tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-89073797405265481662024-02-02T00:54:58.965-08:00Heart Healthy Words"Anxiety in a man's heart weighs it down, but a good word cheers it up." Proverbs 12:25 (hcsb)Zane Brownhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04416284007904957021noreply@blogger.comBlogger47125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8907379740526548166.post-85462045242341095412019-04-16T13:52:00.001-07:002019-04-16T13:52:48.275-07:00When God is Our Sovereign<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; line-height: 107%;"><span style="font-size: large;"> Take
a close look at <i>John 19:10-11</i>. Pilate tells the Lord </span></span></b><span style="font-size: large;"><b><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; line-height: 107%;">Jesus, </span></b><b><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; line-height: 107%;">"<i>I have power
(authority) to take your life.</i>" Jesus replied, </span></b><b><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; line-height: 107%;">"<span style="color: red;"><i>You would have no
authority over Me at all, if it had not been </i></span></span></b><b><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; line-height: 107%;"><span style="color: red;"><i>given to you by God.</i></span>"</span></b></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; line-height: 107%;"> In
this life, we all sometimes find ourselves in </span></b><b><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; line-height: 107%;">situations </span></b></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;"><b><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; line-height: 107%;">where </span></b><b><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; line-height: 107%;">s</span></b><b><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; line-height: 107%;">omeone else
holds some power or authority over us. A </span></b><b><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; line-height: 107%;">supervisor, a boss, a family member, a
friend. Most often, those </span></b><b><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; line-height: 107%;">relationships are benevolent. But from time to time,
we run </span></b><b><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; line-height: 107%;">into </span></b><b><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; line-height: 107%;">one these folks that just seems to have it in for us. We're </span></b><b><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; line-height: 107%;">working
hard, trying to do what's right, keeping our noses </span></b><b><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; line-height: 107%;">clean, but our antagonists
just keep holding their authority </span></b><b><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; line-height: 107%;">over our heads like a sword. It can make
misery, uncertainty,</span></b><b><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; line-height: 107%;"> and fear constant companions for us UNTIL we grasp the </span></b><b><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; line-height: 107%;">sovereignty of God.</span></b></span></div>
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<b><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; line-height: 107%;"><span style="font-size: large;"> The
word, sovereign, means supreme ruler possessing </span></span></b></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;"><b><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; line-height: 107%;">independent authority. In other
words, the sovereign is the top o</span></b><b><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; line-height: 107%;">f the food chain, the absolute ultimate
authority. That's our </span></b><b><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; line-height: 107%;">God! So, as we seek Him and follow Him, we'll run into
those </span></b><b><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; line-height: 107%;">folks who seek to impose their authority on us. How do we </span></b><b><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; line-height: 107%;">respond? Notice
Jesus' confident response: "<span style="color: red;"><i>You have no </i></span></span></b><b><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; line-height: 107%;"><span style="color: red;"><i>authority over Me at all IF it had
not been given you </i></span></span></b><b><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; line-height: 107%;"><span style="color: red;"><i>from </i></span></span></b></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;"><b><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; line-height: 107%;"><span style="color: red;"><i>above.</i></span>" Then HE submitted to that authority
because it was the </span></b><b><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; line-height: 107%;">Father's will that He give His life to redeem those who
would </span></b><b><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; line-height: 107%;">follow Him. </span></b></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;"><b><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; line-height: 107%;"> I
am writing this to encourage you who follow Him </span></b><b><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; line-height: 107%;">to live life with confidence
and courage. We can do that </span></b><b><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; line-height: 107%;">because, like Jesus, we know that nothing invades
our lives </span></b><b><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; line-height: 107%;">without having first passed through His loving hands. Jesus </span></b><b><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; line-height: 107%;">abandoned
Himself into the Father's hands because He lived to </span></b><b><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; line-height: 107%;">bring glory to the Father.
When we live to bring glory to God, </span></b><b><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; line-height: 107%;">we can live with assurance, confidence, and
peace. No need for </span></b><b><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; line-height: 107%;">hostility or vengeance or self-pity. When we trust and obey,
He </span></b><b><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; line-height: 107%;">works His will in and through us. That's what it means to says "<i>We know that God causes EVERYTHING to work together for the good of those who love Him and are called according to His purpose. For God knew His people in advance, and He chose them to become like His Son, so that His Son would be the Firstborn among many brothers and sisters." Romans 8:28-29 </i></span></b></span></div>
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<b><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; line-height: 107%;"><span style="font-size: large;">HE uses it all to help shape us into the perfect reflection of the Lord Jesus!</span></span></b></div>
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<br />Zane Brownhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04416284007904957021noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8907379740526548166.post-60003895205009200862018-09-11T13:25:00.001-07:002018-09-12T07:54:48.230-07:00What's the Average American Christian to Do??<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<span style="font-size: large;"><b>Today marks the 17th anniversary of the horrific attack by Al-Qaeda. We lost around 3,000 folks in that one attack, the worst since Pearl Harbor. It galvanized the nation. I know because three after the event, I was there in New York City. Not to minimize the damages in Washington, D.C. nor the incredible heroes of United Fight 93, New York bore the brunt of the attack. On September 11, 2001, I watched with anger and pain as I witness the fall of those monuments to American financial and architectural greatness. I saw men and women leaping from the upper stories choosing the quick release of such a death to the terror of dying in flames or amidst the crushing weight of millions of pounds of mortar and steel. I watched with wonder as multitudes marched away from the area, some wearing suits, others wearing jeans, some carrying briefcases and backpacks while others carried shoes and handbags. The most intriguing thing for me was what had happened as a result of the tons of dirt and debris that blew threw Manhattan like volcanic ash. The people leaving the area were covered in it. Folks were not white, black, or brown. Everyone was a shade of gray. </b></span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;"><b>When we arrived in New York City on September 14, we took a staging position at Metro Baptist Church in the Hell's Kitchen area about two blocks from the Port Authority Bus Terminal. I worked from there for three days. On Saturday, I went to the Lexington Armory where people had posted pictures of missing friends and relatives. Thousands of them. Inside the armory was a respite center and an area for the relatives of the missing to bring in anything that might provide DNA evidence to be matched with recovered remains. I met Kevin there. Kevin was in healthcare and worked at St. Vincent Hospital. He appeared shell-shocked. After pulling a shift, he was told that he was needed at the Armory, where they had set up a make-shift morgue. He had been working and sleeping at this location for 72 hours. His job was to photograph body parts with tattoos, scars, and birthmarks to help with identification. I could only imagine how emotionally brutal that would be, even for a healthcare worker. It just wasn't suppose to happen on this scale. I helped Kevin connect with his mother in Atlanta that day. (<i>one of the reasons I returned to find a $700 cell phone bill. I was out of my coverage zone) </i>As soon as Kevin heard his mom's voice, he broke into tears. Moments later, when he handed the phone back to me, his mother said, "I just wish I could be there to hold him and pray for him." I suggested that as I laid my hand on his head that she pray and then I would pray. When I left Kevin that day, the shell-shock appearance had given way to joyful weariness knowing that his work from that point on would be God's work in behalf of the families of the missing. </b></span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;"><b>On September 17, as a Law Enforcement Chaplain and Certified Crisis Response Trainer for the National Organization for Victim Assistance, I was redeployed to the Port Authority Police Department Journal Square Precinct in Jersey City. NYPD is a department with around 6,000 sworn officers. They lost 27 officers that day. PAPD is a department of around 1,200 sworn officers. They patrolled the property on which the Towers were located. That day, they lost 41 officers. 13 of those were from the Journal Square Precinct. Over the next four days, I spent over 48 hours in the squad room and their respite tent at Ground Zero. It was a humbling, gut-wrenching experience. No one had personal time off. If you weren't pulling a regular shift, you were at Ground Zero ready to work the bucket brigade when the horn sounded signaling that human remains had been found. I watched with reverence when the buckets were passed along from the site to the perimeter. From there, they would be taken one of the morgues. </b></span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;"><b>343 FDNY personnel, 68 NYPD and PAPD personnel, and thousands of civilians perished that day. Tens of thousands of relatives and friends still mourn the losses. BUT, the nation came together. In NYC during that week, crime was almost non-existent. Yes, we were focused on the enemy who perpetrated this heinous act, but we were even more focused on getting the citizens of NYC moving toward a new normal. There were responders there from almost every state in the country. The perimeter was lined with their respite tents. At barriers around Ground Zero, there were thousands of civilian citizens who just came to try to help in some way. During my week there, I had conversations and even prayers with Asians, African Americans, Hispanics, Muslims, Hindus, Christians, and even an atheist. </b></span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;"><b>Now, I can't speak for anyone else, but I do know that for us who claim to follow the Lord Jesus, we are held to a higher standard by the Lord Jesus. There's an expectation that our anger, bitterness, and hatred will be short-lived. In <i>Matthew 5:43, </i>Jesus said, "<i>You have heard that the law says, 'Love your neighbor' and hate your enemy." </i>Wait! Where did that last part come from. The first part comes from <i>Leviticus 19:18. </i>But the Pharisees had interpreted <i>Psalm 139:19-22 </i>and <i>Psalm 140:9-11 </i>as permission to hate their enemies! Jesus goes on to say in <i>Matthew 5:44-45, But I say to you, love your enemies. Pray for those who persecute you! In that way, you will be acting as true children of your Father in heaven. . ."</i></b></span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;"><b>This is not to say that we must trust those who seek to do evil against us nor is it to suggest that justice should not be served. It is to say that anger can calcify and when that happens, it blinds us to the reality that even our enemies are created in the Image of God. Lifting a quote from Chaplain Chris Wade's blog of September 10, Seacoast Pastor Darrin Patrick said this: "In unrighteous anger, you want pain and you want punishment. In righteous anger, you want redemption, you want restoration." </b></span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;"><b>As you recount your memories of 9/11 today, remember the families of those who died that day. Remember those who have fallen in battle against our enemies. Pray for their families. Pray for our military, our first responders, and especially our government leaders. The government is so fractured over ideological differences that both parties seem destined to move to further ideological extremes. Our inept leadership often pushes us toward greater division rather than toward finding the things that unite us. </b></span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;"><b>Most of all, remember to obey the words of Jesus from <i>Matthew 5</i> and act as true children of your Father in heaven because one day, He is going to make everything right. One day, EVERY knee will bow and EVERY tongue will confess that Jesus IS Lord to the glory of the Father. For now, our responsibility is trust,obey, and pray. </b></span><br />
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Zane Brownhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04416284007904957021noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8907379740526548166.post-1559785997771027472018-06-28T12:48:00.000-07:002018-06-28T12:48:14.851-07:00He Wants to Take Us Higher<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiNkNaavZvGcGYKcs2RcXaaZPRkJbwd1Ggc5QE-778nWeY2_op7LTp7xBpEWjRimk-fnMU8Zb2Zzpv8j7t6_0DSVd2LdTvlCvVhvteKP4j16Rf4Xl6kE4OuiaSnT4llTaseAqJAUnAR1vA/s1600/golf+ball.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="183" data-original-width="183" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiNkNaavZvGcGYKcs2RcXaaZPRkJbwd1Ggc5QE-778nWeY2_op7LTp7xBpEWjRimk-fnMU8Zb2Zzpv8j7t6_0DSVd2LdTvlCvVhvteKP4j16Rf4Xl6kE4OuiaSnT4llTaseAqJAUnAR1vA/s1600/golf+ball.jpg" /></a></div>
<span style="font-size: large;"><b>Have you ever wondered why golf balls have all those little dimples? It's simple physics, if there is such a thing. Legend suggests that a poor young golfer couldn't afford new golf balls. So, he scavenged the woods and roughs along courses to pick up old, scarred balls. Playing partners soon noticed that his scarred ball traveled farther off the tee than their smooth ones. Research followed and revealed that the scars or dimples did indeed help the ball travel higher and farther. Now, hold that thought while we take a brief look at everyone's favorite quick-tongued disciple, Simon Peter.</b></span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;"><b>Luke 22:31-34 offers a glimpse at how calculating the devil can be in seeking the downfall of those who long to follow the Lord Jesus. He is pictured in that text as the accuser of humanity (<i>Revelation 12:10</i>), the one who uses his resources to erode faith and destroy the faithful. In verse 31, the Lord Jesus told Peter, "<i>Satan has desired to sift you like wheat.</i>" The Greek word translated "has desired" implies a challenge like that in the Old Testament story of Job. It's as if Satan appeared before God again and said, 'All those followers of Jesus are like chaff in the wind. A little pressure and they will al forsake Him.' The TEV translation says it this way: "<i>Simon, listen! Satan has received permission to test all of you, as a farmer separates the wheat from the chaff." </i>At this point, the Lord Jesus calls him Simon rather than Peter. Here, the Lord Jesus does not refer to him as a stone, a rock, or anything of substantial weight or strength. Instead, He calls him by his old name, a reminder that Peter is still a mere human. He is weak, frail, flawed, and unable to withstand Satanic pressure ALONE. </b></span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;"><b>The Lord Jesus warned them all of the impending danger and assured them all of His prayer for their strength. But, in His foreknowledge, He also knew that failure was imminent. He also knew that no one would be tougher on Peter than Peter himself. Jesus, in His infinite love and mercy, looked beyond Peter's downfall and saw his potential as a leader of the fledgling church. He show that faith in Peter when He commissioned him to the task of strengthening his Christian brothers and sisters. </b></span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;"><b>Peter launched a stern defense, assuring Jesus of his loyalty even if everyone else might forsake Him. The Lord Jesus knew Peter better than he knew himself. "<i>Before the rooster crows, you will deny Me three times." </i>Those words must have echoed in Peter's ears hours later when he heard the rooster. With guilt and grief that was more punishing than death, he left the high priest's house weeping bitterly. No longer considering himself a part of the apostolic group, I imagine Peter wallowed in self-pity until that third day when Mary came with a special message. It echoes across the centuries. "He sent me to tell you all that He is risen. But Peter, He mentioned you by name. he wants to see you!"