OPEN THE EYES OF MY HEART LORD: THE TACTLESS TONGUE TO THE POWER OF ONE

DAY 17 of 30 DAYS TO TAMING YOUR TONGUE:

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To me, Day 17 and 18 go together. Over the years, part of my transformation in becoming God's woman has been to keep allowing the Holy Spirit to work on my harshness and tact (or lack thereof). As I said yesterday, I'm such a "where the rubber meets the road" type of a person that I often let "practicality" win out over God's wisdom taking control of my tongue.

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In his Sunday sermon, my husband Steve said, "We were never intended to be strong enough, good enough, or courageous enough [without God]." Sister, we need the power of the living God of the universe to make it in this journey!

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Some of my favorite spiritual meals are the Bible books of 2 Corinthians, Ephesians, and Colossians... in them my gracious Heavenly Father teaches me about His power in me!

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2 Corinthians 4:7
"But we have this treasure in earthen vessels,

that the surpassing greatness of the power

may be of God and not from ourselves..."

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Ephesians 1:18-19

"I pray that the eyes of your heart

may be enlightened,

so that you may know

what is the hope of His calling,

what are the riches of the glory

of His inheritance in the saints,

and what is the surpassing greatness

of His power toward us who believe."

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When I allow God to be at work in and through me, then, there is much to be said about THE POWER OF ONE:

Colossians 4:6

"Let your speech always be with grace,

seasoned, as it were, with salt,

so that you may know

how you should respond to each person."

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I am so grateful that God is willing to work in and through this tactless vessel as He empowers me to become a woman of grace. I pray that you have time to watch the video above: THE POWER OF ONE.

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OPEN THE EYES OF MY HEART LORD: HARSHNESS TO KINDNESS

DAY 16

I have been in different situations over the last few weeks...

• helping some friends move
• enjoying life group fellowship
• visiting with my husband

and invariably this book that we're looking at this month becomes the topic of some discussion. One friend said that the further that she gets in the book the more the individual days are pointed straight at her. I thought that they were pointing straight at me!

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Over the years, I have heard my youngest daughter say to me repeatedly, "Now, mother, be kind!" I am a very practical, where the rubber meets the road, kind of person. I've believed that part of kindness is telling the harsh and honest realities of something. After all, won't that help the person get "better" more quickly? Our author says that this kind of use of the tongue "has never yielded positive results."

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God says it this way:

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Proverbs 15:1

"A gentle answer turns away wrath,

But a harsh word stirs up anger."

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Proverbs 31:26

"She opens her mouth in wisdom,

And the teaching of kindness is on her tongue."

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Join me in praying daily for

the wisdom of kind words!

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OPEN THE EYES OF MY HEART, LORD: KNOW-IT-ALL TO PRUDENT

DAY 15
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Ephesians 1:18-19

"I pray that the eyes of your heart

may be enlightened,

so that you may know what is

the hope of His calling,

what are the riches of the glory

of His inheritance in the saints,

and what is the surpassing greatness

of His power toward us who believe."

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I don't know why I love to learn so much... but I do!!! I am a "life long learner"! There's always a stack of books at my headboard and I have several going at once. I make every effort to spend daily time in the WORD of GOD, too. This semester finds me reading several textbooks that I have not read before, trying to stay one day ahead of my students. Of course, I love to share what I learn, but our daughter Jessica calls it TMI (Too Much Information!)
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I am conscious that I sometimes talk too much. I'll work real hard at not coming across as a "know-it-all" and then I blow it. I did again yesterday!
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Our author says, "How do you let go of that know-it-all tongue? You can start by letting someone share information with you that you already know - without letting her know that you know it. This can be great training in humility and emotional maturity."
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As we begin a new week, I've changed the theme song to OPEN THE EYES OF MY HEART, LORD. Lord, help me to see what it is that you want me to say before I say it. It starts with being humble... poor in spirit... being prudent in speech...
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Lyrics to OPEN THE EYES OF MY HEART, LORD
by Phillips, Craig, and Dean
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Open the eyes of my heart, Lord
Open the eyes of my heart
I want to see You
I want to see You
Open the eyes of my heart, Lord
Open the eyes of my heart
I want to see You
I want to see You
To see You high and lifted up
Shining in the light of Your glory
Pour out Your power and love
As we sing holy, holy, holy
Holy, holy, holy
Holy, holy, holy
Holy, holy, holy
We want to see You
(I want to see You)

SPEECHLESS: CYNICAL TO RESPECTFUL

DAY 14
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"The person who is cynical

scorns the motives of others.

Cynicism is like venom;

it poisons the atmosphere

wherever it is present."

