tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-223505992024-03-13T15:59:22.816-04:00From Where God SitsA "mostly sometimes" blog written by Herb Shaffer that provides the Bible's perspective on everyday life.Herb Shafferhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09965716309878183528noreply@blogger.comBlogger134125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-22350599.post-56200596559099107582019-04-03T17:32:00.000-04:002019-04-03T17:32:04.911-04:00The Hatrack<div class="Chaptertitles">
<span style="font-size: 11.5pt;"> </span><span style="font-size: 11.5pt;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Way, way back when our oldest daughter, Carissa, was a mere
toddler, I played a game with her. On cold days following worship, I would sit
her on the top of the hat rack in the lobby of the church I pastored in Beaver,
PA to bundle her up. It was easier. Because she was up high she wouldn’t squirm
as much while I wrestled her into hat, coat, and mittens. (If you are thinking
I was a negligent father, putting my daughter at risk, relax. She was safe.
Otherwise Sheila would have killed me!) After she looked like Charlie Brown
ready to play in the snow, I would step back. She would hold out her arms and
stare at me. “Do you trust me?” I would ask. “Yes” came the little toddler
voice. “Then jump! I promise I will catch you.” Since I was a step away, she could
not bring herself to do it. She said she trusted me… but there was a limit to
that trust.</span></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 11.5pt;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"> “C'mon,” I would coax her. “I’m your dad. I would never let you
fall. I'm strong and you can trust me. Now, jump!” From that distance, she would
not do it. So I moved a little closer and she would lean toward me, expecting
me to reach up to grab her. Realizing I was not coming quite close enough, she
would pull back, fear in her little eyes. Again, “Do you trust me? Then jump! I
<i>promise</i> I will catch you. You have
nothing to be afraid of.” She would try to reach me, to touch me, but could not
quite make the stretch. And she’d pull back. She could not leave the “safety”
of the hat rack, not realizing she was safer in my arms than up there.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 11.5pt;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"> Finally, I would move close enough that she could lean to
within a few inches. “Do you trust me?” I would ask again. “Then jump into my
arms!” And she would. She could trust her dad with those few inches. I would
pull her tight, hug her and tell her, “You can trust me. I would never, ever,
ever, ever let you fall.” As time went on, she overcame her fear to jump from
greater and greater distances. Sometimes trust takes time and experience to
kick in.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<b><i><span style="font-size: 11.5pt;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Do
you trust me??<o:p></o:p></span></span></i></b></div>
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<span style="font-size: 11.5pt;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"> One of my favorite scenes in moviedom is when Indiana Jones
comes to a seemingly impassable chasm while attempting to retrieve the Holy
Grail to save his father. He looks down in terror, knowing he has only a few
minutes to reach the other side before his father dies. The only clue he has to
work with is, “The man of God will walk by faith.” He recognizes the implication:
he must step out into thin air and trust that something good will happen. Indiana
closes his eyes, lifts one foot and steps into the cavern. Instead of tumbling
to the bottom, his foot lands on solid ground. The bridge is disguised to look
like the ravine. He throws dirt onto the bridge so he can see it and quickly
crosses over. A moment of faith changed everything.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<b><i><span style="font-size: 11.5pt;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Do
you trust me??<o:p></o:p></span></span></i></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 15.0pt; mso-line-height-rule: exactly; tab-stops: .25in;">
<span style="font-size: 11.5pt;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"> That was the question facing Jesus as He prayed in the Garden
of Gethsemane. He knew that only a few hours separated Him from a Roman cross. He
knew the agony of the physical pain because He had watched men hang exposed for
days. He also knew the agony of shouldering the pain of all of mankind’s sin was
awaiting Him -- being cut off from the Father. Crying out to His Dad, He begged
for another plan. “Do you trust me?” were the words God seemed to be saying.
“Do you trust me in My plan? Do you trust me in your pain? Do you trust me that
it will be better on the other side? Do you trust me to raise you to life?” He
did, and it changed <i>everything<b>!</b></i> For Him. For you. For me. For the
world now and forever.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<b><i><span style="font-size: 11.5pt;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Do
you trust me??<o:p></o:p></span></span></i></b></div>
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<span style="font-size: 11.5pt;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"> It’s pretty easy to trust God when He is within inches as we
sit on the hat racks of life. When leaping into His arms is a fairly guaranteed
deal. When there's not much chance He can or will pull away. It’s a much
different proposition when He’s across the room, we’re stuck on the hat rack,
no one else is around and there is not a ladder in the building. Then He says,
“Jump!” from twenty feet away. In those times it seems that God is just not
making sense. And there’s no possible way He can catch us. And He’s not answering
our pleas for explanations. And we’re in pain. And the janitors are turning out
the lights. And no one else appears to have to sit on the hat rack or jump. And
we’ve got lots of reasons, facts and proven studies of why it is not healthy to
jump. And God doesn’t seem to want to hear any of it; He <i>just wants us to jump</i>.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<b><i><span style="font-size: 11.5pt;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Do
you trust me??<o:p></o:p></span></span></i></b></div>
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<span style="font-size: 11.5pt;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"> It isn’t trust if Carissa can grab me before she leaves the hat
rack. It isn’t trust if Indiana can see the bridge before he steps. It isn’t
trust for Jesus if there is no cross, no pain, no death, no separation from the
Father and no resurrection. And it isn’t trust for us if we don’t obey even
when it doesn’t make sense. But in every case, it is better after making the
leap of trust than it was before. Carissa’s safely in my arms, Indiana’s healing
of his father, Jesus’ glory. And for you -- intimacy with God and experiencing
His work in our lives in ways we cannot see.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<b><i><span style="font-size: 11.5pt;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Do
you trust me??<o:p></o:p></span></span></i></b></div>
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<span style="font-size: 11.5pt;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"> Whatever you’re facing, trust God. Listen carefully for His
voice. (Don't you dare jump until you hear His instructions -- there's a
difference between obedient trust and stupidity). But once you hear His voice,
jump! God <i>wants</i> to, <i>longs</i> to catch you. Refuse to give into
the human desire to be in control, to trust yourself. Just jump. Close your eyes
if you have to, but leap! It is always better on the other side. It may take a
while to get there, but you’ll be glad you did when you feel the strong, loving
arms of your Heavenly Dad envelop you. Hold you. Protect you. Reassure you. Love
you. Otherwise you may be sitting on a hat rack for the rest of your life. </span><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 11.5pt;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="Scripture11pt">
<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;">(Jesus said) “Do not let your hearts be troubled. Trust
in God; trust also in me.” John 14:1</span></div>
<div class="Scripture11pt">
<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="Scripture11pt" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;">And we
know that all that happens to us is working for our good if we love God and are
fitting into his plans. </span><span style="font-family: Times, "Times New Roman", serif;"> </span><span style="font-family: Times, "Times New Roman", serif;">Romans
8:28 (TLB)</span></span></div>
<div class="Scripture11pt" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: Times, "Times New Roman", serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="Scripture11pt" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: arial, helvetica, sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: large;">(This blog entry is chapter 37 of my book, "From Where God Sits," available at Amazon.com)</span></span></div>
Herb Shafferhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09965716309878183528noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-22350599.post-15513423167984752952019-03-07T15:45:00.003-05:002019-03-07T15:45:52.582-05:00A NEW WAY OF SEEING<br />
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<b><i><span style="font-size: 11.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Can You See It?</span></span></i></b></div>
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<span style="font-size: 11.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>“Dad,
Dad! Look at this!” said my oldest son, Andrew, as he walked into the living
room with an open book in his hand. “This is so cool!” he said, pointing to a
multi-colored graphic of…nothing. To me, it was a bunch of colored shapes. Nice
colors, mind you, but I didn’t get his excitement. Ordinarily, this middle-schooler
was impressed with nothing short of shaking hands with a professional baseball
player or landing on the moon. I felt his forehead for the fever that would
explain enthusiasm for a book of colored shapes. <o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 11.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>“There’s
nothing there,” I said confidently. He smiled. I know that smile. So do you.
It’s the one that communicates with a simple facial expression that he knows
something that his dad doesn’t, therefore he is highly intelligent and his dad
is a cave man (with all due respect to cave men). <o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 11.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>“Yes,
there is, Dad. The picture is hidden.”<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 11.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>I looked
again. More closely. Stared and searched, grasping to regain my “dad is smart”
standing. Not. A. Thing. And the boy once again smiled that condescending
smile.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 11.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>“There
is nothing there,” I said, with what I hoped was confidence. “You’re just
trying to fool me.”<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 11.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>“No,
really, Dad. Look at the picture. There are dinosaurs.” <o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 11.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>“Sheila,
what is the doctor’s number? We need to take this boy there quick. He’s
hallucinating.”<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 11.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>“Daaaad!”
he said, using the universal pronunciation children use when frustrated and
disgusted. Especially when the man who sired them tells “dad” jokes. <o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 11.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>“You
have to look <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">through</i> the picture to
see the hidden picture. It’s a ‘Magic Eye’<a href="file:///C:/Users/herbs/Documents/Herb%2018-5-7/All%20Documents/Herb/blog%20documents/11-9f/19-3-3%20week%20of-%20FWGS%20blogpost.docx#_edn1" name="_ednref1" style="mso-endnote-id: edn1;" title=""><sup><span style="mso-special-character: footnote;"><!--[if !supportFootnotes]--><sup><span style="font-size: 11pt;">[i]</span></sup><!--[endif]--></span></sup></a>
picture.” <o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 11.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>I made
for the car keys thinking we should go to straight to the ER and bypass the
doctor. <o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 11.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>“Just
try it, Dad.” I tried it. Nothing. Except the mish-mash of colors as before.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 11.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>The
smile turned to delighted, patronizing laughter. <o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 11.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>“I can
see it,” a voice sounded. I glanced up to see my daughter peering over my
shoulder. “There are four dinosaurs. Two in the back, one there and a baby in
the front. Aww, isn’t he cute?!” <o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 11.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>“You
guys are just messing with me. How long have you been concocting this? You’re
all grounded.”<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 11.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>“I don’t
go anywhere, Dad. How can you ground me?” said the little female at my side.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 11.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>“Here,
Dad. Let me show you,” Andrew said, appearing to be helpful. I couldn’t help
but wonder what the next act in the humiliation play would be. <o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 11.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>“Hold the
book up to your nose, keep your eyes the way they are now and slowly move the
picture away from you.” <o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 11.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>Right.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 11.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>But I
dutifully did it expecting raucous laughter at any moment as these hooligans
pulled something on me.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 11.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>“OH!
Right. RIGHT!” I exclaimed in amazement, the dinosaurs coming more and more
clearly into focus.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 11.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>“See!
SEE! I told you!” <o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 11.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>“You
were right, I conceded. I saw it all along. I was just pulling your leg.”<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 11.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>“Daaaaaaad!”<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 11.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>But he
was right. I didn’t see the dinosaurs at first, though they were always there.
Not until I learned a new way of seeing could I make out the depth of what was
there, the real beauty in the picture. <o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="tab-stops: .25in;">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span style="font-size: 11.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">A New Way of Seeing and Knowing God<o:p></o:p></span></span></i></b></div>
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<span style="font-size: 11.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>The
problem was not that the dinosaurs were missing, or that the design of the
picture was wrong, or that I wasn’t trying, or even that my eyes were not
working. The problem was with the way I was looking. To see the Magic Eye
picture for what it really was necessitated a new way of seeing; the ability to
look past the superficial to see the real picture. I couldn’t do it by myself,
though. This new way of seeing required a guide who had experienced it to show
me the way. As a result and to my delight, I saw what had been there all along.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 11.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>I
believe that many people are looking for God, but not seeing Him. The problem
is not that God is hiding from us, but that we need a new ways of seeing. Ever
since the Garden of Eden debacle, men and women have struggled to see God as He
really is. Sometimes hidden, sometimes distorted, sometimes defaced, the true
picture of God calls to us just beyond the superficial. As a result, we are
hindered from experiencing a true relationship with God. A relationship that
satisfies the longing in our hearts, fills the hole in our souls, makes sense
out of life, provides us purpose and gives us hope. <o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 11.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>My hope is
that this book will lead you to a new way of seeing and thus a new way of
experiencing the relationship with God you have always longed for. That it will
guide you to see past the superficial to what is really real with God. That,
through this book, you will allow me to be your guide to a relationship with
God of intimacy and awe. Not because I have it all figured out, but because I might
be a few steps farther down the path.</span><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 11.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 11.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial;"><span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;">‘You will seek me and find me, when you seek me
with all your heart. I will be found by you,’ declares the Lord, </span></span><span style="font-family: Times, "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: 11pt;"> </span><span style="font-family: Times, "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: 11pt;">--
Jeremiah 29:13–14a</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 11.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial;"><span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;">‘For my thoughts are not your thoughts, neither are
your ways my ways,’ declares the Lord. ‘As the heavens are higher than the
earth, so are my ways higher than your ways and my thoughts than your thoughts.’
<span style="mso-tab-count: 2;"> </span><span style="mso-tab-count: 2;"> </span>-- Isaiah 55:8–9<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 11.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial;"><span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;">‘Call to me and I will answer you and tell you
great and unsearchable things you do not know.’ <span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span></span></span><span style="font-family: Times, "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: 11pt;">--
Jeremiah 33:3</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><o:p>(This blog entry is the introduction of my book, "Intimacy and Awe," available at Amazon.com)</o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><a href="file:///C:/Users/herbs/Documents/Herb%2018-5-7/All%20Documents/Herb/blog%20documents/11-9f/19-3-3%20week%20of-%20FWGS%20blogpost.docx#_ednref1" name="_edn1" style="mso-endnote-id: edn1;" title=""><span class="MsoEndnoteReference"><span style="mso-special-character: footnote;"><!--[if !supportFootnotes]--><span class="MsoEndnoteReference"><span style="font-size: 10pt;">[i]</span></span><!--[endif]--></span></span></a>
<span style="font-size: 11.5pt;">Magic Eye® images are a product
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<br />Herb Shafferhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09965716309878183528noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-22350599.post-9498033821100886672016-12-30T06:20:00.001-05:002016-12-30T06:20:13.139-05:00Just Say “Yes!” in 2017<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: 11.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">There was nothing about her to suggest she would be
“the one.” Ordinary, run of the mill, common, regular are words to describe
her. Aspirations were about the upcoming wedding, starting a home with her
soon-to-be husband and having a slew of kids. Yet... she lived an extraordinary
life. One that would be remembered for all time. And it all comes down to this:
she said, “Yes!” with her words and her feet. And kept saying, “Yes!” That’s it.
She did nothing that you or I could not do.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 11.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">There was nothing about him to suggest he would be
tapped on the shoulder with such privilege and responsibility. Ordinary, run of
the mill, common, regular are words to describe him. Aspirations were about the
upcoming wedding, providing for his bride and raising a slew of kids. Yet... he
lived an extraordinary life. One that would be remembered for all time. It all
comes down to this: he said, “Yes!” with his words and his feet. And kept
saying, “Yes!” That’s it. He did nothing you or I could not do.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 11.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">There was CERTAINLY nothing about them to suggest
they would receive one of history’s most amazing invitations. Ordinary (very),
run of the mill, less than common, regular are words to describe them.
Aspirations were for a good business year, provide for their families and pass
something on to their kids. Yet... they had the most extraordinary encounter.
One that would be remembered for all time. And it all comes down to this: they
said, “Yes!” with their words and their feet. And kept saying, “Yes!” They did
nothing you or I could not do.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 11.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">My best guess is that there is nothing about YOU to
suggest you will experience the incredible. Ordinary, run of the mill, common,
regular are probably words to describe you. Aspirations are likely about your
family, career, health, church, and making a difference in some small way.
Yet... you are offered an incredible life. One that will be remembered by
people for some time and that will send ripples unseen into many generations to
come. And it all comes down to this: say, “Yes!” with your words and your feet.
And keep saying, “Yes!” It is something every person can do. If you want to. If
you decide it is worth it. If you are willing choose a way that is beyond you.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 11.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">God WANTS to do and invites us to experience the
incredible. Read His words:</span><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<i><b><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><sup>20</sup>Now to him who is able to do far
more abundantly than all that we ask or think, according to the power at work
within us, <sup>21</sup>to him be glory in the church and in Christ Jesus
throughout all generations, forever and ever. Amen. Ephesians 3:20–21 (ESV)<o:p></o:p></span></b></i></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><i><b><sup>12</sup></b></i><i><b>“Truly, truly, I say to you,
whoever believes in me will also do the works that I do; and greater works than
these will he do, because I am going to the Father. <sup>13</sup>Whatever you
ask in my name, this I will do, that the Father may be glorified in the Son. <sup>14</sup>If
you ask me anything in my name, I will do it. John 14:12–14 (ESV)</b></i></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 11.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Reflecting on 2016 I realize I said, “No,” to God multiple
times this year. Oh, I didn’t actually SAY the word, “No.” In fact, I said, “Yes!”
... with my words. Problem is, as my lips were moving my feet were not. I was not
rebelliously heading in the opposite direction. It’s just that my feet were stuck
in the quicksand of procrastination, good intentions, spiritual thoughts. High
on commitment and low on action. I fully intended to do those things, but they
ended up on the back burner, on the bottom of the pile, on the to do list that
was too long. It lands in the same pile as if I had looked God in the eye and
firmly said, “No.”<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 11.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">It is humbling (terribly so) and sobering (kick my
heart in the teeth wakeup call) to realize I’ve been saying, “No,” to God.
Arghh! A thousand times ARGHH! Not defiantly but by irresponsibly failing to
act. Not every time, but often enough to know I’ve hurt the heart of my
Heavenly Dad and robbed myself of some of the incredible He wanted to do.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 11.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Mary, an ordinary teen, just kept saying, “Yes!” to
God. Still ordinary but walking with the extraordinary God.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 11.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Joseph, an ordinary young man, kept saying, “Yes!”
to God. Still ordinary but walking with the extraordinary God.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 11.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Bethlehem shepherds, ordinary (some would say less
than), said “Yes!” all the way to the stable. Still ordinary, but walking with
the extraordinary God.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 11.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">And you and me. Ordinary people invited by the
extraordinary God to walk with Him into the incredible.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 11.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">2017 is going to be different. There. I’ve said it.
I will make the effort, change the habits, rearrange some priorities, trust God
in new ways. I am committing to say, “Yes!” every time.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 11.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Would you like to come along? I invite you to
commit with your words and your feet to say, “Yes!” every time you feel the
nudge, hear the voice or see the invitation to join God in what He is doing.
When we will do, we join the ranks of Mary, Joseph, and the shepherds –
ordinary people who walk into the incredible with the extraordinary God.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 11.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Boldly, Herb</span><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 11.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">www.herbshaffer.com<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 11.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">To receive blog posts directly to your email sign go
to <a href="http://www.herbshaffer.com/">www.herbshaffer.com</a> and subscribe
at the bottom of the panel on the right.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 11.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">To listen to podcasts of Herb’s messages go to <a href="http://www.newsongpittsburgh.org/">http://www.newsongpittsburgh.org/</a> and
click on the sermons link</span><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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Herb Shafferhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09965716309878183528noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-22350599.post-38940157510911999822015-10-08T08:27:00.000-04:002015-10-08T08:27:35.502-04:00Was It Worth It? Perspective on the Pittsburgh Pirates 2015 Season<!--[if gte mso 9]><xml>
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<![endif]--><span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: 11.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial;">It is a sad day in Pittsburgh. A summer that seemed
so promising has ended in an autumn “failure.”</span></span><span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">
</span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="tab-stops: .25in;">
<br /></div>
<span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">
</span><div class="MsoNormal" style="tab-stops: .25in;">
<span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span style="font-size: 11.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial;">Was it worth it?</span></i></b></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">
</span><div class="MsoNormal" style="tab-stops: .25in;">
<br /></div>
<span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">
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<span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: 11.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial;">The Pittsburgh Pirates had the second best record
in all of major league baseball. Better than any division winner but their own.
They played so well the entire season and now, in ONE GAME, it is all over. </span></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">
</span><div class="MsoNormal" style="tab-stops: .25in;">
<br /></div>
<span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">
</span><div class="MsoNormal" style="tab-stops: .25in;">
<span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span style="font-size: 11.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial;">Was it worth it?</span></i></b></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">
</span><div class="MsoNormal" style="tab-stops: .25in;">
<br /></div>
<span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">
</span><div class="MsoNormal" style="tab-stops: .25in;">
<span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: 11.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial;">There are many mourning, others complaining, others
blaming, others accusing, others taking it out on people who had nothing to do
with it, others dulling their sorrows in the comfort of choice. Is it fair?
