on who and what has happened, we may think like some
have thought from the beginning of time, that karma was at work, that the
victims got what they deserved, that the negativity they sent out to someone,
came back to bite them in the backside. <o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; mso-margin-top-alt: auto;"><v:shape alt="Sally Ride - Wikipedia" id="Picture_x0020_17" o:spid="_x0000_s1030" style="height: 142pt; margin-left: 231.65pt; margin-top: 203.95pt; mso-height-percent: 0; mso-height-percent: 0; mso-height-relative: margin; mso-position-horizontal-relative: text; mso-position-horizontal: absolute; mso-position-vertical-relative: text; mso-position-vertical: absolute; mso-width-percent: 0; mso-width-percent: 0; mso-width-relative: margin; mso-wrap-distance-bottom: 0; mso-wrap-distance-left: 9pt; mso-wrap-distance-right: 9pt; mso-wrap-distance-top: 0; mso-wrap-style: square; position: absolute; visibility: visible; width: 113.65pt; z-index: -251651072;" type="#_x0000_t75">
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</w:wrap></v:imagedata></v:shape><span style="color: #010000; font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">Jesus spoke to convince the people that not all bad things that
happen, happen because of divine retribution or because of human failings.
God’s ways are not our ways so says Isaiah 58.9. In John 9.2, Jesus’ disciples
saw a blind man and assumed his condition was punishment for sin, because that
was the major teaching and thinking of the day, so they naturally asked Jesus,
“Who sinned, the blind man or his parents?” Jesus spoke to convince his
disciples to grow spiritually and think in a new way. Jesus said neither the
parents nor the blind man has sinned. His blindness is not God’s punishment.
There was no explanation to replace their thinking. There was simply the
assertion that God works in the worst situations and we need to keep our eye on
God for God is doing something in every situation and every situation is not
the same. Missy Cooper a teenager from the television series <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">Young Sheldon</i> would counter: Why should
we pray if God is going to do what God wants to do anyway? Missy’s mother Mary
Cooper answers her daughter saying, “Prayer is not a wishing well, but an
opportunity to build a relationship with God.”<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; mso-margin-top-alt: auto;"><v:shape alt="Mae Jemison - Wikipedia" id="Picture_x0020_18" o:spid="_x0000_s1029" style="height: 142.4pt; margin-left: -1.5pt; margin-top: 30.05pt; mso-height-percent: 0; mso-height-percent: 0; mso-height-relative: margin; mso-position-horizontal-relative: text; mso-position-horizontal: absolute; mso-position-vertical-relative: text; mso-position-vertical: absolute; mso-width-percent: 0; mso-width-percent: 0; mso-width-relative: margin; mso-wrap-distance-bottom: 0; mso-wrap-distance-left: 9pt; mso-wrap-distance-right: 9pt; mso-wrap-distance-top: 0; mso-wrap-style: square; position: absolute; visibility: visible; width: 114pt; z-index: -251650048;" type="#_x0000_t75">
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<w:wrap type="tight">
</w:wrap></v:imagedata></v:shape><span style="color: #010000; font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">Understanding all the reasons behind senseless violence,
debilitating sickness, and freak accidents, is just as impossible for us as our
understanding how to travel in space like Sally Ride, a physicist and astronaut
did in 1983 or like Mae Jemison Physician and engineer did in 1992. There are
some things that are beyond us. <o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; mso-margin-top-alt: auto;"><span style="color: #010000; font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"></span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEjSAEjRPafV_b7-5XZ07sCOw5DNON7JlZPDgy9hx6kRUHpY9LXcmWV_uJ2ybFtsOcNPnLAuFK7gkIYTsUlZiFu4Mqqp1QNRkFcLbmg0nxnyNbwQY233Y9wzhVLzP1D80hMhSi2AOOO6vG8Ez54WFRJrBkct5s6zXNGQ7Q5euwAR0We84TKx8bke-sVRIg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="" data-original-height="296" data-original-width="237" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEjSAEjRPafV_b7-5XZ07sCOw5DNON7JlZPDgy9hx6kRUHpY9LXcmWV_uJ2ybFtsOcNPnLAuFK7gkIYTsUlZiFu4Mqqp1QNRkFcLbmg0nxnyNbwQY233Y9wzhVLzP1D80hMhSi2AOOO6vG8Ez54WFRJrBkct5s6zXNGQ7Q5euwAR0We84TKx8bke-sVRIg" width="192" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEj24YJ64N_oUmrMj2f5CZWKtF4LXKsqmXtBMNbLjK9MZP96oH79uq-uAur0NCWQ-KjnhSY-OiFTKzUdf6MdeeUMjCd3nj6SAgw0gUD3AkEiiZURouNBu1Jp7buy5pREKnmABGJl23DGohvtG_CAEmNqhV8rfs9ewUKdHMW-OHePeXEXnL9xWvr4LTkHlg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="" data-original-height="296" data-original-width="237" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEj24YJ64N_oUmrMj2f5CZWKtF4LXKsqmXtBMNbLjK9MZP96oH79uq-uAur0NCWQ-KjnhSY-OiFTKzUdf6MdeeUMjCd3nj6SAgw0gUD3AkEiiZURouNBu1Jp7buy5pREKnmABGJl23DGohvtG_CAEmNqhV8rfs9ewUKdHMW-OHePeXEXnL9xWvr4LTkHlg" width="192" /></a></div><br /><br /></div><br /><br /><p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; mso-margin-top-alt: auto;"><span style="color: #010000; font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">One of my favorite scriptural stories is in Chapter 13 of the
book of Judges tells us that an angel visited Samson’s parents to let them know
they were going to have a son next year. Samson’s father Manoah tried to be
very hospitable to the angel and eventually asked what his name was, but the
angel said, why are you asking me what my name is? Biblical names reflected a
person’s profound purpose and calling from God.<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; mso-margin-top-alt: auto;"><v:shape alt="A fig a day keeps the doctor away: The fruit's place in Turkish | Daily Sabah" id="Picture_x0020_19" o:spid="_x0000_s1028" style="height: 96.15pt; margin-left: 188pt; margin-top: 192pt; mso-height-percent: 0; mso-height-percent: 0; mso-height-relative: margin; mso-position-horizontal-relative: text; mso-position-horizontal: absolute; mso-position-vertical-relative: text; mso-position-vertical: absolute; mso-width-percent: 0; mso-width-percent: 0; mso-width-relative: margin; mso-wrap-distance-bottom: 0; mso-wrap-distance-left: 9pt; mso-wrap-distance-right: 9pt; mso-wrap-distance-top: 0; mso-wrap-style: square; position: absolute; visibility: visible; width: 144.25pt; z-index: -251649024;" type="#_x0000_t75">
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</w:wrap></v:imagedata></v:shape><span style="color: #010000; font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">Names are always deeply meaningful. Abraham’s name meant “father
of many nations” and Peter’s name meant “rock upon which the Church would be
built.” The angel told Samson’s father that even if he knew his name, he could
not understood it anyway because his name was hidden, his responsibilities were
highly secret, confidential, requiring special security clearances to access.
The angel’s purpose was incomprehensible, extraordinary, and much too deep to
be understood, except with the training and calling that causes us to keep our
sights as high as an astronaut’s. Some things are beyond our comprehension
until God gives us the spiritual training and understanding. Some situations
require faith and trust in God. <o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; mso-margin-top-alt: auto;"><span style="color: #010000; font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"></span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEh4ZeyKIVQV1AltJbiOEIAhLz3aaUQklejQBNH0AmvzXBQM1k3XKiMA27RUpWKtMkezS5069S5YOdMkfTQhyIXG2uF7cUirVbWEQMz35qxhZIYPBhnvlkwOz7utce4x7y124bspiA8FzJ2uShckf_GuRxHQutClkjOBQyn-J_vcCD3z4rVx9DTOZmDK0w" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="" data-original-height="201" data-original-width="300" height="214" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEh4ZeyKIVQV1AltJbiOEIAhLz3aaUQklejQBNH0AmvzXBQM1k3XKiMA27RUpWKtMkezS5069S5YOdMkfTQhyIXG2uF7cUirVbWEQMz35qxhZIYPBhnvlkwOz7utce4x7y124bspiA8FzJ2uShckf_GuRxHQutClkjOBQyn-J_vcCD3z4rVx9DTOZmDK0w" width="320" /></a></div><br /><br /><p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; mso-margin-top-alt: auto;"><span style="color: #010000; font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">In verse 6 Jesus speaks to convince listeners to “give a
fig”<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>about
growing and producing the fruit of the Spirit, love, joy, peace, patience,
kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness and self-control!!! Year after
year, we get enough manure to help us grow like many plants. Rather than hiding
behind a fig leaf like Adam did, won’t it be better to surrender our whole
lives to our wonderful, loving creator? Lent is a time to review, renew,
revisit, and rework our covenantal connection with God while we can. It’s our
choice day after day, at least while we still have a chance, maybe two or three
chances. <o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; mso-margin-top-alt: auto;"><span style="color: #010000; font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"></span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEiiy554O9wb-F4Y0mAFWEuegxGERjXic3Hf3muiqYD8Qy8lFyonC_b4Jb6mshqt_vLAKbycPIefZBjE2eYKU93HK5oMA4smQdC3YlkmV22oB3A16uqUs5qNrDCA_qfyJtUUpnPdv_a1TubpSe8q5kyg9FEkWZxQxxKlH2InWFEieKRbimDW-wDVZcOKmA" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="" data-original-height="391" data-original-width="304" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEiiy554O9wb-F4Y0mAFWEuegxGERjXic3Hf3muiqYD8Qy8lFyonC_b4Jb6mshqt_vLAKbycPIefZBjE2eYKU93HK5oMA4smQdC3YlkmV22oB3A16uqUs5qNrDCA_qfyJtUUpnPdv_a1TubpSe8q5kyg9FEkWZxQxxKlH2InWFEieKRbimDW-wDVZcOKmA" width="187" /></a></div><br /><br /><p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; mso-margin-top-alt: auto;"><v:shape alt="The Fruit of the Spirit | Revdhj's Weblog" id="Picture_x0020_20" o:spid="_x0000_s1027" style="height: 187.7pt; margin-left: .1pt; margin-top: 11.15pt; mso-height-percent: 0; mso-height-percent: 0; mso-height-relative: margin; mso-position-horizontal-relative: text; mso-position-horizontal: absolute; mso-position-vertical-relative: text; mso-position-vertical: absolute; mso-width-percent: 0; mso-width-percent: 0; mso-width-relative: margin; mso-wrap-distance-bottom: 0; mso-wrap-distance-left: 9pt; mso-wrap-distance-right: 9pt; mso-wrap-distance-top: 0; mso-wrap-style: square; position: absolute; visibility: visible; width: 145.85pt; z-index: -251648000;" type="#_x0000_t75">
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</w:wrap></v:imagedata></v:shape><span style="color: #010000; font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">Like the fig tree in Jesus’ parable today, we may not see the
precious fruit of the Spirit in our lives. When a fig tree has leaves, it
usually has fruit under those leaves. In Mark’s telling of the parable of the
fig tree, we see leaves, but there is no fruit. Year after year, some of us
have leaves, but no fruit, no love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness,
faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; mso-margin-top-alt: auto;"><span style="color: #010000; font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">Has Jesus convinced you that now is the time to accept that God
works a plan that we can’t always understand, but one that is sure to bring a
life of love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness,
gentleness, and even self-control? <o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; mso-margin-top-alt: auto;"><span style="color: #010000; font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">May these ideas take off like a rocket in your life today, Amen.
<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; mso-margin-top-alt: auto;"><span style="color: #010000; font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"></span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEgZ6yenmkw_phBvTbyo2gciWhpGVT6duAYzoMJ2YNwRkhGp9h6yZmUJL9xb-gKm1XXzvPk1wO5vbLB88p6uMAZju1o4bcH7_I7aK4n6uOSmeak3tY9ehAfF2lgiXTJdoff5-MZvMT7Zw5x4u6EyIIMuApuBcdCso8SdP1D8nPK_OYoTCmEHUQdjVjEQ0A" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="" data-original-height="274" data-original-width="411" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEgZ6yenmkw_phBvTbyo2gciWhpGVT6duAYzoMJ2YNwRkhGp9h6yZmUJL9xb-gKm1XXzvPk1wO5vbLB88p6uMAZju1o4bcH7_I7aK4n6uOSmeak3tY9ehAfF2lgiXTJdoff5-MZvMT7Zw5x4u6EyIIMuApuBcdCso8SdP1D8nPK_OYoTCmEHUQdjVjEQ0A" width="320" /></a></div><br /><br /><p></p>
<p align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="background: white; line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; text-align: center;"><v:shape alt="UCF Researchers Develop Groundbreaking New Rocket-Propulsion System | University of Central Florida News" id="Picture_x0020_21" o:spid="_x0000_s1026" style="height: 131.7pt; left: 0; margin-left: 67.25pt; margin-top: 14.9pt; mso-height-percent: 0; mso-height-percent: 0; mso-height-relative: margin; mso-position-horizontal-relative: text; mso-position-horizontal: absolute; mso-position-vertical-relative: text; mso-position-vertical: absolute; mso-width-percent: 0; mso-width-percent: 0; mso-width-relative: margin; mso-wrap-distance-bottom: 0; mso-wrap-distance-left: 9pt; mso-wrap-distance-right: 9pt; mso-wrap-distance-top: 0; mso-wrap-style: square; position: absolute; text-align: left; visibility: visible; width: 197.6pt; z-index: -251646976;" type="#_x0000_t75">
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</w:wrap></v:imagedata></v:shape><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></p>Pastor Hineshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09116473656083061218noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-860308507969757375.post-17618123233698154102022-03-11T08:18:00.006-08:002022-03-11T08:18:49.015-08:00“Why God Speaks to Us: To Comfort” - Pastor Hines March 13, 2022<p></p><p align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="background: white; line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; text-align: center;"><u><span style="color: black; font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">“Why God Speaks to Us: To Comfort” - Pastor
Hines <o:p></o:p></span></u></p>
<p align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="background: white; line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; text-align: center;"><u><span style="color: black; font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">March 13, 2022<o:p></o:p></span></u></p><p align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="background: white; line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; text-align: center;"><u><span style="color: black; font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"></span></u></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><u><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEipn0_IhhByVN4MxW4nAMMhyw9dgQhp703H_jopI4lNVnxip9ThBkn2p-Q-IbAHl53Y0vQw1XGMYNgoI3za5sEyY7nMc3Xv4kgundSianw5-JhinXFsuihgORgq2W09yXRxmQepnU6KKYNpEARiV1IN7C3x9aT36-vzSLBtfKMi4mU29m2KeEvEAQ76cQ" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="" data-original-height="191" data-original-width="383" height="160" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEipn0_IhhByVN4MxW4nAMMhyw9dgQhp703H_jopI4lNVnxip9ThBkn2p-Q-IbAHl53Y0vQw1XGMYNgoI3za5sEyY7nMc3Xv4kgundSianw5-JhinXFsuihgORgq2W09yXRxmQepnU6KKYNpEARiV1IN7C3x9aT36-vzSLBtfKMi4mU29m2KeEvEAQ76cQ" width="320" /></a></u></div><u><br /><br /></u><p></p>
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</o:lock></v:path></v:stroke></v:shapetype><v:shape alt="Quote: War is hell. – William Tecumseh Sherman - CoolNSmart" id="Picture_x0020_5" o:spid="_x0000_s1036" style="height: 95.4pt; margin-left: 218.2pt; margin-top: 146.3pt; mso-height-percent: 0; mso-height-percent: 0; mso-height-relative: margin; mso-position-horizontal-relative: text; mso-position-horizontal: absolute; mso-position-vertical-relative: text; mso-position-vertical: absolute; mso-width-percent: 0; mso-width-percent: 0; mso-width-relative: margin; mso-wrap-distance-bottom: 0; mso-wrap-distance-left: 9pt; mso-wrap-distance-right: 9pt; mso-wrap-distance-top: 0; mso-wrap-style: square; position: absolute; visibility: visible; width: 127.05pt; z-index: -251653120;" type="#_x0000_t75">
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</w:wrap></v:imagedata></v:shape><v:shape alt="The Covenant – Abraham | Benson-Kiragu" id="Picture_x0020_4" o:spid="_x0000_s1035" style="height: 91.85pt; margin-left: -5.55pt; margin-top: 9.05pt; mso-height-percent: 0; mso-height-percent: 0; mso-height-relative: margin; mso-position-horizontal-relative: text; mso-position-horizontal: absolute; mso-position-vertical-relative: text; mso-position-vertical: absolute; mso-width-percent: 0; mso-width-percent: 0; mso-width-relative: margin; mso-wrap-distance-bottom: 0; mso-wrap-distance-left: 9pt; mso-wrap-distance-right: 9pt; mso-wrap-distance-top: 0; mso-wrap-style: square; position: absolute; visibility: visible; width: 183.75pt; z-index: -251655168;" type="#_x0000_t75">
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</w:wrap></v:imagedata></v:shape><span style="color: #010000; font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Abram is the main
character in our text this morning. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>We
know him as Abraham. At the age of 99 God changed his name from “Abram” which
means “God is exalted” to “Abraham” meaning “Father of many nations.” God
changed his name to reflect God’s great plan for Abraham’s life. Verse 1 begins
- After these things – what things? Abram had just left the battlefield. He won
the battle, but it’s true what they say: WAR is HELL. <o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; mso-margin-top-alt: auto;"><span style="color: #010000; font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"></span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEj87qExir-GZlNrv7PFsI4XcUkdCz4w3JlMEq-MNTRCo09hItgZQe7b2kVrNKhTZ8_59YzvQEeVyN31NVTRzu595aOvHv_ttwR88PmYTePEoFt68c7A-7dADlPzNHp73DypH0j86vMtSAx_9QRBF5WQA1-BClxbhaQC1BQXKshdGwWXLvF6dpXlzNhYyQ" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="" data-original-height="199" data-original-width="264" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEj87qExir-GZlNrv7PFsI4XcUkdCz4w3JlMEq-MNTRCo09hItgZQe7b2kVrNKhTZ8_59YzvQEeVyN31NVTRzu595aOvHv_ttwR88PmYTePEoFt68c7A-7dADlPzNHp73DypH0j86vMtSAx_9QRBF5WQA1-BClxbhaQC1BQXKshdGwWXLvF6dpXlzNhYyQ" width="318" /></a></div><br /><br /><p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; mso-margin-top-alt: auto;"><v:shape alt="God Speaks: Robb, Charles: 9780375504273: Amazon.com: Books" id="Picture_x0020_6" o:spid="_x0000_s1034" style="height: 123.85pt; margin-left: -1.55pt; margin-top: 158.05pt; mso-height-percent: 0; mso-height-percent: 0; mso-height-relative: margin; mso-position-horizontal-relative: text; mso-position-horizontal: absolute; mso-position-vertical-relative: text; mso-position-vertical: absolute; mso-width-percent: 0; mso-width-percent: 0; mso-width-relative: margin; mso-wrap-distance-bottom: 0; mso-wrap-distance-left: 9pt; mso-wrap-distance-right: 9pt; mso-wrap-distance-top: 0; mso-wrap-style: square; position: absolute; visibility: visible; width: 170pt; z-index: -251652096;" type="#_x0000_t75">
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</w:wrap></v:imagedata></v:shape><span style="color: #010000; font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">After the battle was over, Abram had a vision. He had an
enlightening experience. He perceived an important spiritual revelation from
God almighty. Friends, it does not get better than that. A word from God is a
good thing. Abram heard a word from the God who had just helped him win the
battle, the God who is determined to comfort, console, and encourage all God’s
children. Hopefully, we all know such a God. This God of comfort, consolation,
and encouragement spoke to Abraham who had just fought off his enemies. Of
course, Abram knew even after you win a battle you still have to watch your
back. The words God spoke <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>are marvelous:
“Do not be afraid, Abram, I am your shield; your reward shall be very
great.”<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>When God tells us to not be
afraid, that a shield will be provided, and we will be rewarded, that would be
a </span><v:shape alt="Don't Be Afraid, Just Have Faith - PktFuel.com" id="Picture_x0020_8" o:spid="_x0000_s1033" style="height: 142.35pt; margin-left: 194.35pt; margin-top: 0; mso-height-percent: 0; mso-height-percent: 0; mso-height-relative: margin; mso-position-horizontal-relative: text; mso-position-horizontal: absolute; mso-position-vertical-relative: text; mso-position-vertical: absolute; mso-width-percent: 0; mso-width-percent: 0; mso-width-relative: margin; mso-wrap-distance-bottom: 0; mso-wrap-distance-left: 9pt; mso-wrap-distance-right: 9pt; mso-wrap-distance-top: 0; mso-wrap-style: square; position: absolute; visibility: visible; width: 142.35pt; z-index: -251651072;" type="#_x0000_t75">
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</w:wrap></v:imagedata></v:shape><span style="color: #010000; font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">hint to most of us that another battle is forthcoming.</span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; mso-margin-top-alt: auto;"><span style="color: #010000; font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"></span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEjTpYYbl1e3YSQueXiD3skSWY7NcGbFuMMcHW7Nk4xJfQdDcie7uqGqSeOu74LPm5HiP83zjN1Hg9HD18MRmvVKWQ-aP44RTW7pzJ1PPw8wy6sT9AMxNkfxuQqB9p8Gc74ZMVk24XlsXeiMkswZltZMqK0GGXN2ZgPg17F9FbQW2hDmEVO8-rPsTfZhew" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="" data-original-height="258" data-original-width="354" height="233" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEjTpYYbl1e3YSQueXiD3skSWY7NcGbFuMMcHW7Nk4xJfQdDcie7uqGqSeOu74LPm5HiP83zjN1Hg9HD18MRmvVKWQ-aP44RTW7pzJ1PPw8wy6sT9AMxNkfxuQqB9p8Gc74ZMVk24XlsXeiMkswZltZMqK0GGXN2ZgPg17F9FbQW2hDmEVO8-rPsTfZhew" width="320" /></a></div><br /> <o:p></o:p><p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; mso-margin-top-alt: auto;"><span style="color: #010000; font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">It seems like Abram might have been complaining a bit when he
says to God, “O Lord <span style="font-variant: small-caps;">God</span>,
what will you give me, for I continue childless, and the heir of my house is
Eliezer of Damascus? ‘You have given me no offspring, and so a slave born in my
house is to be my heir.’” <o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; mso-margin-top-alt: auto;"><span style="color: #010000; font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"></span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEjNPkXLJTZTMHShSc2Ufxf_bE_rVj4aRBVUb4G8UWH7Gryhr3N_e8qqSUfqVJjBCUItuU0TDWqZdGdefTmixNE7-GFveaRbyiWLNF0Gq58LufY9GFgliLoaA_iXE62mq5AjXufdW4n1inZe-olJqqWAJKhNddMaXIQoB2B5a0ExDwoZbb0CrvO4oNu2CA" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="" data-original-height="297" data-original-width="296" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEjNPkXLJTZTMHShSc2Ufxf_bE_rVj4aRBVUb4G8UWH7Gryhr3N_e8qqSUfqVJjBCUItuU0TDWqZdGdefTmixNE7-GFveaRbyiWLNF0Gq58LufY9GFgliLoaA_iXE62mq5AjXufdW4n1inZe-olJqqWAJKhNddMaXIQoB2B5a0ExDwoZbb0CrvO4oNu2CA" width="239" /></a></div><br /><br /><p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; mso-margin-top-alt: auto;"><v:shape alt="TIME for Kids | All About Stars" id="Picture_x0020_9" o:spid="_x0000_s1032" style="height: 115.65pt; margin-left: 2.55pt; margin-top: 84.35pt; mso-height-percent: 0; mso-height-percent: 0; mso-height-relative: margin; mso-position-horizontal-relative: text; mso-position-horizontal: absolute; mso-position-vertical-relative: text; mso-position-vertical: absolute; mso-width-percent: 0; mso-width-percent: 0; mso-width-relative: margin; mso-wrap-distance-bottom: 0; mso-wrap-distance-left: 9pt; mso-wrap-distance-right: 9pt; mso-wrap-distance-top: 0; mso-wrap-style: square; position: absolute; visibility: visible; width: 173.5pt; z-index: -251650048;" type="#_x0000_t75">
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</w:wrap></v:imagedata></v:shape><span style="color: #010000; font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">One would think that God responded to Abram very gently, and not
as a mere complainer. Verse 4 says, But the word of the <span style="font-variant: small-caps;">Lord</span> came to Abram, ‘This man shall
not be your heir; no one but your very own issue (your own flesh and blood)
shall be your heir.’ </span><sup><span style="color: #777777; font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">5</span></sup><span style="color: #010000; font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">He brought him outside
and said, ‘Look towards heaven and count the stars, <b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">if </b>you are able to count them.’ (which, of course, he couldn’t)</span>
<span style="color: #010000; font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">Then
God said to Abram, ‘So shall your descendants be.’ Abram would have a
wonderful legacy that would be known far and wide. <o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; mso-margin-top-alt: auto;"><span style="color: #010000; font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"></span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEg2wXIOVNz6wnWiOxjaOmnq1t6m74UDyQqElvXj9TGYjYwFAGHmepTmAmW-fiAxYeiByr3lykodqtQmuTFKXDnqQgflIN2ko6_W3FWHBIBHY2TsLbiR_Maa0XRM3c7FmbICLu-lmZc_n_0q7nTG_vPOTxff2zIhvLvpeoPl-FEMPSpneYU_Z1g2HOngGQ" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="" data-original-height="241" data-original-width="361" height="214" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEg2wXIOVNz6wnWiOxjaOmnq1t6m74UDyQqElvXj9TGYjYwFAGHmepTmAmW-fiAxYeiByr3lykodqtQmuTFKXDnqQgflIN2ko6_W3FWHBIBHY2TsLbiR_Maa0XRM3c7FmbICLu-lmZc_n_0q7nTG_vPOTxff2zIhvLvpeoPl-FEMPSpneYU_Z1g2HOngGQ" width="320" /></a></div><br /><br /><p></p>
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</w:wrap></v:imagedata></v:shape><span style="color: #010000; font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">Last week we talked about the human need for positive attention.
