tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-25296615875671522372024-03-19T05:16:45.838-07:00Road Signs for LivingJoyce Powellhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04926326562552643754noreply@blogger.comBlogger674125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2529661587567152237.post-58258799193248830832023-09-10T15:13:00.000-07:002023-09-10T15:13:04.430-07:00There is a Redeemer<div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: trebuchet;"><i><b><span style="font-size: large;">For I know that my Redeemer lives… Job 19:25</span></b></i></span></div><span style="font-family: trebuchet; font-size: large;"><i><b><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: justify;">O LORD, my Rock, and my Redeemer Psalm 19:14</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: justify;">Your Redeemer, who formed you in the womb Isaiah 44:24</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: justify;">Our Redeemer—the LORD Almighty is His name Isaiah 47:4</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: justify;">I, the LORD, am your Savior, your Redeemer Isaiah 49:26</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: justify;">Yet their Redeemer is strong Jeremiah 50:34</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div> <div style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: justify;">A Redeemer—saving from danger or hostility; purchasing from slavery; rescuing and defending!</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: justify;">Sometimes I wonder if my finite human mind can comprehend God’s gift of redemption. We sing about it in our hymns, we read about it in the Psalms, we discuss it in Bible study and yet…</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: justify;">I often ask myself if I truly understood the cost of redemption would I live differently. Would I pay more attention to the important things of God and exorcise much of the junk that consumes daily activity. What changes would I make if I grasped the totality of God’s Redemption Plan?</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: justify;">God’s grace encompasses every moment of life. Without His grace life would cease to exist. From before time as we know it, God planned the redemption of His arrogant, conceited, pompous, presumptive and condescending creation. Rather than wipe us all off the face of the earth and start with a totally new creation, which He could easily have done, He chose Redemption—a second chance—a do over!</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: justify;">Job, King David, Isaiah and Jeremiah are a few among those who understood that there is a Redeemer. Before Messiah came—there IS a Redeemer. Before the Cross of Christ—there IS a Redeemer. Before the foundation of the world was measured and laid out—there IS a Redeemer.</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: justify;">And yet God’s grace motivated by love created those that He knew would rebel. God’s plan never was to throw humans on the earth, let us wander around in our rebellion and hope that one day we would stumble across the Redeemer. His plan clothed His Only Son in a blanket of flesh. His plan was grace hand delivered from the throne room of heaven to the dusty trails of a little nation that would be hated by the world. His plan saw you and me in our sin long before our first breath of air.</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: justify;">His plan included saving us from the danger and hostility of satan, rescuing us from slavery to sin and defending us against the forces of evil.</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: justify;">Why He loved me, I do not understand. Why He saw me worthy of the life of His Son, I do not understand. But there is one thing for which I am eternally grateful and I do understand. There IS a Redeemer—Jesus Christ my Lord!</div></b></i></span>Joyce Powellhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04926326562552643754noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2529661587567152237.post-5001480945055599882023-09-08T20:38:00.000-07:002023-09-08T20:38:13.412-07:00Come and See<p> <i style="font-family: georgia; font-size: large; text-align: justify;">Then, leaving her water jar, the woman</i></p><p><i style="font-family: georgia; font-size: large; text-align: justify;">went back to the town and said to the</i></p><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: medium;"><i><div style="text-align: justify;"><i>people, “Come, see a man…</i></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><i>John 4:28-29</i></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div> <div style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><i>Picture the hot noon sun beating down on the Samaria landscape. The proper women of the town, having drawn water early in the morning, would now be about their household chores until the cool of the evening would once again beckon them to Jacob’s well. See Jesus hot, tired and alone; seated by the well.</i></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><i>Notice a disreputable woman, water pot on her head, slumped shoulders, battered by life, approaching the well. Jesus said to her, “Will you give me a drink?” That question sparked a conversation about the “spring of living water welling up to eternal life” and a discussion about her five husbands and her living with a man to whom she was not married.</i></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><i>Imagine her surprise, as while she confessed that she knew the Messiah called Christ would come and explain everything, Jesus declared, “I who speak to you am he.” Just about that time the disciples returned and questioned Jesus, “Why are you talking with her?”</i></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><i>She was a Samaritan with a bad reputation and living a sinful life. The disciples didn’t get it! But she got it! John 4:28-29 recounts how she left her water pot, went back into town, and said to the people (the same respected, proper, important people who perhaps looked the other way when they saw her coming) “Come see a man who told me everything I ever did. Could this be the Christ?”</i></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><i>Then an amazing thing occurred. They followed her—this sinful woman with whom no one wanted to be seen—they followed her to Jesus and something miraculous happened. “Many of the Samaritans from that town believed in him because of the woman’s testimony…”</i></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><i>This woman’s personal testimony about her encounter with Jesus resulted in the salvation of many who followed her to Christ. In 1 Corinthians 11:1, the apostle Paul gives instructions, “Follow my example, as I follow the example of Christ.”</i></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><i>Christ came for all. Christ lived for all. Christ died for all who would believe that He is the One and Only Son of the Living God. Could it be that something as simple as sharing my testimony could lead a lost soul into the Kingdom of God? Could you, like the Samaritan woman, tell others to come see a man? Could leading the lost world to Jesus be as simple as that?</i></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><i><br /></i></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><i>I report—you decide. Come and see!</i></div></i></span>Joyce Powellhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04926326562552643754noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2529661587567152237.post-30216008577058439342023-09-06T17:40:00.002-07:002023-09-06T17:40:47.376-07:00Choose Joy<p> </p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEhJdjOxqyAENEHIE3e0vPeGMY5HQmo3wnoMlmvHkaD01QsIs5fIZmlLeAxl0EiA-XfXOYoLOTw7O-3rPw4GqhukW1xH9HiwSmnZJ57tsd_y-E9GC7XFwSVEYMHbaDnCbFkkbbLiu7eDwYC4_aMhsSm22CoFzw_m1KijO0Thdg1ox-aAyYkswpRk0Jmj1d8" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="" data-original-height="1656" data-original-width="1441" height="593" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEhJdjOxqyAENEHIE3e0vPeGMY5HQmo3wnoMlmvHkaD01QsIs5fIZmlLeAxl0EiA-XfXOYoLOTw7O-3rPw4GqhukW1xH9HiwSmnZJ57tsd_y-E9GC7XFwSVEYMHbaDnCbFkkbbLiu7eDwYC4_aMhsSm22CoFzw_m1KijO0Thdg1ox-aAyYkswpRk0Jmj1d8=w517-h593" width="517" /></a></div><br /><p></p>Joyce Powellhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04926326562552643754noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2529661587567152237.post-84066313634625838182023-09-04T14:16:00.000-07:002023-09-04T14:16:03.008-07:00God Knows You<p> </p><p align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0in; text-align: center;"><span style="background-color: #f6f6f6; font-family: Sylfaen, serif; font-size: 28pt;">ღ</span></p>
<p align="center" class="CSP-ChapterBodyText" style="text-align: center;"><i><o:p> </o:p><span style="font-size: 12pt;">O L</span><span style="font-size: 10pt;">ORD</span><span style="font-size: 12pt;">, You have searched me,</span></i></p><p align="center" class="CSP-ChapterBodyText" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: 12pt;"><i>and You know me</i></span></p>
<p align="center" class="CSP-ChapterBodyText" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: 12.0pt;"><i>You know my sitting down<o:p></o:p></i></span></p>
<p align="center" class="CSP-ChapterBodyText" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: 12.0pt;"><i>and my rising up;<o:p></o:p></i></span></p>
<p align="center" class="CSP-ChapterBodyText" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: 12.0pt;"><i>You understand my thoughts afar off</i>…<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p align="center" class="CSP-ChapterBodyText" style="text-align: center;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span style="font-size: 12.0pt;">Psalm 139:1-2<o:p></o:p></span></i></p>
<p class="CSP-ChapterBodyText"><span style="font-family: trebuchet; font-size: medium;">Lifelong friends often
inspire you to reach higher than you imagine, accomplish more than you dream,
and complete more than you believe you can. Acquainted with your faults and
failures, from a heart of love, they encourage you to fulfill your purpose in life.</span></p>
<p class="CSP-ChapterBodyText"><span style="font-family: trebuchet; font-size: medium;">Let me encourage you
that God knows you more intimately than your lifelong friends. Psalm 139
explains His perfect knowledge of you and me.</span></p><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: x-small;"><i><br /></i></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: trebuchet; font-size: medium;"><i>God formed you in your mother’s womb.</i></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: trebuchet; font-size: medium;"><i>He knows when you rise and when you sit.</i></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: trebuchet; font-size: medium;"><i>He understands your thoughts.</i></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: trebuchet; font-size: medium;"><i>He knows what is best for you.</i></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: trebuchet; font-size: medium;"><i>He directs you on the right path.</i></span></div><p align="left" class="CSP-ChapterBodyText" style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: trebuchet; font-size: medium;">Therefore, in your
quest to know God, consider that He already knows you perfectly. Warts and all!