Moot question. The playoff system is in place, whether fair or not. </span></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">
</span><div class="MsoNormal" style="tab-stops: .25in;">
<br /></div>
<span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">
</span><div class="MsoNormal" style="tab-stops: .25in;">
<span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span style="font-size: 11.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial;">Was it worth it?</span></i></b></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">
</span><div class="MsoNormal" style="tab-stops: .25in;">
<br /></div>
<span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">
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<span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: 11.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial;">Was it? Was it all worth it? All the months and
effort? To win almost 100 games during the season and then losing in, what some
would consider, an embarrassing way?</span></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">
</span><div class="MsoNormal" style="tab-stops: .25in;">
<br /></div>
<span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">
</span><div class="MsoNormal" style="tab-stops: .25in;">
<span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: 11.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial;">Let’s take a think. The obvious: from someone who
lived through twenty losing seasons, three winning seasons is a thrill. You
have no idea the number of times I was asked “What’s wrong with the Pirates?”
as I traveled the country. Twenty years of embarrassing futility for fans as
well as players. The city was infamous. </span></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">
</span><div class="MsoNormal" style="tab-stops: .25in;">
<br /></div>
<span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">
</span><div class="MsoNormal" style="tab-stops: .25in;">
<span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: 11.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial;">But now, it is not just winning seasons, but three
playoff seasons in a row. And this season was a phenomenal year. Each game was
something to look forward to. The team worked hard, enjoyed great camaraderie,
never gave up and genuinely appreciated their fans. </span></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">
</span><div class="MsoNormal" style="tab-stops: .25in;">
<br /></div>
<span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">
</span><div class="MsoNormal" style="tab-stops: .25in;">
<span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: 11.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial;">The excitement brought a city, no... an entire
region, no... a Pirate nation from all over the world <b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">together</b>. The season brought a group of men <b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">together</b> in friendship and encouragement, in facing ups and downs <b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">together</b>, in overcoming adversity,
sadness and pain <b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">together</b>. </span></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">
</span><div class="MsoNormal" style="tab-stops: .25in;">
<br /></div>
<span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">
</span><div class="MsoNormal" style="tab-stops: .25in;">
<span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: 11.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial;">The winning provided a forum for coach and players
to make a difference in the lives of people in the hospital, people who came to
the ballpark, people who met the team in various venues. It provided a platform
for Christ following coaches and players to share their faith in Jesus Christ. </span></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">
</span><div class="MsoNormal" style="tab-stops: .25in;">
<br /></div>
<span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">
</span><div class="MsoNormal" style="tab-stops: .25in;">
<span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span style="font-size: 11.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial;">Was it worth it?</span></i></b></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">
</span><div class="MsoNormal" style="tab-stops: .25in;">
<br /></div>
<span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">
</span><div class="MsoNormal" style="tab-stops: .25in;">
<span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: 11.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial;">I say an enthusiastic “YES!” It was worth it
because it highlights that the true value of life is in the <b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">journey</b> not the trophy, ring or money.
The friendships in the clubhouse, in homes where people came together to watch,
the connections dads and kids made during trips to the ballpark, the
conversations started among strangers or acquaintances, and so much more. </span></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">
</span><div class="MsoNormal" style="tab-stops: .25in;">
<br /></div>
<span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">
</span><div class="MsoNormal" style="tab-stops: .25in;">
<span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: 11.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial;">It is the <b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">together
journey</b> that matters in life. Long after the disappointment is gone and the
champion forgotten, the relationships will remain. And THAT is what really
matters. </span></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">
</span><div class="MsoNormal" style="tab-stops: .25in;">
<br /></div>
<span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">
</span><div class="MsoNormal" style="tab-stops: .25in;">
<span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span style="font-size: 11.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial;">Was it worth it?</span></i></b></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">
</span><div class="MsoNormal" style="tab-stops: .25in;">
<br /></div>
<span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">
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<span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: 11.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial;">Hear the words of the Apostle Paul inspired by God:</span></span></div>
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<br /></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><span style="font-size: small;"><sup>3</sup>I thank my God in all my
remembrance of you, <sup>4</sup>always in every prayer of mine for you all
making my prayer with joy, <sup>5</sup>because of <b><u>your partnership</u></b> in
the gospel from the first day until now. <sup>6</sup>And I am sure of this,
that he who began a good work in you will bring it to completion at the day of
Jesus Christ. <sup>7</sup>It is right for me to feel this way about you all,
because <b><u>I hold you in my heart</u></b>, for you are all partakers with me of
grace, both in my imprisonment and in the defense and confirmation of the
gospel. <b>Philippians 1:3–7 (ESV)</b></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="tab-stops: .25in;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="tab-stops: .25in;">
<span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: 11.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial;">So, though we are disappointed, let’s focus on what
we gained, not what we wished for.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Sure,
it would have been nice to celebrate a World Series champion. But what we have
right in front of us is of such greater value – sharing the <b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">journey of life together.</b></span></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">
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<span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: 11.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial;">Boldly, Herb</span></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">
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<span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: 11.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial;">To receive blog posts directly to your email sign
up on the bar to the right or at: http://groups.google.com/group/fwgs</span></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">
</span><div class="MsoNormal" style="tab-stops: .25in;">
<span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: 11.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial;">To listen to Herb via the internet go to
http://www.newsongpittsburgh.org/ and click on the sermons link</span></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">
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Herb Shafferhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09965716309878183528noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-22350599.post-45154089034341114912015-08-30T17:10:00.000-04:002015-08-30T17:10:13.015-04:00You Might Be Selfish If...<!--[if gte mso 9]><xml>
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<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="tab-stops: .25in;">
<span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: 11.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial;">Jesus offers us abundant life. Life to the full.
Life that is satisfying. </span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="tab-stops: .25in;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif";">I came so they
can have real and eternal life, more and better life than they ever dreamed of.
<b>John 10:10b (The Message)</b></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="tab-stops: .25in;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="tab-stops: .25in;">
<span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: 11.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial;">But the world is upside down. </span></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">
</span><div class="MsoNormal" style="tab-stops: .25in;">
<br /></div>
<span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">
</span><div class="MsoNormal" style="tab-stops: .25in;">
<span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: 11.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial;">You see, experiencing satisfying life is in direct
proportion to being other-focused... to giving up selfishness for a selfless
life... to giving more than getting. But the messages we hear are to grab, get,
push, climb, win. Upside down. </span></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">
</span><div class="MsoNormal" style="tab-stops: .25in;">
<br /></div>
<span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">
</span><div class="MsoNormal" style="tab-stops: .25in;">
<span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: 11.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial;">That’s why, when we see the runner at a Special
Olympics event stop to help another runner instead of winning, it touches
something deep inside us. Causing even hardened reporters to tear up. </span></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">
</span><div class="MsoNormal" style="tab-stops: .25in;">
<br /></div>
<span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">
</span><div class="MsoNormal" style="tab-stops: .25in;">
<span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: 11.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial;">To turn life right side up we must identify where
self-focus still rules and allow God to transform us into other-focused people.
</span></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">
</span><div class="MsoNormal" style="tab-stops: .25in;">
<br /></div>
<span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">
</span><div class="MsoNormal" style="tab-stops: .25in;">
<span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: 11.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial;">Most people would say they are not selfish. It’s
hard to blame them. We want to be more giving than getting, but that old nature
keeps rearing it’s very ugly head. And it is so subtle. In fact we can serve
other people and still be selfish. So I came up with a checklist for us. See
how you do. </span></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">
</span><div class="MsoNormal" style="tab-stops: .25in;">
<br /></div>
<span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">
</span><div class="MsoNormal" style="tab-stops: .25in;">
<span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: 11.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"></span>You
might be selfish if you get angry when someone cuts you off.</span></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">
</span><div class="MsoNormal" style="tab-stops: .25in;">
<span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: 11.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial;">You
might be selfish if you refuse to forgive.</span></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">
</span><div class="MsoNormal" style="tab-stops: .25in;">
<span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: 11.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial;">You
might be selfish if you don’t allow yourself to be inconvenienced.</span></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">
</span><div class="MsoNormal" style="tab-stops: .25in;">
<span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: 11.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial;">You
might be selfish if you don’t give back to God what is His.</span></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">
</span><div class="MsoNormal" style="tab-stops: .25in;">
<span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: 11.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial;">You
might be selfish if you are not generous with other people.</span></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">
</span><div class="MsoNormal" style="tab-stops: .25in;">
<span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: 11.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial;">You
might be selfish if you are unhappy, (because selfless people are content).</span></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">
</span><div class="MsoNormal" style="tab-stops: .25in;">
<span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: 11.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial;">You
might be selfish if you refuse to help certain people.</span></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">
</span><div class="MsoNormal" style="tab-stops: .25in;">
<span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: 11.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial;">You
might be selfish if you are lazy.</span></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">
</span><div class="MsoNormal" style="tab-stops: .25in;">
<span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: 11.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial;">You
might be selfish if you think that what you are doing is more important than
what others are doing.</span></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">
</span><div class="MsoNormal" style="tab-stops: .25in;">
<span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: 11.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial;">You
might be selfish if you insist on having your way.</span></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">
</span><div class="MsoNormal" style="tab-stops: .25in;">
<span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: 11.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial;">You
might be selfish if you always have to win or always be right.</span></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">
</span><div class="MsoNormal" style="tab-stops: .25in;">
<span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: 11.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial;">You
might be selfish if you refuse to sincerely apologize.</span></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">
</span><div class="MsoNormal" style="tab-stops: .25in;">
<span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: 11.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial;">You
might be selfish if you like being in control and find it hard to compromise.</span></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">
</span><div class="MsoNormal" style="tab-stops: .25in;">
<span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: 11.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial;">You
might be selfish if you hear constructive criticism as a personal attack.</span></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">
</span><div class="MsoNormal" style="tab-stops: .25in;">
<span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: 11.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial;">You
might be selfish if you find it difficult for someone else to be the focus of
attention.</span></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">
</span><div class="MsoNormal" style="tab-stops: .25in;">
<span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: 11.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial;">You
might be selfish if you don’t want to work with others on a team.</span></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">
</span><div class="MsoNormal" style="tab-stops: .25in;">
<span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: 11.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial;">You
might be selfish if you choose events only for your benefit rather than how you
can help others.</span></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">
</span><div class="MsoNormal" style="tab-stops: .25in;">
<span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: 11.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial;">You
might be selfish if you usually give negative feedback first.</span></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">
</span><div class="MsoNormal" style="tab-stops: .25in;">
<span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: 11.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial;">You
might be selfish if you are irritated when others ask you for help. </span></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">
</span><div class="MsoNormal" style="tab-stops: .25in;">
<span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: 11.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial;">You
might be selfish if you hear a message and think “______ (fill in a name)”
should hear it.</span></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">
</span><div class="MsoNormal" style="tab-stops: .25in;">
<span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: 11.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial;">You
might be selfish if you think, “someone should do something about this” when
you could do it.</span></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">
</span><div class="MsoNormal" style="tab-stops: .25in;">
<span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: 11.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial;">You
might be selfish if you are self-conscious about helping strangers in public.</span></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">
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<span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: 11.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial;">You
might be selfish if you are grumpy, sour and complaining.</span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: 11.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial;">You
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<span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: 11.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial;">I’m not pointing fingers or trying to guilt you. It’s
just that I WANT you to experience JOY that comes from the other-focused abundant
life. And you will only experience satisfying life in direct proportion to
being other-focused.</span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: 11.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial;">Or as Jesus puts it...</span></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif";">... remembering
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receive.’ <b>Acts 20:35b (NIV84)</b></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: 11.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial;">Boldly, Herb</span></span></div>
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Herb Shafferhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09965716309878183528noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-22350599.post-32159580689238022182014-11-23T16:16:00.000-05:002014-11-23T16:16:02.372-05:00All Because I Said Thanks<!--[if gte mso 9]><xml>
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<![endif]--><span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> Below is a Thanksgiving story I wrote in 1982 and recently revised. My hope is that you will use it with family and friends to pause, then give thanks. It is an attempt to get under the obvious of the incident of Jesus and the ten lepers in Luke 17:11-19. </span></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> WARNING: this is much longer than a normal blog post. Just so you know.</span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>Why
did this happen to me? I’d seen it so many times, but now it is ME! As a doctor
I know the prognosis of this all too well. Leprosy is a death sentence, but a
very slow death sentence.</span></div>
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</span><div class="MsoNormal" style="tab-stops: .2in;">
<span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>Yellow,
red and purple patches appeared on my skin. Eventually I will lose feeling
wherever they appear. It will probably move to the inside of my nose, throat
and eyes. Eventually my extremities will be completely numb. If I don’t die
from injury due to my inability to feel, I will eventually become paralyzed and
my muscles will waste away. </span></div>
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</span><div class="MsoNormal" style="tab-stops: .2in;">
<span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>As
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anything, a person will cut or burn himself severely and not even realize it.
As a result he will lose part of the limb or even his life, bleeding to death
or from infection of the untreated wound.</span></div>
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</span><div class="MsoNormal" style="tab-stops: .2in;">
<span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>It’s
not a pretty way to live or die. But now it IS ME! ME! Dreaded leprosy has
invaded and attacked my body. </span></div>
<span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">
</span><div class="MsoNormal" style="tab-stops: .2in;">
<br /></div>
<span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">
</span><div class="MsoNormal" style="tab-stops: .2in;">
<span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>Why
God, why? Had I not dedicated my life to treating lepers in need of medical
attention? Perhaps my boldness in the face of this dreaded disease was my
downfall. But, I thought, surely, if there is a God in Heaven, He will protect
me. I had dedicated myself to helping the sick and diseased, to relieve human
suffering. Not for the money... God in Heaven knows there was little of that in
treating the lowest of the low. I didn’t do it for position or for anything
selfish. But now, what use am I? Only 5 years as a doctor and now I am banished
from society as a LEPER! It’s not right! It’s not fair! Where, oh, where is God
now?</span></div>
<span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">
</span><div class="MsoNormal" style="tab-stops: .2in;">
<br /></div>
<span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">
</span><div class="MsoNormal" style="tab-stops: .2in;">
<span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>At
first I tried to hide the blotches, tried to deny what was obvious to me but
unnoticed by anyone else. I was doing humanitarian work so it must just be a
rash, right? It couldn’t, it shouldn’t happen to me. But I knew, oh, I knew I
couldn’t stay. In the deafening quiet of those long nights I grappled with what
was ahead. I knew I could not risk infecting those I loved, but do you have any
idea how hard it is to say good-bye for FOREVER??? FOREVER!! Early one morning
I covered my body for one last hug and said good-bye. I couldn’t even touch
them one last time, to give my wife a tender kiss, to caress the soft skin of
my children. I said goodbye Forever.</span></div>
<span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">
</span><div class="MsoNormal" style="tab-stops: .2in;">
<span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>Good-bye
to my wonderful, lovely, wife Rachel. The best wife a man could have.</span></div>
<span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">
</span><div class="MsoNormal" style="tab-stops: .2in;">
<span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>Good-bye
to my 3 year old son, Levi</span></div>
<span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">
</span><div class="MsoNormal" style="tab-stops: .2in;">
<span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>Good-bye
to my beautiful baby girl, Elizabeth. </span></div>
<span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">
</span><div class="MsoNormal" style="tab-stops: .2in;">
<br /></div>
<span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">
</span><div class="MsoNormal" style="tab-stops: .2in;">
<span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>The
tears were unstoppable that day. I still weep when I think of my little Jacob
calling to me, impossible for him to understand why his daddy had to leave.
Tears for the loss of my family and all I knew. Tears because I knew the
hopelessness of the life ahead. Tears for the coming struggles of my family
without me to provide. No one to support them financially, to love them,
protect them, to guide them. Tears because I knew my children would not
remember me. Tears because, short of a miracle, I would never see them again.
Tears because as with all lepers, no matter how good they are, they are
society’s pariahs, outcasts FOR LIFE!!</span></div>
<span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">
</span><div class="MsoNormal" style="tab-stops: .2in;">
<br /></div>
<span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">
</span><div class="MsoNormal" style="tab-stops: .2in;">
<span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>That
was three years ago. The longest 24 months of my life. I suppose I’m better off
than most of the nine men I live with have had the disease much longer. I try
to help them as much as I can but I have limited supplies. I’m afraid I don’t
have much time left – the disease has covered most of my body and I have little
feeling left. Perhaps dying would be a blessing. That’s about all we live for
anyway. Just living to die. I’ve thought about taking my own life but it just
isn’t in me to do it. No family, no health, no meaningful work, no hope – not
much of a life.</span></div>
<span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">
</span><div class="MsoNormal" style="tab-stops: .2in;">
<span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>We’ve
often discussed what we would do for the man who would heal us. Some say they
would bow down and worship him. Others that they would give him half of all
they earn the rest of their lives. Still others claim they would be his slave
for life. Ah, such dreams and discussions. It doesn’t really matter because it
will never happen. But dreaming is something to do and it keeps us from
throwing a never ending pity party.</span></div>
<span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">
</span><div class="MsoNormal" style="tab-stops: .2in;">
<br /></div>
<span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">
</span><div class="MsoNormal" style="tab-stops: .2in;">
<span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>We’ve
heard some talk of a Jewish Messiah traveling around the countryside. People
say He performs miracles; you know, things like calming a stormy sea, feeding
thousands of people, healing all sorts of diseases, and even raising the dead.
CRAZY TALK as far as I’m concerned. Such rumors float around every few years
and it always turns out to be bogus hope for people who have nothing. Some of
the fellows have latched on to hope in this man – anything to hope for! But
it’s empty hope. And besides, since he is a Jew there is no way he would heal a
Samaritan like me. Years ago my people and the Jews had a falling out and it’s
been brutal hatred ever since. Except with these guys. When you have leprosy it
levels things out. All that separate us loses its importance when you’re slowly
dying together. But THIS man, I think His Name is Jesus, is NOT a leper and He
IS a Jew. If He helps anyone it will be the Jews among us, not a Samaritan.</span></div>
<span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">
</span><div class="MsoNormal" style="tab-stops: .2in;">
<span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>Some
of the guys heard that this Jesus is coming our way and want to at least get a
glimpse of Him. I told them I would tag along, not because I think there’s
hope, but because some of the older men need a hand to get around and, frankly,
I don’t like to be alone. So we are going. At least it gives us something to do
and keeps us from arguing and sulking. </span></div>
<span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">
</span><div class="MsoNormal" style="tab-stops: .2in;">
<span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>The
trip seems long, even though it isn’t far. The slow pace of the elderly and ill
drags it out but we finally arrive outside of the village where Jesus is
supposed to pass through. We can’t go in, so we sit 50 yards outside the town,
along the road, waiting to see Him when He walks by.</span></div>
<span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">
</span><div class="MsoNormal" style="tab-stops: .2in;">
<span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>After
a few hours, a small band of people appear in the distance. As they move closer
we can see some 10 to 15 men and a few women. Not much of a following for a
Messiah if you ask me. One by one the guys get to their feet. Old Hezekiah in
the back begins to shout, “Jesus! Have pity on us!” It is only a moment until
the others joined in, “Jesus! Have pity on us!” Okay, this is embarrassing –
they DID NOT tell me they were going to do this! Don’t they know it is useless?
No they don’t. </span></div>
<span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">
</span><div class="MsoNormal" style="tab-stops: .2in;">
<span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>I
look toward the band of travelers to see how badly this is going to go. I catch
only a glimpse of His profile, but I swear I see care mixed with surprise and
delight where I expect disdain. And the slightest hint of a mischevious smile
breaks across His face. Maybe... Just maybe... You think? Could the guys be on
to something? So I join in. What do I have to lose? I’m a dying leper. “Jesus,
Master, have mercy on us! Lord, please help us! Jesus, please heal us! Have
pity!”</span></div>
<span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">
</span><div class="MsoNormal" style="tab-stops: .2in;">
<span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>When
Jesus faces us and lifts His head, all yelling suddenly stops. As one we fall
silent. Never have we seen such compassion on the face of any man. It is almost
as if He is suffering with us, feeling the physical and emotional pain we live
with. </span></div>
<span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">
</span><div class="MsoNormal" style="tab-stops: .2in;">
<br /></div>
<span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">
</span><div class="MsoNormal" style="tab-stops: .2in;">
<span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>Then
He says the strangest thing. “Go show yourselves to the priest.” </span></div>
<span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">
</span><div class="MsoNormal" style="tab-stops: .2in;">
<span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>What?
You HAVE GOT to be joking. That’s not what He’s supposed to say. It’s supposed
to be, “Behold! I will indeed heal you! Be clean!” But, “Go show yourselves to
the priest!?” Even a Samaritan knows you only do that AFTER you are healed.</span></div>
<span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">
</span><div class="MsoNormal" style="tab-stops: .2in;">
<span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>I
stand looking at Him in shock, but the others turn to walk toward the
synagogue. Weird, is all I can say. Truthfully, I’m disgusted and dismayed. All
this traveling, yelling, pleading, and Jesus skyrocketing my hopes. Then
nothing. NOTHING! Go to the priest, my foot. This was the big bust I expected.
But I’m with this sorry troop so I go along to help the old and ill fellows.
But my mind doesn’t stop whining, “this is crazy. The most ridiculous thing
I’ve ever heard of. The people in this town are going to stone us before we
ever make it to the priests. What a way to die.”</span></div>
<span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">
</span><div class="MsoNormal" style="tab-stops: .2in;">
<br /></div>
<span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">
</span><div class="MsoNormal" style="tab-stops: .2in;">
<span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>As
we near the edge of town my feet start feeling funny. Not as in “ha, ha,” but
as in odd. It’s a sensation like I’ve never felt. It starts at the bottom of my
feet and slowly works up my body. It feels, I know you’re not going to believe
this, but it feels like someone is scratching the INSIDE of my skin. The rest
of the guys stop too. The looks on their faces say all I need to know. Everyone
feels it. We must be a sight – a bunch of smelly lepers gawking at one another
in the middle of the road with peculiar expressions. After the odd sensation
passes, Old Hezekiah looks at me in the oddest way. His eyes go wide and his
mouth gapes as he mutters, “Uh... uh... er... I mean...”</span></div>
<span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">
</span><div class="MsoNormal" style="tab-stops: .2in;">
<span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>“What’s
wrong Hezzy? Spit it out man! You look like you’ve seen a ghost.”</span></div>
<span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">
</span><div class="MsoNormal" style="tab-stops: .2in;">
<span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>“Your...
