tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-26797701319021001232024-03-18T08:47:23.458-05:00Devotions TodayUnknownnoreply@blogger.comBlogger411125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2679770131902100123.post-19063932472294581632024-03-18T08:38:00.006-05:002024-03-18T08:46:50.674-05:00Brahma Bull Love?<p> </p><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-right: 38pt;"><b><i><span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;">Be devoted to one another in brotherly love. Honor one
another above yourselves. Romans 12:10 (NIV)<o:p></o:p></span></i></b></p>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEitplogWd3g-2w8GhEFfHuj3NiJyg5G6U_5G6Sln9DOBElL_PUYDHDjk2-GlNQo9R7KfoKpdM2mKQ_ZQUha2T4pWOyrvRpWW5A0KvldQrDDdciEed7tkX3R1Tqi6tyTijALQZ3B_aBmDIoLMP8GeGyqIM2hus5qjcMW__71dqQj8CC5rreCyXT0hfKglws/s687/Screenshot%202024-03-17%20092401.png" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="371" data-original-width="687" height="173" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEitplogWd3g-2w8GhEFfHuj3NiJyg5G6U_5G6Sln9DOBElL_PUYDHDjk2-GlNQo9R7KfoKpdM2mKQ_ZQUha2T4pWOyrvRpWW5A0KvldQrDDdciEed7tkX3R1Tqi6tyTijALQZ3B_aBmDIoLMP8GeGyqIM2hus5qjcMW__71dqQj8CC5rreCyXT0hfKglws/s320/Screenshot%202024-03-17%20092401.png" width="320" /></a></div><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-right: 38pt;"><span style="font-size: 14pt;">Have you ever watched rodeo clowns who distract those beefy Brahma
bulls away from their fallen riders? These talented folks put themselves into
the way of some serious harm to protect those on the ground. There are barrels
available they can jump into when they need to get out of the way of an angry
pair of horns. Getting head-butted by 1,600 pounds of hamburger on the hoof can
be quite a jolt to the body. Some rodeo clowns do take it in stride and turn
their serious work into some very funny antics that can leave the crowd
laughing and applauding.</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-right: 38pt;"><span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;">I have encountered many Christians with the personality of a Brahma
bull. They show a ready willingness to major in minor things and delight in butting
heads. These kinds of folks are convinced their views are the only correct ones
and hold little regard for those of others, even disregarding</span><b><span face=""Arial",sans-serif" style="background: white; color: #222222; font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;"> </span></b><span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;">obvious facts. They have the tact of a charging bull, their
way being the only way and the other person’s the highway. They’re good at
justifying their viewpoints with, “Hey, I’m just telling them how it is. If
they get their nose out of joint that’s their issue.”<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-right: 38pt;"><span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;">Jesus addresses this kind of dishonoring anger saying it does
not begin with others but within the heart. He even took it a step further saying
when they scorn and disdain another as <i>less than</i> (a fool), speaking
colloquially, along with anger in the heart of the home, murder sleeps in the spare
bedroom (Matthew 15:19). Paul tells us to be devoted to one another in the love
of Christ. I like the King James’ translation, to be<i> kindly affectioned </i>toward
others. Those two words, <i>Kindness</i> and <i>affection—</i>go beyond just feelings—they<i>
</i>are conscious choices.<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-right: 38pt;"><span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;">How will we respond to Paul’s admonition in such matters?
Will we charge like a bull or light like a dove? When someone disagrees with a
minor point of view it can go beyond those few weekly hours at church. It can
leave us snorting and hoofing the ground from Monday to Saturday. <o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-right: 38pt;"><span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;">Anything we say ought <b>to be words of grace seasoned with
salt (Colossians 4:6). </b>Even if we are right and the other person in error,
hitting them with harshness only leaves them reeling like that rodeo clown in a
barrel, only it is never funny, and never to be applauded. Jesus admonished His
disciples to be as shrewd and perceptive as serpents, yet as innocent and harmless
as doves (Matthew 10:16). <o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-right: 38pt;"><span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;">To hit like a Brahma bull is not love, but to light like a
dove is the Lord’s preference. When it comes to sharing God’s truth, He is
always faithful to do so and never chases us into a barrel when He does. He
lights with the touch of His Holy Spirit, as light as a dove. It is a devotion
of love that honors others above self. When it comes down to thinking and
acting rashly like a Brahma bull, a bird on the wing is worth one in a barrel. <o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-right: 38pt;"><span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;">Maranatha,<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-right: 38pt;"><span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;">Ken<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-right: 38.0pt;"><b><i><span lang="ES-MX" style="font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ansi-language: ES-MX;">Dedíquense
los unos a los otros en amor fraternal. Honraos los unos a los otros por encima
de vosotros mismos. Romanos 12:10 (NVI)<o:p></o:p></span></i></b></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-right: 38.0pt;"><b><span lang="ES-MX" style="font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ansi-language: ES-MX;">¿Amor del toro brahma?</span></b><span lang="ES-MX" style="font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ansi-language: ES-MX;"><o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-right: 38.0pt;"><b></b></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><b><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiZwmDk-jbO-HUDWwLOW35jZr3M6JaEdzEfYBgrNebnmBa-h2iLArYSrpAC2Mbdz-NKlHDBaJFZK8txs8KeiJr3jEnyJRgNFArhu7_xFhpw9Cb4ZpqLnb8ATa84eEcNHczBK2XXvLJieRqoeES0b5Fm_yORoYiRrt1mX5h2A_yNiecDQTtagJrXrKeLDzU/s687/Screenshot%202024-03-17%20092401.png" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="371" data-original-width="687" height="173" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiZwmDk-jbO-HUDWwLOW35jZr3M6JaEdzEfYBgrNebnmBa-h2iLArYSrpAC2Mbdz-NKlHDBaJFZK8txs8KeiJr3jEnyJRgNFArhu7_xFhpw9Cb4ZpqLnb8ATa84eEcNHczBK2XXvLJieRqoeES0b5Fm_yORoYiRrt1mX5h2A_yNiecDQTtagJrXrKeLDzU/s320/Screenshot%202024-03-17%20092401.png" width="320" /></a></b></div><span style="font-size: 14pt;">¿Alguna vez
has visto a los payasos de rodeo que distraen a esos fornidos toros Brahma
lejos de sus jinetes caídos? Estas personas talentosas se pusieron en el camino
de algunos daños graves para proteger a los que están en el terreno. Hay
barriles disponibles en los que pueden saltar cuando necesitan apartarse del
camino de un par de cuernos enojados. Recibir un cabezazo con 1,600 libras de
hamburguesa en la pezuña puede ser una gran sacudida para el cuerpo. Algunos
payasos de rodeo se lo toman con calma y convierten su trabajo serio en algunas
travesuras muy divertidas que pueden dejar a la multitud riendo y aplaudiendo.</span><p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-right: 38.0pt;"><span lang="ES-MX" style="font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ansi-language: ES-MX;">Me he
encontrado con muchos cristianos con la personalidad de un toro de Brahma.
Muestran una buena disposición para especializarse en cosas menores y se
deleitan en chocar cabezas. Este tipo de personas están convencidas de que sus
puntos de vista son los únicos correctos y tienen poca consideración por los de
los demás, incluso ignorando los hechos obvios. Tienen el tacto de un toro que
embiste, su camino es el único camino y el de la otra persona es el camino. Son
buenos para justificar sus puntos de vista con: "Oye, solo les estoy
diciendo cómo es. Si se les sale la nariz de la articulación, ese es su
problema".<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-right: 38.0pt;"><span lang="ES-MX" style="font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ansi-language: ES-MX;">Jesús aborda
este tipo de ira deshonrosa diciendo que no comienza con los demás, sino dentro
del corazón. Incluso fue un paso más allá diciendo que cuando desprecian y
desprecian a otro como <i>menos que </i>(un tonto), hablando coloquialmente,
junto con la ira en el corazón del hogar, el asesinato duerme en la habitación
de invitados (Mateo 15:19). Pablo nos dice que nos dediquemos los unos a los
otros en el amor de Cristo. Me gusta la traducción del Rey Jaime, para ser<i>
amablemente afectuoso </i>con los demás. Esas dos palabras, <i>bondad</i> y <i>afecto,
</i>van más allá de los sentimientos, son elecciones conscientes.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-right: 38.0pt;"><span lang="ES-MX" style="font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ansi-language: ES-MX;">¿Cómo
responderemos a la amonestación de Pablo en tales asuntos? ¿Embestiremos como
un toro o encenderemos como una paloma? Cuando alguien no está de acuerdo con
un punto de vista menor, puede ir más allá de esas pocas horas semanales en la
iglesia. Puede dejarnos resoplando y pisando el suelo de lunes a sábado. <o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-right: 38.0pt;"><span lang="ES-MX" style="font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ansi-language: ES-MX;">Cualquier
cosa que digamos debe <b>ser palabras de gracia sazonadas con sal (Colosenses
4:6). </b>Incluso si tenemos razón y la otra persona está equivocada,
golpearlos con dureza solo los deja tambaleándose como ese payaso de rodeo en
un barril, solo que nunca es gracioso y nunca debe ser aplaudido. Jesús
amonestó a sus discípulos a ser tan astutos y perspicaces como las serpientes,
pero tan inocentes e inofensivos como las palomas (Mateo 10:16). <o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-right: 38.0pt;"><span lang="ES-MX" style="font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ansi-language: ES-MX;">Golpear como
un toro Brahma no es amor, pero encender como una paloma es la preferencia del
Señor. Cuando se trata de compartir la verdad de Dios, Él siempre es fiel en
hacerlo y nunca nos persigue en un barril cuando lo hace. Él ilumina con el
toque de Su Espíritu Santo, tan ligero como una paloma. Es una devoción de amor
que honra a los demás por encima de uno mismo. Cuando se trata de pensar y
actuar precipitadamente como un toro Brahma, un pájaro en vuelo vale más que
uno en un barril. <o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-right: 38.0pt;"><span style="font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 115%;">Maranatha,<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-right: 38pt;"><span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;">
</span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-right: 38.0pt;"><span style="font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 115%;">Ken<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-right: 38pt;"><span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;"><o:p> </o:p></span></p>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2679770131902100123.post-91462053681987565032024-03-11T07:52:00.005-05:002024-03-12T11:15:38.554-05:00The Light in Sir Isaac's Eye<p> </p><p class="MsoNormal"><b><i><span style="font-size: 16pt; line-height: 115%;">The
grace of the Lord Jesus Christ and the love of God and the fellowship of the
Holy Spirit be with you all. 2nd Corinthians 13:14 (ESV)</span></i></b><b><span style="font-size: 16pt; line-height: 115%;"><o:p></o:p></span></b></p>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhmVHSbGNzBnrOnh-yxGCZfFTps2lH_DIvbmRpphy0roNkQ0bsnRg2St5QBHSc2ZXyxnHsXLCFYftNSw9ys_SIsrs_IyZLn95qe-6Gx1nmRl-M8sXQlWUnbjAn-16oucG0TcGwHGuWIqFd5puprtcfOvuJIXvCLnCvSsDXqz70F6Ho9j9hNDyAB3VeWQEE/s631/Newton's%201666%20light%20experiment.JPG" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="441" data-original-width="631" height="224" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhmVHSbGNzBnrOnh-yxGCZfFTps2lH_DIvbmRpphy0roNkQ0bsnRg2St5QBHSc2ZXyxnHsXLCFYftNSw9ys_SIsrs_IyZLn95qe-6Gx1nmRl-M8sXQlWUnbjAn-16oucG0TcGwHGuWIqFd5puprtcfOvuJIXvCLnCvSsDXqz70F6Ho9j9hNDyAB3VeWQEE/s320/Newton's%201666%20light%20experiment.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 16pt;">There are a
few words in the Christian faith that are not found in the Bible, yet retain
the truth of God’s revelation in Scripture, words such as ‘rapture,’
‘dinosaur,’ and ‘Trinity.’ The word ‘Bible’ is not even in the Bible. These
words were made to describe Judeo-Christian doctrines translated
from Latin or words invented to keep
pace with ever changing advances in science and archaeological discoveries. </span><span style="font-size: 16pt;"> </span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 16pt; line-height: 115%;">The word ‘Trinity’
tries to describe the same three Persons existing together as One in the Biblical presentation of the
Godhead, God the Father (Philippians 1:2), God the Son (Titus 2:13), and God the
Holy Spirit (Acts 5:3-4). They are three individual Persons existing as Jehovah
God, separate, and One together in the same essence or Being. How can it even
be?<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 16pt; line-height: 115%;">I have had
some interesting conversations with skeptics about the Trinity. I have read a
few attempts at illustrating it, yet all fall short. The best I have found was
‘discovered’ by the physicist, Sir Isaac Newton, in the seventeenth century.<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 16pt; line-height: 115%;">In 1666,
when he was 23, Newton conducted an experiment in light refraction. In passing
a single beam of white light through a prism he noted it became 7 different
colors–red, orange, yellow, green, blue, indigo, & violet. Three of those
lights, Red, Green, & Blue, were primary colors that were the foundation of
all the others. He found when he recombined those three primary colors (R+G+B) they
regenerated back into a white beam of light<b>—one single white light with
three primary colors—and three primary colors joined back together again in one white beam of light! </b>The primaries were of different wavelengths of light,
yet all existed in the same structure and substance.</span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: 16pt; line-height: 115%;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhmxQAnCZtePmeFqU4VxlxSRQS7fYWMcNqdnPMw5Lcc5UA0gi3J8kmmlUohDzvm14UGellLhuJmKt0Eldsm1LRHBcT3Pgd1xBJvEHKsKULHHUHLavcLVcvmvQyV7m0sGNw15W1IEhgJGpMyhgRIfvy8TCrpiurL-Tmv5b5Hq2wMAkTg1pl63PCa7w32bOI/s422/Screenshot%202024-03-08%20232717.png" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="422" data-original-width="397" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhmxQAnCZtePmeFqU4VxlxSRQS7fYWMcNqdnPMw5Lcc5UA0gi3J8kmmlUohDzvm14UGellLhuJmKt0Eldsm1LRHBcT3Pgd1xBJvEHKsKULHHUHLavcLVcvmvQyV7m0sGNw15W1IEhgJGpMyhgRIfvy8TCrpiurL-Tmv5b5Hq2wMAkTg1pl63PCa7w32bOI/s320/Screenshot%202024-03-08%20232717.png" width="301" /></a></span></div><span style="font-size: 16pt; line-height: 115%;"><br /><span style="mso-no-proof: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></span><p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 16pt; line-height: 115%;"><br /></span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 16pt; line-height: 115%;"><br /></span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 16pt; line-height: 115%;"><br /></span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 16pt; line-height: 115%;"><br /></span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 16pt; line-height: 115%;"><br /></span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 16pt; line-height: 115%;"><br /></span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 16pt;"><br /></span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 16pt;"><br /></span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 16pt;">I now have a
good response when someone challenges me about how three persons can exist
together as one. My response is “I will answer your question if you will answer
mine. Explain to me how Newton’s discovery and hypothesis is possible.” I
cannot and I’m sure nobody else can, either.</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 16pt; line-height: 115%;">Sometimes
we’re left as J</span><span style="font-size: 16pt; line-height: 115%; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;">ō</span><span style="font-size: 16pt; line-height: 115%;">b was after God called him to account
to justify his presumption of second guessing Him (J</span><span style="font-size: 16pt; line-height: 115%; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;">ō</span><span style="font-size: 16pt; line-height: 115%;">b 38:1-2). After God questioned him concerning things he
could not possibly know or have done in creation of the earth and heavens J</span><span style="font-size: 16pt; line-height: 115%; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;">ō</span><span style="font-size: 16pt; line-height: 115%;">b said to the LORD, <b>“I am unworthy—how can I reply to you?
I put my hand over my mouth.” (J</b></span><b><span style="font-size: 16pt; line-height: 115%; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;">ō</span></b><b><span style="font-size: 16pt; line-height: 115%;">b 40:4). <o:p></o:p></span></b></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 16pt; line-height: 115%;">In truth, we
do not need to see the physics of Sir Isaac’s experiment to believe in the Father,
Son, and Holy Spirit existing together as One Person. Paul writes that <b>since
the creation of the world God’s invisible qualities—His eternal power and
divine nature—have been clearly seen from what has been made so that people are
without excuse</b> (Romans 1:20). <o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 16pt; line-height: 115%;">The short
glimpses of light we do see into His existence are only enough for our finite
minds to be able to even grasp. A day is coming when we will see Him as He is
(First John 3:2). On that day any preconceived notions we hold of Him will be
fully dispelled as we behold Him in His full glory. <o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 16pt; line-height: 115%;">Perhaps when
we see Him as He is, like J</span><span style="font-size: 16pt; line-height: 115%; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;">ō</span><span style="font-size: 16pt; line-height: 115%;">b, we will simply say, “I am
unworthy—how can I reply to the mystery of Your majesty? I can only put my hand
over my mouth.”<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 16pt; line-height: 115%;">Maranatha,<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 16pt; line-height: 115%;">Ken </span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; mso-margin-top-alt: auto;"><b><i><span lang="ES-MX" style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: 16pt;">La gracia del Señor Jesucristo, el amor de Dios y la
comunión del Espíritu Santo estén con todos vosotros. 2 Corintios 13:14 (NBLA)<o:p></o:p></span></i></b></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; mso-margin-top-alt: auto;"><b><span lang="ES-MX" style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: 16pt;">La luz en el ojo de Sir Isaac<o:p></o:p></span></b></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; mso-margin-top-alt: auto;"><b></b></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><b><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgEybE-xcxTvuKvg_CHSmivmi4jLMJaCIJ-mX2wGOUcotCBxaeRQ0QFaw4jNlQutmVuuaSauQW-sh8vo2ejuLEFub5MtHAnIAwwGiMj2r0oFb3Um_N9SH49iPNUC78b2__fhqMZCK7EUV8jFWY1OGuyss-RP9P2GNy52M9Sn52nBfOC1VKRUHkbs8FSXg8/s631/Newton's%201666%20light%20experiment.JPG" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="441" data-original-width="631" height="224" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgEybE-xcxTvuKvg_CHSmivmi4jLMJaCIJ-mX2wGOUcotCBxaeRQ0QFaw4jNlQutmVuuaSauQW-sh8vo2ejuLEFub5MtHAnIAwwGiMj2r0oFb3Um_N9SH49iPNUC78b2__fhqMZCK7EUV8jFWY1OGuyss-RP9P2GNy52M9Sn52nBfOC1VKRUHkbs8FSXg8/s320/Newton's%201666%20light%20experiment.JPG" width="320" /></a></b></div><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: 16pt;">Hay
algunas palabras en la fe cristiana que no se encuentran en la Biblia, pero que
conservan la verdad de la revelación de Dios en las Escrituras, palabras como
'rapto', 'dinosaurio' y 'Trinidad'. La palabra 'Biblia' ni siquiera está en la
Biblia. Estas palabras se hicieron para describir doctrinas judeocristianas
traducidas del latín o palabras inventadas para mantenerse al día con los
avances siempre cambiantes de la ciencia y los descubrimientos arqueológicos.</span><p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; mso-margin-top-alt: auto;"><span lang="ES-MX" style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: 16pt;">La
palabra "Trinidad" trata de describir a las mismas tres Personas que
existen juntas como Una en la presentación bíblica de la Deidad, Dios el Padre
(Filipenses 1:2), Dios el Hijo (Tito 2:13) y Dios el Espíritu Santo (Hechos
5:3-4). Son tres Personas individuales que existen como Jehová Dios, separadas,
y Una juntas en la misma esencia o Ser. ¿Cómo puede serlo?</span><span lang="ES-MX" style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: 13.5pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; mso-margin-top-alt: auto;"><span lang="ES-MX" style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: 16pt;">He
tenido algunas conversaciones interesantes con escépticos acerca de la
Trinidad. He leído algunos intentos de ilustrarlo, pero todos se quedan cortos.
