IN ME: WHAT DO YOU SEE?

KETCHUP AND MUSTARD SATURDAY

Catch Up and Must Do

When someone looks at me they see several things: a tall lady who could stand to loose weight...a woman who needs reading glasses (over her contacts) to see and is constantly moving them from the tip of her nose up to the bridge of her nose and then up on her head...they see a smile...and hopefully, a twinkle in my eyes...and usually a pen or pencil stuck kind of on top and behind an ear...Is that all there is about me? No way!

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Most of us make judgments on what we see and do not train ourselves to see the unseen. This week as I thought about our theme IN ME, I wanted to focus alot more on the UNSEEN. I pondered small things that are much more powerful than the eye can see. Yet, to the naked eye who would think that the thing that I am looking at can do much. At some point this week, I rested my ponderings, meditations on a tug boat. What? Of all the things I could think of, why a tug boat?

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Today, our Pitman "secret sisters" had our revealing party. I waited later in the day to have my "ketchup and mustard". Our sister Andrea lives about an hour away "down by the shore". (Many of you link occasionally to Andrea's blog as she describes her life as "Mate to the Captain and Mom of 4 boys!") About 35 of us carpooled her way today and got a better understanding of how much travel she puts in a week coming to church on Sundays and Wednesdays. Our time together was wonderful and I hope to tell you more about it later with pics. For now, I want to tell you about Andrea's husband. This is a "Catch Up and Must Do" story that is long overdue. I am so thankful for Chuck and Andrea.

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Chuck is a wonderful husband and father. He is a deacon at the Pitman church. He is the captain of a tug boat. It's a tough life. He is on the job 2 weeks and at home 1 week. When he's on the job, his little tug boat does remarkable feats for such a little guy. When they have a job they have to do, they say that they're "in the game." Now, Chuck and Andrea are my Facebook friends. Some of Chuck's "status" reports over the last few weeks have told a little of his story. On January 15, the day the US Airways jet had to land in the Hudson River, Chuck was not too far away. Here is a list of some of his status posts on Facebook:

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January 15, 2009

• Charles is bummed out. Weeks Marine was beat out of the Hudson river airplane job by another local heavylift company. And yes my tug was close only about 4 mile away.
• Charles going to bed. More tomorrow about the plane maybe even some pics.
• Charles also wants to Thank all of you who sent b-day wishes.

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January 16, 2009

• Charles is still standing on the sidelines waiting to get in the game!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! !!!!!!!
• Charles is wanting to be at battery park. Weeks Marinr heavy lift division is preparing to pick up the plane...........
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January 21, 2009

• Charles is glad today is wednesday. 1 week down 1 week to go. still trying to figure out how to get some of these plane pics on here to share. more later.

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January 22, 2009

• Charles is in port elizabeth along side a container ship with the big crane. We are picking up another transformer that weighs 640k lbs.
• Charles is preparing for tomorrow... We will be taking the crane up the Hudson river near the Intrepid to pick up the engine from the plane.. So be watching.
  MY COMMENT: I am so impressed at your skill! Keep us informed when you can.
• Charles is happy We are in the game finally*****************. 7:06 a.m.
  MY COMMENT: Has the tug fulfilled it’s job? Is it’s job accomplished? I’m watching TV! 4:14 p.m.
• Charles is finally done for the day. The engine is back with it's plane and both need lots of work. 10:49pm

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January 25, 2009
Charles is wishing that I could be at worship with my family.
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Enjoy a few of the pics that came by way of Chuck and stay with us as we continue the discussion next week on THE POWER OF CHRIST IN ME. When you look at a little tugboat, what do you see? I see sooooo much power! When I look at you, what do I see? I see the power of Christ in you!!

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Our view pushing crane...

Pushing barge...

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WEEKS 533 ready to pick up a 330,000 pound service crane on a sub dry dock.

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We are being carefully watched and guarded.

One day, I hope Andrea uses her gift of writing to write a series of children's books similar to the "Little Engine that Could" but using her real life husband and his tug boat.

http://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/worldnews/northamerica/usa/4527418/Transcript-reveals-calm-manner-of-Hudson-River-plane-crash-pilot.html

IN ME: HALLELUJAH!

