tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-69262450506236803802024-02-19T08:48:07.908-05:00Kennesaw UMCLenten DevotionsKennesaw UMChttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05676925618149922240noreply@blogger.comBlogger245125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6926245050623680380.post-32485705336520534262013-03-30T04:00:00.000-04:002013-03-30T04:00:11.222-04:00March 30, 2013<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<span style="color: #38761d; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><b>Romans 5:8</b></span><br />
<span style="color: #38761d; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><b>Those who live according to the flesh have their minds set on what the flesh desires; but those who live in accordance with the Spirit have their minds set on what the Spirit desires.</b></span><br />
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<span style="color: #0b5394; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><b>It is 2,000 or so years ago, and it is Saturday, the Jewish Sabbath. For the disciples, the previous week ran the gamut from great joy to unspeakable sorrow. On Palm Sunday, Jesus was greeted like a hero, a rock star. People lined the streets and shouted, "Hosanna!"</b></span><br />
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<span style="color: #0b5394; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><b>For the next few days, Jesus taught through parables and, with divine wisdom, answered all the criticisms and arguments of the Pharisees and Sadducees. Then, on Thursday night, they shared a wonderful meal in the upper room. Christ washed their feet. What humility! He also talked about betrayal and death, but the disciples didn't understand.</b></span><br />
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<span style="color: #0b5394; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><b>Then, the soldiers came. Jesus was arrested, tried, sentenced, crucified, and buried. The disciples joy gave way to fear. They ran and hid. They denied even knowing Christ. Their only goal was self-preservation. All pledges of love, belief and allegiance were broken and forgotten. Now they cower in the upper room, waiting for the soldiers to come for them. What were they to do? Jesus was gone. If He didn't save Himself from agonizing death, surely His promise of resurrection was impossible. The disciples' expectations were based on their own human limitations.</b></span><br />
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<span style="color: #0b5394; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><b>In his letter to the church in Rome, Paul talks about how we find ourselves in that place of hopelessness and fear if we have faith in our own flesh rather than in the Holy Spirit. In Romans 8:5, 9-11, he writes: Those who live according to the flesh have their minds set on what the flesh desires; but those who live in accordance with the Spirit have their minds set on what the Spirit desires. You, however, are not in the realm of the flesh but are in the realm of the Spirit, if indeed the Spirit of God lives in you. And if anyone does not have the Spirit of Christ, they do not belong to Christ. But if Christ is in you, then even though your body is subject to death because of sin, the Spirit gives life because of righteousness. And if the Spirit of him who raised Jesus from the dead is living in you, he who raised Christ from the dead will also give life to your mortal bodies because of his Spirit who lives in you.</b></span><br />
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<span style="color: #0b5394; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><b>We celebrate the Resurrection on Easter Sunday, but we need resurrection all year long. No matter how strong our faith, no matter how we experience God's grace in our lives, we are hounded by fear and doubt. Like the disciples, we have roller coaster weeks when it appears that God has failed or abandoned us. We run and hide in our forts of flesh wondering what to do next. Paul tells us that if we dedicate ourselves to live by the teachings of Jesus and, through prayer, fill ourselves with the Spirit of God, we will overcome all fears. It doesn't mean we won't be afraid, but we will know that what we cannot do, God can.</b></span><br />
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<span style="color: #0b5394; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><b>If you are going through a Friday of death or betrayal, or a Saturday of darkness and despair, know without a doubt that a Sunday resurrection is coming. Hold on to Christ, lean on the Spirit of Him who raised Christ from the dead. This Easter, no matter how things may be in our flesh, let us shout for all to hear, "He is Risen Indeed", and set our minds that we will also rise again.</b></span><br />
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<span style="color: #0b5394; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><b><i>~Sara Armstrong</i></b></span></div>
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<span style="color: #38761d; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><b>Readings</b></span></div>
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<span style="color: #38761d; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><b>Job 19:21-27a</b></span></div>
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<span style="color: #38761d; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><b>Psalms 95, 88, or 27</b></span></div>
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<span style="color: #38761d; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><b>Hebrews 4:1-16</b></span></div>
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<span style="color: #38761d; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><b>Romans 8:1-11</b></span></div>
Kennesaw UMChttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05676925618149922240noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6926245050623680380.post-25799490192210835522013-03-29T04:00:00.000-04:002013-03-29T04:00:02.331-04:00March 29, 2013<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhdjgNL5XirGLzaLbS5htIMnh9AeLoJo7ghurixsjD5jgGZqQOQ6NmAFKutTomWgdLYrnJpvt8F7Wc1gfXF1677D-Duxcuz8LTx-LpQea0uAew40skNmumNZuuvni2BMovMlIbMrGIedjKk/s1600/Wayne's+dev.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhdjgNL5XirGLzaLbS5htIMnh9AeLoJo7ghurixsjD5jgGZqQOQ6NmAFKutTomWgdLYrnJpvt8F7Wc1gfXF1677D-Duxcuz8LTx-LpQea0uAew40skNmumNZuuvni2BMovMlIbMrGIedjKk/s320/Wayne's+dev.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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<span style="color: #38761d; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><b>Psalm 40:1-2</b></span><br />
<span style="color: #38761d; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><b>I waited patiently for the Lord;</b></span><br />
<span style="color: #38761d; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><b>he inclined to me and heard my cry.</b></span><br />
<span style="color: #38761d; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><b>He drew me up from the desolate pit,</b></span><br />
<span style="color: #38761d; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><b>our of the miry bog,</b></span><br />
<span style="color: #38761d; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><b>and set my feet upon a rock, </b></span><br />
<span style="color: #38761d; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><b>making my steps secure.</b></span><br />
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<span style="color: #0b5394; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><b>Waiting for God to help us is never easy, but in Psalm 40, we see that God helped David <i>after</i> he patiently waited. David was lifted our of the slimy pit, mud, and mire. He was given solid ground to stand on and new praise song in his mouth. God can, and better yet, will take you from despair and depression to singing songs of praise!</b></span><br />
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<span style="color: #0b5394; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><b>Throughout my own life, I've realized that, often, we have to go through bouts of waiting before we receive our blessings. David lets it be known that those who place their faith in the Lord, in contrast to the "proud" who turn to false gods, are blessed. I find it interesting that David uses "Blessed is the man who makes the Lord his trust" rather than "Blessed <i>will be</i> the man . . ." Even before receiving our blessings that come from waiting, we are already blessed just knowing that God is the truth.</b></span><br />
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<span style="color: #0b5394; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><b>"Sacrifice and offering you did not desire . . ." God doesn't need our involvement; however, He wants to bless us. Not for the sake of blessing us, but to bring us into a relationship with Him, and for us to do His will. God doesn't want our offerings and sacrifice without a devotional attitude. As Samuel told Saul, "To obey is better than sacrifice." (Samuel 15:22) Give God the obedience and service He wants.</b></span><br />
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<span style="color: #0b5394; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><b>In verses 9 - 10, David writes that he would speak of God's faithfulness and salvation. When God is working in us, we can't keep it quiet. We must share with others what God has done for us. Don't be timid! We share groupons and recommend restaurants to others, so why wouldn't we share God with them, too?</b></span><br />
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<span style="color: #0b5394; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><b>Verses 11 - 13 really strike home for a lot of us. David wants to be protected by God's love and truth from the innumerable troubles which surround him. Who wouldn't want that? David also talks about the manifold sins he has committed and how he is engulfed by them. He uses his heart as a metaphor in this passage, "my heart fails within me." This describes the depth of his despair; he is having troubles with the most basic of things.</b></span><br />
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<span style="color: #0b5394; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><b>I have had this feeling a couple of times in my life when I can't manage to do anything but wallow in depression alone in my room. Nothing seems like it is working. During times like this, David requests that God not withhold His mercy, but come quickly to help him. Sometimes, all we have to do to receive the help we need is to ask.</b></span><br />
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<span style="color: #0b5394; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><b>I leave you all with a verse from Psalm 40. I think it speaks for itself . . .</b></span><br />
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<span style="color: #0b5394; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><b><i>Yet I am poor and needy; may the Lord think of me. You are my help and my deliverer; O my God, do not delay. ~Psalm 40:17</i></b></span><br />
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<span style="color: #0b5394; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><b><i>~Wayne Famber</i></b></span></div>
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<span style="color: #38761d; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span style="background-color: #eeeeee;"><b>Readings</b></span></span></div>
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<span style="color: #38761d; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span style="background-color: #eeeeee;"><b>Genesis 22:1-14</b></span></span></div>
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<span style="color: #38761d; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span style="background-color: #eeeeee;"><b>Psalms 22 or 40, 54</b></span></span></div>
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<span style="color: #38761d; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span style="background-color: #eeeeee;"><b>1 Peter 1:10-20</b></span></span></div>
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<span style="color: #38761d; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span style="background-color: #eeeeee;"><b>John 13:36-38 and John 19:38-42</b></span></span></div>
Kennesaw UMChttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05676925618149922240noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6926245050623680380.post-41015102278927373822013-03-28T04:00:00.000-04:002013-03-28T04:00:12.856-04:00March 28, 2013<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<span style="color: #38761d; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><b>Psalm 143:8</b></span><br />
<span style="color: #38761d; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><b>Let me hear of your steadfast love</b></span><br />
<span style="color: #38761d; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><b>in the morning,</b></span><br />
<span style="color: #38761d; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><b>for in you I put my trust.</b></span><br />
<span style="color: #38761d; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><b>Teach me the way I should go,</b></span><br />
<span style="color: #38761d; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><b>for to you I lift up my soul.</b></span><br />
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<span style="color: #0b5394; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><b>Growing up brings so many challenges; some small, some big, and some that seem like facing a giant. To those who have journeyed through to the other side of their giant, looking back, it doesn't seem so ominous. They move forward to face new challenges and new giants.</b></span><br />
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<span style="color: #0b5394; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><b>Within our preschool, our three-year-old class begins the challenge of eating lunch independently. They learn to open their own water bottles, open their own lunch containers, use a spoon or fork, and clean up when they are finished. These are giants to a young child and milestones which adults have long mastered and forgotten.</b></span><br />
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<span style="color: #0b5394; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><b>When we first begin practicing independent lunch skills, these precious little ones look with wide eyes and want to know why you aren't doing these task for them with questions like, "You've done it for me before, why won't you help me now?" As teachers of young children, we know it's time for them to move forward in this journey called "growing up." We are right beside them, supporting them and guiding them as they have need. We know we won't always be there beside them to open those containers. We want to enable them to do these tasks on their own so they can move forward to new challenges as they grow into the people God needs them to be.</b></span><br />
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<span style="color: #0b5394; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><b>There are many times as we "grow up" that we don't understand the hardships we face with certain challenges; small ones, big ones, giants. We look up at our Heavenly Father and say, "You've done this for me before. Why aren't you doing anything now?"</b></span><br />
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<span style="color: #0b5394; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><b>He's right there beside us, supporting us, guiding us, loving us. He knows it's time for us to grow up. He needs us to trust Him. He needs us to trust in His intense love for us. He needs us to remember His Son.</b></span><br />
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<span style="color: #0b5394; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><b>Jesus told us that He would be with us always, even to the end of the age. We don't need to be afraid or wonder where He is. We are growing up under His watchful eye into the people He needs us to be.</b></span><br />
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<span style="color: #0b5394; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><b><i>~Mylinda Milley</i></b></span></div>
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<span style="color: #0b5394; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><b><i>Preschool Director</i></b></span></div>
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<span style="color: #0b5394; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><b><i><br /></i></b></span></div>
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<span style="color: #38761d; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><b>Readings</b></span></div>
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<span style="color: #38761d; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><b>Jeremiah 20:7-11</b></span></div>
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<span style="color: #38761d; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><b>Psalms 102 or 142, 143</b></span></div>
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<span style="color: #38761d; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><b>1 Corinthians 10:14-17; 11:27-32</b></span></div>
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<span style="color: #38761d; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><b>John 17:1-11 (12-26)</b></span></div>
Kennesaw UMChttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05676925618149922240noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6926245050623680380.post-72412714593757676532013-03-27T04:00:00.000-04:002013-03-27T04:00:06.660-04:00March 27, 2013<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<span style="color: #38761d; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><b>Philippians 4:4-9</b></span><br />
<span style="color: #38761d; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><b>Always be full of joy in the Lord. I say it again - rejoice! Let everyone see that you are considerate in all you do. Remember, the Lord is coming soon. </b></span><br />
<span style="color: #38761d; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><b>Don't worry about anything; instead, pray about everything. Tell God what you need, and thank him for all he has done. Then you will experience God's peace, which exceeds anything we can understand. His peace will guard your hearts and minds as you live in Christ Jesus.</b></span><br />
<span style="color: #38761d; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><b>And now, dear brothers and sisters, one final thing. Fix your thoughts on what is true, and honorable, and right, and pure, and lovely, and admirable. Think about things that are excellent and worthy of praise. Keep putting into practice all you learned and received from me - everything you heard from me and saw me doing. Then the God of peace will be with you.</b></span><br />
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<span style="color: #0b5394; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><b>This Lenten season, I have been leading a book study on Ann Voskamp's <a href="http://onethousandgifts.com/">One Thousand Gifts</a>, and this scripture ties in perfectly with this book. I read it a few years ago and always recommend it to my friends. </b></span><br />
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<span style="color: #0b5394; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><b>When Pastor Emily suggests we need to do a book study of <u>One Thousand Gifts</u>, I think "Yes!" I don't think Emily asked me outright to lead the study, but God sure did. I was hesitant . . . "Do I have time to read and prepare while being momma to my two kids? Can I commit to a weekly meeting?" I didn't know exactly how it would work out, but I agreed in my heart to lead the study before meeting up with Emily at Starbucks to chat about the details. We decided to host a book study which I would lead once a week during Lent.</b></span><br />
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<span style="color: #0b5394; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><b>So, during the past few weeks, our book study group has been reading about Ann's journey to finding joy through thanking God for the gifts around her. We have shared our stories and struggles. We have prayed together. And, we have gained further insight into how we can, as Paul says, "thank Him for all he has done." (Philippians 4:6) Paul says we must thank God for ALL He has done - not for the things we want, not the things that make life good, but ALL things.</b></span><br />
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<span style="color: #0b5394; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><b>We have learned through the author's story that Paul is right on: "Keep putting into practice all you learned and received." (Philippians 4:9) We needed practice giving thanks for all things and "giving thanks in all circumstances." (1 Thessalonians 5:16-18) So, we started our own gratitude lists - things that we have noticed in our day-to-day moments and thanked God for. We learned that we need practice in being present and aware of the grace around us.</b></span><br />
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<span style="color: #0b5394; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><b>I have found that recording gifts brings a smile to my face. My moments can go from stressful to joyful in the simple act of thanking God. When I open myself up to God's gifts, whatever they may be, I also open myself up to joy. But, it isn't always easy. Because, opening myself up to grace means I take a risk that things might not turn out the way I planned. It's not easy because I want control. It's not easy because . . . what if I don't like the gifts (because I can't see the full picture and understand God's plan)?</b></span><br />
<span style="color: #0b5394; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><b><br /></b></span>
<span style="color: #0b5394; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><b>But, my faith asks me to trust God. My faith asks me to surrender. My faith asks me to thank God for the endless gifts and graces He has given to me. I need to focus on these things: the "true, and honorable, and right, and pure, and lovely, and admirable." (Philippians 4:8) When my understanding fails, I can rely on the truth that God's plan is perfect and worthy of praise and thanksgiving!</b></span><br />
<span style="color: #0b5394; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><b><br /></b></span>
<span style="color: #0b5394; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><b>I am so thankful that I pushed aside my questions and doubts and said "yes" to God's call to lead the book study this Lent. It has been a blessing to meet weekly with some wonderful women, and to set aside time in my week for learning more about God and my relationship with Him. It has helped me focus on Him and helped open my eyes to the many gifts around me that I so often overlook. And, it has brought more joy to my life.</b></span><br />
<span style="color: #0b5394; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><b><br /></b></span>
<span style="color: #0b5394; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><b>What around you is "true, and honorable, and right, and pure, and lovely and admirable?" What gifts can you thank God for today? Take time, each and every day, to give thanks to God!</b></span><br />
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<span style="color: #0b5394; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><b><i>~Lindsay Ward</i></b></span></div>
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<span style="color: #0b5394; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><b><i><br /></i></b></span></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<span style="color: #38761d; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><b>Readings</b></span></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<span style="color: #38761d; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><b>Jeremiah 17:5-10, 14-17</b></span></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<span style="color: #38761d; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><b>Psalms 55 or 74</b></span></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<span style="color: #38761d; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><b>Philippians 4:1-13</b></span></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<span style="color: #38761d; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><b>John 12:27-36</b></span></div>
Kennesaw UMChttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05676925618149922240noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6926245050623680380.post-377664946401293952013-03-26T08:00:00.000-04:002013-03-26T08:00:09.893-04:00Follow Me
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<span style="font-size: 10pt;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">“The hour
has come for the Son of Man to be glorified. Very truly, I tell you, unless a
grain of wheat falls into the earth and dies, it remains just a single grain;
but if it dies, it bears much fruit. Those who love their life lose it, and
those who hate their life in this world will keep it for eternal life. Whoever
serves me must follow me, and where I am, there will my servant be also.