And, from His heart of love, He continues to encourage you to reach higher,
dream bigger, and never give up.</span></p>
<p align="left" class="CSP-ChapterBodyText" style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: trebuchet; font-size: medium;">Consequently, you can
enjoy His love, trust His plan, and rest secure in knowing that He forever has
your best interest in His heart because God knows you!</span></p>Joyce Powellhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04926326562552643754noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2529661587567152237.post-11095456231124437192023-08-25T14:33:00.001-07:002023-08-25T14:33:28.986-07:00Borrowed Time <div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: large;"><b><i>For everything there is a season, and a time for every matter under heaven.</i></b></span></div><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: medium;"><b><i><div style="text-align: justify;"> Ecclesiastes 3:1</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: justify;">Like you, I have often heard the phrase “living on borrowed time.” We think of someone who survived a tragedy that should have ended in death yet that person walked away. We think of a friend or relative who had a massive heart attack and should have died yet to the surprise of a myriad of medical personnel, they survived. We think of someone who has battled cancer and survived over and over and over and we say—living on borrowed time.</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgYU3VRn_27iRky2IEWNImHwdzCRjDOdRcPf7IxuCem4k5-UudA5L_Nkgg8tT16GWr376zvP7ULN06q_535lZ-N3qmrvMhRbrPjNwT2TUu1ACJHZrhXFf8K5BiHT4A9R6bYkHTdTd5yn7_72CUKxi3AHLaQe1CzvCWpIq_KJl-yclsoht5I1oFp5zFcqH4/s6000/by%20the%20river%20copywrite.jpg" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgYU3VRn_27iRky2IEWNImHwdzCRjDOdRcPf7IxuCem4k5-UudA5L_Nkgg8tT16GWr376zvP7ULN06q_535lZ-N3qmrvMhRbrPjNwT2TUu1ACJHZrhXFf8K5BiHT4A9R6bYkHTdTd5yn7_72CUKxi3AHLaQe1CzvCWpIq_KJl-yclsoht5I1oFp5zFcqH4/s320/by%20the%20river%20copywrite.jpg" /></a></div><div style="text-align: justify;">But in reality, each of us lives on time borrowed from our Heavenly Father. He placed us right where we are for a season, a purpose, a reason, and when our purpose has been fulfilled, He will call us back to Himself and we will stand before Him to give an account of how we used our precious borrowed time.</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: justify;">Some live decades of time; some only hours or days. Yet even the infant who comes and goes quickly on this earth has fulfilled God’s plan for that tiny life. Time is a blessing! We cannot afford to take one moment for granted. Satan will try to lull you into thinking that there is plenty of time to accomplish God’s plan for your life—to live like Scarlett O’Hara in Gone With The Wind and to “think about it tomorrow.”</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: justify;">But tomorrow may not come. Like thousands who went to work in New York City on September 11th expecting the day to progress normally, this day could be your last—my last.</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: justify;">What is on your “bucket list?” Does it include a list of souls you would like to see brought into the Kingdom of God? Pray for the opportunity to invest in the lives of those people. Do you desire to travel? Don’t forget the clerk in the store, the cab driver, the single mother struggling with luggage and three small children—she might need Jesus!</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: justify;">I need to improve on my use of time—laying aside the superficial and looking ahead to the “mark of the high calling” that God places on the lives of His children. What will you do while you are living on borrowed time?</div></i></b></span>Joyce Powellhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04926326562552643754noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2529661587567152237.post-88562262907815820032023-07-12T17:20:00.002-07:002023-07-12T17:20:42.293-07:00 The Mercy Seat of Grace<span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: medium;">Then put in the ark the testimony,<br />which I give you. <br />Make an atonement cover of<br />pure gold…<br /><br /><br />Exodus 25:16-17 <br /><br /><br />God’s directions to Moses regarding the building of the Tent of Meeting, the Tabernacle, included a chest made of acacia wood and overlaid inside and out with pure gold. It would be so holy the instructions for building included permanent rings into which the priests could slip gold-covered acacia wood poles which would allow them to carry the Ark of the Covenant without touching the Ark.</span><div><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: medium;"><br />The instructions included the most important part of the design—the atonement cover. The Ark was to be placed behind the tabernacle curtains where only the high priest could enter and once a year meet with God as the priest sprinkled the blood sacrifice that would atone for the sins of the Israelites.</span></div><div><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: medium;"><br />God’s grace delivered His law for the protection of His people. God’s grace also provided a plan for redemption in the face of disobedience.</span></div><div><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: medium;"><br />Each time the Israelites moved from place to place, the Tabernacle of God was disassembled. Only the priests could carry the Ark of the Covenant, and touching the Ark itself meant instant death. In this way, the Israelites were assured that God was with them as they wandered through the desert.</span></div><div><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: medium;"><br />Today’s Jews no longer have the Ark of the Covenant, and as archaeologists go in search of the “lost” Ark, documentaries are made hoping to be on site if the discovery of the ages is made.</span></div><div><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: medium;"><br />But God no longer tabernacles with man through an intermediary—a high priest. We no longer sprinkle the blood of goats and rams in order to seek forgiveness for sin. We no longer have to wait for the presence of God over the mercy seat of the Ark of the Covenant. Jesus came!</span></div><div><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: medium;"><br />Born of a virgin, Christ—the Anointed One, with sandaled feet on dusty roads, walked and talked with men. After He was crucified and laid in a borrowed tomb, He was resurrected the living, breathing, holy mercy seat of grace. No longer do we need a human intermediary in order to meet with God. Upon acceptance of Christ as Savior and Lord, we become the Tabernacle as the Holy Spirit of God enters into our hearts. (1 Corinthians 3:16)</span></div><div><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: medium;"><br /> I don’t know about you, but I am grateful for immediate access to God’s mercy seat of grace. As Anne Graham Lotz simply but profoundly states, “Just Give Me Jesus!”</span></div>Joyce Powellhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04926326562552643754noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2529661587567152237.post-56066956961766684412023-07-10T07:10:00.000-07:002023-07-10T07:10:08.166-07:00Life in the Little Things<br /><br /><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: medium;"><br />So whether you eat or drink or whatever<br />you do, do it all for the glory of God.<br /><br /> I Corinthians 10:31 NIV</span><div><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: medium;"><br />Speaking of the shallow and the profound, Oswald Chambers wrote: “Determinedly take no one seriously but God, and the first person you find you have to leave severely alone as being the greatest fraud you have ever known, is yourself.”</span></div><div><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: medium;"><br /> Fraud! Cheater! Imposter! These words speak to the motive of my heart. I used to think this verse related only to my actions, but was recently made aware that this verse penetrates to the marrow of my spiritual bones—not only what I do but what I think.</span></div><div><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: medium;"><br />What do I think when my plans for the day are interrupted by someone else’s need? What do I think when I have made plans for money saved then someone presents a need I feel I must meet? What do I think when the mundane of daily life interferes with my plans for doing big things for God?</span></div><div><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: medium;"><br />The record of the life of Christ on earth is the ultimate example of grace in the midst of the ordinary everyday common events of life. Christ was born into the ordinary, chose the ordinary to be His disciples and ministered most often to the common ordinary people met along His way—yet He is God!</span></div><div><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: medium;"><br /> Therefore, it is in the ordinary—not the great things I desire to do for God— where He reveals the motives of my heart. If I learn to live with Christ-like motives in the little things, then when and if God allows me to step out into the deep with Him, I will be able to look in my mirror without the fear of seeing an imposter.</span></div><div><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: medium;"><br /> The motive of my heart should always be—Lord, it is all about you and not about me. Today I pray that God will shake His children like a dust-filled blanket reminding each of us to check our motives as we go about doing the ordinary to the glory of God. </span><div><div class="x11i5rnm xat24cr x1mh8g0r x1vvkbs xtlvy1s x126k92a" style="font-family: "Segoe UI Historic", "Segoe UI", Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; margin: 0.5em 0px 0px; overflow-wrap: break-word; white-space-collapse: preserve;"><div dir="auto" style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></div></div></div></div>Joyce Powellhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04926326562552643754noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2529661587567152237.post-79335530393366527342023-07-07T15:05:00.000-07:002023-07-07T15:05:25.376-07:00God’s Invitation<p> </p><p align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0in; text-align: center;"><br /></p>
<p align="center" class="CSP-ChapterBodyText" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: large;">Be still and know that I am God.</span><span style="font-size: large;"> </span></p><p align="center" class="CSP-ChapterBodyText" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: large;"> </span><i style="font-size: large;">Psalm 46:10a</i></p><p align="center" class="CSP-ChapterBodyText" style="text-align: center;"><i style="font-size: large;"><br /></i></p>
<p class="CSP-ChapterBodyText"><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><o:p><span style="font-size: medium;"> </span></o:p></i><span style="font-size: large; text-indent: 0.2in;">D</span><span style="font-size: large; text-indent: 0.2in;">o you realize God invites you to know Him? Not only
about Him, simply that He exists or is eternal, or any other fact of His
character. Rather, He invites you and me to share a warm, affectionate, tender,
compassionate, personal relationship with Him, Author, Creator, and Sustainer
of Life.</span></p><p class="CSP-ChapterBodyText"><span style="font-size: large; text-indent: 0.2in;"></span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgRVf72JW2Xr4FyRyc6RKyXepkweZMSqE7CbktSd_EcF1MZZRcOeN-fdFgrZWVCgrc-a2KjMj-alorsjMkepnrHjZKqFF_41FrEHSDAU8j6EHT8NeP8bWGSVXbQTyJp0J6S1lV87u2nydeH3rhC7xyJ0XP4ROkqp6exmikVZ8DRkFjuS45m7LjC8aNw1gk/s5120/bridge%20state%20park%20%20II%20w%20copy.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2327" data-original-width="5120" height="168" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgRVf72JW2Xr4FyRyc6RKyXepkweZMSqE7CbktSd_EcF1MZZRcOeN-fdFgrZWVCgrc-a2KjMj-alorsjMkepnrHjZKqFF_41FrEHSDAU8j6EHT8NeP8bWGSVXbQTyJp0J6S1lV87u2nydeH3rhC7xyJ0XP4ROkqp6exmikVZ8DRkFjuS45m7LjC8aNw1gk/w371-h168/bridge%20state%20park%20%20II%20w%20copy.jpg" width="371" /></a></div><p></p><p class="CSP-ChapterBodyText"><span style="font-size: large;">The Hebrew word for
“know”—yada-- used in Psalm 46:10, does not imply that you stop whatever you
are doing and wait for God to reveal Himself. It’s more than that. Literally
it’s “take your hands off and relax!” In other words, cease striving, let go,
and trust God to care for you.</span></p>
<p class="CSP-ChapterBodyText"><span style="color: black;"><o:p><span style="font-size: medium;"> </span></o:p></span><span style="font-size: large;">In our hands-on-world
preoccupied with thoughts of self-sufficiency, God offers you refuge, strength,
and help in times of trouble. He offers intimacy with the Almighty. He
offers</span><span style="font-size: large;"> </span><span style="font-size: large;">an invitation to know Him
personally.</span></p>
<p class="CSP-ChapterBodyText"><span style="color: black;"><o:p><span style="font-size: medium;"> </span></o:p></span><span style="font-size: large;">In John 14:6 Jesus
tells us how to begin our intimate relationship with God when He says, “I am
the way, the truth, and the life. No one comes to the Father except through
Me.”</span></p>
<p class="CSP-ChapterBodyText"><span style="color: black;"><o:p><span style="font-size: medium;"> </span></o:p></span><span style="font-size: large;">Today, right now, in
this moment, no matter your life circumstances, God invites you to take your