Deborah Smith Pegues

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"Blessed is the (woman)

who walks not in the counsel

of the ungodly,

nor stands in the way of sinners,

and neither sits in the seat of the scornful."

Psalm 1:1

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1. Practice HONORING THE DIFFERENCES of other people...
2. Ponder ways to give honor where honor is due...
3. Learn to change cynical words to respectful words.

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SPEECHLESS: BELITTLING TO ENCOURAGING

DAY 13
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What a day yesterday was! It included several dramatic illustrations of our topic for today. Here is one:
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I met Cristi and Lauren for lunch. It looks like Lauren will be "released" to go home to Virginia today. They'll be rejoining their family. It will be a huge transition for all of them. After a heart transplant, the recepient must rebuild her immune system. So, it is not uncommon to wear a mask over the mouth/nose when out in public. That is what Lauren did yesterday.
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We had a great lunch and visit. As we walked out of the restaurant, four men were coming in. One made a comment about Lauren and her mask that seemed callous, rude, and thoughtless. It struck me right to the core! By the look on Cristi's face, I knew it had hit her hard, too. With Cristi's permission, I returned to the restaurant to have a talk with the men (my Mother Superior role had kicked in).
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I basically said to them that I didn't even want to know who said it, but they needed to know that what they did was rude and mean spirited. After three of the men pointed to the fourth man, he stepped forward. He said that he had no intention of it being rude or mean spirited. He said that he had kids of his own. I explained Lauren's situation to him and he asked me to "apologize to the lady... I meant no harm." Really?
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I wish that I would have had an Ephesians 4:29 forehead stamp for him:

"Let no unwholesome word proceed from your mouth,

but only such a word as is good for edification

according to the need of the moment,

that it may give grace to those who hear."

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Well, before the day was over, I needed that stamp for my forehead, in a big way. I'm still trying to process how it happened. I've asked forgiveness. I'm praying that today my words will be only encouraging.

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Some people belittle others to make themselves feel better. I like the idea to "befriend" others and I will automatically feel better.

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SPEECHLESS: BETRAYING TO TRUSTWORTHY

DAY 12
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Love always trusts! So how can others trust me if I have been untrustworthy? How can I trust others if I feel betrayed by them?

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Our author says that "betrayal is a more blatant act than gossip." If I choose to gossip, I may not harbor ill will toward my victim. Yet, a betrayer destroys hearts and lives when she gives private/personal information that should have been held in confidence... in trust. Betrayal usually comes from someone in your "inside circle of friends". Judas betrayed Jesus!

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Once a person has been betrayed multiple times, it is hard to trust... to build intimate relationships... to go deep. Walls begin to be built for protection of the heart. A powerful example of this was on week one of this season's THE BIGGEST LOSER. My friend Sean, a contestant, was reminded by his coach Bob, "I'm not going anywhere, Sean! You can trust me!" What powerful words to a young man who was once in need of parents!

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I hope you are able to join us each day as we go through Deborah Smith Pegues 30 DAYS TO TAMING YOUR TONGUE challenge. I also hope you are able to join many of us each Tuesday evening as we watch NBC's THE BIGGEST LOSER.

SPEECHLESS: MEDDLING TO MINDING MY OWN BUSINESS

DAY 11

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What does pulling a dog's ears have to do with meddling? Read on and see!
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One of my strengths is thinking "outside the box". People who think outside the box are usually highly curious and creative. I am both! I've often thought of what a greater mess I would have been if I had not had an army sergeant for a daddy. Quite frankly, I think that I was a chip off the old block of my dad and the army did us both good. I have often joked that "Uncle Sam" is my grandfather!

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Uncle Sam had boundaries, rules, lists, and discipline. All of that was passed down to this daydreaming, pretending, imaginary friend girl who needed all of it! So, now I have strengths in and outside the box. Yet, my natural strengths of creativity / curiosity often win out.

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Today, in our book reading on taming the tongue, the author discusses meddling. Ms. Pegues says, "If you are prone to natural curiosity, you must make a special effort to keep your inquisitiveness within the bounds of what is socially and spiritually appropriate. "

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She says that meddlers go further than gossips. Meddlers go straight to the source to get the information directly with questions like, "How can you afford such an expensive item?" or "What size is the dress you are wearing?" or "How much did you pay for this house?" or "How long can you afford to be off from your work?" Most of the time the only purpose for these questions is to satisfy a curious mind.

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As a mother of four young adult children, I am also a "mother-in-love" and a grandmother who must continually pray about wise words, their timing, their amount, and too many questions. Ms. Pegues encouraged those of us in this stage of life to accept the fact that no parenting is needed for young adult grown-ups. "The law of sowing and reaping the consequences of bad decisions is still one of the most effective teachers of life's lessons." Have young adult children? Give them space to learn!

