tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-50600594915696397892024-03-12T16:39:52.862-07:00The HeartCry For matters of the heart...whether your heart is crying out for help in a time of distress or crying out for more of God.Brendahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18318220701159703104noreply@blogger.comBlogger346125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5060059491569639789.post-16173147290232395932020-02-11T05:33:00.003-08:002020-02-11T05:34:31.231-08:00Covered in Love<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiTB186T7rgM7QC_VzZ6vU36qfvxbP6xwDoYKbnuo_cXqskn2dtPTta2EWkWoILTUDFa82pDR_bm3FyYwMxjrNqgyGfhyphenhyphen8J_xVVFapGAKOA7cFAf4hLqNQKsOefllvZxvtZKVstEU45SiA/s1600/uv.jpg" imageanchor="0" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 0em; margin-right: 0em;"><img border="0" height="171" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiTB186T7rgM7QC_VzZ6vU36qfvxbP6xwDoYKbnuo_cXqskn2dtPTta2EWkWoILTUDFa82pDR_bm3FyYwMxjrNqgyGfhyphenhyphen8J_xVVFapGAKOA7cFAf4hLqNQKsOefllvZxvtZKVstEU45SiA/s200/uv.jpg" width="200" /></a>
To respond in love to people who have offended you is difficult merely
in the fact that it is a choice, a choice contrary to our nature,
contrary to our desires, contrary to our logic. It is however, the very
nature of God.<br />
<br />
So where does that leave us? To choose God is to choose
love. Only when we allow God to transform our nature can we truly
respond in love. We need to let love prevail and reside in our lives. I
believe that love is the most powerful weapon we have against the powers
of darkness.<br />
<br />
Are you ready for battle..."to prepare for battle" we need to put to death our earthly nature.<br />
<br />
<b>"Put
to death, therefore, whatever belongs to your earthly nature: sexual
immorality, impurity, lust, evil desires and greed, which is idolatry."
Colossians 3:5 </b><br />
<br />
"to dress for battle" we need to clothe ourselves in what... compassion, kindness, humility, gentleness, and patience.<br />
<br />
<b>"Therefore,
as God's chosen people, holy and dearly loved, clothe yourselves with
compassion, kindness, humility, gentleness and patience." Colossians
3:12 </b><br />
<br />
"to go to battle" we need to walk in love...<br />
before you ever walk out the door or open you mouth or hit send!<br />
<br />
<b>"And over all these virtues put on love, which binds them all together in perfect unity." Colossians 3:14 </b><br />
<br />
Above all be covered with the aroma of Christ...which is love.<br />
<br />
<b>"But
thanks be to God, who always leads us in triumphal procession in Christ
and through us spreads everywhere the fragrance of the knowledge of
him. For we are to God the aroma of Christ among those who are being
saved and those who are perishing." (2 Corinthians 2:14-15)</b><br />
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Brendahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18318220701159703104noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5060059491569639789.post-59271240310693721482016-02-12T06:17:00.000-08:002016-02-25T07:19:30.537-08:00Poems, Prayers and Promises<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<b>My Prayer Poem </b><br />
<br />
That you may really come to know,<br />
practically, experience so.<br />
<br />
For yourselves the love of Christ,<br />
which far surpasses our surmise.<br />
<br />
That you may be filled through all your being,<br />
unto all the fullness of God foreseeing.<br />
<br />
That you may have the richest measure,<br />
of His divine Presence, Splendor.<br />
<br />
And become a body wholly filled,<br />
and flooded with His blood He spilled!<br />
<br />
Now to Him Who, by the power,<br />
at work in us this very hour.<br />
<br />
To carry out His very purpose,<br />
That He has for each one of us.<br />
<br />
Far above all that we dare,<br />
ask or think, our highest prayer.<br />
<br />
Far above our, thoughts, it seems,<br />
even all our hopes, or dreams.<br />
<br />
To Him be glory in the Eccleeseea,<br />
and in Christ Jesus, the Messiah.<br />
<br />
throughout all generations past,<br />
and generations for ever-last.<br />
<br />
Amen<br />
<br />
By: Preston Pittman
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Brendahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18318220701159703104noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5060059491569639789.post-15339278553291421722016-01-25T08:42:00.000-08:002016-01-25T04:29:18.246-08:00RestorationThe love that was lost in the evening time,<br />
Shall be restored again. <br />
The burned out candle in the night,<br />
Shall be ignited again.<br />
<br />
To wander through the darkness,<br />
Only draws us closer to Him.<br />
The Love that never leaves us,<br />
The Light that is never dim. <br />
<br />
So...Take comfort in the knowledge,<br />
Of His enduring Grace.<br />
To be there right beside us,<br />
To shine upon our face.<br />
<br />
by~Brenda Dawson<br />
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Brendahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18318220701159703104noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5060059491569639789.post-19073439234926992992016-01-24T03:27:00.000-08:002016-02-25T05:50:17.442-08:00PrayerWhen
you come to God in prayer you come to your Father. He wants you to come
as a child who is loved, who is accepted, who is cared for, and who is
secure. He wants you to come in openness, in confidence, in
truthfulness. He waits to hear your heart, and to share His heart with
you.<br />
<br />
Through