God promising to make Abram a father of many nations is a big deal. It’s
positive attention. In God’s plan, one way or another, everybody is somebody.</span>
<span style="color: #010000; font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">God can
make good things happen as we walk with God who loves us. We are a big deal to
God and that helps us to be a big deal to one another!<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; mso-margin-top-alt: auto;"><span style="color: #010000; font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">Verse 6 says Abram believed God would make his name great;
the <span style="font-variant: small-caps;">Lord</span> reckoned it to
him, that is, the Lord credited him for believing God’s promise is good. To
believe God is to do something, to believe God is to act like you understand
that God means business. To believe is to be good as gold, to be valuable to
God’s kingdom, to believe is right living, or righteousness. <o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; mso-margin-top-alt: auto;"><span style="color: #010000; font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">Verse 7 tells us what God does when we decide to believe. </span><span style="color: #777777; font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">7 </span><span style="color: #010000; font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">Then
God said to Abram, ‘I am the <span style="font-variant: small-caps;">Lord</span> who
brought you from Ur of the Chaldeans, to give you this land to
possess.’ God reminds us how we have been delivered and what blessings lie
ahead for us. Have you ever been delivered and enjoyed the fulfillment of God’s
promises?<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; mso-margin-top-alt: auto;"><span style="color: #010000; font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">Abram put a “but” in the conversation in verse 8. </span><sup><span style="color: #777777; font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">8</span></sup><span style="color: #010000; font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">But
Abram said, ‘O Lord <span style="font-variant: small-caps;">God</span>,
how am I to know that I shall possess it (the land)?’ </span><sup><span style="color: #777777; font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">9</span></sup><span style="color: #010000; font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">God
showed him the sacrifices that were required. They were listed from large to
small. “Bring me a heifer three years old, a female goat three years old, a ram
three years old, a turtle-dove, and a young pigeon.” Abram did what he was
asked to do. Every social gathering and group, including the church, calls for
an offering, a sacrifice, a giving of something to show you value and
appreciate being a part of something important.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>Sacrifices were used to affirm a covenant with God.<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; mso-margin-top-alt: auto;"><sup><span style="color: #777777; font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">10</span></sup><span style="color: #010000; font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">Abram brought the five animals to God as requested. They were
all ceremonially clean and acceptable sacrifices according to the law. *The law
required these sacrificial animals to be one year old. But, in this case, God
requested three year old animals. Scholars have a heyday with that distinction.
Some speculate that three years symbolizes the three years of Jesus before he
was sacrificed or the three generations of what is called the Blood Covenant as
it would be for Abraham, Issac and Jacob, but not Reuben. <o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; mso-margin-top-alt: auto;"><span style="color: #010000; font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">A covenant being legally binding, was cut like a contract or cut
like a deal. In fact, the directions were to cut the sacrifices in half,
representing the two parties - one piece on one side and the other piece beside
it. One piece represented God, the other humans. Fire and smoke passed between the
two in verse 17, representing God’s holy presence. We all know there are
contracts and covenants that are not holy, don’t we. This covenant was designed
to last three generations before it had to be reviewed, renewed, revisited, and
reworked. <o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; mso-margin-top-alt: auto;"><span style="color: #010000; font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">Lent is <b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">OUR</b> season to
review, renew, revisit and rework our side of our covenant with the Almighty!
What a comfort it is to serve a God who is willing to be in covenant
partnership with us, to never leave us or forsake us. God encourages us to
grow, attempts to nurture us, accepts us as we are, yet loves us too much to
leave us that way!<o:p></o:p></span></p>
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</w:wrap></v:imagedata></v:shape><span style="color: #010000; font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">As the sun went down that day, according to verse 12, a dark
cloud descended on Abraham. Life, even the Christian life, has plenty of
sunshine and plenty of dark clouds. What was comforting for Abraham was that
despite the warfare in his life, he fell into a deep, and what I like to assume
was a peaceful sleep.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Psalm 4 says God
blesses us with sleep and a sense of safety. If we have a restless night or
tend to have insomnia, we may have to go deep in meditation and prayer to get
to the blessing of peace-filled sleep that Abraham had. That day, God promised
him land from the Nile to the Euphrates, a thousand miles away. <o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; mso-margin-top-alt: auto;"><span style="color: #010000; font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"></span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEiUYP9KDpmtkQbyal-QQM7L4h5o_7gpHsYzhdplMiGcsi-1SnyXviNsXo1GzO18EdaZMnw31uEbX3n_j4JQIJzX_eifDYgTEoy9EjiEYuuK_5s933kz83JlLG0k3zPTyLmFbW5vxtBC70w6SMUyROwrEpE6K1FPYZFZNbS-gCIrNY4QDjbvjOVcxgduow" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="" data-original-height="201" data-original-width="313" height="205" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEiUYP9KDpmtkQbyal-QQM7L4h5o_7gpHsYzhdplMiGcsi-1SnyXviNsXo1GzO18EdaZMnw31uEbX3n_j4JQIJzX_eifDYgTEoy9EjiEYuuK_5s933kz83JlLG0k3zPTyLmFbW5vxtBC70w6SMUyROwrEpE6K1FPYZFZNbS-gCIrNY4QDjbvjOVcxgduow" width="320" /></a></div><br /><br /><p></p>
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</w:wrap></v:imagedata></v:shape><span style="color: #777777; font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">17 </span><span style="color: #010000; font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">When the sun had gone down and it was dark. The darkness was
terrifying. Instead of wine and caviar, the cutting of this contract was marked
with the smoking fire-pot and flaming torch passing between the pieces of the
sacrifice. This was a comforting cultural reminder of God’s holy presence,
especially in a time of darkness and distress. It could also have been the
creative darkness of the woman and the deep darkness of the ocean or as Howard
Thurman puts it “the luminous darkness.</span> <span style="color: #010000; font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">That day, according to
verse 18, that the <span style="font-variant: small-caps;">Lord</span> made
a covenant with Abram, saying, ‘To your descendants I give this land, from the
river of Egypt to the great river, Euphrates River.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; mso-margin-top-alt: auto;"><span style="color: #010000; font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"></span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEhdYcWm_IgVlDCp_90bSGz5LCG7BVsvg-Hx3aQVKg1FEtDF4fgptyfIkEUKJUKn431IbXh04-kmYOP1Dhhf1Y3Fwb-WMYQzT6_PCX4KScQT7BM5AOC67x0zf-6Peb55T7X4FYZcn46nskNoAa1cpro7WZV0zSQRdMmFqMCC5RL5u-CsRIhwT9VviVYuLw" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="" data-original-height="193" data-original-width="256" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEhdYcWm_IgVlDCp_90bSGz5LCG7BVsvg-Hx3aQVKg1FEtDF4fgptyfIkEUKJUKn431IbXh04-kmYOP1Dhhf1Y3Fwb-WMYQzT6_PCX4KScQT7BM5AOC67x0zf-6Peb55T7X4FYZcn46nskNoAa1cpro7WZV0zSQRdMmFqMCC5RL5u-CsRIhwT9VviVYuLw" width="318" /></a></div><br /><br /><p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; mso-margin-top-alt: auto;"><v:shape alt="The God of All Comfort: Bible Promises to Comfort Women (Peace of God): Purpose, Journal With: 9781075312557: Amazon.com: Books" id="Picture_x0020_26" o:spid="_x0000_s1026" style="height: 153pt; margin-left: -1.05pt; margin-top: 101.15pt; mso-height-percent: 0; mso-height-percent: 0; mso-height-relative: margin; mso-position-horizontal-relative: text; mso-position-horizontal: absolute; mso-position-vertical-relative: text; mso-position-vertical: absolute; mso-width-percent: 0; mso-width-percent: 0; mso-width-relative: margin; mso-wrap-distance-bottom: 0; mso-wrap-distance-left: 9pt; mso-wrap-distance-right: 9pt; mso-wrap-distance-top: 0; mso-wrap-style: square; position: absolute; visibility: visible; width: 116.25pt; z-index: -251658240;" type="#_x0000_t75">
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</w:wrap></v:imagedata></v:shape><span style="color: #010000; font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; mso-margin-top-alt: auto;"><span style="color: #010000; font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">The God of all comfort spoke to Abram with blessings that were
bigger than life and bigger than death. The God of all comfort is ready to
bless you as well. Are you ready to receive God’s blessings of comfort and
care? Are you ready to share such blessings? Open your heart. Let it be so
today! Amen. <o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; mso-margin-top-alt: auto;"><span style="color: #010000; font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><o:p> </o:p></span></p>
<p align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; mso-margin-top-alt: auto; text-align: center;"><span style="color: #010000; font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif; font-size: 9.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">*https://hermeneutics.stackexchange.com/questions/30823/why-was-abraham-required-to-bring-three-year-old-offerings-sacrifices-in-genesis#<o:p></o:p></span></p><br /><p></p>Pastor Hineshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09116473656083061218noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-860308507969757375.post-28327819196788270452022-02-24T09:43:00.002-08:002022-02-24T09:43:54.627-08:00“Love Frees”- Pastor Hines (10:30am) February 27, 2022<p> </p><p align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="background: white; line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; text-align: center;"><u><span style="color: black; font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif; font-size: 14.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">“Love Frees”- Pastor Hines (10:30am)<o:p></o:p></span></u></p>
<p align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="background: white; line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; text-align: center;"><u><span style="color: black; font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif; font-size: 14.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">February 27, 2022</span></u><span style="color: black; font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Segoe UI"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><o:p></o:p></span></p>
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</o:lock></v:path></v:stroke></v:shapetype><v:shape id="_x0000_s1037" style="height: 144.45pt; margin-left: 157.2pt; margin-top: 19.9pt; mso-height-percent: 0; mso-height-percent: 0; mso-height-relative: margin; mso-position-horizontal-relative: text; mso-position-horizontal: absolute; mso-position-vertical-relative: text; mso-position-vertical: absolute; mso-width-percent: 0; mso-width-percent: 0; mso-width-relative: margin; mso-wrap-distance-bottom: 0; mso-wrap-distance-left: 9pt; mso-wrap-distance-right: 9pt; mso-wrap-distance-top: 0; mso-wrap-style: square; position: absolute; visibility: visible; width: 192.6pt; z-index: -251646976;" type="#_x0000_t75">
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</w:wrap></v:imagedata></v:shape><span style="color: black; font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Segoe UI"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">Moses worshipped on Mt. Sinai also called Mt. Horeb. It is not
unusual for Christians to go away to the mountains for a retreat, for a special
time to focus on our relationship to God, to as the song says – to hear God
more clearly, to love God more dearly, to follow God more nearly.<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="background: white; line-height: normal; mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; mso-margin-top-alt: auto;"><v:shape id="Picture_x0020_1" o:spid="_x0000_s1036" style="height: 130.5pt; margin-left: 162.4pt; margin-top: 160.9pt; mso-height-percent: 0; mso-height-percent: 0; mso-height-relative: margin; mso-position-horizontal-relative: text; mso-position-horizontal: absolute; mso-position-vertical-relative: text; mso-position-vertical: absolute; mso-width-percent: 0; mso-width-percent: 0; mso-width-relative: margin; mso-wrap-distance-bottom: 0; mso-wrap-distance-left: 9pt; mso-wrap-distance-right: 9pt; mso-wrap-distance-top: 0; mso-wrap-style: square; position: absolute; visibility: visible; width: 174pt; z-index: -251648000;" type="#_x0000_t75">
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</w:wrap></v:imagedata></v:shape><span style="color: black; font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Segoe UI"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">God called Moses to come away with God on Mt. Sinai. Moses went
and fasted for 40 days just like Jesus. Every number and every word has value,
they mean something. Forty is the number for trial and testing hat reveals
guilt or innocence. When Moses came down from the mountain with the Ten
Commandments, God’s people were worshipping a golden calf. It grieved God very
much. Moses, being the hot-head that he was, broke the stone tablets on which
the Ten Commandments were written.</span><span style="mso-no-proof: yes;"> </span><span style="color: black; font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Segoe UI"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">Moses went a
second time onto Mt. Sinai in order to hear God’s judgment on the people, to
make a plea for mercy, and to get the Ten Commandments rewritten. <o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="background: white; line-height: normal; mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; mso-margin-top-alt: auto;"><span style="color: black; font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Segoe UI"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">Moses’ mountain top experience was very, very intense,
so much so that he was changed. Haven’t you seen people and their faces change
and look different than normal. At times a pregnant woman has a glow about her.
Newlyweds keeping the honey in the honeymoon have a certain look of joy and
satisfaction. Sometimes our </span><v:shape id="Picture_x0020_2" o:spid="_x0000_s1035" style="height: 124.4pt; margin-left: 168.45pt; margin-top: 0; mso-height-percent: 0; mso-height-percent: 0; mso-height-relative: margin; mso-position-horizontal-relative: text; mso-position-horizontal: absolute; mso-position-vertical-relative: text; mso-position-vertical: absolute; mso-width-percent: 0; mso-width-percent: 0; mso-width-relative: margin; mso-wrap-distance-bottom: 0; mso-wrap-distance-left: 9pt; mso-wrap-distance-right: 9pt; mso-wrap-distance-top: 0; mso-wrap-style: square; position: absolute; visibility: visible; width: 165.85pt; z-index: -251649024;" type="#_x0000_t75">
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</w:wrap></v:imagedata></v:shape><span style="color: black; font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Segoe UI"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">emotions show on our face and in our bodies more than other times.
A recent bestselling book is entitled The Body Keeps the Score. Persons who
spend time in prayer shine with a light as Moses did that day coming down from
his time with God. His face was described as shiny and bright. You get the
impression that those who looked at Moses after he had been with God were
stunned. They felt like a spotlight was on them, even like headlights and high
beams were in their face. Paul tells us that Moses wore a veil, a covering that
shielded the people like a visor, brim of a cap or sunglasses. <o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="background: white; line-height: normal; mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; mso-margin-top-alt: auto;"><v:shape id="Picture_x0020_3" o:spid="_x0000_s1034" style="height: 133.15pt; margin-left: 170.4pt; margin-top: 12.3pt; mso-height-percent: 0; mso-height-percent: 0; mso-height-relative: margin; mso-position-horizontal-relative: text; mso-position-horizontal: absolute; mso-position-vertical-relative: text; mso-position-vertical: absolute; mso-width-percent: 0; mso-width-percent: 0; mso-width-relative: margin; mso-wrap-distance-bottom: 0; mso-wrap-distance-left: 9pt; mso-wrap-distance-right: 9pt; mso-wrap-distance-top: 0; mso-wrap-style: square; position: absolute; visibility: visible; width: 177.6pt; z-index: -251650048;" type="#_x0000_t75">
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</w:wrap></v:imagedata></v:shape><span style="color: black; font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Segoe UI"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">The people were afraid. It can be suggested that they were afraid
because they were ashamed and afraid of what the consequences of their idolatry
might be. They had made a golden calf and they worshipped it. They were
guilt-ridden. Perhaps the veil was a way of becoming incognito. <o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="background: white; line-height: normal; mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; mso-margin-top-alt: auto;"><span style="color: black; font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Segoe UI"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">Paul tells us in verse 13 that Moses wore a veil over
his face to keep the people of Israel from gazing and perhaps being blinded by
the end of the glory that was being set aside. This wonderful sight
was right in front of their eyes. They could see this bright light. In spite of
their knowing that the light was a loving message from God, Paul says in verse
14<b><sup>14 </sup></b>but their minds were hardened.<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="background: white; line-height: normal; mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; mso-margin-top-alt: auto;"><span style="color: black; font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Segoe UI"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">Moses’ heart was not as hardened, he had the glory of
God on his face, but he was still a hot head. He had anger issues. He was
intense and God was not having it. God disciplines God’s children in love.
Moses had so much anger in his heart that he did not make it to the Promised
Land. Moses became a fugitive of the law of humanity after he killed an
Egyptian who was beating a Hebrew and buried him in the sand. Eventually, the
sand fell away and the murder became public knowledge.<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="background: white; line-height: normal; mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; mso-margin-top-alt: auto;"><span style="color: black; font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Segoe UI"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">We hear of hard hearts and hot heads in Russia. All
humans may at some time wear a veil to separate ourselves from the good, the
holy, the beautiful. Those who study history have a choice and make a choice to
mimic the good… or the evil. A praying Christian woman said to me this week
that Hitler had a resolve, not to conquer the world through bombs and guns, but
through lies. Satan’s lies are to die for, but the truth sets us free. The one
whom the son sets free, is free indeed. The veil that separates from God is
removed in the presence of Jesus.<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="background: white; line-height: normal; mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; mso-margin-top-alt: auto;"><span style="color: black; font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Segoe UI"; mso-bidi-font-weight: bold; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">In Verse 16 Paul says<b> <sup><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>16 </sup></b></span><span style="color: black; font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Segoe UI"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">but when one
turns to the Lord, the veil is removed. The holy and wonderful and
beautiful are revealed, understood, accepted, even desired.<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="background: white; line-height: normal; mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; mso-margin-top-alt: auto;"><span style="color: black; font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Segoe UI"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">Even though Moses submitted to God and was used of God,
Moses missed the Promised Land. As for the others, it took them 40 years and a
whole generation to get there. Life teaches us over and over again that our
righteousness comes from the Trinity. We are righteous not on our own but
because of our Father-Mother God, and Jesus the Son and the Holiest of Spirits.
We are not our own source of good; we have been bought with a price. We’ve been
redeemed. My colleague Rev. Gilbert Caldwell used to say, “We are the church in
spite of ourselves.” We do well to do what Moses did, go away to a high place
and be with God, and worship God.<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="background: white; line-height: normal; mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; mso-margin-top-alt: auto;"><span style="color: black; font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Segoe UI"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">Pastor Tony Tilford is a poet, songwriter, proponent of
healthy grieving, having spent 15 years as a hospice chaplain, and the author
of a Spiritual Fitness manual. He provided the handout that guides us in our
understanding of worship today. The handout is called The Four Levels of
Worship. It raises the question, what kind of worshipper are you? With so much
glory on his face, we know that Moses was set free to worship God on Mt. Sinai
also called Mt. Horeb.<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="background: white; line-height: normal; mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; mso-margin-top-alt: auto;"><v:shape id="Picture_x0020_5" o:spid="_x0000_s1033" style="height: 144.4pt; margin-left: 161.4pt; margin-top: 0; mso-height-percent: 0; mso-height-percent: 0; mso-height-relative: margin; mso-position-horizontal-relative: text; mso-position-horizontal: absolute; mso-position-vertical-relative: text; mso-position-vertical: absolute; mso-width-percent: 0; mso-width-percent: 0; mso-width-relative: margin; mso-wrap-distance-bottom: 0; mso-wrap-distance-left: 9pt; mso-wrap-distance-right: 9pt; mso-wrap-distance-top: 0; mso-wrap-style: square; position: absolute; visibility: visible; width: 192.55pt; z-index: -251651072;" type="#_x0000_t75">
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</w:wrap></v:imagedata></v:shape><span style="color: black; font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Segoe UI"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">The first level of worship is thanksgiving and gratefulness. We
begin to worship when we can pray, “Lord, I thank you for life, salvation,
health…” <span style="background: yellow; mso-highlight: yellow;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></span><o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="background: white; line-height: normal; mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; mso-margin-top-alt: auto;"><v:shape id="Picture_x0020_7" o:spid="_x0000_s1032" style="height: 133pt; margin-left: .35pt; margin-top: 67.05pt; mso-height-percent: 0; mso-height-percent: 0; mso-height-relative: margin; mso-position-horizontal-relative: text; mso-position-horizontal: absolute; mso-position-vertical-relative: text; mso-position-vertical: absolute; mso-width-percent: 0; mso-width-percent: 0; mso-width-relative: margin; mso-wrap-distance-bottom: 0; mso-wrap-distance-left: 9pt; mso-wrap-distance-right: 9pt; mso-wrap-distance-top: 0; mso-wrap-style: square; position: absolute; visibility: visible; width: 177.3pt; z-index: -251653120;" type="#_x0000_t75">
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</w:wrap></v:imagedata></v:shape><span style="color: black; font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Segoe UI"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">Secondly, we bow below God, not above God. We praise, exalt,
approve of and glorify God. We recognize God’s nature as good, holy… We can say
“Lord, you are magnificent, majestic, Holy, high above all things…” <o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="background: white; line-height: normal; mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; mso-margin-top-alt: auto;"><v:shape id="Picture_x0020_6" o:spid="_x0000_s1031" style="height: 117.4pt; margin-left: 184.1pt; margin-top: 104.7pt; mso-height-percent: 0; mso-height-percent: 0; mso-height-relative: margin; mso-position-horizontal-relative: text; mso-position-horizontal: absolute; mso-position-vertical-relative: text; mso-position-vertical: absolute; mso-width-percent: 0; mso-width-percent: 0; mso-width-relative: margin; mso-wrap-distance-bottom: 0; mso-wrap-distance-left: 9pt; mso-wrap-distance-right: 9pt; mso-wrap-distance-top: 0; mso-wrap-style: square; position: absolute; visibility: visible; width: 156.55pt; z-index: -251652096;" type="#_x0000_t75">
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</w:wrap></v:imagedata></v:shape><span style="color: black; font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Segoe UI"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">The third step that Moses, no doubt, took in worshipping God was
adoration. Moses spent 40 days on the mountain top with God. There was mutual
admiration and devotion. Moses loved God just as God loved Moses. That is good
for us to remember when we worship whether as a congregation or alone in some
high place. You are loved and adored by God!! When we worship, we develop a
bond and our hearts overflow with love and longing to be with God, to see and
know God, to be curious and keep a conversation going with God, to want to be
like God.</span><span style="mso-no-proof: yes;"> </span><span style="color: black; font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Segoe UI"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="background: white; line-height: normal; mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; mso-margin-top-alt: auto;"><v:shape id="Picture_x0020_8" o:spid="_x0000_s1030" style="height: 120.4pt; margin-left: -1.8pt; margin-top: 177.15pt; mso-height-percent: 0; mso-height-percent: 0; mso-height-relative: margin; mso-position-horizontal-relative: text; mso-position-horizontal: absolute; mso-position-vertical-relative: text; mso-position-vertical: absolute; mso-width-percent: 0; mso-width-percent: 0; mso-width-relative: margin; mso-wrap-distance-bottom: 0; mso-wrap-distance-left: 9pt; mso-wrap-distance-right: 9pt; mso-wrap-distance-top: 0; mso-wrap-style: square; position: absolute; visibility: visible; width: 160.55pt; z-index: -251654144;" type="#_x0000_t75">
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<w:wrap type="tight">
</w:wrap></v:imagedata></v:shape><span style="color: black; font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Segoe UI"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">Finally, Pastor Tilford suggests that the ultimate step in our
worship is perhaps the most challenging for most. The ultimate step in worship
is to surrender — To give up completely, to agree with God, to let go of our
will in favor of God’s will. To surrender is to abandon any thoughts of what we
demand, but realize we are dependent on God. We </span><v:shape id="Picture_x0020_9" o:spid="_x0000_s1029" style="height: 128.4pt; margin-left: -2.05pt; margin-top: .75pt; mso-height-percent: 0; mso-height-percent: 0; mso-height-relative: margin; mso-position-horizontal-relative: text; mso-position-horizontal: absolute; mso-position-vertical-relative: text; mso-position-vertical: absolute; mso-width-percent: 0; mso-width-percent: 0; mso-width-relative: margin; mso-wrap-distance-bottom: 0; mso-wrap-distance-left: 9pt; mso-wrap-distance-right: 9pt; mso-wrap-distance-top: 0; mso-wrap-style: square; position: absolute; visibility: visible; width: 171.2pt; z-index: -251655168;" type="#_x0000_t75">
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<w:wrap type="tight">
</w:wrap></v:imagedata></v:shape><span style="color: black; font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Segoe UI"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">are obligated to do God’s will because we have made a covenant to
do so.</span><span style="mso-no-proof: yes;"> </span><span style="color: black; font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Segoe UI"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Worship is serious business with serious
results. Worship is removing he veil. Like the masks we have worn in the
pandemic,</span><span style="mso-no-proof: yes;"> </span><span style="color: black; font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Segoe UI"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>a veil makes it hard to recognize each other
and hard to hear what is being said. Removing the veil frees us as Paul says in
verse 17.<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; mso-margin-top-alt: auto;"><v:shape id="Picture_x0020_10" o:spid="_x0000_s1028" style="height: 121.15pt; margin-left: 169.6pt; margin-top: 12.05pt; mso-height-percent: 0; mso-height-percent: 0; mso-height-relative: margin; mso-position-horizontal-relative: text; mso-position-horizontal: absolute; mso-position-vertical-relative: text; mso-position-vertical: absolute; mso-width-percent: 0; mso-width-percent: 0; mso-width-relative: margin; mso-wrap-distance-bottom: 0; mso-wrap-distance-left: 9pt; mso-wrap-distance-right: 9pt; mso-wrap-distance-top: 0; mso-wrap-style: square; position: absolute; visibility: visible; width: 161.55pt; z-index: -251656192;" type="#_x0000_t75">
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<w:wrap type="tight">
</w:wrap></v:imagedata></v:shape><sup><span style="color: #777777; font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">17</span></sup><span style="color: #010000; font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">Now the Lord is the Spirit, and where the Spirit of the Lord is,
there is freedom. </span><sup><span style="color: #777777; font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">18</span></sup><span style="color: #010000; font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">And all of us, with unveiled faces, seeing the glory of the Lord
as though reflected in a mirror, are being transformed into the same image from
one degree of glory to another; for this comes from the Lord, the Spirit.<o:p></o:p></span></p>
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</w:wrap></v:imagedata></v:shape><span style="color: #010000; font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">May we go all the way with God today and worship in the Spirit
and in the Truth. Amen. <o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal;"><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt;"><o:p> </o:p></span></p>Pastor Hineshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09116473656083061218noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-860308507969757375.post-64971647811466176462022-02-18T08:46:00.000-08:002022-02-18T08:46:00.334-08:00“Love Reaps the Good it Sows” Pastor Hines February 20, 2022<p> </p><p align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; text-align: center;"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">“Love Reaps the Good it Sows”<o:p></o:p></span></b></p>
<p align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">Pastor
Hines <o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">February
20, 2022<o:p></o:p></span></p><p align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"></span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEjruRXNwX8xSj7RUzWqNTg3DTrfVbmSl5zfutjXsAZ_m5n0Vhm1spugVdEY6YUbDZ7U3FqoahNfS1TvTs0gzaSBElsYe1Bya0Et2C5SvMAV-WS8SzlRvy47ip52B45BhkP2bo2zI0eOmW3aEDiZROgS5-O287MXY-H904uJHsa7E4zHXv_mkNc3hxX94A" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="" data-original-height="246" data-original-width="245" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEjruRXNwX8xSj7RUzWqNTg3DTrfVbmSl5zfutjXsAZ_m5n0Vhm1spugVdEY6YUbDZ7U3FqoahNfS1TvTs0gzaSBElsYe1Bya0Et2C5SvMAV-WS8SzlRvy47ip52B45BhkP2bo2zI0eOmW3aEDiZROgS5-O287MXY-H904uJHsa7E4zHXv_mkNc3hxX94A" width="239" /></a></div><br /><br /><p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; mso-margin-top-alt: auto;"><span style="color: #010000; font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">I was at church one afternoon in Baltimore. It was a very
inclusive church attractive to persons of several cultures. We called the
pastor “whispers” because during prayer time, he would whisper and ask everyone
to stop talking, stop saying “amen,” stop even praising the Lord out Loud. He
wanted quiet while he listened to the voice of God that he would share with us.