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Here's what scripture says:

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2 Thessalonians 3:11

Some of you are living idle lives,

refusing to work

and wasting time

meddling in other people's business."

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1 Peter 4:15-16

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"If you suffer,

however,

it must not be for murder,

stealing, making trouble, or

prying into other people's affairs."

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Proverbs 26:17

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"He who passes by

and meddles in a quarrel not his own

Is like one who

takes a dog by the ears."

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Ouch!

Dog's bite when you take them by their ears!

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So, next time mind your own business!

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SPEECHLESS: WITH GRATITUDE FOR SECOND CHANCES

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What a wonderful thing to know that our Father God is the God of second chances. How about third chances? How about 70 times 7? I am so grateful for His loving patience, mercy, grace, and forgiveness.
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This weekend as I listened at Women of Faith in the Wachovia Center in Philadelphia, I heard Lisa Harper tell the stories of the very imperfect women in Jesus' geneology. We laughed til we cried, feeling such a kinship with these women who did not get it right the first time.
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Yesterday, my friend Jo-Ann said about Women of Faith, "I really liked how the speakers were real, honest and brave to share their own stories in such away that God was Glorified in their brokeness."
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I have a friend who is glorifying God through his brokeness on national televison. He is very aware of his God of "second chances". When I look back on times I have spent with Sean, gratitude is one of the things that stands out to me about him anyway... so thankful! Now, Sean is so thankful for the opportunity to get his weight under control on The Biggest Loser.
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I am so thankful for the inspiration that Sean and his new friends are giving to so many. Last week's premiere episode was outstanding. Please join me this season as I cheer Sean on. You can link below to Sean's heartwarming story.

http://www.nbc.com/the-biggest-loser/video/clips/meet-sean/1153249/

SPEECHLESS: GOSSIPER TO TRUSTWORTHY!

DAY TEN:
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In the book 30 DAYS TO TAMING YOUR TONGUE, the author says that when people come into her office and start to engage in gossip or ungodly talk, she points to her tongue and says, "Tongue fast!"
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It reminds me of the phrase that I've heard all of my life: "If you don't have something nice to say, say nothing at all."
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As I listened to stories of my husband's grandfather after his death, one of my favorites is appropriate to tell here. Papa Sikes was at the local market in a small town in New Mexico when he heard a conversation that was not very complimentary of a "scoundral" in town. In fact, they were saying things that they should not have even been repeating. When asked what he had to say about the man, Papa paused and then said, "He sure can whistle!"
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Please join me today in taking these scriptures seriously:
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Proverbs 11:13
"A gossip goes around revealing secrets,

but those who are trustworthy can keep a confidence."

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Psalms 19:14

"Let the words of my mouth

and the meditation of my heart

Be acceptable in Thy sight,

O LORD,

my rock and my Redeemer. "

SPEECHLESS: SLANDERING TO WORDS OF GOOD REPORT

DAY NINE:

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Proverbs 10:18

"And he who spreads slander is a fool."

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Mark 7

"...out of the heart of men,

proceed the evil thoughts,

fornications, thefts, murders, adulteries,

deeds of coveting and wickedness,

as well as deceit, sensuality, envy,

slander, pride and foolishness.

All these evil things proceed from within

and defile the man."

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Ms. Pegues begins Day 9 of her book with these words,

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"Slanderers make malicious, false,

or even true statements about others

with the intent of damaging

their reputation,

character,

or good name."

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It's sobering to say that I have heard much slander throughout my lifetime either by those who have been hurt by another and are trying to "get back at them" or some person/group trying to make themselves look better than another person/group. The sad part is that this takes place among christians who use TRUE STATEMENTS to damage the reputation, character, or good name of others.

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This weekend was so refreshing to me! 18,000 women together in the Wachovia Center, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania were there because they believe in Jesus. Oh, we all may be at different places on the journey of faith. We all may not agree on a myriad of things about the Bible and eternal life. Yet, one commonality was there - JESUS is the Son of God! Jesus is God! That's why it's called WOMEN OF FAITH.

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Philippians 2:8-11 says something that I believe every woman in that room believed. This and this alone is powerful:

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"And being found in appearance as a man,

He humbled Himself by becoming obedient

to the point of death, even death on a cross.

Therefore also God highly exalted Him,

and bestowed on Him the name

which is above every name,

that at the name of Jesus

every knee should bow,

of those who are in heaven,

and on earth, and under the earth,

and that every tongue should confess

that Jesus Christ is Lord,

to the glory of God the Father. "

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I will pray for those who understand the gospel in part. I refuse to slander or argue with those who do not agree with my understanding of salvation. We will agree to disagree and I will pray!