Lo mejor que he encontrado fue "descubierto" por el físico Sir Isaac
Newton en el siglo XVII.</span><span lang="ES-MX" style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: 13.5pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 18.4pt; mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; mso-margin-top-alt: auto;"><span lang="ES-MX" style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: 16pt;">En
1666, cuando tenía 23 años, Newton llevó a cabo un experimento sobre la
refracción de la luz. Al pasar un solo rayo de luz blanca a través de un
prisma, notó que se convertía en 7 colores diferentes: rojo, naranja, amarillo,
verde, azul, índigo y violeta. Tres de esas luces, rojo, verde y azul, eran
colores primarios que eran la base de todas las demás. Descubrió que cuando
recombinaba esos tres colores primarios (R + V + A) se regeneraban de nuevo en
un haz de luz blanco<b>, una sola luz blanca con tres colores primarios, ¡y
tres colores primarios se unían de nuevo convirtiéndose en un rayo de luz
blanco! </b>Los primarios eran de diferentes longitudes de onda de luz, pero
todos existían en la misma estructura y sustancia.</span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEje-rn6QkDsVMLlxMLPNrscM-stdXJmrqMcP9d7mACd7c-scjkbo-nUO0cZqdfObv-x9Wz0qXgNHf5SDx25v-5lZKPEupkfWclIcA7DXsIuyYRjgvdUVhJ2Axhl9HpPbd7CTHlO5C29Fz0IQYqyF47uX_qllcynJaRT1k6ULr9p9JOdSJRTk96UAttvtEE/s422/Screenshot%202024-03-08%20232717.png" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="422" data-original-width="397" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEje-rn6QkDsVMLlxMLPNrscM-stdXJmrqMcP9d7mACd7c-scjkbo-nUO0cZqdfObv-x9Wz0qXgNHf5SDx25v-5lZKPEupkfWclIcA7DXsIuyYRjgvdUVhJ2Axhl9HpPbd7CTHlO5C29Fz0IQYqyF47uX_qllcynJaRT1k6ULr9p9JOdSJRTk96UAttvtEE/s320/Screenshot%202024-03-08%20232717.png" width="301" /></a></div><br /><o:p></o:p><p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 18.4pt; mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; mso-margin-top-alt: auto;"><span lang="ES-MX" style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: 16pt;">Ahora
tengo una buena respuesta cuando alguien me desafía acerca de cómo tres
personas pueden existir juntas como una sola. Mi respuesta es: "Responderé
a tu pregunta si tú respondes a la mía. Explíqueme cómo es posible el
descubrimiento y la hipótesis de Newton. Yo no puedo, y estoy seguro de que
nadie más puede, tampoco.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; mso-margin-top-alt: auto;"><span lang="ES-MX" style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: 16pt;">A
veces nos quedamos como lo fue Jōb después de que Dios lo llamó a rendir
cuentas para justificar su presunción de cuestionarlo (Jōb 38:1-2). Después de
que Dios le interrogó acerca de cosas que no podía saber o haber hecho en la
creación de la tierra y los cielos, Jōb le dijo al Señor: <b>"Soy indigno,
¿cómo puedo responderte? Me tapé la boca con la mano". (Jōb 40:4).</b></span><span lang="ES-MX" style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: 13.5pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; mso-margin-top-alt: auto;"><span lang="ES-MX" style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: 16pt;">En
verdad, no necesitamos ver la física del experimento de Sir Isaac para creer
que el Padre, el Hijo y el Espíritu Santo existen juntos como una sola persona.
Pablo escribe que <b>desde la creación del mundo, las cualidades invisibles de
Dios, Su poder eterno y su naturaleza divina, se han visto claramente a partir
de lo que ha sido hecho para que las personas no tengan excusa</b> (Romanos
1:20).</span><span lang="ES-MX" style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: 13.5pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; mso-margin-top-alt: auto;"><span lang="ES-MX" style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: 16pt;">Los
breves destellos de luz que vemos en Su existencia son solo suficientes para
que nuestras mentes finitas puedan siquiera comprender. Llegará un día en que
lo veremos tal como es (Primera de Juan 3:2). En ese día, cualquier noción
preconcebida que tengamos de Él se disipará por completo cuando lo contemplemos
en Su plena gloria.</span><span lang="ES-MX" style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: 13.5pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; mso-margin-top-alt: auto;"><span lang="ES-MX" style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: 16pt;">Tal
vez cuando lo veamos tal como es, como Jōb, simplemente dijamos: "Soy
indigno, ¿cómo puedo responder al misterio de Tu majestad? </span><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: 16pt;">Solo puedo ponerme la mano sobre la boca".</span><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: 13.5pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; mso-margin-top-alt: auto;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: 16pt;">Maranatha</span><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: 13.5pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 16pt; line-height: 115%;">
</span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; mso-margin-top-alt: auto;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: 16pt;">Ken</span><span lang="ES-MX" style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: 16pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 16pt; line-height: 115%;"><br /></span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 16pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></span></p>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2679770131902100123.post-13757015662069051082024-03-04T08:20:00.005-06:002024-03-04T08:26:46.623-06:00For He Remembers the Stars<p> </p><p class="MsoNormal"><b><i><span style="font-size: 16pt; line-height: 115%;">He
heals the brokenhearted and binds up their wounds. He determines the number of
the stars and calls them each by name. Great is our Lord and mighty in power;
his understanding has no limit. Psalm 147:3-5 (NIV)</span></i></b> <o:p></o:p></p>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh2_W6vDkS1AfpH1YxaLQuJKiaTmnmhK5Irrw-1SmLP0pmiBGt_2ABRZFBCYYg-H8MNtH33kIKRW4zVXxzCzQnxNKhkZpatRQwDzlBKHAttnoW-eUI7SRwpT77d3ecr0qQN83FFsEqce0Eyxc7p_JaLYVW7PhAP47nbBEsVt9meEPl9rT8n7tww3_ftjUA/s529/He%20Remembers%20the%20Stars.JPG" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="381" data-original-width="529" height="230" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh2_W6vDkS1AfpH1YxaLQuJKiaTmnmhK5Irrw-1SmLP0pmiBGt_2ABRZFBCYYg-H8MNtH33kIKRW4zVXxzCzQnxNKhkZpatRQwDzlBKHAttnoW-eUI7SRwpT77d3ecr0qQN83FFsEqce0Eyxc7p_JaLYVW7PhAP47nbBEsVt9meEPl9rT8n7tww3_ftjUA/s320/He%20Remembers%20the%20Stars.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 16pt;">Does God hear
us individually when we pray, in all the chaos and noise of the universe? Or is
He always there but just does not care one way or the other?</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 16pt; line-height: 115%;">David
wondered if God in His majestic Being were mindful of humanity. When he
considered the unimaginable vastness of the universe, the stars and planets, he
was so overwhelmed he asked God, “<b>what is mankind that that you are mindful
of them, human beings that you care for them?” (Psalm 8:4).<o:p></o:p></b></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 16pt; line-height: 115%;">Out of the eight
billion people on the planet, does Christ Jesus really hear us when we pray and
see us when we weep? From what the Scriptures teach us, He does. Have you seen
the stars lately just in our visible universe? Of the billions and billions of
stars He calls each one by name (Psalms 147:4). If He can keep up with the stars,
why would it be impossible to hear us all at the same moment when we pray? <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 16pt; line-height: 115%;">Jesus said
the Father knows us so thoroughly that He knows the numbers of hairs on our
head (Luke 12:7). I am sure He could even tell us how many red blood cells were
pumped through our hearts in the past 24 hours. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 16pt; line-height: 115%;">Isaiah encourages
us to lift our eyes to the heavens and consider the stars for <b>God <i>brings
out the starry host individually.</i></b> He calls them by name (Isaiah 40:26).
He holds everything together by His power (Colossians 1:17, Hebrews 1:3)! So,
yes, why can’t He hear and see you individually night and day? He certainly
does.<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 16pt; line-height: 115%;">Jesus
existed in eternity with God being in His very nature God. He did not cling to
His equality with God but chose to take on a human body in obedience to the
will of His Father to redeem us even to death on a cross (John 17:5 & 24, Philippians
2:6-8). The blessed news in Christ’s perfect humanity is as our Great High
Priest He constantly intercedes to God in our favor (Romans 8:34, Hebrews 4:14-16).
What greater Intercessor could we have than a fellow human being and in that,
perfect?<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 16pt; line-height: 115%;">Being so acquainted
with His people’s sorrows He heals their broken hearts and binds up their
wounds! He can do it as His understanding has no limit. Jesus’ intercession promotes
your worth to the Father. He rejoices over you, and exalts over you with your
personal song of love and praise (Zephaniah 3:17)! I believe He smiles at His
thoughts of you and even laughs at the dearness of some of your own thoughts
you think you’re getting away with. <o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 16pt; line-height: 115%;">He loves you
with an everlasting love and is all around you right now. I encourage you to
stop, take a breath, and understand that in its fullness for you His love for
you is so deeply personal. God is taking care of you. He is one of us. He is
that Perfect Intercessor who remembers all the names of the stars and never
forgets one of ours.<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 16pt; line-height: 115%;">Maranatha,<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 16pt; line-height: 115%;">Ken <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 16pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"></span></span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 16pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"><b><i><span lang="ES-MX" style="font-size: 16.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ansi-language: ES-MX;">Él sana a los quebrantados de corazón y venda sus
heridas. Determina el número de las estrellas y las llama a cada una por su
nombre. Grande es nuestro Señor y poderoso en poder; Su entendimiento no tiene
límites. Salmos 147:3-5 (NVI) </span></i></b><span lang="ES-MX" style="mso-ansi-language: ES-MX;"><o:p></o:p></span></span></span></p><span style="font-size: 16pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
<p class="MsoNormal"><b><span lang="ES-MX" style="font-size: 16.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ansi-language: ES-MX;">Porque se acuerda de las estrellas<o:p></o:p></span></b></p><p class="MsoNormal"><b></b></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><b><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgTrK0MVCadZBFDF1g8TJJ7xjSIgrxEAwUk3Kc-n3L9Qhoakj50pibwe_T-EC5qZPXaBbRo5wFiYgppW0Vqu18zwM9OSa7x6hOduqcprrBiKeDXHzP_HX_0cYQ8VKHWQ9OTq4ZzI5sp97tVUcoyzeGmgYq5LtqnOFbwGaIbrQajilkJS995p1Yy1JRW61g/s529/He%20Remembers%20the%20Stars.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="381" data-original-width="529" height="230" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgTrK0MVCadZBFDF1g8TJJ7xjSIgrxEAwUk3Kc-n3L9Qhoakj50pibwe_T-EC5qZPXaBbRo5wFiYgppW0Vqu18zwM9OSa7x6hOduqcprrBiKeDXHzP_HX_0cYQ8VKHWQ9OTq4ZzI5sp97tVUcoyzeGmgYq5LtqnOFbwGaIbrQajilkJS995p1Yy1JRW61g/s320/He%20Remembers%20the%20Stars.JPG" width="320" /></a></b></div><span style="font-size: 16pt;">¿Nos escucha Dios individualmente cuando oramos, en
medio de todo el caos y el ruido del universo? ¿O Él siempre está ahí, pero
simplemente no le importa de una manera u otra?</span><p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="ES-MX" style="font-size: 16.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ansi-language: ES-MX;">David se preguntaba si Dios, en Su majestuoso Ser, era
consciente de la humanidad. Cuando consideró la inmensidad inimaginable del
universo, las estrellas y los planetas, se sintió tan abrumado que le preguntó
a Dios: "¿<b>Qué es la humanidad para que te acuerdes de ellos, seres
humanos que te preocupes por ellos?" (Salmo 8:4).<o:p></o:p></b></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="ES-MX" style="font-size: 16.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ansi-language: ES-MX;">De los ocho mil millones de personas que hay en el
planeta, ¿Cristo Jesús realmente nos escucha cuando oramos y nos ve cuando
lloramos? Por lo que las Escrituras nos enseñan, Él lo hace. ¿Has visto las
estrellas últimamente solo en nuestro universo visible? De los miles de
millones y miles de millones de estrellas, Él llama a cada una por su nombre
(Salmos 147:4). Si Él puede seguir el ritmo de las estrellas, ¿por qué sería
imposible escucharnos a todos al mismo tiempo cuando oramos?<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="ES-MX" style="font-size: 16.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ansi-language: ES-MX;">Jesús dijo que el Padre nos conoce tan a fondo que
conoce el número de cabellos de nuestra cabeza (Lucas 12:7). Estoy seguro de
que incluso podría decirnos cuántos glóbulos rojos fueron bombeados a través de
nuestros corazones en las últimas 24 horas.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span><o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="ES-MX" style="font-size: 16.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ansi-language: ES-MX;">Isaías nos anima a levantar nuestros ojos al cielo y
considerar las estrellas, porque <b>Dios <i>saca la hueste estrellada
individualmente. </i></b>Él los llama por su nombre (Isaías 40:26). ¡Él
mantiene todo unido por Su poder (Colosenses 1:17, Hebreos 1:3)! Entonces, sí,
¿por qué no puede oírte y verte individualmente día y noche? Ciertamente lo
hace.<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="ES-MX" style="font-size: 16.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ansi-language: ES-MX;">Jesús existió en la eternidad con Dios siendo en Su
propia naturaleza Dios. Él no se aferró a Su igualdad con Dios, sino que eligió
tomar un cuerpo humano en obediencia a la voluntad de Su Padre para redimirnos
hasta la muerte en una cruz (Juan 17:5 y 24, Filipenses 2:6-8). La bendita
noticia en la perfecta humanidad de Cristo es que nuestro Gran Sumo Sacerdote
intercede constantemente ante Dios a nuestro favor (Romanos 8:34, Hebreos
4:14-16). ¿Qué mayor intercesor podríamos tener que un ser humano y, en eso,
perfecto?<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="ES-MX" style="font-size: 16.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ansi-language: ES-MX;">Estando tan familiarizado con las penas de Su pueblo,
Él sana sus corazones rotos y venda sus heridas. Él puede hacerlo ya que Su
entendimiento no tiene límites. La intercesión de Jesús promueve tu valor ante
el Padre. ¡Él se regocija por ti, y se exalta por ti con tu canto personal de
amor y alabanza (Sofonías 3:17)! Yo creo que Él sonríe ante Sus pensamientos
acerca de ti e incluso se ríe de lo caros que son algunos de tus propios
pensamientos con los que piensas que te estás saliendo con la tuya. <o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="ES-MX" style="font-size: 16.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ansi-language: ES-MX;">Él te ama con un amor eterno y está a tu alrededor en
este momento. Te animo a que te detengas, respires hondo y comprendas que, en
su plenitud por ti, Su amor por ti es tan profundamente personal. Dios está
cuidando de ti. Es uno de los nuestros. Él es ese Intercesor Perfecto que
recuerda todos los nombres de las estrellas y nunca olvida uno de los nuestros.<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 16.0pt; line-height: 115%;">Maranatha<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 16.0pt; line-height: 115%;">Ken<o:p></o:p></span></p><br /></span></span><p></p>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2679770131902100123.post-18705360312176548822024-02-26T08:55:00.005-06:002024-02-26T09:04:15.460-06:00The Lap of Abba, Father<p> </p><p class="MsoNormal" style="mso-line-height-alt: 12.65pt;"><b><i><span style="color: #222222; font-size: 14pt; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">The fear of the LORD is the beginning of wisdom, and the
knowledge of the Holy One is insight. Proverbs 9:10 (ESV)<o:p></o:p></span></i></b></p>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi53E9OlKPBsIDfCCZ2XF_FR-T9oVzmLHbxvNFtWYgSkIG5Ta0EtQFUpcBBbibE38H8gKYpXRElNwNGqIAiQz_ZO7orVMQATy6yG3xH50l4PbhfDhtJpQ4tLNIZYTxvwaxrxbRorldHmT20ofb9C_NGjJgcOTmgExeuZf7AlCnTI0zIgtwRMqpzZ-KbI3w/s769/On%20The%20Lap%20of%20the%20Father.JPG" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="415" data-original-width="769" height="173" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi53E9OlKPBsIDfCCZ2XF_FR-T9oVzmLHbxvNFtWYgSkIG5Ta0EtQFUpcBBbibE38H8gKYpXRElNwNGqIAiQz_ZO7orVMQATy6yG3xH50l4PbhfDhtJpQ4tLNIZYTxvwaxrxbRorldHmT20ofb9C_NGjJgcOTmgExeuZf7AlCnTI0zIgtwRMqpzZ-KbI3w/s320/On%20The%20Lap%20of%20the%20Father.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><p class="MsoNormal" style="mso-line-height-alt: 12.65pt;"><span style="color: #222222; font-size: 14pt; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">In a
church group I once led I was called out by another believer for using the
phrase “the fear of the Lord.”</span><span style="color: #222222; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;"> </span><span style="color: #222222; font-size: 14pt; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">He was triggered by it and angrily interrupted me and said,
“Ken, you’re way out of line saying that! He’s a God of love, not fear. Stop
saying He’s a God of fear!” <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="mso-line-height-alt: 12.65pt;"><span style="color: #222222; font-size: 14pt; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">The
group was surprised when I agreed with him. God does not want us to live in
dread of Him, however I did clarify that the Hebrew word for fear (<i>yir’ȃh)</i>
did not convey that meaning. While it can mean <i>trembling, </i>in this
context it means to ‘morally reverence’ the LORD in honoring and respectful
responses to His power and authority. It does not mean to live in terror of Him.
