I SURRENDER ALL - GET BEHIND ME SATAN!

MEDITATION MONDAY

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Please stay! Don't go! I know you've read the title of today's post and are hearing the words to this week's theme song. Satan really does not want you to focus on Jesus. Please don't let him distract or detract you.

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This past week, my husband Steve was offered a condo get-away for a long deserved R & R. I won't go into all the reasons he really really needed this time...just suffice it to say "he did!" Steve calls these his "mountain top times". He goes away for deep reflective time of meditation, prayer, journaling, Bible Study, prayer, more prayer.... He returns refreshed, renewed, re-energized, revived, rededicated...you get the picture.

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He got off later than expected which is very usual for anyone who is more than waist deep in ministry. After his first night, he awoke, showered, fixed some breakfast and sat down with his Bible and notebook open. BANG! BANG! BLAM! VROOOOOOM! WHACK! RIP! VROOOOOOM! BANG! BLAM! All this noise began right above his head. He soon found out that the entire condo unit was scheduled for re-roofing for the next few days...the days that he would be there for his R & R.

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I'll save the rest of the story for a later time. What I want to emphasize is this. Steve has known for several months now that he really needed some extra time with the LORD. We've prayed for an opportunity and we believe that God worked it so that a fellow christian's condo became available "out of the blue" to answer our prayer. Really? Yes!

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Steve is a man of God who understands how important it is to live this BLESSED LIFE as described in the Beattitudes. He knows that in order for him to remain focused on God's kingdom, his kingdoms must continually be surrendered. He gets so deep into ministry that he can identify with Jesus and the need to just get away and pray. Pray for strength! Pray for guidance! Pray for focus! Pray to not be led into tempation! Pray for all those who he ministers with and to! Satan wants none of that! His timing to distract and detract are planned and orchestrated with precision. He did not win this battle with Steve Sikes. Because of JESUS CHRIST, he will not win the war!

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Yesterday morning, Dan's lesson from Nehemiah 1 gave me some things about this topic that I want to share with you:

1. NEHEMIAH WAS POOR IN SPIRIT. Nehemiah was a humble and prayerful man. He honored God as the Great I AM and knew what God's Kingdom was about. Although he had been with his people in captivity, he had heard that more horrible things were happening back in his homeland. Those who were back in Jerusalem were in great distress and the wall of of the city was broken down and it's gates were burning with fire. Nehemiah said, "Now it came about when I heard these words, I sat down and wept and mourned for days; and I was fasting and praying before the God of heaven..."
2. NEHEMIAH MOURNED. He was so poor in spirit that he continued crying out to God for his people...for himself...read carefully what he says, "...I beseech Thee, O LORD God of heaven, the great and awesome God, who preserves the covenant and lovingkindness for those who love Him and keep His commandments, let Thine ear now be attentive and Thine eyes open to hear the prayer of Thy servant which I am praying before Thee now, day and night, on behalf of the sons of Israel Thy servants, confessing the sins of the sons of Israel which we have sinned against Thee; I and my father's house have sinned. We have acted very corruptly against Thee and have not kept the commandments, nor the statutes, nor the ordinances which Thou didst command Thy servant Moses."

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Our scriptures this week are powerful:

Matthew 5:3-4

"Blessed are the poor in spirit,

for theirs is the kingdom of heaven.

"Blessed are those who mourn,

for they shall be comforted."

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Sin hurts!

Seperating ourselves from our own kingdoms hurts!

Part of this week's song powerfully states

that surrendering costs...it is a sacrifice!

Confessing our sins like Nehemiah did takes bravery!

Satan does not want you to do it!

He does not want you to live

the BLESSED LIFE!

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"I have wrestled in the darkness of this lonely pilgrim land
Raising strong and mighty fortresses that I alone command
But these castles I've constructed by the strength of my own hand
Are just temporary kingdoms on foundations made of sand
In the middle of the battle I believe I've finally found
I'll never know the thrill of victory 'til I'm willing to lay down
All my weapons of defense and earthly strategies of war
So I'm laying down my arms and running helplessly to Yours
I surrender all my silent hopes and dreams
Though the price to follow costs me everything
I surrender all my human soul desires
If sacrifice requires
That all my kingdoms fall
I surrender all."
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I SURRENDER ALL

SUNDAY IN THE SON

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Jesus, I love you!