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Every now and then one of you will tell me how much you love it when I put a video clip on here that your kids really enjoy. This week's theme has precipitated some family internet fellowship between some of you and me via email. One of my Abilene friends sent me this short video clip that a brother in Christ from the Southern Hills church made. Perfect! Enjoy the family fellowship with some of our Texas friends on a street in Abilene, Texas.
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IN ME COURAGE TO ENDURE...TO STAND!

TRANSFORMING THURSDAY

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For several weeks I've known that this week we would have the theme song of IN ME as we focus on BLESSED ARE THE MEEK... What I didn't know was that for two weeks previous I would be repeatedly tempted to quit doing this blog. Oh, there were several reasons but "I'm just tired of it all" was what would come out of my mouth. I've been fighting the computer alot which causes much more time posting than necessary. Praying about it only seemed to make matters worse. Jessica's migraines have been worse. Praying about it only seems to make matters worse. My need for more income and my job searching for a different job because our medical insurance stops at the end of this month is frustrating. It had been evident that there has been a spiritual battle going on inside of me and around me. Interestingly enough, it was the words of my husband, my earthly father, and Cristi Schwamb that encouraged me (gave me the courage) to keep going...to ENDURE...to STAND!

• My dad's words kept coming into my mind, "Work through it!" He had lived through the depression, WWII, and much much more. He knew the meaning of perseverance and endurance.


• Steve came home one day saying that two women had told him that they had to have their TRANSFORMED MOMS "fix" to get through the day. One is a woman seperated from her husband with several young kids at home. One is a woman who has battled cancer and is struggling with excruciating pain these days.


• I listened to Cristi on Sunday as she talked about her being in the hospital room waiting for a new heart for Lauren, Tim being sent to Germany, and her other kids going to Georgia. It's all out of her control. She has to rely to the ONE who is in control. She has to endure for the sake of her family!

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Even though these words and thoughts encouraged me, I still struggled with posting some days until late in the evening. It was mostly because there was a spiritual battle going on inside of me. The last couple days I've begun to get a glimpse of at least part of the WHY! All of a sudden, this blog is being inundated with "hits" from people doing GOOGLE searches looking for answers. Here are a few search requests that got them here:

• scriptures for a mom in pain


• because he lives can i face tomorrow?


• transformed by the holy spirit


• what does whatever you're doing inside of me mean?


• what does it mean to surrender all?

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What's TRANSFORMING about these times of battle is that if I endure, I come out stronger on the other side. I needed this song this week to help me to STAND. I needed this chorus this week to help me to STAND. I need His WORD deep within my heart to help me to STAND. I needed encouragement to ENDURE.

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Then, just a little while ago Vanessa sent me a link to a video that I watched. But, it was the video that was right after it that reminded me of my need to endure and tell my story. So, here's this week's chorus and the short video and a reminder to you that we are here to encourage one another to endure! ENDURANCE is transforming! Thank you for the encouragement Dad, Steve, Cristi, and Vanessa! In four different ways you have all given me the encouragement that I needed. Thank You, God, for living inside of me, leading me, and working through me. I give you praise!

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CHORUS:

Cause when I'm weak,

You make me strong!

When I'm blind,

You shine Your light on me!

Cause I'll never get by living on my own ability.

How refreshing to know You don't need me.

How amazing to find that you want me!

So I'll stand on Your truth,

and I'll fight with Your strength

Until You bring the victory,

by the power of Christ in me.

IN ME BECAUSE I OBEYED!

WOMEN IN THE WORD WEDNESDAY

In Acts 5, not too long after Jesus had ascended to heaven...not too long after the apostles gathered at the day of Pentecost and on that day 3,000 were baptized into Christ...not too long after...we arrive in Acts 5 where there's a lot going on with the apostles. They're performing miracles! They're healing the sick! They're casting out evil spirits! Guess who gets jealous? The high priest! Yeah! The high priest and his fellow members of the Sadducee party. (They were "sad, you see" because they did not believe in the resurrection of Jesus from the dead!). So, do you know what these jealous grown men did? They had the apostles thrown in jail! Now, here's where it gets interesting - an angel shows up in the jail! Let's start the story in verse 19:

"But during the night an angel of the Lord opened the doors of the jail and brought them out. 20 "Go, stand in the temple courts," he said, "and tell the people the full message of this new life."
21 At daybreak they entered the temple courts, as they had been told, and began to teach the people. When the high priest and his associates arrived, they called together the Sanhedrin-the full assembly of the elders of Israel-and sent to the jail for the apostles. 22 But on arriving at the jail, the officers did not find them there. So they went back and reported, 23 "We found the jail securely locked, with the guards standing at the doors; but when we opened them, we found no one inside." 24 On hearing this report, the captain of the temple guard and the chief priests were puzzled, wondering what would come of this.
25 Then someone came and said, "Look! The men you put in jail are standing in the temple courts teaching the people."

