tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-52816426088058431582024-02-18T21:50:15.448-05:00Coffee BreakTake a break, read a blog and know that you are not alone. We are in this together.Jennifer M Krousehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02305623526919039804noreply@blogger.comBlogger366125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5281642608805843158.post-11381697688295247732019-03-08T14:24:00.000-05:002019-03-11T10:12:29.161-04:00Discipline In Discipleship<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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Accepting Jesus Christ as Savior is easy. We learn at a young age that Jesus is knocking at our hearts and is asking to enter in. We sing songs of God's love. We so very quickly accept God's forgiveness when we sin. We can justify our actions through Jesus loving us as we are.<br />
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Following Jesus as Master and Teacher is hard. Again, we learn at a young age that the world is a cold, cruel place. We view hatred on TV and social media. To forgive when we have been wronged is almost impossible. To put another person's needs before ours is practically unheard of. To understand someone else's actions takes too much effort.<br />
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Jesus never said being a follower would be easy. As a matter of fact, he said that it would be a narrow road that few would be able to travel.<br />
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<blockquote class="tr_bq">
<b><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">"S<span style="background-color: white; font-size: 16px;">o in everything, do to others what you would have them do to you,</span><span class="crossreference" data-cr="#cen-NIV-23329A" data-link="(<a href="#cen-NIV-23329A" title="See cross-reference A">A</a>)" style="background-color: white; box-sizing: border-box; font-size: 0.625em; line-height: 22px; position: relative; top: 0px; vertical-align: top;"></span><span style="background-color: white; font-size: 16px;"> </span><span style="background-color: white; font-size: 16px;">for this sums up the Law and the Prophets. </span><span class="text Matt-7-13" style="-webkit-font-smoothing: antialiased; box-sizing: border-box; font-size: 16px;">“Enter through the narrow gate.<span class="crossreference" data-cr="#cen-NIV-23330C" data-link="(<a href="#cen-NIV-23330C" title="See cross-reference C">C</a>)" style="box-sizing: border-box; font-size: 0.625em; line-height: 22px; position: relative; top: 0px; vertical-align: top;"></span> For wide is the gate and broad is the road that leads to destruction, and many enter through it.</span><span class="text Matt-7-14" id="en-NIV-23331" style="-webkit-font-smoothing: antialiased; box-sizing: border-box; font-size: 16px;"><span class="versenum" style="box-sizing: border-box; font-size: 12px; line-height: 22px; position: relative; top: 0px; vertical-align: top;"> </span>But small is the gate and narrow the road that leads to life, and only a few find it." Matthew 7:12 -14</span></span></b></blockquote>
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Jesus also taught his disciples that following him would be difficult.<br />
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<blockquote class="tr_bq">
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><b><span class="text Matt-16-24" id="en-NIV-23697" style="-webkit-font-smoothing: antialiased; background-color: white; box-sizing: border-box; font-size: 16px;">"Jesus said to his disciples, <span class="woj" style="-webkit-font-smoothing: antialiased; box-sizing: border-box;">“Whoever wants to be my disciple must deny themselves and take up their cross and follow me.<span class="crossreference" data-cr="#cen-NIV-23697A" data-link="(<a href="#cen-NIV-23697A" title="See cross-reference A">A</a>)" style="box-sizing: border-box; font-size: 0.625em; line-height: 22px; position: relative; top: 0px; vertical-align: top;"></span></span></span><span style="background-color: white; font-size: 16px;"> </span><span class="text Matt-16-25" id="en-NIV-23698" style="-webkit-font-smoothing: antialiased; background-color: white; box-sizing: border-box;"><span class="woj" style="-webkit-font-smoothing: antialiased; box-sizing: border-box;">For whoever wants to save their life<span style="font-size: 10px;"> </span>will lose it, but whoever loses their life for me will find it." Matthew 16:24-25</span></span></b></span></blockquote>
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So what does it look like to pick up our cross and walk down the narrow road? Yes that is the image I have in my mind when I think about following Christ. It means to remove those things in life that are harmful to our walk with Christ. That may look different for you than it is for me. But the truth is, the enemy uses our weaknesses to diminish our discipline in our discipleship to Christ. What we need to do is strengthen ourselves and be aware when we are straying from the narrow path that Christ has called us to walk.<br />
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1. Pray daily. I know you have heard this a thousand times or more, but this is the cornerstone, the foundation of our discipleship. Communication is key.<br />
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2. Read daily. When we read God's Word we begin to digest and internalize it. When we read God's Word for ourself, it becomes personal, as God's Holy Spirit will begin to connect with our spirit.<br />
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3. Ask questions. Do not be afraid to ask God the "hard questions". After all, He is the one with all the answers. He tells us that we do not know, because we do not ask (Proverbs 14:6, Matthew 7:7)<br />
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To follow Christ and his teachings takes discipline. It is a simple truth. Discipline is hard. That is why so many fail. As Christians, we cannot be content with just "being saved". If you are comfortable with just drinking the milk of the truth of God, then ask yourself why are you even calling yourself a Christian?<br />
<blockquote class="tr_bq" style="-webkit-font-smoothing: antialiased; background-color: white; box-sizing: border-box; line-height: 24px; margin-bottom: 10px;">
<b><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><span class="text Heb-5-12" id="en-NIV-30043" style="-webkit-font-smoothing: antialiased; box-sizing: border-box;"><span style="font-size: 12px;">"</span>In fact, though by this time you ought to be teachers, you need someone to teach you the elementary truths<span class="crossreference" data-cr="#cen-NIV-30043A" data-link="(<a href="#cen-NIV-30043A" title="See cross-reference A">A</a>)" style="box-sizing: border-box; font-size: 0.625em; font-size: 0.625em; line-height: 22px; position: relative; top: 0px; vertical-align: top;"></span> of God’s word all over again. You need milk, not solid food!<span class="crossreference" data-cr="#cen-NIV-30043B" data-link="(<a href="#cen-NIV-30043B" title="See cross-reference B">B</a>)" style="box-sizing: border-box; font-size: 0.625em; font-size: 0.625em; line-height: 22px; position: relative; top: 0px; vertical-align: top;"></span></span> <span class="text Heb-5-13" id="en-NIV-30044" style="-webkit-font-smoothing: antialiased; box-sizing: border-box; font-size: 16px;">Anyone who lives on milk, being still an infant,<span class="crossreference" data-cr="#cen-NIV-30044C" data-link="(<a href="#cen-NIV-30044C" title="See cross-reference C">C</a>)" style="box-sizing: border-box; font-size: 0.625em; line-height: 22px; position: relative; top: 0px; vertical-align: top;"></span> is not acquainted with the teaching about righteousness.</span><span class="text Heb-5-13" style="-webkit-font-smoothing: antialiased; box-sizing: border-box;"> </span><span class="text Heb-5-14" id="en-NIV-30045" style="-webkit-font-smoothing: antialiased; box-sizing: border-box; font-size: 16px;">But solid food is for the mature,<span class="crossreference" data-cr="#cen-NIV-30045D" data-link="(<a href="#cen-NIV-30045D" title="See cross-reference D">D</a>)" style="box-sizing: border-box; font-size: 0.625em; font-size: 0.625em; line-height: 22px; position: relative; top: 0px; vertical-align: top;"></span> who by constant use have trained themselves to distinguish good from evil." -Hebrews 5:12-14</span></span></b></blockquote>
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To strengthen discipline, get around those who are strong in discipline. Find a community of believers who can help you to move pass the milk stage and people feeding you to eating the meat and you feeding yourself. At that point you will be able to begin to feed others, help them grow and become mature Christians. That is what we are called to do. Follow Christ, Take up our Cross and Teach Others.<br />
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~Peace & Blessings~<br />
JenJennifer M Krousehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02305623526919039804noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5281642608805843158.post-64778288954262967342018-05-29T23:05:00.000-04:002018-05-29T23:05:39.337-04:00Quick, Slow, SlowI have always been quick with an answer. Even when I don't know the answer, I am ready to say, "I don't know." For the past few years I have been working on being slower to answer. To think about what the other person is asking or saying. It is not easy. What is easy is to have an opinion already formed, an answer prepared or an argument in my back pocket just ready to be used.<br />
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God's Word says otherwise. James 1:19-20 says, <span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;"><i style="font-weight: bold;">"</i><span style="background-color: white; font-size: 16px; font-style: italic; font-weight: bold;">Know this, my beloved brothers: let every person </span><i style="font-weight: bold;"><span class="crossreference" data-cr="#cen-ESV-30269B" data-link="(<a href="#cen-ESV-30269B" title="See cross-reference B">B</a>)" style="background-color: white; box-sizing: border-box; font-size: 0.625em; font-size: 0.625em; line-height: 22px; position: relative; top: 0px; vertical-align: top;"></span></i><span style="background-color: white; font-size: 16px; font-style: italic; font-weight: bold;">be quick to hear, </span><i style="font-weight: bold;"><span class="crossreference" data-cr="#cen-ESV-30269C" data-link="(<a href="#cen-ESV-30269C" title="See cross-reference C">C</a>)" style="background-color: white; box-sizing: border-box; font-size: 0.625em; font-size: 0.625em; line-height: 22px; position: relative; top: 0px; vertical-align: top;"></span></i><span style="background-color: white; font-size: 16px; font-style: italic; font-weight: bold;">slow to speak, </span><i style="font-weight: bold;"><span class="crossreference" data-cr="#cen-ESV-30269D" data-link="(<a href="#cen-ESV-30269D" title="See cross-reference D">D</a>)" style="background-color: white; box-sizing: border-box; font-size: 0.625em; font-size: 0.625em; line-height: 22px; position: relative; top: 0px; vertical-align: top;"></span></i><span style="background-color: white; font-size: 16px; font-style: italic; font-weight: bold;">slow to anger; </span><span style="background-color: white; font-size: 16px;"><i style="font-weight: bold;">for the anger of man does not produce the righteousness of God."</i> Hence the Quick, Slow, Slow. Be quick to hear. It is more than just hearing what another person is saying, it is about allowing your heart to process the words being said. Are they words of encouragement? Correction? To have a quick answer is not giving your head or your heart time to process. Be patient with someone who is listening to you. Give them time to process before answering. Here's where the slow comes in. Be slow to speak. God wants us to have relationship with one another. In order to have a real connection with someone we must first listen, then hear what they are saying. Give yourself time to wait for an answer. This is where I struggle. I want to respond, but if I respond too quickly, then I may offend or even miss completely what someone else is saying to me. So why the slow to anger? If the words that are being spoken are words of correction, out of love, then the words MUST be processed through the heart. So you can hear past the words and understand where the other person is coming from.</span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;"><span style="background-color: white; font-size: 16px;"><br /></span></span>
<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;"><span style="background-color: white; font-size: 16px;">When we are quick to answer or quick to anger we will miss God's Grace that He has for us. Matthew 18: 15-17 says, </span><span class="text Matt-18-15" style="-webkit-font-smoothing: antialiased; background-color: white; box-sizing: border-box; font-size: 16px; font-style: italic; font-weight: bold;"><span class="woj" style="-webkit-font-smoothing: antialiased; box-sizing: border-box;">“If your brother sins against you, <span class="crossreference" data-cr="#cen-ESV-23740B" data-link="(<a href="#cen-ESV-23740B" title="See cross-reference B">B</a>)" style="box-sizing: border-box; font-size: 0.625em; font-size: 0.625em; line-height: 22px; position: relative; top: 0px; vertical-align: top;"></span>go and tell him his fault, between you and him alone. If he listens to you, you have <span class="crossreference" data-cr="#cen-ESV-23740C" data-link="(<a href="#cen-ESV-23740C" title="See cross-reference C">C</a>)" style="box-sizing: border-box; font-size: 0.625em; font-size: 0.625em; line-height: 22px; position: relative; top: 0px; vertical-align: top;"></span>gained your brother.</span></span><span style="background-color: white; font-size: 16px; font-style: italic; font-weight: bold;"> </span><span class="text Matt-18-16" id="en-ESV-23741" style="-webkit-font-smoothing: antialiased; background-color: white; box-sizing: border-box; font-size: 16px; font-style: italic; font-weight: bold;"><span class="woj" style="-webkit-font-smoothing: antialiased; box-sizing: border-box;">But if he does not listen, take one or two others along with you, that every charge may be established <span class="crossreference" data-cr="#cen-ESV-23741D" data-link="(<a href="#cen-ESV-23741D" title="See cross-reference D">D</a>)" style="box-sizing: border-box; font-size: 0.625em; line-height: 22px; position: relative; top: 0px; vertical-align: top;"></span>by the evidence of two or three witnesses. </span></span><span class="text Matt-18-17" id="en-ESV-23742" style="-webkit-font-smoothing: antialiased; background-color: white; box-sizing: border-box; font-size: 16px;"><span class="woj" style="-webkit-font-smoothing: antialiased; box-sizing: border-box;"><i style="font-weight: bold;">If he refuses to listen to them, <span class="crossreference" data-cr="#cen-ESV-23742E" data-link="(<a href="#cen-ESV-23742E" title="See cross-reference E">E</a>)" style="box-sizing: border-box; font-size: 0.625em; font-size: 0.625em; line-height: 22px; position: relative; top: 0px; vertical-align: top;"></span>tell it to the church. And if he refuses to listen even to the church, <span class="crossreference" data-cr="#cen-ESV-23742F" data-link="(<a href="#cen-ESV-23742F" title="See cross-reference F">F</a>)" style="box-sizing: border-box; font-size: 0.625em; font-size: 0.625em; line-height: 22px; position: relative; top: 0px; vertical-align: top;"></span>let him be to you as <span class="crossreference" data-cr="#cen-ESV-23742G" data-link="(<a href="#cen-ESV-23742G" title="See cross-reference G">G</a>)" style="box-sizing: border-box; font-size: 0.625em; font-size: 0.625em; line-height: 22px; position: relative; top: 0px; vertical-align: top;"></span>a Gentile and <span class="crossreference" data-cr="#cen-ESV-23742H" data-link="(<a href="#cen-ESV-23742H" title="See cross-reference H">H</a>)" style="box-sizing: border-box; font-size: 0.625em; font-size: 0.625em; line-height: 22px; position: relative; top: 0px; vertical-align: top;"></span>a tax collector."</i> No one likes correction, not even me. But if we are to be more like Christ we must be refined by God's Word. </span></span></span><br />
<span style="background-color: white; font-family: Times, "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: 16px;"><br /></span>
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<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;"><b><i><span style="background-color: white; font-size: 16px;">Zechariah 13:9, "</span><span style="background-color: white; font-size: 16px;">And</span><span style="background-color: white; font-size: 16px;"> </span><span class="crossreference" data-cr="#cen-ESV-23069A" data-link="(<a href="#cen-ESV-23069A" title="See cross-reference A">A</a>)" style="box-sizing: border-box; font-size: 0.625em; line-height: 22px; position: relative; top: 0px; vertical-align: top;"></span><span style="background-color: white; font-size: 16px;">I will put this third into the fire,</span></i></b></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;"><div style="text-align: center;">
<b><i><span class="indent-1" style="-webkit-font-smoothing: antialiased; background-color: white; box-sizing: border-box; font-size: 16px;"><span class="indent-1-breaks" style="-webkit-font-smoothing: antialiased; box-sizing: border-box; font-size: 0.42em; line-height: 0;"> </span><span class="text Zech-13-9" style="-webkit-font-smoothing: antialiased; box-sizing: border-box; position: relative;">and refine them as one refines silver,</span></span></i></b></div>
<b><div style="text-align: center;">
<b><i><span class="indent-1" style="-webkit-font-smoothing: antialiased; background-color: white; box-sizing: border-box; font-size: 16px;"><span class="indent-1-breaks" style="-webkit-font-smoothing: antialiased; box-sizing: border-box; font-size: 0.42em; line-height: 0;"> </span><span class="text Zech-13-9" style="-webkit-font-smoothing: antialiased; box-sizing: border-box; position: relative;">and test them as gold is tested.</span></span></i></b></div>
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<b><i><span class="text Zech-13-9" style="-webkit-font-smoothing: antialiased; background-color: white; box-sizing: border-box; font-size: 16px; position: relative;">They will call upon my name,</span></i></b></div>
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<b style="background-color: transparent;"><i><span class="indent-1" style="-webkit-font-smoothing: antialiased; box-sizing: border-box;"><span class="indent-1-breaks" style="-webkit-font-smoothing: antialiased; box-sizing: border-box; font-size: 0.42em; line-height: 0;"> </span><span class="text Zech-13-9" style="-webkit-font-smoothing: antialiased; box-sizing: border-box; position: relative;">and <span class="crossreference" data-cr="#cen-ESV-23069C" data-link="(<a href="#cen-ESV-23069C" title="See cross-reference C">C</a>)" style="box-sizing: border-box; font-size: 0.625em; line-height: 22px; position: relative; top: 0px; vertical-align: top;"></span>I will answer them.</span></span></i></b></div>
</span><span class="text Zech-13-9" style="-webkit-font-smoothing: antialiased; background-color: white; box-sizing: border-box; font-size: 16px; position: relative;"><div style="text-align: center;">
<b style="background-color: transparent;"><i><span class="text Zech-13-9" style="-webkit-font-smoothing: antialiased; box-sizing: border-box; position: relative;">I will say, ‘They are my people’;</span></i></b></div>
<span class="crossreference" data-cr="#cen-ESV-23069D" data-link="(<a href="#cen-ESV-23069D" title="See cross-reference D">D</a>)" style="box-sizing: border-box; font-size: 0.625em; line-height: 22px; position: relative; top: 0px; vertical-align: top;"><div style="text-align: center;">
<b style="background-color: transparent;"><i><span class="indent-1" style="-webkit-font-smoothing: antialiased; box-sizing: border-box; font-size: 16px;"><span class="indent-1-breaks" style="-webkit-font-smoothing: antialiased; box-sizing: border-box; font-size: 0.42em; line-height: 0;"> </span><span class="text Zech-13-9" style="-webkit-font-smoothing: antialiased; box-sizing: border-box; position: relative;">and they will say, ‘The <span class="small-caps" style="-webkit-font-smoothing: antialiased; box-sizing: border-box; font-variant-caps: small-caps; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal;">Lord</span> is my God.’”</span></span></i></b></div>
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<b style="background-color: transparent;"><i><span class="indent-1" style="-webkit-font-smoothing: antialiased; box-sizing: border-box; font-size: 16px;"><span class="text Zech-13-9" style="-webkit-font-smoothing: antialiased; box-sizing: border-box; position: relative;"><br /></span></span></i></b></div>
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</span></span></i></b></span>This has been a journey for me, to reverse the "fox-trot" from Slow, Quick, Quick to Quick, Slow, Slow. To be refined by God's Grace is a process, a marathon, not a sprint. Pray for God to reveal to you how you can be quick to listen and slow to answer.<br />
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~Peace & Blessings~<br />
JenJennifer M Krousehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02305623526919039804noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5281642608805843158.post-27464328683844201032018-03-14T16:49:00.000-04:002018-03-14T16:50:36.366-04:00All of UsLiving on the Eastern Shore is scenic, beautiful, and dangerous. Over the past couple of years I have had to evacuate my home twice because of the threat of a hurricane. The nice thing about hurricanes? You know they are coming. You can prepare and make a plan. Some storms you cannot see coming, like tornadoes (and yes we can get those too).<br />