I mean your... er, your... your ARM!” He finally rasps. You should probably
know that the arm he was pointing at was the most infected, ugliest part of my
disease. He continues to point and shout,<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>“The leprosy! It’s gone! You’re healed!”</span></div>
<span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">
</span><div class="MsoNormal" style="tab-stops: .2in;">
<span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>I
look down and he’s right! I stand staring as the hard drive in my mind cannot
process it. Ugly, stinky, deformed one moment and completely perfect the next.
Even the rancid smell is gone. When I can finally move I quickly check my feet,
legs, stomach. EVERY PLACE I had been infected is healed. EVERY SINGLE PLACE. I
didn’t think we could have looked any weirder, but I was wrong. Ten men with
ragged clothes standing in the middle of the road lifting sleeves, tunics,
under robes to check the places where leprosy had damaged. CLEAN! Every person
and every spot. CLEAN! But there’s more: those who were crippled are walking.
Those who were deaf, hear. Those who were blind, see. Those who lost fingers
and toes have new ones. EVERYTHING is healed. Beyond comprehension. The miracle
we had prayed for, dreamed of is no longer a dream. It is reality. </span></div>
<span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">
</span><div class="MsoNormal" style="tab-stops: .2in;">
<span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>I
thought we couldn’t look weirder, I was wrong. Ten grown men in the middle of
the street as giddy as school girls, jumping, screaming, hugging, laughing,
crying, grabbing people walking by and showing them our clean skin. You
wouldn’t believe the looks, but we didn’t care. This is the greatest day of our
lives. THE greatest. NOTHING will ever top this!</span></div>
<span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">
</span><div class="MsoNormal" style="tab-stops: .2in;">
<br /></div>
<span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">
</span><div class="MsoNormal" style="tab-stops: .2in;">
<span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>One
by one, our energy exhausts and we sit heavily to the ground. Catching our
breath, one of the guys says, “Well, I guess we should get on to the priests to
be declared OFFICIALLY clean. “</span></div>
<span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">
</span><div class="MsoNormal" style="tab-stops: .2in;">
<span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>I
start to agree and then freeze. “Wait a minute, “ I object. “Aren’t we
forgetting something here? First we need to go back to Jesus to thank Him for
what He has done. This IS a miracle after all.”</span></div>
<span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">
</span><div class="MsoNormal" style="tab-stops: .2in;">
<span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>“But
I DESERVED to be healed!” says Amos. “I have been a leper for 3 years. Why
should I be grateful. It was God’s fault in the first place that I needed to be
healed!”</span></div>
<span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">
</span><div class="MsoNormal" style="tab-stops: .2in;">
<span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>All
the guys shake their head in agreement with Amos.”But He didn’t HAVE to heal
us,” I insist. </span></div>
<span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">
</span><div class="MsoNormal" style="tab-stops: .2in;">
<span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>“And
besides, don’t you remember what you said you would do for the man who healed
you – bow to worship Him, be His slave for life, give half your income for
life? What about that?”</span></div>
<span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">
</span><div class="MsoNormal" style="tab-stops: .2in;">
<span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>“But
what He told us to do was to go show ourselves to the priest,” remarks Isaac,
one of the younger men. “He did not tell us to return to thank Him. We need to
get to the priest.”</span></div>
<span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">
</span><div class="MsoNormal" style="tab-stops: .2in;">
<span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>“Yeah,
we’ll thank God at the synagogue,” reasoned Benjamin, obviously anxious to get
home.</span></div>
<span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">
</span><div class="MsoNormal" style="tab-stops: .2in;">
<span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>I
refuse to give in. “But this Jesus fellow is the One we ought to thank.
Obviously He is from God, but He is the One who gave us back our lives.”</span></div>
<span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">
</span><div class="MsoNormal" style="tab-stops: .2in;">
<span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>“Look,
we want to get back to our families and our lives ASAP.” Anger is beginning to
show in their voices. “If you want to take the time to go all the way back,
track down Jesus, take the time to thank Him for something God should have done
for us a long time ago and then come all the way back to the priest, that’s
your business. Besides, who are you, a Samaritan, to tell us what to do anyway?
C’mon fellas, let’s hit the road.”</span></div>
<span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">
</span><div class="MsoNormal" style="tab-stops: .2in;">
<span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>“Hold
it! You don’t know what you are doing! You are turning your backs on the very
Man to whom you owe your life! Change your minds. Come with me. It won’t take
that long! We’ve got the rest of our lives. Don’t do something you will regret.
It’s not too late, my friends! Turn back!”</span></div>
<span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">
</span><div class="MsoNormal" style="tab-stops: .2in;">
<span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>“We
are not your friends, Samaritan!” Shouts Benjamin as they continue to walk. </span></div>
<span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">
</span><div class="MsoNormal" style="tab-stops: .2in;">
<span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>I
stand there shaking my head. It is no use. They just keep walking. Several
pause for a moment as they look back, as if they know I am right, but in the
end all nine keep walking away.</span></div>
<span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">
</span><div class="MsoNormal" style="tab-stops: .2in;">
<br /></div>
<span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">
</span><div class="MsoNormal" style="tab-stops: .2in;">
<span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>Numb,
I watch until they are out of sight in the village. How can anyone who has been
given so much be so ungrateful? We have been given so much, given so very, very
much. It begins to sink in just HOW MUCH. I have been given a new life, a new
body, rescued from certain death, a new career, a new chance with my family. </span></div>
<span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">
</span><div class="MsoNormal" style="tab-stops: .2in;">
<span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>MY
FAMILY! I have my family back! My little Elizabeth, she will be walking now,
with teeth, talking. My young Levi. Wow! He’s 6 now. How he must have grown.
And my wonderful Rachel. Rachel... Her face fills my mind as the tears stream
down my face. </span></div>
<span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">
</span><div class="MsoNormal" style="tab-stops: .2in;">
<span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>I
laugh out loud and long. Won’t they be surprised! I can’t wait to see the look
on Rachel’s face when I walk into our home. To feel her sweet kiss and embrace.
To play ball with my Levi. To hold my Elizabeth on my lap. MY FAMILY!</span></div>
<span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">
</span><div class="MsoNormal" style="tab-stops: .2in;">
<br /></div>
<span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">
</span><div class="MsoNormal" style="tab-stops: .2in;">
<span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>Literally
I HAVE BEEN GIVE A NEW LIFE! A new medical practice. A new home. A new
everything. I OWE EVERYTHING TO JESUS. For the first time in 3 years there is
hope and life and beauty and wonder. But before I go back to all of that, I
have to find Jesus. I HAVE to find Jesus. The most important thing in my life
right now is to say THANK YOU.</span></div>
<span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">
</span><div class="MsoNormal" style="tab-stops: .2in;">
<br /></div>
<span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">
</span><div class="MsoNormal" style="tab-stops: .2in;">
<span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>With
every step a wave of the richness of what Jesus has done washes over me.
Stronger and deeper. He didn’t just take away the leprosy, He brought me back to
life! HE BROUGHT ME BACK TO LIFE! </span></div>
<span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">
</span><div class="MsoNormal" style="tab-stops: .2in;">
<span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>Gratitude
wells up from deep within. It grows and grows and grows until I feel like I
will come apart. If I try to hold it in I will die, so out it comes...</span></div>
<span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">
</span><div class="MsoNormal" style="tab-stops: .2in;">
<span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 2;"> </span>“Glory
to God!</span></div>
<span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">
</span><div class="MsoNormal" style="tab-stops: .2in;">
<span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 2;"> </span>Praise
the Lord for all His blessings!</span></div>
<span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">
</span><div class="MsoNormal" style="tab-stops: .2in;">
<span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 2;"> </span>All
honor and power be to Jehovah</span></div>
<span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">
</span><div class="MsoNormal" style="tab-stops: .2in;">
<span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 2;"> </span>He
is wonderful, marvelous, loving and kind</span></div>
<span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">
</span><div class="MsoNormal" style="tab-stops: .2in;">
<span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 2;"> </span>His
goodness is from everlasting to everlasting</span></div>
<span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">
</span><div class="MsoNormal" style="tab-stops: .2in;">
<span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 2;"> </span>His
mercy has no beginning and no end!”</span></div>
<span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">
</span><div class="MsoNormal" style="tab-stops: .2in;">
<br /></div>
<span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">
</span><div class="MsoNormal" style="tab-stops: .2in;">
<span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>People
cross to the other side of the road as I pass by. “Another lunatic,” they mutter
but I don’t care. Two Roman soldiers even lift their spears as I skip by,
afraid it is a trick. I don’t care. Life is good! I AM HEALED!</span></div>
<span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">
</span><div class="MsoNormal" style="tab-stops: .2in;">
<br /></div>
<span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">
</span><div class="MsoNormal" style="tab-stops: .2in;">
<span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>Finally
I spot Jesus and dash toward Him with all my strength and speed, shouting
praises. Before His disciples can react I fall (it was actually more of a dive)
at His feet. “Thank you, Lord Jesus. Thank you. Thank you. Thank you. Thank you
so very, very much. You don’t realize what great things you have done for me.
Thank you! Thank you! Thank you!”</span></div>
<span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">
</span><div class="MsoNormal" style="tab-stops: .2in;">
<br /></div>
<span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">
</span><div class="MsoNormal" style="tab-stops: .2in;">
<span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>I
feel His hand on my shoulder and I stop babbling my thanks. “Were not all ten
cleansed?” I hear Him ask. I start to answer, but, as I look up, I realize He
is not expecting an answer. He is pleading with all mankind. Deep sadness is
etched into His face. The brokenness of His heart expressed in His words almost
break me. Who would have thought ingratitude could affect such a man as this?
From each eye slips a tear, gently etching a clean crease down His dusty face. </span></div>
<span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">
</span><div class="MsoNormal" style="tab-stops: .2in;">
<span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>“Where
are the other nine? Was no one found to return and give praise to God except
this foreigner?” No bitterness as speaks the word “foreigner”. No anger toward
me, but it feels like He is hurting as much for a dearly loved Someone as for
Himself.</span></div>
<span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">
</span><div class="MsoNormal" style="tab-stops: .2in;">
<span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>Jesus
reaches down, takes my hands and gently raises me to my feet. His eyes meet
mine as He says, “Go, your faith has made you well.” I begin to walk away, then
it occurs to me, “What an odd thing to say... your faith has saved you.”</span></div>
<span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">
</span><div class="MsoNormal" style="tab-stops: .2in;">
<span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>I
look back at the same time He glances in my direction. There is that twinkle in
His eye and mischievous grin on His face again. He nods as if to say, “Yeah,
you heard me right. Your faith has made you well.”</span></div>
<span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">
</span><div class="MsoNormal" style="tab-stops: .2in;">
<br /></div>
<span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">
</span><div class="MsoNormal" style="tab-stops: .2in;">
<span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>Another
sensation shoots through my body, different from the first but just as
powerful. Instead of physical healing, it is a warmth of joy, peace, love and a
strange assurance that I will never again be alone. Made well. Honestly, I
don’t understand it, but it is good and I know I have been changed. </span></div>
<span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">
</span><div class="MsoNormal" style="tab-stops: .2in;">
<span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>A
new lease on life through healing. A new life through salvation.</span></div>
<span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">
</span><div class="MsoNormal" style="tab-stops: .2in;">
<br /></div>
<span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">
</span><div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><span> </span>I
have a new life. He healed my body, returned my family, resumed my career, and
instilled hope. All those physical things that were of such importance to me
when I was a leper have been returned. Funny thing is, since I have them back,
I believe I could do without them... now that I’ve met Jesus </span></span></div>
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">
</span></span><div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><span> </span>It
is what He did when I went back to say thanks that has truly transformed me in
inexplicable ways. It’s like He’s still with me. And you know, I think He is.
No, no... I am SURE there is a part of Him still in the depths of my soul. </span></span></div>
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">
</span></span><div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><span> </span>And
He was right, I will never been alone again. </span></span></div>
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">
</span></span><div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">
</span></span><div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><b><i><span> </span>And
to think... it is all because I simply said, “Thank you.”</i></b></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="tab-stops: .2in;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="tab-stops: .2in;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="tab-stops: .2in;">
<span style="font-size: 10.0pt;">----------------------------
</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-size: large;"><b><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif";">1
Thessalonians 5:18 (NIV) </span></b><sup><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif";"></span></sup><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif";">give thanks in all circumstances,
for this is God’s will for you in Christ Jesus. </span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="tab-stops: .2in;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="tab-stops: .2in;">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span style="font-family: "Tempus Sans ITC";"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>There is ALWAYS something to thank God for.
Always. </span></i></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="tab-stops: .2in;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="tab-stops: .2in;">
<span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: 11.0pt;">Here’s
a prayer to help: </span></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">
</span><div class="MsoNormal" style="tab-stops: .2in;">
<span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: 11.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial;">“We thank you, Lord, <b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">IN</b> all circumstances...</span></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">
</span><div class="MsoNormal" style="tab-stops: .2in;">
<span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: 11.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>for the
many blessings you have provided,</span></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">
</span><div class="MsoNormal" style="tab-stops: .2in;">
<span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: 11.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>for the
hard things we’ve been through,</span></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">
</span><div class="MsoNormal" style="tab-stops: .2in;">
<span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: 11.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>for the
times we watched You show up,</span></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">
</span><div class="MsoNormal" style="tab-stops: .2in;">
<span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: 11.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>for the
times we didn’t understand, and still don’t,</span></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">
</span><div class="MsoNormal" style="tab-stops: .2in;">
<span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: 11.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>for the
good things we see and those we do not,</span></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">
</span><div class="MsoNormal" style="tab-stops: .2in;">
<span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: 11.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>for what
we haven’t lost but could have</span></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">
</span><div class="MsoNormal" style="tab-stops: .2in;">
<span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: 11.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>for the
little and big that we take for granted</span></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">
</span><div class="MsoNormal" style="tab-stops: .2in;">
<span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: 11.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>for the
air we breathe, the food we eat, the shelter over our heads,</span></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">
</span><div class="MsoNormal" style="tab-stops: .2in;">
<span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: 11.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>for the
people we love, the work we do</span></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">
</span><div class="MsoNormal" style="tab-stops: .2in;">
<span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: 11.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>for the
days of laughter, the days of tears and the days of ordinary</span></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">
</span><div class="MsoNormal" style="tab-stops: .2in;">
<span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: 11.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial;">In all these circumstances and in so many more, we
say THANKS!”</span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="tab-stops: .2in;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="tab-stops: .2in;">
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<span style="font-size: 10.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial;">©</span><span style="font-size: 10.0pt;"> Herb Shaffer 1982, revised 2014</span></div>
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<br />
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<br /></div>
Herb Shafferhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09965716309878183528noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-22350599.post-12023839170880407452014-04-19T06:00:00.000-04:002014-04-19T06:00:01.386-04:00Pondering the Last Week of Jesus, part 4<div class="MsoNormal">
<b><u>SATURDAY<o:p></o:p></u></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Sundown on Friday began the Jewish Sabbath when nothing
could be done. Nicodemus and Joseph of
Arimathea were both of them members of the Sanhedrin, the Jewish ruling
council. Can you imagine the distress
they endured when Jesus was before the Sanhedrin? On Friday as the sun was
setting they had laid the body of Jesus into a tomb. </div>
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And then all who knew Jesus mourned. </div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
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Imagine what Jesus’ mother and brothers felt, dozing off
only to awaken, screaming from the pictures of terror anew. </div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Imagine what Jesus’ disciples felt, replaying their betrayal
again and again. The arguments that
inevitably resulted from the hole in their gut.
</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Imagine the delight of the Jewish leaders and all the demons
of Hell thinking they had won. </div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Most of all, think of the delight of Jesus and the Father
reunited again. The pain behind. The victory won, though only Heaven knew. A
glorious day. And perhaps, just perhaps,
they were thinking of us - like a parent on Christmas Eve who found the perfect
gift, who can’t wait to see it unwrapped, to see the child’s eyes get big, to
hear the squeal of delight. Because they
knew what Easter would bring.</div>
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<br /></div>
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Saturday was the depths of despair for the humans who loved
Jesus.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Saturday was the height of delight for those who opposed
Jesus.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Saturday was the reunion of all reunions for the Father, Son
and Holy Spirit.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Are you ready for Easter? To receive the best gift from the
God Who loves you beyond comprehension. </div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Ponder on these things and thank Him as you think of Jesus
last week.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal">
Boldly, Pastor Herb</div>
Herb Shafferhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09965716309878183528noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-22350599.post-89961918062327005232014-04-18T12:54:00.001-04:002014-04-18T12:54:18.821-04:00Pondering the Last Week of Jesus, part 3<!--[if gte mso 9]><xml>
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<![endif]--><span style="font-size: large;">I apologize for not getting Thursday’s installment to
you.<span> </span>Here is both THURSDAY and FRIDAY.</span>
<br />
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<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: large;">Thoughts to help you pause, appreciate and experience more
deeply Jesus’ final week on earth in human form.<span> </span>And thus, experience Easter Sunday more
fully. As you read these, try to put yourself in Jesus’ place: how would you
feel, what would you be thinking, how would you act?<span> </span>Then thank Jesus for all He went through for
us, for you.</span></div>
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<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: large;"><b><u>THURSDAY</u></b></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">THE LAST SUPPER</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: large;">Jesus wanted to spend the last meal with his twelve closest
friends, and so He instructed a couple of them to prepare the Passover
Meal.<span> </span>Perhaps He connected the dots, thinking
about Himself as THE Lamb that would save the world.<span> </span>At dinner (which was hours long), He washed
the disciples feet, (John 13), telling them He was leaving them to be servants
to others as He was a Servant.</span></div>
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<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: large;">PREDICTION OF ABANDONING JESUS</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: large;">Another distress was Jesus’ knowledge that Judas was about
to betray Him and that ALL the disciples would abandon Him AND that the leader
of the group, Peter, would deny Him three times.<span> </span>THINK about that. ALL of them.<span> </span>He would go through the mocking, kangaroo courts
and abuse TOTALLY ALONE.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: large;"><sup><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif";"><span> </span></span></sup><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif";">When evening came, Jesus arrived with the Twelve. While
they were reclining at the table eating, he said, “I tell you the truth, one of
you will betray me—one who is eating with me.” They were saddened,
and one by one they said to him, “Surely not I?” “It is one of the
Twelve,” he replied, “one who dips bread into the bowl with me. The
Son of Man will go just as it is written about him. But woe to that man who
betrays the Son of Man! It would be better for him if he had not been born.” </span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: large;"><b><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif";"><span> </span></span></b><sup><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif";"></span></sup><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif";">“You
will all fall away,” Jesus told them, “for it is written: “ ‘I will strike the
shepherd, and the sheep will be scattered.’ But after I have
risen, I will go ahead of you into Galilee.” Peter declared, “Even
if all fall away, I will not.” <sup>30</sup>“I tell you the truth,” Jesus
answered, “today—yes, tonight—before the rooster crows twice you yourself will
disown me three times.” <b>Mark 14:17–21, 27-30 (NIV)</b></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: large;">THE LORD’S SUPPER - COMMUNION</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: large;">At the end of the dinner, Jesus instituted communion.<span> </span>Think about how He felt as He thought about
how His body would be broken and His blood would be shed.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif";"><span> </span>While they were eating,
Jesus took bread, gave thanks and broke it, and gave it to his disciples,
saying, “Take it; this is my body.” Then he took the cup, gave
thanks and offered it to them, and they all drank from it. “This
is my blood of the covenant, which is poured out for many,” he said to them. “I
tell you the truth, I will not drink again of the fruit of the vine until that
day when I drink it anew in the kingdom of God.” When they had
sung a hymn, they went out to the Mount of Olives. <b>Mark 14:18–26 (NIV)</b></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: large;">THE WRESTLING MATCH IN GETHSEMANE</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: large;">We cannot comprehend what Jesus experienced in the Garden of
Gethsemane.<span> </span>He was facing the agony of
some of the worst physical pain, but the deepest pain was facing the penalty of
sin: separation from God.<span> </span>That was the
greatest suffering and it was literally torture for Jesus.<span> </span>Medical experts tell us that sweating blood
is an indication that a person is close to death.<span> </span>That is what Jesus experienced in
prayer.<span> </span>And He was doing all this for
US!!!!</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: large;"><sup><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif";"><span> </span></span></sup><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif";">They went to a place called Gethsemane, and Jesus
said to his disciples, “Sit here while I pray.” He took Peter,
James and John along with him, and he began to be deeply distressed and
troubled. “My soul is overwhelmed with sorrow to the point of
death,” he said to them. “Stay here and keep watch.” Going a
little farther, he fell to the ground and prayed that if possible the hour
might pass from him. <i>“Abba</i>, Father,” he said, “everything
is possible for you. Take this cup from me. Yet not what I will, but what you
will.” <b>Mark 14:32–36 (NIV)</b></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: large;">ARREST</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: large;">Just as Jesus finishes the agonizing prayer, Judas arrives
with soldiers to betray Him with a kiss. WITH A KISS!! We can hear the anguish
in His words.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: large;"><sup><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif";"><span> </span></span></sup><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif";">While he was still speaking a crowd came up, and the
man who was called Judas, one of the Twelve, was leading them. He approached
Jesus to kiss him, but Jesus asked him, “Judas, are you betraying
the Son of Man with a kiss?” <b>Luke 22:47–48 (NIV)</b></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: large;"><b><u>FRIDAY</u></b></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: large;">Jesus is arrested late in the evening. His trials went into
the wee hours of Friday morning.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: large;">BEFORE THE JEWISH KANGAROO COURT</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: large;">Jesus is taken before the Sanhedrin (the Jewish Supreme
Court). They look for evidence against and could not find a thing. Not a single
thing.<span> </span>Even as they got false witnesses
to testify against Him, they couldn’t get their story straight.<span> </span>Jesus stood before them silent.<span> </span>Until the high priest asked Him directly.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: large;"><sup><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif";"><span> </span></span></sup><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif";">But Jesus remained silent and gave no answer. Again
the high priest asked him, “Are you the Christ, the Son of the Blessed One?” “I
am,” said Jesus. “And you will see the Son of Man sitting at the right hand of the
Mighty One and coming on the clouds of heaven.” The high priest
tore his clothes. “Why do we need any more witnesses?” he asked. “You
have heard the blasphemy. What do you think?” They all condemned him as worthy
of death. <b>Mark 14:61–64 (NIV)</b></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: large;">And then the abuse began.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: large;"><sup><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif";"><span> </span></span></sup><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif";">Then some began to spit at him; they blindfolded
him, struck him with their fists, and said, “Prophesy!” And the guards took him
and beat him. <b>Mark 14:65 (NIV)</b></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: large;">BACK AND FORTH BEFORE RULERS</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: large;">The Jewish leaders were prohibited from executing a person,
so they hauled Jesus to Pilate.<span> </span>When he
found out Jesus was from Galilee, Pilate sent Jesus to Herod, who wanted Jesus
to perform miracles for him.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: large;"><sup><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif";"><span> </span></span></sup><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif";">When Herod saw Jesus, he was greatly pleased,
because for a long time he had been wanting to see him. From what he had heard
about him, he hoped to see him perform some miracle.He plied him
with many questions, but Jesus gave him no answer. The chief
priests and the teachers of the law were standing there, vehemently accusing
him. Then Herod and his soldiers ridiculed and mocked him.