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Yes, I do believe yesterday was powerful, but I believe it would have been much more powerful if this model of the gospel story would have been used:

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Acts 2:37-39
"Now when they heard this,

they were pierced to the heart,

and said to Peter and the rest of the apostles,

"Brethren, what shall we do?"

And Peter said to them,

"Repent, and let each of you be baptized

in the name of Jesus Christ

for the forgiveness of your sins;

and you shall receive the gift of the Holy Spirit.

"For the promise is for you and your children,

and for all who are far off,

as many as the Lord our God

shall call to Himself."

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Slander? No! A good report? Yes! Will I return to Women of Faith? The LORD willing! In the meantime, the group of 50 of us who went together yesterday plan to keep walking with the LORD on this journey of life... encouraging each other... pursuing peace and love...

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SPEECHLESS

We're reading the book 30 DAYS TO TAMING THE TONGUE and commenting or discussing it on this blog. Yet, for today I'd like to take a break. Oh, we can still focus on taming the tongue. I've changed our theme song to Steven Curtis Chapman's song SPEECHLESS.
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What an amazing song writer / singer this man is. More amazing - what a father he is! We heard him last night as he and his band (including his two sons) were the final hour of Philadelphia's Friday Woman of Faith conference.
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I thought I knew the story of the Chapman family's loss of youngest daughter Maria. Yet, when I came home and perused through Youtube, I found that many of the facts that I had heard last year were incorrect. So, below is what I found to be the best telling of this powerful story. Then, up above you will find the video of Steven's encouraging song to mothers to keep keeping on: One Heartbeat At a Time.
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May these videos bless you today. Fifty women from Pitman plan to return to Philadelphia this morning for our second day of Women of Faith.

BORN AGAIN: SELF-DEPRECATING TO I CAN DO ALL THINGS THROUGH CHRIST

DAY EIGHT:
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On yesterday's post, we wanted to go from BOASTING to HUMILITY. Just don't be too humble!!! Actually, the author of 30 DAYS TO TAMING YOUR TONGUE, on day eight, says that "self-deprecation is often disguised as humility; but in reality, it is a rejection of the Word of God."
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Are we in the habit of using labels to describe ourselves? Failure? Fatso? Freak?
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Moses said that He was "slow of speech". If this was the case, how could he lead God's people out of Egypt!?!?!!! God's reply was:
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Exodus 4:10-12

"And the LORD said to him,

'Who has made man's mouth?

Or who makes him dumb or deaf,

or seeing or blind?

Is it not I, the LORD?

Now then go, and I, even I,

will be with your mouth,

and teach you what you are to say.'"

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Philippians 4:13

"I can do all things

through Him who strengthens me."

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BORN AGAIN: BOASTING TO HUMILITY

DAY SEVEN:
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Okay! So, I did not post yesterday and I'm running really late today! One thing that I know: I can do nothing on my own. What I do is only because Christ gives me the strength. Just the last week of my life exhausts me as I look back at everything that has transpired. In Christ alone, have my plans succeeded and my days been filled with blessings.
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I again return to Christ's Sermon on the Mount. Where does one begin in the christian life? What is the first step that is required. I believe that it is Be-Attitude #1. It's about pouring out myself and understanding that life is not "all about me" but about the Spirit of the Living God!
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Matthew 5:3
"Blessed are the poor in spirit,

for theirs is the kingdom of heaven.

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enough said

BORN AGAIN IN GRATITUDE

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I'm so grateful for people like Deborah Pegues who spend time putting together Biblically relevant topics in print - for christian women. This book and accompanying workbook can easily be a blessing for you and the women in your congregation. I have heard of whole congregations taking the 30 day challenge.

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The last 6 posts on this blog briefly sum up the first six days of this 30 day challenge. I'm so thankful that you've joined us!

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1. Taming the lying tongue
2. Taming the flattering tongue
3. Taming the manipulating tongue
4. Taming the hasty tongue
5. Taming the divisive tongue
6. Taming the argumentative tongue

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Taming your tongue!

Taming my tongue!

With God,

all things are possible!

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"To sum up, let all be harmonious,

sympathetic,

(sisterly),

kindhearted,

and humble in spirit;

not returning evil for evil,

or insult for insult,

but giving a blessing instead;

for you were called for the very purpose

that you might inherit a blessing.