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Life is a lot like where I live, it is beautiful and dangerous. When life is going the way we want it to, the way we expect it to, it is beautiful. When life is beautiful, we tend to not pay much attention to it, or even give thanks for the simplicity of the mundane. When storms hit, like tornadoes not hurricanes, we begin this crazy dance with tragedy and chaos. We call out to God for help when the storms in life turn us upside down and inside out.<br />
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God. Our refuge and strength. Is He our refuge and strength only during a storm?<br />
<blockquote class="tr_bq">
<b><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">Psalm 46:1 says, "<span style="background-color: white;">God </span><span style="background-color: white; box-sizing: border-box;">is</span><span style="background-color: white;"> </span><span style="background-color: white; box-sizing: border-box;">our</span><span style="background-color: white;"> refuge and </span><span style="background-color: white; box-sizing: border-box;">strength</span><span style="background-color: white;">, a very present </span><span style="background-color: white; box-sizing: border-box;">he</span><span style="background-color: white;">lp in trouble."</span></span></b></blockquote>
Many of us cling to the verse when we are hit with a major storm in our life. And, unfortunately, this is the only relationship we have with Him. God wants more. He desires to be in our lives and we in His, forever.<br />
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<blockquote class="tr_bq" style="background-color: white; box-sizing: border-box; line-height: 1.1; margin: 0px 0px 20px;">
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><b><span class="passage-display-bcv" style="-webkit-font-smoothing: antialiased; box-sizing: border-box; display: inline; margin: 0px; padding-right: 6px;">John 14:1-3,</span>“Let not your hearts be troubled. <span class="crossreference" data-cr="#cen-ESV-26658B" data-link="(<a href="#cen-ESV-26658B" title="See cross-reference B">B</a>)" style="box-sizing: border-box; line-height: 22px; position: relative; top: 0px; vertical-align: top;"></span>Believe in God; believe also in me. <span class="text John-14-2" id="en-ESV-26659" style="-webkit-font-smoothing: antialiased; box-sizing: border-box;">In <span class="crossreference" data-cr="#cen-ESV-26659C" data-link="(<a href="#cen-ESV-26659C" title="See cross-reference C">C</a>)" style="box-sizing: border-box; line-height: 22px; position: relative; top: 0px; vertical-align: top;"></span>my Father's house are many rooms. If it were not so, would I have told you that <span class="crossreference" data-cr="#cen-ESV-26659D" data-link="(<a href="#cen-ESV-26659D" title="See cross-reference D">D</a>)" style="box-sizing: border-box; line-height: 22px; position: relative; top: 0px; vertical-align: top;"></span>I go to prepare a place for you?</span><span class="text John-14-3" id="en-ESV-26660" style="-webkit-font-smoothing: antialiased; box-sizing: border-box;"><span class="versenum" style="box-sizing: border-box; line-height: 22px; position: relative; top: 0px; vertical-align: top;"> </span>And if I go and prepare a place for you, I will come again and will take you <span class="crossreference" data-cr="#cen-ESV-26660E" data-link="(<a href="#cen-ESV-26660E" title="See cross-reference E">E</a>)" style="box-sizing: border-box; line-height: 22px; position: relative; top: 0px; vertical-align: top;"></span>to myself, that <span class="crossreference" data-cr="#cen-ESV-26660F" data-link="(<a href="#cen-ESV-26660F" title="See cross-reference F">F</a>)" style="box-sizing: border-box; line-height: 22px; position: relative; top: 0px; vertical-align: top;"></span>where I am you may be also."</span></b></span></blockquote>
Choose today, to give God all of you, every part and every area of you. It may be scary, but the next time a storm hits, you will no longer be crying out for help, but standing on the firm foundation before, during and after the storm.<br />
<br />
~Peace & Blessings~<br />
JenJennifer M Krousehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02305623526919039804noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5281642608805843158.post-90404988483108586662017-03-30T09:03:00.000-04:002017-03-30T09:03:56.646-04:00Inside Outside<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">Why do we view sins as not so bad, bad, and really bad? I have been thinking a lot about this over the past week. Isn't sin, sin? Are we to judge as God judges?</span><br />
<blockquote class="tr_bq">
<b><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">God's word says; "All have sinned and fall short of the glory of God." -Romans 3:23</span></b></blockquote>
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">My sins, and they are many, are not better or worse than yours or your neighbors - or anyone else's for that matter. So who are we to pass judgement on another? Why spew contentment and hate when we know what another person's sin is? Isn't God's forgiveness and love for them just as much as it is for us? There is no "them" and "us" in the eyes of God so we need to stop dividing people up into these two categories.</span><br />
<blockquote class="tr_bq">
<b><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">"<span class="text 1John-4-7" style="-webkit-font-smoothing: antialiased; background-color: white; box-sizing: border-box; font-size: 16px;">Dear friends, let us love one another,<span class="crossreference" data-cr="#cen-NIV-30611P" data-link="(<a href="#cen-NIV-30611P" title="See cross-reference P">P</a>)" style="box-sizing: border-box; font-size: 0.625em; line-height: 22px; position: relative; top: 0px; vertical-align: top;"></span> for love comes from God. Everyone who loves has been born of God<span class="crossreference" data-cr="#cen-NIV-30611Q" data-link="(<a href="#cen-NIV-30611Q" title="See cross-reference Q">Q</a>)" style="box-sizing: border-box; font-size: 0.625em; line-height: 22px; position: relative; top: 0px; vertical-align: top;"></span> and knows God.<span class="crossreference" data-cr="#cen-NIV-30611R" data-link="(<a href="#cen-NIV-30611R" title="See cross-reference R">R</a>)" style="box-sizing: border-box; font-size: 0.625em; line-height: 22px; position: relative; top: 0px; vertical-align: top;"></span></span><span style="background-color: white; font-size: 16px;"> </span><span class="text 1John-4-8" id="en-NIV-30612" style="-webkit-font-smoothing: antialiased; background-color: white; box-sizing: border-box; font-size: 16px;">Whoever does not love does not know God, because God is love.</span><span class="text 1John-4-9" id="en-NIV-30613" style="-webkit-font-smoothing: antialiased; background-color: white; box-sizing: border-box; font-size: 16px;"><span class="versenum" style="box-sizing: border-box; font-size: 12px; line-height: 22px; position: relative; top: 0px; vertical-align: top;"> </span>This is how God showed his love among us: He sent his one and only Son<span class="crossreference" data-cr="#cen-NIV-30613T" data-link="(<a href="#cen-NIV-30613T" title="See cross-reference T">T</a>)" style="box-sizing: border-box; font-size: 0.625em; line-height: 22px; position: relative; top: 0px; vertical-align: top;"></span> into the world that we might live through him.<span class="crossreference" data-cr="#cen-NIV-30613U" data-link="(<a href="#cen-NIV-30613U" title="See cross-reference U">U</a>)" style="box-sizing: border-box; font-size: 0.625em; line-height: 22px; position: relative; top: 0px; vertical-align: top;"></span></span><span style="background-color: white; font-size: 16px;"> </span><span class="text 1John-4-10" id="en-NIV-30614" style="-webkit-font-smoothing: antialiased; background-color: white; box-sizing: border-box; font-size: 16px;"><span class="versenum" style="box-sizing: border-box; font-size: 12px; line-height: 22px; position: relative; top: 0px; vertical-align: top;"> </span>This is love: not that we loved God, but that he loved us<span class="crossreference" data-cr="#cen-NIV-30614V" data-link="(<a href="#cen-NIV-30614V" title="See cross-reference V">V</a>)" style="box-sizing: border-box; font-size: 0.625em; line-height: 22px; position: relative; top: 0px; vertical-align: top;"></span> and sent his Son as an atoning sacrifice for our sins.<span class="crossreference" data-cr="#cen-NIV-30614W" data-link="(<a href="#cen-NIV-30614W" title="See cross-reference W">W</a>)" style="box-sizing: border-box; font-size: 0.625em; line-height: 22px; position: relative; top: 0px; vertical-align: top;"></span></span><span style="background-color: white; font-size: 16px;"> </span><span class="text 1John-4-11" id="en-NIV-30615" style="-webkit-font-smoothing: antialiased; background-color: white; box-sizing: border-box; font-size: 16px;"><span class="versenum" style="box-sizing: border-box; font-size: 12px; line-height: 22px; position: relative; top: 0px; vertical-align: top;"> </span>Dear friends,<span class="crossreference" data-cr="#cen-NIV-30615X" data-link="(<a href="#cen-NIV-30615X" title="See cross-reference X">X</a>)" style="box-sizing: border-box; font-size: 0.625em; font-size: 0.625em; line-height: 22px; position: relative; top: 0px; vertical-align: top;"></span> since God so loved us,<span class="crossreference" data-cr="#cen-NIV-30615Y" data-link="(<a href="#cen-NIV-30615Y" title="See cross-reference Y">Y</a>)" style="box-sizing: border-box; font-size: 0.625em; font-size: 0.625em; line-height: 22px; position: relative; top: 0px; vertical-align: top;"></span> we also ought to love one another." -1 John 4:7-11</span></span></b></blockquote>
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">Judgement comes from knowing another's sin, wrong doing, wrong living, wrong...whatever you want to label it. It comes because we "See" their sin. Sins that are on the outside. It's so easy for any of us to label a person "not saved" or "unreachable" because we know what they are doing is wrong. And that my friends...is WRONG! I get it. When sin is on the outside it's easier to feel better about our own sins, but it's all sin!</span><br />
<blockquote class="tr_bq">
<b><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><span class="versenum" style="background-color: white; box-sizing: border-box; font-size: 12px; line-height: 22px; position: relative; top: 0px; vertical-align: top;"> "</span><span style="background-color: white; font-size: 16px;">All wrongdoing is sin,</span><span class="crossreference" data-cr="#cen-NIV-30642A" data-link="(<a href="#cen-NIV-30642A" title="See cross-reference A">A</a>)" style="background-color: white; box-sizing: border-box; font-size: 0.625em; line-height: 22px; position: relative; top: 0px; vertical-align: top;"></span><span style="background-color: white; font-size: 16px;"> and there is sin that does not lead to death." -1 John 5:17</span></span></b></blockquote>
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">The sin that lives on the inside maybe hidden, but it's not hidden from God. The sin that is polished up on Sunday morning is still just as wrong and ugly and deadly as the sin that was judged all the week long. It's time to stop judging people because of their sin and start loving them as Christ commands us to do. To live as a Christian means to follow the teaching of Christ. To live as He lived. We will not be perfect all the days of our life, but we can work towards becoming more like Christ each and every day. We need to look past the transgressions of other human being and love them.</span><br />
<blockquote class="tr_bq">
<b><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><span class="text Eph-5-1" id="en-NIV-29306" style="-webkit-font-smoothing: antialiased; background-color: white; box-sizing: border-box; font-size: 12px;">"</span><span class="text Eph-5-1" style="-webkit-font-smoothing: antialiased; background-color: white; box-sizing: border-box; font-size: 16px;">Follow God’s example,<span class="crossreference" data-cr="#cen-NIV-29306A" data-link="(<a href="#cen-NIV-29306A" title="See cross-reference A">A</a>)" style="box-sizing: border-box; font-size: 0.625em; line-height: 22px; position: relative; top: 0px; vertical-align: top;"></span> therefore, as dearly loved children<span class="crossreference" data-cr="#cen-NIV-29306B" data-link="(<a href="#cen-NIV-29306B" title="See cross-reference B">B</a>)" style="box-sizing: border-box; font-size: 0.625em; line-height: 22px; position: relative; top: 0px; vertical-align: top;"></span></span><span style="background-color: white; font-size: 16px;"> </span><span class="text Eph-5-2" id="en-NIV-29307" style="-webkit-font-smoothing: antialiased; background-color: white; box-sizing: border-box; font-size: 16px;">and walk in the way of love, just as Christ loved us<span class="crossreference" data-cr="#cen-NIV-29307C" data-link="(<a href="#cen-NIV-29307C" title="See cross-reference C">C</a>)" style="box-sizing: border-box; font-size: 0.625em; font-size: 0.625em; line-height: 22px; position: relative; top: 0px; vertical-align: top;"></span> and gave himself up for us<span class="crossreference" data-cr="#cen-NIV-29307D" data-link="(<a href="#cen-NIV-29307D" title="See cross-reference D">D</a>)" style="box-sizing: border-box; font-size: 0.625em; font-size: 0.625em; line-height: 22px; position: relative; top: 0px; vertical-align: top;"></span> as a fragrant offering and sacrifice to God." -Ephesians 5:1-2</span></span></b></blockquote>
<span style="background-color: white;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">Yes I know God's word speaks very directly about sin, and we all sin. Every single last one of us. There is no getting away from it. Jesus died for all our sins, every single last person on earth. So love, don't hate. Have mercy, don't judge. Give forgiveness and be forgiven. Let God make the changes because let's face it, we can't. I cannot find a better example of this truth than in Galatians.</span></span><br />
<blockquote class="tr_bq">
<b><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><span class="text Gal-5-13" style="-webkit-font-smoothing: antialiased; box-sizing: border-box; font-size: 16px;">"You, my brothers and sisters, were called to be free.<span class="crossreference" data-cr="#cen-NIV-29176A" data-link="(<a href="#cen-NIV-29176A" title="See cross-reference A">A</a>)" style="box-sizing: border-box; font-size: 0.625em; font-size: 0.625em; line-height: 22px; position: relative; top: 0px; vertical-align: top;"></span> But do not use your freedom to indulge the flesh;<span class="crossreference" data-cr="#cen-NIV-29176B" data-link="(<a href="#cen-NIV-29176B" title="See cross-reference B">B</a>)" style="box-sizing: border-box; font-size: 0.625em; font-size: 0.625em; line-height: 22px; position: relative; top: 0px; vertical-align: top;"></span> rather, serve one another<span class="crossreference" data-cr="#cen-NIV-29176C" data-link="(<a href="#cen-NIV-29176C" title="See cross-reference C">C</a>)" style="box-sizing: border-box; font-size: 0.625em; font-size: 0.625em; line-height: 22px; position: relative; top: 0px; vertical-align: top;"></span> humbly in love.</span><span class="text Gal-5-14" id="en-NIV-29177" style="-webkit-font-smoothing: antialiased; box-sizing: border-box;"><span class="versenum" style="box-sizing: border-box; font-size: 12px; line-height: 22px; position: relative; top: 0px; vertical-align: top;"> </span>For the entire law is fulfilled in keeping this one command: 'Love your neighbor as yourself.'<span style="font-size: 10px;"> </span></span><span class="text Gal-5-15" id="en-NIV-29178" style="-webkit-font-smoothing: antialiased; box-sizing: border-box; font-size: 16px;">If you bite and devour each other, watch out or you will be destroyed by each other. </span><span class="text Gal-5-16" style="-webkit-font-smoothing: antialiased; box-sizing: border-box; font-size: 16px;">So I say, walk by the Spirit,<span class="crossreference" data-cr="#cen-NIV-29179E" data-link="(<a href="#cen-NIV-29179E" title="See cross-reference E">E</a>)" style="box-sizing: border-box; font-size: 0.625em; line-height: 22px; position: relative; top: 0px; vertical-align: top;"></span> and you will not gratify the desires of the flesh.<span class="crossreference" data-cr="#cen-NIV-29179F" data-link="(<a href="#cen-NIV-29179F" title="See cross-reference F">F</a>)" style="box-sizing: border-box; font-size: 0.625em; line-height: 22px; position: relative; top: 0px; vertical-align: top;"></span></span><span style="font-size: 16px;"> </span><span class="text Gal-5-17" id="en-NIV-29180" style="-webkit-font-smoothing: antialiased; box-sizing: border-box; font-size: 16px;"><span class="versenum" style="box-sizing: border-box; font-size: 12px; line-height: 22px; position: relative; top: 0px; vertical-align: top;"> </span>For the flesh desires what is contrary to the Spirit, and the Spirit what is contrary to the flesh.<span class="crossreference" data-cr="#cen-NIV-29180G" data-link="(<a href="#cen-NIV-29180G" title="See cross-reference G">G</a>)" style="box-sizing: border-box; font-size: 0.625em; line-height: 22px; position: relative; top: 0px; vertical-align: top;"></span> They are in conflict with each other, so that you are not to do whatever you want.</span><span class="text Gal-5-18" id="en-NIV-29181" style="-webkit-font-smoothing: antialiased; box-sizing: border-box; font-size: 16px;"><span class="versenum" style="box-sizing: border-box; font-size: 12px; line-height: 22px; position: relative; top: 0px; vertical-align: top;"> </span>But if you are led by the Spirit,<span class="crossreference" data-cr="#cen-NIV-29181I" data-link="(<a href="#cen-NIV-29181I" title="See cross-reference I">I</a>)" style="box-sizing: border-box; font-size: 0.625em; font-size: 0.625em; line-height: 22px; position: relative; top: 0px; vertical-align: top;"></span> you are not under the law.<span style="font-size: 10px;"> </span></span><span class="text Gal-5-19" id="en-NIV-29182" style="-webkit-font-smoothing: antialiased; box-sizing: border-box; font-size: 16px;"><span class="versenum" style="box-sizing: border-box; font-size: 12px; line-height: 22px; position: relative; top: 0px; vertical-align: top;"> </span>The acts of the flesh are obvious: sexual immorality,<span class="crossreference" data-cr="#cen-NIV-29182K" data-link="(<a href="#cen-NIV-29182K" title="See cross-reference K">K</a>)" style="box-sizing: border-box; font-size: 0.625em; line-height: 22px; position: relative; top: 0px; vertical-align: top;"></span> impurity and debauchery;</span><span style="font-size: 16px;"> </span><span class="text Gal-5-20" id="en-NIV-29183" style="-webkit-font-smoothing: antialiased; box-sizing: border-box; font-size: 16px;">idolatry and witchcraft; hatred, discord, jealousy, fits of rage, selfish ambition, dissensions, factions</span><span style="font-size: 16px;"> </span><span class="text Gal-5-21" id="en-NIV-29184" style="-webkit-font-smoothing: antialiased; box-sizing: border-box; font-size: 16px;">and envy; drunkenness, orgies, and the like.<span class="crossreference" data-cr="#cen-NIV-29184L" data-link="(<a href="#cen-NIV-29184L" title="See cross-reference L">L</a>)" style="box-sizing: border-box; font-size: 0.625em; font-size: 0.625em; line-height: 22px; position: relative; top: 0px; vertical-align: top;"></span> I warn you, as I did before, that those who live like this will not inherit the kingdom of God.<span style="font-size: 10px;"> </span></span><span class="text Gal-5-22" id="en-NIV-29185" style="-webkit-font-smoothing: antialiased; box-sizing: border-box; font-size: 16px;">But the fruit<span class="crossreference" data-cr="#cen-NIV-29185N" data-link="(<a href="#cen-NIV-29185N" title="See cross-reference N">N</a>)" style="box-sizing: border-box; font-size: 0.625em; line-height: 22px; position: relative; top: 0px; vertical-align: top;"></span> of the Spirit is love,<span class="crossreference" data-cr="#cen-NIV-29185O" data-link="(<a href="#cen-NIV-29185O" title="See cross-reference O">O</a>)" style="box-sizing: border-box; font-size: 0.625em; line-height: 22px; position: relative; top: 0px; vertical-align: top;"></span> joy, peace,<span class="crossreference" data-cr="#cen-NIV-29185P" data-link="(<a href="#cen-NIV-29185P" title="See cross-reference P">P</a>)" style="box-sizing: border-box; font-size: 0.625em; line-height: 22px; position: relative; top: 0px; vertical-align: top;"></span> forbearance, kindness, goodness, faithfulness,</span><span style="font-size: 16px;"> </span><span class="text Gal-5-23" id="en-NIV-29186" style="-webkit-font-smoothing: antialiased; box-sizing: border-box; font-size: 16px;">gentleness and self-control.<span class="crossreference" data-cr="#cen-NIV-29186Q" data-link="(<a href="#cen-NIV-29186Q" title="See cross-reference Q">Q</a>)" style="box-sizing: border-box; font-size: 0.625em; line-height: 22px; position: relative; top: 0px; vertical-align: top;"></span> Against such things there is no law.<span class="crossreference" data-cr="#cen-NIV-29186R" data-link="(<a href="#cen-NIV-29186R" title="See cross-reference R">R</a>)" style="box-sizing: border-box; font-size: 0.625em; line-height: 22px; position: relative; top: 0px; vertical-align: top;"></span></span><span style="font-size: 16px;"> </span><span class="text Gal-5-24" id="en-NIV-29187" style="-webkit-font-smoothing: antialiased; box-sizing: border-box; font-size: 16px;">Those who belong to Christ Jesus have crucified the flesh<span class="crossreference" data-cr="#cen-NIV-29187S" data-link="(<a href="#cen-NIV-29187S" title="See cross-reference S">S</a>)" style="box-sizing: border-box; font-size: 0.625em; line-height: 22px; position: relative; top: 0px; vertical-align: top;"></span> with its passions and desires.</span><span class="text Gal-5-25" id="en-NIV-29188" style="-webkit-font-smoothing: antialiased; box-sizing: border-box; font-size: 16px;">Since we live by the Spirit,<span class="crossreference" data-cr="#cen-NIV-29188U" data-link="(<a href="#cen-NIV-29188U" title="See cross-reference U">U</a>)" style="box-sizing: border-box; font-size: 0.625em; line-height: 22px; position: relative; top: 0px; vertical-align: top;"></span> let us keep in step with the Spirit.</span><span style="font-size: 16px;"> </span><span class="text Gal-5-26" id="en-NIV-29189" style="-webkit-font-smoothing: antialiased; box-sizing: border-box; font-size: 16px;">Let us not become conceited,<span class="crossreference" data-cr="#cen-NIV-29189V" data-link="(<a href="#cen-NIV-29189V" title="See cross-reference V">V</a>)" style="box-sizing: border-box; font-size: 0.625em; font-size: 0.625em; line-height: 22px; position: relative; top: 0px; vertical-align: top;"></span>provoking and envying each other." -Galatians 5:13-26</span></span></b></blockquote>