</b></span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;"><b>That's what Easter, the Resurrection, and the Hope of the living Lord Jesus is all about. Second chances!! Human nature hasn't changed. I'm sure Peter heard whispers, endured murderous stares, and felt the vicious gossip of people who only saw his failure. But all that really mattered was that he had been forgiven, vindicated, and commissioned by the Lord Jesus. Fifty days later, this "flawed, scarred, failure" would be the one whom the Holy Spirit would use to preach the sermon of Pentecost and usher in the birth of the Church. </b></span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;"><b>Let me offer you some growth principles from Peter's experience. The first is that failure is sometimes necessary to prepare us for God's use. He will use failure to strip away pride and self-sufficiency. Peter's upper room conversation with Jesus revealed an arrogant self-confidence. His failure opened the way for God's mercy and grace to reshape him. Failure humbles us and restores our focus on the Lord Jesus. </b></span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><b>The second principle is that failure can be the soil from which greater opportunities for service grow. The Holy Spirit used Peter as the preacher at Pentecost because his penitent spirit, in the wake of his failure, prepared him for that task. </b></span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;"><b>Like golf balls, God's people are usually more effective when they bear the scars and marks of real life experience. Through Peter, God has shown us that He will use our failures to make us stronger and more effective Kingdom-builders. When we understand the tsunami of mercy and grace that God pours on us, it makes it easier to impart that mercy and grace to others. </b></span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;"><b>After all, Jesus is all about grace, transformation, and another chance. </b></span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><b><br /></b></span>Zane Brownhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04416284007904957021noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8907379740526548166.post-68356465481316689042018-02-07T12:57:00.003-08:002018-02-07T12:57:57.225-08:00Waiting Is Becoming<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;"><b>Do you ever feel like the person in the picture?? </b></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;"><b>The Israelite king, David, writes of Yahweh as his stronghold in Psalm 27. When we truly trust God and obey Him, we have no reason to fear anyone or anything at any time (vv. 1-3). BUT, to have that confidence requires a deep, abiding intimacy with Him (v. 4). That's why he has placed within every person a natural yearning to know Him (v. 8). It's there!! It's always been there. We might try to subdue it or to fill it with things other than God; but nothing will ever truly satisfy that yearning until we know Him personally and intimately. </b></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;"><b>When we yield to Him and begin to strive after Him daily to build that intimacy, we will develop a confidence, not in ourselves, but in His power, protection, and provision. We can recklessly abandon our lives into His hands knowing that HE will never abandon us (v. 10). </b></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;"><b>We will grow stronger and bolder as we learn to wait on God in every situation (v. 14). That's not something that 21st century Americans are comfortable doing. Our culture likes the instant. With the introduction of the microwave and thirty minute television shows, we started down a slippery slope of wanting everything NOW. The Internet and a 24 hour news cycle have only exacerbated impatience. The result is that far too many view waiting as inactivity. But, it is not inactivity for the follower of Jesus. It is submission. It is actively listening for the voice of God. It is praying, listening, submitting to the will and direction of God. It is trusting Him enough that when He is silent, we are still (Psalm 46:10). Did you know that one way to translate that verse is "Stop struggling and know that I am God." Stop worrying, stop fighting, stop wondering. Just stop and wait because you know that I am God. </b></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;"><b>Rather than taking situations into our own hands, we should always seek God's counsel. The Bible is filled with well-meaning folks who rushed ahead of God. None of them turned out well. Abraham rushed ahead of God and the result was Ishmael. Jacob rushed ahead of God and it cost him exile from his family and seven additional years of servitude to Laban. Moses rushed ahead of God and it resulted in 40 years of exile. David rushed ahead of God and it resulted in three days of deadly pestilence for his people. </b></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;"><b>Now someone is going to say, 'God had a plan and worked it to perfection.' There's no denying that! But that doesn't mean that Abraham dalliance with Hagar or Jacob misleading Isaac, or Moses killing of the Egyptian was a part of God's plan. David's decision to do a census of his military The wonderful thing about God is that He can take what we mess up and make something good come from it. But His desire is that we seek Him first to save ourselves some pain, disappointment, and even punishment. </b></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;"><b>So, let's get more comfortable with waiting. In the doctor's office or the DMV line, in the grocery line or a traffic standstill, let's seize such things as opportunities to say as Samuel did, "Speak, Lord, for your servant is listening." (I Samuel 3:10) Always be ready to submit to God's counsel quickly and faithfully. And remember!! Waiting is not inactivity. It's submission to His will, His way, in His time. <i>"</i></b></span><span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;"><i><b cwidth="0" eza="cwidth:0px;;cheight:0px;;wcalc_source:child;wcalc:102px;wocalc:102px;hcalc:608px;rend_px_area:0;" style="background-size: auto; margin: 0px; max-width: 750px; padding: 0px; text-align: center;">Biblically, waiting is not just something we have to do until we get what we want. Waiting is part of the process of becoming what God wants us to be</b><b cwidth="0" eza="cwidth:0px;;cheight:0px;;wcalc_source:child;wcalc:102px;wocalc:102px;hcalc:608px;rend_px_area:0;" style="background-size: auto; color: #555555; margin: 0px; max-width: 750px; padding: 0px; text-align: center;">.</b></i><b cwidth="0" eza="cwidth:0px;;cheight:0px;;wcalc_source:child;wcalc:102px;wocalc:102px;hcalc:608px;rend_px_area:0;" style="background-size: auto; margin: 0px; max-width: 750px; padding: 0px; text-align: center;"><i>"</i> -- John Ortberg </b></span><b cwidth="0" eza="cwidth:0px;;cheight:0px;;wcalc_source:child;wcalc:102px;wocalc:102px;hcalc:608px;rend_px_area:0;" style="background-size: auto; font-family: Gotham, "Helvetica Neue", Helvetica, Arial; font-size: 20px; margin: 0px; max-width: 750px; padding: 0px; text-align: center;"> </b><br />
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<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;"><b><br /></b></span>Zane Brownhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04416284007904957021noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8907379740526548166.post-44698968276435809932017-10-04T09:14:00.002-07:002017-10-04T09:14:34.671-07:00Praying For Las Vegas, But Then What? <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgQFPSdfnm9EWakCAa_2KGr4Gl0yGNBoVhahn-OeIQceqck0NhZSEfE630cYQSSdRcE_eBnfFvETHe0QJy-TB2HupdnvlOe6J5w0YMM8oDrX4c6k2zSjCv_wXnf5awGAV-zG483MXmTgsc/s1600/Pray+for+vegas.jpg" imageanchor="1"><img border="0" height="167" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgQFPSdfnm9EWakCAa_2KGr4Gl0yGNBoVhahn-OeIQceqck0NhZSEfE630cYQSSdRcE_eBnfFvETHe0QJy-TB2HupdnvlOe6J5w0YMM8oDrX4c6k2zSjCv_wXnf5awGAV-zG483MXmTgsc/s320/Pray+for+vegas.jpg" width="320" /></a> <span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;"><b>A few words about living in the aftermath of the Las Vegas Massacre. I do not use that word without careful thought. In its noun form, it massacre means the unnecessary indiscriminate killing of a large number of human beings. In its verb form, it means to kill unnecessarily and indiscriminately, especially a large number of persons. Massacre perfectly describes the carnage that occurred in Las Vegas at the hands of Stephen Paddock. Most of us continue to pray for those who are grieving, those who are recovering, those who are still fighting for their lives, and those who survived but have traumatized by what happened.</b></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;"><b>But in reality, many of us are questioning what's going on in our nation. Politicians are quick to co-opt the event as a platform for their agendas. Some religious folks will use it as a platform for Armageddon. Most just worry about the world, the culture, and the mess we seem to be leaving our kids and grandkids. I write these words not to indict or criticize, but simply to offer some biblically based encouragement in the face of growing evil. So, here a few thoughts. </b></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;"><b> Where was God when this was happening?? He was where He was when Cain killed Abel. He was where He was when Moses killed the Egyptian slave supervisor and when Herod murdered the baby boys in Bethlehem. He was where He was during the agonizing torture and crucifixion of Jesus. HE WAS THERE!! God is sovereign and rules over all of creation and more. But, part of being made in His Image and after His Likeness is the freedom to choose. In a culture that grows more secular by the day, human beings exercise the power of choice and far too often, we make bad choices. Some seem fairly benign, but others impact scores or hundreds, or even millions</b></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;"><b> We don't know why, Stephen Paddock made a choice on Sunday night, a choice that left 59 families and countless friends grieving, 500+ others who will carry the physical scars of his depravity for the rest of their lives, thousands who will carry the emotional scars for years to come, and a fractured nation that longs for an end to violence, injustice, and inequity. The problem is that most of the nation rejects, outright or hypocritically, the only One Who can bring an end to those things. </b></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;"><b> God was there Sunday night!! He was there in the rapid, heroic response of law enforcement, fire/rescue, and other first responders. He was there in the scores of unnamed heroes who covered the helpless, aided the wounded, and gave comfort to the dying. He was there in every chaplain, every counselor, and every blood donor. HE WAS THERE!</b></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;"><b> Why does God allow this kind of thing to happen?? See above regarding freedom of choice. We all make choices. Some of our choices are motivated by selflessness, sacrifice, and love. Other choices are motivated by selfishness, self-promotion, and even hatred. It comes with the territory known as free will. God-given free will comes with responsibility and when we choose badly, we bear the consequences. God is not the cause of evil, but He most certainly is the Cure. When some folks make these terrible choices that do harm to others, God chooses to reveal Himself in the form of those who counter that evil with love, aid, and selfless sacrifice. </b></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;"><b> Will we ever be safe again??? What kind of world will my kids and grandkids inherit?? Unfortunately, according to the apostle Paul, it's only going to get worse. In <i>2 Timothy 3:12-13, </i>he writes, "<i>"Yes, and everyone who wants to live a godly life in Christ Jesus<span style="background-color: #fff2cc;"> will suffer</span> persecution. But evil people and impostors will flourish. They will deceive others and will themselves be deceived." (</i>NLT, My highlight) But then he tells us what we should be doing in <i>verses 14-17: 'But you must remain faithful to the things you have been taught. You know they are true, for you know you can trust those who taught you . . . All Scripture is inspired by God and is useful to teach us what is true and to make us realize what is wrong in our lives. It corrects us when we are wrong and teaches us to do what is right. God uses it to prepare and equip His people to do every good work." </i>So knowing how things will go, we must be faithful to the Lord Jesus, trust the word of God as absolute truth, let that word be the authority in our lives regarding faith and practical issues. We must teach it to our kids, model it before our kids and be busy doing HIS work. We must trust the future to the God Who is already there. </b></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;"><b> Some will say, "I'm afraid," but God doesn't want us to live in fear. He doesn't want us to live angrily, with constant disappointment, or fear. So what do we combat those things?</b></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;"><b>1) When we're angry with God, that's OK as long as we don't put down roots there. Vent your anger to Him. When we voice our anger in prayer and then submit to His will, He will strengthen us for whatever we face. Let you faith in Him be the victory that overcomes your anger.</b></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;"><b>2) When we're disappointed with God, that's OK as long as we don't stay there. In <i>Exodus 5:22-23, </i>Moses first encounter with Pharaoh turned out so badly that Moses actually blamed God. God listened and then simply recommissioned because God had a plan that Moses knew nothing about. AND it would be spectacular. (check out <i>Isaiah 55:8-9) </i>There is an old cliche that says, "If God brings you to it, He will certainly bring you through it." Down through the ages, millions of people have realized that life or death, sickness or health, prosperity or poverty, whether embraced or rejected -- <i>Faith is the victory that overcomes the world. (I John 5:4b) </i>Let your faith be the victory that overcomes your disappointment!</b></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;"><b>3) Some folks react to the storms of life with fear. In <i>Matthew 8, </i>Jesus and his disciples got into a small boat and started across the Sea of Galilee. Then, one of those unexpected violent storms blew down from the mountains and the boat began to take on water. Jesus was sleeping soundly until He was awakened to the sounds of twelve grown men shouting, '<i>Lord, save us! We're going to die!' </i>Jesus, in the midst of that storm, before He even got up, says to them, "<i>Why are you afraid?? You have so little faith!!" </i>Then He spoke to the wind and the sea and the storm was calmed. Whatever the storm, Jesus is there! So let your faith be the victory that overcomes your fears!</b></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;"><b>Perhaps this could be our manifesto for the future:</b></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;"><b> As a follower of Jesus, I will not live in fear nor will I be intimidated into retreating into a comfort zone. I am a follower of Christ. I will deny myself, take up my cross daily and follow Him. (<i>Luke 9:23)</i> I acknowledge that the Way to follow Him is narrow and difficult, but I will persevere. (<i>Matthew 7:13-14)</i> I will encourage my children to follow me as I follow Christ. (<i>I Corinthians 11:1) </i>I will nurture my children in faith and encourage them to know Jesus intimately, love Him dearly, and serve Him with a whole heart. (<i>Ephesians 5:4) </i>I will pray every day that the Holy Spirit will empower me to be the salt of my environment, creating a thirst among my family, friends, co-workers and others to know the Living Water (<i>John 4) </i>that flows from me. I will pray that I will be a light (<i>Matthew 5:16) </i>that shines on the darkness of loneliness, isolation, hatred, racism, sexual abuse, immorality, false teaching, and injustice of every sort. I will because the Great I AM has redeemed me equipped me, empowered me, and deployed me to "<i>go and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the Name of the Father, and the Son, and the Holy Spirit, teaching them to obey all that (HE) has commanded us." (Matthew 28:18-20). </i>And the greatest promise of all is this -- HE is with us ALWAYS and EVERYWHERE!</b></span><br />
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<br />Zane Brownhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04416284007904957021noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8907379740526548166.post-38685086900906004882017-05-15T14:12:00.001-07:002017-05-15T14:13:28.201-07:00Living Clean in a Corrupt Culture<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<span style="font-size: large;"><b>I don't often write blogs that offend, but occasionally, it happens. This might be one of those. Why, you ask? Well, this one is about holiness. Not the holiness of God, but personal holiness that our holy God expects from His children. </b></span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><b>The pharisees of Jesus' day thought of themselves as holy. In the "holy" zeal, they crucified their own Messiah. </b></span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;"><b>Over the centuries holiness has been equated with haircuts, mode of dress, the ability to speak in unknown tongues, and even belonging to certain churches or denominations. The truth is that holiness has little to do with outward appearance or special knowledge. Holiness is when the direction of our heart is focused toward God alone. Andrew Murray said, "<i>The greatest test of whether the holiness we profess to seek or to attain is truth and life will be whether it produces an increasing humility in us. In humanity, humility is the one thing needed to allow God's holiness to dwell in us and through us. The chief mark of counterfeit holiness is a LACK of humility. The holiest will be the humblest." </i></b></span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;"><b>Some have sought to be holy by isolation. But that isn't biblical because holiness cannot be adequately demonstrated in isolation. In <i>Philippians 2:14-15, </i>Paul tells the church to "<i>Do everything without grumbling and arguing so that you may be blameless and pure, children of God who are faultless in a crooked and perverted generation, among whom you shine like stars IN the world." </i>Jesus Himself prayed in<i> John 17:14-15 - "I am NOT praying that You take them OUT of the world, but that You protect them from the evil one." </i>Jesus knew that the holiness His followers would develop as their relationship with Him deepened MUST be demonstrated IN a world of darkness and corruption. </b></span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;"><b>The problem we face in this great nation is a weakened church presence. It happens when professing Christians and church folks live no differently from the lost and unchurched folks around them. When we do that, we've embraced the world! Unfortunately, we don't hear much talk about worldliness in the church anymore and perhaps that's why we have so little impact on our culture. Worldliness has weakened our churches from the inside out. And now the trend is to move away from God's judgment and speak only about His grace, mercy, unconditional love and acceptance. </b></span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;"><b>What happened to us? Why do we no longer teach our attenders about the costs of following Jesus? Why do we no longer tell them that there is not only a Great White Throne judgment coming, but also a Bema Seat judgment where followers of Jesus will judged according to their works, not for salvation, but for rewards? Why do we not challenge the practice of sin (<i>I John 5:18-19) </i>in ourselves and our fellow members and attenders? In <i>I Peter 1:15, </i>we are reminded that WE are to be holy because our Father in heaven is holy. That word, holy/hagios in the Greek, literally means to be set apart. When we repent of our sins, turn in faith to the Lord Jesus, and submit to the Father's plan for our lives, we are set apart from our previous lifestyles and set apart for His plan for our lives. To know that should motivate us to strive for moral purity in every part of our lives. </b></span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;"><b>But Peter doesn't just tell us that. He gives us some idea as to HOW to it.