For,

'Let (she) who means to love life

and see good days

Refrain (her) tongue from evil...' "

1 Peter 3:8-10

BORN AGAIN: ARGUING TO DIPLOMACY

DAY SIX:

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I live about 18 miles from the City of Love, the home of Ben Franklin. I can drive out of my driveway, head north, and then turn east across the Ben Franklin bridge and in less that half an hour be viewing the Liberty Bell, Independence Hall, the U.S. mint, or Ben Franklin's grave. You may argue with me all you want about whether or not Philadelphia is truly the City of Love or if Ben Franklin is truly a national hero. We can agree to disagree!

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Ben diplomatically once said, "On this point, I agree. But on the other, if you don't mind, may I take exception?"

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The author of 30 Days to Taming Your Tongue says, "one of the challenges for God's children is to learn to disagree without being disagreeable".
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Christ put it this way in Matthew 5, "Agree with your adversary quickly..."

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It's about honoring the differences in people. It's about respecting each person's right to have her own values and views. After all, God has given us all FREEDOM OF CHOICE! Is it possible for you and I to disagree but not be disagreeable?

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BORN AGAIN: DIVISIVE TO PEACEMAKER

DAY FIVE:
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Anyone who knows me well knows of my love of Matthew 5, 6, and 7. It's Christ's Sermon on the Mount. If you have followed this blog for any length of time, you will find me referring to the Be-attitudes at the beginning of Christ's sermon. Over the years, I've observed myself and others struggle with one or more of these "Christlike attitudes". Sister, why is it so hard for us to be peacemakers day in and day out? Why do I so often hear of squabbles between christians or churches?
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Anyone who knows my husband well knows of his love for "peace" and "respect". Yet, I have found over and over again that that is where Satan comes after him. We could both write a book about how Satan uses one of his most effective strategies in the lives of christians: divide and conquer!
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Diane Smith Pegues starts out her Day 5 remarks by saying, "Divide and conquer is one of Satan's most effective strategies... he knows the power, synergy, and blessings that result when we work in harmony; therefore, he makes every effort to bring division."
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Proverbs 6 says that the LORD detests a person who "stirs up dissension among brothers".
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Over the last seven years there is a scripture that comes to my mind weekly, if not daily. It reminds me of how important it is that a strong willed, outspoken woman like myself choose to NOT be divisive and instead PURSUE PEACE...
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Hebrews 12:14-15
"Pursue peace with all men,

and the sanctification without which

no one will see the Lord.

See to it that no one comes short of the grace of God;

that no root of bitterness springing up causes trouble..."

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What does Matthew 5 say about PEACEMAKERS?

Blessed are the peacemakers,

for they shall be called the sons of God."

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BORN AGAIN: HASTY SPEECH TO WORDS OF WISDOM

DAY ONE: The Lying Tongue

DAY TWO: The Flattering Tongue

DAY THREE: The Manipulating Tongue

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DAY FOUR: The Hasty Tongue

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Over the years, I would not be able to count all the times that Steve has given me "the look". He'll be talking... making a point... and I will cut in and finish his sentence (usually incorrectly) or I'll just completely "cut him off at the pass". My hasty speech most often comes in ways of interrupting another person while we are in conversation.

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When our now 24 year old son was in middle school, he said something several times that really got my attention. "My mom is like a stoplight: GO! YIELD! STOP! Then, GO again!" What did he mean? Well here is my interpretation: I would be hasty in saying or doing something - plowing ahead. Then, I would slow down. Then, I would stop, pray, and regroup. Then, I would GO again the right way... God's way...

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Powerful insight from such a young mind!

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God gave us two ears and one mouth! Ever wonder why? LISTENING WILL BLESS... SO SPEAK LESS... Scripture puts it this way in James 1:19...

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My dear brothers,

take note of this:

Everyone should be quick to listen,

slow to speak...

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Other scripture (with the female rendering inserted) tells us....

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Proverbs 29:20

Do you see a woman who is hasty in her words?

There is more hope for a fool than for her...

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Ecclesiastes 5:22

Do not be hasty in word or impulsive in speech

to bring up a matter in the presence of God.

For God is in heaven and you are on the earth;

therefore let your words be few.

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The author of our study guide says, "Time and words are two things that, once gone, can never be recovered. We must take time to weigh our words before we release them.

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Yesterday, Steve and I spent some much needed "down time". We headed for the "Jersey shore" to Ocean City. There we met up with two couples from church: Jim and Claire and Tom and Melva. You might recognize Melva's name as the one who is leading our "Taming Your Tongue" class on Tuesdays at the Pitman church.

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The six of us had a wonderful time on a cold and overcast Friday as we ate lunch together, took in the sights and sounds of the Atlantic Ocean, walked the Ocean City boardwalk, bought some gifts, and then had an early twilight meal ("senior citizen experience") at the Crab Trap (South Jersey's number one seafood restaurant).