hands off and relax. Be still and accept His invitation to truly know Him.</span></p>Joyce Powellhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04926326562552643754noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2529661587567152237.post-52567390028483846732023-07-05T15:15:00.000-07:002023-07-05T15:15:14.728-07:00God is our Refuge<span style="font-size: medium;">My salvation and my honor depend on God;<br />He is my mighty rock, my refuge.<br />Trust in him at all times, O people;<br />pour out your hearts to him,<br />for God is our refuge.<br /> Psalm 62:7-8 NIV</span><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt; text-align: justify;"><span face=""Verdana","sans-serif"" style="font-size: medium; line-height: 18.4px;"> </span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span face="Verdana, sans-serif" style="font-size: medium;"></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt; text-align: justify;"><span face=""Verdana","sans-serif"" style="font-size: medium; line-height: 18.4px;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Life oozes craziness. What should be called evil is applauded by society as good. People who speak God’s truth are labeled bigots and haters. Those who falsely believe God does not exist try to wipe out any public reminder of our Risen Lord. Some days we desire to hide from the outside world; to take refuge from evil.<o:p></o:p></span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span face="Verdana, sans-serif" style="font-size: medium;"></span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><span style="font-family: Verdana;"></span> </span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt; text-align: justify;"><span face=""Verdana","sans-serif"" style="font-size: medium; line-height: 18.4px;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> O</span>ften our efforts for God appear thwarted by those working to discredit Christians. Once you make a public profession of faith in Christ, many expect you to be perfect. When you are not, others label you <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">hypocrite, </i>and you might feel the word flashing across your forehead like the scarlet letter around the neck of Hester Prynne in Nathaniel Hawthorn’s classic tale of sin, repentance and a struggle for dignity.<o:p></o:p></span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span face="Verdana, sans-serif" style="font-size: medium;"></span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><span style="font-family: Verdana;"></span> </span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt; text-align: justify;"><span face=""Verdana","sans-serif"" style="font-size: medium; line-height: 18.4px;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Fortunately, we have a refuge. His name is Jehovah. He is I AM—a shelter we can run to, a rock we can stand on and a refuge in the time of small irritations and great difficulty.</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt; text-align: justify;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><span face=""Verdana","sans-serif"" style="line-height: 18.4px;"><o:p></o:p></span> </span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span face="Verdana, sans-serif" style="font-size: medium;"></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt; text-align: justify;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj_ucpIvqVJCwvH1IUdfAa10_dm-DSfX8hDbBCZhwKeagC5Cy6gYVyDTtGhA63iuXpLweBMOg-E5AYlXDkCSynhJgAd_SLvIssY6TvcGhVeeZ8TrO2XeLj2a0YvMpHos1328t8VwQz3M60/s1600/elk+bugel+HDR+w+scripture+copy.jpg" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><img border="0" height="202" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj_ucpIvqVJCwvH1IUdfAa10_dm-DSfX8hDbBCZhwKeagC5Cy6gYVyDTtGhA63iuXpLweBMOg-E5AYlXDkCSynhJgAd_SLvIssY6TvcGhVeeZ8TrO2XeLj2a0YvMpHos1328t8VwQz3M60/s1600/elk+bugel+HDR+w+scripture+copy.jpg" width="320" /></span></a><span face=""Verdana","sans-serif"" style="font-size: medium; line-height: 18.4px;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>My salvation depends on God. My honor depends on God. My steadfast hope depends on God. Just as He cares for the lilies of the field and the beasts of the wild, He cares for you and me.</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt; text-align: justify;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><span face=""Verdana","sans-serif"" style="line-height: 18.4px;"><o:p></o:p></span> </span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span face="Verdana, sans-serif" style="font-size: medium;"></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt; text-align: justify;"><span face=""Verdana","sans-serif"" style="font-size: medium; line-height: 18.4px;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>So the next time the nightly news makes you want to duck and run or your act of godliness is proclaimed bigoted and hateful and you need a shelter from life’s storm, <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">REMEMBER</i> our God—Creator of heaven and earth—our Salvation—our Mighty Rock, and run to Him.</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt; text-align: justify;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><span face=""Verdana","sans-serif"" style="line-height: 18.4px;"><o:p></o:p></span> </span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span face="Verdana, sans-serif" style="font-size: medium;"></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt; text-align: justify;"><span face=""Verdana","sans-serif"" style="font-size: medium; line-height: 18.4px;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Surely our God, who cares for the wild animals roaming free on our mountain tops and the microscopic plants dotting the hillsides, cares for His children. God is our refuge. Trust Him. Run to Him.</span></div>Joyce Powellhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04926326562552643754noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2529661587567152237.post-37800537479775912122023-07-04T07:26:00.001-07:002023-07-04T07:40:16.973-07:00Happy Birthday United States of America<p> </p><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 14pt; line-height: 107%;">The Declaration of Independence<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 14pt; line-height: 107%;">When in the course of human events, it becomes
necessary for one people to dissolve the political bands which have connected
them with another, and to assume among the powers of the earth the separate and
equal station to which the laws of nature and of nature’s God entitles them, a
decent respect to the opinions of mankind requires that they should declare the
causes which impel them to the separation. <o:p></o:p></span></p>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><blockquote style="border: none; margin: 0px 0px 0px 40px; padding: 0px;"><p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: 14pt; text-align: left;">We hold these truths to be self-evident, that all men
are created equal, that they are endowed by their Creator with certain
unalienable rights, that among these are life, liberty and the pursuit of
happiness. That to secure these rights, governments are instituted among men,
deriving their just powers from the consent of the governed. That whenever any
form of government becomes destructive of these ends, it is the right of the
people to alter or to abolish it and to institute new government, laying its
foundation on such principles and organizing its powers in such form as to them
shall seem most likely to effect their safety and happiness. Prudence, indeed,
will dictate that governments long established should not be changed for light
and transient causes; and accordingly, all experience hath shown that mankind
are more disposed to suffer while evils are sufferable than to right themselves
by abolishing the forms to which they are accustomed. But when a long train of
abuses and usurpations, pursuing invariably the same object, evinces a design to
reduce them under absolute despotism, it is their right, it is their duty, to
throw off such government and to provide new guards for their future security.
Such has been the patient sufferance of these Colonies; and such is now the
necessity which constrains them to alter their former systems of governments.
The history of the present King of Great Britain is a history of repeated
injuries and usurpations, all having in direct object the establishment of an
absolute tyranny over these States. To prove this, let facts be submitted to a
candid world.</span></p></blockquote>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 14pt; line-height: 107%;">He has refused his assent to laws, the most wholesome
and necessary for the public good. <o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 14pt; line-height: 107%;">He has forbidden his Governors to pass laws of
immediate and pressing importance, unless suspended in their operation till his
assent should be obtained; and when so suspended, he has utterly neglected to
attend to them. <o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 14pt; line-height: 107%;">He has refused to pass other laws for the
accommodation of large districts of people unless those people would relinquish
the right of representation in the legislature, a right inestimable to them and
formidable to tyrants only. <o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 14pt; line-height: 107%;">He has called together legislative bodies at places
unusual, uncomfortable, and distant from the depository of their public
records, for the sole purpose of fatiguing them into compliance with his
measures. <o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 14pt; line-height: 107%;">He has dissolved representative Houses repeatedly for
opposing with manly firmness his invasion on the rights of the people. <o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 14pt; line-height: 107%;">He has refused for a long time, after such
dissolutions, to cause others to be elected; whereby the legislative powers,
incapable of annihilation, have returned to the people at large for their
exercise; the State remaining in the meantime exposed to all the dangers of
invasion from without and convulsions within. <o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 14pt; line-height: 107%;">He has endeavored to prevent the population of these
States; for that purpose obstructing the laws for naturalization of foreigners;
refusing to pass others to encourage their migrations hither, and raising the
conditions of new appropriations of lands. <o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 14pt; line-height: 107%;">He has obstructed the administration of justice by
refusing his assent to laws for establishing judiciary powers. <o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 14pt; line-height: 107%;">He has made judges dependent on his will alone for the
tenure of their offices and the amount and payment of their salaries. <o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 14pt; line-height: 107%;">He has erected a multitude of new offices and sent
hither swarms of officers to harass our people and eat out their substance. <o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 14pt; line-height: 107%;">He has kept among us, in times of peace, standing
armies without the consent of our legislature. <o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 14pt; line-height: 107%;">He has affected to render the military independent of
and superior to the civil power. <o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 14pt; line-height: 107%;">He has combined with others to subject us to a
jurisdiction foreign to our constitution and unacknowledged by our laws; giving
his assent to their acts of pretended legislation: <o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 14pt; line-height: 107%;">For quartering large bodies of armed troops among us: <o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 14pt; line-height: 107%;">For protecting them, by a mock trial, from punishment
for any murders which they should commit on the inhabitants of these States: <o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 14pt; line-height: 107%;">For cutting off our trade with all parts of the world:
<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 14pt; line-height: 107%;">For imposing taxes on us without our consent: <o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 14pt; line-height: 107%;">For depriving us in many cases of the benefits of
trial by jury: <o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 14pt; line-height: 107%;">For transporting us beyond seas to be tried for
pretended offenses: <o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 14pt; line-height: 107%;">For abolishing the free system of English laws in a
neighboring province, establishing therein an arbitrary government, and
enlarging its boundaries so as to ren-der it at once an example and fit
instrument for introducing the same absolute rule into these Colonies: <o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 14pt; line-height: 107%;">For taking away our charters, abolishing our most
valuable laws, and altering fundamentally the forms of our governments: <o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 14pt; line-height: 107%;">For suspending our own legislatures, and declaring
themselves invested with power to legislate for us in all cases whatsoever. <o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 14pt; line-height: 107%;">He has abdicated government here, by declaring us out
of his protection and waging war against us. <o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 14pt; line-height: 107%;">He has plundered our seas, ravaged our coasts, burnt
our towns, and destroyed the lives of our people. <o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 14pt; line-height: 107%;">He is at this time transporting large armies of
foreign mercenaries to compleat the works of death, desolation and tyranny,
already begun with circumstances of cruelty and perfidy scarcely paralleled in
the most barbarous ages, and totally unworthy the head of a civilized nation. <o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 14pt; line-height: 107%;">He has constrained our fellow citizens taken captive
on the high Seas to bear Arms against their country, to become the executioners
of their friends and brethren, or to fall themselves by their hands. <o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 14pt; line-height: 107%;">He has excited domestic insurrections amongst us, and
has endeavoured to bring on the inhabitants of our frontiers, the merciless