<span style="background-color: white; font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">So if your sin is showing on the outside or if it's hidden on the inside, remember sin is sin and we are not to judge another's sin, but work on our own.</span><br />
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~Peace & Blessings~<br />
JenJennifer M Krousehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02305623526919039804noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5281642608805843158.post-52169925793636832462016-08-10T08:52:00.001-04:002016-08-10T08:52:16.401-04:00The Olympics and RedemptionI have been noticing a theme during these Olympic Games. Stories of triumph and redemption. There, of course, was the scandal with the Russian team and their use of performance enhancing drugs. Many of the athletes were not allowed to compete, but a few were and have. I believe in competing clean, using the ability that God has given you with your desire to train to be the best. But in the Russian team story, there has been redemption.<br />
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Then, this morning, I read an article about one of my favorite athletes to watch, Michael Phelps. To be honest, I did not know that he struggled with substance abuse, and if I had heard stories, I am sure that I dismissed them. How could he, he's the best.<br />
<a href="http://qpolitical.com/1-nearly-dying-michael-phelps-tells-god-saved-life-made-swim/" target="_blank"> http://qpolitical.com/1-nearly-dying-michael-phelps-tells-god-saved-life-made-swim/</a><br />
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So my thought (more to myself) is this, why is it we are quick to believe one story and not the other? Why do we celebrate the redemption of one, but not the other? The truth is, EVERYONE can be redeemed and with repentance and forgiveness, mercy and grace.<br />
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<blockquote class="tr_bq" style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: large;"><b>"In him we have <span style="box-sizing: border-box;">redemption</span> through his blood, the forgiveness of sins, in accordance with the riches of God’s grace."</b><b><br /></b><span style="background-color: white; font-family: "Helvetica Neue", Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; line-height: 20px;"><b>Ephesians 1:7; </b></span><span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif;"><b><br /></b></span><span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif;"><b><br /></b></span><span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif;"><b></b></span></span></blockquote>
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<blockquote class="tr_bq" style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif;"><b>“So he got up and went
to his father. But while he was still a long way off, his father saw him
and was filled with compassion for him; he ran to his son, threw his arms round
him and kissed him.”</b></span><b><span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif;">Luke 15:20</span></b></span></blockquote>
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~Peace & Blessings~<br />
JenJennifer M Krousehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02305623526919039804noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5281642608805843158.post-4892223087220476402016-07-17T11:34:00.000-04:002016-07-17T11:34:58.442-04:00To Serve GodWhat does it mean to serve God? I suppose it takes many different forms, depending on your culture, religion or society in which you live in.<br />
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<b><span class="passage-display-bcv" style="-webkit-font-smoothing: antialiased; box-sizing: border-box; display: inline; font-size: 18px; margin: 0px; padding-right: 10px;">Romans 14:17-19</span><span class="passage-display-version" style="-webkit-font-smoothing: antialiased; box-sizing: border-box; display: inline;">(NIV)</span><span class="text Rom-14-17" id="en-NIV-28298" style="-webkit-font-smoothing: antialiased; box-sizing: border-box;"><span class="versenum" style="box-sizing: border-box; font-family: Arial; font-size: 12px; line-height: 22px; position: relative; top: 0px; vertical-align: top;">17 </span>For the kingdom of God is not a matter of eating and drinking,<span class="crossreference" data-cr="#cen-NIV-28298A" data-link="(<a href="#cen-NIV-28298A" title="See cross-reference A">A</a>)" style="box-sizing: border-box; font-size: 0.625em; line-height: 22px; position: relative; top: 0px; vertical-align: top;"></span> but of righteousness, peace<span class="crossreference" data-cr="#cen-NIV-28298B" data-link="(<a href="#cen-NIV-28298B" title="See cross-reference B">B</a>)" style="box-sizing: border-box; font-size: 0.625em; line-height: 22px; position: relative; top: 0px; vertical-align: top;"></span> and joy in the Holy Spirit,<span class="crossreference" data-cr="#cen-NIV-28298C" data-link="(<a href="#cen-NIV-28298C" title="See cross-reference C">C</a>)" style="box-sizing: border-box; font-size: 0.625em; line-height: 22px; position: relative; top: 0px; vertical-align: top;"></span></span> <span class="text Rom-14-18" id="en-NIV-28299" style="-webkit-font-smoothing: antialiased; box-sizing: border-box;"><span class="versenum" style="box-sizing: border-box; font-family: Arial; font-size: 12px; line-height: 22px; position: relative; top: 0px; vertical-align: top;">18 </span>because anyone who serves Christ in this way is pleasing to God and receives human approval.<br /><span class="crossreference" data-cr="#cen-NIV-28299D" data-link="(<a href="#cen-NIV-28299D" title="See cross-reference D">D</a>)" style="box-sizing: border-box; font-size: 0.625em; line-height: 22px; position: relative; top: 0px; vertical-align: top;"></span></span><span class="text Rom-14-19" id="en-NIV-28300" style="-webkit-font-smoothing: antialiased; box-sizing: border-box;"><span class="versenum" style="box-sizing: border-box; font-family: Arial; font-size: 12px; line-height: 22px; position: relative; top: 0px; vertical-align: top;">19 </span>Let us therefore make every effort to do what leads to peace<span class="crossreference" data-cr="#cen-NIV-28300E" data-link="(<a href="#cen-NIV-28300E" title="See cross-reference E">E</a>)" style="box-sizing: border-box; font-size: 0.625em; line-height: 22px; position: relative; top: 0px; vertical-align: top;"></span> and to mutual edification.</span></b></blockquote>
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There has been so much harm done in the name of serving God. Mass murders, "terrorist" attacks, and suicide bombings just to name a few. This is nothing new. In the Bible's Old Testament God had ordered His people to go and destroy those tribes that did not follow Him.<br />
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<b><span class="passage-display-bcv" style="-webkit-font-smoothing: antialiased; box-sizing: border-box; display: inline; font-size: 18px; margin: 0px; padding-right: 10px;">Deuteronomy 20:16-18</span><span class="passage-display-version" style="-webkit-font-smoothing: antialiased; box-sizing: border-box; display: inline;">(NIV)</span><span class="text Deut-20-16" id="en-NIV-5444" style="-webkit-font-smoothing: antialiased; box-sizing: border-box;"><span class="versenum" style="box-sizing: border-box; font-family: Arial; font-size: 12px; line-height: 22px; position: relative; top: 0px; vertical-align: top;">16 </span>However, in the cities of the nations the <span class="small-caps" style="-webkit-font-smoothing: antialiased; box-sizing: border-box; font-variant: small-caps;">Lord</span> your God is giving you as an inheritance, do not leave alive anything that breathes.<span class="crossreference" data-cr="#cen-NIV-5444A" data-link="(<a href="#cen-NIV-5444A" title="See cross-reference A">A</a>)" style="box-sizing: border-box; font-size: 0.625em; line-height: 22px; position: relative; top: 0px; vertical-align: top;"></span></span> <span class="text Deut-20-17" id="en-NIV-5445" style="-webkit-font-smoothing: antialiased; box-sizing: border-box;"><span class="versenum" style="box-sizing: border-box; font-family: Arial; font-size: 12px; line-height: 22px; position: relative; top: 0px; vertical-align: top;">17 </span>Completely destroy<span class="footnote" data-fn="#fen-NIV-5445a" data-link="[<a href="#fen-NIV-5445a" title="See footnote a">a</a>]" style="box-sizing: border-box; font-size: 0.625em; line-height: 22px; position: relative; top: 0px; vertical-align: top;">[<a href="https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Deuteronomy+20:16-18&version=NIV#fen-NIV-5445a" style="-webkit-font-smoothing: antialiased; background: transparent; box-sizing: border-box; color: #b34b2c; cursor: pointer; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: top;" title="See footnote a">a</a>]</span> them—the Hittites, Amorites, Canaanites, Perizzites, Hivites and Jebusites—as the <span class="small-caps" style="-webkit-font-smoothing: antialiased; box-sizing: border-box; font-variant: small-caps;">Lord</span> your God has commanded you.</span> <span class="text Deut-20-18" id="en-NIV-5446" style="-webkit-font-smoothing: antialiased; box-sizing: border-box;"><span class="versenum" style="box-sizing: border-box; font-family: Arial; font-size: 12px; line-height: 22px; position: relative; top: 0px; vertical-align: top;">18 </span>Otherwise, they will teach you to follow all the detestable things they do in worshiping their gods,<span class="crossreference" data-cr="#cen-NIV-5446B" data-link="(<a href="#cen-NIV-5446B" title="See cross-reference B">B</a>)" style="box-sizing: border-box; font-size: 0.625em; line-height: 22px; position: relative; top: 0px; vertical-align: top;"></span> and you will sin<span class="crossreference" data-cr="#cen-NIV-5446C" data-link="(<a href="#cen-NIV-5446C" title="See cross-reference C">C</a>)" style="box-sizing: border-box; font-size: 0.625em; line-height: 22px; position: relative; top: 0px; vertical-align: top;"></span> against the <span class="small-caps" style="-webkit-font-smoothing: antialiased; box-sizing: border-box; font-variant: small-caps;">Lord</span> your God.</span></b></blockquote>
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There are those today who do the same. We take it on faith that what the stories of old say to us and find it beyond understanding as to those who kill in this way today. We question them on if they are really hearing from God or not. I question this too, don't get me wrong. I believe in the New Covenant of Christ Jesus that of which the New Testament talks of in the Bible. This does not mean though, that Christians do not have blood on their hands, they do...we do. From the Crusades, to "conversion" in the "New World", so much killing done in the name of God.<br />
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<b><span class="passage-display-bcv" style="-webkit-font-smoothing: antialiased; box-sizing: border-box; display: inline; font-size: 18px; margin: 0px; padding-right: 10px;">2 Corinthians 3:5-6</span><span class="passage-display-version" style="-webkit-font-smoothing: antialiased; box-sizing: border-box; display: inline;">(NIV)</span><span class="text 2Cor-3-5" id="en-NIV-28847" style="-webkit-font-smoothing: antialiased; box-sizing: border-box;"><span class="versenum" style="box-sizing: border-box; font-family: Arial; font-size: 12px; line-height: 22px; position: relative; top: 0px; vertical-align: top;">5 </span>Not that we are competent in ourselves<span class="crossreference" data-cr="#cen-NIV-28847A" data-link="(<a href="#cen-NIV-28847A" title="See cross-reference A">A</a>)" style="box-sizing: border-box; font-size: 0.625em; line-height: 22px; position: relative; top: 0px; vertical-align: top;"></span> to claim anything for ourselves, but our competence comes from God.<span class="crossreference" data-cr="#cen-NIV-28847B" data-link="(<a href="#cen-NIV-28847B" title="See cross-reference B">B</a>)" style="box-sizing: border-box; font-size: 0.625em; line-height: 22px; position: relative; top: 0px; vertical-align: top;"></span></span> <span class="text 2Cor-3-6" id="en-NIV-28848" style="-webkit-font-smoothing: antialiased; box-sizing: border-box;"><span class="versenum" style="box-sizing: border-box; font-family: Arial; font-size: 12px; line-height: 22px; position: relative; top: 0px; vertical-align: top;">6 </span>He has made us competent as ministers of a new covenant<span class="crossreference" data-cr="#cen-NIV-28848C" data-link="(<a href="#cen-NIV-28848C" title="See cross-reference C">C</a>)" style="box-sizing: border-box; font-size: 0.625em; line-height: 22px; position: relative; top: 0px; vertical-align: top;"></span>—not of the letter<span class="crossreference" data-cr="#cen-NIV-28848D" data-link="(<a href="#cen-NIV-28848D" title="See cross-reference D">D</a>)" style="box-sizing: border-box; font-size: 0.625em; line-height: 22px; position: relative; top: 0px; vertical-align: top;"></span> but of the Spirit; for the letter kills, but the Spirit gives life.</span></b></blockquote>
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Is this how we are suppose to serve the One True God? Honestly, if this is how one sees their service to God, I begin to wonder if we are knowing the same God, knowing of His TRUE character. Even those who hate in the name of Jesus...I wonder if we know the same Jesus. So again I ask, what does it mean to serve God?<br />
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<b><span class="passage-display-bcv" style="-webkit-font-smoothing: antialiased; box-sizing: border-box; display: inline; font-size: 18px; margin: 0px; padding-right: 10px;">Galatians 5:19-26</span><span class="passage-display-version" style="-webkit-font-smoothing: antialiased; box-sizing: border-box; display: inline;">(NIV)</span><span class="text Gal-5-19" id="en-NIV-29182" style="-webkit-font-smoothing: antialiased; box-sizing: border-box;"><span class="versenum" style="box-sizing: border-box; font-family: Arial; font-size: 12px; line-height: 22px; position: relative; top: 0px; vertical-align: top;">19 </span>The acts of the flesh are obvious: sexual immorality,<span class="crossreference" data-cr="#cen-NIV-29182A" data-link="(<a href="#cen-NIV-29182A" title="See cross-reference A">A</a>)" style="box-sizing: border-box; font-size: 0.625em; line-height: 22px; position: relative; top: 0px; vertical-align: top;"></span> impurity and debauchery;</span> <span class="text Gal-5-20" id="en-NIV-29183" style="-webkit-font-smoothing: antialiased; box-sizing: border-box;"><span class="versenum" style="box-sizing: border-box; font-family: Arial; font-size: 12px; line-height: 22px; position: relative; top: 0px; vertical-align: top;">20 </span>idolatry and witchcraft; <i>hatred</i>, <i>discord</i>, jealousy, fits of rage, selfish ambition, dissensions, factions</span> <span class="text Gal-5-21" id="en-NIV-29184" style="-webkit-font-smoothing: antialiased; box-sizing: border-box;"><span class="versenum" style="box-sizing: border-box; font-family: Arial; font-size: 12px; line-height: 22px; position: relative; top: 0px; vertical-align: top;">21 </span>and envy; drunkenness, orgies, and the like.<span class="crossreference" data-cr="#cen-NIV-29184B" data-link="(<a href="#cen-NIV-29184B" title="See cross-reference B">B</a>)" style="box-sizing: border-box; font-size: 0.625em; line-height: 22px; position: relative; top: 0px; vertical-align: top;"></span> I warn you, as I did before, that those who live like this will not inherit the kingdom of God.<br /><span class="crossreference" data-cr="#cen-NIV-29184C" data-link="(<a href="#cen-NIV-29184C" title="See cross-reference C">C</a>)" style="box-sizing: border-box; font-size: 0.625em; line-height: 22px; position: relative; top: 0px; vertical-align: top;"></span></span><span class="text Gal-5-22" id="en-NIV-29185" style="-webkit-font-smoothing: antialiased; box-sizing: border-box;"><span class="versenum" style="box-sizing: border-box; font-family: Arial; font-size: 12px; line-height: 22px; position: relative; top: 0px; vertical-align: top;">22 </span>But the fruit<span class="crossreference" data-cr="#cen-NIV-29185D" data-link="(<a href="#cen-NIV-29185D" title="See cross-reference D">D</a>)" style="box-sizing: border-box; font-size: 0.625em; line-height: 22px; position: relative; top: 0px; vertical-align: top;"></span> of the Spirit is <i>love,<span class="crossreference" data-cr="#cen-NIV-29185E" data-link="(<a href="#cen-NIV-29185E" title="See cross-reference E">E</a>)" style="box-sizing: border-box; font-size: 0.625em; line-height: 22px; position: relative; top: 0px; vertical-align: top;"></span> joy, peace,</i><span class="crossreference" data-cr="#cen-NIV-29185F" data-link="(<a href="#cen-NIV-29185F" title="See cross-reference F">F</a>)" style="box-sizing: border-box; font-size: 0.625em; line-height: 22px; position: relative; top: 0px; vertical-align: top;"></span> <i>forbearance, kindness, goodness, faithfulness,</i></span><i> </i><span class="text Gal-5-23" id="en-NIV-29186" style="-webkit-font-smoothing: antialiased; box-sizing: border-box;"><i><span class="versenum" style="box-sizing: border-box; font-family: Arial; font-size: 12px; line-height: 22px; position: relative; top: 0px; vertical-align: top;">23 </span>gentleness and self-control</i>.<span class="crossreference" data-cr="#cen-NIV-29186G" data-link="(<a href="#cen-NIV-29186G" title="See cross-reference G">G</a>)" style="box-sizing: border-box; font-size: 0.625em; line-height: 22px; position: relative; top: 0px; vertical-align: top;"></span> Against such things there is no law.<span class="crossreference" data-cr="#cen-NIV-29186H" data-link="(<a href="#cen-NIV-29186H" title="See cross-reference H">H</a>)" style="box-sizing: border-box; font-size: 0.625em; line-height: 22px; position: relative; top: 0px; vertical-align: top;"></span></span> <span class="text Gal-5-24" id="en-NIV-29187" style="-webkit-font-smoothing: antialiased; box-sizing: border-box;"><span class="versenum" style="box-sizing: border-box; font-family: Arial; font-size: 12px; line-height: 22px; position: relative; top: 0px; vertical-align: top;">24 </span>Those who belong to Christ Jesus have crucified the flesh<span class="crossreference" data-cr="#cen-NIV-29187I" data-link="(<a href="#cen-NIV-29187I" title="See cross-reference I">I</a>)" style="box-sizing: border-box; font-size: 0.625em; line-height: 22px; position: relative; top: 0px; vertical-align: top;"></span> with its passions and desires.<span class="crossreference" data-cr="#cen-NIV-29187J" data-link="(<a href="#cen-NIV-29187J" title="See cross-reference J">J</a>)" style="box-sizing: border-box; font-size: 0.625em; line-height: 22px; position: relative; top: 0px; vertical-align: top;"></span></span> <span class="text Gal-5-25" id="en-NIV-29188" style="-webkit-font-smoothing: antialiased; box-sizing: border-box;"><span class="versenum" style="box-sizing: border-box; font-family: Arial; font-size: 12px; line-height: 22px; position: relative; top: 0px; vertical-align: top;">25 </span>Since we live by the Spirit,<span class="crossreference" data-cr="#cen-NIV-29188K" data-link="(<a href="#cen-NIV-29188K" title="See cross-reference K">K</a>)" style="box-sizing: border-box; font-size: 0.625em; line-height: 22px; position: relative; top: 0px; vertical-align: top;"></span> let us keep in step with the Spirit.</span> <span class="text Gal-5-26" id="en-NIV-29189" style="-webkit-font-smoothing: antialiased; box-sizing: border-box;"><span class="versenum" style="box-sizing: border-box; font-family: Arial; font-size: 12px; line-height: 22px; position: relative; top: 0px; vertical-align: top;">26 </span>Let us not become conceited,<span class="crossreference" data-cr="#cen-NIV-29189L" data-link="(<a href="#cen-NIV-29189L" title="See cross-reference L">L</a>)" style="box-sizing: border-box; font-size: 0.625em; line-height: 22px; position: relative; top: 0px; vertical-align: top;"></span>provoking and envying each other.</span></b></blockquote>
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I know that we are not all going to agree. I understand that. I know that we do not all share the same point of view. I get that too. What I don't get is how one can read the same Spirit filled scriptures as I do and still hate, destroy, and want to harm those who do know God the same way. To me this is contradictory to the teachings of Jesus.<br />