prayer you can gather the riches of heaven and bring them down to
earth. You can delight in the beauty of heaven and carry it in your
heart. You can enjoy the fellowship of heaven and walk in it throughout
the day.<br />
<br />
Heavenly Father, Open my eyes. Help me to perceive what I have ignored, to uncover
what I have forgotten, to find what I have been searching for. Remind me
that I don't have to journey far to discover something new, for
miracles surround me, blessings and holiness abound, and You are near. Amen.<br />
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Brendahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18318220701159703104noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5060059491569639789.post-84510702004207108752016-01-23T00:00:00.000-08:002020-02-11T05:35:37.557-08:00God's PromisesThere are many, many promises of God in Scripture. In each promise,
God pledges that something will (or will not) be done or given or come
to pass.<br />
<br />
He promises that "If you search for Me with all your heart, you will find Me."<br />
<br />
When my children were young, one of the games that I would play with
them was called 'hide and seek'. I would hide and then they would try to
find me. The game is pretty simple and lots of fun. The whole point of
this exercise was that they would event<span class="text_exposed_show">ually find me... and that was the best part!</span><br />
<br />
<div class="text_exposed_show">
I would never have thought to try and hide myself so thoroughly that my
children could never find me. That would not have been fun at all, for
the real joy was in them finding me. I don't think our Heavenly Father
is much different, though His ways are way higher than my ways for sure!<br />
<br />
He absolutely delights when we seek Him with all our heart and He loves
to be found by us! He promises that we will indeed find Him when we
search for Him with all our heart. If you are feeling discouraged today,
hungry for God but somehow feeling that you have not yet apprehended
Him, don't give up. Keep seeking. Keep knocking on the door. Keep on
asking. He promises to be found by you!<br />
<br />
<i>“Ask, and it will be
given you. Seek, and you will find. Knock, and it will be opened for
you. For everyone who asks receives. He who seeks finds. To him who
knocks it will be opened. Or who is there among you, who, if his son
asks him for bread, will give him a stone? Or if he asks for a fish,
who will give him a serpent? If you then, being evil, know how to give
good gifts to your children, how much more will your Father who is in
heaven give good things to those who ask him!" </i>Matthew 7:7-11</div>
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<a href="http://the-heartcry.blogspot.com/p/promises.html">More Promises</a></div>
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Brendahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18318220701159703104noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5060059491569639789.post-30994682728454542222016-01-22T23:30:00.000-08:002016-02-17T07:33:08.949-08:00Show Your LoveOne by one <br />
The faces go<br />
We meet them everyday.<br />
But, oh what a thrill<br />
That special face<br />
Who touched your world one day.<br />
<br />
Remember when<br />
You met someone<br />
Who brightened up your day<br />
You hold them<br />
Dearly in your heart<br />
You wished they'd always stay.<br />
<br />
So, show your love <br />
Put a smile on your face<br />
Let the Lord shine through you everyday<br />
So that you might be <br />
That special face Who touches someone else today.<br />
<br />
by~Brenda Dawson<br />
<br />
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Brendahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18318220701159703104noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5060059491569639789.post-2737445007253138862016-01-20T05:26:00.000-08:002016-02-25T07:50:45.493-08:00Song of Unity<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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Concede To The Need<br />
<br />
It
is strange to feel a strangers need,<br />
but stranger to feel and not
concede.<br />
It's a feeling that comes with a divine benefice,<br />
and good
reason to kill any form of prejudice.<br />
<br />
Resistance is natural and easy to
smell,<br />
it rises to the Father as smoke from hell.<br />
But our obedience
to concede is also from above,<br />
it proves to God that we have Christ's
love.<br />
<br />
By: Preston Pittman<br />
<br />
<i>"As a prisoner for the Lord, then, I urge you to live a life worthy
of the calling you have received. 2 Be completely humble and gentle; be
patient, bearing with one another in love. 3 Make every effort to keep
the unity of the Spirit through the bond of peace. 4 There is one body
and one Spirit, just as you were called to one hope when you were
called; 5 one Lord, one faith, one baptism; 6 one God and Father of all,
who is over all and through all and in all." </i>Ephesians 4:1-4 <br />
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Brendahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18318220701159703104noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5060059491569639789.post-17608801060393660532016-01-19T05:13:00.000-08:002016-01-26T03:59:13.619-08:00The Light I held this love up to the light,<br />
to see what grips my heart so tight.<br />
<br />
What secret power lies within,<br />
that softens hearts of callus men.<br />
<br />
I held this love up to the light,<br />
searching for the source so bright.<br />
<br />
Could this love just be my own,<br />