</b></span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;"><b>1) <u>He tells us to Discipline our Minds.</u> <i>I Peter 1:13.</i> God imparts the righteousness of the Lord Jesus to us at the moment of salvation, BUT from that point on, we must guard that. That's why Paul wrote in <i>Romans 12:2 - " Don't be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind that you might discern what is the good, pleasing and perfect will of God." </i>We can control what we feed our minds. What we read, what we watch, what we hear, WE CAN determine what goes in. Peter also tells us to be sober-minded. That's clear thinking. I like the phrase "discipline your thinking." Everything we say or do begins in the mind. So many people mess up their lives because of stinking thinking. We set our minds on the wrong things. Some single folks think they can never have joy or fulfillment until they find the right mate, which is basically saying to God, 'You're not enough for me.' Some folks who live paycheck to paycheck think, 'if only I had more money,' which is basically saying to God, 'You're not enough for me.' That's stinking thinking and no one ever developed holiness or godliness with stinking thinking. Check out <i>Philippians 4:8. </i></b></span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;"><b>2) <u>Refuse to conform to the world around you.</u> <i>v. 14 </i>Those who live according to the senses, motivated by lusts, and have no real hope beyond THIS life -- don't be like them. We have a living Hope in heaven. His name is Jesus and He is at the right hand of God the Father as our Advocate as stumble and trip along this faith journey. IF we are truly born again, God expects us to be in the process of becoming different and there are potholes and low shoulders along the road. But the great thing is that it's NOT about us trying to do better. It's about us submitting our lives to Him <u>everyday</u> so that He can live His life through us. </b></span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;"><b>3) <u>Live Every Day with a Reverence and Awe of the God Who will one day judge the content and quality of our lives</u>. <i>v. 17 </i>There's that judgment thing. It's coming for all of us who believe. Standing there before Him as He reviews my life - every careless word, every missed opportunity to serve or witness or give, every hurt I've inflicted on others unjustly, every time that my actions or words or even stinking thinking brought dishonor to HIS Name. That's why EVERY DAY, we must confess, repent, and submit to Him.</b></span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;"><b>Now here's just a couple of other tips for developing a God-honoring holiness. No one develops this Christlikeness without spending an abundant amount of time in the presence of God the Father. This is your prayer time, your quiet time, your retreat into your war room. To develop a godly character, you must get to know God more intimately. It involves, first and foremost, a prayer life that involves meditation and listening as well as speaking. </b></span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><b>Second, no one develops this Christlikeness without spending an abundant amount of time in God's word. This is still His primary method of speaking into our lives. Both Old Testament and New are important. Read it, Listen to it, memorize it, and apply it. It will teach you, rebuke you, encourage you, challenge you, correct you, and bring your life in line with God's will and purpose. </b></span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;"><b>SO, what do you need to give up in order to pursue holiness?</b></span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;"><b>What do you need to embrace in order to pursue holiness? </b></span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;"><b>True holiness is having our hearts so aligned with God that others see His Son, our Lord Jesus, in our language, our actions, and our priorities. <i>Romans 8:28-29</i></b></span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;"><b><i>When that happens, our churches will be revived and we will become the salt and light that is needed in a corrupt culture.</i></b></span>Zane Brownhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04416284007904957021noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8907379740526548166.post-24000610592812101252016-12-09T09:51:00.000-08:002016-12-09T09:51:04.311-08:00Things I've Learned in 2016<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<span style="font-size: large;"><b>We're moving quickly toward the end of 2016. Like you, I always look forward to the challenges and opportunities that a new year brings, but I also like to reflect on some of the lessons learned during the peaks and valleys of the present year. So here we go with a short list of 5 things I've learned this year.</b></span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;"><b>1. <u>Satan is an imposter</u>. Have you ever looked closely at what the apostle Peter says about Satan in his first letter. <i>I Peter 5:8 </i>says, "<i>Stay alert! Watch out for your great enemy, the devil. He prowls around <u>like</u> a roaring lion, looking for someone to devour." </i>Notice that little word "like." That indicates that this is a simile. A simile compares two things (often dissimilar things) using the words "as" or "like." For instance, you might look at a weightlifter as he bench presses 300+ pounds and say, "He's as strong as a bull." That doesn't mean he is a bull. </b></span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;"><b>In this verse, Satan is compared to a roaring lion who, in his quest for prey, will lurk in the tall grass until he can find a victim who is isolated, feeble, injured, or sick. BUT, he is NOT a lion. He's an imposter who uses his ability to disguise himself even as an angel of light (<i>2 Corinthians 11:14)</i> Rarely will you see him as he really is. He can approach in a way that appeals to your senses or he can sneak up on you during a moment of weakness or lack of judgment. So in 2017, STAY ALERT!!! Satan will be seeking ways to distract you, disturb you, and destroy your witness. </b></span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;"><b>2. <u>Satan will use fear & intimidation to paralyze!</u> In <i>I Samuel 17, </i>Satan used a giant named Goliath to paralyze the nation of Israel. Though they served the omnipotent God of the universe, they allowed this threat, this intimidator to render them helpless before him . . . that is until a young teenaged boy named David showed up. </b></span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;"><b>No matter how large or oppressive a problem might appear, the God we serve is ALWAYS larger and stronger. When we, like young David, trust and obey, God becomes our warrior God. He goes before us and fights in our behalf. In 2017, TRUST AND OBEY! And hear the words of the angels, the words of Jesus, the words of Father Himself saying "FEAR NOT!"</b></span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;"><b>3. <u>The Church is supposed to be on Offense!</u> Jesus told Peter, <i>"Upon this rock I will build MY Church and the gates of hell will not prevail against it."</i> <i>Matthew 16:18 </i>Gates are for Defense. They are in place to prevent, to keep, to protect. According to Jesus, His Church should be on the move, on offense, attacking the very gates of hell to take back everything and everyone that Satan has stolen. But far too often, we limit our faith activity to what goes on within the walls of our church buildings. We avoid the gates of hell where we can find those who are far from God. When Jesus told us to GO, He didn't mean go to meetings, go to fellowships, or even go to Bible studies. Yet that is how far too many people define their faithfulness. Jesus told us to GO into the world and proclaim the good news. <i>Mark 16:15. </i>So WHY are we still not on the move, marching into the gates of hell to give Good News to those who are far from God? In 2017, remember that church attendance is important for corporate worship, corporate prayer, encouragement and learning. But ALL of that is pointless if we forsake Jesus' last public command to GO and make disciples. </b></span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;"><b>4) <u>We can be on offense without being offensive!</u> When we go on the offense, we will be confronted by those who do not share our values or beliefs. But they are people for whom the Lord Jesus died. They are people whom God the Father loves. So they deserve our respect and honor even if they are not honorable biblically. Lost people do the things that lost people do. So love them as Jesus did. AND, when we determine to go on the offense, expect spiritual resistance. Paul reminds that our warfare is not with people, but with demonic powers. He also reminds us that the weapons of our warfare are spiritual.</b></span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><b><i>Ephesians 6 </i>In 2017, put on the whole armor of God daily and get out of your comfort zone and into a lost world that needs to hear about the Lord Jesus. Show Him to them by the way you live and speak to them about what HE is doing in your life. Leave the results to the Holy Spirit. </b></span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;"><b>5) <u>We need to stop talking to God about the size of our problems and start telling our problems about the size of our God!</u> Does that sound like a cliche? Yeah, it does, but it's true! At times, we become so overwhelmed by our problems and issues that we allow them to cloud our vision of God. But God is the same yesterday, today and forever. The God we serve is the same God Who spoke the world into creation. He's the same God Who saved Shadrach, Meshach and Abednego in a fiery furnace. He's the same God Who closed the mouths of lions as Daniel slept in their den. He's the same God Who raised Jesus from the dead. Paul tells us in <i>Romans 8:11</i> that for those of us who trust and obey, the same power that raised Jesus from the dead is in us. Jesus encouraged His apostles to have a deeper, greater faith because when they did, nothing was beyond the realm of possibility. <i>Matthew 17:20 </i>In 2017, when problems and issues loom over your life, seek first the kingdom of God and His righteousness. Trust Him and obey Him even in the midst of your trials and He will give you peace and victory. </b></span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;"><b><br /></b></span>Zane Brownhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04416284007904957021noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8907379740526548166.post-49975552607133212032016-11-17T13:25:00.000-08:002016-12-08T13:10:55.203-08:00You Gotta Serve Somebody<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<span style="font-size: large;"><b>I know that the discussion of slavery makes some folks very uneasy. Many good people, when discussing slavery, only hearken back to that dark time in our nation's history when slavery was law and a noble race of human beings were treated as sub-human. But the truth is that slavery is more widespread globally today than it has ever been. Racial and cultural slavery stills exists around the world. Sexual slavery is a multi-billion dollar industry affecting almost every nation and culture across the globe. I say all this so that you know that I have some understanding of the gravity of this issue. </b></span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;"><b>Perhaps that's why we in the American Church have avoided the use of the term "slave." There's a stigma attached to it. We've substituted some more sterile terms like servant. But in reality and biblically speaking, when we turn from our sins and place our faith in the Lord Jesus, the bondage (eternal consequence) of sin in our lives is broken. We are freed from the power of sin. Then, we become slaves of God. In <i>Romans 6:22, </i>the Greek renders us a "slaves to God." Why is this important? Because it is the Greek root word <i>doulos, </i>which is used over 100 times, in one form or another, in the New Testament and every time it means "slave." Most English translations, will equivocate in some instances and use the word "servant." So what difference does that make? Well, in the first century Middle East, servants were much like modern domestic help. They were free, they were often paid, and they could actually quit. Slaves, on the other hand, belonged to their owners, they fulfilled what they were purchased to do, they were not paid, and they could not quit. </b></span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;"><b>John MacArthur has stated that "Jesus talked slave talk all the time." For instance, in <i>Matthew 6:24, </i>Jesus said, <i>No one can serve two . . . </i>what? "<i>Masters!" </i>Yeah, that's right. When you're a slave, you can't serve two masters. You belong to one and to serve another is betrayal. That's slave talk. In <i>Romans 10:9-10, </i>Paul wrote<i>, If you confess with your mouth that Jesus is . . . </i>what? <i>"Lord!" </i>And what does a lord have command over? Slaves. </b></span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;"><b>Paul wrote in <i>Romans 6:22 </i>that we are "<i>free from the power of sin and have become slaves to God." </i>Then in <i>I Corinthians 6:20, </i>he wrote, "<i>Don't you realize that your body is the temple of the Holy Spirit,Who lives in you and was given to you by God? You do not belong to yourself, for God bought you with a high price." </i></b></span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><b>When we feel the conviction of the Holy Spirit, turn from our sins and to the Lord Jesus, His death on the cross is the price that was paid for us. We are bought and paid for by the precious blood of Christ. He owes us nothing else. We are promised reward, but our service to Him should stem from a heart of gratitude for the salvation He purchased for us. AND we can't quit. Earlier in <i>Romans 6, </i>Paul wrote about why he was using the slavery illustration. In <i>v. 19, </i>he wrote . . . <i>Previously, you let yourselves to slaves to impurity and lawlessness which led ever deeper into sin. Now, you must give yourselves to be slaves to righteous living <u>so that you will become holy.</u> </i>Note that underlined part. When we submit to God as slaves to His will, He will make us holy as we commit to righteous living. Just a baby is not born an adult, in the same way, those new in faith are not complete, mature nor righteous in the beginning. But as we grow in the grace and knowledge of Jesus as our LORD, we become more like Him</b></span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;"><b>Even in 21st century America, everyone is enslaved to someone or something. You can deny it, distract from it, or disengage those who point it out. But because of our sin nature, we ALL are enslaved to something. If you have never turned from your sins and turn toward the Lord Jesus in faith, you ARE a slave to your sin nature. But when you confess your sinfulness and your inability to change on your own, then turn in faith and submission to the Lord Jesus, His Spirit comes to live within you. This gives you an option. You can yield to the sin nature or you can yield to the Spirit of Christ in you. The only way for a slave to the sin nature to be set free is to accept the purchase/redemption that the Lord Jesus paid for you on the cross. When you do, you get a different owner, one of Whom the apostle Paul wrote loves you even when you sin (<i>Romans 5:8) </i>His plan is to use every situation, every experience, everything mountain top and valley to make you more like Jesus (<i>Romans 8:28-29) </i>Would you trust Him today? </b></span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;"><b>Right now, whoever and wherever you are, would you turn from a life ruled by the sin nature and turn in faith and submission to the Lord Jesus? If so, you can use this a model prayer to the heavenly Father:</b></span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;"><b><i>God, I know that I am a sinner and there is nothing that I can do to change that. But I also know that's why You sent Jesus to die on the cross for Me. His sacrifice paid the penalty for MY sins. On this day, I accept Him and His sacrifice so that my slavery to the sin nature can be broken. And I accept my place as a slave to God, fully surrendered to Jesus as Lord. Thank You, God, for saving me today! </i></b></span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;"><b>IF you prayed that prayer, contact me so that we can get you in touch with a church near you. They will help you get off to a good start in your faith journey. God bless!</b></span>Zane Brownhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04416284007904957021noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8907379740526548166.post-7959603386760482202016-10-12T12:52:00.002-07:002016-10-12T12:54:23.656-07:00Hello, God??<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<span style="font-size: large;"><b>Let me offer you a biblical perspective on prayer -- It is universal. It is as old as humanity and common to every culture. The gods, the names, and the styles might vary, but in ever generation in every culture, there are people who pray. </b></span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;"><b>When God created us, He made us unique among all that He had created. We alone are created in His image. We alone have the potential for a very intimate relationship with Him. That type of relationship is probably best displayed in the Old Testament in God's relationship with Adam before his fall into sin and in the New Testament in the Father's relationship with the Lord Jesus. They walked together, spoke face to face and interacted in ways that no other human being has experienced since. But when sin entered the world, the special relationship was altered and communication with God took on a new dimension. <i>Genesis 4:26 </i>indicates that during the lifetime of Adam's grandson, Enosh, people began to "<i>. . . call upon the Name of the Lord." </i></b></span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;"><b>Since that time, prayer has become a solace, a balm for broken and bleeding humanity. Culture after culture has practiced the discipline of prayer, seeking to invoke the hope and help of their gods. They call out to what they don't know or really understand because prayer has always been rooted in the nature of the Creator. Non-Christians and Christians pray because of God's nature. He is all-powerful, so we seek His help in situations that are out of our control. We go to Him because He is consistent and constant. He never changes. So we feel that we can trust Him. God is love. So we can count on His acceptance. His nature literally draws us to Him. And His desire is that we approach Him with our needs (<i>Matthew 7:7-8).</i></b></span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><b>IF I have confused you, let me try to clarify. The bottom line is that the basis of prayer is the nature of God and His desire to care for us. </b></span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;"><b>Now there is no way that we can cover every angle on prayer in a lifetime and a half much less in 700 words. So allow me to touch on just a couple of ideas regarding prayer.</b></span><br />
