tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-80038035418888876782024-03-14T03:27:40.232-07:00Today's Thought"Today's Thought" is a collection of daily reflections on the Lord as I spend time with him each morning on my walks. Thanks for visiting. Please feel free to share comments and thoughts-RobRob Smithhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15624329131901563998noreply@blogger.comBlogger2533125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8003803541888887678.post-26765362300125680542020-04-27T05:11:00.000-07:002020-04-27T05:13:42.275-07:00Victory of spring<div class="ydpbbf8fc65yahoo-style-wrap" style="font-family:verdana, helvetica, sans-serif;font-size:16px;"><span style="color: rgb(38, 40, 42);">Sickness dominates the news;</span><br></div><div id="ydpec4b5f5byahoo_quoted_8966090319" class="ydpec4b5f5byahoo_quoted"><div style="font-family:'Helvetica Neue', Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif;font-size:13px;color:#26282a;"><div><div id="ydpec4b5f5byiv7540157132"><div class="ydpec4b5f5byiv7540157132yqt5646353396" id="ydpec4b5f5byiv7540157132yqtfd54363"><div><div class="ydpec4b5f5byiv7540157132ydp7474871eyahoo_quoted" id="ydpec4b5f5byiv7540157132ydp7474871eyahoo_quoted_8252567586"><div style="font-family:'Helvetica Neue', Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif;font-size:13px;color:#26282a;"><div><div id="ydpec4b5f5byiv7540157132ydp7474871eyiv2717802731"><div class="ydpec4b5f5byiv7540157132ydp7474871eyiv2717802731ydp5bba1c12yahoo-style-wrap" style="font-family:verdana, helvetica, sans-serif;font-size:16px;"><div dir="ltr">a virus has infected-</div><div dir="ltr">Millions shelter from this cloud</div><div dir="ltr">The globe is now affected.</div><div dir="ltr">-</div><div dir="ltr">Governments and scientists</div><div dir="ltr">unite to seek solutions;</div><div dir="ltr">Soldiers wearing masks and gloves,</div><div dir="ltr">Battle for the wounded.</div><div dir="ltr">-</div><div dir="ltr">Homes are now a refuge</div><div dir="ltr">from agents in the air..</div><div dir="ltr">unseen foe is out there,</div><div dir="ltr">causing much despair.</div><div dir="ltr">-</div><div dir="ltr">But nature shows the hand of God</div><div dir="ltr">painted on the trees;</div><div dir="ltr">Flowers bud and bursting forth,</div><div dir="ltr">The forest sings in green!</div><div dir="ltr">-</div><div dir="ltr">We may stop and we may stall</div><div dir="ltr">and we may see life altered,</div><div dir="ltr">But God is still the King of all;</div><div dir="ltr">And spring will be the victor.</div><div dir="ltr">-</div><div dir="ltr">For He is Lord of all that lives,</div><div dir="ltr">This season shouts His glory-</div><div dir="ltr">And we, in hopeful voice proclaim</div><div dir="ltr">The virus will be history!</div><div dir="ltr">-</div><div dir="ltr">And spring will lead life fresh and new</div><div dir="ltr">Our God will tell His story.</div><div dir="ltr">-</div><div dir="ltr">-</div><div dir="ltr">Song of Solomon 2</div><div dir="ltr"><div><span class="ydpec4b5f5byiv7540157132ydp7474871eyiv2717802731ydp254cf73atext ydpec4b5f5byiv7540157132ydp7474871eyiv2717802731ydp254cf73aSong-2-11" id="ydpec4b5f5byiv7540157132ydp7474871eyiv2717802731ydp254cf73aen-ESV-17566" style="position:relative;color:rgb(0, 0, 0);font-family:Helvetica Neue, Verdana, Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif;font-size:16px;"><span class="ydpec4b5f5byiv7540157132ydp7474871eyiv2717802731ydp254cf73aversenum" style="font-size:12px;line-height:22px;vertical-align:top;font-family:Arial;font-weight:bold;display:block;">11 </span>for behold, the winter is past;</span><br clear="none" style="color:rgb(0, 0, 0);font-family:Helvetica Neue, Verdana, Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif;font-size:16px;"><span class="ydpec4b5f5byiv7540157132ydp7474871eyiv2717802731ydp254cf73aindent-1" style="color:rgb(0, 0, 0);font-family:Helvetica Neue, Verdana, Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif;font-size:16px;"><span class="ydpec4b5f5byiv7540157132ydp7474871eyiv2717802731ydp254cf73aindent-1-breaks" style="font-family:monospace;font-size:0.42em;line-height:0;"> </span><span class="ydpec4b5f5byiv7540157132ydp7474871eyiv2717802731ydp254cf73atext ydpec4b5f5byiv7540157132ydp7474871eyiv2717802731ydp254cf73aSong-2-11" style="position:relative;"><span class="ydpec4b5f5byiv7540157132ydp7474871eyiv2717802731ydp254cf73acrossreference" style="font-size:0.625em;line-height:22px;position:relative;vertical-align:top;"></span>the rain is over and gone.</span></span><br clear="none" style="color:rgb(0, 0, 0);font-family:Helvetica Neue, Verdana, Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif;font-size:16px;"><span class="ydpec4b5f5byiv7540157132ydp7474871eyiv2717802731ydp254cf73atext ydpec4b5f5byiv7540157132ydp7474871eyiv2717802731ydp254cf73aSong-2-12" id="ydpec4b5f5byiv7540157132ydp7474871eyiv2717802731ydp254cf73aen-ESV-17567" style="position:relative;color:rgb(0, 0, 0);font-family:Helvetica Neue, Verdana, Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif;font-size:16px;"><span class="ydpec4b5f5byiv7540157132ydp7474871eyiv2717802731ydp254cf73aversenum" style="font-size:12px;line-height:22px;vertical-align:top;font-family:Arial;font-weight:bold;display:block;">12 </span><span class="ydpec4b5f5byiv7540157132ydp7474871eyiv2717802731ydp254cf73acrossreference" style="font-size:0.625em;line-height:22px;position:relative;vertical-align:top;"></span>The flowers appear on the earth,</span><br clear="none" style="color:rgb(0, 0, 0);font-family:Helvetica Neue, Verdana, Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif;font-size:16px;"><span class="ydpec4b5f5byiv7540157132ydp7474871eyiv2717802731ydp254cf73aindent-1" style="color:rgb(0, 0, 0);font-family:Helvetica Neue, Verdana, Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif;font-size:16px;"><span class="ydpec4b5f5byiv7540157132ydp7474871eyiv2717802731ydp254cf73aindent-1-breaks" style="font-family:monospace;font-size:0.42em;line-height:0;"> </span><span class="ydpec4b5f5byiv7540157132ydp7474871eyiv2717802731ydp254cf73atext ydpec4b5f5byiv7540157132ydp7474871eyiv2717802731ydp254cf73aSong-2-12" style="position:relative;">the time of singing<span class="ydpec4b5f5byiv7540157132ydp7474871eyiv2717802731ydp254cf73afootnote" style="font-size:0.625em;line-height:22px;position:relative;vertical-align:top;"></span> has come,</span></span><br clear="none" style="color:rgb(0, 0, 0);font-family:Helvetica Neue, Verdana, Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif;font-size:16px;"><span class="ydpec4b5f5byiv7540157132ydp7474871eyiv2717802731ydp254cf73atext ydpec4b5f5byiv7540157132ydp7474871eyiv2717802731ydp254cf73aSong-2-12" style="position:relative;color:rgb(0, 0, 0);font-family:Helvetica Neue, Verdana, Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif;font-size:16px;">and the voice of <span class="ydpec4b5f5byiv7540157132ydp7474871eyiv2717802731ydp254cf73acrossreference" style="font-size:0.625em;line-height:22px;position:relative;vertical-align:top;"></span>the turtledove</span><br clear="none" style="color:rgb(0, 0, 0);font-family:Helvetica Neue, Verdana, Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif;font-size:16px;"><span class="ydpec4b5f5byiv7540157132ydp7474871eyiv2717802731ydp254cf73aindent-1" style="color:rgb(0, 0, 0);font-family:Helvetica Neue, Verdana, Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif;font-size:16px;"><span class="ydpec4b5f5byiv7540157132ydp7474871eyiv2717802731ydp254cf73aindent-1-breaks" style="font-family:monospace;font-size:0.42em;line-height:0;"> </span><span class="ydpec4b5f5byiv7540157132ydp7474871eyiv2717802731ydp254cf73atext ydpec4b5f5byiv7540157132ydp7474871eyiv2717802731ydp254cf73aSong-2-12" style="position:relative;">is heard in our land.</span></span></div><div><span class="ydpec4b5f5byiv7540157132ydp7474871eyiv2717802731ydp254cf73aindent-1" style="color:rgb(0, 0, 0);font-family:Helvetica Neue, Verdana, Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif;font-size:16px;"><span class="ydpec4b5f5byiv7540157132ydp7474871eyiv2717802731ydp254cf73atext ydpec4b5f5byiv7540157132ydp7474871eyiv2717802731ydp254cf73aSong-2-12" style="position:relative;">-</span></span></div><div dir="ltr"><span class="ydpec4b5f5byiv7540157132ydp7474871eyiv2717802731ydp254cf73aindent-1" style="color:rgb(0, 0, 0);font-family:Helvetica Neue, Verdana, Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif;font-size:16px;"><span class="ydpec4b5f5byiv7540157132ydp7474871eyiv2717802731ydp254cf73atext ydpec4b5f5byiv7540157132ydp7474871eyiv2717802731ydp254cf73aSong-2-12" style="position:relative;">blessings,</span></span></div><div dir="ltr"><span class="ydpec4b5f5byiv7540157132ydp7474871eyiv2717802731ydp254cf73aindent-1" style="color:rgb(0, 0, 0);font-family:Helvetica Neue, Verdana, Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif;font-size:16px;"><span class="ydpec4b5f5byiv7540157132ydp7474871eyiv2717802731ydp254cf73atext ydpec4b5f5byiv7540157132ydp7474871eyiv2717802731ydp254cf73aSong-2-12" style="position:relative;">Rob Smith</span></span></div><br clear="none"></div><div><br clear="none"></div><div class="ydpec4b5f5byiv7540157132ydp7474871eyiv2717802731ydp5bba1c12signature"><div style="font-family:verdana, helvetica, sans-serif;font-size:16px;"><div><i><font size="2" color="#4c76a2">-------------------------------------------</font></i></div><div><i><font size="2" color="#4c76a2">"Death is inevitable. Life is a choice!"</font></i></div><div><i><font size="2" color="#4c76a2"><br clear="none"></font></i></div><div><font size="2" color="#4c76a2"><i>John 11:25</i></font></div><div><font size="2"><i><font color="#4c76a2">Jesus said to her, <span class="ydpec4b5f5byiv7540157132ydp7474871eyiv2717802731ydpf1a30cfawoj"><span class="ydpec4b5f5byiv7540157132ydp7474871eyiv2717802731ydpf1a30cfacrossreference" style="line-height:22px;position:relative;vertical-align:top;"></span>"I am the resurrection and <span class="ydpec4b5f5byiv7540157132ydp7474871eyiv2717802731ydpf1a30cfacrossreference" style="line-height:22px;position:relative;vertical-align:top;"></span>the life.<span class="ydpec4b5f5byiv7540157132ydp7474871eyiv2717802731ydpf1a30cfafootnote" style="line-height:22px;position:relative;vertical-align:top;"></span> Whoever believes in me, <span class="ydpec4b5f5byiv7540157132ydp7474871eyiv2717802731ydpf1a30cfacrossreference" style="line-height:22px;position:relative;vertical-align:top;"></span>though he die, <span class="ydpec4b5f5byiv7540157132ydp7474871eyiv2717802731ydpf1a30cfacrossreference" style="line-height:22px;position:relative;vertical-align:top;"></span>yet shall he live."</span></font><br clear="none"></i></font></div><div><i><font size="2"><span style="color:rgb(0, 0, 0);"><br clear="none"></span></font></i></div><div><br clear="none"></div></div></div></div></div></div> </div> </div></div></div></div></div> </div> </div>Rob Smithhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15624329131901563998noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8003803541888887678.post-88796897826339679632020-04-26T07:05:00.000-07:002020-04-26T07:07:49.472-07:00Different styles of learning<div class="ydp18e0230fyahoo-style-wrap" style="font-family:verdana, helvetica, sans-serif;font-size:16px;"><span style="color: rgb(38, 40, 42);">We are told that people have different preferred 'channels' for learning. Some are auditory, some visual. Some prefer to read and others like to learn through physical activity. When the Lord was on earth I believe He recognized this. As prophecy was fulfilled through His healing ministry and through the working of many various miracles, which showed His rule over nature, Jesus appealed to the visual and sensory learners to confirm His divinity. And when He spoke, He spoke truth and He spoke the words of His Father, full of wisdom and peace. We see some of the frustrations of the disciples, even as late as the night of the last supper...they still seemed to be grappling with who He truly was. Jesus reminds them that He has presented His origin from Heaven in various ways:</span><br></div><div id="ydpd53edd0ayahoo_quoted_8189967861" class="ydpd53edd0ayahoo_quoted"><div style="font-family:'Helvetica Neue', Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif;font-size:13px;color:#26282a;"><div><div id="ydpd53edd0ayiv3204717883"><div class="ydpd53edd0ayiv3204717883ydpf08d30b6yahoo-style-wrap" style="font-family:verdana, helvetica, sans-serif;font-size:16px;"><div dir="ltr">-</div><div dir="ltr">John 14:<span><span id="ydpd53edd0ayiv3204717883ydp8b88bbd6en-ESV-26667" class="ydpd53edd0ayiv3204717883ydp8b88bbd6text ydpd53edd0ayiv3204717883ydp8b88bbd6John-14-10" style="color:rgb(0, 0, 0);font-family:Helvetica Neue, Verdana, Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif;font-size:16px;"><span class="ydpd53edd0ayiv3204717883ydp8b88bbd6woj"><span class="ydpd53edd0ayiv3204717883ydp8b88bbd6versenum" style="font-size:12px;line-height:22px;position:relative;vertical-align:top;font-family:Arial;font-weight:bold;">10 </span>Do you not believe that <span class="ydpd53edd0ayiv3204717883ydp8b88bbd6crossreference" style="font-size:0.625em;line-height:22px;position:relative;vertical-align:top;"></span>I am in the Father and the Father is in me? The words that I say to you <span class="ydpd53edd0ayiv3204717883ydp8b88bbd6crossreference" style="font-size:0.625em;line-height:22px;position:relative;vertical-align:top;"></span>I do not speak on my own authority, but the Father who dwells in me does his works.</span></span><span style="color:rgb(0, 0, 0);font-family:Helvetica Neue, Verdana, Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif;font-size:16px;"> </span><span id="ydpd53edd0ayiv3204717883ydp8b88bbd6en-ESV-26668" class="ydpd53edd0ayiv3204717883ydp8b88bbd6text ydpd53edd0ayiv3204717883ydp8b88bbd6John-14-11" style="color:rgb(0, 0, 0);font-family:Helvetica Neue, Verdana, Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif;font-size:16px;"><span class="ydpd53edd0ayiv3204717883ydp8b88bbd6woj"><span class="ydpd53edd0ayiv3204717883ydp8b88bbd6versenum" style="font-size:12px;line-height:22px;position:relative;vertical-align:top;font-family:Arial;font-weight:bold;">11 </span>Believe me that <span class="ydpd53edd0ayiv3204717883ydp8b88bbd6crossreference" style="font-size:0.625em;line-height:22px;position:relative;vertical-align:top;"></span>I am in the Father and the Father is in me, or else <span class="ydpd53edd0ayiv3204717883ydp8b88bbd6crossreference" style="font-size:0.625em;line-height:22px;position:relative;vertical-align:top;"></span>believe on account of the works themselves.</span></span></span></div><div dir="ltr"><span><span class="ydpd53edd0ayiv3204717883ydp8b88bbd6text ydpd53edd0ayiv3204717883ydp8b88bbd6John-14-11" style="color:rgb(0, 0, 0);font-family:Helvetica Neue, Verdana, Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif;font-size:16px;"><span class="ydpd53edd0ayiv3204717883ydp8b88bbd6woj">-</span></span></span></div><div dir="ltr"><span><span class="ydpd53edd0ayiv3204717883ydp8b88bbd6text ydpd53edd0ayiv3204717883ydp8b88bbd6John-14-11" style="color:rgb(0, 0, 0);font-family:Helvetica Neue, Verdana, Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif;font-size:16px;"><span class="ydpd53edd0ayiv3204717883ydp8b88bbd6woj">Earlier, Jesus delivered a similar message to Jews at the Temple, during the Feast of Dedication...when He also spoke of His role as shepherd of the sheep:</span></span></span></div><div dir="ltr"><span><span class="ydpd53edd0ayiv3204717883ydp8b88bbd6text ydpd53edd0ayiv3204717883ydp8b88bbd6John-14-11" style="color:rgb(0, 0, 0);font-family:Helvetica Neue, Verdana, Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif;font-size:16px;"><span class="ydpd53edd0ayiv3204717883ydp8b88bbd6woj">John 10:<span><span id="ydpd53edd0ayiv3204717883ydp73c0b432en-ESV-26494" class="ydpd53edd0ayiv3204717883ydp73c0b432text ydpd53edd0ayiv3204717883ydp73c0b432John-10-24" style="color:rgb(0, 0, 0);font-family:Helvetica Neue, Verdana, Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif;font-size:16px;"><span class="ydpd53edd0ayiv3204717883ydp73c0b432versenum" style="font-size:12px;line-height:22px;position:relative;vertical-align:top;font-family:Arial;font-weight:bold;">24 </span>So the Jews gathered around him and said to him, "How long will you keep us in suspense? If you are <span class="ydpd53edd0ayiv3204717883ydp73c0b432crossreference" style="font-size:0.625em;line-height:22px;position:relative;vertical-align:top;"></span>the Christ, <span class="ydpd53edd0ayiv3204717883ydp73c0b432crossreference" style="font-size:0.625em;line-height:22px;position:relative;vertical-align:top;"></span>tell us plainly."</span><span style="color:rgb(0, 0, 0);font-family:Helvetica Neue, Verdana, Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif;font-size:16px;"> </span><span id="ydpd53edd0ayiv3204717883ydp73c0b432en-ESV-26495" class="ydpd53edd0ayiv3204717883ydp73c0b432text ydpd53edd0ayiv3204717883ydp73c0b432John-10-25" style="color:rgb(0, 0, 0);font-family:Helvetica Neue, Verdana, Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif;font-size:16px;"><span class="ydpd53edd0ayiv3204717883ydp73c0b432versenum" style="font-size:12px;line-height:22px;position:relative;vertical-align:top;font-family:Arial;font-weight:bold;">25 </span>Jesus answered them, <span class="ydpd53edd0ayiv3204717883ydp73c0b432woj">"I told you, and you do not believe. <span class="ydpd53edd0ayiv3204717883ydp73c0b432crossreference" style="font-size:0.625em;line-height:22px;position:relative;vertical-align:top;"></span>The works that I do <span class="ydpd53edd0ayiv3204717883ydp73c0b432crossreference" style="font-size:0.625em;line-height:22px;position:relative;vertical-align:top;"></span>in my Father's name bear witness about me.</span></span></span></span></span></span></div><div dir="ltr"><span><span class="ydpd53edd0ayiv3204717883ydp8b88bbd6text ydpd53edd0ayiv3204717883ydp8b88bbd6John-14-11" style="color:rgb(0, 0, 0);font-family:Helvetica Neue, Verdana, Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif;font-size:16px;"><span class="ydpd53edd0ayiv3204717883ydp8b88bbd6woj"><span><span class="ydpd53edd0ayiv3204717883ydp73c0b432text ydpd53edd0ayiv3204717883ydp73c0b432John-10-25" style="color:rgb(0, 0, 0);font-family:Helvetica Neue, Verdana, Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif;font-size:16px;"><span class="ydpd53edd0ayiv3204717883ydp73c0b432woj">-</span></span></span></span></span></span></div><div dir="ltr"><span><span class="ydpd53edd0ayiv3204717883ydp8b88bbd6text ydpd53edd0ayiv3204717883ydp8b88bbd6John-14-11" style="color:rgb(0, 0, 0);font-family:Helvetica Neue, Verdana, Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif;font-size:16px;"><span class="ydpd53edd0ayiv3204717883ydp8b88bbd6woj"><span><span class="ydpd53edd0ayiv3204717883ydp73c0b432text ydpd53edd0ayiv3204717883ydp73c0b432John-10-25" style="color:rgb(0, 0, 0);font-family:Helvetica Neue, Verdana, Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif;font-size:16px;"><span class="ydpd53edd0ayiv3204717883ydp73c0b432woj">Whether through works or words Jesus clearly reveals His identity and His purpose in glorifying the Father and in drawing people of faith to Himself.</span></span></span></span></span></span></div><div dir="ltr"><span><span class="ydpd53edd0ayiv3204717883ydp8b88bbd6text ydpd53edd0ayiv3204717883ydp8b88bbd6John-14-11" style="color:rgb(0, 0, 0);font-family:Helvetica Neue, Verdana, Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif;font-size:16px;"><span class="ydpd53edd0ayiv3204717883ydp8b88bbd6woj"><span><span class="ydpd53edd0ayiv3204717883ydp73c0b432text ydpd53edd0ayiv3204717883ydp73c0b432John-10-25" style="color:rgb(0, 0, 0);font-family:Helvetica Neue, Verdana, Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif;font-size:16px;"><span class="ydpd53edd0ayiv3204717883ydp73c0b432woj">-</span></span></span></span></span></span></div><div dir="ltr"><span><span class="ydpd53edd0ayiv3204717883ydp8b88bbd6text ydpd53edd0ayiv3204717883ydp8b88bbd6John-14-11" style="color:rgb(0, 0, 0);font-family:Helvetica Neue, Verdana, Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif;font-size:16px;"><span class="ydpd53edd0ayiv3204717883ydp8b88bbd6woj"><span><span class="ydpd53edd0ayiv3204717883ydp73c0b432text ydpd53edd0ayiv3204717883ydp73c0b432John-10-25" style="color:rgb(0, 0, 0);font-family:Helvetica Neue, Verdana, Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif;font-size:16px;"><span class="ydpd53edd0ayiv3204717883ydp73c0b432woj">What is your learning style? Will your faith be awakened through Jesus' works or His words? Or do you find little interest in learning when it comes to the things of Heaven?</span></span></span></span></span></span></div><div dir="ltr">-</div><div dir="ltr">blessings,</div><div dir="ltr">Rob Smith</div><div><br></div><div class="ydpd53edd0ayiv3204717883ydpf08d30b6signature"><div style="font-family:verdana, helvetica, sans-serif;font-size:16px;"><div><i><font size="2" color="#4c76a2">-------------------------------------------</font></i></div><div><i><font size="2" color="#4c76a2">"Death is inevitable. Life is a choice!"</font></i></div><div><i><font size="2" color="#4c76a2"><br></font></i></div><div><font size="2" color="#4c76a2"><i>John 11:25</i></font></div><div><font size="2"><i><font color="#4c76a2">Jesus said to her, <span class="ydpd53edd0ayiv3204717883ydpf1a30cfawoj"><span class="ydpd53edd0ayiv3204717883ydpf1a30cfacrossreference" style="line-height:22px;position:relative;vertical-align:top;"></span>"I am the resurrection and <span class="ydpd53edd0ayiv3204717883ydpf1a30cfacrossreference" style="line-height:22px;position:relative;vertical-align:top;"></span>the life.<span class="ydpd53edd0ayiv3204717883ydpf1a30cfafootnote" style="line-height:22px;position:relative;vertical-align:top;"></span> Whoever believes in me, <span class="ydpd53edd0ayiv3204717883ydpf1a30cfacrossreference" style="line-height:22px;position:relative;vertical-align:top;"></span>though he die, <span class="ydpd53edd0ayiv3204717883ydpf1a30cfacrossreference" style="line-height:22px;position:relative;vertical-align:top;"></span>yet shall he live."</span></font><br></i></font></div><div><i><font size="2"><span style="color:rgb(0, 0, 0);"><br></span></font></i></div><div><br></div></div></div></div></div></div> </div> </div>Rob Smithhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15624329131901563998noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8003803541888887678.post-14445680708645498162020-04-24T05:19:00.000-07:002020-04-24T05:21:07.245-07:00Air<div class="ydp3074fc31yahoo-style-wrap" style="font-family:verdana, helvetica, sans-serif;font-size:16px;"><span style="color: rgb(38, 40, 42);">We fill our lungs with unseen stuff</span><br></div><div id="ydp6a20e693yahoo_quoted_7806995701" class="ydp6a20e693yahoo_quoted"><div style="font-family:'Helvetica Neue', Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif;font-size:13px;color:#26282a;"><div><div id="ydp6a20e693yiv1038326273"><div class="ydp6a20e693yiv1038326273yqt2987976873" id="ydp6a20e693yiv1038326273yqtfd91173"><div><div class="ydp6a20e693yiv1038326273ydp249ff643yahoo_quoted" id="ydp6a20e693yiv1038326273ydp249ff643yahoo_quoted_8394162437"><div style="font-family:'Helvetica Neue', Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif;font-size:13px;color:#26282a;"><div><div id="ydp6a20e693yiv1038326273ydp249ff643yiv4211960174"><div class="ydp6a20e693yiv1038326273ydp249ff643yiv4211960174ydpc6c035f8yahoo-style-wrap" style="font-family:verdana, helvetica, sans-serif;font-size:16px;"><div dir="ltr" style="font-size:16px;">That brings life to our body</div><div dir="ltr" style="font-size:16px;">The atmosphere is everywhere</div><div dir="ltr" style="font-size:16px;">And has a presence mighty,</div><div dir="ltr" style="font-size:16px;">-</div><div dir="ltr" style="font-size:16px;">Breezes gentle, often still</div><div dir="ltr" style="font-size:16px;">but sometimes wind is flighty</div><div dir="ltr" style="font-size:16px;">moving trees on puppet strings</div><div dir="ltr" style="font-size:16px;">with power matching lightning</div><div dir="ltr" style="font-size:16px;">-</div><div dir="ltr" style="font-size:16px;">On it ride the birds of size</div><div dir="ltr" style="font-size:16px;">Soaring in its currents-</div><div dir="ltr" style="font-size:16px;">Looking down, as if they're crowned</div><div dir="ltr" style="font-size:16px;">as Watchers of the tiny</div><div dir="ltr" style="font-size:16px;">-</div><div dir="ltr" style="font-size:16px;">As the air surrounds us here</div><div dir="ltr" style="font-size:16px;">So Spirit moves among us</div><div dir="ltr" style="font-size:16px;">Giving life to seeking hearts</div><div dir="ltr" style="font-size:16px;">Bringing Heaven's longing</div><div dir="ltr" style="font-size:16px;">-</div><div dir="ltr" style="font-size:16px;">Sometimes gentle, often still</div><div dir="ltr" style="font-size:16px;">Waiting for His timing</div><div dir="ltr" style="font-size:16px;">to lift another from earth's grip</div><div dir="ltr" style="font-size:16px;">and taste the truest flying</div><div dir="ltr" style="font-size:16px;">-</div><div dir="ltr" style="font-size:16px;">The Father blows His kiss this way</div><div dir="ltr" style="font-size:16px;">As Spirit opens eyes</div><div dir="ltr" style="font-size:16px;">The Words become the force that blows</div><div dir="ltr" style="font-size:16px;">our faith into His skies</div><div dir="ltr" style="font-size:16px;">-</div><div dir="ltr" style="font-size:16px;">So watch the breezes blow today, </div><div dir="ltr" style="font-size:16px;">moving leaves about</div><div dir="ltr" style="font-size:16px;">Remember how His Spirit moves</div><div dir="ltr" style="font-size:16px;">(and make a holy shout!)</div><div dir="ltr" style="font-size:16px;">-</div><div dir="ltr">Acts 2:2 <span style="color:rgb(0, 0, 0);font-family:Corbel, Verdana, sans-serif;"><font size="3" style="background-color:inherit;">And suddenly there came from heaven a sound like a mighty rushing wind, and it filled the entire house where they were sitting.</font></span></div><div dir="ltr"><font size="3">-</font></div><div dir="ltr" style="font-size:16px;">blessings,</div><div dir="ltr" style="font-size:16px;">Rob Smith</div><div style="font-size:16px;"><br clear="none"></div><div class="ydp6a20e693yiv1038326273ydp249ff643yiv4211960174ydpc6c035f8signature" style="font-size:16px;"><div style="font-family:verdana, helvetica, sans-serif;font-size:16px;"><div><i><font size="2" color="#4c76a2">-------------------------------------------</font></i></div><div><i><font size="2" color="#4c76a2">"Death is inevitable. Life is a choice!"</font></i></div><div><i><font size="2" color="#4c76a2"><br clear="none"></font></i></div><div><font size="2" color="#4c76a2"><i>John 11:25</i></font></div><div><font size="2"><i><font color="#4c76a2">Jesus said to her, <span class="ydp6a20e693yiv1038326273ydp249ff643yiv4211960174ydpf1a30cfawoj"><span class="ydp6a20e693yiv1038326273ydp249ff643yiv4211960174ydpf1a30cfacrossreference" style="line-height:22px;position:relative;vertical-align:top;"></span>"I am the resurrection and <span class="ydp6a20e693yiv1038326273ydp249ff643yiv4211960174ydpf1a30cfacrossreference" style="line-height:22px;position:relative;vertical-align:top;"></span>the life.<span class="ydp6a20e693yiv1038326273ydp249ff643yiv4211960174ydpf1a30cfafootnote" style="line-height:22px;position:relative;vertical-align:top;"></span> Whoever believes in me, <span class="ydp6a20e693yiv1038326273ydp249ff643yiv4211960174ydpf1a30cfacrossreference" style="line-height:22px;position:relative;vertical-align:top;"></span>though he die, <span class="ydp6a20e693yiv1038326273ydp249ff643yiv4211960174ydpf1a30cfacrossreference" style="line-height:22px;position:relative;vertical-align:top;"></span>yet shall he live."</span></font><br clear="none"></i></font></div><div><i><font size="2"><span style="color:rgb(0, 0, 0);"><br clear="none"></span></font></i></div><div><br clear="none"></div></div></div></div></div></div> </div> </div></div></div></div></div> </div> </div>Rob Smithhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15624329131901563998noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8003803541888887678.post-86096756947649242392020-04-23T04:53:00.000-07:002020-04-23T04:55:34.725-07:00trading work for worship<div class="ydp59e2f292yahoo-style-wrap" style="font-family:verdana, helvetica, sans-serif;font-size:16px;"><span style="color: rgb(38, 40, 42);">Each day we tend to struggle,</span><br></div><div id="ydp23fc21b4yahoo_quoted_8268121108" class="ydp23fc21b4yahoo_quoted"><div style="font-family:'Helvetica Neue', Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif;font-size:13px;color:#26282a;"><div><div id="ydp23fc21b4yiv1706258096"><div class="ydp23fc21b4yiv1706258096yqt2621946447" id="ydp23fc21b4yiv1706258096yqtfd18452"><div><div class="ydp23fc21b4yiv1706258096ydp165f406eyahoo_quoted" id="ydp23fc21b4yiv1706258096ydp165f406eyahoo_quoted_7758573968"><div style="font-family:'Helvetica Neue', Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif;font-size:13px;color:#26282a;"><div><div id="ydp23fc21b4yiv1706258096ydp165f406eyiv2412371235"><div class="ydp23fc21b4yiv1706258096ydp165f406eyiv2412371235ydp7361eedbyahoo-style-wrap" style="font-family:verdana, helvetica, sans-serif;font-size:16px;"><div dir="ltr" style="font-size:16px;">That seems to be our way-</div><div dir="ltr" style="font-size:16px;">Life often seems a jumble</div><div dir="ltr" style="font-size:16px;">where problems have their say.</div><div dir="ltr" style="font-size:16px;">-</div><div dir="ltr" style="font-size:16px;">We think it's all about our work;</div><div dir="ltr" style="font-size:16px;">The effort that we bring,</div><div dir="ltr" style="font-size:16px;">And cent'ring on ourselves we strain</div><div dir="ltr" style="font-size:16px;">for meaning as we slave.</div><div dir="ltr" style="font-size:16px;">-</div><div dir="ltr" style="font-size:16px;">But, look around, spring's bursting forth!</div><div dir="ltr" style="font-size:16px;">How little did you add?</div><div dir="ltr" style="font-size:16px;">The Lord's in Heav'n, still touching Earth</div><div dir="ltr" style="font-size:16px;">Why can't this make you glad?</div><div dir="ltr" style="font-size:16px;">-</div><div dir="ltr" style="font-size:16px;">Exchanging work for worship</div><div dir="ltr" style="font-size:16px;">Now there's a welcome plea</div><div dir="ltr" style="font-size:16px;">Seeing God in what He's made</div><div dir="ltr" style="font-size:16px;">(including you and me)</div><div dir="ltr" style="font-size:16px;">-</div><div dir="ltr" style="font-size:16px;">Set striving, fears and selfish things</div><div dir="ltr" style="font-size:16px;">high upon a shelf-and</div><div dir="ltr" style="font-size:16px;">skip like children through a field</div><div dir="ltr" style="font-size:16px;">forgetting Mr. Self.</div><div dir="ltr" style="font-size:16px;">-</div><div dir="ltr" style="font-size:16px;">You are His Creation too,</div><div dir="ltr" style="font-size:16px;">fashioned by that Hand-</div><div dir="ltr" style="font-size:16px;">Built for joy and thankfulness,</div><div dir="ltr" style="font-size:16px;">with love to tend the land</div><div dir="ltr" style="font-size:16px;">-</div><div dir="ltr" style="font-size:16px;">So trade your work for worship</div><div dir="ltr" style="font-size:16px;">and see your burdens lift</div><div dir="ltr" style="font-size:16px;">Look around and then look up...and</div><div dir="ltr" style="font-size:16px;">Make your heart His gift.