that reaches out to all unknown.<br />
<br />
I held this love up to the light,<br />
to understand with all my might.<br />
<br />
The answer came from up above,<br />
it was the 'Light' that was this love.<br />
<br />
By Preston Pittman<br />
<br />
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Brendahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18318220701159703104noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5060059491569639789.post-89224995646966377732016-01-18T05:27:00.000-08:002016-02-22T04:45:54.307-08:00Lord Give Me The StrengthLord give me the strength, <br />
To keep loving. <br />
Keep my heart open only to you. <br />
Help me shower all your love, <br />
Like the rain from above, <br />
Not be squandered away without you. <br />
<br />
Lord give me the strength, <br />
To keep caring. <br />
Keep my mouth open only for you. <br />
Help me spread only your word, <br />
To those who haven't heard, <br />
Not be carelessly spoken without you. <br />
<br />
Lord give me the strength, <br />
To be quiet. <br />
Keep my ears open only to you. <br />
Help me hear all of your word, <br />
So I can share what I heard, <br />
Not be loud and distracted without you. <br />
<br />
Lord give me the strength, <br />
To be humble. <br />
Keep my eyes open only to you. <br />
Help me to grow in your love, <br />
Shining from heaven above, <br />
Not be proud and self-centered without you. <br />
<br />
by~Brenda Dawson<br />
<br />
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<b>"I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me." Philippians 4:13</b>Brendahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18318220701159703104noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5060059491569639789.post-18922826443636488712016-01-16T04:27:00.000-08:002016-10-02T02:28:08.316-07:00Give LoveWithhold
not, His love,<br />
there's so much more from God above.<br />
To do so is
holding back His flood,<br />
and defeats the purpose of His Blood.<br />
Give and
give the love He gives,<br />
and show the world He LIVES!<br />
<br />
By: Preston
Pittman. "Give Love"<br />
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Brendahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18318220701159703104noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5060059491569639789.post-45458978521303481852016-01-15T06:32:00.000-08:002016-10-02T02:27:22.625-07:00Clang, Chang, Banga-GongClang,
Chang. Banga-Gong,<br />
I tell you there is something wrong.<br />
Where's the
sound of love so dear,<br />
the sound God really wants to hear.<br />
<br />
Clang,
Chang, Banga-Gong,<br />
the sound of words made all day long.<br />
For if we
speak in tongues of men,<br />
and have not love, what is it then.<br />
<br />
Clang,
Chang. Banga-Gong,<br />
somethings simply truly wrong.<br />
Without the devotion
for what God longs,<br />
we are clanging cymbols and noisy gongs.<br />
<br />
Clang, Chang, Banga-Gong! By: Preston Pittman ♥<br />
<br />
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Brendahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18318220701159703104noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5060059491569639789.post-42959344006018063642016-01-14T08:36:00.000-08:002020-02-11T04:36:50.150-08:00Unrush Me<div style="text-align: left;">
<span style="font-size: medium;">Slow my feet, Lord,</span></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<span style="font-size: medium;">I want to walk in your ways.</span></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<span style="font-size: medium;">Establish my stride</span></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<span style="font-size: medium;">to the tempo of praise.</span></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<span style="font-size: medium;">Slow my lips, Lord,</span></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<span style="font-size: medium;">I want to speak life.</span></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<span style="font-size: medium;">May my words spur love, </span></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<span style="font-size: medium;">instead of anger and strife.</span></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<span style="font-size: medium;">Slow my hands, Lord, </span></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<span style="font-size: medium;">I want to embrace</span></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<span style="font-size: medium;">the everyday miracles</span></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<span style="font-size: medium;">wrapped in your grace.</span></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: medium;">Slow my eyes, Lord,</span></span></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<span style="font-size: medium;">I want to glimpse what you see</span></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<span style="font-size: medium;">when you gaze through the lens</span></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<span style="font-size: medium;">of eternity.</span></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<span style="font-size: medium;">Slow my soul, Lord,</span></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<span style="font-size: medium;">I want life to the brim.</span></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<span style="font-size: medium;">Invade my heart</span></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<span style="font-size: medium;">And settle right in.