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<b><span style="font-size: large;">Maxie Dunham, who once edited the devotional guide called <i>The Upper Room</i> makes this statement about prayer:</span></b><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><b><i>"In an ongoing prayer relationship with God, the demands of holiness and righteousness are always present." </i>Why? Doesn't God accept us as we are? Well, yes He does! BUT!! God Himself is holy and righteous. Both the Old Testament and the New Testament (<i>Leviticus 11:44 & I Peter 1:15-16) </i>stress the importance of God's people being holy. But we cannot become holy and righteous on our own (<i>Isaiah 64:6). </i>we are made righteous by our surrender to the Lordship of Jesus Christ. We can never be good enough to approach God on our own. When you see the prophets like Isaiah and Ezekiel appearing before God, they fall on their faces and fear for the lives. Peter the apostle, after the miraculous catch of fish, falls on his knees before Jesus and says, "<i>Get away from me for I am a sinful man." </i>John the apostle, in <i>Revelation 1:17, </i>upon seeing the risen & exalted Lord, fell on the ground as though he were dead. Our ONLY access to God the Father is through His Son, the Lord Jesus. </b></span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;"><b>Now that puts us in a position of paradox. A wonderful but difficult position. It is wonderful because we CAN come to God without pretense, just as we are. Difficult because we must then wrestle with God regarding what sins might have infected our lives and what HE wants us to be and do. </b></span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;"><b>Prayer is and must be, first and foremost, submission. In wrestling, two adversaries go at each other until one is pinned or held in a way that causes him to submit. Every time we go to God, we must first deal with whatever sin has wormed its way into our lives. As we confess and repent, the blood of the Lord Jesus makes us acceptable to the Creator. Then comes the expressions of praise and gratitude which can scarcely express how great our God is. But then comes what some call supplication -- requests, asking, talking TO God. That's generally when the wrestling match begins because God oft times wants us to listen more than we speak. Think about it. Even in conversations with a spouse or a child, listening is an act of submission. I will be quiet so that I can hear and comprehend what you are saying. Do you get where I'm going with this?? </b></span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;"><b>God loves to hear us call out to Him. It doesn't take much to get His attention. But once we're there in His presence, we need to submit, get into His word, listen for His still small voice and obey what He tells us. </b></span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;"><b>Did you notice that phone at the top is not red? It's not some kind of "hotline to heaven." That's because prayer is not something to be used as a last resort or only in times of emergency. God wants to hear from you . . . often, like daily. He wants your time. Not a rushed 140 character prayer before you rush out the door to face the world. He wants your time, attention, and your submission. Because as He told the people of Israel through Jeremiah: "<i>Call on Me and I will answer you and show you great and unsearchable things you do not know know." (Jer. 33:3 NIV) </i>Have you spent time with God today??</b></span>Zane Brownhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04416284007904957021noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8907379740526548166.post-21109132427951023242016-09-29T14:14:00.000-07:002016-09-29T14:15:52.418-07:00Haba . . . Who?<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<b> <span style="font-size: large;">What a world we live in now! The racial division has grown deeper and wider, a 14 year old kills his father and launches into a playground school shooting while yelling "I hate my life." Politically, it is no longer democrat vs. republican or even conservative vs. liberal. It has become the political "elites" vs. the commons, or as one politician suggested - a 'basket full of deplorables.' Everyone gets labeled with some dehumanizing word while things wax worse and worse throughout our nation. There was a time when the United States of America was a shining symbol of freedom, strength, and integrity. Now, we're in a condition that the Old Testament prophet Habakkuk understood well. </span></b></div>
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<b><span style="font-size: large;"> Habakkuk is an Old Testament book that is unfamiliar even to most professing Christians. But it is a beautiful prayer journal offering us an inside look at Habakkuk's intimate conversations with the God of the universe. Habakkuk's ministry probably began late in the reign of King Josiah, who died in 609b.c. Josiah had led a revival in Judah by destroying the idols and high places in the land and reviving the law of God and the worship of Yahweh. Unfortunately, his son, Jehoiakim, was NOT of the same character as his father. </span></b></div>
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<b><span style="font-size: large;"> It was during Jehoiakim's reign that Habakkuk began to cry out to God for help and understanding. Jehoiakim's reign was marked by oppression, injustice, violence, and disdain for God's law. It was much like our climate today and Habakkuk grew impatient waiting for God to act </span><i><span style="font-size: large;">(1:1-3)</span></i><span style="font-size: large;"> But God responds NOT with time-specific answers, but with a call live by faith </span><i><span style="font-size: large;">(1:5; 2:3; 3:17-19). </span></i><span style="font-size: large;">I would say that the theme of Habakkuk's prayer journal is found in </span><i><span style="font-size: large;">Habakkuk 2:4b -- The righteous will live by faith. </span></i><span style="font-size: large;">It is a biblical principle repeated by Paul in </span><i><span style="font-size: large;">Romans 1:17 </span></i><span style="font-size: large;">and </span><i><span style="font-size: large;">Galatians 3:11. </span></i><span style="font-size: large;">THIS is important because living by faith in the God of the universe must be more than just a mantra. Speaking of faith is mere sanctimony if that faith isn't demonstrated in life. Simply put, either you trust the Creator of the universe or you don't. </span></b></div>
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<b><span style="font-size: large;"> Now Habbakuk had engaged in this intimate conversation with God because of his distress over the conditions of his nation. The spiritual condition, the political, cultural, moral and legal conditions made the nation of Judah ripe for judgment. And Habbakuk interceded for himself and his nation. He followed some basic steps that are good steps for all of us who find ourselves facing overwhelming stress, issues, problems and needs. Martin Lloyd-Jones delineated those steps in his wonderful book </span><i><span style="font-size: large;">Spiritual Depression. </span></i><span style="font-size: large;">Here is my adaptation of those steps.</span> </b></div>
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<b><span style="font-size: large;">When you find yourself face to face with problems and issues you cannot resolve and don't really understand, here's a plan of action:</span></b></div>
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<b><span style="font-size: large;">1) <u>Retreat to Plan</u>. Get away from the distractions caused by the problem and get into the presence of God. Get into His word, hear His voice, embrace His counsel. When you want to hear from God and you have the intent to obey, God will speak. But it is more likely to occur in a place where you are still and focused on Him.</span></b></div>
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<b><span style="font-size: large;">2) <u>Remember this Principle</u>. It's not the size of the problem or issue, it's the size of your God that counts. This is the matter of faith. Either we trust Him or we don't there is no "middle ground." Pray in faith, submit to God's purpose and leave the results to Him. I love to apply <i>Jeremiah 29:11</i> here. I know it was written to Israel in anticipation of their exile. BUT, it's in our scriptures for more than historical purposes. The principle is the same. God has a plan and it is perfect. Submit because He is always good. </span></b></div>
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<b><span style="font-size: large;">3) <u>Resort to the Principle</u>. Once again, this is more than talk. It's living in obedience. Don't just remember the principle and talk about the principle. If you serve a big God, put it into practice. Everything you know about God, His word, and His promises --- just load it up and believe. If God says do something, do it! If God says go somewhere, Go! If God says wait, be still and know that He is in control. </span></b></div>
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<b><span style="font-size: large;">4) <u>Rest in the Payoff</u>. It's called J-O-Y. When you live with the constant conviction that God is ultimately in control, there is peace, contentment, and joy even in the midst of chaos. </span></b></div>
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<b><span style="font-size: large;">When Pontius Pilate to Jesus, <i>"Why don't you talk to me? Don't you know that I have the power to release you or crucify you." Then Jesus said, "You would have no power over me at all </i><u><i>unless it were given to you from above</i></u><i>." John 18:10 </i>Even as He faced the cross, Jesus was content to trust His welfare, His life into the hands of the Father. </span></b></div>
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<b><span style="font-size: large;">In all that happens around us and to us, we must remember that God the Father is building HIS kingdom. Not yours nor mine. Not even the good old USA. HIS kingdom. </span></b></div>
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<b><span style="font-size: large;">So in these perilous and uncertain days, we don't have to understand things. We need simply to trust God. And the best thing we can do is get into the presence of God early and often. And pray the prayer Habakkuk prayed as you pray for yourself, your family, your community, your church, and our nation;</span></b></div>
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<b><span style="font-size: large;"><i>Lord, I have heard the report about You. Lord, I stand in awe of your deeds. Revive Your work in these years; make it known in these years. In Your wrath, remember mercy. Habakkuk 3:2</i></span></b></div>
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<br />Zane Brownhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04416284007904957021noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8907379740526548166.post-12587530662979780472016-09-07T14:39:00.002-07:002016-09-07T14:39:39.361-07:00Why Can't I Hear You, God?<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><b>It's about discernment!</b></td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><br /></td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><br /></td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><br /></td></tr>
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<span style="font-size: large;"><b> I've had to accept the fact that as I get older, my hearing grows more dull. Oh, I'm not deaf. Occasionally, I have surprisingly keen hearing -- that is, unless there is background noise. When that happens, deafness isn't the issue. Discernment is! Even when the voice belongs to my wife or one of my children, background noise like the hum of the car engine or background music in a restaurant can interfere with my discernment. Oh, I know they're talking. I just can't understand what they're saying. The problem?? Sometimes we can't do away with background noise. So we've decided to help the focus with a simple touch to assure we're always looking AT each other when we talk in those environments. </b></span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><b> But you know, we can develop the same problem spiritually. Our spiritual ears can get dull and the background noises of our lives begin to drown out what God desires to teach us through His word and our experiences. Even within the Church, many professing Christians have a surprising unfamiliarity with scripture. Oh, we might have our favorite verses, but even those are more about "what they mean to me" rather than how the Spirit has used them to transform me into what God wants me to be. The PRIMARY means by which God communicates with us has become more like an IV bag to hydrate us when circumstances or sin begin to dry up our spirits. We use it when we need it instead of drinking from it deeply every day.</b></span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><b> What's happened?? Have we become so busy with politics and sports, televisions and smart phones, social networking and outdoor life that we don't have time for God's word?? There is nothing wrong with any of those things UNTIL they begin to crowd out our desire to be transformed by the power of God's word. When that happens, our spiritual ears become dull and the "noise" from all those other things affects our ability to discern what God is doing around us and saying to us. </b></span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><b> Jared Wilson wrote in the Threadway Bible study <i>Abide, </i> </b></span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><b>". . . the messages of the environments we're most in and the routines we most practice shape our attitudes and behaviors." Did you get that?? Where and how you spend your time will shape the way you think and act. </b></span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><b> Now think about this!! The Bible, God's word, was not given to help us. It was given to <u><i>transform</i></u> us. If we truly want to change the world, then we must begin by allowing God's word to change us. The more time we spend there, the more it will shape the way we think and act. But in order to do that, it just might require that we turn off some of the background noise that has drowned out the voice of God. </b></span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;"><b> What could you give up or what could you change in order to spend some quality time reading the Bible each day? Try it for 30 days!! Don't read it in order to "learn" something. Just pray and ask God to use your reading of His word to transform your life. He will not disappoint you! </b></span>Zane Brownhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04416284007904957021noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8907379740526548166.post-28987193840782129582016-09-06T13:15:00.001-07:002016-09-06T13:15:32.209-07:00Hearing the Voice of God<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<b>A Listening Heart</b></div>
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<b><span style="font-size: large;"> During a recent devotional study, I was reading the Old Testament prophet, Isaiah. In chapters 48-51, I was captivated by the number of times God said, "Listen to Me" or "Pay attention to Me" or "Listen to this." Eight (8) times in those three (3) chapters alone, He challenges us to LISTEN. When we feel as though God is not hearing our prayers, perhaps it is WE and not God who have the listening problem. Far too many of us have learned to pray by rote. "Rote" is simply mechanical or habitual repetition of something to be learned. To learn and do without thought of the meaning. We bow, perhaps even kneel, and then we immediately start talking as if our prayer time is designed to convince God to see things our way . . . "If it be His will." We do our habitual quiet time and then head out the door hoping that we will do things pleasing to God. Such action is akin to trying to assemble a F-18 without instructions. Perhaps our quiet time would be better spent L.I.S.T.E.N.I.N.G. God is aching to speak to those who will be still and listen. </span></b></div>
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<b><span style="font-size: large;"> So how can we become better Listeners? How can we get better at Hearing the Voice of God? Here are a few tips:</span></b></div>
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<b><span style="font-size: large;">1) <u>Start Training Yourself.</u> When I first started riding in patrol vehicles with law enforcement, I was amazed at their ability to zero in on their own radio call numbers. Imagine you're in a patrol vehicle. Music is playing on the car radio. The officer has installed a CB radio for local contact with his teammates. You're having a conversation with the officer. AND there is his lifeline to dispatch -- THE radio. All of these things are producing noise in the form of speech. Right in the middle of your conversation, the officer grabs THE radio and says, 'Unit 117. Copy. 10-17." You ask the officer how he heard that radio call with all the other noise. His response is that he has trained himself to zone in his hearing on the words "Unit 117, dispatch." He developed a sensitivity to those words. </span></b></div>
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<b><span style="font-size: large;"> We must do the same with God. Throughout our lives, there will be countless voices trying to speak into our lives. Some will be positive and constructive and some will be negative and destructive. Some positive voices will occasionally speak words of compromise to us. That's why it is SO important that we train ourselves to hear the still, small voice of God, which will most often occur in the quiet and still of our solitary time in HIS presence.</span></b></div>
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<b><span style="font-size: large;">2) <u> Be Ruthless with Sin!</u> Perhaps this should have been #1. Take a look at <i>Isaiah 59:1-2</i>. Unconfessed and unforsaken sin damages our relationship with God. We cannot approach Him with those things in our lives and expect Him to hear us or respond. So we must be ruthless <u>every</u> <u>day</u> to own our sins. Confess and forsake them. Make restitution and amends where necessary. Make life changes where necessary. And this includes sins of commission, sins of omission, and sins of attitude. </span></b></div>
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<b><span style="font-size: large;">3) <u>Ask God to Speak to You Before Asking Anything Else!</u> Prayer is not about seeking answers or assistance. Prayer is, first and foremost, seeking God Himself. So ask Him to speak. Sit silently for 10-15 minutes and focus your attention on the Father. 15 minutes on your knees waiting to hear the voice of the God of the universe is not too much for you. In that process, He just might . . .<br /> * remind you of some forgotten sin or</span></b></div>