</div><div dir="ltr" style="font-size:16px;">-</div><div dir="ltr" style="font-size:16px;">-</div><div dir="ltr" style="font-size:16px;">Psalm 47:1 "<span><span style="color:rgb(51, 51, 51);font-family:helvetica, arial;font-size:19.5px;">Clap your hands, all you nations; shout to God with cries of joy."</span></span></div><div dir="ltr" style="font-size:16px;"><span><span style="color:rgb(51, 51, 51);font-family:helvetica, arial;font-size:19.5px;">-</span></span></div><div dir="ltr"><span style="color:rgb(51, 51, 51);font-family:helvetica, arial;"><font size="3" style="background-color:inherit;">blessings all,</font></span></div><div dir="ltr"><span style="color:rgb(51, 51, 51);font-family:helvetica, arial;"><font size="3" style="background-color:inherit;">Rob Smith</font></span></div><div style="font-size:16px;"><br clear="none"></div><div class="ydp23fc21b4yiv1706258096ydp165f406eyiv2412371235ydp7361eedbsignature" style="font-size:16px;"><div style="font-family:verdana, helvetica, sans-serif;font-size:16px;"><div><i><font size="2" color="#4c76a2">-------------------------------------------</font></i></div><div><i><font size="2" color="#4c76a2">"Death is inevitable. Life is a choice!"</font></i></div><div><i><font size="2" color="#4c76a2"><br clear="none"></font></i></div><div><font size="2" color="#4c76a2"><i>John 11:25</i></font></div><div><font size="2"><i><font color="#4c76a2">Jesus said to her, <span class="ydp23fc21b4yiv1706258096ydp165f406eyiv2412371235ydpf1a30cfawoj"><span class="ydp23fc21b4yiv1706258096ydp165f406eyiv2412371235ydpf1a30cfacrossreference" style="line-height:22px;position:relative;vertical-align:top;"></span>"I am the resurrection and <span class="ydp23fc21b4yiv1706258096ydp165f406eyiv2412371235ydpf1a30cfacrossreference" style="line-height:22px;position:relative;vertical-align:top;"></span>the life.<span class="ydp23fc21b4yiv1706258096ydp165f406eyiv2412371235ydpf1a30cfafootnote" style="line-height:22px;position:relative;vertical-align:top;"></span> Whoever believes in me, <span class="ydp23fc21b4yiv1706258096ydp165f406eyiv2412371235ydpf1a30cfacrossreference" style="line-height:22px;position:relative;vertical-align:top;"></span>though he die, <span class="ydp23fc21b4yiv1706258096ydp165f406eyiv2412371235ydpf1a30cfacrossreference" style="line-height:22px;position:relative;vertical-align:top;"></span>yet shall he live."</span></font><br clear="none"></i></font></div><div><i><font size="2"><span style="color:rgb(0, 0, 0);"><br clear="none"></span></font></i></div><div><br clear="none"></div></div></div></div></div></div> </div> </div></div></div></div></div> </div> </div>Rob Smithhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15624329131901563998noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8003803541888887678.post-16878799977030057152020-04-22T04:46:00.000-07:002020-04-22T04:48:21.786-07:00His voice<div class="ydp3ab8e863yahoo-style-wrap" style="font-family:verdana, helvetica, sans-serif;font-size:16px;"><span style="color: rgb(38, 40, 42);">John 10:</span><span style="color: rgb(38, 40, 42);"><span id="ydpb7c81065yiv6285257109ydp307a3516en-ESV-26474" class="ydpb7c81065yiv6285257109ydp307a3516text ydpb7c81065yiv6285257109ydp307a3516John-10-4" style="color: rgb(0, 0, 0); font-family: Helvetica Neue, Verdana, Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif;"><span class="ydpb7c81065yiv6285257109ydp307a3516woj"><span class="ydpb7c81065yiv6285257109ydp307a3516versenum" style="font-size:12px;line-height:22px;position:relative;vertical-align:top;font-family:Arial;font-weight:bold;">4 </span>"When he has brought out all his own, he goes before them, and the sheep follow him, for they know his voice.</span></span><span style="color: rgb(0, 0, 0); font-family: Helvetica Neue, Verdana, Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif;"> </span><span id="ydpb7c81065yiv6285257109ydp307a3516en-ESV-26475" class="ydpb7c81065yiv6285257109ydp307a3516text ydpb7c81065yiv6285257109ydp307a3516John-10-5" style="color: rgb(0, 0, 0); font-family: Helvetica Neue, Verdana, Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif;"><span class="ydpb7c81065yiv6285257109ydp307a3516woj"><span class="ydpb7c81065yiv6285257109ydp307a3516versenum" style="font-size:12px;line-height:22px;position:relative;vertical-align:top;font-family:Arial;font-weight:bold;">5 </span><span class="ydpb7c81065yiv6285257109ydp307a3516crossreference" style="font-size:0.625em;line-height:22px;position:relative;vertical-align:top;"></span>A stranger they will not follow, but they will flee from him, for they do not know the voice of strangers."</span></span></span><br></div><div id="ydpb7c81065yahoo_quoted_7930916311" class="ydpb7c81065yahoo_quoted"><div style="font-family:'Helvetica Neue', Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif;font-size:13px;color:#26282a;"><div><div id="ydpb7c81065yiv6285257109"><div class="ydpb7c81065yiv6285257109ydpf5520d2fyahoo-style-wrap" style="font-size:16px;font-family:verdana, helvetica, sans-serif;"><div dir="ltr"><font face="Helvetica Neue, Verdana, Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif">-</font></div><div dir="ltr"><font face="Helvetica Neue, Verdana, Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif">As a young child I remember being very excited to see my father. When he came through the door after work we would run to him. A special thrill were those times when my Mom took us to pick him up from the airport. We would search the faces and appearance of all who were coming through the airport concourse and strain to see him. When we spotted him we felt a surge of joy because to us he was our hero. I thought he must be the most wonderful man in the world. Out of all these busy grownups I had one who was important and who loved me in a very personal way. And he often had some kind of treat for us...something simple like a roll of lifesavers...but somehow it became a treasure, coming from him.</font></div><div dir="ltr"><font face="Helvetica Neue, Verdana, Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif">-</font></div><div dir="ltr"><font face="Helvetica Neue, Verdana, Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif">And I always loved my father's voice. I'm not sure that his voice was any more impressive than other voices, but I associated his voice with his love, because that was how he was with us...he spoke to us children out of love. </font></div><div dir="ltr"><font face="Helvetica Neue, Verdana, Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif">-</font></div><div dir="ltr"><font face="Helvetica Neue, Verdana, Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif">Perhaps this is something like our bond with Jesus. We have heard His voice of love coming from words of scripture and those words have found an intimate place of knowledge in our hearts. We have responded to that love and openly told him about our faults and our issues and now, when we recognize Him...in nature...in His words...in the experience of others...we still run to Him. For He truly is our hero, both now and forever!</font></div><div dir="ltr"><font face="Helvetica Neue, Verdana, Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif">-</font></div><div dir="ltr"><font face="Helvetica Neue, Verdana, Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif">blessings!</font></div><div dir="ltr"><font face="Helvetica Neue, Verdana, Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif">Rob Smith<br></font><div style="font-family:verdana, helvetica, sans-serif;"><div class="ydpb7c81065yiv6285257109ydp5f9254e1yiv8943540230"><h1 class="ydpb7c81065yiv6285257109ydp5f9254e1yiv8943540230passage-display" style="text-align:center;margin:0px 0px 20px;line-height:1.1;"><br></h1></div><div class="ydpb7c81065yiv6285257109ydp5f9254e1yiv8943540230"><br class="ydpb7c81065yiv6285257109ydp5f9254e1yiv8943540230" style="font-family:Helvetica Neue, Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif;"></div></div></div><div style="font-family:verdana, helvetica, sans-serif;"><br></div><div class="ydpb7c81065yiv6285257109ydpf5520d2fsignature" style="font-family:verdana, helvetica, sans-serif;"><div style="font-family:verdana, helvetica, sans-serif;font-size:16px;"><div><i><font size="2" color="#4c76a2">-------------------------------------------</font></i></div><div><i><font size="2" color="#4c76a2">"Death is inevitable. Life is a choice!"</font></i></div><div><i><font size="2" color="#4c76a2"><br></font></i></div><div><font size="2" color="#4c76a2"><i>John 11:25</i></font></div><div><font size="2"><i><font color="#4c76a2">Jesus said to her, <span class="ydpb7c81065yiv6285257109ydpf1a30cfawoj"><span class="ydpb7c81065yiv6285257109ydpf1a30cfacrossreference" style="line-height:22px;position:relative;vertical-align:top;"></span>"I am the resurrection and <span class="ydpb7c81065yiv6285257109ydpf1a30cfacrossreference" style="line-height:22px;position:relative;vertical-align:top;"></span>the life.<span class="ydpb7c81065yiv6285257109ydpf1a30cfafootnote" style="line-height:22px;position:relative;vertical-align:top;"></span> Whoever believes in me, <span class="ydpb7c81065yiv6285257109ydpf1a30cfacrossreference" style="line-height:22px;position:relative;vertical-align:top;"></span>though he die, <span class="ydpb7c81065yiv6285257109ydpf1a30cfacrossreference" style="line-height:22px;position:relative;vertical-align:top;"></span>yet shall he live."</span></font><br></i></font></div><div><i><font size="2"><span style="color:rgb(0, 0, 0);"><br></span></font></i></div><div><br></div></div></div></div></div></div> </div> </div>Rob Smithhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15624329131901563998noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8003803541888887678.post-18022546712537615482020-04-21T05:00:00.000-07:002020-04-21T05:02:49.844-07:00The gift<div class="ydp16cef8cdyahoo-style-wrap" style="font-family:verdana, helvetica, sans-serif;font-size:16px;"><span style="color: rgb(38, 40, 42);">The gift of life comes to the mother,</span><br></div><div id="ydp18db215eyahoo_quoted_8099613215" class="ydp18db215eyahoo_quoted"><div style="font-family:'Helvetica Neue', Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif;font-size:13px;color:#26282a;"><div><div id="ydp18db215eyiv3541492341"><div class="ydp18db215eyiv3541492341yqt1464264207" id="ydp18db215eyiv3541492341yqtfd16867"><div><div class="ydp18db215eyiv3541492341ydp9ff507dfyahoo_quoted" id="ydp18db215eyiv3541492341ydp9ff507dfyahoo_quoted_7744174483"><div style="font-family:'Helvetica Neue', Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif;font-size:13px;color:#26282a;"><div><div id="ydp18db215eyiv3541492341ydp9ff507dfyiv8916979477"><div class="ydp18db215eyiv3541492341ydp9ff507dfyiv8916979477ydp7c42469dyahoo-style-wrap" style="font-family:verdana, helvetica, sans-serif;font-size:16px;"><div dir="ltr">Nine months she has to start</div><div dir="ltr">a bond, once formed, that never breaks</div><div dir="ltr">through all the years that part.</div><div dir="ltr">-</div><div dir="ltr">Into that child she pours her heart,</div><div dir="ltr">so little does he know</div><div dir="ltr">the benefit of being loved</div><div dir="ltr">till he much older grows.</div><div dir="ltr">-</div><div dir="ltr">Carried daily first by arms</div><div dir="ltr">and then with acts and words,</div><div dir="ltr">She nurtures him, and reads him rhymes</div><div dir="ltr">and gives him what is firm.</div><div dir="ltr">-</div><div dir="ltr">That he might never go a day,</div><div dir="ltr">through all the meals and clothes and toys,</div><div dir="ltr">Above all else, not just a boy,</div><div dir="ltr">You are her son, and somehow joy</div><div dir="ltr">springs from her well of life always</div><div dir="ltr">-</div><div dir="ltr">And knowing now this lifelong bond</div><div dir="ltr">Established long ago,</div><div dir="ltr">Still remains a cornerstone</div><div dir="ltr">Of that which makes him whole.</div><div dir="ltr">-</div><div dir="ltr">For love so unconditional</div><div dir="ltr">Is what each child so needs,</div><div dir="ltr">To meet the bruising waves of life</div><div dir="ltr">and plant eternal seeds</div><div dir="ltr">That recognize the love of God</div><div dir="ltr">and brings you to the knee.</div><div dir="ltr">-</div><div dir="ltr">You spent those years just giving</div><div dir="ltr">all you could to him,</div><div dir="ltr">So now he starts to realize,</div><div dir="ltr">the value of your gift.</div><div dir="ltr">-</div><div dir="ltr">Thank you, Mom, for bringing me</div><div dir="ltr">into this awesome world</div><div dir="ltr">And thanks, still more, for loving me.</div><div dir="ltr">That gift still fills my sail.</div><div dir="ltr">-</div><div dir="ltr">-</div><div dir="ltr"><span><span style="color:rgb(88, 89, 91);font-family:Avenir LT W01 45 Book, sans-serif;font-size:18px;">"I have no greater joy than to hear that my children are walking in the truth." – 3 John 1:4</span></span><br clear="none"></div><div dir="ltr">-</div><div dir="ltr">-</div><div dir="ltr">for Mom, as she turns 97 this Friday!</div><div dir="ltr">Rob</div><div dir="ltr"><br clear="none"></div><div><br clear="none"></div><div class="ydp18db215eyiv3541492341ydp9ff507dfyiv8916979477ydp7c42469dsignature"><div style="font-family:verdana, helvetica, sans-serif;font-size:16px;"><div><i><font size="2" color="#4c76a2">-------------------------------------------</font></i></div><div><i><font size="2" color="#4c76a2">"Death is inevitable. Life is a choice!"</font></i></div><div><i><font size="2" color="#4c76a2"><br clear="none"></font></i></div><div><font size="2" color="#4c76a2"><i>John 11:25</i></font></div><div><font size="2"><i><font color="#4c76a2">Jesus said to her, <span class="ydp18db215eyiv3541492341ydp9ff507dfyiv8916979477ydpf1a30cfawoj"><span class="ydp18db215eyiv3541492341ydp9ff507dfyiv8916979477ydpf1a30cfacrossreference" style="line-height:22px;position:relative;vertical-align:top;"></span>"I am the resurrection and <span class="ydp18db215eyiv3541492341ydp9ff507dfyiv8916979477ydpf1a30cfacrossreference" style="line-height:22px;position:relative;vertical-align:top;"></span>the life.<span class="ydp18db215eyiv3541492341ydp9ff507dfyiv8916979477ydpf1a30cfafootnote" style="line-height:22px;position:relative;vertical-align:top;"></span> Whoever believes in me, <span class="ydp18db215eyiv3541492341ydp9ff507dfyiv8916979477ydpf1a30cfacrossreference" style="line-height:22px;position:relative;vertical-align:top;"></span>though he die, <span class="ydp18db215eyiv3541492341ydp9ff507dfyiv8916979477ydpf1a30cfacrossreference" style="line-height:22px;position:relative;vertical-align:top;"></span>yet shall he live."</span></font><br clear="none"></i></font></div><div><i><font size="2"><span style="color:rgb(0, 0, 0);"><br clear="none"></span></font></i></div><div><br clear="none"></div></div></div></div></div></div> </div> </div></div></div></div></div> </div> </div>Rob Smithhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15624329131901563998noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8003803541888887678.post-14389653516622740482020-04-20T05:05:00.000-07:002020-04-20T05:07:49.290-07:00A new day<div class="ydp52e5e413yahoo-style-wrap" style="font-family:verdana, helvetica, sans-serif;font-size:16px;"><span style="color: rgb(38, 40, 42);">Matthew 28:1 "</span><span style="color: rgb(38, 40, 42);"><span style="color:rgb(0, 0, 0);font-family:Helvetica Neue, Verdana, Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif;">Now after the Sabbath, toward the dawn of the first day of the week, Mary Magdalene and </span><span class="ydp332a5301yiv9942042748ydp98c6a44yiv8398613391ydpbdf04b35crossreference" style="font-size:0.625em;line-height:22px;position:relative;vertical-align:top;color:rgb(0, 0, 0);font-family:Helvetica Neue, Verdana, Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif;"></span><span style="color:rgb(0, 0, 0);font-family:Helvetica Neue, Verdana, Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif;">the other Mary went to see the tomb."</span></span><br></div><div id="ydp332a5301yahoo_quoted_8263407050" class="ydp332a5301yahoo_quoted"><div style="font-family:'Helvetica Neue', Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif;font-size:13px;color:#26282a;"><div><div id="ydp332a5301yiv9942042748"><div class="ydp332a5301yiv9942042748yqt8288173515" id="ydp332a5301yiv9942042748yqtfd86018"><div><div class="ydp332a5301yiv9942042748ydp98c6a44yahoo_quoted" id="ydp332a5301yiv9942042748ydp98c6a44yahoo_quoted_7760007097"><div style="font-family:'Helvetica Neue', Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif;font-size:13px;color:#26282a;"><div><div id="ydp332a5301yiv9942042748ydp98c6a44yiv8398613391"><div class="ydp332a5301yiv9942042748ydp98c6a44yiv8398613391ydp3f5848e1yahoo-style-wrap" style="font-family:verdana, helvetica, sans-serif;font-size:16px;"><div dir="ltr"><span><span style="color:rgb(0, 0, 0);font-family:Helvetica Neue, Verdana, Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif;font-size:16px;">-</span></span></div><div dir="ltr"><span><span style="color:rgb(0, 0, 0);font-family:Helvetica Neue, Verdana, Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif;font-size:16px;">I have wondered about the silent Saturday that Jesus was in the tomb. Why did it happen that Jesus would be dead for that day. Why couldn't He rise on Saturday instead of Sunday? I don't really know but it occurred to me that Jesus was dead over the course of the full Sabbath. The Sabbath had been instituted by the Father to remember the 7th Day of Creation, when the Father rested.</span></span></div><div dir="ltr"><span><span style="color:rgb(0, 0, 0);font-family:Helvetica Neue, Verdana, Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif;font-size:16px;">-</span></span></div><div dir="ltr"><span><span style="color:rgb(0, 0, 0);font-family:Helvetica Neue, Verdana, Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif;font-size:16px;">Genesis 2:<span><span class="ydp332a5301yiv9942042748ydp98c6a44yiv8398613391ydpcb0a3355versenum" style="font-size:12px;line-height:22px;position:relative;vertical-align:top;font-family:Arial;font-weight:bold;color:rgb(0, 0, 0);">3 </span><span style="color:rgb(0, 0, 0);font-family:Helvetica Neue, Verdana, Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif;font-size:16px;">"So God blessed the seventh day and made it holy, because on it God rested from all his work that he had done in creation." </span></span></span></span></div><div dir="ltr"><span><span style="color:rgb(0, 0, 0);font-family:Helvetica Neue, Verdana, Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif;font-size:16px;"><span><span style="color:rgb(0, 0, 0);font-family:Helvetica Neue, Verdana, Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif;font-size:16px;">-</span></span></span></span></div><div dir="ltr"><span><span style="color:rgb(0, 0, 0);font-family:Helvetica Neue, Verdana, Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif;font-size:16px;"><span><span style="color:rgb(0, 0, 0);font-family:Helvetica Neue, Verdana, Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif;font-size:16px;">Just as the Father rested from all His work, done in Creation, so the Son rested when His work was done for restoration. <span><span style="color:rgb(0, 0, 0);font-family:Helvetica Neue, Verdana, Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif;font-size:16px;">John 19:</span><span style="color:rgb(0, 0, 0);font-family:Helvetica Neue, Verdana, Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif;font-size:16px;"><span class="ydp332a5301yiv9942042748ydp98c6a44yiv8398613391ydp596e7846versenum" style="font-size:12px;line-height:22px;position:relative;vertical-align:top;font-family:Arial;font-weight:bold;">30 </span>When Jesus had received the sour wine, he said, <span class="ydp332a5301yiv9942042748ydp98c6a44yiv8398613391ydp596e7846woj"><span class="ydp332a5301yiv9942042748ydp98c6a44yiv8398613391ydp596e7846crossreference" style="font-size:0.625em;line-height:22px;position:relative;vertical-align:top;"></span>"It is finished,"</span> and he bowed his head and <span class="ydp332a5301yiv9942042748ydp98c6a44yiv8398613391ydp596e7846crossreference" style="font-size:0.625em;line-height:22px;position:relative;vertical-align:top;"></span>gave up his spirit. <span><span style="color:rgb(0, 0, 0);font-family:Helvetica Neue, Verdana, Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif;font-size:16px;">Luke records it this way: Luke 23:</span><span style="color:rgb(0, 0, 0);font-family:Helvetica Neue, Verdana, Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif;font-size:16px;"><span class="ydp332a5301yiv9942042748ydp98c6a44yiv8398613391ydp6216986eversenum" style="font-size:12px;line-height:22px;position:relative;vertical-align:top;font-family:Arial;font-weight:bold;">46 </span>Then Jesus, <span class="ydp332a5301yiv9942042748ydp98c6a44yiv8398613391ydp6216986ecrossreference" style="font-size:0.625em;line-height:22px;position:relative;vertical-align:top;"></span>calling out with a loud voice, said, <span class="ydp332a5301yiv9942042748ydp98c6a44yiv8398613391ydp6216986ewoj">"Father, <span class="ydp332a5301yiv9942042748ydp98c6a44yiv8398613391ydp6216986ecrossreference" style="font-size:0.625em;line-height:22px;position:relative;vertical-align:top;"></span>into your hands I <span class="ydp332a5301yiv9942042748ydp98c6a44yiv8398613391ydp6216986ecrossreference" style="font-size:0.625em;line-height:22px;position:relative;vertical-align:top;"></span>commit my spirit!"</span> And having said this <span class="ydp332a5301yiv9942042748ydp98c6a44yiv8398613391ydp6216986ecrossreference" style="font-size:0.625em;line-height:22px;position:relative;vertical-align:top;"></span>he breathed his last.</span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></div><div dir="ltr"><span><span style="color:rgb(0, 0, 0);font-family:Helvetica Neue, Verdana, Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif;font-size:16px;"><span><span style="color:rgb(0, 0, 0);font-family:Helvetica Neue, Verdana, Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif;font-size:16px;">-</span></span></span></span></div><div dir="ltr"><span><span style="color:rgb(0, 0, 0);font-family:Helvetica Neue, Verdana, Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif;font-size:16px;"><span><span style="color:rgb(0, 0, 0);font-family:Helvetica Neue, Verdana, Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif;font-size:16px;">We think of Jesus as dead for that day but we know He'd committed His spirit to the Father and he promised the thief on the cross next to him: Luke 23:<span><span class="ydp332a5301yiv9942042748ydp98c6a44yiv8398613391ydp74393d7eversenum" style="font-size:12px;line-height:22px;position:relative;vertical-align:top;font-family:Arial;font-weight:bold;color:rgb(0, 0, 0);">43 </span><span style="color:rgb(0, 0, 0);font-family:Helvetica Neue, Verdana, Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif;font-size:16px;">And he said to him, </span><span class="ydp332a5301yiv9942042748ydp98c6a44yiv8398613391ydp74393d7ewoj" style="color:rgb(0, 0, 0);font-family:Helvetica Neue, Verdana, Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif;font-size:16px;">"Truly, I say to you, today you will be with me in <span class="ydp332a5301yiv9942042748ydp98c6a44yiv8398613391ydp74393d7ecrossreference" style="font-size:0.625em;line-height:22px;position:relative;vertical-align:top;"></span>paradise." </span></span></span></span></span></span></div><div dir="ltr"><span><span style="color:rgb(0, 0, 0);font-family:Helvetica Neue, Verdana, Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif;font-size:16px;"><span><span style="color:rgb(0, 0, 0);font-family:Helvetica Neue, Verdana, Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif;font-size:16px;"><span><span class="ydp332a5301yiv9942042748ydp98c6a44yiv8398613391ydp74393d7ewoj" style="color:rgb(0, 0, 0);font-family:Helvetica Neue, Verdana, Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif;font-size:16px;">-</span></span></span></span></span></span></div><div dir="ltr"><span><span style="color:rgb(0, 0, 0);font-family:Helvetica Neue, Verdana, Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif;font-size:16px;"><span><span style="color:rgb(0, 0, 0);font-family:Helvetica Neue, Verdana, Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif;font-size:16px;"><span><span class="ydp332a5301yiv9942042748ydp98c6a44yiv8398613391ydp74393d7ewoj" style="color:rgb(0, 0, 0);font-family:Helvetica Neue, Verdana, Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif;font-size:16px;">And you might consider this the final official Sabbath because the next day became known as the Lord's Day...Sunday...and now we mark the beginning of the week, as we mark the celebration of new life, purchased by the blood of Jesus.</span></span></span></span></span></span></div><div dir="ltr"><span><span style="color:rgb(0, 0, 0);font-family:Helvetica Neue, Verdana, Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif;font-size:16px;"><span><span style="color:rgb(0, 0, 0);font-family:Helvetica Neue, Verdana, Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif;font-size:16px;"><span><span class="ydp332a5301yiv9942042748ydp98c6a44yiv8398613391ydp74393d7ewoj" style="color:rgb(0, 0, 0);font-family:Helvetica Neue, Verdana, Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif;font-size:16px;">-</span></span></span></span></span></span></div><div dir="ltr"><span><span style="color:rgb(0, 0, 0);font-family:Helvetica Neue, Verdana, Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif;font-size:16px;"><span><span style="color:rgb(0, 0, 0);font-family:Helvetica Neue, Verdana, Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif;font-size:16px;"><span><span class="ydp332a5301yiv9942042748ydp98c6a44yiv8398613391ydp74393d7ewoj" style="color:rgb(0, 0, 0);font-family:Helvetica Neue, Verdana, Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif;font-size:16px;">John 20:"<span><span class="ydp332a5301yiv9942042748ydp98c6a44yiv8398613391ydp509beffbversenum" style="font-size:12px;line-height:22px;position:relative;vertical-align:top;font-family:Arial;font-weight:bold;color:rgb(0, 0, 0);">19 </span><span class="ydp332a5301yiv9942042748ydp98c6a44yiv8398613391ydp509beffbcrossreference" style="font-size:0.625em;line-height:22px;position:relative;vertical-align:top;color:rgb(0, 0, 0);font-family:Helvetica Neue, Verdana, Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif;"></span><span style="color:rgb(0, 0, 0);font-family:Helvetica Neue, Verdana, Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif;font-size:16px;">On the evening </span><span class="ydp332a5301yiv9942042748ydp98c6a44yiv8398613391ydp509beffbcrossreference" style="font-size:0.625em;line-height:22px;position:relative;vertical-align:top;color:rgb(0, 0, 0);font-family:Helvetica Neue, Verdana, Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif;"></span><span style="color:rgb(0, 0, 0);font-family:Helvetica Neue, Verdana, Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif;font-size:16px;">of that day, the first day of the week, </span><span class="ydp332a5301yiv9942042748ydp98c6a44yiv8398613391ydp509beffbcrossreference" style="font-size:0.625em;line-height:22px;position:relative;vertical-align:top;color:rgb(0, 0, 0);font-family:Helvetica Neue, Verdana, Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif;"></span><span style="color:rgb(0, 0, 0);font-family:Helvetica Neue, Verdana, Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif;font-size:16px;">the doors being locked where the disciples were </span><span class="ydp332a5301yiv9942042748ydp98c6a44yiv8398613391ydp509beffbcrossreference" style="font-size:0.625em;line-height:22px;position:relative;vertical-align:top;color:rgb(0, 0, 0);font-family:Helvetica Neue, Verdana, Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif;"></span><span style="color:rgb(0, 0, 0);font-family:Helvetica Neue, Verdana, Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif;font-size:16px;">for fear of the Jews,</span><span class="ydp332a5301yiv9942042748ydp98c6a44yiv8398613391ydp509beffbfootnote" style="font-size:0.625em;line-height:22px;position:relative;vertical-align:top;color:rgb(0, 0, 0);font-family:Helvetica Neue, Verdana, Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif;"></span><span style="color:rgb(0, 0, 0);font-family:Helvetica Neue, Verdana, Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif;font-size:16px;"> Jesus came and stood among them and said to them, </span><span class="ydp332a5301yiv9942042748ydp98c6a44yiv8398613391ydp509beffbwoj" style="color:rgb(0, 0, 0);font-family:Helvetica Neue, Verdana, Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif;font-size:16px;"><span class="ydp332a5301yiv9942042748ydp98c6a44yiv8398613391ydp509beffbcrossreference" style="font-size:0.625em;line-height:22px;position:relative;vertical-align:top;"></span>"Peace be with you."</span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></div><div dir="ltr"><span><span style="color:rgb(0, 0, 0);font-family:Helvetica Neue, Verdana, Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif;font-size:16px;"><span><span style="color:rgb(0, 0, 0);font-family:Helvetica Neue, Verdana, Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif;font-size:16px;"><span><span class="ydp332a5301yiv9942042748ydp98c6a44yiv8398613391ydp74393d7ewoj" style="color:rgb(0, 0, 0);font-family:Helvetica Neue, Verdana, Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif;font-size:16px;"><span><span class="ydp332a5301yiv9942042748ydp98c6a44yiv8398613391ydp509beffbwoj" style="color:rgb(0, 0, 0);font-family:Helvetica Neue, Verdana, Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif;font-size:16px;">-</span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></div><div dir="ltr"><span><span style="color:rgb(0, 0, 0);font-family:Helvetica Neue, Verdana, Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif;font-size:16px;"><span><span style="color:rgb(0, 0, 0);font-family:Helvetica Neue, Verdana, Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif;font-size:16px;"><span><span class="ydp332a5301yiv9942042748ydp98c6a44yiv8398613391ydp74393d7ewoj" style="color:rgb(0, 0, 0);font-family:Helvetica Neue, Verdana, Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif;font-size:16px;"><span><span class="ydp332a5301yiv9942042748ydp98c6a44yiv8398613391ydp509beffbwoj" style="color:rgb(0, 0, 0);font-family:Helvetica Neue, Verdana, Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif;font-size:16px;">The Cross represented incredible agony but it also marked incomparable victory...a victory celebrated first when the Son went to the Father in Spirit immediately upon dying and by the Disciples when He returned to His body and rose. Jesus celebrated the final Sabbath rest with His Father and now we celebrate the victory of life on the day He rose!