SINNER SAVED BY GRACE... CONSTANT...

I am grateful for transitions that have some constants. This summer our church family has been without a building as we wait for ours to be built.

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CONSTANT #1:

On Sundays we meet in our local high school for 9 a.m. Bible classes and 10 a.m. church worship services. I am so grateful for the local school district who has worked with us for this to happen.

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CONSTANT #2:

On Wednesday evenings, the local Methodist church opens it's doors for our church family to once again gather to meet. We have Bible classes beginning at 7:00 p.m.

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It's quite an orchestrated event to move rolling suitcases of Bibles, books, and materials in and out of these buildings twice a week. Yet, we do it like clockwork!

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CONSTANT #3:

This summer, I have led our elementary children in learning about the armor of God... REALLY learning about the armor of God. In this journey of life... in all the transitions of this life... we cannot make it out alive without wearing our Daddy's armor.
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With the help of teachers, retired teachers, world travelers, mommies, grand-mommies, deacons' wives, and elders' wives, we taught our children a christian principle that will stick with them into eternity. I am so thankful to this group of women who have rallied around me to help teach this concept. Thank you to: Melva, Donna, Robin, MaryLea, Tina, Sherri, Brenda, Melody, and Andrea.

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CONSTANT #4:

Dear God, I am so thankful for the GRACE that you extend to all of us who sin. You let us wear Your armor on this journey of life. You are my CONSTANT! Because of Jesus, I am so thankful!

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Please join us tomorrow, as we begin a new month and a new scripture to memorize. We'll continue to look at the WORD of God. Next month's scripture memory will be about the WORD of God as part of "The Armor of God". See you here tomorrow!

Join us for Gratituesday at Heavenly Homemakers!

SINNER SAVED BY GRACE...LET US DRAW NEAR...

MEDITATION MONDAY

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Hebrews 10:22 encourages us to to follow through with receiving the grace that has been extended to us. As christians, we are invited... we are encouraged... we are blessed with these words...

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"... let us draw near to God..."

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Our scripture memory for the month ends with God, the Son, coming to earth to show humanity what God is really like. We needed a visual!

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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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That last line of verse 14 is often interpreted two other ways than what it says:

1. full of grace, or

2. full of truth

There are many who see God as the "Santa Clause in the sky" who has such a soft heart that in the end everyone will get to be at the party no matter what. Then, there are others who view God as "THE Santa Clause in the sky" who has a bundle of switches with each person's name on it, as He watches with "the all seeing eye" for people to disobey.

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A balance of grace and truth is what Jesus' life on earth told us about GOD. GOD extends to us the arms of "the greatest love the world has ever known" (full of grace) with the understanding that the only way we can each come into His holy presence (full of truth) is as friends of His Son, Jesus the Christ.

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Derrick, is a teacher who is working on his master's in pastoral counseling. In the summertime, he works alongside our preachers, Dan and Steve. Yesterday, Derrick spoke to our church family. His lesson was entitled:

GOD, I DESIRE YOU!

His lesson began at creation, in the garden, with ELOHIM and Adam and Eve. He stressed two themes that run through the entire Bible:

• God desires a relationship with us

• God's glory

Derrick said that it boils down to this:

1. God speaks
2. I listen (trust and obey)

3. God is glorified

The problem we have in following that plan is articulated in Proverbs 14:12:

"There is a way that seems right to a man,

but in the end it leads to death."

Recently, Derrick got this really good muffin mix. He knew if he followed the directions, on the box, that those muffins would turn out just the way the box promised.

Yet, Derrick decided he'd like to add a banana.

Surely, these muffins would be amazing as "banana muffins". The end product? "HORRIBLE!"

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"It's like when God says to 'Do A' and we choose to 'Do A, B, and C', Derrick said, "... and then we wonder how things got so horrible."