</span></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<span style="font-size: medium;">Slow my mind, Lord,</span></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<span style="font-size: medium;">I want to ponder your truths.</span></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<span style="font-size: medium;">Make Christ my best thought</span></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<span style="font-size: medium;">and your Spirit my muse.</span></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<span style="font-size: medium;">Unrush me, Lord,</span></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<span style="font-size: medium;">set me free from the flurry.</span></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<span style="font-size: medium;">Fix what’s been broken</span></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<span style="font-size: medium;">by my hustle and hurry.</span></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<span style="font-size: medium;">Unrush me, Lord,</span></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<span style="font-size: medium;">So when my short life is through,</span></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<span style="font-size: medium;">the footsteps I leave</span></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<span style="font-size: medium;">will point straight to you.</span> </div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<br />
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Brendahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18318220701159703104noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5060059491569639789.post-29563647136603891412016-01-01T05:41:00.000-08:002016-02-27T03:12:45.422-08:00Prayer for a New Year<div style="margin-top: 0; padding-top: 10px;">
Heavenly Father,<br />
<br />
There are many uncertainties in our world but what matters most will never change. <i><br />"Jesus Christ is the same yesterday and today and forever". Hebrews 13:8</i></div>
<div style="margin-top: 10px;">
We believe You are with us, for us, and surrounding us with Your love. <br />
<i>"So do not fear, for I am with you... I will strengthen you and help you." Isaiah 41:10</i></div>
<div style="margin-top: 10px;">
No matter what happens, You will guide us and fulfill Your purposes for us. <i><br />"He who began a good work in you will carry it on to completion until the day of Christ Jesus". Philippians 1:6</i></div>
<div style="margin-top: 10px;">
Even in hard times we can be confident that we will have victory through you. <i><br />"In all these things we are more than conquerors through Him who loved us". Romans 8:37</i></div>
<div style="margin-top: 10px;">
We trust you will take care of us and bless us in more ways than we can imagine.<br />
<i>God will meet all your needs according to the riches of His glory in Christ Jesus. Philippians 4:19</i></div>
<div style="margin-top: 10px;">
We give each moment and every day to You. Most of all, we give ourselves too.<br />
<i>"Your Kingdom come, Your will be done, on earth as it is in heaven." Matthew 5:10</i><br />
We ask all these things in the name of your son, Jesus the Christ. Amen<br />
</div>
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Brendahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18318220701159703104noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5060059491569639789.post-81184582232719474322015-07-06T12:09:00.000-07:002015-07-08T02:08:11.960-07:00Seed Of FaithLike a germ, doubt attacks the seed...<br />
layer upon layer it tries to
feed.<br />
Already small it seemed for loss,<br />
but this seed was rooted in the
cross.<br />
<br />
The more of the seed doubt tried to dine,<br />
the stronger the seed
grew into the Vine.<br />
Faith grew from a seed not of mine,<br />
but a seed
belonging to One Divine.<br />
<br />
Seed Of Faith! By: Preston Pittman ♥<br />
<br />
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Brendahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18318220701159703104noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5060059491569639789.post-37738061209865542622015-07-04T10:37:00.000-07:002016-02-27T03:18:03.172-08:00Independence Day<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
Millions of Americans will be celebrating the 4th of July holiday
today. Sometimes it is easy to get caught up in the fireworks, parades,
barbecues, carnivals, fairs, picnics, concerts, baseball games, and
family reunions. I wonder how many don't even realize it really is
Independence Day. A remembrance of the day we declared our independence
from Great Britain. It represents our freedom as a nation. This freedom
was bought with the sweat, toil and blood of countless Americans who
initially fought to obtain it in the Revolutionary War, as well as those
who have fought to secure it over the past 2 1/2 centuries. <br />
<br />
As
an American I am grateful for my freedom, but I shall be eternally
grateful for my freedom in Christ. The freedom bought with the sweat,
toil, and blood of Jesus Christ. Jesus' life, ministry, torture and
death were planned before the creation of the world in order to redeem
the hearts of mankind and demonstrate God's love for us. God in the
person of Jesus Christ identified so closely with every human being who
had ever lived or who ever would live that all of our pains, sicknesses,
failures, sorrows, lies, rebellions, transgressions, hatreds and
murders...all the brokenness of humanity...became Jesus'. <br />
<br />
"...
Jesus said, "If you hold to my teaching, you are really my disciples.