</span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></div><div dir="ltr"><span><span style="color:rgb(0, 0, 0);font-family:Helvetica Neue, Verdana, Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif;font-size:16px;"><span><span style="color:rgb(0, 0, 0);font-family:Helvetica Neue, Verdana, Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif;font-size:16px;"><span><span class="ydp332a5301yiv9942042748ydp98c6a44yiv8398613391ydp74393d7ewoj" style="color:rgb(0, 0, 0);font-family:Helvetica Neue, Verdana, Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif;font-size:16px;"><span><span class="ydp332a5301yiv9942042748ydp98c6a44yiv8398613391ydp509beffbwoj" style="color:rgb(0, 0, 0);font-family:Helvetica Neue, Verdana, Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif;font-size:16px;">-</span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></div><div dir="ltr"><span><span style="color:rgb(0, 0, 0);font-family:Helvetica Neue, Verdana, Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif;font-size:16px;"><span><span style="color:rgb(0, 0, 0);font-family:Helvetica Neue, Verdana, Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif;font-size:16px;"><span><span class="ydp332a5301yiv9942042748ydp98c6a44yiv8398613391ydp74393d7ewoj" style="color:rgb(0, 0, 0);font-family:Helvetica Neue, Verdana, Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif;font-size:16px;"><span><span class="ydp332a5301yiv9942042748ydp98c6a44yiv8398613391ydp509beffbwoj" style="color:rgb(0, 0, 0);font-family:Helvetica Neue, Verdana, Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif;font-size:16px;">blessings!</span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></div><div dir="ltr"><span><span style="color:rgb(0, 0, 0);font-family:Helvetica Neue, Verdana, Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif;font-size:16px;"><span><span style="color:rgb(0, 0, 0);font-family:Helvetica Neue, Verdana, Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif;font-size:16px;"><span><span class="ydp332a5301yiv9942042748ydp98c6a44yiv8398613391ydp74393d7ewoj" style="color:rgb(0, 0, 0);font-family:Helvetica Neue, Verdana, Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif;font-size:16px;"><span><span class="ydp332a5301yiv9942042748ydp98c6a44yiv8398613391ydp509beffbwoj" style="color:rgb(0, 0, 0);font-family:Helvetica Neue, Verdana, Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif;font-size:16px;">Rob Smith</span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></div><div><br clear="none"></div><div class="ydp332a5301yiv9942042748ydp98c6a44yiv8398613391ydp3f5848e1signature"><div style="font-family:verdana, helvetica, sans-serif;font-size:16px;"><div><i><font size="2" color="#4c76a2">-------------------------------------------</font></i></div><div><i><font size="2" color="#4c76a2">"Death is inevitable. Life is a choice!"</font></i></div><div><i><font size="2" color="#4c76a2"><br clear="none"></font></i></div><div><font size="2" color="#4c76a2"><i>John 11:25</i></font></div><div><font size="2"><i><font color="#4c76a2">Jesus said to her, <span class="ydp332a5301yiv9942042748ydp98c6a44yiv8398613391ydpf1a30cfawoj"><span class="ydp332a5301yiv9942042748ydp98c6a44yiv8398613391ydpf1a30cfacrossreference" style="line-height:22px;position:relative;vertical-align:top;"></span>"I am the resurrection and <span class="ydp332a5301yiv9942042748ydp98c6a44yiv8398613391ydpf1a30cfacrossreference" style="line-height:22px;position:relative;vertical-align:top;"></span>the life.<span class="ydp332a5301yiv9942042748ydp98c6a44yiv8398613391ydpf1a30cfafootnote" style="line-height:22px;position:relative;vertical-align:top;"></span> Whoever believes in me, <span class="ydp332a5301yiv9942042748ydp98c6a44yiv8398613391ydpf1a30cfacrossreference" style="line-height:22px;position:relative;vertical-align:top;"></span>though he die, <span class="ydp332a5301yiv9942042748ydp98c6a44yiv8398613391ydpf1a30cfacrossreference" style="line-height:22px;position:relative;vertical-align:top;"></span>yet shall he live."</span></font><br clear="none"></i></font></div><div><i><font size="2"><span style="color:rgb(0, 0, 0);"><br clear="none"></span></font></i></div><div><br clear="none"></div></div></div></div></div></div> </div> </div></div></div></div></div> </div> </div>Rob Smithhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15624329131901563998noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8003803541888887678.post-30149416535429113182020-04-19T07:13:00.000-07:002020-04-19T07:15:35.714-07:00What fills you?<div class="ydpd2b5b734yahoo-style-wrap" style="font-family:verdana, helvetica, sans-serif;font-size:16px;"><span style="color: rgb(38, 40, 42);">John 6:</span><span style="color: rgb(38, 40, 42);"><span class="ydp17614b8ayiv1100732360ydp60395a68yiv9987168426ydp7ec56b5atext ydp17614b8ayiv1100732360ydp60395a68yiv9987168426ydp7ec56b5aJohn-6-25" id="ydp17614b8ayiv1100732360ydp60395a68yiv9987168426ydp7ec56b5aen-ESV-26271" style="color:rgb(0, 0, 0);font-family:Helvetica Neue, Verdana, Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif;"><span class="ydp17614b8ayiv1100732360ydp60395a68yiv9987168426ydp7ec56b5aversenum" style="font-size:12px;line-height:22px;position:relative;vertical-align:top;font-family:Arial;font-weight:bold;">25 </span>When they found him on the other side of the sea, they said to him, <span class="ydp17614b8ayiv1100732360ydp60395a68yiv9987168426ydp7ec56b5acrossreference" style="font-size:0.625em;line-height:22px;position:relative;vertical-align:top;"></span>"Rabbi, when did you come here?"</span><span style="color:rgb(0, 0, 0);font-family:Helvetica Neue, Verdana, Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif;"> </span><span class="ydp17614b8ayiv1100732360ydp60395a68yiv9987168426ydp7ec56b5atext ydp17614b8ayiv1100732360ydp60395a68yiv9987168426ydp7ec56b5aJohn-6-26" id="ydp17614b8ayiv1100732360ydp60395a68yiv9987168426ydp7ec56b5aen-ESV-26272" style="color:rgb(0, 0, 0);font-family:Helvetica Neue, Verdana, Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif;"><span class="ydp17614b8ayiv1100732360ydp60395a68yiv9987168426ydp7ec56b5aversenum" style="font-size:12px;line-height:22px;position:relative;vertical-align:top;font-family:Arial;font-weight:bold;">26 </span>Jesus answered them, <span class="ydp17614b8ayiv1100732360ydp60395a68yiv9987168426ydp7ec56b5awoj">"Truly, truly, I say to you, <span class="ydp17614b8ayiv1100732360ydp60395a68yiv9987168426ydp7ec56b5acrossreference" style="font-size:0.625em;line-height:22px;position:relative;vertical-align:top;"></span>you are seeking me, not because you saw <span class="ydp17614b8ayiv1100732360ydp60395a68yiv9987168426ydp7ec56b5acrossreference" style="font-size:0.625em;line-height:22px;position:relative;vertical-align:top;"></span>signs, but because you ate your fill of the loaves.</span></span><span style="color:rgb(0, 0, 0);font-family:Helvetica Neue, Verdana, Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif;"> </span><span class="ydp17614b8ayiv1100732360ydp60395a68yiv9987168426ydp7ec56b5atext ydp17614b8ayiv1100732360ydp60395a68yiv9987168426ydp7ec56b5aJohn-6-27" id="ydp17614b8ayiv1100732360ydp60395a68yiv9987168426ydp7ec56b5aen-ESV-26273" style="color:rgb(0, 0, 0);font-family:Helvetica Neue, Verdana, Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif;"><span class="ydp17614b8ayiv1100732360ydp60395a68yiv9987168426ydp7ec56b5awoj"><span class="ydp17614b8ayiv1100732360ydp60395a68yiv9987168426ydp7ec56b5aversenum" style="font-size:12px;line-height:22px;position:relative;vertical-align:top;font-family:Arial;font-weight:bold;">27 </span><span class="ydp17614b8ayiv1100732360ydp60395a68yiv9987168426ydp7ec56b5acrossreference" style="font-size:0.625em;line-height:22px;position:relative;vertical-align:top;"></span>Do not work for the food that perishes, but for <span class="ydp17614b8ayiv1100732360ydp60395a68yiv9987168426ydp7ec56b5acrossreference" style="font-size:0.625em;line-height:22px;position:relative;vertical-align:top;"></span>the food that endures to eternal life, which <span class="ydp17614b8ayiv1100732360ydp60395a68yiv9987168426ydp7ec56b5acrossreference" style="font-size:0.625em;line-height:22px;position:relative;vertical-align:top;"></span>the Son of Man will give to you.</span></span></span><br></div><div id="ydp17614b8ayahoo_quoted_7309475362" class="ydp17614b8ayahoo_quoted"><div style="font-family:'Helvetica Neue', Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif;font-size:13px;color:#26282a;"><div><div id="ydp17614b8ayiv1100732360"><div class="ydp17614b8ayiv1100732360yqt7616168073" id="ydp17614b8ayiv1100732360yqtfd05493"><div><div class="ydp17614b8ayiv1100732360ydp60395a68yahoo_quoted" id="ydp17614b8ayiv1100732360ydp60395a68yahoo_quoted_8284266371"><div style="font-family:'Helvetica Neue', Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif;font-size:13px;color:#26282a;"><div><div id="ydp17614b8ayiv1100732360ydp60395a68yiv9987168426"><div class="ydp17614b8ayiv1100732360ydp60395a68yiv9987168426ydp4310a887yahoo-style-wrap" style="font-family:verdana, helvetica, sans-serif;font-size:16px;"><div dir="ltr" style="font-family:verdana, helvetica, sans-serif;font-size:16px;"><span><span class="ydp17614b8ayiv1100732360ydp60395a68yiv9987168426ydp7ec56b5atext ydp17614b8ayiv1100732360ydp60395a68yiv9987168426ydp7ec56b5aJohn-6-27" style="color:rgb(0, 0, 0);font-family:Helvetica Neue, Verdana, Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif;font-size:16px;"><span class="ydp17614b8ayiv1100732360ydp60395a68yiv9987168426ydp7ec56b5awoj">-</span></span></span></div><div dir="ltr" style="font-family:verdana, helvetica, sans-serif;font-size:16px;"><span><span class="ydp17614b8ayiv1100732360ydp60395a68yiv9987168426ydp7ec56b5atext ydp17614b8ayiv1100732360ydp60395a68yiv9987168426ydp7ec56b5aJohn-6-27" style="color:rgb(0, 0, 0);font-family:Helvetica Neue, Verdana, Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif;font-size:16px;"><span class="ydp17614b8ayiv1100732360ydp60395a68yiv9987168426ydp7ec56b5awoj">Jesus had performed the miraculous 'feeding of the five thousand' just the day before. Overnight, the disciples had rowed across the Sea of Galilee and Jesus had walked across the water to join them. The crowd apparently decided to also cross the water. They had seen the disciples get into the boat without Jesus and they wanted to track Him down. I think they were beginning to see Jesus as some kind of living producer of manna, as God had provided daily food for the Israelites in the Wilderness. They were following their bellies.</span></span></span></div><div dir="ltr" style="font-family:verdana, helvetica, sans-serif;font-size:16px;"><span><span class="ydp17614b8ayiv1100732360ydp60395a68yiv9987168426ydp7ec56b5atext ydp17614b8ayiv1100732360ydp60395a68yiv9987168426ydp7ec56b5aJohn-6-27" style="color:rgb(0, 0, 0);font-family:Helvetica Neue, Verdana, Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif;font-size:16px;"><span class="ydp17614b8ayiv1100732360ydp60395a68yiv9987168426ydp7ec56b5awoj">-</span></span></span></div><div dir="ltr"><span class="ydp17614b8ayiv1100732360ydp60395a68yiv9987168426ydp7ec56b5atext ydp17614b8ayiv1100732360ydp60395a68yiv9987168426ydp7ec56b5aJohn-6-27"><span class="ydp17614b8ayiv1100732360ydp60395a68yiv9987168426ydp7ec56b5awoj"><font face="Helvetica Neue, Verdana, Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif" style="background-color:inherit;">No doubt the need for daily food is one of our basic drives. Inescapably, we must eat or we perish. It's interesting to consider the reaction of the people to the miracle they'd just experienced. Instead of responding with worship because they had been in the presence of God, they worshiped their appetites. Amazingly, most of them could not see past the food to be awed and humbled by the Provider.</font></span></span></div><div dir="ltr"><span class="ydp17614b8ayiv1100732360ydp60395a68yiv9987168426ydp7ec56b5atext ydp17614b8ayiv1100732360ydp60395a68yiv9987168426ydp7ec56b5aJohn-6-27"><span class="ydp17614b8ayiv1100732360ydp60395a68yiv9987168426ydp7ec56b5awoj"><font face="Helvetica Neue, Verdana, Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif" style="background-color:inherit;">-</font></span></span></div><div dir="ltr"><span class="ydp17614b8ayiv1100732360ydp60395a68yiv9987168426ydp7ec56b5atext ydp17614b8ayiv1100732360ydp60395a68yiv9987168426ydp7ec56b5aJohn-6-27"><span class="ydp17614b8ayiv1100732360ydp60395a68yiv9987168426ydp7ec56b5awoj"><font face="Helvetica Neue, Verdana, Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif" style="background-color:inherit;">We face a similar choice. Daily our needs are met, even in this time of 'virus crisis'. If our focus is constantly on getting the next meal or finding the paper products we need, without realizing and thanking the One who meets those needs, we won't see past the physical and material to view the One who satisfies those essentials with the greater essential...eternal life.</font></span></span></div><div dir="ltr"><span class="ydp17614b8ayiv1100732360ydp60395a68yiv9987168426ydp7ec56b5atext ydp17614b8ayiv1100732360ydp60395a68yiv9987168426ydp7ec56b5aJohn-6-27"><span class="ydp17614b8ayiv1100732360ydp60395a68yiv9987168426ydp7ec56b5awoj"><font face="Helvetica Neue, Verdana, Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif" style="background-color:inherit;">-</font></span></span></div><div dir="ltr"><span class="ydp17614b8ayiv1100732360ydp60395a68yiv9987168426ydp7ec56b5atext ydp17614b8ayiv1100732360ydp60395a68yiv9987168426ydp7ec56b5aJohn-6-27"><span class="ydp17614b8ayiv1100732360ydp60395a68yiv9987168426ydp7ec56b5awoj"><font face="Helvetica Neue, Verdana, Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif" style="background-color:inherit;">Truly they must have known that they had been in the presence of God, when the few fish and loaves were multiplied. That miracle should have caused them to fall before the Lord in awe and humility, as they had been served by the hands that fashioned all of Creation. How blind we can be to the constant presence of our Maker and Provider. How great is our need to be filled with Him!</font></span></span></div><div dir="ltr"><span class="ydp17614b8ayiv1100732360ydp60395a68yiv9987168426ydp7ec56b5atext ydp17614b8ayiv1100732360ydp60395a68yiv9987168426ydp7ec56b5aJohn-6-27"><span class="ydp17614b8ayiv1100732360ydp60395a68yiv9987168426ydp7ec56b5awoj"><font face="Helvetica Neue, Verdana, Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif" style="background-color:inherit;">-</font></span></span></div><div dir="ltr"><span class="ydp17614b8ayiv1100732360ydp60395a68yiv9987168426ydp7ec56b5atext ydp17614b8ayiv1100732360ydp60395a68yiv9987168426ydp7ec56b5aJohn-6-27"><span class="ydp17614b8ayiv1100732360ydp60395a68yiv9987168426ydp7ec56b5awoj"><font face="Helvetica Neue, Verdana, Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif" style="background-color:inherit;">blessings,</font></span></span></div><div dir="ltr"><span class="ydp17614b8ayiv1100732360ydp60395a68yiv9987168426ydp7ec56b5atext ydp17614b8ayiv1100732360ydp60395a68yiv9987168426ydp7ec56b5aJohn-6-27"><span class="ydp17614b8ayiv1100732360ydp60395a68yiv9987168426ydp7ec56b5awoj"><font face="Helvetica Neue, Verdana, Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif" style="background-color:inherit;">Rob Smith</font></span></span></div><div style="font-family:verdana, helvetica, sans-serif;font-size:16px;"><br clear="none"></div><div class="ydp17614b8ayiv1100732360ydp60395a68yiv9987168426ydp4310a887signature" style="font-family:verdana, helvetica, sans-serif;font-size:16px;"><div style="font-family:verdana, helvetica, sans-serif;font-size:16px;"><div><i><font size="2" color="#4c76a2">-------------------------------------------</font></i></div><div><i><font size="2" color="#4c76a2">"Death is inevitable. Life is a choice!"</font></i></div><div><i><font size="2" color="#4c76a2"><br clear="none"></font></i></div><div><font size="2" color="#4c76a2"><i>John 11:25</i></font></div><div><font size="2"><i><font color="#4c76a2">Jesus said to her, <span class="ydp17614b8ayiv1100732360ydp60395a68yiv9987168426ydpf1a30cfawoj"><span class="ydp17614b8ayiv1100732360ydp60395a68yiv9987168426ydpf1a30cfacrossreference" style="line-height:22px;position:relative;vertical-align:top;"></span>"I am the resurrection and <span class="ydp17614b8ayiv1100732360ydp60395a68yiv9987168426ydpf1a30cfacrossreference" style="line-height:22px;position:relative;vertical-align:top;"></span>the life.<span class="ydp17614b8ayiv1100732360ydp60395a68yiv9987168426ydpf1a30cfafootnote" style="line-height:22px;position:relative;vertical-align:top;"></span> Whoever believes in me, <span class="ydp17614b8ayiv1100732360ydp60395a68yiv9987168426ydpf1a30cfacrossreference" style="line-height:22px;position:relative;vertical-align:top;"></span>though he die, <span class="ydp17614b8ayiv1100732360ydp60395a68yiv9987168426ydpf1a30cfacrossreference" style="line-height:22px;position:relative;vertical-align:top;"></span>yet shall he live."</span></font><br clear="none"></i></font></div><div><i><font size="2"><span style="color:rgb(0, 0, 0);"><br clear="none"></span></font></i></div><div><br clear="none"></div></div></div></div></div></div> </div> </div></div></div></div></div> </div> </div>Rob Smithhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15624329131901563998noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8003803541888887678.post-198416616666695452020-04-17T05:20:00.000-07:002020-04-17T05:22:06.463-07:00Two stony relationships<div class="ydp88527e79yahoo-style-wrap" style="font-family:verdana, helvetica, sans-serif;font-size:16px;"><span style="color: rgb(38, 40, 42);">Matthew 21:</span><span style="color: rgb(38, 40, 42);"><span class="ydp7885fbe0yiv7247448263ydp1cc8eeafyiv6133825455ydp92056357text ydp7885fbe0yiv7247448263ydp1cc8eeafyiv6133825455ydp92056357Matt-21-43" id="ydp7885fbe0yiv7247448263ydp1cc8eeafyiv6133825455ydp92056357en-ESV-23867" style="color:rgb(0, 0, 0);font-family:Helvetica Neue, Verdana, Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif;"><span class="ydp7885fbe0yiv7247448263ydp1cc8eeafyiv6133825455ydp92056357woj"><span class="ydp7885fbe0yiv7247448263ydp1cc8eeafyiv6133825455ydp92056357versenum" style="font-size:12px;line-height:22px;position:relative;vertical-align:top;font-family:Arial;font-weight:bold;">43 </span>Therefore I tell you, the kingdom of God <span class="ydp7885fbe0yiv7247448263ydp1cc8eeafyiv6133825455ydp92056357crossreference" style="font-size:0.625em;line-height:22px;position:relative;vertical-align:top;"></span>will be taken away from you and given to a people <span class="ydp7885fbe0yiv7247448263ydp1cc8eeafyiv6133825455ydp92056357crossreference" style="font-size:0.625em;line-height:22px;position:relative;vertical-align:top;"></span>producing its fruits.</span></span><span style="color:rgb(0, 0, 0);font-family:Helvetica Neue, Verdana, Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif;"> </span><span class="ydp7885fbe0yiv7247448263ydp1cc8eeafyiv6133825455ydp92056357text ydp7885fbe0yiv7247448263ydp1cc8eeafyiv6133825455ydp92056357Matt-21-44" id="ydp7885fbe0yiv7247448263ydp1cc8eeafyiv6133825455ydp92056357en-ESV-23868" style="color:rgb(0, 0, 0);font-family:Helvetica Neue, Verdana, Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif;"><span class="ydp7885fbe0yiv7247448263ydp1cc8eeafyiv6133825455ydp92056357woj"><span class="ydp7885fbe0yiv7247448263ydp1cc8eeafyiv6133825455ydp92056357versenum" style="font-size:12px;line-height:22px;position:relative;vertical-align:top;font-family:Arial;font-weight:bold;">44 </span>And <span class="ydp7885fbe0yiv7247448263ydp1cc8eeafyiv6133825455ydp92056357crossreference" style="font-size:0.625em;line-height:22px;position:relative;vertical-align:top;"></span>the one who falls on this stone will be broken to pieces; and <span class="ydp7885fbe0yiv7247448263ydp1cc8eeafyiv6133825455ydp92056357crossreference" style="font-size:0.625em;line-height:22px;position:relative;vertical-align:top;"></span>when it falls on anyone, it will crush him."</span></span></span><br></div><div id="ydp7885fbe0yahoo_quoted_7129344191" class="ydp7885fbe0yahoo_quoted"><div style="font-family:'Helvetica Neue', Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif;font-size:13px;color:#26282a;"><div><div id="ydp7885fbe0yiv7247448263"><div class="ydp7885fbe0yiv7247448263yqt9800582567" id="ydp7885fbe0yiv7247448263yqtfd36219"><div><div class="ydp7885fbe0yiv7247448263ydp1cc8eeafyahoo_quoted" id="ydp7885fbe0yiv7247448263ydp1cc8eeafyahoo_quoted_7434460875"><div style="font-family:'Helvetica Neue', Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif;font-size:13px;color:#26282a;"><div><div id="ydp7885fbe0yiv7247448263ydp1cc8eeafyiv6133825455"><div class="ydp7885fbe0yiv7247448263ydp1cc8eeafyiv6133825455ydpa76cc21ayahoo-style-wrap" style="font-family:verdana, helvetica, sans-serif;font-size:16px;"><div dir="ltr"><span><span class="ydp7885fbe0yiv7247448263ydp1cc8eeafyiv6133825455ydp92056357text ydp7885fbe0yiv7247448263ydp1cc8eeafyiv6133825455ydp92056357Matt-21-44" style="color:rgb(0, 0, 0);font-family:Helvetica Neue, Verdana, Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif;font-size:16px;"><span class="ydp7885fbe0yiv7247448263ydp1cc8eeafyiv6133825455ydp92056357woj">-</span></span></span></div><div dir="ltr"><span><span class="ydp7885fbe0yiv7247448263ydp1cc8eeafyiv6133825455ydp92056357text ydp7885fbe0yiv7247448263ydp1cc8eeafyiv6133825455ydp92056357Matt-21-44" style="color:rgb(0, 0, 0);font-family:Helvetica Neue, Verdana, Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif;font-size:16px;"><span class="ydp7885fbe0yiv7247448263ydp1cc8eeafyiv6133825455ydp92056357woj">There are some Bible passages that are difficult to understand. The passage above has always spoken to me in a certain way. But when I review the interpretation of other commentaries I can find no one who sees it the way I do. Here's what speaks to me: Jesus is the Rock. He is the cornerstone of the Church and the Rock of our salvation. [See Psalm 62] A person can have one of two relationships with this rock...but it is inevitable that one of the two will take place. Either a person will fall upon the rock and be broken, that He might be made new, or he can walk around the rock during this life only to have the rock of judgment fall upon him and be crushed. 'Broken or crushed'...that is what speaks to me. Far better to die to self and fall upon the Rock now...it means the loss of what we are familiar with and comfortable with because it means being broken. But it is better to realize the need for brokenness than to go through this life intact, but actually full of brokenness within.</span></span></span></div><div dir="ltr"><span><span class="ydp7885fbe0yiv7247448263ydp1cc8eeafyiv6133825455ydp92056357text ydp7885fbe0yiv7247448263ydp1cc8eeafyiv6133825455ydp92056357Matt-21-44" style="color:rgb(0, 0, 0);font-family:Helvetica Neue, Verdana, Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif;font-size:16px;"><span class="ydp7885fbe0yiv7247448263ydp1cc8eeafyiv6133825455ydp92056357woj">-</span></span></span></div><div dir="ltr"><span><span class="ydp7885fbe0yiv7247448263ydp1cc8eeafyiv6133825455ydp92056357text ydp7885fbe0yiv7247448263ydp1cc8eeafyiv6133825455ydp92056357Matt-21-44" style="color:rgb(0, 0, 0);font-family:Helvetica Neue, Verdana, Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif;font-size:16px;"><span class="ydp7885fbe0yiv7247448263ydp1cc8eeafyiv6133825455ydp92056357woj">Commentaries disagree and believe that both of the situations...falling on the rock (characterized as tripping over the stone) or being crushed by it are both the result of rejecting God's Rock.</span></span></span></div><div dir="ltr"><span><span class="ydp7885fbe0yiv7247448263ydp1cc8eeafyiv6133825455ydp92056357text ydp7885fbe0yiv7247448263ydp1cc8eeafyiv6133825455ydp92056357Matt-21-44" style="color:rgb(0, 0, 0);font-family:Helvetica Neue, Verdana, Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif;font-size:16px;"><span class="ydp7885fbe0yiv7247448263ydp1cc8eeafyiv6133825455ydp92056357woj">-</span></span></span></div><div dir="ltr"><span><span class="ydp7885fbe0yiv7247448263ydp1cc8eeafyiv6133825455ydp92056357text ydp7885fbe0yiv7247448263ydp1cc8eeafyiv6133825455ydp92056357Matt-21-44" style="color:rgb(0, 0, 0);font-family:Helvetica Neue, Verdana, Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif;font-size:16px;"><span class="ydp7885fbe0yiv7247448263ydp1cc8eeafyiv6133825455ydp92056357woj">Perhaps they all are correct. Nevertheless, in my experience, total brokenness needed to take place before the Lord could come in and remake me...step by step into something new and something closer to what He intended.</span></span></span></div><div dir="ltr"><span><span class="ydp7885fbe0yiv7247448263ydp1cc8eeafyiv6133825455ydp92056357text ydp7885fbe0yiv7247448263ydp1cc8eeafyiv6133825455ydp92056357Matt-21-44" style="color:rgb(0, 0, 0);font-family:Helvetica Neue, Verdana, Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif;font-size:16px;"><span class="ydp7885fbe0yiv7247448263ydp1cc8eeafyiv6133825455ydp92056357woj">-</span></span></span></div><div dir="ltr"><span><span class="ydp7885fbe0yiv7247448263ydp1cc8eeafyiv6133825455ydp92056357text ydp7885fbe0yiv7247448263ydp1cc8eeafyiv6133825455ydp92056357Matt-21-44" style="color:rgb(0, 0, 0);font-family:Helvetica Neue, Verdana, Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif;font-size:16px;"><span class="ydp7885fbe0yiv7247448263ydp1cc8eeafyiv6133825455ydp92056357woj">When the Rock has become our personal cornerstone then He also has become our rock of refuge and our strong defense. Let us fall upon that rock while we can!</span></span></span></div><div dir="ltr"><span><span class="ydp7885fbe0yiv7247448263ydp1cc8eeafyiv6133825455ydp92056357text ydp7885fbe0yiv7247448263ydp1cc8eeafyiv6133825455ydp92056357Matt-21-44" style="color:rgb(0, 0, 0);font-family:Helvetica Neue, Verdana, Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif;font-size:16px;"><span class="ydp7885fbe0yiv7247448263ydp1cc8eeafyiv6133825455ydp92056357woj">-</span></span></span></div><div dir="ltr"><span><span class="ydp7885fbe0yiv7247448263ydp1cc8eeafyiv6133825455ydp92056357text ydp7885fbe0yiv7247448263ydp1cc8eeafyiv6133825455ydp92056357Matt-21-44" style="color:rgb(0, 0, 0);font-family:Helvetica Neue, Verdana, Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif;font-size:16px;"><span class="ydp7885fbe0yiv7247448263ydp1cc8eeafyiv6133825455ydp92056357woj">blessings,</span></span></span></div><div dir="ltr"><span><span class="ydp7885fbe0yiv7247448263ydp1cc8eeafyiv6133825455ydp92056357text ydp7885fbe0yiv7247448263ydp1cc8eeafyiv6133825455ydp92056357Matt-21-44" style="color:rgb(0, 0, 0);font-family:Helvetica Neue, Verdana, Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif;font-size:16px;"><span class="ydp7885fbe0yiv7247448263ydp1cc8eeafyiv6133825455ydp92056357woj">Rob Smith</span></span></span></div><div><br clear="none"></div><div class="ydp7885fbe0yiv7247448263ydp1cc8eeafyiv6133825455ydpa76cc21asignature"><div style="font-family:verdana, helvetica, sans-serif;font-size:16px;"><div><i><font size="2" color="#4c76a2">-------------------------------------------</font></i></div><div><i><font size="2" color="#4c76a2">"Death is inevitable. Life is a choice!"</font></i></div><div><i><font size="2" color="#4c76a2"><br clear="none"></font></i></div><div><font size="2" color="#4c76a2"><i>John 11:25</i></font></div><div><font size="2"><i><font color="#4c76a2">Jesus said to her, <span class="ydp7885fbe0yiv7247448263ydp1cc8eeafyiv6133825455ydpf1a30cfawoj"><span class="ydp7885fbe0yiv7247448263ydp1cc8eeafyiv6133825455ydpf1a30cfacrossreference" style="line-height:22px;position:relative;vertical-align:top;"></span>"I am the resurrection and <span class="ydp7885fbe0yiv7247448263ydp1cc8eeafyiv6133825455ydpf1a30cfacrossreference" style="line-height:22px;position:relative;vertical-align:top;"></span>the life.<span class="ydp7885fbe0yiv7247448263ydp1cc8eeafyiv6133825455ydpf1a30cfafootnote" style="line-height:22px;position:relative;vertical-align:top;"></span> Whoever believes in me, <span class="ydp7885fbe0yiv7247448263ydp1cc8eeafyiv6133825455ydpf1a30cfacrossreference" style="line-height:22px;position:relative;vertical-align:top;"></span>though he die, <span class="ydp7885fbe0yiv7247448263ydp1cc8eeafyiv6133825455ydpf1a30cfacrossreference" style="line-height:22px;position:relative;vertical-align:top;"></span>yet shall he live."</span></font><br clear="none"></i></font></div><div><i><font size="2"><span style="color:rgb(0, 0, 0);"><br clear="none"></span></font></i></div><div><br clear="none"></div></div></div></div></div></div> </div> </div></div></div></div></div> </div> </div>Rob Smithhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15624329131901563998noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8003803541888887678.post-393629224282591052020-04-16T04:59:00.000-07:002020-04-16T05:01:45.322-07:00Coming to yourself<div class="ydpa37cff32yahoo-style-wrap" style="font-family:verdana, helvetica, sans-serif;font-size:16px;"><div><div><span style="color: rgb(38, 40, 42);">Luke 15:</span><br></div></div></div><div id="ydpa21c5beyahoo_quoted_7500525858" class="ydpa21c5beyahoo_quoted"><div style="font-family:'Helvetica Neue', Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif;font-size:13px;color:#26282a;"><div><div id="ydpa21c5beyiv5089670297"><div class="ydpa21c5beyiv5089670297yqt1443772331" id="ydpa21c5beyiv5089670297yqtfd92471"><div><div class="ydpa21c5beyiv5089670297ydp525fdc46yahoo_quoted" id="ydpa21c5beyiv5089670297ydp525fdc46yahoo_quoted_7259669180"><div style="font-family:'Helvetica Neue', Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif;font-size:13px;color:#26282a;"><div><div id="ydpa21c5beyiv5089670297ydp525fdc46yiv7689215295"><div class="ydpa21c5beyiv5089670297ydp525fdc46yiv7689215295ydpcadb40ceyahoo-style-wrap" style="font-family:verdana, helvetica, sans-serif;font-size:16px;"><div dir="ltr"><div style="font-family:verdana, helvetica, sans-serif;font-size:16px;"><p style="margin:0px 0px 10px;color:rgb(0, 0, 0);font-family:Helvetica Neue, Verdana, Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif;font-size:16px;line-height:24px;"><span class="ydpa21c5beyiv5089670297ydp525fdc46yiv7689215295ydp34d8037atext ydpa21c5beyiv5089670297ydp525fdc46yiv7689215295ydp34d8037aLuke-15-16" id="ydpa21c5beyiv5089670297ydp525fdc46yiv7689215295ydp34d8037aen-ESV-25596"><span class="ydpa21c5beyiv5089670297ydp525fdc46yiv7689215295ydp34d8037aversenum" style="font-size:12px;line-height:22px;position:relative;vertical-align:top;font-family:Arial;font-weight:bold;">16 </span>And he <span class="ydpa21c5beyiv5089670297ydp525fdc46yiv7689215295ydp34d8037acrossreference" style="font-size:0.625em;line-height:22px;position:relative;vertical-align:top;"></span>was longing to be fed with the pods that the pigs ate, and no one gave him anything.</span></p><div style="margin:0px 0px 10px;color:rgb(0, 0, 0);font-family:Helvetica Neue, Verdana, Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif;font-size:16px;line-height:24px;"><span class="ydpa21c5beyiv5089670297ydp525fdc46yiv7689215295ydp34d8037atext ydpa21c5beyiv5089670297ydp525fdc46yiv7689215295ydp34d8037aLuke-15-17" id="ydpa21c5beyiv5089670297ydp525fdc46yiv7689215295ydp34d8037aen-ESV-25597"><span class="ydpa21c5beyiv5089670297ydp525fdc46yiv7689215295ydp34d8037aversenum" style="font-size:12px;line-height:22px;position:relative;vertical-align:top;font-family:Arial;font-weight:bold;">17 </span>"But <span class="ydpa21c5beyiv5089670297ydp525fdc46yiv7689215295ydp34d8037acrossreference" style="font-size:0.625em;line-height:22px;position:relative;vertical-align:top;"></span>when he <span class="ydpa21c5beyiv5089670297ydp525fdc46yiv7689215295ydp34d8037acrossreference" style="font-size:0.625em;line-height:22px;position:relative;vertical-align:top;"></span>came to himself, he said, 'How many of my father's hired servants have more than enough bread, but I perish here with hunger!