I love how you modeled surrender!

Luke 22:42-43

"Father, if Thou art willing,

remove this cup from Me;

yet not My will,

but Thine be done."

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Sister, I love you! I love how you want to be like Jesus! One of you emailed me the other day and I smiled. I've been where she was so many times...setting goals...saying "I'm here LORD, take me just as I am...". Yet, complete surrender was not really there. Here is part of the email of a "transforming mom" that made me smile:

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"I set a very ambitious goal for myself this year...to listen more, listen better, and to speak less. I decided not to share that particular goal with anyone (up until now) because I thought that if I succeeded, eventually someone would notice, and that would be my measure of success. And also, because if I failed miserably, no one would know but God and me! But I can see that I need both prayer and accountability partners on this one because I failed right out of the gate!"

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Sound familiar?

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"Blessed are the poor in spirit, for theirs is the kingdom of Heaven." Guess what needs to happen? All our kingdoms need to fall to make room for the kingdom of heaven! This week's song is one of my favorites. Like last week's song, it's a "where the rubber meets the road" kind of song. May this song convict you deep in the heart as you...

Desire more

to be poor!

( in spirit, that is!)

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I Surrender All

lyrics David Moffit and Reggie Hamm

sung by Clay Crosse

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1.

I have wrestled in the darkness of this lonely pilgrim land

Raising strong and mighty fortresses that I alone command

But these castles I've constructed by the strength of my own hand

Are just temporary kingdoms on foundations made of sand

In the middle of the battle I believe I've finally found

I'll never know the thrill of victory 'til I'm willing to lay down

All my weapons of defense and earthly strategies of war

So I'm laying down my arms and running helplessly to Yours

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Chorus:

I surrender all my silent hopes and dreams

Though the price to follow costs me everything

I surrender all my human soul desires

If sacrifice requires

That all my kingdoms fall

I surrender all

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2.

If the source of my ambition is the treasure I obtain

If I measure my successes on a scale of earthly gain

If the focus of my vision is the status I attain

My accomplishments are worthless and my efforts are in vain

So I lay aside these trophies to pursue a higher crown

And should You choose somehow to use the life I willingly lay down

I surrender all the triumph

for it's only by Your grace

I relinquish all the glory,

I surrender all the praise

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Chorus:
I surrender all my silent hopes and dreams
Though the price to follow costs me everything
I surrender all my human soul desires
If sacrifice requires
That all my kingdoms fall
I surrender all...

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3.

Everything I am,

all I've done,

and all I've known

Now belongs to You,

the life I live is not my own

Just as Abraham laid Isaac on the sacrificial fire

If all I have is all that You desire

I surrender all

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part of Chorus:
I surrender all my human soul desires
If sacrifice requires
That all my kingdoms fall
I surrender all

JUST AS I AM: POOR IN SPIRIT AND READY FOR TRANSFORMATION

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TRANSFORMING THURSDAY.

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I am so thankful for transformation! I wouldn't want you to see or know the real Patti Sikes. Oh, she pops up. Those closest to me see her and know her. They don't like her around.

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When I choose to be POOR IN SPIRIT, God can take me, work with me, and transform me.

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Philippians 3:20-21 says,

"For our citizenship is in heaven,

from which also we eagerly wait for a Savior,

the Lord Jesus Christ;

who will transform the body of our humble state

into conformity with the body of His glory,

by the exertion of the power that

He has even to subject all things to Himself."

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I've had several "Kingdom of Heaven" experiences this week. Remember my Wendy's story that I shared yesterday? One thing is usually very clear during these GOD STOP times - someone's humility has allowed them to be transformed more into the glorious image of Christ. I do believe that the transformation that Jesus desires in us is much more than any of us can ever fathom. Yet, when it happens, it is a beautiful thing!
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I read Barnes Notes comments on the concept of being poor in spirit... humble... and I really liked what he had to say:

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"...to be willing to be where God places us,
to bear what He lays on us,
to go where He bids us,
and to die when He commands;
to be willing to be in His hands,
and to feel that we deserve no favor from Him.
It is opposed to pride,
and vanity,
and ambition..."