Being there was a blessing. During the fellowship hour an African gentleman
approached me and said something that touched me deeply. He prophesied to me. I
Corinthians defines prophecy as words that the Holy Spirit gives us that build
someone up, comfort someone, or encourage someone. He said, “Be careful, that
you are not deceived.” <o:p></o:p></span></p>
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their word without asking God to guide me around any landmines that
relationships may have. It was a blessing to be reminded to be careful not to
be deceived. It was encouraging to hear through this fellow Christian a word
that applied directly to me. It edifies us when someone says something or does
something that helps us remember that God cares when we have been hurt. <o:p></o:p></span></p>
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</w:wrap></v:imagedata></v:shape><span style="color: #010000; font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"></span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEg5mBNTqvregvjg0cL0c7FtCIrCQCu0zS34C9PKSBPrf39Za-6EwL6mHoYh1kfm-J3XGyvDi1DYfwhF3ZS4zVizox74GH_jJEj2mp1kEjuWiubhGqcZjUZXpET1lWDDsT523lqY3CBv5V5VexYP7LcHcjJe_CYSzEoxoPnFqA3i6AmY4GSmwmwrtrVvHw" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="" data-original-height="249" data-original-width="305" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEg5mBNTqvregvjg0cL0c7FtCIrCQCu0zS34C9PKSBPrf39Za-6EwL6mHoYh1kfm-J3XGyvDi1DYfwhF3ZS4zVizox74GH_jJEj2mp1kEjuWiubhGqcZjUZXpET1lWDDsT523lqY3CBv5V5VexYP7LcHcjJe_CYSzEoxoPnFqA3i6AmY4GSmwmwrtrVvHw" width="294" /></a></div><br />The
world has changed in the last two years, hasn’t it? Many of us are overwhelmed
with fear and uncertainty. Some of us like Daniel Smith are not afraid.<span style="font-family: "Calibri",sans-serif; font-size: 11.0pt; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-bidi; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-no-proof: yes;"> </span><span style="color: #010000; font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Daniel is one of the few living whose parents
were slaves. He was a victim of racial prejudice. He worked in a voting rights
office and the office was burned down by the KKK. One night his car was
followed by a group </span><v:shape id="_x0000_s1031" style="height: 101.6pt; margin-left: 163.6pt; margin-top: 39.15pt; mso-height-percent: 0; mso-height-percent: 0; mso-height-relative: margin; mso-position-horizontal-relative: text; mso-position-horizontal: absolute; mso-position-vertical-relative: text; mso-position-vertical: absolute; mso-width-percent: 0; mso-width-percent: 0; mso-width-relative: margin; mso-wrap-distance-bottom: 0; mso-wrap-distance-left: 9pt; mso-wrap-distance-right: 9pt; mso-wrap-distance-top: 0; mso-wrap-style: square; position: absolute; visibility: visible; width: 180.6pt; z-index: -251656192;" type="#_x0000_t75">
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</w:wrap></v:imagedata></v:shape><span style="color: #010000; font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">of
menacing men. They hit him and demanded that he stop the car. Instead he hit
the gas pedal. “Weren’t you afraid?” The interviewer asked. Daniel Smith said
he was not afraid. </span><span style="color: #101010; font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">Smith went on to have a successful career in government and then
served as head usher at the Washington National Cathedral, where he led
presidents to prayer. <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEgzFe2JAxzmEUE48Ez-hiB7xfdA9DAXZhw2NWj1zXaMt1nZu2ZUERsy2ACSGHMd06zvgxanoi9kQo-i8jnR6rB-GG83pRjHp-n0MS4y5vllpTPndaATxIISzio1EcaygDM-O-asJIXpvO-MFzFk6tdlcYJ8Qxm8EqK6nmJnChcGfq9NlzzNBBQpLg4TyQ" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="" data-original-height="211" data-original-width="376" height="180" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEgzFe2JAxzmEUE48Ez-hiB7xfdA9DAXZhw2NWj1zXaMt1nZu2ZUERsy2ACSGHMd06zvgxanoi9kQo-i8jnR6rB-GG83pRjHp-n0MS4y5vllpTPndaATxIISzio1EcaygDM-O-asJIXpvO-MFzFk6tdlcYJ8Qxm8EqK6nmJnChcGfq9NlzzNBBQpLg4TyQ" width="320" /></a></div><br /> </span><span style="color: #101010; font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><o:p></o:p></span><p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; mso-margin-top-alt: auto;"><span style="color: #010000; font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">The Holy Spirit helps us to share from one generation to the
other enough faith that overcomes our fears. What a blessing! The world has
changed and now more than ever, we need the work of the Holy Spirit in our
lives. God is more than willing and able to help us!<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; mso-margin-top-alt: auto;"><span style="color: #010000; font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">One of my most recent and urgent prayers has become, “Lord,
deliver us from being ripped off and deceived by marketers and advertisers.” It
is so clear that so many are not telling the truth about what they are doing
and what they are selling. Our neighbors look like innocent angels and they
turn out to be murderous, monsters, and maniacs. We are shocked by their
deception. We are the richest country in the world and we are also the sickest.
Every other television commercial wants to sell us some medication that is
supposed to cure us while the small print tells us how it can kill or harm us.
Pollution is so bad in New Orleans, there is a section called “cancer alley.”
Cancer is very profitable. Fast food is pumped with addictive additives just
like cigarettes have been before the dark deed was exposed. The chemicals hit
the pleasure center of our brain and we go “crazy for cocoa puffs.” It’s called
“junk food” for good reasons. We do not always know what food is fake food and
what food is real food. God knows. We have got to trust God.<o:p></o:p></span></p>
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</w:wrap></v:imagedata></v:shape><span style="color: #010000; font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"></span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEiIMYGdGl4Q-JuAW63HrIO-Y1P-DUrPd0byonmIfEOvpgDSgTGyxHirH3-eeORxStsulN2uzZi-Xh6h_C9DpUNmVDs1QuzFUz5oUJFoJHtdxYxvZlaMP96u-0zLhEcSAK6wfgeO4MC2mOS2dRHcO60d3NeXR62ReqVMSB8XYxTCJ-cZzFCELbc3ANSwMQ" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="" data-original-height="390" data-original-width="248" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEiIMYGdGl4Q-JuAW63HrIO-Y1P-DUrPd0byonmIfEOvpgDSgTGyxHirH3-eeORxStsulN2uzZi-Xh6h_C9DpUNmVDs1QuzFUz5oUJFoJHtdxYxvZlaMP96u-0zLhEcSAK6wfgeO4MC2mOS2dRHcO60d3NeXR62ReqVMSB8XYxTCJ-cZzFCELbc3ANSwMQ" width="153" /></a></div><br />I am partnering with folks in reading a book called Make Us One
– A 31- day Prayer Journey Toward Racial Healing. The introduction declares:<o:p></o:p><p></p>
<p align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; mso-margin-top-alt: auto; text-align: center;"><span style="color: #010000; font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">It is a sad truth that
the church is still one of the most segregated spaces in society. That is
because the enemy knows the power of oneness. It is his greatest tactic to keep
the church divided. Why? Because it will be the most powerful witness when the
multi-ethnic Church begins to operate as one Body, releasing righteousness and
justice on the earth. This oneness with God and with one another screams to the
world that we are all made in His image, and that knowing Jesus is the way to
oneness with Him.<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; mso-margin-top-alt: auto;"><span style="color: #010000; font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">Jesus is the answer to all of our problems. We have got to trust
God, to believe in Jesus and to receive the gift of the Holy Spirit to work
holiness in our hearts and lives. Love reaps the good it sows.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>God helps the good seeds we plant to grow
strong and healthy. <o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; mso-margin-top-alt: auto;"><v:shape id="_x0000_s1029" style="height: 176.15pt; margin-left: 228.45pt; margin-top: 4.05pt; mso-height-percent: 0; mso-height-percent: 0; mso-height-relative: margin; mso-position-horizontal-relative: text; mso-position-horizontal: absolute; mso-position-vertical-relative: text; mso-position-vertical: absolute; mso-width-percent: 0; mso-width-percent: 0; mso-width-relative: margin; mso-wrap-distance-bottom: 0; mso-wrap-distance-left: 9pt; mso-wrap-distance-right: 9pt; mso-wrap-distance-top: 0; mso-wrap-style: square; position: absolute; visibility: visible; width: 112.9pt; z-index: -251654144;" type="#_x0000_t75">
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</w:wrap></v:imagedata></v:shape><span style="color: #010000; font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">We love when life is good and we want the good to last forever.
Yet, it is certainly true that the good life on this earth is not guaranteed.
Some of us have a very hard life. God’s design is for us to live until we die.
None of us gets out of this life alive. But, death is not the end. We do not
know what our life will be like after this life is over. We have hints from
people who say they have seen the light, they have seen heaven, they have seen
hell. We don’t know what to expect. We do know that a seed that goes into the
ground looks nothing like the flower that grows with time.</span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEjyiLeeSJqz_-DU0hffA0GO1xBVFRuJlc17my_7pOfSUz2bQ54cm0h7ZJ1cdLA_2_holKC763TNSrax3YakMCmUD3BkJ4iUzrTtKSvZLUvZmFjmY71f2HFI-L2k7VwkbHFoZFuoeJgIZRar5_KCMP1l_5eUjQbu6faHzQOq5rRGwl6XjlhmrRdcN8pz2Q" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="" data-original-height="367" data-original-width="235" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEjyiLeeSJqz_-DU0hffA0GO1xBVFRuJlc17my_7pOfSUz2bQ54cm0h7ZJ1cdLA_2_holKC763TNSrax3YakMCmUD3BkJ4iUzrTtKSvZLUvZmFjmY71f2HFI-L2k7VwkbHFoZFuoeJgIZRar5_KCMP1l_5eUjQbu6faHzQOq5rRGwl6XjlhmrRdcN8pz2Q" width="154" /></a></div><br /> <o:p></o:p><p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; mso-margin-top-alt: auto;"><span style="color: #010000; font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">As odd as it seems sometime, the resurrection is the foundation
of our faith. In verse 36 of today’s text, Paul reminds us ”What you sow does
not come to life unless it dies.” The first step to new life is shedding our
bodies. When Jesus died on the cross for you and for me, he left his body and
commended his spirit to God. His body had to die before he was resurrected.
Just like a seed has to be buried before it can grow into a flower, or plant or
fruit or vegetable or whatever God has in mind, Jesus body died and was buried
before it was resurrected. Of course, all bodies that die are not buried. But,
clearly, all bodies that are resurrected must first die. "We are not in
the land of the living going to the land of the dying. We are in the land of
the dying trying to get to the land of the living." (Zinger)<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; mso-margin-top-alt: auto;"><v:shape id="_x0000_s1028" style="height: 103.1pt; margin-left: -.2pt; margin-top: -.3pt; mso-height-percent: 0; mso-height-percent: 0; mso-height-relative: margin; mso-position-horizontal-relative: text; mso-position-horizontal: absolute; mso-position-vertical-relative: text; mso-position-vertical: absolute; mso-width-percent: 0; mso-width-percent: 0; mso-width-relative: margin; mso-wrap-distance-bottom: 0; mso-wrap-distance-left: 9pt; mso-wrap-distance-right: 9pt; mso-wrap-distance-top: 0; mso-wrap-style: square; position: absolute; visibility: visible; width: 164.95pt; z-index: -251653120;" type="#_x0000_t75">
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</w:wrap></v:imagedata></v:shape><span style="color: #010000; font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">God has power to make matter out of energy and humans from the
dust of the ground; can’t God recreate the body, just like a seed is changed
into a flower? <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEjNm9rwBGnzURwINLukYnB2z-dd4-C1bPSgIbrydlAPPRDkvzxotgUSAZTkFB34eTKz-Q9zP0Coz6nJhQ-TOe1Tml12IgXSyLd5Wr6rq7O0O_gCn__41WqtCLwAHA6oQz2ppeCUyim2DaA5qkpLFi8n5ZmYcFDvv9a784D5rtFlXMfhzmSrllvaQZVvGw" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="" data-original-height="215" data-original-width="344" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEjNm9rwBGnzURwINLukYnB2z-dd4-C1bPSgIbrydlAPPRDkvzxotgUSAZTkFB34eTKz-Q9zP0Coz6nJhQ-TOe1Tml12IgXSyLd5Wr6rq7O0O_gCn__41WqtCLwAHA6oQz2ppeCUyim2DaA5qkpLFi8n5ZmYcFDvv9a784D5rtFlXMfhzmSrllvaQZVvGw" width="320" /></a></div><br /><o:p></o:p><p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; mso-margin-top-alt: auto;"><span style="color: #010000; font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">When we think of dying and going to Heaven, we wonder if Heaven
will be one long church service. That does not appeal to every Christian.
Rather than imagine Heaven with angels sitting on clouds and choirs singing and
harps playing, it may be helpful to imagine that Heaven is a place of
restoration, renewal, blossoming, and becoming more like Jesus. John Eldridge
author of Wild at Heart thinks of this life as living in a lobby waiting for
our resurrection. The lobby may be different for each of us. Some wait in
luxurious lobbies. Others wait in lobbies that are crack houses. Nevertheless,
each lobby has two large doors. Those doors open up to a large banquet hall
where a feast awaits us all. <o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; mso-margin-top-alt: auto;"><span style="color: #010000; font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"></span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEhjx-uBje1JH7Rhr9XCzKFJW91D35aSC9zmv94Tl50E22SOH-TtP0Gsqytp39E8fvglMNOuDyANh3zbRaFfaXg9c1udn7cjpggWEhcySKSTI60j06Yr7qREPla18GoRvRGRbd8c8LQY81vYWElPpbtObgp7kowuFFLd0zXNmwFBQYPvRVQMqx-JqtmaUg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="" data-original-height="241" data-original-width="327" height="236" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEhjx-uBje1JH7Rhr9XCzKFJW91D35aSC9zmv94Tl50E22SOH-TtP0Gsqytp39E8fvglMNOuDyANh3zbRaFfaXg9c1udn7cjpggWEhcySKSTI60j06Yr7qREPla18GoRvRGRbd8c8LQY81vYWElPpbtObgp7kowuFFLd0zXNmwFBQYPvRVQMqx-JqtmaUg" width="320" /></a></div><br /><br /><p></p>
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</w:wrap></v:imagedata></v:shape><span style="color: #010000; font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">As Max Lucado writes, the best is yet to come. That is how we
can view this life regardless of how wonderful our life is or how terrible it
may be at any given moment. The best is yet to come. We are not in the land of
the living going to the land of the dying. We are in the land of the dying trying
to get to the land of the living.<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; mso-margin-top-alt: auto;"><span style="color: #010000; font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">It is good to sow seeds of love because love is what we will
reap. Whether in this life or the next, we do not know what love will look
like, we just know if we plant love, love will grow. <o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; mso-margin-top-alt: auto;"><v:shape id="_x0000_s1026" style="height: 153.1pt; margin-left: -.3pt; margin-top: 151.55pt; mso-height-percent: 0; mso-height-percent: 0; mso-height-relative: margin; mso-position-horizontal-relative: text; mso-position-horizontal: absolute; mso-position-vertical-relative: text; mso-position-vertical: absolute; mso-width-percent: 0; mso-width-percent: 0; mso-width-relative: margin; mso-wrap-distance-bottom: 0; mso-wrap-distance-left: 9pt; mso-wrap-distance-right: 9pt; mso-wrap-distance-top: 0; mso-wrap-style: square; position: absolute; visibility: visible; width: 126.9pt; z-index: -251651072;" type="#_x0000_t75">
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</w:wrap></v:imagedata></v:shape><span style="color: #010000; font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">Winston Churchill was a believer in Heaven. When he arranged his
funeral he included hymns to be sung in St. Paul's Cathedral and an impressive
liturgy. When they said the benediction, he had arranged for a bugler high in
the dome of St. Paul's Cathedral on one side to play "Taps," the
universal signal that the day is over. But when that was finished, there was a
long pause and then a bugler on the other side played "Reveille," the
signal of a new day beginning. It was Churchill's way of communicating that
while we say "Good night" here, it's "Good morning" up
there!<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; mso-margin-top-alt: auto;"><span style="color: #010000; font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">Whoever you are today and whatever life is like for you today,
know that the best is yet to come. Amen. <o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; mso-margin-top-alt: auto;"><span style="color: #010000; font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"></span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEiZo0IJ1pO4fCb6eOgpL6jW1U9hDhBs5wTyKGU7JIAJ59liAnIyvGyzeP-JwbvhBVPGaCJA-C-CuE9mBlCiSDfUKLDbgU1a-r2yP-aWoAN5ZS_BY_YtY3iq_-zvu3nV9ZX4egvZkjsUahuPTo_lkoEvXPdsgQeNItQM9SD-2zYzHqeQIDVAadFozFuvMg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="" data-original-height="319" data-original-width="265" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEiZo0IJ1pO4fCb6eOgpL6jW1U9hDhBs5wTyKGU7JIAJ59liAnIyvGyzeP-JwbvhBVPGaCJA-C-CuE9mBlCiSDfUKLDbgU1a-r2yP-aWoAN5ZS_BY_YtY3iq_-zvu3nV9ZX4egvZkjsUahuPTo_lkoEvXPdsgQeNItQM9SD-2zYzHqeQIDVAadFozFuvMg" width="199" /></a></div><br /><br /><p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; mso-margin-top-alt: auto;"><span style="color: #010000; font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></span></p>Pastor Hineshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09116473656083061218noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-860308507969757375.post-78131517780061793582022-02-11T09:54:00.003-08:002022-02-11T09:54:28.389-08:00“There’s More to the Picture” Ed Howard February 13, 2022 <p> </p><p align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; text-align: center;"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">“There’s More to the Picture”<o:p></o:p></span></b></p>
<p align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">Ed
Howard<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">February
13, 2022<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif; font-size: 11.5pt;"><o:p> </o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; text-indent: .5in;"><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">Sometime
in my 40s, I worked with a man named John Walker. John was somewhere in his
60s, and he was an expert with a shovel. He could move more material with a
shovel than anyone in the company. Even the men in their 20s could not stay
with him.<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;"><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>Now that was not the only thing he
could do. He was a tractor trailer driver and could operate a lot of the
machinery in the company, but his specialty was the shovel. If anyone looked at
John, all they might see was an old man with a shovel, but there was more to
him than met the eye.<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;"><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>In the crucifixion picture of Jesus
and the two thieves, the center of focus is on Christ, just as it should be. But
there, too, is more to the picture than meets the eye.<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;"><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>The scripture reading Luke 23: 32-38
tells us that Christ was mocked by the soldiers and the crowd. One thief that
was hanging there beside Him said, “Are you not the Messiah? Save yourself and
us.” But to me, Christ could not come down from the cross. <o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; text-indent: .5in;"><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">The
reason he could not come down off of the Cross was because Jesus was and is our
sacrificial lamb, our Paschal or Passover lamb. When the Israelites in Egypt
placed the blood of the Passover lamb on the door posts of their houses, the
Angel of Death passed over their homes and slayed the firstborn males of the
Egyptians.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;"><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>In the same way, the blood shed by
Christ on the Cross is applied to the doorposts of our hearts, by faith, and
God promises that his Holy judgement will pass over all mankind.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>All who put their trust in the Messiah’s
death as their Passover lamb will experience the promise of Salvation and
deliverance from the bondage of sin and death.<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;"><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>The second thief says that he is
guilty and deserves to be on the cross, and then he states that Jesus is
innocent and does not deserve to be crucified.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>At that, the thief turns to Christ and says, “Remember me when you come
into your kingdom.”<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Jesus replies,
“Truly I tell you, today you will be with me in Paradise.”<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;"><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>These words, though few, are dynamic.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>When the second thief makes the statement
that he deserves to be on the cross, he is making a public confession of his
sin.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>By turning to Christ and asking to
be remembered in His Kingdom, he is seeking forgiveness and accepting Jesus as
his Lord and Savior. Christ, by the authority given to him by God, forgives him
and gives him eternal life when he states that the thief will be with him in
Paradise.<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;"><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>From the Cross to today, seeking the
Kingdom is still the same:<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;"><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">1)
recognizing being a sinner, <o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;"><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">2)
seeking forgiveness, <o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;"><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">3)
accepting Christ as your personal Savior, and<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;"><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">4)
striving to be Christ-like <o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;"><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>Let’s look at just how each of us
interprets sin. For me, the easiest definition is that which comes between you
and God.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>There is another definition,
and that is to miss the mark. If you shoot an arrow at a target and you miss by
an inch or a mile, it makes no difference- you missed the mark.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Sin a little or sin a lot, you still miss the
mark. A degree of sin is not a comparison between people; one sinner is not
more guilty than another since all sin weighs the same.<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;"><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>Admitting to your own sin is not the
easiest thing to do, but there is nothing to compare it to. It is strictly on
you.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Confessing to God and seeking
forgiveness opens your heart to acceptance of Christ as your personal Savior. Your
confession and acceptance of Christ is the road to eternal life.<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; text-indent: .5in;"><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">Last
is to be Christ-like. That can be summed up in six words: Love God; love your
fellow man. There is an old Gospel hymn I used to sing and have heard many
times done by various Gospel groups.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">You gotta walk that lonesome valley<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">You gotta walk it by yourself<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">Well there ain't nobody else gonna go there for you<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">You gotta go there by yourself<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;"><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">The
question is: Where are you on your walk?<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>Everyone’s walk is a personal journey.<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; text-indent: .5in;"><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">Remember,
the thief on the cross was seeking the Kingdom. So should we always be seeking
the Kingdom- the Kingdom of God!<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: 11.5pt;"><o:p> </o:p></span></p>Pastor Hineshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09116473656083061218noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-860308507969757375.post-18214850276170795422022-02-04T06:54:00.003-08:002022-02-04T06:54:13.130-08:00“Love Appears” Pastor Hines February 6, 2022<p> </p><p align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; text-align: center;"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt;">“Love Appears” <o:p></o:p></span></b></p>
<p align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; text-align: center;"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt;">Pastor Hines <o:p></o:p></span></b></p>
<p align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; text-align: center;"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt;">February 6, 2022<o:p></o:p></span></b></p><p align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; text-align: center;"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt;"></span></b></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEh1nHnN172UILHb7RBJd9qGYRgVcuhHtP1XebxzBKRkdz15kWYl_Z78nTJBz4Tgx-Ta-B5jzb6bT9xAO9mNuqLJle0QDfVMcERiVpj0_OtllskP7JzZf8KQ--Xxm8nT1Vse_R8dAwfzKpImVaQMqPU4YF4vqhEBkqjScj8XSL0t1qQw02jRMsQTBi917g" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="" data-original-height="215" data-original-width="196" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEh1nHnN172UILHb7RBJd9qGYRgVcuhHtP1XebxzBKRkdz15kWYl_Z78nTJBz4Tgx-Ta-B5jzb6bT9xAO9mNuqLJle0QDfVMcERiVpj0_OtllskP7JzZf8KQ--Xxm8nT1Vse_R8dAwfzKpImVaQMqPU4YF4vqhEBkqjScj8XSL0t1qQw02jRMsQTBi917g" width="219" /></a><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEh1nHnN172UILHb7RBJd9qGYRgVcuhHtP1XebxzBKRkdz15kWYl_Z78nTJBz4Tgx-Ta-B5jzb6bT9xAO9mNuqLJle0QDfVMcERiVpj0_OtllskP7JzZf8KQ--Xxm8nT1Vse_R8dAwfzKpImVaQMqPU4YF4vqhEBkqjScj8XSL0t1qQw02jRMsQTBi917g" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEiSxEl_v2bEAODNdo2FOkgEajUKHx6Dv_iTAtVXorpuTS6g8Sqfn0pWPtNcXB84YnQ64UkVpFSulY1YBTKzzt3gnI5PAHqSB-iUPLyZ1FCEZsGH0AMrAEoJ523DGEknQ5YSYJPY-1G9ZGcTNuI-OJMhs5uTkrOOIkdp1tBwyzXnic82T1dAEOZbv4-YCg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="" data-original-height="263" data-original-width="210" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEiSxEl_v2bEAODNdo2FOkgEajUKHx6Dv_iTAtVXorpuTS6g8Sqfn0pWPtNcXB84YnQ64UkVpFSulY1YBTKzzt3gnI5PAHqSB-iUPLyZ1FCEZsGH0AMrAEoJ523DGEknQ5YSYJPY-1G9ZGcTNuI-OJMhs5uTkrOOIkdp1tBwyzXnic82T1dAEOZbv4-YCg" width="192" /></a></div><br /></b></div><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><br /><br /></b><p></p>
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many of us have seen beautiful artwork with Jesus looking beautifully divine?