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<b><span style="font-size: large;"> * tell you to open His word and read or</span></b></div>
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<b><span style="font-size: large;"> * direct you to some person or activity </span></b></div>
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<b><span style="font-size: large;">Remember -- prayer is not about talking to God. It is seeking God, His will, His way, His time. It's conversation which involves listening as much or more that talking.</span></b></div>
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<b><span style="font-size: large;">4) <u>When You Hear, OBEY!</u> The more often you disobey, the more difficult it become to hear His voice. And think about it! If you don't do the things that He tells you to do, why would He continue to speak to you? Listen, Trust, and Obey!</span></b></div>
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<b><span style="font-size: large;">5) <u>Ask Him to Speak to You throughout the Day!</u> Just because you move out of your war room or quiet time doesn't mean that God will not continue to speak to you. So be sensitive to His voice throughout the day. It might come in unexpected ways (burning bush or still small voice), but listen and obey. </span></b></div>
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<b><span style="font-size: large;">And one last encouragement. Quit playing it safe! We limit ourselves during a time when God really desires to do more than we could ever ask or imagine. (Ephesians 3:20-21) He desires to glorify Himself, to lift high the Name of Jesus, and to release His Holy Spirit to bring salvation to the lost, healing to the broken, rest to the struggling. We serve El-Hannora, the Awesome God, El-Gibbor, the Conquering God, El-Shaddai, the God Who Pours Forth Blessing, Jehovah Shammah, the Lord Who is Always Present. Let's live, pray, listen, and obey like we believe it!</span></b></div>
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<br />Zane Brownhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04416284007904957021noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8907379740526548166.post-76501052012029144432016-07-20T13:42:00.000-07:002016-07-20T13:42:00.774-07:00Whatever You Ask??<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<b><span style="font-size: large;">Really? Did Jesus actually say that? Well, yes He did. We find those words in <i>Matthew 18:19; 21:22, Mark 11:24</i>, and <i>John 14:13-14; 16:23. </i>And they are powerful words indeed. The requests that we offer in prayer are verbal acknowledgements of our dependence on God. We recognize that God can do what we cannot. So we pray and we ask. Such prayer, lifted to the throne of God in sincerity and from a pure heart, will often radically change people and circumstances. </span></b></div>
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<b><span style="font-size: large;">But let's not get the mistaken idea that our great God is some sort of cosmic game show host who awards a jackpot to those who put in just the right words and phrases. The God of the universe cannot be manipulated. Yet, we often try to do that very thing by taking a verse or two out of context and using them in an effort to fulfill our selfish desires. To that end, the Holy Spirit inspired James to write these words: <i>"You want what you don't have, so you scheme and kill to get it. You are jealous of what others have, but you can't get it, so you fight and wage war to take it away from them. Yet you don't have what you want because you don't ask God for it. And <span style="background-color: yellow;">even when you ask, you don't get it because your motives are all wrong --- you only want what will give you pleasure.</span>" James 4:2-3 (NLT)</i></span></b></div>
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<b><span style="font-size: large;">Did you notice the highlighted portion above?? Even though Jesus has told us to ask whatever we will and it will be done, God the Father has the final word. And if our motive for asking is selfish -- in any way outside of the Father's will -- He does not respond. </span></b></div>
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<b><span style="font-size: large;">Now it IS possible for every follower of Jesus to be a powerful prayer warrior. But that power has a price. To become a powerful prayer warrior requires that we give prayer a place of high priority in life AND that we always subject our requests to the will of the Father. John Wesley prayed every day from 4am until 6am. Martin Luther is known to have spent 2-3 hours in prayer. David Brainerd, missionary to American Indians in the 1700s, could often be found kneeling in the snow praying for God to open the hearts of native Americans. He died of TB at age 29. Tradition tells us that David Livingston, missionary to Africa, died while on his knees in prayer in his hut. Adoniram Judson, missionary to Burma, prayed daily at 9am, noon, pm, 6pm, and 9pm. </span></b></div>
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<b><span style="font-size: large;">To these men, prayer was the fertile soil in which their life work was rooted. Their commitments to prayer and their obedience to the Father gave them power for their varied callings, circumstances, and cultures. They knew that prayer was not just an emergency tool to be used in times of crisis. It is the lifeline of the believer, his/her connection to the Father. </span></b></div>
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<b><span style="font-size: large;">Yes, Jesus said "<i>Whatever you ask in My Name, believe that you have received it and it is yours." </i>But that's not a blank prayer check! It's an invitation to a deeper relationship. In <i>John 15:7,</i> Jesus said, "<i>If you abide in Me and My words abide in you, (</i>then)<i> ask whatever you will and it will be done for you." </i>Do you see the conditions for the promise there? We must abide in Christ and His words must abide in us. Simply put, Jesus said, "If you do your part, ask whatever you desire and the Father will do His part." </span></b></div>
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<b><span style="font-size: large;">SO, what is our part? Let me offer you six things. </span></b></div>
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<b><span style="font-size: large;">1. <u>We are to be subject to the Father's will</u>. <i>I John 5:14</i> The more of our selves that we surrender to Jesus, the more our own desires align with God's desires. </span></b></div>
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<b><span style="font-size: large;">2. <u>We realize that Jesus is always our Intercessor.</u> <i>John 14:13 </i>We ask in Jesus' Name because it is only through Jesus that we can approach the Father.</span></b></div>
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<b><span style="font-size: large;">3. <u>We must be instructed in the truth</u>. <i>John 15:7 </i>We should be seizing every opportunity to deepen our knowledge and application of God's word. The Bible becomes our guide for life. </span></b></div>
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<b><span style="font-size: large;">4. <u>We strive to obey!</u> <i>I John 3:22 </i>Our obedience is the outward expression of our faith in and submission to Jesus.</span></b></div>
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<b><span style="font-size: large;">5. <u>We cling to the promises of God!</u> <i> Matthew 22:11 </i>This is another expression of faith. We believe God is faithful and will do what He has promised.</span></b></div>
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<b><span style="font-size: large;">6. <u>We act on conviction!</u> <i>Luke 11:9 Daniel 3 </i>In others words, we put feet to our prayers. In <i>Exodus 14:15, </i>Moses prayed for deliverance and God said: <i>Why are you crying out to Me? Tell the people to move forward. </i>Sometimes, we pray and wait idly for God to act when God might be waiting for us to act in faith. </span></b></div>
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<b><span style="font-size: large;">God is waiting to hear from you. He wants to do things that are even more awesome and beautiful than you've dreamt or imagined. But if you want Him to give weight and power to your prayers, you have to do your part. </span></b></div>
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<b><span style="font-size: large;">Become a powerful prayer warrior for your family, your church, your community, and your nation! If you do your part, God will certainly do His. </span></b></div>
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Zane Brownhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04416284007904957021noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8907379740526548166.post-82364939061339269182016-06-30T13:20:00.000-07:002016-06-30T13:20:03.507-07:00A Reminder of Who's in Charge - Throwback Thursday<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<b><span style="font-size: large;">I was moved to do a little throwback Thursday post. God led me to my journal post dated May 16, 2013. Someone needs this today. Maybe you.</span></b></div>
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<b><span style="font-size: large;">4 days until surgery. Nine weeks after diagnosis, I will have a radical prostatectomy. Try saying that 3 times quickly. During the last three weeks, my emotions have simply blended into a fog. But fear has given way to resolve and anxiety has given way to that "peace that is beyond human understanding." </span></b></div>
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<b><span style="font-size: large;">As I approach "C Free Day" (Cancer-Free), let me pass on some things that I have learned over the last 2 months. Things that have renewed my passion, reaffirmed my values and reordered my priorities.</span></b></div>
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<b><span style="font-size: large;">1. <u>This hasn't caught God by surprise</u>. There is no sunrise that He has not already seen. No road that He has not already traveled. No valley that He has not walked. No mountaintop that He has not traversed. HE IS GOD! Take a moment right now. Leave the blog and turn in a Bible to Psalm 139 and read it slowly, deliberately. Whatever you're facing, He's known about it before you ever left your mother's womb. So as you face your giant, navigate your storm, or walk that valley, just remember! He knows, He cares, and He's in charge. </span></b></div>
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<b><span style="font-size: large;">2. <u>God does NOT condemn our fear or anxiety</u>. I wish that I could tell you my great faith cast out my fears when I heard the words, "You have cancer." It didn't. My wife was sick in bed when I received the diagnosis. How would I tell her? How would I tell my kids? Why now? I'm not even 60 yet. There were questions, concerns, uncertainties. AND, there were some regrets and unfulfilled dreams and hopes. I have to confess that there were many moments of fear and anxiety. And God took me a verse that I've loved for years. <i>Psalm 103:14 -- "For He knows how weak we are; He remembers that we are only dust." </i></span></b></div>
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<b><span style="font-size: large;">God, my Father knows and understands my fear and anxiety and offers Himself as the Answer. </span></b></div>
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<b><span style="font-size: large;">3. <u>God's desire is to use these kinds of things to shape us into the image of Jesus</u>. Sometimes these things are used to correct us. Sometimes He uses them to redirect us. Sometimes He will use them to convert us. He always uses them to teach us. And ultimately, He will use them to prepare us for future service or ministry to others. <i>Romans 8:28 </i>is a well-known verse in Christian circles, often quoted to give us hope in the midst of difficulty. But <i>Romans 8:29 </i>really needs to be linked with that promise. We do know that God works in all things for good to those who love Him and are called according to His purpose. But He works in those things (good AND bad) to make us more like His Son, our Lord Jesus. </span></b></div>
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<b><span style="font-size: large;">4. <u>God's power is always best demonstrated in our weakness</u>. That's Paul's words in <i>2 Corinthians 12:7-10</i> Americans are, culturally speaking, prone to be "in charge." We are control freaks and when a situation is out of our control, it causes stress, anxiety, and a host of emotional responses. Paul would have done well in America. But what he learned about weakness is simply this --- when we are weak, that's when God is strongest in our lives. Faith really is all about letting go and letting God. When the situation is out of our control, it's good to have intimate relationship with the One Who is really in charge. </span></b></div>
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<b><span style="font-size: large;">So whatever you're going through, whatever you're facing, remember! You know the One Who's in charge of it all. Abandon yourself into His hands. I know I will because I realize that His hands are the safest place to be. </span></b></div>
<br />Zane Brownhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04416284007904957021noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8907379740526548166.post-18285763769958388112016-06-28T13:15:00.000-07:002016-06-29T17:36:45.352-07:00Use US to Bless the USA<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<b><span style="font-size: large;">An essay by Samuel Adams in the <i>Boston Gazette </i>dated 1771 states: "The liberties of our country, the freedom of our civil constitution are worth defending at all hazards; and it is our duty to defend them against all attacks. We have received them as fair inheritance from our worthy ancestors. They purchased them for us with toil and danger and expense of treasure and blood and have transmitted them to us with care and diligence. It will bring an everlasting mark of infamy on the present generation, enlightened as it is, if we should suffer them to be wrested from us . . . without a struggle or to be cheated out of them by the artifices of false and designing men." </span></b></div>
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<b><span style="font-size: large;">Wow! 396 years ago, a small band of courageous men and women stepped ashore at Plymouth Rock. Months of hardship and much loss of life were among the sacrifices made in order to achieve religious freedom in a new, uncharted land. For 150 years, this "new frontier" flourished, colonized by the British empire and strengthened by the blood, sweat, and tears of noble individuals who believed that freedom was worth the risk, hard work, and sacrifice. </span></b></div>
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<b><span style="font-size: large;">BUT, control by the British crown increased during that first century and slowly began to choke off some of the freedoms that these folks had risked their lives to attain. It has <u>always</u> been true that as the size of government increases, the true freedom of the governed decreases. So, small groups of colonial citizens began to rebel with such tactics as the famed 'Boston Tea Party.' Thus was born the American spirit . . . a prevailing attitude that was absolutely instrumental in winning our freedom. This spirit, perhaps the most formidable weapon employed by this rag-tag army of colonial rebels, became known as the "Spirit of 76."</span></b></div>
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<b><span style="font-size: large;">In the spring of 1776, the Continental Congress met in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. Franklin, Madison, Hancock, and Henry. Adams and Jefferson, too. They were all there. The course of action taken that spring literally changed the course of the world. It was there that Patrick Henry said, "<i>Is life so dear or peace so sweet as to be purchased at the price of chains and slavery? Forbid it, almighty God! I know not what course others may take; but as for me, give me liberty or give me death." </i>Thomas Jefferson penned these words: "The God Who gave us life gave us liberty at the same time; the hand of force may destroy it but cannot disjoin them." </span></b></div>
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<b><span style="font-size: large;">On July 4, 1776, the Declaration of Independence was presented and proclaimed its foundation in this way: "We hold these truths to be self-evident, that all men are created equal; that they are endowed by their Creator with certain unalienable rights; that among these are life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness." Note that phrase, "endowed by their Creator." With all of their faults, with all of their flaws and character quirks (we all have them), with all the shadows that loomed over their private lives, these men recognized that the true Source of their life and liberty was God. A new nation was born. A nation that would become the greatest civilization in the history of mankind. From the lives of our young men to benevolent needs across the world, no other civilization has ever given so much to defend and help the poor, the weak, the defenseless. </span></b></div>
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<b><span style="font-size: large;">In the last full paragraph of the Declaration, the framers stated, "We therefore . . . appealing to the Supreme Judge of the world for the rectitude of our intentions . . ." Are you familiar with that word, "rectitude?" Its definitions are "quality or state of being straight; moral integrity; the quality or state of being correct in judgment." Throughout the process, these flawed men sought the wisdom of God. Then, by affixing their signatures to that document, they each pledged their lives, the honor, and their fortunes to birth a new nation. That war for independence cost 5,000 patriot lives.</span></b></div>
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<b><span style="font-size: large;">Freedom has never been free. It always requires sacrifice and perseverance. It is tempered with responsibility and respect. It flows from the hearts of people, NOT the halls of government. And it is NOT to be taken lightly. We are privileged still to live in a great nation, this United States of America. But as citizens of heaven, we have an even greater responsibility, given by Jesus Himself, to be the salt of the earth and the light of the world. (<i>Matthew 5:14-16) </i>God is waiting for US to stand in the breach and intercede for a nation that He desires to bless. (<i>2 Chronicles 7:13-15)</i></span></b></div>
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<b><span style="font-size: large;">SO, this Independence Day, amidst the Bar-b-ques and ball games, the late morning brunch and the late night fireworks, consider spending some time in God's presence and renewing yourself regarding these commitment:</span></b></div>
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<b><span style="font-size: large;">PRAY - Become a prayer warrior for our nation. Yes, we have issues and yes, our choices in this critical election year might seem distasteful, but WE are the ones to whom the responsibility is given to intercede for our leaders, our warriors, our children, and our grands. <i>I Timothy 2:1-4</i></span></b></div>