Dressing him in an elegant robe, they sent him back to Pilate. <b>Luke 23:8–11
(NIV)</b></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">Hauled back before Pilate again with the Jewish leaders
hounding, accusing, demanding Jesus’ death.<span>
</span>This governor took the responsibility seriously, asking Jesus if He was
king of the Jews. Jesus admitted He was, but when the Jewish leaders chimed in
He again refused to answer them.<span> </span>Pilate
wanted to set Him free, but the people chose Barabbas, the rebellious leader of
an insurrection.<span> </span>Feeling he had no
choice, Pilate condemned Jesus to be crucified.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: large;"><sup><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif";"><span> </span></span></sup><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif";">“What shall I do, then, with the one you call the
king of the Jews?” Pilate asked them. “Crucify him!” they shouted. “Why? What crime has he committed?” asked Pilate. But they shouted
all the louder, “Crucify him!” Wanting to satisfy the crowd,
Pilate released Barabbas to them. He had Jesus flogged, and handed him over to
be crucified. <b>Mark 15:12–15 (NIV)</b></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: large;">PETER DISOWNS JESUS</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: large;">While Jesus was enduring the Sanhedrin’s abuse, Peter denied
knowing Jesus three times.<span> </span>Think about
how Jesus must have felt as Jesus looked at Peter...</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: large;"><sup><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif";"><span> </span></span></sup><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif";">About an hour later another asserted, “Certainly
this fellow was with him, for he is a Galilean.” Peter replied,
“Man, I don’t know what you’re talking about!” Just as he was speaking, the
rooster crowed. The Lord turned and looked straight at Peter. Then
Peter remembered the word the Lord had spoken to him: “Before the rooster crows
today, you will disown me three times.” And he went outside and
wept bitterly. <b>Luke 22:59–62 (NIV)</b></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: large;">THE BEATINGS CONTINUE</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: large;"><sup><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif";"><span> </span></span></sup><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif";">The soldiers led Jesus away into the palace (that
is, the Praetorium) and called together the whole company of soldiers. They
put a purple robe on him, then twisted together a crown of thorns and set it on
him. And they began to call out to him, “Hail, king of the Jews!” Again
and again they struck him on the head with a staff and spit on him. Falling on
their knees, they paid homage to him. And when they had mocked
him, they took off the purple robe and put his own clothes on him. Then they
led him out to crucify him. <b>Mark 15:16–20 (NIV)</b></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">JESUS IS MURDERED</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: large;">Again, there is no way we can comprehend what Jesus’ endured
for the six hours on the cross.<span> </span>SIX
HOURS!<span> </span>360 AGONIZING MINUTES.<span> </span>Take time to read it from one of the Gospels.<span> </span>Slowly consider the pain of the spikes
through His wrists and feet.<span> </span>The circle
of thorns pressed down on His head.<span> </span>The
weight of His body compressing His lungs and pushing against the spikes in His
feet.<span> </span>The sun beating down on Him. <span> </span>Birds landing and pecking at His flesh.<span> </span>And yet He was concerned about His mother and
the thieves on the crosses beside Him.<span> </span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: large;">THE FINAL SUFFERING</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: large;"><sup><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif";"><span> </span><span> </span></span></sup><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif";">And at the ninth hour Jesus cried
out in a loud voice, <b>“My God, my God,
why have you forsaken me?”</b> </span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif";"><span> </span><b>With
a loud cry, Jesus breathed his last</b>. <b>Mark 15:34, 37 (NIV)</b></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: large;"><b>AND JESUS DID IT ALL
FOR US!!</b></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: large;">Take time this day to consider these things.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: large;">Take time to express your love and gratitude for what Jesus
did.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: large;">Boldly, Pastor Herb</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
Herb Shafferhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09965716309878183528noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-22350599.post-10449076008851206482014-04-16T07:46:00.000-04:002014-04-16T07:46:30.372-04:00Pondering the Last Week of Jesus, part 2<!--[if gte mso 9]><xml>
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<![endif]--><span style="font-size: large;">Thoughts to help you pause, appreciate and experience more
deeply Jesus’ final week on earth in human form.<span> </span>And thus, experience Easter Sunday more
fully. As you read these, try to put yourself in Jesus’ place: how would you
feel, what would you be thinking, how would you act?<span> </span>Then thank Jesus for all He went through for
us, for you.</span>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: large;"><b><u>WEDNESDAY</u></b></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: large;">As I wrote yesterday, there is nothing recorded about Jesus’
last Wednesday, so let’s look at the final events of Tuesday. </span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: large;">THE CONSPIRACY OF THE JEWS</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">Think how Jesus felt - the Jews were the people God had
chosen in the past, and Jesus was God.<span>
</span>Now, the very people He had chosen were conspiring to kill Him. Think
what it would have been like feeling that hatred and knowing of that plot as
Jesus was teaching and working with His followers.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: large;"><sup><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif";"><span> </span></span></sup><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif";">Now the Passover and the Feast of Unleavened Bread
were only two days away, and the chief priests and the teachers of the law were
looking for some sly way to arrest Jesus and kill him. “But not
during the Feast,” they said, “or the people may riot.” <b>Mark 14:1–2 (NIV)</b></span></span></div>
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<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: large;">A GREAT GIFT</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">At the end of Tuesday, Jesus was dining with a friend, when the
sister, (name was Mary), of Lazarus, whom Jesus had raised from the dead,
sacrificed an alabaster jar of pure nard. It was an extremely costly perfume,
worth ABOUT A YEAR’S WAGES!! Think about how much you make in a year. Worth
that much. WOW! In a moment of time Mary expressed her deep gratitude and deep
love for Jesus by breaking an expensive jar and using that perfume to anoint
Jesus before His death.<span> </span>It must have
overwhelmed Jesus to be loved and honored so profusely. </span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;"><sup><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif";"><span> </span></span></sup><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif";">While he was in Bethany,
reclining at the table in the home of a man known as Simon the Leper, a woman
came with an alabaster jar of very expensive perfume, made of pure nard. She
broke the jar and poured the perfume on his head<b>. Mark 14:3 (NIV)</b></span></span><br /><!--[if gte mso 9]><xml>
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<br /></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">HARSH CRITICISM</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">Have you ever had a grand moment deflated by someone’s
selfishness? Just as Jesus is being honored by this great sacrifice, some of
the guests essentially said, “Jesus is not worth it.”<span> </span>Even some of His disciples. Rather than
“wasting” this on Jesus, they claimed the perfume should have been sold for a
year’s wages and given to the poor.<span> </span>In
reality, at least one of the disciples (Judas) was stealing money from the
group’s funds and took the loss personally.<span>
</span>Others were being so practical they lost the significance in the
extravagance.<span> </span>It begs the question: “Is
Jesus worth all to you?”</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;"><sup><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif";"><span> </span></span></sup><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif";">Some of those present were saying
indignantly to one another, “Why this waste of perfume? It could
have been sold for more than a year’s wages and the money given to the poor.”
And they <u>rebuked her harshly</u>. <b>Mark 14:4–5 (NIV)</b></span></span></div>
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<br /></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">Think how Jesus must have felt.<span> </span>He was the Son of God and about to give
Himself to be abused and crucified for these people – to give His all.<span> </span>Though the gift was extravagant by human
measures, it was NOTHING compared to what He did for us!<span> </span>Think of the sadness and hurt He must have
felt as the moment was sucked away and He had to scold those present.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif";"><span> </span>“Leave her alone,”
said Jesus. “Why are you bothering her? She has done a beautiful thing to me. The
poor you will always have with you, and you can help them any time you want.
But you will not always have me. She did what she could. She poured
perfume on my body beforehand to prepare for my burial. I tell you
the truth, wherever the gospel is preached throughout the world, what she has
done will also be told, in memory of her.” <b>Mark 14:6–9 (NIV)</b></span></span></div>
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<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: large;">FINAL BETRAYAL</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: large;">Jesus knew it was coming, but being fully human, it must
have sliced His heart out! That one of His closest friends, a man with whom He
had spent 3 years was holding the knife that would stab Him in the back.<span> </span>Judas Iscariot went to the chief priests
offering to betray Jesus.<span> </span>The Jewish
leaders finally had a way to capture and kill Jesus without starting a
riot.<span> </span>And Jesus knew what Judas and the
religious leaders were doing.<span> </span>Oh, the
pain it must have caused Him!</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif";"><span> </span><span></span>Then Judas Iscariot, one of
the Twelve, went to the chief priests to betray Jesus to them. They
were delighted to hear this and promised to give him money. So he watched for
an opportunity to hand him over. <b>Mark 14:10–11 (NIV)</b></span></span></div>
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<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: large;">Ponder on these things and thank Him as you think of Jesus’
last week.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: large;">Boldly, Pastor Herb</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
Herb Shafferhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09965716309878183528noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-22350599.post-80060009617660497992014-04-15T18:16:00.000-04:002014-04-15T18:16:13.404-04:00Pondering the Last Week of Jesus, part 1<!--[if gte mso 9]><xml>
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<span style="font-size: large;">To truly celebrate Easter, we must pause to consider
what the week leading up to Easter was like for Jesus.<span> </span><span></span>Each day I will give you some thoughts from a study of that Gospel of Mark to help you get started. I missed yesterday, so here is both Monday and Tuesday.
</span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: large;"><b><u>MONDAY</u></b></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: large;">CURSING THE FIG TREE</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: large;">Jesus pronounced God’s judgement on the unbelieving Jews by
cursing a fig tree.<span> </span>It was supposed to
have buds on it, but did not.<span> </span>It had the
green leaves that from a distance promised this simple nourishment. But the
promise was empty, so Jesus cursed it. </span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: large;"><sup><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif";"><span> </span></span></sup><sup><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif";"></span></sup><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif";">The
next day as they were leaving Bethany, Jesus was hungry. Seeing in
the distance a fig tree in leaf, he went to find out if it had any fruit. When
he reached it, he found nothing but leaves, because it was not the season for
figs. Then he said to the tree, “May no one ever eat fruit from
you again.” And his disciples heard him say it.</span><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif";"> <b>Mark 11:12–14 (NIV)</b></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: large;">CLEANSING THE TEMPLE</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: large;">Jesus then went into the Temple and drove the money changers
and sellers of animals from the outer court of the Temple.<span> </span>It was the only area that non-Jewish people
could worship, but it had been turned into a marketplace and a short cut so
that it was impossible to worship.<span>
</span>Jesus’ anger exploded into violent removal. </span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: large;"><sup><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif";"><span> </span></span></sup><sup><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif";"></span></sup><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif";">On
reaching Jerusalem, Jesus entered the temple area and began driving out those
who were buying and selling there. He overturned the tables of the money
changers and the benches of those selling doves, and would not
allow anyone to carry merchandise through the temple courts. And
as he taught them, he said, “Is it not written: “ ‘My house will be called a
house of prayer for all nations’? But you have made it ‘a den of robbers.’”</span><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif";"> <b>Mark 11:15–17 (NIV)</b><span></span></span></span></div>
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<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: large;">THE BEGINNING OF THE END</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: large;">When Jesus cleansed the Temple, He was claiming He had
greater authority than the Jewish High Priest.<span>
</span>Thus the gauntlet was thrown down. As a result, the Jewish leaders
started looking for a way to kill Jesus. </span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: large;"><sup><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif";"><span> </span></span></sup><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif";">The chief priests and the teachers of the law heard
this and began looking for a way to kill him, for they feared him, because the
whole crowd was amazed at his teaching. When evening came, they
went out of the city. <b>Mark 11:18–19 (NIV)</b></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: large;"><b><u>TUESDAY</u></b></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: large;">NOTE: Mark 12:1-14:11 (appear to all happen on Tuesday, with
no mention of anything on Wednesday.<span> </span>The
Gospels of Matthew, Luke and John are the same. It appears nothing was recorded
about Wednesday, so I’m going to break Tuesday into two parts.<span> </span>It is just as well because so much happened.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: large;">Ponder a moment: if you had only three days left, and you
knew today was the final day of telling your followers what matters, what would
you say?<span> </span>Jesus spent the day jousting
with the Jewish religious leaders and teaching. It was the last day of teaching
the crowds recorded, so we can assume these were important lessons.<span> </span>Here are just a few highlights.<span> </span>I encourage you to read the chapters for
yourself.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: large;">It was an exhausting day for Jesus. On the hot seat with
religious leaders, the intensity of last words He wanted to impart, the plot to
kill Him hanging over His head, and always the knowledge that He was headed to
the most CRUEL DEATH in three days.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: large;">BACK TO THE FIG TREE</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: large;">On the way into Jerusalem, the disciples notice the fig tree
is shriveled from the roots up. Amazed, they bring to Jesus’ attention.<span> </span>He responds nonchalantly:</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: large;"><sup><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif";"><span> </span></span></sup><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif";">“Have faith in God,” Jesus
answered. “I tell you the truth, if anyone says to this mountain,
‘Go, throw yourself into the sea,’ and does not doubt in his heart but believes
that what he says will happen, it will be done for him. Therefore
I tell you, whatever you ask for in prayer, believe that you have received it,
and it will be yours. And when you stand praying, if you hold
anything against anyone, forgive him, so that your Father in heaven may forgive
you your sins.” <b>Mark 11:22–25 (NIV)</b></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: large;">TRAPS SET BY THE JEWISH AUTHORITES</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: large;">“Where do you get your authority?” Jesus was asked where He
got His authority. He refused to answer because they would not answer His
question about John the Baptist’s authority</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: large;">“Should we pay taxes to Roman government?” If He says yes,
He is in trouble with the Jews. If He says no, He is in trouble with Rome.<span> </span>So He says,<span>
</span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: large;"><sup><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif";"><span> </span></span></sup><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif";">Then Jesus said to them, “Give to
Caesar what is Caesar’s and to God what is God’s.” And they were amazed at him.
<b>Mark 12:17 (NIV)</b></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: large;"><span> </span>“How can you claim
there is a resurrection?” the Sadducees (one branch of the Jewish leaders)
asked.<span> </span>Jesus shows them the next life if
not like this one and we have different bodies and different relationships.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: large;">“What is the greatest commandment?” This was not a trap, but
a sincere inquiry.<span> </span>Because of it we have
the MEANING OF LIFE.<span> </span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: large;"><sup><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif";"><span> </span></span></sup><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif";">Love the Lord your God with all
your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind and with all your
strength.’ The second is this: ‘Love your neighbor as yourself.’
There is no commandment greater than these.” <b>Mark 12:30–31 (NIV)</b></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: large;">NO MORE TRAPS, JESUS THEN TEACHES</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: large;">After Jesus turned the traps on them, no one dared ask Him
any other questions.<span> </span>However, it made
the Jewish leaders even more intent to kill Him.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: large;">Jesus taught important lessons on His identity, generosity
(the widow’s offering), what will happen in the future, and that NO ONE KNOWS
WHEN HE WILL RETURN.<span> </span>That last one is
especially important for us.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: large;">Ponder on these things and thank Him as you think of Jesus'
last week.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
Herb Shafferhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09965716309878183528noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-22350599.post-53191307817239925902013-11-22T17:42:00.000-05:002013-11-22T17:42:35.148-05:00Who are you giving the remote?<!--[if gte mso 9]><xml>
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<![endif]--><span style="font-size: 11.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial;">To whom are you giving your remote, Jesus or “relational
stuff”?<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Ah, but I get ahead of myself.</span>
<br />
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<br /></div>
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<span style="font-size: 11.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial;">Every day “relational stuff” - that is jealousy, envy,
anger, bitterness, hurt, unforgiveness and the like - tries to beat down the
door to your life, sit in your chair and run the remote that controls your
love, thoughts, actions and soul.</span></div>
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<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="tab-stops: .25in;">
<span style="font-size: 11.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial;">Every day Jesus waits close by gently knocking,
asking to be in that chair.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="tab-stops: .25in;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="tab-stops: .25in;">
<span style="font-size: 11.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial;">Every day we must make the choice who sits in that
chair with remote in hand.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Not as easy a
choice as you might think.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="tab-stops: .25in;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="tab-stops: .25in;">
<span style="font-size: 11.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial;">“Relational stuff” KILLS us.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Not just metaphorically, but in honest to
goodness truth.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>And it kills us EVERY
TIME.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="tab-stops: .25in;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="tab-stops: .25in;">
<span style="font-size: 11.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial;">If you think that is hyperbole or extreme you are
wrong.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“Relational stuff” is a slow,
deliberate killer, taking its time to pull us down the winding path to certain
death, exacting pain every step of the way.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="tab-stops: .25in;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="tab-stops: .25in;">
<span style="font-size: 11.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial;">It kills our hearts by numbing us, handcuffing our God
placed ability to make emotional connection with others.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Given time it creates calluses that harden
our hearts, making us unable to even love those we WANT to love.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="tab-stops: .25in;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="tab-stops: .25in;">
<span style="font-size: 11.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial;">It kills our minds, freezing our ability to think
clearly. The seed of relational angst continually distracts at the most
inconvenient times, fills our minds with detrimental thoughts and finally
hi-jacks our ability to see reality and choose to love as we should.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="tab-stops: .25in;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="tab-stops: .25in;">
<span style="font-size: 11.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial;">It kills our bodies. There are many well documented
studies that cite the years that relational issues carve off of our life spans,
and negatively impact the quality of our lives while we breathe. </span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="tab-stops: .25in;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="tab-stops: .25in;">
<span style="font-size: 11.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial;">Worst of all, it kills our souls.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It is literally impossible to have life in
our souls and death in our relationships.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>Jesus will not venture where relational stuff rules.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Thus our souls are too full of the relational
stuff to which we cling to allow God to love us or love to flow through us.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="tab-stops: .25in;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="tab-stops: .25in;">
<span style="font-size: 11.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial;">One danger is in letting relational angst in for
any length of time.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The longer allowed
to sit in your chair, control the remote and your appetites, the harder it is
to kick out and welcome Jesus in.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="tab-stops: .25in;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="tab-stops: .25in;">
<span style="font-size: 11.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial;">Another danger is to downplay, dismiss or ignore
its presence.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Which I notice is what so
many western Christians do.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>We pretend
we love each other while allowing “relational stuff” to rule and Jesus to wait
in the rain.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>When we do, we die another
day.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="tab-stops: .25in;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="tab-stops: .25in;">
<span style="font-size: 11.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial;">STOP IT!!</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="tab-stops: .25in;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="tab-stops: .25in;">
<span style="font-size: 11.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial;">If there is any “relational stuff” in your chair
today, KICK IT OUT, mash it to a pulp and bury it.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Forgive, let hurt go, reconcile with “that”
person, set aside anger... whatever you have to do to get Jesus in the chair! Then
hand Him the remote and the snack tray so He will in charge of your life.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>You will be amazed as LIFE pours into you.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="tab-stops: .25in;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: Times,"Times New Roman",serif;"><sup>13</sup>Bear with each other and forgive whatever
grievances you may have against one another. Forgive as the Lord forgave you. <sup>14</sup>And
over all these virtues put on love, which binds them all together in perfect
unity. <sup>15</sup>Let the peace of Christ rule in your hearts, since as
members of one body you were called to peace. And be thankful. <b>Colossians
3:13–15 (NIV)</b></span></span><span style="font-size: 11.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial;"></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="tab-stops: .25in;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="tab-stops: .25in;">
<span style="font-size: 11.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial;">Boldly, Herb</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="tab-stops: .25in;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="tab-stops: .25in;">
<span style="font-size: 11.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial;">To receive blog posts directly to your email sign
up on the bar to the right or at: http://groups.google.com/group/fwgs</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="tab-stops: .25in;">
<span style="font-size: 11.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial;">To listen to Herb via the internet go to
http://www.newsongpittsburgh.org/ and click on the sermons link</span></div>
Herb Shafferhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09965716309878183528noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-22350599.post-12351116244031759252013-11-15T16:57:00.001-05:002013-11-15T16:57:38.695-05:00Prayer is... WHAT???? Not what you think<!--[if gte mso 9]><xml>
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<span style="font-size: 11.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial;">We think it is about us.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Left to ourselves we think EVERYTHING is
about us.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Just look at a two year old.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="tab-stops: .25in;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="tab-stops: .25in;">
<span style="font-size: 11.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial;">But it is not.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>It is about how God created things, living aligned and what He wants to
accomplish.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="tab-stops: .25in;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="tab-stops: .25in;">
<span style="font-size: 11.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial;">Prayer.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="tab-stops: .25in;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="tab-stops: .25in;">
<span style="font-size: 11.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial;">I sometimes hate even using that word because it is
so fraught with overtones of religion, when God designed it to be a pathway to
relationship.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It is so much more than
what that word usually brings to our gray cells.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="tab-stops: .25in;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="tab-stops: .25in;">
<span style="font-size: 11.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial;">When Jesus talked about and modeled prayer, it was
about a way of life... walking in tune with the Father... being so aligned that
He was naturally nudged in the Father’s direction... constant conversation with
the One He loved and missed... enjoying what the Father could pour into Him...