His blue eyes and golden blonde hair inspire us. As well, we are inspired by
Jesus as a man of color <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>and Jesus as an
Asian. </span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEhlLVm554ZREezfSRDQARj8cZ4Jw1Q8Zh8LZw5Te9Tnq3YNr1W3VYH2Pbc5T1EQ6LXwxjPKY9NUJoBoxVnWYFnQAs4p4qb_ZB38ncwoYR5xZXpx7CRUH-cW4PYXdGUhTo08NsWuQ7T-6o9xHPIiCTcsq2sJ5mdPmigPPotRrVQrNLjborVRr4c-RqqUrA" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="" data-original-height="244" data-original-width="204" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEhlLVm554ZREezfSRDQARj8cZ4Jw1Q8Zh8LZw5Te9Tnq3YNr1W3VYH2Pbc5T1EQ6LXwxjPKY9NUJoBoxVnWYFnQAs4p4qb_ZB38ncwoYR5xZXpx7CRUH-cW4PYXdGUhTo08NsWuQ7T-6o9xHPIiCTcsq2sJ5mdPmigPPotRrVQrNLjborVRr4c-RqqUrA" width="201" /></a></div><br /><o:p></o:p><p></p>
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I lived in Philadelphia, I heard of the Norman Rockwell Museum which no longer
exists. His paintings attracted me. I even have this one on my wall in the office.
When I did not see any people of color in any of his paintings that I saw, I
was not offended, I just wanted to see the richness of his gift with faces that
were as dark as mine, so I wrote the museum and asked if any existed. They sent
me this picture. There was no note, no explanation, just the picture. I could
not help wonder if they were offended that I even asked. It was not my intention
to offend or protest; I just wanted to see his extraordinary, God-given gift
expressed in brown faces. </span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEhL7SuMPjjosmlrjqTTsQp-OLrcQoO8yBQA9TWHTN1TPOl4OPrssOJZ-3JvducfxS3z-iFJcPVH4u92VJue0V86bLRuXiuABxk5JQ46q5DVR6cs_hn0rqEapIEV5apbpPw76u03jQXvdGyUnMZMAABW8AO9sXbKRxWKhuCoS0HsYNkFt7zTvHax-d8fnA" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="" data-original-height="198" data-original-width="258" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEhL7SuMPjjosmlrjqTTsQp-OLrcQoO8yBQA9TWHTN1TPOl4OPrssOJZ-3JvducfxS3z-iFJcPVH4u92VJue0V86bLRuXiuABxk5JQ46q5DVR6cs_hn0rqEapIEV5apbpPw76u03jQXvdGyUnMZMAABW8AO9sXbKRxWKhuCoS0HsYNkFt7zTvHax-d8fnA" width="313" /></a> <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEiNNusrKpNzHA9KEsP3aJ1GWQ-NdqPbj6A73L16MTOlJb4KTPF734TknfCdelTntngkJxmP2KtXcA1_UmmM4eOuJ1ssQ7bwBDYSD8W8Xid61D_iQr99dKhw0vnWI2OjC3_ROavuWdkJMfHLiJRodgRpPe4I4dvT06T2CG91zn3pjsESrRQf2YrjnCcNVQ" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="" data-original-height="267" data-original-width="250" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEiNNusrKpNzHA9KEsP3aJ1GWQ-NdqPbj6A73L16MTOlJb4KTPF734TknfCdelTntngkJxmP2KtXcA1_UmmM4eOuJ1ssQ7bwBDYSD8W8Xid61D_iQr99dKhw0vnWI2OjC3_ROavuWdkJMfHLiJRodgRpPe4I4dvT06T2CG91zn3pjsESrRQf2YrjnCcNVQ" width="225" /></a><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEiNNusrKpNzHA9KEsP3aJ1GWQ-NdqPbj6A73L16MTOlJb4KTPF734TknfCdelTntngkJxmP2KtXcA1_UmmM4eOuJ1ssQ7bwBDYSD8W8Xid61D_iQr99dKhw0vnWI2OjC3_ROavuWdkJMfHLiJRodgRpPe4I4dvT06T2CG91zn3pjsESrRQf2YrjnCcNVQ" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEi5rCbIwh1fngo_CA_PuyBG1Ib7s3laszyq-ZuxSPiWrs9uq_q9DqiRGfbgIEmpea9y5eXfmwbQbW1fE0_Nn5gCjIWsVMl3AcxNCeeao0YbLYTr2jV8xE4HUYtbhXnuKK6cjNsjDSdNVCvc4PuyKZzFb8ODyg_2Nu21laxtrVG5kkUZsViZUWOfp8zSJA" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="" data-original-height="280" data-original-width="219" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEi5rCbIwh1fngo_CA_PuyBG1Ib7s3laszyq-ZuxSPiWrs9uq_q9DqiRGfbgIEmpea9y5eXfmwbQbW1fE0_Nn5gCjIWsVMl3AcxNCeeao0YbLYTr2jV8xE4HUYtbhXnuKK6cjNsjDSdNVCvc4PuyKZzFb8ODyg_2Nu21laxtrVG5kkUZsViZUWOfp8zSJA" width="188" /></a></div><br /></div><br /></div><br /><o:p></o:p><p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">How we see and what we see makes a world of
difference in our lives. What we see effects our self-esteem and our esteem for
others. The Apostle Paul reminds his church in Corinth that people saw Jesus after
Jesus rose from the dead. It is critical that all understand that Jesus is not
ordinary, but extraordinary. <o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">Corinth was like a city some have called a “Sin
City” In a “sin city.” Everybody and anybody was doing anything and everything,
whether good or evil. Apostle Paul was the first preacher that the Corinthians
had ever heard. They knew little about Jesus until Paul spoke to them. That’s
big. You can imagine that talking about having right relationships and spending
time in prayer and tithing and respecting all people no matter their religion
or race did not make Paul very popular at all. No it did not. He was persecuted
and criticized, but he knew his message was one that could save anybody and
everybody from their sinful ways. How wonderful it is to be saved!!! Surely you
know someone right now that needs to be saved, delivered, and relieved of some
burden great or small. <o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><v:shape alt="Have You Seen Jesus Lately?: Dot Grid Journal: Journals, M: 9781724940353: Amazon.com: Books" id="Picture_x0020_25" o:spid="_x0000_s1031" style="height: 124.5pt; margin-left: .9pt; margin-top: 83.95pt; mso-height-percent: 0; mso-height-percent: 0; mso-height-relative: margin; mso-position-horizontal-relative: text; mso-position-horizontal: absolute; mso-position-vertical-relative: text; mso-position-vertical: absolute; mso-width-percent: 0; mso-width-percent: 0; mso-width-relative: margin; mso-wrap-distance-bottom: 0; mso-wrap-distance-left: 9pt; mso-wrap-distance-right: 9pt; mso-wrap-distance-top: 0; mso-wrap-style: square; position: absolute; visibility: visible; width: 115.8pt; z-index: -251652096;" type="#_x0000_t75">
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</w:wrap></v:imagedata></v:shape><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"></span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEiwYzvo2ujK96pglu_asE08z1A_1ZdXRTMLtcp2kEaGEbz312RBNR8FAC0hvothj-lfBqsfqUk7atdDon5idJOpRjpUFOuAohFVbwQdGzwfXIaZEXqQYLFZ8_fVsZm5UCxL_dwtoS85Bi0LyfQdMVJMh4YFQpntnnmIcCu6kZCVRDe7hUFmDBKHpdr1Ag" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="" data-original-height="259" data-original-width="241" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEiwYzvo2ujK96pglu_asE08z1A_1ZdXRTMLtcp2kEaGEbz312RBNR8FAC0hvothj-lfBqsfqUk7atdDon5idJOpRjpUFOuAohFVbwQdGzwfXIaZEXqQYLFZ8_fVsZm5UCxL_dwtoS85Bi0LyfQdMVJMh4YFQpntnnmIcCu6kZCVRDe7hUFmDBKHpdr1Ag" width="223" /></a></div><br />Paul
helped them to see Jesus for who he is, a loving savior to those who want to be
saved. Paul reminded the church, beginning in verse 5, that after Jesus’
resurrection, he appeared in all his loving glory first to Peter, then the
twelve disciples, then a crowd of 500, then to his brother James, then to all
the apostles (unnamed church leaders), and finally to Paul himself.<o:p></o:p><p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">So Paul’s words to the church beg the question. Have
YOU seen Jesus? The only time I can say that I saw Jesus was when I was sitting
on the floor exercising. I had been hit by a car while crossing off Broad
Street a couple blocks from where I worked as a social worker at United
Methodist Neighborhood Services for three years after graduating from college.
Just a little tap on my thigh from a 2000 pound vehicle landed me in the street
in the middle of the day. I recall the panicked woman driver declaring how I
just walked right into her car as she was turning the corner. Then a sweet man
gently asked me if I could somehow get out of the middle of the street because
I was blocking traffic. I was stunned, but I was able to do just that – move a
couple feet onto the sidewalk. I did not need an ambulance but I did have a few
weeks of therapy and with the help of a lawyer suggested by a “frenemy”
received a check for $600. <o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">A few months, after weeks of therapy, I was taking a
long walk and felt my leg tighten until I thought I would not be able to walk
back home. It was not a neighborhood that I wanted to be helpless and alone in.
Knowing this might happen again, I began to pray daily for God to help me. I
did not have health insurance. I was inspired by the Holy Spirit to do certain
stretches that enabled me to walk without losing my strength. <o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">Through the years, stretching has given me strength.
One day, as I sat on the floor stretching, I saw a flash of the typical
white-robed Jesus, quiet, peaceful and beautiful. He was beautiful – not
because of his features but because of the love that thoroughly enveloped me.
Love appeared. I clearly understood that I was being blessed and that
stretching was an important part of taking care of the body that God had given
me in order to do ministry and enjoy life. Seeing Jesus </span><v:shape alt="Henry Ossawa Tanner - Wikipedia" id="Picture_x0020_27" o:spid="_x0000_s1030" style="height: 117.75pt; margin-left: 205.2pt; margin-top: 55.6pt; mso-height-percent: 0; mso-height-percent: 0; mso-height-relative: margin; mso-position-horizontal-relative: text; mso-position-horizontal: absolute; mso-position-vertical-relative: text; mso-position-vertical: absolute; mso-width-percent: 0; mso-width-percent: 0; mso-width-relative: margin; mso-wrap-distance-bottom: 0; mso-wrap-distance-left: 9pt; mso-wrap-distance-right: 9pt; mso-wrap-distance-top: 0; mso-wrap-style: square; position: absolute; visibility: visible; width: 141.3pt; z-index: -251651072;" type="#_x0000_t75">
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</w:wrap></v:imagedata></v:shape><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">that
day encourages my soul in a mighty way to this day.<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><v:shape alt="The Savior | Smithsonian American Art Museum" id="Picture_x0020_26" o:spid="_x0000_s1029" style="height: 156.9pt; margin-left: -1.25pt; margin-top: 107.1pt; mso-height-percent: 0; mso-height-percent: 0; mso-height-relative: margin; mso-position-horizontal-relative: text; mso-position-horizontal: absolute; mso-position-vertical-relative: text; mso-position-vertical: absolute; mso-width-percent: 0; mso-width-percent: 0; mso-width-relative: margin; mso-wrap-distance-bottom: 0; mso-wrap-distance-left: 9pt; mso-wrap-distance-right: 9pt; mso-wrap-distance-top: 0; mso-wrap-style: square; position: absolute; visibility: visible; width: 116.7pt; z-index: -251650048;" type="#_x0000_t75">
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your story? Have you seen Jesus in a dream? In a vision? In a moment of
meditation or service? In artwork like Henry Ossawa Tanner another Philadelphia
artist who saw Jesus in his painting entitled, “The Saviour?”<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEhzhY4LZKiX_8DCwKsY4lzK0NGgPuzOG6VYHUY03qahSG7YCJXkar4WQtFqJ01CDt3UFQ1y4AppinV2fHRIV10eRYiGL_lj1XhnKqBemWfPuFLSVUcyLbyeGxqcHSDtO2dhlr7WleNr0iviK3oF0mXu-0BS_4Bs5Hd0qZ7y0sTXCvtVv8EGzuXIBowyWA" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="" data-original-height="327" data-original-width="243" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEhzhY4LZKiX_8DCwKsY4lzK0NGgPuzOG6VYHUY03qahSG7YCJXkar4WQtFqJ01CDt3UFQ1y4AppinV2fHRIV10eRYiGL_lj1XhnKqBemWfPuFLSVUcyLbyeGxqcHSDtO2dhlr7WleNr0iviK3oF0mXu-0BS_4Bs5Hd0qZ7y0sTXCvtVv8EGzuXIBowyWA" width="178" /></a></div><br /> </span><o:p></o:p><p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">Seeing is believing. Seeing strengthens our faith.
Seeing stirs up the Holy Spirit in our hearts and in our lives. Seeing Jesus
changes lives. When your family, neighbors, friends and strangers see Jesus in
you, you best believe it matters, and it matters a whole lot, it matters more
than you think, it matters deep down. </span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEgGBkajib653OYxfrSGUJ_Oz947S3emueuB1qnbl1sntWZ0Nu2b2mPd5YGDmVLalufi9oHpjoyvtfR0USlF8RpZMBYmnCwI4kEzwor2RsmrgiftGvXg7fnUKEnY-9-Il52_ZHhZSJYs2eQdEFwhWdJ4UqkLZWd4rRvVU92j4gr_0BO1rNBwWk6c8uU_Sw" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="" data-original-height="203" data-original-width="339" height="192" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEgGBkajib653OYxfrSGUJ_Oz947S3emueuB1qnbl1sntWZ0Nu2b2mPd5YGDmVLalufi9oHpjoyvtfR0USlF8RpZMBYmnCwI4kEzwor2RsmrgiftGvXg7fnUKEnY-9-Il52_ZHhZSJYs2eQdEFwhWdJ4UqkLZWd4rRvVU92j4gr_0BO1rNBwWk6c8uU_Sw" width="320" /></a></div><br /><o:p></o:p><p></p>
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</w:wrap></v:imagedata></v:shape><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">May
it be that all of us can see our God, the God who is ready to bless us with
saving and resurrecting power for any problem in our lives, the God “who stays”
as one contemporary song says. </span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEgYJpzL9-p92MV4OB-gFFn9NynpIdO5QaQdaHcZtvniy9UTUOhfo6xNi0ujOS3YLZY7KoR_EgItPbKwxGxZ8g4el_reKQNP0r1x4OwFg6wjAuPWiTz7PiuEuwP1JWpzFicKRu8S5JnxZsqDFHRtf_qyxKXN48cf4K5XBXAVWRNadasj3grW8DBA-DMRXg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="" data-original-height="255" data-original-width="325" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEgYJpzL9-p92MV4OB-gFFn9NynpIdO5QaQdaHcZtvniy9UTUOhfo6xNi0ujOS3YLZY7KoR_EgItPbKwxGxZ8g4el_reKQNP0r1x4OwFg6wjAuPWiTz7PiuEuwP1JWpzFicKRu8S5JnxZsqDFHRtf_qyxKXN48cf4K5XBXAVWRNadasj3grW8DBA-DMRXg" width="306" /></a></div><br /><o:p></o:p><p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">One of my daily prayers is that we would stir up our
spiritual gifts and use our unique gifts. Seeing Jesus stirs us, motivates us,
drives us into the loving arms of the one who saves, drives us into the loving
presence of those who care, drives us into sweet surrender and regular repentance
that resurrects us </span><v:shape alt="The Thankful Poor - Wikipedia" id="Picture_x0020_29" o:spid="_x0000_s1027" style="height: 122.35pt; margin-left: -3.3pt; margin-top: 0; mso-height-percent: 0; mso-height-percent: 0; mso-height-relative: margin; mso-position-horizontal-relative: text; mso-position-horizontal: absolute; mso-position-vertical-relative: text; mso-position-vertical: absolute; mso-width-percent: 0; mso-width-percent: 0; mso-width-relative: margin; mso-wrap-distance-bottom: 0; mso-wrap-distance-left: 9pt; mso-wrap-distance-right: 9pt; mso-wrap-distance-top: 0; mso-wrap-style: square; position: absolute; visibility: visible; width: 155.8pt; z-index: -251648000;" type="#_x0000_t75">
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</w:wrap></v:imagedata></v:shape><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">and
empowers to live life and to live it more abundantly! Sooner or later, in one
way or another, you will see Jesus if you have not already. Love appears.
Believe it. Give thanks for it. Pass it on. Amen. <o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><br /></span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"></span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEhXZIUSPXZ4p2p4W74C1I6_3XJQT33ojNMEzZK7-13ozqKixGEiFfHbuoSLcl_8k5-PZYm7E0YdISm16fLDRQrN9kS-Mxgd4QYohFyaNl55GarHRL02llLFMubf93KfYdJ3zBHxUmk-n-buI-k41SoWNbR5o2yZG7lNWy9WdzQfLvZYIm0cPi73Xfqn-Q" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="" data-original-height="561" data-original-width="397" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEhXZIUSPXZ4p2p4W74C1I6_3XJQT33ojNMEzZK7-13ozqKixGEiFfHbuoSLcl_8k5-PZYm7E0YdISm16fLDRQrN9kS-Mxgd4QYohFyaNl55GarHRL02llLFMubf93KfYdJ3zBHxUmk-n-buI-k41SoWNbR5o2yZG7lNWy9WdzQfLvZYIm0cPi73Xfqn-Q" width="170" /></a></div><br /><br /><p></p>
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<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><o:p> </o:p></span></p>Pastor Hineshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09116473656083061218noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-860308507969757375.post-77367061017977029482022-01-28T07:50:00.006-08:002022-01-28T07:50:38.422-08:00January 30, 2022 Youth Sunday Message is shared Quaker style Pastor Jacqueline Hines<p> </p><p align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; text-align: center;"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt;">January 30, 2022
<o:p></o:p></span></b></p>
<p align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; text-align: center;"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt;">Youth Sunday
Message is shared Quaker style <o:p></o:p></span></b></p>
<p align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; text-align: center;"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt;">Pastor
Jacqueline Hines<o:p></o:p></span></b></p>
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<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">People are called in many ways. God has so many
ways. Have you every sensed God calling you to do something? Have you ever had
a conversion experience that led to your serving God? I was at Eastern College
in prayer and was left speechless…felt full of God’s love and God’s wanting me
to serve with power and purpose.<o:p></o:p></span></p>
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</w:wrap></v:imagedata></v:shape><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">Jeremiah
was called when he was young and lacked confidence, but God put God’s words in
Jeremiah’s mouth and can do the same for any of us.</span><span style="mso-no-proof: yes;"> </span><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"></span></span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEg1LqkZexMonESwchkM9hE-Vt9ZGADDKe-9im7Y6FOBP_ZpskM_OpWI_5OppkQQUwkiuqOj0cnon6anSEMC0A3faSQISWl3an6jKlSBor97Qz_IvvKOCY4mcBdSXHlA5QHV-PfIBgGq8bY7bGcllZtFliFKpTfuB2f3zbjRy2njYPZ5MBjJiYOy-ko8Aw" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="" data-original-height="256" data-original-width="256" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEg1LqkZexMonESwchkM9hE-Vt9ZGADDKe-9im7Y6FOBP_ZpskM_OpWI_5OppkQQUwkiuqOj0cnon6anSEMC0A3faSQISWl3an6jKlSBor97Qz_IvvKOCY4mcBdSXHlA5QHV-PfIBgGq8bY7bGcllZtFliFKpTfuB2f3zbjRy2njYPZ5MBjJiYOy-ko8Aw" width="240" /></a></div><br /><br /><p></p>
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</w:wrap></v:imagedata></v:shape><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">Harriet
Tubman answered her call to rescue dozens of slaves from bondage after she was
beat in the head for refusing to tie up another slave. She began to have
seizures, see visions and felt she heard God guiding her on her underground
railroad to freedom.</span><span style="mso-no-proof: yes;"> </span><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"></span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEilwZHOMbaY0I3ueXmhUPyrIIDe3pGM6rY02xuYm5V0pNNusEO-70QSbEAyJ_zYvl5ppg13j7FSTa-oSlJVChvF-VBAVLXdwuaO1jAqTuYuGCFXTbpvtadSkbgyKaczNFlZEUqwcjaXyi7FTnnqrnsb4Gxn8OI5ELh0gdpuEVQWhQL1dZEHbTcWSdu8Hg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="" data-original-height="281" data-original-width="239" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEilwZHOMbaY0I3ueXmhUPyrIIDe3pGM6rY02xuYm5V0pNNusEO-70QSbEAyJ_zYvl5ppg13j7FSTa-oSlJVChvF-VBAVLXdwuaO1jAqTuYuGCFXTbpvtadSkbgyKaczNFlZEUqwcjaXyi7FTnnqrnsb4Gxn8OI5ELh0gdpuEVQWhQL1dZEHbTcWSdu8Hg" width="204" /></a></div><br /><br /><p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">Anna Shaw felt God’s call to be a preacher, and in
spite of social challenges with insults and rejection of her being a women in
the pulpit, she answered her call. In 1873, the Methodist Church “voted
unanimously to grant her a local preacher’s license. <o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></span><b><u><span style="color: #880000; font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">Psalm 71</span></u></b><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><b><u><span style="color: #880000; font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"></span></u></b></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><b><u><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEh1Zy-Utxvgx2BnfJOdpYmbvSgZdpX6gv3lY-ZXIEFjHD5Sg18cs_2n7uLpbkKBoxaTgHhUyzhy7E-qoh21bD7cQFZJvABEEuYxy6fgkF2hdmUm6yclXOmIaOAabaUF2zgutBjlctPIAA8pnvGV5noi5_Rbb-_8IXm9wigwFEl_CqbWuKLfz0JpDv-z-g" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="" data-original-height="235" data-original-width="281" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEh1Zy-Utxvgx2BnfJOdpYmbvSgZdpX6gv3lY-ZXIEFjHD5Sg18cs_2n7uLpbkKBoxaTgHhUyzhy7E-qoh21bD7cQFZJvABEEuYxy6fgkF2hdmUm6yclXOmIaOAabaUF2zgutBjlctPIAA8pnvGV5noi5_Rbb-_8IXm9wigwFEl_CqbWuKLfz0JpDv-z-g" width="287" /></a></u></b></div><b><u><br /><br /></u></b><p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="background: white; line-height: normal; mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; mso-margin-top-alt: auto;"><span style="color: #010000; font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">Has the Lord delivered you from a person or
situation? There is an old prayer of gratitude that says, “Thank you Lord for
delivering us from dangers seen and unseen.” Once I was traveling with a good
friend from time to time. We liked being together, but he was finding it harder
and harder to </span><v:shape id="_x0000_s1029" style="height: 113.15pt; margin-left: 1.65pt; margin-top: 3.15pt; mso-height-percent: 0; mso-height-percent: 0; mso-height-relative: margin; mso-position-horizontal-relative: text; mso-position-horizontal: absolute; mso-position-vertical-relative: text; mso-position-vertical: absolute; mso-width-percent: 0; mso-width-percent: 0; mso-width-relative: margin; mso-wrap-distance-bottom: 0; mso-wrap-distance-left: 9pt; mso-wrap-distance-right: 9pt; mso-wrap-distance-top: 0; mso-wrap-style: square; position: absolute; visibility: visible; width: 134.85pt; z-index: -251655168;" type="#_x0000_t75">
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</w:wrap></v:imagedata></v:shape><span style="color: #010000; font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">depend upon the Lord and he was doing his own thing. On one
occasion, we were planning a 6 hour drive and I had a dream that there was a
terrible explosion. The dream warned me not to go. Fortunately, I listened. My
friend went and sure enough, he became a victim of violence that was completely
avoidable if he had made the right choice. <o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="background: white; line-height: normal; mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; mso-margin-top-alt: auto;"><span style="color: #010000; font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">Don’t get me wrong; I’ve made my share of poor
choices. This time, I was blessed to listen and avoid the chaos that Satan has
prepared for us. The light and way of God provided a refuge for me and saved me
from certain, hurt, harm, and danger. That’s a good thing. <o:p></o:p></span></p>
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</w:wrap></v:imagedata></v:shape><u><span style="color: #010000; font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></span></u><b><u><span style="color: #880000; font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">1Corinthians
13<o:p></o:p></span></u></b></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="background: white; line-height: normal; mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; mso-margin-top-alt: auto;"><b><u><span style="color: #880000; font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"></span></u></b></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><b><u><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEgTnwfaZ4LssD4LnpPvSbw6Q9fVKylIclVQepoabQD4hC8UVoSHSOVp0DAJHEcyotTuO5OYcSCSo247P1m6AukrE7s5TgzkqsOmMlNENT9mC4O3ELfzE9PS6MftvoXwV55cl42PFrb6pRREISjKCOgGuW0XsZgeIibZ5MfEYi8UcbvBmtnV63-nVedptA" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="" data-original-height="188" data-original-width="269" height="224" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEgTnwfaZ4LssD4LnpPvSbw6Q9fVKylIclVQepoabQD4hC8UVoSHSOVp0DAJHEcyotTuO5OYcSCSo247P1m6AukrE7s5TgzkqsOmMlNENT9mC4O3ELfzE9PS6MftvoXwV55cl42PFrb6pRREISjKCOgGuW0XsZgeIibZ5MfEYi8UcbvBmtnV63-nVedptA" width="320" /></a></u></b></div><b><u><br /><br /></u></b><p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; mso-margin-top-alt: auto;"><span style="color: #010000; font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">Now I know only in part; then I will know fully, even as I have
been fully known. </span><sup><span style="color: #777777; font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">13</span></sup><span style="color: #010000; font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">And now faith, hope, and
love abide, these three; and the greatest of these is love.<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="background: white; line-height: normal; mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; mso-margin-top-alt: auto;"><span style="color: #010000; font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">God has so much love for us. This day, I
especially remember the prayers God has put on my heart. <o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="background: white; line-height: normal; mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; mso-margin-top-alt: auto;"><v:shape id="_x0000_s1027" style="height: 89.9pt; margin-left: -2.1pt; margin-top: 95.1pt; mso-height-percent: 0; mso-height-percent: 0; mso-height-relative: margin; mso-position-horizontal-relative: text; mso-position-horizontal: absolute; mso-position-vertical-relative: text; mso-position-vertical: absolute; mso-width-percent: 0; mso-width-percent: 0; mso-width-relative: margin; mso-wrap-distance-bottom: 0; mso-wrap-distance-left: 9pt; mso-wrap-distance-right: 9pt; mso-wrap-distance-top: 0; mso-wrap-style: square; position: absolute; visibility: visible; width: 122.35pt; z-index: -251657216;" type="#_x0000_t75">
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</w:wrap></v:imagedata></v:shape><span style="color: #010000; font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">Prayer for youth – Have mercy upon our youth and young adults
who come and go from home, school, work, worship, and enrichment activities.
