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RE: Reflections - 4/15/2006 2:27:08 PM
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peaceofGod
Posts: 8034
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One more step
Sidebar Thought about Endurance
One weekend, a few of us hiked to the top of Mount Whitney. We back packed the first day and made camp a few hours from the top. It was there that we spent the night. The next morning we hiked to the top, came back to camp, broke camp and hiked down to the bottom.
Considering that we were not athletes, you might imagine our fatigue. On the way down, my knees were giving out to the point that I had to lock my knees with each step so that they would not fold – quite awkward. However, as long as I could take just one more step, I was closer to the bottom. Just one more step. That one more step eventually brought me to the bottom.
As long as we can take just one more step, we are not giving up. As long as we can take just one more step, we are enduring.
Thinking about the whole trip to the top of Mount Whitney and back could seem overwhelming. But just one step at a time turns the appearance of impossibility to a doable feat. The distance is not achieved by one amazing giant step but by many small steps – one step at a time.
One more step
(to be continued...)
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RE: Reflections - 4/17/2006 11:24:33 AM
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peaceofGod
Posts: 8034
Joined: 11/30/2005
From: Texas
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Endurance
Freeze-Dried Version
Instructions: Add plenty of The Holy Spirit and stir .
We can have endurance from Faith & prayer. We don’t have to have worry and fear. We can rest but we don’t have to quit.
Even though we might be afflicted in every way, we don’t have to be crushed;
Even though we might be perplexed, we don’t have to be driven to despair;
Even though we might be persecuted, we don’t have to be forsaken,
Even though we might be struck down, we don’t have to be destroyed."
We CAN get up when we fall down.
We can be renewed on the inside daily by our Creator.
Jesus can do ALL of this ... and give us endurance through Faith and Prayer.
(to be continued...)
_____________________________
Jn 14:27;Php 4:6-8 Peace
Link: Jim's Reflections
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RE: Reflections - 4/18/2006 2:03:02 PM
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peaceofGod
Posts: 8034
Joined: 11/30/2005
From: Texas
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A Miracle
Picking up where I left off in the 1980s, our small crew in Tucson that processed the donations was brought back to Pasadena, CA from Tucson, AZ. The Pasadena location was again safe to process our donations, the main source of our income. Life in WCG seemed to be stabilizing somewhat until Herbert W. Armstrong’s death. Because he was the founder and Pastor General of the denomination, his death was no small matter.
More detail about this period of our Church History is at
http://wcg.org/lit/aboutus/history.htm
(Please Note: The above URL will not be accessible from the afternoon of April 20 to April 24, 2006)
Although a few changes were made shortly after Joseph Tkach succeeded Herbert W Armstrong, it was in 1995 when major changes were made resulting in some ministers revolting, some being fired, and a major across-the-board layoff of Church employees.
Throughout the change of doctrines, it was necessary to hang on to the basic teachings of Jesus Christ and wait until the revolts, the infighting, the criticisms and the instability settled.
To keep some resemblance of sanity during the mid 90s, it was necessary to keep in mind that God is good and knows what He is doing. To endure, it was necessary to realize that He would do that which seems to be the impossible. He did.
After the dust settled, our denomination was much smaller but survived and was (is) a part of mainstream Christianity. God did a miracle in the Worldwide Church of God. He transformed a whole Denomination.
He granted repentance to a whole Denomination – A Miracle.
(to be continued...)
< Message edited by peaceofGod -- 4/19/2006 8:12:47 AM >
_____________________________
Jn 14:27;Php 4:6-8 Peace
Link: Jim's Reflections
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RE: Reflections - 4/19/2006 1:27:27 PM
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peaceofGod
Posts: 8034
Joined: 11/30/2005
From: Texas
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Matthew 19:26
But Jesus looked at them and said to them,
“With men this is impossible, but with God all things are possible.”
We know this scripture to be true but when it comes to crunch time ... well ... let’s face it ... when it comes to crunch time, when the rubber meets the road it is the moment of truth and our faith is put to the test. Many of you here can testify to such because you have come face to face with worrying times and, in some cases, with death itself.
When things are going well, I've found it fairly easy to be positive, Pollyanna pie-in-the-sky hopeful and it’s easy to say, “Right! Matthew 19:26 All things are possible with God!” Nothing can go wrong.
It’s when everything around seems to be falling apart and I am in great pain thatI need to remember God’s ability and willingness to do the impossible.
Remember the song that was made famous by Frank Sinatra about the Little Ol’ Ant that had high hopes?