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"It is remarkable that Jesus began His ministry in this manner, so unlike all others. Other teachers had taught that happiness was to be found in honor, or riches, or splendor, or sensual pleasure. Jesus overlooked all those things, and fixed His eye on the poor and the humble, and said that happiness was to be found in the lowly vale of poverty more than in the pomp and splendors of life."

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TRANSFORMATION, MY SISTER, BEGINS WITH POVERTY OF SPIRIT! Come back tomorrow and we'll talk about how that works with us and our kids!

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In the meantime, if you want to really be encouraged today, here are two of my favorite GOD links in the last 24 hours:

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• Laura, heavenly homemaker friend, had a huge GOD STOP and thinks that "He's Up to Something!"
• http://heavenlyhomemakers.com/blog/hes-up-to-something#comment-11818
  
  
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• Terry, preacher friend and St. Louis Cardinals chaplain, got a few amazing phone calls "just out of the blue". Yes, Terry, I think "He's up to something!" Just a little note to those of you who are new to Terry: He's been writing a whole lot lately about being led by the Holy Spirit... about letting God be in control... about doing things in God's timing... He's been writing a new book and it was rejected last week by a publisher. Looks like God may have something else in mind! Link here to find out more:
• http://terryrush.blogspot.com/2009/01/good-news-is.html

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JUST AS I AM

SUNDAY IN THE SON

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I am so excited that God is providing a way for me to continue this blog in 2009. We started in June with the same message that we will start 2009 with:
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POUR IT OUT!

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Let's pour ourselves out at the feet of Jesus!

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Blessed are the POOR IN SPIRIT!

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1.

Dear Lord,

I’m on my knees again

I come to You because You understand

I’ve tried so hard,

but I just can’t change myself

That’s why I know I need Your help

Chorus:

So here I am

This in my plea

My only hope is Your love for me

I’m reaching out

So desperately

Come take my hand;

take all of me

Just as I am!

2.

Oh Lord,

You make what’s broken new

Why can’t I just learn to follow You

I want to know You and feel You in my soul

I surrender all control

(Chorus again)

I am not afraid to follow You where You lead me

I can leave the past behind me

I’m forgiven and I’m free!

BECAUSE HE LIVES I CAN FACE 2009!

WOMEN IN THE WORD WEDNESDAY

1. I want you to know how thankful I am for the encouragement you gave to Steve yesterday on the blog, on facebook, and by email. Although very unexpected, I thank you for encouraging me the way you did, too. To God be all the glory! Please remember that to encourage means to "put courage in to another". May 2009 be a year when you become a reflection of JESUS in how you encourage others.


2. We are so blessed to have three of our four children and one daughter-in-love with us this week. We are enjoying each other and are welcoming the Young Adult Life Group into our home this evening to see in the New Year.


3. I hope that you will spend the next few days contemplating, meditating and praying on the following passage, as well as our song for this week...BECAUSE HE LIVES I CAN FACE TOMORROW...2009....


4. I will not be posting again until Sunday morning, so until then, here is something to meditate on: The following scripture is in chapter 31, on this 31st day of December, speaking about what a woman of GOD "looks like". Be encouraged! Be challenged! Be attitude of JESUS CHRIST! Come back in 2009 and spend 3 months with me on the Sermon on the Mount (January through March).

Proverbs 31:10

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10 An excellent wife, who can find?

For her worth is far above jewels.

11 The heart of her husband trusts in her,

And he will have no lack of gain.

12 She does him good and not evil

All the days of her life.

13 She looks for wool and flax,

And works with her hands in delight.

14 She is like merchant ships;

She brings her food from afar.

15 She rises also while it is still night,

And gives food to her household,

And portions to her maidens.