Then you will know the truth, and the truth will set you free." John
8:31-32. This truth brings us the ultimate freedom...freedom from sin
and death. Freedom from the bondages of our flesh and the oppression of
the devil. "It is for freedom that Christ has set us free. Stand firm,
then, and do not let yourselves be burdened again by a yoke of slavery"
Galatians 5:1.<br />
<br />
On this Independence Day, I am going to
declare my freedom! My freedom from sin and death! I Declare my
"Dependence" on The Lord, Jesus Christ. I Declare...<br />
<br />
I
am God’s child - for I am born again of the incorruptible seed of the
Word of God, which lives and abides forever (I Peter 1:23) <br />
I am God’s workmanship, created in Christ unto good works (Ephesians 2:10) <br />
I am His elect, full of mercy, kindness, humility, and long suffering (Romans 8:33; Colossians 3:12) <br />
I am a believer, and the light of the Gospel shines in my mind (II Corinthians 4:4) <br />
I am a doer of the Word and blessed in my actions (James 1:22,25) <br />
I am a joint-heir with Christ (Romans 8:17) <br />
I am a new creature in Christ (II Corinthians 5:17) <br />
I am a partaker of His divine nature (II Peter 1:3,4) <br />
I am a spirit being - alive to God (I Thessalonians 5:23; Romans 6:11) <br />
I am a tither, so I have the right to heavenly windows open and poured-out blessings! (Malachi 5:10) <br />
I am alive with Christ (Ephesians 2:5) <br />
I am an ambassador for Christ (II Corinthians 5:20) <br />
I am an overcomer by the blood of the Lamb and the word of my testimony (Revelation 12:11) <br />
I am born of God, and the evil one does not touch me (I John 5:18) <br />
I am called of God to be the voice of His praise (II Timothy 1:9; Psalm 66:8) <br />
I am complete in Him Who is the Head of all principality and power (Colossians 2:10) <br />
I am delivered from the power of darkness and translated into God’s kingdom (Colossians 1:13) <br />
I am far from oppression, and fear does not come near me (Isaiah 54:14) <br />
I am firmly rooted, built up, established in my faith and overflowing with gratitude (Colossians 2:7) <br />
I am forgiven of all my sins and washed in the Blood (Ephesians 1:7) <br />
I am free from the law of sin and death (Romans 8:2) <br />
I am greatly loved by God (Colossians 3:12; Romans 1:7; I Thessalonians 1:4; Ephesians 2:4) <br />
I am healed by the stripes of Jesus (I Peter 2:24; Isaiah 53:5) <br />
I am holy and without blame before Him in love (I Peter 1:16; Ephesians 1:4) <br />
I am more than a conqueror through Him Who loves me (Romans 8:37) <br />
I am part of a chosen generation, a royal priesthood, a holy nation, a purchased people (I Peter 2:9) <br />
I am raised up with Christ and seated in heavenly places (Colossians 2:12; Ephesians 2:6) <br />
I am redeemed from the curse of sin, sickness, and poverty (Galatians 3:13; Deuteronomy 28:15-68) <br />
I am strengthened with all might according to His glorious power (Colossians 1:11) <br />
I am submitted to God, and the devil flees from me because I resist him in the Name of Jesus (James 4:7) <br />
I am the head and not the tail; I am above only and not beneath (Deuteronomy 28:13) <br />
I am the light of the world (Matthew 5:14) <br />
I am the righteousness of God in Jesus Christ (II Corinthians 5:21) <br />
I am the temple of the Holy Spirit; I am not my own (I Corinthians 6:19) <br />
<br />
This is real freedom...freedom in Christ!<br />
<br />
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Brendahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18318220701159703104noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5060059491569639789.post-7554526798674512112015-07-04T07:55:00.000-07:002016-02-27T03:21:26.199-08:00Ready for Battle I thought that I was ready,<br />
I went marching off to war.<br />
<br />
To challenge the mighty serpent,<br />
It was time to even the score.<br />
<br />
I thought that I could conquer,<br />
the might of the evil one.<br />
<br />
But, my power wasn't strong enough,<br />
I called out for the CHOSEN one.<br />
<br />
Then I heard the trumpets calling,<br />
The KING of kings is here.<br />
<br />
His left hand held a scepter, the right a mighty sword.<br />
He came in all his glory, to take away my fear.<br />
<br />
He said "it's time for battle,"<br />
Your strength is in the sword.<br />
<br />
Just ask and you'll receive it,<br />
Put on the whole armor of the Lord.<br />
<br />
For those with ears to hear Him,<br />
Let them call upon His name.<br />
<br />
He'll give you strength and power,<br />
And take away your fear and shame.<br />
<br />
Are you ready for the battle,<br />
To go marching off to war?<br />
<br />
We'll challenge the mighty serpent,<br />
With the power to even the score.<br />
<br />
by~Brenda Dawson<br />
<br />
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Brendahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18318220701159703104noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5060059491569639789.post-41253455029137109952015-07-01T04:33:00.000-07:002016-02-25T05:58:37.116-08:00The Sandals Jesus Wore<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
Who made the sandals Jesus wore...<br />
did they slip on off to see Him ever
more?<br />
When they made-em was it He that they adore...<br />