~~~~~~~~~~
High Hopes Writers: Cahn/Van Heusen
Next time you’re found, with your chin on the ground
There a lot to be learned, so look around
Just what makes that little old ant
Think he'll move that rubber tree plant
Anyone knows an ant, can't
Move a rubber tree plant
But he's got high hopes, he's got high hopes
He's got high apple pie, in the sky hopes
So any time your gettin' low
'stead of lettin' go
Just remember that ant
Oops there goes another rubber tree plant
When troubles call, and your back's to the wall
There a lot to be learned, that wall could fall
Once there was a silly old ram
Thought he'd punch a hole in a dam
No one could make that ram, scram
He kept buttin' that dam
'Cause he had high hopes, he had high hopes
He had high apple pie, in the sky hopes
So any time your feelin' bad
'stead of feelin' sad
Just remember that ram
Oops there goes a billion kilowatt dam
All problems just a toy balloon
They'll be bursted soon
They're just bound to go pop
Oops there goes another problem kerplop
~~~~~~~~~~
Matthew 19:26
But Jesus looked at them and said to them,
“With men this is impossible, but with God all things are possible.”
(to be continued...)
_____________________________
Jn 14:27;Php 4:6-8 Peace
Link: Jim's Reflections
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RE: Reflections - 4/20/2006 3:26:08 PM
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peaceofGod
Posts: 8034
Joined: 11/30/2005
From: Texas
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Oops there goes another rubber tree plant
Is it really true that the big problems will topple if we just keep working on the smaller ones? Well, it is true that the whole of a quantity equals the sum of all of its parts.
A long hike is achieved one step at a time.
A year passes by at a rate of one month at a time. A month passes at the rate of one week at a time. A week passes at the rate of one day at a time. A day passes at the rate of one hour at a time. An hour passes at the rate of one second at a time.
One second seems to be a very short span of time, but it keeps on going. Soon, there’s another second and another until there’s a minute. And so it goes, the seconds don’t stop.
Oops there goes another year already.
One problem at a time. One challenge at a time. One function at a time. One step at a time. One second at a time.
Oops there goes another rubber tree plant
(to be continued...)
_____________________________
Jn 14:27;Php 4:6-8 Peace
Link: Jim's Reflections
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RE: Reflections - 4/21/2006 1:10:19 PM
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peaceofGod
Posts: 8034
Joined: 11/30/2005
From: Texas
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Patience
Now here is something I would really like to have – Patience.
I want patience and I want it RIGHT NOW!  
While growing up, I was taught to push myself, drive myself, force myself through fatigue and to ignore discomfort and pain, but to GO, GO, GO! “Drive” meant to push oneself, not just to direct oneself. But we are now in a different generation which is coping with the stress created by the generation which said we must drive ourselves in order to achieve goals.
John 14:27 "Peace I leave with you, My peace I give to you; not as the world gives do I give to you. Let not your heart be troubled, neither let it be afraid.
Psalm 37:7 (KJV)
Rest in the Lord, and wait patiently for him: fret not thyself because of him who prospereth in his way, because of the man who bringeth wicked devices to pass.
Psalm 37:7 (MsgB)
Quiet down before God,
be prayerful before him.
Don't bother with those who climb the ladder,
who elbow their way to the top.
Yet, when we enter into uncharted territory, when we advance into the unknown, I tend to create my own stress instead of relying on the source of peace, the source of calm. I need to be still and listen for God.
Often, as you might imagine from reading earlier entries of this blog, I’ve found myself in unfamiliar territory. Quiet, calm, still peace I did not have. Perfect trust in the source of all that I wanted is a quality that I did not have. But He eventually came through anyway because of His mercy.
Matthew 11:28 Come unto me, all ye that labour and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest.
Matthew 11:29 Take my yoke upon you, and learn of me; for I am meek and lowly in heart: and ye shall find rest unto your souls.
: 30 For My yoke is easy and My burden is light.
Lamentations 3:24 "The LORD is my portion," says my soul,
"Therefore I hope in Him!"
25 The LORD is good to those who wait for Him,
To the soul who seeks Him.
26 It is good that one should hope and wait quietly for the salvation of the LORD.
Okay. I agree with all of these scriptures (academically) but, somehow, I still have failings when it comes to patience. Can anyone tell me by PM how to achieve patience in every situation?
Patience is something I really would like to have.
(to be continued...)