Anoint them with fire, bless them to be your witnesses, bless them to return to
you, deliver them from resentment, fornication, adultery, abortion, abductions,
and addictions. <o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="background: white; line-height: normal; mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; mso-margin-top-alt: auto;"><span style="color: #010000; font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"></span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEgZo771FSn5vy6frypS8-6MFj0RxIFbmDcNoxHteCdQtmwy3Q9BJUlXPUCwjOjLYwE7fs_T-igLtsGfh3gZBTdx-DGQpp6ZT1gyDtX_0dVk8vVReFpL1ob2U00Po-jc4mqKZIGGY4JpYR8fLiY8vZTAvA1bFs0IG3hxDDejBL-HV7COK3G0pGyyI927sA" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="" data-original-height="187" data-original-width="255" height="235" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEgZo771FSn5vy6frypS8-6MFj0RxIFbmDcNoxHteCdQtmwy3Q9BJUlXPUCwjOjLYwE7fs_T-igLtsGfh3gZBTdx-DGQpp6ZT1gyDtX_0dVk8vVReFpL1ob2U00Po-jc4mqKZIGGY4JpYR8fLiY8vZTAvA1bFs0IG3hxDDejBL-HV7COK3G0pGyyI927sA" width="320" /></a></div><br /><br /><p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="background: white; line-height: normal; mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; mso-margin-top-alt: auto;"><span style="color: #010000; font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">Deliver our children from ill health and
poverty.<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="background: white; line-height: normal; mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; mso-margin-top-alt: auto;"><span style="color: #010000; font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">Prayer for couples – Anoint marriages with
fervor and truth. <o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="background: white; line-height: normal; mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; mso-margin-top-alt: auto;"><span style="color: #010000; font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">Prayer changes things and it changes us. <o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; mso-margin-top-alt: auto; mso-outline-level: 2;"><v:shape id="Picture_x0020_1" o:spid="_x0000_s1026" style="height: 146.9pt; margin-left: -9.3pt; margin-top: 18.55pt; mso-height-percent: 0; mso-height-percent: 0; mso-height-relative: margin; mso-position-horizontal-relative: text; mso-position-horizontal: absolute; mso-position-vertical-relative: text; mso-position-vertical: absolute; mso-width-percent: 0; mso-width-percent: 0; mso-width-relative: margin; mso-wrap-distance-bottom: 0; mso-wrap-distance-left: 9pt; mso-wrap-distance-right: 9pt; mso-wrap-distance-top: 0; mso-wrap-style: square; position: absolute; visibility: visible; width: 96pt; z-index: -251658240;" type="#_x0000_t75">
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</w:wrap></v:imagedata></v:shape><b><u><span style="color: #880000; font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">Luke 4.21-30<o:p></o:p></span></u></b></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; mso-margin-top-alt: auto; mso-outline-level: 2;"><b><u><span style="color: #880000; font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"></span></u></b></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><b><u><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEhTq0C68sZwkYhYNmV8TermyVeM1IRmIkLDRbcKjqDUYQG3dIY-5hNC7avdwa8aLUXzChLbIlgIzynv555QAiutyCcAYyQQ26EmzFR8T87Io4BfwbPk23m5XeUKVX1B4le76LKCXxoL9jZLLMM-nqCAo6tm3BvM0kcWhfCBjlDCS7BVd9Q7XCPZWsna0A" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="" data-original-height="306" data-original-width="200" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEhTq0C68sZwkYhYNmV8TermyVeM1IRmIkLDRbcKjqDUYQG3dIY-5hNC7avdwa8aLUXzChLbIlgIzynv555QAiutyCcAYyQQ26EmzFR8T87Io4BfwbPk23m5XeUKVX1B4le76LKCXxoL9jZLLMM-nqCAo6tm3BvM0kcWhfCBjlDCS7BVd9Q7XCPZWsna0A" width="157" /></a></u></b></div><b><u><br /><br /></u></b><p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="background: white; line-height: normal; mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; mso-margin-top-alt: auto;"><span style="color: #010000; font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">We live in an angry world –Charles Stanly –
Surviving in an Angry World. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="background: white; line-height: normal; mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; mso-margin-top-alt: auto;"><span style="color: #010000; font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">He was abused by his step father…abuse comes
with anger. He was healed. Jesus wants us to tap into healing. Turning to God
is always the answer.<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="background: white; line-height: normal; mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; mso-margin-top-alt: auto;"><span style="color: #010000; font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">May it be so today.<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="background: white; line-height: normal; mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; mso-margin-top-alt: auto;"><span style="color: #010000; font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">I trust the scriptures and opportunities to
reflect in the way of the Quaker Meetings is a blessing to you today.<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><o:p> </o:p></span></p>Pastor Hineshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09116473656083061218noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-860308507969757375.post-12953521941023419862022-01-21T06:46:00.002-08:002022-01-21T06:46:15.880-08:00 “Speaking the Word” - Pastor Hines January 23, 2022<p> </p><p align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; text-align: center;"><b><u><span style="color: black; font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">“Speaking the Word”</span></u></b><u><span style="color: black; font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt;"> - </span></u><b><u><span style="color: black; font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">Pastor Hines<o:p></o:p></span></u></b></p>
<p align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; text-align: center;"><b><u><span style="color: black; font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">January 23, 2022<o:p></o:p></span></u></b></p>
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</w:wrap></v:imagedata></v:shape><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 115%;">Do
we ever wonder if there is more to ministry than handing out cans of soup? When
we are hungry soup helps. When we are hurting…we need help. God has plans for
our healing and help. A friend reminded me this week of the Max Lucado quote:
“God wants our whole heart and God wants our hearts whole.”</span><span style="mso-no-proof: yes;"> </span><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 115%;">God has plans for our healing and help. God has
plans for us to bless others so that they can be healed and helped! Don’t you
want to be a part of God’s plan?<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 115%;">We have access to the same anointing that Jesus had,
the one that he read about from the Prophet Isaiah. He is anointed – called,
commissioned, given authority, guided…<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 115%;">Number 1, Jesus says he is anointed to bring good
news to the poor. Have you given good news to the poor lately? I had a friend
who was homeless for a minute. The reason I say for a minute was because he had
gambled his rent money away and was evicted from his apartment. He was leaving
town, but his train would not be leaving until the next day. He had nowhere to
stay. He slept illegally in the empty apartment haven turned in the key, but he
left the door unlocked. As I prayed for him, the Holy Spirit comforted me with
the words, “He will only be homeless for a minute.” Homelessness is homelessness,
but it is a blessing to only be homeless for a minute. He had made poor
decisions, but my good news to him was that I was concerned and praying for
him. I could not, would not give him any money, but I did give him good news
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</w:wrap></v:imagedata></v:shape><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 115%;">friend
who was praying for him and would follow the Lord’s lead on helping him where I
could. <o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 115%;">2. Jesus was able to proclaim release to the
captives. Has he spoken a word that gave you freedom when you were stuck?
What’s your testimony? Have you proclaimed release to any captives lately? What
are some of the ways you see people being stuck, or captive, or caught up in
something that is less than good? Is it a relationship, addiction, depression?
If we stand still long enough, perhaps God will give you the words that can set
someone free in their mind. God may give you the money like Tim Tebow is using
his money to set trafficked women and children free from slavery. There are
many ways to set someone free. Perhaps there is someone to whom you can speak
forgiveness that they might be set free. Perhaps you can do a kind deed and
release someone from the prison of isolation during this pandemic. </span><v:shape id="_x0000_s1035" style="height: 108.2pt; margin-left: 150.15pt; margin-top: 151.2pt; mso-height-percent: 0; mso-height-percent: 0; mso-height-relative: margin; mso-position-horizontal-relative: text; mso-position-horizontal: absolute; mso-position-vertical-relative: text; mso-position-vertical: absolute; mso-width-percent: 0; mso-width-percent: 0; mso-width-relative: margin; mso-wrap-distance-bottom: 0; mso-wrap-distance-left: 9pt; mso-wrap-distance-right: 9pt; mso-wrap-distance-top: 0; mso-wrap-style: square; position: absolute; visibility: visible; width: 193.2pt; z-index: -251655168;" type="#_x0000_t75">
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</w:wrap></v:imagedata></v:shape><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 115%;">What
would life look like for you if you proclaimed freedom to someone who is
captive to something<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 115%;">3. Jesus was anointed, chosen to bring recovery of
sight to the blind, not just those who were physically blind. I recorded a book
for a blind man when I was at Baltimore City Community College. He was one of
the meanest men I have ever met. He cussed up a storm. He had a foul, mean
vocabulary and a nasty tone. He seemed angry all the time. He was cruel to his
wife and given half a chance, he would be rude and irritable to me when I was
doing him a favor. Most would agree that given a choice it would be more
important that he be healed spiritually and emotionally than physically. Some
might say that he was a mean and nasty man because he was physically blind. No
matter what our circumstances, It’s not so much what happens to us so much as
what happens in us. Is your light shining so that someone can see their way to
being a better person today? Can we appreciate the idea that when we draw
closer to God, God draws us closer to one </span><v:shape id="_x0000_s1034" style="height: 110.4pt; margin-left: .25pt; margin-top: 116.2pt; mso-height-percent: 0; mso-height-percent: 0; mso-height-relative: margin; mso-position-horizontal-relative: text; mso-position-horizontal: absolute; mso-position-vertical-relative: text; mso-position-vertical: absolute; mso-width-percent: 0; mso-width-percent: 0; mso-width-relative: margin; mso-wrap-distance-bottom: 0; mso-wrap-distance-left: 9pt; mso-wrap-distance-right: 9pt; mso-wrap-distance-top: 0; mso-wrap-style: square; position: absolute; visibility: visible; width: 165.6pt; z-index: -251654144;" type="#_x0000_t75">
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</w:wrap></v:imagedata></v:shape><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 115%;">another?
That’s true for couples, countries, teams and toddlers.</span><span style="mso-no-proof: yes;"> </span><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></span></p>
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</w:wrap></v:imagedata></v:shape><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 115%;">4.
Jesus was anointed to let the oppressed go free. This is God’s word. What a
wonderful thing that we have God’s word. God’s word puts the most important
people and things right in our face so we can’t miss them. As good Christians,
we find it hard to look into the eyes and the lives of anyone who is suffering
oppression. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Who has ever been oppressed
and does not want to be free? No one wants to be oppressed. No one wants to be
down or out. No one. Is there anything you can do, great or small to let the oppressed
go free? You’re probably already doing something small or great to ease
someone’s suffering. Yet, it is good to keep our hearts and minds open. What
would happen if we </span><v:shape id="_x0000_s1032" style="height: 131.85pt; margin-left: 210.85pt; margin-top: 0; mso-height-percent: 0; mso-height-percent: 0; mso-height-relative: margin; mso-position-horizontal-relative: text; mso-position-horizontal: absolute; mso-position-vertical-relative: text; mso-position-vertical: absolute; mso-width-percent: 0; mso-width-percent: 0; mso-width-relative: margin; mso-wrap-distance-bottom: 0; mso-wrap-distance-left: 9pt; mso-wrap-distance-right: 9pt; mso-wrap-distance-top: 0; mso-wrap-style: square; position: absolute; visibility: visible; width: 131.85pt; z-index: -251652096;" type="#_x0000_t75">
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</w:wrap></v:imagedata></v:shape><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 115%;">prayed
daily, “ Lord, is there someone you would have me serve today?” <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><v:shape id="_x0000_s1031" style="height: 112.95pt; margin-left: 149.5pt; margin-top: 300.05pt; mso-height-percent: 0; mso-height-percent: 0; mso-height-relative: margin; mso-position-horizontal-relative: text; mso-position-horizontal: absolute; mso-position-vertical-relative: text; mso-position-vertical: absolute; mso-width-percent: 0; mso-width-percent: 0; mso-width-relative: margin; mso-wrap-distance-bottom: 0; mso-wrap-distance-left: 9pt; mso-wrap-distance-right: 9pt; mso-wrap-distance-top: 0; mso-wrap-style: square; position: absolute; visibility: visible; width: 193.2pt; z-index: -251650048;" type="#_x0000_t75">
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</w:wrap></v:imagedata></v:shape><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 115%;">5.
Jesus was anointed to proclaim the year of the Lord’s favor. The year of the
Lord’s favor is associated with the year of Jubilee. Ancient celebrations of
the year of Jubilee meant your debts were wiped off the books. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>That was good news for people who took out
loans and had mortgages, but it was not necessarily good news for bankers,
except that it is indeed better to give than to receive. Jubilee, like the year
of God’s favor that Jesus proclaimed, was a proclamation of a windfall, a
wonderful restoration of property, or a release from servitude. <o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 115%;">Favor was not so much about God doing us a favor as
it was and is today about God reminding us that we are special. We are all
God’s favorites. God has promised to bless all of us and never leave any of us
and even invites all of us into a </span><v:shape id="_x0000_s1029" style="height: 158.2pt; margin-left: -7.7pt; margin-top: 3.25pt; mso-height-percent: 0; mso-height-percent: 0; mso-height-relative: margin; mso-position-horizontal-relative: text; mso-position-horizontal: absolute; mso-position-vertical-relative: text; mso-position-vertical: absolute; mso-width-percent: 0; mso-width-percent: 0; mso-width-relative: margin; mso-wrap-distance-bottom: 0; mso-wrap-distance-left: 9pt; mso-wrap-distance-right: 9pt; mso-wrap-distance-top: 0; mso-wrap-style: square; position: absolute; visibility: visible; width: 166.55pt; z-index: -251649024;" type="#_x0000_t75">
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</w:wrap></v:imagedata></v:shape><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 115%;">covenant,
an agreement - to become all we can be, to bear much spiritual fruit: love,
joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and
self-control. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></span><v:shape id="_x0000_s1028" style="height: 193.1pt; margin-left: 187.45pt; margin-top: 172.85pt; mso-height-percent: 0; mso-height-percent: 0; mso-height-relative: margin; mso-position-horizontal-relative: text; mso-position-horizontal: absolute; mso-position-vertical-relative: text; mso-position-vertical: absolute; mso-width-percent: 0; mso-width-percent: 0; mso-width-relative: margin; mso-wrap-distance-bottom: 0; mso-wrap-distance-left: 9pt; mso-wrap-distance-right: 9pt; mso-wrap-distance-top: 0; mso-wrap-style: square; position: absolute; visibility: visible; width: 163.8pt; z-index: -251648000;" type="#_x0000_t75">
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</w:wrap></v:imagedata></v:shape><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><v:shape id="_x0000_s1027" style="height: 94.45pt; margin-left: -.9pt; margin-top: 187.6pt; mso-height-percent: 0; mso-height-percent: 0; mso-height-relative: margin; mso-position-horizontal-relative: text; mso-position-horizontal: absolute; mso-position-vertical-relative: text; mso-position-vertical: absolute; mso-width-percent: 0; mso-width-percent: 0; mso-width-relative: margin; mso-wrap-distance-bottom: 0; mso-wrap-distance-left: 9pt; mso-wrap-distance-right: 9pt; mso-wrap-distance-top: 0; mso-wrap-style: square; position: absolute; visibility: visible; width: 170.05pt; z-index: -251646976;" type="#_x0000_t75">
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</w:wrap></v:imagedata></v:shape><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 115%;">How
wonderful it is to be invited into a loving covenant since there is so much
uncertainty in this world? Aren’t you glad you don’t have to maneuver in this
world without the help of a higher power? <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><o:p> </o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 115%;">Jesus proclaimed the year of the Lord’s favor and we
can too. We can do so by learning how to treat all God’s children as favored
and special, which first begins with our treating each other as human beings…God
will do the rest. Go forth today and #1 let God help you be the good news to
the poor, #2 release someone who is stuck in poverty or violence, #3 shine a
path bright enough for someone to find their way out of bad behavior, #4 free
the oppressed and those crushed underneath the strong and greedy and finally #5
let someone know with or without words that God knows they are special and you
know it too! Amen. <o:p></o:p></span></p>
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</w:wrap></v:imagedata></v:shape><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><o:p> </o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal;"><span style="background: white; color: #292929; font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt; letter-spacing: -.05pt;"><o:p> </o:p></span></p>Pastor Hineshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09116473656083061218noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-860308507969757375.post-15552681175790890502022-01-14T09:00:00.001-08:002022-01-21T06:45:36.241-08:00“Speaking the T--r--u-t--h” - Pastor Hines January 15, 2022<p> </p><p align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; text-align: center;"><b><u><span style="color: black; font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">“Speaking the T--r--u-t--h”</span></u></b><u><span style="color: black; font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt;"> - </span></u><b><u><span style="color: black; font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">Pastor Hines<o:p></o:p></span></u></b></p>
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</w:wrap></v:imagedata></v:shape><b><u><span style="color: black; font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">January 15, 2022<o:p></o:p></span></u></b></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal;"><v:shape id="_x0000_s1042" style="height: 111.8pt; margin-left: 1.55pt; margin-top: 164.15pt; mso-height-percent: 0; mso-height-percent: 0; mso-height-relative: margin; mso-position-horizontal-relative: text; mso-position-horizontal: absolute; mso-position-vertical-relative: text; mso-position-vertical: absolute; mso-width-percent: 0; mso-width-percent: 0; mso-width-relative: margin; mso-wrap-distance-bottom: 0; mso-wrap-distance-left: 9pt; mso-wrap-distance-right: 9pt; mso-wrap-distance-top: 0; mso-wrap-style: square; position: absolute; visibility: visible; width: 149.05pt; z-index: -251655168;" type="#_x0000_t75">
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<w:wrap type="tight">
</w:wrap></v:imagedata></v:shape><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt;">A
4-year-old boy who was asked to pray for the Christmas dinner. The family
members bowed their heads in expectation. He began his prayer, thanking God for
all his friends, naming them one by one. Then he thanked God for Mommy, Daddy,
brother, sister, Grandma, Grandpa, and all his aunts and uncles. Then he began
to thank God for the food. He gave thanks for the turkey, the dressing, the
fruit salad, the cranberry sauce, the pies, the cakes, even the Cool Whip. Then
he paused, and everyone waited--and waited. After a long silence, the young
fellow looked up at his mother and asked, "If I thank God for the
broccoli,</span><span style="mso-no-proof: yes;"> </span><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt;">won't he know that I'm
lying?" </span><b><u><span style="color: black; font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><o:p></o:p></span></u></b></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal;"><v:shape id="_x0000_s1041" style="height: 113.45pt; margin-left: 169.25pt; margin-top: 100.6pt; mso-position-horizontal-relative: text; mso-position-horizontal: absolute; mso-position-vertical-relative: text; mso-position-vertical: absolute; mso-wrap-distance-bottom: 0; mso-wrap-distance-left: 9pt; mso-wrap-distance-right: 9pt; mso-wrap-distance-top: 0; mso-wrap-style: square; position: absolute; visibility: visible; width: 170.35pt; z-index: -251654144;" type="#_x0000_t75">
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</w:wrap></v:imagedata></v:shape><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt;">That
is a wise child! He did not want to tell a lie. Children first learn to tell
lies around the age of three. They have begun to figure out that you can’t read
their mind, you certainly do not know everything and do not have eyes in the
back of your head. So, they think they can fool you. Sometimes they do. A study
out of the University of Waterloo observing children in their own homes found that
96 percent of young children lie at some point. Four-year-olds lie, on average,
every two hours, and six-year-olds lie, on average, every hour. ... Lying
requires sophisticated thinking. One study of 1000 people suggested that
teenagers lie the most. Judge Judy often says that we know teenagers are lying
when they open up their mouth. I’m sure she’s exaggerating a bit.<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal;"><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt;">If we have not learned already, the
truth has a way of setting us free. The truth leads to righteousness and right
living. Lies can put us and everyone around us at risk. Truth matters. Good
words matter.<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal;"><v:shape id="Picture_x0020_2" o:spid="_x0000_s1040" style="height: 103.8pt; margin-left: -.05pt; margin-top: 77.5pt; mso-height-percent: 0; mso-height-percent: 0; mso-height-relative: margin; mso-position-horizontal-relative: text; mso-position-horizontal: absolute; mso-position-vertical-relative: text; mso-position-vertical: absolute; mso-width-percent: 0; mso-width-percent: 0; mso-width-relative: margin; mso-wrap-distance-bottom: 0; mso-wrap-distance-left: 9pt; mso-wrap-distance-right: 9pt; mso-wrap-distance-top: 0; mso-wrap-style: square; position: absolute; visibility: visible; width: 163.4pt; z-index: -251653120;" type="#_x0000_t75">
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<w:wrap type="tight">
</w:wrap></v:imagedata></v:shape><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt;">Growing
up my mom would often say, “If you don’t have anything good to say, don’t say
anything at all.” Well, the prophet Isaiah says in the first verse of our text
that he will not keep silent, so he must have something good to say. Isaiah
knows it is time to speak up and break the silence. <o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal;"><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt;">This is just the opposite of the verse
in Habakkuk 2.20 that declares “The Lord is in his holy temple, let all the
earth keep <b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">silence </b>before him.” <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal;"><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt;">Of course, silence is not just about
words, it’s an attitude. Richard Foster a member of the Friend (Quaker)
community, in his book <b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">Celebration of Discipline</i></b> notes “If
we are silent when we should speak, we are not living in the Discipline of
silence. If we speak when we should be silent, we again miss the mark. <o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal;"><v:shape id="_x0000_s1039" style="height: 105.15pt; margin-left: 183.4pt; margin-top: 47.85pt; mso-height-percent: 0; mso-height-percent: 0; mso-height-relative: margin; mso-position-horizontal-relative: text; mso-position-horizontal: absolute; mso-position-vertical-relative: text; mso-position-vertical: absolute; mso-width-percent: 0; mso-width-percent: 0; mso-width-relative: margin; mso-wrap-distance-bottom: 0; mso-wrap-distance-left: 9pt; mso-wrap-distance-right: 9pt; mso-wrap-distance-top: 0; mso-wrap-style: square; position: absolute; visibility: visible; width: 156.55pt; z-index: -251652096;" type="#_x0000_t75">
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</w:wrap></v:imagedata></v:shape><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt;">What
is it that a godly person should say? Of course, the words that should come out
of the mouths of those who walk with God should be words that build others up.