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Derrick had a lot more wonderful things to share! Yet, for us today, I ask you to join me in meditating on the following:

1. Christ displayed God's glory to us in His great balance of GRACE and TRUTH

2. He wants us to trust and obey the TRUTH as He gives us GRACE for today and bright hope for tomorrow.

3. God's GRACE allows us to be transparent with Him... to ask questions... to pour out our hearts to Him...

4. God's TRUTH gives us opportunity to trust and obey that following "A" is enough and that His GRACE is sufficient!
   
   

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SINNER SAVED BY GRACE

SUNDAY IN THE SON

SINNER SAVED BY GRACE

as sung by the Gaithers

If you could see
What I once was
If you could go with me
Back to where I started from
Then, I know you would see
A miracle of Love that took me
in it's sweet embrace
and made me what I am today
just an old sinner
SAVED BY GRACE.

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I'm just a sinner SAVED BY GRACE
when I stood condemned to death
He took my place
Now I live and breathe in freedom
with each breath of life I take
loved and forgiven
back with the living
I'm just a sinner SAVED BY GRACE.

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How could I boast on anything
I've ever seen or done
how could I dare to claim as mine
the victories GOD has won
where would I be
had GOD not brought me
gently to this place
I'm here to say I'm nothing but
a sinner SAVED BY GRACE.
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I'm just a sinner SAVED BY GRACE
when I stood condemned to death
He took my place
Now I grow and breathe in freedom
with each breath of life I take
I'm loved and forgiven
back with the living
I'm just a sinner SAVED BY GRACE.

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Now I grow and breathe in freedom
with each breath of life I take
I'm loved and forgiven
back with the living
I'm just a sinner

SAVED BY GRACE...

SAVED BY GRACE.

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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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THE LIGHTHOUSE... AMAZING GRACE...

KETCHUP AND MUSTARD SATURDAY

Catch Up and Must Do


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Some people I know are ready to fight for the truth at whatever the cost. It's like the world is their enemy and they're out to let the world know that they are messengers of TRUTH.

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There it is at the end of our scripture memory. It's loud! It's clear! It says what it means and it means what it says! For years I was surrounded by people who loved the LORD and were so focused on "getting the doctrine right"... THE TRUTH. Yet, over and over again I saw this word... I saw THE WORD... I saw these words...

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"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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My friends... this verse does not say that He was full of truth. It says that He was full of grace and truth. Wrap your mind, heart, and soul around that and it is AMAZING!!!!

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Pause the playlist above before beginning this video.

Rhema Marvanne - 'Amazing Grace' REVISED 6/11 from Black Olive Media.com on Vimeo.

THE LIGHTHOUSE... SEEING THE LIGHT THROUGH THE EYES OF DEATH...

It is a somber time when the young die. In a little over a week, I have been very impacted by 3 people who have passed from this life. I personally knew one. The other two, I feel like I knew. In a very real sense, they were each "family". Their deaths have made me stop and ask the age old question, "Must the young die, too?" I've decided today, to share the following links for your inspiration and meditation.
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Just last Friday, I shared about the sudden and unexpected death of a student of mine, Wyatt. Here are links to that blog post and his obituary:

http://momstransformed.blogspot.com/2010/08/thy-word-sustains-me.html

http://www.allenfuneralhome.org/obituaries/robert-wyatt-riley.aspx

Then, this week, the 15 year old nephew of my friend from Delaware, Lisa, died very unexpectedly of what doctors are calling "natural causes". What? Although I had never met Michael, many people who I know, were Michael's friends. Michael lived with his family in Minnesota and went to the same Bible Camp that my brother-in-love and his wife, Stacy and Carol, have helped run for years. Michael's life and death have given many people time to reflect on their own lives and their Creator. Here is a link made today about Michael from The Christian Chronicle.

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http://www.christianchronicle.org/blog/2010/08/minnesota-church-mourns-15-year-old/

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Then, while on The Christian Chronicle website, I read about the new principal at Abilene Christian Elementary School in Abilene, Texas who suddenly passed away. Then, I went to the tribute written by her preacher. Thank you, God, for allowing me to get a glimpse of Myrna.