did they know it
was for them His stripes He bore?<br />
<br />
Who made the sandals Jesus wore...<br />
had
He waited for-em right outside the door?<br />
Where He was going He'd not
wear-em anymore...<br />
for their sins He went to settle one last score.<br />
<br />
As
they pulled the strands of leather to secure,<br />
could they feel the tug at
heart from His implore.<br />
made the sandals Jesus wore...<br />
did they
slip on off to see Him ever more?<br />
<br />
By: Preston PittmanBrendahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18318220701159703104noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5060059491569639789.post-71995490821595567012015-06-12T04:39:00.000-07:002015-07-11T04:41:50.560-07:00Eternal Sentence<div class="GEE3RVNDOAB with">
A
prisoner to a relationship I'll never leave.<br />
Slave to a new lifestyle I
could not conceive.<br />
Purchased by one of the most violent ways,<br />
Indebted now for the rest of my days.<br />
<br />
Confined in a body that's not my
own.<br />
Little by little being turned into a clone.<br />
But do not feel any
pity for me,<br />
a prisoner of Christ I've never felt this free.<br />
<br />
By:
Preston Pittman "Eternal Sentence"</div>
<div class="GEE3RVNDOAB with">
<br /></div>
Brendahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18318220701159703104noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5060059491569639789.post-64883393302885964802015-05-01T04:38:00.000-07:002015-07-11T04:39:31.262-07:00New Life<div class="GEE3RVNDOAB with">
You
give more than I can give, </div>
<div class="GEE3RVNDOAB with">
no matter how hard I try. </div>
<div class="GEE3RVNDOAB with">
Your Word is
like a sieve, </div>
<div class="GEE3RVNDOAB with">
straining out that which is a lie. </div>
<div class="GEE3RVNDOAB with">
</div>
<div class="GEE3RVNDOAB with">
My body now... I will
outlive,</div>
<div class="GEE3RVNDOAB with">
and with joy it makes me cry. </div>
<div class="GEE3RVNDOAB with">
You've changed the way I live, </div>
<div class="GEE3RVNDOAB with">
and what happens when I die. </div>
<div class="GEE3RVNDOAB with">
</div>
<div class="GEE3RVNDOAB with">
By: Preston Pittman "New Life" </div>
<div class="GEE3RVNDOAB with">
</div>
Brendahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18318220701159703104noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5060059491569639789.post-3091207128449739242015-04-03T04:28:00.000-07:002015-07-11T04:32:17.217-07:00Carrier's Prayer<div class="GEE3RVNDOAB with">
Father,
help me to carry more of Your burden,<br />
for more of the people I know
are hurt-en.<br />
Give me the strength to show how I care,<br />
and wisdom to
understand what it is I bare.<br />
Show me Your will to know how to pray,<br />
and lead me to another who needs You today!<br />
<br />
By: Preston Pittman
"Carrier's Prayer" I love you.</div>
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Brendahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18318220701159703104noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5060059491569639789.post-2982537311849953502015-03-27T04:00:00.000-07:002016-03-30T06:07:29.471-07:00Happy EasterEaster is a highly celebrated occasion all around the world. Sometimes it is easy to get caught up in the secular trappings of bunnies, candies, and new dresses. Even traditional church attendance can be void of the very essence of what we are celebrating. Easter is the sacred celebration of Christ's resurrection from the dead. For the Christian, It is truly something to be happy about, it was the greatest expression of love in all of eternity. "For God so loved the world that he gave His one and only son." Jesus Christ is God fitted into human flesh to demonstrate God's love for us.<br />
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When the soldiers taking Jesus' body down from the cross stabbed him with a spear point, "blood and water came out". That rush of fluids revealed what may have been the actual final cause of death for Jesus...a burst aorta. Jesus died of a broken heart. The breaking of Jesus' heart was what "finished" Jesus' sacrifice. On Easter morning the great surprise is that sacrifice was not the end of Jesus' mission. Out of Jesus' broken heart there emerged a new heart, a resurrected heart, an unbreakable, unstoppable heart. A heart overflowing with love beyond our understanding.<br />
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Jesus' life, ministry, torture and death were planned before the creation of the world in order to redeem the hearts of mankind and demonstrate God's love for us. God in the person of Jesus Christ identified so closely with every human being who had ever lived or who ever would live that all of our pains, sicknesses, failures, sorrows, lies, rebellions, transgressions, hatreds and murders...all the brokenness of humanity...became Jesus' while He hung upon that Roman cross outside of Jerusalem. <br />