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<b><span class="passage-display-bcv" style="-webkit-font-smoothing: antialiased; box-sizing: border-box; display: inline; font-size: 18px; margin: 0px; padding-right: 10px;">Matthew 5:43-45</span><span class="passage-display-version" style="-webkit-font-smoothing: antialiased; box-sizing: border-box; display: inline;">(NIV)</span><span class="text Matt-5-43" id="en-NIV-23278" style="-webkit-font-smoothing: antialiased; box-sizing: border-box;">Love for Enemies</span><span class="text Matt-5-43" style="-webkit-font-smoothing: antialiased; box-sizing: border-box;"><span class="versenum" style="box-sizing: border-box; font-family: Arial; font-size: 12px; line-height: 22px; position: relative; top: 0px; vertical-align: top;">43 </span>“You have heard that it was said, ‘Love your neighbor<span class="footnote" data-fn="#fen-NIV-23278a" data-link="[<a href="#fen-NIV-23278a" title="See footnote a">a</a>]" style="box-sizing: border-box; font-size: 0.625em; line-height: 22px; position: relative; top: 0px; vertical-align: top;">[<a href="https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Matthew+5:43-45&version=NIV#fen-NIV-23278a" style="-webkit-font-smoothing: antialiased; background: transparent; box-sizing: border-box; color: #b34b2c; cursor: pointer; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: top;" title="See footnote a">a</a>]</span><span class="crossreference" data-cr="#cen-NIV-23278A" data-link="(<a href="#cen-NIV-23278A" title="See cross-reference A">A</a>)" style="box-sizing: border-box; font-size: 0.625em; line-height: 22px; position: relative; top: 0px; vertical-align: top;"></span> and hate your enemy.’<span class="crossreference" data-cr="#cen-NIV-23278B" data-link="(<a href="#cen-NIV-23278B" title="See cross-reference B">B</a>)" style="box-sizing: border-box; font-size: 0.625em; line-height: 22px; position: relative; top: 0px; vertical-align: top;"></span></span> <span class="text Matt-5-44" id="en-NIV-23279" style="-webkit-font-smoothing: antialiased; box-sizing: border-box;"><span class="versenum" style="box-sizing: border-box; font-family: Arial; font-size: 12px; line-height: 22px; position: relative; top: 0px; vertical-align: top;">44 </span>But I tell you, love your enemies and pray for those who persecute you,<span class="crossreference" data-cr="#cen-NIV-23279C" data-link="(<a href="#cen-NIV-23279C" title="See cross-reference C">C</a>)" style="box-sizing: border-box; font-size: 0.625em; line-height: 22px; position: relative; top: 0px; vertical-align: top;"></span></span> <span class="text Matt-5-45" id="en-NIV-23280" style="-webkit-font-smoothing: antialiased; box-sizing: border-box;"><span class="versenum" style="box-sizing: border-box; font-family: Arial; font-size: 12px; line-height: 22px; position: relative; top: 0px; vertical-align: top;">45 </span>that you may be children<span class="crossreference" data-cr="#cen-NIV-23280D" data-link="(<a href="#cen-NIV-23280D" title="See cross-reference D">D</a>)" style="box-sizing: border-box; font-size: 0.625em; line-height: 22px; position: relative; top: 0px; vertical-align: top;"></span> of your Father in heaven. He causes his sun to rise on the evil and the good, and sends rain on the righteous and the unrighteous.</span></b></blockquote>
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~Peace & Blessings~<br />
JenJennifer M Krousehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02305623526919039804noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5281642608805843158.post-26387038539721503732016-05-08T11:14:00.001-04:002016-05-08T11:14:17.865-04:00What's Missing From the Bible?I saw an interesting post on Google + the other day about missing scripture in Acts, and I was curious as to if what the post said was true. So I went into Biblegateway.com to investigate. What the person had posted was accurate, but it was not entirly true. As it were, the verse that was "missing" was actaully a verse that was added into the King James Bible when it was scribed, but was not in the orgianal text; therefore it was removed when newer versions were later printed.<br />
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But this really got me to thinking. How well do we really know the Bible? More importantly, how well do we know the history of the Bible?<br />
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I beleive that it is important to understand the history of our Bibles as they are written in our language, but I do know that every language is vastly different and not all languages can be translated easily. If you have ever taken a foreign language class or speak a second language fluently, you know how true that this statment is. We have words in English that they do not have in Russian, French, German, Greek or even Hebrew. So if a phrase is translated from one language to another, there is a real chance that it will not be as accurate as it was in its original language. So how can we be sure of what we are reading is to be true and accurate. I suppose one way is to learn the language of the original sacrad scripts, or we who are not that veresed, must trust that the interpretation is correct.<br />
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So why make such a fuss over a phrase or one verse? Simple, we all want to be told the truth.<br />
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<blockquote class="tr_bq">
<b><span class="text 2Tim-3-16" id="en-NIV-29870" style="-webkit-font-smoothing: antialiased; box-sizing: border-box; font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Verdana, Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 16px;"><span class="versenum" style="box-sizing: border-box; font-family: Arial; font-size: 12px; line-height: 22px; position: relative; top: 0px; vertical-align: top;">2 Timothy 16-17; "</span>All Scripture is God-breathed<span class="crossreference" data-cr="#cen-NIV-29870D" data-link="(<a href="#cen-NIV-29870D" title="See cross-reference D">D</a>)" style="box-sizing: border-box; font-size: 0.625em; line-height: 22px; position: relative; top: 0px; vertical-align: top;"></span> and is useful for teaching,<span class="crossreference" data-cr="#cen-NIV-29870E" data-link="(<a href="#cen-NIV-29870E" title="See cross-reference E">E</a>)" style="box-sizing: border-box; font-size: 0.625em; line-height: 22px; position: relative; top: 0px; vertical-align: top;"></span> rebuking, correcting and training in righteousness,<span class="crossreference" data-cr="#cen-NIV-29870F" data-link="(<a href="#cen-NIV-29870F" title="See cross-reference F">F</a>)" style="box-sizing: border-box; font-size: 0.625em; line-height: 22px; position: relative; top: 0px; vertical-align: top;"></span></span><span style="background-color: white; font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Verdana, Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 16px;"> </span><span class="text 2Tim-3-17" id="en-NIV-29871" style="-webkit-font-smoothing: antialiased; box-sizing: border-box; font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Verdana, Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 16px;">so that the servant of God</span><span class="text 2Tim-3-17" style="-webkit-font-smoothing: antialiased; box-sizing: border-box; font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Verdana, Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: xx-small;"> </span>may be thoroughly equipped for every good work."</span></b></blockquote>
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Over all there seems to be some who want to use God's Word against others, to prove they are right, correct and above reproof. Jesus does warn us of this. To teach...yes, to correct...yes, but to do these things in love. Not to make another feel belittled, or wrong. That is the job of the Holy Spirit. As we are open ourselves to God, He begins that process of correction, and rebuking through LOVE.<br />
<br />
<blockquote class="tr_bq">
<b>Matthew 22: 37-38; J<span class="text Matt-22-37" id="en-NIV-23910" style="-webkit-font-smoothing: antialiased; box-sizing: border-box; font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Verdana, Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 16px;">esus replied: <span class="woj" style="-webkit-font-smoothing: antialiased; box-sizing: border-box;">“‘Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind. </span></span><span class="text Matt-22-38" id="en-NIV-23911" style="-webkit-font-smoothing: antialiased; box-sizing: border-box; font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Verdana, Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 16px;">This is the first and greatest commandment.</span></b></blockquote>
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So I ask you this, what is more important, be "spot on" word by word of what is written in the Bible that you have chosen to read and study, or to love people the way that Jesus has taught each of us to do?<br />
<br />
What is missing from the Bible? The action behind God's Word by God's people. Let us learn to love, forgive, have grace and mercy to each person that is present in our lives. <br />
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<br />
~Peace & Blessings~<br />
<br />
JenJennifer M Krousehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02305623526919039804noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5281642608805843158.post-1855460256312097372016-03-13T08:04:00.000-04:002016-03-13T08:04:01.457-04:00Power PlayThe great debate is now in full swing. I have witnessed heated debates in regards to the change that is to come in the near future. My greatest fear is that people will go with the flow instead of going with what they know is right.<br />
<br />
I often wonder what it must have been like in the days of Jesus. Politics were just as heated then as they are now. It was because of politics that God's plan was set in motion. God's plan prevailed despite the efforts of feeble men who were striving for some sort of power. I would encourage you to read any of the Gospels encounters about the betrayal, mock trail, and crucifixion of Jesus, but I want to share with you from the Gospel of Mark.<br />
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<blockquote class="tr_bq" style="-webkit-font-smoothing: antialiased; background-color: white; box-sizing: border-box; line-height: 24px; margin-bottom: 10px;">
<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;"><b><i><span class="text Mark-15-1" style="-webkit-font-smoothing: antialiased; box-sizing: border-box;"><span class="chapternum" style="-webkit-font-smoothing: antialiased; bottom: -0.1em; box-sizing: border-box; left: 0px; line-height: 0.8em; position: relative;">15 </span>Very early in the morning, the chief priests, with the elders, the teachers of the law<span class="crossreference" data-cr="#cen-NIV-24828B" data-link="(<a href="#cen-NIV-24828B" title="See cross-reference B">B</a>)" style="box-sizing: border-box; line-height: 22px; position: relative; top: 0px; vertical-align: top;"></span> and the whole Sanhedrin,<span class="crossreference" data-cr="#cen-NIV-24828C" data-link="(<a href="#cen-NIV-24828C" title="See cross-reference C">C</a>)" style="box-sizing: border-box; line-height: 22px; position: relative; top: 0px; vertical-align: top;"></span> made their plans. So they bound Jesus, led him away and handed him over to Pilate.</span><span class="text Mark-15-2" id="en-NIV-24829" style="-webkit-font-smoothing: antialiased; box-sizing: border-box;"><span class="versenum" style="box-sizing: border-box; line-height: 22px; position: relative; top: 0px; vertical-align: top;">2 </span>“Are you the king of the Jews?”<span class="crossreference" data-cr="#cen-NIV-24829E" data-link="(<a href="#cen-NIV-24829E" title="See cross-reference E">E</a>)" style="box-sizing: border-box; line-height: 22px; position: relative; top: 0px; vertical-align: top;"></span> asked Pilate.</span><span class="text Mark-15-2" style="-webkit-font-smoothing: antialiased; box-sizing: border-box;"><span class="woj" style="-webkit-font-smoothing: antialiased; box-sizing: border-box;">“You have said so,”</span> Jesus replied.</span><span class="text Mark-15-3" id="en-NIV-24830" style="-webkit-font-smoothing: antialiased; box-sizing: border-box;"><span class="versenum" style="box-sizing: border-box; line-height: 22px; position: relative; top: 0px; vertical-align: top;">3 </span>The chief priests accused him of many things.</span> <span class="text Mark-15-4" id="en-NIV-24831" style="-webkit-font-smoothing: antialiased; box-sizing: border-box;"><span class="versenum" style="box-sizing: border-box; line-height: 22px; position: relative; top: 0px; vertical-align: top;">4 </span>So again Pilate asked him, “Aren’t you going to answer? See how many things they are accusing you of.”</span><span class="text Mark-15-5" id="en-NIV-24832" style="-webkit-font-smoothing: antialiased; box-sizing: border-box;"><span class="versenum" style="box-sizing: border-box; line-height: 22px; position: relative; top: 0px; vertical-align: top;">5 </span>But Jesus still made no reply,<span class="crossreference" data-cr="#cen-NIV-24832F" data-link="(<a href="#cen-NIV-24832F" title="See cross-reference F">F</a>)" style="box-sizing: border-box; line-height: 22px; position: relative; top: 0px; vertical-align: top;"></span> and Pilate was amazed.</span><span class="text Mark-15-6" id="en-NIV-24833" style="-webkit-font-smoothing: antialiased; box-sizing: border-box;"><span class="versenum" style="box-sizing: border-box; line-height: 22px; position: relative; top: 0px; vertical-align: top;">6 </span>Now it was the custom at the festival to release a prisoner whom the people requested.</span> <span class="text Mark-15-7" id="en-NIV-24834" style="-webkit-font-smoothing: antialiased; box-sizing: border-box;"><span class="versenum" style="box-sizing: border-box; line-height: 22px; position: relative; top: 0px; vertical-align: top;">7 </span>A man called Barabbas was in prison with the insurrectionists who had committed murder in the uprising.</span> <span class="text Mark-15-8" id="en-NIV-24835" style="-webkit-font-smoothing: antialiased; box-sizing: border-box;"><span class="versenum" style="box-sizing: border-box; line-height: 22px; position: relative; top: 0px; vertical-align: top;">8 </span>The crowd came up and asked Pilate to do for them what he usually did.</span><span class="text Mark-15-9" id="en-NIV-24836" style="-webkit-font-smoothing: antialiased; box-sizing: border-box;"><span class="versenum" style="box-sizing: border-box; line-height: 22px; position: relative; top: 0px; vertical-align: top;">9 </span>“Do you want me to release to you the king of the Jews?”<span class="crossreference" data-cr="#cen-NIV-24836G" data-link="(<a href="#cen-NIV-24836G" title="See cross-reference G">G</a>)" style="box-sizing: border-box; line-height: 22px; position: relative; top: 0px; vertical-align: top;"></span> asked Pilate,</span><span class="text Mark-15-10" id="en-NIV-24837" style="-webkit-font-smoothing: antialiased; box-sizing: border-box;"><span class="versenum" style="box-sizing: border-box; line-height: 22px; position: relative; top: 0px; vertical-align: top;">10 </span>knowing it was out of self-interest that the chief priests had handed Jesus over to him.</span> <span class="text Mark-15-11" id="en-NIV-24838" style="-webkit-font-smoothing: antialiased; box-sizing: border-box;"><span class="versenum" style="box-sizing: border-box; line-height: 22px; position: relative; top: 0px; vertical-align: top;">11 </span>But the chief priests stirred up the crowd to have Pilate release Barabbas<span class="crossreference" data-cr="#cen-NIV-24838H" data-link="(<a href="#cen-NIV-24838H" title="See cross-reference H">H</a>)" style="box-sizing: border-box; line-height: 22px; position: relative; top: 0px; vertical-align: top;"></span> instead.</span><span class="text Mark-15-12" id="en-NIV-24839" style="-webkit-font-smoothing: antialiased; box-sizing: border-box;"><span class="versenum" style="box-sizing: border-box; line-height: 22px; position: relative; top: 0px; vertical-align: top;">12 </span>“What shall I do, then, with the one you call the king of the Jews?” Pilate asked them.</span><span class="text Mark-15-13" id="en-NIV-24840" style="-webkit-font-smoothing: antialiased; box-sizing: border-box;"><span class="versenum" style="box-sizing: border-box; line-height: 22px; position: relative; top: 0px; vertical-align: top;">13 </span>“Crucify him!” they shouted.</span><span class="text Mark-15-14" id="en-NIV-24841" style="-webkit-font-smoothing: antialiased; box-sizing: border-box;"><span class="versenum" style="box-sizing: border-box; line-height: 22px; position: relative; top: 0px; vertical-align: top;">14 </span>“Why? What crime has he committed?” asked Pilate.</span><span class="text Mark-15-14" style="-webkit-font-smoothing: antialiased; box-sizing: border-box;">But they shouted all the louder, “Crucify him!”</span><span class="text Mark-15-15" id="en-NIV-24842" style="-webkit-font-smoothing: antialiased; box-sizing: border-box;"><span class="versenum" style="box-sizing: border-box; line-height: 22px; position: relative; top: 0px; vertical-align: top;">15 </span>Wanting to satisfy the crowd, Pilate released Barabbas to them. He had Jesus flogged,<span class="crossreference" data-cr="#cen-NIV-24842I" data-link="(<a href="#cen-NIV-24842I" title="See cross-reference I">I</a>)" style="box-sizing: border-box; line-height: 22px; position: relative; top: 0px; vertical-align: top;"></span> and handed him over to be crucified.</span></i></b></span></blockquote>
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Even with the power plays of man, God's plan prevailed, as it will today. We need to be mindful that no matter what happens, it's been set forth because God has called it to be. He has spoken and it is so. There is great comfort in that knowledge.<br />
<br />
<blockquote class="tr_bq" style="-webkit-font-smoothing: antialiased; background-color: white; box-sizing: border-box; margin-bottom: 10px;">
<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;"><b><i>And we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love him, who have been called according to his purpose. ~</i></b></span><a class="bcv" href="https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?version=NIV&search=Romans%208:28" style="-webkit-font-smoothing: antialiased; background: rgb(255, 255, 255); box-sizing: border-box; color: #631e16; cursor: pointer; text-decoration: none;" title="Romans 8:28"><span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;"><b><i>Romans 8:28</i></b></span></a></blockquote>
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<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;"><b><i><br /></i></b></span>
<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;">~Peace </span>& Blessings~<br />
Jen<br />
<br />
<br />Jennifer M Krousehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02305623526919039804noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5281642608805843158.post-38732351316998777862016-03-06T08:43:00.000-05:002016-03-06T08:43:17.386-05:00By the FruitThe past few weeks have been filled with so much rhetoric and spewing of harmful, hateful words...and this is not coming from a bad reality TV show or from school kids, this is coming from our "hopeful" leaders. First and foremost, if this is how they act in public, then I am not voting for any of them. We teach our kids not be bullies, yet that is all I have seen and heard from these people that want to lead our country - that is to say the ones that are given "air-time" (there are other candidates!). I believe that we are setting ourselves up for failure if we vote the status quot.<br />
<br />
I just want to point out, that this is a BIG decision. We are not voting for the "next American idol", we are voting for the "next American President". This vote should not be taken lightly or cast on a whim or to the one who says what "we want to hear"...honestly I don't want to hear anymore hate spewing from any of them. We need a leader that is going to - LEAD, take consideration from the issues that are presented to them, and one who looks to move our country forward into a direction that will lead us into thinking, planning and becoming stronger in teaching, educating and learning and in protecting America and American soil.<br />
<br />
So I say to you - THINK! Think before you vote. Watch these "leaders" that are on parade on the boob-tube and then ask yourself one very simple question; "Does the character of this person best represent not just me, but Americans?"<br />
<blockquote class="tr_bq">