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http://www.christianchronicle.org/blog/2010/08/illness-claims-abilene-christian-elementary-principal/

http://thewayofthecross.wordpress.com/2010/08/21/myrna/

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THE LIGHTHOUSE - IN DARKNESS...

TRANSFORMING THURSDAY

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We've had some visitors in our house. They are unwanted. Creatures of darkness, mice, usually come out at night while people are asleep. Maybe it's been the rain or the heat. Whatever! A family of mice has chosen our home to reside in and I don't like it! As of this morning, I've caught four. Ugh! The last few nights I've slept with my light on in our bedroom to hopefully deter any varmit from trying to enter.
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Some people like tunnels. I do not! Get me to the other end where I can see the light. When we travel across Pennsylvania there are several long tunnels we go through. I cringe everytime! Oregon has some, too! Our multiple summer visits to Oregon are always exciting and full of adventure - except for the tunnels.


Light transforms the darkness. Light is not pleasant for creatures of darkness because it changes their whole world. Light:

• illuminates
• exposes
• shines
• reflects
• blinds
• guides / leads
• makes plants grow
• warms / heats
• creates color
• heals
• melts
• warns
• comforts
• gives hope
  

Consider today that the word is light for us, but most importantly Jesus, THE WORD, is light for us. Please take some time today to get plugged in! The posts on this blog since last Thursday will be a beginning to help you do just that. All you have to do is scroll down!
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THE LIGHTHOUSE... THE WORD OF GOD BROUGHT TO LIFE...

WOMEN IN THE WORD WEDNESDAY

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We begin today by focusing on the last verse of our scripture memory for the month. Then, I'll give you some practice at quoting all 6 verses. Here we go...

John 1:1-5 & 14

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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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Just think of the verbs in this verse:

• became
  
• made
  
• have seen
  
• came

Now let's put the subjects with those verbs:

• Word became
  
• made His dwelling


• we have seen


• One and Only who came from
  

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14 The Word became ________
and made His dwelling _____ ________.
We have seen _____ __________,
the _______ of the One and Only,
who came from the __________,
full of grace and _________.

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.

John 1:1-5 & 14

In ___ __________ was the Word,

and the Word was _____ _____,

and the Word ____ _____.

2 He ____ _____ God in the beginning.

3 __________ Him all things were made;

without Him ________ _____ _________ that has been made.

4 In Him was _______, and that life was the _______ of men.

5 The light shines in the ___________,

but the darkness has not ________ it. . .

14 The Word became flesh and made His _________ among us.

We have seen His glory, _____ _______ of the One and Only,

who came from the Father, full of _______ and truth.

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May you soon be able to recite this whole scripture from memory!

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THE LIGHTHOUSE... BLESSES MANY THROUGH MY SISTERS IN CHRIST...

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I love these three souls!!! Linda is love and light to so many as she opens her heart and home in hospitality. She is a "walking hospital" as she ministers to the needs of the women in our congregation. This past Saturday, she did just that as we celebrated Mandy and the birth of precious little Libby. Mandy has served so many over the years as a hospice nurse. It was time for us to serve her and give her a seat of honor.
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As often is the case, with these ladies, they want to make sure that honor is given to who honor is due. What a special time of celebration we had with Kristy and C.J. joining in the fun. You may remember back in late spring, me asking you to fervently pray for my friend who had such a rough labor/delivery with her fourth child that she would have bled to death had she not been given 29 units of blood. On Saturday, healthy and happy Kristy, shared her story of how they can look back and see God's hand so clearly through each step of the way. This picture shows Mandy and Libby with Kristy and C.J.

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Many women brought gifts for Libby's big sister Maggie to open.

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Jen went over the top in planning just the right games.

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We sang! We prayed! I led everyone in devotional thoughts! We had a time of blessing!

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Carla had this wonderful cake made at B.J.'s.

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Welcome, Miss Libby! You are blessed! You are a blessing! Casey got to hold you and show you off a lot!

THE LIGHTHOUSE... GIVING...TITHING... BLESSING... BLESSED...