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So when you think about resurrection from now on, don't just think about the death, burial, and resurrection of Jesus Christ as historical facts that make your Christian faith possible. Please believe that the same God that raised Christ from the dead has not only raised you up from the death of separation from God, but this same power gave you a new heart and will live in you for all eternity.Brendahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18318220701159703104noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5060059491569639789.post-11002863706154694172015-03-27T00:30:00.000-07:002016-10-02T02:23:05.625-07:00The Wardrobe of Easter: ForgivenessForgiving: it’s a challenging practice—perhaps no other command of Jesus is more difficult to obey. And it’s so counter-intuitive. Why give anyone a fresh start after he’s hurt you deeply? Why not just retaliate by knocking his block off? <br />
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In recent weeks we have been highlighting the resurrection virtues which St. Paul commends as appropriate daily attire for those who have been raised with Jesus Christ. Taken together, these practices make up, as it were, the Christian community’s entire “wardrobe of Easter.”<br />
In this week’s column we consider the Christ-like practice of forgiving others who have wronged us. It’s a challenging practice—perhaps no other command of Jesus is more difficult to obey. And it’s so counter-intuitive. Why give anyone a fresh start after he’s hurt you deeply? Why not just retaliate by knocking his block off?<br />
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<b>Forgiving is required</b><br />
The act of forgiving involves letting the other person go free when she or he doesn’t deserve it. Note that the Gospel of Jesus never calls one to do an end-run around justice when forgiving another. The Christian ethic calls for forgiveness to pass <i>through</i> justice and to go <i>beyond</i> it. That same Gospel does require Jesus’ followers to set their hearts toward not holding a grudge against another, not harboring ill-will, not desiring anything other—or less—than God’s best for the other.<br />
So let’s be clear unequivocally clear: Jesus does require his followers to forgive their wrongdoers. When one of his disciples, Peter, asked Jesus about the proper limits of forgiving in the new kingdom—should we perhaps forgive up to more than twice as often as the standard three times recommended by the Jewish rabbis?—Jesus was adamantly and outrageously generous.<br />
His reply: “I tell you, not seven times, but 77 times.” (Matthew 18.22). In other words: Don’t even think about how often to forgive. Forgive others always, and without limit.<br />
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<b>No exceptions</b><br />
Nor does Jesus allow any wiggle room about who’s worth forgiving and who’s not. He doesn’t wade into the murkiness of when and under what circumstances it’s warranted to forgive or not forgive.<br />
He didn’t say, for example: “Usually it’s your moral duty—and prudent, too—to forgive. But not always. Some wrongs are so great and the hurts they cause so grievous that forgiveness isn’t called for. So weigh carefully when to forgive and when to revenge.”<br />
Jesus simply said in Matthew 6:15: “For if you forgive others when they sin against you, your Heavenly Father will also forgive you. But if you do not forgive others their sins, your Heavenly Father will not forgive your sins.”<br />
Period. No exceptions allowed. No extenuating circumstances considered.<br />
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<b>Three reasons to forgive</b><br />
Why would Jesus call us to do something as preposterous as to forgive another, the very opposite of what we feel like doing when we’ve been wronged and hurt badly? Why does he ask us—no, <i>commands </i>us—to let go of tightly held grudges, to, in mercy, turn toward others rather than away from them? The Gospel suggests at least three reasons. She who forgives:<br />
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1. Imitates God. Find a person—or even a community of persons—who has flushed away the last, foul-smelling trace of animosity and ill-will from their heart, and you’ll see one who looks a lot like Jesus. For Jesus, while enduring at the hands of enemies a brutality and aggression he didn’t deserve, prayed: “Father, forgive them.” (Luke 23.34) That person looks a lot like the Father of Jesus Christ, too, who, when humanity rebelled against him, resolutely chose still to call them his children, to show them his mercy, to continue to lavish his goodness upon them. (cf. Ephesians 1.7)<br />
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2. Shows Christ-like care for others.When the act of forgiving takes place in human relationships, remembered hurts, though perhaps not forgotten, are treated as not counting any more. Thus, when a follower of Jesus, as the Lord himself did, determines to forgive another who has done him wrong, that act creates space for fellowship between the two to sprout and blossom again. It gives the wrongdoer a gift he doesn’t justly deserve.<br />
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3. Frees herself.Three options—three only—are open to us when another has hurt us: a. To hurt back, but harder. It’ll be our contribution to escalating the tension and lengthening the distance between us. b. To give the other the dreaded “silent treatment.” It’ll become like a beach ball shoved under the waters of our own heart. Eventually it’ll pop to the surface again and always with disastrous consequences. c. To forgive the other. It’s the only route open to ridding ourselves of the ravenous anger and hate that otherwise keeps gnawing us from within and eventually devours us.<br />