_____________________________
Jn 14:27;Php 4:6-8 Peace
Link: Jim's Reflections
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RE: Reflections - 4/24/2006 9:27:28 AM
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peaceofGod
Posts: 8034
Joined: 11/30/2005
From: Texas
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Exodus 14:14 (NIV)
The LORD will fight for you; you need only to be still.
Looking back on my life, I see that God has provided a way through each challenge as He did with ancient Israel when He provided a way through the Red Sea or when He gave victory over a nation that set itself against ancient Israel.
2Chron 20:17 (NIV) You will not have to fight this battle. Take up your positions; stand firm and see the deliverance the LORD will give you, O Judah and Jerusalem. Do not be afraid; do not be discouraged. Go out to face them tomorrow, and the LORD will be with you.
But I didn’t always see His hand while going through a problem. As a matter of fact, most situations were as though I was walking blindly in the dark while trusting/hoping for God to move on my behalf. What I didn’t always recognize at the time was that He was there all along the way and I didn’t need to fret. But I did fret. I didn’t need to go through worry and anguish, but I did.
Oh, but how much easier life would have been had I totally trusted him and waited with patience.
Ps 46:10 (NIV) Be still, and know that I am God; I will be exalted among the nations, I will be exalted in the earth. :11 The LORD Almighty is with us; the God of Jacob is our fortress.
No wonder we can have a sound mind in every situation.
2 Timothy 1:7 For God has not given us a spirit of fear, but of power and of love and of a sound mind.
Exodus 14:14 (NIV)
The LORD will fight for you; you need only to be still.
(to be continued)
_____________________________
Jn 14:27;Php 4:6-8 Peace
Link: Jim's Reflections
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RE: Reflections - 4/25/2006 11:56:26 AM
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peaceofGod
Posts: 8034
Joined: 11/30/2005
From: Texas
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Psalm 27:14
Stay with God!
Take heart. Don't quit.
I'll say it again:
Stay with God.
What I desire is a state of mind where I can stop worrying and start living; where I am in the zone; where I am in sync with Jesus; where I am on His wave length; where I become ONE with Him the great I AM.
How great would it be to be people after God’s own heart as David was?
Psalm 27:1-14 (MsgB)
A David psalm
Light, space, zest—
that's God!
So, with him on my side I'm fearless,
afraid of no one and nothing.
[2] When vandal hordes ride down
ready to eat me alive,
Those bullies and toughs
fall flat on their faces.
[3] When besieged,
I'm calm as a baby.
When all hell breaks loose,
I'm collected and cool.
[4] I'm asking God for one thing,
only one thing:
To live with him in his house
my whole life long.
I'll contemplate his beauty;
I'll study at his feet.
[5] That's the only quiet, secure place
in a noisy world,
The perfect getaway,
far from the buzz of traffic.
[6] God holds me head and shoulders
above all who try to pull me down.
I'm headed for his place to offer anthems
that will raise the roof!
Already I'm singing God-songs;
I'm making music to God.
[7] Listen, God, I'm calling at the top of my lungs:
"Be good to me! Answer me!"
[8] When my heart whispered, "Seek God,"
my whole being replied,
"I'm seeking him!"
[9] Don't hide from me now!
You've always been right there for me;
don't turn your back on me now.
Don't throw me out, don't abandon me;
you've always kept the door open.
[10] My father and mother walked out and left me,
but God took me in.
[11] Point me down your highway, God;
direct me along a well-lighted street;
show my enemies whose side you're on.
[12] Don't throw me to the dogs,
those liars who are out to get me,
filling the air with their threats.
[13] I'm sure now I'll see God's goodness
in the exuberant earth.
Psalm 27:14
Stay with God!
Take heart. Don't quit.
I'll say it again:
Stay with God.
(to be continued...)
_____________________________
Jn 14:27;Php 4:6-8 Peace
Link: Jim's Reflections
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RE: Reflections - 4/26/2006 2:48:50 PM
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peaceofGod
Posts: 8034
Joined: 11/30/2005
From: Texas
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The Toilet Perspective
Back in the early 60s when I was in college, I had a job on the janitor crew on campus. One day the boss called me into his office and explained that the college had just bought a service station and was going to use it as the office of the Transportation Department. As part of the preparation, the service station toilet needed to be cleaned.
My assignment – clean the toilet. My lofty assignment as a Theology Major in college was to clean the toilet. 
Okay. He gave me the key to the toilet and away I went with cleaning equipment. But, oh, when I opened the door to that restroom the stench that came from it made me gag.
After catching my breath, I took a long, long deep breath, held it and step into the bathroom to examine it. Whew! The commode had backed up and overflowed with fecal matter mixed with toilet paper and putrid water mixed with urine. The sink, the floor and the walls were all beyond description.