MEDITATION MONDAY

Our scripture of the month has me thinking about Jesus... THE WORD... THE LIFE... THE LIGHT... Yesterday, I was challenged, once again, at what a big part giving is of being THE LIGHT and giving LIFE...
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Yesterday, our Sunday sermon was thought provoking in both an encouraging and challenging way. Brian led singing and said, the song choices were to encourage us to think about "the heart of the matter, like Steve Sikes has been teaching us to do in his lessons." Brian's comment/song choices made me also think of French missionary, Craig Young's, powerful lesson last week, when he talked about the Prime Minister of France saying that the French soccer team's problems were not about soccer, but issues of the heart.
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Dan asked a series of questions at the beginning of his lesson. As I have witnessed many times before - a child from the audience answered! Thank you, Mason, for your transparent heart. Dan asked, "Have you ever taken something that wasn't yours?" Quickly, clearly, and loudly Mason, answered, "Yes!" Many people followed with the same response.
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Dan said that the prophet Malachi was concerned about God's people because they had the same problem. In fact, these people had some issues with their hearts... they were selfish, coveteous, and idolatrous. Malachi told them that the LORD said to return His things! Of course, the people said, "How shall we return to You?"
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Here is the conversation, straight from scripture,
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Malachi 3:6-12

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"I the LORD do not change.

So you, O descendants of Jacob,

are not destroyed.

Ever since the time of your forefathers

you have turned away from my decrees

and have not kept them.

Return to me, and I will return to you,"

says the LORD Almighty.

"But you ask, 'How are we to return?'
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Will a man rob God? Yet you rob me.

But you ask, 'How do we rob you?'

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"In tithes and offerings.

You are under a curse

-the whole nation of you-

because you are robbing me.

Bring the whole tithe into the storehouse,

that there may be food in my house.

Test me in this,"

says the LORD Almighty,

"and see if I will not throw open

the floodgates of heaven

and pour out so much blessing

that you will not have room enough for it.

I will prevent pests from devouring your crops,

and the vines in your fields will not cast their fruit,"

says the LORD Almighty.

"Then all the nations will call you blessed,

for yours will be a delightful land,"

says the LORD Almighty. "

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After reading through this, I had trouble writing fast enough to keep up with Dan, but here are some of the things he shared in abbreviated fashion:

• Tithing was an Old Testament rule to give the LORD 10% of the income of everything we make... give it first... give it off the top...
• Tithing in the Old Testament is a test of faith to help God's people grow in relationship with Christ, trusting Him and believing that He will do what He says He will do
• Tithing is a crucial part of a faith journey. Giving is between me and God and can define my faith walk with Him.
• One in every eight verses in the Bible, in some shape or form, talks about money
• Martin Luther said that there are 3 types of conversions: 1. THE MIND; 2. THE HEART; 3. THE WALLET . He said that he felt the most difficult conversion to be the wallet.
• A christian is someone who is content to live on the leftovers.
• Jesus assumed the old law was the rock bottom expectation for a new way of living... a new covenant... Thou shall not murder to do not even hate... Thou shall not commit adultery to do not even lust... Thou shall have no other gods before me and thou shall not covet to...

• Luke 6:38 Give, and it will be given to you.
• Luke 16:11-12 "Therefore if you have not been faithful in the use of unrighteous wealth, who will entrust the true riches to you?
• Heb 13:5 Let your character be free from the love of money...

Dan emphasized that the word of God, teaches us that TITHING IS EVIDENCE OF...

1. A growing faith
2. God's ownership of my life
3. God can now trust me with more
4. Me keeping focused on others
5. Me helping celebrate that I love God more than I love anything else (God calls coveteousness idolatry!)

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Remember the verses in Malachi above? Tithe and God will open the "floodgates of heaven"! Dan ask us to consider this and what that meant. I could not help but focus on something else in those verses: Blessing... Blessed... In fact, if you go back up and read that scripture, you'll notice what I put in BOLD:

1. Bring the whole tithe into the storehouse,
2. See if I will not throw open the floodgates of heaven
   and pour out so much blessing
3. "Then all the nations will call you blessed, for yours will be a delightful land," says the LORD Almighty.