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<b>Rehearsing in the sanctuary</b><br />
Our heart’s natural inclination being otherwise, again and again we need to hear our Lord’s call to forgive and then to set our heart’s intention toward doing so. Our Lord rehearses us in this life-giving pattern and drill every Sunday morning “in the sanctuary.” There we plead for him to forgive us, and there, in turn, we make our pledge to forgive others.<br />
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There, too, amid the thronging worshippers, we sing:<br />
<i>“Breathe on me, Breath of God. Fill me with life anew,<br />That I may love the way you love, and do what you would do.”</i><br />
To obey Christ’s call to forgive is not easy. It’s nothing short of a miracle when a follower of Jesus does in fact forgive a fellow human being. But, with God’s Spirit to empower us and the Christian community to encourage us, we can forgive. And when the miracle does happen, it’s a wonder to behold.<br />
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<b>Theological Reflection</b><br />
<i>“Let us go to Calvary to learn how we may be forgiven. Let us linger there to learn how to forgive.” (Charles Spurgeon)</i><br />
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<b>Hymn: Breathe on Me, Breath of God</b><br />
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Breathe on me, Breath of God,<br />
fill me with life anew,<br />
that I may love the way you love,<br />
and do what you would do.</div>
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Breathe on me, Breath of God,<br />
until my heart is pure,<br />
until my will is one with yours,<br />
to do and to endure.</div>
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Breathe on me, Breath of God,<br />
so shall I never die,<br />
but live with you the perfect life<br />
for all eternity.</div>
By: Dale Cooper<br />
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Brendahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18318220701159703104noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5060059491569639789.post-44780558128036026592015-03-13T04:22:00.000-07:002015-07-11T04:31:50.576-07:00PreciousPrecious,
those to whom the name assigned,<br />
at His table, His Precious will so be
dined.<br />
From His body they'll delight in The Bread Of Life,<br />
and toast,
His blood, Bridegroom and Precious wife.<br />
Forever together because He
is so gracious,<br />
to clothe in His love, those He calls Precious.<br />
By:
Preston Pittman "Precious" <br />
<br />Brendahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18318220701159703104noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5060059491569639789.post-84470049096410422912015-03-06T04:18:00.000-08:002015-07-11T04:21:23.267-07:00The Day You MarryI know my heart will sing like a canary,<br />
the
day, I mean... when you should marry.<br />
Of course you'll be the beautiful
fairy,<br />
adorned with blooms of plumeria and cherry.<br />
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Even to be there
serving wedding cake and berry,<br />
and watch your face filled with such
merry.<br />
Though now in my heart a thought contrary,<br />
that I'd be before
you, the day you marry.<br />
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By: Preston Pittman "The Day You Marry" <br />
<br />Brendahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18318220701159703104noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5060059491569639789.post-81996412153761660532015-02-27T09:48:00.000-08:002015-03-01T09:58:02.514-08:00The Word Of God Like a billboard God's Word stood as a gift, <br />
calling out to my soul from across a great rift. <br />
Turn from your way and receive now, My Son, <br />
come that salvation from death will be done. <br />
On the other side His Word speaks to the saved, <br />
teaching in all of the ways Christ behaved. <br />
Like a billboard His Word so many pass by, <br />
"Listen to My Words", I can hear Him still cry. <br />
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By: Preston Pittman "The Word Of God" <br />
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"So in Christ Jesus you are all children of God through faith, for all of you who were baptized into Christ have clothed yourselves with Christ." Galatians 3:26-27, NIV<br />
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Dear Father in heaven, we may come to you, for you have counted us as your children. Our hearts long to come to you, our God and Savior. May Your Word bless us and restore us. Give us courageous hearts to bear the distress of our times. Let a light arise in our days so that people care about Your will. Then the need on earth shall come to an end, Your name shall be honored, and Your will be done. Lord God, You alone are our help. Be merciful to us. Stretch out Your hand so that all people may turn to You and to Your commandments, and Your will may be done on earth. Amen</div>
Brendahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18318220701159703104noreply@blogger.com0