16 She considers a field and buys it;

From her earnings she plants a vineyard.

17 She girds herself with strength,

And makes her arms strong.

18 She senses that her gain is good;

Her lamp does not go out at night.

19 She stretches out her hands to the distaff,

And her hands grasp the spindle.

20 She extends her hand to the poor;

And she stretches out her hands to the needy.

21 She is not afraid of the snow for her household,

For all her household are clothed with scarlet.

22 She makes coverings for herself;

Her clothing is fine linen and purple.

23 Her husband is known in the gates,

When he sits among the elders of the land.

24 She makes linen garments and sells them,

And supplies belts to the tradesmen.

25 Strength and dignity are her clothing,

And she smiles at the future.

26 She opens her mouth in wisdom,

And the teaching of kindness is on her tongue.

27 She looks well to the ways of her household,

And does not eat the bread of idleness.

28 Her children rise up and bless her;

Her husband also, and he praises her, saying:

29 "Many daughters have done nobly,

But you excel them all."

30 Charm is deceitful and beauty is vain,

But a woman who fears the LORD,

she shall be praised.

31 Give her the product of her hands,

And let her works praise her in the gates.

BECAUSE HE LIVES...IN STEVE SIKES

“How God Was Great in 2008″

The years 2001-2007 were very hard years for the Steve and Patti Sikes family. I'm not saying that there weren't other very hard years...but in many ways these years were over the top! We often felt like punching bags, every time we tried to get up we'd get punched back down. Life was hard! Nothing that happened to us in those years changed the fact that GOD IS GOOD ALL THE TIME AND ALL THE TIME GOD IS GOOD. In fact, this is the calligraphy of my friend, Cindy Grubb, that hangs above my computer screen:

After 18 months of prayer and 40 days of fasting on my husband Steve's part, GOD brought us to a place in our lives where we KNEW He was in control. He moved us. He began to heal our family. He gave us many new perspectives of wounded healing and transformation. He had us where He wanted us - stuck on our knees. Oh, we're still on this journey of life. Life is still hard! We still have a daughter who suffers from chronic pain - now in the thirteenth year. We still have other major health, financial, and daily life challenges. The calligraphy above my computer continues to remind me.

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Today, I am grateful for how I have seen God work - up through 2008 in my marriage. Specifically, on this, the 35th anniversary of Steve and Patti Sikes, I would like you to know how God shows up in my life everyday BECAUSE HE LIVES IN STEVE SIKES. We are both children of God...made in His image.

• I am a lion.
• Steve is a lamb.
• I am a living stone.
• Steve is a wonderful counselor.
• I am an overseer of souls.
• Steve is a mighty prayer warrior.
• I am a mother hen gathering her chicks under her wings.
• Steve an everlasting father.
• I am a creator.
• Steve is a prince of peace.

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In yesterdays post, I made the following comments:

"We'll meditate on those

four descriptions / names of JESUS CHRIST.

I'll share some of Dan's thoughts,

some of my own, and

along the way the Holy Spirit will touch our hearts

with new and convicting thoughts

about these wonderful concepts."

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And so, all day yesterday the Holy Spirit of GOD convicted me. I could not get off my mind how much my husband, Steve was like those names of our LORD JESUS CHRIST: Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, and Prince of Peace. Please look back above at my descriptions of Steve to see the similarities. There is so much that I could say from my heart that would explain it more, but I'll say those things to Steve. I'd like to let 3 things tell you about this man that I am so in love with and so grateful for.

1. The words of his own children, who at my request, yesterday afternoon and evening wrote some big things that they appreciate their dad for.
2. The words of his co-worker in ministry, Dan Cooper, that were written in this past Sunday's bulletin at the Pitman church of Christ.
3. The words of a song written by Alexis Carter (an amazing singer who's voice has been compared to Whitney Houston's voice). After she was stunned to learn that "her preacher" was moving, she wrote a song about him and drove many miles to a recording studio that same week to cut the CD.