Solomon called understanding the difference the beginning of wisdom and
spiritual perception. </span><span style="color: #222222; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;"><o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="mso-line-height-alt: 12.65pt;"><span style="color: #222222; font-size: 14pt; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">The
power of God is without question awesomely beyond anything we could ever
consider. We see it in all He has created. We can get a feeling of it when we
gaze into the vastness of our own Milky Way galaxy. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="mso-line-height-alt: 12.65pt;"><span style="color: #222222; font-size: 14pt; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">The
universe stretches out to unimaginable distances holding billions of galaxies,
each with millions of stars. Images from the Hubble and James Webb space
telescopes reveal the astounding beauty of the visible universe and gives us
some comprehension of the Great Power who spoke it into existence. Pondering it’s
size and awesome grandeur can be both breathtaking and frightening. The
patriarch Jōb saw just the outer fringe of God’s works, a ‘whisper of it,’ and
remarked, <b>“Who then can understand the thunder of his power?” (Jōb
26:14).</b><o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="mso-line-height-alt: 12.65pt;"><span style="color: #222222; font-size: 14pt; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">Some of
us have struggled with being just plain afraid of this power. When this
happens, it can skew our belief system, projecting the concepts of dread and
distress into our relationship with a perfect Father God, easily causing us to
continually push Him away. I call it the “God with a baseball bat mentality,”
always ready to pound us for any inconsequential infraction. Simply put, that has
been Satan’s distortion from the beginning. He misrepresented God to Eve in
Eden (Genesis 3:4-5) perpetrating the lie that He is untrustworthy. This is not
who God is. He is totally reliable in His truthfulness and honesty.</span><span style="color: #222222; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;"><o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="mso-line-height-alt: 12.65pt;"><span style="color: #222222; font-size: 14pt; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">The
concept of a great and fearfully awesome God is a real one and fortunately in
that great power not the only one in our favor. His impeccably gracious and
merciful character brings perfect balance to us between a Father’s supremacy in
authority and a Father’s loving and acceptable favor of His child. <o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="mso-line-height-alt: 12.65pt;"><span style="color: #222222; font-size: 14pt; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">His
great and awesome power <i><u>should</u></i> cause us to hold a
healthy respect for Him as we think of His being. There is no one else in the
universe like Him. He cannot be equaled in holiness, power, and glory. Incredibly,
He exists both within creation and outside of it in eternity at the same time.
He is our friend (John 15:15), but also our King (Revelation 19:16), and ought
to be properly feared–not in terror—but in all due reverence and respect. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="mso-line-height-alt: 12.65pt;"><b><span style="color: #222222; font-size: 14pt; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">His kindnesses are steadfast and never cease and His mercies
never come to an end; they are new every morning (Lamentations 3:22-23).</span></b><span style="color: #222222; font-size: 14pt; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;"> He is pleased to have us come to Him and raise our arms to be
taken onto His lap. We can partake of His perfect holiness and perfect
love, and with no sense of fear or dread call Him, “Abba, Father.”</span><span style="color: #222222; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;"><o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="mso-line-height-alt: 12.65pt;"><span style="color: #222222; font-size: 14pt; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">Maranatha<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="mso-line-height-alt: 12.65pt;"><span style="color: #222222; font-size: 14pt; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">Ken</span><span style="color: #222222; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;"><o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="mso-line-height-alt: 12.65pt;"><span style="color: #222222; font-size: 14pt; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;"></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="mso-line-height-alt: 12.65pt;"><span style="color: #222222; font-size: 14pt; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;"><b><i><span lang="ES-MX" style="color: #222222; font-size: 14.0pt; mso-ansi-language: ES-MX; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">El principio de la sabiduría es el temor
de Jehová, y el conocimiento del Santo es la perspicacia. Proverbios 9:10<o:p></o:p></span></i></b></span></p><span style="color: #222222; font-size: 14pt; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">
<p class="MsoNormal" style="mso-line-height-alt: 12.65pt;"><b><span lang="ES-MX" style="color: #222222; font-size: 14.0pt; mso-ansi-language: ES-MX; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">El regazo de Abba, padre<o:p></o:p></span></b></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="mso-line-height-alt: 12.65pt;"><b></b></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><b><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjs1R-hPiJ-XutjSZQP0lbURPJP65nGcyhcOJb3fOr9gRoBwgxZLWv7tSzArNxMb9zZeMFsmfFTVXeuUu3RftFk2rHT-Nod-tSfDfo-S82jq74wpJswnRrhs275iLugsRXi1R3V9XsiFPi4JCToCrSxnW2HPpU9pFbsRtCGMG92A9FjIlcSQjQY0WQ37t0/s769/On%20The%20Lap%20of%20the%20Father.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="415" data-original-width="769" height="173" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjs1R-hPiJ-XutjSZQP0lbURPJP65nGcyhcOJb3fOr9gRoBwgxZLWv7tSzArNxMb9zZeMFsmfFTVXeuUu3RftFk2rHT-Nod-tSfDfo-S82jq74wpJswnRrhs275iLugsRXi1R3V9XsiFPi4JCToCrSxnW2HPpU9pFbsRtCGMG92A9FjIlcSQjQY0WQ37t0/s320/On%20The%20Lap%20of%20the%20Father.JPG" width="320" /></a></b></div><span style="background-color: white; font-size: 14pt;">En un grupo de la iglesia que dirigí una vez, otro
creyente me llamó la atención por usar la frase "el temor del
Señor". Se desencadenó y enojado me interrumpió y dijo: "¡Ken,
estás muy fuera de lugar al decir eso! Es un Dios de amor, no de miedo. ¡Deja
de decir que es un Dios de temor!"</span><span style="background-color: white; font-size: 14pt;"> </span><p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="mso-line-height-alt: 12.65pt;"><span lang="ES-MX" style="color: #222222; font-size: 14.0pt; mso-ansi-language: ES-MX; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">El grupo se sorprendió cuando estuve de
acuerdo con él. Dios no quiere que vivamos con temor de Él, sin embargo, aclaré
que la palabra hebrea para temor (<i>yir'ȃh)</i> no transmitía ese significado.
Si bien puede significar <i>temblar, </i>en este contexto significa
'reverenciar moralmente' al Señor en respuestas honradas y respetuosas a Su
poder y autoridad. No significa vivir aterrorizado por Él. Salomón llamó a la
comprensión de la diferencia el comienzo de la sabiduría y la percepción espiritual.
</span><span lang="ES-MX" style="color: #222222; mso-ansi-language: ES-MX; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;"><o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="mso-line-height-alt: 12.65pt;"><span lang="ES-MX" style="color: #222222; font-size: 14.0pt; mso-ansi-language: ES-MX; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">El poder de Dios es, sin lugar a dudas,
asombrosamente más allá de cualquier cosa que podamos considerar. Lo vemos en
todo lo que Él ha creado. Podemos sentirlo cuando contemplamos la inmensidad de
nuestra propia galaxia, la Vía Láctea.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="mso-line-height-alt: 12.65pt;"><span lang="ES-MX" style="color: #222222; font-size: 14.0pt; mso-ansi-language: ES-MX; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">El universo se extiende a distancias
inimaginables y contiene miles de millones de galaxias, cada una con millones
de estrellas. Las imágenes de los telescopios espaciales Hubble y James Webb
revelan la asombrosa belleza del universo visible y nos dan una idea de la Gran
Potencia que lo hizo existir. Reflexionar sobre su tamaño y su impresionante
grandeza puede ser a la vez impresionante y aterrador. El patriarca Jōb vio
sólo el borde exterior de las obras de Dios, un "susurro de ello", y
comentó: <b>"¿Quién puede entonces entender el trueno de su poder?"
(Jōb 26:14).</b><o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="mso-line-height-alt: 12.65pt;"><span lang="ES-MX" style="color: #222222; font-size: 14.0pt; mso-ansi-language: ES-MX; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">Algunos de nosotros hemos luchado con el
simple miedo a este poder. Cuando esto sucede, puede sesgar nuestro sistema de
creencias, proyectando los conceptos de temor y angustia en nuestra relación
con un-Dios Padre perfecto, lo que fácilmente hace que lo alejemos
continuamente. Yo lo llamo el "Dios con mentalidad de bate de
béisbol", siempre listo para golpearnos por cualquier infracción
intrascendente. En pocas palabras, esa ha sido la distorsión de Satanás desde
el principio. Él tergiversó a Dios a Eva en el Edén (Génesis 3:4-5) perpetrando
la mentira de que Él no es digno de confianza. Esto no es lo que Dios es. Él es
totalmente confiable en Su veracidad y honestidad.</span><span lang="ES-MX" style="color: #222222; mso-ansi-language: ES-MX; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;"><o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="mso-line-height-alt: 12.65pt;"><span lang="ES-MX" style="color: #222222; font-size: 14.0pt; mso-ansi-language: ES-MX; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">El concepto de un Dios grande y
terriblemente asombroso es real, y afortunadamente en ese gran poder, no es el
único a nuestro favor. Su carácter impecablemente misericordioso y
misericordioso nos brinda un equilibrio perfecto entre la supremacía de un Padre
en autoridad y el favor amoroso y aceptable de un Padre hacia Su hijo. <o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="mso-line-height-alt: 12.65pt;"><span lang="ES-MX" style="color: #222222; font-size: 14.0pt; mso-ansi-language: ES-MX; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">Su gran y asombroso poder <i><u>debe</u></i>
hacer que tengamos un sano respeto por Él cuando pensamos en Su ser. No hay
nadie más en el universo como Él. Él no puede ser igualado en santidad, poder y
gloria. Increíblemente, Él existe tanto dentro de la creación como fuera de
ella en la eternidad al mismo tiempo. Él es nuestro amigo (Juan 15:15), pero
también nuestro Rey (Apocalipsis 19:16), y debe ser temido apropiadamente, no
con terror, sino con toda la debida reverencia y respeto.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="mso-line-height-alt: 12.65pt;"><b><span lang="ES-MX" style="color: #222222; font-size: 14.0pt; mso-ansi-language: ES-MX; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">Sus bondades son firmes y nunca cesan, y
sus misericordias nunca llegan a su fin; son nuevas cada mañana (Lamentaciones
3:22-23).</span></b><span lang="ES-MX" style="color: #222222; font-size: 14.0pt; mso-ansi-language: ES-MX; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;"> Él se
complace en que nos acerquemos a Él y levantemos nuestros brazos para ser
llevados a Su regazo. Podemos participar de Su perfecta santidad y de Su
perfecto amor, y sin ningún sentido de temor o temor llamarlo: "Abba,
Padre".</span><span lang="ES-MX" style="color: #222222; mso-ansi-language: ES-MX; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;"><o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="mso-line-height-alt: 12.65pt;"><span style="color: #222222; font-size: 14.0pt; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">Maranatha<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="mso-line-height-alt: 12.65pt;"><span style="color: #222222; font-size: 14.0pt; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">Ken</span><span style="color: #222222; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;"><o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><o:p> </o:p></p><br /></span><p></p>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2679770131902100123.post-9949237494310909582024-02-19T09:46:00.004-06:002024-02-19T09:57:13.464-06:00Everywhere We Stand<p> </p><p class="MsoNormal"><b><i><span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;">When
the LORD saw he had gone over to look, God called to him, from within the bush,
“Moses! Moses!” And Moses said, “Here I am.” “Do not come any closer,” God
said. “Take off your sandals, for the place where you are standing is holy
ground.”<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Exodus 3:4-5 (NIV)<o:p></o:p></span></i></b></p>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgN6i5GWrTisdjotzY4qokTaCnSVumeISW42RDfEeMZAuGj3TiltB4jjLXaGBjMkx3QsM5UWnif5JYWlYfjcq9XbJJp9c8vPmb08KXGcZVvC3YNKjpl_w_YAVTk5mcWS5hrWTJCm5eJAxJMFX_UODZH34W2a-YVOnHIGGJyhsckUcHXqGB36GsD8mA9w1s/s523/Moses%20On%20Holy%20Ground.JPG" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="416" data-original-width="523" height="255" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgN6i5GWrTisdjotzY4qokTaCnSVumeISW42RDfEeMZAuGj3TiltB4jjLXaGBjMkx3QsM5UWnif5JYWlYfjcq9XbJJp9c8vPmb08KXGcZVvC3YNKjpl_w_YAVTk5mcWS5hrWTJCm5eJAxJMFX_UODZH34W2a-YVOnHIGGJyhsckUcHXqGB36GsD8mA9w1s/s320/Moses%20On%20Holy%20Ground.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 14pt;">There has
been a falling away from the faith that began with the Age of Reason in the 17</span><sup>th</sup><span style="font-size: 14pt;">
century. We have seen the gap between faith and philosophical reason widening
with great speed, especially within the past 25 years. What was once judged as right
is now seen as wrong, and what was wrong is seen as not only right, but often
applauded and celebrated. The world has been turned upside down.</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;">Christians
are being accused of being bigoted and intolerant haters of subjective truth (opinion).
What was once sounded from church pulpits as the moral truth of the
Judeo-Christian ethic is now termed ‘hate speech.’ Israelis are now being
labeled as the new nazis, accused of genocide as they fight to survive after
the worst massacre of their people since the holocaust. Saying that truth is
objective (based on reality) can lead to confrontation, bullying, and in some
cases physical harm.<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;">Paul did
tell Timothy that all who live godly lives in Christ will suffer persecution (2<sup>nd</sup>
Timothy 3:12). While Christians have been persecuted for millennia, persecutions
are on the rise. When Open Doors Ministry created its tracking violence metric
in 1993, 40 nations qualified to be put on the list in their egregious
treatment of Christians. In 2024 that number had grown to 78. <o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;">Why is there
such rancor toward Christians for bringing the astounding message of God’s
incarnate love? Because Christ has chosen us (John 15:18-19). We are called out
of the world to be bearers of His light through Him. Jesus said<b> </b>He is that
Light (John 8:12). <b>“Everyone who does evil hates the light, and will not
come into the light for fear that their deeds will be exposed” (John 3:20). </b>When
we trusted Christ for the forgiveness of our sins, we were no longer partakers
in the darkness of the world. If we were still practicing the sinful deeds of the
world, it would love us (John 15:19).<b> </b>So, is there any hope for
believers? Yes.<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;">Pressure on
the Church is mounting and Satan knows his reign as the prince of this world
(John 14:30) is ending. He wants to destroy all God holds dear. If he does not
have the power to destroy things outright, he will use unregenerate people to do
his bidding, through malice, violence, and hatred of righteousness. If there is
any upper hand to be gained it belongs to the Lord. Paul writes, <b>“Who will
bring any charge against those whom God has chosen? It is God who justifies
[validates]” (Romans 8:33). </b><o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;">The ground
Moses stood on was holy only because God was present. Jesus Christ neither
slumbers nor sleeps, and is our sure foundation. Take heart. As He is always
everywhere present, everywhere we stand is in His Light. No matter what we are
enduring, we are always validated as His own. No one will be able to snatch us
out of His hand (John 10:28). Through any persecution, wherever our feet touch,
we are standing on holy ground. <o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;">Maranatha,<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;">Ken<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><b><i><span lang="ES-MX" style="font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ansi-language: ES-MX;">Cuando el Señor vio que había ido a mirar, Dios
lo llamó desde dentro de la zarza, diciendo: "¡Moisés! ¡Moisés!" Y
Moisés dijo: Heme aquí. "No te acerques más", dijo Dios.
"Quítate las sandalias, porque el lugar donde estás parado es tierra
santa". Éxodo 3:4-5 (NVI)<o:p></o:p></span></i></b></p><p class="MsoNormal"><b><span lang="ES-MX" style="font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ansi-language: ES-MX;">Dondequiera que estemos<o:p></o:p></span></b></p><p class="MsoNormal"><b></b></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><b><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjrq1B4FOXz_w_qz_LMzNnEIvFSBhvU4S6vRJtCUjoF_C5Em03ET8zeRblYppeiESAUtOS0KO5ntXhiWCds_D9MGq9v9pTbtsvrRTMMUTiGtYuPoEoQ548MfTkCpLIl85ruOThehfwTlIVMjploNhpOrCdfkG2L2NMNKn_IjfqrNNCu1dkDhyphenhyphengOBMX8BJk/s523/Moses%20On%20Holy%20Ground.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="416" data-original-width="523" height="255" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjrq1B4FOXz_w_qz_LMzNnEIvFSBhvU4S6vRJtCUjoF_C5Em03ET8zeRblYppeiESAUtOS0KO5ntXhiWCds_D9MGq9v9pTbtsvrRTMMUTiGtYuPoEoQ548MfTkCpLIl85ruOThehfwTlIVMjploNhpOrCdfkG2L2NMNKn_IjfqrNNCu1dkDhyphenhyphengOBMX8BJk/s320/Moses%20On%20Holy%20Ground.JPG" width="320" /></a></b></div><span style="font-size: 14pt;">Ha habido un alejamiento de la fe que comenzó con la
Edad de la Razón en el siglo XVII. Hemos visto que la brecha entre la fe y la
razón filosófica se ha ensanchado con gran rapidez, especialmente en los
últimos 25 años. Lo que antes se juzgaba como correcto ahora se ve como
incorrecto, y lo que estaba mal se ve no solo como correcto, sino que a menudo
se aplaude y celebra. El mundo se ha puesto patas arriba.</span><p></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="ES-MX" style="font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ansi-language: ES-MX;">Los cristianos están siendo acusados de ser
intolerantes e intolerantes que odian la verdad subjetiva (opinión). Lo que una
vez sonó desde los púlpitos de las iglesias como la verdad moral de la ética
judeocristiana ahora se denomina "discurso de odio". Los israelíes
ahora están siendo etiquetados como los nuevos nazis, acusados de genocidio
mientras luchan por sobrevivir después de la peor masacre de su pueblo desde el
holocausto. Decir que la verdad es objetiva (basada en la realidad) puede llevar
a la confrontación, la intimidación y, en algunos casos, el daño físico.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="ES-MX" style="font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ansi-language: ES-MX;">Pablo le dijo a Timoteo que todos los que viven
piadosamente en Cristo sufrirán persecución (2 Timoteo 3:12). Si bien los
cristianos han sido perseguidos durante milenios, las persecuciones van en
aumento. Cuando el Ministerio de Puertas Abiertas creó su métrica de
seguimiento de la violencia en 1993, 40 naciones calificaron para ser incluidas
en la lista por su trato atroz a los cristianos. En 2024 ese número había
aumentado a 78. <o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="ES-MX" style="font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ansi-language: ES-MX;">¿Por qué hay tanto rencor hacia los cristianos por
traer el asombroso mensaje del amor encarnado de Dios? Porque Cristo nos ha
escogido (Juan 15:18-19). Somos llamados a salir del mundo para ser portadores
de Su luz a través de Él. Jesús dijo que Él es esa Luz (Juan 8:12). <b>"Todo
el que hace lo malo aborrece la luz, y no quiere venir a la luz, por temor de
que sus obras sean descubiertas" (Juan 3:20). </b>Cuando confiamos en
Cristo para el perdón de nuestros pecados, ya no éramos partícipes de las
tinieblas del mundo. Si todavía estuviéramos practicando las obras pecaminosas
del mundo, nos amaría (Juan 15:19). Entonces, ¿hay alguna esperanza para los
creyentes? Sí.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="ES-MX" style="font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ansi-language: ES-MX;">La presión sobre la Iglesia está aumentando y Satanás
sabe que su reinado como príncipe de este mundo (Juan 14:30) está terminando.