<span class="text Matt-7-15" style="-webkit-font-smoothing: antialiased; background-color: white; box-sizing: border-box; font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Verdana, Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 16px; line-height: 24px;"><span class="woj" style="-webkit-font-smoothing: antialiased; box-sizing: border-box;"><span class="versenum" style="box-sizing: border-box; font-family: Arial; font-size: 12px; line-height: 22px; position: relative; top: 0px; vertical-align: top;"><b>Matthew 7:16-20;</b> </span><i>“</i></span></span><i><span class="text Matt-7-16" id="en-NIV-23333" style="-webkit-font-smoothing: antialiased; background-color: white; box-sizing: border-box; font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Verdana, Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 16px; line-height: 24px;"><span class="woj" style="-webkit-font-smoothing: antialiased; box-sizing: border-box;"><span class="versenum" style="box-sizing: border-box; font-family: Arial; font-size: 12px; line-height: 22px; position: relative; top: 0px; vertical-align: top;"> </span>By their fruit you will recognize them.<span class="crossreference" data-cr="#cen-NIV-23333A" data-link="(<a href="#cen-NIV-23333A" title="See cross-reference A">A</a>)" style="box-sizing: border-box; font-size: 0.625em; line-height: 22px; position: relative; top: 0px; vertical-align: top;"></span> Do people pick grapes from thornbushes, or figs from thistles?<span class="crossreference" data-cr="#cen-NIV-23333B" data-link="(<a href="#cen-NIV-23333B" title="See cross-reference B">B</a>)" style="box-sizing: border-box; font-size: 0.625em; line-height: 22px; position: relative; top: 0px; vertical-align: top;"></span></span></span><span style="background-color: white; font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Verdana, Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 16px; line-height: 24px;"> </span><span class="text Matt-7-17" id="en-NIV-23334" style="-webkit-font-smoothing: antialiased; background-color: white; box-sizing: border-box; font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Verdana, Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 16px; line-height: 24px;"><span class="woj" style="-webkit-font-smoothing: antialiased; box-sizing: border-box;"><span class="versenum" style="box-sizing: border-box; font-family: Arial; font-size: 12px; line-height: 22px; position: relative; top: 0px; vertical-align: top;">17 </span>Likewise, every good tree bears good fruit, but a bad tree bears bad fruit.</span></span><span style="background-color: white; font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Verdana, Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 16px; line-height: 24px;"> </span><span class="text Matt-7-18" id="en-NIV-23335" style="-webkit-font-smoothing: antialiased; background-color: white; box-sizing: border-box; font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Verdana, Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 16px; line-height: 24px;"><span class="woj" style="-webkit-font-smoothing: antialiased; box-sizing: border-box;"><span class="versenum" style="box-sizing: border-box; font-family: Arial; font-size: 12px; line-height: 22px; position: relative; top: 0px; vertical-align: top;">18 </span>A good tree cannot bear bad fruit, and a bad tree cannot bear good fruit.<span class="crossreference" data-cr="#cen-NIV-23335C" data-link="(<a href="#cen-NIV-23335C" title="See cross-reference C">C</a>)" style="box-sizing: border-box; font-size: 0.625em; line-height: 22px; position: relative; top: 0px; vertical-align: top;"></span></span></span><span style="background-color: white; font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Verdana, Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 16px; line-height: 24px;"> </span><span class="text Matt-7-19" id="en-NIV-23336" style="-webkit-font-smoothing: antialiased; background-color: white; box-sizing: border-box; font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Verdana, Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 16px; line-height: 24px;"><span class="woj" style="-webkit-font-smoothing: antialiased; box-sizing: border-box;"><span class="versenum" style="box-sizing: border-box; font-family: Arial; font-size: 12px; line-height: 22px; position: relative; top: 0px; vertical-align: top;">19 </span>Every tree that does not bear good fruit is cut down and thrown into the fire.<span class="crossreference" data-cr="#cen-NIV-23336D" data-link="(<a href="#cen-NIV-23336D" title="See cross-reference D">D</a>)" style="box-sizing: border-box; font-size: 0.625em; line-height: 22px; position: relative; top: 0px; vertical-align: top;"></span></span></span><span style="background-color: white; font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Verdana, Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 16px; line-height: 24px;"> </span><span class="text Matt-7-20" id="en-NIV-23337" style="-webkit-font-smoothing: antialiased; background-color: white; box-sizing: border-box; font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Verdana, Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 16px; line-height: 24px;"><span class="woj" style="-webkit-font-smoothing: antialiased; box-sizing: border-box;"><span class="versenum" style="box-sizing: border-box; font-family: Arial; font-size: 12px; line-height: 22px; position: relative; top: 0px; vertical-align: top;">20 </span>Thus, by their fruit you will recognize them."</span></span></i></blockquote>
<span class="text Matt-7-20" style="-webkit-font-smoothing: antialiased; background-color: white; box-sizing: border-box; font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Verdana, Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 16px; line-height: 24px;"><span class="woj" style="-webkit-font-smoothing: antialiased; box-sizing: border-box;">Do not let your ears be tickled with deceiving lying words. Go and read what about each of the candidates. Believe me - you will not agree with everything they stand for, believe in, or want to accomplish, but you will see truth in looking at their voting records and their bank records and then you can make an educated vote instead of a vote based on how "you feel". </span></span><br />
<span class="text Matt-7-20" style="-webkit-font-smoothing: antialiased; background-color: white; box-sizing: border-box; font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Verdana, Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 16px; line-height: 24px;"><span class="woj" style="-webkit-font-smoothing: antialiased; box-sizing: border-box;"><br /></span></span>
<span class="text Matt-7-20" style="-webkit-font-smoothing: antialiased; background-color: white; box-sizing: border-box; font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Verdana, Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 16px; line-height: 24px;"><span class="woj" style="-webkit-font-smoothing: antialiased; box-sizing: border-box;">Let us stop being known as a country of hate. Let us work on being the "Melting Pot of the World" once more. </span></span><br />
<span class="passage-display-bcv" style="-webkit-font-smoothing: antialiased; box-sizing: border-box; display: inline; margin: 0px; padding-right: 10px;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: x-small; line-height: 1.1;"><b><br /></b></span></span>
<blockquote class="tr_bq">
<span class="passage-display-bcv" style="-webkit-font-smoothing: antialiased; box-sizing: border-box; display: inline; margin: 0px; padding-right: 10px;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: x-small; line-height: 1.1;"><b>2 Kings 24: 1-7;</b></span></span><i><span class="text 2Kgs-24-1" id="en-NIV-10204" style="-webkit-font-smoothing: antialiased; box-sizing: border-box; font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Verdana, Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; line-height: 24px;">"During Jehoiakim’s reign, Nebuchadnezzar<span class="crossreference" data-cr="#cen-NIV-10204A" data-link="(<a href="#cen-NIV-10204A" title="See cross-reference A">A</a>)" style="box-sizing: border-box; line-height: 22px; position: relative; top: 0px; vertical-align: top;"></span> king of Babylon invaded<span class="crossreference" data-cr="#cen-NIV-10204B" data-link="(<a href="#cen-NIV-10204B" title="See cross-reference B">B</a>)" style="box-sizing: border-box; line-height: 22px; position: relative; top: 0px; vertical-align: top;"></span>the land, and Jehoiakim became his vassal for three years. But then he turned against Nebuchadnezzar and rebelled.<span class="crossreference" data-cr="#cen-NIV-10204C" data-link="(<a href="#cen-NIV-10204C" title="See cross-reference C">C</a>)" style="box-sizing: border-box; line-height: 22px; position: relative; top: 0px; vertical-align: top;"></span></span><span style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Verdana, Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; line-height: 24px;"> </span><span class="text 2Kgs-24-2" id="en-NIV-10205" style="-webkit-font-smoothing: antialiased; box-sizing: border-box; font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Verdana, Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; line-height: 24px;"><span class="versenum" style="box-sizing: border-box; font-family: Arial; line-height: 22px; position: relative; top: 0px; vertical-align: top;">2 </span>The <span class="small-caps" style="-webkit-font-smoothing: antialiased; box-sizing: border-box; font-variant: small-caps;">Lord</span> sent Babylonian,<span class="footnote" data-fn="#fen-NIV-10205a" data-link="[<a href="#fen-NIV-10205a" title="See footnote a">a</a>]" style="box-sizing: border-box; line-height: 22px; position: relative; top: 0px; vertical-align: top;">[<a href="https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=2+Kings+24&version=NIV#fen-NIV-10205a" style="-webkit-font-smoothing: antialiased; background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial; box-sizing: border-box; color: #b34b2c; cursor: pointer; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: top;" title="See footnote a">a</a>]</span><span class="crossreference" data-cr="#cen-NIV-10205D" data-link="(<a href="#cen-NIV-10205D" title="See cross-reference D">D</a>)" style="box-sizing: border-box; line-height: 22px; position: relative; top: 0px; vertical-align: top;"></span> Aramean,<span class="crossreference" data-cr="#cen-NIV-10205E" data-link="(<a href="#cen-NIV-10205E" title="See cross-reference E">E</a>)" style="box-sizing: border-box; line-height: 22px; position: relative; top: 0px; vertical-align: top;"></span> Moabite and Ammonite raiders<span class="crossreference" data-cr="#cen-NIV-10205F" data-link="(<a href="#cen-NIV-10205F" title="See cross-reference F">F</a>)" style="box-sizing: border-box; line-height: 22px; position: relative; top: 0px; vertical-align: top;"></span> against him to destroy<span class="crossreference" data-cr="#cen-NIV-10205G" data-link="(<a href="#cen-NIV-10205G" title="See cross-reference G">G</a>)" style="box-sizing: border-box; line-height: 22px; position: relative; top: 0px; vertical-align: top;"></span>Judah, in accordance with the word of the <span class="small-caps" style="-webkit-font-smoothing: antialiased; box-sizing: border-box; font-variant: small-caps;">Lord</span> proclaimed by his servants the prophets.<span class="crossreference" data-cr="#cen-NIV-10205H" data-link="(<a href="#cen-NIV-10205H" title="See cross-reference H">H</a>)" style="box-sizing: border-box; line-height: 22px; position: relative; top: 0px; vertical-align: top;"></span></span><span style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Verdana, Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; line-height: 24px;"> </span><span class="text 2Kgs-24-3" id="en-NIV-10206" style="-webkit-font-smoothing: antialiased; box-sizing: border-box; font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Verdana, Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; line-height: 24px;"><span class="versenum" style="box-sizing: border-box; font-family: Arial; line-height: 22px; position: relative; top: 0px; vertical-align: top;">3 </span>Surely these things happened to Judah according to the <span class="small-caps" style="-webkit-font-smoothing: antialiased; box-sizing: border-box; font-variant: small-caps;">Lord</span>’s command,<span class="crossreference" data-cr="#cen-NIV-10206I" data-link="(<a href="#cen-NIV-10206I" title="See cross-reference I">I</a>)" style="box-sizing: border-box; line-height: 22px; position: relative; top: 0px; vertical-align: top;"></span> in order to remove them from his presence<span class="crossreference" data-cr="#cen-NIV-10206J" data-link="(<a href="#cen-NIV-10206J" title="See cross-reference J">J</a>)" style="box-sizing: border-box; line-height: 22px; position: relative; top: 0px; vertical-align: top;"></span> because of the sins of Manasseh<span class="crossreference" data-cr="#cen-NIV-10206K" data-link="(<a href="#cen-NIV-10206K" title="See cross-reference K">K</a>)" style="box-sizing: border-box; line-height: 22px; position: relative; top: 0px; vertical-align: top;"></span> and all he had done,</span><span class="text 2Kgs-24-4" id="en-NIV-10207" style="-webkit-font-smoothing: antialiased; box-sizing: border-box; font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Verdana, Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; line-height: 24px;"><span class="versenum" style="box-sizing: border-box; font-family: Arial; line-height: 22px; position: relative; top: 0px; vertical-align: top;">4 </span>including the shedding of innocent blood.<span class="crossreference" data-cr="#cen-NIV-10207L" data-link="(<a href="#cen-NIV-10207L" title="See cross-reference L">L</a>)" style="box-sizing: border-box; line-height: 22px; position: relative; top: 0px; vertical-align: top;"></span> For he had filled Jerusalem with innocent blood, and the <span class="small-caps" style="-webkit-font-smoothing: antialiased; box-sizing: border-box; font-variant: small-caps;">Lord</span> was not willing to forgive</span><span class="text 2Kgs-24-4" style="-webkit-font-smoothing: antialiased; box-sizing: border-box; font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Verdana, Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; line-height: 24px;">. </span><span class="text 2Kgs-24-5" id="en-NIV-10208" style="-webkit-font-smoothing: antialiased; box-sizing: border-box; font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Verdana, Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 16px; line-height: 24px;"><span class="versenum" style="box-sizing: border-box; font-family: Arial; font-size: 12px; line-height: 22px; position: relative; top: 0px; vertical-align: top;">5 </span>As for the other events of Jehoiakim’s reign,<span class="crossreference" data-cr="#cen-NIV-10208N" data-link="(<a href="#cen-NIV-10208N" title="See cross-reference N">N</a>)" style="box-sizing: border-box; font-size: 0.625em; line-height: 22px; position: relative; top: 0px; vertical-align: top;"></span> and all he did, are they not written in the book of the annals of the kings of Judah?</span><span style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Verdana, Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 16px; line-height: 24px;"> </span><span class="text 2Kgs-24-6" id="en-NIV-10209" style="-webkit-font-smoothing: antialiased; box-sizing: border-box; font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Verdana, Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 16px; line-height: 24px;"><span class="versenum" style="box-sizing: border-box; font-family: Arial; font-size: 12px; line-height: 22px; position: relative; top: 0px; vertical-align: top;">6 </span>Jehoiakim rested<span class="crossreference" data-cr="#cen-NIV-10209O" data-link="(<a href="#cen-NIV-10209O" title="See cross-reference O">O</a>)" style="box-sizing: border-box; font-size: 0.625em; line-height: 22px; position: relative; top: 0px; vertical-align: top;"></span> with his ancestors. And Jehoiachin<span class="crossreference" data-cr="#cen-NIV-10209P" data-link="(<a href="#cen-NIV-10209P" title="See cross-reference P">P</a>)" style="box-sizing: border-box; font-size: 0.625em; line-height: 22px; position: relative; top: 0px; vertical-align: top;"></span> his son succeeded him as king."</span></i><i style="background-color: white; font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Verdana, Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 16px; line-height: 24px;"><span class="versenum" style="box-sizing: border-box; font-family: Arial; font-size: 12px; font-weight: bold; line-height: 22px; position: relative; top: 0px; vertical-align: top;">7 </span>The king of Egypt<span class="crossreference" data-cr="#cen-NIV-10210Q" data-link="(<a href="#cen-NIV-10210Q" title="See cross-reference Q">Q</a>)" style="box-sizing: border-box; font-size: 0.625em; line-height: 22px; position: relative; top: 0px; vertical-align: top;"></span> did not march out from his own country again, because the king of Babylon<span class="crossreference" data-cr="#cen-NIV-10210R" data-link="(<a href="#cen-NIV-10210R" title="See cross-reference R">R</a>)" style="box-sizing: border-box; font-size: 0.625em; line-height: 22px; position: relative; top: 0px; vertical-align: top;"></span> had taken all his territory, from the Wadi of Egypt to the Euphrates River."</i></blockquote>
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~Peace & Blessings~<br />
JenJennifer M Krousehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02305623526919039804noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5281642608805843158.post-88728212653016536182016-01-24T10:59:00.000-05:002016-01-24T10:59:31.446-05:00Game DayYes, it's game day, for the AFC and the NFC championship. Trending right now on social media - the games that are going to be on today. Now, I do love football. It's fun to watch and root for your favorite team, but in the end...it's nothing more than a game.<br />
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The hoopla surrounding the games do have me pondering one simple question though...Why do we get so excited about a game but about eternal life? Why aren't words like #Heaven #Eternity #GodIsReal #IAMSAVED not trending? What are we afraid of?<br />
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I have come to one simple conclusion, we are scared. We are scared to share our beliefs, our truths, our understanding of God. We hide behind our computer screens, but we still do not profess our faith! This week I simple challenge you to commit to memory a couple of scriptures and then ponder them for the truth that they are and then ask yourself why it is you are not as excited about God as you are about other things of this world.<br />
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<b><span style="color: #444444;"><span class="bible-item-title-wrap" style="-webkit-font-smoothing: antialiased; background-color: white; box-sizing: border-box; font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 20px;"><a class="bible-item-title" href="https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Romans+10%3A9&version=NIV" style="-webkit-font-smoothing: antialiased; background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-color: transparent; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial; box-sizing: border-box; cursor: pointer; display: inline-block; font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Verdana, Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 16px; line-height: 24px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-top: 0px; text-decoration: none;">Romans 10:9</a>; </span><span style="background-color: white; font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Verdana, Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 16px; line-height: 24px;">If you declare</span><span style="background-color: white; font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Verdana, Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 16px; line-height: 24px;"> </span><span style="box-sizing: border-box; font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Verdana, Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 16px; line-height: 24px;">with</span><span style="background-color: white; font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Verdana, Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 16px; line-height: 24px;"> </span><span style="box-sizing: border-box; font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Verdana, Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 16px; line-height: 24px;">your</span><span style="background-color: white; font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Verdana, Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 16px; line-height: 24px;"> </span><span style="box-sizing: border-box; font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Verdana, Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 16px; line-height: 24px;">mouth</span><span style="background-color: white; font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Verdana, Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 16px; line-height: 24px;">, “Jesus is Lord,” and believe in</span><span style="background-color: white; font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Verdana, Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 16px; line-height: 24px;"> </span><span style="box-sizing: border-box; font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Verdana, Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 16px; line-height: 24px;">your</span><span style="background-color: white; font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Verdana, Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 16px; line-height: 24px;"> </span><span style="background-color: white; font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Verdana, Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 16px; line-height: 24px;">heart that God raised him from the dead, you will be saved.</span></span></b></blockquote>
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<b><span style="color: #444444;"><a class="bible-item-title" href="https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Matthew+12:36&version=NIV" style="-webkit-font-smoothing: antialiased; background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial; box-sizing: border-box; cursor: pointer; display: inline-block; font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Verdana, Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 16px; line-height: 24px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-top: 0px; text-decoration: none;">Matthew 12:36</a>; <span style="background-color: white; font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Verdana, Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 16px; line-height: 24px;">But I</span><span style="background-color: white; font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Verdana, Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 16px; line-height: 24px;"> </span><span style="box-sizing: border-box; font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Verdana, Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 16px; line-height: 24px;">tell</span><span style="background-color: white; font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Verdana, Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 16px; line-height: 24px;"> </span><span style="background-color: white; font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Verdana, Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 16px; line-height: 24px;">you that everyone will have to give account on the day of judgment for every empty word they have spoken. </span></span></b></blockquote>