</span> </div><div style="margin:0px 0px 10px;color:rgb(0, 0, 0);font-family:Helvetica Neue, Verdana, Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif;font-size:16px;line-height:24px;">-</div><div dir="ltr" style="margin:0px 0px 10px;color:rgb(0, 0, 0);font-family:Helvetica Neue, Verdana, Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif;font-size:16px;line-height:24px;">This short section from the Prodigal Son parable impacted me yesterday as I listened during my daily walk. The phrase "But when he came to himself..." jumped out. It occurred that we have different sides to our personality (not multiple personalities...that's just scary!). And somewhere deep inside is the real person, the soul, the spirit, the heart...the real person. We have outer layers that we wear to have a certain impact on others and to feel good about ourselves, but they are almost like clothing to cover and protect our inner self. I suspect that we can go years without having a meaningful conversation with ourselves, but at some point we really need to. Our inner self is the life we were given...for we did not give ourselves our lives. Instead we spend a lifetime grappling with life's meaning, all the while knowing that the life we were given will one day be taken as well.</div><div dir="ltr" style="margin:0px 0px 10px;color:rgb(0, 0, 0);font-family:Helvetica Neue, Verdana, Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif;font-size:16px;line-height:24px;">-</div><div dir="ltr" style="margin:0px 0px 10px;color:rgb(0, 0, 0);font-family:Helvetica Neue, Verdana, Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif;font-size:16px;line-height:24px;">Just as the Prodigal Son, we need to come to the end of the window dressing that makes up our outer person...the one driven by selfish desires and short term ambitions. We need to have a sit down, look self in the face, heart-to-heart with the life deep inside. When we do that, we are humbled and we realize that, just as we can't explain how our lives came to be...so we can't control where our lives will ultimately go.</div><div dir="ltr" style="margin:0px 0px 10px;color:rgb(0, 0, 0);font-family:Helvetica Neue, Verdana, Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif;font-size:16px;line-height:24px;">-</div><div dir="ltr" style="margin:0px 0px 10px;color:rgb(0, 0, 0);font-family:Helvetica Neue, Verdana, Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif;font-size:16px;line-height:24px;">And like the Prodigal Son, until we come to ourselves we'll never come home to God...never feel His loving embrace as He runs to greet us!</div><div dir="ltr" style="margin:0px 0px 10px;color:rgb(0, 0, 0);font-family:Helvetica Neue, Verdana, Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif;font-size:16px;line-height:24px;">-</div><div dir="ltr" style="margin:0px 0px 10px;color:rgb(0, 0, 0);font-family:Helvetica Neue, Verdana, Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif;font-size:16px;line-height:24px;">blessing,</div><div dir="ltr" style="margin:0px 0px 10px;color:rgb(0, 0, 0);font-family:Helvetica Neue, Verdana, Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif;font-size:16px;line-height:24px;">Rob Smith</div></div></div><div style="font-family:verdana, helvetica, sans-serif;font-size:16px;"><br clear="none"></div><div class="ydpa21c5beyiv5089670297ydp525fdc46yiv7689215295ydpcadb40cesignature" style="font-family:verdana, helvetica, sans-serif;font-size:16px;"><div style="font-family:verdana, helvetica, sans-serif;font-size:16px;"><div><i><font size="2" color="#4c76a2">-------------------------------------------</font></i></div><div><i><font size="2" color="#4c76a2">"Death is inevitable. Life is a choice!"</font></i></div><div><i><font size="2" color="#4c76a2"><br clear="none"></font></i></div><div><font size="2" color="#4c76a2"><i>John 11:25</i></font></div><div><font size="2"><i><font color="#4c76a2">Jesus said to her, <span class="ydpa21c5beyiv5089670297ydp525fdc46yiv7689215295ydpf1a30cfawoj"><span class="ydpa21c5beyiv5089670297ydp525fdc46yiv7689215295ydpf1a30cfacrossreference" style="line-height:22px;position:relative;vertical-align:top;"></span>"I am the resurrection and <span class="ydpa21c5beyiv5089670297ydp525fdc46yiv7689215295ydpf1a30cfacrossreference" style="line-height:22px;position:relative;vertical-align:top;"></span>the life.<span class="ydpa21c5beyiv5089670297ydp525fdc46yiv7689215295ydpf1a30cfafootnote" style="line-height:22px;position:relative;vertical-align:top;"></span> Whoever believes in me, <span class="ydpa21c5beyiv5089670297ydp525fdc46yiv7689215295ydpf1a30cfacrossreference" style="line-height:22px;position:relative;vertical-align:top;"></span>though he die, <span class="ydpa21c5beyiv5089670297ydp525fdc46yiv7689215295ydpf1a30cfacrossreference" style="line-height:22px;position:relative;vertical-align:top;"></span>yet shall he live."</span></font><br clear="none"></i></font></div><div><i><font size="2"><span style="color:rgb(0, 0, 0);"><br clear="none"></span></font></i></div><div><br clear="none"><br clear="none"></div></div></div></div></div></div> </div> </div></div></div></div></div> </div> </div>Rob Smithhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15624329131901563998noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8003803541888887678.post-75220725214869370282020-04-15T05:00:00.000-07:002020-04-15T05:02:20.501-07:00Supernatural<div class="ydp325c7521yahoo-style-wrap" style="font-family:verdana, helvetica, sans-serif;font-size:16px;"><span style="color: rgb(38, 40, 42);">Luke 7:</span><span style="color: rgb(38, 40, 42);"><span class="ydp517a0687yiv4349759232ydp80cb1b62yiv6503647665ydp236384eftext ydp517a0687yiv4349759232ydp80cb1b62yiv6503647665ydp236384efLuke-7-11" style="color:rgb(0, 0, 0);font-family:Helvetica Neue, Verdana, Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif;"><span class="ydp517a0687yiv4349759232ydp80cb1b62yiv6503647665ydp236384efversenum" style="font-size:12px;line-height:22px;position:relative;vertical-align:top;font-family:Arial;font-weight:bold;">11 </span>Soon afterward<span class="ydp517a0687yiv4349759232ydp80cb1b62yiv6503647665ydp236384effootnote" style="font-size:0.625em;line-height:22px;position:relative;vertical-align:top;"></span> he went to a town called Nain, and his disciples and a great crowd went with him.</span><span style="color:rgb(0, 0, 0);font-family:Helvetica Neue, Verdana, Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif;"> </span><span class="ydp517a0687yiv4349759232ydp80cb1b62yiv6503647665ydp236384eftext ydp517a0687yiv4349759232ydp80cb1b62yiv6503647665ydp236384efLuke-7-12" id="ydp517a0687yiv4349759232ydp80cb1b62yiv6503647665ydp236384efen-ESV-25199" style="color:rgb(0, 0, 0);font-family:Helvetica Neue, Verdana, Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif;"><span class="ydp517a0687yiv4349759232ydp80cb1b62yiv6503647665ydp236384efversenum" style="font-size:12px;line-height:22px;position:relative;vertical-align:top;font-family:Arial;font-weight:bold;">12 </span>As he drew near to the gate of the town, behold, a man who had died was being carried out, <span class="ydp517a0687yiv4349759232ydp80cb1b62yiv6503647665ydp236384efcrossreference" style="font-size:0.625em;line-height:22px;position:relative;vertical-align:top;"></span>the only son of his mother, and she was a widow, and a considerable crowd from the town was with her.</span><span style="color:rgb(0, 0, 0);font-family:Helvetica Neue, Verdana, Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif;"> </span><span class="ydp517a0687yiv4349759232ydp80cb1b62yiv6503647665ydp236384eftext ydp517a0687yiv4349759232ydp80cb1b62yiv6503647665ydp236384efLuke-7-13" id="ydp517a0687yiv4349759232ydp80cb1b62yiv6503647665ydp236384efen-ESV-25200" style="color:rgb(0, 0, 0);font-family:Helvetica Neue, Verdana, Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif;"><span class="ydp517a0687yiv4349759232ydp80cb1b62yiv6503647665ydp236384efversenum" style="font-size:12px;line-height:22px;position:relative;vertical-align:top;font-family:Arial;font-weight:bold;">13 </span>And when the Lord saw her, <span class="ydp517a0687yiv4349759232ydp80cb1b62yiv6503647665ydp236384efcrossreference" style="font-size:0.625em;line-height:22px;position:relative;vertical-align:top;"></span>he had compassion on her and <span class="ydp517a0687yiv4349759232ydp80cb1b62yiv6503647665ydp236384efcrossreference" style="font-size:0.625em;line-height:22px;position:relative;vertical-align:top;"></span>said to her, <span class="ydp517a0687yiv4349759232ydp80cb1b62yiv6503647665ydp236384efwoj">"Do not weep."</span></span><span style="color:rgb(0, 0, 0);font-family:Helvetica Neue, Verdana, Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif;"> </span><span class="ydp517a0687yiv4349759232ydp80cb1b62yiv6503647665ydp236384eftext ydp517a0687yiv4349759232ydp80cb1b62yiv6503647665ydp236384efLuke-7-14" id="ydp517a0687yiv4349759232ydp80cb1b62yiv6503647665ydp236384efen-ESV-25201" style="color:rgb(0, 0, 0);font-family:Helvetica Neue, Verdana, Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif;"><span class="ydp517a0687yiv4349759232ydp80cb1b62yiv6503647665ydp236384efversenum" style="font-size:12px;line-height:22px;position:relative;vertical-align:top;font-family:Arial;font-weight:bold;">14 </span>Then he came up and touched <span class="ydp517a0687yiv4349759232ydp80cb1b62yiv6503647665ydp236384efcrossreference" style="font-size:0.625em;line-height:22px;position:relative;vertical-align:top;"></span>the bier, and the bearers stood still. And he said, <span class="ydp517a0687yiv4349759232ydp80cb1b62yiv6503647665ydp236384efwoj">"Young man, I say to you, <span class="ydp517a0687yiv4349759232ydp80cb1b62yiv6503647665ydp236384efcrossreference" style="font-size:0.625em;line-height:22px;position:relative;vertical-align:top;"></span>arise."</span></span><span style="color:rgb(0, 0, 0);font-family:Helvetica Neue, Verdana, Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif;"> </span><span class="ydp517a0687yiv4349759232ydp80cb1b62yiv6503647665ydp236384eftext ydp517a0687yiv4349759232ydp80cb1b62yiv6503647665ydp236384efLuke-7-15" id="ydp517a0687yiv4349759232ydp80cb1b62yiv6503647665ydp236384efen-ESV-25202" style="color:rgb(0, 0, 0);font-family:Helvetica Neue, Verdana, Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif;"><span class="ydp517a0687yiv4349759232ydp80cb1b62yiv6503647665ydp236384efversenum" style="font-size:12px;line-height:22px;position:relative;vertical-align:top;font-family:Arial;font-weight:bold;">15 </span>And the dead man sat up and began to speak, and Jesus<span class="ydp517a0687yiv4349759232ydp80cb1b62yiv6503647665ydp236384effootnote" style="font-size:0.625em;line-height:22px;position:relative;vertical-align:top;"></span> <span class="ydp517a0687yiv4349759232ydp80cb1b62yiv6503647665ydp236384efcrossreference" style="font-size:0.625em;line-height:22px;position:relative;vertical-align:top;"></span>gave him to his mother.</span></span><br></div><div id="ydp517a0687yahoo_quoted_7078252262" class="ydp517a0687yahoo_quoted"><div style="font-family:'Helvetica Neue', Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif;font-size:13px;color:#26282a;"><div><div id="ydp517a0687yiv4349759232"><div class="ydp517a0687yiv4349759232yqt3806448265" id="ydp517a0687yiv4349759232yqtfd08741"><div><div class="ydp517a0687yiv4349759232ydp80cb1b62yahoo_quoted" id="ydp517a0687yiv4349759232ydp80cb1b62yahoo_quoted_7397026885"><div style="font-family:'Helvetica Neue', Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif;font-size:13px;color:#26282a;"><div><div id="ydp517a0687yiv4349759232ydp80cb1b62yiv6503647665"><div class="ydp517a0687yiv4349759232ydp80cb1b62yiv6503647665ydp2a90a835yahoo-style-wrap" style="font-family:verdana, helvetica, sans-serif;font-size:16px;"><div dir="ltr"><span><span class="ydp517a0687yiv4349759232ydp80cb1b62yiv6503647665ydp236384eftext ydp517a0687yiv4349759232ydp80cb1b62yiv6503647665ydp236384efLuke-7-15" style="color:rgb(0, 0, 0);font-family:Helvetica Neue, Verdana, Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif;font-size:16px;">-</span></span></div><div dir="ltr"><span><span class="ydp517a0687yiv4349759232ydp80cb1b62yiv6503647665ydp236384eftext ydp517a0687yiv4349759232ydp80cb1b62yiv6503647665ydp236384efLuke-7-15" style="color:rgb(0, 0, 0);font-family:Helvetica Neue, Verdana, Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif;font-size:16px;">If man is both natural and spiritual, it stands to reason that he has needs associated with both aspects of living. If the natural side can be helped with natural means then man can provide help for himself and others. But man does not have supernatural capability (hence the fascination with Superheros!). He needs to find help from one who does have supernatural power. When the supernatural overcomes the laws of nature we know that we have experienced a power only available to the One who is sovereign over all. When Jesus brought back to life the young man in the story above He demonstrated that He had power over the greatest natural enemy of man....death. </span></span></div><div dir="ltr"><span><span class="ydp517a0687yiv4349759232ydp80cb1b62yiv6503647665ydp236384eftext ydp517a0687yiv4349759232ydp80cb1b62yiv6503647665ydp236384efLuke-7-15" style="color:rgb(0, 0, 0);font-family:Helvetica Neue, Verdana, Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif;font-size:16px;">-</span></span></div><div dir="ltr"><span><span class="ydp517a0687yiv4349759232ydp80cb1b62yiv6503647665ydp236384eftext ydp517a0687yiv4349759232ydp80cb1b62yiv6503647665ydp236384efLuke-7-15" style="color:rgb(0, 0, 0);font-family:Helvetica Neue, Verdana, Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif;font-size:16px;">See how Paul describes Jesus from Colossians, chapter 1: <span><span style="color:rgb(0, 0, 0);font-family:Helvetica Neue, Verdana, Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif;font-size:16px;"> </span><span class="ydp517a0687yiv4349759232ydp80cb1b62yiv6503647665ydp7d915951text ydp517a0687yiv4349759232ydp80cb1b62yiv6503647665ydp7d915951Col-1-16" id="ydp517a0687yiv4349759232ydp80cb1b62yiv6503647665ydp7d915951en-ESV-29465" style="color:rgb(0, 0, 0);font-family:Helvetica Neue, Verdana, Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif;font-size:16px;"><span class="ydp517a0687yiv4349759232ydp80cb1b62yiv6503647665ydp7d915951versenum" style="font-size:12px;line-height:22px;position:relative;vertical-align:top;font-family:Arial;font-weight:bold;">16 </span>For by<span class="ydp517a0687yiv4349759232ydp80cb1b62yiv6503647665ydp7d915951footnote" style="font-size:0.625em;line-height:22px;position:relative;vertical-align:top;"></span> him all things were created, <span class="ydp517a0687yiv4349759232ydp80cb1b62yiv6503647665ydp7d915951crossreference" style="font-size:0.625em;line-height:22px;position:relative;vertical-align:top;"></span>in heaven and on earth, visible and invisible, whether <span class="ydp517a0687yiv4349759232ydp80cb1b62yiv6503647665ydp7d915951crossreference" style="font-size:0.625em;line-height:22px;position:relative;vertical-align:top;"></span>thrones or <span class="ydp517a0687yiv4349759232ydp80cb1b62yiv6503647665ydp7d915951crossreference" style="font-size:0.625em;line-height:22px;position:relative;vertical-align:top;"></span>dominions or rulers or authorities—all things were created <span class="ydp517a0687yiv4349759232ydp80cb1b62yiv6503647665ydp7d915951crossreference" style="font-size:0.625em;line-height:22px;position:relative;vertical-align:top;"></span>through him and for him.</span><span style="color:rgb(0, 0, 0);font-family:Helvetica Neue, Verdana, Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif;font-size:16px;"> </span><span class="ydp517a0687yiv4349759232ydp80cb1b62yiv6503647665ydp7d915951text ydp517a0687yiv4349759232ydp80cb1b62yiv6503647665ydp7d915951Col-1-17" id="ydp517a0687yiv4349759232ydp80cb1b62yiv6503647665ydp7d915951en-ESV-29466" style="color:rgb(0, 0, 0);font-family:Helvetica Neue, Verdana, Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif;font-size:16px;"><span class="ydp517a0687yiv4349759232ydp80cb1b62yiv6503647665ydp7d915951versenum" style="font-size:12px;line-height:22px;position:relative;vertical-align:top;font-family:Arial;font-weight:bold;">17 </span>And <span class="ydp517a0687yiv4349759232ydp80cb1b62yiv6503647665ydp7d915951crossreference" style="font-size:0.625em;line-height:22px;position:relative;vertical-align:top;"></span>he is before all things, and in him all things <span class="ydp517a0687yiv4349759232ydp80cb1b62yiv6503647665ydp7d915951crossreference" style="font-size:0.625em;line-height:22px;position:relative;vertical-align:top;"></span>hold together.</span><span style="color:rgb(0, 0, 0);font-family:Helvetica Neue, Verdana, Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif;font-size:16px;"> </span></span></span></span></div><div dir="ltr"><span><span class="ydp517a0687yiv4349759232ydp80cb1b62yiv6503647665ydp236384eftext ydp517a0687yiv4349759232ydp80cb1b62yiv6503647665ydp236384efLuke-7-15" style="color:rgb(0, 0, 0);font-family:Helvetica Neue, Verdana, Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif;font-size:16px;"><span><span style="color:rgb(0, 0, 0);font-family:Helvetica Neue, Verdana, Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif;font-size:16px;">-</span></span></span></span></div><div dir="ltr"><span><span class="ydp517a0687yiv4349759232ydp80cb1b62yiv6503647665ydp236384eftext ydp517a0687yiv4349759232ydp80cb1b62yiv6503647665ydp236384efLuke-7-15" style="color:rgb(0, 0, 0);font-family:Helvetica Neue, Verdana, Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif;font-size:16px;"><span><span style="color:rgb(0, 0, 0);font-family:Helvetica Neue, Verdana, Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif;font-size:16px;">If we are to find life that transcends the natural. If we are to find healing for the deepest spiritual needs...that no scalpel can find, scan can see or medication touch we need Jesus. He is motivated by compassion for His flock, seeks to provide life to the dead and restoration of joy and peace to the heart. It's not just His power...it's His compassion that is supernatural.</span></span></span></span></div><div dir="ltr"><span><span class="ydp517a0687yiv4349759232ydp80cb1b62yiv6503647665ydp236384eftext ydp517a0687yiv4349759232ydp80cb1b62yiv6503647665ydp236384efLuke-7-15" style="color:rgb(0, 0, 0);font-family:Helvetica Neue, Verdana, Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif;font-size:16px;"><span><span style="color:rgb(0, 0, 0);font-family:Helvetica Neue, Verdana, Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif;font-size:16px;">-</span></span></span></span></div><div dir="ltr"><span><span class="ydp517a0687yiv4349759232ydp80cb1b62yiv6503647665ydp236384eftext ydp517a0687yiv4349759232ydp80cb1b62yiv6503647665ydp236384efLuke-7-15" style="color:rgb(0, 0, 0);font-family:Helvetica Neue, Verdana, Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif;font-size:16px;"><span><span style="color:rgb(0, 0, 0);font-family:Helvetica Neue, Verdana, Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif;font-size:16px;">blessings,</span></span></span></span></div><div dir="ltr"><span><span class="ydp517a0687yiv4349759232ydp80cb1b62yiv6503647665ydp236384eftext ydp517a0687yiv4349759232ydp80cb1b62yiv6503647665ydp236384efLuke-7-15" style="color:rgb(0, 0, 0);font-family:Helvetica Neue, Verdana, Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif;font-size:16px;"><span><span style="color:rgb(0, 0, 0);font-family:Helvetica Neue, Verdana, Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif;font-size:16px;">Rob Smith</span></span></span></span></div><div><br clear="none"></div><div class="ydp517a0687yiv4349759232ydp80cb1b62yiv6503647665ydp2a90a835signature"><div style="font-family:verdana, helvetica, sans-serif;font-size:16px;"><div><i><font size="2" color="#4c76a2">-------------------------------------------</font></i></div><div><i><font size="2" color="#4c76a2">"Death is inevitable. Life is a choice!"</font></i></div><div><i><font size="2" color="#4c76a2"><br clear="none"></font></i></div><div><font size="2" color="#4c76a2"><i>John 11:25</i></font></div><div><font size="2"><i><font color="#4c76a2">Jesus said to her, <span class="ydp517a0687yiv4349759232ydp80cb1b62yiv6503647665ydpf1a30cfawoj"><span class="ydp517a0687yiv4349759232ydp80cb1b62yiv6503647665ydpf1a30cfacrossreference" style="line-height:22px;position:relative;vertical-align:top;"></span>"I am the resurrection and <span class="ydp517a0687yiv4349759232ydp80cb1b62yiv6503647665ydpf1a30cfacrossreference" style="line-height:22px;position:relative;vertical-align:top;"></span>the life.<span class="ydp517a0687yiv4349759232ydp80cb1b62yiv6503647665ydpf1a30cfafootnote" style="line-height:22px;position:relative;vertical-align:top;"></span> Whoever believes in me, <span class="ydp517a0687yiv4349759232ydp80cb1b62yiv6503647665ydpf1a30cfacrossreference" style="line-height:22px;position:relative;vertical-align:top;"></span>though he die, <span class="ydp517a0687yiv4349759232ydp80cb1b62yiv6503647665ydpf1a30cfacrossreference" style="line-height:22px;position:relative;vertical-align:top;"></span>yet shall he live."</span></font><br clear="none"></i></font></div><div><i><font size="2"><span style="color:rgb(0, 0, 0);"><br clear="none"></span></font></i></div><div><br clear="none"></div></div></div></div></div></div> </div> </div></div></div></div></div> </div> </div>Rob Smithhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15624329131901563998noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8003803541888887678.post-60834320557302024162020-04-14T04:58:00.000-07:002020-04-14T05:00:47.082-07:00The Lord's Prayer<div class="ydp22d5ac9yahoo-style-wrap" style="font-family:verdana, helvetica, sans-serif;font-size:16px;"><span style="color: rgb(38, 40, 42);">Matthew 6:</span><br></div><div id="ydp7e266634yahoo_quoted_7265157363" class="ydp7e266634yahoo_quoted"><div style="font-family:'Helvetica Neue', Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif;font-size:13px;color:#26282a;"><div><div id="ydp7e266634yiv1283297631"><div class="ydp7e266634yiv1283297631yqt7875177885" id="ydp7e266634yiv1283297631yqtfd93760"><div><div class="ydp7e266634yiv1283297631ydp94d51f5byahoo_quoted" id="ydp7e266634yiv1283297631ydp94d51f5byahoo_quoted_7270845490"><div style="font-family:'Helvetica Neue', Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif;font-size:13px;color:#26282a;"><div><div id="ydp7e266634yiv1283297631ydp94d51f5byiv0860503726"><div class="ydp7e266634yiv1283297631ydp94d51f5byiv0860503726ydp52861f3yahoo-style-wrap" style="font-family:verdana, helvetica, sans-serif;font-size:16px;"><div dir="ltr"><div><p style="font-family:Helvetica Neue, Verdana, Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif;font-size:16px;margin:0px 0px 10px;color:rgb(0, 0, 0);line-height:24px;"><span class="ydp7e266634yiv1283297631ydp94d51f5byiv0860503726ydp509bffd9text ydp7e266634yiv1283297631ydp94d51f5byiv0860503726ydp509bffd9Matt-6-9" id="ydp7e266634yiv1283297631ydp94d51f5byiv0860503726ydp509bffd9en-ESV-23292"><span class="ydp7e266634yiv1283297631ydp94d51f5byiv0860503726ydp509bffd9versenum" style="font-size:12px;line-height:22px;position:relative;vertical-align:top;font-family:Arial;font-weight:bold;">9 </span><span class="ydp7e266634yiv1283297631ydp94d51f5byiv0860503726ydp509bffd9crossreference" style="font-size:0.625em;line-height:22px;position:relative;vertical-align:top;"></span>Pray then like this:</span></p><div class="ydp7e266634yiv1283297631ydp94d51f5byiv0860503726ydp509bffd9poetry ydp7e266634yiv1283297631ydp94d51f5byiv0860503726ydp509bffd9top-1" style="margin-top:1em;margin-left:1em;position:relative;padding-left:2.6em;margin-bottom:1em;color:rgb(0, 0, 0);"><p class="ydp7e266634yiv1283297631ydp94d51f5byiv0860503726ydp509bffd9line" style="margin:0px;line-height:24px;"><span class="ydp7e266634yiv1283297631ydp94d51f5byiv0860503726ydp509bffd9text ydp7e266634yiv1283297631ydp94d51f5byiv0860503726ydp509bffd9Matt-6-9" style="font-family:Helvetica Neue, Verdana, Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif;font-size:16px;position:relative;"><span class="ydp7e266634yiv1283297631ydp94d51f5byiv0860503726ydp509bffd9woj"><span class="ydp7e266634yiv1283297631ydp94d51f5byiv0860503726ydp509bffd9crossreference" style="font-size:0.625em;line-height:22px;position:relative;vertical-align:top;"></span>"Our Father in heaven,</span></span><br clear="none"><span class="ydp7e266634yiv1283297631ydp94d51f5byiv0860503726ydp509bffd9text ydp7e266634yiv1283297631ydp94d51f5byiv0860503726ydp509bffd9Matt-6-9" style="font-family:Helvetica Neue, Verdana, Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif;font-size:16px;position:relative;"><span class="ydp7e266634yiv1283297631ydp94d51f5byiv0860503726ydp509bffd9woj"><span class="ydp7e266634yiv1283297631ydp94d51f5byiv0860503726ydp509bffd9crossreference" style="font-size:0.625em;line-height:22px;position:relative;vertical-align:top;"></span>hallowed be <span class="ydp7e266634yiv1283297631ydp94d51f5byiv0860503726ydp509bffd9crossreference" style="font-size:0.625em;line-height:22px;position:relative;vertical-align:top;"></span>your name.<span class="ydp7e266634yiv1283297631ydp94d51f5byiv0860503726ydp509bffd9footnote" style="font-size:0.625em;line-height:22px;position:relative;vertical-align:top;"></span></span></span><br clear="none"><span class="ydp7e266634yiv1283297631ydp94d51f5byiv0860503726ydp509bffd9text ydp7e266634yiv1283297631ydp94d51f5byiv0860503726ydp509bffd9Matt-6-10" id="ydp7e266634yiv1283297631ydp94d51f5byiv0860503726ydp509bffd9en-ESV-23293" style="font-family:Helvetica Neue, Verdana, Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif;font-size:16px;position:relative;"><span class="ydp7e266634yiv1283297631ydp94d51f5byiv0860503726ydp509bffd9woj"><span class="ydp7e266634yiv1283297631ydp94d51f5byiv0860503726ydp509bffd9versenum" style="font-size:12px;line-height:22px;vertical-align:top;font-family:Arial;font-weight:bold;display:block;">10 </span><span class="ydp7e266634yiv1283297631ydp94d51f5byiv0860503726ydp509bffd9crossreference" style="font-size:0.625em;line-height:22px;position:relative;vertical-align:top;"></span>Your kingdom come,</span></span><br clear="none"><span class="ydp7e266634yiv1283297631ydp94d51f5byiv0860503726ydp509bffd9text ydp7e266634yiv1283297631ydp94d51f5byiv0860503726ydp509bffd9Matt-6-10" style="font-family:Helvetica Neue, Verdana, Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif;font-size:16px;position:relative;"><span class="ydp7e266634yiv1283297631ydp94d51f5byiv0860503726ydp509bffd9woj"><span class="ydp7e266634yiv1283297631ydp94d51f5byiv0860503726ydp509bffd9crossreference" style="font-size:0.625em;line-height:22px;position:relative;vertical-align:top;"></span>your will be done,<span class="ydp7e266634yiv1283297631ydp94d51f5byiv0860503726ydp509bffd9footnote" style="font-size:0.625em;line-height:22px;position:relative;vertical-align:top;"></span></span></span><br clear="none"><span class="ydp7e266634yiv1283297631ydp94d51f5byiv0860503726ydp509bffd9indent-1" style="font-family:Helvetica Neue, Verdana, Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif;font-size:16px;"><span class="ydp7e266634yiv1283297631ydp94d51f5byiv0860503726ydp509bffd9indent-1-breaks" style="font-family:monospace;font-size:0.42em;line-height:0;"> </span><span class="ydp7e266634yiv1283297631ydp94d51f5byiv0860503726ydp509bffd9text ydp7e266634yiv1283297631ydp94d51f5byiv0860503726ydp509bffd9Matt-6-10" style="position:relative;"><span class="ydp7e266634yiv1283297631ydp94d51f5byiv0860503726ydp509bffd9woj"><span class="ydp7e266634yiv1283297631ydp94d51f5byiv0860503726ydp509bffd9crossreference" style="font-size:0.625em;line-height:22px;position:relative;vertical-align:top;"></span>on earth as it is in heaven.</span></span></span><br clear="none"><span class="ydp7e266634yiv1283297631ydp94d51f5byiv0860503726ydp509bffd9text ydp7e266634yiv1283297631ydp94d51f5byiv0860503726ydp509bffd9Matt-6-11" id="ydp7e266634yiv1283297631ydp94d51f5byiv0860503726ydp509bffd9en-ESV-23294" style="font-family:Helvetica Neue, Verdana, Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif;font-size:16px;position:relative;"><span class="ydp7e266634yiv1283297631ydp94d51f5byiv0860503726ydp509bffd9woj"><span class="ydp7e266634yiv1283297631ydp94d51f5byiv0860503726ydp509bffd9versenum" style="font-size:12px;line-height:22px;vertical-align:top;font-family:Arial;font-weight:bold;display:block;">11 </span><span class="ydp7e266634yiv1283297631ydp94d51f5byiv0860503726ydp509bffd9crossreference" style="font-size:0.625em;line-height:22px;position:relative;vertical-align:top;"></span>Give us <span class="ydp7e266634yiv1283297631ydp94d51f5byiv0860503726ydp509bffd9crossreference" style="font-size:0.625em;line-height:22px;position:relative;vertical-align:top;"></span>this day our daily bread,<span class="ydp7e266634yiv1283297631ydp94d51f5byiv0860503726ydp509bffd9footnote" style="font-size:0.625em;line-height:22px;position:relative;vertical-align:top;"></span></span></span><br clear="none"><span class="ydp7e266634yiv1283297631ydp94d51f5byiv0860503726ydp509bffd9text ydp7e266634yiv1283297631ydp94d51f5byiv0860503726ydp509bffd9Matt-6-12" id="ydp7e266634yiv1283297631ydp94d51f5byiv0860503726ydp509bffd9en-ESV-23295" style="font-family:Helvetica Neue, Verdana, Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif;font-size:16px;position:relative;"><span class="ydp7e266634yiv1283297631ydp94d51f5byiv0860503726ydp509bffd9woj"><span class="ydp7e266634yiv1283297631ydp94d51f5byiv0860503726ydp509bffd9versenum" style="font-size:12px;line-height:22px;vertical-align:top;font-family:Arial;font-weight:bold;display:block;">12 </span>and forgive us our debts,</span></span><br clear="none"><span class="ydp7e266634yiv1283297631ydp94d51f5byiv0860503726ydp509bffd9indent-1" style="font-family:Helvetica Neue, Verdana, Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif;font-size:16px;"><span class="ydp7e266634yiv1283297631ydp94d51f5byiv0860503726ydp509bffd9indent-1-breaks" style="font-family:monospace;font-size:0.42em;line-height:0;"> </span><span class="ydp7e266634yiv1283297631ydp94d51f5byiv0860503726ydp509bffd9text ydp7e266634yiv1283297631ydp94d51f5byiv0860503726ydp509bffd9Matt-6-12" style="position:relative;"><span class="ydp7e266634yiv1283297631ydp94d51f5byiv0860503726ydp509bffd9woj">as we also have forgiven our debtors.</span></span></span><br clear="none"><span class="ydp7e266634yiv1283297631ydp94d51f5byiv0860503726ydp509bffd9text ydp7e266634yiv1283297631ydp94d51f5byiv0860503726ydp509bffd9Matt-6-13" id="ydp7e266634yiv1283297631ydp94d51f5byiv0860503726ydp509bffd9en-ESV-23296" style="font-family:Helvetica Neue, Verdana, Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif;font-size:16px;position:relative;"><span class="ydp7e266634yiv1283297631ydp94d51f5byiv0860503726ydp509bffd9woj"><span class="ydp7e266634yiv1283297631ydp94d51f5byiv0860503726ydp509bffd9versenum" style="font-size:12px;line-height:22px;vertical-align:top;font-family:Arial;font-weight:bold;display:block;">13 </span>And <span class="ydp7e266634yiv1283297631ydp94d51f5byiv0860503726ydp509bffd9crossreference" style="font-size:0.625em;line-height:22px;position:relative;vertical-align:top;"></span>lead us not into temptation,</span></span><br clear="none"></p><div style="font-family:Helvetica Neue, Verdana, Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif;font-size:16px;"><span class="ydp7e266634yiv1283297631ydp94d51f5byiv0860503726ydp509bffd9indent-1"><span class="ydp7e266634yiv1283297631ydp94d51f5byiv0860503726ydp509bffd9indent-1-breaks" style="font-family:monospace;font-size:0.42em;line-height:0;"> </span><span class="ydp7e266634yiv1283297631ydp94d51f5byiv0860503726ydp509bffd9text ydp7e266634yiv1283297631ydp94d51f5byiv0860503726ydp509bffd9Matt-6-13" style="position:relative;"><span class="ydp7e266634yiv1283297631ydp94d51f5byiv0860503726ydp509bffd9woj">but <span class="ydp7e266634yiv1283297631ydp94d51f5byiv0860503726ydp509bffd9crossreference" style="font-size:0.625em;line-height:22px;position:relative;vertical-align:top;"></span>deliver us from <span class="ydp7e266634yiv1283297631ydp94d51f5byiv0860503726ydp509bffd9crossreference" style="font-size:0.625em;line-height:22px;position:relative;vertical-align:top;"></span>evil.