Quiere destruir todo lo que Dios aprecia. Si no tiene el poder de destruir las
cosas directamente, usará a personas no regeneradas para que cumplan sus
órdenes, a través de la malicia, la violencia y el odio a la justicia. Si hay
alguna ventaja que ganar, pertenece al Señor. Pablo escribe: <b>"¿Quién
acusará a los que Dios ha escogido? Dios es el que justifica [valida]"
(Romanos 8:33). </b><o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="ES-MX" style="font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ansi-language: ES-MX;">El suelo sobre el que se paró Moisés era santo solo
porque Dios estaba presente. Jesucristo ni se adormece ni duerme, y es nuestro
fundamento seguro. Anímate. Como Él siempre está presente en todas partes, en
todas partes estamos en Su Luz. No importa lo que estemos soportando, siempre
somos validados como Suyos. Nadie podrá arrebatarnos de Su mano (Juan 10:28). A
través de cualquier persecución, dondequiera que nuestros pies toquen, estamos
parados en tierra santa. <o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 115%;">Maranatha,<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;">
</span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 115%;">Ken<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;"><o:p> </o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></span></p>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2679770131902100123.post-90085576526182185142024-02-12T08:27:00.001-06:002024-02-12T08:38:57.102-06:00Whether kneeling or Standing<p> </p><p class="MsoNormal" style="mso-line-height-alt: 12.65pt;"><i><span style="color: #222222; font-size: 16pt; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">Praise be to the name of God for ever and ever, wisdom and power
are his. Daniel 2:20 (NIV)</span></i></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="mso-line-height-alt: 12.65pt;"><i></i></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><i><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjKIuhWxMQeJD6-7hkyM6pU-YVf0-Lim6375vWqcZpE-nxRZ8SWQ-q4t619cC00UU4Ys8cRfL4d0kY5LhE83U0JSHK_8JrB5TNTLQeV2IEDdN2BhwhlnSfazcU0_GcEfZBPeTpfcDOuFRnBQmsQsLl7QXE6vRqrdYH6mFDlAR9XjgTNElIcW9OHnFNjSJg/s699/Daniel%20in%20the%20Lion's%20den.JPG" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="367" data-original-width="699" height="168" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjKIuhWxMQeJD6-7hkyM6pU-YVf0-Lim6375vWqcZpE-nxRZ8SWQ-q4t619cC00UU4Ys8cRfL4d0kY5LhE83U0JSHK_8JrB5TNTLQeV2IEDdN2BhwhlnSfazcU0_GcEfZBPeTpfcDOuFRnBQmsQsLl7QXE6vRqrdYH6mFDlAR9XjgTNElIcW9OHnFNjSJg/s320/Daniel%20in%20the%20Lion's%20den.JPG" width="320" /></a></i></div><span style="color: #222222; font-size: 16pt;">Daniel is famously remembered for the frightening night he spent
in the lion’s den. It is a remarkable story of how God can protect our physical
lives.</span><p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0in;"><span style="color: #222222; font-size: 16pt; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;"><o:p> </o:p></span><span style="color: #222222; font-size: 16pt;">Let’s look at another aspect of this man’s life. Daniel was a
prince of Israel (Daniel 1:3). As a teenager he was taken hostage and carried
to Babylon in King Nebuchadnezzar’s first invasion of Israel in 605 BC.</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0in;"><span style="color: #222222; font-size: 16pt; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;"><o:p> </o:p></span><span style="color: #222222; font-size: 16pt;">In Babylon he was chosen to undergo a three-year training program
to become proficient in the Babylonian language and culture. He eventually was
chosen to be a court chamberlain to the king. God prospered Daniel for another
65 to 70 years, well into his mid-to-late 80s. During his lifetime in Babylon, he
served as a counselor, governor, and spiritual advisor to four successive
kings.</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0in;"><span style="color: #222222; font-size: 16pt; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;"><o:p> </o:p></span><span style="color: #222222; font-size: 16pt;">In the circumstances he found himself, it would have been easy
to go with the path of least resistance and compromise his relationship with
Jehovah and serve the local gods. The old saying, “</span><i style="color: #222222; font-size: 16pt;">When in Rome, do as the
Romans do,”</i><span style="color: #222222; font-size: 16pt;"> could have as easily been substituted with </span><i style="color: #222222; font-size: 16pt;">Babylon</i><span style="color: #222222; font-size: 16pt;"> and </span><i style="color: #222222; font-size: 16pt;">Babylonians.</i><span style="color: #222222; font-size: 16pt;">
In his years of captivity, Daniel instead chose to follow the LORD, making it a
lifetime routine to return to his home three times a day for prayer and communion
(Daniel 6:10).</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="mso-line-height-alt: 12.65pt;"><span style="color: #222222; font-size: 16pt; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;"><o:p> </o:p></span><span style="color: #222222; font-size: 16pt;">I
have found in my own life when things were at their bleakest, prayer and
thanksgiving were my mainstay, for they gave me my greatest strength. I did not
celebrate the trial, for it was hard and painful. What I did celebrate were the
remembrances of how Christ brought me through past times of hardship and testing.</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="mso-line-height-alt: 12.65pt;"><span style="color: #222222; font-size: 16pt; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">God
was with Daniel when he was on his knees in prayer and with him when He found
himself standing before steely eyed carnivores. When evil men thrust him into
that lion’s den, Daniel’s prevailing thoughts must have been, “I’m dead,” but
his faith was such that he knew in life or death nothing would ever separate him
from the love of God. <o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="mso-line-height-alt: 12.65pt;"><span style="color: #222222; font-size: 16pt; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">We
have that guarantee in Christ Jesus (Romans 8:39). In that, we can say with all
confidence, praise be to God forever and ever for all wisdom and power are His,
whether kneeling in prayer or standing in faith.<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="mso-line-height-alt: 12.65pt;"><span style="color: #222222; font-size: 16pt; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">Maranatha,</span><span style="color: #222222; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;"><o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="mso-line-height-alt: 12.65pt;"><span style="color: #222222; font-size: 16pt; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">Ken</span><span style="color: #222222; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;"><o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><i><span lang="ES-MX" style="color: #222222; font-size: 16.0pt; mso-ansi-language: ES-MX; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">Alabado sea el nombre de Dios por los
siglos de los siglos, la sabiduría y el poder son suyos. Daniel 2:20 (NVI)</span></i><span lang="ES-MX" style="color: #222222; mso-ansi-language: ES-MX; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;"><o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0in;"><b><span lang="ES-MX" style="color: #222222; font-size: 16.0pt; mso-ansi-language: ES-MX; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">Ya sea de rodillas o de pie<o:p></o:p></span></b></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0in;"><b></b></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><b><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjeHcKAtHMMGti0SRAerYPvHDWkXPVjrjYBZInFuQRFRhDQNvk29-_yM72jHveP2sYn7mTxaM7_8-toLlO8m6riE6xNjWrwBracntBsZZIH8knQN7B9a4t3OGk3rsnIuzOzVykStvI47t7GeXY7xeQUvvHgsEREoiK_iZutlcbIS8J19S6W2ZkFFM8hsa8/s699/Daniel%20in%20the%20Lion's%20den.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="367" data-original-width="699" height="168" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjeHcKAtHMMGti0SRAerYPvHDWkXPVjrjYBZInFuQRFRhDQNvk29-_yM72jHveP2sYn7mTxaM7_8-toLlO8m6riE6xNjWrwBracntBsZZIH8knQN7B9a4t3OGk3rsnIuzOzVykStvI47t7GeXY7xeQUvvHgsEREoiK_iZutlcbIS8J19S6W2ZkFFM8hsa8/s320/Daniel%20in%20the%20Lion's%20den.JPG" width="320" /></a></b></div><span style="color: #222222; font-size: 16pt;">Daniel es recordado por la aterradora
noche que pasó en el foso de los leones. Es una historia extraordinaria de cómo
Dios puede proteger nuestras vidas físicas.</span><p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0in;"><span lang="ES-MX" style="color: #222222; font-size: 16.0pt; mso-ansi-language: ES-MX; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;"> </span><span style="color: #222222; font-size: 16pt;">Veamos otro aspecto de la vida de este
hombre. Daniel era un príncipe de Israel (Daniel 1:3). Cuando era adolescente
fue tomado como rehén y llevado a Babilonia en la primera invasión de Israel
por parte del rey Nabucodonosor en el año 605 a.C.</span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0in;"><span lang="ES-MX" style="color: #222222; font-size: 16.0pt; mso-ansi-language: ES-MX; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;"> </span><span style="color: #222222; font-size: 16pt;">En Babilonia fue elegido para someterse
a un programa de entrenamiento de tres años para dominar el idioma y la cultura
babilónicas. Finalmente fue elegido para ser chambelán de la corte del rey.
Dios hizo prosperar a Daniel por otros 65 a 70 años, hasta bien entrados los 80
años. Durante su vida en Babilonia, sirvió como consejero, gobernador y
consejero espiritual de cuatro reyes sucesivos.</span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0in;"><span lang="ES-MX" style="color: #222222; font-size: 16.0pt; mso-ansi-language: ES-MX; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;"> </span><span style="color: #222222; font-size: 16pt;">En las circunstancias en que se
encontraba, habría sido fácil ir por el camino de menor resistencia y transigir
su relación con Jehová y servir a los dioses locales. El viejo dicho: "</span><i style="color: #222222; font-size: 16pt;">Cuando
estés en Roma, haz lo que hacen los romanos",</i><span style="color: #222222; font-size: 16pt;"> podría haber sido
fácilmente sustituido por </span><i style="color: #222222; font-size: 16pt;">Babilonia</i><span style="color: #222222; font-size: 16pt;"> y </span><i style="color: #222222; font-size: 16pt;">los babilonios. </i><span style="color: #222222; font-size: 16pt;">En sus años
de cautiverio, Daniel eligió seguir al Señor, haciendo que fuera una rutina de
por vida regresar a su hogar tres veces al día para orar y comulgar (Daniel
6:10).</span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="ES-MX" style="color: #222222; font-size: 16.0pt; mso-ansi-language: ES-MX; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;"> </span><span style="color: #222222; font-size: 16pt;">He descubierto en mi propia vida, cuando
las cosas estaban en su punto más sombrío, la oración y la acción de gracias
eran mi pilar, porque me daban mi mayor fortaleza. No celebré el juicio, porque
fue duro y doloroso. Lo que sí celebré fueron los recuerdos de cómo Cristo me
ayudó a superar tiempos pasados de dificultades y pruebas.</span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="ES-MX" style="color: #222222; font-size: 16.0pt; mso-ansi-language: ES-MX; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">Dios estaba con Daniel cuando estaba de
rodillas en oración y con él cuando se encontró de pie frente a carnívoros de
ojos acerados. Cuando los hombres malvados lo arrojaron al foso de los leones,
los pensamientos predominantes de Daniel deben haber sido: "Estoy
muerto", pero su fe era tal que sabía que ni en la vida ni en la muerte
nada lo separaría del amor de Dios. <o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="ES-MX" style="color: #222222; font-size: 16.0pt; mso-ansi-language: ES-MX; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">Tenemos esa garantía en Cristo Jesús
(Romanos 8:39). En eso, podemos decir con toda confianza, alabado sea Dios por
los siglos de los siglos, porque toda la sabiduría y el poder son suyos, ya sea
que se arrodillen en oración o se mantengan firmes en la fe.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="color: #222222; font-size: 16.0pt; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">Maranatha,<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="color: #222222; font-size: 16.0pt; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">Ken</span><span style="color: #222222; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;"><o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="color: #222222; font-size: 16.0pt; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;"> </span><span style="color: #222222; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;"><o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="color: #222222; font-size: 16.0pt; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;"> </span><span style="color: #222222; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;"><o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><o:p> </o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="mso-line-height-alt: 12.65pt;"><span style="color: #222222; font-size: 16pt; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">
</span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><o:p> </o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="mso-line-height-alt: 12.65pt;"><span style="color: #222222; font-size: 16pt; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;"> </span><span style="color: #222222; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;"><o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="mso-line-height-alt: 12.65pt;"><span style="color: #222222; font-size: 16pt; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;"> </span><span style="color: #222222; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;"><o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><o:p> </o:p></p>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2679770131902100123.post-83001485066283637572024-02-05T08:37:00.003-06:002024-02-05T08:58:08.619-06:00Living in the Sainthood<p> </p><p class="MsoNormal"><b><i><span style="font-size: 16pt; line-height: 115%;">To all
those in Rome who are loved by God and called to be saints: Grace to you and
peace from God our Father and the Lord Jesus Christ. Romans 1:7 (ESV)</span></i></b><b><span style="font-size: 16pt; line-height: 115%;"><o:p></o:p></span></b></p>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg7baTjgYGac-UMLBIbJNW2pY3_zO7vkf_-nVzbn1TWUB3KdmCJUhM2vxXCZBSrF3CqI5lHYPD3aj-Ry26R-Le57DZPai7yt-fSoJxTPA57fmUo23CbH0KzrLcr6XzRVJrYaIWESlVagrTBEezG3HHmyPwuCjL0kvl1Cm_uFfPX5OeYoduveB4E4AwgWxM/s771/Saints%20in%20heaven.JPG" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="430" data-original-width="771" height="178" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg7baTjgYGac-UMLBIbJNW2pY3_zO7vkf_-nVzbn1TWUB3KdmCJUhM2vxXCZBSrF3CqI5lHYPD3aj-Ry26R-Le57DZPai7yt-fSoJxTPA57fmUo23CbH0KzrLcr6XzRVJrYaIWESlVagrTBEezG3HHmyPwuCjL0kvl1Cm_uFfPX5OeYoduveB4E4AwgWxM/s320/Saints%20in%20heaven.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 16pt;">Throughout
New Testament writings, the apostles refer to believers as saints. In some
church traditions a saint is chosen by miraculous deeds and specially elected to
sainthood. In his epistles Paul addresses all believers as saints. Throughout
the Book of Revelation, the multitudes who come to faith through the Great
Tribulation are called saints (</span><i style="font-size: 16pt;">hagios)</i><span style="font-size: 16pt;">. The word in the Greek means
morally blameless.</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 16pt; line-height: 115%;">There are
errors that can naturally follow in elevating only certain individuals as
worthy of sainthood. The temptations are of turning to them to intercede to
Christ for us. There is no command or mandate in Scripture that calls us to do
this. Some saints are even worshiped, becoming idols of encroachment on the
glory and honor due only to God Himself. Be careful, for God says, <b>“I am the
LORD [Jehovah]; that is my name! I will not yield my glory to another or praise
to idols,” (Isaiah 42:8). </b>Paul writes there is only <b>one God and one
mediator</b> between God and mankind, <b>the Man Christ Jesus</b> (1<sup>st</sup>
Timothy 2:5).<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 16pt; line-height: 115%;">So, what do
the Scriptures teach about sainthood?<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 16pt; line-height: 115%;">Believers
have a special calling as saints. Peter writes, <b>But you are a chosen race, a
royal priesthood, a holy nation, a people for his own possession, that you may
proclaim the excellencies of him who called you out of darkness into his
marvelous light (1<sup>st</sup> Peter 2:9).</b> <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 16pt; line-height: 115%;">As a saint
you are by implication a <b>favorite</b> (regally preferred) people, coming
together in a<b> holy national presence </b>(The Bride of Christ, the Church). You
have been <b>purchased</b> (you are highly valuable) and made part of a<b>
priestly fraternity</b> (ministering God's message of grace together) You are <b>called by God </b>(elected
by His design) out of obscure darkness (of a hopeless life), into His glorious
light (a new and bright beginning) <b>to publish </b>(declare)<b> and celebrate
His praises</b> (Worship in word and deed, now and forever). <o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 16pt; line-height: 115%;">Sainthood is
a privilege and honor. There is no merit to it through anything we do, yet we
receive mercy and are called to it. It brings us together in the unity of the
Spirit and gives us a foretaste of the righteousness and royalty we have now as
believers and on into eternity.<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 16pt; line-height: 115%;">We are
saints not by the will of man, but by the will of God. If you have believed on
Jesus Christ for the forgiveness of your sins, sainthood is your promise. Not
only your promise but a legacy that begins now and lasts for all eternity in
the presence of the One who grants it.<b><o:p></o:p></b></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 16pt; line-height: 115%;">Maranatha,<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 16pt; line-height: 115%;">Ken<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 16pt; line-height: 115%;"></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; mso-margin-top-alt: auto;"><span style="font-size: 16pt; line-height: 115%;"><b><i><span lang="ES-MX" style="color: black; font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 16.0pt; mso-ansi-language: ES-MX; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">A todos los que en Roma son amados por Dios y llamados
a ser santos: Gracia y paz a vosotros de parte de Dios nuestro Padre y del
Señor Jesucristo. Romanos 1:7</span></i></b></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; mso-margin-top-alt: auto;"><span style="font-size: 16pt; line-height: 115%;"><b style="font-size: 16pt;"><span lang="ES-MX" style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 13.5pt; mso-ansi-language: ES-MX; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-no-proof: yes;">Vivir en la santidad</span></b></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; mso-margin-top-alt: auto;"><span style="font-size: 16pt; line-height: 115%;"><b style="font-size: 16pt;"></b></span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: 16pt; line-height: 115%;"><b style="font-size: 16pt;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhfphtdHq7AMSgcENjGzM2n-sRqKIw2yoGriX1x8fsXKtMt-HpI2RO1zwXrzduHFIZ5QzQqttoZZtISJVLEPXQAmo7atHRorHQLXcHTru2vYMJaGnokNioiO-Im8F3fG2hz9_jSCh58XCzNiPMLZlkgIumgLFIysee4tL-VpPoXiGG47LiHh1rRvg_544o/s771/Saints%20in%20heaven.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="430" data-original-width="771" height="178" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhfphtdHq7AMSgcENjGzM2n-sRqKIw2yoGriX1x8fsXKtMt-HpI2RO1zwXrzduHFIZ5QzQqttoZZtISJVLEPXQAmo7atHRorHQLXcHTru2vYMJaGnokNioiO-Im8F3fG2hz9_jSCh58XCzNiPMLZlkgIumgLFIysee4tL-VpPoXiGG47LiHh1rRvg_544o/s320/Saints%20in%20heaven.JPG" width="320" /></a></b></span></div><span style="font-size: 16pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: 16pt;">A
lo largo de los escritos del Nuevo Testamento, los apóstoles se refieren a los
creyentes como santos. En algunas tradiciones eclesiásticas, un santo es
elegido por hechos milagrosos y especialmente elegido para la santidad. En sus
epístolas, Pablo se dirige a todos los creyentes como santos. A lo largo del
libro de Apocalipsis, las multitudes que llegan a la fe a través de la Gran
Tribulación son llamadas santos (</span><i style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: 16pt;">hagios).</i><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: 16pt;"> La palabra en griego significa
moralmente irreprensible.</span><p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; mso-margin-top-alt: auto;"><span lang="ES-MX" style="color: black; font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 16.0pt; mso-ansi-language: ES-MX; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">Hay
errores que pueden seguir naturalmente al elevar sólo a ciertos individuos como
dignos de santidad. Las tentaciones son las de recurrir a ellos para interceder
ante Cristo por nosotros. No hay ningún mandamiento o mandato en las Escrituras
que nos llame a hacer esto. Algunos santos incluso son adorados, convirtiéndose
en ídolos de usurpación de la gloria y el honor debidos solo a Dios mismo.