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• A LIFE FULL OF BLESSING?

TITHE!

• A LIGHT TO THE NATIONS?

TITHE!

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THE LIGHTHOUSE

SUNDAY IN THE SON

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THE LIGHTHOUSE

as sung by the group ACAPPELLA

Lyrics:

There's a Lighthouse on the hillside
That over looks life's sea
And when I'm tossed it sends out a light
A light that I might see
And the light that shines in darkness now
Will safely lead us home
If it wasn't for the Lighthouse
My ship would be no more

Chorus:
And I thank God for the Lighthouse (I owe it all to Him)
I owe my life to Him (for Jesus is the Lighthouse)
For Jesus is the Lighthouse (and from the rocks of sin)
And from the rocks of sin (He has shown His light)
He has shown a light around me (that I might see)
That I might clearly see
If it wasn't for the Lighthouse (well tell me)
Where would this ship be?

Well, everybody that lives about us
They say tear that Lighthouse down
You know the big ships don't sail this way anymore
There's no use of it standing round
Then my mind goes back to that stormy night
When just in time I saw the light
Yes, the light from that old Lighthouse
That stands up there on the hill

Repeat Chorus (x2)

If it wasn't for the Lighthouse (tell me)
Where would this ship be?

THY WORD... SUSTAINS ME....

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A split second can change everything. I had been planning all week to do something special on this post today. Yet, life changes things because God is in control. Yesterday, our daughter Crystal received word that Wyatt had passed away very suddenly. What a shock! Wyatt was a remarkable child who never met a stranger or an enemy. Crystal had set out a couple years from college and during that time, she was Wyatt's one-on-one aide at the elementary school where Wyatt was my student and friend. Wyatt had been diagnosed with Williams Syndrome in early elementary. Here he is being held by Ms. Crystal in a class picture taken several years ago.

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Please pray for Wyatt's parents, siblings, extended family and the hundreds of children and teachers who will be deeply affected by his passing.

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As I thought about this into the night... my conversations with Crystal... my memories of Wyatt... I also thought of an inspirational saying.... I thought of how God works in our lives... and of the scriptures from yesterday's post...

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1. The Saying:

Happy Moments - PRAISE GOD

Difficult Moments - SEEK GOD

Quiet Moments - WORSHIP GOD

Painful Moments - TRUST GOD

Every Moment - THANK GOD!!!

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2. How God works in our lives...

• Why had one of my students just given me a book about the untimely death of her young grandson? Why was it laying on my nightstand as I went to bed last night? I found amazing inspiration and comfort as I read the book.

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3. Thy Word...for every circumstance in life!

• THY WORD is truly "a lamp unto my feet and a light unto my path..."
  
  Here is a repeat from yesterday's post:
  

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CATERPILLAR

BUTTERFLY

TALK:

LANGUAGE:

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“I’m worthless!”

“I’m a gift of the LORD.”

Psalm 12:7

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“I’m nothing!”

“I’m fearfully and wonderfully made.”

Psalm 139
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“I’m stupid!”

“I give you wisdom.”

James 1:5

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“I can’t figure things out!”

“I will direct your steps.”

Proverbs 20:24

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“I’m not able!”

“I am able!”

2 Corinthians 9:8

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“I’m not alone!”

“I will never leave/forsake you!”

Hebrews 13:5

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“Nobody loves me!”

“I love you.”

John 3:16

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“I can’t forgive myself!”

“I forgive you!”

I John 1:9; Romans 8:1
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“I can’t manage!”

“I will supply your needs.”

Philippians 4:19

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“I’m afraid!”

“I haven’t given you a spirit of fear.”

2 Timothy 1:7

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“I’m worried/frustrated!”

“Cast all your cares on ME.”

1 Peter 5:7

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“I’m too tired!”

“I will give you rest.”

Mathew 11:28-30

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“I can’t go on!”

“My grace is sufficient.”

2 Corinthians 12:9

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“It’s not worth it!”