Indian savages, whose known rule of warfare, is an undistinguished destruction
of all ages, sexes and conditions. <o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 14pt; line-height: 107%;">In every stage of these oppressions we have petitioned
for redress in the most humble terms: Our repeated petitions have been answered
only by repeated injury. A Prince whose character is thus marked by every act
which may define a tyrant, is unfit to be the ruler of a free people. <o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 14pt; line-height: 107%;">Nor have we been wanting in attentions to our Brittish
brethren. We have warned them from time to time of attempts by their
legislature to extend an unwarrantable jurisdiction over us. We have reminded
them of the circumstances of our emigration and settlement here. We have
appealed to their native justice and magnanimity and we have conjured them by
the ties of our common kindred to disavow these usurpations which would
inevitably interrupt our connections and correspondence. They, too, have been
deaf to the voice of justice and of consanguinity. We must, therefore,
acquiesce in the necessity which denounces our separation and hold them, as we
hold the rest of mankind, enemies in war, in peace friends. <o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 14pt; line-height: 107%;">We, therefore, the Representatives of the United
States of America, in general Congress assembled, appealing to the Supreme
Judge of the world for the rectitude of our intentions, do, in the name and by
the authority of the good people of these Colonies, solemnly publish and
declare that these United Colonies are, and of right ought to be, free and
independent States; that they are absolved from all allegiance to the British
Crown and that all political connection between them and the State of Great
Britain is and ought to be totally dissolved; and that as free and independent
States, they have full power to levy war, conclude peace, contract alliance,
establish commerce, and do all other acts and things which independent States
may of right do. And for the support of this Declaration, with a firm reliance
on the protection of Divine Providence, we mutually pledge to each other our
lives, our fortunes, and our sacred honor.<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 14pt; line-height: 107%;">Signers of the Declaration of Independence<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 14pt; line-height: 107%;">NEW HAMPSHIRE: Josiah Bartlett, William Whipple,
Matthew Thornton<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 14pt; line-height: 107%;">MASSACHUSETTS: John Hancock, John Adams, Samuel Adams,
Robert Treat Paine<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 14pt; line-height: 107%;">RHODE ISLAND: Elbridge Gerry, Stephen Hopkins, William
Ellery<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 14pt; line-height: 107%;">CONNECTICUT: Roger Sherman, Samuel Huntington, William
Williams, Oliver Wolcott<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 14pt; line-height: 107%;">NEW YORK: William Floyd, Philip Livingston, Francis
Lewis, Lewis Morris<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 14pt; line-height: 107%;">NEW JERSEY: Richard Stockton, John Witherspoon,
Francis Hopkinson, John Hart, Abraham Clark<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 14pt; line-height: 107%;">PENNSYLVANIA: Robert Morris, Benjamin Rush, Benjamin
Franklin, John Morton, George Clymer, James Smith, George Taylor, James Wilson,
George Ross<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 14pt; line-height: 107%;">DELAWARE: Ceasar Rodney, George Read, Thomas McKean<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 14pt; line-height: 107%;">MARYLAND: Samuel Chase, Thomas Stone, William Paca,
Charles Carroll of Carrollton<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 14pt; line-height: 107%;">VIRGINIA: George Wythe, Richard Henry Lee, Thomas
Jefferson, Benjamin Harrison, Thomas Nelson, Jr., Francis Lightfoot Lee, Carter
Braxton<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 14pt; line-height: 107%;">NORTH CAROLINA: William Hooper, Joseph Hewes, John
Penn<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 14pt; line-height: 107%;">SOUTH CAROLINA: Edward Rutledge, Thomas Heyward, Jr.,
Thomas Lynch, Jr., Authur Middleton<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 14pt; line-height: 107%;">GEORGIA: Button Gwinnett, Lyman Hall, George Walton<o:p></o:p></span></p>Joyce Powellhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04926326562552643754noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2529661587567152237.post-13294220719392795662023-07-01T07:13:00.000-07:002023-07-01T07:13:33.576-07:00In God Alone<p> <span style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: trebuchet; font-size: medium;">My soul finds rest in God alone;</span></span></p><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0in; text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: trebuchet; font-size: medium; line-height: 17.12px;">My salvation comes from him.<o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0in; text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: trebuchet; font-size: medium; line-height: 17.12px;">He alone is my rock and my salvation;<o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0in; text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: trebuchet; font-size: medium; line-height: 17.12px;">He is my fortress, I will never be shaken.<o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0in; text-align: justify;"><span face="Verdana, sans-serif" style="font-family: trebuchet; font-size: medium;"><span style="line-height: 17.12px;"> Psalm 62:1 </span><span style="line-height: 17.12px;"><span>NIV</span><o:p></o:p></span></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0in; text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: trebuchet; font-size: medium;"><br /></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0in; text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: trebuchet; font-size: medium; line-height: 17.12px;">We need to hear there is rest, safety, and security. We need to know that God is still in control. We need to understand we can have hope in the midst of the crisis. There is an anchor, and His Name is Jesus.<o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0in; text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: trebuchet; font-size: medium; line-height: 17.12px;"><br /></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg2r8PyJWYzfjJJqfv4NO9TgDGsdlr-zQ0G5IyPCGGa1tsgzBcQW1T5bhJR8pXhUZGRDMh6UwU6UH91b-SMXnCg4BS2sp-QVy9iodwD-uS3i-AaO0sEYFWQwJhyxp3x1QiOoNYv8BjVYhk/s1600/IMG_4989.JPG" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><span style="font-family: trebuchet; font-size: medium;"><img border="0" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg2r8PyJWYzfjJJqfv4NO9TgDGsdlr-zQ0G5IyPCGGa1tsgzBcQW1T5bhJR8pXhUZGRDMh6UwU6UH91b-SMXnCg4BS2sp-QVy9iodwD-uS3i-AaO0sEYFWQwJhyxp3x1QiOoNYv8BjVYhk/s320/IMG_4989.JPG" width="320" /></span></a></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0in; text-align: justify;"><span face="Verdana, sans-serif" style="font-family: trebuchet; font-size: medium; line-height: 17.12px;">If you are on a ship and the winds begin to blow and the waves begin to rock the ship, you do not run to the helm and take the steering wheel. You trust the captain who has been through the storms before. You put your hope in his knowledge and ability to steer through the storm and bring the ship to safety. There you find rest from the tumult of the storm.</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0in; text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: trebuchet; font-size: medium;"><br /></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0in; text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: trebuchet; font-size: medium; line-height: 17.12px;">The way to find rest from the fear and anxiety of life? The way to the fortress of safety in this world? The way to peace and shelter in the storm? Go to the book. God will meet you there, and you will know. You are not the first to seek rest. You are not the first to need shelter. You are not the first to need a fortress in which to hide.<o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0in; text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: trebuchet; font-size: medium;"><br /></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0in; text-align: justify;"><span style="line-height: 17.12px;"><span style="font-family: trebuchet; font-size: medium;">Turn the pages. Read the story of God across the ages. Trust the author to anchor you in the Rock.</span><o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0in; text-align: justify;"><br /></div><br /><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0in; text-align: justify;"><span style="line-height: 17.12px;"><span face="Verdana, sans-serif" style="font-size: x-small;">© Joyce Powell</span></span></div>Joyce Powellhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04926326562552643754noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2529661587567152237.post-22121451564061650332023-06-29T13:42:00.003-07:002023-06-29T13:42:18.863-07:00Be Still and Rest<p> </p><p align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0in; text-align: center;"><br /></p>
<p align="center" class="CSP-ChapterBodyText" style="text-align: center;"><span style="background: rgb(246, 246, 246); color: black; font-family: Sylfaen, serif;"><span style="font-size: x-large;">ღ</span></span><o:p></o:p></p>
<span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: medium;"><div style="text-align: center;">He who dwells in the secret place of the Most High shall</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">abide under the shadow of the Almighty.</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">Psalm 91:1</div> <br /><br />In Genesis 2:1 we read, “By the seventh day God had finished the work He had been doing; so, on the seventh day He rested from all His work.” <br /><br />We live in a hyperactive world. The “to do” list often exceeds the hours needed to complete the list. By evening you might drop into bed and by morning crawl out with no hope that today will differ from yesterday. But in His Word, God provided the perfect example for living in this hyperactive world. He rested! He did not only tell us to rest. He rested! He demonstrated that rest is suitable, proper, and appropriate. <br /><br />Inhabit, settle, dwell in the hiding place, the secret place, the cover of the Most High. There you find rest in the shade and protection of the Almighty, Omnipotent, All-Powerful Ruler of Heaven and Earth. He becomes your place to pause, stop, catch your breath. Your place of quiet. Calm. Tranquility. Peace. Refuge. Your place to trade fear for faith, restlessness for refreshing, and hopelessness for hope. <br /><br />When you feel exhaustion rushing in, fret not! Accept God’s invitation to stop, sit a while, and catch your breath in the shadow of the Almighty. Be still and rest.</span>Joyce Powellhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04926326562552643754noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2529661587567152237.post-31452116522873642382023-06-28T09:35:00.000-07:002023-06-28T09:35:36.601-07:00Hope for the Battle<p style="text-align: center;"> <span style="font-family: papyrus; font-size: 14pt; text-align: center;">Put on the full armor </span><span style="font-family: papyrus; font-size: 14pt;">of God</span></p><p style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: papyrus; font-size: 14pt;"> </span><span style="font-family: papyrus; font-size: 14pt;">so that you can take your stand</span></p><p style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: papyrus; font-size: 14pt;"> </span><span style="font-family: papyrus; font-size: 14pt;">against the </span><span style="font-family: papyrus; font-size: 14pt;">devil’s schemes.</span></p><div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0in; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0in; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: "papyrus"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 18.4px;">Ephesians 6:11</span></div><div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0in; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0in; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0in; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0in;"><span style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 18.4px;">Roman soldiers, when marching into battle, carried a shield approximately four and one-half feet long by two and one-half feet wide. Usually made of three sheets of wood glued together and covered with canvas and leather, the shield protected the soldier from his chin to his knees. During times of siege, the soldiers would gather in a “tortoise” formation shaping a rectangle with shields raised around the perimeter.</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0in;"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0in;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhc-Yx2eNVsG7xzS1I9eY6Ch9_bsHHj4J31pdu2uv36cbHRVEvZhV8rioy0_Y4zzgcYHlefdlL3C-EFRUXSDLJxIiA1H9W6NVtNIeQPvBjbMHIj9NwszRUB83diU4soEu0LQFwpC0wUVVk/s1600/blacksmith+grapevine+w+copy.jpg" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhc-Yx2eNVsG7xzS1I9eY6Ch9_bsHHj4J31pdu2uv36cbHRVEvZhV8rioy0_Y4zzgcYHlefdlL3C-EFRUXSDLJxIiA1H9W6NVtNIeQPvBjbMHIj9NwszRUB83diU4soEu0LQFwpC0wUVVk/s400/blacksmith+grapevine+w+copy.jpg" width="266" /></a><span style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 18.4px;">The soldiers in the center would lift their shields, resting them on the Roman helmets and overlapping in order to prevent arrows from penetrating their tortoise-like shell. In this manner, the entire formation stood strong and protected from the enemy.