Whoever serves me, the Father will honor.--John 12:23-26<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 10pt;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Some people come wanting to see Jesus, and this is his
answer.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I always read this and
scratch my head.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I imagine Jesus,
wrestling with what is to come.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>His humanity must be wrestling right?<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>He is in three more days or so left with his disciples.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>He is about to go to his death.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>He is about to be beaten and betrayed
and spit on.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>And he knows it. He
sees it coming.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>So, when people
ask to see him—to be healed, counseled, taught, helped, worshipped, this is his
answer.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 10pt;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">He says, “Its about to be all over.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Its all about to change.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I am about to fulfill my purpose, to be
held up in glory.”<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 10pt;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">“Don’t forget, that in order to be reborn, one has to
die.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>We cannot fulfill our
purpose, we have to die. To self, to this world.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>We have to die.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>Just like a seed, or grain of wheat, or a Phoenix.”<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 10pt;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">“People are the same way.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>If you cling to your life here, you will love everything.
You will lose your soul, yourself.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>You will lose it all.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>But,
if instead you hate this world, and hold fast to me—to God, then you will keep
it forever!”<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 10pt;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">“If you serve me—you must follow me.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Even to death.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>But don’t worry, I’ll be there with
you. You’ll be with me, and my father forever.”<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 10pt;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">I imagine him saying, “Don’t forget, I’ve told you so many
times.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I’m worry! I’m going to
die, and come back three days later.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>I know you don’t understand, but you will.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I promise.”<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 10pt;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Good Friday is coming.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Jesus is walking to the cross.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>And we will mourn and be sad and heart broken.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>But there is redemption.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>There is now life coming.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>There are new promises.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Are you ready to follow Jesus?<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Not just a little, but to the
cross.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>To your death?<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Are you ready to give up everything to
follow?<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 10pt;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Today, examine your life.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>What do you love more than Jesus?<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Maybe its time to let it go.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>To leave it be.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>Maybe its time to pick up your cross and follow.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 10pt;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Are you ready to die?<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>To be reborn?<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>To live forever?<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I am
trying.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I am praying.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>One foot in front of the other
Lord.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I’m coming.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 10pt;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Because of Christ—<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 10pt;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Pastor Emily</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana;"><o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<!--EndFragment-->Kennesaw UMChttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05676925618149922240noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6926245050623680380.post-7933279034394880292013-03-25T04:00:00.000-04:002013-03-25T04:00:13.147-04:00March 25, 2013<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjNdFOSWOLBrSmzW8J7sUsgqez_yp9gDorRPwfIbVCwVevxso1QscUV2W3f14n3QBDKe3M3zVDOv7J1W7Nuu1hKZZcF1OQtVE_Ql3ctrO7p4BA3pk73rLyqpUXyD6omv8Uq89TxzGWONCn3/s1600/spring+cleaning.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjNdFOSWOLBrSmzW8J7sUsgqez_yp9gDorRPwfIbVCwVevxso1QscUV2W3f14n3QBDKe3M3zVDOv7J1W7Nuu1hKZZcF1OQtVE_Ql3ctrO7p4BA3pk73rLyqpUXyD6omv8Uq89TxzGWONCn3/s320/spring+cleaning.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<span style="color: #38761d; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><b>Psalm 51:10</b></span><br />
<span style="color: #38761d; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><b>Create in me a pure heart, O God,</b></span><br />
<span style="color: #38761d; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><b>and renew a right spirit within me.</b></span><br />
<span style="color: #38761d; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><b><br /></b></span>
<span style="color: #0b5394; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><b>Winter has flown. Spring has sprung. And, with it, the deep and compelling call for that dreaded, but much needed, spring cleaning.</b></span><br />
<span style="color: #0b5394; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><b><br /></b></span>
<span style="color: #0b5394; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><b>I'll be the first to confess. I hate housecleaning! But, I love a neat and tidy home, so I do what needs to get done. some chores, like wiping down the stove after dinner, keeping up with dishes, pots and pans, making the bed, and sweeping the floors, I do daily.</b></span><br />
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<span style="color: #0b5394; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><b>Dusting? Sadly, not until I actually see those infintesimal varmints coating the surface of furniture.</b></span><br />
<span style="color: #0b5394; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><b><br /></b></span>
<span style="color: #0b5394; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><b>Vacuuming? Always after I dust. The two go hand-in-hand.</b></span><br />
<span style="color: #0b5394; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><b><br /></b></span>
<span style="color: #0b5394; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><b>Bathrooms? Once a week, with touch-ups in between.</b></span><br />
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<span style="color: #0b5394; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><b>Windows? When I see a smudge.</b></span><br />
<span style="color: #0b5394; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><b><br /></b></span>
<span style="color: #0b5394; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><b>It's cursory cleaning at best. Spring cleaning means more. <i>Much </i>more!</b></span><br />
<span style="color: #0b5394; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><b><br /></b></span>
<span style="color: #0b5394; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><b>It's time to get down on hands and knees, wiping every baseboard, vanquishing every spot marring the wood floors.</b></span><br />
<span style="color: #0b5394; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><b><br /></b></span>
<span style="color: #0b5394; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><b>It's time to haul everything out of the closets. Sort through the clothes and pack up for donations what is still in good shape, but needs to be purged. Dust and vacuum closet shelves and floors.</b></span><br />
<span style="color: #0b5394; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><b><br /></b></span>
<span style="color: #0b5394; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><b>It's time to grab my step stool and scrub down every surface I can only reach when using it. This includes hauling everything out of the kitchen cabinets so I can 409 to my heart's content.</b></span><br />
<span style="color: #0b5394; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><b><br /></b></span>
<span style="color: #0b5394; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><b>And, it's time . . . time to wipe down the blinds. This wouldn't be so bad if we didn't have 14 sets of blinds in our home. I'd rather take down 14 sets of curtains and wash them any day than have to face this painstaking and tedious chore. But, face it, I must.</b></span><br />
<span style="color: #0b5394; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><b><br /></b></span>
<span style="color: #0b5394; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><b>Because, just as the rigorous, sacrificial practices we take on during the Lenten season help create within us a clean heart, one prepared and pure to meet the risen Lord on Easter Sunday, the discipline of spring cleaning rejuvenates and enlivens the home I share with those I love. A house which shines with peace and joy and comfort. A house which says, "Welcome home."</b></span><br />
<span style="color: #0b5394; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><b><br /></b></span>
<span style="color: #0b5394; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><b>So, I'll don my I-pod, crank up the tunes, gather my cleaning supplies, and plunge in. With some stick-to-it-ness and elbow grease, my spring cleaning will be done by Easter.</b></span><br />
<span style="color: #0b5394; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><b><br /></b></span>
<span style="color: #0b5394; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><b>Prayer: Dear Father, as the Lenten season draws to a close, let us reflect upon how the practices and disciplines we have taken on have helped prepare our hearts and minds for the glory that is Easter. Help us to examine ourselves prayerfully and honestly. Renew a steadfast spirit within us. Amen.</b></span><br />
<span style="color: #0b5394; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><b><br /></b></span>
<span style="color: #38761d; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><b>Readings</b></span><br />
<span style="color: #38761d; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><b>Jeremiah 12:1-16</b></span><br />
<span style="color: #38761d; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><b>Psalms 51 or 69:1-23</b></span><br />
<span style="color: #38761d; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><b>Philippians 3:1-14</b></span><br />
<span style="color: #38761d; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><b>John 12:9-19</b></span><br />
<span style="color: #38761d; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><b><br /></b></span>
<span style="color: #cc0000; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><b><i>Martha's website: </i>www.gladetrilogy.wix.com/theglade</b></span><br />
<span style="color: #cc0000; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><b><i>Martha's blog: </i>http://marthaorlando.blogspot.com</b></span>Kennesaw UMChttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05676925618149922240noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6926245050623680380.post-2568168844612882772013-03-24T07:00:00.000-04:002013-03-24T07:00:02.875-04:00Hosanna<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Today is <b><i>Palm Sunday</i></b>, when the kids stomp around the room with branches and shout Hosanna. The day we remember Jesus' triumphant entry into Jerusalem, and the beginning of Holy Week. We remember that in a week's time Jesus went from the Fan Favorite to being voted off the Island. I think of so many celebrities in our time that have done that. Tiger Woods. PeeWee Herman. Michael Phelps. People often wonder how quickly the tide could change--and I like to remind them of these modern examples.</span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">But in Matthew's gospel, directly after Palm Sunday, comes this story. Not Judas selling out Jesus. This story.....</span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><b>Jesus and the Money Changers.</b> <u>Turning over the temple tables.</u> <i>The day Jesus got angry</i>. Its a familiar story. If you aren't familiar, or need a refresher, just click the link above. Don't worry! I'll wait. </span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><a href="http://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Matthew%2021:12-17&version=CEB">Matthew 21:12-17</a></span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">What caught your attention? What stuck out to you?</span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Well, I'll tell you what stuck out to me. I always thought Jesus did what I'd do. Get mad. Righteously indignant, perhaps. Flip over tables and storm out. But that's not what happened! He stuck around. He healed people. His frustration didn't take away from his ministry.</span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">He did it so much that the kids started to praise him more. The adults stood around frustrated and the kids praised. </span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Which got me right back to Palm Sunday.</span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Have you noticed how we celebrate Palm Sunday in church. Often, we even sit down during the hymn so we can watch the children praise. We don't carry the Palms, we sit and watch them. Have you ever watched the kids RUN up to children's time with Miss Lin? When was the last time you ran into church (especially when things were GOOD in your life!) Have you watched them as they sing? Jubilant. Excited. Full of Joy.</span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Or our youth? When they come in as sixth graders, they aren't so sure what it means to worship. And then they watch the high schoolers--the ones who sit on the FRONT ROW of worship so they can praise and sing and lift their hands.</span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">When was the last time you gave your all in praise to God? I'm not suggesting that you have to dance or lift your hands, but when was the last time you used what you had to praise God? Maybe this morning we can take a palm and praise too! Maybe we can get lost in a hymn or a song. Maybe we can go out of our way to tell someone about Jesus or do something kind in His name. Can you be like the little children? Can you praise?</span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Because of Christ--</span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Pastor Emily </span>Kennesaw UMChttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05676925618149922240noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6926245050623680380.post-11760893883673513262013-03-23T04:00:00.000-04:002013-03-23T04:00:03.000-04:00March 23, 2013<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<br />
<span style="color: #38761d; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><b>John 44:46</b></span><br />
<span style="color: #38761d; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><b>I have come as light into the world, so that everyone who believes in me should not remain in darkness.</b></span><br />
<span style="color: #38761d; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><b><br /></b></span>
<span style="color: #0b5394; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><b>As I began researching to find a focus for this Lenten devotional, I came across the Prayer of St. Francis of Assisi. He was born in 1182 and died in 1226 at the age of 44. The son of a wealthy silk merchant, Francis led a carefree youth. However, he later committed his life to God, avowing poverty, and following all that Jesus said and did.</b></span><br />
<span style="color: #0b5394; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><b><br /></b></span>
<span style="color: #0b5394; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><b>As we celebrate and muse in the days prior to Easter, it would be good if we, like St. Francis, could be more like Christ. We should have faith and believe what is written in the scriptures - that God will watch over us and help us to "build and to plant" (Jeremiah 31:27-34) those things which we might need, and give up our focus on worldly matters and material things. We need to trust in Him.</b></span><br />
<span style="color: #0b5394; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><b><br /></b></span>
<span style="color: #0b5394; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><b>We see in John 12:37-50 that even though Jesus gave many miracles and signs, the Jews still did not believe in Him. Can we truly show by our life and our daily activities that we, indeed, believe and act in His ways? Can we take to heart John 12:44-50? </b></span><br />
<span style="color: #0b5394; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><b>". . . When a man believes in me, he does not believe in me only, but in the one that sent me . . . I have come into the world as a light, so that no one who believes in me should stay in darkness . . . So whatever I say is just what the Father told me to say."</b></span><br />
<span style="color: #0b5394; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><b><br /></b></span>
<span style="color: #0b5394; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><b>Lent is the perfect time for us to examine ourselves, our actions and our core beliefs to see if we do, indeed, believe and live as the Father has told us to. The Prayer of St. Francis is written below. I challenge you to read it and question yourself and your actions as you go through each verse. All of us could be more Christ-like by following the example set by St. Francis.</b></span><br />
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<span style="color: #0b5394; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><b><i>The Prayer of St. Francis</i></b></span></div>
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<span style="color: #0b5394; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><b><i><br /></i></b></span></div>