The words that come out of the mouths of Christians should be words that honor
God and bless the people and bless this world that God has created. Our words
should be words that not only uplift, but show gratitude, praise,
encouragement, and comfort. There is a wonderful new song that says “I will
praise God in this storm.” <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It echoes
Psalm 92 which says “It is a good thing to give thanks unto the Lord, to sing
and to sing praises unto thy name, O Most High.”<o:p></o:p></span></p>
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</w:wrap></v:imagedata></v:shape><v:shape id="_x0000_s1037" style="height: 112.05pt; margin-left: 5.8pt; margin-top: 2.85pt; mso-height-percent: 0; mso-height-percent: 0; mso-height-relative: margin; mso-position-horizontal-relative: text; mso-position-horizontal: absolute; mso-position-vertical-relative: text; mso-position-vertical: absolute; mso-width-percent: 0; mso-width-percent: 0; mso-width-relative: margin; mso-wrap-distance-bottom: 0; mso-wrap-distance-left: 9pt; mso-wrap-distance-right: 9pt; mso-wrap-distance-top: 0; mso-wrap-style: square; position: absolute; visibility: visible; width: 164.4pt; z-index: -251651072;" type="#_x0000_t75">
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</w:wrap></v:imagedata></v:shape><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt;">Good
and holy words are like anchors that stabilize us in our journey of faith. When
we are navigating troubled waters, good and holy words help us to hold on until
the storm is gone. Praising God with our words in a storm is a great way to
start this year. Verse 1 the prophet says that he must speak because his
speaking brings a light. He says speaking Godly words brings a vindication that
shines like the dawn. Godly speech brings a salvation whose light is as bright
as a burning torch. We all need light. We all need to see where God is leading
us. We need vindication from injustices. We need salvation from wickedness. We
need the light of God all the time, at every turn.<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal;"><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt;">There is no need to keep our praises to
God and our truth and our holy words silent!! Before I became a preacher, I
learned a very, very good pastoral tip from a lay woman. We were talking during
a break in a workshop and she began to express her strong feelings about
preachers in general. I will never forget that she said, “Preachers talk too
much.” It can be true that preachers can get a little long winded. We are a
work in progress and often get told the sermon is too long. We go too far
sometime, but that may be a little better than being silent!<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal;"><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt;">Jeremiah was God’s spokesperson who
thought about what would happen if he decided to keep silent. “If I say, “I
will not mention his word or speak anymore in his name,” his </span><v:shape id="_x0000_s1036" style="height: 124.95pt; margin-left: 3.35pt; margin-top: .05pt; mso-height-percent: 0; mso-height-percent: 0; mso-height-relative: margin; mso-position-horizontal-relative: text; mso-position-horizontal: absolute; mso-position-vertical-relative: text; mso-position-vertical: absolute; mso-width-percent: 0; mso-width-percent: 0; mso-width-relative: margin; mso-wrap-distance-bottom: 0; mso-wrap-distance-left: 9pt; mso-wrap-distance-right: 9pt; mso-wrap-distance-top: 0; mso-wrap-style: square; position: absolute; visibility: visible; width: 112.95pt; z-index: -251649024;" type="#_x0000_t75">
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</w:wrap></v:imagedata></v:shape><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt;">word
is in my heart like a fire, a fire shut up in my bones. I am weary of holding
it in; indeed, I cannot.” If he did not speak up and speak out, Jeremiah knew
he would be restless, uncomfortable, and unable to remain </span><v:shape id="_x0000_s1035" style="height: 117.85pt; margin-left: 205.05pt; margin-top: 106.75pt; mso-height-percent: 0; mso-height-percent: 0; mso-height-relative: margin; mso-position-horizontal-relative: text; mso-position-horizontal: absolute; mso-position-vertical-relative: text; mso-position-vertical: absolute; mso-width-percent: 0; mso-width-percent: 0; mso-width-relative: margin; mso-wrap-distance-bottom: 0; mso-wrap-distance-left: 9pt; mso-wrap-distance-right: 9pt; mso-wrap-distance-top: 0; mso-wrap-style: square; position: absolute; visibility: visible; width: 133.1pt; z-index: -251648000;" type="#_x0000_t75">
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</w:wrap></v:imagedata></v:shape><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt;">silent.<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal;"><v:shape id="_x0000_s1034" style="height: 98.35pt; margin-left: -.05pt; margin-top: 176.05pt; mso-height-percent: 0; mso-height-percent: 0; mso-height-relative: margin; mso-position-horizontal-relative: text; mso-position-horizontal: absolute; mso-position-vertical-relative: text; mso-position-vertical: absolute; mso-width-percent: 0; mso-width-percent: 0; mso-width-relative: margin; mso-wrap-distance-bottom: 0; mso-wrap-distance-left: 9pt; mso-wrap-distance-right: 9pt; mso-wrap-distance-top: 0; mso-wrap-style: square; position: absolute; visibility: visible; width: 146.7pt; z-index: -251646976;" type="#_x0000_t75">
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<w:wrap type="tight">
</w:wrap></v:imagedata></v:shape><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt;">You
may have heard our District Superintendent tell the story of how she stood up
in a meeting and volunteered to invite people to worship. No one else spoke but
she could not keep silent. Someone snarled to her from the back of the meeting
something like, “Sit down and shut up.” Her feelings were hurt, but the Holy
Spirit brought success to the things for which she volunteered. It is good that
she spoke up to honor God.<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal;"><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt;">Jesus said it well in Luke 19, if the
people don’t praise God, the rocks will cry out. Or as Isaac Watt’s song “Joy
to the World” exclaims, “Let “Heaven and nature sing!!” It is good that <b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">ALL</b> of God’s creation praise God. At
least three things happen when we praise God? First of all, our attitude of
praise and thanksgiving affects all of our relationships in a miraculous way. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal;"><v:shape id="_x0000_s1033" style="height: 99.2pt; margin-left: 183.4pt; margin-top: 4.8pt; mso-height-percent: 0; mso-height-percent: 0; mso-height-relative: margin; mso-position-horizontal-relative: text; mso-position-horizontal: absolute; mso-position-vertical-relative: text; mso-position-vertical: absolute; mso-width-percent: 0; mso-width-percent: 0; mso-width-relative: margin; mso-wrap-distance-bottom: 0; mso-wrap-distance-left: 9pt; mso-wrap-distance-right: 9pt; mso-wrap-distance-top: 0; mso-wrap-style: square; position: absolute; visibility: visible; width: 158.55pt; z-index: -251645952;" type="#_x0000_t75">
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<w:wrap type="tight">
</w:wrap></v:imagedata></v:shape><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt;">Words
can create anything. With a word God spoke creation into existence. We have
power to use our words to create an atmosphere of love, to create wholeness
where there is brokenness, to create peace </span><v:shape id="_x0000_s1032" style="height: 89.95pt; margin-left: -.3pt; margin-top: 0; mso-height-percent: 0; mso-height-percent: 0; mso-height-relative: margin; mso-position-horizontal-relative: text; mso-position-horizontal: absolute; mso-position-vertical-relative: text; mso-position-vertical: absolute; mso-width-percent: 0; mso-width-percent: 0; mso-width-relative: margin; mso-wrap-distance-bottom: 0; mso-wrap-distance-left: 9pt; mso-wrap-distance-right: 9pt; mso-wrap-distance-top: 0; mso-wrap-style: square; position: absolute; visibility: visible; width: 119.9pt; z-index: -251644928;" type="#_x0000_t75">
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</w:wrap></v:imagedata></v:shape><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt;">when
there is confusion.<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal;"><v:shape id="_x0000_s1031" style="height: 93.45pt; margin-left: 154.6pt; margin-top: 204.55pt; mso-height-percent: 0; mso-height-percent: 0; mso-height-relative: margin; mso-position-horizontal-relative: text; mso-position-horizontal: absolute; mso-position-vertical-relative: text; mso-position-vertical: absolute; mso-width-percent: 0; mso-width-percent: 0; mso-width-relative: margin; mso-wrap-distance-bottom: 0; mso-wrap-distance-left: 9pt; mso-wrap-distance-right: 9pt; mso-wrap-distance-top: 0; mso-wrap-style: square; position: absolute; visibility: visible; width: 176.6pt; z-index: -251643904;" type="#_x0000_t75">
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</w:wrap></v:imagedata></v:shape><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt;">Goldie
and Abraham Plotkin conduct lectures on the Five Love Languages from the
Hassidic Jewish perspective. Goldie tells the story of a couple clearly in love
walking down the street together. Suddenly a man approaches them and greets the
wife in a warm and friendly manner. As they keep walking, the husband asks,
“Who was that fellow?” The wife answers, “That was Jacob Goldman. We used to
date years ago. The husband says to his wife, “Aren’t you glad that you married
me because I am the prime minister and he is a regular guy?” His wife replies,
“If I had married him, he would have become the prime minister instead of you.”
She had confidence that the words she carefully shared by the grace of God had
created a great leader.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal;"><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt;">A second thing that happens when we
humble ourselves and give thanks and praise to God is that the Lord draws near.
Psalm 22 says the Lord inhabits the praises of the people. As we are made in
God’s image, we too want to live where there is praise and appreciation. Seeing
each other with eyes of praise helps us to see the best in one another without
overlooking the places we need to improve and repent. Praise and appreciation
help us to be the best we can be.<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal;"><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt;">Our lives are showered with blessings.
Children flourish when they are nurtured and praised and appreciated for their
efforts, for their ministry, for their giftedness. When we see our children
flourish and become good people, it is because they have been nurtured. They
have been praised and showers of blessings happen whenever there is praise.<o:p></o:p></span></p>
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</w:wrap></v:imagedata></v:shape><v:shape id="_x0000_s1029" style="height: 98.25pt; margin-left: -.2pt; margin-top: 0; mso-height-percent: 0; mso-height-percent: 0; mso-height-relative: margin; mso-position-horizontal-relative: text; mso-position-horizontal: absolute; mso-position-vertical-relative: text; mso-position-vertical: absolute; mso-width-percent: 0; mso-width-percent: 0; mso-width-relative: margin; mso-wrap-distance-bottom: 0; mso-wrap-distance-left: 9pt; mso-wrap-distance-right: 9pt; mso-wrap-distance-top: 0; mso-wrap-style: square; position: absolute; visibility: visible; width: 123.4pt; z-index: -251642880;" type="#_x0000_t75">
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</w:wrap></v:imagedata></v:shape><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt;">Thirdly,
praise brings the power of the Holy Spirit. We are not weak and helpless
because God gives us the power of a Holy Spirit inside of us. Praising God
ushers in that power. As Ernie Arnold a Nazarene preacher put it: <b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span style="background: white; color: #292929; letter-spacing: -.05pt;">Praise destroys
walls. It tears down the walls of frustration, the walls of failure, the walls
of self-shame, the walls of loss and the walls of sadness…praise is a destroyer
of negativity. It takes things down and it builds things up. It takes down the
enemy and it builds up your confidence in the Lord. It magnifies your vision of
Jesus. It makes things new and possible. It cries out victory and it sings of
the love and blessings of the Lord. Praise is a game-changer.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></span></i></b></span></p>
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</w:wrap></v:imagedata></v:shape><span style="background: white; color: #292929; font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt; letter-spacing: -.05pt;">When we speak the truth
in love, when we refuse to be silent when God is to be praised and the people
of God are to be uplifted, verse 4 says we are no longer azubah – the Hebrew
word for forsaken.</span><span style="mso-no-proof: yes;"> </span><span style="background: white; color: #292929; font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt; letter-spacing: -.05pt;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>We are no longer deserted. Instead, we become
hephzibah – the Hebrew word meaning the one that God delights in, the one with
whom God is in covenantal relationship. The one verse 5 says God rejoices over
like a groom rejoices over his bride.</span><span style="mso-no-proof: yes;"> </span><span style="background: white; color: #292929; font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt; letter-spacing: -.05pt;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>May we speak now and never hold our peace when
it comes to speaking the truth in love and for praising our wonderful and
loving God. May be go from azubah to hephzibah today and forever. Amen! <o:p></o:p></span></p>Pastor Hineshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09116473656083061218noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-860308507969757375.post-77653620377393611412021-12-17T06:13:00.002-08:002021-12-17T06:13:15.859-08:00December 19, 2021 “It’s Christmas! Mary, Did You Know?” Pastor Jacqueline Hines<p> </p><p align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; text-align: center;"></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-hNmIkDjmGYg/Ybya8auh1RI/AAAAAAAABBU/0G5PSG5z7_Y_DtfAwTZGdq9GVxZ5aFExgCNcBGAsYHQ/image.png" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="" data-original-height="293" data-original-width="391" height="240" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-hNmIkDjmGYg/Ybya8auh1RI/AAAAAAAABBU/0G5PSG5z7_Y_DtfAwTZGdq9GVxZ5aFExgCNcBGAsYHQ/image.png" width="320" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-eO_8WRC77Uk/Ybya-EQ3EtI/AAAAAAAABBY/K-hcBuvdFYUvP-zfjo_xOF0nVd_3H-BuwCNcBGAsYHQ/image.png" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="" data-original-height="294" data-original-width="392" height="240" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-eO_8WRC77Uk/Ybya-EQ3EtI/AAAAAAAABBY/K-hcBuvdFYUvP-zfjo_xOF0nVd_3H-BuwCNcBGAsYHQ/image.png" width="320" /></a></div><br /><br /><p></p>
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</w:wrap></v:imagedata></v:shape><span style="color: #010000; font-family: "Verdana",sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">Can you believe it? Two pregnant women are featured in Luke’s
gospel. So, really, it’s four people in all who are the main characters. Mary
with Jesus in her womb and her cousin Elizabeth with John the Baptist in the
womb. Mary, soon to be known as the mother of Jesus, was in a hurry to get to
see Elizabeth We can only wonder why Luke notes that she went with “haste” into
the hill country, a specific area known to the locals…just, as today, newcomers
have to learn the little names for our local areas. Being pregnant, could it
have been that Mary was in a hurry because she needed to make a pit stop as
pregnant women are prone to do when the baby is sitting on her bladder. Or, she
may have wanted to complete her trip before it got dark, for it is so much
easier to travel in the daytime when you can best see where you are going and
when there are fewer shadowy figures lurking. It could also be that Mary was
moving, as the hymn says, “at the impulse of God’s love.” Mary very well could
also have been driven by a mission of the Holy Spirit. <o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; mso-margin-top-alt: auto;"><span style="color: #010000; font-family: "Verdana",sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"></span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-sRcby-5Zmmc/Ybya6KC4NrI/AAAAAAAABBQ/slogBw0JBS4X7EYtdjFXHSnaKHEQuMIyQCNcBGAsYHQ/image.png" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="" data-original-height="269" data-original-width="358" height="240" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-sRcby-5Zmmc/Ybya6KC4NrI/AAAAAAAABBQ/slogBw0JBS4X7EYtdjFXHSnaKHEQuMIyQCNcBGAsYHQ/image.png" width="319" /></a></div><br /><br /><p></p>
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</w:wrap></v:imagedata></v:shape><span style="color: #010000; font-family: "Verdana",sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">When Mary arrived at Zechariah’s house, for it was the man who
had ownership, Luke says she greeted Elizabeth who was pregnant with John the
Baptist. Suddenly the baby jumped! Surely, the Spirit was in the house, in tune
with Mary’s voice. It had to be that the Spirit was moving in their lives and
in their minds, as well as their bodies. It doesn’t get better than that. The
baby jumped in the womb. <o:p></o:p></span></p>
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</w:wrap></v:imagedata></v:shape><span style="color: #010000; font-family: "Verdana",sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">My cousin had several children and she recalls the babies
jumping around in the womb. Once, she even saw little fingers stretching
through her belly from the inside out. Babies are something else! <o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; mso-margin-top-alt: auto;"><span style="color: #010000; font-family: "Verdana",sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"></span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-itcK9byk3yw/Ybya4YnggFI/AAAAAAAABBM/5rRsECmoZbQNVq3b7xdnaxhh4jNawTnyACNcBGAsYHQ/image.png" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="" data-original-height="262" data-original-width="349" height="240" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-itcK9byk3yw/Ybya4YnggFI/AAAAAAAABBM/5rRsECmoZbQNVq3b7xdnaxhh4jNawTnyACNcBGAsYHQ/image.png" width="320" /></a></div><br /><br /><p></p>
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</w:wrap></v:imagedata></v:shape><span style="color: #010000; font-family: "Verdana",sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">After the baby leapt in Elizabeth’s womb, Luke mentions a very
interesting thing that happened. Elizabeth was <b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><u>filled</u></b> with the Holy Spirit. And whatever that meant for
her, she spoke these words – and not very softly, but loudly - under the
influence of the Spirit she said:</span><sup><span style="color: #777777; font-family: "Verdana",sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"> 42</span></sup><span style="color: #010000; font-family: "Verdana",sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">
“Blessed are you among women, and blessed is the fruit of your womb. </span><sup><span style="color: #777777; font-family: "Verdana",sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">43</span></sup><span style="color: #010000; font-family: "Verdana",sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">And why
has this happened to me that the mother of my Lord comes to me? </span><sup><span style="color: #777777; font-family: "Verdana",sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">44</span></sup><span style="color: #010000; font-family: "Verdana",sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">For as
soon as I heard the sound of your greeting, the child in my womb leaped for
joy. </span><sup><span style="color: #777777; font-family: "Verdana",sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">45</span></sup><span style="color: #010000; font-family: "Verdana",sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">And blessed is she who believed that there would be a
fulfillment of what was spoken to her by the Lord.”<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; mso-margin-top-alt: auto;"><span style="color: #010000; font-family: "Verdana",sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"></span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-9rqY9YbWkrU/Ybya3Ic8kRI/AAAAAAAABBI/-YO2SWh5-wceiah8ODolr_ZehYk67K_WwCNcBGAsYHQ/image.png" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="" data-original-height="278" data-original-width="371" height="240" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-9rqY9YbWkrU/Ybya3Ic8kRI/AAAAAAAABBI/-YO2SWh5-wceiah8ODolr_ZehYk67K_WwCNcBGAsYHQ/image.png" width="320" /></a></div><br /><br /><p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; mso-margin-top-alt: auto;"><span style="color: #010000; font-family: "Verdana",sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">How did Elizabeth know the baby was leaping, and how did she
know the baby was leaping for joy? We can safely answer by saying, “A mother
knows. A mother knows. A mother feels.” A mother knows the sounds of peace and
contentment expressed by her child. A mother knows the sounds of distress or
hunger. A mother knows. A father can have the same sensitivity as well. Parents
know. Parents learn to love and understand their children. Even when they don’t
have all the words to express themselves, a parent knows some things. God gives
them capabilities.<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; mso-margin-top-alt: auto;"><span style="color: #010000; font-family: "Verdana",sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">Luke has a whirlwind of activity to inspire us. He tells us that
Mary is in a hurry traveling in the hills. She greets Elizabeth. The baby leaps
for joy. Elizabeth is filled with the Holy Spirit. The words she speaks are
reverent words. They are blessings. Elizabeth spoke under the influence of the
Holy Spirit. <o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; mso-margin-top-alt: auto;"><span style="color: #010000; font-family: "Verdana",sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">Perhaps some of us here have drunk some alcohol and found
ourselves doing and saying things under the influence of that spirit of
alcohol. You may have witnessed someone else doing or saying something while
they were under the influence that they might not have done or said otherwise.<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; mso-margin-top-alt: auto;"><span style="color: #010000; font-family: "Verdana",sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">So it is for Christians under the influence of the Holy Spirit.
We may do or say something in extraordinary ways that we could not have done or
said under ordinary circumstances. <o:p></o:p></span></p>
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</w:wrap></v:imagedata></v:shape><span style="color: #010000; font-family: "Verdana",sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">When we are under the influence of the Holy Spirit we are a
blessing. Being a blessing means that God is honored in special way, that
something happens that indicates God has shown special favor. Being a blessing
means that something extraordinarily sacred has occurred, that God is being
glorified, as the song says, God is doing something,</span><span style="mso-no-proof: yes;"> </span><span style="color: #010000; font-family: "Verdana",sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">healing someone, saving someone, right now!! <o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; mso-margin-top-alt: auto;"><span style="color: #010000; font-family: "Verdana",sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"></span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-9JW7yLqLYgM/Ybya1PwYhjI/AAAAAAAABBE/8ZcH2htETRAnulSg_l6JzTJQQZpuBC42ACNcBGAsYHQ/image.png" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="" data-original-height="289" data-original-width="385" height="240" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-9JW7yLqLYgM/Ybya1PwYhjI/AAAAAAAABBE/8ZcH2htETRAnulSg_l6JzTJQQZpuBC42ACNcBGAsYHQ/image.png" width="320" /></a></div><br /><br /><p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; mso-margin-top-alt: auto;"><span style="color: #010000; font-family: "Verdana",sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">As far as I’m concerned, everything about life is extraordinary
and beyond our comprehension, but the declaration of blessings on someone or
something is God’s way of blessing us over and above what we could begin to
think or even imagine.<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; mso-margin-top-alt: auto;"><span style="color: #010000; font-family: "Verdana",sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">Elizabeth blessed Mary three times. First, she says blessed are
you among women. Second, she says and blessed is the fruit of your womb. Third
she says blessed is the one who believes that God will do what God said God
would do. She gave a threefold blessing. Three is a number used in the bible to
indicate unity and wholeness. We may bless something or someone once with our
words, once out of courtesy, twice out of duty, but three times suggests we are
blessing someone or something because we are all in, we are doing so
wholeheartedly, we are united with the purposes of God. After three, we are
emphasizing what God is emphasizing. There remains little doubt that we are
under the influence of the Holy Spirit. <o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; mso-margin-top-alt: auto;"><span style="color: #010000; font-family: "Verdana",sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">God help us to be so filled with the Holy Spirit that we can say
to each other “you are blessed.” Or, we can act reverently and respectfully as
if we know that God has touched someone’s life and they are very special to God
and can be to us. God help us to be so filled with the Holy Spirit that we can
exhibit an attitude toward one another or have the attitude toward one another
that is under the influence of that Holy Spirit that says: you are blessed,
blessed is the fruit you bear, and you’re blessed if you believe God is going
to make good the promises that God said and will do what God said God would do.
<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; mso-margin-top-alt: auto;"><span style="color: #010000; font-family: "Verdana",sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">There are so many blessings in the bible. There are some curses
too. Sometimes we humans use curse words, we curse people out, we curse rather
than bless. Thank God for the Christmas season. All around the world we remind
each other to bless one another.<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; mso-margin-top-alt: auto;"><v:shape id="Picture_x0020_7" o:spid="_x0000_s1026" style="height: 141.4pt; margin-left: 149.95pt; margin-top: 9.95pt; mso-height-percent: 0; mso-height-percent: 0; mso-height-relative: margin; mso-position-horizontal-relative: text; mso-position-horizontal: absolute; mso-position-vertical-relative: text; mso-position-vertical: absolute; mso-width-percent: 0; mso-width-percent: 0; mso-width-relative: margin; mso-wrap-distance-bottom: 0; mso-wrap-distance-left: 9pt; mso-wrap-distance-right: 9pt; mso-wrap-distance-top: 0; mso-wrap-style: square; position: absolute; visibility: visible; width: 188.55pt; z-index: -251652096;" type="#_x0000_t75">
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</w:wrap></v:imagedata></v:shape><span style="color: #010000; font-family: "Verdana",sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">As Mary was in a hurry to get to her Cousin Elizabeth’s house,
perhaps she knew she would be blessed. She understood, more than anything that
her God was in the blessing business and took every opportunity to bless. Let’s
all be in a hurry to be blessed. Perhaps Mary had no doubt that she would also
be a blessing because God uses any and all of us to bless in ways that are
great or small. Let’s all be in a hurry to be a blessing to others.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Amen. <o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; mso-margin-top-alt: auto;"><span style="color: #010000; font-family: "Verdana",sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><br /></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; mso-margin-top-alt: auto;"><span style="color: #010000; font-family: "Verdana",sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"></span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-lJ0VIjQ0QuU/YbyazAdFcpI/AAAAAAAABBA/tawgk64axeIxClETHw-H75naOV1HtySuQCNcBGAsYHQ/image.png" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="" data-original-height="294" data-original-width="393" height="239" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-lJ0VIjQ0QuU/YbyazAdFcpI/AAAAAAAABBA/tawgk64axeIxClETHw-H75naOV1HtySuQCNcBGAsYHQ/image.png" width="320" /></a></div><br /><br /><p></p>Pastor Hineshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09116473656083061218noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-860308507969757375.post-38924909121483397132021-12-09T09:13:00.001-08:002021-12-09T09:13:07.405-08:00December 12, 2021 “It’s Christmas! Two Coats or None?” Pastor Jacqueline Hines <p> </p><p align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; text-align: center;"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="color: #010000; font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">December
12, 2021 <o:p></o:p></span></b></p>
<p align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; text-align: center;"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><u><span style="color: #010000; font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">“It’s
Christmas! Two Coats or None?” <o:p></o:p></span></u></b></p>
<p align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; text-align: center;"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="color: #010000; font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">Pastor
Jacqueline Hines<o:p></o:p></span></b></p>
<p align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; text-align: center;"><span style="color: #010000; font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><o:p> </o:p></span></p>
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</w:wrap></v:imagedata></v:shape><v:shape alt="Coat Clipart Winter Fashion Trends Long Black And White - Winter Jacket Clip Art, HD Png Download , Transparent Png Image - PNGitem" id="Picture_x0020_1" o:spid="_x0000_s1032" style="height: 117.2pt; margin-left: -.4pt; margin-top: 1.85pt; mso-height-percent: 0; mso-height-percent: 0; mso-height-relative: margin; mso-position-horizontal-relative: text; mso-position-horizontal: absolute; mso-position-vertical-relative: text; mso-position-vertical: absolute; mso-width-percent: 0; mso-width-percent: 0; mso-width-relative: margin; mso-wrap-distance-bottom: 0; mso-wrap-distance-left: 9pt; mso-wrap-distance-right: 9pt; mso-wrap-distance-top: 0; mso-wrap-style: square; position: absolute; visibility: visible; width: 158.2pt; z-index: -251658240;" type="#_x0000_t75">
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</w:wrap></v:imagedata></v:shape><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-bidi-font-family: "Calibri Light";">How many coats do you own? It is not
likely that many of us here have only one coat, or no coat. We are more likely
to have more coats than we can count. In this Advent season, we joyfully give
thanks for our coats and other countless blessings. We also find a way to be
cheerful givers and do something to bring joy to someone else. I will never
forget hearing the story of John Wesley feeling shame after someone knocked on
his door. Before him stood a woman shivering in the winter wind. Wesley felt
shame because while he was preoccupied with decorating his home, he was
oblivious to people like this woman who did not even have one coat to wear in
the winter.</span> <span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-bidi-font-family: "Calibri Light";"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Wesley’s eyes were open and he began a journey
of becoming more sensitive to those in need, especially those in dire need. <o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-bidi-font-family: "Calibri Light";">In Wesley’s
sermon of 1789 entitled “The Use of Money” Wesley admonished God’s people to
“Earn all you can, save all you can, and give all you can.” He noted that the
church was in need of more sensitivity and compassion for the poor and needy
and that a generous spirit would keep the church from what seemed to be its
downward spiral.<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-bidi-font-family: "Calibri Light";">Wesley
concluded that “If Methodists would give all they can, then all would have
enough.” He wasn’t trying to increase giving for the sake of the church budget.