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What did I notice the most in our day?

• Of course, God's amazing creation.
  
• Six people who wanted to discuss spiritual things and share life experiences.
  
• The topic of TAMING THE TONGUE was discussed throughout the day, as we are being challenged daily by this study and directives of scripture of how to use our tongues.

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It was a chilly and overcast September 11th. As we first crossed the bridge into Ocean City, an American flag, hanging high from a crane, reminded us. We weren't too far down the shore from where those tragic scenes, embedded in our minds, took place eight years ago. Here are some pics of our yesterday:

James 3:17-1817

But the wisdom from above is first pure,

then peaceable,

gentle,

reasonable,

full of mercy and good fruits,

unwavering,

without hypocrisy.

And the seed whose fruit is righteousness

is sown in peace

by those who make peace.

BORN AGAIN: MANIPULATING TO "LET GO AND LET GOD"

DAY THREE:

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Have you ever manipulated something to get your way? Usually, when we do that, we work at twisting our words in just the right way for our advantage.

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In the Bible story of Samson and Delilah, Delilah used pouting to get her way. She was a manipulator who did not give up until she got what she wanted.

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Judges 16:15-16

Then Delilah pouted,

"How can you say you love me

when you don't confide in me?

You've made fun of me three times now,

and you still haven't told me

what makes you so strong!"

So day after day she nagged him

until he couldn't stand it any longer.

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Mrs. Pegues says, "While manipulators are subtle and make every attempt to cloak their self-serving motives, they often forget that many people are very discerning and have a keen sensitivity to such insincerity." I'm sure Samson wished that he had been more discerning about her sincerity vs. her insincerity!

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You know, we're only on the third day of 30 DAYS TO TAMING THE TONGUE. Yet, the word SINCERITY has already come up several times. It looks like there is a heart issue with the manipulator.

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Here are some questions to ponder today:

• What's the difference between being persistent in a matter and manipulating?


• If I am persistent in prayer and then go out and manipulate things to get my answer, does that mean I trust God or not?


• BORN AGAIN? How about stopping the manipulation and LET GO AND LET GOD?!!?!?!?

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Proverbs 27:15-16
A nagging wife

is as annoying

as the constant dripping on a rainy day.

Trying to stop her complaints

is like trying to stop the wind

or hold something with greased hands.

BORN AGAIN: FLATTERY TO SINCERITY

DAY TWO:
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According to the Merriam-Webster Dictionary, the word flattery is defined as "insincere or excessive praise".
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According to Thesaurus.com the synonyms for flattery include:
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• adulation
• honeyed words
• ingratiation
• mush
• pretty speech
• puffery
• smoke
• snow job
• sweet talk

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According to Deborah Smith Pegues there are four types of lying:

• deceitfulness
• half-truths
• exaggeration
• flattery

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In Mrs. Pegues book, 30 Days to Taming Your Tongue, she says that "flattery is a lie covered in a bed of flowery words." She puts forth that flattery is a faith issue and clear evidence that a person doesn't trust God enough to give herself favor with other people.

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It is easier to understand flattery as a type of lying and a sin after reading a few things that GOD'S WORD says about it:

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Psalms 12:3

The LORD shall

cut off all flattering lips...

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Proverbs 26:28

A lying tongue hates those it hurts,

and a flattering mouth works ruin.

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Proverbs 28:23

He who rebukes a man

will in the end gain more favor

than he who has a flattering tongue.

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Ezekiel 12:24-25

For there will be no more

false visions or flattering divinations

among the people of Israel.

But I the LORD will speak what I will.

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Romans 16:17-18

I urge you, brothers,

to watch out for those who cause divisions

and put obstacles in your way

that are contrary to the teaching you have learned.

Keep away from them.

For such people

are not serving our Lord Christ,

but their own appetites.

By smooth talk and flattery

they deceive the minds of naive people.

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TWO SCRIPTURES THAT I PLAN ON

MEDITATING ON TODAY:

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1 Thessalonians 2:4-6

We are not trying to please men but God,

who tests our hearts.

You know we never used flattery...

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Job 32:21-22

I will show partiality to no one,

nor will I flatter any man;

for if I were skilled in flattery,

my Maker would soon take me away.

.

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It's time to be sincere in our speech!

BORN AGAIN: Flattery to Sincerity!

BORN AGAIN: FROM LIES TO TRUTH!

DAY ONE - Consider this:

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The LORD detests lying lips,

but He delights in women who are truthful.