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BECAUSE HE LIVES IN STEVE SIKES, our children have this to say:

Jordan - son:

• One thing I love about Dad, is his humility. He has so much talent and giftedness, and yet he never is boastful or arrogant. He doesn't flash his diplomas, honors, and accomplishments. He doesn't parade his tassels for everyone to see. He truly works for the Lord and not for men.
• Another thing I love about Dad, is his tenderness of heart. He feels and understands people. His ability to perceive hurts and pains in others is uncanny. I can't count the times I've seen my daddy cry. I know this is God's work at molding in him the heart of his Creator.
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Jacqueline - daughter-in-love:

The two things I appreciate most are:

• I'm blessed to witness my husband's daily walk of integrity. I know without a doubt that much of who he strives to be is a mirror of his earthly dad, who is also a mirror of his Heavenly Father.
• I appreciate that nearly every time we (or Jordy) call, whether in triumph, fear, or defeat, he takes the time to pray for us right then and there. We know you're both on your knees for our little family all of the time, and we take comfort in that.

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Jessica - daughter:

• I love that he is able to see the good in everyone. He has the ability to make everyone feel like they are the most important person in the world. He has a truly rare gift.
• I love his sense of humor. Laughter is the best medicine and he always is able to give me the dose I need.

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Caleb - son:

• My Dad means so much to me. He is slow to anger, quick to listen and he has a lot of love.
• Being a son of my father, I forget that there aren't many men like my dad, who do the right thing even when it is hard, extremely hard. Thank you dad for loving all others. Yes, you love even when it seems hard, but from observation I think you just love to love.

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Krista - daughter-in-love:

• Steve does not look at someone's past and what they were, but their future and who they are becoming.
• His wisdom, patience, humility, abundance of love and understanding (his FAITH) - being able to observe what a true Christian father is like teaches me how to be more of a daughter of Christ to my earthly father. The outcome is my dad is growing closer to Christ because of Steve's FAITH.

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Crystal - daughter:

• No matter how many stupid mistakes and decisions I've made, Big Guy has always been there for me. Still, to this day, I sit on Big Guy's lap and give him zerberts!
• Big Guy is the most genuine person I have ever known. When someone is going through trials, he goes through the ups and downs with them. He has true compassion that never fails -no matter what the circumstances.

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BECAUSE HE LIVES IN STEVE SIKES, Dan Cooper had this to say:

"The Sikes are celebrating their second Christmas season with us here in New Jersey and I am still psyched about having them here with us. I simply love co-ministering with Steve. He is as passionate about ministry as I am! We are team players.

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• Steve Sikes loves ministry, and he is really good at it.
• He loves preaching, and his sermons always connect me to God's word.
• He loves people, and his people skills are obvious to all who meet him.
• He loves sharing the Good News with the lost, and he invests time and energy in truth-seekers.
• He loves Christian counseling, and people (both Christians and non-Christians) come to see him from the north, south, east, and west. He loves teaching, and his classes are always stimulating and educational. He loves to give gifts and express appreciation, and he gives joyfully and generously.
• He loves to sing, and his bass voice helps me to sing better.
• Steve loves to pray, and praying with him is an experience that has deepened and enriched my personal prayer life.

.Yes, I thank God for bringing Steve Sikes to the Pitman Church of Christ. I say again, God is good - All the time. Still psyched about Sikes, Dan"

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BECAUSE HE LIVES IN STEVE SIKES, Alexis Carter had this to say in the words of the song that she wrote about him - MAN OF GOD:

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CHORUS:

How beautiful the feet of them who preach the gospel of peace

and bring glad tidings of good things to them who hear the Word.

How beautiful the feet of them who preach the gospel of peace

and bring glad tidings of good things to them who hear the Word.

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VERSE 1:

There's gonna come a day that all those who heard your voice will say,

"This man, he taught me how to seek the LORD,

so that I might be saved.

No other's sown what you've sown.

With the LORD, you've helped God's Kingdom grow.

You never spared the rod!

Oh, you mighty man of God!

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CHORUS:

How beautiful the feet of them who preach the gospel of peace
and bring glad tidings of good things to them who hear the Word.
How beautiful the feet of them who preach the gospel of peace
and bring glad tidings of good things to them who hear the Word.