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<b><span style="color: #444444;"><a class="bible-item-title" href="https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Acts+5:42&version=NIV" style="-webkit-font-smoothing: antialiased; background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial; box-sizing: border-box; cursor: pointer; display: inline-block; font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Verdana, Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 16px; line-height: 24px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-top: 0px; text-decoration: none;">Acts 5:42</a>; <span style="background-color: white; font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Verdana, Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 16px; line-height: 24px;">Day after day, in the temple courts and from house to house, they never stopped teaching and proclaiming the </span><span style="box-sizing: border-box; font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Verdana, Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 16px; line-height: 24px;">good</span><span style="background-color: white; font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Verdana, Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 16px; line-height: 24px;"> </span><span style="box-sizing: border-box; font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Verdana, Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 16px; line-height: 24px;">news</span><span style="background-color: white; font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Verdana, Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 16px; line-height: 24px;"> </span><span style="background-color: white; font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Verdana, Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 16px; line-height: 24px;">that Jesus is the Messiah.</span></span></b></blockquote>
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<b><span style="color: #444444;"> </span></b></blockquote>
~Peace & Blessings~<br />
JenJennifer M Krousehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02305623526919039804noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5281642608805843158.post-27434751655232527082016-01-17T11:25:00.000-05:002016-01-17T11:25:30.338-05:00DistractionsWait...what? What was I just doing? What was that thought I had a moment ago?<br />
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Have you ever asked yourself these questions? Me too. I will be the first one to say "Write it down!" but forget to write things down. It's a sad state of affairs. Why are we so forgetful? There was a time in our human history where it was vital to remember. It has been vital to retaining history, remembering events and at one point how to get in touch with your friends by phone. I will be the first to say that I'm grateful for pen, paper and even technology, but there are things that we should commit to memory, but it does have to be written down or passed down for generations to come.<br />
<b style="background-color: white; font-family: 'Courier New', Courier, monospace; font-size: small; line-height: 24px;"><br /></b>
<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;"><b style="background-color: white; line-height: 24px;"><i><a class="bible-item-title" href="https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Habakkuk+2:2&version=NIV" style="-webkit-font-smoothing: antialiased; background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-color: transparent; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial; box-sizing: border-box; color: #b34b2c; cursor: pointer; display: inline-block; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-top: 0px; text-decoration: none;">Habakkuk 2:2</a>; {</i></b><span style="line-height: 24px;"><b><i><span style="box-sizing: border-box;">The <span class="small-caps" style="-webkit-font-smoothing: antialiased; box-sizing: border-box; font-variant: small-caps;">Lord</span>’s Answer}</span> "Then the <span class="small-caps" style="-webkit-font-smoothing: antialiased; box-sizing: border-box; font-variant: small-caps;">Lord</span> replied: '<span style="box-sizing: border-box;">Write </span><span style="box-sizing: border-box;">down</span> the revelation and make <span style="box-sizing: border-box;">it</span> plain on tablets so that a herald may run with <span style="box-sizing: border-box;">it</span></i></b></span><span style="font-weight: bold; line-height: 24px;">.'"</span><span style="line-height: 20px;"> </span><span style="line-height: 20px;"> </span></span><br />
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I believe one of the reasons that we tend to forget things is because of all the distractions that are all around. The TV, the internet, thousands of magazines, advertisements, just an overload of information! We are so bombarded that we tend to remember the jingle of a company before we remember why we walked into the next room. Distractions in our lives can crowd out our time with the Lord.<br />
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<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;"><b><i><a class="bible-item-title" href="https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Luke+10:40&version=NIV" style="-webkit-font-smoothing: antialiased; background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial; box-sizing: border-box; color: #b34b2c; cursor: pointer; display: inline-block; font-size: 16px; line-height: 24px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-top: 0px; text-decoration: none;">Luke 10:40</a>; "<span style="background-color: white; font-size: 16px; line-height: 24px;">But Martha was</span><span style="background-color: white; font-size: 16px; line-height: 24px;"> </span><span style="box-sizing: border-box; font-size: 16px; line-height: 24px;">distract</span><span style="background-color: white; font-size: 16px; line-height: 24px;">ed by all the preparations that had to be made. She came to him and asked, 'Lord, don’t you care that my sister has left me to do the work by myself? Tell her to help me!'”</span></i></b></span><br />
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Another reason may just be that we don't spend time with one another as much as we used to. We share stories on social media sites, but not with our friends when we are face to face with one another. We expect people to already know what is going on - as if our day is consumed with combing the internet with "what is she doing now?". Storytelling is vital for memory! Jesus would share parables. People would go and tell their family and neighbors when Jesus healed them.<br />
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<blockquote class="tr_bq">
<b style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><i><a class="bible-item-title" href="https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Matthew+13:3&version=NIV" style="-webkit-font-smoothing: antialiased; background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial; box-sizing: border-box; color: #b34b2c; cursor: pointer; display: inline-block; font-size: 16px; line-height: 24px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-top: 0px; text-decoration: none;">Matthew 13:3</a><span style="background-color: white; font-size: 14px; line-height: 20px;">; "</span><span style="background-color: white; font-size: 16px; line-height: 24px;">Then he</span><span style="background-color: white; font-size: 16px; line-height: 24px;"> </span><span style="box-sizing: border-box; font-size: 16px; line-height: 24px;">told</span><span style="background-color: white; font-size: 16px; line-height: 24px;"> </span><span style="background-color: white; font-size: 16px; line-height: 24px;">them many things in parables..."</span></i></b></blockquote>
<blockquote class="tr_bq">
<i style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><a class="bible-item-title" href="https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=John+4:39&version=NIV" style="-webkit-font-smoothing: antialiased; background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial; box-sizing: border-box; color: #b34b2c; cursor: pointer; display: inline-block; font-size: 16px; font-weight: bold; line-height: 24px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-top: 0px; text-decoration: none;">John 4:39</a><span style="background-color: white; font-size: 14px; font-weight: bold; line-height: 20px;">; </span><span style="font-size: 16px; font-weight: bold; line-height: 24px;">[</span><span style="font-size: 16px; font-weight: bold; line-height: 24px;"> </span><span style="box-sizing: border-box; font-size: 16px; font-weight: bold; line-height: 24px;">Many Samaritans Believe</span><span style="font-size: 16px; font-weight: bold; line-height: 24px;"> </span><span style="font-size: 16px; font-weight: bold; line-height: 24px;">] Many of the Samaritans from that town believed in him because of the woman’s testimony, “He</span><span style="font-size: 16px; font-weight: bold; line-height: 24px;"> </span><b style="box-sizing: border-box; font-size: 16px; line-height: 24px;">told</b><span style="font-size: 16px; font-weight: bold; line-height: 24px;"> </span><span style="font-size: 16px; font-weight: bold; line-height: 24px;">me everything I ever did.”</span></i></blockquote>
The antidote to remembering? I could not tell you for certain, but I do believe it is repetition. You've heard of muscle memory haven't you? When you repeat the same motion with the same weight time after time - your muscles remember and can work with ease. The brain should be exercised as a muscle. Reading, memory games (yes there's a lot of them out there), and repeating of stories are some great ways to exercise the brain.<br />
<blockquote class="tr_bq">
<span style="-webkit-font-smoothing: antialiased; background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial; box-sizing: border-box; color: #b34b2c; cursor: pointer; display: inline-block; font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: 16px; line-height: 24px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-top: 0px; text-decoration: none;"><b><i><a class="bible-item-title" href="https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Joel+1:3&version=NIV" style="-webkit-font-smoothing: antialiased; background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial; box-sizing: border-box; color: #b34b2c; cursor: pointer; display: inline-block; font-size: 16px; line-height: 24px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-top: 0px; text-decoration: none;">Joel 1:3</a>; </i></b></span><b style="background-color: white; font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: 16px; line-height: 24px;"><i><span style="box-sizing: border-box;">"Tell</span> it to <span style="box-sizing: border-box;">your</span> <span style="box-sizing: border-box;">children</span>, and let <span style="box-sizing: border-box;">your</span> <span style="box-sizing: border-box;">children</span> <span style="box-sizing: border-box;">tell</span> it to their <span style="box-sizing: border-box;">children</span>, and their <span style="box-sizing: border-box;">children</span> to the next generation."</i></b></blockquote>
Isn't great to know that God never forgets! He remembers his promises, he remembers our names, he even remembers what we do for him and for others in his name. We will be held accountable for all of it! I looked up the word remember in the Bible. It is mentioned 231 times! It's safe to say that memory is important. We must be intentional and not get distracted when it comes to remembering things.<br />
<blockquote class="tr_bq">
<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;"><b><i><a class="bible-item-title" href="https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Psalm+77:12&version=NIV" style="-webkit-font-smoothing: antialiased; background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial; box-sizing: border-box; color: #b34b2c; cursor: pointer; display: inline-block; font-size: 16px; line-height: 24px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-top: 0px; text-decoration: none;">Psalm 77:12</a>; "<span style="background-color: white; font-size: 16px; line-height: 24px;">I will consider all your works and</span><span style="background-color: white; font-size: 16px; line-height: 24px;"> </span><span style="box-sizing: border-box; font-size: 16px; line-height: 24px;">meditate</span><span style="background-color: white; font-size: 16px; line-height: 24px;"> </span><span style="background-color: white; font-size: 16px; line-height: 24px;">on all your mighty deeds.”</span></i></b></span></blockquote>
Maybe it will take repetition or to write things down in order to remember, but the truth is we need to remember all the goodness that God provides. We need to remember what God has done in our lives! We need to share with others God's promises to man. So I challenge you today, share a story (from memory) of what God has done in your life with someone today. Read and re-read a new scripture verse and commit it to memory. Write down in a journal your prayers and look back on it and make a note of when God answered that prayer.<br />
<blockquote class="tr_bq">
<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;"><b><i><a class="bible-item-title" href="https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Exodus+34:27&version=NIV" style="-webkit-font-smoothing: antialiased; background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial; box-sizing: border-box; color: #b34b2c; cursor: pointer; display: inline-block; font-size: 16px; line-height: 24px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-top: 0px; text-decoration: none;">Exodus 34:27</a>; "<span style="background-color: white; font-size: 16px; line-height: 24px;">Then the</span><span style="background-color: white; font-size: 16px; line-height: 24px;"> </span><span class="small-caps" style="-webkit-font-smoothing: antialiased; box-sizing: border-box; font-size: 16px; font-variant: small-caps; line-height: 24px;">Lord</span><span style="background-color: white; font-size: 16px; line-height: 24px;"> </span><span style="background-color: white; font-size: 16px; line-height: 24px;">said to Moses, '</span><span style="box-sizing: border-box; font-size: 16px; line-height: 24px;">Write</span><span style="background-color: white; font-size: 16px; line-height: 24px;"> </span><span style="background-color: white; font-size: 16px; line-height: 24px;">down these words, for in accordance with these words I have made a covenant with you and with Israel.'”</span></i></b></span></blockquote>
<br />
~Peace & Blessings~<br />
JenJennifer M Krousehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02305623526919039804noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5281642608805843158.post-8574300031052762312016-01-10T14:41:00.003-05:002016-01-10T14:44:03.697-05:00Do words really make a difference?<blockquote class="tr_bq">
<b><a class="bible-item-title" href="https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Proverbs+16:21&version=NIV" style="-webkit-font-smoothing: antialiased; background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial; box-sizing: border-box; color: #b34b2c; cursor: pointer; display: inline-block; font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Verdana, Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 16px; line-height: 24px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-top: 0px; text-decoration: none;">Proverbs 16:21</a>; "<span style="background-color: white; font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Verdana, Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 16px; line-height: 24px;">The wise in heart are called discerning, and gracious </span><span style="box-sizing: border-box; font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Verdana, Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 16px; line-height: 24px;">words</span><span style="background-color: white; font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Verdana, Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 16px; line-height: 24px;"> </span><span style="background-color: white; font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Verdana, Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 16px; line-height: 24px;">promote instruction."</span></b></blockquote>
<br />
I recently had a lively conversation about how we talk to people. Their point of view was starkly different to mine. They believe that speaking harshly to people (even children) is how people hear you, even to the point of cussing. They also went on to say that the problem with society (more specifically, America) is that we caudal too much instead of correcting, and the only way to correct is with harsh language.<br />
<blockquote class="tr_bq">
<span style="font-size: x-small;"><b><i><span class="bible-item-title-wrap" style="-webkit-font-smoothing: antialiased; background-color: white; box-sizing: border-box; font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; line-height: 20px;"><a class="bible-item-title" href="https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Ephesians+4%3A29&version=NIV" style="-webkit-font-smoothing: antialiased; background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-color: transparent; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial; box-sizing: border-box; color: #b34b2c; cursor: pointer; display: inline-block; font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Verdana, Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; line-height: 24px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-top: 0px; text-decoration: none;">Ephesians 4:29</a>; "</span><span style="background-color: white; font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Verdana, Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; line-height: 24px;">Do not let any</span><span style="background-color: white; font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Verdana, Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; line-height: 24px;"> </span><span style="box-sizing: border-box; font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Verdana, Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; line-height: 24px;">unwholesome</span><span style="background-color: white; font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Verdana, Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; line-height: 24px;"> </span><span style="box-sizing: border-box; font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Verdana, Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; line-height: 24px;">talk</span><span style="background-color: white; font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Verdana, Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; line-height: 24px;"> </span><span style="background-color: white; font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Verdana, Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; line-height: 24px;">come out of your mouths, but only what is helpful for building others up according to their needs, that it may benefit those who listen."</span></i></b></span></blockquote>
I disagree. To yell at someone or to even cuss at someone to get your point across is not only harmful to the person receiving the words, but it is more than likely that the person you are trying to "get your point across to" will actually tune you out. If spoken to harshly long enough, the cycle will begin again. This my friends, is a vicious circle.<br />
<blockquote class="tr_bq">
<span style="font-size: x-small;"><b><i><a class="bible-item-title" href="https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Proverbs+17:27&version=NIV" style="-webkit-font-smoothing: antialiased; background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial; box-sizing: border-box; color: #b34b2c; cursor: pointer; display: inline-block; font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Verdana, Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; line-height: 24px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-top: 0px; text-decoration: none;">Proverbs 7:27</a>; "<span style="background-color: white; font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Verdana, Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; line-height: 24px;">The one who has knowledge uses</span><span style="background-color: white; font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Verdana, Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; line-height: 24px;"> </span><span style="box-sizing: border-box; font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Verdana, Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; line-height: 24px;">words</span><span style="background-color: white; font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Verdana, Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; line-height: 24px;"> </span><span style="background-color: white; font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Verdana, Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; line-height: 24px;">with restraint, and whoever has understanding is even-tempered."</span></i></b></span></blockquote>
Correction is the words used, not the harshness in which the words are said. I have worked with many people over the years. I have been cussed at by superiors, co-workers, even family. To say that I listened to them would be far fetched. I have always felt like less of a person after being belittled with the harshness and tone that was spoken to me. Over the years the yelling at people to get a point across or even to cuss at someone out of frustration and anger was where I found myself. I didn't like being talked to that way, yet there I was (sometimes still) talking at people the way I had been talked at instead of talking to people the way I wanted to be talked to. But the good news is the cycle can be broken!<br />