Tengan cuidado, porque Dios dice: <b>"Yo soy el Señor [Jehová]; ¡Ese es mi
nombre! No daré mi gloria a otro, ni alabaré a los ídolos" (Isaías
42:8). </b>Pablo escribe que hay un <b><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>solo Dios y un solo mediador</b> entre Dios y
la humanidad, <b>Jesucristo (</b>1 Timoteo 2:5).</span><span lang="ES-MX" style="color: black; font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 13.5pt; mso-ansi-language: ES-MX; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; mso-margin-top-alt: auto;"><span lang="ES-MX" style="color: black; font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 16.0pt; mso-ansi-language: ES-MX; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">Entonces,
¿qué enseñan las Escrituras acerca de la santidad?</span><span lang="ES-MX" style="color: black; font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 13.5pt; mso-ansi-language: ES-MX; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; mso-margin-top-alt: auto;"><span lang="ES-MX" style="color: black; font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 16.0pt; mso-ansi-language: ES-MX; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">Los
creyentes tienen un llamado especial como santos. Pedro escribe: "<b>Pero
vosotros sois linaje escogido, real sacerdocio, nación santa, pueblo para
posesión suya, a fin de que proclaméis las virtudes de aquel que os llamó de
las tinieblas a su luz admirable" (1 Pedro 2:9). </b></span><span lang="ES-MX" style="color: black; font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 13.5pt; mso-ansi-language: ES-MX; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; mso-margin-top-alt: auto;"><span lang="ES-MX" style="color: black; font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 16.0pt; mso-ansi-language: ES-MX; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">Como
santo, usted es por implicación un <b><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>pueblo favorito</b> (regio preferido), que se
reúne en una<b> santa presencia nacional </b>(La Novia de Cristo, la Iglesia).
Has sido <b>comprado</b> (eres muy valioso) y hecho parte de una <b><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>fraternidad sacerdotal</b> (llamado<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>a ministrar juntos) Eres llamado <b><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>por Dios<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>(</b>elegido por Su designio) de la oscuridad oscura (de una vida sin
esperanza), a Su luz gloriosa (un nuevo y brillante comienzo) <b>para publicar </b><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>(declarar)<b> y<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>celebrar Sus alabanzas</b> (Adoración en
palabra y obra,<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>ahora y siempre).</span><span lang="ES-MX" style="color: black; font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 13.5pt; mso-ansi-language: ES-MX; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; mso-margin-top-alt: auto;"><span lang="ES-MX" style="color: black; font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 16.0pt; mso-ansi-language: ES-MX; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">La
santidad es un privilegio y un honor. No hay mérito en ello a través de nada de
lo que hacemos, sin embargo, recibimos misericordia y somos llamados a ello.
Nos une en la unidad del Espíritu y nos da un anticipo de la justicia y la
realeza que tenemos ahora como creyentes y hacia la eternidad.</span><span lang="ES-MX" style="color: black; font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 13.5pt; mso-ansi-language: ES-MX; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; mso-margin-top-alt: auto;"><span lang="ES-MX" style="color: black; font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 16.0pt; mso-ansi-language: ES-MX; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">Somos
santos no por la voluntad del hombre, sino por la voluntad de Dios. Si has
creído en Jesucristo para el perdón de tus pecados, la santidad es tu promesa.
No solo tu promesa, sino un legado que comienza ahora y dura por toda la
eternidad en la presencia de Aquel que lo concede.</span><span lang="ES-MX" style="color: black; font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 13.5pt; mso-ansi-language: ES-MX; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; mso-margin-top-alt: auto;"><span style="color: black; font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 16.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">Maranatha,</span><span style="color: black; font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 13.5pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; mso-margin-top-alt: auto;"><span style="font-family: Times New Roman, serif;">Ken</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><o:p> </o:p></p><br /></span><p></p>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2679770131902100123.post-65909868500838584242024-01-29T09:44:00.006-06:002024-01-31T20:15:22.367-06:00Lilies in Robes<p> </p><p class="MsoNormal"><b><i><span style="font-size: 16pt; line-height: 115%;">And
when you pray, do not keep babbling like pagans, for they think they will be
heard because of their many words. Do not be like them, for your father knows
what you need before you ask him. Matthew 6:7-8 (NIV)</span></i></b><i><span style="font-size: 16pt; line-height: 115%;"><o:p></o:p></span></i></p>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg7g35zi29DeeLzyHAlprHILGS9LS18uqR8phuUywvXZUX0wX9Uf4pq21m_u7jV9bpotkLYIkj3K2pa90DRmZmHCUrIeq1qENecHnBddG9MYnl6zy4isgB6tMqblhMHi6WVnYPzrmIDX7cnYTsZ3FDSBgcJGydlkKrCG2xdTcqpLKhyhRcXMn0rQquCr0I/s482/Lilies%20in%20bloom.JPG" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="415" data-original-width="482" height="276" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg7g35zi29DeeLzyHAlprHILGS9LS18uqR8phuUywvXZUX0wX9Uf4pq21m_u7jV9bpotkLYIkj3K2pa90DRmZmHCUrIeq1qENecHnBddG9MYnl6zy4isgB6tMqblhMHi6WVnYPzrmIDX7cnYTsZ3FDSBgcJGydlkKrCG2xdTcqpLKhyhRcXMn0rQquCr0I/s320/Lilies%20in%20bloom.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 16pt;">There have
been times in my life when I worried and fretted over an answer to a prayer not
realizing God already knew about my request throughout all eternity-past. He
knew what my need would be eons before I would even be aware I had one.</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 16pt; line-height: 115%;">Jesus tells
us not to fret about our needs, material or otherwise. Our heavenly Father knows,
considers, and perceives these things, and is constantly working towards our best
interests and highest good <b>(Romans 8:28)</b>. <o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 16pt; line-height: 115%;">God is
eternal—our ways have always been before Him—forever. There has never been one
second in eternity past you have not been on His mind. The Psalmist writes, <b>‘How
precious to me are your thoughts, God! How vast is the sum of them! Were I to
count them, they would outnumber the grains of sand—when I awake, I am still
with you,’ (Psalms 139;17-18). </b><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 16pt; line-height: 115%;">The question
that often arises is, if God already knows our need, why pray? Why doesn’t He
just take care of all our needs without us asking? It is a relevant question. There
are times God does work things out before we ask, to His ultimate purpose and glory,
but that is not always the case. <o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 16pt; line-height: 115%;">So, why does
God want us to pray? <b>Prayer is a genuine step of faith in trust that
involves us relationally with the Living God. </b>Asking is not on His behalf,
but ours. It demonstrates faith in our trust in Him and the blessing of
interacting in His personal love and care. While He can answer our prayers
without us asking, it is very pleasing to Him when we ask Him for anything. <o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 16pt; line-height: 115%;">It is a
great comfort knowing God can and will supply our needs and at times wisely deny
our wants. The Apostle James says we do not receive what we are asking for because
we ask with the wrong motive (James 4:3). That is a difference that some
wrestle with, and some in disappointment turn away from the faith. They come
seeking a quick fix on their terms, and not trusting God’s full wisdom in His
plans. <o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 16pt; line-height: 115%;">I have never
seen starving birds begging for a handout, nor a lily upset because it had
nothing to wear. God feeds the birds through bleak and cold winters and always
brings them into spring. The lilies are more grandly attired than King Solomon
ever was (Matthew 6:28-29). How much more will He meet the needs of His children? Not counting what you may be currently going through,
is there anything in your life that has not ended, or ever will? In every
situation, the words “<i>This too shall pass”</i> are appropriate.<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 16pt; line-height: 115%;">The troubles
you may be going through now are light and momentary afflictions compared to the
great eternal glory awaiting you. It is a glory that far outweighs any testing
you may ever encounter (2<sup>nd</sup> Corinthians 4:17).<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 16pt; line-height: 115%;">The Lord
Jesus commends us to pray when He says, <b>“Ask and it will be given to you;
seek and you will find; knock and the door will be opened to you” (Matthew 7:7).</b>
Ask, seek, and knock, for prayer pleases the Lord and personally involves you
in His work on your behalf.<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 16pt; line-height: 115%;">Maranatha,<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 16pt; line-height: 115%;">Ken <o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 16pt; line-height: 115%;"></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; mso-margin-top-alt: auto;"><span style="font-size: 16pt; line-height: 115%;"><b><i><span lang="ES-MX" style="color: black; font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 16pt; mso-ansi-language: ES-MX; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">Y cuando oren, no sigan balbuceando como los paganos,
porque ellos piensan que serán escuchados a causa de sus muchas palabras. No
seáis como ellos, porque vuestro padre sabe lo que necesitáis antes de que se
lo pidáis. Mateo 6:7-8 (NVI)</span></i></b><span lang="ES-MX" style="color: black; font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 13.5pt; mso-ansi-language: ES-MX; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><o:p></o:p></span></span></p><span style="font-size: 16pt; line-height: 115%;">
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; mso-margin-top-alt: auto;"><span lang="ES-MX" style="color: black; font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 13.5pt; mso-ansi-language: ES-MX; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><b>Lirios
con túnicas</b><o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; mso-margin-top-alt: auto;"></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi4V5z4ScHWSn8suSdHX35yhucew88e93fRvocExvro2izGGP4TcBq32DrjfxTGRewLXFfIkLZZ5yuwElIsTt7ITaTelbMTxWVaU618Hn1SDzclflqQYiu7LQUNxCnxKSSCebaRvd_BptpSTLjfkKHnZvRwFDmDnXR6AwbDhKaeOXxTss1Jqk2fzsqH8Bo/s482/Lilies%20in%20bloom.JPG" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="415" data-original-width="482" height="276" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi4V5z4ScHWSn8suSdHX35yhucew88e93fRvocExvro2izGGP4TcBq32DrjfxTGRewLXFfIkLZZ5yuwElIsTt7ITaTelbMTxWVaU618Hn1SDzclflqQYiu7LQUNxCnxKSSCebaRvd_BptpSTLjfkKHnZvRwFDmDnXR6AwbDhKaeOXxTss1Jqk2fzsqH8Bo/s320/Lilies%20in%20bloom.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: 16pt;">Ha
habido momentos en mi vida en los que me he preocupado y me he preocupado por
una respuesta a una oración sin darme cuenta de que Dios ya sabía de mi
petición a lo largo de toda la eternidad pasada. Él sabía cuál sería mi
necesidad eones antes de que yo supiera que tenía una.</span><p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; mso-margin-top-alt: auto;"><span lang="ES-MX" style="color: black; font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 16pt; mso-ansi-language: ES-MX; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">Jesús
nos dice que no nos preocupemos por nuestras necesidades, materiales o de otro
tipo. Nuestro Padre celestial sabe, considera y percibe estas cosas, y está
constantemente trabajando para lograr nuestros mejores intereses y el mayor
bien <b>(Romanos 8:28).</b></span><span lang="ES-MX" style="color: black; font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 13.5pt; mso-ansi-language: ES-MX; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; mso-margin-top-alt: auto;"><span lang="ES-MX" style="color: black; font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 16pt; mso-ansi-language: ES-MX; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">Dios
es eterno, nuestros caminos siempre han estado delante de Él, para siempre.
Nunca ha habido un segundo en la eternidad pasado en el que no hayas estado en
Su mente. El salmista escribe: <b>"¡Cuán preciosos son para mí, oh Dios,
tus pensamientos! ¡Cuán vasta es la suma de ellos! Si los contara, superarían
en número a los granos de arena: cuando me despierte, todavía estoy con
vosotros" (Salmos 139; 17 y 18). </b></span><span lang="ES-MX" style="color: black; font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 13.5pt; mso-ansi-language: ES-MX; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; mso-margin-top-alt: auto;"><span lang="ES-MX" style="color: black; font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 16pt; mso-ansi-language: ES-MX; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">La
pregunta que surge a menudo es, si Dios ya conoce nuestra necesidad, ¿por qué
orar? ¿Por qué no se ocupa de todas nuestras necesidades sin que se lo pidamos?
Es una pregunta relevante. Hay ocasiones en que Dios resuelve las cosas antes
de que se las pidamos, para Su propósito y gloria final, pero no siempre es
así.</span><span lang="ES-MX" style="color: black; font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 13.5pt; mso-ansi-language: ES-MX; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; mso-margin-top-alt: auto;"><span lang="ES-MX" style="color: black; font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 16pt; mso-ansi-language: ES-MX; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">Entonces,
¿por qué quiere Dios que oremos? <b>La oración es un paso genuino de fe en la
confianza que nos involucra relacionalmente con el Dios vivo. </b>Pedir no es
en su nombre, sino en el nuestro. Demuestra fe en nuestra confianza en Él y la
bendición de interactuar en Su amor y cuidado personal. Si bien Él puede
contestar nuestras oraciones sin que se lo pidamos, es muy agradable para Él
cuando le pedimos algo.</span><span lang="ES-MX" style="color: black; font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 13.5pt; mso-ansi-language: ES-MX; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; mso-margin-top-alt: auto;"><span lang="ES-MX" style="color: black; font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 16pt; mso-ansi-language: ES-MX; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">Es
un gran consuelo saber que Dios puede suplir nuestras necesidades y a veces
negar sabiamente nuestros deseos. El apóstol Santiago dice que no recibimos lo
que pedimos porque pedimos con el motivo equivocado (Santiago 4:3). Esa es una
diferencia con la que algunos luchan, y algunos, decepcionados, se alejan de la
fe. Vienen buscando una solución rápida en sus términos, y no confían en la
plena sabiduría de Dios en Sus planes.</span><span lang="ES-MX" style="color: black; font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 13.5pt; mso-ansi-language: ES-MX; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; mso-margin-top-alt: auto;"><span lang="ES-MX" style="color: black; font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 16pt; mso-ansi-language: ES-MX; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">Nunca
he visto pájaros hambrientos pidiendo limosna, ni un lirio molesto porque no
tenía nada que ponerse. Dios alimenta a los pájaros a través de inviernos
sombríos y fríos y siempre los lleva a la primavera. Los lirios están más
grandiosamente ataviados que el rey Salomón (Mateo 6:28-29). Cuanto mas suplira las necesidades de sus hijos? Sin contar por lo
que puedes estar pasando actualmente, ¿hay algo en tu vida que no haya
terminado, o que alguna vez lo hará? En cada situación, las palabras<i>
"Esto también pasará"</i> son apropiadas.</span><span lang="ES-MX" style="color: black; font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 13.5pt; mso-ansi-language: ES-MX; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; mso-margin-top-alt: auto;"><span lang="ES-MX" style="color: black; font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 16pt; mso-ansi-language: ES-MX; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">Los
problemas por los que puedes estar pasando ahora son aflicciones leves y
momentáneas en comparación con la gran gloria eterna que te espera. Es una
gloria que supera con creces cualquier prueba que puedas encontrar (2 Corintios
4:17).</span><span lang="ES-MX" style="color: black; font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 13.5pt; mso-ansi-language: ES-MX; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; mso-margin-top-alt: auto;"><span lang="ES-MX" style="color: black; font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 16pt; mso-ansi-language: ES-MX; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">El
Señor Jesús nos recomienda orar cuando dice: <b>"Pedid y se os dará;
buscad y encontraréis; llamad y se os abrirá" (Mateo 7:7).</b> Pidan,
busquen y llamen, porque la oración agrada al Señor y los involucra
personalmente en Su obra a favor de ustedes.</span><span lang="ES-MX" style="color: black; font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 13.5pt; mso-ansi-language: ES-MX; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; mso-margin-top-alt: auto;"><span style="color: black; font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 16pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">Maranatha,</span><span style="color: black; font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 13.5pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; mso-margin-top-alt: auto;"><span style="color: black; font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 16pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">Ken</span><span style="color: black; font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 13.5pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><o:p></o:p></span></p><br /></span><p></p>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2679770131902100123.post-22511879396733536902024-01-22T10:15:00.010-06:002024-01-22T19:29:34.385-06:00You’re a What?<p> </p><p class="MsoNormal"><b><i><span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;">In
fact, everyone who wants to live a godly life in Christ Jesus will be
persecuted, while evildoers and imposters will go from bad to worse, deceiving
and being deceived. 2<sup>nd</sup> Timothy 3:12-13 (NIV)</span></i></b><span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;"><o:p></o:p></span></p>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgWWypVxvvgsTQR5m4BIvxYw0aKbgi_kD7vXUuefsWRBHk_GjK9kCXT6sKh-BYGRW5P56EFLC_wR-To4Nkkn2uIJQzLZMiee6oT8uAXO4HxsHahpA33kXdRC5NWr0lXCMZz3R3JrEfWtRCaDk-0x2S7Tr9nS2g9CvBaO20H1nPM5MGfJ58TNsqFnhFPS34/s616/Christian%20Being%20Mocked.JPG" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="433" data-original-width="616" height="225" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgWWypVxvvgsTQR5m4BIvxYw0aKbgi_kD7vXUuefsWRBHk_GjK9kCXT6sKh-BYGRW5P56EFLC_wR-To4Nkkn2uIJQzLZMiee6oT8uAXO4HxsHahpA33kXdRC5NWr0lXCMZz3R3JrEfWtRCaDk-0x2S7Tr9nS2g9CvBaO20H1nPM5MGfJ58TNsqFnhFPS34/s320/Christian%20Being%20Mocked.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 14pt;">A few of my
current Christian friends say in their BC days (Before Christ) they took the greatest
delight and pleasure in demeaning, and embarrassing any Christian, any time. I
recall my own times when school mates and co-workers laughed at my faith in
Christ. I remember one guy saying to me with mocking laughter, “You’re a Holy
roller? You mean you really believe that stuff? Are you serious?” It is not a
case of not being able to take a joke or just taking it too personally. No one
likes having what they love and value ridiculed.</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;">Persecution wears
many masks, from verbal abuse to physical violence. In his warning to the young
pastor Timothy concerning persecutions, Paul was speaking sticks and stones,
metaphorically and literally. Among some of his trials and persecutions as a
believer, Paul was arrested, beaten with rods (sticks), stoned (i.e. hit with
rocks), whipped, accused of being insane (by procurator Porcius Festus-Acts
26:24), shipwrecked, finally being beheaded in Rome for his faith at the order
of Nero. In his second letter to the Corinthian church, he details everything
he endured up to that time (2<sup>nd</sup> Corinthians 11:24-28). In being
ready for his impending martyrdom in Rome he wrote to Timothy, <b>For I am
already being poured out like a drink offering, and the time for my departure
is near. I have fought the good fight, I have finished the race, I have kept
the faith</b> <b>(2<sup>nd</sup> Timothy 4:6-7).</b><o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;">At one point
in Paul’s BC days, his deep hatred of Christianity, and his own righteous
indignation, were so obsessive he approved of the execution of Stephen, a deacon
in the Jerusalem church (Acts 8:1). He later testified that in that consent, he
had even guarded the cloaks (outer garments) of the executioners (Acts 22:20). At
that time, Paul was an orthodox Jewish rabbi named Saul (Philippians 3:4-6). <o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;">His hatred
and rage changed while on a mission to Damascus with warrants of arrest, authorized
by the high priest at Jerusalem. The warrants were for any Jews who were
practicing this new and so-called heretical religious sect called <i>The Way</i>
(Acts 24:14). Rabbi Saul was to bring them back to Jerusalem in chains to face
the charge of heresy.<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;">On Saul’s
journey an unexpected and amazing thing occurred. Outside Damascus he met the
Jesus he was persecuting (Acts 9:4). In that encounter, he came to believe in
the Person and work of Jesus Christ as Israel’s anointed messiah. </span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;">His belief
was not shaken even after the Lord revealed to him how much he would have to suffer
for Him (Acts 9:16). He became a missionary of the gospel to both Jew and
Gentile. As a Roman citizen from Tarsus (possibly in the modern province of
Mersin, Turkey), he took the Romanized name of Paul for the Gentiles to whom he would present the good
news of the Gospel.<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;">Paul had the
free moral choice to deny his Damascus Road experience and continue his persecutions,
but when the life changing power of the Messiah is sincerely embraced, lives
are sincerely changed.<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;">Our Lord Jesus
admonishes us to love our enemies, telling us, <b>“pray for those who persecute
you that you may be children of your Father in heaven (Matthew 5:44).</b> It is
not an easy thing to do, but it helps to think that those who persecute you might
be choking on the same Damascus Road dust that once choked you. When you
believed, it was in His timing. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;">So, what
about the evildoers and imposters you face? Scripture tells us they will keep
deceiving and being deceived, but be assured, they are all watching and listening. Whether
they believe, or not, is none of your business. That is the prerogative of the Holy
Spirit. Christ Jesus only commands you to be faithful in proclaiming His name
in love and to continue to pray for them. <o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;">Be patient
and be strong. They could very soon arrive at their own Damascus, and can say at
the time of their own departure, “I have fought the good fight. I have finished
the race, and I have kept the faith.” Serve wholeheartedly, as unto the Lord. Your
patient and loving witness to them will be a part of their testimony and your
reward from the hand of Christ (Ephesians 6:8).<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;">Maranatha,<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;">Ken <o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;"></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; mso-margin-top-alt: auto;"><span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;"><b><i><span lang="ES-MX" style="color: black; font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 14pt; mso-ansi-language: ES-MX; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">De hecho, todo el que quiera vivir una vida piadosa en
Cristo Jesús será perseguido, mientras que los malhechores e impostores irán de
mal en peor, engañando y siendo engañados. 2 Timoteo 3:12-13 (NVI)</span></i></b><span lang="ES-MX" style="color: black; font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 13.5pt; mso-ansi-language: ES-MX; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><o:p></o:p></span></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; mso-margin-top-alt: auto;"><span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;"><b><i></i></b></span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;"><b><i><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjpfMabWKL2-mhUW1nqIQ8sAc6q2Cq_ryp8YMASy4YTNRbnm_VAffpmjMWL6T9Zy_U78MLlOklWXCXF36_TuLB5ZCE_KPAS89GpYYndaill5uG6nvHpFEX24HdGgenWMk1h7-0lqgbXOKbcyy6y4SdY6WdQbqrtzy3T6cTtZilKrrKU-hhfXgq9L0JZpPA/s616/Christian%20Being%20Mocked.JPG" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="433" data-original-width="616" height="225" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjpfMabWKL2-mhUW1nqIQ8sAc6q2Cq_ryp8YMASy4YTNRbnm_VAffpmjMWL6T9Zy_U78MLlOklWXCXF36_TuLB5ZCE_KPAS89GpYYndaill5uG6nvHpFEX24HdGgenWMk1h7-0lqgbXOKbcyy6y4SdY6WdQbqrtzy3T6cTtZilKrrKU-hhfXgq9L0JZpPA/s320/Christian%20Being%20Mocked.JPG" width="320" /></a></i></b></span></div><span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: 14pt;">¿Eres
un qué?</span><p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; mso-margin-top-alt: auto;"><span lang="ES-MX" style="color: black; font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 14pt; mso-ansi-language: ES-MX; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">Algunos
de mis amigos cristianos actuales dicen que en sus días antes de Cristo (antes
de Cristo) tenían el mayor deleite y placer en degradar y avergonzar a
cualquier cristiano, en cualquier momento. Recuerdo mis propios momentos en que
mis compañeros de escuela y de trabajo se reían de mi fe en Cristo. Recuerdo
que un tipo me dijo con una risa burlona: "¿Eres un rodillo sagrado?