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<span style="color: #0b5394; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><b><i>Lord, make me an instrument of your peace.</i></b></span></div>
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<span style="color: #0b5394; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><b><i>Where there is hatred, let me sow love;</i></b></span></div>
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<span style="color: #0b5394; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><b><i>where there is injury, pardon;</i></b></span></div>
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<span style="color: #0b5394; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><b><i>where there is doubt, faith;</i></b></span></div>
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<span style="color: #0b5394; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><b><i>where there is despair, hope;</i></b></span></div>
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<span style="color: #0b5394; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><b><i>where there is darkness, light;</i></b></span></div>
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<span style="color: #0b5394; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><b><i>where there is sadness, joy.</i></b></span></div>
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<span style="color: #0b5394; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><b><i>O Divine Master, grant that I may not so much seek to be consoled as to console;</i></b></span></div>
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<span style="color: #0b5394; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><b><i>to be understood as to understand;</i></b></span></div>
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<span style="color: #0b5394; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><b><i>to be loved as to love.</i></b></span><br />
<span style="color: #0b5394; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><b><i>For it is in the giving that we receive;</i></b></span><br />
<span style="color: #0b5394; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><b><i>it is in pardoning that we are pardoned;</i></b></span><br />
<span style="color: #0b5394; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><b><i>and it is in dying that we are born to eternal life.</i></b></span></div>
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<span style="color: #0b5394; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><b><i><br /></i></b></span></div>
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<span style="color: #0b5394; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><b><i>~Ann Baker</i></b></span></div>
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<span style="color: #0b5394; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><b><i><br /></i></b></span></div>
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<span style="color: #38761d; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><b>Readings</b></span></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<span style="color: #38761d; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><b>Jeremiah 31:27-34</b></span></div>
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<span style="color: #38761d; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><b>Psalms 137, 144 or 42, 43</b></span></div>
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<span style="color: #38761d; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><b>Romans 11:25-36</b></span></div>
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<span style="color: #38761d; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><b>John 11:28-44 or John 12:37-50</b></span></div>
Kennesaw UMChttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05676925618149922240noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6926245050623680380.post-64920613189063099562013-03-22T04:00:00.000-04:002013-03-22T04:00:09.529-04:00March 22, 2013<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<span style="color: #38761d; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><b>John 11:3</b></span><br />
<span style="color: #38761d; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><b>So the sisters sent word to Jesus, "Lord, the one you love is sick."</b></span><br />
<span style="color: #38761d; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><b><br /></b></span>
<span style="color: #0b5394; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><b>I was never very nice to my sister - always picking on her, calling her names, and just being a brat toward her. Then, on December 6, 1965, God took her away. They called it meningitis. One day she was sick, the next day she was gone.</b></span><br />
<span style="color: #0b5394; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><b><br /></b></span>
<span style="color: #0b5394; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><b>God was punishing me, I thought, for being mean to my sister. This was the way this seven-year-old felt. From that point on, the only reason I went to church was because Mom made me. I was so alone, and I hated church.</b></span><br />
<span style="color: #0b5394; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><b><br /></b></span>
<span style="color: #0b5394; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><b>In our little church every summer, we had a revival. It was not a short event - it lasted for a whole week. I didn't mind the music, but I had to sit and listen to that preacher go on and on. Then, to top it off, every night we had the dreaded altar call. It seemed to go on for hours, especially if nobody walked to the front.</b></span><br />
<span style="color: #0b5394; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><b><br /></b></span>
<span style="color: #0b5394; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><b>It was at one of these boring revivals that my life was changed. Who would have thought a surly teenager like me would actually hear what was going on? That preacher was looking and preaching straight at me! I had no choice when the call was made. With tears in my eyes, down to the altar I went. It was like getting hit by a truck and losing a giant weight at the same time. People were gathering around me, offering prayers and encouragement. I felt so bad and so good at the same time, I could not describe it.</b></span><br />
<span style="color: #0b5394; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><b><br /></b></span>
<span style="color: #0b5394; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><b>Hard to believe that you are loved so much that God put His Son on the cross so that your sins would be forgiven. One day, when I get to heaven, my sister and I will be having a talk about how sorry I am for treating her so badly.</b></span><br />
<span style="color: #0b5394; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><b><br /></b></span>
<span style="color: #0b5394; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><b>Ask Jesus to come into your heart. Ask forgiveness from those you have wronged. Turn your life over to the Lord, and don't fret the small stuff.</b></span><br />
<span style="color: #0b5394; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><b><br /></b></span>
<span style="color: #0b5394; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><b>The best part of this story came a couple of days later. My best friend, my Dad, made his way to the altar and also took the Lord into his life.</b></span><br />
<span style="color: #0b5394; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><b><br /></b></span>
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<span style="color: #0b5394; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><b><i>~Dennis Friese</i></b></span></div>
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<span style="color: #0b5394; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><b><i>Maintenance Supervisor</i></b></span></div>
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<span style="color: #0b5394; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><b><i><br /></i></b></span></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<span style="color: #38761d; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><b>Readings</b></span></div>
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<span style="color: #38761d; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><b>Jeremiah 29:1, 4-13</b></span></div>
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<span style="color: #38761d; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><b>Psalms 22 or 141, 143</b></span></div>
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<span style="color: #38761d; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><b>Romans 11:13-24</b></span></div>
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<span style="color: #38761d; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><b>John 11:1-27 or 12:1-10</b></span></div>
Kennesaw UMChttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05676925618149922240noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6926245050623680380.post-46157112444009881342013-03-21T04:00:00.000-04:002013-03-21T04:00:01.847-04:00March 21, 2013<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<span style="color: #38761d; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><b>Psalm 142:1-2</b></span><br />
<span style="color: #38761d; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><b>With my voice I cry to the Lord;</b></span><br />
<span style="color: #38761d; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><b>with my voice I make</b></span><br />
<span style="color: #38761d; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><b>supplication to the Lord.</b></span><br />
<span style="color: #38761d; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><b>I pour out my complaint before him;</b></span><br />
<span style="color: #38761d; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><b>I tell my trouble before him.</b></span><br />
<span style="color: #38761d; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><b><br /></b></span>
<span style="color: #0b5394; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><b>Are there any atheists in foxholes? I don't think so!</b></span><br />
<span style="color: #0b5394; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><b><br /></b></span>
<span style="color: #0b5394; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><b>When we face times of tribulation and turmoil, even folks who never darken the doors of a church or utter prayers during the good times, often find themselves crying out to God for help. Praying He will hear them. Protect them. Save them.</b></span><br />
<span style="color: #0b5394; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><b><br /></b></span>
<span style="color: #0b5394; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><b>Some, in their desperation, find Him, and their lives are forever transformed. Others, when the storms have passed, pick up precisely where they left off and go along their merry, if mistaken, way until the next crisis hits.</b></span><br />
<span style="color: #0b5394; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><b><br /></b></span>
<span style="color: #0b5394; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><b>Do I believe God hears the cries of the righteous and unrighteous alike? You bet, I do!</b></span><br />
<span style="color: #0b5394; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><b><br /></b></span>
<span style="color: #0b5394; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><b>But, the Lord won't compel anyone to listen to or heed His answers of comfort and consolation. He gave us free will. We can choose to love Him. To worship Him. He never forces our hand. He loves us too much for that.</b></span><br />
<span style="color: #0b5394; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><b><br /></b></span>
<span style="color: #0b5394; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><b>So, when you find yourself in a foxhole, what do you do? Do you pour out your complaint to the Lord? Tell Him all your troubles? Or, do you hold back, letting your pain and suffering fester within you? Thinking, perhaps, God has better things to do than to hold you in His arms?</b></span><br />
<span style="color: #0b5394; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><b><br /></b></span>
<span style="color: #0b5394; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><b>Take the psalmist's advice - Cry out to Him in your distress. Expect that He will hear you. <i>Wants</i> to hear you. Then, listen for His healing response.</b></span><br />
<span style="color: #0b5394; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><b><br /></b></span>
<span style="color: #0b5394; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><b>Because, when <a href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Rm5kx3xqmg0">"we pour out our miseries, God just hears a melody."</a> </b></span><br />
<span style="color: #0b5394; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><b><br /></b></span>
<span style="color: #0b5394; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><b>And, that's "better than an hallelujah sometimes."</b></span><br />
<span style="color: #0b5394; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><b><br /></b></span>
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<span style="color: #0b5394; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><b><i>~Martha Orlando</i></b></span></div>
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<span style="color: #0b5394; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><b><i><br /></i></b></span></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<span style="color: #38761d; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><b>Readings</b></span></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<span style="color: #38761d; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><b>Jeremiah 26:1-16</b></span></div>
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<span style="color: #38761d; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><b>Psalms 131, 132 or 140, 142</b></span></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<span style="color: #38761d; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><b>Romans 11:1-12</b></span></div>
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<span style="color: #38761d; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><b>John 10:19-42</b></span></div>
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<span style="color: #38761d; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><b><br /></b></span></div>
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<span style="color: #351c75; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><b>Martha's website: www.gladetrilogy.wix.com/theglade</b></span></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<span style="color: #351c75; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><b>Martha's blog: http://marthaorlando.blogspot.com </b></span></div>
Kennesaw UMChttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05676925618149922240noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6926245050623680380.post-91158623820832638552013-03-20T04:00:00.000-04:002013-03-20T04:00:00.179-04:00March 20, 2013<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<span style="color: #38761d; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><b>Psalm 130:3-4</b></span><br />
<span style="color: #38761d; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><b>If you, O Lord, should mark iniquities,</b></span><br />
<span style="color: #38761d; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><b>Lord, who could stand?</b></span><br />
<span style="color: #38761d; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><b>But there is forgiveness with you,</b></span><br />
<span style="color: #38761d; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><b>so that you may be revered.</b></span><br />
<span style="color: #38761d; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><b><br /></b></span>
<span style="color: #0b5394; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><b><i>A righteous man/woman is the kind of man/woman that, when their feet hit the floor each morning, the devil and his team of haters say, "Oh, my, he/she's up!" ~Anonymous</i></b></span><br />
<span style="color: #0b5394; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><b><i><br /></i></b></span>
<span style="color: #0b5394; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><b>Friends, wouldn't we want to be that righteous man or woman in the quotation above? Of course, we would! And, because we are assured of God's acceptance and forgiveness, we can renew our hope each day to live righteously for His sake.</b></span><br />
<span style="color: #0b5394; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><b><br /></b></span>
<span style="color: #0b5394; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><b>Life is too short to wake up with regrets. Love the people who treat you right. Forgive the ones who don't, just because you can.</b></span><br />
<span style="color: #0b5394; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><b><br /></b></span>
<span style="color: #0b5394; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><b>Believe everything happens for a reason. So, when second chances come along, grab them with both hands! When they change your life, let them!</b></span><br />
<span style="color: #0b5394; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><b><br /></b></span>
<span style="color: #0b5394; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><b>Take time to think before you act. When you are upset, forgive quickly.</b></span><br />
<span style="color: #0b5394; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><b><br /></b></span>
<span style="color: #0b5394; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><b>And, remember - God never promised us an easy life. But, He promised it would be worth it.</b></span><br />
<span style="color: #0b5394; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><b><br /></b></span>
<span style="color: #0b5394; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><b>So, let us seek God's will for us and fulfill our vocation precisely where we are placed. And, pray that you can be one of those people that the devil hates to see wake up!</b></span><br />
<span style="color: #0b5394; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><b><br /></b></span>
<span style="color: #0b5394; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><b>Prayer:</b></span><br />
<span style="color: #0b5394; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><b>Enable me, Lord, to take courage in Your love and forgiveness.</b></span><br />
<span style="color: #0b5394; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><b>Let me not grow weary, but daily exercise my faith.</b></span><br />
<span style="color: #0b5394; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><b>Enable me to rest in the assurance that with You all things are possible,</b></span><br />
<span style="color: #0b5394; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><b>so that when life's calamities come my way,</b></span><br />
<span style="color: #0b5394; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><b>You will unite my heart more closely with Yours.</b></span><br />
<span style="color: #0b5394; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><b>Amen.</b></span><br />