</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0in;"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0in;"><span style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 18.4px;">When writing to the church at Ephesus, the Apostle Paul explained how, in the Christian life, we battle against spiritual forces. He used the wardrobe of the Roman soldier, something with which the people of Ephesus would have been familiar, to explain how to use the armor of God.</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0in;"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0in;"><span style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 18.4px;">Paul not only listed the shield but told the church to “put on the full armor of God…” then proceeded to list the necessary items:</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0in;"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0in;"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0in;"><span style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 18.4px;">The belt of truth</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0in;"><span style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 18.4px;">The breastplate of righteousness</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0in;"><span style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 18.4px;">Feet fitted with the gospel of peace</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0in;"><span style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 18.4px;">The shield of faith</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0in;"><span style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 18.4px;">The helmet of salvation</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0in;"><span style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 18.4px;">The sword of the Spirit, which is the Word of God</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0in;"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0in;"><span style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 18.4px;">And in verse eighteen he added:</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0in;"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0in;"><span style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 18.4px;">“And pray in the Spirit on all occasions with all kinds of prayers and requests. With this in mind, be alert and always keep on praying for all the saints.”</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0in;"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0in;"><span style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 18.4px;">Here, Paul outlined what I like to call the Spiritual Tortoise Shell. After putting on all the armor, pray—in the Spirit—on all occasions—with all kinds of prayers and requests. And, do not forget to be alert, watchful, and attentive. Watch out for the snares or attacks of the enemy. And <i>always</i> keep on praying for <i>all </i>the saints.”</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0in;"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0in;"><span style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 18.4px;">While this letter was written to the church at Ephesus, it was also intended for circulation among other churches. In this manner, the Apostle Paul emphasized the need for both individual submission to Christ as well as love, mercy, charity, and kindness toward all the saints—fellow believers and followers of Christ—through constant prayer.</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0in;"><br /></div><br /><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0in;"><span style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 18.4px;">Although written nearly two thousand years ago, these instructions remain valid and necessary. What would happen in our world today if every person who has surrendered to Christ as Lord would follow the instructions to keep on praying, in the Spirit, for all the saints? I hope the next time the enemy sets his sights on me, my fellow Christians will have me covered with a spiritual tortoise shell because of their constant prayers. God’s armor is our hope for the battle.</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0in;"><span style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 18.4px;"><br /></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0in;"><span style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 18.4px;"></span></div><div class="MsoNormal">©Joyce Powell</div>Joyce Powellhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04926326562552643754noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2529661587567152237.post-60908758584230567662023-06-12T18:23:00.000-07:002023-06-12T18:23:11.234-07:00Dare to Hope<p><span style="font-size: medium;"> </span><span style="font-family: verdana;"><span style="font-size: medium;">Even if I thought
there was still</span></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0in;"><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: medium;">hope for me…..<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0in;"><span style="font-family: verdana;"><span style="font-size: large;"> </span><span style="font-size: medium;">Ruth 1:12</span><span style="font-size: large;"> </span><span style="font-size: xx-small;">NIV</span><span style="font-size: medium;"><o:p></o:p></span></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0in;"><o:p><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: medium;"> </span></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0in; text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: medium;">Love
hopes all things (1 Cor. 13:7)</span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0in; text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: verdana;"><span style="font-size: medium;">Christ in you, the hope of glory (Col. 1:27);</span></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0in; text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: medium;">Be joyful in hope (Romans. 12:12);</span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0in; text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: medium;">Hope is an anchor of the soul (Heb. 6:19);</span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0in; text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: verdana;"><span style="font-size: medium;">Character produces hope (Rom. 5:4).<o:p></o:p></span></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0in; text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: medium;"><br /></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0in; text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: verdana;"><span style="font-size: medium;">Yes,
hope is an anchor for your soul. But what happens when you lose hope? Have you
been there? Have the circumstances of life dealt you such a blow that you
perceived no way out of the confusion, loss, or hopelessness? Has satan
ensnared you? Have friends deserted you? Have you been hanging onto hope for so
long that you have finally decided there is no longer any reason to hope? Are
you like Naomi in the biblical account of Ruth and Naomi when she said, “Even
if I thought there was still hope for me…?”</span></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0in;"><span style="font-family: verdana;"><span style="font-size: medium;">Be encouraged! God
sees you in your circumstances. You can neither flee from God nor find a place
to hide where He is not with you. Psalm 139 reveals that God knows when you
come and go, when you sit and rise, and what you will say before words exit
your mouth. You are not alone.</span></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0in;"><span style="font-family: verdana;"><span style="font-size: medium;">There is always a
reason to hope. If you do not believe that, flip the pages of your Bible to
John 3:16 and remember God loves you so much He sent His One and Only Son to
give His life in exchange for your sin that you might have eternal life. You
are loved!</span></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0in;"><span style="font-family: verdana;"><span style="font-size: medium;">Refuse to let
circumstances or satan keep you bound by hopelessness. Believe God. Dare to
hope!</span></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0in;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt;"><o:p> </o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0in;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 10.0pt;">© Joyce Powell<o:p></o:p></span></p>Joyce Powellhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04926326562552643754noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2529661587567152237.post-71768622038576968062023-06-06T06:52:00.000-07:002023-06-06T06:52:17.601-07:00Hope in Knowing Jesus<p> Hope in Knowing Jesus is…</p><span face="Verdana, sans-serif"><br />In the beginning was the Word,<br />and the Word was with God,<br />and the Word was God.<br />He was with God in the beginning.<br />Through him all things were made;<br />without him nothing was made<br />that has been made.<br />In Him was life, and that life<br />was the light of men.<br />The light shines in the darkness,<br />but the darkness has not understood it.<br /><br />John 1:1-5<br /><br />Who is Jesus…<br />He is:<br />The Son of God<br />The Word of God<br />God—made visible to man<br />Creator<br />Life<br />Light<br /><br />Jesus is not a created being but rather “In the beginning” already with God.<br /><br />He is:<br />The Almighty—nothing is impossible for Him (Revelation 1:8)<br />The Author and Finisher of our faith—fix your eyes on Him (Hebrews 12:2)<br />The Bread of Life—depend on Him for daily sustenance (John 6:32-35)<br />The Bright Morning Star—in His light, we cannot lose our way (Revelation 22:16)<br />The Door—He is the only way to heaven (John 10:9)<br />Emmanuel—God with us (Matthew 1:23)<br />Our Hope—He is our only source of hope in this world (1 Timothy 1:1)<br />He is the Lamb of God, the King of Kings, the Light of the World, the Lord of Lords, Messiah.<br />His Name is Jesus, the Greek form of Yeshua (Joshua) and His Name means Jehovah is salvation.</span><div><span face="Verdana, sans-serif"><br /></span></div><div><span face="Verdana, sans-serif">HE IS OUR HOPE!<br /><br />Hope: living in expectation of what God is going to bring about in my life and the lives of those for whom I pray, through His Son Jesus Christ, Messiah, Lord.<br /><br />If you belong to God through salvation found in Christ alone, you are forgiven, rescued, redeemed, chosen, accepted, saved, loved, alive and free. Hope should be a natural outcome of knowing who Jesus is and who you are in Him.<br /><br />If your heart is broken today, if you are consumed by depression, if you are filled with unforgiveness or anger, if… (fill in your heartache) whisper Jesus. He is alive, and He loves you!<br /><br />Hope for Daily Living<br /><br />Because of Jesus, I am eternally secure. Read Romans 8:1-17 How does knowing you have eternal security through Jesus Christ, change the way you view life’s heartaches and struggles? Or does it?<br /><br />Write your personal testimony of your salvation experience. If you cannot, please see the salvation Scriptures in the back of this book.<br /><br />Heavenly Father,<br />Today I am grateful for the gift of Your Son Jesus, through whom I have eternal security. My hope is found in Christ alone. Through Him I am sealed, secure, and victorious. I cannot be beaten or stopped. Even in death, I win! Praise His Name. Amen and Amen<br /><br /><span style="font-size: x-small;">©Joyce Powell</span></span></div>Joyce Powellhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04926326562552643754noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2529661587567152237.post-70283862052216637992023-06-05T11:37:00.001-07:002023-06-05T11:37:57.113-07:00The Exodus<p> </p><p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 150%; margin-bottom: 0in;"><span style="font-size: 12pt;"><span style="font-family: helvetica;">When
the children of Jacob (Israel) arrived in Egypt, Pharaoh gave them the land of
Goshen. For 430 years they lived, loved, and grew into a mighty tribe. As the
Egyptian’s fear of their continuing strength grew, they forced the children of
Jacob into harder labor and harsher conditions until they began to cry out to
the God of their father's for salvation.</span></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 150%; margin-bottom: 0in;"><span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 150%;"><span style="font-family: helvetica;">Although
born during a time of a mandate to kill all male Hebrew babies, Moses escaped
death. Found and adopted by the daughter of Pharaoh, raised with all the
privileges of a Pharaoh’s grandson, and afforded all the knowledge of Egypt,
Moses retained his Hebrew heart. <o:p></o:p></span></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 150%; margin-bottom: 0in;"><span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 150%;"><span style="font-family: helvetica;">Moses
thrived. Eventually, he went out among “his own people.” The Bible says he
witnessed an Egyptian beating a Hebrew, looked around to see who was watching,
and seeing no one he killed the Egyptian (Exodus 2:11-15). That event changed
the course of his life forever. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Gripped
by fear, he decided to run. For the next forty years, the back side of a desert
became his classroom.<o:p></o:p></span></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 150%; margin-bottom: 0in;"><span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 150%;"><span style="font-family: helvetica;">Eventually
God called Moses to return to his people and deliver the generations of Jacob’s
family from Egyptian bondage. Moses, an unwilling participant in that plan,
begged God to find someone else (Exodus 4:10-13). But God had a plan, and it
included Moses. <o:p></o:p></span></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 150%; margin-bottom: 0in;"><span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 150%;"><span style="font-family: helvetica;">As
I read, I watched this familiar story unfold before my eyes, and I could feel
the panic as Moses begged God. Find someone else. I am not an eloquent speaker.