feeling fully alive!!</span></div>
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<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="tab-stops: .25in;">
<span style="font-size: 11.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial;">I think “COMMUNION” is a better word.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Yet it, too, is attached to religion.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Not talking about the juice and bread
ceremony, but rather living life together, interacting, constantly conversing,
always aware of one another’s presence and desiring to please the other. </span></div>
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<br /></div>
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<span style="font-size: 11.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial;">THAT is a small glimpse of what Jesus meant by “prayer”.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>And He said it was THE KEY to the ability to
do some things.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>When Jesus said that
some things ONLY happen through prayer, it was relationship - THAT kind of relationship
- that He was talking about.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Not ritual,
religious duty, but an alive, relational, fulfilling, “can’t wait to talk”
experience.</span></div>
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<br /></div>
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<span style="font-size: 11.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial;">When Jesus cast out a horrible demon from a boy
after the disciples could not, THAT is the kind of relationship, constant
companionship “prayer” He is talking about.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>Read it...</span></div>
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<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="tab-stops: .25in; text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 10.5pt;"><span style="font-size: large;"><b>After
Jesus had gone indoors, his disciples asked him privately, “Why couldn’t we
drive it out?” He replied, “<u>This kind can come out only by
prayer</u>.”</b>Mark 9:28-29 (NIV)</span></span></div>
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<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="tab-stops: .25in;">
<span style="font-size: 11.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial;">So next time you try to get yourself in a lather,
thinking that kind of intensity will get God to do something for you...</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="tab-stops: .25in;">
<span style="font-size: 11.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial;">Or next time you think God is not listening or
caring...</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="tab-stops: .25in;">
<span style="font-size: 11.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial;">Or next time you blow off talking with God... </span></div>
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<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="tab-stops: .25in;">
<span style="font-size: 11.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial;">STOP IT! <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Back
off and focus on the relational interaction – the COMMUNION, rather than the
activity.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="tab-stops: .25in;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="tab-stops: .25in;">
<span style="font-size: 11.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial;">Be warned, though.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>It will humble you, challenge you, convict you, but it will also lead
you to the COMMUNION with God you have always longed for.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="tab-stops: .25in;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="tab-stops: .25in;">
<span style="font-size: 11.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial;">God can hardly wait!<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>What are YOU waiting for. Stop reading and
start talking with your Heavenly DAD.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></span></div>
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<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="tab-stops: .25in;">
<span style="font-size: 11.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial;">Boldly, Herb</span></div>
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<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="tab-stops: .25in;">
<span style="font-size: 11.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial;">To receive blog posts directly to your email sign
up on the bar to the right or at: http://groups.google.com/group/fwgs</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="tab-stops: .25in;">
<span style="font-size: 11.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial;">To listen to Herb via the internet go to
http://www.newsongpittsburgh.org/ and click on the sermons link</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="tab-stops: .25in;">
<br /></div>
Herb Shafferhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09965716309878183528noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-22350599.post-56979390021099093842013-11-07T12:20:00.000-05:002013-11-07T12:20:37.161-05:00Crisis Creates Opportunity<!--[if gte mso 9]><xml>
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<![endif]--><span style="font-size: 11.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial;">We wish... we long... we hope... we pray... for
opportunity.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></span>
<br />
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<br /></div>
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<span style="font-size: 11.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial;">Opportunity to experience something good, powerful,
significant, wonderful, helpful.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 11.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial;">Opportunity to have God show up like He did in the
Bible.</span></div>
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<br /></div>
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<span style="font-size: 11.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial;">Then we whine about the very circumstances that are
the breeding ground for Him to do so.</span></div>
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<br /></div>
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<span style="font-size: 11.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial;">You see... it is CRISES, PROBLEMS, DIFFICULTIES
that create opportunity.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Until we are
staring into the eyes of something so big or bad that we cannot handle or do anything
about, we are not in the place of opportunity.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span></span></div>
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<br /></div>
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<span style="font-size: 11.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial;">I think having eyes to see that way is a big part
of what “faith” is all about. </span></div>
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<br /></div>
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<span style="font-size: 11.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial;">Daniel got the word that everyone on “Team Wisemen”
had been ordered to the gallows, (Daniel 2).<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>What did he see?<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>As the rest of
the team saw CRISIS, Daniel saw OPPORTUNITY.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>He boldly went to see the king, asking for time (he got it), prayed
fervently with his three friends for God’s answer (he got it).<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>By seeking and surrendering to God he went
from death row to vice-king of Babylon.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>CRISIS creates OPPORTUNITY.</span></div>
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<br /></div>
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<span style="font-size: 11.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial;">Shadrach, Meshach and Abednego were ordered with
the rest of the new and revised “Team Wisemen” to the Plain of Dura, (Daniel 3).<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Arriving they saw a ninety foot statue, heard
the announcement that all were to bow and worship when the orchestra struck a
tune, and realized they were in a CRISIS.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>But they saw OPPORTUNITY.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>They
refused to bow, made their stand with the king and vowed absolute loyalty to
God even if they were thrown into the flaming furnace. They saw OPPORTUNITY to
point people to the only true God, even at the cost of their lives, knowing God
would deliver here or hereafter.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>In
fury, the king ordered them tossed into the flames. </span></div>
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<br /></div>
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<span style="font-size: 11.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial;">AN ASIDE:<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>What would you do if you were there?<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>Our tendency, “But God!<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I’m not
supposed to be IN the fire, You were supposed to swoop down as my celestial
superman and save me FROM the fire!” and other such whining.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>If we put on faith eyes we see that we cannot
experience the DEPTH of God’s miracle unless we experience the DEPTH of the
danger!!</span></div>
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<br /></div>
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<span style="font-size: 11.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial;">BACK TO THE STORY:<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>Into the flames they were thrown, where Jesus was waiting for them,
where they walked around in the fire high fiving Jesus, where they experienced
God! The king ordered them out, ordered the world never to criticize God and
promoted them to high office. CRISIS created OPPORTUNITY.</span></div>
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<br /></div>
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<span style="font-size: 11.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial;">What crisis, problem, difficulty are you
experiencing?<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Look at them again with
fresh eyes... faith eyes.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Do you see
that God is bigger?<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>That only as you go
through them that God can show up big?<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>Lean into God, seek Him with all you’ve got, trust Him no matter what
and watch God turn your CRISIS, PROBLEM or DIFFICULTY into OPPORTUNITY to
experience Him and to point people to Him.</span></div>
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<br /></div>
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<span style="font-size: 11.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial;">Here’s what God says...</span></div>
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<sup><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif";"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> <i><b> </b></i></span></span></sup><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif";"><span style="font-size: large;"><b><i>“I am the <span style="font-variant: small-caps;">Lord</span>, the God of all mankind. Is anything too hard for me?</i></b></span><i> </i>Jeremiah
32:27 (NIV)</span></div>
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From this day forward choose to view every circumstance
that causes your heart to pound as OPPORTUNITY for God to show up – no matter
how hot the fire gets.<br />
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<span style="font-size: 11.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial;">Boldly, Herb</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 11.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial;">To receive blog posts directly to your email sign
up on the bar to the right or at: http://groups.google.com/group/fwgs</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 11.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial;">To listen to Herb via the internet go to
http://www.newsongpittsburgh.org/ and click on the sermons link</span></div>
<br /><br />
Herb Shafferhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09965716309878183528noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-22350599.post-45619164888040130982013-07-05T08:35:00.000-04:002013-07-05T08:35:21.007-04:00Angles on Life - Seeing Life From Where God Sits<!--[if gte mso 9]><xml>
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<![endif]--><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 11.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-font-size: 10.0pt;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>I’d always thought it was because my
kids liked me and they liked me holding them. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>They would reach out their little arms toward
me and want to be in my big, strong arms.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>When they got hurt, when they were tired, when they were scared, or when
they wanted to see something they couldn't reach.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Turns out to be purely selfish.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It wasn’t about me, it was about THEM!</span>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 11.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-font-size: 10.0pt;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>I tripped over this insight a years
ago when my youngest son, Chadd, was standing in the kitchen pointing at
something on the kitchen counter to the left of the sink.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Being a toddler he couldn’t communicate
clearly so we played “the guessing game.”<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>You know the one… he points, grunts and I make guesses as to what he is
looking at and what he wants me to do with it.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>(And we parents think we are in charge.)<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>A similar game is played when the toddlers become teenagers.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It's called, "How could you be so
stupid?"<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>This game is played when the
parent asks a question, the teenager looks at the parent, rolls his eyes,
sighs, and in other ways non-verbally communicates to the parent, "How
could you be so stupid?"<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 11.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-font-size: 10.0pt;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>Back to Chadd…<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I picked up item after item asking, “Is this
what you want?”<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>To which he would pull
the pacifier from his mouth and say, “No.”<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>He kept pointing, I kept guessing, he kept saying “No” and I got
frustrated.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 11.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-font-size: 10.0pt;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>In desperation I knelt down beside
him, sighted up his arm and looked.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It
was instantly clear.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I stayed on my
knees a while and looked around at his world.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>It was enlightening.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Do you
realize that toddlers live in a world of kneecaps?<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Big kneecaps, small kneecaps, kneecaps in
hose, naked kneecaps, invisible kneecaps covered by jeans.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Our world is built for humans at least five
feet tall.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Everything looks different
from the angle of someone two feet tall.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>EVERYTHING.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The floor is close but
all the good stuff is far away.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Feet are
constantly swinging toward you.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Shopping
carts look like bulldozers.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>You can't
reach anything beyond the second shelf.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>And
if you take a risk and climb on the kitchen table the big people yell at
you.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It is daunting, dangerous and disconcerting.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>THAT is why my kids wanted me to hold them –
so they could see life better and be protected from the kneecaps. They felt
safe when they were in my arms.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>And when
a parade comes by the best seat on the street is on dad's shoulders, using his
ears as handles.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 11.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-font-size: 10.0pt;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>The way life looks is determined by
your angle.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 11.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-font-size: 10.0pt;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>Life appears a lot like Chadd's
world to us human types much of the time.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>We just don't realize it. We see things we need or want up on the counter
of life, but we can't reach them.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>Problems threaten to kick us in the teeth.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>When we take a risk people yell at us.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>We get scared, hurt, frustrated, tired, as
life looks overwhelming.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>That's
reality.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The good news is that we have
the same option Chadd chose – we can reach our arms up toward our Dad and He'll
hold us, help us get what we need, protect us, and reassure us.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 11.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-font-size: 10.0pt;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>But best of all, when we're in God's
arms we can view life from where He sits.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>Only then can we see it as it really is. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The world was built by our heavenly Dad and
only from where He sits does it make sense.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: .5in;">
<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 11.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-font-size: 10.0pt;">YOUR life was specifically designed for you, but only as you
see it from where God sits does it make sense.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>Sitting on His shoulders is the best seat on the street.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 11.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-font-size: 10.0pt;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>The way life looks depends a lot on
where you’re sitting. Ask God to pick you up to give you at least a glimpse of
what your life looks like from where He sits.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: .5in;">
<i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span style="font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 10.0pt;">"For my thoughts are
not your thoughts, neither are your ways my ways," declares the LORD.
"As the heavens are higher than the earth, so are my ways higher than your
ways and my thoughts than your thoughts. Isaiah 55:8-9 (NIV)</span></i></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: .5in;">
<i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span style="font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 10.0pt;">"Call to me and I will answer you and tell you great and unsearchable things you do not know." Jeremiah 33:3 (NIV) </span></i></div>
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</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 11.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-font-size: 10.0pt;">Boldly,
Herb</span></div>
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<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 11.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-font-size: 10.0pt;">To
receive blog posts directly to your email sign up on the bar to the right or
at: http://groups.google.com/group/fwgs</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 11.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-font-size: 10.0pt;">To
listen to Herb via the internet go to http://www.newsongpittsburgh.org/ and
click on the sermons link</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="tab-stops: .25in;">
<br /></div>
Herb Shafferhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09965716309878183528noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-22350599.post-28352073292474195842013-04-14T13:50:00.000-04:002013-04-14T13:51:22.764-04:00<span style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: "Tahoma","sans-serif"; font-size: 11.0pt;"><b>When God Revises the sermon... discussion questions must be revised</b> </span></span><br />
<br />
<span style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: "Tahoma","sans-serif"; font-size: 11.0pt;">Today, Sunday April 14, God made the Old Testament story of the 12 spies scouting out the Promised Land come alive. You can listen to it at www.newsongpittsburgh.org. Unfortunately, it was after my sermon notes were printed and the sermon discussion questions need to be revised. Below you will find the revised version.</span></span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="mso-outline-level: 2; page-break-after: avoid; tab-stops: .2in;">
<span style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: "Tahoma","sans-serif"; font-size: 11.0pt;"><br /></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="mso-outline-level: 2; page-break-after: avoid; tab-stops: .2in;">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><i><span style="font-family: "Tahoma","sans-serif"; font-size: 11.0pt;">Revised discussion
questions for April 14 sermon</span></i></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="tab-stops: .2in;">
<span style="font-family: "Tahoma","sans-serif"; font-size: 11.0pt;">1. Tell us of a time you had to persevere
and not give up.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="tab-stops: .2in;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="tab-stops: .2in;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="tab-stops: .2in;">
<span style="font-family: "Tahoma","sans-serif"; font-size: 11.0pt;">2. What kinds of things tend to discourage
you, make you want to give up?</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="tab-stops: .2in;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="tab-stops: .2in;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="tab-stops: .2in;">
<span style="font-family: "Tahoma","sans-serif"; font-size: 11.0pt;">3. Read and compare the progression of the
10 spies versus the 2 below.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>What
catches your attention?<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>What important
thoughts or lessons can we takeaway?</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="tab-stops: .2in;">
<br /></div>
<div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="mso-layout-grid-align: none; mso-pagination: none; tab-stops: .2in; text-align: center; text-autospace: none;">
<u><span style="font-family: "Tahoma","sans-serif"; font-size: 11.0pt;">The progression of
response for the <b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">TEN</b>:</span></u></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: 22.5pt; mso-layout-grid-align: none; mso-pagination: none; tab-stops: .2in; text-autospace: none; text-indent: -9.0pt;">
<span style="font-family: "Tahoma","sans-serif"; font-size: 11.0pt;">I. They see what is
actually true saw how good the land was AND saw giants</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: 22.5pt; mso-layout-grid-align: none; mso-pagination: none; tab-stops: .2in; text-autospace: none; text-indent: -9.0pt;">
<span style="font-family: "Tahoma","sans-serif"; font-size: 11.0pt;">II. They interpret
what is true according to what they see as biggest (notice God is not even
MENTIONED in their evaluation)</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: 22.5pt; mso-layout-grid-align: none; mso-pagination: none; tab-stops: .2in; text-autospace: none; text-indent: -9.0pt;">
<span style="font-family: "Tahoma","sans-serif"; font-size: 11.0pt;">III. Their fears and
feelings get the best of them, overwhelming them – wept, grumbled</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: 22.5pt; mso-layout-grid-align: none; mso-pagination: none; tab-stops: .2in; text-autospace: none; text-indent: -9.0pt;">
<span style="font-family: "Tahoma","sans-serif"; font-size: 11.0pt;">IV. They look for
someone to blame – Moses and Aaron</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: 22.5pt; mso-layout-grid-align: none; mso-pagination: none; tab-stops: .2in; text-autospace: none; text-indent: -9.0pt;">
<span style="font-family: "Tahoma","sans-serif"; font-size: 11.0pt;">V. They start crazy
talk, out of touch with reality, longing for “good old days” that weren’t good
at all – would be better back in Egypt or to die there or here</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: 22.5pt; mso-layout-grid-align: none; mso-pagination: none; tab-stops: .2in; text-autospace: none; text-indent: -9.0pt;">
<span style="font-family: "Tahoma","sans-serif"; font-size: 11.0pt;">VI. They develop a
very bad plan – choose another leader, go back</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: 22.5pt; mso-layout-grid-align: none; mso-pagination: none; tab-stops: .2in; text-autospace: none; text-indent: -9.0pt;">
<span style="font-family: "Tahoma","sans-serif"; font-size: 11.0pt;">VII. (Later) they
will reap what they sow</span></div>
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<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="mso-layout-grid-align: none; mso-pagination: none; tab-stops: .2in; text-autospace: none;">
<u><span style="font-family: "Tahoma","sans-serif"; font-size: 11.0pt;">The
progression of response for the <b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">TWO </b>(Joshua
and Caleb):</span></u></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Tahoma","sans-serif"; font-size: 11.0pt;">I. They see what is
actually true – same as the others</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: 22.5pt; mso-layout-grid-align: none; mso-pagination: none; tab-stops: .2in; text-autospace: none; text-indent: -9.0pt;">
<span style="font-family: "Tahoma","sans-serif"; font-size: 11.0pt;">II. They interpret
what is true according to what they see as biggest (notice God is at the center
of their evaluation)</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Tahoma","sans-serif"; font-size: 11.0pt;">III. Their faith gets
the best of them, overwhelming them – instead of fear</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Tahoma","sans-serif"; font-size: 11.0pt;">IV. They look to God
for hope and direction – instead of someone to blame</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: 22.5pt; mso-layout-grid-align: none; mso-pagination: none; tab-stops: .2in; text-autospace: none; text-indent: -9.0pt;">
<span style="font-family: "Tahoma","sans-serif"; font-size: 11.0pt;">V. They start crazy
FAITH talk, in touch with supernatural reality, looking forward to future
incredible days that will be better than they can imagine – instead of looking
back, they are looking FORWARD to what God will do</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: 22.5pt; mso-layout-grid-align: none; mso-pagination: none; tab-stops: .2in; text-autospace: none; text-indent: -9.0pt;">
<span style="font-family: "Tahoma","sans-serif"; font-size: 11.0pt;">VI. They develop a
very good plan</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Tahoma","sans-serif"; font-size: 11.0pt;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>Do not rebel against the Lord.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Or be afraid of the people in Promised Land.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: 22.5pt; mso-layout-grid-align: none; mso-pagination: none; tab-stops: .2in; text-autospace: none; text-indent: -9.0pt;">
<span style="font-family: "Tahoma","sans-serif"; font-size: 11.0pt;">VII. (Later) they
will reap what they sow – God’s reward</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="tab-stops: .2in;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="tab-stops: .2in;">
<span style="font-family: "Tahoma","sans-serif"; font-size: 11.0pt;">4. Put yourself in Joshua and Caleb’s
place... how could you not get pulled into the attitudes and actions of the
other 10 spies?</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="tab-stops: .2in;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="tab-stops: .2in;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="tab-stops: .2in;">
<span style="font-family: "Tahoma","sans-serif"; font-size: 11.0pt;">5. How do we get and keep God as biggest?<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>What helps you to do so?</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="tab-stops: .2in;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="tab-stops: .2in;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="tab-stops: .2in;">
<span style="font-family: "Tahoma","sans-serif"; font-size: 11.0pt;">6. What things threaten to become bigger
than God for you, that you struggle with?</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="tab-stops: .2in;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="tab-stops: .2in;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="tab-stops: .2in;">
<span style="font-family: "Tahoma","sans-serif"; font-size: 11.0pt;">7. What do you most need to work on this
week - out of all we’ve talked about?</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="mso-layout-grid-align: none; mso-pagination: none; tab-stops: .2in; text-autospace: none;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
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<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
Herb Shafferhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09965716309878183528noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-22350599.post-49625063898662668822012-12-25T06:58:00.000-05:002012-12-25T06:58:11.654-05:00With Mary and Joseph on Christmas Morning<!--[if gte mso 9]><xml>
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<span style="font-size: 11.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial;">I woke up early this Christmas morning, not because
a child was shaking me from my slumber as in the “olden days” but because I AM
old.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>In the quiet I got to hypothesizing
what it was like the first morning Mary and Joseph awoke with the Son of God in
their arms instead of in Mary’s womb.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="tab-stops: .25in;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="tab-stops: .25in;">
<span style="font-size: 11.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial;">After the onset of contractions that sent Joseph
scrambling for ANY PLACE to lodge.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="tab-stops: .25in;">
<span style="font-size: 11.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial;">After the last minute check in to the stable.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="tab-stops: .25in;">
<span style="font-size: 11.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial;">After Joseph had to do way more than boil water and
pass out cigars.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="tab-stops: .25in;">
<span style="font-size: 11.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial;">After the arrival of God through a human birth
canal!<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>One moment it was two; the next
it was three - and the newest member of the trio had made the trip, not just
from Nazareth, but from Glory.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="tab-stops: .25in;">
<span style="font-size: 11.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial;">After a strange smell wafted in and lowly shepherds
darkened their door - and then worshipped.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="tab-stops: .25in;">
<span style="font-size: 11.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial;">After they drifted off to exhausted sleep and awoke
to the hungry cry of a newborn.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Of God