</span></span></span></div><div style="font-family:Helvetica Neue, Verdana, Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif;font-size:16px;"><span class="ydp7e266634yiv1283297631ydp94d51f5byiv0860503726ydp509bffd9indent-1"><span class="ydp7e266634yiv1283297631ydp94d51f5byiv0860503726ydp509bffd9text ydp7e266634yiv1283297631ydp94d51f5byiv0860503726ydp509bffd9Matt-6-13" style="position:relative;"><span class="ydp7e266634yiv1283297631ydp94d51f5byiv0860503726ydp509bffd9woj">-</span></span></span></div><div dir="ltr" style="font-family:Helvetica Neue, Verdana, Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif;font-size:16px;"><span class="ydp7e266634yiv1283297631ydp94d51f5byiv0860503726ydp509bffd9indent-1"><span class="ydp7e266634yiv1283297631ydp94d51f5byiv0860503726ydp509bffd9text ydp7e266634yiv1283297631ydp94d51f5byiv0860503726ydp509bffd9Matt-6-13" style="position:relative;"><span class="ydp7e266634yiv1283297631ydp94d51f5byiv0860503726ydp509bffd9woj"><b>Our Father</b>...You who made all we know, from the smallest atom to the grandest galaxy. Who set the earth in motion and holds all of life in the balance of your hands.</span></span></span></div><div dir="ltr" style="font-family:Helvetica Neue, Verdana, Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif;font-size:16px;"><span class="ydp7e266634yiv1283297631ydp94d51f5byiv0860503726ydp509bffd9indent-1"><span class="ydp7e266634yiv1283297631ydp94d51f5byiv0860503726ydp509bffd9text ydp7e266634yiv1283297631ydp94d51f5byiv0860503726ydp509bffd9Matt-6-13" style="position:relative;"><span class="ydp7e266634yiv1283297631ydp94d51f5byiv0860503726ydp509bffd9woj">-</span></span></span></div><div dir="ltr" style="font-family:Helvetica Neue, Verdana, Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif;font-size:16px;"><span class="ydp7e266634yiv1283297631ydp94d51f5byiv0860503726ydp509bffd9indent-1"><span class="ydp7e266634yiv1283297631ydp94d51f5byiv0860503726ydp509bffd9text ydp7e266634yiv1283297631ydp94d51f5byiv0860503726ydp509bffd9Matt-6-13" style="position:relative;"><span class="ydp7e266634yiv1283297631ydp94d51f5byiv0860503726ydp509bffd9woj"><b>in heaven</b>...You dwell in a place so glorious and perfect that we long to be there because that is where you are!</span></span></span></div><div dir="ltr" style="font-family:Helvetica Neue, Verdana, Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif;font-size:16px;"><span class="ydp7e266634yiv1283297631ydp94d51f5byiv0860503726ydp509bffd9indent-1"><span class="ydp7e266634yiv1283297631ydp94d51f5byiv0860503726ydp509bffd9text ydp7e266634yiv1283297631ydp94d51f5byiv0860503726ydp509bffd9Matt-6-13" style="position:relative;"><span class="ydp7e266634yiv1283297631ydp94d51f5byiv0860503726ydp509bffd9woj">-</span></span></span></div><div dir="ltr" style="font-family:Helvetica Neue, Verdana, Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif;font-size:16px;"><span class="ydp7e266634yiv1283297631ydp94d51f5byiv0860503726ydp509bffd9indent-1"><span class="ydp7e266634yiv1283297631ydp94d51f5byiv0860503726ydp509bffd9text ydp7e266634yiv1283297631ydp94d51f5byiv0860503726ydp509bffd9Matt-6-13" style="position:relative;"><span class="ydp7e266634yiv1283297631ydp94d51f5byiv0860503726ydp509bffd9woj"><b>hallowed be your name</b>...perfectly holy and worthy of complete devotion are you!</span></span></span></div><div dir="ltr" style="font-family:Helvetica Neue, Verdana, Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif;font-size:16px;">-<br clear="none"></div><div dir="ltr" style="font-family:Helvetica Neue, Verdana, Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif;font-size:16px;"><span class="ydp7e266634yiv1283297631ydp94d51f5byiv0860503726ydp509bffd9indent-1"><span class="ydp7e266634yiv1283297631ydp94d51f5byiv0860503726ydp509bffd9text ydp7e266634yiv1283297631ydp94d51f5byiv0860503726ydp509bffd9Matt-6-13" style="position:relative;"><span class="ydp7e266634yiv1283297631ydp94d51f5byiv0860503726ydp509bffd9woj"><b>Your kingdom come</b>...the fullness of your rule and your will and your presence is certainly coming to the world you created. This place, where now your reality is somewhat veiled, and many live out their time in vain pursuit...will one day be filled with your knowledge.</span></span></span></div><div dir="ltr" style="font-family:Helvetica Neue, Verdana, Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif;font-size:16px;"><span class="ydp7e266634yiv1283297631ydp94d51f5byiv0860503726ydp509bffd9indent-1"><span class="ydp7e266634yiv1283297631ydp94d51f5byiv0860503726ydp509bffd9text ydp7e266634yiv1283297631ydp94d51f5byiv0860503726ydp509bffd9Matt-6-13" style="position:relative;"><span class="ydp7e266634yiv1283297631ydp94d51f5byiv0860503726ydp509bffd9woj">-</span></span></span></div><div dir="ltr" style="font-family:Helvetica Neue, Verdana, Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif;font-size:16px;"><span class="ydp7e266634yiv1283297631ydp94d51f5byiv0860503726ydp509bffd9indent-1"><span class="ydp7e266634yiv1283297631ydp94d51f5byiv0860503726ydp509bffd9text ydp7e266634yiv1283297631ydp94d51f5byiv0860503726ydp509bffd9Matt-6-13" style="position:relative;"><span class="ydp7e266634yiv1283297631ydp94d51f5byiv0860503726ydp509bffd9woj"><b>your will be done, on earth as it is in heaven</b>...may we humbly seek to obey and please you by preferring you with our time, energy and devotion. That's how it is for all beings in heaven and that must be our aspiration.</span></span></span></div><div dir="ltr" style="font-family:Helvetica Neue, Verdana, Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif;font-size:16px;"><span class="ydp7e266634yiv1283297631ydp94d51f5byiv0860503726ydp509bffd9indent-1"><span class="ydp7e266634yiv1283297631ydp94d51f5byiv0860503726ydp509bffd9text ydp7e266634yiv1283297631ydp94d51f5byiv0860503726ydp509bffd9Matt-6-13" style="position:relative;"><span class="ydp7e266634yiv1283297631ydp94d51f5byiv0860503726ydp509bffd9woj">-</span></span></span></div><div dir="ltr" style="font-family:Helvetica Neue, Verdana, Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif;font-size:16px;"><span class="ydp7e266634yiv1283297631ydp94d51f5byiv0860503726ydp509bffd9indent-1"><span class="ydp7e266634yiv1283297631ydp94d51f5byiv0860503726ydp509bffd9text ydp7e266634yiv1283297631ydp94d51f5byiv0860503726ydp509bffd9Matt-6-13" style="position:relative;"><span class="ydp7e266634yiv1283297631ydp94d51f5byiv0860503726ydp509bffd9woj"><b>Give us this day our daily bread</b>...for it truly is you who provides all we need...you fashioned us to have a need for daily sustenance so that you can satisfy us and we bow in thanks, both for the hunger and for the provision of every need.</span></span></span></div><div dir="ltr" style="font-family:Helvetica Neue, Verdana, Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif;font-size:16px;"><span class="ydp7e266634yiv1283297631ydp94d51f5byiv0860503726ydp509bffd9indent-1"><span class="ydp7e266634yiv1283297631ydp94d51f5byiv0860503726ydp509bffd9text ydp7e266634yiv1283297631ydp94d51f5byiv0860503726ydp509bffd9Matt-6-13" style="position:relative;"><span class="ydp7e266634yiv1283297631ydp94d51f5byiv0860503726ydp509bffd9woj">-</span></span></span></div><div dir="ltr" style="font-family:Helvetica Neue, Verdana, Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif;font-size:16px;"><span class="ydp7e266634yiv1283297631ydp94d51f5byiv0860503726ydp509bffd9indent-1"><span class="ydp7e266634yiv1283297631ydp94d51f5byiv0860503726ydp509bffd9text ydp7e266634yiv1283297631ydp94d51f5byiv0860503726ydp509bffd9Matt-6-13" style="position:relative;"><span class="ydp7e266634yiv1283297631ydp94d51f5byiv0860503726ydp509bffd9woj"><b>and forgive us our debts, as we also have forgiven our debtors</b>...We are flawed and live selfish lives so often. And so we stumble and fall short of your ways. Please remind us to forgive others who have wronged us. Then we will remember that we, also, are in need of forgiveness...Your forgiveness!</span></span></span></div><div dir="ltr" style="font-family:Helvetica Neue, Verdana, Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif;font-size:16px;"><span class="ydp7e266634yiv1283297631ydp94d51f5byiv0860503726ydp509bffd9indent-1"><span class="ydp7e266634yiv1283297631ydp94d51f5byiv0860503726ydp509bffd9text ydp7e266634yiv1283297631ydp94d51f5byiv0860503726ydp509bffd9Matt-6-13" style="position:relative;"><span class="ydp7e266634yiv1283297631ydp94d51f5byiv0860503726ydp509bffd9woj">-</span></span></span></div><div dir="ltr" style="font-family:Helvetica Neue, Verdana, Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif;font-size:16px;"><span class="ydp7e266634yiv1283297631ydp94d51f5byiv0860503726ydp509bffd9indent-1"><span class="ydp7e266634yiv1283297631ydp94d51f5byiv0860503726ydp509bffd9text ydp7e266634yiv1283297631ydp94d51f5byiv0860503726ydp509bffd9Matt-6-13" style="position:relative;"><span class="ydp7e266634yiv1283297631ydp94d51f5byiv0860503726ydp509bffd9woj"><b>And lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from evil</b>...Help us to live in such a way that we come to you, and walk with you, and seek your ways without needing the correction of trials and, above all, keep our feet...our hands...our minds...our hearts far from evil. Help us to have one central focus...to know, to honor, to follow, to thank and to reflect You so that your kingdom would be known here, as well as in Heaven.</span></span></span></div><div dir="ltr" style="font-family:Helvetica Neue, Verdana, Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif;font-size:16px;"><span class="ydp7e266634yiv1283297631ydp94d51f5byiv0860503726ydp509bffd9indent-1"><span class="ydp7e266634yiv1283297631ydp94d51f5byiv0860503726ydp509bffd9text ydp7e266634yiv1283297631ydp94d51f5byiv0860503726ydp509bffd9Matt-6-13" style="position:relative;"><span class="ydp7e266634yiv1283297631ydp94d51f5byiv0860503726ydp509bffd9woj">-</span></span></span></div><div dir="ltr" style="font-family:Helvetica Neue, Verdana, Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif;font-size:16px;"><span class="ydp7e266634yiv1283297631ydp94d51f5byiv0860503726ydp509bffd9indent-1"><span class="ydp7e266634yiv1283297631ydp94d51f5byiv0860503726ydp509bffd9text ydp7e266634yiv1283297631ydp94d51f5byiv0860503726ydp509bffd9Matt-6-13" style="position:relative;"><span class="ydp7e266634yiv1283297631ydp94d51f5byiv0860503726ydp509bffd9woj">blessings to all,</span></span></span></div><div dir="ltr" style="font-family:Helvetica Neue, Verdana, Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif;font-size:16px;"><span class="ydp7e266634yiv1283297631ydp94d51f5byiv0860503726ydp509bffd9indent-1"><span class="ydp7e266634yiv1283297631ydp94d51f5byiv0860503726ydp509bffd9text ydp7e266634yiv1283297631ydp94d51f5byiv0860503726ydp509bffd9Matt-6-13" style="position:relative;"><span class="ydp7e266634yiv1283297631ydp94d51f5byiv0860503726ydp509bffd9woj">Rob Smith</span></span></span></div><div dir="ltr"><br clear="none"></div><p></p></div></div></div><div style="font-family:verdana, helvetica, sans-serif;font-size:16px;"><br clear="none"></div><div class="ydp7e266634yiv1283297631ydp94d51f5byiv0860503726ydp52861f3signature" style="font-family:verdana, helvetica, sans-serif;font-size:16px;"><div style="font-family:verdana, helvetica, sans-serif;font-size:16px;"><div><i><font size="2" color="#4c76a2">-------------------------------------------</font></i></div><div><i><font size="2" color="#4c76a2">"Death is inevitable. Life is a choice!"</font></i></div><div><i><font size="2" color="#4c76a2"><br clear="none"></font></i></div><div><font size="2" color="#4c76a2"><i>John 11:25</i></font></div><div><font size="2"><i><font color="#4c76a2">Jesus said to her, <span class="ydp7e266634yiv1283297631ydp94d51f5byiv0860503726ydpf1a30cfawoj"><span class="ydp7e266634yiv1283297631ydp94d51f5byiv0860503726ydpf1a30cfacrossreference" style="line-height:22px;position:relative;vertical-align:top;"></span>"I am the resurrection and <span class="ydp7e266634yiv1283297631ydp94d51f5byiv0860503726ydpf1a30cfacrossreference" style="line-height:22px;position:relative;vertical-align:top;"></span>the life.<span class="ydp7e266634yiv1283297631ydp94d51f5byiv0860503726ydpf1a30cfafootnote" style="line-height:22px;position:relative;vertical-align:top;"></span> Whoever believes in me, <span class="ydp7e266634yiv1283297631ydp94d51f5byiv0860503726ydpf1a30cfacrossreference" style="line-height:22px;position:relative;vertical-align:top;"></span>though he die, <span class="ydp7e266634yiv1283297631ydp94d51f5byiv0860503726ydpf1a30cfacrossreference" style="line-height:22px;position:relative;vertical-align:top;"></span>yet shall he live."</span></font><br clear="none"></i></font></div><div><i><font size="2"><span style="color:rgb(0, 0, 0);"><br clear="none"></span></font></i></div><div><br clear="none"><br clear="none"></div></div></div></div></div></div> </div> </div></div></div></div></div> </div> </div>Rob Smithhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15624329131901563998noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8003803541888887678.post-58748755147703186152020-04-13T05:09:00.000-07:002020-04-13T05:11:10.789-07:00storms<div class="ydpeb9ffd68yahoo-style-wrap" style="font-family:verdana, helvetica, sans-serif;font-size:16px;"><div><div><span style="color: rgb(38, 40, 42);">Isaiah 41:10 </span><br></div></div></div><div id="ydpe897c5c5yahoo_quoted_7655444283" class="ydpe897c5c5yahoo_quoted"><div style="font-family:'Helvetica Neue', Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif;font-size:13px;color:#26282a;"><div><div id="ydpe897c5c5yiv7728536480"><div class="ydpe897c5c5yiv7728536480yqt4315141704" id="ydpe897c5c5yiv7728536480yqtfd89452"><div><div class="ydpe897c5c5yiv7728536480ydp603f4c79yahoo_quoted" id="ydpe897c5c5yiv7728536480ydp603f4c79yahoo_quoted_7215290612"><div style="font-family:'Helvetica Neue', Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif;font-size:13px;color:#26282a;"><div><div id="ydpe897c5c5yiv7728536480ydp603f4c79yiv7186405267"><div class="ydpe897c5c5yiv7728536480ydp603f4c79yiv7186405267ydp2ea4250ayahoo-style-wrap" style="font-family:verdana, helvetica, sans-serif;font-size:16px;"><div dir="ltr"><div><span class="ydpe897c5c5yiv7728536480ydp603f4c79yiv7186405267ydp6666d8betext ydpe897c5c5yiv7728536480ydp603f4c79yiv7186405267ydp6666d8beIsa-41-10" id="ydpe897c5c5yiv7728536480ydp603f4c79yiv7186405267ydp6666d8been-ESV-18462" style="position:relative;color:rgb(0, 0, 0);font-family:Helvetica Neue, Verdana, Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif;font-size:16px;">fear not, for I am with you;</span><br clear="none" style="color:rgb(0, 0, 0);font-family:Helvetica Neue, Verdana, Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif;font-size:16px;"><span class="ydpe897c5c5yiv7728536480ydp603f4c79yiv7186405267ydp6666d8beindent-1" style="color:rgb(0, 0, 0);font-family:Helvetica Neue, Verdana, Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif;font-size:16px;"><span class="ydpe897c5c5yiv7728536480ydp603f4c79yiv7186405267ydp6666d8beindent-1-breaks" style="font-family:monospace;font-size:0.42em;line-height:0;"> </span><span class="ydpe897c5c5yiv7728536480ydp603f4c79yiv7186405267ydp6666d8betext ydpe897c5c5yiv7728536480ydp603f4c79yiv7186405267ydp6666d8beIsa-41-10" style="position:relative;">be not dismayed, for I am your God;</span></span><br clear="none" style="color:rgb(0, 0, 0);font-family:Helvetica Neue, Verdana, Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif;font-size:16px;"><span class="ydpe897c5c5yiv7728536480ydp603f4c79yiv7186405267ydp6666d8betext ydpe897c5c5yiv7728536480ydp603f4c79yiv7186405267ydp6666d8beIsa-41-10" style="position:relative;color:rgb(0, 0, 0);font-family:Helvetica Neue, Verdana, Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif;font-size:16px;">I will strengthen you, I will help you,</span><br clear="none" style="color:rgb(0, 0, 0);font-family:Helvetica Neue, Verdana, Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif;font-size:16px;"><span class="ydpe897c5c5yiv7728536480ydp603f4c79yiv7186405267ydp6666d8beindent-1" style="color:rgb(0, 0, 0);font-family:Helvetica Neue, Verdana, Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif;font-size:16px;"><span class="ydpe897c5c5yiv7728536480ydp603f4c79yiv7186405267ydp6666d8beindent-1-breaks" style="font-family:monospace;font-size:0.42em;line-height:0;"> </span><span class="ydpe897c5c5yiv7728536480ydp603f4c79yiv7186405267ydp6666d8betext ydpe897c5c5yiv7728536480ydp603f4c79yiv7186405267ydp6666d8beIsa-41-10" style="position:relative;">I will uphold you with <span class="ydpe897c5c5yiv7728536480ydp603f4c79yiv7186405267ydp6666d8becrossreference" style="font-size:0.625em;line-height:22px;position:relative;vertical-align:top;"></span>my righteous right hand.</span></span></div><div><span class="ydpe897c5c5yiv7728536480ydp603f4c79yiv7186405267ydp6666d8beindent-1" style="color:rgb(0, 0, 0);font-family:Helvetica Neue, Verdana, Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif;font-size:16px;"><span class="ydpe897c5c5yiv7728536480ydp603f4c79yiv7186405267ydp6666d8betext ydpe897c5c5yiv7728536480ydp603f4c79yiv7186405267ydp6666d8beIsa-41-10" style="position:relative;">-</span></span></div></div><div dir="ltr"><br clear="none"></div><div dir="ltr">Storms now blow outside the door</div><div dir="ltr">Trees are bending with the force</div><div dir="ltr">Rain is driven by the wind</div><div dir="ltr">Angry sky is gray and mean</div><div dir="ltr">-</div><div dir="ltr">People huddle in their homes</div><div dir="ltr">Shelt'ring there from germs unknown</div><div dir="ltr">Now the blast from nature comes-</div><div dir="ltr">Inside / Outside where to run?</div><div dir="ltr">-</div><div dir="ltr">Go to where the storm can't reach</div><div dir="ltr">Hide where even virus flees</div><div dir="ltr">Seek the shelter of the Lord</div><div dir="ltr">The inner place...the Spirit's home</div><div dir="ltr">-</div><div dir="ltr">Cover up in His embrace</div><div dir="ltr">Speak to Him...Seek His face</div><div dir="ltr">Listen to the Word of truth</div><div dir="ltr">Cast your fears...set them loose!</div><div dir="ltr">-</div><div dir="ltr">Remember Nature bows before</div><div dir="ltr">The sov'reign hand, the mighty Lord.</div><div dir="ltr">And you are His...He loves you dear</div><div dir="ltr">Remember always to draw near</div><div dir="ltr">-</div><div dir="ltr">Faith is stronger than your fears.</div><div dir="ltr">-</div><div dir="ltr">blessings,</div><div dir="ltr">Rob Smith</div><div><br clear="none"></div><div class="ydpe897c5c5yiv7728536480ydp603f4c79yiv7186405267ydp2ea4250asignature"><div style="font-family:verdana, helvetica, sans-serif;font-size:16px;"><div><i><font size="2" color="#4c76a2">-------------------------------------------</font></i></div><div><i><font size="2" color="#4c76a2">"Death is inevitable. Life is a choice!"</font></i></div><div><i><font size="2" color="#4c76a2"><br clear="none"></font></i></div><div><font size="2" color="#4c76a2"><i>John 11:25</i></font></div><div><font size="2"><i><font color="#4c76a2">Jesus said to her, <span class="ydpe897c5c5yiv7728536480ydp603f4c79yiv7186405267ydpf1a30cfawoj"><span class="ydpe897c5c5yiv7728536480ydp603f4c79yiv7186405267ydpf1a30cfacrossreference" style="line-height:22px;position:relative;vertical-align:top;"></span>"I am the resurrection and <span class="ydpe897c5c5yiv7728536480ydp603f4c79yiv7186405267ydpf1a30cfacrossreference" style="line-height:22px;position:relative;vertical-align:top;"></span>the life.<span class="ydpe897c5c5yiv7728536480ydp603f4c79yiv7186405267ydpf1a30cfafootnote" style="line-height:22px;position:relative;vertical-align:top;"></span> Whoever believes in me, <span class="ydpe897c5c5yiv7728536480ydp603f4c79yiv7186405267ydpf1a30cfacrossreference" style="line-height:22px;position:relative;vertical-align:top;"></span>though he die, <span class="ydpe897c5c5yiv7728536480ydp603f4c79yiv7186405267ydpf1a30cfacrossreference" style="line-height:22px;position:relative;vertical-align:top;"></span>yet shall he live."</span></font><br clear="none"></i></font></div><div><i><font size="2"><span style="color:rgb(0, 0, 0);"><br clear="none"></span></font></i></div><div><br clear="none"></div></div></div></div></div></div> </div> </div></div></div></div></div> </div> </div>Rob Smithhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15624329131901563998noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8003803541888887678.post-64366379762575873362020-04-12T05:41:00.000-07:002020-04-12T05:43:08.652-07:00Risen!<div class="ydpc3ea7b36yahoo-style-wrap" style="font-family:verdana, helvetica, sans-serif;font-size:16px;"><span style="color: rgb(38, 40, 42);">He is risen on this morn!</span><br></div><div id="ydp3bed9cc5yahoo_quoted_7299533792" class="ydp3bed9cc5yahoo_quoted"><div style="font-family:'Helvetica Neue', Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif;font-size:13px;color:#26282a;"><div><div id="ydp3bed9cc5yiv8957647733"><div class="ydp3bed9cc5yiv8957647733yqt8309175835" id="ydp3bed9cc5yiv8957647733yqtfd18725"><div><div class="ydp3bed9cc5yiv8957647733ydpeabc49dbyahoo_quoted" id="ydp3bed9cc5yiv8957647733ydpeabc49dbyahoo_quoted_7410127327"><div style="font-family:'Helvetica Neue', Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif;font-size:13px;color:#26282a;"><div><div id="ydp3bed9cc5yiv8957647733ydpeabc49dbyiv7812737940"><div class="ydp3bed9cc5yiv8957647733ydpeabc49dbyiv7812737940ydp82b21ff1yahoo-style-wrap" style="font-family:verdana, helvetica, sans-serif;font-size:16px;"><div dir="ltr">For this purpose was He born</div><div dir="ltr">and with Him too we'll rise to be</div><div dir="ltr">His brothers thru eternity.</div><div dir="ltr">-</div><div dir="ltr">Cut off from His Father's love,</div><div dir="ltr">Forever one they'd been above.</div><div dir="ltr">He was the one through whom God made</div><div dir="ltr">The earth, the stars, the sun, the shade.</div><div dir="ltr">-</div><div dir="ltr">and this Creation reels in pain</div><div dir="ltr">Sinful pride and Satan's gain</div><div dir="ltr">has split the very ones You formed</div><div dir="ltr">to walk with God as those adored</div><div dir="ltr">-</div><div dir="ltr">You would not leave us lost in shame</div><div dir="ltr">Your Son must come!</div><div dir="ltr">Your flock reclaimed;</div><div dir="ltr">Once more to bear your name.</div><div dir="ltr">-</div><div dir="ltr">Great purchases with pain must come;</div><div dir="ltr">Their value fixed in blood-spilt sum</div><div dir="ltr">Oh Lord we know your love so fine</div><div dir="ltr">That You, Your son would die-</div><div dir="ltr">-</div><div dir="ltr">To pay the price and forge the path</div><div dir="ltr">That we'd know life both here and past</div><div dir="ltr">our earthly end to Heaven fly-</div><div dir="ltr">-</div><div dir="ltr">We'll be with you and voices cry</div><div dir="ltr">Alleluia, Lamb, for me you died!</div><div dir="ltr">-</div><div dir="ltr">-</div><div dir="ltr">with eternal thanks to Jesus,</div><div dir="ltr">who made us, came for us, died for us, rose for us and returns for us!</div><div dir="ltr">Rob Smith</div><div dir="ltr"><br clear="none"></div><div class="ydp3bed9cc5yiv8957647733ydpeabc49dbyiv7812737940ydp82b21ff1signature"><div style="font-family:verdana, helvetica, sans-serif;font-size:16px;"><div><i><font size="2" color="#4c76a2">-------------------------------------------</font></i></div><div><i><font size="2" color="#4c76a2">"Death is inevitable. Life is a choice!"</font></i></div><div><i><font size="2" color="#4c76a2"><br clear="none"></font></i></div><div><font size="2" color="#4c76a2"><i>John 11:25</i></font></div><div><font size="2"><i><font color="#4c76a2">Jesus said to her, <span class="ydp3bed9cc5yiv8957647733ydpeabc49dbyiv7812737940ydpf1a30cfawoj"><span class="ydp3bed9cc5yiv8957647733ydpeabc49dbyiv7812737940ydpf1a30cfacrossreference" style="line-height:22px;position:relative;vertical-align:top;"></span>"I am the resurrection and <span class="ydp3bed9cc5yiv8957647733ydpeabc49dbyiv7812737940ydpf1a30cfacrossreference" style="line-height:22px;position:relative;vertical-align:top;"></span>the life.<span class="ydp3bed9cc5yiv8957647733ydpeabc49dbyiv7812737940ydpf1a30cfafootnote" style="line-height:22px;position:relative;vertical-align:top;"></span> Whoever believes in me, <span class="ydp3bed9cc5yiv8957647733ydpeabc49dbyiv7812737940ydpf1a30cfacrossreference" style="line-height:22px;position:relative;vertical-align:top;"></span>though he die, <span class="ydp3bed9cc5yiv8957647733ydpeabc49dbyiv7812737940ydpf1a30cfacrossreference" style="line-height:22px;position:relative;vertical-align:top;"></span>yet shall he live."</span></font><br clear="none"></i></font></div><div><i><font size="2"><span style="color:rgb(0, 0, 0);"><br clear="none"></span></font></i></div><div><br clear="none"></div></div></div></div></div></div> </div> </div></div></div></div></div> </div> </div>Rob Smithhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15624329131901563998noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8003803541888887678.post-83962960413726597882020-04-11T06:00:00.000-07:002020-04-11T06:02:29.129-07:00The one necessary thing<div class="ydp55873b88yahoo-style-wrap" style="font-family:verdana, helvetica, sans-serif;font-size:16px;"><span style="color: rgb(38, 40, 42);">Luke 10:</span><span style="color: rgb(38, 40, 42);"><span class="ydpdcdd46d3yiv3812779370ydp9d40cf89yiv8453554587ydpa9a7efa1text ydpdcdd46d3yiv3812779370ydp9d40cf89yiv8453554587ydpa9a7efa1Luke-10-38" style="color:rgb(0, 0, 0);font-family:Helvetica Neue, Verdana, Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif;"><span class="ydpdcdd46d3yiv3812779370ydp9d40cf89yiv8453554587ydpa9a7efa1versenum" style="font-size:12px;line-height:22px;position:relative;vertical-align:top;font-family:Arial;font-weight:bold;">38 </span>Now as they went on their way, Jesus<span class="ydpdcdd46d3yiv3812779370ydp9d40cf89yiv8453554587ydpa9a7efa1footnote" style="font-size:0.625em;line-height:22px;position:relative;vertical-align:top;"></span> entered a village. And a woman named <span class="ydpdcdd46d3yiv3812779370ydp9d40cf89yiv8453554587ydpa9a7efa1crossreference" style="font-size:0.625em;line-height:22px;position:relative;vertical-align:top;"></span>Martha <span class="ydpdcdd46d3yiv3812779370ydp9d40cf89yiv8453554587ydpa9a7efa1crossreference" style="font-size:0.625em;line-height:22px;position:relative;vertical-align:top;"></span>welcomed him into her house.</span><span style="color:rgb(0, 0, 0);font-family:Helvetica Neue, Verdana, Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif;"> </span><span class="ydpdcdd46d3yiv3812779370ydp9d40cf89yiv8453554587ydpa9a7efa1text ydpdcdd46d3yiv3812779370ydp9d40cf89yiv8453554587ydpa9a7efa1Luke-10-39" id="ydpdcdd46d3yiv3812779370ydp9d40cf89yiv8453554587ydpa9a7efa1en-ESV-25394" style="color:rgb(0, 0, 0);font-family:Helvetica Neue, Verdana, Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif;"><span class="ydpdcdd46d3yiv3812779370ydp9d40cf89yiv8453554587ydpa9a7efa1versenum" style="font-size:12px;line-height:22px;position:relative;vertical-align:top;font-family:Arial;font-weight:bold;">39 </span>And she had a sister called <span class="ydpdcdd46d3yiv3812779370ydp9d40cf89yiv8453554587ydpa9a7efa1crossreference" style="font-size:0.625em;line-height:22px;position:relative;vertical-align:top;"></span>Mary, who <span class="ydpdcdd46d3yiv3812779370ydp9d40cf89yiv8453554587ydpa9a7efa1crossreference" style="font-size:0.625em;line-height:22px;position:relative;vertical-align:top;"></span>sat at the Lord's feet and listened to his teaching.</span><span style="color:rgb(0, 0, 0);font-family:Helvetica Neue, Verdana, Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif;"> </span><span class="ydpdcdd46d3yiv3812779370ydp9d40cf89yiv8453554587ydpa9a7efa1text ydpdcdd46d3yiv3812779370ydp9d40cf89yiv8453554587ydpa9a7efa1Luke-10-40" id="ydpdcdd46d3yiv3812779370ydp9d40cf89yiv8453554587ydpa9a7efa1en-ESV-25395" style="color:rgb(0, 0, 0);font-family:Helvetica Neue, Verdana, Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif;"><span class="ydpdcdd46d3yiv3812779370ydp9d40cf89yiv8453554587ydpa9a7efa1versenum" style="font-size:12px;line-height:22px;position:relative;vertical-align:top;font-family:Arial;font-weight:bold;">40 </span>But Martha was distracted with much serving. And she went up to him and said, "Lord, do you not care that my sister has left me to serve alone? Tell her then to help me."</span><span style="color:rgb(0, 0, 0);font-family:Helvetica Neue, Verdana, Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif;"> </span><span class="ydpdcdd46d3yiv3812779370ydp9d40cf89yiv8453554587ydpa9a7efa1text ydpdcdd46d3yiv3812779370ydp9d40cf89yiv8453554587ydpa9a7efa1Luke-10-41" id="ydpdcdd46d3yiv3812779370ydp9d40cf89yiv8453554587ydpa9a7efa1en-ESV-25396" style="color:rgb(0, 0, 0);font-family:Helvetica Neue, Verdana, Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif;"><span class="ydpdcdd46d3yiv3812779370ydp9d40cf89yiv8453554587ydpa9a7efa1versenum" style="font-size:12px;line-height:22px;position:relative;vertical-align:top;font-family:Arial;font-weight:bold;">41 </span>But the Lord answered her, <span class="ydpdcdd46d3yiv3812779370ydp9d40cf89yiv8453554587ydpa9a7efa1woj">"Martha, Martha, you are <span class="ydpdcdd46d3yiv3812779370ydp9d40cf89yiv8453554587ydpa9a7efa1crossreference" style="font-size:0.625em;line-height:22px;position:relative;vertical-align:top;"></span>anxious and troubled about many things,</span></span><span style="color:rgb(0, 0, 0);font-family:Helvetica Neue, Verdana, Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif;"> </span><span class="ydpdcdd46d3yiv3812779370ydp9d40cf89yiv8453554587ydpa9a7efa1text ydpdcdd46d3yiv3812779370ydp9d40cf89yiv8453554587ydpa9a7efa1Luke-10-42" id="ydpdcdd46d3yiv3812779370ydp9d40cf89yiv8453554587ydpa9a7efa1en-ESV-25397" style="color:rgb(0, 0, 0);font-family:Helvetica Neue, Verdana, Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif;"><span class="ydpdcdd46d3yiv3812779370ydp9d40cf89yiv8453554587ydpa9a7efa1woj"><span class="ydpdcdd46d3yiv3812779370ydp9d40cf89yiv8453554587ydpa9a7efa1versenum" style="font-size:12px;line-height:22px;position:relative;vertical-align:top;font-family:Arial;font-weight:bold;">42 </span>but one thing is necessary.<span class="ydpdcdd46d3yiv3812779370ydp9d40cf89yiv8453554587ydpa9a7efa1footnote" style="font-size:0.625em;line-height:22px;position:relative;vertical-align:top;"></span> Mary has chosen <span class="ydpdcdd46d3yiv3812779370ydp9d40cf89yiv8453554587ydpa9a7efa1crossreference" style="font-size:0.625em;line-height:22px;position:relative;vertical-align:top;"></span>the good portion, which will not be taken away from her."