Back outside I went and emptied my lungs of the air I was holding and again caught my breath. After a few more deep breaths, I held my breath and stepped back into the bathroom. I flushed the toilet but it back up even more and overflowed onto the floor. It was stopped up. I got a plunger and went to work on it while holding my breath and taking frequent breaks to step out of the bathroom and get air.
This task was not what I would have called my calling in life. But, at that time and in that place, it was my calling. There was no way I could have completed the job had not God been there giving me strength (especially intestinal fortitude) every step of the way.
God has a way of giving us perspective, doesn’t He?
Without that perspective, we would have a terribly hard time with the menial chores of each day.
Without our Creator in the picture, everything else is nothing but vanity – as valuable as a puff of air – here one second and gone the next.
Eph 6:5 Slaves, obey your earthly masters with respect and fear, and with sincerity of heart, just as you would obey Christ. 6 Obey them not only to win their favor when their eye is on you, but like slaves of Christ, doing the will of God from your heart. Serve wholeheartedly, as if you were serving the Lord, not men, 8 because you know that the Lord will reward everyone for whatever good he does, whether he is slave or free.
(Until next time....)
_____________________________
Jn 14:27;Php 4:6-8 Peace
Link: Jim's Reflections
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RE: Reflections - 4/27/2006 12:53:07 PM
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peaceofGod
Posts: 8034
Joined: 11/30/2005
From: Texas
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This, too, Shall Pass
But The Good Will Last Forever
Maybe it’s easier for you but when I’m in a stressful or painful situation, it’s hard for me to realize that this, too, shall pass. Time marches on and the present becomes the past.
When I was cleaning that putrid toilet, I didn’t imagine that a time would come when I would be calm about it. Now here I am, over 40 years later, calmly writing it into a blog.
At the time, it was a major challenge. One might say that it was a crisis, but now it’s merely a memory. Only lessons from it remain.
Evil is temporary, but good lasts forever.
After all, the wages of sin is death but the gift of God is eternal life (Romans 6:23).
It would seem to be a good idea to focus on the good and not the evil.
Amos 5:14 (NRSV) Seek good and not evil, that you may live; and so the LORD, the God of hosts, will be with you, just as you have said.
1 Peter 3:11 (NRSV) let them turn away from evil and do good; let them seek peace and pursue it.
Hmmmmm (thinking).......Will I ever learn this lesson?
Revelation 21
:1 Then I saw a new heaven and a new earth;
for the first heaven and the first earth had passed away,
and the sea was no more.
:2 And I saw the holy city, the new Jerusalem,
coming down out of heaven from God,
prepared as a bride adorned for her husband.
:3 And I heard a loud voice from the throne saying,
"See, the home of God is among mortals.
He will dwell with them as their God;
they will be his peoples, and God himself will be with them;
:4 he will wipe every tear from their eyes.
Death will be no more;
mourning and crying and pain will be no more,
for the first things have passed away."
:5 And the one who was seated on the throne said,
"See, I am making all things new."
Also he said, "Write this,
for these words are trustworthy and true."
(Until next time...)
_____________________________
Jn 14:27;Php 4:6-8 Peace
Link: Jim's Reflections
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RE: Reflections - 4/28/2006 2:41:49 PM
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peaceofGod
Posts: 8034
Joined: 11/30/2005
From: Texas
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Easy Does It
What a mouthful – these three words, Easy Does It.
In the context of enduring to the end, this phrase can mean to pace ourselves so that we can keep on keeping on. It can mean to avoid getting too wound up, too excited. It can mean to be balanced. It can mean “not too much too soon.”
By using the Easy Does It philosophy, we can theoretically avoid getting too tired.
Romans 2:7 (NIV) To those who by persistence in doing good seek glory, honor and immortality, he will give eternal life.
When I get too excited, I become prone to making mistakes.
Galatians 6:9 (NIV) Let us not become weary in doing good, for at the proper time we will reap a harvest if we do not give up.
Nervous energy tends to replace clear thinking when I fail to follow the Easy Does It plan. Fatigue sets in with discouragement not far behind.
2 Thessalonians 3:13 (NIV) And as for you, brothers, never tire of doing what is right.
DON'T QUIT
Author Unknown
When things go wrong as they sometimes will
When the road you're trudging seems all uphill
When the funds are low and the debts are high
And you want to smile but you have to sigh
When care is pressing you down a bit --
Rest if you must but don't quit.