He was making a plea for generosity and a plea for compassion for the poor and
needy. <o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><v:shape id="Picture_x0020_3" o:spid="_x0000_s1031" style="height: 95.1pt; margin-left: -.4pt; margin-top: 192.3pt; mso-height-percent: 0; mso-height-percent: 0; mso-height-relative: margin; mso-position-horizontal-relative: text; mso-position-horizontal: absolute; mso-position-vertical-relative: text; mso-position-vertical: absolute; mso-width-percent: 0; mso-width-percent: 0; mso-width-relative: margin; mso-wrap-distance-bottom: 0; mso-wrap-distance-left: 9pt; mso-wrap-distance-right: 9pt; mso-wrap-distance-top: 0; mso-wrap-style: square; position: absolute; visibility: visible; width: 190.2pt; z-index: -251656192;" type="#_x0000_t75">
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</w:wrap></v:imagedata></v:shape><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-bidi-font-family: "Calibri Light";">John the Baptist may have preached a
harsher message, even a bit of an insult. Verse 7 reads: </span><sup><span style="color: #777777; font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-bidi-font-family: "Calibri Light"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">7</span></sup><span style="color: #010000; font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-bidi-font-family: "Calibri Light"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">John said to the crowds
that came out to be baptized by him, “You brood of vipers! Who warned you to
flee from the wrath to come? God is angry and about to have a fit, but who
warned you? It was if he was saying that no one should warn you because you are
guilty, and you deserve a surprise attack. You are guilty and should get the
brunt of God’s anger and punishment. You deserve to be cut down and cut off.
John put it bluntly. Your heritage does not exempt you or help you if you
refuse to do God’s will. They were proud of the Abrahamic heritage. They
trusted their roots more than their fruits. <o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><v:shape alt="Explain &#39;Snake Eyes&#39; | Reptile Forums" id="Picture_x0020_4" o:spid="_x0000_s1030" style="height: 88.4pt; margin-left: 198.7pt; margin-top: 122.4pt; mso-height-percent: 0; mso-height-percent: 0; mso-height-relative: margin; mso-position-horizontal-relative: text; mso-position-horizontal: absolute; mso-position-vertical-relative: text; mso-position-vertical: absolute; mso-width-percent: 0; mso-width-percent: 0; mso-width-relative: margin; mso-wrap-distance-bottom: 0; mso-wrap-distance-left: 9pt; mso-wrap-distance-right: 9pt; mso-wrap-distance-top: 0; mso-wrap-style: square; position: absolute; visibility: visible; width: 141.45pt; z-index: -251655168;" type="#_x0000_t75">
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</w:wrap></v:imagedata></v:shape><span style="background: white; color: #202124; font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">John does not see Christians gathered to be
baptized; he sees vipers, snakes in the grass, worthy of punishment. Vipers are
long, hollow, and venomous with moveable fangs that you may not see right away.
A viper has rough skin and vertical eyes that are weird, but vertical eyes help
vipers see at greater distance, which makes them stronger predators. </span><span style="color: #010000; font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-bidi-font-family: "Calibri Light"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="color: #010000; font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-bidi-font-family: "Calibri Light"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">If you can fathom that God has feelings, think
about this: how mad does God get when we are oblivious to the needs of God’s
children? How mad does God get when we are insensitive and unkind, thoughtless
and belligerent, proud and arrogant to a son or daughter. We think of God as
mad enough to send lightening, to frustrate us by blocking our blessings. When
bad things happen after we have done something wrong, we are prone to believe
that God is mad at us and punishing us. That may be true, though God’s anger
never crosses the line to hurt us only help us. <o:p></o:p></span></p>
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</w:wrap></v:imagedata></v:shape><span style="color: #010000; font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-bidi-font-family: "Calibri Light"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">When we think of ourselves as being good and doing the right
thing, we may ask like I have from time to time: “Why is God keeping my
blessings from me? What is God waiting for? I am done with waiting for certain
blessings. I want my blessings now.” Not long after such a complaint I heard a
devotional somewhere that said, “We are not waiting for God. God is waiting for
us.” God is waiting for us to be still and know that God is able, to trust
God’s heart when we can’t see God’s hand. God is waiting for us to understand
deeply that God has our best interest at heart and has not forgotten us nor
forsaken us. <o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="color: #010000; font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-bidi-font-family: "Calibri Light"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">John the Baptist reminds us that God is not
pleased when we act like snakes in the grass, like vipers, preying on others.
God will indeed deal with us. God will judge us righteously, fairly, and often
with more mercy than we deserve. By now we can say that the crowd that gathered
before John to be baptized were followers of Jesus. They were church folk for
all intents and purposes. These church folk asked a very, very brave question.
What should we do? What should we do? <o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="color: #010000; font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-bidi-font-family: "Calibri Light"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">Last Sunday, Jean said to me, “Pastor, is there
anything I can do for you?” Everyone knows that when you ask the pastor if
there is anything you can do, a pastor always, always has something to do. For,
the harvest is plentiful, and the laborers are few, and we are always praying
that God will send hands and feet that can do the many tasks that need to be
done every day and all the time. Another reason a pastor always has something
for you to do is because it is one of my jobs to identify your many gifts and
talents and the movement of the Holy Spirit in you. When we use all that God
has given us, people are blessed and God is pleased. When we use all that God
has given us we grow in excellence and the church becomes spiritually fit and
more mature.<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="color: #010000; font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-bidi-font-family: "Calibri Light"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">When we know we have come short, when we know
God expects more of us, we do well to do just as the church folk did with John
the Baptist. Ask, “What do we have to do?” Asking that question is asking for
change, it’s asking for God’s list of things that have to be done. It is coming
out of our comfort zone to do God’s will, not just our own. What do we have to
do as a result of falling short of God’s will is a very, very brave and humble
question to ask. <o:p></o:p></span></p>
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</w:wrap></v:imagedata></v:shape><span style="color: #010000; font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Calibri Light"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">People came from many different backgrounds and experiences and
John gives them all an answer as to what they needed to do to please God. He
says “Whoever has two coats must share with anyone who has none; and whoever
has food must do likewise.” Verse 12 tells us that </span><sup><span style="color: #777777; font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Calibri Light"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">12</span></sup><span style="color: #010000; font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Calibri Light"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">Even tax
collectors came to be baptized, and they asked John, “Teacher, what should we
do?” </span><sup><span style="color: #777777; font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Calibri Light"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">13</span></sup><span style="color: #010000; font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Calibri Light"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">John said to them, “Collect no more than the amount prescribed
for you.” </span><sup><span style="color: #777777; font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Calibri Light"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">14</span></sup><span style="color: #010000; font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Calibri Light"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">Soldiers also asked him, “And we, what should we do?” He said to
them, “Do not extort money from anyone by threats or false accusation, and be
satisfied with your wages.” <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="color: #010000; font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-bidi-font-family: "Calibri Light"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">They asked what they needed to do to repent and
return to being in God’s good graces. John answered all of them. The tax
collectors were considered to be traitors, Roman soldiers were resented for
their unfair power over the Jews. There were people with more than their daily
share of food and clothing. Unlike many of us most of the time, they were
willing to repent, willing to change in order to make it right with God. <o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="color: #010000; font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-bidi-font-family: "Calibri Light"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">So, the text begs the question – What do you and
I do when we are out of line with God’s will – even a little?<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Do we dare ask, “What do we have to do?” And
when we get the answer, do we do what we have to do to please God or do we keep
on digging a deeper hole in which our sins are buried and we become more deeply
entrenched in our trespasses and farther and farther away from God and God’s
sons and daughters? <o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><v:shape alt="Let´s help dire need people - Fundación MAPFRE" id="Picture_x0020_8" o:spid="_x0000_s1027" style="height: 86.85pt; margin-left: 2.65pt; margin-top: 69.95pt; mso-height-percent: 0; mso-height-percent: 0; mso-height-relative: margin; mso-position-horizontal-relative: text; mso-position-horizontal: absolute; mso-position-vertical-relative: text; mso-position-vertical: absolute; mso-width-percent: 0; mso-width-percent: 0; mso-width-relative: margin; mso-wrap-distance-bottom: 0; mso-wrap-distance-left: 9pt; mso-wrap-distance-right: 9pt; mso-wrap-distance-top: 0; mso-wrap-style: square; position: absolute; visibility: visible; width: 177.05pt; z-index: -251652096;" type="#_x0000_t75">
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</w:wrap></v:imagedata></v:shape><span style="color: #010000; font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-bidi-font-family: "Calibri Light"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">At the top of John’s list of things they needed to do in order
to make their relationship right with God is to look in their closet and see
how many coats they had. If they had one to spare, they needed to give it for
God’s sake – give it. Give it to the one who has none.<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="color: #010000; font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-bidi-font-family: "Calibri Light"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">In these days and time, it is probably fair to
say that those who have only one coat, may not have a coat for all four
seasons. They may be in dire need. If may even be fair to say that if we have
eyes to see someone who is in need, especially in dire need, we are seeing what
God sees. We are seeing what can only be seen through the eyes of holiness,
through the eyes of one who is prayerful. For, our human poverty is often
hidden while in plain sight and requires sight that prayer brings. Our human
poverty, our hurt and suffering may be pushed to the sidelines or it may tempt
us to wear blinders when we have eyes and do not want or cannot bear to see the
results of one human’s inhuman behavior toward our brothers and sisters.<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="color: #010000; font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-bidi-font-family: "Calibri Light"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">John warns us to do the <b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><u>right</u></b> thing, <b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><u>do</u></b>
the right thing, do the right <b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><u>thing</u></b>.
Be open to God’s evaluation and judgment, get into position to be baptized, to
be inundated by the holiest spirit, to be saturated with liquid love from head
to toe. Come before God with a heart willing to receive a baptism with a fire
that not only gets rid of that which is not pleasing to God, but warms us and
comforts us in the deepest ways.<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><v:shape alt="God is Love: The Interrelationship of the Trinity - Experiencing His Victory" id="Picture_x0020_9" o:spid="_x0000_s1026" style="height: 135.25pt; margin-left: 59pt; margin-top: 152.45pt; mso-height-percent: 0; mso-height-percent: 0; mso-height-relative: margin; mso-position-horizontal-relative: text; mso-position-horizontal: absolute; mso-position-vertical-relative: text; mso-position-vertical: absolute; mso-width-percent: 0; mso-width-percent: 0; mso-width-relative: margin; mso-wrap-distance-bottom: 0; mso-wrap-distance-left: 9pt; mso-wrap-distance-right: 9pt; mso-wrap-distance-top: 0; mso-wrap-style: square; position: absolute; visibility: visible; width: 240.6pt; z-index: -251651072;" type="#_x0000_t75">
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</w:wrap></v:imagedata></v:shape><span style="color: #010000; font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-bidi-font-family: "Calibri Light"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">John declared Good news that God is able and willing to lead us
into a life of blessings for our lives and especially for the lives of those
who need it most among our brothers and sisters. It’s Christmas! Whether we
have two coats or none, Jesus is coming. May we receive him as king today! May
our eyes be opened and our paths made plain. May the gifts we give be
acceptable in God’s sight, and may they bring joy to someone in this world and
peace to someone who is suffering. Amen. <o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="color: #010000; font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-bidi-font-family: "Calibri Light"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><o:p> </o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="color: #010000; font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-bidi-font-family: "Calibri Light"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><o:p> </o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="color: #010000; font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-bidi-font-family: "Calibri Light"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><o:p> </o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><o:p> </o:p></span></p>Pastor Hineshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09116473656083061218noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-860308507969757375.post-43745505751078238462021-12-03T07:29:00.003-08:002021-12-03T07:29:51.579-08:00December 5, 2021 “It’s Christmas: Preparing, Repenting, Forgiving” Pastor Jacqueline Hines<p> </p><p align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; text-align: center;"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="color: #010000; font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">December
5, 2021 <o:p></o:p></span></b></p>
<p align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; text-align: center;"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><u><span style="color: #010000; font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">“It’s
Christmas: Preparing, Repenting, Forgiving” <o:p></o:p></span></u></b></p>
<p align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; text-align: center;"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="color: #010000; font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">Pastor
Jacqueline Hines<o:p></o:p></span></b></p>
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</w:wrap></v:imagedata></v:shape><span style="color: #010000; font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;"><span style="color: #010000; font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">As we enter the Advent season, we declare our hope that Jesus
walks with us and talks with us and tells us that we are children of the king. We
are part of the royal family of God. We affirm that peace is a possibility even
when the world is neither kind nor gentle. <o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; mso-margin-top-alt: auto;"><v:shape alt="Was Emperor Tiberius Simply Destined to Rule? | Ancient Origins" id="_x0000_s1033" style="height: 99.45pt; margin-left: -1.05pt; margin-top: 69.1pt; mso-height-percent: 0; mso-height-percent: 0; mso-height-relative: margin; mso-position-horizontal-relative: text; mso-position-horizontal: absolute; mso-position-vertical-relative: text; mso-position-vertical: absolute; mso-width-percent: 0; mso-width-percent: 0; mso-width-relative: margin; mso-wrap-distance-bottom: 0; mso-wrap-distance-left: 9pt; mso-wrap-distance-right: 9pt; mso-wrap-distance-top: 0; mso-wrap-style: square; position: absolute; visibility: visible; width: 132.6pt; z-index: -251657216;" type="#_x0000_t75">
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</w:wrap></v:imagedata></v:shape><span style="color: #010000; font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">Our text from Luke 3 begins by telling us about a very important
person, the emperor. At any given time in history, there are people who seem to
matter more than others. In Jesus day, no one mattered more to the public than
the Emperor.</span> <span style="color: #010000; font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">He had reigned – not four years, or 10 years, but 15 years.
During that time, the emperor declared himself to be God and acted like a god
as long as Pontius Pilate had his back, as long as the Herod kept the Galileans
in check and as long as Pilate’s brother Philip (for as much was kept in the
family as necessary)<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>as long as the
brother was in full control of the regions of Ituraea and Trachonitis. The
emperor could play God as long as Lysanias could control the people of Abilene
and all the others had his back, Emperor Tiberius was God in the eyes of the
people. Even today we sometimes wonder if the men and women doing such evil
deeds may be more powerful than the God WE worship. We do wonder sometimes.<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; mso-margin-top-alt: auto;"><span style="color: #010000; font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">Protesters who were brave enough to ask for more than an emperor
would provide, protesters who advocated for human rights, were, of course, a
real threat to Tiberius even after 15 </span><v:shape alt="What is the difference between chief priests and high priests?" id="Picture_x0020_3" o:spid="_x0000_s1032" style="height: 148.45pt; margin-left: 225.15pt; margin-top: .15pt; mso-height-percent: 0; mso-height-percent: 0; mso-height-relative: margin; mso-position-horizontal-relative: text; mso-position-horizontal: absolute; mso-position-vertical-relative: text; mso-position-vertical: absolute; mso-width-percent: 0; mso-width-percent: 0; mso-width-relative: margin; mso-wrap-distance-bottom: 0; mso-wrap-distance-left: 9pt; mso-wrap-distance-right: 9pt; mso-wrap-distance-top: 0; mso-wrap-style: square; position: absolute; visibility: visible; width: 102pt; z-index: -251656192;" type="#_x0000_t75">
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</w:wrap></v:imagedata></v:shape><span style="color: #010000; font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">years on the throne. Protesters received push back as well
persecution.<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; mso-margin-top-alt: auto;"><span style="color: #010000; font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">We see from verse 2 in Luke’s account that there were two High
Priests, Annas and Caiaphas. What’s going on? God only authorized one, whose
name was Annas. Jewish law provided for ONE high priest. The emperor was in
charge, so he thought. Tiberius chose the priest he could count on to do his
bidding. Tiberius corrupted the priesthood and overstepped his boundary of
religious authority. No problem, God’s got even those situations. It is said
that Annas kept his title as high priest, but Caiaphas was the one who ruled
the roost. <o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; mso-margin-top-alt: auto;"><span style="color: #010000; font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">The backdrop of every spiritual movement is some political
dynamic. It’s all good. God has a purpose and a plan that is greater than any
of the politics humans may bring into the picture. Some say that Christians
should not get involved in politics. Luke, however, insists that whether we get
involved or not, it is good for us to know what is going on in the political
arena, so he give us details.<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; mso-margin-top-alt: auto;"><span style="color: #010000; font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">After Luke gives us the name of the Emperor and the other
political players, he presents the players that God has chosen, the people who
are at God’s beck and call. Luke tells us that THE WORD OF THE LORD – We do
know there is a word of the Lord. We do understand that God has something to
say – to us and to all who are ready to listen!! THE WORD OF THE LORD CAME TO
JOHN, SON OF ZECHARIAH. We know John; we know Zechariah!! They’re family! The
word came to John – where was he when he heard God’s word? In the wilderness.
We know the wilderness. The wilderness is a place of trial before God brings us
to triumph. The wilderness is a place where we are surrounded by wild beasts
and we long for better days. The wilderness has sounds of silence and sadness
when we are waiting to hear joyful music. There are mournful cries and
confusing chaos in the wilderness while God is </span><v:shape alt="Who Was John the Baptist?" id="Picture_x0020_4" o:spid="_x0000_s1031" style="height: 106.8pt; margin-left: 2.1pt; margin-top: 0; mso-height-percent: 0; mso-height-percent: 0; mso-height-relative: margin; mso-position-horizontal-relative: text; mso-position-horizontal: absolute; mso-position-vertical-relative: text; mso-position-vertical: absolute; mso-width-percent: 0; mso-width-percent: 0; mso-width-relative: margin; mso-wrap-distance-bottom: 0; mso-wrap-distance-left: 9pt; mso-wrap-distance-right: 9pt; mso-wrap-distance-top: 0; mso-wrap-style: square; position: absolute; visibility: visible; width: 213.6pt; z-index: 251661312;" type="#_x0000_t75">
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</w:wrap></v:imagedata></v:shape><span style="color: #010000; font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">creating something wonderful out of our darkness and despair.<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; mso-margin-top-alt: auto;"><span style="color: #010000; font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">Here’s the word of the Lord that came to John. It is the same
word that came to Isaiah 700 years earlier. Prepare the way of the Lord,
straighten the crooked paths, fill those low places in your life with the joy
of the Lord, smooth and stabilize the way for Jesus to enter into your lives as
a welcome guest, lower those high mountains you’ve constructed as barriers that
separate you from your blessings and behind which you can hide your sins and
selfishness. What a word – prepare the way of the Lord!!<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The word is as precious today as it was two
thousand years ago. <o:p></o:p></span></p>
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</w:wrap></v:imagedata></v:shape><span style="color: #010000; font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">Luke says that John shared that wonderful word handed down from
Isaiah. He proclaimed a baptism of repentance for what? For the forgiveness of
sins. There are three points I want to share about the word that came to John
and also comes to us on this second Sunday of Advent. The three words are -
Preparing, Repenting, and Forgiving. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>John
says “Prepare the way of the Lord.” How do we prepare for someone to come into
our lives and in our homes? First, we decide that preparation matters, that
Jesus matters that Jesus is worth cleaning up and straightening up for. <o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; mso-margin-top-alt: auto;"><span style="color: #010000; font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">Indeed, Jesus is more important than any guest for whom we could
ever prepare. Jesus saves us, heals us, and loves us more than anyone. It is
good that we are reminded to prepare the way of the Lord. It is good that we
get our house in order. Once during my prayer time, years ago, my heart suddenly
focused on a little drawer in the living room. I went to the drawer and found a
piece of paper with a joke written on it. The joke was not an example of
something to share and be proud of. I threw it in the trash. It was no longer there
to grieve the Holy Spirit. There was just that much more room for the Holy
Spirit to be at home in my home. The Spirit helps us to prepare the way for the
Lord. If we do as the Spirit directs us, we can enjoy the fruit of REPENTANCE.
And, how sweet that fruit is! <o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; mso-margin-top-alt: auto;"><span style="color: #010000; font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">We first decide to prepare the way for the Lord, for Jesus to enter
our lives again and again. For, Jesus matters. Secondly, we prepare by
repenting, turning things around and getting our house in order as much as we
have the faith and strength to do so. God knows. God is with us to lead and
guide us in the way that we should go. We yield our every effort to God.<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; mso-margin-top-alt: auto;"><v:shape alt="Feeding problems: Refusing to eat | BabyCenter" id="Picture_x0020_7" o:spid="_x0000_s1029" style="height: 108.55pt; margin-left: 155.5pt; margin-top: 48.25pt; mso-height-percent: 0; mso-height-percent: 0; mso-height-relative: margin; mso-position-horizontal-relative: text; mso-position-horizontal: absolute; mso-position-vertical-relative: text; mso-position-vertical: absolute; mso-width-percent: 0; mso-width-percent: 0; mso-width-relative: margin; mso-wrap-distance-bottom: 0; mso-wrap-distance-left: 9pt; mso-wrap-distance-right: 9pt; mso-wrap-distance-top: 0; mso-wrap-style: square; position: absolute; visibility: visible; width: 200.7pt; z-index: -251653120;" type="#_x0000_t75">
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</w:wrap></v:imagedata></v:shape><span style="color: #010000; font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">Thirdly, we prepare and repent for one purpose – the forgiveness
of sins. What in the world does forgiveness have to do with Christmas? The
answer is EVERYTHING!!!<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; mso-margin-top-alt: auto;"><v:shape alt="To understand everything is to forgive everything. #powerofpositivity #positivewords #positivethinking … | Power of positivity, Positive words, Inspirational quotes" id="Picture_x0020_8" o:spid="_x0000_s1028" style="height: 153.85pt; margin-left: -1.35pt; margin-top: 129.45pt; mso-height-percent: 0; mso-height-percent: 0; mso-height-relative: margin; mso-position-horizontal-relative: text; mso-position-horizontal: absolute; mso-position-vertical-relative: text; mso-position-vertical: absolute; mso-width-percent: 0; mso-width-percent: 0; mso-width-relative: margin; mso-wrap-distance-bottom: 0; mso-wrap-distance-left: 9pt; mso-wrap-distance-right: 9pt; mso-wrap-distance-top: 0; mso-wrap-style: square; position: absolute; visibility: visible; width: 113pt; z-index: -251652096;" type="#_x0000_t75">
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</w:wrap></v:imagedata></v:shape><span style="color: #010000; font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">We know it’s true. We know what happens when we sit down for
Christmas dinner with someone we have not forgiven or with someone who has not
forgiven us.</span> <span style="color: #010000; font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">We know. We know what it is like to be mad at God because we are
spending Christmas without a certain loved one. It is good to accept God as we
accept one another, for God’s ways are not our ways, just as the ways of the
one sitting closest to us at this very moment are not the same as our ways. <o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; mso-margin-top-alt: auto;"><span style="color: #010000; font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">What does forgiveness have to do with Christmas? <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>EVERTHING!! Back in the late 90’s, a Christian
sister did me wrong. She pulled the rug from under me, though I did not
stumble. I was shocked at the level of her insensitivity and callousness toward
me, and I knew I had to forgive her. So, our gracious God, gave me a prayer
image that saved my life. Every day – and sometimes multiple times a day in
prayer - I pictured the three of us – her, Jesus and me with our arms wrapped
around each other in love. I did not track the time, but it may have been as
much as a year before I felt free of my feelings of anger and hurt. I was no
longer perplexed and annoyed that it did not matter to her </span><v:shape alt="Christmas Begins Christ Postcard - Church Postcards - Outreach Marketing" id="Picture_x0020_9" o:spid="_x0000_s1027" style="height: 156.75pt; margin-left: 218.35pt; margin-top: 126.15pt; mso-height-percent: 0; mso-height-percent: 0; mso-height-relative: margin; mso-position-horizontal-relative: text; mso-position-horizontal: absolute; mso-position-vertical-relative: text; mso-position-vertical: absolute; mso-width-percent: 0; mso-width-percent: 0; mso-width-relative: margin; mso-wrap-distance-bottom: 0; mso-wrap-distance-left: 9pt; mso-wrap-distance-right: 9pt; mso-wrap-distance-top: 0; mso-wrap-style: square; position: absolute; visibility: visible; width: 128.3pt; z-index: -251651072;" type="#_x0000_t75">
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is so good.<o:p></o:p></span></p>
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</w:wrap></v:imagedata></v:shape><span style="color: #010000; font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">When we know that Jesus matters in our lives, we prepare for
him. We get our house in order. We let go and let God do whatever God wants to
do. We do so with the help and grace of God, one step at a time. We cannot do
Christmas alone.</span> <span style="color: #010000; font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">We need the companionship of the Comforter, the help of the Holy
Spirit, the joy of our savior Jesus, the creating hand of our God. We cannot do
Christmas alone. We need each other. What does forgiveness have to do with
Christmas? EVERYTHING!! Go beloved, prepare, repent, and forgive!! Amen. <o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><o:p> </o:p></span></p>Pastor Hineshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09116473656083061218noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-860308507969757375.post-56027550050740921502021-11-26T08:47:00.004-08:002021-12-03T06:26:10.778-08:00November 28, 2021 "Signs that the Kingdom Has Come” - Pastor Hines<p> </p><p align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-left: -9.0pt; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in; margin: 0in 0in 0in -9pt; mso-outline-level: 1; text-align: center;"><u><span face=""Trebuchet MS",sans-serif" style="color: black; font-size: 14pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Segoe UI"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-font-kerning: 18.0pt;">November
28, 2021<o:p></o:p></span></u></p>
<p align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-left: -9pt; text-align: center;"><span face=""Trebuchet MS",sans-serif" style="font-size: 14pt;">"Signs
that the Kingdom Has Come” - Pastor Hines<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="background: white;"><span style="font-family: "Century Gothic", sans-serif; font-size: 12pt;">We talk
often of how the bible is hard to understand and even harder to study. If we
can think of the bible as God’s word, we can think of the bible as needing the
same tender love and care and attention in communicating and understanding that
we have to give to our family, friends and neighbors. We want to listen
carefully to God, not casually as if God were a stranger that does not matter
at the end of the day. We may have to ask, “What did you say God?” and wait for
an answer. We may have to say, “What do you mean?” and wait for the answer. We
may find ourselves feeling a range of emotions when we talk to God and listen
to God’s word. Sometimes we are glad, but we may also feel sad or even mad.