</span></span></span><br></div><div id="ydpdcdd46d3yahoo_quoted_7497956891" class="ydpdcdd46d3yahoo_quoted"><div style="font-family:'Helvetica Neue', Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif;font-size:13px;color:#26282a;"><div><div id="ydpdcdd46d3yiv3812779370"><div class="ydpdcdd46d3yiv3812779370yqt3390240309" id="ydpdcdd46d3yiv3812779370yqtfd73240"><div><div class="ydpdcdd46d3yiv3812779370ydp9d40cf89yahoo_quoted" id="ydpdcdd46d3yiv3812779370ydp9d40cf89yahoo_quoted_6652636278"><div style="font-family:'Helvetica Neue', Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif;font-size:13px;color:#26282a;"><div><div id="ydpdcdd46d3yiv3812779370ydp9d40cf89yiv8453554587"><div class="ydpdcdd46d3yiv3812779370ydp9d40cf89yiv8453554587ydpcacc86adyahoo-style-wrap" style="font-size:16px;font-family:verdana, helvetica, sans-serif;"><div dir="ltr" style="font-family:verdana, helvetica, sans-serif;"><span><span class="ydpdcdd46d3yiv3812779370ydp9d40cf89yiv8453554587ydpa9a7efa1text ydpdcdd46d3yiv3812779370ydp9d40cf89yiv8453554587ydpa9a7efa1Luke-10-42" style="color:rgb(0, 0, 0);font-family:Helvetica Neue, Verdana, Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif;font-size:16px;"><span class="ydpdcdd46d3yiv3812779370ydp9d40cf89yiv8453554587ydpa9a7efa1woj">-</span></span></span></div><div dir="ltr" style="font-family:verdana, helvetica, sans-serif;"><span><span class="ydpdcdd46d3yiv3812779370ydp9d40cf89yiv8453554587ydpa9a7efa1text ydpdcdd46d3yiv3812779370ydp9d40cf89yiv8453554587ydpa9a7efa1Luke-10-42" style="color:rgb(0, 0, 0);font-family:Helvetica Neue, Verdana, Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif;font-size:16px;"><span class="ydpdcdd46d3yiv3812779370ydp9d40cf89yiv8453554587ydpa9a7efa1woj">How many things compete for our attention? Even when we are sequestered in our homes, and our options are seemingly limited, we have limitless things to think about...to direct our attention towards. But of all the things we can focus on, what is the one thing that is necessary? We learn from this story about two sisters that the one necessary thing is to sit at the feet of Jesus and listen to Him teach.</span></span></span></div><div dir="ltr" style="font-family:verdana, helvetica, sans-serif;"><span><span class="ydpdcdd46d3yiv3812779370ydp9d40cf89yiv8453554587ydpa9a7efa1text ydpdcdd46d3yiv3812779370ydp9d40cf89yiv8453554587ydpa9a7efa1Luke-10-42" style="color:rgb(0, 0, 0);font-family:Helvetica Neue, Verdana, Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif;font-size:16px;"><span class="ydpdcdd46d3yiv3812779370ydp9d40cf89yiv8453554587ydpa9a7efa1woj">-</span></span></span></div><div dir="ltr" style="font-family:verdana, helvetica, sans-serif;"><span><span class="ydpdcdd46d3yiv3812779370ydp9d40cf89yiv8453554587ydpa9a7efa1text ydpdcdd46d3yiv3812779370ydp9d40cf89yiv8453554587ydpa9a7efa1Luke-10-42" style="color:rgb(0, 0, 0);font-family:Helvetica Neue, Verdana, Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif;font-size:16px;"><span class="ydpdcdd46d3yiv3812779370ydp9d40cf89yiv8453554587ydpa9a7efa1woj">And we can still do that. He speaks today from God's Word and the Holy Spirit gives us understanding. When we do this we accomplish two important things: (1) we grow in knowledge and wisdom for personal application and (2) we build a closer bond with our Savior and cultivate an ear for His voice.</span></span></span></div><div dir="ltr" style="font-family:verdana, helvetica, sans-serif;"><span><span class="ydpdcdd46d3yiv3812779370ydp9d40cf89yiv8453554587ydpa9a7efa1text ydpdcdd46d3yiv3812779370ydp9d40cf89yiv8453554587ydpa9a7efa1Luke-10-42" style="color:rgb(0, 0, 0);font-family:Helvetica Neue, Verdana, Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif;font-size:16px;"><span class="ydpdcdd46d3yiv3812779370ydp9d40cf89yiv8453554587ydpa9a7efa1woj">-</span></span></span></div><div dir="ltr"><font face="Helvetica Neue, Verdana, Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif">So, why don't we start our day with the 'one necessary thing' and why don't we turn to it when we have the opportunity? That 'one necessary thing' will lead to many necessary actions and attitudes that will bring the Lord's light and love to others and satisfy our own with peace and purpose.</font></div><div dir="ltr"><font face="Helvetica Neue, Verdana, Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif">-</font></div><div dir="ltr"><font face="Helvetica Neue, Verdana, Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif">blessings,</font></div><div dir="ltr"><font face="Helvetica Neue, Verdana, Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif">Rob Smith</font></div><div style="font-family:verdana, helvetica, sans-serif;"><br clear="none"></div><div class="ydpdcdd46d3yiv3812779370ydp9d40cf89yiv8453554587ydpcacc86adsignature" style="font-family:verdana, helvetica, sans-serif;"><div style="font-family:verdana, helvetica, sans-serif;font-size:16px;"><div><i><font size="2" color="#4c76a2">-------------------------------------------</font></i></div><div><i><font size="2" color="#4c76a2">"Death is inevitable. Life is a choice!"</font></i></div><div><i><font size="2" color="#4c76a2"><br clear="none"></font></i></div><div><font size="2" color="#4c76a2"><i>John 11:25</i></font></div><div><font size="2"><i><font color="#4c76a2">Jesus said to her, <span class="ydpdcdd46d3yiv3812779370ydp9d40cf89yiv8453554587ydpf1a30cfawoj"><span class="ydpdcdd46d3yiv3812779370ydp9d40cf89yiv8453554587ydpf1a30cfacrossreference" style="line-height:22px;position:relative;vertical-align:top;"></span>"I am the resurrection and <span class="ydpdcdd46d3yiv3812779370ydp9d40cf89yiv8453554587ydpf1a30cfacrossreference" style="line-height:22px;position:relative;vertical-align:top;"></span>the life.<span class="ydpdcdd46d3yiv3812779370ydp9d40cf89yiv8453554587ydpf1a30cfafootnote" style="line-height:22px;position:relative;vertical-align:top;"></span> Whoever believes in me, <span class="ydpdcdd46d3yiv3812779370ydp9d40cf89yiv8453554587ydpf1a30cfacrossreference" style="line-height:22px;position:relative;vertical-align:top;"></span>though he die, <span class="ydpdcdd46d3yiv3812779370ydp9d40cf89yiv8453554587ydpf1a30cfacrossreference" style="line-height:22px;position:relative;vertical-align:top;"></span>yet shall he live."</span></font><br clear="none"></i></font></div><div><i><font size="2"><span style="color:rgb(0, 0, 0);"><br clear="none"></span></font></i></div><div><br clear="none"></div></div></div></div></div></div> </div> </div></div></div></div></div> </div> </div>Rob Smithhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15624329131901563998noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8003803541888887678.post-46239597594015869252020-04-10T06:00:00.000-07:002020-04-10T06:02:13.341-07:00Do I have your attention yet?<div class="ydpa7338c65yahoo-style-wrap" style="font-family:verdana, helvetica, sans-serif;font-size:16px;"><span style="color: rgb(38, 40, 42);">The corona virus has stopped the world in its tracks. Not the spinning of the world on its axis or the change of seasons from winter to spring. The tides still move up and down. Birds are in migration and butterflies are still emerging in brilliant color from their cocoons. But people and their activities have been severely curtailed. The aviation industry is one example. Consider the following information from Wikipedia:</span><br></div><div id="ydpea1aa4c1yahoo_quoted_6702434107" class="ydpea1aa4c1yahoo_quoted"><div style="font-family:'Helvetica Neue', Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif;font-size:13px;color:#26282a;"><div><div id="ydpea1aa4c1yiv6515121317"><div class="ydpea1aa4c1yiv6515121317yqt3112746671" id="ydpea1aa4c1yiv6515121317yqtfd07045"><div><div class="ydpea1aa4c1yiv6515121317ydp902d193byahoo_quoted" id="ydpea1aa4c1yiv6515121317ydp902d193byahoo_quoted_6734230988"><div style="font-family:'Helvetica Neue', Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif;font-size:13px;color:#26282a;"><div><div id="ydpea1aa4c1yiv6515121317ydp902d193byiv3367357358"><div class="ydpea1aa4c1yiv6515121317ydp902d193byiv3367357358ydp475a24c7yahoo-style-wrap" style="font-family:verdana, helvetica, sans-serif;font-size:16px;"><div dir="ltr" style="font-family:verdana, helvetica, sans-serif;"><font size="3">-</font></div><div dir="ltr"><div style="font-family:verdana, helvetica, sans-serif;"><font size="3"><span style="color:rgb(34, 34, 34);font-family:sans-serif;">Air France-KLM later announced it would reduce capacity by 70-90%</span><span style="color:rgb(34, 34, 34);font-family:sans-serif;">international routes to stay in operation.</span><br clear="none"><a shape="rect" href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/American_Airlines" title="American Airlines" style="font-family:sans-serif;background-image:none;background-position:initial;background-size:initial;background-repeat:initial;background-attachment:initial;color:rgb(11, 0, 128);" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">American Airlines</a><span style="color:rgb(34, 34, 34);font-family:sans-serif;"> is cutting its domestic flight schedule by 60%–70% in April 2020 and 80%–90% in May, with only a "handful" of international routes to stay in operation.</span><br clear="none"><span style="color:rgb(34, 34, 34);font-family:sans-serif;">As of 31 March, Delta was suspending about 70% of its flights across its network.</span><br clear="none"><a shape="rect" class="ydpea1aa4c1yiv6515121317ydp902d193byiv3367357358enhancr_card_7305682632" href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Lufthansa" title="Lufthansa" style="font-family:sans-serif;background:none;color:rgb(11, 0, 128);" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Lufthansa</a><span style="color:rgb(34, 34, 34);font-family:sans-serif;"> grounded its </span><a shape="rect" href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Airbus_A380" title="Airbus A380" style="font-family:sans-serif;background:none;color:rgb(11, 0, 128);" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Airbus A380</a><span style="color:rgb(34, 34, 34);font-family:sans-serif;"> aircraft, and cut 90% of its long haul travel capacity.</span><br clear="none"></font><a shape="rect" class="ydpea1aa4c1yiv6515121317ydp902d193byiv3367357358enhancr_card_7206561690" href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Boeing" title="Boeing" style="font-size:medium;font-family:sans-serif;background-image:none;background-position:initial;background-size:initial;background-repeat:initial;background-attachment:initial;color:rgb(11, 0, 128);" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Boeing</a><span style="font-size:medium;color:rgb(34, 34, 34);font-family:sans-serif;"> froze hiring and reportedly laid off employees due to a large number of cancellations, which outpaced new orders in February 2020.</span><font size="3"><br clear="none"></font></div><div style="font-family:verdana, helvetica, sans-serif;"><span style="font-size:medium;color:rgb(34, 34, 34);font-family:sans-serif;">-</span></div><div dir="ltr" style="font-family:verdana, helvetica, sans-serif;"><span style="font-size:medium;color:rgb(34, 34, 34);font-family:sans-serif;">So much of our human activity has been abruptly stopped: Travel, entertainment, church gatherings, work outside the home...shopping...almost everything we do in the routines of our lives across most of the globe.</span></div><div dir="ltr" style="font-family:verdana, helvetica, sans-serif;"><span style="font-size:medium;color:rgb(34, 34, 34);font-family:sans-serif;">-</span></div><div dir="ltr" style="font-family:verdana, helvetica, sans-serif;"><span style="font-size:medium;color:rgb(34, 34, 34);font-family:sans-serif;">It's as if the Lord is saying: "OK, hit the pause button and remember who is in control. I will do what it takes to get your attention. Economies and nations do not act on their own power, but as I permit. In all of your busy-ness and your ambitions and your striving for wealth, power, and leisure, remember who it is that rules over all. If I can freeze human activity by allowing the release of a tiny virus from one animal, consider the power I have to release in greater measure. As you work through this crisis and learn to sacrifice personally for the good of others, learn the important lesson that you are not in charge. I am. And this day remember the price that was paid by My Son, when he was brutally crucified for your selfishness and sin. That was another demonstration of my power. And it was confirmed by His glorious resurrection. Now is the time, when all is paused, to avail yourselves of my extended love. There will come a time when I will stop your life on earth and you will come before me. Will you be ready?</span></div><div dir="ltr" style="font-family:verdana, helvetica, sans-serif;"><span style="font-size:medium;color:rgb(34, 34, 34);font-family:sans-serif;">-</span></div><div dir="ltr" style="font-family:verdana, helvetica, sans-serif;"><span style="font-size:medium;color:rgb(34, 34, 34);font-family:sans-serif;">blessings this Good Friday!</span></div><div dir="ltr" style="font-family:verdana, helvetica, sans-serif;"><span style="font-size:medium;color:rgb(34, 34, 34);font-family:sans-serif;">Rob Smith</span></div><div style="font-family:verdana, helvetica, sans-serif;"><span style="font-size:medium;color:rgb(34, 34, 34);font-family:sans-serif;"><br clear="none"></span></div><div dir="ltr"><ul style="font-family:sans-serif;margin:0.3em 0px 0px 1.6em;padding:0px;color:rgb(34, 34, 34);"></ul><br clear="none"><br clear="none"></div><br clear="none"></div><div class="ydpea1aa4c1yiv6515121317ydp902d193byiv3367357358ydp475a24c7signature" style="font-family:verdana, helvetica, sans-serif;font-size:16px;"><div style="font-family:verdana, helvetica, sans-serif;font-size:16px;"><div><i><font size="2" color="#4c76a2">-------------------------------------------</font></i></div><div><i><font size="2" color="#4c76a2">"Death is inevitable. Life is a choice!"</font></i></div><div><i><font size="2" color="#4c76a2"><br clear="none"></font></i></div><div><font size="2" color="#4c76a2"><i>John 11:25</i></font></div><div><font size="2"><i><font color="#4c76a2">Jesus said to her, <span class="ydpea1aa4c1yiv6515121317ydp902d193byiv3367357358ydpf1a30cfawoj"><span class="ydpea1aa4c1yiv6515121317ydp902d193byiv3367357358ydpf1a30cfacrossreference" style="line-height:22px;position:relative;vertical-align:top;"></span>"I am the resurrection and <span class="ydpea1aa4c1yiv6515121317ydp902d193byiv3367357358ydpf1a30cfacrossreference" style="line-height:22px;position:relative;vertical-align:top;"></span>the life.<span class="ydpea1aa4c1yiv6515121317ydp902d193byiv3367357358ydpf1a30cfafootnote" style="line-height:22px;position:relative;vertical-align:top;"></span> Whoever believes in me, <span class="ydpea1aa4c1yiv6515121317ydp902d193byiv3367357358ydpf1a30cfacrossreference" style="line-height:22px;position:relative;vertical-align:top;"></span>though he die, <span class="ydpea1aa4c1yiv6515121317ydp902d193byiv3367357358ydpf1a30cfacrossreference" style="line-height:22px;position:relative;vertical-align:top;"></span>yet shall he live."</span></font><br clear="none"></i></font></div><div><i><font size="2"><span style="color:rgb(0, 0, 0);"><br clear="none"></span></font></i></div><div><br clear="none"></div></div></div></div></div></div> </div> </div></div></div></div></div> </div> </div>Rob Smithhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15624329131901563998noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8003803541888887678.post-37036272611959440392020-04-09T04:45:00.000-07:002020-04-09T04:47:30.745-07:00No secrets<div class="ydpaae288f6yahoo-style-wrap" style="font-family:verdana, helvetica, sans-serif;font-size:16px;"><span style="color: rgb(38, 40, 42);">Luke 8:</span><span class="ydp9d31f8deyiv1146978035ydpf033eedcyiv8818983581ydp3cea612dtext ydp9d31f8deyiv1146978035ydpf033eedcyiv8818983581ydp3cea612dLuke-8-16" style="color: rgb(38, 40, 42); font-family: Helvetica Neue, Verdana, Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif;"><span class="ydp9d31f8deyiv1146978035ydpf033eedcyiv8818983581ydp3cea612dversenum" style="font-size:12px;line-height:22px;position:relative;vertical-align:top;font-family:Arial;font-weight:bold;">16 </span><span class="ydp9d31f8deyiv1146978035ydpf033eedcyiv8818983581ydp3cea612dcrossreference" style="font-size:0.625em;line-height:22px;position:relative;vertical-align:top;"></span><span class="ydp9d31f8deyiv1146978035ydpf033eedcyiv8818983581ydp3cea612dcrossreference" style="font-size:0.625em;line-height:22px;position:relative;vertical-align:top;"></span>"No one after lighting a lamp covers it with a jar or puts it under a bed, but puts it on a stand, so that those who enter may see the light.</span><span style="color: rgb(38, 40, 42); font-family: Helvetica Neue, Verdana, Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif;"> </span><span id="ydp9d31f8deyiv1146978035ydpf033eedcyiv8818983581ydp3cea612den-ESV-25254" class="ydp9d31f8deyiv1146978035ydpf033eedcyiv8818983581ydp3cea612dtext ydp9d31f8deyiv1146978035ydpf033eedcyiv8818983581ydp3cea612dLuke-8-17" style="color: rgb(38, 40, 42); font-family: Helvetica Neue, Verdana, Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif;"><span class="ydp9d31f8deyiv1146978035ydpf033eedcyiv8818983581ydp3cea612dversenum" style="font-size:12px;line-height:22px;position:relative;vertical-align:top;font-family:Arial;font-weight:bold;">17 </span><span class="ydp9d31f8deyiv1146978035ydpf033eedcyiv8818983581ydp3cea612dcrossreference" style="font-size:0.625em;line-height:22px;position:relative;vertical-align:top;"></span>For nothing is hidden that will not be made manifest, nor is anything secret that will not be known and come to light."</span><br></div><div id="ydp9d31f8deyahoo_quoted_6779352159" class="ydp9d31f8deyahoo_quoted"><div style="font-family:'Helvetica Neue', Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif;font-size:13px;color:#26282a;"><div><div id="ydp9d31f8deyiv1146978035"><div class="ydp9d31f8deyiv1146978035ydpe0df3bb8yahoo-style-wrap" style="font-family:verdana, helvetica, sans-serif;font-size:16px;"><div dir="ltr"><div><div dir="ltr" style="font-family:verdana, helvetica, sans-serif;font-size:16px;"><span style="font-family:Helvetica Neue, Verdana, Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif;">-</span></div><div dir="ltr" style="font-family:verdana, helvetica, sans-serif;font-size:16px;"><span style="font-family:Helvetica Neue, Verdana, Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif;">Here is advice that can inspire the believer to be open about his faith. There is opposition to sharing the reality of God in our lives and the absolute need to trust in Christ alone for eternal life. We can feel shy, or inhibited, at times about communicating the most important truth we have ever known. Jesus gives us two reasons to shine with His light.</span></div><div dir="ltr" style="font-family:verdana, helvetica, sans-serif;font-size:16px;"><span style="font-family:Helvetica Neue, Verdana, Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif;">-</span></div><div dir="ltr"><font face="Helvetica Neue, Verdana, Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif">If we have been filled with the light of His life, by responding to His word and bowing before Him in repentance to claim the forgiveness He won for us on the Cross....we have then been filled with His Spirit and come to know true freedom and true fulfillment...at the deepest part of our being. Having had this experience we should want others also to come to the truth and know that light. It's as if the cure to Corona virus was given to you...or came to you through research...well you would not hold back from releasing that knowledge to a world in desperate need right now!</font></div><div dir="ltr" style="font-family:verdana, helvetica, sans-serif;font-size:16px;"><span style="font-family:Helvetica Neue, Verdana, Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif;">-</span></div><div dir="ltr" style="font-family:verdana, helvetica, sans-serif;font-size:16px;"><span style="font-family:Helvetica Neue, Verdana, Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif;">Secondly, what is to be known of God will all be ultimately revealed to all at a time and place in the future, either when we die and face God directly...or when the future plans for judgment and restoration of the Creation take place. It's as if each believer is a carrier of a candle in a dark room, but one day floodlights will snap on and every dark room will be exposed and every shadow dispersed.</span></div><div dir="ltr" style="font-family:verdana, helvetica, sans-serif;font-size:16px;"><span style="font-family:Helvetica Neue, Verdana, Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif;">-</span></div><div dir="ltr" style="font-family:verdana, helvetica, sans-serif;font-size:16px;"><span style="font-family:Helvetica Neue, Verdana, Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif;">But, when all the floodlights are turned on it is too late for people to respond to the candle light. Our time to choose salvation must come when we walk through the shadows of this life and so let's hold our personal candle high and outstretched for others to see.</span></div><div dir="ltr" style="font-family:verdana, helvetica, sans-serif;font-size:16px;"><span style="font-family:Helvetica Neue, Verdana, Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif;">-</span></div><div dir="ltr" style="font-family:verdana, helvetica, sans-serif;font-size:16px;"><span style="font-family:Helvetica Neue, Verdana, Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif;">blessings,</span></div><div dir="ltr" style="font-family:verdana, helvetica, sans-serif;font-size:16px;"><span style="font-family:Helvetica Neue, Verdana, Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif;">Rob Smith </span></div><div dir="ltr" style="font-family:verdana, helvetica, sans-serif;font-size:16px;"><br style="font-family:verdana, helvetica, sans-serif;font-size:16px;"></div></div><br></div><div style="font-family:verdana, helvetica, sans-serif;font-size:16px;"><br></div><div class="ydp9d31f8deyiv1146978035ydpe0df3bb8signature" style="font-family:verdana, helvetica, sans-serif;font-size:16px;"><div style="font-family:verdana, helvetica, sans-serif;font-size:16px;"><div><i><font size="2" color="#4c76a2">-------------------------------------------</font></i></div><div><i><font size="2" color="#4c76a2">"Death is inevitable. Life is a choice!"</font></i></div><div><i><font size="2" color="#4c76a2"><br></font></i></div><div><font size="2" color="#4c76a2"><i>John 11:25</i></font></div><div><font size="2"><i><font color="#4c76a2">Jesus said to her, <span class="ydp9d31f8deyiv1146978035ydpf1a30cfawoj"><span class="ydp9d31f8deyiv1146978035ydpf1a30cfacrossreference" style="line-height:22px;position:relative;vertical-align:top;"></span>"I am the resurrection and <span class="ydp9d31f8deyiv1146978035ydpf1a30cfacrossreference" style="line-height:22px;position:relative;vertical-align:top;"></span>the life.<span class="ydp9d31f8deyiv1146978035ydpf1a30cfafootnote" style="line-height:22px;position:relative;vertical-align:top;"></span> Whoever believes in me, <span class="ydp9d31f8deyiv1146978035ydpf1a30cfacrossreference" style="line-height:22px;position:relative;vertical-align:top;"></span>though he die, <span class="ydp9d31f8deyiv1146978035ydpf1a30cfacrossreference" style="line-height:22px;position:relative;vertical-align:top;"></span>yet shall he live."</span></font><br></i></font></div><div><i><font size="2"><span style="color:rgb(0, 0, 0);"><br></span></font></i></div><div><br></div></div></div></div></div></div> </div> </div>Rob Smithhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15624329131901563998noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8003803541888887678.post-81740583881891542892020-04-07T05:00:00.000-07:002020-04-07T05:02:35.977-07:00Mercy and Comfort<div class="ydpc6bc17e5yahoo-style-wrap" style="font-family:verdana, helvetica, sans-serif;font-size:16px;"><span style="color: rgb(38, 40, 42);">2 Corinthians 1:</span><span style="color: rgb(38, 40, 42);"><span class="ydpfb6e2913yiv1621046248ydp7364f61ftext ydpfb6e2913yiv1621046248ydp7364f61f2Cor-1-3" style="color: rgb(0, 0, 0); font-family: Helvetica Neue, Verdana, Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif;"><span class="ydpfb6e2913yiv1621046248ydp7364f61fversenum" style="font-size:12px;line-height:22px;position:relative;vertical-align:top;font-family:Arial;font-weight:bold;">3 </span>"Blessed be the <span class="ydpfb6e2913yiv1621046248ydp7364f61fcrossreference" style="font-size:0.625em;line-height:22px;position:relative;vertical-align:top;"></span>God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of mercies and <span class="ydpfb6e2913yiv1621046248ydp7364f61fcrossreference" style="font-size:0.625em;line-height:22px;position:relative;vertical-align:top;"></span>God of all comfort,</span><span style="color: rgb(0, 0, 0); font-family: Helvetica Neue, Verdana, Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif;"> </span><span id="ydpfb6e2913yiv1621046248ydp7364f61fen-ESV-28788" class="ydpfb6e2913yiv1621046248ydp7364f61ftext ydpfb6e2913yiv1621046248ydp7364f61f2Cor-1-4" style="color: rgb(0, 0, 0); font-family: Helvetica Neue, Verdana, Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif;"><span class="ydpfb6e2913yiv1621046248ydp7364f61fversenum" style="font-size:12px;line-height:22px;position:relative;vertical-align:top;font-family:Arial;font-weight:bold;">4 </span><span class="ydpfb6e2913yiv1621046248ydp7364f61fcrossreference" style="font-size:0.625em;line-height:22px;position:relative;vertical-align:top;"></span>who comforts us in all our affliction, so that we may be able to comfort those who are in any affliction, with the comfort with which we ourselves are comforted by God."</span></span><br></div><div id="ydpfb6e2913yahoo_quoted_6964710991" class="ydpfb6e2913yahoo_quoted"><div style="font-family:'Helvetica Neue', Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif;font-size:13px;color:#26282a;"><div><div id="ydpfb6e2913yiv1621046248"><div class="ydpfb6e2913yiv1621046248ydp7f945125yahoo-style-wrap" style="font-family:verdana, helvetica, sans-serif;font-size:16px;"><div dir="ltr"><span><span class="ydpfb6e2913yiv1621046248ydp7364f61ftext ydpfb6e2913yiv1621046248ydp7364f61f2Cor-1-4" style="color:rgb(0, 0, 0);font-family:Helvetica Neue, Verdana, Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif;font-size:16px;">-</span></span></div><div dir="ltr"><span><span class="ydpfb6e2913yiv1621046248ydp7364f61ftext ydpfb6e2913yiv1621046248ydp7364f61f2Cor-1-4" style="color:rgb(0, 0, 0);font-family:Helvetica Neue, Verdana, Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif;font-size:16px;">Sometimes images can be a powerful statement. As our nation is in the midst of one of its greatest health challenges ever, we are bracketed on each coast by hospital ships bearing the names: Mercy and Comfort. These Navy ships carry no weapons. Instead they hold 1000 beds and the crew is largely comprised of Naval physicians and other health staff. They have served in war zones and they have also provided emergency health service for hurricanes. Today they are relieving pressure from COVID-19 treatment at land-based hospitals for Los Angeles and New York City.</span></span></div><div dir="ltr"><span><span class="ydpfb6e2913yiv1621046248ydp7364f61ftext ydpfb6e2913yiv1621046248ydp7364f61f2Cor-1-4" style="color:rgb(0, 0, 0);font-family:Helvetica Neue, Verdana, Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif;font-size:16px;">-</span></span></div><div dir="ltr"><span><span class="ydpfb6e2913yiv1621046248ydp7364f61ftext ydpfb6e2913yiv1621046248ydp7364f61f2Cor-1-4" style="color:rgb(0, 0, 0);font-family:Helvetica Neue, Verdana, Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif;font-size:16px;">Mercy is docked on our west coast and Comfort on the east. The image can be compared to our Heavenly Father, who is the "Father of mercies and God of all comfort". And just as these ships provide real healing and compassionate care, so does our Lord, in the midst of this national crisis....as well as our personal trials of health and living.</span></span></div><div dir="ltr"><span><span class="ydpfb6e2913yiv1621046248ydp7364f61ftext ydpfb6e2913yiv1621046248ydp7364f61f2Cor-1-4" style="color:rgb(0, 0, 0);font-family:Helvetica Neue, Verdana, Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif;font-size:16px;">-</span></span></div><div dir="ltr"><span><span class="ydpfb6e2913yiv1621046248ydp7364f61ftext ydpfb6e2913yiv1621046248ydp7364f61f2Cor-1-4" style="color:rgb(0, 0, 0);font-family:Helvetica Neue, Verdana, Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif;font-size:16px;">He brackets our lives, as these ships our shores, with the mercy and comfort needed to move through painful valleys to the green pastures beyond. And, just as these wonderful ships have compassionate crews, so the Lord works through compassionate people to be His agents of healing and love.</span></span></div><div dir="ltr"><span><span class="ydpfb6e2913yiv1621046248ydp7364f61ftext ydpfb6e2913yiv1621046248ydp7364f61f2Cor-1-4" style="color:rgb(0, 0, 0);font-family:Helvetica Neue, Verdana, Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif;font-size:16px;">-</span></span></div><div dir="ltr"><span><span class="ydpfb6e2913yiv1621046248ydp7364f61ftext ydpfb6e2913yiv1621046248ydp7364f61f2Cor-1-4" style="color:rgb(0, 0, 0);font-family:Helvetica Neue, Verdana, Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif;font-size:16px;">blessings,</span></span></div><div dir="ltr"><span><span class="ydpfb6e2913yiv1621046248ydp7364f61ftext ydpfb6e2913yiv1621046248ydp7364f61f2Cor-1-4" style="color:rgb(0, 0, 0);font-family:Helvetica Neue, Verdana, Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif;font-size:16px;">Rob Smith</span></span></div><div><br></div><div class="ydpfb6e2913yiv1621046248ydp7f945125signature"><div style="font-family:verdana, helvetica, sans-serif;font-size:16px;"><div><i><font size="2" color="#4c76a2">-------------------------------------------</font></i></div><div><i><font size="2" color="#4c76a2">"Death is inevitable. Life is a choice!"</font></i></div><div><i><font size="2" color="#4c76a2"><br></font></i></div><div><font size="2" color="#4c76a2"><i>John 11:25</i></font></div><div><font size="2"><i><font color="#4c76a2">Jesus said to her, <span class="ydpfb6e2913yiv1621046248ydpf1a30cfawoj"><span class="ydpfb6e2913yiv1621046248ydpf1a30cfacrossreference" style="line-height:22px;position:relative;vertical-align:top;"></span>"I am the resurrection and <span class="ydpfb6e2913yiv1621046248ydpf1a30cfacrossreference" style="line-height:22px;position:relative;vertical-align:top;"></span>the life.<span class="ydpfb6e2913yiv1621046248ydpf1a30cfafootnote" style="line-height:22px;position:relative;vertical-align:top;"></span> Whoever believes in me, <span class="ydpfb6e2913yiv1621046248ydpf1a30cfacrossreference" style="line-height:22px;position:relative;vertical-align:top;"></span>though he die, <span class="ydpfb6e2913yiv1621046248ydpf1a30cfacrossreference" style="line-height:22px;position:relative;vertical-align:top;"></span>yet shall he live."</span></font><br></i></font></div><div><i><font size="2"><span style="color:rgb(0, 0, 0);"><br></span></font></i></div><div><br></div></div></div></div></div></div> </div> </div>Rob Smithhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15624329131901563998noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8003803541888887678.post-20388495699576792882020-04-06T05:00:00.000-07:002020-04-06T05:02:54.133-07:00One Hundred Years<div class="ydpaba46382yahoo-style-wrap" style="font-family:verdana, helvetica, sans-serif;font-size:16px;"><span style="color: rgb(38, 40, 42);">A century is a long time. One hundred years ago the world had just come through "The war to end all wars" and was still recovering from the impact of Spanish Flu, which claimed the lives of tens of millions over the globe. That seems like a long time ago because it was well before my birth. However, having lived 67 years, half a century does not seem that long ago. I have so many memories from 50-60+ years ago. We have more and more friends who are celebrating 50 years of marriage.