Success is failure turned inside out
The silver tint of the clouds of doubt
And you never can tell how close you are
It may be near when it seems afar.
So stick to the fight when you're hardest hit
It's when things go wrong that you mustn't quit.
If we give up, it could be all over. But if we Easy Does It, we are still in there, keeping on keeping on. And we have a chance to go forward, unswerving, unflinching, and indomitable until the whole task is done (to borrow a phrase from Sir Winston Churchill).
How great would it be to pace ourselves such that the Holy Spirit always is ahead of our minds, and our minds always are ahead of our emotions and actions?
Easy Does It
(Until next time....)
_____________________________
Jn 14:27;Php 4:6-8 Peace
Link: Jim's Reflections
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Current Life - 4/29/2006 4:00:48 PM
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peaceofGod
Posts: 8034
Joined: 11/30/2005
From: Texas
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Current Life
The 1960s, 70s, 80s, and 90s, I think, are all briefly covered in this blog. Also the meeting and marriage of Wilma and me are covered. But I have not fully explained my employment situation except to say that I am retired (on Social Security) early primarily due to Chronic Fatigue Immune Dysfunction Syndrome (CFIDS).
After losing my job with my sister and brother-in-law’s business which went out of business, I went to Tarrant County College (TCC) and studied counseling. TCC did not accept my college credits because the college I graduated from was not accredited, but TCC did allow me to take classes toward certification. However, my health gave out while doing the internship.
The classes and experience have already been useful in preparing sermons and leading Discipleship Classes at Church. So, I guess the education is not wasted. I’ve heard it said that education never is totally wasted.
Wilma, my wife, is a software engineer and still working. I do what I can to help her by way of fixing her daily lunch to take to work, cleaning house, washing the dishes and doing most of the cooking and shopping. Well, of course, there is taking care of our front and back lawns. In short, I try to ease her burden of working long hours. We both are very thankful for her job.
Also, keep a close eye on my 90 year-old Mother who lives about a mile from us. That is, I take her shopping, take her to her doctor appointments, fill her prescriptions and fill her pill box each week for her daily doses. Because she has very poor hearing, I am her “translator” as well. No, she does not know sign language, but I can usually make myself understood to her by speaking slowly into her “good” ear and raising my voice as well as by rephrasing sentences that she has trouble understanding.
Along with these daily chores and errands, I do my exercises in hopes of someday building up enough to get a job or to at least be ready for whatever God has for me in the future. You’re probably familiar with the Boy Scouts Motto, Be Prepared. Such is what I’m doing to be prepared for the future.
Of course, there’s the matter of preparing and giving sermons and the matter of leading Discipleship Class each week at Church.
Because of my aches & pains along with sinus congestion from allergies – all related to the CFIDS – each day is a challenge which I cope with by way of prayer and by keeping on keeping on.
Such, basically, is my current life. The importance for me to stay positive and to focus on all that is good (Jesus Christ) is paramount.
Philippians 4:8
Finally, beloved, whatever is true, whatever is honorable,
whatever is just, whatever is pure, whatever is pleasing,
whatever is commendable, if there is any excellence
and if there is anything worthy of praise, think about these things.
_____________________________
Jn 14:27;Php 4:6-8 Peace
Link: Jim's Reflections
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Peace Of God - 5/1/2006 12:07:54 PM
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peaceofGod
Posts: 8034
Joined: 11/30/2005
From: Texas
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PeaceofGod
PeaceofGod is my chosen online name because it represents what I seek. I don’t claim to have the full peace that our Savior offers, but there is much more of it in my life now than there has been in the past. More than once, I’ve recently been told that I’m blessed. I am blessed and am thankful for the peace that our Creator has given.
What do you think of when you hear the word “Peace”?
By “peace” I don’t merely mean the absence of war but I think you know what I mean. I mean peace of mind and spirit. I mean the peace of Jesus Christ. I mean calm assurance and ability to see good in life. I mean freedom from detrimental anxiety. I mean having a positive outlook. I mean being able to laugh. I mean being able to pray without being forced to do so by a crisis. I mean being able to relaxed most of the time.
This is the kind of peace that I have not had most of my life but the kind that is growing inside of me now.
The phrase “peace be unto you” means much more to me now than it used to mean.
May you have this peace.
Peace be unto you until next time.
_____________________________
Jn 14:27;Php 4:6-8 Peace
Link: Jim's Reflections
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Gracious Toward God? - 5/2/2006 11:13:43 AM
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peaceofGod
Posts: 8034
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From: Texas
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Gracious Toward God?