<span style="color: #0b5394; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><b><br /></b></span>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="color: #0b5394; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><b><i>~Betty Ellison</i></b></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="color: #0b5394; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><b><i><br /></i></b></span></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<span style="color: #38761d; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><b>Readings</b></span></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<span style="color: #38761d; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><b>Jeremiah 25:30-38</b></span></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<span style="color: #38761d; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><b>Psalms 119:145-176 or 128, 129, 130</b></span></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<span style="color: #38761d; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><b>Romans 10:14-21</b></span></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<span style="color: #38761d; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><b>John 10:1-18</b></span></div>
Kennesaw UMChttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05676925618149922240noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6926245050623680380.post-77878087531811983632013-03-19T09:51:00.000-04:002013-03-19T09:51:00.537-04:00Into the Hills--A reflection on Psalm 121<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><i><br /></i></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><i>I lift up my
eyes to the hills—</i></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><i> from where will my help come? <o:p></o:p></i></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Sometimes when all seems lost, the only place we have to look, is up.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><i>My help
comes from the Lord,<o:p></o:p></i></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><i> who made heaven and earth. </i><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<o:p><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span></o:p></div>
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<o:p><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Sometimes, remembering that God is in control. That God made everything reminds me that my problems or fears cannot be that bad. </span></o:p></div>
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<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><i>He will not
let your foot be moved;<o:p></o:p></i></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><i> he who keeps you will not slumber. </i><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Sometimes, I need to remember that God doesn't rest. God is always there.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><i>He who keeps
Israel<o:p></o:p></i></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><i> will neither slumber nor sleep. </i><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<o:p><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Israel--the chosen people--the people who have striven with God--been blessed by God are protected. We are adopted into this love and spirit and blessing. We are God's chosen!</span></o:p></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><i>The Lord is
your keeper;<o:p></o:p></i></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><i> the Lord is your shade at your right hand. <o:p></o:p></i></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><i>The sun
shall not strike you by day,</i></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><i> nor the moon by night. <o:p></o:p></i></span></div>
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<o:p><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span></o:p></div>
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<o:p><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">The Lord has it. The Lord has you! You shall be saved! You are being saved! You are protected, even from the sun and the moon! </span></o:p></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><i>The Lord
will keep you from all evil;<o:p></o:p></i></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><i> he will keep your life. <o:p></o:p></i></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><i>The Lord
will keep<o:p></o:p></i></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><i> your going out and your coming in<o:p></o:p></i></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><i> from this time on and for evermore.</i></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><i><br /></i></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">When things are bad, don't forget this. Don't forget that you are loved and chosen and protected. That the Lord will keep you and love you and be there! You are special. Loved. Forgiven, chosen!</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Blessings--<br />Pastor Emily</span></div>
<br />Kennesaw UMChttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05676925618149922240noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6926245050623680380.post-80747377256688438542013-03-18T04:00:00.000-04:002013-03-18T04:00:02.639-04:00March 18, 2013<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhEZf7rcbZ-BptVzKPOQucLt7snaorKPGUDqvvU2NywPmTdJNgH7Uj1H864YeleUagxp1VNIQ7rARBJUIGhHezl5G7aZYX16PW_dVsZ358Pu1hDMri-0OTtXLgVkfyVsn3YLDXa7uCyOZsC/s1600/Robin's+dev.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhEZf7rcbZ-BptVzKPOQucLt7snaorKPGUDqvvU2NywPmTdJNgH7Uj1H864YeleUagxp1VNIQ7rARBJUIGhHezl5G7aZYX16PW_dVsZ358Pu1hDMri-0OTtXLgVkfyVsn3YLDXa7uCyOZsC/s320/Robin's+dev.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<span style="color: #38761d; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><b>John 9:1-2</b></span><br />
<span style="color: #38761d; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><b>As he walked along, he saw a man blind from birth. His disciples asked him, "Rabbi, who sinned, this man or his parents, that he was born blind?"</b></span><br />
<span style="color: #38761d; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><b><br /></b></span>
<span style="color: #0b5394; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><b>When we read the story in John 9:1-17, and take its contents literally, we are faced with many questions. Was the man born blind because of the sins of his father? Did Jesus purposely heal the man on the Sabbath to prove a point? Were the Pharisees jealous of the attention Jesus was getting, or were they motivated by fear?</b></span><br />
<span style="color: #0b5394; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><b><br /></b></span>
<span style="color: #0b5394; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><b>As Christians, we know the answers. No, this man was not born blind as a punishment for sin, but he was healed as a blessing from the Lord. We also know that God heals the suffering when He so chooses, regardless of the day. And, moreover, the Pharisees were legalistic and were, in fact, furious that Jesus would challenge their laws. All that happened was in God's plan as it moved toward the ultimate sacrifice.</b></span><br />
<span style="color: #0b5394; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><b><br /></b></span>
<span style="color: #0b5394; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><b>But, what if we looked at this story as an abstract message? How many of us are blind to our surroundings on a daily basis and miss the many miracles right in front of us? Doesn't God want us to rely on Him? Don't we find ourselves sometimes wearing blinders and avoiding or blatantly disregarding what God has in mind for us? Are we being narrow in our focus? Are we blind to the needs of those around us? When we are blind, we are also disobedient to God's will for us. We are, in fact, turning our backs on our faith.</b></span><br />
<span style="color: #0b5394; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><b><br /></b></span>
<span style="color: #0b5394; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><b>When you look in the mirror, what do you see? Are you stressed, tired, unhappy with your surroundings, and wishing you were someone or somewhere else? Are you being obedient to the will of God?</b></span><br />
<span style="color: #0b5394; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><b><br /></b></span>
<span style="color: #0b5394; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><b>God made us beautiful, inside and out. We each have amazing gifts to share. It is our responsibility to use those gifts as God intended. Share God's love with the world (that includes your family). Love the children. Feed the hungry. Clothe the naked. House the homeless. Jesus said, "I tell you the truth, whatever you did for one of the least of these brothers of mine, you did for me." (Matt. 25:40)</b></span><br />
<span style="color: #0b5394; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><b><br /></b></span>
<span style="color: #0b5394; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><b>Not sure how? Start and end each day with prayer. Rise in the morning simply thanking God for another day to be used by Him. End your day with gratefulness that He walked with you during the day. Read your Bible. Attend church with your fellow Christian brothers and sisters. Love the Lord with all your heart, your strength, your might.</b></span><br />
<span style="color: #0b5394; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><b><br /></b></span>
<span style="color: #0b5394; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><b>Don't be like the blind man. He had no choice but to accept his surroundings and wait for the Messiah. We know better. Our Messiah has come, He has died for us on the cross, and HE IS RISEN!</b></span><br />
<span style="color: #0b5394; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><b><br /></b></span>
<span style="color: #0b5394; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><b>Glory to God in the Highest! Amen.</b></span><br />
<span style="color: #0b5394; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><b><br /></b></span>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="color: #0b5394; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><b>~<i>Robin Harris</i></b></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="color: #0b5394; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><b><i>Nursery Director</i></b></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="color: #0b5394; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><b><i><br /></i></b></span></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<span style="color: #38761d; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><b>Readings</b></span></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<span style="color: #38761d; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><b>Jeremiah 24:1-10</b></span></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<span style="color: #38761d; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><b>Psalms 31 or 35</b></span></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<span style="color: #38761d; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><b>Romans 9:19-33</b></span></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<span style="color: #38761d; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><b>John 9:1-17</b></span></div>
Kennesaw UMChttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05676925618149922240noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6926245050623680380.post-66161836698527030882013-03-17T04:00:00.000-04:002013-03-17T04:00:05.459-04:00March 17, 2013<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjmLi6eO2Oel7wjqycZKNAuKWDQbR8ixeyI5X1A6R4VlVk5C2cH5WUvH-WSAhcbGVd9NGl1RLHZhMYQD6WIcM9NMfNFBQ6Q0fk3OKY_prSb9Tm-AyRiUvHjAaDo5k6DgP5mbqGgbTWdokP2/s1600/Mary's+dev.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjmLi6eO2Oel7wjqycZKNAuKWDQbR8ixeyI5X1A6R4VlVk5C2cH5WUvH-WSAhcbGVd9NGl1RLHZhMYQD6WIcM9NMfNFBQ6Q0fk3OKY_prSb9Tm-AyRiUvHjAaDo5k6DgP5mbqGgbTWdokP2/s320/Mary's+dev.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<span style="color: #38761d; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><b>1 Corinthians 9:22-23</b></span><br />
<span style="color: #38761d; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><b>I have become all things to all men so that by all possible means I might save some. I do all this for the sake of the gospel, that I may share in its blessings.</b></span><br />
<span style="color: #38761d; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><b><br /></b></span>
<span style="color: #0b5394; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><b>Do you ever feel as though you are outside of the reach of God's love and grace? Sometimes, you just know that you are going to do the wrong thing. No matter how willing your heart or your spirit, you just know that you have one particular temptation or weakness you cannot seem to stand up against. Maybe, you feel this is keeping you from being close to God, or that you are not fit to spread the Word of God to others while still trapped in your own sins.</b></span><br />
<span style="color: #0b5394; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><b><br /></b></span>
<span style="color: #0b5394; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><b>First, let's get a couple of things straight. Scripture tells us that there is nowhere we can hide where the Lord cannot see us; He fill the heaven and earth (Jeremiah 23:24). So those things that you know you're going to do wrong? God knows about them, too. Sometimes, we may turn away from God in an effort to hide our wrongdoings, or because we feel unworthy of His grace. Or, maybe, we're just not ready to acknowledge - or turn away from - our sin. But, you can't keep secrets from God, so there's no us in trying to hide from Him. You are never outside of His reach.</b></span><br />
<span style="color: #0b5394; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><b><br /></b></span>
<span style="color: #0b5394; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><b>Second, don't ever believe that your shortcomings stand in the way of God using you to bring others to Him. Yes, we should continually strive to turn away from our sin, and no, this is not a get-out-of-jail-free card to continue doing whatever we'd like. But, our Lord works in mysterious ways, and even into our darkest places His light will shine.</b></span><br />
<span style="color: #0b5394; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><b><br /></b></span>
<span style="color: #0b5394; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><b>Without giving any revealing details (which makes for a terribly dull anecdote - my apologies in advance), I was once somewhere I shouldn't have been, doing something I shouldn't have been doing. While there, I felt strongly compelled to make what seemed to me to be a horribly awkward statement to someone I had just met. This person immediately teared up. It turns out I had given them just the message they needed to hear . . . though, it certainly had not come from me.</b></span><br />
<span style="color: #0b5394; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><b><br /></b></span>
<span style="color: #0b5394; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><b>The point of that maddeningly unspecific story is that even in the places where we're not living the best example of a heart after Christ, in those places where we wish we could hide in secret from the Lord, He is still with us, still able to use us in His mysterious ways. </b></span><br />
<span style="color: #0b5394; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><b><br /></b></span>
<span style="color: #0b5394; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><b>We know that Jesus' twelve disciples were chosen from different professions and walks of life. Each had their own strengths and weaknesses. But, we sometimes forget that there are many examples in the Gospels where Jesus rebukes the disciples. Yet, these, as apostles, were responsible for spreading God's Word and establishing His church after Jesus' death and resurrection.</b></span><br />
<span style="color: #0b5394; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><b><br /></b></span>
<span style="color: #0b5394; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><b>Many of Paul's letters to the early Christians, such as those at Corinth, remind us that Paul was trying to instruct them in the ways of the church, not because he felt he was better than they were, but because he, too, was a sinner, and was able to speak to others of God's mercy and grace because he, himself, had received it. He knew the things with which they were struggling not because he was looking down on them, but because he had been down among them.</b></span><br />
<span style="color: #0b5394; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><b><br /></b></span>
<span style="color: #0b5394; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><b>During the Lenten season, when some of us use the time to try to let go of a particular vice, let us remember that God can turn our <i>test</i> into a <i>testimony</i>. Whatever we may be struggling with now, God can still use us to reach other members of His flock. Sometimes, even in our weakest moments when we feel the farthest from His light, we can still reflect that light onto others.</b></span><br />
<span style="color: #0b5394; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><b><br /></b></span>
<span style="color: #0b5394; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><b>Let us pray:</b></span><br />
<span style="color: #0b5394; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><b>Dear Lord, I know that I can never do enough on my own to be deserving of Your mercy and Your grace. Though I try, sometimes it feels that I just can't break free of sin. Please help me to remember that even when I am at my worst, I cannot hide from Your light. Your love never fails; it endures forever. You are near to all who call on You, and You lift up all who are bowed down. Thank You for using even my weakness to bring others to Your glory. Amen.</b></span><br />
<span style="color: #0b5394; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><b><br /></b></span>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="color: #0b5394; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><b><i>~Mary Elizabeth Watson</i></b></span></div>
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<span style="color: #0b5394; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><b><i><br /></i></b></span></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<span style="color: #38761d; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><b>Readings</b></span></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<span style="color: #38761d; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><b>Jeremiah 23:16-32</b></span></div>
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<span style="color: #38761d; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><b>Psalms 118 or 145</b></span></div>
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<span style="color: #38761d; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><b>1 Corinthians 9:19-27</b></span></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<span style="color: #38761d; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><b>Mark 8:31-9:1</b></span></div>