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VERSE 2:

I witnessed how you submitted to the Spirit,

as God dealt with my heart.

Through you, He changed me forever.

All this, I owe my service to you.

You never strayed from the Word.

You spoke the truth.

That's what I heard.

At times, I know its hard,

Oh, you awesome man of God!

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CHORUS:

How beautiful the feet of them who preach the gospel of peace
and bring glad tidings of good things to them who hear the Word.
How beautiful the feet of them who preach the gospel of peace
and bring glad tidings of good things to them who hear the Word.

How beautiful the feet of them who preach the gospel of peace...
How beautiful the feet of them who preach the gospel of peace..."

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Then, Alexis reads and says at the end of the song:

"Romans 10:15

'And how shall they preach unless they are sent?

Just as it is written,

"How beautiful are the feet of those who bring

glad tidings of good things!'

BE ENCOURAGED!"

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Thank you, my children, Dan, and Alexis.

Today, I want to encourage (put courage in my husband) to ask God for another 35 years on this planet with me. I am so grateful for how God has transformed and is transforming Steve Sikes into His image!

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Today, Steve and I share the same anniversary with Steve' parents, Jack and Robbie Sikes, known to many of you as Papa and Mama Sikes. They have planted a heritage and legacy of faith, hope, and love that is rare. They just say, "Pass it on!" Thank you, Papa and Mama. Happy 61st anniversary!

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NOTE: Alexis' recording of this song is on my computer. Although I haven't figured out how to upload it to my blog, I can certainly email it to you.

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PLEASE LEAVE A COMMENT FOR STEVE! If you have never left a comment on a blog before, just click COMMENTS just below here. Then, click anonymous, write your comment, do what it directs you to do, and then you can either sign your name or not. Thank you!

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BECAUSE HE LIVES: I HAVE ULTIMATE HOPE... AND HELP FOR THE JOURNEY

MEDITATION MONDAY

Yesterday, Dan Cooper preached the final sermon in a series from the book of Isaiah that he and Steve have given for several months. Dan's topic:

JESUS...OUR ULTIMATE HOPE! Isaiah 9:6

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Just know this....the first 39 chapters of Isaiah are mostly about the "gloom and doom" of God's people because they were not "walking with GOD". Yet, interspersed throughout those 39 chapters are little verses full of light to a dark world...verses of HOPE. Join me in reading one of those verses:

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"For a child will be born to us,

a son will be given to us;

And the government will rest on His shoulders;

And His name will be called

Wonderful Counselor

Mighty God

Eternal Father

Prince of Peace."

Today, let's meditate on those four descriptions / names of JESUS CHRIST. I'll share some of Dan's thoughts, some of my own, and along the way the Holy Spirit will touch our hearts with new and convicting thoughts about these wonderful concepts.

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Jesus is WONDERFUL COUNSELOR!

That means that if I've gone to ten different counselors over my life and I say that this ONE is really wonderful...then, just maybe you will write His name down in your datebook or phonebook to keep for future reference. BTW, a wonderful counselor is probably a great listener, very empathetic. He has alot of practical wisdom. He can analyze your situations. He can come up with some amazingly creative insights, interventions, strategies to meet your needs. He can get you on a remarkable victorious life path. In choosing a WONDERFUL COUNSELOR, I would want Him to be my TOP ADVISOR.

Rate yourself on Dan's SELF-EVALUATION QUESTION:

I listen to and follow the counsel and advice of Jesus Christ as I make the daily decisions in the affairs of my life. Rate yourself now!

1......2.........3.......4.......5.......6.......7.......8.......9.......10

Not at all...Sometimes.....Most of the time...All the Time

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Jesus is MIGHTY GOD!

That means that even though I've heard the stuff about how "Jesus was a weakling" and "Jesus was more than a pacifist" that I can confidently say "NO!" Have you not heard that there is a war going on and I'm not talking about the one in Iraq. Ephesians 6 tells us that GOD is offering us His armor to put on. In fact, it says "put on the whole armor of GOD..." Jesus is a focused soldier...strong and courageous. The world is like a jungle and Jesus sent His disciples out to do no less than He expected of Himself:

Matthew 10:16-17

"Behold,

I send you out as sheep in the midst of wolves;

therefore be shrewd as serpents,

and innocent as doves."