Please be patient with me while I examine myself and give you an expose.
Our denomination has been recipient of a lot of grace.
Wait a minute. As an individual, I have been recipient of a lot of grace. That is, God has forgiven much where I am concerned and has been very gracious.
I grew up with a frame of mind that was fashioned by society (maybe I can blame it on society), a mind which is basically self-centered rather than God centered. Well, I grew up knowing about God but I seemed naturally to have a mind that sought to get for myself instead of seeking to give something for nothing to someone else. Because of my way of thinking, I have transgressed against the royal law of love and deserve death. After all, I have had a mindset that is contrary to God.
But the Father through Jesus Christ calls us and gives grace to us. Right? We are forgiven even though we do not deserve forgiveness. We are delivered from the penalty of sin, which is death and are given eternal life (Romans 6:23) —all from God’s grace toward us.
Isn’t God’s grace wonderful and amazing?
Shouldn’t I be gracious toward God for the gifts, which God has given me instead of wanting desiring more gifts, or instead of wanting something different from what He already gives me?
I can be so focused on God’s grace toward me that, sometimes, I don’t think of expressing grace toward Him. Not that He needs forgiveness or grace from me or that He does anything wrong but I sometimes can act and think as though He is too slow to act or I sometimes reject the way He does act. It’s all too easy for me to become dissatisfied with those undeserved gifts God has given. It’s all too easy to think that I deserve more gifts than I have even though I know good and well that I don’t deserve what I do have. Such is human nature I guess.
Understatement: It is a good idea to be gracious toward God instead of putting demands on him based upon my will instead of His will. It is not my job to put demands on God. After all, I belong to Him.
Philippians 4:11 Not that I am referring to being in need; for I have learned to be content with whatever I have.
When I have this kind of contentment, I experience a peace that is beyond understanding.
Maybe I should wait patiently for God when I ask Him to do something.
But I’m being facetious, aren’t I?
Thanks for being patient with me.
(Until next time...)
_____________________________
Jn 14:27;Php 4:6-8 Peace
Link: Jim's Reflections
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God's Grace -- Pass It On? - 5/3/2006 1:56:19 PM
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peaceofGod
Posts: 8034
Joined: 11/30/2005
From: Texas
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God’s Grace
Pass It On?
Since our Denomination has changed from being works-based to being grace-based, I have found the subject of grace quite fascinating.
Don’t you find a gracious hostess or host to be delightful? Isn’t it pleasant to be around someone who is skilled in social graces, courteous, polite and easily passes over transgressions and mistakes? I suspect that such displays of grace express Godly characteristics.
His grace toward is so great that we often describe it as being amazing.
The book of Ephesians comes to mind.
Ephesians Chapter 1: God’s goodness: ch. 2: our sinfulness and God’s grace; The rest of the book: God’s will that His grace in us produces good works—what those works are. They are many manifestations of God’s love which is different from human, selfish love. God’s love is the desire to give & serve (give something for nothing) while human love is the desire to get a reward.
Ephesians 2
1 You were dead through the trespasses and sins
2 in which you once lived, following the course of this world, following the ruler of the power of the air, the spirit that is now at work among those who are disobedient.
3 All of us once lived among them in the passions of our flesh, following the desires of flesh and senses, and we were by nature children of wrath, like everyone else.
4 But God, who is rich in mercy, out of the great love with which he loved us
5 even when we were dead through our trespasses, made us alive together with Christ--by grace you have been saved--
6 and raised us up with him and seated us with him in the heavenly places in Christ Jesus,
7 so that in the ages to come he might show the immeasurable riches of his grace in kindness toward us in Christ Jesus.
8 For by grace you have been saved through faith, and this is not your own doing; it is the gift of God--
9 not the result of works, so that no one may boast.
10 For we are what he has made us, created in Christ Jesus for good works, which God prepared beforehand to be our way of life.
Then there is Romans 12:1-8 and Lamentations 3:21-24.
And there is Eph. 4:7
Grace is given as Christ apportions it. When we think about it, we realize that all of the gifts are given out of grace.
Should I not discover my gifts and pass them on?
God has been gracious and merciful to me. Should I not be gracious and merciful to others? Certainly, if Jesus is living in me, I will be doing so.
Ephesians 3
:16 I pray that, according to the riches of his glory, he may grant that you may be strengthened in your inner being with power through his Spirit, :17 and that Christ may dwell in your hearts through faith, as you are being rooted and grounded in love.
(Until Next Time...)