Kennesaw UMChttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05676925618149922240noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6926245050623680380.post-30487702280681575212013-03-16T04:00:00.000-04:002013-03-16T04:00:02.753-04:00March 16, 2013<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi6QQuZVhy96lb0OYa53dd6LdxQRoGpK2zzACqAlSpLRo112HZYbw1WSpGBKpfY_a1aRN_v1ivl8bdnOL1LP9b1Gew486WQuFfA4Ohevjqxb_lEltx2UHxfjGASz4847E6v7i_qHfbqAzcN/s1600/Trisha's+dev.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi6QQuZVhy96lb0OYa53dd6LdxQRoGpK2zzACqAlSpLRo112HZYbw1WSpGBKpfY_a1aRN_v1ivl8bdnOL1LP9b1Gew486WQuFfA4Ohevjqxb_lEltx2UHxfjGASz4847E6v7i_qHfbqAzcN/s320/Trisha's+dev.jpg" width="239" /></a></div>
<br />
<span style="color: #38761d; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><b>John 6:66-69</b></span><br />
<span style="color: #38761d; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><b>Because of this many of his disciples turned back and no longer went about with him. So Jesus asked the twelve, "Do you also wish to go away?" Simon Peter answered him, "Lord, to whom can we go? You have the words of eternal life. We have come to believe and know you are the Holy One of God."</b></span><br />
<span style="color: #38761d; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><b><br /></b></span>
<span style="color: #0b5394; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><b>As I read John 6:60-71 about how some followers questioned Jesus, and Jesus said to them, "Hey, if you can't follow the word, then you can't follow me," it reminded me of my own relationship with God. In looking at my track record with going to church and being a follower of Jesus, it has been very touch and go. It seems that it is easy, convenient even, to not be an active participant and recipient of God's Word.</b></span><br />
<span style="color: #0b5394; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><b><br /></b></span>
<span style="color: #0b5394; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><b>The excuses come . . . I work full time, I have two boys who keep me busy . . . I am spending time with my family; wouldn't Jesus want that? . . . I was up late Saturday night, I need the sleep in . . . and the excuses can go on and on.</b></span><br />
<span style="color: #0b5394; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><b><br /></b></span>
<span style="color: #0b5394; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><b>How does this make me any different than those followers who were with Jesus and questioned the Lord's Word? I wonder if they had those same excuses running around in their heads . . . We have followed this guy for years, and what do we have to show for it? . . . I am hungry . . . I am tired . . . I want to see my family again . . . And, who is this God he keeps talking about? We haven't seen anything yet. I am sure the list of complaints would go on and on.</b></span><br />
<span style="color: #0b5394; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><b><br /></b></span>
<span style="color: #0b5394; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><b>Then Jesus, in His way, called them out on it! There are so many times when something happens that I know is a God thing, I look up and point my finger and say, "God, You are a funny guy." That is because Jesus knows how to slap us with a two-by-four right when we need it. It is like that V8 commercial when the people need a bop in the head!</b></span><br />
<span style="color: #0b5394; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><b><br /></b></span>
<span style="color: #0b5394; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><b>So, I challenge you, when you begin to sway from your path with Jesus and think, <i>Well, maybe I don't need to go to church this Sunday or attend Bible study that morning . . .</i>Think of those disciples who went home instead of continuing the journey with Jesus. Think about that opportunity they chose to miss out on, walking personally with the physical Son of God. We may not be able to walk in Jesus' actual footsteps as they did, but we can read our Bibles, hear the Word preached, and be in the company of other Christians.</b></span><br />
<span style="color: #0b5394; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><b><br /></b></span>
<span style="color: #0b5394; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><b>No excuses!!!</b></span><br />
<span style="color: #0b5394; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><b><br /></b></span>
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<span style="color: #0b5394; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><b><i>~Trisha Crawley</i></b></span></div>
<span style="color: #0b5394; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><b><br /></b></span>
<span style="color: #38761d; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><b>Readings</b></span><br />
<span style="color: #38761d; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><b>Jeremiah 23:9-15</b></span><br />
<span style="color: #38761d; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><b>Psalms 107:33-43, 108 or 33</b></span><br />
<span style="color: #38761d; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><b>Romans 9:1-18</b></span><br />
<span style="color: #38761d; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><b>John 6:60-71</b></span><br />
<span style="color: #38761d; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><b><br /></b></span>Kennesaw UMChttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05676925618149922240noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6926245050623680380.post-17012740708475101382013-03-15T04:00:00.000-04:002013-03-15T04:00:02.770-04:00March 15, 2013<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiXVJNIR0VU7iXbONrV-sbRSF7IG11XqkAEfIOpCX8ZOhewdZXCS-EDc6bwbG7rUkeZIie_hguWgHcFKnRP4wH8y9UFk1dKC3Gjj8NhclBepYhMDWvQJ-R5iA2-Ot0iZB6DZlaknBY-YCq8/s1600/Chris'+dev.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="228" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiXVJNIR0VU7iXbONrV-sbRSF7IG11XqkAEfIOpCX8ZOhewdZXCS-EDc6bwbG7rUkeZIie_hguWgHcFKnRP4wH8y9UFk1dKC3Gjj8NhclBepYhMDWvQJ-R5iA2-Ot0iZB6DZlaknBY-YCq8/s320/Chris'+dev.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<span style="color: #38761d; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><b>Romans 8:31-32</b></span><br />
<span style="color: #38761d; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><b>What, then, shall we say in response to this? If God is for us, who can be against us? He who did not spare his own Son, but gave him up for all - how will he not also, along with him, graciously give us all things? </b></span><br />
<span style="color: #38761d; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><b><br /></b></span>
<span style="color: #0b5394; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><b>I'll admit it. Trusting in God doesn't come naturally to me. I get it honest, though, as I come from a family of worriers. I'm amazed at how some people can stand firm as pillars and approach each day without worry or care. They are confident in their faith. They know where their help comes from. They're strong and unwavering.</b></span><br />
<span style="color: #0b5394; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><b><br /></b></span>
<span style="color: #0b5394; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><b>Me, on the other hand, I'm concerned about how much money it's going to take to fix the leak in the foundation of our "as is" home we purchased just two years ago. I'm too worried about tax season. God is blessing us with another beautiful little girl due this June, but the only thing I can think about is formula and diapers. They're expensive, you know!</b></span><br />
<span style="color: #0b5394; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><b><br /></b></span>
<span style="color: #0b5394; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><b>It's funny how I worry about these petty things which seem so significant at the time, but trust God for the salvation of my soul. Wait . . . I can trust God for my salvation, but still worry about the price of diapers? This doesn't make sense!</b></span><br />
<span style="color: #0b5394; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><b><br /></b></span>
<span style="color: #0b5394; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><b>It's exactly what Paul is saying to the Romans: <i>He who did not spare his own Son, but gave him up for us all - how will he not also, along with him, graciously give us all things?</i> Paul is declaring that we are more than conquerors through Christ Jesus. We simply must fix our eyes on Him. I'm reminded of a thought-provoking worship song by the same name which you can listen to <a href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ptnoeqh8bRo">here</a>.</b></span><br />
<span style="color: #0b5394; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><b><br /></b></span>
<span style="color: #0b5394; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><b>The prayer for my own life and yours is this: that we fix our eyes upon Jesus, and spend less time worrying about the insignificant aspects that will always be prevalent. God always takes care of us. We must simply trust in Him.</b></span><br />
<span style="color: #0b5394; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><b><br /></b></span>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="color: #0b5394; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><b><i>~Chris Owenby</i></b></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="color: #0b5394; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><b><i>Music Minister</i></b></span></div>
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<span style="color: #0b5394; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><b><i><br /></i></b></span></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<span style="color: #38761d; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><b>Readings</b></span></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<span style="color: #38761d; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><b>Jeremiah 23:1-8</b></span></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<span style="color: #38761d; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><b>Psalms 102 or 107:1-32</b></span></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<span style="color: #38761d; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><b>Romans 8:28-39</b></span></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<span style="color: #38761d; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><b>John 6:52-59</b></span></div>
Kennesaw UMChttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05676925618149922240noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6926245050623680380.post-73100496957017601462013-03-14T04:00:00.000-04:002013-03-14T04:00:08.421-04:00March 14, 2013<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhQf_1Fg1mzDrKxTA7LrveeBSG_6NBfkTOpjrTE7RDMGJEjpnz7TdZL7L-n-e_iqLqkFm8e8DnQO65ri1l1StmNn6Yp3hpjRFdmfRRTEUQpIh4lWK9FiqdOfBoUz4cZGwSxJALJjKNN74Ci/s1600/Amy's+dev.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhQf_1Fg1mzDrKxTA7LrveeBSG_6NBfkTOpjrTE7RDMGJEjpnz7TdZL7L-n-e_iqLqkFm8e8DnQO65ri1l1StmNn6Yp3hpjRFdmfRRTEUQpIh4lWK9FiqdOfBoUz4cZGwSxJALJjKNN74Ci/s320/Amy's+dev.jpg" width="316" /></a></div>
<br />
<span style="color: #38761d; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><b>John 6:47-51</b></span><br />
<span style="color: #38761d; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><b>I tell you the truth, he who believes has everlasting life. I am the bread of life. Your forefathers ate the manna in the desert, yet they died. But here is the bread that comes down from heaven, which a man may eat and not die. I am the living bread that came down from heaven. If anyone eats of this bread, he will live forever. This bread is my flesh which I will give for the life of the world.</b></span><br />
<span style="color: #38761d; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><b><br /></b></span>
<span style="color: #0b5394; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><b>As we make our journey to Easter by counting the days of Lent, it is important to take time to reflect upon our personal relationship with God. The Lenten season is designed for Christians to repent and reflect upon their relationship with God. This is not something which can be quickly evaluated or scored based upon a series of questions. This relationship is much more personal, and the time it takes to reflect is different for each individual.</b></span><br />
<span style="color: #0b5394; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><b><br /></b></span>
<span style="color: #0b5394; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><b>My relationship with God grows more and more each day, but it does not grow based upon chance alone. My personal relationship has taken quite a bit of time to evaluate. Even though I have always been a Christian and attended church regularly as a child, I found myself reevaluating my relationship as an adult. During this time, I often wondered if I had strayed too far away or neglected my responsibilities as a Christian.</b></span><br />
<span style="color: #0b5394; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><b><br /></b></span>
<span style="color: #0b5394; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><b>When developing a deeper understanding and maturing your relationship with God, it is also helpful to have a supportive ear - someone you can discuss your faith with and who supports you as you commit to this journey. Just as God and Jesus nourish us, we must also seek out additional ways to nourish our faith each day. I receive spiritual nourishment from my husband, my Sunday school class, Sunday worship services, and our entire church family at KUMC.</b></span><br />
<span style="color: #0b5394; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><b><br /></b></span>
<span style="color: #0b5394; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><b>I realized that in order to grow and nourish my relationship, I had to make a commitment to doing more than praying alone and accepting Jesus as my Savior. I needed to be surrounded by Christians, devote time to learning more about my religion, and relinquish the idea that I should keep my beliefs private rather than sharing them with friends and family.</b></span><br />
<span style="color: #0b5394; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><b><br /></b></span>
<span style="color: #0b5394; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><b>Of the three points I identified to be the most important for me to nurture my faith, sharing my faith with others has been the most difficult. I think this is difficult for a lot of Christians as we are typically reserved in order to avoid offending others or encroaching on their beliefs. Throughout my nourishment journey, I have come to realize that I need to spread God's word in order to enhance my understanding and grow my faith. Rather than being timid, I now openly reference my beliefs and often encourage others to experience God's love.</b></span><br />
<span style="color: #0b5394; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><b><br /></b></span>
<span style="color: #0b5394; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><b>The season of Lent affords us numerous opportunities to nourish our spiritual growth. It is up to us to place God first, commit ourselves to strengthening our beliefs, and receive everlasting life. </b></span><br />
<span style="color: #0b5394; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><b><br /></b></span>
<span style="color: #0b5394; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><b>What are you doing to nourish your spiritual growth? How can you help others experience the same fulfillment and everlasting life?</b></span><br />
<span style="color: #0b5394; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><b><br /></b></span>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="color: #0b5394; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><b><i>~Amy Krengel</i></b></span></div>
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<span style="color: #0b5394; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><b><i><br /></i></b></span></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<span style="color: #38761d; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><b>Readings</b></span></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<span style="color: #38761d; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><b>Jeremiah 22:13-23</b></span></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<span style="color: #38761d; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><b>Psalms 69 or 73</b></span></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<span style="color: #38761d; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><b>Romans 8:12-27</b></span></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<span style="color: #38761d; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><b>John 6:41-51</b></span></div>
Kennesaw UMChttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05676925618149922240noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6926245050623680380.post-82565977179900559672013-03-13T04:00:00.000-04:002013-03-13T04:00:01.413-04:00March 13, 2013<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiTK-9r4zovOBzOLEVzpUDYjUvT4tWxVTFlPItUwEv-Lc9f-MjKV8pKpNA0HR1VJZiFVhRu8CaRwf0Cli_ZcS6EiTMr9MNZrs6amEBM8D5Ibf0z2yfK5wwHB63lNsGpvogxoXAptX-Eu97-/s1600/Toy-Truck-Toddlers.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiTK-9r4zovOBzOLEVzpUDYjUvT4tWxVTFlPItUwEv-Lc9f-MjKV8pKpNA0HR1VJZiFVhRu8CaRwf0Cli_ZcS6EiTMr9MNZrs6amEBM8D5Ibf0z2yfK5wwHB63lNsGpvogxoXAptX-Eu97-/s1600/Toy-Truck-Toddlers.jpg" /></a></div>
<br />
<span style="color: #38761d; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><b>Romans 8:6</b></span><br />
<span style="color: #38761d; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><b>The mind governed by the flesh is death, but the mind governed by the Spirit is life and peace.</b></span><br />
<span style="color: #38761d; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><b><br /></b></span>
<span style="color: #0b5394; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><b>When my son, Daniel, is just about a year old, I go back to work.</b></span><br />
<span style="color: #0b5394; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><b><br /></b></span>
<span style="color: #0b5394; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><b>I don't want to. I long to stay home and just be a mommy. But, economic concerns at the time dictate otherwise.</b></span><br />
<span style="color: #0b5394; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><b><br /></b></span>
<span style="color: #0b5394; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><b>It is comforting to know that Daniel is cared for by family and friends while I'm at work. I am relieved to not have to place him at an impersonal, germ-infested day care facility. But, I still feel guilty.</b></span><br />
<span style="color: #0b5394; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><b><br /></b></span>
<span style="color: #0b5394; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><b>Very guilty . . .</b></span><br />
<span style="color: #0b5394; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><b><br /></b></span>
<span style="color: #0b5394; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><b>I miss him so much during the day. Think about him all the time. Wonder what he's up to.</b></span><br />