¿Quieres decir que realmente crees esas cosas? ¿Hablas en serio? No se trata de
no poder tomar una broma o simplemente tomarla demasiado personal. A nadie le
gusta que se ridiculice lo que ama y valora.</span><span lang="ES-MX" style="color: black; font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 13.5pt; mso-ansi-language: ES-MX; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; mso-margin-top-alt: auto;"><span lang="ES-MX" style="color: black; font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 14pt; mso-ansi-language: ES-MX; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">La
persecución lleva muchas máscaras, desde el abuso verbal hasta la violencia
física. En su advertencia al joven pastor Timoteo acerca de las persecuciones,
Pablo estaba hablando de palos y piedras, metafórica y literalmente. Entre
algunas de sus pruebas y persecuciones como creyente, Pablo fue arrestado,
golpeado con varas (palos), apedreado (es decir, golpeado con piedras),
azotado, acusado de estar loco (por el procurador Porcio Festo (Hechos 26:24),
naufragado, y finalmente decapitado por su fe en Roma por orden de Nerón. En su
segunda carta a la iglesia de Corinto, detalla todo lo que soportó hasta ese
momento (2 Corintios 11:24-28). Al estar listo para su inminente martirio en
Roma, escribió a Timoteo: <b>Porque ya estoy siendo derramado como libación, y
el tiempo de mi partida está cerca. He peleado la buena batalla, he terminado
la carrera, he guardado la fe (2 Timoteo 4:6-7).</b></span><span lang="ES-MX" style="color: black; font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 13.5pt; mso-ansi-language: ES-MX; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; mso-margin-top-alt: auto;"><span lang="ES-MX" style="color: black; font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 14pt; mso-ansi-language: ES-MX; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">En
un momento de los días de Pablo en el a.C., su profundo odio al cristianismo y
su propia indignación justa eran tan obsesivos que aprobó la ejecución de
Esteban, un diácono de la iglesia de Jerusalén (Hechos 8:1). Más tarde
testificó que, en ese consentimiento, incluso había guardado las capas
(vestiduras exteriores) de los verdugos (Hechos 22:20). En ese momento, Pablo
era un rabino judío ortodoxo llamado Saulo (Filipenses 3:4-6).</span><span lang="ES-MX" style="color: black; font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 13.5pt; mso-ansi-language: ES-MX; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; mso-margin-top-alt: auto;"><span lang="ES-MX" style="color: black; font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 14pt; mso-ansi-language: ES-MX; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">Su
odio y rabia cambiaron mientras estaba en una misión en Damasco con órdenes de
arresto, autorizadas por el sumo sacerdote en Jerusalén. Las órdenes de arresto
eran para cualquier judío que practicara esta nueva y llamada secta religiosa
herética llamada <i>El Camino</i> (Hechos 24:14). Rabí Saúl debía traerlos de
vuelta a Jerusalén encadenados para enfrentar la acusación de herejía.</span><span lang="ES-MX" style="color: black; font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 13.5pt; mso-ansi-language: ES-MX; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; mso-margin-top-alt: auto;"><span lang="ES-MX" style="color: black; font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 14pt; mso-ansi-language: ES-MX; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">En
el viaje de Saúl ocurrió algo inesperado y sorprendente. Fuera de Damasco se
encontró con el Jesús que perseguía (Hch 9,4). En ese encuentro, llegó a creer
en la Persona y obra de Jesucristo como el mesías ungido de Israel. Su creencia
no se tambaleó incluso después de que el Señor le reveló cuánto tendría que
sufrir por Él (Hechos 9:16). Se convirtió en un misionero del evangelio tanto
para judíos como para gentiles. Como ciudadano romano de Tarso (posiblemente en
la actual provincia de Mersin, Turquía), romanizó su nombre para los gentile's
que escucharían las buenas nuevas del Evangelio y serían llamados Pablo.</span><span lang="ES-MX" style="color: black; font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 13.5pt; mso-ansi-language: ES-MX; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; mso-margin-top-alt: auto;"><span lang="ES-MX" style="color: black; font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 14pt; mso-ansi-language: ES-MX; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">Pablo
tuvo la libre elección moral de negar su experiencia en el camino a Damasco y
continuar con sus persecuciones, pero cuando el poder transformador del Mesías
es sinceramente aceptado, las vidas son sinceramente cambiadas.</span><span lang="ES-MX" style="color: black; font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 13.5pt; mso-ansi-language: ES-MX; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; mso-margin-top-alt: auto;"><span lang="ES-MX" style="color: black; font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 14pt; mso-ansi-language: ES-MX; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">Nuestro
Señor Jesús nos exhorta a amar a nuestros enemigos, diciéndonos<b>: "Orad
por los que os persiguen, para que seáis hijos de vuestro Padre que está en los
cielos" (Mateo 5:44).</b> No es algo fácil de hacer, pero ayuda pensar que
aquellos que te persiguen podrían estar ahogándose con el mismo polvo de la
carretera de Damasco que una vez te asfixió. Cuando Ud. creyó, fue en Su
tiempo. </span><span lang="ES-MX" style="color: black; font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 13.5pt; mso-ansi-language: ES-MX; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; mso-margin-top-alt: auto;"><span lang="ES-MX" style="color: black; font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 14pt; mso-ansi-language: ES-MX; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">Entonces,
¿qué pasa con los malhechores e impostores a los que te enfrentas? Las
Escrituras nos dicen que seguirán engañando y siendo engañados, pero tengan la
seguridad de que todos están observando. Si ellos creen, o no, no es asunto
tuyo. Esa es la prerrogativa del Espíritu Santo. Cristo Jesús solo te ordena
que seas fiel en proclamar Su nombre en amor y que continúes orando por ellos.</span><span lang="ES-MX" style="color: black; font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 13.5pt; mso-ansi-language: ES-MX; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; mso-margin-top-alt: auto;"><span lang="ES-MX" style="color: black; font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 14pt; mso-ansi-language: ES-MX; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">Sé
paciente y sé fuerte. Muy pronto podrían llegar a su propia Damasco, y pueden
decir en el momento de su propia partida: "He peleado la buena batalla. He
terminado la carrera y he guardado la fe". Sirvan de todo corazón, como al
Señor. Su testimonio paciente y amoroso para ellos será parte de su testimonio
y su recompensa de la mano de Cristo (Efesios 6:8).</span><span lang="ES-MX" style="color: black; font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 13.5pt; mso-ansi-language: ES-MX; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; mso-margin-top-alt: auto;"><span style="color: black; font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 14pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">Maranatha,</span><span style="color: black; font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 13.5pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; mso-margin-top-alt: auto;"><span style="color: black; font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 14pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">Ken</span><span style="color: black; font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 13.5pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><o:p></o:p></span></p><br /></span><p></p>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2679770131902100123.post-8696974899164933612024-01-15T10:33:00.015-06:002024-01-17T12:38:31.200-06:00Bridging Your Chasms<p> </p><p class="MsoNormal" style="background: white; mso-line-height-alt: 12.65pt;"><b><i><span style="color: #222222; font-size: 14pt; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">The one who calls you is faithful, and he will do it. 1<sup>st</sup>
Thessalonians 5:24 (NIV)</span></i></b><span style="color: #222222; font-size: 14pt; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;"><o:p></o:p></span></p>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhgSV0rIXCyeZmY2ZpRztpJCYnXEhQiAsI9B1Wy3GyvpowlTvmVprZ-dADh7x36q7TjYlBgaVpkOa0WDsQeVkWwdSIAaVYL4bgiwDFaE2gDvyX311Cbc_6W3c5wPIs9ee-OeVdjOXXGJ52wEGvjougVWEw9q3EBwZTLvTDuU1ReA4moMZrOh0VJW61yz6s/s595/Baby's%20Casket.JPG" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="353" data-original-width="595" height="190" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhgSV0rIXCyeZmY2ZpRztpJCYnXEhQiAsI9B1Wy3GyvpowlTvmVprZ-dADh7x36q7TjYlBgaVpkOa0WDsQeVkWwdSIAaVYL4bgiwDFaE2gDvyX311Cbc_6W3c5wPIs9ee-OeVdjOXXGJ52wEGvjougVWEw9q3EBwZTLvTDuU1ReA4moMZrOh0VJW61yz6s/s320/Baby's%20Casket.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><p class="MsoNormal" style="background: white; mso-line-height-alt: 12.65pt;"><span style="color: #222222; font-size: 14pt;">Before I was ordained, I taught a weekly Bible study at my place
of employment with our CEO’s encouragement and permission. I knew that not yet
being ordained I could not legally perform marriage ceremonies, but there were
no prohibitions on doing funerals. I had no worries in doing a funeral, except
having to do it for a child. I was especially fearful of being asked to do one
for a baby. I believed I would not be able to get through it without breaking down.</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="background: white; mso-line-height-alt: 12.65pt;"><span style="color: #222222; font-size: 14pt; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">One day at work, two unchurched ladies who were co-workers and
knew of my study dropped by my department on their way home from making funeral
arrangements. They had a request. One of them said, “My daughter’s baby died of
SIDS [sudden infant death syndrome] last night. She was only two weeks old. We are on the way home from arranging her funeral. We
do not have our own pastor and we wanted to ask if you would do our baby’s
funeral? The funeral is Wednesday night.”</span><span style="color: #222222; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;"><o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="background: white; mso-line-height-alt: 12.65pt;"><span style="color: #222222; font-size: 14pt; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">I thought, “Oh, no. I can’t do this.” A baby’s casket is only
inches wide, but the edge of the chasm my fear held me at had a far and
untouchable rim. I almost declined, but the words stuck in my throat as Philippians
4:13 immediately came to mind, “I can do all things through Christ who
strengthens me.” I had encouraged others with that verse, and now it was time
to practice what I had been preaching. The Holy Spirit impressed on my heart
that He would never have brought me to this chasm without building a bridge
over it. </span><span style="color: #222222; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;"><o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="background: white; mso-line-height-alt: 12.65pt;"><span style="color: #222222; font-size: 14pt; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">After meeting with the family that evening, I had 48 hours to
compose my funeral service. The baby’s mother was only 14 years old. There were
no tears, just a numbing shock that had not yet bottomed out. I was sure tears
of grief would come later. As it was, it was a time to share the message that
Christ, as the first-born from the dead (Revelation 1:5), overcame death and
the grave. It was a message of hope in helping the living with their dead.</span><span style="color: #222222; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;"><o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="background: white; mso-line-height-alt: 12.65pt;"><span style="color: #222222; font-size: 14pt; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">I
arrived at the chapel an hour before our service was scheduled. After giving the funeral director my
service itinerary, I took a seat and observed the funeral preceding ours. The
preacher was shouting and showering his captive audience with a hellfire and
brimstone turn-or-burn sermon. It was aimed at souls and not <i>to</i> souls.<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="background: white; mso-line-height-alt: 12.65pt;"><span style="color: #222222; font-size: 14pt; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">When I came to the podium, I noted the tightlipped expressions
of the funeral staff. While the previous sermon’s message of God’s judgment against
sin was true, it was not the appropriate time or place to speak of it. <b>There is
a time to be born, a time to die and a time to heal (Ecclesiastes 3:2-3).</b> This
was a time to bring a word of healing and hope to calloused and wounded hearts
of a grace that had voluntarily died so they might live. </span><span style="color: #222222; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;"><o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="background: white; mso-line-height-alt: 12.65pt;"><span style="color: #222222; font-size: 14pt; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">By the grace and strength of Christ, my words were 20 minutes of
a full-trust, full-faith address in which I thankfully did neither break nor
falter. I was amazed at the peace that settled over me. Surely the One who
called me to it was faithful to do it. I have no recollection of my words to
the mourners that night after I stepped onto my bridge. I recall only that they
were grace, seasoned with salt (Colossians 4:6), comforting and true, pure, and
penetrating. </span><span style="color: #222222; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;"><o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="background: white; mso-line-height-alt: 12.65pt;"><span style="color: #222222; font-size: 14pt; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">After I had finished, the funeral director approached me and
took my hand. To my shock he said, “Sir, that was one of the best funeral sermons I have
ever heard, and I have heard a lot. Almost all of them lack comfort and
compassion with a lot of yelling and condemnation thinking to win souls.