“All things will work together for good…”

Romans 8:28

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THY WORD... TRANSFORMS OUR MINDS...

TRANSFORMING THURSDAY

Are you just as anxious, angry, driven, ego-fed, unhappy, or unsettled as those who do not claim Christ? Think about it! Think About It! THINK ABOUT IT! That's right... Romans 12:2 says to,
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• "Be transformed by the renewing of your minds."

The word translated TRANSFORMED is metamorphoo, from which we get metamorphosis. Paul uses a variant of that word in Galatians 4:19 when he uses the word FORMED,

• "Until Christ is formed in you"

The transformation God desires for us is a process of morphing into Christlikeness... being FORMED into replicas of Christ... being TRANSFORMED into the image or reflection of Christ.

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I have referred to the butterfly metamorphis many times on this blog. It is the first picture you see when you arrive here. A caterpillar and a butterfly are extremely opposite in form and function. The process takes time and work. Someone who has not been transformed by Christ is extremely opposite in form and function from someone who has been transformed.

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This summer, I have taught the elementary aged kids at church. The focus has been: "PUT ON THE FULL ARMOR OF GOD". Why? Ephesians 6 says because it's the only way you can survive against the "evil one". Why? Ephesians 6 says because there are "evil days" for each of us.

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How do you respond to the evil one? How do you react to evil days? Unsettled? Unhappy? Ego-fed? Driven? Angry? Anxious? Deep down, are you afraid to fly like a butterfly because it seems safer to remain on the ground? Are you frustrated? Afraid?

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The butterfly is a beautiful and fragile creature. Oftentimes, the butterfly gets her wings clipped, bruised, or damaged. Then, the butterfly cannot fly. The butterfly needs armor / protection. Yet, the butterfly is not made to live in a cocoon either. To show her transparent beauty, she needs invisible protection.
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In the month of September, my plan is for us to focus on THE FULL ARMOR OF GOD. For today, let's consider the aspect of the caterpillar and butterfly being opposites. Years ago, I was introduced to the concept of "God's Opposites" by my mother-in-love. It is a powerful tool to help me focus on God's word. It helps when you use the 4 R's to help you meditate/think/ponder as you transform:

• Read it!


• Review it! (thinking about it)


• Recite it! (or repeating it over and over)


• Remember it!
  

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For Christians, it is morphing time. When Jesus told us the kingdom of God was at hand, He wasn't referring to a someday promise beyond the pearly gates. The kingdom is to be marked by changed lives... by the Fruit of the Spirit... by living out the Be-attitudes... by "Thy Word" taking root in our hearts... While you are focusing on the words of God by comparing the two columns below, think about how THE WORD demonstrated how to live this kind of transformed life. Think about Jesus! Think about how He lived. Think about how He was different from those around Him. "As you think in your heart, so are you..."

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CATERPILLAR

BUTTERFLY

TALK:

LANGUAGE:

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“I’m worthless!”

“I’m a gift of the LORD.”

Psalm 12:7

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“I’m nothing!”

“I’m fearfully and wonderfully made.”

Psalm 139

.

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“I’m stupid!”

“I give you wisdom.”

James 1:5

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“I can’t figure things out!”

“I will direct your steps.”

Proverbs 20:24

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“I’m not able!”

“I am able!”

2 Corinthians 9:8

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“I’m not alone!”

“I will never leave/forsake you!”

Hebrews 13:5

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“Nobody loves me!”

“I love you.”

John 3:16

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“I can’t forgive myself!”

“I forgive you!”

I John 1:9; Romans 8:1
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“I can’t manage!”

“I will supply your needs.”

Philippians 4:19

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“I’m afraid!”

“I haven’t given you a spirit of fear.”

2 Timothy 1:7

.

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“I’m worried/frustrated!”

“Cast all your cares on ME.”

1 Peter 5:7

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“I’m too tired!”

“I will give you rest.”

Mathew 11:28-30

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“I can’t go on!”

“My grace is sufficient.”

2 Corinthians 12:9

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“It’s not worth it!”