Proverbs 12:22

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Deborah says that lying comes in 4 forms. Three of those are the focus of Day One and the fourth one is the focus of Day Two. God detests lying! I am sure that is why Deborah has listed lying as our target for Days One and Two. "Detests" is a strong word! Years ago one of my friends made up a little jingle to scripture. Although, I cannot sing you the tune here, the words remain embedded in my brain:

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Revelation, Revelation,

21:8! 21:8!

If you lie, you fry!

If you lie, you fry!

You're a sinner!

You're a sinner!

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Whew! Don't be too harsh on my friend until you read Revelation 21:8 which says,

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"But the cowardly,

the unbelieving,

the vile,

the murderers,

the sexually immoral,

those who practice magic arts,

the idolaters

and

all liars-

their place will be in the fiery lake

of burning sulfur.

This is the second death."

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Deborah includes deception, half-truths, and exaggerating all in the catagory of lying. What's a woman to do? Deborah's book and workbook help us to see the need to change our habits:

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• from deception to truth


• from half-truths to truth


• from exaggerating to truth

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David put it this way:

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Psalms 25:4-5 Show me your ways, O LORD,

teach me your paths;

guide me in your TRUTH

and teach me,

for you are God my Savior.

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Psalms 26:2-4 Test me, O LORD, and try me,

examine my heart and my mind;

for Your love is ever before me,

and I walk continually in Your TRUTH.

I do not sit with deceitful men...

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Psalms 40:11 Do not withhold Your mercy from me,

O LORD;

may Your love

and Your TRUTH

always protect me.

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Psalms 51:6 Surely You desire TRUTH

in the inner parts;

You teach me wisdom

in the inmost place.

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Psalms 86:11 Teach me Your way, O LORD,

and I will walk in Your TRUTH;

give me an undivided heart,

that I may fear Your name.

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Psalms 119:30 I have chosen the way of TRUTH;

I have set my heart on Your laws.

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Want to be like Jesus?

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John 1:14

The Word became flesh

and made His dwelling among us.

We have seen His glory,

the glory of the One and Only,

who came from the Father,

FULL OF GRACE AND TRUTH.

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BORN AGAIN! SHARE IT! PASS IT ON!

As a mother, my greatest joy and thanksgiving is to know that each of my children have been BORN AGAIN!!!! Peter articulated it in a wonderful way in scripture,


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1 Peter 1:3-5
"Blessed be the God and Father

of our Lord Jesus Christ,

who according to His great mercy

has caused us to be BORN AGAIN

to a living hope

through the resurrection of Jesus Christ

from the dead,

to obtain an inheritance which is

imperishable and undefiled and will not fade away,

reserved in heaven for you..."

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Jesus articulated in a very simple way to Nicodemus in John 3:3,

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"Truly, truly, I say to you,

unless one is BORN AGAIN,

he cannot see the kingdom of God."

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I am part of a church family who believes both Jesus and Peter's words. It's very important that we share the message and pass it on to our children, our family, our neighbors, our friends, and anyone who will listen. We are bursting at the seams in our current building, so on Sunday, August 30, we had a ground breaking ceremony for our new building. We had a picnic at a local park. Then, we caravaned over to our land, surrounded by orchards, for the ceremony. We sang! We read scripture! We prayed! We shared our dreams and vision for many future generations of BORN AGAIN BELIEVERS to learn and grow in Christ there.

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Here are a few pictures that I took with my trusty cell phone. Then, I'll share again the BORN AGAIN VIDEO that I shared a few days ago. Thank You, Jesus, for new birth, forgiveness, possibilities, transformation...

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FIRST THERE WAS FOOD AND FELLOWSHIP AT THE PARK...

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THEN THERE WAS THE CARAVAN OF CARS ARRIVING ON THE BUILDING SITE AND PARKING WHERE THE PARKING LOT WILL SOON BE...

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WE PONDERED THE SURROUNDING ORCHARDS AND THE WORK INVOLVED IN GETTING TO THIS HARVEST:

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WE WALKED TOGETHER TOWARD WHERE THE FIRST SHOVELS OF DIRT WOULD BE TURNED OVER AND WE SANG SONGS LIKE... THESE ARE THE DAYS OF ELIJAH... AND ANCIENT OF DAYS....

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MANY GATHERED AROUND THEIR IMMEDIATE FAMILIES...

. TOGETHER, WE GAVE GOD THE GLORY
FOR ALL THAT HE HAS DONE...
AND ALL THAT HE IS GOING TO DO!!!





Acts 2:37-38 "And Peter said to them,
"Repent,
and let each of you be baptized
in the name of Jesus Christ
for the forgiveness of your sins;
and you shall receive the gift of the Holy Spirit."
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BORN AGAIN!

SHARE IT!

PASS IT ON!