God, you have the wrong man for the job. What will I say when they asked me “Who
sent you?” What if they won’t believe? What if they call me a liar? What if,
what if, what if…<o:p></o:p></span></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 150%; margin-bottom: 0in;"><span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 150%;"><span style="font-family: helvetica;">Have
you ever been trapped in the “what if” mode? I have. It paralyzes.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Has God called you to participate in His plan,
but it seems too overwhelming to comprehend? Has God said to you, “Go” but you
have begged Him to send someone else? Has God said come, but you have answered
wait?<o:p></o:p></span></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 150%; margin-bottom: 0in;"><span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 150%;"><span style="font-family: helvetica;">Psalm
139:16 says, “Your eyes saw me when I was formless; all (my) days were written
in Your book and planned before a single one of them began.”<o:p></o:p></span></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 150%; margin-bottom: 0in;"><span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 150%;"><span style="font-family: helvetica;">Just
as God had a plan for the lives of Jacob and his descendants, and just as God
had a plan for Moses on the back side of that desert, God has a plan for you. You
may run from it, but you cannot hide from God. You are never out of His sight. The
good news - God’s plan was set in place before the foundations of the earth
(John 1:1-18). The good news - He never changes. The good news - from Genesis
through Revelation God’s plan <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>includes
the <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>redemption of fallen man unto
Himself. The good news - He has invited you to participate in His plan. <o:p></o:p></span></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 150%; margin-bottom: 0in;"><span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 150%;"><span style="font-family: helvetica;">Our
world can use some “Good News,” and I’m excited about sharing it. Join me in
determining to stop asking what if and instead saying “Yes, Lord.” Be blessed today friends, and don’t forget to
look up. </span><span style="font-family: Times New Roman, serif;"><o:p></o:p></span></span></p>Joyce Powellhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04926326562552643754noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2529661587567152237.post-62171691020572667392023-06-01T10:26:00.000-07:002023-06-01T10:26:19.593-07:00God's Invitation<p style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: medium;"><span style="background-color: #cfe2f3; white-space-collapse: preserve;">God’s Invitation</span></span></p><div class="x11i5rnm xat24cr x1mh8g0r x1vvkbs xtlvy1s x126k92a" style="font-family: "Segoe UI Historic", "Segoe UI", Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; margin: 0.5em 0px 0px; overflow-wrap: break-word; white-space-collapse: preserve;"><div dir="auto" style="font-family: inherit; text-align: left;"><span style="background-color: #cfe2f3; font-size: medium;">Be still and know</span></div><div dir="auto" style="font-family: inherit; text-align: left;"><span style="background-color: #cfe2f3; font-size: medium;">that I am God.</span></div><div dir="auto" style="font-family: inherit; text-align: left;"><span style="background-color: #cfe2f3; font-size: medium;"> Psalm 46:10</span></div><div dir="auto" style="font-family: inherit; text-align: left;"><span style="background-color: #cfe2f3; font-size: medium;"><br /></span></div></div><div class="x11i5rnm xat24cr x1mh8g0r x1vvkbs xtlvy1s x126k92a" style="font-family: "Segoe UI Historic", "Segoe UI", Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; margin: 0.5em 0px 0px; overflow-wrap: break-word; white-space-collapse: preserve;"><div dir="auto" style="font-family: inherit; text-align: left;"><span style="background-color: #cfe2f3; font-size: medium;">Did <span style="font-family: inherit;"><a style="cursor: pointer; font-family: inherit;" tabindex="-1"></a></span>you know God invites you to know Him? Not simply about Him. Not only that He is. Not merely that He is eternal. But He invites you and me to share a warm, affectionate, tender, compassionate, personal relationship with Himself, Author, Creator, Sustainer of Life.</span></div></div><div class="x11i5rnm xat24cr x1mh8g0r x1vvkbs xtlvy1s x126k92a" style="font-family: "Segoe UI Historic", "Segoe UI", Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; margin: 0.5em 0px 0px; overflow-wrap: break-word; white-space-collapse: preserve;"><div dir="auto" style="font-family: inherit; text-align: left;"><span style="background-color: #cfe2f3; font-size: medium;">The Hebrew “yada” — “know” used in Psalm 46:10 does not imply that you sit quietly in God’s Presence and wait but rather that you literally “take your hands off! Relax!” Let Go and let God care for you.</span></div></div><div class="x11i5rnm xat24cr x1mh8g0r x1vvkbs xtlvy1s x126k92a" style="font-family: "Segoe UI Historic", "Segoe UI", Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; margin: 0.5em 0px 0px; overflow-wrap: break-word; white-space-collapse: preserve;"><div dir="auto" style="font-family: inherit; text-align: left;"><span style="background-color: #cfe2f3; font-size: medium;">In our hands-on-world occupied with thoughts of self-sufficiency, God offers you refuge, strength, and help in times of trouble. He offers you intimacy with the Almighty. He offers you an invitation to know Him.</span></div></div><div class="x11i5rnm xat24cr x1mh8g0r x1vvkbs xtlvy1s x126k92a" style="font-family: "Segoe UI Historic", "Segoe UI", Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; margin: 0.5em 0px 0px; overflow-wrap: break-word; white-space-collapse: preserve;"><div dir="auto" style="font-family: inherit; text-align: left;"><span style="background-color: #cfe2f3; font-size: medium;">In John 14:6 Jesus tells us “I am the way, the truth, and the life. No one comes to the Father except through Me.” (NKJV)</span></div></div><div class="x11i5rnm xat24cr x1mh8g0r x1vvkbs xtlvy1s x126k92a" style="font-family: "Segoe UI Historic", "Segoe UI", Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; margin: 0.5em 0px 0px; overflow-wrap: break-word; white-space-collapse: preserve;"><div dir="auto" style="font-family: inherit; text-align: left;"><span style="background-color: #cfe2f3; font-size: medium;">Today, right now, in this moment, no matter your life circumstance, God invites you to take your hands off, relax, “Be Still” and accept His invitation to know Him.</span></div></div>Joyce Powellhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04926326562552643754noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2529661587567152237.post-2980077481598414732021-10-25T14:18:00.000-07:002021-10-25T14:18:11.859-07:00Why Do I Pray<p> <span style="text-align: justify;">“Therefore He (Jesus) is able to</span></p><div style="text-align: justify;"><span face="Verdana, sans-serif">save completely those who come</span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span face="Verdana, sans-serif">to God through Him, because He</span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span face="Verdana, sans-serif">always lives to intercede for them.”</span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span face="Verdana, sans-serif"> Hebrews 7:25 </span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span face="Verdana, sans-serif"><br /></span></div><span face="Verdana, sans-serif"><div style="text-align: justify;">Does God really hear and answer my prayers? Do my prayers actually change anything? These questions occur to most people at some point in life. Perhaps to answer would take thousands of reams of paper—perhaps not. Perhaps to answer would take more ink than I can purchase or more time than I can devote—perhaps not.</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjReHbGjhWPrJQvZxR4DwdzJw9_sERU6cEmH2iZui5WjpgtpjVhc7jMYR7Ow7Crd47CD_Ez2CBHtTpktsCEUthCflpavMZT-MxEAd4dHJfQf6E56R7pHfJgOEePDAuqCB2RWF9iJuOlXwI/s1600/washing+feet+and+cross.jpg" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjReHbGjhWPrJQvZxR4DwdzJw9_sERU6cEmH2iZui5WjpgtpjVhc7jMYR7Ow7Crd47CD_Ez2CBHtTpktsCEUthCflpavMZT-MxEAd4dHJfQf6E56R7pHfJgOEePDAuqCB2RWF9iJuOlXwI/s400/washing+feet+and+cross.jpg" /></a></div><div style="text-align: justify;">I have come to realize that I pray because of three words. I trust Jesus. Oversimplification? Maybe. But, when I boil all the words down to the real reason that I continue to pray, it is because I trust Jesus.</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: justify;">Hebrews 7:25 says “Therefore He (Jesus) is able to save completely those who come to God through Him, because He always lives to intercede for them.”</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: justify;">Jesus always lives to intercede, mediate, negotiate, arbitrate, intervene, plead, represent, appeal, petition, and pray for me to His Father—my Heavenly Father. Wow! Not only does He speak to God on my behalf, but the Scripture tells me that He is “able to save completely” those who come to God through Him. Completely covers life from the beginning to the end—when it is all over, the final result is in and my numbered days have been fulfilled—I know that I am safe with Jesus. I trust Him. </div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: justify;">Throughout God’s Word I find assurance that before I was formed in my mother’s womb, God knew me (Psalm 139:13). Before my lungs filled with air for the first time, God knew the plan for my life. Before I sinned, Jesus had already willingly given His life for mine. Wow! I trust Him.</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: justify;">Does prayer really change things? I have seen a pastor, who walked away from the Lord, return to God in sorrow and complete repentance after his church prayed for fifteen years. I have seen a pastor plead with the lost in his congregation to come to God before it is too late, walk to the back of the church and drop dead, only to be restored as the church fell to its knees in prayer. I have witnessed one hundred men, imprisoned—many of them for life—come forward at an invitation to ask Jesus to change their hearts. I can only imagine the number of prayers from mothers and fathers who begged God to send someone to their child. </div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: justify;">Why do I pray? I trust Jesus. Does God hear and answer my prayers? Absolutely! Do my prayers really change things? Yes. Sometimes prayer changes the situation—but it always changes me.</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: justify;">My prayer today is for those of you who do not know Jesus as your personal Savior. I want you to experience life with the One who is always interceding to the Father for His Children. It is truly the only life worth living. Don’t forget, “Jesus is able to save completely those who come to God through Him”. Be blessed today, and don’t forget to look up, and pray!</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: justify;">© Joyce Powell</div></span>Joyce Powellhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04926326562552643754noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2529661587567152237.post-69921240621188852732021-08-07T07:46:00.000-07:002021-08-07T07:46:06.318-07:00His Grace is Sufficient<p><span style="font-family: helvetica;"><i> </i></span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: helvetica;"><b><i><o:p></o:p></i></b></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-bottom: 0in;"><span style="font-family: helvetica;"><b>My grace is
sufficient for you.<o:p></o:p></b></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-bottom: 0in;"><span style="font-family: helvetica;"><b>2 Corinthians
12:9</b></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-bottom: 0in;"><b style="font-family: helvetica;">From birth, when
I was enrolled in the Cradle Roll department of our church, until now my life
has revolved around church and family—my closest relationships formed as a
result of meetings through church-related functions. I grew up hearing God’s
Word. Other than high school choir, I did little that did not revolve around
church activities.</b></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-bottom: 0in;"><span style="font-family: helvetica;"><b><o:p></o:p></b></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-bottom: 0in;"><span style="font-family: helvetica;"><b>Teaching every
age from four-years-old to seniors, I found my niche in women’s ministry. Over
the years, I have taught on all the basics of believing God, trusting God,
obeying God…and have found Him always more than sufficient to meet every need.</b></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-bottom: 0in;"><span style="font-family: helvetica;"><b><o:p></o:p></b></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-bottom: 0in;"><span style="font-family: helvetica;"><b>I have survived
the loss of both parents, both siblings, and other loved ones by clinging to
the Cross of Christ and daily reminding myself of the goodness and mercy of my
LORD!</b></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-bottom: 0in;"><span style="font-family: helvetica;"><b><o:p></o:p></b></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-bottom: 0in;"><span style="font-family: helvetica;"><b>I am confident
that you too have been there. If you are a believer in Christ, if He dwells in
your heart, if your hope is in God, I am convinced that He has traveled the
rough patches of life with you—carrying you when you were no longer able to
step one foot in front of the other.</b></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-bottom: 0in;"><b style="font-family: helvetica;">Today, in my
circle of friends, heartache, illness, and loss consumes many families. Yet in
the midst of personal pain, they reach out and comfort others who also
suffer—extending a human hand touching lives with God’s sufficient grace.</b></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-bottom: 0in;"><span style="font-family: helvetica;"><b>Proverbs 24:10
reminds us that “If you falter in times of trouble, how small is your strength!”
While I understand that times of trouble can make us stronger and develop our
character, I doubt that any of us pray and ask God to please send trouble.