26 At that, the captain went with his officers and brought the apostles. They did not use force, because they feared that the people would stone them.
27 Having brought the apostles, they made them appear before the Sanhedrin to be questioned by the high priest. 28 "We gave you strict orders not to teach in this name," he said. "Yet you have filled Jerusalem with your teaching and are determined to make us guilty of this man's
blood."

29 Peter and the other apostles replied: "We must obey God rather than men! 30 The God of our fathers raised Jesus from the dead-whom you had killed by hanging him on a tree. 31 God exalted him to his own right hand as Prince and Savior that he might give repentance and forgiveness of sins to Israel. 32 We are witnesses of these things, and so is the Holy Spirit, whom God has given to those who obey him."

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Last week we memorized Acts 2:38 that tells what Peter told the crowd of people at Pentecost to do in order to be saved and receive the Holy Spirit. This week we've moved along 3 chapters and Peter is once again speaking boldly. Let's memorize these new words of Peter's this week:

"We must obey God rather than men! 30 The God of our fathers raised Jesus from the dead-whom you had killed by hanging him on a tree. 31 God exalted him to his own right hand as Prince and Savior that he might give repentance and forgiveness ofsins to Israel. 32 We are witnesses of these things, and so is the Holy Spirit, whom God has given to those who obey Him."

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HERE, LET'S PRACTICE!

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29 Peter and the other apostles replied: "We must ________ _________ rather than men! 30 The God of our fathers raised Jesus from the dead-whom you had killed by hanging Him on a tree. 31 God exalted Him to His own right hand as Prince and Savior that He might give ___________________ and __________________ ____ ______ to Israel. 32 We are witnesses of these things, and so is the Holy Spirit, whom ________ ______ _______to those who obey Him."

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29 Peter and the ______ ________ replied: "We must obey God ________ ______ ____! 30 The ______ ___ ____ ________ raised Jesus from the dead-whom you had killed by hanging Him on a tree. 31 God exalted Him to His own right hand as _________ and __________ that He might give repentance and forgiveness of sins ____ ________. 32 We are witnesses of these things, and so is the _______ ________, whom God has given to those who obey Him."

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29 Peter and the other apostles __________: "We _______ obey God rather than men! 30 The God of our fathers raised Jesus from the dead-whom ____ ____ _________ ___ ___________ ____on a tree. 31 God __________ Him to His own right hand as Prince and Savior that He might give repentance and forgiveness of sins to Israel. 32 We are _________ of these things, and so is the Holy Spirit, whom God has given to those who ________ Him."

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IN ME: HERE'S MY HEART!

This week, we're talking about being led by the Holy Spirit of God. In order to become His children, we have had to say,

• "It's not about me!" (blessed are the poor in spirit)...
• "I'm so sorry for all the things I've done!" (blessed are those who mourn)...
• "Here's my heart, God...I want to let You take the reins of my life!" (blessed are the meek/gentle)...

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In fact, without a heart...there would be no life! There are different ways to look at the word "heart". Of course, we often connect February with hearts because of Valentine's Day. Here are 3 other ways to view heart:

• The emotional / relational heart. When this "heart" is broken or damaged, it can be devastating. It can lead a person into depression or an inability to live life to it's fullest. Healing needs to take place via love, encouragement, and time.
• The spiritual heart. When this "heart" is broken or damaged, it is caused by sin. This leads to devastating spiritual consequences. Healing for this heart can only happen with a spiritual heart replacement or transplant. Once a person makes a decision that he/she wants Jesus to be LORD, then at baptism, Jesus gives that person a new "heart" as the Holy Spirit of God comes to live in that person and give life in Him! That's our subject of discussion this week!
• The physical heart. When this "heart" is broken or damaged, it can be devastating. It can mean the end of this life here on earth unless the person gets a replacement or a transplant. Healing takes place only upon receiving a new heart that is a match and the body chooses not to reject it. That's our subject of discussion today!