Your sermon spoke to the hurting hearts here tonight and you said what needed
to be said in the grace of God. Thank you.”</span><span style="color: #222222; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;"><o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="background: white; mso-line-height-alt: 12.65pt;"><span style="color: #222222; font-size: 14pt; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">I am not tooting my own horn here, for it was not I who
accomplished it. It was the strength of Christ Himself, available to any of us
who believe, and are willing to step out on the bridges He builds. This is His
assurance to all who are called according to His purposes (Romans 8:28). Any
chasm we might stand at, with any daunting vista, can be bridged, and that,
beloved, is our trust in His calling to any task. He was surely faithful
to do what He called me to do, as He will be for you.</span><span style="color: #222222; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;"><o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="background: white; mso-line-height-alt: 12.65pt;"><span style="color: #222222; font-size: 14pt; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">When Moses balked at going to Pharaoh God said, “<b>Now go; I will
help you speak and will teach you what to say (Exodus 4:12).” </b>He will do so for
you, accomplished as you step onto the bridge He builds for you. He will always
step onto that righteous span with you and go with you across any chasm of fear
and doubt. He will be the help you need to teach you what to say and do.</span><span style="color: #222222; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;"><o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="background: white; mso-line-height-alt: 12.65pt;"><span style="color: #222222; font-size: 14pt; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">Maranatha,</span><span style="color: #222222; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;"><o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="background: white; mso-line-height-alt: 12.65pt;"><span style="color: #222222; font-size: 14pt; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">Ken</span><span style="color: #222222; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;"><o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="background: white; mso-line-height-alt: 12.65pt;"><span style="color: #222222; font-size: 14pt; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;"></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="background: white; line-height: normal; mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; mso-margin-top-alt: auto;"><span style="color: #222222; font-size: 14pt; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;"><b><i><span lang="ES-MX" style="color: #222222; font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 14pt; mso-ansi-language: ES-MX; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">Fiel es el que os llama, y lo hará. 1
Tesalonicenses 5:24 (NVI)</span></i></b><span lang="ES-MX" style="color: black; font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 13.5pt; mso-ansi-language: ES-MX; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><o:p></o:p></span></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="background: white; line-height: normal; mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; mso-margin-top-alt: auto;"><span style="color: #222222; font-size: 14pt; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;"><b><i></i></b></span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="color: #222222; font-size: 14pt; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;"><b><i><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj3HZVVYefmqTlrEwlwNAMKe5owbUorj_F8ffCekBdjJ-AO4lZCMudbshwduguQl7XbAZLeZJdp4Sd5mRDeLo2_4M-Z-XYg8Y99q2MlwB-yT9SyRyG3wuXLub0dCCBhuA96KfTtIKlfpnlCcGOR8ZUPpCX07wPptWTi4MGLUwm7O2ITKv1gWbLyvFXcUPE/s595/Baby's%20Casket.JPG" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="353" data-original-width="595" height="190" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj3HZVVYefmqTlrEwlwNAMKe5owbUorj_F8ffCekBdjJ-AO4lZCMudbshwduguQl7XbAZLeZJdp4Sd5mRDeLo2_4M-Z-XYg8Y99q2MlwB-yT9SyRyG3wuXLub0dCCBhuA96KfTtIKlfpnlCcGOR8ZUPpCX07wPptWTi4MGLUwm7O2ITKv1gWbLyvFXcUPE/s320/Baby's%20Casket.JPG" width="320" /></a></i></b></span></div><span style="color: #222222; font-size: 14pt; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: 14pt;"><b>Salvando tus abismos</b></span><p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="background: white; line-height: normal; mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; mso-margin-top-alt: auto;"><span lang="ES-MX" style="color: #222222; font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 14pt; mso-ansi-language: ES-MX; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">Antes de ser ordenado, enseñé un estudio
bíblico semanal en mi lugar de trabajo con el aliento y el permiso de nuestro
director ejecutivo. Sabía que al no haber sido ordenado no podía realizar
legalmente ceremonias de matrimonio, pero no había prohibiciones para hacer
funerales. No tenía preocupaciones en hacer un funeral, excepto tener que
hacerlo por un niño. Tenía especial miedo de que me pidieran que hiciera uno para
un bebé. Sabía que no sería capaz de superarlo sin derrumbarme.</span><span lang="ES-MX" style="color: black; font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 13.5pt; mso-ansi-language: ES-MX; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="background: white; line-height: normal; mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; mso-margin-top-alt: auto;"><span lang="ES-MX" style="color: #222222; font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 14pt; mso-ansi-language: ES-MX; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">Un día en el trabajo, dos señoras que no
asistían a la iglesia y que eran compañeras de trabajo y sabían de mi estudio
pasaron por mi departamento cuando volvían a casa después de hacer los arreglos
del funeral. Tenían una petición. Uno de ellos dijo: "El bebé de mi hija
murió de SMSL [síndrome de muerte súbita del lactante] anoche. Tenía solo dos
semanas de nacida. No tenemos nuestro propio pastor y queríamos preguntarle si
haría el funeral de nuestro bebé".</span><span lang="ES-MX" style="color: black; font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 13.5pt; mso-ansi-language: ES-MX; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="background: white; line-height: normal; mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; mso-margin-top-alt: auto;"><span lang="ES-MX" style="color: #222222; font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 14pt; mso-ansi-language: ES-MX; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">Pensé: "Oh, no. No puedo hacer
esto". El ataúd de un bebé tiene solo unos centímetros de ancho, pero el
borde del abismo al que me aferraba mi miedo tenía un borde lejano e intocable.
Estuve a punto de declinar, pero las palabras que se me atascaron en la
garganta cuando Filipenses 4:13 me vinieron inmediatamente a la mente:
"Todo lo puedo en Cristo que me fortalece". Había animado a otros con
ese versículo, y ahora era el momento de practicar lo que había estado
predicando. El Espíritu Santo imprimió en mi corazón que nunca me habría
llevado a este abismo sin construir un puente sobre él.</span><span lang="ES-MX" style="color: black; font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 13.5pt; mso-ansi-language: ES-MX; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="background: white; line-height: normal; mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; mso-margin-top-alt: auto;"><span lang="ES-MX" style="color: #222222; font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 14pt; mso-ansi-language: ES-MX; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">Después de reunirme con la familia esa
noche, tuve 48 horas para redactar mi servicio funerario. La madre del bebé
tenía solo 14 años. No había lágrimas, solo una conmoción entumecida que aún no
había tocado fondo. Estaba segura de que las lágrimas de dolor vendrían
después. Así las cosas, era un momento para compartir el mensaje de que Cristo,
como el primogénito de entre los muertos (Apocalipsis 1:5), venció la muerte y
la tumba. Era un mensaje de esperanza para ayudar a los vivos con sus muertos.</span><span lang="ES-MX" style="color: black; font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 13.5pt; mso-ansi-language: ES-MX; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="background: white; line-height: normal; mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; mso-margin-top-alt: auto;"><span lang="ES-MX" style="color: #222222; font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 14pt; mso-ansi-language: ES-MX; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">Llegué a la capilla una hora antes. Después de darle al director
de la funeraria mi itinerario de servicio, tomé asiento y observé el funeral
que precedió al nuestro. El predicador gritaba y bañaba a su audiencia cautiva
con un sermón de fuego del infierno y azufre de girar o quemar. Era<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>a las almas y no <i>a las</i> almas.</span><span lang="ES-MX" style="color: black; font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 13.5pt; mso-ansi-language: ES-MX; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="background: white; line-height: normal; mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; mso-margin-top-alt: auto;"><span lang="ES-MX" style="color: #222222; font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 14pt; mso-ansi-language: ES-MX; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">Cuando llegué al podio, noté las
expresiones calladas del personal funerario. Si bien el mensaje del sermón
anterior sobre el juicio de Dios contra el pecado era verdadero, no era el
momento ni el lugar apropiado para hablar de él. <b>Hay un tiempo para nacer, un
tiempo para morir y un tiempo para sanar (Eclesiastés 3:2-3).</b> Este era un
tiempo para llevar una palabra de sanación y esperanza a los corazones callosos
y heridos de una gracia que había muerto voluntariamente para que pudieran
vivir.</span><span lang="ES-MX" style="color: black; font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 13.5pt; mso-ansi-language: ES-MX; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="background: white; line-height: normal; mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; mso-margin-top-alt: auto;"><span lang="ES-MX" style="color: #222222; font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 14pt; mso-ansi-language: ES-MX; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">Por la gracia y la fuerza de Cristo, mis
palabras fueron 20 minutos de un discurso de plena confianza y plena fe en el
que, afortunadamente, no me quebré ni vacilé. Me sorprendió la paz que se
apoderó de mí. Seguramente Aquel que me llamó a ello fue fiel en hacerlo. No
recuerdo las palabras que les dije a los dolientes esa noche después de pisar
mi puente. Solo recuerdo que eran gracia, sazonadas con sal (Colosenses 4:6),
consoladoras y verdaderas, puras y penetrantes.</span><span lang="ES-MX" style="color: black; font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 13.5pt; mso-ansi-language: ES-MX; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="background: white; line-height: normal; mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; mso-margin-top-alt: auto;"><span lang="ES-MX" style="color: #222222; font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 14pt; mso-ansi-language: ES-MX; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">Cuando terminé, el director de la
funeraria se me acercó y me tomó de la mano. Él dijo: "Señor, ese fue uno
de los mejores sermones fúnebres que he escuchado, y he escuchado muchos. Casi
todos ellos carecen de consuelo y compasión, con muchos gritos y condenación,
pensando que ganarán almas. Su sermón habló a los corazones heridos aquí en
esta noche y dijo lo que necesitaba ser dicho en la gracia de Dios.
Gracias".</span><span lang="ES-MX" style="color: black; font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 13.5pt; mso-ansi-language: ES-MX; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="background: white; line-height: normal; mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; mso-margin-top-alt: auto;"><span lang="ES-MX" style="color: #222222; font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 14pt; mso-ansi-language: ES-MX; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">No estoy tocando mi propio cuerno aquí,
porque no fui yo quien lo logró. Era la fuerza de Cristo mismo, disponible para
cualquiera de nosotros que creyera y estuviera dispuesto a pisar los puentes
que Él construye. Esta es Su seguridad para todos los que son llamados de
acuerdo a Sus propósitos (Romanos 8:28). Cualquier abismo en el que nos
encontremos, con cualquier vista desalentadora, puede ser salvado, y eso,
amados, es nuestra confianza en Su llamado a cualquier tarea. Ciertamente
fue fiel en hacer lo que me llamó a hacer, como lo será por ti.</span><span lang="ES-MX" style="color: black; font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 13.5pt; mso-ansi-language: ES-MX; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="background: white; line-height: normal; mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; mso-margin-top-alt: auto;"><span lang="ES-MX" style="color: #222222; font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 14pt; mso-ansi-language: ES-MX; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">Cuando Moisés se resistió a ir a Faraón,
Dios dijo: <b>"Ahora vete; Te ayudaré a hablar y te enseñaré lo que debes
decir (Éxodo 4:12)".</b> Él lo hará por ti, lo logrará cuando pises el puente
que Él construye para ti. Él siempre pisará ese lapso justo contigo e irá
contigo a través de cualquier abismo de temor y duda. Él será la ayuda que
necesitas para enseñarte qué decir y hacer.</span><span lang="ES-MX" style="color: black; font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 13.5pt; mso-ansi-language: ES-MX; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="background: white; line-height: normal; mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; mso-margin-top-alt: auto;"><span style="color: #222222; font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 14pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">Maranatha,</span><span style="color: black; font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 13.5pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="background: white; line-height: normal; mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; mso-margin-top-alt: auto;"><span style="font-family: Times New Roman, serif;">Ken</span></p><br /></span><p></p>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2679770131902100123.post-78876013816040276012024-01-08T09:41:00.005-06:002024-01-08T09:48:55.586-06:00The King's Good Pleasure<p> </p><p class="MsoNormal"><b><i><span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;">Then
the king extended the golden scepter to Esther and she arose and stood before
him. Esther 8:4 (NIV)<o:p></o:p></span></i></b></p>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgAtOJhlmKmMXKCAIZ-5EA-ZFad49JXXSGCuhza3JCSvyE4o0eRqNALGfW8EcukNpOuucjvABl-Z_o38Sth80wQAhPOQzq59HaMZ2vabvT6URx0wpE6ragE8LAcMfrWzqNR5JOM5tHpT7MNBJZWIdYdV6PgJIjllSBvdIMvJxIQAL8dPK3uQcnL3K8x5vE/s713/Esther%20touching%20the%20scepter.JPG" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="386" data-original-width="713" height="173" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgAtOJhlmKmMXKCAIZ-5EA-ZFad49JXXSGCuhza3JCSvyE4o0eRqNALGfW8EcukNpOuucjvABl-Z_o38Sth80wQAhPOQzq59HaMZ2vabvT6URx0wpE6ragE8LAcMfrWzqNR5JOM5tHpT7MNBJZWIdYdV6PgJIjllSBvdIMvJxIQAL8dPK3uQcnL3K8x5vE/s320/Esther%20touching%20the%20scepter.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 14pt;">The story of
Queen Esther is a beautiful account of a Jewish woman who risked her life to
save the Jews living in the kingdom of Persia. Esther needed to speak directly
to the king on behalf of her people, but Persian palace etiquette dictated that
showing up to see him without being summoned could result in a death sentence
for the petitioner. If the king extended his golden scepter, it meant they
would receive clemency (Esther 4:11).</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;">Even as the queen,
Esther knew if she went unbidden into the presence of the king it could mean her
death. Her petition to save her people was a necessity that had to be done
without delay. Fortunately, the king was pleased when he saw her and extended
his scepter. He heard and honored her request, and the Jews within the kingdom received
his protection from harm.<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;">There was a
time when because of Adam’s sin humanity lost access to the presence of the
King of the Universe. Adam and Eve went from walking with Him in Eden to being
driven out (Genesis 3:8, 24). In the future, the blood of all sacrificial
animal offerings only covered the sins of the people temporarily. This covering
needed to be renewed yearly, for it was impossible for the blood of bulls and
goats to take away sins (Hebrews 10:4). The effective sacrifice for the
forgiveness of sin that brought us back into the presence of the King was the
offering of the perfect Lamb of God who takes away the sins of the world (John
1:29).<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;">Now, we will
always have the golden scepter of gracious acceptance extended when we enter
through faith in the dynamic power of the blood of the Christ. The temple
curtain that separated us from the presence of the Living God was torn in two
from top to bottom after Jesus announced sin’s debt fully paid (Matthew 27:51).
It showed the door to fellowship with the Creator that had been closed since
Eden was again open. It is the King’s good pleasure to welcome anyone into His
presence in the name of His Son, who says He is that Door (John 10:9). <o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;">Entering in
through the right door will bring us directly into the throne room of the King.
We will not have to hold our breath, wondering if we will live or perish, for
the King knows we are there at His Son’s invitation (Matthew 11:28). We will
find the King says, “You are welcome,” even before we can say, “Thank you.”<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;">Maranatha,<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;">Ken <o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;"></span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;"><b><i><span lang="ES-MX" style="font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ansi-language: ES-MX;">Entonces el rey extendió el cetro de oro a Ester,
y ella se levantó y se puso de pie delante de él. Ester 8:4 (NVI)<o:p></o:p></span></i></b></span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;"><b><i></i></b></span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;"><b><i><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEicy3xyopx9EnIaqYRWGIawK0z0IzHrqPdf-7fHUw3_rLmmRVOaVqDpEF9SqO4hr03sqj1fTJ6vNOmYsmGeImqpBUm_eUwU501kFITKIhYA9x9bpCZ0aNlB4M7fbWebB1-eh8xyDUr90qvz1eQbXPjCqWrmizGyLmCnqyTuShtEwscHCvBpEmZVMl-m5T0/s713/Esther%20touching%20the%20scepter.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="386" data-original-width="713" height="173" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEicy3xyopx9EnIaqYRWGIawK0z0IzHrqPdf-7fHUw3_rLmmRVOaVqDpEF9SqO4hr03sqj1fTJ6vNOmYsmGeImqpBUm_eUwU501kFITKIhYA9x9bpCZ0aNlB4M7fbWebB1-eh8xyDUr90qvz1eQbXPjCqWrmizGyLmCnqyTuShtEwscHCvBpEmZVMl-m5T0/s320/Esther%20touching%20the%20scepter.JPG" width="320" /></a></i></b></span></div><span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-size: 14pt;">El beneplácito del rey</span><p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="ES-MX" style="font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ansi-language: ES-MX;">La historia de la reina Ester es un hermoso relato de
una mujer judía que arriesgó su vida para salvar a los judíos que vivían en el
reino de Persia. Ester necesitaba hablar directamente con el rey en nombre de
su pueblo, pero la etiqueta del palacio persa dictaba que presentarse a verlo
sin ser convocada podría resultar en una sentencia de muerte para el
peticionario. Si el rey extendía su cetro de oro, significaba que recibirían
clemencia (Ester 4:11). <o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="ES-MX" style="font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ansi-language: ES-MX;">Incluso como reina, Ester sabía que si se presentaba
sin ser invitada a la presencia del rey, podría significar su muerte. Su
petición para salvar a su pueblo era una necesidad que había que hacer sin
demora. Afortunadamente, el rey se alegró cuando la vio y extendió su cetro. Él
escuchó y honró su petición, y los judíos dentro del reino recibieron su
protección contra cualquier daño.<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="ES-MX" style="font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ansi-language: ES-MX;">Hubo un tiempo en que, debido al pecado de Adán, la
humanidad perdió el acceso a la presencia del Rey del Universo. Adán y Eva
pasaron de caminar con Él en el Edén a ser expulsados (Génesis 3:8, 24). En el
futuro, la sangre de todas las ofrendas de sacrificio de animales solo cubría
los pecados de la gente temporalmente. Esta cubierta necesitaba ser renovada
anualmente, porque era imposible que la sangre de los toros y los machos
cabríos quitara los pecados (Hebreos 10:4). El sacrificio efectivo para el perdón
de los pecados que nos trajo de vuelta a la presencia del Rey fue la ofrenda
del perfecto Cordero de Dios que quita los pecados del mundo (Juan 1:29).<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="ES-MX" style="font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ansi-language: ES-MX;">Ahora, siempre tendremos el cetro de oro de la
aceptación misericordiosa extendido cuando entremos por medio de la fe en el
poder dinámico de la sangre de Cristo. La cortina del templo que nos separaba
de la presencia del Dios Viviente se rasgó en dos, de arriba a abajo, después
de que Jesús anunciara que la deuda del pecado estaba totalmente pagada (Mateo
27:51). Mostró la puerta a la comunión con el Creador que había estado cerrada
desde que el Edén estaba abierto de nuevo. Es el placer del Rey dar la bienvenida
a cualquiera a Su presencia en el nombre de Su Hijo, quien dice que Él es esa
Puerta (Juan 10:9). <o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="ES-MX" style="font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ansi-language: ES-MX;">Entrar por la puerta de la derecha nos llevará
directamente a la sala del trono del Rey. No tendremos que contener la
respiración, preguntándonos si viviremos o pereceremos, porque el Rey sabe que
estamos allí por invitación de Su Hijo (Mateo 11:28). Encontraremos que el Rey
dice: "De nada", incluso antes de que podamos decir:
"Gracias".<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 115%;">Maranatha<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 115%;">Conocer <o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><o:p> </o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><o:p> </o:p></p><br /></span><p></p>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2679770131902100123.post-89168336654980274102024-01-01T11:21:00.003-06:002024-01-02T10:44:14.664-06:00A Whale-balanced Boat<p> </p><p class="MsoNormal"><b><i><span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;">See, I
lay a stone in Zion, a tested stone, a precious cornerstone for a sure
foundation; the one who relies on it will never be stricken with panic. Isaiah
28:16 (NIV)<o:p></o:p></span></i></b></p>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgD3kEfOAEsO-4F9iTvgIr8Tu6bnrwD2wFygpmBU_3Z6QCbM28v5DRlUiQLib8mrYeOlp6aQ3jwC-tPfXAwc_UJRT4gsaP7WWFbvXjRS6l5bNbiNcn4KTbIHsIO8RY4HkNWxXGOKFGdz2BsAX9cOvB4xin_icgyUA4V48nZh03oX4z5Lywk7l2aZ44hxbo/s1354/Orcas%20and%20Passengers.JPG" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="890" data-original-width="1354" height="210" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgD3kEfOAEsO-4F9iTvgIr8Tu6bnrwD2wFygpmBU_3Z6QCbM28v5DRlUiQLib8mrYeOlp6aQ3jwC-tPfXAwc_UJRT4gsaP7WWFbvXjRS6l5bNbiNcn4KTbIHsIO8RY4HkNWxXGOKFGdz2BsAX9cOvB4xin_icgyUA4V48nZh03oX4z5Lywk7l2aZ44hxbo/s320/Orcas%20and%20Passengers.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 14pt;">It was a
beautiful July day with calm water in the Juan de Fuca Strait. My family and I
were going to spend the day in Victoria, BC. Our ferry out of Port Angeles, WA
was a large vehicle carrier and able to accommodate up to 1000
passengers.</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;">Halfway
across, a pod of Orcas was spotted on the port side. When somebody yelled,
“Killer whales!” many passengers ran to the left side to look, and the boat
began to lean. The captain’s irritated voice immediately came over the public
address system warning them not to all stand on one side of the vessel at the
same time, as their weight interfered with the balance of the boat. If we
landlubbers did not realize the value of balance, the captain surely did and
knew the panic that would ensue in an unbalanced boat catastrophe. <o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;">It seems much
of the world is standing on the port side of things and is out of balance. In
telling us how things will be before His return, Jesus explains He is telling
us so when we see these things beginning to happen (Matthew Ch 24:4-51, Luke
21:7-36), we will have peace in him. He tells us not to scare us, but to
prepare us. Prepare us for what, exactly?<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;">We live in
truly Biblical times that have been prophesied to be taking place at the end of
the age. Right now, the beginning of God’s judgments is mercifully restrained, but
His grace will one day be exhausted by an impenitent and unremorseful generation.