It’s ok.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="background: white;"><span style="font-family: "Century Gothic", sans-serif; font-size: 12pt;">Just as we
relate to one another in stages and phases, with understanding and
misunderstanding, just as we accept one another for who we are, we also do well
to accept God and God’s word with all its clarity as well as perplexity. As we
grow in our intimacy and appreciation of one another, our love for one another
grows. It is the same in our relationship with God. We grow in our knowledge of
how God works and how God loves us more than words can say.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="background: white;"><span style="font-family: "Century Gothic", sans-serif; font-size: 12pt;">Jesus, as
the son of God, tells the disciples in verse 31 that the kingdom of God is
coming. Romans 14.17 tells us that the kingdom of God is three things -
righteousness, peace, and joy in the Holy Spirit. The kingdom or kin-dom as we
often say – is, was, and will be. It’s, at the same time, now and not yet. Time
is not cut and dry or as predictable as we may imagine. India is 11 hours ahead
of us. Our today is their yesterday. God knows. We can only wrap our mind
around so much at once. God’s kingdom was here, is here, and will be here. <o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="background: white;"><span style="font-family: "Century Gothic", sans-serif; font-size: 12pt;">Like an
ocean wave, we see coming our way a world full of righteousness, a world full
of peace, and a world full of joy! There are days that we are inundated with
God’s goodness. Then there are days that we have to look far and wide in order
to see the good we long for and we desperately need. By faith, we know a wave
of goodness is coming our way. Even though there are often waves that toss us
and challenge us in many ways, one tough wave is a reminder – a sign - that
another wave will follow and there is sure to be a blessing among them.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="background: white;"><span style="font-family: "Century Gothic", sans-serif; font-size: 12pt;">In verse
25 of this 25th chapter of the gospel of Luke, Jesus reminds the disciples that
the sun and the moon and the stars are not always aligned calmly, but at times
they will indicate stress and strain. The chaos of the atmosphere, like we have
seen in the last few years with increased floods, fires, and so forth, cause
many of us to be confused, fainthearted, fearful and even lose our right minds.
Meteorologists look in the atmosphere in order to be able to forecast storms,
thunder, lightning, torrential rains, hail and other daunting weather changes
that mystify us and force us to take heed and take shelter. As verse 32 says,
every generation experiences the chaos and has an opportunity to create something
good. What we know as heaven and earth will disappear like an ocean wave. It
will reappear and be recreated in time and out of time, in place and out of
place. Fortunately for us, God is our refuge no matter what happens! Jesus will
return in our lives again and again in a cloud - that is physical or spiritual.
<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="background: white;"><span style="font-family: "Century Gothic", sans-serif; font-size: 12pt;">I was
walking with Dorene one day and she noticed a fig tree. Dorene could identify
the fig tree by its leaves. She could say with confidence that there were no
figs on the tree because the season for figs was over, but like the waves of an
ocean, the season would soon return. Linda has a fig tree in her back yard and
during the summer, she shared with us the most delicious and delightful fresh
figs. I’ve never seen her tree, but I’ve eaten the figs because, as simple as
it sounds, she knew the signs that the figs had ripened. She took heed and
picked them so they could be enjoyed, which is certainly God’s intention. <o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="background: white;"><span style="font-family: "Century Gothic", sans-serif; font-size: 12pt;">God gives
every Christian signs. I hiked a trail at Innabah the other day and there were
many signs that kept me safe. They directed me to many pleasant paths and
wonders to explore and enjoy. Signs are
a good thing.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="background: white;"><span style="font-family: "Century Gothic", sans-serif; font-size: 12pt;">God gives
us signs regarding our health. Stamina, strength, calm, and peace of mind are
signs of health. When we see signs of distress in our children during this
pandemic, we begin to watch and pray and wait for God to guide us, for it is
likely that we have not traveled this journey before. We need signs to guide
us.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="background: white;"><span style="font-family: "Century Gothic", sans-serif; font-size: 12pt;">If we see
a traffic sign, we do well to pay attention. I witnessed a man running through
a stop sign. When the ambulance came, his moaning and groaning on the gurney
suggested his injuries were not worth the risk he took. He may not have seen
that he took a risk. The other day I was coming out of Giant and I nearly drove
in front of an oncoming car because I thought he had a stop sign but the sign
was for traffic going in the opposite direction. Nevertheless, thank God for
signs. Signs are a blessing, especially when the Holy Spirit trains our
spiritual eyes to see the many signs that God gives to lead us in the right
paths, or beside still waters, and green pastures. <o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="background: white;"><span style="font-family: "Century Gothic", sans-serif; font-size: 12pt;">How have
your spiritual eyes been trained by the Holy Spirit? Do you receive insights
while praying or serving? Does reading and studying God’s word bring to mind a
greater sense of where God is guiding you? <o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="background: white;"><span style="font-family: "Century Gothic", sans-serif; font-size: 12pt;">In this
world of so much uncertainty in the weather, deception among businesses, grief
around unsettling changes, and contradictions in the health field, God gives us
signs that guide us to strength, forbearance, constant love and presence that
helps us be the church and the kin-dom we are called to be. These signs come
from the words of loved ones, a dream, a vision or whatever and however God
chooses. The most important thing to know is that there are signs, there are
indicators, there are things to see and know that only God can show you. God is
for you, not against you. <o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="background: white;"><span style="font-family: "Century Gothic", sans-serif; font-size: 12pt;">Pay
attention to the signs of the kingdom. Where do you see someone doing the right
thing and where are the good works being done? Can you identify in your life or
the life of someone you know the fruit of the spirit of joy? We need to know
the signs of joy because the joy of the Lord is what gives us physical and
emotional strength. Do you see the signs of peace anywhere in this word of woe?
Pray to God we find our way to peace. We may even have to go back to the
songwriter saying, “When there’s no peace anywhere on earth, there is peace in
Christ.”<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="background: white;"><span style="font-family: "Century Gothic", sans-serif; font-size: 12pt;">Don’t miss
the signs, my friends. Listen to Jesus! May the signs be in our lives like a
neon light to brighten our paths and the paths of those who follow in our
footsteps.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; mso-margin-top-alt: auto;">
</p><p class="MsoNormal" style="background: white;"><span style="font-family: "Century Gothic", sans-serif; font-size: 12pt;"> </span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span face=""Trebuchet MS",sans-serif" style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;"><o:p> </o:p></span></p>Pastor Hineshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09116473656083061218noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-860308507969757375.post-26272081684222525102021-11-12T07:40:00.005-08:002021-11-12T07:40:55.822-08:00 November 14, 2021 - "Labor Pains” - Pastor Hines<p style="text-align: center;"> <u style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif; font-size: 12pt;">November
14, 2021 - </span></u><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif; font-size: 12pt; text-align: center;">"Labor
Pains” - Pastor Hines</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">Bethel members remind us that the foundation of this
sanctuary was laid by hand in stone. There is something beautiful and
awe-inspiring about stones. When the disciples came out of the temple after
worship, they marveled at the stones that made the temple. They were huge. They were gorgeous. It took a lot of love,
muscle, and determination to put them in their proper place. The results were
breathtaking. Humanity always recognizes
the beauty that results when people work together, creating something
wonderful. The disciples noticed, saying “Look, Teacher, what large stones and
what large buildings!” We hear the same type comments when people visit Bethel.
Most everyone who visits for the first time remarks about the beauty of the
renovations, the ark, the pavilion, the open space and the towering trees. Many
worked together to make all of it happen. <o:p></o:p></span></p>
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</w:wrap></v:imagedata></v:shape><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">At
the same time, Jesus reminds us that working together to create something
beautiful is great, but it is not permanent, nor is it the end- all. God is
always working in us to build and to rebuild. Like a river flowing, the kin-dom
of God is not stagnant. God’s people and God’s plan are always changing, always
creating and recreating. <o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"></span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-eGz7HS7HDTw/YY6KoBmvWVI/AAAAAAAAA_g/5uJQWnU1JokB9lPStBlTO3BWez-QKYaNQCLcBGAsYHQ/image.png" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="" data-original-height="142" data-original-width="449" height="101" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-eGz7HS7HDTw/YY6KoBmvWVI/AAAAAAAAA_g/5uJQWnU1JokB9lPStBlTO3BWez-QKYaNQCLcBGAsYHQ/image.png" width="320" /></a></div><br /><br /><p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><v:shape alt="2,115 Pregnancy Stages Stock Photos and Images - 123RF" id="Picture_x0020_4" o:spid="_x0000_s1032" style="height: 122.2pt; margin-left: 183.9pt; margin-top: 0; mso-height-percent: 0; mso-height-percent: 0; mso-height-relative: margin; mso-position-horizontal-relative: text; mso-position-horizontal: absolute; mso-position-vertical-relative: text; mso-position-vertical: absolute; mso-width-percent: 0; mso-width-percent: 0; mso-width-relative: margin; mso-wrap-distance-bottom: 0; mso-wrap-distance-left: 9pt; mso-wrap-distance-right: 9pt; mso-wrap-distance-top: 0; mso-wrap-style: square; position: absolute; visibility: visible; width: 148.7pt; z-index: -251653120;" type="#_x0000_t75">
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</w:wrap></v:imagedata></v:shape><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">Change
is good because change is growth for the better. Change keeps us healthy. If
the fetus in the womb does not change from hour to hour, it cannot live. If a
seed in the ground does not change, growth can’t happen. We’d all starve.
Change is a necessary part of life. <o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"></span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-WZCLd0XPzuI/YY6KqKqREVI/AAAAAAAAA_k/CknhEFYc8Pk7fKbLZzYLKXio57hlx-RoACLcBGAsYHQ/image.png" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="" data-original-height="163" data-original-width="198" height="240" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-WZCLd0XPzuI/YY6KqKqREVI/AAAAAAAAA_k/CknhEFYc8Pk7fKbLZzYLKXio57hlx-RoACLcBGAsYHQ/image.png" width="292" /></a></div><br /><br /><p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><v:shape alt="First Temple" id="Picture_x0020_5" o:spid="_x0000_s1031" style="height: 123.75pt; margin-left: 167.5pt; margin-top: 252.95pt; mso-height-percent: 0; mso-height-percent: 0; mso-height-relative: margin; mso-position-horizontal-relative: text; mso-position-horizontal: absolute; mso-position-vertical-relative: text; mso-position-vertical: absolute; mso-width-percent: 0; mso-width-percent: 0; mso-width-relative: margin; mso-wrap-distance-bottom: 0; mso-wrap-distance-left: 9pt; mso-wrap-distance-right: 9pt; mso-wrap-distance-top: 0; mso-wrap-style: square; position: absolute; visibility: visible; width: 173.15pt; z-index: -251652096;" type="#_x0000_t75">
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</w:wrap></v:imagedata></v:shape><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">People
smile when I tell them that I have participated in several Christian
denominations and I think of myself as Metho-costal-penta-holy. I’ve been
strengthened by my experiences in a Christian college, two different
seminaries, Quaker Friends meetings, Catholic gatherings, and more. Some of
these experiences have left me scratching my head. There are things that go on
in some mega meetings that could curl your hair. A police officer retired when
he was losing his eyesight to diabetes. He went into a healing line but it was
not a good thing. He witnessed those praying for people with crutches. Their
crutches were snatched and people fell helplessly to the ground. In one store
front church a man was slain in the spirit nearly every Sunday. People were
assigned to “catch” him, but all too often he would fall and crack his head. In
another meeting, a woman in charge, snapped her fingers and directed another
person to start speaking in tongues. Nothing seemed to happen except awkward
silence, befuddlement and embarrassment. Certainly, the Holy Spirit would want
growth to happen for the better in those situations. <o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"></span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-DEmmH9swX2M/YY6Krc1Nb-I/AAAAAAAAA_o/u9F00x5ejnkl1N3bJAzCk7mzNV5fNELlgCLcBGAsYHQ/image.png" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="" data-original-height="165" data-original-width="231" height="229" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-DEmmH9swX2M/YY6Krc1Nb-I/AAAAAAAAA_o/u9F00x5ejnkl1N3bJAzCk7mzNV5fNELlgCLcBGAsYHQ/image.png" width="320" /></a></div><br /><br /><p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">The church is always in need of growth and change in
order to stay alive. We know it is necessary, still we are not always ready, we
are not always willing. Can you imagine what the disciples thought as they came
out of the temple and Jesus told them, “Not one stone will be left here upon
another; all will be thrown down.” <o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><v:shape alt="An Introduction to Second Temple Judaism: History and Religion of the Jews in the Time of Nehemiah, the Maccabees, Hillel, and Jesus - Kindle edition by Grabbe, Lester L.. Religion &amp; Spirituality" id="Picture_x0020_6" o:spid="_x0000_s1030" style="height: 105.75pt; margin-left: 193.75pt; margin-top: 117.8pt; mso-height-percent: 0; mso-height-percent: 0; mso-height-relative: margin; mso-position-horizontal-relative: text; mso-position-horizontal: absolute; mso-position-vertical-relative: text; mso-position-vertical: absolute; mso-width-percent: 0; mso-width-percent: 0; mso-width-relative: margin; mso-wrap-distance-bottom: 0; mso-wrap-distance-left: 9pt; mso-wrap-distance-right: 9pt; mso-wrap-distance-top: 0; mso-wrap-style: square; position: absolute; visibility: visible; width: 141.9pt; z-index: -251651072;" type="#_x0000_t75">
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</w:wrap></v:imagedata></v:shape><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">The
first temple was built 957 years before Jesus was born. It was looted and
destroyed by King Nebuchadnezzar of Babylon who conquered Jerusalem in the year
586 BC. It took 70 years to rebuild the second Temple in Jerusalem in 516 BC.
The second Temple, stood for 585 years before the Romans destroyed it in AD 70
as retaliation for constant protests by the Jews. <o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"></span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-CLjg1el6v8s/YY6KyzilZYI/AAAAAAAAA_s/MJs9MLLv6Y4R4w1AcMQnhZtT-PhyfiZJACLcBGAsYHQ/image.png" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="" data-original-height="158" data-original-width="237" height="213" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-CLjg1el6v8s/YY6KyzilZYI/AAAAAAAAA_s/MJs9MLLv6Y4R4w1AcMQnhZtT-PhyfiZJACLcBGAsYHQ/image.png" width="320" /></a></div><br /><br /><p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">Since both Temples were destroyed, the only thing
left is the Western Wall, also called the Wailing Wall. You may have visited it
at one time. People go to the wall from all over the world to pray. The Wailing
Wall has been standing since 516 </span><v:shape alt="Wailing Wall In Jerusalem Israel Stock Photo - Download Image Now - iStock" id="Picture_x0020_7" o:spid="_x0000_s1029" style="height: 118.4pt; margin-left: 164.75pt; margin-top: 0; mso-height-percent: 0; mso-height-percent: 0; mso-height-relative: margin; mso-position-horizontal-relative: text; mso-position-horizontal: absolute; mso-position-vertical-relative: text; mso-position-vertical: absolute; mso-width-percent: 0; mso-width-percent: 0; mso-width-relative: margin; mso-wrap-distance-bottom: 0; mso-wrap-distance-left: 9pt; mso-wrap-distance-right: 9pt; mso-wrap-distance-top: 0; mso-wrap-style: square; position: absolute; visibility: visible; width: 177.75pt; z-index: -251650048;" type="#_x0000_t75">
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</w:wrap></v:imagedata></v:shape><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">BC,
well over 2000 years. As things go these days, it may not be there tomorrow.
For, all around us we see God building, rebuilding, creating, and recreating.
Something new is being birthed in us and around us constantly. We have the
labor pains to prove it. We have seen the shifting of so many building blocks
in our life and the lives of those we care about. We’ve seen in our lives what
Jesus said would happen to the Temple. Not one stone is left on top of another.
All will be thrown down. <o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><v:shape alt="Daylight Saving Time 2021: When Does the Time Change? | The Old Farmer&#39;s Almanac" id="Picture_x0020_8" o:spid="_x0000_s1028" style="height: 122.9pt; margin-left: -2.15pt; margin-top: 87.8pt; mso-height-percent: 0; mso-height-percent: 0; mso-height-relative: margin; mso-position-horizontal-relative: text; mso-position-horizontal: absolute; mso-position-vertical-relative: text; mso-position-vertical: absolute; mso-width-percent: 0; mso-width-percent: 0; mso-width-relative: margin; mso-wrap-distance-bottom: 0; mso-wrap-distance-left: 9pt; mso-wrap-distance-right: 9pt; mso-wrap-distance-top: 0; mso-wrap-style: square; position: absolute; visibility: visible; width: 184.35pt; z-index: -251649024;" type="#_x0000_t75">
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</w:wrap></v:imagedata></v:shape><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">New
life can be quite painful. When the disciples heard about this major change, of
course, they wanted to know when the stones would be thrown down, when things
would change. Perhaps they wanted a heads up so they could prepare in one way
or another. <o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"></span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-wtQq4zo4vdw/YY6K1tBbrnI/AAAAAAAAA_w/omaAPJy6O0oVctVyluho_JVzFgVaEkreACLcBGAsYHQ/image.png" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="" data-original-height="164" data-original-width="246" height="213" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-wtQq4zo4vdw/YY6K1tBbrnI/AAAAAAAAA_w/omaAPJy6O0oVctVyluho_JVzFgVaEkreACLcBGAsYHQ/image.png" width="320" /></a></div><br /><br /><p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">But, Jesus did not give them the when. Jesus gave
them the what. He told them to beware of what leaders do when they are trying
to lead you astray. Jesus told them what not to do when they heard about wars
and rumors of wars. They were told NOT to get alarmed. Don’t even get alarmed
when there are earthquakes and famines. Jesus compares these catastrophes as
birth pangs. <o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><v:shape alt="Prophetic Word: Your Deliverance Is on the Way — Charisma Magazine" id="Picture_x0020_9" o:spid="_x0000_s1027" style="height: 116.15pt; margin-left: 125.1pt; margin-top: 64.75pt; mso-height-percent: 0; mso-height-percent: 0; mso-height-relative: page; mso-position-horizontal-relative: text; mso-position-horizontal: absolute; mso-position-vertical-relative: text; mso-position-vertical: absolute; mso-width-percent: 0; mso-width-percent: 0; mso-width-relative: page; mso-wrap-distance-bottom: 0; mso-wrap-distance-left: 9pt; mso-wrap-distance-right: 9pt; mso-wrap-distance-top: 0; mso-wrap-style: square; position: absolute; visibility: visible; width: 211.15pt; z-index: -251648000;" type="#_x0000_t75">
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</w:wrap></v:imagedata></v:shape><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">The
disciples may have thought, “What does Jesus know about birth pangs?” They may
have soon realized that being calm during a catastrophe requires supernatural
help. Labor pains indicate that something new is about to be delivered. Labor
pains indicate that deliverance is about to take place. It may take minutes,
hours, or days, but deliverance is on its way. <o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"></span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-frPzafXutPo/YY6K3gQ7A_I/AAAAAAAAA_4/cVh97QbLXQkkFj29wShmkHOakQAdRIdrgCLcBGAsYHQ/image.png" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="" data-original-height="155" data-original-width="281" height="177" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-frPzafXutPo/YY6K3gQ7A_I/AAAAAAAAA_4/cVh97QbLXQkkFj29wShmkHOakQAdRIdrgCLcBGAsYHQ/image.png" width="320" /></a></div><br /><br /><p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">When humanity is pregnant with possibilities, growth
is occurring in stages. When the labor pains begin, it signals a need to
prepare for the delivery of something new and deliverance from certain pain and
sorrow. The pain becomes intense. Deliverance often happens when our pain is
intense. How intense is intense? If the labor pains are four minutes apart and
they last at least one minute long and they happen over and over again for a
whole hour, it’s time to prepare for deliverance. It is time to go through the
four stages of labor.<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">The first stage of labor is dilation which makes
room for a new creation. The second
stage is the actual delivery and new life arrives. The third stage of labor is
pushing out the placenta – this afterbirth organ has provided nutrition,
oxygen, and waste management for that which is being delivered. It’s pushed out
because it is no longer needed. There may be something resourceful in our lives
that is no longer needed and needs to go. The fourth stage is recovery. Labor
is hard work. Giving birth to God’s new creation is traumatic. Time is needed
to recover. It can take 6-8 weeks.<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">It seems Jesus did not tell the disciples when the
urgent need for deliverance would come, when they would have to go through
something tough, unpleasant and at times seemingly unbearable. They asked when
this would happen. Jesus may have thought what a silly question. Catastrophe is
happening anywhere and everywhere and all the time. Deliverance is needed by us
or someone everywhere all the time. Likewise, we can experience the joy of new
beginnings anywhere, everywhere and all the time.<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<v:shape alt="Trusting God in tough times • A Christian Lifestyle Blog" id="Picture_x0020_10" o:spid="_x0000_s1026" style="height: 169.5pt; margin-left: 37.65pt; margin-top: 137.5pt; mso-height-percent: 0; mso-height-percent: 0; mso-height-relative: margin; mso-position-horizontal-relative: text; mso-position-horizontal: absolute; mso-position-vertical-relative: text; mso-position-vertical: absolute; mso-wrap-distance-bottom: 0; mso-wrap-distance-left: 9pt; mso-wrap-distance-right: 9pt; mso-wrap-distance-top: 0; mso-wrap-style: square; position: absolute; visibility: visible; width: 262.5pt; z-index: -251646976;" type="#_x0000_t75">
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</w:wrap></v:imagedata></v:shape><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-language: AR-SA; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-bidi; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri; mso-fareast-language: EN-US; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-latin;">So, what is Jesus expecting from us when trouble
comes. He says, “Do not be alarmed. This is the beginning of labor pains.”
Something wonderful is on its way. God the father, son, and Holy Spirit always,
always call us to not be alarmed and to look far enough past our troubles until
we can see what God wants us to do and where God wants us to go. May today be
the day we look to God for the good and the new that we so urgently need. Amen.</span><div><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-language: AR-SA; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-bidi; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri; mso-fareast-language: EN-US; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-latin;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-language: AR-SA; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-bidi; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri; mso-fareast-language: EN-US; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-latin;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-fDiNi98gGUE/YY6K-0TPWaI/AAAAAAAAA_8/39imN8SQycA-KQmL-cqXsvBORKOsRE1CACLcBGAsYHQ/image.png" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="" data-original-height="226" data-original-width="350" height="207" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-fDiNi98gGUE/YY6K-0TPWaI/AAAAAAAAA_8/39imN8SQycA-KQmL-cqXsvBORKOsRE1CACLcBGAsYHQ/image.png" width="320" /></a></div><br /><br /></span></div>Pastor Hineshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09116473656083061218noreply@blogger.com0