</span><br></div><div id="ydp82b7d4a3yahoo_quoted_6645398106" class="ydp82b7d4a3yahoo_quoted"><div style="font-family:'Helvetica Neue', Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif;font-size:13px;color:#26282a;"><div><div id="ydp82b7d4a3yiv0727402787"><div class="ydp82b7d4a3yiv0727402787yqt6254959376" id="ydp82b7d4a3yiv0727402787yqtfd04497"><div><div class="ydp82b7d4a3yiv0727402787ydp401c5b02yahoo_quoted" id="ydp82b7d4a3yiv0727402787ydp401c5b02yahoo_quoted_6914669812"><div style="font-family:'Helvetica Neue', Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif;font-size:13px;color:#26282a;"><div><div id="ydp82b7d4a3yiv0727402787ydp401c5b02yiv1861638719"><div class="ydp82b7d4a3yiv0727402787ydp401c5b02yiv1861638719ydp716c89ayahoo-style-wrap" style="font-family:verdana, helvetica, sans-serif;font-size:16px;"><div dir="ltr">-</div><div dir="ltr">Time is a funny thing. It's almost like a mirage. We feel like we have limitless time ahead, just like there is so much time that has passed. But a century from now we will have all moved on to eternity. Actually, it will be much sooner than that for most of us. And yet, how little we may think about life beyond that point.</div><div dir="ltr">-</div><div dir="ltr">Consider the millions...billions...of people who have gone before. And in your own family, think of the previous generations that you knew and have clear memories of. They are no longer here.</div><div dir="ltr">-</div><div dir="ltr">If it is wise to think about, and prepare for, anything...it is wise to prepare for the reality of life beyond our earthly time. Think of your life this way: If you are 70 years old you have lived 3.5% of the years since Christ was here. So, in one sense, we realize that it hasn't been all that long since our Lord walked the earth. But in a larger sense, consider all the people who were born since the time of Christ through 1900...they've all moved on. The oldest person in the world is Kane Tanaka, who turned 117 this past January 2.</div><div dir="ltr">-</div><div dir="ltr">We can maximize our life here when we have a proper perspective on eternity. The current pandemic brings our mortality and life's uncertainty into our consciousness.</div><div dir="ltr">-</div><div dir="ltr">This week, as believers prepare for the celebration of Jesus' death and resurrection, is a good one to reflect on how we, also, can die and be resurrected through faith in Jesus. His name means salvation and He came to provide a solution to the separation problem that each of us has with our Creator. In this life, despite its brevity, we must find the doorway to eternity. </div><div dir="ltr">-</div><div dir="ltr">Jesus is that door:</div><div dir="ltr">-</div><div dir="ltr">John 10:<span><span class="ydp82b7d4a3yiv0727402787ydp401c5b02yiv1861638719ydpd58a7d60text ydp82b7d4a3yiv0727402787ydp401c5b02yiv1861638719ydpd58a7d60John-10-7" id="ydp82b7d4a3yiv0727402787ydp401c5b02yiv1861638719ydpd58a7d60en-ESV-26477" style="color:rgb(0, 0, 0);font-family:Helvetica Neue, Verdana, Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif;font-size:16px;"><span class="ydp82b7d4a3yiv0727402787ydp401c5b02yiv1861638719ydpd58a7d60versenum" style="font-size:12px;line-height:22px;position:relative;vertical-align:top;font-family:Arial;font-weight:bold;">7 </span>So Jesus again said to them, <span class="ydp82b7d4a3yiv0727402787ydp401c5b02yiv1861638719ydpd58a7d60woj">"Truly, truly, I say to you, <span class="ydp82b7d4a3yiv0727402787ydp401c5b02yiv1861638719ydpd58a7d60crossreference" style="font-size:0.625em;line-height:22px;position:relative;vertical-align:top;"></span>I am the door of the sheep.</span></span><span style="color:rgb(0, 0, 0);font-family:Helvetica Neue, Verdana, Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif;font-size:16px;"> </span><span class="ydp82b7d4a3yiv0727402787ydp401c5b02yiv1861638719ydpd58a7d60text ydp82b7d4a3yiv0727402787ydp401c5b02yiv1861638719ydpd58a7d60John-10-8" id="ydp82b7d4a3yiv0727402787ydp401c5b02yiv1861638719ydpd58a7d60en-ESV-26478" style="color:rgb(0, 0, 0);font-family:Helvetica Neue, Verdana, Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif;font-size:16px;"><span class="ydp82b7d4a3yiv0727402787ydp401c5b02yiv1861638719ydpd58a7d60woj"><span class="ydp82b7d4a3yiv0727402787ydp401c5b02yiv1861638719ydpd58a7d60versenum" style="font-size:12px;line-height:22px;position:relative;vertical-align:top;font-family:Arial;font-weight:bold;">8 </span>All who came before me are thieves and robbers, but the sheep did not listen to them.</span></span><span style="color:rgb(0, 0, 0);font-family:Helvetica Neue, Verdana, Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif;font-size:16px;"> </span><span class="ydp82b7d4a3yiv0727402787ydp401c5b02yiv1861638719ydpd58a7d60text ydp82b7d4a3yiv0727402787ydp401c5b02yiv1861638719ydpd58a7d60John-10-9" id="ydp82b7d4a3yiv0727402787ydp401c5b02yiv1861638719ydpd58a7d60en-ESV-26479" style="color:rgb(0, 0, 0);font-family:Helvetica Neue, Verdana, Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif;font-size:16px;"><span class="ydp82b7d4a3yiv0727402787ydp401c5b02yiv1861638719ydpd58a7d60woj"><span class="ydp82b7d4a3yiv0727402787ydp401c5b02yiv1861638719ydpd58a7d60versenum" style="font-size:12px;line-height:22px;position:relative;vertical-align:top;font-family:Arial;font-weight:bold;">9 </span>I am the door. If anyone enters by me, <span class="ydp82b7d4a3yiv0727402787ydp401c5b02yiv1861638719ydpd58a7d60crossreference" style="font-size:0.625em;line-height:22px;position:relative;vertical-align:top;"></span>he will be saved and will go in and out and <span class="ydp82b7d4a3yiv0727402787ydp401c5b02yiv1861638719ydpd58a7d60crossreference" style="font-size:0.625em;line-height:22px;position:relative;vertical-align:top;"></span>find pasture.</span></span><span style="color:rgb(0, 0, 0);font-family:Helvetica Neue, Verdana, Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif;font-size:16px;"> </span><span class="ydp82b7d4a3yiv0727402787ydp401c5b02yiv1861638719ydpd58a7d60text ydp82b7d4a3yiv0727402787ydp401c5b02yiv1861638719ydpd58a7d60John-10-10" id="ydp82b7d4a3yiv0727402787ydp401c5b02yiv1861638719ydpd58a7d60en-ESV-26480" style="color:rgb(0, 0, 0);font-family:Helvetica Neue, Verdana, Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif;font-size:16px;"><span class="ydp82b7d4a3yiv0727402787ydp401c5b02yiv1861638719ydpd58a7d60woj"><span class="ydp82b7d4a3yiv0727402787ydp401c5b02yiv1861638719ydpd58a7d60versenum" style="font-size:12px;line-height:22px;position:relative;vertical-align:top;font-family:Arial;font-weight:bold;">10 </span>The thief comes only to steal and <span class="ydp82b7d4a3yiv0727402787ydp401c5b02yiv1861638719ydpd58a7d60crossreference" style="font-size:0.625em;line-height:22px;position:relative;vertical-align:top;"></span>kill and destroy. I came that they may have life and have it abundantly.</span></span></span></div><div dir="ltr"><span><span style="color:rgb(0, 0, 0);font-family:Helvetica Neue, Verdana, Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif;font-size:16px;">-</span></span></div><div dir="ltr"><span><span style="color:rgb(0, 0, 0);font-family:Helvetica Neue, Verdana, Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif;font-size:16px;">May each of you consider life's shortness and uncertainty and come to the certain salvation by entering through the door of Jesus. Once you walk through that door, by repenting of sin and realizing Jesus' payment for you upon the cross, He will never let you go.</span></span></div><div dir="ltr"><span><span style="color:rgb(0, 0, 0);font-family:Helvetica Neue, Verdana, Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif;font-size:16px;">-</span></span></div><div dir="ltr"><span><span style="color:rgb(0, 0, 0);font-family:Helvetica Neue, Verdana, Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif;font-size:16px;">blessings,</span></span></div><div dir="ltr"><span><span style="color:rgb(0, 0, 0);font-family:Helvetica Neue, Verdana, Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif;font-size:16px;">Rob Smith </span></span></div><div class="ydp82b7d4a3yiv0727402787ydp401c5b02yiv1861638719ydp716c89asignature"><div style="font-family:verdana, helvetica, sans-serif;font-size:16px;"><div><i><font size="2" color="#4c76a2">-------------------------------------------</font></i></div><div><i><font size="2" color="#4c76a2">"Death is inevitable. Life is a choice!"</font></i></div><div><i><font size="2" color="#4c76a2"><br clear="none"></font></i></div><div><font size="2" color="#4c76a2"><i>John 11:25</i></font></div><div><font size="2"><i><font color="#4c76a2">Jesus said to her, <span class="ydp82b7d4a3yiv0727402787ydp401c5b02yiv1861638719ydpf1a30cfawoj"><span class="ydp82b7d4a3yiv0727402787ydp401c5b02yiv1861638719ydpf1a30cfacrossreference" style="line-height:22px;position:relative;vertical-align:top;"></span>"I am the resurrection and <span class="ydp82b7d4a3yiv0727402787ydp401c5b02yiv1861638719ydpf1a30cfacrossreference" style="line-height:22px;position:relative;vertical-align:top;"></span>the life.<span class="ydp82b7d4a3yiv0727402787ydp401c5b02yiv1861638719ydpf1a30cfafootnote" style="line-height:22px;position:relative;vertical-align:top;"></span> Whoever believes in me, <span class="ydp82b7d4a3yiv0727402787ydp401c5b02yiv1861638719ydpf1a30cfacrossreference" style="line-height:22px;position:relative;vertical-align:top;"></span>though he die, <span class="ydp82b7d4a3yiv0727402787ydp401c5b02yiv1861638719ydpf1a30cfacrossreference" style="line-height:22px;position:relative;vertical-align:top;"></span>yet shall he live."</span></font><br clear="none"></i></font></div><div><i><font size="2"><span style="color:rgb(0, 0, 0);"><br clear="none"></span></font></i></div><div><br clear="none"></div></div></div></div></div></div> </div> </div></div></div></div></div> </div> </div>Rob Smithhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15624329131901563998noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8003803541888887678.post-67563351327683218042020-04-05T07:29:00.000-07:002020-04-05T07:31:06.593-07:00Leadership<div class="ydp467a69e5yahoo-style-wrap" style="font-family:verdana, helvetica, sans-serif;font-size:16px;"><span style="color: rgb(38, 40, 42);">Leadership first charts the path</span><br></div><div id="ydp83cc28ffyahoo_quoted_6823959598" class="ydp83cc28ffyahoo_quoted"><div style="font-family:'Helvetica Neue', Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif;font-size:13px;color:#26282a;"><div><div id="ydp83cc28ffyiv6079171395"><div class="ydp83cc28ffyiv6079171395yqt9090232291" id="ydp83cc28ffyiv6079171395yqtfd29651"><div><div class="ydp83cc28ffyiv6079171395ydpafe23e21yahoo_quoted" id="ydp83cc28ffyiv6079171395ydpafe23e21yahoo_quoted_6194600356"><div style="font-family:'Helvetica Neue', Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif;font-size:13px;color:#26282a;"><div><div id="ydp83cc28ffyiv6079171395ydpafe23e21yiv0354396106"><div class="ydp83cc28ffyiv6079171395ydpafe23e21yiv0354396106ydpf7c391f1yahoo-style-wrap" style="font-family:verdana, helvetica, sans-serif;font-size:16px;"><div dir="ltr">then walks to set the pace.</div><div dir="ltr">-</div><div dir="ltr">It demonstrates the attitudes</div><div dir="ltr">and shows the way of grace.</div><div dir="ltr">-</div><div dir="ltr">It places others always first,</div><div dir="ltr">makes sure their needs are covered.</div><div dir="ltr">-</div><div dir="ltr">It wants God's will for all to know,</div><div dir="ltr">teaching truth to brothers.</div><div dir="ltr">-</div><div dir="ltr">Leaders serve us from beneath,</div><div dir="ltr">Don't push or pull unkindly,</div><div dir="ltr">-</div><div dir="ltr">Their goal for all... the Savior's face</div><div dir="ltr">and Father's love to find them.</div><div dir="ltr">-</div><div dir="ltr">Leaders run, not far ahead,</div><div dir="ltr">but so their flock can see</div><div dir="ltr">The course of life, though long and rough</div><div dir="ltr">Together we complete.</div><div dir="ltr">-</div><div dir="ltr">Leaders first must followers be,</div><div dir="ltr">of Christ and His true way;</div><div dir="ltr">-</div><div dir="ltr">His Holy leadership the goal,</div><div dir="ltr">our compass for each day.</div><div dir="ltr">-</div><div dir="ltr">Matthew 20:<span><span class="ydp83cc28ffyiv6079171395ydpafe23e21yiv0354396106ydp3f867265versenum" style="font-size:12px;line-height:22px;position:relative;vertical-align:top;font-family:Arial;font-weight:bold;color:rgb(0, 0, 0);">26 </span><span style="color:rgb(0, 0, 0);font-family:Helvetica Neue, Verdana, Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif;font-size:16px;">"It shall not be so among you. But whoever would be great among you must be your servant"</span></span></div><div dir="ltr"><span><span style="color:rgb(0, 0, 0);font-family:Helvetica Neue, Verdana, Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif;font-size:16px;">-</span></span></div><div dir="ltr"><span><span style="color:rgb(0, 0, 0);font-family:Helvetica Neue, Verdana, Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif;font-size:16px;">-</span></span></div><div dir="ltr"><span><span style="color:rgb(0, 0, 0);font-family:Helvetica Neue, Verdana, Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif;font-size:16px;">blessings,</span></span></div><div dir="ltr"><span><span style="color:rgb(0, 0, 0);font-family:Helvetica Neue, Verdana, Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif;font-size:16px;">Rob Smith</span></span></div><div><br clear="none"></div><div class="ydp83cc28ffyiv6079171395ydpafe23e21yiv0354396106ydpf7c391f1signature"><div style="font-family:verdana, helvetica, sans-serif;font-size:16px;"><div><i><font size="2" color="#4c76a2">-------------------------------------------</font></i></div><div><i><font size="2" color="#4c76a2">"Death is inevitable. Life is a choice!"</font></i></div><div><i><font size="2" color="#4c76a2"><br clear="none"></font></i></div><div><font size="2" color="#4c76a2"><i>John 11:25</i></font></div><div><font size="2"><i><font color="#4c76a2">Jesus said to her, <span class="ydp83cc28ffyiv6079171395ydpafe23e21yiv0354396106ydpf1a30cfawoj"><span class="ydp83cc28ffyiv6079171395ydpafe23e21yiv0354396106ydpf1a30cfacrossreference" style="line-height:22px;position:relative;vertical-align:top;"></span>"I am the resurrection and <span class="ydp83cc28ffyiv6079171395ydpafe23e21yiv0354396106ydpf1a30cfacrossreference" style="line-height:22px;position:relative;vertical-align:top;"></span>the life.<span class="ydp83cc28ffyiv6079171395ydpafe23e21yiv0354396106ydpf1a30cfafootnote" style="line-height:22px;position:relative;vertical-align:top;"></span> Whoever believes in me, <span class="ydp83cc28ffyiv6079171395ydpafe23e21yiv0354396106ydpf1a30cfacrossreference" style="line-height:22px;position:relative;vertical-align:top;"></span>though he die, <span class="ydp83cc28ffyiv6079171395ydpafe23e21yiv0354396106ydpf1a30cfacrossreference" style="line-height:22px;position:relative;vertical-align:top;"></span>yet shall he live."</span></font><br clear="none"></i></font></div><div><i><font size="2"><span style="color:rgb(0, 0, 0);"><br clear="none"></span></font></i></div><div><br clear="none"></div></div></div></div></div></div> </div> </div></div></div></div></div> </div> </div>Rob Smithhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15624329131901563998noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8003803541888887678.post-83906035520158161322020-04-04T05:51:00.000-07:002020-04-04T05:41:45.634-07:00Contact
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<br>Rob SmithRob Smithhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15624329131901563998noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8003803541888887678.post-54699076358292266432020-04-04T05:26:00.000-07:002020-04-04T05:28:22.482-07:00His love fulfilled<div class="ydpb91e8f34yahoo-style-wrap" style="font-family:verdana, helvetica, sans-serif;font-size:16px;"><i style="color: rgb(38, 40, 42);">1 John 4:<span class="ydp6fc0c9f2yiv4864075267ydp721ca786yiv4798387335ydp53a46b4bversenum" style="font-size:12px;line-height:22px;position:relative;vertical-align:top;font-family:Arial;font-weight:bold;color:rgb(0, 0, 0);">7 </span><span style="color:rgb(0, 0, 0);font-family:Helvetica Neue, Verdana, Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif;">"Beloved, </span><span class="ydp6fc0c9f2yiv4864075267ydp721ca786yiv4798387335ydp53a46b4bcrossreference" style="font-size:0.625em;line-height:22px;position:relative;vertical-align:top;color:rgb(0, 0, 0);font-family:Helvetica Neue, Verdana, Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif;"></span><span style="color:rgb(0, 0, 0);font-family:Helvetica Neue, Verdana, Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif;">let us love one another, for love is from God, and </span><span class="ydp6fc0c9f2yiv4864075267ydp721ca786yiv4798387335ydp53a46b4bcrossreference" style="font-size:0.625em;line-height:22px;position:relative;vertical-align:top;color:rgb(0, 0, 0);font-family:Helvetica Neue, Verdana, Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif;"></span><span style="color:rgb(0, 0, 0);font-family:Helvetica Neue, Verdana, Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif;">whoever loves has been born of God and knows God."</span></i><br></div><div id="ydp6fc0c9f2yahoo_quoted_6183353752" class="ydp6fc0c9f2yahoo_quoted"><div style="font-family:'Helvetica Neue', Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif;font-size:13px;color:#26282a;"><div><div id="ydp6fc0c9f2yiv4864075267"><div class="ydp6fc0c9f2yiv4864075267yqt2045158141" id="ydp6fc0c9f2yiv4864075267yqtfd33803"><div><div class="ydp6fc0c9f2yiv4864075267ydp721ca786yahoo_quoted" id="ydp6fc0c9f2yiv4864075267ydp721ca786yahoo_quoted_6220607517"><div style="font-family:'Helvetica Neue', Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif;font-size:13px;color:#26282a;"><div><div id="ydp6fc0c9f2yiv4864075267ydp721ca786yiv4798387335"><div class="ydp6fc0c9f2yiv4864075267ydp721ca786yiv4798387335ydpb1e20471yahoo-style-wrap" style="font-family:verdana, helvetica, sans-serif;font-size:16px;"><div dir="ltr"><span><span style="color:rgb(0, 0, 0);font-family:Helvetica Neue, Verdana, Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif;font-size:16px;"><i>1 John 4: <span><span class="ydp6fc0c9f2yiv4864075267ydp721ca786yiv4798387335ydp6b25e085versenum" style="font-size:12px;line-height:22px;position:relative;vertical-align:top;font-family:Arial;font-weight:bold;color:rgb(0, 0, 0);">16 </span><span style="color:rgb(0, 0, 0);font-family:Helvetica Neue, Verdana, Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif;font-size:16px;">So </span><span class="ydp6fc0c9f2yiv4864075267ydp721ca786yiv4798387335ydp6b25e085crossreference" style="font-size:0.625em;line-height:22px;position:relative;vertical-align:top;color:rgb(0, 0, 0);font-family:Helvetica Neue, Verdana, Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif;"></span><span style="color:rgb(0, 0, 0);font-family:Helvetica Neue, Verdana, Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif;font-size:16px;">we have come to know and to believe the love that God has for us. </span><span class="ydp6fc0c9f2yiv4864075267ydp721ca786yiv4798387335ydp6b25e085crossreference" style="font-size:0.625em;line-height:22px;position:relative;vertical-align:top;color:rgb(0, 0, 0);font-family:Helvetica Neue, Verdana, Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif;"></span><span style="color:rgb(0, 0, 0);font-family:Helvetica Neue, Verdana, Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif;font-size:16px;">God is love, and </span><span class="ydp6fc0c9f2yiv4864075267ydp721ca786yiv4798387335ydp6b25e085crossreference" style="font-size:0.625em;line-height:22px;position:relative;vertical-align:top;color:rgb(0, 0, 0);font-family:Helvetica Neue, Verdana, Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif;"></span><span style="color:rgb(0, 0, 0);font-family:Helvetica Neue, Verdana, Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif;font-size:16px;">whoever abides in love abides in God, and God abides in him.</span></span></i></span></span></div><div dir="ltr"><span><span style="color:rgb(0, 0, 0);font-family:Helvetica Neue, Verdana, Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif;font-size:16px;"><span><span style="color:rgb(0, 0, 0);font-family:Helvetica Neue, Verdana, Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif;font-size:16px;">-</span></span></span></span></div><div dir="ltr"><span><span style="color:rgb(0, 0, 0);font-family:Helvetica Neue, Verdana, Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif;font-size:16px;"><span><span style="color:rgb(0, 0, 0);font-family:Helvetica Neue, Verdana, Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif;font-size:16px;">Relentless love won't be denied,</span></span></span></span></div><div dir="ltr"><span><span style="color:rgb(0, 0, 0);font-family:Helvetica Neue, Verdana, Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif;font-size:16px;"><span><span style="color:rgb(0, 0, 0);font-family:Helvetica Neue, Verdana, Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif;font-size:16px;">As generations pass.</span></span></span></span></div><div dir="ltr"><span><span style="color:rgb(0, 0, 0);font-family:Helvetica Neue, Verdana, Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif;font-size:16px;"><span><span style="color:rgb(0, 0, 0);font-family:Helvetica Neue, Verdana, Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif;font-size:16px;">-</span></span></span></span></div><div dir="ltr"><span><span style="color:rgb(0, 0, 0);font-family:Helvetica Neue, Verdana, Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif;font-size:16px;"><span><span style="color:rgb(0, 0, 0);font-family:Helvetica Neue, Verdana, Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif;font-size:16px;">Though fearsome enemies have tried</span></span></span></span></div><div dir="ltr"><span><span style="color:rgb(0, 0, 0);font-family:Helvetica Neue, Verdana, Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif;font-size:16px;"><span><span style="color:rgb(0, 0, 0);font-family:Helvetica Neue, Verdana, Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif;font-size:16px;">His plans for good will last.</span></span></span></span></div><div dir="ltr"><span><span style="color:rgb(0, 0, 0);font-family:Helvetica Neue, Verdana, Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif;font-size:16px;"><span><span style="color:rgb(0, 0, 0);font-family:Helvetica Neue, Verdana, Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif;font-size:16px;">-</span></span></span></span></div><div dir="ltr"><span><span style="color:rgb(0, 0, 0);font-family:Helvetica Neue, Verdana, Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif;font-size:16px;"><span><span style="color:rgb(0, 0, 0);font-family:Helvetica Neue, Verdana, Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif;font-size:16px;">Creator of what senses know,</span></span></span></span></div><div dir="ltr"><span><span style="color:rgb(0, 0, 0);font-family:Helvetica Neue, Verdana, Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif;font-size:16px;"><span><span style="color:rgb(0, 0, 0);font-family:Helvetica Neue, Verdana, Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif;font-size:16px;">We can't imagine how</span></span></span></span></div><div dir="ltr"><span><span style="color:rgb(0, 0, 0);font-family:Helvetica Neue, Verdana, Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif;font-size:16px;"><span><span style="color:rgb(0, 0, 0);font-family:Helvetica Neue, Verdana, Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif;font-size:16px;">the wonders from His majesty</span></span></span></span></div><div dir="ltr"><span><span style="color:rgb(0, 0, 0);font-family:Helvetica Neue, Verdana, Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif;font-size:16px;"><span><span style="color:rgb(0, 0, 0);font-family:Helvetica Neue, Verdana, Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif;font-size:16px;">Include our Heavenly home.</span></span></span></span></div><div dir="ltr"><span><span style="color:rgb(0, 0, 0);font-family:Helvetica Neue, Verdana, Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif;font-size:16px;"><span><span style="color:rgb(0, 0, 0);font-family:Helvetica Neue, Verdana, Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif;font-size:16px;">-</span></span></span></span></div><div dir="ltr"><span><span style="color:rgb(0, 0, 0);font-family:Helvetica Neue, Verdana, Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif;font-size:16px;"><span><span style="color:rgb(0, 0, 0);font-family:Helvetica Neue, Verdana, Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif;font-size:16px;">What more could He,</span></span></span></span></div><div dir="ltr"><span><span style="color:rgb(0, 0, 0);font-family:Helvetica Neue, Verdana, Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif;font-size:16px;"><span><span style="color:rgb(0, 0, 0);font-family:Helvetica Neue, Verdana, Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif;font-size:16px;">His love to show</span></span></span></span></div><div dir="ltr"><span><span style="color:rgb(0, 0, 0);font-family:Helvetica Neue, Verdana, Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif;font-size:16px;"><span><span style="color:rgb(0, 0, 0);font-family:Helvetica Neue, Verdana, Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif;font-size:16px;">Than give His only son...</span></span></span></span></div><div dir="ltr"><span><span style="color:rgb(0, 0, 0);font-family:Helvetica Neue, Verdana, Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif;font-size:16px;"><span><span style="color:rgb(0, 0, 0);font-family:Helvetica Neue, Verdana, Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif;font-size:16px;">To rescue fallen images</span></span></span></span></div><div dir="ltr"><span><span style="color:rgb(0, 0, 0);font-family:Helvetica Neue, Verdana, Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif;font-size:16px;"><span><span style="color:rgb(0, 0, 0);font-family:Helvetica Neue, Verdana, Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif;font-size:16px;">Fashioned from the dust.</span></span></span></span></div><div dir="ltr"><span><span style="color:rgb(0, 0, 0);font-family:Helvetica Neue, Verdana, Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif;font-size:16px;"><span><span style="color:rgb(0, 0, 0);font-family:Helvetica Neue, Verdana, Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif;font-size:16px;">-</span></span></span></span></div><div dir="ltr"><span style="font-family:Helvetica Neue, Verdana, Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif;">His foe would work to separate</span></div><div dir="ltr"><span style="font-family:Helvetica Neue, Verdana, Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif;">the Master from His clay..</span></div><div dir="ltr"><span style="font-family:Helvetica Neue, Verdana, Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif;">Delusions of where life begins</span></div><div dir="ltr"><span style="font-family:Helvetica Neue, Verdana, Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif;">the snake whispers each day.</span></div><div dir="ltr"><span style="font-family:Helvetica Neue, Verdana, Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif;">-</span></div><div dir="ltr"><span style="font-family:Helvetica Neue, Verdana, Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif;">Corruption seems to triumph</span></div><div dir="ltr"><span style="font-family:Helvetica Neue, Verdana, Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif;">and evil rule the times,</span></div><div dir="ltr"><span style="font-family:Helvetica Neue, Verdana, Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif;">But know that God is with us</span></div><div dir="ltr"><span style="font-family:Helvetica Neue, Verdana, Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif;">and for us...He abides!</span></div><div dir="ltr"><span style="font-family:Helvetica Neue, Verdana, Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif;">-</span></div><div dir="ltr"><span style="font-family:Helvetica Neue, Verdana, Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif;">His victory is ultimate</span></div><div dir="ltr"><span style="font-family:Helvetica Neue, Verdana, Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif;">And we the trophies held</span></div><div dir="ltr"><span style="font-family:Helvetica Neue, Verdana, Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif;">In His strong hand protected</span></div><div dir="ltr"><span style="font-family:Helvetica Neue, Verdana, Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif;">The Harvest of love sealed.</span></div><div dir="ltr"><span style="font-family:Helvetica Neue, Verdana, Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif;">-</span></div><div dir="ltr"><span style="font-family:Helvetica Neue, Verdana, Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif;">-</span></div><div dir="ltr"><span style="font-family:Helvetica Neue, Verdana, Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif;">dedicated to the One who pursues us relentlessly!</span></div><div dir="ltr"><span style="font-family:Helvetica Neue, Verdana, Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif;">-</span></div><div dir="ltr"><span style="font-family:Helvetica Neue, Verdana, Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif;">Rob Smith </span><br clear="none"></div><div dir="ltr"><span><span style="color:rgb(0, 0, 0);font-family:Helvetica Neue, Verdana, Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif;font-size:16px;"><span><span style="color:rgb(0, 0, 0);font-family:Helvetica Neue, Verdana, Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif;font-size:16px;"><br clear="none"></span></span></span></span></div><div><br clear="none"></div><div class="ydp6fc0c9f2yiv4864075267ydp721ca786yiv4798387335ydpb1e20471signature"><div style="font-family:verdana, helvetica, sans-serif;font-size:16px;"><div><i><font size="2" color="#4c76a2">-------------------------------------------</font></i></div><div><i><font size="2" color="#4c76a2">"Death is inevitable. Life is a choice!"</font></i></div><div><i><font size="2" color="#4c76a2"><br clear="none"></font></i></div><div><font size="2" color="#4c76a2"><i>John 11:25</i></font></div><div><font size="2"><i><font color="#4c76a2">Jesus said to her, <span class="ydp6fc0c9f2yiv4864075267ydp721ca786yiv4798387335ydpf1a30cfawoj"><span class="ydp6fc0c9f2yiv4864075267ydp721ca786yiv4798387335ydpf1a30cfacrossreference" style="line-height:22px;position:relative;vertical-align:top;"></span>"I am the resurrection and <span class="ydp6fc0c9f2yiv4864075267ydp721ca786yiv4798387335ydpf1a30cfacrossreference" style="line-height:22px;position:relative;vertical-align:top;"></span>the life.<span class="ydp6fc0c9f2yiv4864075267ydp721ca786yiv4798387335ydpf1a30cfafootnote" style="line-height:22px;position:relative;vertical-align:top;"></span> Whoever believes in me, <span class="ydp6fc0c9f2yiv4864075267ydp721ca786yiv4798387335ydpf1a30cfacrossreference" style="line-height:22px;position:relative;vertical-align:top;"></span>though he die, <span class="ydp6fc0c9f2yiv4864075267ydp721ca786yiv4798387335ydpf1a30cfacrossreference" style="line-height:22px;position:relative;vertical-align:top;"></span>yet shall he live."