<span style="color: #0b5394; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><b><br /></b></span>
<span style="color: #0b5394; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><b>And, though I like my job, I can't wait to get home each day to see him. I want, somehow, to make it up to him.</b></span><br />
<span style="color: #0b5394; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><b><br /></b></span>
<span style="color: #0b5394; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><b>When I deposit my first paycheck in the bank during my lunch break, I have an inspiration.</b></span><br />
<span style="color: #0b5394; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><b><br /></b></span>
<span style="color: #0b5394; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><b><i>Why not buy Daniel a new toy? He'll be so surprised. So pleased!</i></b></span><br />
<span style="color: #0b5394; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><b><i><br /></i></b></span>
<span style="color: #0b5394; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><b>I duck into the nearby five and dime and make a beeline for the toy section. Immediately, I spy the perfect gift: a sturdy, bright-yellow, plastic dump truck. Daniel loves nothing better than playing with the few cars and trucks he already has.</b></span><br />
<span style="color: #0b5394; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><b><br /></b></span>
<span style="color: #0b5394; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><b>I tuck the truck under my arm and head happily toward the cashier.</b></span><br />
<span style="color: #0b5394; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><b><br /></b></span>
<span style="color: #0b5394; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><b><i>Oh, how he will love this! I can't wait to see the look on his face!</i></b></span><br />
<span style="color: #0b5394; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><b><i><br /></i></b></span>
<span style="color: #0b5394; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><b>I am not disappointed.</b></span><br />
<span style="color: #0b5394; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><b><br /></b></span>
<span style="color: #0b5394; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><b>When I give the truck to Daniel, his eyes are as round as saucers and a huge smile spreads across his face.</b></span><br />
<span style="color: #0b5394; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><b><br /></b></span>
<span style="color: #0b5394; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><b>"T'ank oo," he says, hugging the dump truck to his chest.</b></span><br />
<span style="color: #0b5394; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><b><br /></b></span>
<span style="color: #0b5394; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><b>Needless to say, I am gratified. And, some of the guilt I feel for leaving him is assuaged. At least, temporarily.</b></span><br />
<br />
<span style="color: #0b5394; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><b>It is four paychecks and four toys later when I realize my mistake.</b></span><br />
<span style="color: #0b5394; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><b><br /></b></span>
<span style="color: #0b5394; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><b>I'm sending my son the wrong message! Teaching him that material things can make him happy. Can make up for my absence from him.</b></span><br />
<span style="color: #0b5394; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><b><br /></b></span>
<span style="color: #0b5394; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><b>Can be a substitute for love . . .</b></span><br />
<span style="color: #0b5394; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><b><br /></b></span>
<span style="color: #0b5394; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><b>When they can't. And, never will.</b></span><br />
<span style="color: #0b5394; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><b><br /></b></span>
<span style="color: #0b5394; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><b>On my fifth payday, I bring him what counts.</b></span><br />
<span style="color: #0b5394; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><b><br /></b></span>
<span style="color: #0b5394; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><b>A hug. A kiss. And, an "I love you, Daniel."</b></span><br />
<span style="color: #0b5394; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><b><br /></b></span>
<span style="color: #0b5394; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><b>To my joy and relief, my son is perfectly satisfied with that.</b></span><br />
<span style="color: #0b5394; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><b><br /></b></span>
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="color: #0b5394; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><b>~</b></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="color: #0b5394; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><b>Have you ever allowed the fleshly desire for material things get in the way of your spiritual focus?</b></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="color: #0b5394; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><b><br /></b></span></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<span style="color: #0b5394; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><b>Prayer: Let our minds and hearts be governed by Your Holy Spirit, Father. Do not allow the lure of earthly possessions to keep us from knowing true peace and life in Your love. Lead us not into temptation. Amen.</b></span><br />
<span style="color: #0b5394; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><b><br /></b></span>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="color: #0b5394; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><b><i>~Martha Orlando</i></b></span></div>
</div>
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<span style="color: #0b5394; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><b><br /></b></span></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<span style="color: #38761d; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><b>Readings</b></span></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<span style="color: #38761d; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><b>Jeremiah 18:1-11</b></span></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<span style="color: #38761d; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><b>Psalms 101, 109 or 119:121-144</b></span></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<span style="color: #38761d; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><b>Romans 8:1-11</b></span></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<span style="color: #38761d; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><b>John 6:27-40</b></span></div>
Kennesaw UMChttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05676925618149922240noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6926245050623680380.post-37857333108575728112013-03-12T04:00:00.000-04:002013-03-12T04:00:02.133-04:00March 12, 2013<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhHckPHBZ83xImeRHKoQeoygVhh-oRMq7KOtaqxiEe9ROTltjCdtmuTmMp3lY1DeRBQg7uyLA9QkkMyy3hb-Hnn8-M19r8swspcD8Nt7r1WeB4iHOKPWR8XBMb80XN_3V4gXPbSHHnU8hEP/s1600/D'anna's+dev..jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="256" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhHckPHBZ83xImeRHKoQeoygVhh-oRMq7KOtaqxiEe9ROTltjCdtmuTmMp3lY1DeRBQg7uyLA9QkkMyy3hb-Hnn8-M19r8swspcD8Nt7r1WeB4iHOKPWR8XBMb80XN_3V4gXPbSHHnU8hEP/s320/D'anna's+dev..jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<span style="color: #38761d; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><b>Psalm 94:19</b></span><br />
<span style="color: #38761d; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><b>When anxiety was great within me, your consolation brought joy to my soul.</b></span><br />
<span style="color: #38761d; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><b><br /></b></span>
<span style="color: #0b5394; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><b>My mother was a worrier, especially when we became teenagers. Or, it could be, it was during my teenage years, I recognized it more. As with any mother, when their children begin to drive, have other friends outside the neighborhood or church youth group, a mother's fears are heightened. However, I believe my mother's worrying was far more significant than simply being about other friends. In time, as I grew older, I became more and more selective in what information I shared with my mother so as not to exacerbate any sense of worry or concern for her.</b></span><br />
<span style="color: #0b5394; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><b><br /></b></span>
<span style="color: #0b5394; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><b>I grew up going to church faithfully on Sunday mornings, Sunday evenings, and Wednesday evenings. My family was at any and all church-sponsored events or dinners. So, I know and firmly believe in my mother's strong faith and belief in the Lord Jesus Christ and in her salvation. But, she was such a worrier!</b></span><br />
<span style="color: #0b5394; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><b><br /></b></span>
<span style="color: #0b5394; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><b>I became so selective that I never shared any bad news in our family life, or any concerns regarding my two boys, or any work related stress. In fact, you could say that I presented such a calm and content image, one could have mistaken us for the Ward Cleaver family! In reality, we were having typical marriage and family issues with boys, who became teens, who are now young adults, ages 19 and 23.</b></span><br />
<span style="color: #0b5394; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><b><br /></b></span>
<span style="color: #0b5394; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><b>In my mother's last years, I tried very hard to reassure her that any and all days are good days. I believe in her last years, she became extremely worried and concerned about leaving this earth due to my brother's disability and how he would be cared for. My sister <i>and </i>brother joined me in reassuring her that we would continue to support and care for each other. I told her in the last week of her life that it was okay to let go; we would make sure my brother was taken care of. I felt that in her last days, she finally realized our strong support for each other as siblings would continue.</b></span><br />
<span style="color: #0b5394; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><b><br /></b></span>
<span style="color: #0b5394; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><b>My sister and I were fortunate and blessed to be with my mother as she passed from this life to the next in May 2011. In a quiet and peaceful hospice room, I felt my mother was at peace and her worrying and anxiety were finally over. She was 91; her body had just worn out. It was a moment I will never forget.</b></span><br />
<span style="color: #0b5394; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><b><br /></b></span>
<span style="color: #0b5394; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><b>During this season of Lent, I encourage you to remember God is your rock and your fortress in which you can take refuge. There is no need to worry or have anxious thoughts when Jesus is your personal Savior.</b></span><br />
<span style="color: #0b5394; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><b><br /></b></span>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="color: #0b5394; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><b><i>~D'Anna Liber</i></b></span></div>
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<span style="color: #0b5394; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><b><i><br /></i></b></span></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<span style="color: #38761d; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><b>Readings</b></span></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<span style="color: #38761d; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><b>Jeremiah 17:19-27</b></span></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<span style="color: #38761d; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><b>Psalms 97, 99 or 94</b></span></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<span style="color: #38761d; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><b>Romans 7:13-25</b></span></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<span style="color: #38761d; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><b>John 6:16-27</b></span></div>
Kennesaw UMChttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05676925618149922240noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6926245050623680380.post-33580372484772785482013-03-11T04:00:00.000-04:002013-03-11T04:00:11.537-04:00March 11, 2013<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjNGinpzUv6AWldJmueun7rWTahds8BchL91Fq_e1IegkMyl0RmyStVWyeufSxboH1EX5vqc5cr3A1uiPVE0dRATGWZTvd91DRhip4fnMuWk25tWosAsk3x5JdXrFBWbVi4yjMV0TO0kGRP/s1600/Peggy's+dev..jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjNGinpzUv6AWldJmueun7rWTahds8BchL91Fq_e1IegkMyl0RmyStVWyeufSxboH1EX5vqc5cr3A1uiPVE0dRATGWZTvd91DRhip4fnMuWk25tWosAsk3x5JdXrFBWbVi4yjMV0TO0kGRP/s320/Peggy's+dev..jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<span style="color: #38761d; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><b>John 6:9-11</b></span><br />
<span style="color: #38761d; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><b>There is a lad here, which hath five barley loaves, and two small fishes: but what are they among so many? And Jesus said, "Make the men sit down. Now there was much grass in the place. So the men sat down, in number about 5,000. And Jesus took the loaves; and when he had given thanks, he distributed to the disciples, and the disciples to them that were set down; and likewise of the fishes as much as they would.</b></span><br />
<span style="color: #38761d; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><b><br /></b></span>
<span style="color: #0b5394; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><b>Christ teaches us that if we accept Him into our hearts, we are never alone in our journey through life. Through all of the cares, worries, and struggles which face us all, He is our constant companion and partner if we just remember to rely on Him.</b></span><br />
<span style="color: #0b5394; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><b><br /></b></span>
<span style="color: #0b5394; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><b>For mere mortals, life presents a continuously changing set of opportunities or challenges. Virtually all of us have seen or experienced situations in which there seemed to be no available option for success, no possible end to daily frustrations, or perhaps, even not enough conceivable emotional or physical stamina to take the next step. </b></span><br />
<span style="color: #0b5394; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><b><br /></b></span>
<span style="color: #0b5394; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><b>During these times, it may be a natural human reaction to feel that God is very distant. If we have prayed and asked for His intervention, it can be difficult to believe He has heard us at all. We may acknowledge His presence and power, but still wrestle with the feelings that we have been forsaken. However, these are the precise times which challenge us to acknowledge that, while His response may not yet be apparent or understood, He can still be hard at work.</b></span><br />
<span style="color: #0b5394; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><b><br /></b></span>
<span style="color: #0b5394; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><b>The familiar stories from the Bible that we have heard since childhood all too often point to amazing acts or accomplishments which could unnecessarily define or restrict our expectations for "miraculous" events. Whether we recall Lazarus rising from the dead, or feeding thousands with simple loaves and fishes, we may then internally require a certain "scope" or "degree of difficulty" to consider His responses to us as miraculous.</b></span><br />
<span style="color: #0b5394; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><b><br /></b></span>
<span style="color: #0b5394; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><b>The truth is, however, that we may have received a miracle even when we don't recognize it at the time. Sometimes, He may orchestrate events through others by way of caring, supportive interactions with us. A kind word of encouragement, a helping hand whether given or received when in need, or a simple second-chance opportunity to start afresh may all evolve from a simple, instantaneous, individual blessing; a true "miracle" for you and others.</b></span><br />
<span style="color: #0b5394; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><b><br /></b></span>
<span style="color: #0b5394; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><b>Remember - the "bread of life" is not limited to just those familiar loaves for the multitudes. It is also the eternal chain of compassion, forgiveness, and renewed strength.</b></span><br />
<span style="color: #0b5394; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><b><br /></b></span>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="color: #0b5394; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><b>~<i>Peggy Ferguson</i></b></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="color: #0b5394; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><b><i>Executive Administrative Assistant</i></b></span></div>
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<span style="color: #0b5394; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><b><i><br /></i></b></span></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<span style="color: #38761d; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><b>Readings</b></span></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<span style="color: #38761d; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><b>Jeremiah 16:10-21</b></span></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<span style="color: #38761d; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><b>Psalms 89:1-18 or 89:19-52</b></span></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<span style="color: #38761d; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><b>Romans 7:1-12</b></span></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<span style="color: #38761d; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><b>John 6:1-15</b></span></div>
Kennesaw UMChttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05676925618149922240noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6926245050623680380.post-88288944570239687842013-03-10T04:00:00.000-04:002013-03-10T04:00:05.353-04:00March 10, 2013<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<br />
<span style="color: #6aa84f; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><b>Jeremiah 14:9</b></span><br />
<span style="color: #6aa84f; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><b>Why should you be like someone who is helpless, like a champion who cannot save anyone? You are indeed with us, and we belong to you. Do not abandon us!</b></span><br />