_____________________________
Jn 14:27;Php 4:6-8 Peace
Link: Jim's Reflections
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Overcoming Evil With Good - 5/4/2006 4:21:00 PM
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peaceofGod
Posts: 8034
Joined: 11/30/2005
From: Texas
Status: offline
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Romans 12:21 (NKJV)
Do not be overcome by evil, but overcome evil with good.
If you are like me, you have faced what you consider to be quite a bit of evil such as ill health (physical or mental). Maybe you have had to battle addiction, or crime. Maybe you have been accused falsely. Maybe you have been oppressed and/or deceived. Or maybe you have had to face any number of other indignities.
Whatever our struggle might be, the concept of overcoming evil with good is worth considering.
Here are some thoughts.
Romans 12:21 (MsgB)
Don't let evil get the best of you; get the best of evil by doing good.
Victory is not achieved by defense alone, but by furious, unrelenting assault—Sir Winston Churchill.
Overwhelm evil by leaving no room for it, filling our lives with good, with God.
"We shall fight on the beaches. We shall fight on the landing grounds. We shall fight in the fields, and in the streets, we shall fight in the hills. We shall never surrender!" Speech about Dunkirk given in House of Commons June 4, 1940.
The truth of the matter is that it is Love that never surrenders.
1 Corinthians 13 (NKJV)
7 bears all things, believes all things, hopes all things, endures all things.
8 Love never fails. But whether there are prophecies, they will fail; whether there are tongues, they will cease; whether there is knowledge, it will vanish away.
9 For we know in part and we prophesy in part.
10 But when that which is perfect has come, then that which is in part will be done away.
11 When I was a child, I spoke as a child, I understood as a child, I thought as a child; but when I became a man, I put away childish things.
12 For now we see in a mirror, dimly, but then face to face. Now I know in part, but then I shall know just as I also am known.
13 And now abide faith, hope, love, these three; but the greatest of these is love.
As long as we do not abandon God’s Love, we are on the winning side, because the only way to overcome evil is with good.
But how?
(Until next time….)
< Message edited by peaceofGod -- 5/4/2006 4:43:22 PM >
_____________________________
Jn 14:27;Php 4:6-8 Peace
Link: Jim's Reflections
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RE: Overcoming Evil With Good--How? - 5/5/2006 5:22:29 PM
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peaceofGod
Posts: 8034
Joined: 11/30/2005
From: Texas
Status: offline
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Overcoming Evil with Good--How?
How to do it is the hard part.
I submit the following to you for consideration. I’ve been trying it (far from perfectly  ...of course).
Here are some concepts to try on to see if they fit.
Focus on Him.
Fill our lives with Him.
Study His Word.
Notice his interests.
Communicate with Him.
Yield to Him.
Notice what He is doing and fall in step with His works.
Live the life of God’s Love.
Whew! Easier said than done, Right?
Oh, and her's another idea: Immerse ourselves in God’s way. When we have a close friend, we desire to be with that friend as much as possible, all the time. Our goal is be become one with God, to be His faithful friend.
One way to focus on Him is to think about His various names which describe different facets of His nature.
Another way to focus on Him is to think about His ways such as are described in the Sermon on the Mount (Matthew 5).
Let’s think about something. When we dwell on Satan and his demons, we become more susceptible to them than ever. When we dwell on evil, we become more susceptible to evil than ever. When we dwell on our weaknesses, we become weaker than ever. When we dwell on temptations, we become weaker than ever.
Example: Radio & TV Evangelist who repeatedly raged against sexual sins. He preached against them, attacked them and what happened? He committed adultery, his sexual sins were exposed and he is no longer a radio & TV Evangelist.
But when we dwell on our Creator, Savior and Lord, we become stronger than ever.
Here’s an idea:
Get in step with Him and when He turns, turn with Him, always talking with Him, walking and talking with God along the way.
Wow! Can a person do this and still be human?
Some relevant scriptures.
Ephes. 6:18 (KJV)
Praying always with all prayer and supplication in the Spirit, and watching thereunto with all perseverance and supplication for all saints;
Ephes. 6:18 (MsgB)
In the same way, prayer is essential in this ongoing warfare. Pray hard and long. Pray for your brothers and sisters. Keep your eyes open. Keep each other's spirits up so that no one falls behind or drops out.
John 15:5 (MsgB)
I am the Vine, you are the branches. When you're joined with me and I with you, the relation intimate and organic, the harvest is sure to be abundant. Separated, you can't produce a thing.
Philippians 4:13 I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me.