wanting breakfast.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="tab-stops: .25in;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="tab-stops: .25in;">
<span style="font-size: 11.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial;">What was it like for the new parents to open their
sleepy eyes to see that diminutive God-human needing a new set of swaddling
clothes and demanding a meal?<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="tab-stops: .25in;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="tab-stops: .25in;">
<span style="font-size: 11.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial;">October 11, 1982, March 18, 1985, August 3, 1988,
and December 3, 1989 were each days of wonder and awe as Sheila and I looked at
a brand new child.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>There are enough
syllables to articulate what happens in a parent’s heart.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I think that is why God created tears.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Blubbering just seems to express so much more
than incomprehensible stammering.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>But
those children showed up as billions of humans throughout the eons of
time.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Oh, the wonder never dims, but it
is normal.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="tab-stops: .25in;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="tab-stops: .25in;">
<span style="font-size: 11.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial;">Ratchet that up by as many multipliers as you can
comprehend… peg the wonder meter to “overload”… try to get into the minds of
these new parents gazing at a child born but never humanly conceived… and add
in that Creator God was embedded in this helpless, fragile, toothless,
wordless, immobile, less than ten pounds package of bone, blood and tissue.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="tab-stops: .25in;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="tab-stops: .25in;">
<span style="font-size: 11.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial;">Surely they stared as the hard drive in their
brains spun out of control endeavoring to process it all!<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>How they must have wrapped their arms around the
God-child as they tried to get their hearts around what God had done.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Certainly Mary composed a song to the Savior
as she rocked and He cooed (I mean, she sang the Magnificat, after all!).</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="tab-stops: .25in;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="tab-stops: .25in;">
<span style="font-size: 11.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial;">Most of all I think they gaped in amazed,
astonished, anxious awe.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="tab-stops: .25in;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="tab-stops: .25in;">
<span style="font-size: 11.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial;">“Can this really have happened, Joseph?” Mary may
have asked.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“I know I was there
(chuckle), but Joseph, it is so surreal.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>This child… I know it was the Holy Spirit Who placed Him in my womb… I know
the angel said He is Messiah… but, Joseph, LOOK at Him!<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Now that He’s in my arms, it’s
different.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Could God have really given
us the honor, of all people who ever lived, to have His Son grow up in our
home?”</span></div>
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<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="tab-stops: .25in;">
<span style="font-size: 11.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial;">Sheila and I still look at our kids with wonder,
(though there were days during the teen era when it was a different kind of
wonder).<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>We look in wonder at the
miracle God performed in conception, birth and growth.</span></div>
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<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="tab-stops: .25in;">
<span style="font-size: 11.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial;">For Joseph and Mary, did the wonder ever wear
off?<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Did they look at the child every
day and remember all the miracles?<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Did
they shake their heads in awe as Jesus said His first words… took His first
steps… had His first birthday… put on His first “big-boy” tunic… got His first
haircut… got His first “boo boo”.. went to synagogue the first time…?</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="tab-stops: .25in;">
<br /></div>
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<span style="font-size: 11.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial;">Back to the animal shelter in Bethlehem.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>On the day after the Holy Night, I can’t help
but wonder what it was like.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Just the
three of them alone in a town eighty miles from home.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>But not really alone.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>For the Presence of God was never nearer.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="tab-stops: .25in;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="tab-stops: .25in;">
<span style="font-size: 11.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial;">On this day, please recapture some of that
wonder.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Because of that birth, life,
death and resurrection, we too can experience the Presence of God nearer than
ever.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Lean into the awe of what this day
is truly all about.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The marvel that God
is crazy in love with you!</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="tab-stops: .25in;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="tab-stops: .25in;">
<span style="font-size: 11.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial;">Those kinds of moments, experiencing God’s crazy
love and the awe that He does, are worth waking up way early on this Christmas
Day.</span></div>
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<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="mso-layout-grid-align: none; text-autospace: none;">
<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-size: x-small;"><sup><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman";">16</span></sup></span><span lang="EN" style="font-family: "Times New Roman";">So they (the
shepherds) hurried off and found Mary and Joseph, and the baby, who was lying
in the manger.</span><span lang="EN" style="font-family: "Times New Roman";"> </span><span style="font-size: x-small;"><sup><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman";">17</span></sup></span><span lang="EN" style="font-family: "Times New Roman";">When they had seen
him, they spread the word concerning what had been told them about this child,</span><span lang="EN" style="font-family: "Times New Roman";"> </span><span style="font-size: x-small;"><sup><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman";">18</span></sup></span><span lang="EN" style="font-family: "Times New Roman";">and all who heard it
were <b><u>amazed</u></b> at what the
shepherds said to them.</span><span lang="EN" style="font-family: "Times New Roman";">
</span><span style="font-size: x-small;"><sup><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman";">19</span></sup></span><span lang="EN" style="font-family: "Times New Roman";">But Mary
treasured up all these things and pondered them in her heart.</span><span lang="EN" style="font-family: "Times New Roman";"> </span><span style="font-size: x-small;"><sup><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman";">20</span></sup></span><span lang="EN" style="font-family: "Times New Roman";">The shepherds
returned, glorifying and praising God for all the things they had heard and
seen, which were just as they had been told.</span><b><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman";"> Luke 2:16-20 (NIV)</span></b></span><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman";"></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 11.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial;">Boldly, Herb</span></div>
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<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="tab-stops: .25in;">
<span style="font-size: 11.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial;">To receive blog posts directly to your email sign
up on the bar to the right or at: http://groups.google.com/group/fwgs</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="tab-stops: .25in;">
<span style="font-size: 11.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial;">To listen to Herb via the internet go to
http://www.newsongpittsburgh.org/ and click on the sermons link</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="tab-stops: .25in;">
<br /></div>
Herb Shafferhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09965716309878183528noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-22350599.post-73974590566265478372012-11-30T14:44:00.000-05:002012-11-30T14:44:42.273-05:00The Return of the King<!--[if gte mso 9]><xml>
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<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-size: 11.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial;">The Return of the King</span></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="tab-stops: .25in;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="tab-stops: .25in;">
<span style="font-size: 11.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial; mso-bidi-font-weight: bold;">My wife, Sheila, was so
excited when we woke up Saturday morning, while at the same time I was
groaning.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>What was behind those opposing
emotions?<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Not because it was
Thanksgiving weekend. Not because the first day of deer season was Monday. Not
because I was with her.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="tab-stops: .25in;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="tab-stops: .25in;">
<span style="font-size: 11.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial; mso-bidi-font-weight: bold;">IT WAS SNOWING!!<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="tab-stops: .25in;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="tab-stops: .25in;">
<span style="font-size: 11.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial; mso-bidi-font-weight: bold;">Sheila gets delightedly
excited when snow falls from the heavens while I dread the nasty wet stuff. The
difference?<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>She looks forward the beauty
of freshly fallen snow. She looks forward to the look of newness when it covers
the earth.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>She looks forward to days
when shuts life down and when are forced to stay home.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>She looks forward to the hush that falls when
the snow hushes all noise.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>She looks
forward to walking in it and even shoveling it!<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>It’s about all the ways snow adds value to life.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="tab-stops: .25in;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="tab-stops: .25in;">
<span style="font-size: 11.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial; mso-bidi-font-weight: bold;">I dread it the
troublesome precipitation!! My thoughts go many directions, none of which have
anything to do with beauty, newness, cozy days at home, romantic walks or
hushing noises.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>My thoughts are about
trying to get off of the treacherous, icy, slick hill we live on, the dangers
of driving in it, the aching muscles from shoveling it, paying for it to be
removed, the wasted time I have to spend on it.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>It’s about all the ways it sucks value from my life.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></span></div>
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<br /></div>
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<span style="font-size: 11.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial; mso-bidi-font-weight: bold;">Same snow.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Even the same home.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Sheila longs for it and I don’t have one cell
in my body that wants it.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="tab-stops: .25in;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="tab-stops: .25in;">
<span style="font-size: 11.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial; mso-bidi-font-weight: bold;">Very much like the two
mindsets of humanity about Jesus coming back.</span></div>
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<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="tab-stops: .25in;">
<span style="font-size: 11.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial; mso-bidi-font-weight: bold;">The Bible tells us we
should be excited, longing, even praying for the Return of the King -
Jesus.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Not just knowing it as a fact and
promise of our Lord, but focused on it, LONGING for that day.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I’m ashamed to admit that I have not been
LONGING for my Savior’s return.</span></div>
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<br /></div>
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<span style="font-size: 11.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial; mso-bidi-font-weight: bold;">“Both the Old and New
testaments are filled with references to the second coming of Christ. One
scholar has estimated that there are 1,845 references to Christ's second coming
in the <b>Old Testament</b>, where 17 books give it prominence. In the 260
chapters of the New Testament, there are 318 references to the second advent of
Christ--an amazing 1 out of every 30 verses. Twenty-three of the 27 New
Testament books refer to this great event. For every prophecy in the Bible
concerning Christ's first advent, there are 8 which look forward to His second!”<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>(<i>Today in the Word</i>, April, 1989, p. 27).
</span></div>
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<br /></div>
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<span style="font-size: 11.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial; mso-bidi-font-weight: bold;">You get the idea that the
return of the King is a big deal to God!<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>Something that we should be LONGING for.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>But… most Christians I’ve met are not focused on Jesus’ return.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I’ve been asking myself, “Why?”<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>When the Bible gives it that much ink, why
are we not doing the same?<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="tab-stops: .25in;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="tab-stops: .25in;">
<span style="font-size: 11.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial; mso-bidi-font-weight: bold;">- Is it possible we’re
too comfortable with earthly life to focus on the next?</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="tab-stops: .25in;">
<span style="font-size: 11.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial; mso-bidi-font-weight: bold;">- Is it possible we’re
too caught up in the here to be longing for the hereafter?</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="tab-stops: .25in;">
<span style="font-size: 11.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial; mso-bidi-font-weight: bold;">- Is it possible we’re
not convinced of the pleasure of Heaven?</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="tab-stops: .25in;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="mso-layout-grid-align: none; text-autospace: none;">
<span style="font-size: large;"><b><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman";">2 Timothy 4:7-8 (NIV)</span></b><sup><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman";"> </span></sup><span lang="EN" style="font-family: "Times New Roman";">I have fought the
good fight, I have finished the race, I have kept the faith.</span><span lang="EN" style="font-family: "Times New Roman";"> </span><sup><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman";"></span></sup><span lang="EN" style="font-family: "Times New Roman";">Now there is in
store for me the crown of righteousness, which the Lord, the righteous Judge,
will award to me on that day—and not only to me, but also to all who have <u>longed</u>
for his appearing.</span></span><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman";"></span></div>
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<br /></div>
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<span style="font-size: 11.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial; mso-bidi-font-weight: bold;">I will not long for snow,
but I’m working on longing for the return of the One Who loves me most.</span></div>
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<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="tab-stops: .25in;">
<span style="font-size: 11.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial; mso-bidi-font-weight: bold;">How about you?</span></div>
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<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="tab-stops: .25in;">
<span style="font-size: 11.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial;">Boldly, Herb</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="tab-stops: .25in;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="tab-stops: .25in;">
<span style="font-size: 11.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial;">To receive blog posts directly to your email sign
up on the bar to the right or at: http://groups.google.com/group/fwgs</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="tab-stops: .25in;">
<span style="font-size: 11.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial;">To listen to Herb via the internet go to
http://www.newsongpittsburgh.org/ and click on the sermons link</span></div>
Herb Shafferhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09965716309878183528noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-22350599.post-38779138529212918632012-11-21T15:32:00.001-05:002012-11-21T15:32:20.274-05:00Thanksgiving: Thankful Compared to What?<!--[if gte mso 9]><xml>
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<![endif]--><span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: 11.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial; mso-bidi-font-weight: bold;">Gratitude is all about comparisons.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Our level of thanksgiving is determined by
that which we choose to compare our lives to.</span></span>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="tab-stops: .25in;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="tab-stops: .25in;">
<span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: 11.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial; mso-bidi-font-weight: bold;">I was so grateful, so perfectly
content with my Blackberry for years.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>In
fact, MORE than content, I was happy, I was PROUD of my Blackberry.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Why?<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>Because I was comparing it with what I was not able to do with my old
phone and handheld portable device.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>My
gratitude came from choosing to compare what I had with what I formerly did not
have.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I was living a thankful phone
life.</span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="tab-stops: .25in;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="tab-stops: .25in;">
<span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: 11.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial; mso-bidi-font-weight: bold;">Until last May when my
oldest son, Andrew, was in town shortly after exchanging his Blackberry for an
iPhone and started this: </span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="tab-stops: .25in;">
<span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: 11.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial; mso-bidi-font-weight: bold;">“Dad, let me show you how
to get directions real quick… Oh, I forgot you have a <b><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">Blackberry</i></b> instead of an iPhone.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>You really need to exchange that
dinosaur.”<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="tab-stops: .25in;">
<span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: 11.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial; mso-bidi-font-weight: bold;">“Dad, let me give you
some pictures… Oh, I forgot you have a <b><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">Blackberry</i></b>
instead of an iPhone.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>You really need to
exchange that dinosaur.” </span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="tab-stops: .25in;">
<span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: 11.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial; mso-bidi-font-weight: bold;">“Dad, here’s a free app that
will make your life so much easier… Oh, I forgot you have a <b><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">Blackberry</i></b> instead of an
iPhone.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>You really need to exchange that
dinosaur.”</span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="tab-stops: .25in;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="tab-stops: .25in;">
<span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: 11.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial; mso-bidi-font-weight: bold;">Then I visited my younger
son in Seattle recently, who recently exchanged his phone for an iPhone.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>We would both start to look something up and
while my phone is still searching he is showing me the results.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>He had an app for the bus routes of Seattle
that got us around our sightseeing tour safely - you guessed it - that is not
even AVAILABLE to my Blackberry.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Chadd
is gentler than Andrew but still made it clear that I am still pre-historic,
“Dad, you really need to exchange that thing for an iPhone.” (Children can be so, um, what would you say, sarcastic.)</span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="tab-stops: .25in;">
<br /></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: 11.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial; mso-bidi-font-weight: bold;">All because of my sons, I’m
no longer grateful for my Blackberry.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I
am now comparing it with all the things I cannot do instead of all that I can
do.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>In a few short months I’ve gone from
happiness to counting the days until my contract is up; from contentment to
frustration; from pride to embarrassment. </span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="tab-stops: .25in;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="tab-stops: .25in;">
<span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: 11.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial; mso-bidi-font-weight: bold;">Do you live a life of
gratitude?<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Depends on what you are
comparing yourself to.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Phones are trivial
but life is quite important.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Thanksgiving
holiday invites us to give thanks; God ratchets it way up when He COMMANDS us
to be thankful ALWAYS.</span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: Times,"Times New Roman",serif;"><b>1 Thessalonians 5:16-18 (NIV)</b><sup> </sup>Be joyful <u>always</u>; pray continually; give thanks <u>in
all circumstances</u>, for this is God’s will for you in Christ Jesus.</span></span></div>
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<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="tab-stops: .25in;">
<span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: 11.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial; mso-bidi-font-weight: bold;">In ALL CIRCUMSTANCES,
regardless of what we have or don’t have.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>For Christ followers, this is not an option.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>So how?<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>By changing our point of comparison, moving it from what we don’t have
to how much we have; from comparing it with what others have to how much we
have compared to the rest of the world. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>A
family of 4 living at the poverty level in the US is in the top 10% of the
wealthiest people in the world. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>If your
income is $40,000 you are in the top 3% of the world.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>And if you make $50,000 you are in the TOP
ONE PERCENT.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Of all people, we in this
country have so very much to be thankful for. (http://www.globalrichlist.com/)</span></span></div>
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<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="tab-stops: .25in;">
<span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: 11.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial; mso-bidi-font-weight: bold;">Let’s go one step
further.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The best point of comparison
that leads to deep gratitude is this: What do we deserve?<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>When we believe we deserve more than we have;
when we believe it is our right to have the newest, latest, best, biggest we will
always be unhappy.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>What does God say we
deserve?<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Nothing.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>No, that’s not quite right.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>God actually tells us all we deserve is death
and Hell.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>When I fully embrace that,
EVERYTHING I have is a bonus - and I will be extremely grateful.</span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="tab-stops: .25in;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="tab-stops: .25in;">
<span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: 11.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial; mso-bidi-font-weight: bold;">When you sit at your
Thanksgiving dinner table, to what will you compare yourself?<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Your level of thanksgiving will be determined
by that choice.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>When I take a good look
at Hell, I am extremely grateful for my wimpy Blackberry.</span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="tab-stops: .25in;">
<br /></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: 11.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial;">Boldly, Herb</span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<span style="font-size: x-small;"><span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;">
</span></span><div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><span>To receive blog posts directly to your email sign
up on the bar to the right or at: http://groups.google.com/group/fwgs</span></span></span></div>
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;">
</span></span><div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><span>To listen to Herb via the internet go to
http://www.newsongpittsburgh.org/ and click on the sermons link</span></span></span></div>
Herb Shafferhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09965716309878183528noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-22350599.post-21754714877703444892012-09-23T18:34:00.002-04:002012-09-23T18:34:52.961-04:00Destiny: Frog or Follower?<!--[if gte mso 9]><xml>
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<span style="font-size: 11.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial;"></span><div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">
<span style="font-size: 11.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial;">There was a frog that absolutely knew his destiny
was to turn in to a handsome young prince. But for confirmation, he decided to
visit a fortuneteller. The fortuneteller brought the frog in and gazed into her
crystal ball. She said, “Oh, I see something. You are going to meet a beautiful
young woman.”</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">
<span style="font-size: 11.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>The frog
gets very antsy, “Yes, I knew it. I’m going to become a prince.”</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">
<span style="font-size: 11.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>The
fortuneteller continues, “From the moment she sets eyes on you she will have an
insatiable desire to know all about you. She will be compelled to get close to
you--you’ll fascinate her." </span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">
<span style="font-size: 11.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>The frog
is very excited. He asks, “Where am I? At a party? A restaurant? A book store?”</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">
<span style="font-size: 11.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>The
fortuneteller answers, “No, Biology class.”</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">
<span style="font-size: 11.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial;">The frog BELIEVED he was on the path to happiness,
fortune, position and glory.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>With ALL
HIS HEART he believed.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>He so believed
that even as the fortune teller described his future the amphibian was seeing
what he wanted to see, hearing through the lens of the believed destiny.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>He filled in the blanks with pictures that
came from desire rather than truth.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>His
belief actually blinded him to truth.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>Wow!</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">
<span style="font-size: 11.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial;">Did the fact that he believed with all his heart
change his destiny?<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Nope.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Truth was still true.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">
<span style="font-size: 11.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial;">How many of us see our future through the lens of
desire rather than truth?<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It paints a
picture that is wonderful but is a fairy tale.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">
<span style="font-size: 11.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial;">There is a popular religious philosophy called
“Universalism” that paints a fairy tale picture. And that fairy tale is
embraced by many.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Universalism states
that everyone will eventually go to Heaven. Everyone, without exception, will
be reconciled with God and enjoy eternity in everlasting blessedness.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Sounds appealing because we don’t like to
think of anyone we care about missing Heaven and entering Hell.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>But what does truth say?<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Over and over in Jesus’ teaching and that of the
other New Testament writers we read that ONLY those who turn to God will go to
Heaven.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>In fact, Jesus says it is only a
comparable FEW!!<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Jesus’ words, not mine.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">
<span style="font-size: 11pt;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="tab-stops: .25in;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Times,"Times New Roman",serif;">
<span style="font-size: large;">“Enter
through the narrow gate. For wide is the gate and broad is the road that leads
to destruction, and many enter through it. <sup>14</sup>But small is the gate and narrow the road that leads to
life, and only a few find it.