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Little three year old Lauren needs a heart transplant.

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I met Cristi Schwamb and her daughter Lauren recently. Cristi and my niece Vanessa are friends and go to the same church in Fairfax, VA. I can only say that the Holy Spirit of God has orchestrated what I am about to tell you and for that I am so thankful.

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I live 18 miles southeast of Philadelphia. Cristi and her daughter Lauren have come to the Children's Hospital of Philadelphia (CHOP) to await a heart transplant for Lauren. My niece Vanessa let me know. I have family members who have had heart transplants. All of my four children have spent time in hospitals, including children's hospitals. Cristi's children have allergies, mine do to. Cristi grew up in a military family. Her husband is military. I grew up as an army brat. Cristi attended a christian college. So did I. Cristi is a teacher by trade. So am I. Cristi now home schools her children. I have homeschooled my children. Cristi really likes mexican food and chocolate but does not tolerate dairy well. Same here! Hmmm...

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Then, there are others from the Pitman church like:

• Marlene has a son with PKU who has been in CHOP, even recently. Marlene and I went to visit Cristi and Lauren on Sunday.
• Brenda's son had to have a tracheotomy and was in CHOP for 3 months! Cristi and Lauren may have to wait in CHOP for many months for the right heart! Brenda's daughter, Brianna, and Lauren look like they could be sisters.
• Alana's husband has worked at the Pentagon like Cristi's husband Tim. Alana, homeschools her kids, too. Alana has two children close to the ages of Cristi's other two children.
• Mandy grew up in the same part of Arkansas where Lauren's paternal grandparents live.
• Steve, my husband, upon his first visit with Cristi at CHOP found out that both she and her husband Tim had lived in Altus, OK where Steve's brother used to be the youth minister at their church.

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I am so grateful for all of these connections. Yet, I am more grateful that our God has the connections that it takes to get Lauren the perfect match for her heart. Oh, yes, I know that some other family will need to lose a child so that Lauren can live. It is sobering. Jesus lost His life so that I can live. Jesus prayed, "Not my will, but thine be done." That is the prayer that I am praying for Lauren and her family!

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Cristi has been on my mind so much the last few days. Her older two children have just been taken to be with her parents in Georgia. Her husband is headed out on assignment to Germany. Cristi sits in a hospital room with Lauren.

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Please help me to pray and encourage Cristi. Spread the word...go to Cristi's blog - and click on the Blog Archive for the one December 2008 post and watch the video of Lauren's story. Read through the blog as often as you can and leave lots of encouraging comments. Let's cover this family with prayer. Click on Lauren's picture over on the right column of this blog to access Cristi's blog OR just click the link below. God bless you!

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http://throughthecalmandthroughthestorm.blogspot.com/

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IN ME: HOLY SPIRIT, LEAD ME!

MEDITATION MONDAY

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"For all who are being led by the Spirit of God, these are the sons of God." Romans 8:14
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• The Holy Spirit of God lives in christians.
• The Holy Spirit of God works in and through His church.
• The Holy Spirit of God leads and guides believers, connecting thoughts, events, conversations, and interactions for His glory.

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I saw it again yesterday!

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Our Sunday morning Bible class, sermon, AND songs connected amazingly with what we've been talking about on this blog.

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I've been attending Mike's adult Bible class on the "Do Not Be Afraid" passages in the Bible. Yesterday's class hit a home run with me:

• Patti, do not be afraid to speak up about Jesus...but when you do...PURSUE PEACE! This peace is more about helping people to make peace with their God than about making sure nobody gets their feelings hurt.
• The same Spirit who raised Jesus from the dead can speak through us: 2 Corinthians 4:13-14 "But having the same spirit of faith, according to what is written, " I believed, therefore I spoke, "we also believe, therefore also we speak; knowing that He who raised the Lord Jesus will raise us also with Jesus and will present us with you."
• We must not be concerned about "pleasing people." Although the book of 2 Corinthians tells us of many things that Paul had to endure when He spoke up about the Spirit Who lived in him, when we read one of his conclusions in 2 Corinthians 5:9, it makes sense. It says, "So we make it our goal to please Him..."
• Blessed are the Peacemakers, for theirs is the Kingdom of Heaven!