Nevertheless, trouble comes as an uninvited guest.</b></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-bottom: 0in;"><span style="font-family: helvetica;"><b><o:p></o:p></b></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-bottom: 0in;"><span style="font-family: helvetica;"><b>When that
happens, we are forced to face our inner self. Do I really believe God? Do I
really trust God? Am I really ready to pray, “Father not my will but thine be
done?” <o:p></o:p></b></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-bottom: 0in;"><span style="font-family: helvetica;"><b>As we face
ourselves in the mirror and ask those tough questions, we do well to remember
what we already know—God’s grace is sufficient. <o:p></o:p></b></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-bottom: 0in;"><span style="font-family: helvetica;"><b>As Annie Johnson
Flint so beautifully put it...</b></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-bottom: 0in;"><span style="font-family: helvetica;"><b><o:p></o:p></b></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-bottom: 0in;"><o:p><span style="font-family: helvetica;"><b> </b></span></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-bottom: 0in; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: helvetica;"><b>He giveth more
grace when the burdens grow greater,</b></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-bottom: 0in; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: helvetica;"><b>He sendeth more
strength when the labors increase;</b></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-bottom: 0in; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: helvetica;"><b>To added
affliction He addeth His mercies,<o:p></o:p></b></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-bottom: 0in; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: helvetica;"><b>To multiplied
trials his multiplied peace. <o:p></o:p></b></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-bottom: 0in; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: helvetica;"><b><br /></b></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-bottom: 0in; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: helvetica;"><b>When we have
exhausted our store of endurance,<o:p></o:p></b></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-bottom: 0in; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: helvetica;"><b>When our strength
has failed ere the day is half done,<o:p></o:p></b></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-bottom: 0in; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: helvetica;"><b>When we reach the
end of our hoarded resources<o:p></o:p></b></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-bottom: 0in; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: helvetica;"><b>Our Father’s full
giving is only begun. <o:p></o:p></b></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-bottom: 0in; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: helvetica;"><b><br /></b></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-bottom: 0in; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: helvetica;"><b>His love has no
limit; His grace has no measure,<o:p></o:p></b></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-bottom: 0in; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: helvetica;"><b>His power no
boundary known unto men;<o:p></o:p></b></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-bottom: 0in; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: helvetica;"><b>For out of His
infinite riches in Jesus<o:p></o:p></b></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-bottom: 0in; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: helvetica;"><b>He giveth and
giveth and giveth again.<span style="text-align: left;"> </span></b></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-bottom: 0in;"><o:p><span style="font-size: medium;"> </span></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-bottom: 0in;">© Joyce Powell<o:p></o:p></p>Joyce Powellhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04926326562552643754noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2529661587567152237.post-49243512267497129882021-04-16T12:54:00.001-07:002021-04-16T12:54:34.210-07:00Hope for the Battle<p> </p><p><br /></p><div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: papyrus; font-size: 14pt;">Put on the full armor</span></div><div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0in; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: "papyrus"; font-size: 14pt; line-height: 21.4667px;">of God</span></div><div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0in; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: "papyrus"; font-size: 14pt; line-height: 21.4667px;">so that you can take your stand</span></div><div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0in; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: "papyrus"; font-size: 14pt; line-height: 21.4667px;">against the</span></div><div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0in; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: "papyrus"; font-size: 14pt; line-height: 21.4667px;">devil’s schemes.</span></div><div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0in; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0in; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: "papyrus"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 18.4px;">Ephesians 6:11</span></div><div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0in; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0in; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0in; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0in;"><span style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 18.4px;">Roman soldiers, when marching into battle, carried a shield approximately four and one-half feet long by two and one-half feet wide. Usually made of three sheets of wood glued together and covered with canvas and leather, the shield protected the soldier from his chin to his knees. During times of siege, the soldiers would gather in a “tortoise” formation shaping a rectangle with shields raised around the perimeter.</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0in;"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0in;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhc-Yx2eNVsG7xzS1I9eY6Ch9_bsHHj4J31pdu2uv36cbHRVEvZhV8rioy0_Y4zzgcYHlefdlL3C-EFRUXSDLJxIiA1H9W6NVtNIeQPvBjbMHIj9NwszRUB83diU4soEu0LQFwpC0wUVVk/s1600/blacksmith+grapevine+w+copy.jpg" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhc-Yx2eNVsG7xzS1I9eY6Ch9_bsHHj4J31pdu2uv36cbHRVEvZhV8rioy0_Y4zzgcYHlefdlL3C-EFRUXSDLJxIiA1H9W6NVtNIeQPvBjbMHIj9NwszRUB83diU4soEu0LQFwpC0wUVVk/s400/blacksmith+grapevine+w+copy.jpg" width="266" /></a><span style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 18.4px;">The soldiers in the center would lift their shields, resting them on the Roman helmets and overlapping in order to prevent arrows from penetrating their tortoise-like shell. In this manner, the entire formation stood strong and protected from the enemy.</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0in;"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0in;"><span style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 18.4px;">When writing to the church at Ephesus, the Apostle Paul explained how, in the Christian life, we battle against spiritual forces. He used the wardrobe of the Roman soldier, something with which the people of Ephesus would have been familiar, to explain how to use the armor of God.</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0in;"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0in;"><span style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 18.4px;">Paul not only listed the shield but told the church to “put on the full armor of God…” then proceeded to list the necessary items:</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0in;"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0in;"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0in;"><span style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 18.4px;">The belt of truth</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0in;"><span style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 18.4px;">The breastplate of righteousness</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0in;"><span style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 18.4px;">Feet fitted with the gospel of peace</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0in;"><span style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 18.4px;">The shield of faith</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0in;"><span style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 18.4px;">The helmet of salvation</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0in;"><span style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 18.4px;">The sword of the Spirit, which is the Word of God</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0in;"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0in;"><span style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 18.4px;">And in verse eighteen he added:</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0in;"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0in;"><span style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 18.4px;">“And pray in the Spirit on all occasions with all kinds of prayers and requests. With this in mind, be alert and always keep on praying for all the saints.”</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0in;"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0in;"><span style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 18.4px;">Here, Paul outlined what I like to call the Spiritual Tortoise Shell. After putting on all the armor, pray—in the Spirit—on all occasions—with all kinds of prayers and requests. And, do not forget to be alert, watchful, and attentive. Watch out for the snares or attacks of the enemy. And <i>always</i> keep on praying for <i>all </i>the saints.”</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0in;"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0in;"><span style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 18.4px;">While this letter was written to the church at Ephesus, it was also intended for circulation among other churches. In this manner, the Apostle Paul emphasized the need for both individual submission to Christ as well as love, mercy, charity, and kindness toward all the saints—fellow believers and followers of Christ—through constant prayer.</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0in;"><br /></div><br /><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0in;"><span style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 18.4px;">Although written nearly two thousand years ago, these instructions remain valid and necessary. What would happen in our world today if every person who has surrendered to Christ as Lord would follow the instructions to keep on praying, in the Spirit, for all the saints? I hope the next time the enemy sets his sights on me, my fellow Christians will have me covered with a spiritual tortoise shell because of their constant prayers. God’s armor is our hope for the battle.</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0in;"><span style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 18.4px;"><br /></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0in;"><span style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 18.4px;"></span></div><div class="MsoNormal">©Joyce Powell</div>Joyce Powellhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04926326562552643754noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2529661587567152237.post-57355984459595273312021-04-05T08:42:00.000-07:002021-04-05T08:42:06.875-07:00He is Risen<p> <span style="text-align: justify;">He was pierced for our transgressions,</span></p><div style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt; text-align: justify;"><span face=""verdana" , sans-serif">He was crushed for our iniquities;</span></div><div style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt; text-align: justify;"><span face=""verdana" , sans-serif">the punishment that brought us peace</span></div><div style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt; text-align: justify;"><span face=""verdana" , sans-serif">was upon him, </span><span face=""verdana" , sans-serif">and by his </span>wounds<span face=""verdana" , sans-serif"> we</span><br /><span face=""verdana" , sans-serif">are healed.</span></div><div style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt; text-align: justify;"><span face=""verdana" , sans-serif"> Isaiah 53:5 <span style="font-size: x-small;">NIV</span></span><span face=""verdana" , sans-serif"><span style="font-size: x-small;"> </span></span><br /><span face=""verdana" , sans-serif"><span style="font-size: x-small;"><br /></span></span></div><div style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt; text-align: justify;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span face=""verdana" , sans-serif"></span></div><div style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt; text-align: justify;"><span face=""verdana" , sans-serif">…Why do you look for the living among the</span></div><div style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt; text-align: justify;"><span face=""verdana" , sans-serif">dead? He is not here; He has risen!...</span></div><div style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt; text-align: justify;"><span face=""verdana" , sans-serif"> Luke 24:5-6 <span style="font-size: x-small;">NIV</span></span></div><div style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt; text-align: justify;"><br /><br /></div><div style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt; text-align: justify;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span face=""verdana" , sans-serif"></span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span face=""verdana" , sans-serif">Jesus Christ humbled himself as a man and became obedient to death on a cross! (Philippians 2:8) He was betrayed by a friend, arrested by armed soldiers, denied by his disciples, and condemned by the religious leaders. He stood trial before the government, was beaten, spat upon, led away to be crucified and hung between two thieves. </span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span face=""verdana" , sans-serif"></span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span face=""verdana" , sans-serif">His forehead was pressed by a crown of thorns, His side was pierced with a sword while His Name hung above Him for all who would recognize the truth; King of the Jews. </span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span face=""verdana" , sans-serif"> </span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span face=""verdana" , sans-serif"></span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span face=""verdana" , sans-serif">He was buried in a tomb hewn out of a rock, locked in by a stone which, by most historical accounts, weighed at least a ton, and guarded by Roman soldiers whose failure to achieve their mission could have cost them their lives. Yet Jesus could not be contained in His man-made grave. Matthew 28:1-4 explains the tomb’s opening.</span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"></div><div style="text-align: justify;"></div><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgBgWYZvjeaEt_vLgWxVkfHxhizRZ18yTC7O7xoqcd1QoDRGWwb9fwdpK0qVcXDIuvuCjN4I-uID8pZa2kARvsWT6P8m1bY138KZmneKGhw8zou5Z4pVvO_luJq-Rb5us6kqgtphe5IJSo/s1600/CLOUDS+and+birds+005.JPG" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="266" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgBgWYZvjeaEt_vLgWxVkfHxhizRZ18yTC7O7xoqcd1QoDRGWwb9fwdpK0qVcXDIuvuCjN4I-uID8pZa2kARvsWT6P8m1bY138KZmneKGhw8zou5Z4pVvO_luJq-Rb5us6kqgtphe5IJSo/s400/CLOUDS+and+birds+005.JPG" width="400" /></a><span face=""verdana" , sans-serif">“There was a violent earthquake, </span><span face=""verdana" , sans-serif">for an angel of the Lord came down</span><span face=""verdana" , sans-serif"> from heaven and, going to the tomb,</span><span face=""verdana" , sans-serif"> rolled back the stone and sat on it.”</span></div><div><br /><br /></div><div><span face=""verdana" , sans-serif"></span> <span style="font-family: "verdana";">Lest we forget, Jesus did not need the angel to open the grave so He could get out but so others could look in and see the empty tomb; a reminder of the awesome power of our God. </span> </div><div style="text-align: justify;"></div><span face=""verdana" , sans-serif"></span><br /><div style="text-align: justify;"></div><br /><div style="text-align: justify;"><span face=""verdana" , sans-serif">He came from heaven to fulfill God's plan for the redemption of mankind. He returned to heaven where he sits at the right hand of His Father interceding for those who have put their faith and trust in Him. </span><br /><span face=""verdana" , sans-serif"> </span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span face=""verdana" , sans-serif"></span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span face=""verdana" , sans-serif">So today, I am encouraged! You see, I know the man who has the power to work all these things together for good. He walks on water! He raises the dead! He makes blind eyes see! He gives hearing to deaf ears! He gives a voice to those who cannot speak! He lights the sky with His glory, and the earth shakes at His command.</span><br /><span face=""verdana" , sans-serif"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span face=""verdana" , sans-serif"></span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span face=""verdana" , sans-serif">He cares for me. He cares for you. I trust Him. I know that whatever I am going through at this moment, it could not happen without His knowledge or approval. Often I do not understand. Still, I trust Him. Often I plead with Him for change. Still, I trust Him. Often I am tempted to give up, but still, I trust Him.</span><br /><span face=""verdana" , sans-serif"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span face=""verdana" , sans-serif"></span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span face=""verdana" , sans-serif">Be encouraged! He cares for you. He understands your sorrow and your pain. He suffered. He died. Trust Him, for He is risen!</span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span face=""verdana" , sans-serif"></span></div><span face=""verdana" , sans-serif"></span><br /><span face=""verdana" , sans-serif"><span style="font-size: x-small;">© Joyce Powell</span></span>Joyce Powellhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04926326562552643754noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2529661587567152237.post-3124743918647605912021-02-24T10:45:00.002-08:002021-02-24T10:45:34.415-08:00Dare to Hope<p> <span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: 12pt;">Even if I thought