Ephesians 6:10 Finally, be strong in the Lord, and in the strength of his might.
Romans 12:9-21 (MsgB)
Love from the center of who you are; don't fake it. Run for dear life from evil; hold on for dear life to good. [10] Be good friends who love deeply; practice playing second fiddle.
[11] Don't burn out; keep yourselves fueled and aflame. Be alert servants of the Master, [12] cheerfully expectant. Don't quit in hard times; pray all the harder. [13] Help needy Christians; be inventive in hospitality.
[14] Bless your enemies; no cursing under your breath. [15] Laugh with your happy friends when they're happy; share tears when they're down. [16] Get along with each other; don't be stuck-up. Make friends with nobodies; don't be the great somebody.
[17] Don't hit back; discover beauty in everyone. [18] If you've got it in you, get along with everybody. [19] Don't insist on getting even; that's not for you to do. "I'll do the judging," says God. "I'll take care of it."
[20] Our Scriptures tell us that if you see your enemy hungry, go buy that person lunch, or if he's thirsty, get him a drink. Your generosity will surprise him with goodness. [21] Don't let evil get the best of you; get the best of evil by doing good.
Luke 11:34 (KJV)
The light of the body is the eye: therefore when thine eye is single, thy whole body also is full of light; but when thine eye is evil, thy body also is full of darkness.
I Corinthians 13:6 … it does not rejoice in wrongdoing, but rejoices in the truth.
The battle of our minds—the progression of sin.
James 1:14-15 (KJV)
But every man is tempted, when he is drawn away of his own lust, and enticed. [15] Then when lust hath conceived, it bringeth forth sin: and sin, when it is finished, bringeth forth death.
James 1:14-15 (MsgB)
The temptation to give in to evil comes from us and only us. We have no one to blame but the leering, seducing flare-up of our own lust. [15] Lust gets pregnant, and has a baby: sin! Sin grows up to adulthood, and becomes a real killer.
2 Cor. 10:1-5 (KJV)
Now I Paul myself beseech you by the meekness and gentleness of Christ, who in presence am base among you, but being absent am bold toward you: [2] But I beseech you, that I may not be bold when I am present with that confidence, wherewith I think to be bold against some, which think of us as if we walked according to the flesh. [3] For though we walk in the flesh, we do not war after the flesh: [4] (For the weapons of our warfare are not carnal, but mighty through God to the pulling down of strong holds;) [5] Casting down imaginations, and every high thing that exalteth itself against the knowledge of God, and bringing into captivity every thought to the obedience of Christ;
Romans 12:9 (KJV)
Let love be without dissimulation. Abhor that which is evil; cleave to that which is good.
Romans 12:9 (MsgB)
Love from the center of who you are; don't fake it. Run for dear life from evil; hold on for dear life to good.
1 Peter 3:11 (KJV)
Let him eschew evil, and do good; let him seek peace, and ensue it.
1 Peter 3:11 (MsgB)
Snub evil and cultivate good;
Run after peace for all you're worth.
Get the drift?
How can anything else be as important as seeking our Lord?
It is through our Lord & Savior that victory is ours. Actually, the victory is His.
It is through Him that we can go forward, unswerving, unflinching, indomitable, and totally fixed on Jesus Christ now and forever.
So……What do you think? There’s enough here to choke a horse but I hope you find something worth your while.
Romans 12:21 (KJV)
Be not overcome of evil, but overcome evil with good.
_____________________________
Jn 14:27;Php 4:6-8 Peace
Link: Jim's Reflections
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Lessons Learned? - 5/8/2006 12:25:19 PM
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peaceofGod
Posts: 8034
Joined: 11/30/2005
From: Texas
Status: offline
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Lessons Learned?
Whew! 
Today is one of those days when I have to remember the lesson of taking one step at a time. Today is a day when I’m functioning through a cloud of tired foggy thinking and aching muscles. But it will get better. This too shall pass.
I’m recovering from a weekend of house guests, including our three-year-old grandson and 3 month old granddaughter and their parents. They are all absolutely delightful but the change in schedule for the day played havoc with my Chronic Fatigue Syndrome.
I guess I got caught up in the excitement and just forgot to eat on time and to rest in a timely fashion. How great it would be to learn the lesson and keep mindful of health needs even when embroiled in activity.
Maybe this time is the time that I learn the lesson. Think so?
< Message edited by peaceofGod -- 5/8/2006 1:13:09 PM >
_____________________________
Jn 14:27;Php 4:6-8 Peace
Link: Jim's Reflections
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