<blockquote class="tr_bq">
<span style="font-size: x-small;"><b><i><a class="bible-item-title" href="https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=1%20Corinthians+14:9&version=NIV" style="-webkit-font-smoothing: antialiased; background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial; box-sizing: border-box; color: #b34b2c; cursor: pointer; display: inline-block; font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Verdana, Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; line-height: 24px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-top: 0px; text-decoration: none;">1 Corinthians 14:9</a>; "<span style="background-color: white; font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Verdana, Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; line-height: 24px;">So it is with you. Unless you speak intelligible</span><span style="background-color: white; font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Verdana, Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; line-height: 24px;"> </span><span style="box-sizing: border-box; font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Verdana, Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; line-height: 24px;">words </span><span style="background-color: white; font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Verdana, Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; line-height: 24px;">with your tongue, how will anyone know what you are saying? You will just be speaking into the air.</span></i></b></span></blockquote>
By far the most effective leaders (and parents you are a leader) are ones who correct with loving intentions and with a heart to help not hurt. This is where my learning, how to change how I spoke to others, began (and it is a work in progress). When heated debates and disagreements occur a couple of things begin to happen; first you can feel your temperature rise, and secondly you can feel the anger begin to boil on the tip of your tongue. So what sets apart a person who corrects without harshness and cussing. I do believe it is a few things...like grace, mercy, and that they are acting out of love.<br />
<blockquote class="tr_bq">
<span style="font-size: x-small;"><b><i><span class="bible-item-title-wrap" style="-webkit-font-smoothing: antialiased; background-color: white; box-sizing: border-box; font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; line-height: 20px;"><a class="bible-item-title" href="https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Proverbs+16%3A24&version=NIV" style="-webkit-font-smoothing: antialiased; background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-color: transparent; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial; box-sizing: border-box; color: #b34b2c; cursor: pointer; display: inline-block; font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Verdana, Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; line-height: 24px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-top: 0px; text-decoration: none;">Proverbs 16:24</a>; "</span><span style="background-color: white; font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Verdana, Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; line-height: 24px;">Gracious</span><span style="background-color: white; font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Verdana, Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; line-height: 24px;"> </span><span style="box-sizing: border-box; font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Verdana, Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; line-height: 24px;">words</span><span style="background-color: white; font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Verdana, Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; line-height: 24px;"> </span><span style="background-color: white; font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Verdana, Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; line-height: 24px;">are a honeycomb, sweet to the soul and healing to the bones."</span></i></b></span></blockquote>
There's a few things I have to do in order for me not to lose my temper (and I don't always succeed). I have to pray. Pray for God to help me control my anger and to not say something that I'm going to regret. I have to stop. Yup, stop and take a step back. Before I say a word, I have to look at the situation and ask myself why I'm getting so angry. Is this a fight that is worth risking hurt feelings and further anger?<br />
<blockquote class="tr_bq">
<span style="font-size: x-small;"><b><i><a class="bible-item-title" href="https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Ecclesiastes+9:17&version=NIV" style="-webkit-font-smoothing: antialiased; background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial; box-sizing: border-box; color: #b34b2c; cursor: pointer; display: inline-block; font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Verdana, Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; line-height: 24px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-top: 0px; text-decoration: none;">Ecclesiastes 9:17</a>; "<span style="background-color: white; font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Verdana, Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; line-height: 24px;">The quiet</span><span style="background-color: white; font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Verdana, Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; line-height: 24px;"> </span><span style="box-sizing: border-box; font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Verdana, Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; line-height: 24px;">words</span><span style="background-color: white; font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Verdana, Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; line-height: 24px;"> </span><span style="background-color: white; font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Verdana, Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; line-height: 24px;">of the wise are more to be heeded than the shouts of a ruler of fools." </span></i></b></span></blockquote>
It is time to begin a new cycle. As Christians we are not to use harmful, hurtful words, to anyone. It's time for change, in how we speak to one another. We are called to be like Christ, and this is a great place to start.<br />
<br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">~Peace & Blessings~</span><br />
Jen<br />
<br />
<br />Jennifer M Krousehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02305623526919039804noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5281642608805843158.post-10666425780225365882016-01-02T14:36:00.000-05:002016-01-02T14:38:49.897-05:00New Year, New ResolutionHere it is, 2016. Another year filled with uncertainty, joy, sadness, anger, frustration, hope and love down in the record books. I have been pondering and thinking about what it means to make resolutions and what I should do about them for this new year. I believe the best thing to do is to truly look at what it is that should change, not what I "want" to change, but rather what NEEDS to be changed.<br />
<br />
1. Work first and foremost on my relationship with Jesus Christ. Yes...I am a wayward Christian. I know this. I'm thankful that I am in a ministry that allows me to minster daily and grow, but if I were to be honest (as we all should be) I fall short...daily. As the Bible says in <a class="bible-item-title" href="https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Romans+1:16&version=NIV" style="-webkit-font-smoothing: antialiased; background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial; box-sizing: border-box; color: #b34b2c; cursor: pointer; display: inline-block; font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Verdana, Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 16px; font-weight: bold; line-height: 24px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-top: 0px; text-decoration: none;">Romans 1:16</a>,<br />
<br />
<blockquote class="tr_bq">
<b><i><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: x-small;">"<span style="background-color: white; line-height: 24px;">For</span><span style="background-color: white; line-height: 24px;"> </span><span style="box-sizing: border-box; line-height: 24px;">I</span><span style="background-color: white; line-height: 24px;"> </span><span style="box-sizing: border-box; line-height: 24px;">am</span><span style="background-color: white; line-height: 24px;"> </span><span style="box-sizing: border-box; line-height: 24px;">not</span><span style="background-color: white; line-height: 24px;"> </span><span style="box-sizing: border-box; line-height: 24px;">ashamed</span><span style="background-color: white; line-height: 24px;"> </span><span style="box-sizing: border-box; line-height: 24px;">of</span><span style="background-color: white; line-height: 24px;"> </span><span style="box-sizing: border-box; line-height: 24px;">the</span><span style="background-color: white; line-height: 24px;"> </span><span style="background-color: white; line-height: 24px;">gospel, because</span><span style="background-color: white; line-height: 24px;"> </span><span style="box-sizing: border-box; line-height: 24px;">i</span><span style="background-color: white; line-height: 24px;">t</span><span style="background-color: white; line-height: 24px;"> </span><span style="box-sizing: border-box; line-height: 24px;">i</span><span style="background-color: white; line-height: 24px;">s</span><span style="background-color: white; line-height: 24px;"> </span><span style="box-sizing: border-box; line-height: 24px;">the </span><span style="background-color: white; line-height: 24px;">power</span><span style="background-color: white; line-height: 24px;"> </span><span style="box-sizing: border-box; line-height: 24px;">of</span><span style="background-color: white; line-height: 24px;"> </span><span style="background-color: white; line-height: 24px;">God that brings salvation to everyone who believes: first to</span><span style="background-color: white; line-height: 24px;"> </span><span style="box-sizing: border-box; line-height: 24px;">the</span><span style="background-color: white; line-height: 24px;"> </span><span style="background-color: white; line-height: 24px;">Jew,</span><span style="background-color: white; line-height: 24px;"> </span><span style="box-sizing: border-box; line-height: 24px;">the</span><span style="background-color: white; line-height: 24px;">n to</span><span style="background-color: white; line-height: 24px;"> </span><span style="box-sizing: border-box; line-height: 24px;">the</span><span style="background-color: white; line-height: 24px;"> </span><span style="background-color: white; line-height: 24px;">Gentile."</span></span></i></b></blockquote>
2. Work on my relationship with my family. My husband, my daughter, and my sons are, after all, the ones who know me best and love me regardless. It's so easy to be selfish and want to put my wants before theirs. I don't just want to be in their lives, I want to be PRESENT in their lives. As the Bible says in <span style="background-color: white; font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Verdana, Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 18px; line-height: 1.1;">1 Corinthians 13:1-3;</span><br />
<span style="background-color: white; font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Verdana, Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 18px; line-height: 1.1;"><br /></span>
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<blockquote class="tr_bq" style="-webkit-font-smoothing: antialiased; background-color: white; box-sizing: border-box; line-height: 24px; margin-bottom: 10px;">
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: x-small;"><b><i><span class="text 1Cor-13-1" id="en-NIV-28667" style="-webkit-font-smoothing: antialiased; box-sizing: border-box;">"If I speak in the tongues of men or of angels, but do not have love, I am only a resounding gong or a clanging cymbal.</span> <span class="text 1Cor-13-2" id="en-NIV-28668" style="-webkit-font-smoothing: antialiased; box-sizing: border-box;">If I have the gift of prophecy <span class="crossreference" data-cr="#cen-NIV-28668B" data-link="(<a href="#cen-NIV-28668B" title="See cross-reference B">B</a>)" style="box-sizing: border-box; line-height: 22px; position: relative; top: 0px; vertical-align: top;"></span>and can fathom all mysteries<span class="crossreference" data-cr="#cen-NIV-28668C" data-link="(<a href="#cen-NIV-28668C" title="See cross-reference C">C</a>)" style="box-sizing: border-box; line-height: 22px; position: relative; top: 0px; vertical-align: top;"></span> and all knowledge,<span class="crossreference" data-cr="#cen-NIV-28668D" data-link="(<a href="#cen-NIV-28668D" title="See cross-reference D">D</a>)" style="box-sizing: border-box; line-height: 22px; position: relative; top: 0px; vertical-align: top;"></span> and if I have a faith<span class="crossreference" data-cr="#cen-NIV-28668E" data-link="(<a href="#cen-NIV-28668E" title="See cross-reference E">E</a>)" style="box-sizing: border-box; line-height: 22px; position: relative; top: 0px; vertical-align: top;"></span> that can move mountains,<span class="crossreference" data-cr="#cen-NIV-28668F" data-link="(<a href="#cen-NIV-28668F" title="See cross-reference F">F</a>)" style="box-sizing: border-box; line-height: 22px; position: relative; top: 0px; vertical-align: top;"></span> but do not have love, I am nothing.</span> <span class="text 1Cor-13-3" id="en-NIV-28669" style="-webkit-font-smoothing: antialiased; box-sizing: border-box;">If I give all I possess to the poor<span class="crossreference" data-cr="#cen-NIV-28669G" data-link="(<a href="#cen-NIV-28669G" title="See cross-reference G">G</a>)" style="box-sizing: border-box; line-height: 22px; position: relative; top: 0px; vertical-align: top;"></span> and give over my body to hardship that I may boast, but do not have love, I gain nothing."</span></i></b></span></blockquote>
3. Work on finishing what I have started. That may sound easy, but as I was looking around the house and making my lists of things to finish up, I realized that I had a LOT of unfinished projects. Some include: Framing pictures, organizing shelves for collectibles, finishing my first book to send out to publishers. I do believe the reason why...I tend to get overwhelmed when I think of all the things that have to get down and shut down. I have to give all these things over to God and seek His priorities, and I must continue on. As the Bible says in <a class="bible-item-title" href="https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Acts+20:24&version=NIV" style="-webkit-font-smoothing: antialiased; background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial; box-sizing: border-box; color: #b34b2c; cursor: pointer; display: inline-block; font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Verdana, Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 16px; font-weight: bold; line-height: 24px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-top: 0px; text-decoration: none;">Acts 20:24</a>,<br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: x-small;"><b><i>"However, I consider my life worth nothing to me; my only aim is to <span style="box-sizing: border-box;">finish</span> <span style="box-sizing: border-box;">the</span> <span style="box-sizing: border-box;">race</span> and complete <span style="box-sizing: border-box;">the</span> task <span style="box-sizing: border-box;">the</span> Lord Jesus has given me —<span style="background-color: transparent; box-sizing: border-box;">the</span> task of testifying to <span style="background-color: transparent; box-sizing: border-box;">the</span> good news of God’s grace.</i></b></span><span style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Verdana, Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 16px;">"</span></blockquote>
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So there it is, my resolutions for 2016.</div>
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~Peace & Blessings~ Jen</div>
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<br />Jennifer M Krousehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02305623526919039804noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5281642608805843158.post-32562665001728039862015-10-18T11:09:00.000-04:002015-10-18T11:09:59.008-04:00Junk MailI had a couple dozen ideas that past through my mind this week about what to really focus on. This morning, as I was going through my inbox of emails I realized that I have more junk mail than anything of importance. Why have I not taken the time to "unsubscribe" to these pesky promotion emails that I receive on a daily basis?<br />
<br />
I suppose I have not done so yet because I have a fear of missing out on that one deal that I can actually take advantage of, or maybe it's because even if I do, once I use the service again I'll be receiving those pesky emails once more. I know better, and should take the minute it takes to unsubscribe, but there they sit.<br />
<br />
These emails bring me to a very basic life question, why allow all the junk? It's true. There's junk food in my pantry, there's junk mail sitting on my desk, there's junk that clutters my life in the form of false friends and drama. I'm like a mental and spiritual hoarder.<br />
<br />
It should be easy to let go of the things that we don't need, don't use, or that hurt us, but it's not. I believe this all stems back to habits. We get use to daily occurrence that are annoyances, because they are not bothersome enough to do anything about them. What we fail to realize is that this junk becomes toxic in our lives and we need to do something about it. <br />
<br />
I want to get rid of as much junk from my life as possible. All the negative, toxic, and time sucking entities need to go so that I can focus on what is positive and healthy as well as spend time with those who are important in my life. Sounds great, right, so how do we do that?<br />
<br />
<strong>Just Junk the Junk!</strong><br />
<br />
Start small and work you're way through some very easy steps.<br />
<br />
1. When you are going through your emails and it's more of a nuisance to delete than read, maybe you should unsubscribe from the user - delete the junk! And if it's traditional mail, just shred it (or rip it up) and through it in the trash. If you set it down on your table or desk, there is a high likely hood it will just sit there and pile up.<br />
<br />
2. Social Media in a frenzy? Maybe it's time to stop receive notifications of the pages you like or the friends that have nothing but negative things to post. You don't have to read it, just because it's posted. There is such a thing and TMI. And while on the subject of Social Media, remember, once it's out there...it's out there. Think before you post or you could be creating more junk than needed.<br />
<br />
3. Do first things first. It's a simple concept that is neglected too many times a day. Make a list (yes...a list!) of your priorities. Make your list everyday with what you want to improve on in your life to get rid of the junk until it becomes your new habit.<br />
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<blockquote class="tr_bq">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: x-small;"><em>Example: If you say you need to drink more water in a day, write it on your list and then set a reminder for yourself</em></span>.</blockquote>
I am a believer in a simple life. When there is less to focus on that distracts you, then you can begin to focus on what really matters; your faith, your family and your goals.<br />
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<br />
<br />
<br />
~Peace & Blessings~
<br />
JenJennifer M Krousehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02305623526919039804noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5281642608805843158.post-65181198877813568742015-10-11T13:15:00.000-04:002015-10-11T13:15:44.730-04:00HindsightIt has been said that "Hindsight is 20/20". There are times that I think that hindsight should be blind. It is all too easy to look back on prior decisions and beat yourself up for the choices that you made and in turn this hinders you from making better choices in you immediate present and potential future. So how can we become blind to our hindsight?<br />
<br />
I have been giving this much thought over the past few days and I have come up with a list that has helped me, and I hope will help you.<br />
<br />
1. It's never too late to do what you have always wanted to do.<br />
<br />
-I didn't finish college. I have wanted to go back for many years, but there was always a reason (really an excuse) for not going back. I made the decision to enroll and will begin with as many classes as I can this semester. Is it scary? If I am to be honest, yes, but I know this is what I want to do, need to do. I cannot let my past failure of not finishing take hold of my future anymore.<br />
<br />
2. Forgiveness is for everyone.<br />
<br />
-I'm not sure how to expand on this very simple truth. To harbor ill feelings towards someone causes so much turmoil. To ask for forgiveness and to forgive others who have hurt you will free you to move on in your life with a feeling of freedom that you otherwise will have missed.<br />
<br />
3. It's okay if you stumble.<br />
<br />
-When trying to change a habit, you will fail. Does this mean that you quit? NO! Dust yourself off and try again. Habit comes from the word habitual. So it will take time to change. Don't look back on your past self and think that you cannot change, because you can. <br />
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4. You can reflect back on your past, but you can't live in it.<br />
<br />