“All things will work together for good…”

Romans 8:28

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THY WORD... READ, REVIEW, RECITE, REMEMBER...

WOMEN IN THE WORD WEDNESDAY

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Today we will continue to read, review, recite, and remember our scripture memory for the month. So far, this month, we have focused on John 1:1-3. Today, we will add verses 4 and 5 and then next week we'll add verse 14 .

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A. READ/REVIEW: For Visual/Spatial and/or Verbal/Linguistic learners, note that

• phrases with was or were are on the left
• phrases with was with are centered
• sentence with has not is tabbed to the right margin

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1 In the beginning was the Word,

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and the Word was with God,

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and the Word was God.

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2 He was with God in the beginning.

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3 Through Him all things were made;

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without Him nothing was made that has been made.

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4 In Him was life,

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and that life was the light of men.

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5 The light shines in the darkness,

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but the darkness has not understood it. . .

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B. REVIEW/RECITE verses 1, 2, and 3 that we have already worked on:

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• In the beginning was the Word,

• In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God,

• In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God.

• In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God. 2 He was with God in the beginning.

• In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God. 2 He was with God in the beginning. 3 Through Him all things were made;

• In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God. 2 He was with God in the beginning. 3 Through Him all things were made; without Him nothing was made that has been made.

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C. READ/REVIEW verses 4 & 5. This time note where the phrases are positioned according to the words LIGHT and LIFE...

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4 In Him was life,

and that life

was the light of men.

5 The light shines in the darkness,

but the darkness has not understood it. . .

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D. REVIEW/RECITE verses 4 and 5:

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• In Him was life,

• In Him was life, and that life

• In Him was life, and that life was the light of men.

• In Him was life, and that life was the light of men. The light shines

• In Him was life, and that life was the light of men. The light shines in the darkness,

• In Him was life, and that life was the light of men. The light shines in the darkness, but the darkness

• In Him was life, and that life was the light of men. The light shines in the darkness, but the darkness has not understood it.

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E. READ, REVIEW, & RECITE John 2:1-5:

• In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God. 2 He was with God in the beginning. 3 Through Him all things were made; without Him nothing was made that has been made. 4 In Him was life, and that life was the light of men. 5 The light shines in the darkness, but the darkness has not understood it. . .

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F. REMEMBER John 1:1-5? If not, use A, B, C, D, and E for ongoing practice and be blessed:

In the beginning was the Word,

and the Word was with God,

and the Word was God.

2 He was with God in the beginning.

3 Through Him all things were made;

without Him nothing was made

that has been made.

4 In Him was life,

and that life

was the light of men.

5 The light shines in the darkness,

but the darkness has not understood it.

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THY WORD... BROUGHT TO LIFE... GRACE AND TRUTH...

As I thought about our theme for the week "Thy Word", three women came to mind very quickly: my mother, my grandmother "Granny", and my mother-in-love. My mother taught me and trained me via God's word from infanthood. She modeled His patient and consistent love in all she did. As the military moved our family all over the globe, she kept us connected to THE ANCHOR of our souls.

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My Granny, who lived in the same two block area her whole life, raised three children in the LORD without the cooperation of my grandfather. Yet, she was LIGHT and SALT to him and to her neighborhood as she ministered to those who were sick both physically and spiritually. When I was in elementary school, after several decades of being married to my Granny, my Grandfather chose Jesus as His LORD and SAVIOR.

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Both Mom and Granny gave me the solid foundation that I needed in God's word as they brought THE WORD to LIFE. Here is a picture of my sister-Pam, me, Granny, Mom, and my daughter Crystal not too many months before Granny went to her eternal home at the age of 95. This coming Sunday it will be 7 years.
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When Granny first entered the nursing home (where she is pictured above), a woman in the lobby said, "I know you! You're the 'chicken soup lady'! When I was a little girl and our whole family was sick, you came to help and brought chicken soup." This is one of many stories! What was incredible about Granny was that she truly bloomed where she was planted (in a two block area).