there was still</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0in;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt;">hope for me…..<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0in;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Ruth 1:12<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></span><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 10.0pt;">NIV</span><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: 10pt;"> </span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0in; text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt;">Love
hopes all things (1 Cor. 13:7); Christ in you, the hope of glory (Col. 1:27);
Be joyful in hope (Romans. 12:12); Hope is an anchor of the soul (Heb. 6:19);
Character produces hope (Rom. 5:4).</span><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: 12pt;"> </span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0in; text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt;">Yes,
hope is an anchor of your soul, but what happens when you lose hope? Have you
been there? Have the circumstances of life dealt you such a blow that you
perceived no way out of the confusion, loss, or hopelessness? Has satan
ensnared you, have friends deserted you, have you been hanging onto hope for so
long that you have finally decided there is no longer any reason to hope things
might change? Are you like Naomi in the biblical account of Ruth and Naomi when
she said, “Even if I thought there was still hope for me…?”</span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0in; text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: 12pt; text-align: left;">Be encouraged! God
sees you in your circumstances. You can neither flee from God nor find a place
to hide where He is not with you. Psalm 139 reveals that God knows when you
come and go, when you sit or rise, and what you will say before words exit your
mouth. You are not alone.</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0in;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: 12pt;">There is always a
reason to hope. If you do not believe that, flip the pages of your Bible over
to John 3:16 and remember God loves you so much He sent His One and Only Son to
give His life in exchange for your sin that you might have eternal life. You
are loved!</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0in;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: 12pt;">Refuse to let
circumstances or satan keep you bound by hopelessness. Believe God. DARE TO HOPE!</span><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: 12pt;"> </span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0in;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 10.0pt;">© Joyce Powell<o:p></o:p></span></p>Joyce Powellhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04926326562552643754noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2529661587567152237.post-29446372212227484972021-02-10T11:30:00.000-08:002021-02-10T11:30:23.858-08:00Consider it Pure Joy<p> Consider it pure joy, my brothers,</p><p>whenever you face trials of many kinds.</p><span face="Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif">James 1:2 <span style="font-size: xx-small;">NIV </span><br /><br /></span><br /><div style="text-align: justify;"><span face="Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif">History recounts that in 47 AD, Emperor Claudius celebrated the 800th anniversary of the founding of the city of Rome. Records indicate that in 49 AD he passed an edict expelling all Jews from Rome, and in 50 AD he adopted Nero as his heir. During this period of constant change and turmoil in the Roman Empire, the first century church faced its own struggle—the merging of Jews and Gentiles.</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhSO9jR2Pwd5kn0UwJ6GjGNPu9ncjvtt5XtNC6msFnIEhyWBuqcZge0TYbygLkQXuM4q9i8bmmuQbNb1j-QQMuNXSMJTEaK4x1YQrfEr6y_yO3FoK0XA4v72gXSGPC4o2VwgBtF_hY4rU0/s1600/Rose+of+Sharon+painted+w+copy.jpg" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><span face="Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif"><img border="0" height="397" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhSO9jR2Pwd5kn0UwJ6GjGNPu9ncjvtt5XtNC6msFnIEhyWBuqcZge0TYbygLkQXuM4q9i8bmmuQbNb1j-QQMuNXSMJTEaK4x1YQrfEr6y_yO3FoK0XA4v72gXSGPC4o2VwgBtF_hY4rU0/s400/Rose+of+Sharon+painted+w+copy.jpg" width="400" /></span></a></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span face="Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span face="Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif">The Jews believed that Gentile converts to the faith should be circumcised and follow the Mosaic Law. The Gentiles were not anxious to be entangled with all of the rules and regulations of Judaism—especially circumcision. (Acts 15:2-35) Conflict followed and a delegation led by the Apostle Paul was sent to Jerusalem. James, Jesus’ half-brother, was an influential leader in the Jerusalem church and after much discussion the conflict was resolved and a letter which included these words was sent to the Gentile believers in Antioch, Syria and Cilicia:</span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span face="Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span face="Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif">“You are to abstain from food sacrificed to idols, from blood, from the meat of strangled animals and from sexual immorality. You will do well to avoid these things.” Acts 15:29 NIV</span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span face="Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span face="Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif">It was around this time that James wrote to “the twelve tribes scattered among the nations…” I find it both interesting and timely that his first instruction to the church was “consider it pure joy, my brothers, whenever you face trials of many kinds…” That is a head scratcher! Joy and trials are not words we generally see in the same sentence. But here they are; written by a man who surely knew much about both.</span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span face="Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span face="Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif">Why did James say that, and how does that apply to you and me today? He continues by telling the Jewish Christians residing in Gentile communities that the testing of your faith produces perseverance. In James 1:12 we read, “Blessed is the man who perseveres under trial, because when he has stood the test, he will receive the crown of life that God has promised to those who love him.”</span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span face="Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span face="Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif">James did not say if you face trials but rather when you face many kinds of trials. He is not writing to those early Christians to say when bad things happen just put on a smile and pretend to be happy. Instead he is encouraging the church to have a positive attitude in the midst of trials in order to profit or learn from the bad and use it for good. I suppose you could say it is the ancient version of, when life hands you a lemon—make lemonade.</span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span face="Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span face="Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif">It may seem easy to be a man or woman of faith when life is good and trusting God comes naturally. However, what we do with the trials of life that inevitably come to each of us is the true test of our character.</span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span face="Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span face="Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif">Little did James know that in a few short years Nero would become emperor of Rome, and the persecution of Christians would rise to a new level. But God knew, and through James He was sending a message to the early church to trust Him in the trials of life, to face those trials with the right attitude and to learn from the immediate in order to persevere through the trials on the horizon.</span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span face="Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span face="Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif">This message is as timely today as when James wrote it almost two thousand years ago. Trials will come. But we have been given the recipe for making it through the tough times. When life hands you a lemon, through faith in God make lemonade, and consider it pure joy.</span></div><span face=""verdana" , sans-serif"><br /><span style="font-size: x-small;">© Joyce Powell</span></span>Joyce Powellhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04926326562552643754noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2529661587567152237.post-32276262004736591152020-09-02T09:36:00.001-07:002020-09-02T09:36:27.109-07:00Borrowed Time<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">For everything there is a season, and a</span></div>
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><div style="text-align: justify;">
time for every matter under heaven.</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-size: x-small;">Ecclesiastes 3:1</span></div>
</span><div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><div style="text-align: justify;">
Like you, I have often heard the phrase “living on borrowed time.” We think of someone who survived a tragedy that should have ended in death yet that person walked away. We think of a friend or relative who had a massive heart attack and should have died yet to the surprise of a myriad of medical personnel, they survived. We think of someone who has battled cancer and survived over and over and over and we say—living on borrowed time.</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjCAxXrCUqt7sIrLjfe8j5jFnMopXeeXX1m5N9sQF-KPUsJip6KosI7tM2fwBucGtsl1HrrVpUeeoa1jf2jyhDTTpW3LhKSFmtOVbTfNqt5IBz14yPEcmk6N4feeN3sSlVPHaNBBO8w_Iw/s1600/cardinal+HDR+w+copy.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1094" data-original-width="821" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjCAxXrCUqt7sIrLjfe8j5jFnMopXeeXX1m5N9sQF-KPUsJip6KosI7tM2fwBucGtsl1HrrVpUeeoa1jf2jyhDTTpW3LhKSFmtOVbTfNqt5IBz14yPEcmk6N4feeN3sSlVPHaNBBO8w_Iw/s320/cardinal+HDR+w+copy.jpg" width="240" /></a></div>
</div>
</span></div>
<div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">But in reality, each of us lives on time borrowed from our Heavenly Father. He placed us right where we are for a season, a purpose, a reason, and when our purpose has been fulfilled, He will call us back to Himself and we will stand before Him to give an account of how we used our precious borrowed time.</span></div>
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
Some live decades of time; some only hours or days. Yet even the infant who comes and goes quickly on this earth has fulfilled God’s plan for that tiny life. </div>
</span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Time is a blessing! We cannot afford to take one moment for granted. Satan will try to lull you into thinking that there is plenty of time to accomplish God’s plan for your life—to live like Scarlett O’Hara in Gone With The Wind and to “think about it tomorrow.” </span></div>
<div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><div style="text-align: justify;">
But tomorrow may not come. Like thousands who went to work in New York City on September 11th expecting the day to progress normally, this day could be your last—my last.</div>
</span></div>
<div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><div style="text-align: justify;">
What is on your “bucket list?” Does it include a list of souls you would like to see brought into the Kingdom of God? Pray for the opportunity to invest in the lives of those people. Do you desire to travel? Don’t forget the clerk in the store, the cab driver, the single mother struggling with luggage and three small children—she might need Jesus! </div>
</span></div>
<div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><div style="text-align: justify;">
I need to improve on my use of time—laying aside the superficial and looking ahead to the “mark of the high calling” that God places on the lives of His children. What will you do while you are living on borrowed time?</div>
</span></div>
<div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: x-small;"><div style="text-align: justify;">
©Joyce Powell</div>
</span></div>
Joyce Powellhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04926326562552643754noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2529661587567152237.post-51440314443903468612020-08-21T12:56:00.001-07:002020-08-21T12:56:31.216-07:00Invited and Blessed<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Then the angel said to me, “Write:</span></div>
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><div style="text-align: justify;">
‘Blessed are those who are invited</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
to the wedding supper of the Lamb!’”</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
And he added, “These are the true</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
words of God.”</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
Revelation 19:9 <span style="font-size: x-small;">NIV</span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
Fifty-four years ago I married the love of my life, but I remember the preparations for our wedding as if it were yesterday. It took weeks to complete dress fittings, invitation printing decisions, cake ordering, flowers, bridal showers, the photographer and of course, the invitation list. Everything cost money and the number of prepared meals was decided by the number of RSVP’s received.</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
Finally, when the work ended and after we walked the aisle of the church as husband and wife, we traveled to the Masonic Temple for a reception celebration with food, family and friends. Together, as man and wife, my husband and I shared the benefits and blessings of months of preparation, and our loved ones were blessed as they shared in our joy.</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
In spite of the beauty and bounty of that day, it cannot compare to the celebration feast of the Wedding Supper of the Lamb. The invitation has been sent out and preparations are being made. I can only imagine the Bridegroom, Christ, sitting on the edge of His throne in anticipation of the day when His Father will turn to Him, confirm that the last RSVP has been received, and say those long-awaited words—Son, go get your bride!</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
Revelation 19:9 says those invited are blessed; in a position of favor. All are invited. “Believe on the Lord Jesus Christ and thou shalt be saved.” (Acts 16:31) That is our invitation. All we have to do is RSVP; yes, I accept.</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
When the Bridegroom is ready, we will know it. Only then will we sit down at the table as we reap the benefits and blessings of heaven because we accepted the salvation invitation from the One who paid the price of preparedness. I will be there. You too have been invited. Will you RSVP and be blessed?</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-size: x-small;">© Joyce Powell</span></div>
</span>Joyce Powellhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04926326562552643754noreply@blogger.com0