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<b><span style="font-size: large;">BE CHRIST-LIKE - Whatever happens, whoever is elected, whoever is "in charge," remember that there is no authority in place anywhere that is not allowed there by God. <i>Romans 13:1</i> So our responsibility is to follow the admonition of <i>Philippians 1:27 -- "Whatever happens, conduct yourselves in a manner worthy of the gospel of Christ." </i></span></b></div>
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<b><span style="font-size: large;">BE INVOLVED - Salt that remains in the salt-shaker is of little value. We are called and commissioned to be the salt of the earth. (<i>Matthew 5:13)</i> We cannot positively affect the world by withdrawing from it. So be an involved, principle-based, values-based participant in our culture. Biblical principles and values communicated with a Christ-like authority in the arena of debate and in the voting booth. Pray, Be Christ-like, and Be Involved. And leave the results to God.</span></b></div>
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<b><span style="font-size: large;">HAVE A SAFE AND HAPPY INDEPENDENCE DAY!! And remember . . . If anyone asks you if they have a fourth of July in England or France or Canada, the answer is yes. But it's just that --- the fourth of July. </span></b></div>
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<b><span style="font-size: large;">IF you want to read the Declaration of Independence in full, go to www.ushistory.org/declaration </span></b></div>
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Zane Brownhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04416284007904957021noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8907379740526548166.post-12992492571717963032016-06-15T10:16:00.000-07:002016-06-15T10:16:52.201-07:00So What's the Problem?<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhAH1C8q2CIckEQvgS2VWgIIwZ5G6GLG6wEvkHAZrNJIIfmi4XCXhfi84JEJ44i-w6A0BPtXZeZEzkM5aRSQN3lfdQ2ypho-cjGzYi-f0ZzY57envfaSY-4HqEwxdKC6GJ8RKchECWs7Rg/s1600/Revival.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhAH1C8q2CIckEQvgS2VWgIIwZ5G6GLG6wEvkHAZrNJIIfmi4XCXhfi84JEJ44i-w6A0BPtXZeZEzkM5aRSQN3lfdQ2ypho-cjGzYi-f0ZzY57envfaSY-4HqEwxdKC6GJ8RKchECWs7Rg/s1600/Revival.jpg" /></a></div>
<span style="font-size: large;"><b>It was a crisp, clear January day in 1977. My father, who had suffered a heart attack on January 6, had finally been moved from the ICU to a private room. His first request was a haircut. Just before his barber came in, the doctors stopped by, gave him a quick check and said that everything was progressing favorably. Shortly after the barber started, my father slumped over in the chair in cardiac arrest. </b></span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;"><b>My sister alerted the doctor and nursing staff, who responded to find my father blue and unresponsive. No pulse, no respiration, no sign of life until . . . CPR was administered until a defibrillator was brought in. With one shock from the paddles, there it was. A cough, a gurgle, and suddenly, my father was alive again. It was there that I first grasped the concept of revival. From listlessness to lifelessness to LIFE because of an external force. </b></span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;"><b>Alive Again!! That's what it means to be ReVived. The church of Sardis, found in Revelation 3, was a church with a rich, productive past. But when Jesus addressed them in Revelation 3, their present was characterized by a listless, lifeless faith. Jesus' words were: <i>You have a name that you are alive, but you are dead . . ." </i>Some might consider this a eulogy, but it was not. Indeed, it was an invitation to Revival! Certainly if we or any church are to offer eternal, abundant life to those who are dead in sin, we must be alive and healthy. </b></span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;"><b>If Jesus' message to Sardis warns us of anything, it is a warning against looking to past glory and victories while neglecting the needs and opportunities of the present. Far too many individuals and churches fall into the pattern of those who, as Paul wrote, ". . . <i>hold to a form of godliness while denying its power." (2 Timothy 3:5) </i>Spiritual lethargy is often masked with religious activity. Adequate attendance and offerings keep us comfortable and, as long as there is no major conflict looming on the horizon, we feel pretty good about things. </b></span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;"><b>But here is the problem. A comfortable church is the equivalent to a spiritual couch potato. Unwilling to experience the comfort and pain of an exercised faith and spiritual growth, we develop a survival mindset instead. We avoid risks at all costs, we claim possession of what Jesus purchased with His own blood, and we expend our energy just trying to hold on to what we have. The result is spiritual stagnation and ultimately death. </b></span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;"><b><u>What's the answer?</u> Revival! But in order to be revived, we must be willing to admit that our health might not be good. We must admit that we're on a course that is leading toward an ultimate death. God described it in <i>2 Chronicles 7:14 </i>as humbling ourselves. Notice in that verse that the onus for revival is on US. We must Humble Ourselves, Pray, Seek God's ways, and Turn from Our Wicked Ways. God waits with great desire to give us Revival. Perhaps we're just not desperate enough yet. Leonard Ravenhill is credited as saying "The only reason God has not given us revival is because we're willing to live without it." Sad. </b></span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;"><b>Now I know the context of these verses. I know that God spoke these words to Solomon for the nation of Israel at the dedication of the Temple. But, are they not applicable for us today? Hear them again. Read them aloud. "<i>If My people who are called by My Name will humble themselves and pray and seek My face and turn from their wicked ways, I will hear from heaven and will forgive their sins and restore their land. My eyes will be open and My ears attentive to every prayer made in this place." </i></b></span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;"><b>Sounds like HE might still be waiting to hear . . . from me and from you.</b></span><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjNu9X4lESYy-X8yV_l0AhcS-Kns02QkifETQwY-9hIN92mSQEUNY6CZizEoNpmdlk1AMtMK1ggcONWIkDpCU5N9adn2WRyIjS5vpbCx3o1wwAKm_HGeG189ItWqxMG4ijLPtH_nQjSpv0/s1600/Revival+3.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjNu9X4lESYy-X8yV_l0AhcS-Kns02QkifETQwY-9hIN92mSQEUNY6CZizEoNpmdlk1AMtMK1ggcONWIkDpCU5N9adn2WRyIjS5vpbCx3o1wwAKm_HGeG189ItWqxMG4ijLPtH_nQjSpv0/s1600/Revival+3.jpg" /></a></div>
<span style="font-size: large;"><b><br /></b></span>Zane Brownhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04416284007904957021noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8907379740526548166.post-46983099056258818282016-05-24T12:59:00.004-07:002016-05-24T12:59:29.752-07:00Keep Up the Good Work!!<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiJdT8aVbxEN1NQWDAbQtTsI3ox2y_PNjDy-Row1bAc-BWkpUyh7tzVmz7JEYboQjx8hOoP7Q0yHgqtSXqoeg0JFSIl03AsTTCSxkBxTP1wromqS2SkpPY5FooPo9amXCaOobQxG7TiyY8/s1600/Perseverance+2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiJdT8aVbxEN1NQWDAbQtTsI3ox2y_PNjDy-Row1bAc-BWkpUyh7tzVmz7JEYboQjx8hOoP7Q0yHgqtSXqoeg0JFSIl03AsTTCSxkBxTP1wromqS2SkpPY5FooPo9amXCaOobQxG7TiyY8/s1600/Perseverance+2.jpg" /></a> <span style="font-size: large;">For all my fellow followers of Jesus who might be feeling a bit discouraged in your work, here is a story that might help you. </span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">His name was Herbert, but most folks just called him Buddy. To a Sunday School classroom full of ten and eleven year old boys, he seemed to be a hundred years old. He had grown up during the Great Depression, so I'm sure his formal educational opportunities were limited. Why in the world would he subject himself to the unruly behavior of an unappreciative group of boys Sunday after Sunday? Perhaps I have an answer.</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">I was a member of that class. I don't remember a single lesson he taught. I remember no powerful principles for life that he imparted to us. What I DO remember is that he was there every Sunday. Consistently, faithfully, patiently, he attempted to teach a class of boys with very short attention spans and a variety of interests that seemed much more exciting than a Sunday School lesson. </span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">12 years later, I remember Buddy standing in the waiting room of the Intensive Care Unit. In a matter of days, my father's heart had failed and he was snatched from us at the age of 59. Once again, I cannot remember anything that Buddy said that night, but I will always remember that he was there when we needed support. </span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">I've thought of Buddy often over the years, wondering if he ever knew the positive effect that his faithfulness, patience, and love had on that class of boisterous boys. I haven't kept up with my classmates, but I do know one whose life was eternally affected by the quiet, consistent, caring presence of that simple man. It wasn't what he SAID that influenced my life. It's what he WAS.</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">Buddy is a beautiful example for Sunday School workers, pastors, youth workers, coaches, and mentors who might feel like giving up. If that's you, please take a page from Buddy's playbook. Don't worry so much about what to say. Just be there! Be patient, consistent, and loving. Stay the course! Do NOT get weary and discouraged. Those things spring from the heart of the devil with the intent to make you give up. DON'T LET him WIN! The positive effects might not be evident yet, but you are having an effect. God will use you to change some lives, just like He used Buddy to change mine. </span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">I never told Buddy how much he meant to me, but I'm sure he knows now. One day, when God calls me to my eternal home, Buddy will be one of those to whom I will say, <i>"Thank you for giving to the Lord, for I am a life that was changed. Thank you for giving to the Lord. I am so glad you gave." (Ray Boltz)</i></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">In writing to the Galatian church, Paul told them, "<i>So let's not get tired of doing what's good. At just the right time, we will reap a harvest of blessing if we don't give up!" (Galatians 6:9 NLT)</i></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">Nothing you do for others in Jesus' Name is every wasted. <b><u>NOTHING!</u> </b>So Keep Up the Good Work!!</span></div>
Zane Brownhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04416284007904957021noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8907379740526548166.post-61670085709672684082016-05-18T13:21:00.000-07:002016-05-18T13:21:15.377-07:00If You Feel Blessed But Stressed . . . <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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. . . <span style="font-size: large;">you're in good company. </span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;">I was listening to "Let the Waters Rise" by Mike's Chair. It seemed appropriate for my mood. I, like each of you, sometimes feel the weights and pressures of life closing in on me. It's easy to turn our focus toward the those things that stress us and the danger in that is simple. You can't focus on two things at once. Mike's Chair reminded me of that. Take a look at these lyrics:</span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;"> <i>Don't know where to begin. It's like my world's caving in and I tried, but I can't control my fear. Where do I go from here. Sometimes it's so hard to pray. You feel so far away. I am willing to go where you want me to. God I trust you. </i></span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;"><i>There's a raging sea right in front of me, wants to pull me in, bring me to my knees. So let the waters rise if you want them to. I will follow You. </i> </span><br />
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<i><span style="font-size: large;">I will swim in the deep, cuz You'll be next to me. You're the Eye of the storm and the Calm of the sea. You're never out of reach. God, You know where I've been. You were there with me then. You were faithful before. You'll be faithful again. I'm holding Your hand. </span></i><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;"><i>God, Your love is enough. You will pull me through. I'm holding on to You. </i></span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;">Stormy seas often produce flooding. In 1989, scores of people took shelter at the Lincoln High School<i> </i>shelter In McClellanville, SC to escape the fury of Hurricane Hugo. That shelter almost became a death trap as the storm surge flooded the building and required many adults to hold children over their heads as they sought refuge on the roof. The rising waters could have quickly taken the lives of many of the 400+ folks seeking shelter that night. By the grace of God, no one died there. </span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;">I was pastoring in North Charleston at that time. I met with some deacons who tried to persuade me to focus more on the JOY of following Jesus when I preached. Their chief complaint was that I spent too much time talking about valleys, storms, and difficulties. My explanation didn't change their minds, but I still hold to it. MOST of life for MOST of us is lived in the storms and valleys and flood waters of life. Whether it's health issues, employment issues, relational issues, financial issues or any other kind of issues, following Jesus does NOT guarantee that those things will dissipate. When we come to faith in Jesus, the only guarantee we have (other than the certainty of heaven) is that HE will be with us in those valleys, storms, and flood waters. </span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;">Don't fall into the trap of thinking that walking in God's will means the absence of stress. It doesn't!! You need only to read the Psalms and Ecclesiastes to discover the distress of David and Solomon. You need only to read of the persecution of the early Church, the stoning of Stephen, the killing of James, the thorn in Paul's side, and the Hall of Fame in Hebrews 11 to discover that following Jesus really IS taking that hard road (<i>Matthew 7:14 NLT</i>). It's not for weaklings, cowards, or quitters. </span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;">In <i>Matthew 14:22-32, </i>notice that Jesus could have stilled the winds and waves on the Sea of Galilee that night, but He didn't. Surely it would have been easier for Peter to step out onto a sea as smooth as glass. But when Jesus told him to step out, the wind was howling and the swells continued to crash against the boat. As long as Peter kept His focus on the Christ Who called him, he could literally rise above the normal effects of the storm. BUT, at the moment he changed his focus from Jesus to the rising waters, he began to sink. At that point, Jesus reached out to rescue him and said, "<i>You of little faith. Why did you doubt?" </i></span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;">For most of us, life will continue to confront us with issues, dilemmas, and stresses of every sort. The winds will continue to howl and the waters will rise and fall. Between all the mountaintops, we'll be forced to travel through the valleys. WHY? Because that's where ministry is needed. Those valleys and stormy seas will be littered with hurting, frightened folks and we can point them to the One Who can help them rise above it all. </span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;">So when you find the waters rising in your life, ask yourself a couple of questions:</span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;">1. Have I lost my focus? Am I distracted from Jesus?</span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;">2. What is it that He desires to teach me in this storm or valley? Is there someone that I can help because of my experience? How will He use this to strengthen my witness? </span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;">Distress comes to us all. Fear is natural. Questions are OK. But obedience is the key. Even when we're afraid . . . even when we don't understand . . . even when there seems to be no answers, keep your faith and keep your focus on Jesus. His love is enough and HE will pull you through. </span>Zane Brownhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04416284007904957021noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8907379740526548166.post-54268509168263499392015-12-22T09:29:00.001-08:002015-12-22T09:47:51.550-08:00A Lesson from Steve Harvey<div style="text-align: center;">
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<b><span style="font-size: large;">OK, so it's December 22, 2015 and it's been two days since the Miss Universe Pageant. That's two days of news media and social media taking shots at Pageant host Steve Harvey for his undeniable gaffe. If you've been on a media fast or simply out of touch because of the holiday rush, this is how it played out. There were two contestants left. Miss Colombia and Miss Philippines were the top two of the five finalists. Harvey had carefully read the identities starting with fifth runner-up. Miss USA was third, by the way. With only two names remaining, the standard operating procedure is to announce the winner (Miss Universe) since the remaining candidate would then be first runner-up. Unfortunately, Harvey continued to read down the list and read the first runner-up, Miss Columbia, BUT proclaimed her to be the new Miss Universe. Yes, it was a snafu of biblical proportions. Internationally televised with millions of viewers including those from the Philippines and Colombia. </span></b></div>
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<b><span style="font-size: large;">Steve Harvey had blown it and he knew it. So he did one of the most honorable and painful things I have ever seen. He acknowledged his mistake, took full responsibility, and apologized. Yes, it's true that his actions did not remove the embarrassment Miss Colombia must have felt. It didn't assuage the anger that the people of Colombia felt. But it was quick, direct, heartfelt, and courageous. I have liked Steve Harvey for a while, but on Sunday, my respect level for him shot way up.</span></b></div>
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<b><span style="font-size: large;">For years we have been living in a culture where accepting responsibility is the exception more than the rule. When things go wrong, when mistakes are made, we often look for scapegoats in order to escape responsibility. It's nothing new. In fact, it started in the Garden of Eden. If you check out Genesis 3, you'll find that when God confronted Adam about his eating of the Tree of Knowledge, Adam's quick response was to blame God. "<i>It was the woman YOU gave me who gave me the fruit . . ." (v. 10 NLT Caps emphasis mine)</i> Let's get this straight. Adam and Eve sin and bring sin and death into the world (<i>Romans 5:12). </i>When confronted about their wrongdoing, Adam blames God and the woman and Eve blames the serpent (<i>vv. 13-14)</i>. It was the beginning of denial, the unwillingness to take responsibility for our sins, mistakes, and failures. </span></b></div>