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Several years ago, while visiting a church in another state, one of their elders spoke to Steve and me and said, "the one person who has impacted me the most on how to be an elder is not another elder, but Viola Carron" ... Viola Carron was my Granny! Who says you can't stay in the same town and have an impact worldwide???

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As I reflect once again, this week, on Granny's life, I think about our memory verses for this month and specifically verses 4, 5, and 14...

• 4 In Him was life, and that life was the light of men.
• 5 The light shines in the darkness, but the darkness has not understood it. . .
• 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.

Inside of Granny was the Spirit of Christ and that LIFE was the LIGHT of men. The LIGHT shone in a dark world and some understood it and others did not as CHRIST made His dwelling among them through her. She was a woman known for telling it how it was. She did not like to mince words... she spoke the TRUTH. I watched her over the years become more like JESUS as she learned how to become a wonderful balance of GRACE and TRUTH...
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THY WORD... IT'S ABOUT THE HEART...

MEDITATION MONDAY

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Missionaries to France, Craig and Katie Young, were with us yesterday. Craig spoke in the auditorium during Bible class hour and "worship" hour. Before Craig got up the second time, Garth (their brother-in-love and former French missionary) led us in the song written by Carol Owens in 1972 ...

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God forgave my sin in Jesus' name

I've been born again in Jesus' name

And in Jesus' name I come to you

To share His love as He told me to

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He said: 'Freely, freely, you have received;

Freely, freely give

Go in My name, and because you believe

Others will know that I live.'

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All power is given in Jesus' name

In earth and heaven in Jesus' name

And in Jesus' name I come to you

To share His power as He told me to

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He said 'Freely, freely you have received;

freely, freely give.

Go in My name, and because you believe

Others will know that I live.

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God gives us life in Jesus' name

He lives in us in Jesus' name

And in Jesus' name I come to you

To share His peace as He told me to.

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As we are discussing right now on this blog, "The WORD became flesh and dwelt among us..."

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Craig shared the story of this year's World Cup competition. Had we heard what went on with France's team? I had not! I'm sure there is a lot to read online about it, but briefly, this is what I understood Craig to say about France and the 2010 World Cup:

1. France's star player was benched by the coach


2. France's star player responded negatively


3. The French coach kicked France's star player off the team


4. The French team went on strike


5. Eventually, when the team played, they got beat


6. The French Prime Minister said, "The problem with our soccer team was not their legs but their hearts."

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Craig's lesson was powerful. As he brought us to the heart of the matter, he said, "healing hearts requires the presence of the WORD OF GOD..."

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Wow! Does that connect with our current theme or what? Last month's memory work in Hebrews 4 told us, "For the word of God is living and active...it judges the thoughts and attitudes of the heart."

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We read the word of God and make a choice. Craig asked, "How are we going to shake the opponent?" It certainly starts with whether or not we have chosen Jesus.

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I smiled as I listened. This summer, on Sunday mornings, I'm leading the elementary kids Bible time in studying THE FULL ARMOR OF GOD. We've talked a lot about the opponent. They've learned that we must "take up the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God."

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As we considered how the French team handled their opponent, Craig moved on to another sport - wrestling. He gave some background about wrestling. Then asked, "With hundreds of people screaming in the stands how does the wrestler hear the coach?" It's because they have a relationship... this has been part of the training... their is a confidence that comes from trusting the coach...

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1. It's about a RELATIONSHIP! The coach knows his players! He loves his players! He wants what is best for his players! Do the players feel the same?


2. It's about TRAINING! Hours and hours of reading "the play book" and going through the drills. Practice! Practice! More than you planned!


3. It's about CONFIDENCE! The players have experienced the coach's faithfulness over and over again. He is worthy of their trust! He knows his sport! He loves his sport! He can take these players who he knows and loves further than they have every thought possible.

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Although, I have not taken us all the way through Craig's sermon today... there is certainly enough for us to meditate on...

1. How's my relationship with Jesus - THE WORD?


2. How's my training in hiding God's word in my heart?


3. How's my trust in the ONE who can give me confidence?

You can access Craig's entire sermon at www.cochrist.org

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