-The number one reason people are afraid to change is because they live in their past. I did this for far too many years. So stop living in your past and focus on living in your present. Change can and will happen, one step at a time once you decide to stop looking in the rearview mirror and focus on the road ahead of you.<br />
<br />
I hope you will be encouraged today. I hope you will fight for yourself. I hope that this little tidbit of insight will help.<br />
<br />
~Peace & Blessings~
<br />
JenJennifer M Krousehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02305623526919039804noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5281642608805843158.post-6314364306303789872015-10-03T14:17:00.000-04:002015-10-03T14:17:08.501-04:00Standing UpWhat does it mean to stand up for something? I recall a song that says "If you don't stand for what you believe in, you'll fall for anything." This couldn't be closer to the truth.<br />
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Yes, there is a danger for standing up for what you believe in. The danger includes, discrimination, judgment, persecution, ridicule and even death. It is not OK to kill someone because of their beliefs...NEVER, but it has happened time and time again throughout history. It saddens me that people commit terrible acts of violence to justify their stand or cause. Sickens me, actually. But this is what we deal with...daily.<br />
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I read a friends post on Facebook this morning about not understanding the violence. She says, "How do you explain these acts of hate to your children when they ask; 'Why does God let this happen?'"?<br />
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Is there a real...REAL answer. I suppose it depends on what you believe in. Here's the answer that I have. <br />
<br />
Jesus says in <a class="bible-item-title" href="https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=John+15:20&version=NIV">John 15:20</a>, "Remember what I told you: ‘A servant is not greater than his master.’ <b>If</b> <b>they</b> <b>persecute</b>d <b>me</b>, <b>they</b> will <b>persecute</b> you also. <b>If</b> <b>they</b> obeyed my teaching, <b>they</b> will obey yours also."<br />
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We are also warned in <a class="bible-item-title" href="https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=2 Timothy+3:1&version=NIV">2 Timothy 3:1</a>; "But mark this: <b>The</b>re will be terrible times <b>in</b> <b>the</b> <b>last</b> <b>days</b>."<br />
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Evil is real. We are forewarned of evil's destructive powers in <a class="bible-item-title" href="https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=2 Peter+3:3&version=NIV">2 Peter 3:3</a>, "Above all, you must understand that <b>in</b> <b>the</b> <b>last</b> <b>days</b> scoffers will come, scoffing and following <b>the</b>ir own evil desires.<br />
<br />
Those who choose to follow THE Rabi to the best of their ability, and claim Christ as the Messiah and Savior WILL face troubling times, will be called out and be persecuted (even to death). The question is no longer what do you believe in (or not believe in), rather will you STAND for what you know is right and true.<br />
<br />
The lines are being drawn, it's time to pick a side and stand firm. I choose to stand firm by loving others, listening and sharing God's truth rather than with hateful speech, intimidation or judging.<br />
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"Where love flows, hate cannot."<br />
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Peace & Blessings~
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JenJennifer M Krousehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02305623526919039804noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5281642608805843158.post-31154421801353710102015-09-19T08:05:00.004-04:002015-09-19T08:06:15.021-04:00Island WonderAs evening sits with us on a summer filled night,<br />
I can't help but wonder what I'll see at first light.<br />
Sitting on an island with wonders all around,<br />
I settle in to dream of the treasures to be found. ~JMKJennifer M Krousehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02305623526919039804noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5281642608805843158.post-59116570719042801342015-09-19T08:04:00.000-04:002015-09-19T08:04:01.037-04:00LighthouseShe stands majestic and tall<br /> She can be seen by all<br /> Her light guides the way<br /> And help navigate the bay<br /> Her light brightly shows<span class="text_exposed_hide">...</span><span class="text_exposed_show"><br /> Calming the sailors woes. ~JMK</span>Jennifer M Krousehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02305623526919039804noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5281642608805843158.post-70573231228146101122015-09-19T07:56:00.002-04:002015-09-19T07:56:39.781-04:00Autumn CoastSummer breeze gives way to Autumn rain<br />Glorious sun covered by puffs of gray<br />Cooling nights and moons that wane<br />Fall sings its song along the bay. ~JMKJennifer M Krousehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02305623526919039804noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5281642608805843158.post-2477662709100098462015-09-17T08:38:00.000-04:002015-09-17T08:38:01.727-04:00The Struggle is REAL!My kids say this all the time, "The struggle is real!". I'm not sure what they are really struggling about half the time though, TBH (that's to be honest in case you are not up with the acronyms). I've seen hashtags like "#FirstWorldProblems" and "#BlackLivesMatter", "#AllLivesMatter" and several more (but I think you get the picture) and I often wonder why these are even a thing.<br />
<br />
Our society has wealth that is wasted, time that is spent on mindless activities, and families that communicate with each other via text on their smartphones even though they are sitting right next to each other. I often struggle with this new reality, but I live it, I am even guilty of this new practice. I know it sounds like I'm just rambling, but I do have a point.<br />
<br />
I do not watch the news...for various reasons, but mostly because it's a bunch of skewed information that is being spoon fed to me with a biased point of view already built in. I rather form my own opinion on such issues and not be scolded for my thoughts based on what society has already been fed. So when I do hear of a news story, it is usually big...real big. What has hit home with me first thing this morning is the mass exodus that is going on right now in Europe. No, I don't have all the details, and no, I don't know why thousands of people are fleeing their homes and NO I don't understand why one country closes its borders and will not let people pass through to get to where they are going.<br />
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I am reminded of two things: First I am reminded of the ignorance first displayed prior to World War II, and Secondly I am reminded that people are selfish and few look after the whole of mankind. To me this is what should earn a hashtag if ever there was a need for one.<br />
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#AllLivesMatter #RealWorldProblems #TheStruggleIsReallyReal<br />
<br />
#My2CentsWorth<br />
<br />
~Peace & Blessings~<br />
JenJennifer M Krousehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02305623526919039804noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5281642608805843158.post-85934306643665553242015-09-13T14:00:00.000-04:002015-09-13T14:00:21.042-04:00Faith, Civic Duty and when they collideThere's been a lot of news being reported about people not performing their civic duties or jobs because of their faith. I have to admit, this confuses me. <br />
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<br />
As a Christian, I do know that we have to follow God's law, but Jesus did remind his disciples to also "Give unto Cesar what is Cesar's" (<a class="bible-item-title" href="https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Matthew+22:21&version=NIV">Matthew 22:21</a>). As a Christian, we are called to do everything in LOVE (<a class="bible-item-title" href="https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=1 Corinthians+16:14&version=NIV">1 Corinthians 16:14</a><b>,"Do</b> <b>everything</b> in love"). Is it our job, our position to pass judgment on those that we are called to serve? (<a class="bible-item-title" href="https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Matthew+7:2&version=NIV">Matthew 7:2,</a> For in the same way you <b>judge</b> others, you will be <b>judge</b>d, and with the measure you use, it will be measured to you.) (<a class="bible-item-title" href="https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Luke+6:37&version=NIV">Luke 6:37</a>,[ <i>Judging Others</i> ] “Do not <b>judge</b>, and you will not be <b>judge</b>d. Do not condemn, and you will not be condemned. Forgive, and you will be forgiven.) (<a class="bible-item-title" href="https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Romans+14:10&version=NIV">Romans 14:10</a>,"You, then, why do you <b>judge</b> your brother or sister? Or why do you treat them with contempt? For we will all stand before God’s judgment seat.")<br />
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If you are not willing to do what is asked of you and your job because of your faith, then you have a decision to make. Either you quit your job or you do your job without complaint and petition to God for His help in your situation. (<a class="bible-item-title" href="https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Hebrews+4:16&version=NIV">Hebrews 4:16);</a> "Let us <b>the</b>n approach God’s <b>throne</b> of grace with confidence, so that we may receive mercy and find grace to help us in our time of need."</div>
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This is to be said that as we are free to worship how we choose in these United States (<a href="http://www.usconstitution.net/xconst_Am1.html">http://www.usconstitution.net/xconst_Am1.html</a>; "Congress shall make no law respecting an establishment of religion, or prohibiting the free <span class="IL_AD" id="IL_AD1">exercise</span> thereof") so this should hold true for ALL who struggle with their job and their religion. Jehovah Witnesses do not vote or pledge allegiance to the flag or join the military because of their beliefs. They CHOOSE to not serve in this way, because they know that if they were to join the military they would have to pledge allegiance to the flag, they would have to possibly kill another. They do not complain they just do not take the military as a job option. </div>
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My point is this. If you have a job, do it to the best of your ability and with a servant's heart filled with love, not hate or with contentment. You may be the only witness to those you serve that do not believe as you believe. Are you helping or hurting the cause?</div>
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~Peace & Blessings~
<br />
JenJennifer M Krousehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02305623526919039804noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5281642608805843158.post-70090137847877036152015-09-02T18:03:00.000-04:002015-09-02T18:03:10.042-04:00Gone too longI know, it's been a while. A long while. For the longest time I felt as though I really had nothing of value to say. Funny how a low time in your life can cause you to think. Yes, a low point. I may still be in that low point, I'm not real sure as of yet. Too many things have happened in the past 18 months and I am still digesting and processing the details. I'm sure that I'll share as I go, but that too, remains to be seen.<br />
<br />
But for now, I'm back. It actually feels really good to just sit here and type out my thoughts. I don't know if anyone else will read them but me, but that's okay too. Part of the reason for my absence was that I felt that I was putting myself out there too much, so I had that going for me as well as feeling as though I had nothing to say. And that I was being judged. I'm not sure by who, but I still felt that way.<br />
<br />
Feelings have a way of making you second guess everything; your family, your job, your faith and even God's plan.<br />
<br />
I have come to a couple of conclusions at this juncture of my life. I will continue to work to be a better me, the one that Christ has called me to be. I will continue to be true to myself and to who I am at this moment in time, and I will not be afraid of being criticized for putting myself out there. Jesus calls each of us to be a part of the body of Christ. Each of us has a different and unique role, that only we can fill. I have a better understanding of that now. Do I totally get it? No. I probably never will. But I will continue to try. I may fail, but I will get back up. I will share what is on my mind and in my heart. If it helps you or someone you know, than great. If not, then hey, that's OK too...just know that there is someone here for you to relate to when you are having one of those days.<br />
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<br />
~Peace & Blessings~<br />
JenJennifer M Krousehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02305623526919039804noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5281642608805843158.post-14351971283695175702014-12-21T22:39:00.002-05:002014-12-21T22:39:42.501-05:00Fellings as I end 2014I'm not really sure what I expected from this year, but I don't think I really got what I thought I would. As I look back, I see that the only thing to do really, is to turn around and keep moving forward. <br />
<br /><br />
Yes, I suppose I should take a peek to serve as a reminder of what went well, what didn't and how I should make things better, but I can't, and I don't really want to. Time marches on. <br />
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My memory most defiantly needs improving. I can't really remember what I did yesterday, let alone what I did at the beginning of the year. Memories are really nothing more than the emotion that you feel when you think back on a moment. Those moments tend to flee from me if I don't write them down.<br />
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When I go back over my journals, they were filled with financial whoa, house hunting and lists (lots of lists). Mostly grocery lists, what the kids need for school or what they wanted me to buy. As I was reading back through the entries one nagging emotion kept creeping to my mind, fear. <br />
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Fear is a pain. A pain of uncertainty and unbelief. It's not that I don't have faith that things will work out, it was the anticipation of when. When will things get better, when will I feel happy or fulfilled or even not so alone in the process of this never ending waiting game?<br />
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The other emotion that I keep feeling is a deep seeded feeling that I never dare say out loud, but it has been driving every emotion that I have lately. It's the emotion of a passionless life. Where has my passion gone? There's so much that I want to accomplish in this short span of life that is given, but I can't seem to get out of my own way and do the things I really want to do. Some would say it's just a "season". I don't buy that anymore. I've read and seen too many people doing all the things that I want to do and experience. So what's stopping me? I think it goes back to fear. Maybe. Or maybe I'm just not as ambitious I think I am.<br />
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I know this. I have to start being really real and true to who I am and serve the purpose in which I was set here to do. <br />
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JenJennifer M Krousehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02305623526919039804noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5281642608805843158.post-89330886241145085212014-05-14T19:41:00.001-04:002014-05-14T19:41:30.736-04:00Almost Summer...and the kids are counting it down. <br />
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My youngest is saying good-bye to elementary school (can I get an AMEN!) I have been at that school for 11 years so the good-bye is bittersweet, but I am so glad to be down to only 2 schools next year. <br />
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My older son has flourished this year in school. He was/is on student council, has had A's & B's all year, has done an outstanding job in band and he came home with all "EXCEEDS" on his CRCT test.<br />
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My oldest and only daughter has had many changes this first year of high school. She went to her first Homecoming with a group of friends, made concert chorus, was inducted into the National Beta Club and has maintained A's & B's all year.<br />
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Now as we approach summer we are looking to pack up and move to a larger home. The boys need a room of their own, we need an office and well we just need more room. We have not had much luck in finding what we are looking for yet. But as my realtor says, "Your house is out there." I have to believe that.<br />
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So what else is new...lots...as I'm sure you can imagine. I have been a total slacker when it comes to blogging. I think part of it is because I've been busy...a little too busy. I have let "other things" stop me from taking the time to have a day to day account of what is going on in my life. If for no one else I blog for me, a journal if you will. I'm glad that you are taking the time to read about my journey. <br />
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To be honest we've all been struggling with keeping our schedules in order. I am wanting nothing more than to take control of my time and use what I have better. A prime example is last night. My plan was to go to the gym for a 6:30PM class, well...that did...not...happen. I ended up rushing my youngest to the immediate care because he sliced his finger while helping me prepare dinner. Needless to say, that is an extreme example, but isn't that what happens, other things become priority? <br />
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In my last blog (in FEB) I said that I was going to discipline myself for thirty days. I can tell you now, that did...not...happen. So what is one to do? Give up? NO! Try again. As long as God grants you another day, then try again. Your life has the same amount of time in one day as mine - 24 hours. Tomorrow, I will try again, and I encourage you to do the same.<br />
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So for tomorrow: THU: my goal is to accomplish these 3 things - read for 30 minutes the Wizard of Oz (the book I'm currently reading) to make it to the gym and work out for 1 hour then walk the dog (my goal is to do this while the kids are at dance) and focus on writing my book. I have put that off too long. My friend Kimberly says if I work on the book for at least 30 minutes a day, then I will accomplish finishing the manuscript. So here's to trying.<br />
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Lastly, goals that I am continuing to work on -> making better food choices day by day - this week the goal is to limit excess sugar, and giving my self an end date to stop smoking. Yes...that is my biggest challenge. <br />
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JenJennifer M Krousehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02305623526919039804noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5281642608805843158.post-58401283212866601132014-02-05T19:59:00.000-05:002014-02-05T20:02:47.877-05:00Why helloIt's so good to be back at working on this blog. It's been a while, but that is because I have been at a loss as to what to write about. There's so many ideas that run through my mind as to what I'd like to share, but as the title of this blog states, this is nothing more than a coffee break. So let's chat...<br />
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Where are you in your life right now? Me, I'm in the midst of teen-age angst. My daughter will be 15 next month, and is really excited about learning to drive. My husband and I have told her that until she stops sucking her thumb for 6 weeks, there will be no permit in her future. I am hoping that this will be an incentive for her to stop sucking on her thumb. <br />
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I know that we all have vices, and I am no exception. It takes discipline to change habits and I often feel as though I just don't have the discipline to change my own habits, let alone encourage others to change there's. So I have decided to begin with me and be an example to my daughter and to my sons. <br />
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Over the next 30 days I am going to focus on disciplining just one area of my life. I will be hard on myself I already know, and I am sure that I will forget to rely on my faith and my friends, so prayers are appreciated. I will not tell you at this time what I am changing in my life (I don't want to disappoint) but once my 30 days are over I will let you know how I did.<br />
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Is there an area in your life that you'd like to change or would like to have more discipline over? Are you willing to share so that we can stay accountable to each other over the next 30 days? Join me on a journey of change...<br />
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JenJennifer M Krousehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02305623526919039804noreply@blogger.com0