<b>Matthew 7:13-14 (NIV)</b></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">
<span style="font-size: small;"><span> </span></span><span style="font-size: 11pt;"> </span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">
<span style="font-size: 11pt;">Who are the "few" who find the road that leads to Heaven? Read on. </span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">
<span style="font-size: small;"><span></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Times,"Times New Roman",serif;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="mso-layout-grid-align: none; text-autospace: none;">
<span style="font-size: large;"><sup style="font-family: Times,"Times New Roman",serif;">21</sup><span lang="EN" style="font-family: Times,"Times New Roman",serif;">“Not everyone who
says to me, ‘Lord, Lord,’ will enter the kingdom of heaven, but only he who
does the will of my Father who is in heaven. </span><sup style="font-family: Times,"Times New Roman",serif;">22</sup><span lang="EN" style="font-family: Times,"Times New Roman",serif;">Many will say to me on that day, ‘Lord, Lord, did we not
prophesy in your name, and in your name drive out demons and perform many
miracles?’ </span><sup style="font-family: Times,"Times New Roman",serif;">23</sup><span lang="EN" style="font-family: Times,"Times New Roman",serif;">Then I will tell
them plainly, ‘I never knew you. Away from me, you evildoers!’ </span><b style="font-family: Times,"Times New Roman",serif;">Matthew 7:21-23 (NIV)</b></span><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman";"></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="mso-layout-grid-align: none; text-autospace: none;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">
<span style="font-size: 11.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial;">Those who KNOW Jesus and, as a result, do the will
of God are the few who go to Heaven.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>Exclusively.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">
<span style="font-size: 11.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial;">Fairy tale or truth.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">
<span style="font-size: 11.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial;">Someday we will stand before He Who is THE
Truth.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Many will face it shocked and
wide eyed like the frog as Jesus says “I never knew you” and go to eternal pain
in Hell. Few will feel their hearts jump when Jesus welcomes them into
Heaven.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>At that point, all that matters
is TRUTH.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">
<span style="font-size: 11.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial;">What are you living?<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Seriously, don’t get smug and flippant.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Take a hard look.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Are you really, really doing the desires of
God out of loving relationship?<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>No
excuses, no “oh, God will understand,” no twisting Jesus’ words even a little
bit.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Simply a very hard look into
TRUTH.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Better now than later.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">
<span style="font-size: 11.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial;">Because the truth is what matters.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">
<span style="font-size: 11.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial;">Frog or follower?<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">
<span style="font-size: 11.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial;">Boldly, Herb</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">
<span style="font-size: 11.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial;">To receive blog posts directly to your email sign
up on the bar to the right or at: http://groups.google.com/group/fwgs</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">
<span style="font-size: 11.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial;">To listen to Herb via the internet go to
http://www.newsongpittsburgh.org/ and click on the sermons link</span></div>
Herb Shafferhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09965716309878183528noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-22350599.post-57198463693024203822012-09-20T11:25:00.001-04:002012-09-20T11:28:13.983-04:00Romney, Obama and 180 degrees<!--[if gte mso 9]><xml>
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<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="tab-stops: .25in;">
<span style="font-size: 11.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial;">If a Jupiterian (is that a word?), a person from
Jupiter visited earth during the month of August 2012, he/she/it would have
lived an interesting experience.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="tab-stops: .25in;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="tab-stops: .25in;">
<span style="font-size: 11.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial;">One week he/she/it would have discovered that, according
to the roar of the crowds in Tampa, that Mitt Romney has all the answers for
America to move toward Utopia in the next four years.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>And that the nation is cheering madly for
him.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>And that Barack Obama has no
answers and no supporters.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="tab-stops: .25in;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="tab-stops: .25in;">
<span style="font-size: 11.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial;">The next week he/she/it would have discovered that,
according to the roar of the crowds in Charlotte, that Barack Obama has all the
answers for America to move toward Utopia in the next four years.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>And that the nation is cheering madly for
him.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>And that Mitt Romney has no answers
and no supporters.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="tab-stops: .25in;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="tab-stops: .25in;">
<span style="font-size: 11.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial;">180 degrees from one another.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Completely opposite messages, completely
opposite platforms, completely opposite support.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="tab-stops: .25in;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="tab-stops: .25in;">
<span style="font-size: 11.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial;">Or so it would seem.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>But look more closely with me.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Pull back the veneer, get out the magnifying
glass and what we will see is an embedded, generally accepted, taken for
granted message shared by both.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="tab-stops: .25in;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="tab-stops: .25in;">
<span style="font-size: 11.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial;">I know, I know.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>Some of you are thinking I was in the August sun too long.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Yet the message is the same.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="tab-stops: .25in;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="tab-stops: .25in;">
<span style="font-size: 11.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial;">Ready?<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“The
answers to life can be found in this world.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>The human spirit is enough to turn around all our problems to have a
healthy, prosperous, enjoyable life.”<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>Granted, they have different paths, but the same message.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="tab-stops: .25in;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="tab-stops: .25in;">
<span style="font-size: 11.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial;">180 degrees from reality.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="tab-stops: .25in;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="tab-stops: .25in;">
<span style="font-size: 11.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial;">This world is broken and human beings have been
trying to fix it with their knowledge and skill for eons.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>How’s that working for us?<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Tower of Babel, Roman Empire, Constantine’s
hijacking of Christianity, Middle Ages, industrial revolution, atomic energy
and on and on it goes.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The human race
has developed an incredible ability to take what is good and break it.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="tab-stops: .25in;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="tab-stops: .25in;">
<span style="font-size: 11.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial;">180 degrees from what we really want.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="tab-stops: .25in;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="tab-stops: .25in;">
<span style="font-size: 11.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial;">The answers are available… but not from this
world.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>After thousands and thousands of
years doesn’t it just make LOGICAL sense (beyond spiritual) to try something
different?<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>That is the definition of
insanity, you know.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>But we have also
developed the incredible ability to deny truest reality and keep trying to
figure it out and fix it.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="tab-stops: .25in;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="tab-stops: .25in;">
<span style="font-size: 11.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial;">I wonder what the Jupiterian’s report to HQ would
be.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Ponder for a moment what God says.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="tab-stops: .25in;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Times,"Times New Roman",serif;">
<span style="font-size: large;">“For the
foolishness of God is wiser than man’s wisdom, and the weakness of God is
stronger than man’s strength.”
1 Corinthians 1:25 (NIV)</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Times,"Times New Roman",serif;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Times,"Times New Roman",serif;">
<span style="font-size: large;">“… so that
your faith might not rest on men’s wisdom, but on God’s power.” 1 Corinthians 2:5 (NIV)</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Times,"Times New Roman",serif;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Times,"Times New Roman",serif;">
<span style="font-size: large;"> <span lang="EN">“What is highly valued among men
is detestable in God’s sight.”</span>
Luke 16:15b (NIV)</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Times,"Times New Roman",serif;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="mso-layout-grid-align: none; text-autospace: none;">
<span style="font-size: large;"><sup style="font-family: Times,"Times New Roman",serif;"> </sup><sup style="font-family: Times,"Times New Roman",serif;">“</sup><span lang="EN" style="font-family: Times,"Times New Roman",serif;">We live by faith, not by sight.”</span><span style="font-family: Times,"Times New Roman",serif;"> 2 Corinthians 5:7 (NIV)</span></span><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman";"></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="tab-stops: .25in;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="tab-stops: .25in;">
<span style="font-size: 11.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial;">180 degrees.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>Will you join me in getting smarter by looking to the ONLY ONE with real
answers?</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="tab-stops: .25in;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="tab-stops: .25in;">
<span style="font-size: 11.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial;">Boldly, Herb</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="tab-stops: .25in;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="tab-stops: .25in;">
<span style="font-size: 11.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial;">To receive blog posts directly to your email sign
up on the bar to the right or at: http://groups.google.com/group/fwgs</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="tab-stops: .25in;">
<span style="font-size: 11.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial;">To listen to Herb via the internet go to
http://www.newsongpittsburgh.org/ and click on the sermons link</span></div>
Herb Shafferhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09965716309878183528noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-22350599.post-15616006681949611792012-06-30T15:05:00.002-04:002012-06-30T15:29:59.148-04:00Pigs in a Blanket<!--[if gte mso 9]><xml> <o:documentproperties> <o:author>Aaron Pavkov</o:Author> <o:version>11.9999</o:Version> </o:DocumentProperties> </xml><![endif][if gte mso 9]><xml> <w:worddocument> <w:view>Normal</w:View> <w:zoom>0</w:Zoom> <w:punctuationkerning/> <w:validateagainstschemas/> <w:saveifxmlinvalid>false</w:SaveIfXMLInvalid> <w:ignoremixedcontent>false</w:IgnoreMixedContent> <w:alwaysshowplaceholdertext>false</w:AlwaysShowPlaceholderText> <w:compatibility> <w:breakwrappedtables/> <w:snaptogridincell/> <w:wraptextwithpunct/> <w:useasianbreakrules/> <w:dontgrowautofit/> </w:Compatibility> <w:browserlevel>MicrosoftInternetExplorer4</w:BrowserLevel> </w:WordDocument> </xml><![endif][if gte mso 9]><xml> <w:latentstyles deflockedstate="false" latentstylecount="156"> </w:LatentStyles> </xml><![endif][if gte mso 10]> <style> /* Style Definitions */ table.MsoNormalTable {mso-style-name:"Table Normal"; mso-tstyle-rowband-size:0; mso-tstyle-colband-size:0; mso-style-noshow:yes; mso-style-parent:""; mso-padding-alt:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt; mso-para-margin:0in; mso-para-margin-bottom:.0001pt; mso-pagination:widow-orphan; font-size:10.0pt; font-family:"Times New Roman"; mso-ansi-language:#0400; mso-fareast-language:#0400; mso-bidi-language:#0400;} </style> <![endif]--> <p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: arial;"><span style="font-size:11.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family:Arial">Centuries ago Sheila and I were preparing for our wedding.<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>“How about if we have pigs in a blanket at the wedding?” she asked.<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>I thought it was rather strange that sausages wrapped in a pancake would be served at a wedding reception.<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>But this was Toledo… in a polish family… not the first time I had discovered something odd about my wonderful fiancée… and she was the bride, so I agreed.<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: arial;"><span style="font-size:11.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family:Arial"> Months later we were walking hand in hand out of the sanctuary where, for some reason beyond my understanding, Sheila had said “I do” when asked if she took me to be her husband.<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>“You need to get into the fellowship hall! They’re ready to serve the food,” my brand new mother-in-law exclaimed.<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: arial;"><span style="font-size:11.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family:Arial"> First in line (being the groom has a few privileges), we gathered our food at the buffet.<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>I saw all the food we had requested except the pigs in a blanket.<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>In their place were hamburger stuffed into cabbage covered in a red sauce.<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>“Where are the pigs in a blanket?” I whispered to the woman in white beside me. <span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: arial;"><span style="font-size:11.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family:Arial">“Right there!” </span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: arial;"><span style="font-size:11.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family:Arial">“Right where?” Perhaps love really had blinded me.<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>“I don’t see them.” </span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: arial;"><span style="font-size:11.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family:Arial">Sheila poked her fork at the cabbage rolls, “Right there!”<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: arial;"><span style="font-size:11.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family:Arial">“Those aren’t pigs in a blanket,” I responded.<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>“Pigs in a blanket are sausages wrapped in pancakes.”<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: arial;"><span style="font-size:11.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family:Arial">“Why would we have sausages and pancakes at our wedding reception?”<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: arial;"><span style="font-size:11.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family:Arial">“That’s what I thought when you asked to have them months ago, but, hey, it’s your wedding.” </span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: arial;"><span style="font-size:11.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family:Arial">“That’s just silly.<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>Eat your pigs in a blanket and be happy.” </span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: arial;"><span style="font-size:11.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family:Arial"> It was our first argument as a married couple. </span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: arial;"><span style="font-size:11.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family:Arial">Who was right?<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>Both of us.<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>In southern Ohio pigs in a blanket are sausages wrapped in pancakes.<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>In northern Ohio they are hamburger wrapped in cabbage.<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: arial;"><span style="font-size:11.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family:Arial"> Neither one of us thought to describe them because we couldn’t imagine anything else.<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>And so we were both blind to the reality of the other person.</span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: arial;"><span style="font-size:11.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family:Arial"> Is it possible we have grown up in a world so upside down from God’s reality that we are blind to what is true?<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>It’s not that we ever intended to be, it’s just that we have not spent enough time with God to see and hear Him describe what is real, what is true, what is valuable, what is important, what we should live for, what will matter while we’re alive and when we die.<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>Is it possible that we think we know what God is talking about but will only find out on our “wedding day” (see Revelation 21) that what we thought was WAY wrong?</span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: arial;"><span style="font-size:11.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family:Arial"> It’s not a big deal to know what pigs in a blanket are.<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>It is eternally essential to know what is really real.</span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: times new roman;"><span style="font-size:11.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family:Arial"> </span>“What is highly valued among men is detestable in God’s sight.”<b> Luke 16:15b (NIV)</b></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: times new roman;"><sup>“</sup>We live by faith, not by sight.”<b> 2 Corinthians 5:7 (NIV)</b></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: arial;"><span style="font-size:11.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family:Arial"> Boldly, Herb</span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: arial;"><span style="font-size:11.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family:Arial"> To receive blog posts directly to your email sign up on the bar to the right or at: http://groups.google.com/group/fwgs</span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: arial;"><span style="font-size:11.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family:Arial">To listen to Herb via the internet go to http://www.newsongpittsburgh.org/ and click on the sermons link</span></p>Herb Shafferhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09965716309878183528noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-22350599.post-12930829122530015742012-05-16T14:41:00.001-04:002012-05-16T14:45:35.057-04:00We Want a Pill, God Requires a Process<!--[if gte mso 9]><xml> <w:worddocument> <w:view>Normal</w:View> <w:zoom>0</w:Zoom> <w:punctuationkerning/> <w:validateagainstschemas/> <w:saveifxmlinvalid>false</w:SaveIfXMLInvalid> <w:ignoremixedcontent>false</w:IgnoreMixedContent> <w:alwaysshowplaceholdertext>false</w:AlwaysShowPlaceholderText> <w:compatibility> <w:breakwrappedtables/> <w:snaptogridincell/> <w:wraptextwithpunct/> <w:useasianbreakrules/> <w:dontgrowautofit/> </w:Compatibility> <w:browserlevel>MicrosoftInternetExplorer4</w:BrowserLevel> </w:WordDocument> </xml><![endif][if gte mso 9]><xml> <w:latentstyles deflockedstate="false" latentstylecount="156"> </w:LatentStyles> </xml><![endif][if gte mso 10]> <style> /* Style Definitions */ table.MsoNormalTable {mso-style-name:"Table Normal"; mso-tstyle-rowband-size:0; mso-tstyle-colband-size:0; mso-style-noshow:yes; mso-style-parent:""; mso-padding-alt:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt; mso-para-margin:0in; mso-para-margin-bottom:.0001pt; mso-pagination:widow-orphan; font-size:10.0pt; font-family:"Times New Roman"; mso-ansi-language:#0400; mso-fareast-language:#0400; mso-bidi-language:#0400;} </style> <![endif]--><span style="font-size: 11pt; font-family: arial;"></span><!--[if gte mso 9]><xml> <w:worddocument> <w:view>Normal</w:View> <w:zoom>0</w:Zoom> <w:punctuationkerning/> <w:validateagainstschemas/> <w:saveifxmlinvalid>false</w:SaveIfXMLInvalid> <w:ignoremixedcontent>false</w:IgnoreMixedContent> <w:alwaysshowplaceholdertext>false</w:AlwaysShowPlaceholderText> <w:compatibility> <w:breakwrappedtables/> <w:snaptogridincell/> <w:wraptextwithpunct/> <w:useasianbreakrules/> <w:dontgrowautofit/> </w:Compatibility> <w:browserlevel>MicrosoftInternetExplorer4</w:BrowserLevel> </w:WordDocument> </xml><![endif][if gte mso 9]><xml> <w:latentstyles deflockedstate="false" latentstylecount="156"> </w:LatentStyles> </xml><![endif][if gte mso 10]> <style> /* Style Definitions */ table.MsoNormalTable {mso-style-name:"Table Normal"; mso-tstyle-rowband-size:0; mso-tstyle-colband-size:0; mso-style-noshow:yes; mso-style-parent:""; mso-padding-alt:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt; mso-para-margin:0in; mso-para-margin-bottom:.0001pt; mso-pagination:widow-orphan; font-size:10.0pt; font-family:"Times New Roman"; mso-ansi-language:#0400; mso-fareast-language:#0400; mso-bidi-language:#0400;} </style> <![endif]--> <p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: arial;"><span style="font-size:11.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family:Arial">Much is made of the 40 years the Israelites spent rootless in the desert after crossing the Red Sea without a bridge or a boat.<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>Even people unfamiliar with the Bible know of that side trip.<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>It was never meant to be that way. But it was. Because…</span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: arial;"><span style="font-size:11.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family:Arial"> </span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: arial;"><span style="font-size:11.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family:Arial">The Israelites wanted a pill when God required a process.</span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: arial;"><span style="font-size:11.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family:Arial"> </span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: arial;"><span style="font-size:11.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family:Arial">It is only about 250 miles, or about a month’s journey from the KOA at the Red Sea to the milk and honey stand at the Promised Land.<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>Yet after two months they were not even gazing it.<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>Did God fail them?<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>Nope.<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>God’s design was for them to spend a couple years or so in the desert preparing for the challenges ahead.<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>These were idol worshipping, fearful, complaining, uneducated ex-slaves who didn’t know how to take care of themselves let alone go to battle for the Promised Land.<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>God intended to use the comparatively short time in the desert to transform them into the people of God who could take the land from the people there, who would represent Him and who would bless all nations.<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>The only way for that to happen was a process that would take more than 8 weeks.</span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: arial;"><span style="font-size:11.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family:Arial"> </span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: arial;"><span style="font-size:11.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family:Arial">But they insisted on a pill when God never relents on requiring a process.</span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: arial;"><span style="font-size:11.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family:Arial"> </span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: arial;"><span style="font-size:11.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family:Arial">Like every other person left to human tendencies, the Israelites didn’t want to wait, to say no to their desires, to allow the necessary process.<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>They wanted the promises of the Promised Land NOW!<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>They saw God’s delay as God holding out on them or punishing them when in truth He was protecting and preparing them for more than they could imagine.</span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: arial;"><span style="font-size:11.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family:Arial"> </span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: arial;"><span style="font-size:11.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family:Arial">The demanded a pill when God offers only the path of a process.</span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: arial;"><span style="font-size:11.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family:Arial"> </span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: arial;"><span style="font-size:11.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family:Arial">As a result, only two months after the ejection from slavery, they thought Moses was lost and they were abandoned.<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>They felt Moses had been gone too long a time (it had been less than 40 days) so they voted God out of their lives and golden calf in.<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>Instead of being the people of God, they became a laughingstock to the other nations by their revelry.<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>God had to use the Levites to cut down 3000 to regain order, and He sent a plague to punish them.</span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: arial;"><span style="font-size:11.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family:Arial"> </span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: arial;"><span style="font-size:11.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family:Arial">We want a pill; God requires a process.</span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: arial;"><span style="font-size:11.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family:Arial"> </span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: arial;"><span style="font-size:11.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family:Arial">It appears to me anything less than 10 years is a bargain when we look at the length of Biblical processes.</span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: arial;"><span style="font-size:11.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family:Arial">Abraham: over 35 years waiting, watching and obeying.<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: arial;"><span style="font-size:11.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family:Arial">Joseph: 13 years as a slave.<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: arial;"><span style="font-size:11.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family:Arial">Moses: 40 years in the wilderness. </span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: arial;"><span style="font-size:11.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family:Arial">Joshua: 40 years as Moses’ assistant.<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: arial;"><span style="font-size:11.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family:Arial">Jesus: 30 years growing up as a human. </span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: arial;"><span style="font-size:11.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family:Arial">Paul: 3 years in the desert of Arabia and more years learning from Christian leaders.<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: arial;"><span style="font-size:11.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family:Arial"> </span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: arial;"><span style="font-size:11.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family:Arial">If we asked them, “Would you prefer a pill that would deliver instantly or a process that will be painful, long and try you to your last reserve?” I’m sure the natural preference would be the tablet with a glass of water, please.<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>I also believe that if we asked them at THE END of the process, “Was it worth all that you went through?” they would answer without hesitation, “YES, YES, a thousand times YES!”<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>Because the results of God’s process are ALWAYS far beyond what we could dream up.<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>And pills never, ever deliver what we really want.</span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: arial;"><span style="font-size:11.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family:Arial"> </span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: arial;"><span style="font-size:11.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family:Arial">God doesn’t do pills.<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>The world offers a pill when God offers a process.<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>And we know how that works out.</span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: arial;"><span style="font-size:11.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family:Arial"> </span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: times new roman; font-weight: bold;"><span style="font-size:100%;"><sup>8</sup>“For my thoughts are not your thoughts, neither are your ways my ways,” declares the Lord. <sup>9</sup>“As the heavens are higher than the earth, so are my ways higher than your ways and my thoughts than your thoughts. Isaiah 55:8-9 (NIV)</span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: arial;"><span style="font-size:11.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family:Arial"> </span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: arial;"><span style="font-size:11.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family:Arial">So which will it be - pill or process?<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>If you choose God, give up the complaining and moaning. Look for what God wants to do and do it quickly.<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>The Israelites could have been out of the desert and into the Promised Land in a fraction of 40 years but they did not submit to God’s process.<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: arial;"><span style="font-size:11.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family:Arial"> </span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: arial;"><span style="font-size:11.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family:Arial">What about you?<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>Pill or process?<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>Desert or Promised Land?<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>Golden calf or cooperate with God?<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>Your Choice.</span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: arial;"><span style="font-size:11.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family:Arial"> </span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: arial;"><span style="font-size:11.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family:Arial">Boldly, Herb</span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: arial;"><span style="font-size:11.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family:Arial"> </span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: arial;"><span style="font-size:11.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family:Arial">To receive blog posts directly to your email sign up on the bar to the right or at: http://groups.google.com/group/fwgs</span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: arial;"><span style="font-size:11.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family:Arial">To listen to Herb via the internet go to http://www.newsongpittsburgh.org/ and click on the sermons link</span></p>Herb Shafferhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09965716309878183528noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-22350599.post-75112317665266243102012-04-25T17:13:00.003-04:002012-04-25T17:13:39.830-04:00Broken Limbs on the Family Tree<div style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">
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<span style="font-size: 11.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial;">As a kid I got interested in my ancestors.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>My dad’s reply to my questions:<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>(are you ready?)<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“Herbie,” (yes, that’s what they called me,
but don’t YOU try it!), “Don’t go looking too far up my family tree.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>You’re likely to find some people hanging
there.”<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>He meant it literally.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>He was wrong.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>I found people hanging on BOTH sides of my family tree.</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 11.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial;">Broken limbs.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
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<span style="font-size: 11.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial;">All the way up and down the branches are patterns
of brokenness of every kind.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Repeatedly.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Ugly.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>Nasty.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Surprising. Disappointing.