Or how about "as gentle as a lamb" who has on GOD's armor?

Read On:

Revelation 17:14

"These will wage war against the Lamb,

and the Lamb will overcome them,

because He is Lord of lords and King of kings,

and those who are with Him

are the called and chosen and faithful."

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BTW, I suspect from reading scripture that a MIGHTY GOD is also a MIGHTY WARRIOR. That means that He is probably passionate about The Cause...willing to give everything...even His life for it. He is very alert and focused. He has alot of practical strategies for fighting the enemy. He can analyze the offense or defense in every detail. He can come up with some amazingly creative insights for every battle. He knows He will win the war! He is FEARLESS! In choosing a MIGHTY GOD, I would want Him to be a MIGHTY WARRIOR!

Rate yourself on Dan's SELF-EVALUATION QUESTION:
I allow Jesus Christ to fight my daily battles, trusting Him to bring the victory, instead of waging the war myself. Rate yourself now!

1......2........3.......4.......5.......6.......7.......8.......9.......10

Not at all...Sometimes.....Most of the time...All the Time
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Jesus is EVERLASTING FATHER!
Often when our earthly Father passes on, it leaves us with a void...hurt...unfinished business... but this Father is everlasting. Scripture says this everlasting Father is Jesus. How can that be? How can Jesus be a Father when He's the Son? Well, Jack and Robbie have a son named Steve Sikes. In 1981, Steve Sikes became a Father to Jordan. Does that mean that Steve is no longer a son? No! He just has another role to fulfill. Soon, the LORD willing, Jordan will become a Father. He will remain son of Steve and grandson of Jack. Even though it's hard to conceptualize Jesus as a Father, scripture says that it is true, so I believe it. Think about what a father is to do: protect, provide, nurture, lead, guide, teach, train, love...BTW, Jesus does say "the Father and I are One..." Jesus is willing to give everything...including the amazing love of the Father. He protects us. He is practical in showing us how to live our lives. He teaches us how to analyze our thoughts, so they will be like His. He comes up with some amazingly creative ways to provide for us, teach us, and love us. He knows how to be a Father...after all, He's already such a good shepherd for His sheep. In choosing an EVERLASTING FATHER, I would want Him to be a PROVIDER FOREVER.

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Rate yourself on Dan's SELF-EVALUATION QUESTION:

I trust in Jesus alone to both protect and provide for the needs of my family and me. Rate yourself now!

1......2.......3.......4.......5.......6.......7.......8.......9.......10

Not at all...Sometimes.....Most of the time....All the Time

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Jesus is PRINCE OF PEACE!
That means that my GOD, who is also my Father and Counselor is royalty who believes in the absence of strife. I've never met such a person! This is incredibly interesting! All that counseling, warrior, and family talk could lead me to feeling a little stressful, yet now we're talking about THE ABSENCE OF STRIFE! Whoa! BTW, a prince who is peaceful probably won't bring up my record of wrongs. He will be kind, gentle, and patient. I'm thinking that He will be practical in how He goes about blessing and ministering. He'll analyze things to better understand...not to pick apart. He'll come up with some amazingly creative ways for there to be peace on earth. In choosing a PRINCE OF PEACE, I would want Him to be my LIFE CALMER.

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Rate yourself on Dan's SELF-EVALUATION QUESTION:
I have allowed Jesus Christ to calm my life and restore my broken relationship with GOD! Rate yourself now!

1......2.......3.......4.......5.......6.......7........8.........9.......10
Not at all...Sometimes.....Most of the time....All the Time

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I hope this time of meditation has been a blessing to you!

Because my wonderful counselor, mighty God, everlasting Father, and Prince of Peace lives...I CAN FACE TOMORROW! HE GIVES ME HOPE AND HELP FOR THE JOURNEY!

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