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BORN AGAIN: A LABOR OF LOVE

MEDITATION MONDAY

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As I go through this LABOR day, I plan to meditate on scripture and the messages from the songs of yesterday's videoes and recommit to a life of love... I believe that being born again includes everyday being a day that is a LABOR OF LOVE.

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1 Thessalonians 1:2-3 says,

"We give thanks to God always for all of you,

making mention of you in our prayers;

constantly bearing in mind your work of faith

and LABOR OF LOVE

and steadfastness of hope

in our Lord Jesus Christ..."

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Meditation is a labor of love... transformation is a labor of love...

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So, today,

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1. I will be grateful for those who have labored before me as I sing THANK YOU, FOR GIVING TO THE LORD... I AM A LIFE WHO WAS CHANGED...

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John 4:37-38

'One sows, and another reaps.'

"I sent you to reap that

for which you have not labored;

others have labored,

and you have entered into their labor."

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Thank You

(song from yesterday's video by Ray Boltz)

VERSE ONE:

I dreamed I went to heaven
And you were there with me
We walked upon the streets of gold
Beside the crystal sea
We heard these angels singing
Then someone called your name
You turned and saw this young man
And he was smiling as he came
And he said friend you may not know me now
And then he said, but wait
You used to teach my Sunday School
When I was only eight
And every week you would say a prayer
Before the class would start
And one day when you said that prayer
I asked Jesus in my heart

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CHORUS
Thank you for giving to the Lord
I am a life that was changed
Thank you for giving to the Lord
I am so glad you gave

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VERSE TWO:
Then another man stood before you
And said remember the time
A missionary came to your church
And his pictures made you cry
You didn’t have much money
But you gave it anyway
Jesus took the gift you gave
And that’s why I’m here today

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CHORUS (repeat)

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VERSE THREE:
One by one they came
Far as your eyes could see
Each life somehow touched
By your generosity
Little things that you had done
Sacrifices you made
They were unnoticed on the earth
In heaven now proclaimed
And I know that up in heaven
You’re not supposed to cry
But I am almost sure
There were tears in your eyes
As Jesus took your hand
And you stood before the Lord
He said, my child look around you
For great is your reward

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CHORUS (repeat)

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I am so glad you gave.

2. I chose and I daily choose to be born again into the family of love... it's a labor... for my family.... for God's family... for my enemies... it's transforming...

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For my family...

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Galatians 4:19

My children,

with whom I am again in labor

until Christ is formed in you"

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For God's family...

Colossians 1:28-29

"And we proclaim Him,

admonishing every man and

teaching every man with all wisdom,

that we may present every man complete in Christ.

And for this purpose also I labor,

striving according to His power,

which mightily works within me."

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For even my enemies...

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Matthew 5:44-45

"But I say to you,

love your enemies,

and pray for those who persecute you

in order that you may be

sons of your Father who is in heaven..."

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So, I continue to put names in the these blanks

and learn how to love God's way.

Yes, it is a LABOR OF LOVE...

at least 15 things to think about per person

from 1 Corinthians 13:

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My love for __________ is patient.

My love for ___________ is kind.

My love for ___________ does not envy.l

My love for __________ does not boast.

My love for ________ is not proud.

My love for ______________ is not rude.

My love for _____________ is not self seeking.

My love for ____________ is not easily angered.

My love for ____________ keeps no record of wrongs.

My love for ___________ does not delight in evil...

but rejoices with the truth.

My love for __________ always protects.

My love for __________ always trusts.

My love for ____________ always hopes.

My love for ____________ always perseveres.

My love for ___________ never fails.

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BORN AGAIN

(song from yesterday's video and

our theme song this week by Third Day)

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Today I found myself

After searching all these years

And the man that I saw,

he wasn't at all who I thought he'd be

I was lost when you found me here

And I was broken beyond repair

Then you came along

and you sang your song over me

It feels like I'm born again

It feels like I'm living

For the very first time

For the very first time in my life

Make a promise to me now

Reassure my heart somehow

That the love that I feel

is so much more real than anything

I've a feeling in my soul

And I pray that I'm not wrong

That the life I have now,

it is only the beginning

It feels like I'm born again

It feels like I'm living

For the very first time

For the very first time

It feels like I'm breathing

It feels like I'm moving

For the very first time

For the very first time

I wasn't looking for something

that was more Than what I had yesterday

Then you came to me

and you gave to me life and a love

that I've never known that I've never felt before

It feels like I'm born again

It feels like I'm living

For the very first time

I'm living for the first time

It feels like I'm breathing

It feels like I'm moving

For the very first time

I'm living for the first time

In my life...

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BORN AGAIN!!!!

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