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<b><span style="font-size: large;">Blaming others is easy. Accepting responsibility and consequences takes courage. Blaming others is childish. Taking responsibility for our words, actions, and failures is a sign of maturity. Steve Harvey could have blamed the designer of the card or the lighting or the pressure of the moment. Instead, he showed the world the card and owned his mistake. </span></b></div>
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<b><span style="font-size: large;">And that is exactly what we must do IF we want to have a personal and intimate relationship with God. We cannot blame others for our sins, our selfishness, or our character flaws. We must own them, take responsibility for them, and confess them to a holy God. The word confess literally means "to say the same thing." When we confess, we take responsibility by saying the very things that God already knows to be true. But John the Apostle tells us in <i>I John 1:9, "If we confess our sins, we can depend upon Him to forgive our sins and cleanse us from every unrighteousness." </i>The "Him" John refers to here is Jesus (see <i>I John 1:7)</i></span></b></div>
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<b><span style="font-size: large;">This is WHY Jesus came. God actually took responsibility for a creation that had become mired in sin, selfishness, and self-destruction. No animal sacrifice or religious ritual could remove the stain of sin from the crown of His creation. So He took responsibility and gave His one and only Son, so that everyone who places their faith in Him would not perish, but have eternal life. (<i>John 3:16 NLT) </i>Now it's up to you! God has done His part. But He expects you to take responsibility for your sins, confess them, receive His forgiveness through the death and resurrection of Jesus, and be born into His family as a child of God (<i>John 1:12). </i></span></b></div>
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<b><span style="font-size: large;">I might not agree with everything Steve Harvey says or does, but in this instance, He showed us the way. Take responsibility for your life today, confess your sins to God, receive the free gift of eternal life by submitting to the Lordship of Jesus, and enjoy a new life in Jesus Christ. </span></b></div>
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<b><i><span style="font-size: large;">Father God, I know that I'm a sinner and I take responsibility for my own life. I cannot change on my own, but I now know that this is why You sent Your one and only Son. Thank You for sending Jesus. Thank You for His death of the cross which makes forgiveness of my sins possible. Thank You for raising Him from the dead which makes eternal life a reality for those who trust and obey Him. Today, I become a follower of Jesus. I place my faith in Him and pledge my obedience to Him. </span></i></b></div>
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<b><span style="font-size: large;">IF you prayed that prayer, find yourself a good, Bible-based church this Christmas weekend and go there. Let those people know what you have done, then follow the example of Jesus by being baptized as His follower. </span></b></div>
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<b><span style="font-size: large;">And if you're in the Walterboro, SC area and don't have a church, please consider Nova Church. We're at 4955 Jeffries Hwy. and our service begins at 10:30am.</span></b></div>
Zane Brownhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04416284007904957021noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8907379740526548166.post-60285875582036465992015-07-28T13:42:00.000-07:002015-12-22T09:50:15.336-08:00Cultural Preference or Biblical Truth?<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<b><span style="font-size: large;">It's been an interesting few weeks in the United States. An unarmed fleeing black man was shot in the back by a white police officer. Because of video that seemed to show the injustice of that event, the officer was quickly fired and charged with murder. It was a swift response from officials in a state that is often viewed as backward and stuck in the 1950s. </span></b><br />
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<b>We also had nine people murdered by a disturbed young man who wanted to start a race war. The victims were African American and the perpetrator was white. Because of the young man's use of the Confederate flag image, South Carolina politicians across the political spectrum voted to remove the Confederate flag from the State House grounds. I can't speak for the motives of all, but I do know one for whom it was a biblical conviction. </b></span><br />
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<b>A nine foot tall, bronze statue of Baphomet was unveiled in Detroit in opposition to public displays of the Ten Commandments. This statue represents the Church of Satan and proponents have vowed to move the statue to other public venues where the Ten Commandments are displayed. </b></span><br />
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<b>In both locations, those decisions have met with opposing views that erupted in violence. There were flash points of rational debate and attempts at understanding; but that doesn't sell papers or attract viewers like the mob violence, rogue vandalism, or in-your-face protests. It's a shame, too, because the response of the Emmanuel 9 family members was once of the most gracious, Christlike responses I have ever seen. That grace brought a shocked and grieving community together in ways that I have not witnessed since the events of September 11, 2001.</b></span><br />
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<b>I haven't opined on any of this until this post and my opinion is just that -- my opinion. I have noticed a disturbing trend on social media among those that I know to be followers of Jesus . . . or at least they claim to be. That trend to is expend far more energy, passion and concern over the Confederate flag, the satanic statue, & other cultural trends than they ever do about Jesus, the church, or the fate of those apart of Jesus. In Detroit there were groups suggesting that the warehouse where the unveiling of the satanic statue was to be celebrated should be bombed. In South Carolina, there were people who seemed far more interested in keeping the Confederate flag on the statehouse grounds than they were about bridging cultural divides and lifting up Jesus. It's as if we let our lives be driven by the winds of cultural preference rather than being driven by the truths of scripture. It's disturbing trend and here's why:</b></span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;"><b>1</b>. <b> I Corinthians 10:31 says "<i>So, whether you eat or drink or whatever you do, do it all to the glory of God." </i>Whether you're white or black or brown, yellow or red, if you follow Jesus, this verse commands us to live ALL of our lives for the glory of God. See also <i>Colossians 3:17</i></b></span><br />
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<b>2. I Corinthians 8: 13 says, <i>"Therefore, if food is a cause of my brother's falling, I will never eat meat again, for I don't want to cause another believer to stumble."</i> Yes, he's writing about eating meat offered to idols here. Some who had not yet understood freedom in Christ believed that eating meat that had been burned in sacrifice to an idol was wrong. Paul's response was that we were no worse if we eat it or we don't eat it. In other words, it wasn't that important to God UNLESS it became a stumbling block to someone weaker in the faith. Bottom line is this. If our African American brothers and sisters are bothered by the presence of a flag and we persist displaying it, we sin against our brothers and sisters. Don't let your freedom become a stumbling block to reaching across cultural lines to lift up Jesus. </b></span><br />
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<b>3. All of this, when it moves our focus onto politics, cultural differences, and religious differences, simply distracts us from keeping the main thing the main thing. We shift our focus from Jesus to those waves and that wind and before you know it, we're sinking into the abyss of carnality. </b></span><br />
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<b>Now I'm not talking to my friends who are not Christ-followers. But for those who are, we must remember that it is not our role in this world to be democrat, republican, independent, libertarian, protestant, catholic, or any denomination. (All lower case purposely) When we follow Jesus we become citizens of heaven. <i>See I Peter 2:9-17 </i>We are strangers & aliens, not of this world. Our purpose is maintain good conduct among unbelievers, living in such a way that our honorable lives will silence the accusations of foolish people. We are called to be God's people. Indeed, we are called to be the Body of Christ, His hands, His feet, His lips, His heart (<i>I Corinthians 12)</i>.</b></span><br />
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<b>Let's expend what time we have left being those things, having the same attitude that was in Christ Jesus (<i>Philippians 2:3-8), </i>loving as He loved (<i>John 13:34-35; I Corinthians 13), </i>and remaining focused on the mission we've been given (<i>Matthew 28:18-20; Acts 1:8). </i>Time is short! Times will get tougher! But the mission remains the same . . . and so does the Savior Who said, <span style="color: red;">"</span><i><span style="color: red;">I am with you always, even to the end of the age."</span> </i>Only then will we make an eternal difference!</b></span>Zane Brownhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04416284007904957021noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8907379740526548166.post-4192724222394347752015-06-10T13:52:00.001-07:002015-12-22T09:50:32.855-08:00Shall We Pray?<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<b><span style="font-size: large;">I've seen it in the homes of Baptist Christians in Israel. I've seen it in the house churches of Brazil and Venezuela. And I've seen it once here in South Carolina at a "Shepherding the Shepherd" conference almost 20 years ago. And I can say without exaggeration that these events were the most spellbinding, humbling experiences of my life. Whether it was 20 people in a house church in Venezuela or the ball room of a lush hotel with 400 pastors and wives in Myrtle Beach, to see men and women on their faces weeping and crying out to God only to withdraw to a deafening silence waiting to hear Him speak was amaaaazing! I've heard similar testimonies from friends who have done mission trips in Haiti, Romania, Southeast Asia, and southeastern China. They've said things like: "<i>I couldn't believe how much time they spent praying!" "There was a passion and urgency about their prayers!" </i></span></b><br />
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<b><span style="font-size: large;">This leads me to ask a question about the American Church. When did we determine that prayer was wasted time? Now I know that I'll catch some backlash on this, but having been involved in Southern Baptist churches as a member, youth minister, bi-vocational pastor, pastor, Director of Missions, and church planter for nearly 40 years, I think I can speak with a little authority based on my own experience. AND, I will be the first to say that I did not always provide the most effective leadership in my various roles. But that is why I'm writing this essay.</span></b><br />
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<b>My experience in churches all across the state of South Carolina has been that prayer is a formality that we usually tack on at the beginning and end of a meeting. Whether it's worship, organizational , committees/leadership, typical midweek "prayer meetings" or staff meetings, we spend far more time meeting, discussing, debating, and planning than we do praying. Now there's nothing wrong with any of those things UNLESS they take the place of earnest fervent, passionate praying. </b></span><br />
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<b>That's why I am so grateful to have received an article by Trevin Wax titled "5 Things Romanian Believers Taught Me About Prayer." You might find it at <a href="http://www.churchleaders.com/">www.churchleaders.com</a>. But I'll give you some highlights. </b></span><br />
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<b>1. <u> Prayer is NOT wasted time</u>. It never is! Wax says that in most Romanian churches, the typical Sunday service begins at 9:00am with the <u>first hour</u> spent in prayer. Larger churches open the floor for spontaneous prayers about various requests. Smaller churches simply go row by row so that every member who wants to gets a chance to pray aloud. <u>Everything is soaked in prayer.</u> Because Prayer Matters! It's never wasted time. Wax calls it "the most effective type of activism for a child of God." </b></span><br />
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<b>2. <u>We should affirm one another as we pray.</u> Romanian believers pray aloud one at a time, but the prayers are never selfish or individualistic. The entire congregation is listening carefully and affirming that person's prayer with the familiar "amen" or "Yes Lord" or Thank You, Jesus." While this is a fairly common practice among Pentecostals or charismatics, it's something most other mainline denominations have shunned. That's unfortunate because all this practice does is affirm to the pray-er that others are in agreement with that cry of the heart. </b></span><br />
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<b>3. <u>Prayer is for everybody.</u> Every believer can and should pray. In group meetings, worship services, and family devotions, prayer should be open to everyone. It's not just the person on the stage or the designated deacon. It's men and women in the pews praying for lost friends, broken families, and God's plan for them and their churches. It's teenagers and children learning that more things are wrought by prayer than this world dreams of. This is a demonstration of the priesthood of believers --- every believer granted equal access to the throne of God through the shed blood of Jesus Christ. </b></span><br />
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<b>4. <u>Prayer can be spontaneous and theological.</u> Once you, as a leader, make prayer the purview of everyone, you open the door to all sorts of messy requests. New and younger believers often pray about strange things and/or they mimic phrases they've heard from others. Don't get uptight or super spiritual. They must be taught. But sometimes the simplicity of those prayers are deeply theological. It pertains to their belief that God is interested in everything that affects their lives. And it's also very child-like. Use the Lord's Prayer pattern to begin with praise to God for Who He is and for the salvation that He provides through Jesus. Then move into general requests/needs, and end with specific desires for deliverance. Encourage one another to pepper prayers with scripture.</b></span><br />
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<b>5. <u>Prayer Teaches.</u> Prayer and the Bible go hand in hand. The most common way that God will speak and reveal His will is through His word AND He will never speak or lead us in a way that contradicts His word. This is just one more reason that prayer is SO important. It is an expression of our absolute dependence on God. I love the prayer of Jehoshaphat in <i>2 Chronicles 20:12 - O our God, won't you stop them? We are powerless against this mighty army that is about to attack us. We do not know what to do, but we are looking to you for help." (NLT) </i>Read the entire chapter. The kingdom of Judah was faced with an overwhelming situation that would surely result in their destruction. Did they spend a great deal of time making plans and then asking God to bless their plan? NO! They recognized that whatever almighty God would do would be better than anything they could plan. So the king prayed and the people prayed. And God said to them through "one of the men standing there" (Jahaziel): <i>Listen all you people of Judah and Jerusalem. Listen, King Jehoshaphat! This is what the Lord says -- Do not be afraid! Don't be discouraged by this mighty army, for the battle is not yours, but God's." </i>After that, the instructions came from God that they were to go out for battle and the choir should lead them. Probably not the way most would have planned it, but when we desperately need God to help us do something that we cannot do without His power, Prayer always trumps our planning processes. </b></span><br />
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<b>It IS true that we must always put feet to our prayers; but this isn't the chicken or egg argument. The fundamental truth is that there is no revival, no transformation, no great break through in Kingdom work that is not first and foremost bathed in prayer. Jehoshaphat was a man of prayer. David was a man of prayer. Daniel was a man of prayer. Moses was a man of prayer. Nehemiah was a man of prayer. Samuel was a man of prayer. Isaiah was a man of prayer. Simeon (Luke 2) was a man of prayer. Anna (Luke 2) was a woman of prayer. The members of that first Church in Acts were people of prayer. Both Lydia and Dorcas were women of prayer. The church at Antioch were people of prayer. And Jesus . . . </b><br />
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<b>What this tells me is that as the time draws near and it becomes more and more difficult to follow Jesus, prayer must become more of priority for our churches and for individual Christ-followers. Paul writes in <i>Romans 12:12 - Rejoice in our confident hope. Be patient in trouble and keep on praying. (</i>NLT) So go into your prayer closets and gather with your small groups. Prepare yourself for worship on your knees and let's get busy filling up those golden bowls (<i>Revelation 5:8) </i>because that will direct our plans, bolster our courage, and honor God in all that we do. </b>Zane Brownhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04416284007904957021noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8907379740526548166.post-17005403316326820782015-06-08T13:40:00.000-07:002015-12-22T09:50:43.389-08:00How Can I Know?<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<span style="font-size: large;">We live in a day of blurred lines and moral relativism. What used to be considered morally wrong is now often considered just a personal choice. I am convinced that most people still want to make the right choices. But how can we know which decision is right when the line between right and wrong has become so blurred in our culture? Well, it begins with the Bible.</span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;">There are certain things that we must realize about the Bible if it is to help us make the right choices in life. First, we must remember that the Bible is a guide book, not a rule book. Contrary to what some might think, the Bible does NOT directly address every moral issue that we will ever face. But if you can accept that the Bible is God's word and, as such, should be obeyed, that's the first step in determining right from wrong. If you are willing to be submissive to what the Bible says, even if it's painful, that's the second step. And that's reasonable for those issues confronted directly by the scriptures.</span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;">But what about those gray areas of life --- those times when God's commands or desires aren't stated so clearly? How can we determine right from wrong then? </span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;">Well, throughout His word, God has given us principles for life rather than rules, regulations, or specific directives. Oh yes, there are some rules, regulations and specific directives in there. But I'm simply saying that those things do not address every situation or decision that we face. That's why He has given us those principles that are like road signs on our journey through life. They are timeless and eternally relevant, whether we like them or not. And they DO address every moral, ethical or spiritual decision we will ever make in life. </span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;">Let me offer you seven (7) simple principles for when you're faced with deciding if a situation is right or wrong:</span><br />