<span style="color: #6aa84f; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><b><br /></b></span>
<span style="color: #0b5394; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><b>Jeremiah . . . Poor Jeremiah! The guy has been through a lot. I'm sure being called to be a prophet as a youth in Old Testament times was not an easy thing to come to terms with. But, Jeremiah rose to the occasion with the help of God and His promise to protect him. God sends Jeremiah to tell Israel that they need to change their ways and repent; they are not living in a way that is pleasing to the Lord. His message was not well received, his own people turned against him, and he was persecuted.</b></span><br />
<span style="color: #0b5394; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><b><br /></b></span>
<span style="color: #0b5394; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><b>Jeremiah can't seem to catch a break. In Chapter 14:1-9, the Lord and Jeremiah are talking about the drought which Judah is experiencing. A drought so severe that animals are abandoning their young, and even the nobles cannot find a sip of water. Jeremiah pleads with God. He knows they are sinners who have turned away from God, but he begs for help, to not be abandoned.</b></span><br />
<span style="color: #0b5394; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><b><br /></b></span>
<span style="color: #0b5394; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><b>With as much rain as we've had lately, it's hard to imagine a drought as harsh as the one Judah was experiencing. But, we all experience droughts in life. What kind of drought are you going through? Maybe, it is a drought of love? Or, a drought of rest? Financial drought? Emotional? Spiritual? A drought of work? Or, a drought of purpose?</b></span><br />
<span style="color: #0b5394; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><b><br /></b></span>
<span style="color: #0b5394; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><b>For me, it is a drought of purpose. For over ten years, I have wanted to be an equine-assisted psychotherapist, working with horses to help people heal emotionally. I had a dream, a plan. I did everything they tell you to do - set goals, worked hard, did well in school, got a master's degree, and became a Licensed Associate Professional Counselor. Then, I worked for a year in private practice doing my "dream" job, developing and building an equine-assisted psychotherapy program. During that year, I again did everything I was supposed to - I took additional training, sought supervision, prayed, and did some soul searching. I tried to make professional counseling the career I'd always dreamed of. Finally, I came to the realization that it just wasn't the right fit for me.</b></span><br />
<span style="color: #0b5394; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><b><br /></b></span>
<span style="color: #0b5394; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><b>And now, I'm in the middle of a drought . . . I have a shortage of purpose or, rather, a shortage of knowledge of what my purpose is. If this purpose that I always envisioned for myself isn't right, then what is? I don't have the answer yet, but I'm hopeful! I know that God has a plan for me. And, I will pray to the Lord just as Jeremiah did, "You are indeed with (me), and (I) belong to you. Do not abandon (me)!" And, I know that my God is with me always. He will not abandon me.</b></span><br />
<span style="color: #0b5394; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><b><br /></b></span>
<span style="color: #0b5394; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><b>Whatever drought you may be experiencing during this Lenten season, take the time to pray about it. Know that God is with you. You are a child of God. He is your Savior and Redeemer. He will not abandon you!</b></span><br />
<span style="color: #0b5394; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><b><br /></b></span>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="color: #0b5394; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><b><i>~Morgan Patrick</i></b></span></div>
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<span style="color: #0b5394; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><b><i><br /></i></b></span></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<span style="color: #6aa84f; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><b>Readings</b></span></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<span style="color: #6aa84f; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><b>Jeremiah 14:1-9, 17-22</b></span></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<span style="color: #6aa84f; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><b>Psalms 66, 67 or 19, 46</b></span></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<span style="color: #6aa84f; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><b>Galatians 4:21-5:3</b></span></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<span style="color: #6aa84f; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><b>Mark 8:11-21</b></span></div>
<span style="color: #0b5394; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><b><br /></b></span>
<span style="color: #0b5394; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><b><br /></b></span>Kennesaw UMChttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05676925618149922240noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6926245050623680380.post-75449221366946475082013-03-09T04:00:00.000-05:002013-03-09T04:00:08.745-05:00March 9, 2013<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiQU855le6L0_aRZ2LKRhxBdKHvQDjP9XnYoYafKjuc2-qwFmjpvBFvfBT_JAKXWGbP3ETTqi0KkW9-HLIqqvw0uQcpeZWCC2K2XGIwdnZMwrVx4Oh1Id7lagv1WGlWA0UMv87W2LJeypqP/s1600/Jerry's+dev..JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiQU855le6L0_aRZ2LKRhxBdKHvQDjP9XnYoYafKjuc2-qwFmjpvBFvfBT_JAKXWGbP3ETTqi0KkW9-HLIqqvw0uQcpeZWCC2K2XGIwdnZMwrVx4Oh1Id7lagv1WGlWA0UMv87W2LJeypqP/s320/Jerry's+dev..JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<span style="color: #38761d; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><b>Romans 6:20-23</b></span><br />
<span style="color: #38761d; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><b>When you were slaves of sin, you were free in regard to righteousness. So what advantage did you then get from the things of which you now are ashamed? The end of those things is death. But now that you have been freed from sin and enslaved to God, the advantage you get is sanctification. The end is eternal life. For the wages of sin is death, but the free gift of God is eternal life in Christ Jesus, our Lord.</b></span><br />
<span style="color: #38761d; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><b><br /></b></span>
<span style="color: #0b5394; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><b>We all go through different seasons in our lives, and how we find ourselves at the end of one season often provides insight into how we will view and react to the seasons to come.</b></span><br />
<span style="color: #0b5394; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><b><br /></b></span>
<span style="color: #0b5394; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><b>I grew up in the church, was very active there, and in tune, so I thought, with God's word. When college started, I began to drift away from that solid upbringing, and put my relationship with God on the back burner at a setting that was just above cold. Then, when I was 19-years-old, my mother died after a long, painful struggle with cancer. How could this happen to me? Where was God now that I needed Him? I decided that this religious and God stuff was a bunch of malarkey. I thought I could do it better on my own.</b></span><br />
<span style="color: #0b5394; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><b><br /></b></span>
<span style="color: #0b5394; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><b>For the next 15 years or so, I lived a life that, at times, seemed out of control and very "me"-centered with no thought to God's involvement. At times, I even professed to be an agnostic, yet I probably could not have told you what that meant.</b></span><br />
<span style="color: #0b5394; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><b><br /></b></span>
<span style="color: #0b5394; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><b>But, God was always there, working in the background, leading me ever so gently to a place I needed to be. We moved to Kennesaw and found Kennesaw UMC; ever so slowly, my life began to change, and God began to move back to the front. No longer on the back burner. Yet, there was much work to be done. How does one turn around that life of sin and temptation?</b></span><br />
<span style="color: #0b5394; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><b><br /></b></span>
<span style="color: #0b5394; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><b>There are steps which we all can take to get ourselves back on the right track. God has laid out a plan for us, and all we have to do is follow.</b></span><br />
<span style="color: #0b5394; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><b><br /></b></span>
<span style="color: #0b5394; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><b>First, we need to identify our personal weaknesses. We all know what they are, but you can't fix what you don't recognize. Unsure about what those weaknesses are? Pray about it. I am sure the Lord will help you open your eyes to things that need to be changed.</b></span><br />
<span style="color: #0b5394; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><b><br /></b></span>
<span style="color: #0b5394; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><b>Second, recognize the things which tempt you. It is a byproduct of examining your weaknesses. When they are identified, they lead you to those things in your life that you find ever so tempting.</b></span><br />
<span style="color: #0b5394; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><b><br /></b></span>
<span style="color: #0b5394; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><b>Third, stay away from sources of temptation. This one seems obvious and easy to do, but often this is were the biggest changes must take place. You may have to change the places you go, the activities you like to do, or your friends. I had to change my friends. i had to actively seek out those who led a more God-centered life. It wasn't that I couldn't speak to my old friends, or see them on occasion, but I could no longer invest large amounts of time in people who were not walking where I needed to go.</b></span><br />
<span style="color: #0b5394; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><b><br /></b></span>
<span style="color: #0b5394; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><b>Fourth, practice self-restraint. Looking back, during those times when my life seemed to be heading in the wrong direction, if I had just practiced a little bit of self-control, I could probably have found my way back to the right path. We need look no further than Jesus to see the model of self-control. How many times during His life must He have wanted to strike back at those who ridiculed Him, or lash out at the religious leaders who mocked him and even tried to stone Him? But, our Lord did not. He exercised self-restraint.</b></span><br />
<span style="color: #0b5394; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><b><br /></b></span>
<span style="color: #0b5394; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><b>Fifth, invest time in good habits and service. For me, I had to get back to my youth. I had to get back in the church and serve God by serving others. When you actively seek to rekindle your giving and helpful spirit, there is not time for sin and temptation. I know it is a bit trite to say, but an idle mind truly is Satan's playground. God wants us to stay busy and stay involved in his church serving his people.</b></span><br />
<span style="color: #0b5394; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><b><br /></b></span>
<span style="color: #0b5394; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><b>Finally, lean on God's strength and grace. This is where I fell down. When my mother died, God was there, I just didn't trust him to be ready for me. His strength is always available to us, but we have to open to it. We have to want God to help us. A "me"-centered life only offers weakness and chaos. A God-centered life provides peace and strength. It shouldn't be that tough of a decision, should it?</b></span><br />
<span style="color: #0b5394; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><b><br /></b></span>
<span style="color: #0b5394; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><b>Make your life a God-centered one. Identify your weaknesses, practice self-restraint, but most of all, serve God. It doesn't mean you won't face temptation, but God will be there to help you deal with it. Just look for Him. He is there for you. Amen. </b></span><br />
<span style="color: #0b5394; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><b><br /></b></span>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="color: #0b5394; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><b><i>~Anonymous</i></b></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="color: #0b5394; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><b><br /></b></span></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><b><span style="color: #38761d;">Readings</span></b></span></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><b><span style="color: #38761d;">Jeremiah 13:1-11</span></b></span></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><b><span style="color: #38761d;">Psalms 87, 90 or 136</span></b></span></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><b><span style="color: #38761d;">Romans 6:12-23</span></b></span></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><b><span style="color: #38761d;">John 8:47-59</span><span style="color: #0b5394;"> </span></b></span></div>
Kennesaw UMChttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05676925618149922240noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6926245050623680380.post-56858939806181983852013-03-08T04:00:00.000-05:002013-03-08T04:00:06.624-05:00March 8, 2013<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj1A_Ki37wMwnxMzMf_7wOST0xf_CR34gloQ92M3w6qDJJr-FMiTsx7hr7gtTO3tuAsDCrAJk_833XbnjYQoiyR9x-Z3DCuDJwrsUlqaHdeX72PoZkzY03Cc_5_5UPKq9RGJzLUZlelEKPb/s1600/truth.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj1A_Ki37wMwnxMzMf_7wOST0xf_CR34gloQ92M3w6qDJJr-FMiTsx7hr7gtTO3tuAsDCrAJk_833XbnjYQoiyR9x-Z3DCuDJwrsUlqaHdeX72PoZkzY03Cc_5_5UPKq9RGJzLUZlelEKPb/s320/truth.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<span style="color: #38761d; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><b>John 8:45</b></span><br />
<span style="color: #38761d; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><b>Yet because I tell the truth, you do not believe me!</b></span><br />
<span style="color: #38761d; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><b><br /></b></span>
<span style="color: #0b5394; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><b>Do you consider yourself to be a truthful person? Probably, the vast majority of you who are reading this would answer, "Yes."</b></span><br />
<span style="color: #0b5394; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><b><br /></b></span>
<span style="color: #0b5394; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><b>So, would I.</b></span><br />
<span style="color: #0b5394; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><b><br /></b></span>
<span style="color: #0b5394; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><b>At least, I strive to be truthful. With others. With myself.</b></span><br />
<span style="color: #0b5394; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><b><br /></b></span>
<span style="color: #0b5394; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><b>Recently, though, I receive a beautiful story from a dear friend via email.</b></span><br />
<span style="color: #0b5394; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><b><br /></b></span>
<span style="color: #0b5394; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><b>It tells the reason why the cloth which was placed upon Jesus' face in the tomb is found neatly folded when His empty tomb is entered. In Jesus' time, the story goes, if a master balled up his napkin and threw it on the table, that signaled his servant to clear the dishes. However, if the master folded it beside his plate and left the table, it meant he had not finished eating. He would return momentarily.</b></span><br />
<span style="color: #0b5394; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><b><br /></b></span>
<span style="color: #0b5394; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><b>So, the tale concludes, this was the Lord's way of telling us He will return to us one day.</b></span><br />
<span style="color: #0b5394; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><b><br /></b></span>
<span style="color: #0b5394; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><b>Oh, what a lovely sentiment!</b></span><br />
<span style="color: #0b5394; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><b><br /></b></span>
<span style="color: #0b5394; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><b>But, there's one problem. A big one.</b></span><br />
<span style="color: #0b5394; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><b><br /></b></span>
<span style="color: #0b5394; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><b>It's <i>not </i>true!</b></span><br />
<span style="color: #0b5394; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><b><br /></b></span>
<span style="color: #0b5394; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><b>And, I do not find this out until after I have forwarded this message to several friends, including my husband, Danny.</b></span><br />
<span style="color: #0b5394; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><b><br /></b></span>
<span style="color: #0b5394; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><b>Who decides to do a little research . . .</b></span><br />
<span style="color: #0b5394; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><b><br /></b></span>
<span style="color: #0b5394; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><b>Yep, it's a hoax. No such tradition exists.</b></span><br />
<span style="color: #0b5394; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><b><br /></b></span>
<span style="color: #0b5394; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><b>Boy, do I have egg on my face!</b></span><br />
<span style="color: #0b5394; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><b><br /></b></span>
<span style="color: #0b5394; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><b>And, I feel badly for my friend, too, who sent this lovingly in faith and trust.</b></span><br />
<span style="color: #0b5394; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><b><br /></b></span>
<span style="color: #0b5394; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><b>Living in the land of information-overload, it is becoming more and more difficult to discern fact from fiction. Truth from lies.</b></span><br />
<span style="color: #0b5394; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><b><br /></b></span>
<span style="color: #0b5394; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><b>We can become skeptical. Jaded even.</b></span><br />
<span style="color: #0b5394; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><b><br /></b></span>