</span></font><br clear="none"></i></font></div><div><i><font size="2"><span style="color:rgb(0, 0, 0);"><br clear="none"></span></font></i></div><div><br clear="none"></div></div></div></div></div></div> </div> </div></div></div></div></div> </div> </div>Rob Smithhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15624329131901563998noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8003803541888887678.post-81764256105525869522020-04-03T05:49:00.000-07:002020-04-03T05:51:50.265-07:00When something small becomes very big<div class="ydp90f776fcyahoo-style-wrap" style="font-family:verdana, helvetica, sans-serif;font-size:16px;"><span style="color: rgb(38, 40, 42);">Life is held in delicate balance. We know this because a virus that is about a billionth of one inch in size has stopped the world in its tracks. How humbling it is that all of our medical muscle is tested to the max. to do battle with this tiny foe. And everyone is potentially vulnerable to infection. We are humbled to see how little control man actually has over his world. And we are reminded that we are biological creatures, whose life is dependent on the vital function of complex systems that must work properly and that can be severely disrupted by something so tiny. And sometimes this enemy is successful in killing us!</span><br></div><div id="ydp6c93e50eyahoo_quoted_6399776133" class="ydp6c93e50eyahoo_quoted"><div style="font-family:'Helvetica Neue', Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif;font-size:13px;color:#26282a;"><div><div id="ydp6c93e50eyiv1261464079"><div class="ydp6c93e50eyiv1261464079yqt9718425111" id="ydp6c93e50eyiv1261464079yqtfd67208"><div><div class="ydp6c93e50eyiv1261464079ydp1af015b4yahoo_quoted" id="ydp6c93e50eyiv1261464079ydp1af015b4yahoo_quoted_6290927045"><div style="font-family:'Helvetica Neue', Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif;font-size:13px;color:#26282a;"><div><div id="ydp6c93e50eyiv1261464079ydp1af015b4yiv8026446986"><div class="ydp6c93e50eyiv1261464079ydp1af015b4yiv8026446986ydp99febe18yahoo-style-wrap" style="font-family:verdana, helvetica, sans-serif;font-size:16px;"><div dir="ltr">-</div><div dir="ltr">Perhaps, with all that is bad and sad and evil about this virus...there are some lessons we can learn to give our lives perspective. If we can be humbled by a virus then we should not be presumptuous about our lives. If we have such difficulty mastering such a tiny enemy, we should not presume to think we fully understand or manage life, itself. And if this crisis shows our lack of absolute control, what does it teach us about our need for absolute cooperation?</div><div dir="ltr">-</div><div dir="ltr">We must cooperate in safe distancing, submit to the problems of a frozen economy, work together in research, in medical care, in practical helps and staying in touch with each other. The human barriers of governments, nations, corporations, political parties, ideologies...must yield to a great common need to survive.</div><div dir="ltr">-</div><div dir="ltr">This thing called life seems reduced to its essence and that essence is fragile.</div><div dir="ltr">-</div><div dir="ltr">So then, where do we go to understand the essence of life?</div><div dir="ltr">-</div><div dir="ltr">Here's a strong clue:</div><div dir="ltr">John 1:<span><span class="ydp6c93e50eyiv1261464079ydp1af015b4yiv8026446986ydp76ae6f25text ydp6c93e50eyiv1261464079ydp1af015b4yiv8026446986ydp76ae6f25John-1-3" id="ydp6c93e50eyiv1261464079ydp1af015b4yiv8026446986ydp76ae6f25en-ESV-26037" style="color:rgb(0, 0, 0);font-family:Helvetica Neue, Verdana, Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif;font-size:16px;"><span class="ydp6c93e50eyiv1261464079ydp1af015b4yiv8026446986ydp76ae6f25versenum" style="font-size:12px;line-height:22px;position:relative;vertical-align:top;font-family:Arial;font-weight:bold;">3 </span>"All things were made through him, and without him was not any thing made that was made.</span><span style="color:rgb(0, 0, 0);font-family:Helvetica Neue, Verdana, Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif;font-size:16px;"> </span><span class="ydp6c93e50eyiv1261464079ydp1af015b4yiv8026446986ydp76ae6f25text ydp6c93e50eyiv1261464079ydp1af015b4yiv8026446986ydp76ae6f25John-1-4" id="ydp6c93e50eyiv1261464079ydp1af015b4yiv8026446986ydp76ae6f25en-ESV-26038" style="color:rgb(0, 0, 0);font-family:Helvetica Neue, Verdana, Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif;font-size:16px;"><span class="ydp6c93e50eyiv1261464079ydp1af015b4yiv8026446986ydp76ae6f25versenum" style="font-size:12px;line-height:22px;position:relative;vertical-align:top;font-family:Arial;font-weight:bold;">4 </span><span class="ydp6c93e50eyiv1261464079ydp1af015b4yiv8026446986ydp76ae6f25crossreference" style="font-size:0.625em;line-height:22px;position:relative;vertical-align:top;"></span>In him was life,<span class="ydp6c93e50eyiv1261464079ydp1af015b4yiv8026446986ydp76ae6f25footnote" style="font-size:0.625em;line-height:22px;position:relative;vertical-align:top;"></span> and <span class="ydp6c93e50eyiv1261464079ydp1af015b4yiv8026446986ydp76ae6f25crossreference" style="font-size:0.625em;line-height:22px;position:relative;vertical-align:top;"></span>the life was the light of men."</span></span></div><div dir="ltr"><span><span class="ydp6c93e50eyiv1261464079ydp1af015b4yiv8026446986ydp76ae6f25text ydp6c93e50eyiv1261464079ydp1af015b4yiv8026446986ydp76ae6f25John-1-4" style="color:rgb(0, 0, 0);font-family:Helvetica Neue, Verdana, Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif;font-size:16px;">-</span></span></div><div dir="ltr"><span><span class="ydp6c93e50eyiv1261464079ydp1af015b4yiv8026446986ydp76ae6f25text ydp6c93e50eyiv1261464079ydp1af015b4yiv8026446986ydp76ae6f25John-1-4" style="color:rgb(0, 0, 0);font-family:Helvetica Neue, Verdana, Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif;font-size:16px;">Here is something else that starts small and grows to have a huge impact:</span></span></div><div dir="ltr"><span><span class="ydp6c93e50eyiv1261464079ydp1af015b4yiv8026446986ydp76ae6f25text ydp6c93e50eyiv1261464079ydp1af015b4yiv8026446986ydp76ae6f25John-1-4" style="color:rgb(0, 0, 0);font-family:Helvetica Neue, Verdana, Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif;font-size:16px;">Matthew 13:<span><span class="ydp6c93e50eyiv1261464079ydp1af015b4yiv8026446986ydpd675f270text ydp6c93e50eyiv1261464079ydp1af015b4yiv8026446986ydpd675f270Matt-13-31" style="color:rgb(0, 0, 0);font-family:Helvetica Neue, Verdana, Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif;font-size:16px;"><span class="ydp6c93e50eyiv1261464079ydp1af015b4yiv8026446986ydpd675f270versenum" style="font-size:12px;line-height:22px;position:relative;vertical-align:top;font-family:Arial;font-weight:bold;">31 </span>"He put another parable before them, saying, <span class="ydp6c93e50eyiv1261464079ydp1af015b4yiv8026446986ydpd675f270woj"><span class="ydp6c93e50eyiv1261464079ydp1af015b4yiv8026446986ydpd675f270crossreference" style="font-size:0.625em;line-height:22px;position:relative;vertical-align:top;"></span>"The kingdom of heaven is like <span class="ydp6c93e50eyiv1261464079ydp1af015b4yiv8026446986ydpd675f270crossreference" style="font-size:0.625em;line-height:22px;position:relative;vertical-align:top;"></span>a grain of mustard seed that a man took and sowed in his field.</span></span><span style="color:rgb(0, 0, 0);font-family:Helvetica Neue, Verdana, Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif;font-size:16px;"> </span><span class="ydp6c93e50eyiv1261464079ydp1af015b4yiv8026446986ydpd675f270text ydp6c93e50eyiv1261464079ydp1af015b4yiv8026446986ydpd675f270Matt-13-32" id="ydp6c93e50eyiv1261464079ydp1af015b4yiv8026446986ydpd675f270en-ESV-23571" style="color:rgb(0, 0, 0);font-family:Helvetica Neue, Verdana, Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif;font-size:16px;"><span class="ydp6c93e50eyiv1261464079ydp1af015b4yiv8026446986ydpd675f270woj"><span class="ydp6c93e50eyiv1261464079ydp1af015b4yiv8026446986ydpd675f270versenum" style="font-size:12px;line-height:22px;position:relative;vertical-align:top;font-family:Arial;font-weight:bold;">32 </span>It is the smallest of all seeds, but when it has grown it is larger than all the garden plants and becomes a tree, so that the birds of the air come and make nests in its branches."</span></span></span></span></span></div><div dir="ltr"><span><span class="ydp6c93e50eyiv1261464079ydp1af015b4yiv8026446986ydp76ae6f25text ydp6c93e50eyiv1261464079ydp1af015b4yiv8026446986ydp76ae6f25John-1-4" style="color:rgb(0, 0, 0);font-family:Helvetica Neue, Verdana, Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif;font-size:16px;">-</span></span></div><div dir="ltr"><span><span class="ydp6c93e50eyiv1261464079ydp1af015b4yiv8026446986ydp76ae6f25text ydp6c93e50eyiv1261464079ydp1af015b4yiv8026446986ydp76ae6f25John-1-4" style="color:rgb(0, 0, 0);font-family:Helvetica Neue, Verdana, Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif;font-size:16px;">blessings,</span></span></div><div dir="ltr"><span><span class="ydp6c93e50eyiv1261464079ydp1af015b4yiv8026446986ydp76ae6f25text ydp6c93e50eyiv1261464079ydp1af015b4yiv8026446986ydp76ae6f25John-1-4" style="color:rgb(0, 0, 0);font-family:Helvetica Neue, Verdana, Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif;font-size:16px;">Rob Smith<br clear="none"></span></span></div><div><br clear="none"></div><div class="ydp6c93e50eyiv1261464079ydp1af015b4yiv8026446986ydp99febe18signature"><div style="font-family:verdana, helvetica, sans-serif;font-size:16px;"><div><i><font size="2" color="#4c76a2">-------------------------------------------</font></i></div><div><i><font size="2" color="#4c76a2">"Death is inevitable. Life is a choice!"</font></i></div><div><i><font size="2" color="#4c76a2"><br clear="none"></font></i></div><div><font size="2" color="#4c76a2"><i>John 11:25</i></font></div><div><font size="2"><i><font color="#4c76a2">Jesus said to her, <span class="ydp6c93e50eyiv1261464079ydp1af015b4yiv8026446986ydpf1a30cfawoj"><span class="ydp6c93e50eyiv1261464079ydp1af015b4yiv8026446986ydpf1a30cfacrossreference" style="line-height:22px;position:relative;vertical-align:top;"></span>"I am the resurrection and <span class="ydp6c93e50eyiv1261464079ydp1af015b4yiv8026446986ydpf1a30cfacrossreference" style="line-height:22px;position:relative;vertical-align:top;"></span>the life.<span class="ydp6c93e50eyiv1261464079ydp1af015b4yiv8026446986ydpf1a30cfafootnote" style="line-height:22px;position:relative;vertical-align:top;"></span> Whoever believes in me, <span class="ydp6c93e50eyiv1261464079ydp1af015b4yiv8026446986ydpf1a30cfacrossreference" style="line-height:22px;position:relative;vertical-align:top;"></span>though he die, <span class="ydp6c93e50eyiv1261464079ydp1af015b4yiv8026446986ydpf1a30cfacrossreference" style="line-height:22px;position:relative;vertical-align:top;"></span>yet shall he live."</span></font><br clear="none"></i></font></div><div><i><font size="2"><span style="color:rgb(0, 0, 0);"><br clear="none"></span></font></i></div><div><br clear="none"></div></div></div></div></div></div> </div> </div></div></div></div></div> </div> </div>Rob Smithhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15624329131901563998noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8003803541888887678.post-72937004077805927852020-04-02T05:09:00.000-07:002020-04-02T05:11:08.815-07:00flow chart for faith<div class="ydp6d6e7a7fyahoo-style-wrap" style="font-family:verdana, helvetica, sans-serif;font-size:16px;"><span style="color: rgb(38, 40, 42);">Romans 10:</span><span style="color: rgb(38, 40, 42);"><span class="ydp6afbe750yiv2260129481ydpe73ecc62yiv5740691284ydp800d8a82text ydp6afbe750yiv2260129481ydpe73ecc62yiv5740691284ydp800d8a82Rom-10-14" id="ydp6afbe750yiv2260129481ydpe73ecc62yiv5740691284ydp800d8a82en-ESV-28187" style="color:rgb(0, 0, 0);font-family:Helvetica Neue, Verdana, Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif;"><span class="ydp6afbe750yiv2260129481ydpe73ecc62yiv5740691284ydp800d8a82versenum" style="font-size:12px;line-height:22px;position:relative;vertical-align:top;font-family:Arial;font-weight:bold;">14 </span>How then will they call on him in whom they have not believed? And how are they to believe in him <span class="ydp6afbe750yiv2260129481ydpe73ecc62yiv5740691284ydp800d8a82crossreference" style="font-size:0.625em;line-height:22px;position:relative;vertical-align:top;"></span>of whom they have never heard?<span class="ydp6afbe750yiv2260129481ydpe73ecc62yiv5740691284ydp800d8a82footnote" style="font-size:0.625em;line-height:22px;position:relative;vertical-align:top;"></span> And how are they to hear <span class="ydp6afbe750yiv2260129481ydpe73ecc62yiv5740691284ydp800d8a82crossreference" style="font-size:0.625em;line-height:22px;position:relative;vertical-align:top;"></span>without someone preaching?</span><span style="color:rgb(0, 0, 0);font-family:Helvetica Neue, Verdana, Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif;"> </span><span class="ydp6afbe750yiv2260129481ydpe73ecc62yiv5740691284ydp800d8a82text ydp6afbe750yiv2260129481ydpe73ecc62yiv5740691284ydp800d8a82Rom-10-15" id="ydp6afbe750yiv2260129481ydpe73ecc62yiv5740691284ydp800d8a82en-ESV-28188" style="color:rgb(0, 0, 0);font-family:Helvetica Neue, Verdana, Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif;"><span class="ydp6afbe750yiv2260129481ydpe73ecc62yiv5740691284ydp800d8a82versenum" style="font-size:12px;line-height:22px;position:relative;vertical-align:top;font-family:Arial;font-weight:bold;">15 </span>And how are they to preach unless they are sent? As it is written, <span class="ydp6afbe750yiv2260129481ydpe73ecc62yiv5740691284ydp800d8a82crossreference" style="font-size:0.625em;line-height:22px;position:relative;vertical-align:top;"></span>"How beautiful are the feet of those who preach the good news!"</span></span><br></div><div id="ydp6afbe750yahoo_quoted_6515391012" class="ydp6afbe750yahoo_quoted"><div style="font-family:'Helvetica Neue', Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif;font-size:13px;color:#26282a;"><div><div id="ydp6afbe750yiv2260129481"><div class="ydp6afbe750yiv2260129481yqt9430424810" id="ydp6afbe750yiv2260129481yqtfd63560"><div><div class="ydp6afbe750yiv2260129481ydpe73ecc62yahoo_quoted" id="ydp6afbe750yiv2260129481ydpe73ecc62yahoo_quoted_6547219954"><div style="font-family:'Helvetica Neue', Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif;font-size:13px;color:#26282a;"><div><div id="ydp6afbe750yiv2260129481ydpe73ecc62yiv5740691284"><div class="ydp6afbe750yiv2260129481ydpe73ecc62yiv5740691284ydpf4b0afc8yahoo-style-wrap" style="font-family:verdana, helvetica, sans-serif;font-size:16px;"><div dir="ltr"><span><span class="ydp6afbe750yiv2260129481ydpe73ecc62yiv5740691284ydp800d8a82text ydp6afbe750yiv2260129481ydpe73ecc62yiv5740691284ydp800d8a82Rom-10-15" style="color:rgb(0, 0, 0);font-family:Helvetica Neue, Verdana, Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif;font-size:16px;">-</span></span></div><div dir="ltr"><span><span class="ydp6afbe750yiv2260129481ydpe73ecc62yiv5740691284ydp800d8a82text ydp6afbe750yiv2260129481ydpe73ecc62yiv5740691284ydp800d8a82Rom-10-15" style="color:rgb(0, 0, 0);font-family:Helvetica Neue, Verdana, Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif;font-size:16px;">This passage seems to show the flow chart for faith in reverse. We'll break it down:</span></span></div><div dir="ltr"><span><span class="ydp6afbe750yiv2260129481ydpe73ecc62yiv5740691284ydp800d8a82text ydp6afbe750yiv2260129481ydpe73ecc62yiv5740691284ydp800d8a82Rom-10-15" style="color:rgb(0, 0, 0);font-family:Helvetica Neue, Verdana, Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif;font-size:16px;">Gospel messengers sent out ("How beautiful are the feet...")<br clear="none">Gospel proclaimed ("someone preaching")</span></span></div><div dir="ltr"><span><span class="ydp6afbe750yiv2260129481ydpe73ecc62yiv5740691284ydp800d8a82text ydp6afbe750yiv2260129481ydpe73ecc62yiv5740691284ydp800d8a82Rom-10-15" style="color:rgb(0, 0, 0);font-family:Helvetica Neue, Verdana, Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif;font-size:16px;">Gospel heard ("how are they to hear")</span></span></div><div dir="ltr"><span><span class="ydp6afbe750yiv2260129481ydpe73ecc62yiv5740691284ydp800d8a82text ydp6afbe750yiv2260129481ydpe73ecc62yiv5740691284ydp800d8a82Rom-10-15" style="color:rgb(0, 0, 0);font-family:Helvetica Neue, Verdana, Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif;font-size:16px;">Gospel believed ("how are they to believe")</span></span></div><div dir="ltr"><span><span class="ydp6afbe750yiv2260129481ydpe73ecc62yiv5740691284ydp800d8a82text ydp6afbe750yiv2260129481ydpe73ecc62yiv5740691284ydp800d8a82Rom-10-15" style="color:rgb(0, 0, 0);font-family:Helvetica Neue, Verdana, Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif;font-size:16px;">Call on God ("how will they call on him")</span></span></div><div dir="ltr"><span><span class="ydp6afbe750yiv2260129481ydpe73ecc62yiv5740691284ydp800d8a82text ydp6afbe750yiv2260129481ydpe73ecc62yiv5740691284ydp800d8a82Rom-10-15" style="color:rgb(0, 0, 0);font-family:Helvetica Neue, Verdana, Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif;font-size:16px;">-</span></span></div><div dir="ltr"><span><span class="ydp6afbe750yiv2260129481ydpe73ecc62yiv5740691284ydp800d8a82text ydp6afbe750yiv2260129481ydpe73ecc62yiv5740691284ydp800d8a82Rom-10-15" style="color:rgb(0, 0, 0);font-family:Helvetica Neue, Verdana, Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif;font-size:16px;">It seems we all have a role to play. Some are in the sending church. Some are the ones sent out. All need to hear the Gospel so that some will respond in faith. Ultimately, as the act of saving belief takes place and new life is conceived, we all rejoice as another is now calling on God in vital relationship.</span></span></div><div dir="ltr"><span><span class="ydp6afbe750yiv2260129481ydpe73ecc62yiv5740691284ydp800d8a82text ydp6afbe750yiv2260129481ydpe73ecc62yiv5740691284ydp800d8a82Rom-10-15" style="color:rgb(0, 0, 0);font-family:Helvetica Neue, Verdana, Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif;font-size:16px;">-</span></span></div><div dir="ltr"><span><span class="ydp6afbe750yiv2260129481ydpe73ecc62yiv5740691284ydp800d8a82text ydp6afbe750yiv2260129481ydpe73ecc62yiv5740691284ydp800d8a82Rom-10-15" style="color:rgb(0, 0, 0);font-family:Helvetica Neue, Verdana, Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif;font-size:16px;">These are challenging times, with social distancing to inhibit the spread of a deadly disease. But nothing can inhibit the spread of God's message of love and salvation as we still send, preach, hear and believe over every means available!</span></span></div><div dir="ltr"><span><span class="ydp6afbe750yiv2260129481ydpe73ecc62yiv5740691284ydp800d8a82text ydp6afbe750yiv2260129481ydpe73ecc62yiv5740691284ydp800d8a82Rom-10-15" style="color:rgb(0, 0, 0);font-family:Helvetica Neue, Verdana, Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif;font-size:16px;">-</span></span></div><div dir="ltr"><span><span class="ydp6afbe750yiv2260129481ydpe73ecc62yiv5740691284ydp800d8a82text ydp6afbe750yiv2260129481ydpe73ecc62yiv5740691284ydp800d8a82Rom-10-15" style="color:rgb(0, 0, 0);font-family:Helvetica Neue, Verdana, Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif;font-size:16px;">blessings,</span></span></div><div dir="ltr"><span><span class="ydp6afbe750yiv2260129481ydpe73ecc62yiv5740691284ydp800d8a82text ydp6afbe750yiv2260129481ydpe73ecc62yiv5740691284ydp800d8a82Rom-10-15" style="color:rgb(0, 0, 0);font-family:Helvetica Neue, Verdana, Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif;font-size:16px;">Rob Smith</span></span></div><div><br clear="none"></div><div class="ydp6afbe750yiv2260129481ydpe73ecc62yiv5740691284ydpf4b0afc8signature"><div style="font-family:verdana, helvetica, sans-serif;font-size:16px;"><div><i><font size="2" color="#4c76a2">-------------------------------------------</font></i></div><div><i><font size="2" color="#4c76a2">"Death is inevitable. Life is a choice!"</font></i></div><div><i><font size="2" color="#4c76a2"><br clear="none"></font></i></div><div><font size="2" color="#4c76a2"><i>John 11:25</i></font></div><div><font size="2"><i><font color="#4c76a2">Jesus said to her, <span class="ydp6afbe750yiv2260129481ydpe73ecc62yiv5740691284ydpf1a30cfawoj"><span class="ydp6afbe750yiv2260129481ydpe73ecc62yiv5740691284ydpf1a30cfacrossreference" style="line-height:22px;position:relative;vertical-align:top;"></span>"I am the resurrection and <span class="ydp6afbe750yiv2260129481ydpe73ecc62yiv5740691284ydpf1a30cfacrossreference" style="line-height:22px;position:relative;vertical-align:top;"></span>the life.<span class="ydp6afbe750yiv2260129481ydpe73ecc62yiv5740691284ydpf1a30cfafootnote" style="line-height:22px;position:relative;vertical-align:top;"></span> Whoever believes in me, <span class="ydp6afbe750yiv2260129481ydpe73ecc62yiv5740691284ydpf1a30cfacrossreference" style="line-height:22px;position:relative;vertical-align:top;"></span>though he die, <span class="ydp6afbe750yiv2260129481ydpe73ecc62yiv5740691284ydpf1a30cfacrossreference" style="line-height:22px;position:relative;vertical-align:top;"></span>yet shall he live."</span></font><br clear="none"></i></font></div><div><i><font size="2"><span style="color:rgb(0, 0, 0);"><br clear="none"></span></font></i></div><div><br clear="none"></div></div></div></div></div></div> </div> </div></div></div></div></div> </div> </div>Rob Smithhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15624329131901563998noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8003803541888887678.post-90102936709151202642020-04-01T05:35:00.000-07:002020-04-01T05:37:49.463-07:00stepping back...<div class="ydpc1226e92yahoo-style-wrap" style="font-family:verdana, helvetica, sans-serif;font-size:16px;"><span style="color: rgb(38, 40, 42);">Romans 8:</span><span style="color: rgb(38, 40, 42);"><span id="ydp9f6fecdayiv2563610233ydp9c5eeea5en-ESV-28120" class="ydp9f6fecdayiv2563610233ydp9c5eeea5text ydp9f6fecdayiv2563610233ydp9c5eeea5Rom-8-19" style="color: rgb(0, 0, 0); font-family: Helvetica Neue, Verdana, Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif;"><span class="ydp9f6fecdayiv2563610233ydp9c5eeea5versenum" style="font-size:12px;line-height:22px;position:relative;vertical-align:top;font-family:Arial;font-weight:bold;">19 </span>For the creation waits with eager longing for <span class="ydp9f6fecdayiv2563610233ydp9c5eeea5crossreference" style="font-size:0.625em;line-height:22px;position:relative;vertical-align:top;"></span>the revealing of the sons of God.</span><span style="color: rgb(0, 0, 0); font-family: Helvetica Neue, Verdana, Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif;"> </span><span id="ydp9f6fecdayiv2563610233ydp9c5eeea5en-ESV-28121" class="ydp9f6fecdayiv2563610233ydp9c5eeea5text ydp9f6fecdayiv2563610233ydp9c5eeea5Rom-8-20" style="color: rgb(0, 0, 0); font-family: Helvetica Neue, Verdana, Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif;"><span class="ydp9f6fecdayiv2563610233ydp9c5eeea5versenum" style="font-size:12px;line-height:22px;position:relative;vertical-align:top;font-family:Arial;font-weight:bold;">20 </span>For the creation <span class="ydp9f6fecdayiv2563610233ydp9c5eeea5crossreference" style="font-size:0.625em;line-height:22px;position:relative;vertical-align:top;"></span>was subjected to futility, not willingly, but <span class="ydp9f6fecdayiv2563610233ydp9c5eeea5crossreference" style="font-size:0.625em;line-height:22px;position:relative;vertical-align:top;"></span>because of him who subjected it, in hope</span><span style="color: rgb(0, 0, 0); font-family: Helvetica Neue, Verdana, Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif;"> </span><span id="ydp9f6fecdayiv2563610233ydp9c5eeea5en-ESV-28122" class="ydp9f6fecdayiv2563610233ydp9c5eeea5text ydp9f6fecdayiv2563610233ydp9c5eeea5Rom-8-21" style="color: rgb(0, 0, 0); font-family: Helvetica Neue, Verdana, Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif;"><span class="ydp9f6fecdayiv2563610233ydp9c5eeea5versenum" style="font-size:12px;line-height:22px;position:relative;vertical-align:top;font-family:Arial;font-weight:bold;">21 </span>that <span class="ydp9f6fecdayiv2563610233ydp9c5eeea5crossreference" style="font-size:0.625em;line-height:22px;position:relative;vertical-align:top;"></span>the creation itself will be set free from its bondage to corruption and obtain the freedom of the glory of the children of God.</span><span style="color: rgb(0, 0, 0); font-family: Helvetica Neue, Verdana, Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif;"> </span><span id="ydp9f6fecdayiv2563610233ydp9c5eeea5en-ESV-28123" class="ydp9f6fecdayiv2563610233ydp9c5eeea5text ydp9f6fecdayiv2563610233ydp9c5eeea5Rom-8-22" style="color: rgb(0, 0, 0); font-family: Helvetica Neue, Verdana, Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif;"><span class="ydp9f6fecdayiv2563610233ydp9c5eeea5versenum" style="font-size:12px;line-height:22px;position:relative;vertical-align:top;font-family:Arial;font-weight:bold;">22 </span>For we know that <span class="ydp9f6fecdayiv2563610233ydp9c5eeea5crossreference" style="font-size:0.625em;line-height:22px;position:relative;vertical-align:top;"></span>the whole creation <span class="ydp9f6fecdayiv2563610233ydp9c5eeea5crossreference" style="font-size:0.625em;line-height:22px;position:relative;vertical-align:top;"></span>has been groaning together in the pains of childbirth until now.</span></span><br></div><div id="ydp9f6fecdayahoo_quoted_6353727814" class="ydp9f6fecdayahoo_quoted"><div style="font-family:'Helvetica Neue', Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif;font-size:13px;color:#26282a;"><div><div id="ydp9f6fecdayiv2563610233"><div class="ydp9f6fecdayiv2563610233ydp8aa7f57byahoo-style-wrap" style="font-family:verdana, helvetica, sans-serif;font-size:16px;"><div dir="ltr"><span><span class="ydp9f6fecdayiv2563610233ydp9c5eeea5text ydp9f6fecdayiv2563610233ydp9c5eeea5Rom-8-22" style="color:rgb(0, 0, 0);font-family:Helvetica Neue, Verdana, Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif;font-size:16px;">-</span></span></div><div dir="ltr"><span><span class="ydp9f6fecdayiv2563610233ydp9c5eeea5text ydp9f6fecdayiv2563610233ydp9c5eeea5Rom-8-22" style="color:rgb(0, 0, 0);font-family:Helvetica Neue, Verdana, Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif;font-size:16px;">From our limited human perspective, the Creation seems to be just about anything and everything (and every place and every living being) that we can think of. If you were to take a picture and start by drawing the Creation...you'd probably just label the picture itself Creation and then start identifying pieces that were created inside the picture. But this passage from Romans, chapter 8 paints a picture of the Creation like a massive project that God has been working on. It's an incomplete project and it has flaws that cause it to be marred a bit. But it is a work in process, as well. The project, at some point, will be completed...set free from this problem of corruption that has caused something that was intended to be perfect from the outset to groan and creak until now.</span></span></div><div dir="ltr"><span><span class="ydp9f6fecdayiv2563610233ydp9c5eeea5text ydp9f6fecdayiv2563610233ydp9c5eeea5Rom-8-22" style="color:rgb(0, 0, 0);font-family:Helvetica Neue, Verdana, Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif;font-size:16px;">-</span></span></div><div dir="ltr"><span><span class="ydp9f6fecdayiv2563610233ydp9c5eeea5text ydp9f6fecdayiv2563610233ydp9c5eeea5Rom-8-22" style="color:rgb(0, 0, 0);font-family:Helvetica Neue, Verdana, Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif;font-size:16px;">There is a bigger picture. This project of Creation has a Creator who, like a master artist or inventor, will not finish working until every aspect of His work is absolutely complete and right.</span></span></div><div dir="ltr"><span><span class="ydp9f6fecdayiv2563610233ydp9c5eeea5text ydp9f6fecdayiv2563610233ydp9c5eeea5Rom-8-22" style="color:rgb(0, 0, 0);font-family:Helvetica Neue, Verdana, Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif;font-size:16px;">-</span></span></div><div dir="ltr"><span><span class="ydp9f6fecdayiv2563610233ydp9c5eeea5text ydp9f6fecdayiv2563610233ydp9c5eeea5Rom-8-22" style="color:rgb(0, 0, 0);font-family:Helvetica Neue, Verdana, Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif;font-size:16px;">And we are in that picture and we are central to its completion and we, ourselves, groan with pains associated with those flaws. And we bow before the Creator and trust in Him to finish the work for Creation, as He has completed it for each one who has received the solution personally...the completing work of salvation through faith in the Son of God!</span></span></div><div dir="ltr"><span><span class="ydp9f6fecdayiv2563610233ydp9c5eeea5text ydp9f6fecdayiv2563610233ydp9c5eeea5Rom-8-22" style="color:rgb(0, 0, 0);font-family:Helvetica Neue, Verdana, Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif;font-size:16px;">-</span></span></div><div dir="ltr"><span><span class="ydp9f6fecdayiv2563610233ydp9c5eeea5text ydp9f6fecdayiv2563610233ydp9c5eeea5Rom-8-22" style="color:rgb(0, 0, 0);font-family:Helvetica Neue, Verdana, Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif;font-size:16px;">blessings,</span></span></div><div dir="ltr"><span><span class="ydp9f6fecdayiv2563610233ydp9c5eeea5text ydp9f6fecdayiv2563610233ydp9c5eeea5Rom-8-22" style="color:rgb(0, 0, 0);font-family:Helvetica Neue, Verdana, Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif;font-size:16px;">Rob Smith</span></span></div><div><br></div><div class="ydp9f6fecdayiv2563610233ydp8aa7f57bsignature"><div style="font-family:verdana, helvetica, sans-serif;font-size:16px;"><div><i><font size="2" color="#4c76a2">-------------------------------------------</font></i></div><div><i><font size="2" color="#4c76a2">"Death is inevitable. Life is a choice!"</font></i></div><div><i><font size="2" color="#4c76a2"><br></font></i></div><div><font size="2" color="#4c76a2"><i>John 11:25</i></font></div><div><font size="2"><i><font color="#4c76a2">Jesus said to her, <span class="ydp9f6fecdayiv2563610233ydpf1a30cfawoj"><span class="ydp9f6fecdayiv2563610233ydpf1a30cfacrossreference" style="line-height:22px;position:relative;vertical-align:top;"></span>"I am the resurrection and <span class="ydp9f6fecdayiv2563610233ydpf1a30cfacrossreference" style="line-height:22px;position:relative;vertical-align:top;"></span>the life.<span class="ydp9f6fecdayiv2563610233ydpf1a30cfafootnote" style="line-height:22px;position:relative;vertical-align:top;"></span> Whoever believes in me, <span class="ydp9f6fecdayiv2563610233ydpf1a30cfacrossreference" style="line-height:22px;position:relative;vertical-align:top;"></span>though he die, <span class="ydp9f6fecdayiv2563610233ydpf1a30cfacrossreference" style="line-height:22px;position:relative;vertical-align:top;"></span>yet shall he live."</span></font><br></i></font></div><div><i><font size="2"><span style="color:rgb(0, 0, 0);"><br></span></font></i></div><div><br></div></div></div></div></div></div> </div> </div>Rob Smithhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15624329131901563998noreply@blogger.com0