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Guess what we heard in Steve's sermon as he continued our study in Nehemiah? He talked about how Nehemiah was a praying man who listened to God's Spirit. Even though, He was tempted to be afraid of the king, he knew how important it was for him to speak on the behalf of what God had put on His heart. He chose to speak inspite of his fear. He followed through, being led by God and he was victorious. Here are some of Steve's outstanding points:
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1. THREE trilogies on HOW TO be led by the Holy Spirit. These trilogies are the nine Be-Attitudes broken down into three groups of three: poor in spirit/ mourn/meek...hunger & thirst for righteousness/merciful/pure in heart... peacemaker/persecuted/rejoicing...
2. THREE passages from Nehemiah on Holy Spirit leadership: Nehemiah 2:11-15; Nehemiah 7:5; and, Nehemiah 9:12,19, 20
3. THREE truths that Steve has discovered about the Holy Spirit: a) He may choose to lead one person in order to lead others; b) He leads many through His spiritual gifts that He gives; c) He is NOT politically correct! (see Nehemiah 13).
4. THREE ways how NOT to be led by the Holy Spirit: a)Resist the Spirit by being arrogant, prideful, and stiffnecked; b) Worship other gods/idols; c) Live lives disobedient to God's word.

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And the songs! "Yes, LORD, Yes!" , "He Bore it All", "We Place You on the Highest Place!", and "Restore my spirit LORD!" What a blessing yesterdays Spirit led lessons were of sermon and song!

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John 10:3

"He calls His own sheep by name and leads them out."

If you are a child of God, are you truly letting Him lead you?

IN ME

SUNDAY IN THE SON

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When you become a christian,

God's Holy Spirit comes to live inside of you.

You want to know more..

You want to learn from Him...

to please Him and be led by Him...

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Our scripture theme this week continues

with the third "Be-attitude" focus

and adds the fourth "Be-Attitude":

1. Blessed are the poor in spirit...

2. Blessed are they that mourn...

3. Blessed are the meek...

4. Blessed are those who

hunger and thirst for righteousness...

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This week's theme song by Casting Crowns is IN ME. I have the words below and then two videos. Some of you may not like the way they do the words on the first video so I added the second video which is great except it has a few blurry pics. If you are a member of the Pitman church, I think you will be amazed at how today's sermon goes right along with what we have been studying.

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"In Me"
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1.
If you ask me to leap,
Out of my boat on the crashing waves…
If You ask me to go,
Preach to the lost world that Jesus saves…
I'll go, but I cannot go alone!
Cause I know I'm nothing on my own!
But the power of Christ in me…
makes me strong…
makes me strong!

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CHORUS:
Cause when I'm weak,
You make me strong!
When I'm blind,
You shine Your light on me!
Cause I'll never get by living on my own ability.
How refreshing to know You don't need me.
How amazing to find that you want me!
So I'll stand on Your truth,
and I'll fight with Your strength
Until You bring the victory,
by the power of Christ in me.

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2.
If You ask me to run,
And carry Your light into foreign land…
If You ask me to fight,
Deliver Your people from Satan's hand…
I'll go, but I cannot go alone!
Cause I know I'm nothing on my own!
But the power of Christ in me…
makes me strong…
makes me strong!

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CHORUS:
Cause when I'm weak,
You make me strong
When I'm blind,
You shine Your light on me!
Cause I'll never get by living on my own ability.
How refreshing to know You don't need me.
How amazing to find that You want me!
So I'll stand on Your truth,
and I'll fight with Your strength
Until You bring the victory,
by the power of Christ in me.

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3.
To reach out with Your hands
To learn through Your eyes
To love with the love of a Savior
To feel with Your heart
And to think with Your mind
I'd give my last breath for Your glory!
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CHORUS:
…When I'm weak,
You make me strong
When I'm blind,
You shine Your light on me!
Cause I'll never get by living on my own ability.

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CHORUS:
…When I'm weak,
You make me strong
When I'm blind,
You shine Your light on me!
Cause I'll never get by living on my own ability.
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4.
How refreshing to know You don't need me!
How amazing to find that you want me!
So I'll stand on Your truth,
and I'll fight with Your strength
Until You bring the victory,
by the power of Christ in me…
the power of Christ in me…
the power of Christ in me.
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