<span style="color: #0b5394; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><b>If we let it get to us.</b></span><br />
<span style="color: #0b5394; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><b><br /></b></span>
<span style="color: #0b5394; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><b>But, if we remember that the Holy Spirit will guide us in all truth when we allow Him to take the wheel, we have hope.</b></span><br />
<span style="color: #0b5394; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><b><br /></b></span>
<span style="color: #0b5394; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><b>Hope that we can always trust the true words of our Lord and Savior, Christ Jesus.</b></span><br />
<span style="color: #0b5394; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><b><br /></b></span>
<span style="color: #0b5394; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><b>And, not be misled by what the world would have us believe is true.</b></span><br />
<span style="color: #0b5394; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><b><br /></b></span>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="color: #0b5394; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><b><i>~Martha Orlando</i></b></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="color: #0b5394; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><b><i><br /></i></b></span></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<span style="color: #38761d; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><b>Readings</b></span></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<span style="color: #38761d; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><b>Jeremiah 11:1-8, 14-20</b></span></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<span style="color: #38761d; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><b>Psalms 88, or 91, 92</b></span></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<span style="color: #38761d; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><b>Romans 6:1-11</b></span></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<span style="color: #38761d; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><b>John 8:33-47</b></span></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<span style="color: #38761d; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><b><br /></b></span></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<span style="color: #cc0000; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><b><i>Martha's blog - </i>http://marthaorlando.blogspot.com (Meditations of My Heart)</b></span></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<span style="color: #cc0000; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><b><i>Martha's website - </i>www.gladetrilogy.wix.com/theglade</b></span></div>
Kennesaw UMChttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05676925618149922240noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6926245050623680380.post-47227556586647696872013-03-07T04:00:00.000-05:002013-03-07T04:00:04.641-05:00March 7, 2013<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjw7r4oNljMwC0T1faN5bttlKQxZr0NXBcmHyZc6HIgk1va7Rey4I_qqZ7BbmOvUIFB2JAXzT1w04mFikw4Bmqg9bMug1GowcZ734dD6pq4ASu1AJcVL2s9MeCQVot3Iz1hOpqoky6_YXkE/s1600/Jon's+dev..jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjw7r4oNljMwC0T1faN5bttlKQxZr0NXBcmHyZc6HIgk1va7Rey4I_qqZ7BbmOvUIFB2JAXzT1w04mFikw4Bmqg9bMug1GowcZ734dD6pq4ASu1AJcVL2s9MeCQVot3Iz1hOpqoky6_YXkE/s1600/Jon's+dev..jpg" /></a></div>
<br />
<span style="color: #38761d; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><b>Psalm 86:11</b></span><br />
<span style="color: #38761d; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><b>Teach me your way, LORD,</b></span><br />
<span style="color: #38761d; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><b>that I may rely on your faithfulness.</b></span><br />
<span style="color: #38761d; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><b><br /></b></span>
<span style="color: #0b5394; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><b>Many years ago, one of the world's greatest violinists, Joshua Bell, tried an experiment. He decided to play a mini-concert, unannounced, in a subway station in Washington, D. C.</b></span><br />
<span style="color: #0b5394; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><b><br /></b></span>
<span style="color: #0b5394; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><b>Bell brought his 1713 Stradivarius violin which is worth millions, and played six songs touted to be the six most beautiful comprised songs ever written.</b></span><br />
<span style="color: #0b5394; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><b><br /></b></span>
<span style="color: #0b5394; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><b>Picture this scene for a moment: the world's greatest violinist playing the world's greatest music on the world's greatest instrument in a very ordinary place. What an amazing opportunity for those lucky enough to be there that day! You can check out what happened <a href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hnOPu0_YWhw">here</a>.</b></span><br />
<span style="color: #0b5394; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><b><br /></b></span>
<span style="color: #0b5394; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><b>Each passenger in that station had a quick choice to make:</b></span><br />
<br />
<ul>
<li><span style="color: #0b5394; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><b>Should I stop and listen?</b></span></li>
<li><span style="color: #0b5394; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><b>Should I throw in a buck, just to be polite?</b></span></li>
<li><span style="color: #0b5394; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><b>Do I act like I don't see him so it's not awkward when I walk by?</b></span></li>
</ul>
<div>
<span style="color: #0b5394; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><b>For the 45 minutes that Bell played, only seven people stopped what they were doing to take in the performance. Twenty-seven gave money, most of them on the run (for a meager total of $32 and change). The most startling statistic of all is this: A thousand people walked by because they were in a hurry, rushing past Joshua Bell because they had other things to do.</b></span></div>
<div>
<span style="color: #0b5394; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><b><br /></b></span></div>
<div>
<span style="color: #0b5394; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><b>Only one person recognized him . . .</b></span></div>
<div>
<span style="color: #0b5394; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><b><br /></b></span></div>
<div>
<span style="color: #0b5394; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><b>Unfortunately, we do the same in our relationship with God. We get so busy and distracted that we miss hearing His quiet voice, or we miss His presence with us. We miss opportunities to share the Gospel. We are so tied up in "us" that we miss His greatest performance of all time - the human race! God is in the process of playing His best songs, and we are blowing past Him. In ordinary settings at an inconvenient time, beauty still transcends.</b></span></div>
<div>
<span style="color: #0b5394; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><b><br /></b></span></div>
<div>
<span style="color: #0b5394; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><b>We need to slow down.</b></span></div>
<div>
<span style="color: #0b5394; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><b><br /></b></span></div>
<div>
<span style="color: #0b5394; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><b>We need to put aside distractions.</b></span></div>
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<span style="color: #0b5394; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><b><br /></b></span></div>
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<span style="color: #0b5394; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><b>If we don't, we are in danger of missing out on some great opportunities.</b></span></div>
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<span style="color: #0b5394; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><b><br /></b></span></div>
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<span style="color: #0b5394; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><b>Isn't that what Lent is all about?</b></span></div>
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<span style="color: #0b5394; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><b><br /></b></span></div>
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<span style="color: #0b5394; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><b>When I'm told to slow down, it often means giving up something. We give up time when we let off the gas pedal. We give up our place in line when we slow down at the grocery store. If I give up my iPhone at dinner with my family, how will I know the Falcons just traded Adrian Peterson? If I am the leader of something and told to slow down, it often means giving up control of the lead!</b></span></div>
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<span style="color: #0b5394; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><b><br /></b></span></div>
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<span style="color: #0b5394; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><b>That is where Satan gets me. Control. I like it. I have it. I want more of it! If I slow down, I fear I will lose control.</b></span></div>
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<span style="color: #0b5394; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><b><br /></b></span></div>
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<span style="color: #0b5394; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><b>I work for a company based in Japan. I get a lot of emails at 8:00 at night. Eight o'clock is bed time in our house. The emails I receive from Japan are all important because they are sent to me, and I have control. If I don't respond right away, a sale might not go through, a shipment could be late, or, in my eyes, the world could come to an end!</b></span></div>
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<span style="color: #0b5394; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><b><br /></b></span></div>
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<span style="color: #0b5394; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><b>While I'm answering those emails, something else is going on . . .</b></span></div>
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<span style="color: #0b5394; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><b><br /></b></span></div>
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<span style="color: #0b5394; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><b>Picture the scene for a moment: The world's greatest mommy is singing the world's greatest lullaby to the world's greatest boys in a very ordinary bedroom. What an amazing opportunity for those lucky enough to be there that day!</b></span></div>
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<span style="color: #0b5394; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><b><br /></b></span></div>
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<span style="color: #0b5394; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><b>Each Daddy in that house that night has a quick choice to make:</b></span></div>
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<li><span style="color: #0b5394; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><b>Should I keep pace with work, not slow down and answer the email?</b></span></li>
<li><span style="color: #0b5394; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><b>Should I poke my head in, just to be polite?</b></span></li>
<li><span style="color: #0b5394; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><b>Do I slow down, pick up my "instrument", and help play in the greatest symphony those two boys have ever heard?</b></span></li>
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<span style="color: #0b5394; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><b>Life is short. Slow down so you don't miss the masterpiece God is playing for us every day.</b></span></div>
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<span style="color: #0b5394; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><b><br /></b></span></div>
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<span style="color: #0b5394; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><b>Better yet, pick up your "instrument" and play on!</b></span></div>
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<span style="color: #0b5394; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><b><br /></b></span></div>
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<span style="color: #0b5394; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><b><i>~Jon Smalling</i></b></span></div>
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<span style="color: #0b5394; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><b><i><br /></i></b></span></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<span style="color: #38761d; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><b>Readings</b></span></div>
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<span style="color: #38761d; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><b>Jeremiah 10:11-24</b></span></div>
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<span style="color: #38761d; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><b>Psalms 42, 43 or 85, 86</b></span></div>
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<span style="color: #38761d; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><b>Romans 5:12-21</b></span></div>
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<span style="color: #38761d; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><b>John 8:21-32</b></span></div>
Kennesaw UMChttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05676925618149922240noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6926245050623680380.post-67073973644496934782013-03-06T04:00:00.000-05:002013-03-06T04:00:07.814-05:00March 6, 2013<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiBEGQ-c02RnUnVO9wtTjQqDeE-Bkqf4R9rvfcCMzaDYtuVAOpgUjhES57PEKEXENPRp5sTpfrgpOZSdL3im1WbM6MIqtsW-OeTWtDGo4Gf_A0LnKyWXK_lbTMhTX32mfn1FEDptmbwo2Ow/s1600/Melody's+dev..jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiBEGQ-c02RnUnVO9wtTjQqDeE-Bkqf4R9rvfcCMzaDYtuVAOpgUjhES57PEKEXENPRp5sTpfrgpOZSdL3im1WbM6MIqtsW-OeTWtDGo4Gf_A0LnKyWXK_lbTMhTX32mfn1FEDptmbwo2Ow/s320/Melody's+dev..jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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<span style="color: #38761d; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><b>Psalm 81:13-14</b></span><br />
<span style="color: #38761d; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><b>If my people would only listen to me,</b></span><br />
<span style="color: #38761d; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><b>if Israel would only follow my ways, </b></span><br />
<span style="color: #38761d; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><b>how quickly I would subdue their enemies</b></span><br />
<span style="color: #38761d; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><b>and turn my hand against their foes!</b></span><br />
<span style="color: #38761d; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><b><br /></b></span>
<span style="color: #0b5394; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><b>Like most children, I was often compelled to challenge my parents' authority. Surely, the consequences wouldn't be <i>that </i>bad! And, after all, wouldn't I know what was best for me? Now that I am a parent, I realize how much frustration my actions caused my parents. How much pain and trouble could I have avoided had I only listened to their wisdom and trusted their guidance?</b></span><br />
<span style="color: #0b5394; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><b><br /></b></span>
<span style="color: #0b5394; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><b>In Psalm 81, God is speaking to us as a parent would to his children. You can almost hear the frustration as He reminds them of all He has done for them, removing their burdens, rescuing them when they called to Him in distress. Yet, the Israelites continue to questions and turn away from God, perhaps thinking they know better and can do it on their own. And, because God wants us to worship and obey Him willingly, He allows them their rebellion. Their subsequent suffering is the natural result of their choices.</b></span><br />
<span style="color: #0b5394; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><b><br /></b></span>
<span style="color: #0b5394; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><b>Yet, in spite of Israel's rebellion, God's promise is still in place. God's path is always there for us to return to, and He will always welcome us back with loving, open arms. And, while we can't change the past, we can do our best to change the future by remaining faithful to God and His timing.</b></span><br />
<span style="color: #0b5394; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><b><br /></b></span>
<span style="color: #0b5394; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><b>By listening and obeying . . .</b></span><br />
<span style="color: #0b5394; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><b><br /></b></span>
<span style="color: #0b5394; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><b><i>But seek first his kingdom and his righteousness, and all these things will be given to you as well. Therefore do not worry about tomorrow, for tomorrow will worry about itself. Each day has enough trouble of its own.</i> ~Matthew 6:33-34</b></span><br />
<span style="color: #0b5394; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><b><br /></b></span>
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<span style="color: #0b5394;"><b><i>~<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Melody Abel</span></i></b></span></div>
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<span style="color: #0b5394;"><b><i><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Assistant to Minister of Families and Children</span></i></b></span></div>
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<span style="color: #0b5394;"><b><i><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span></i></b></span></div>
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<b><span style="color: #38761d; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Readings</span></b></div>
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<b><span style="color: #38761d; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Jeremiah 8:18-9:6</span></b></div>
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<b><span style="color: #38761d; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Psalms 119:97-120 or 81, 82</span></b></div>
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<b><span style="color: #38761d; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Romans 5:1-11</span></b></div>
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<b><span style="color: #38761d; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">John 8:12-20</span></b></div>
Kennesaw UMChttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05676925618149922240noreply@blogger.com0