Wouldn’t think so since I am such a nice guy, eh?<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>To be fair, there are many good people along
the branches as well.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I just didn’t
realize how many messed up it is. Broken limbs.</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 11.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial;">I’m feeling better now.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Recently I checked up Jesus’ family
tree.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>You’d think, being the Son of God
and all, that Jesus would a branch of a healthy, clean, nearly perfect family
tree.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>And you would be totally
wrong.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Abraham was a liar, throwing his
wife under the bus by claiming she was his sister to save his hide.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Isaac was permissive, following his father’s
footsteps and Rebekah was a controlling deceiver, following suit with her
family system.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Jacob stole his brother’s
birthright and blessing, ran to his mother’s brother to avoid Esau’s wrath, was
deceived by his future father-in-law and then turned around to do the same to
him.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Joseph was a spoiled brat and his
brothers were angry and jealous enough to kill him.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>There are murderers, adulterers, prostitutes,
outcasts and every other broken limb you can think of.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 11.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial;">But He was the Son of God Who forgives, reconciles
and empowers!<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The broken limbs of his
ancestry do not define Him.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 11.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial;">Nor do mine.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>Nor do yours.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It doesn’t matter
what they were, it only matters WHOSE you are!<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;"><sup>17</sup>Therefore, if anyone
is in Christ, he is a new creation; the old has gone, the new has come! 2 Corinthians 5:17 (NIV)</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 11.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial;">Why?<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Just so
we could be better than the broken limbs of our past?<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>No.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>So
that we can enjoy the freedom and blessing of being whole.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>AND so that we taste, look and smell like
Him, causing people to look at us but see Him.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>Salt of the earth, light of the world, aroma of Christ.</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;"><sup>15</sup>And he died for all,
that those who live should no longer live for themselves but for him who died
for them and was raised again.
<sup>16</sup>So from now
on we regard no one from a worldly point of view. Though we once regarded
Christ in this way, we do so no longer. <sup>17</sup>Therefore,
if anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation; the old has gone, the new has
come! <sup>18</sup>All this is from
God, who reconciled us to himself through Christ and gave us the ministry of
reconciliation: <sup>19</sup>that God was
reconciling the world to himself in Christ, not counting men’s sins against
them. And he has committed to us the message of reconciliation. <sup>20</sup>We are therefore
Christ’s ambassadors, as though God were making his appeal through us. We
implore you on Christ’s behalf: Be reconciled to God. <sup>21</sup>God made him who had no sin to be sin for us, so that in
him we might become the righteousness of God. 2 Corinthians 5:15-21 (NIV)</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 11.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial;">If not for Christ, I would be one of the broken
limbs.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>But Christ has made me new. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Brand, spanking new creation. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>From the inside out, remaking this broken
limb.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>No credit to me.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>All I did was say “Yes.”<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 11.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial;">Have you?<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 11.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial;">Boldly, Herb</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 11.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial;">To receive blog posts directly to your email sign
up on the bar to the right or at: http://groups.google.com/group/fwgs</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">
<span style="font-size: 11.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial;">To listen to Herb via the internet go to
http://www.newsongpittsburgh.org/ and click on the sermons link</span></div>Herb Shafferhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09965716309878183528noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-22350599.post-34337814290347478692012-04-21T17:07:00.000-04:002012-04-21T17:09:35.314-04:00Dick Clark and Chuck Colson<div style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">
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<span style="font-size: 11pt;">Two men died this week. Well, actually, more than two died, but I’m
thinking of two in particular. Both had
huge impact in vastly different ways. </span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 11pt;">Dick Clark aspired to greatness in the
entertainment industry. He is being
remembered as a man who shaped the way TV looks and feels; who “legitimized”
rock n roll through the new medium of TV; who brought Chubby Checker, Kiss, Chuck
Berry, Bill Haley and the Comets, James Brown, Buddy Holly, the Everly Brothers,
Madonna, and many more to the world stage.
His work made him wealthy, powerful and present in American
entertainment for half a century.</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 11pt;">Chuck Colson aspired to greatness in American
politics. He is remembered as a man who
had the ear of THE president and an office next to him in the White House. He was described as "Richard Nixon's
hard man, the 'evil genius' of an evil administration." His ambition led him to great heights. His desperate desire to stay there led to committing
crimes in the blemish known as Watergate and to prison for seven months. He was disbarred, despised and disgraced,
ending his career in law and politics. </span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 11pt;">Of those two men, it appears that Dick Clark was
the one to be admired and emulated.
“That is success, my child. Try
to be like him,” many a parent could say and point to Dick Clark. “That is failure, my child. Avoid at all costs being like him,” the same
parent could say and point to Chuck Colson.
</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 11pt;">But that depends on how “success” is defined. </span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 11pt;">As far as I can tell, Dick Clark was a nice guy.
Outwardly he had it all and people seemed to love him. But is that TRUE success?</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 11pt;">Chuck Colson was pursued and arrested by God during
the Watergate scandal. Having all
outward success yanked from his tightly clenched fists, he looked up to his
Pursuer and surrendered to Christ. Colson
thought prison was the end yet it turned out to be the beginning. In prison Colson’s heart was also arrested by
the injustices done to prisoners and the lack of true rehabilitation. After his release, he founded Prison
Fellowship, a ministry to prisoners and their families as well as a voice for
prison reform. In addition, for over
three decades he became one of the key Christian voices speaking for Christ into
a secularized culture.</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 11pt;">Dick Clark gave us music and entertainers to make
us happy. Chuck Colson brought hope to
the hopeless.</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 11pt;">Dick Clark left a plethora of songs to please our
ears. Chuck Colson left actions and words
that challenge our souls to look to the only One Who can give us true pleasure.</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 11pt;">Dick Clark got us to dance. Chuck Colson challenged us to feed the
hungry, visit the prisoners, bring justice to the oppressed, clothe the naked
and live boldly for the Savior.</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 11pt;">Dick Clark died wealthy and powerful. Chuck Colson died humbly and away from the
places of power, having chosen a humble path.</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 11pt;">Both found out what TRUE success is this week when
they DIED when they faced Jesus. Who do
you think is “successful” now? What do
you suppose matters now? Which man do
you think was surprised and wishes he could go back and do a lot of things
differently? </span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 11pt;">We ALL DIE. We
ALL face Jesus. We ALL will be evaluated
by what God values and rewarded accordingly.
Dick and Chuck were fortunate to live past 80. No matter the length of life it is a
miniscule dot on the line of eternity. What
matters? What we do during that dot. It
determines what we experience forever. </span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 11pt;">Sobering. </span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 11pt;">Which all begs some most important questions: Have
you been arrested by Jesus? (Not praying
a magic prayer but having your life turned right side up). What will you do with the amount of dot you
have left? What impact will you leave
behind? What will you do that will go
into your eternity with you?</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 11pt;">I’m just asking…</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">The only
thing that counts is faith expressing itself through love.<b> </b><b>Galatians 5:6b (NIV)</b></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;"><sup>15</sup>He (Jesus) said to
them, “You are the ones who justify yourselves in the eyes of men, but God
knows your hearts. What is highly valued among men is detestable in God’s sight.<b> </b><b>Luke 16:15 (NIV)</b></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 11pt;">Boldly, Herb</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 11pt;">To receive blog posts directly to your email sign
up on the bar to the right or at: http://groups.google.com/group/fwgs</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 11pt;">To listen to Herb via the internet go to
http://www.newsongpittsburgh.org/ and click on the sermons link</span></div>Herb Shafferhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09965716309878183528noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-22350599.post-42690829560435184072012-04-18T17:33:00.002-04:002012-04-18T17:39:08.974-04:00Love and Consequences<!--[if gte mso 9]><xml> <w:worddocument> <w:view>Normal</w:View> <w:zoom>0</w:Zoom> <w:punctuationkerning/> <w:validateagainstschemas/> <w:saveifxmlinvalid>false</w:SaveIfXMLInvalid> <w:ignoremixedcontent>false</w:IgnoreMixedContent> <w:alwaysshowplaceholdertext>false</w:AlwaysShowPlaceholderText> <w:compatibility> <w:breakwrappedtables/> <w:snaptogridincell/> <w:wraptextwithpunct/> <w:useasianbreakrules/> <w:dontgrowautofit/> </w:Compatibility> <w:browserlevel>MicrosoftInternetExplorer4</w:BrowserLevel> </w:WordDocument> </xml><![endif][if gte mso 9]><xml> <w:latentstyles deflockedstate="false" latentstylecount="156"> </w:LatentStyles> </xml><![endif][if gte mso 10]> <style> /* Style Definitions */ table.MsoNormalTable {mso-style-name:"Table Normal"; mso-tstyle-rowband-size:0; mso-tstyle-colband-size:0; mso-style-noshow:yes; mso-style-parent:""; mso-padding-alt:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt; mso-para-margin:0in; mso-para-margin-bottom:.0001pt; mso-pagination:widow-orphan; font-size:10.0pt; font-family:"Times New Roman"; mso-ansi-language:#0400; mso-fareast-language:#0400; mso-bidi-language:#0400;} </style> <![endif]--> <p class="MsoNormal" style="tab-stops:.25in"><span style=" mso-bidi-;font-family:Arial;font-size:11.0pt;" >LOVE started it all.</span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="tab-stops:.25in"><span style=" mso-bidi-;font-family:Arial;font-size:11.0pt;" > </span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="tab-stops:.25in"><span style=" mso-bidi-;font-family:Arial;font-size:11.0pt;" >Was God setting them up?<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>Did He know that they were unable to do it, but required it anyway?<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>Was God just playing some great cosmic game with them that was pre-determined?<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="tab-stops:.25in"><span style=" mso-bidi-;font-family:Arial;font-size:11.0pt;" > </span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="tab-stops:.25in"><span style=" mso-bidi-;font-family:Arial;font-size:11.0pt;" >I mean, really… what was God thinking?</span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="tab-stops:.25in"><span style=" mso-bidi-;font-family:Arial;font-size:11.0pt;" > </span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="tab-stops:.25in"><span style=" mso-bidi-;font-family:Arial;font-size:11.0pt;" >One might draw those conclusions in reading the first few chapters of the first book of the Bible.<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>And one would be very wrong!</span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="tab-stops:.25in"><span style=" mso-bidi-;font-family:Arial;font-size:11.0pt;" > </span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="tab-stops:.25in"><span style=" mso-bidi-;font-family:Arial;font-size:11.0pt;" >God put the prototype man into the perfect world with perfect relationship with God, with one another (a little bit later) and with the world.<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>I mean, PERFECT!!<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>Beyond imagination perfect.<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>He told him to enjoy it all and then would visit in the cool of the day to enjoy being with them.<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>Work that was fulfilling and relationships that were satisfying. PERFECT!<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="tab-stops:.25in"><span style=" mso-bidi-;font-family:Arial;font-size:11.0pt;" > </span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="tab-stops:.25in"><span style=" mso-bidi-;font-family:Arial;font-size:11.0pt;" >So what was the problem?<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>There wasn’t any, I mean, NONE!<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>How would we then perceive that God was setting them up?<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>No problems, however, there was ONE (count them - one) stipulation to enjoy this Eden (literally).<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>God even stated it with the best first, showing that the stipulation was very small though very grave.<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="tab-stops:.25in"><span style=" mso-bidi-;font-family:Arial;font-size:11.0pt;" > </span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="tab-stops:.25in"><span style=" mso-bidi-;font-family:Arial;font-size:11.0pt;" >“Adam, look around you.<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>Everything you see that looks good to eat is yours.<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>No transfats, no preservatives, no chemicals, no artificial sweeteners, colors or flavoring, just good-for-you, tastes-great, all natural food that looks desirable and tastes even better.<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>Sound good?”<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="tab-stops:.25in"><span style=" mso-bidi-;font-family:Arial;font-size:11.0pt;" > </span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="tab-stops:.25in"><span style=" mso-bidi-;font-family:Arial;font-size:11.0pt;" >“Absolutely.<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>Yep, that’s good, Lord.”</span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="tab-stops:.25in"><span style=" mso-bidi-;font-family:Arial;font-size:11.0pt;" > </span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="tab-stops:.25in"><span style=" mso-bidi-;font-family:Arial;font-size:11.0pt;" >“Great!<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>Only one thing to avoid.”</span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="tab-stops:.25in"><span style=" mso-bidi-;font-family:Arial;font-size:11.0pt;" > </span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="tab-stops:.25in"><span style=" mso-bidi-;font-family:Arial;font-size:11.0pt;" >“Anything, Lord.<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>You’ve given so much.<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>What else could ever be wanted?”</span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="tab-stops:.25in"><span style=" mso-bidi-;font-family:Arial;font-size:11.0pt;" > </span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="tab-stops:.25in"><span style=" mso-bidi-;font-family:Arial;font-size:11.0pt;" >“Excellent.<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>Here it is.<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>Look at me.<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>I want to make sure you get this.<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>Stay away from that tree - see it?<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>It is the tree of the knowledge of good and evil.<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>If you eat of all the other trees, you will live long and prosper.<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>If you eat of that tree you will die.”</span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="tab-stops:.25in"><span style=" mso-bidi-;font-family:Arial;font-size:11.0pt;" > </span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="tab-stops:.25in"><span style=" mso-bidi-;font-family:Arial;font-size:11.0pt;" >“Whoa!<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>That doesn’t sound good.” </span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="tab-stops:.25in"><span style=" mso-bidi-;font-family:Arial;font-size:11.0pt;" > </span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="tab-stops:.25in"><span style=" mso-bidi-;font-family:Arial;font-size:11.0pt;" >“Trust me, it is the worst possible scenario. In fact, you are incapable of grasping the atrocity of that act.”</span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="tab-stops:.25in"><span style=" mso-bidi-;font-family:Arial;font-size:11.0pt;" > </span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="tab-stops:.25in"><span style=" mso-bidi-;font-family:Arial;font-size:11.0pt;" >Sometime later God created Eve and either Adam or God let her know the same.<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>Off limits!<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="tab-stops:.25in"><span style=" mso-bidi-;font-family:Arial;font-size:11.0pt;" > </span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="tab-stops:.25in"><span style=" mso-bidi-;font-family:Arial;font-size:11.0pt;" >Why did God even put the tree there?<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>Why not just make it all good?<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>Because if there is no choice to disobey, no choice to love themselves rather than God, then they are simply robots.<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>God did not want robots, He deeply desired relationship.</span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="tab-stops:.25in"><span style=" mso-bidi-;font-family:Arial;font-size:11.0pt;" > </span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="tab-stops:.25in"><span style=" mso-bidi-;font-family:Arial;font-size:11.0pt;" >Which takes us to God’s original intent - to create beings with whom He could have a genuine love relationship.<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>He wanted to pour out love on them because it is His nature; God IS love.<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>That required that those beings have the choice to accept His love.<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>Which required the choice to reject His love.</span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="tab-stops:.25in"><span style=" mso-bidi-;font-family:Arial;font-size:11.0pt;" > </span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="tab-stops:.25in"><span style=" mso-bidi-;font-family:Arial;font-size:11.0pt;" >They chose obedience and the unimaginable experience of perfect love relationship… for a while.<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>Then they opened the Biblical Pandora’s box.<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="tab-stops:.25in"><span style=" mso-bidi-;font-family:Arial;font-size:11.0pt;" > </span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="tab-stops:.25in"><span style=" mso-bidi-;font-family:Arial;font-size:11.0pt;" >CONSEQUENCES of sin are overwhelmingly devastating.<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>Destruction of the perfect relationships with God, one another and creation.<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>Exile from the perfect garden.<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>Pain in childbirth.<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>Difficulty in raising crops/ making a living.<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>The human race’s devastation to itself.<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>Jesus’ death.<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>And on and on it goes.</span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="tab-stops:.25in"><span style=" mso-bidi-;font-family:Arial;font-size:11.0pt;" > </span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="tab-stops:.25in"><span style=" mso-bidi-;font-family:Arial;font-size:11.0pt;" >LOVE of God means it doesn’t have to stay that way.<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>No, there will never be another Garden of Eden, but because of God’s initiating love we can live life as an ongoing restoration of all that was lost there and experience it in perfection in Heaven.</span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="tab-stops:.25in"><span style=" mso-bidi-;font-family:Arial;font-size:11.0pt;" > </span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="tab-stops:.25in"><span style=" mso-bidi-;font-family:Arial;font-size:11.0pt;" >Which are you focusing on?<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>Living a life of love or a life of escalating consequences?<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="tab-stops:.25in"><span style=" mso-bidi-;font-family:Arial;font-size:11.0pt;" > </span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="tab-stops:.25in"><span style=" mso-bidi-;font-family:Arial;font-size:11.0pt;" >I’m just asking…<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="tab-stops:.25in"><span style=" mso-bidi-;font-family:Arial;font-size:11.0pt;" > </span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family:times new roman;"><span style="font-size:130%;"><b>John 10:10 (NIV)</b><sup> 10</sup>The thief comes only to steal and kill and destroy; I have come that they may have life, and have it to the full.</span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="mso-layout-grid-align:none;text-autospace:none"><span style="font-size:130%;"><b style="font-family: times new roman;">1 John 4:7-12 (NIV)</b></span><span style="font-family: times new roman;font-family:times new roman;font-size:130%;" lang="EN" > <sup>7</sup>Dear friends, let us love one another, for love comes from God. Everyone who loves has been born of God and knows God. </span><span style="font-size:130%;"><sup style="font-family: times new roman;">8</sup></span><span style="font-family: times new roman;font-family:times new roman;font-size:130%;" lang="EN" >Whoever does not love does not know God, because God is love. </span><span style="font-size:130%;"><sup style="font-family: times new roman;">9</sup></span><span style="font-family: times new roman;font-family:times new roman;font-size:130%;" lang="EN" >This is how God showed his love among us: He sent his one and only Son into the world that we might live through him. </span><span style="font-size:130%;"><sup style="font-family: times new roman;">10</sup></span><span style="font-family: times new roman;font-family:times new roman;font-size:130%;" lang="EN" >This is love: not that we loved God, but that he loved us and sent his Son as an atoning sacrifice for our sins. </span><span style="font-size:130%;"><sup style="font-family: times new roman;">11</sup></span><span style="font-family: times new roman;font-family:times new roman;font-size:130%;" lang="EN" >Dear friends, since God so loved us, we also ought to love one another. </span><span style="font-size:130%;"><sup style="font-family: times new roman;">12</sup></span><span style="font-family: times new roman;font-family:times new roman;font-size:130%;" lang="EN" >No one has ever seen God; but if we love one another, God lives in us and his love is made complete in us.</span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="tab-stops:.25in"><span style=" mso-bidi-;font-family:Arial;font-size:11.0pt;" > </span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="tab-stops:.25in"><span style=" mso-bidi-;font-family:Arial;font-size:11.0pt;" >Boldly, Herb</span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="tab-stops:.25in"><span style=" mso-bidi-;font-family:Arial;font-size:11.0pt;" > </span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="tab-stops:.25in"><span style=" mso-bidi-;font-family:Arial;font-size:11.0pt;" >To receive blog posts directly to your email sign up on the bar to the right or at: http://groups.google.com/group/fwgs</span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="tab-stops:.25in"><span style=" mso-bidi-;font-family:Arial;font-size:11.0pt;" >To listen to Herb via the internet go to http://www.newsongpittsburgh.org/ and click on the sermons link</span></p>Herb Shafferhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09965716309878183528noreply@blogger.com1