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1. Ask yourself, "Is there a direct command from God on this matter?" There are some activities, lifestyles, and circumstances that ARE addressed directly by God. For instance, there is never a circumstance where adultery is the right decision. Why? Because God specifically says "You shall NOT commit adultery." The same is true of lying, stealing, murder, and taking God's name in vain. So when God gives clear concise instruction on a matter, that matter is settled. <br />
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2. Ask yourself, "Will my actions or words bring glory to God?" Paul wrote in <i>I Corinthians 10:31, "Whether then you eat or drink or whatever you do, do ALL to the glory of God." </i>This is a fundamental Christian principle. Bringing glory to God is our purpose in life. So ask, "Can God be glorified by this? Can I honestly do this in Jesus' Name?"<br />
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3. Ask yourself, "Will this cause other folks to stumble in their relationship with or search for God?" This principle has to do with our responsibility toward others. Paul wrote in <i>I Corinthians 8:13, "So if what I eat (</i>or drink or smoke or wear<i>) causes another believer to sin, I will never eat meat again as long as I live -- for I don't want to cause another believer to stumble." (</i><b>NLT)</b> Some things might not be wrong in themselves, but if a weaker, less mature Christian or unbeliever is offended by it, then it shouldn't be done. <br />
Now the problem here is "How far should I go with this? What if someone doesn't like my mustache or the fact that I like to wear jeans to church or that I occasionally go to a movie on Sunday afternoon?" Well, there are steps to take. If we become aware that our action or words have offended someone, our first repsonsibility is to gently confront that person, apologize, and attempt to graciously explain our view. The motive is to hopefully encourage and build up the offended party. But if that person is still offended, it is our responsibility to avoid the offense when possible. The greater responsibility falls on the more mature believer. <br />
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Ask yourself, "Is this really necessary?" Paul wrote in <i>I Corinthians 6:12, "You say 'I am allowed to do anything' -- but not everything is good for you. And even though 'I am allowed to do anything,' I must not become a slave to anything." (</i><b>NLT) </b>And in <i>I Corinthians 10:23-24, "You say, 'I am allowed to do anything' -- but not everything is good for you. You say 'I am allowed to do anything' -- but not is beneficial. Don't be concerned for your own good, but for the good of others." </i><b>(NLT)</b><br />
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The principle here is that some activities that seem OK to us are things that we can and should do without if others are offended by it<br />
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5. Ask yourself, "Could this harm me physically, spiritually or emotionally?" Paul wrote in <i>I Corinthians 6:19-20, "Don't you realize that your body is the temple of the Holy Spirit, Who lives in you and was given to you by God? You do not belong to yourself, for God bought you with a high price. So you must honor God with your body." </i><b>(NLT) </b>Our physical bodies belong to Jesus just as much as our spirits do and we are to use our bodies for His glory and service. We must guard against addiction whether it be drugs, alcohol, sex, food, nicotine or a sedentary lifestyle. Remember Paul's words in <i>Romans 12:1, "And so dear brothers and sisters, I plead with you to give your bodies to God because of all He has done for you. Let them be a living and holy sacrifice -- the kind He will find acceptable. This is truly the way to worship Him." </i><b>(NLT). </b><br />
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6. Ask yourself, "Does this activity or these words encourage evil?" Paul wrote in <i>I Thessalonians 5:22, "Stay away from every kind of evil." </i><b>(NLT) </b>The King James Version says to abstain from every "appearance of evil." <br />
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7. Ask yourself, "Can I ask God to bless this decision?" If, after applying these first six principles, we can pray about our decision, ask God to bless it, and feel a comfort and peace about it, then we should proceed.<br />
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Above all, remember what the writer of Proverbs told us in <i>Proverbs 3:5-6 "Trust in the Lord with all your heart; do not depend on your own understanding. Seek His will in all you do and He will show you which path to take." </i><b>(NLT) </b>Don't be swept away by cultural blurred lines or moral relativism. By spending much time in submissive prayer and weighing decisions using biblical principles, God Himself will help you to discern right from wrong so that you can make good decisions. Zane Brownhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04416284007904957021noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8907379740526548166.post-12561076758120623702015-04-20T08:07:00.002-07:002015-12-22T09:51:00.779-08:00You Talking to Me?<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<span style="font-size: large;">I cannot tell you how often I've wondered about my call to ministry. I certainly empathize with Moses who raised a plethora of questions when God appeared to him in the burning bush. (Exodus 4). I've often questioned God thinking that He must have mistaken me for someone else.</span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;">And yet, here I am. This year marks 38 years since my ordination to ministry. In case you don't know, in Southern Baptist life, ordination means that others have seen evidence of God's gifts and call in your life. This year marks 41 years since I heard that call. It's been 4 decades of mountaintops and steep valleys, but I wouldn't change a thing. At least that's what I thought until I spent three days in a coach/consulting workshop. </span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;">On the first day, we were required to do what's called a 3 in 1 Leadership Profile, a Leadership Assessment tool, and a Spiritual Gifts/Passion instrument. All three were extremely important because the reality is that a call to ministry IS a call to leadership. Some of what came out on these instruments was not news to me. I knew I was a strong introvert. I knew that dealing with people was a large energy expense for me. I knew that public speaking really was work for me. I knew that I just wanted people to get along. But when I got all the results together, it really struck me. Everything that I'm doing at this point in my life is out of character with the person described in my Leadership Assessment profile. </span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;">On DISC profile, I'm a high S with a good bit of C thrown in. That means I'm a "steady competent" type. I enjoy small groups of people, I am sensitive to the needs of others, and I'm loyal. But, I can be caustic and critical. I move slowly to correct things in order not to hurt feelings. I do not like speaking in front of large crowds. I prefer to weigh evidence and move slowly toward a logical conclusion. I'm a collaborator who is a stickler for responsibility. I am a passive person by nature and can be satisfied working behind the scenes. Not exactly a charismatic leader. </span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;">Now, let me remind you that there is nothing wrong with any of that. It IS who I am. It is how God wired me. BUT, I am not what the world sees as "leadership." Yet, that is exactly what God called me to be and do. Isn't that just like Him? He's constantly pushing us to move out of our comfort zones because when we're comfortable, we really don't have to trust Him as much. </span><br />
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So here I am at 60 years old doing things I never thought I would do, having to be something I never thought I would be, and using my position to urge others to get outside of their comfort zones in order to experience God in a new and exciting way. The old saying just might be true -- that pastors are called to comfort the afflicted and afflict the comfortable. It's a part of leadership. Oh, I've used the excuse. "I'm not wired that way. That's not one of my gifts. This is the way God made me." All of that might be true. You can use them to stay within your comfort zones your entire life and rob yourself of the adventurous faith that God wants you to experience.<br />
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I used to see introversion as a weakness. I used to see collaboration as a weakness. I used to see the need for time before making a decision as a weakness. I used to see reluctance to confront conflict as a weakness. I used to see passivity as a weakness. Hey, who am I kidding? I still do. But we all have weaknesses and that's where God shines. Paul summed up God's response to Moses' objections and his own objections in <i>2 Corinthians 12:7-10 - . . . I will only boast about my weaknesses . . . Three times I begged the Lord to take</i> <i>it away</i>. <i>Each time He said, "MY grace is all you need. MY power works best in weakness. So I am glad to boast about my weaknesses, so that the power of Christ can work through me . . . for when I am weak, then I am strong." (</i><span style="background-color: yellow;"><i>NLT) </i>Why c</span>an he say that? Because when he (or you or I) is weak, it strengthens the faith, heightens the need for God, and humbles the spirit.<br />
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So stop worrying so much about your weaknesses. Step out of your comfort zone. Give your testimony, teach a class, give more than you usually do, pray publicly, apologize to someone you might have hurt, forgive someone who might have hurt you. Go on a mission trip, do a local mission project, visit a nursing home, or mentor an at-risk student. There are so many ways to make a difference and to build the Kingdom of God. But most of them will be outside of your church walls and out of your comfort zone. It is God Who qualifies the called. So stop making excuses and start making a difference! And if you're a pastor, stop making excuses and start leading! <i>"He Who calls you is faithful and HE will do it." I Thessalonians 5:24 (HSBC)</i>Zane Brownhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04416284007904957021noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8907379740526548166.post-6013009836843792052015-03-25T13:16:00.000-07:002015-12-22T09:51:16.054-08:00Does This Lipstick Make Me Look Holy?<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<span style="font-size: large;">I once heard someone say, "Putting lipstick on a pig doesn't make her a debutante." I'm sure you've heard variations. The point is that the nature of any beast is certain to come out. A pig will act like a pig no matter how well you dress it up. That reminds me of a passage from <i>Jeremiah: Can a leopard take away its spots? Neither can you start doing good, for you have always done evil." 13:23 (NLT). </i>Jesus put it this way in <i>Matthew 23:28 -- "Outwardly you look like righteous people, but inwardly your hearts are filled with hypocrisy and lawlessness." </i>You can put lipstick on a pig and it's still a pig. But when Jesus really comes into your life, He begins a transformation from the inside out. That's called change!</span><br />
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In <i>I Peter 2:12, </i>Peter admonishes us to maintain an "excellent lifestyle" among unbelievers in order that they might be attracted to the gospel. In the verses that follow, he applies that admonition to specific, practical situations. So often, though, the Christian lifestyle is characterized as a life of abasement and abstinence. You know the list: no smoking or chewing, no drinking, no dancing, no gambling, no secular music, no long hair or earrings on men, no pants or makeup on women, no, no, no! You get the picture. </span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;">As important as these "legals" are to some folks, they ARE mere externals. They can be used to fake a faith that doesn't really change a person. BUT, a personal relationship with the living Jesus can transform a person <b>from the inside out. </b>The excellent lifestyle Peter talks about involves an outward expression that grows out of an inner character. It's genuine, it's obvious, and it honors God. And it's impossible to fake. It's expressed in our relationships with the government (whether we agree politically or not), the society at large (whether they share our values or not), the church, and with God Himself. Peter tells us to be subject to those who govern, to always do the right (godly) thing, and to live as free people and servants of God. Then in <i>v. 17, </i>he tells us to <i>Respect everyone, love our Christian brothers and sisters, fear God, and respect the king. </i></span><br />
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It's pretty simple! If we want to be biblical disciples in a society that increasingly resistant to what it believes are the tenets and values of the Bible, then live in a way that changes their perception. When relating to others, including those who do not share your faith or values, show them respect. The golden rule is not outdated. We're to treat others the way we want to be treated whether they treat us well or not. </span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;">When relating to fellow believers, let your love be unmotivated and undemanding. Jesus said, "<i style="font-weight: bold;">By <u>this</u>, all men will know that your are my disciples, that you love one another." (John 13:35) </i>Love doesn't require agreement on everything. </span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;">When relating to the God of the universe, honor Him as the Almighty God He is. Recognize that in HIS presence, we are deserving of death. It is only His love, His desire, His sacrifice, and His atonement that makes it possible for us not only to live, but to live eternally as His adopted children. </span><br />
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When relating to the government, be submissive in your citizenship. Be respectful of the laws and those who enforce them. Be respectful of leaders so long as it doesn't require a compromise of your faith. And in doing these things, the witness of your lifestyle just might attract someone to the Christ you love and serve. <br />
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<br />Zane Brownhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04416284007904957021noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8907379740526548166.post-51334371512437398322015-02-19T13:03:00.000-08:002015-12-22T09:51:30.880-08:00Read the Directions<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<span style="font-size: large;"><b> It was a not-so-subtle reminder of how much I hate those words. It triggered an unpleasant memory. We purchased a "Cadillac" treadmill for my wife and when I picked it up at the store, there on the box were the words <i>Assembly Required.</i> My mind raced back to that day in my garage. Dozens of scattered tools and parts littered the garage. Right in the middle of that mess was a large folded paper that was clearly labeled <i>Instructions. </i></b></span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><b><i> </i>Now you need to know that I always start with the best of intentions. Follow the instructions and assembly should pose no problem. That usually works until about step #4, when the male ego kicks in and the instructions get pushed aside. </b></span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><b> This computer desk that should have been assembled in an hour had now been spread across the garage floor for over three hours. When I neglected the instructions and went with my intuition, I assembled some parts out of sequence. To install the final part, I had to disassemble half the unit. If I had only faithfully read and followed the instructions, I could have spared myself the anger, frustration, and sense of failure that invaded my life that night. AND that is why I had my good friend, Paul, help with the assembly of the treadmill.</b></span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><b> There are far too many well-meaning Christians who fall victim to something I call "Biblicus Neglectus." We push God's instruction guide aside and do our very best to live that Christian life. The reasons vary, but the results are the same. When strife, strain, and struggles roar into our lives, we sometimes retreat into cynicism, frustration, and despair. Occasional chaos is a fact of life. Whether we become victims or victors really depends on how closely we have read and follow the instructions. </b></span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><b> Assembly a life that pleases God is a life-long pursuit, but it doesn't have to be chaotic or frustrating. The psalmist reminds us that God has given us indestructible guidelines so that we can know Him and how He wants us to live. The quality of our lives is directly related to how we answer this questions: "Will I read and follow His instructions today?"</b></span><br />
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<b>Well, will you?</b></span><br />
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<b><i>I take pleasure in your laws; your commands I will not forget. Open my eyes so that I may see the wonderful truths in your law. Your word is a lamp to guide me and a light for my path.</i></b></span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><b><i> Psalm 119:16, 18, 105</i></b></span>Zane Brownhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04416284007904957021noreply@blogger.com0