His full wrath against sin will be poured out upon the planet. Jesus said it
will be with <b>“distress, unequaled from the beginning of the world until
now—and never to be equaled again,” (Matt. 24:21).</b> <o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;">As much as powers
and principalities in high places push their agendas toward our destruction,
they cannot go beyond the boundaries set by Christ. In the turmoil He calls
believers to take heart for He has overcome the world. He holds all authority
and power to bring blinding light to every corner and crevice of this present
darkness (Jn. 16:33). Evil will one day be swept away, and we will reign with
Christ in righteousness forever (Rev. 22:5). Meanwhile, He gives us the full
armor of God as our shield (Eph. 6:10-18).<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;">The Bride of Christ (all believers) will not have to go through this for the judgment is toward an unbelieving and unrepentant world. Believers will be taken up before God's wrath against sin is poured out (1st Thess. 4:15-17, 5:9, Rev. 4:1). Jesus tells
us to always pray to be found worthy to stand with Him on that day to escape the
coming judgment (Lk. 21:36). Believers will be taken up to meet Christ Paul says to be saved we only need to believe and
trust in the Lord Jesus Christ, according to the riches of His grace (Acts 16:31,
Eph. 1:7).<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;">Isaiah says
for those who refuse this grace, the understanding of this message will bring
sheer terror (Is. 28:19). For those of us who do comprehend that the times are
in God’s hand, it brings peace that passes understanding (Phil. 4:7). His boat is
whale-balanced, untippable, and unsinkable. He calmed the storm on the Sea of
Galilee (Jn. 14:27), and He is in the boat with us now and faithful to the end
of the age. <b>All this comes from the LORD Almighty, whose plan is wonderful,
whose wisdom is magnificent (Is. 28:29). </b><o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;">Maranatha,<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;">Ken<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="line-height: 115%;"></span></p><p class="MsoNormal"></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-size: 14pt;"><span style="line-height: 115%;"><b><i><span style="font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 115%;">Mira,
yo pongo una piedra en Sion, una piedra probada, una piedra angular preciosa
para un fundamento seguro; El que confía en ella nunca será atacado por el
pánico. Isaías 28:16 (NVI)<o:p></o:p></span></i></b></span></p><span style="line-height: 115%;">
<p class="MsoNormal" style="font-size: 14pt;"><span style="font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 115%;">Un barco
equilibrado de ballenas<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-size: 14pt;"></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhXOjkBYVES2Q8ar-NdUVoV1ARErixhh8uX_LCx6nOpgmdUUZS44POT0N8OD4vBRwtUFr9FZiqz7Ez76InQ_xTfjK_SoXDb1yMwCWXFDLNWkj2jmAlPHzxK-JmeUDMsRzhDeMDK_bWrJ9wjXuAiwmvAA9s99yfxkIsTX2omBKJDmA4KWu9BHKiUiQlVgcw/s1354/Orcas%20and%20Passengers.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="890" data-original-width="1354" height="210" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhXOjkBYVES2Q8ar-NdUVoV1ARErixhh8uX_LCx6nOpgmdUUZS44POT0N8OD4vBRwtUFr9FZiqz7Ez76InQ_xTfjK_SoXDb1yMwCWXFDLNWkj2jmAlPHzxK-JmeUDMsRzhDeMDK_bWrJ9wjXuAiwmvAA9s99yfxkIsTX2omBKJDmA4KWu9BHKiUiQlVgcw/s320/Orcas%20and%20Passengers.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><span style="font-size: 14pt;">Era un
hermoso día de julio con aguas tranquilas en el estrecho de Juan de Fuca. Mi
familia y yo íbamos a pasar el día en Victoria, Columbia Británica. Nuestro
ferry que salió de Port Angeles, WA, era un gran portavehículos y podía
acomodar hasta 1000 pasajeros.</span><p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="font-size: 14pt;"><span style="font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 115%;">A mitad de
camino, se vio una manada de orcas en el lado de babor. Cuando alguien gritó:
"¡Orcas!", muchos pasajeros corrieron hacia el lado izquierdo para
mirar y el bote comenzó a inclinarse. La voz irritada del capitán llegó
inmediatamente por el sistema de megafonía advirtiéndoles que no se pararan
todos a un lado del barco al mismo tiempo, ya que su peso interfería con el
equilibrio del barco. Si nosotros, los marineros de agua dulce, no nos dimos
cuenta del valor del equilibrio, el capitán seguramente sí lo hizo y sabía el
pánico que se produciría en una catástrofe de barco desequilibrada. <o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="font-size: 14pt;"><span style="font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 115%;">Parece que
gran parte del mundo está parado en el lado de babor de las cosas y está fuera
de equilibrio. Al decirnos cómo serán las cosas antes de Su regreso, Jesús
explica que Él nos está diciendo que cuando veamos que estas cosas comienzan a
suceder (Mateo 24:4-51, Lucas 21:7-36), tendremos paz en él. Nos dice que no
nos asusten, sino que nos preparemos. ¿Prepáranos para qué, exactamente?<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-size: 14pt;">Vivimos en
tiempos verdaderamente bíblicos que han sido profetizados para suceder al final
de los tiempos. En este momento, el comienzo de los juicios de Dios está
misericordiosamente restringido, pero Su gracia un día será agotada por una
generación impenitente y sin remordimientos. Toda su ira contra el pecado será
derramada sobre el planeta. Jesús dijo que será </span><span style="font-size: 18.6667px;">con "</span><b style="font-size: 14pt;">angustia sin igual desde el principio
del mundo hasta ahora, y que nunca más será igualada" (Mateo 24:21). </b><span style="font-size: 14pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="font-size: 14pt;"><span style="font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 115%;">Por mucho
que los poderes y principados en las altas esferas empujen sus agendas hacia
nuestra destrucción, no pueden ir más allá de los límites establecidos por
Cristo. En medio de la confusión, Él llama a los creyentes a animarse, porque
Él ha vencido al mundo. Él tiene toda la autoridad y el poder para llevar luz
cegadora a cada rincón y grieta de esta oscuridad presente (Jn. 16:33). El mal
un día será barrido y reinaremos con Cristo en justicia para siempre
(Apocalipsis 22:5). Mientras tanto, Él nos da toda la armadura de Dios como
nuestro escudo (Efesios 6:10-18).<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="font-size: 14pt;"><span style="color: black; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 115%;">La
Novia de Cristo (todos los creyentes) no tendrán que pasar por esto porque el
juicio es hacia un mundo incrédulo e impenitente. Los creyentes serán tomados
en pie antes de que la ira de Dios contra el pecado sea derramada (1
Tesalonicenses 4:15-17, 5:9, Apocalipsis 4:1). </span><span style="font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 115%;">Jesús nos dice que siempre oremos para ser hallados
dignos de estar con Él en ese día para escapar del juicio venidero (Lc. 21:36).
Pablo dice que para ser salvos solo necesitamos creer y confiar en el Señor
Jesucristo, de acuerdo a las riquezas de Su gracia (Hechos 16:31, Efesios 1:7).<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="font-size: 14pt;"><span style="font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 115%;">Isaías dice
que para aquellos que rechazan esta gracia, la comprensión de este mensaje
traerá puro terror (Isaías 28:19). Para aquellos de nosotros que comprendemos
que los tiempos están en la mano de Dios, trae paz que sobrepasa todo
entendimiento (Filipenses 4:7). Su barco está equilibrado como ballenas, no se
puede volcar y es insumergible. Él calmó la tormenta en el Mar de Galilea (Jn.
14:27), y Él está en la barca con nosotros ahora y es fiel hasta el fin de los
tiempos. <b>Todo esto viene del Señor Todopoderoso, cuyo plan es maravilloso,
cuya sabiduría es magnífica (Isaías 28:29). </b><o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="font-size: 14pt;"><span style="font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 115%;">Maranatha<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="font-size: 14pt;"><span style="font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 115%;">Conocer<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="font-size: 14pt;"><span style="font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><o:p> </o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="font-size: 14pt;"><o:p> </o:p></p><br /><p></p></span><p></p>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2679770131902100123.post-81182069390666603612023-12-25T09:23:00.009-06:002023-12-27T11:08:46.103-06:00Joseph's Greatest Gift<p> </p><p class="MsoNormal"><b><i><span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;">But
after he had considered this, an angel of the Lord appeared to him in a dream
and said, “Joseph son of David, do not be afraid to take Mary home as your wife,
because what is conceived in her is from the Holy Spirit. Matthew 1:20 (NIV)</span></i></b><b><span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;"><o:p></o:p></span></b></p>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgRNNLBgJaf5jbFE_61yozdqp0u0mLSkAGZzHrYNs4n5kYIYLTAQFquZzKiEgr1IE94xhyphenhyphen2YnwmooBQfY8hyphenhyphenls7Lmr_i1VHIVefWeK_ZPFnG_Vx8qwzFbn3vy-Bw9D_bHDD_6X3kEu1trp5PpZvi_VqNPdgP_c2yhh9s8qUjJmIFzyp9D_9N4wLUavLyfI/s894/Joseph%20and%20Baby%20Jesus.JPG" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="894" data-original-width="580" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgRNNLBgJaf5jbFE_61yozdqp0u0mLSkAGZzHrYNs4n5kYIYLTAQFquZzKiEgr1IE94xhyphenhyphen2YnwmooBQfY8hyphenhyphenls7Lmr_i1VHIVefWeK_ZPFnG_Vx8qwzFbn3vy-Bw9D_bHDD_6X3kEu1trp5PpZvi_VqNPdgP_c2yhh9s8qUjJmIFzyp9D_9N4wLUavLyfI/s320/Joseph%20and%20Baby%20Jesus.JPG" width="208" /></a></div><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 14pt;">Much is made
of the young Jewish virgin Mary in her singular and wonderful role as mother of our Lord. She
is mentioned from the conception of Jesus through His death and resurrection
while Joseph receives peripheral mention.</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;">Little is
known of Joseph outside of the nativity story. We do know he was a <i>tecton,</i>
a carpenter and handicraftsman, (Matthew 13:55), as was his foster-son, Jesus
(Mark 6:3). Joseph was living at the time of Jesus’ twelfth birthday (Luke
2:42), and long enough to sire biological sons and daughters through Mary (Matt.
13:55-56). Nothing more is heard of him in scripture after Luke’s final
reference (Lk. 2:48). <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;">There is a
theme of a father’s virtuous legacy in Joseph for he was a righteous man and
faithful to the law (Matt 1:19). He discovered during their marriage engagement
that Mary was pregnant. They had not had matrimonial relations and he knew according
to the law she could be put to death for adultery (Leviticus 20:10). He decided
to divorce her quietly, probably to spare them both shame and embarrassment, and
saving her life in the process. God guided him in his trust and faith, assuring
and directing him by four dreams (Matt. 1:20-21, 2:13, 2:19-20, 2:22-23). <o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;">Joseph’s
adoption, care, and training of Jesus were exemplary and to be fully commended
in the Christmas account. He was as much a part in his fatherly influence in
Jesus’ upbringing as His mother who was blessed among all women (Luke 1:42).
Solomon speaks of the children of a virtuous woman standing in her behalf and calling
her blessed (Prov. 31:28). It is safe to say the same for the virtuous man and
father. <o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;">Joseph ben
Heli is to be remembered as that type of loving and nurturing man. He authenticates the kind of loving and virtuous leadership our
heavenly Father calls this generation of men to match, a leadership that leaves an indelible
and significant legacy. That is the greatest gift any man can offer his family.<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;">May the
Christ who came to us as a child bless your celebration of His first advent and may the God-Man He grew to strengthen your heart to His return. <o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;">Wishing you
and yours a very Merry Christmas!<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;">Maranatha,<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;">Ken<o:p></o:p></span></p>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2679770131902100123.post-64783021768545398852023-12-18T08:52:00.003-06:002023-12-25T19:44:52.685-06:00He Who Goes First<p> </p><p class="MsoNormal"><b><i><span style="font-size: 16pt; line-height: 115%;">Do not
tremble, do not be afraid. Did I not proclaim this and foretell it long ago?
You are my witnesses. Is there any God besides me? No, there is no other Rock;
I know not one. Isaiah 44:8 (NIV)</span></i></b><b><span style="font-size: 16pt; line-height: 115%;"><o:p></o:p></span></b></p><p class="MsoNormal"><b><i></i></b></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><b><i><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgodybej8fuS9-GCK84sTkGb0wLWdnsKFdEAvx8VzdQsRUwTObfNjV1K8XqH7n4RJFbhYKR-9QizhIZhhVkx9Fdtl_NMEcnTRVaLNuIpA5SBeQXkYu9BC6gTzVFGzYPpjpNDQECNdchMyjter52FlDCZyd9CNiDHF1CNfGMDw3otRp_crYWeCWtrHsR5dM/s987/You%20Go%20First.JPG" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="442" data-original-width="987" height="143" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgodybej8fuS9-GCK84sTkGb0wLWdnsKFdEAvx8VzdQsRUwTObfNjV1K8XqH7n4RJFbhYKR-9QizhIZhhVkx9Fdtl_NMEcnTRVaLNuIpA5SBeQXkYu9BC6gTzVFGzYPpjpNDQECNdchMyjter52FlDCZyd9CNiDHF1CNfGMDw3otRp_crYWeCWtrHsR5dM/s320/You%20Go%20First.JPG" width="320" /></a></i></b></div><span style="font-size: 16pt;">Indiana
Jones hates snakes. One of the most memorable scenes in the movie </span><i style="font-size: 16pt;">Raiders of
the Lost Ark</i><span style="font-size: 16pt;"> was his discovery of the Ark of the Covenant hidden in the
Well of Souls. Peering into the room from above he beheld the ark below with
snakes writhing on the floor around it. A lot of snakes. Rolling back in shock Indy says, “Snakes. Why did it have to be snakes?” His archeological associate, Sallah,
looks and says, “Yes, asps. Very dangerous. You go first!”</span><p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="background: white; color: #222222; font-size: 16pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">In life who goes first, the LORD or you? As the sure Logos of
God, we can know with certainty Christ always goes before us. </span><span style="font-size: 16pt; line-height: 115%;">When we face things that can make us tremble,
we can remember what the LORD our Rock says of Himself, <b><i>“Is there any God
besides me?” </i></b>There is not one who even comes close to His majesty, power,
and wisdom, let alone match Him. He is a Rock on which we can firmly stand and in
whom we can fully trust. <o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 16pt; line-height: 115%;">He is more
than willing to meet and overcome our worries and fears. His light leads and
shines into any pit of darkness, even crawling with things we dread.<b><i> The
God of Israel will go before you and will be your rear guard (Is. 51:12). </i></b>He
will crush the head of any serpent as He says, <b><i>“Do not fear for I am with
you. Follow Me. I will go first.”</i></b><o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 16pt; line-height: 115%;">Maranatha,<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 16pt; line-height: 115%;">Ken<o:p></o:p></span></p>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2679770131902100123.post-81528524649981497482023-12-11T08:17:00.003-06:002023-12-11T08:17:39.798-06:00Through Cloud and Rain<p> </p><p class="MsoNormal"><b><i><span style="font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 115%;">Those
who know your name trust in you, for you, LORD, have never forsaken those who
seek you. Psalm 9:10 (NIV)</span></i></b><span style="font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><o:p></o:p></span></p>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg98CMrsdnvrvxFkI6B-WdLJPq4Bjd07g4WRZ4dxTK6b5QG65SF9ksI0ZxfPTay5tUBNLR2MK8hZe8xS3EQbJ_K7yyhQht-bPlDbnH4ELue1tJa81ON24A7Ed2Addgd3qmOlQ_XlbQXSfUMZtj8ZgBwFHZV80Ed4A71gUK82vXk2pLPXWRteVap2vUAPKo/s685/Heavy%20Rain%20Cockpit%20View.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="462" data-original-width="685" height="216" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg98CMrsdnvrvxFkI6B-WdLJPq4Bjd07g4WRZ4dxTK6b5QG65SF9ksI0ZxfPTay5tUBNLR2MK8hZe8xS3EQbJ_K7yyhQht-bPlDbnH4ELue1tJa81ON24A7Ed2Addgd3qmOlQ_XlbQXSfUMZtj8ZgBwFHZV80Ed4A71gUK82vXk2pLPXWRteVap2vUAPKo/s320/Heavy%20Rain%20Cockpit%20View.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 14pt;">I recently flew
into Billings, Montana. It was raining on our final approach, and with just
about 30 seconds left to touchdown the plane descended into a cloud that
completely blocked all outside view. Light faded as rain streaked the window. My
tension remained until light increased and we came out of the bottom of the cloud
with a view of the city below and our airplane descending to the runway. During
the flight both pilots and individuals working ground control were not in sight,
nor were their communications heard, but their unseen skills brought us to a
safe landing.</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 115%;">It is hard
for many to trust in a God who is invisible and inaudible as we might be
descending into a personal storm.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>Somehow it seems more frightening as darkness and cloud totally obscure
our sight and rain steaks the window. Is the invisible God with us in this
storm? What is He like? Paul tells the Colossian believers that God’s Son,
Christ Jesus, <b><i>is the image of the invisible God, the firstborn over all
creation. For in Him all things were created: things in heaven and on earth,
visible and invisible. </i></b>He goes on to say of Him: <b><i>He is before all
things, and in Him all things hold together (1<sup>st</sup> Timothy 6:15,17).</i></b><o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 115%;">Jesus taught
that He has all authority in heaven and earth (Matt. 28:18). A great part of our
trust in Him is remembering that the clouds and the rain are in His hand and even
wind and the sea obey Him (Matt. 8:27).<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 115%;">Our faith
and hope in God are never misplaced. The Father is invisible yet ever present
(Psalm 139:7-12). While He remains invisible, His Son is incarnate, in bodily
form and the essence and His exact likeness in human flesh has been made known.
Through clouds and rain, we can always know what God is like for to have seen
the Son is to have seen the Father (John 14:9). <o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 115%;">The rain
streaking your window and that thick cloud obscuring your sight has a bottom
and will pass. We can be assured we will drop out of that cloud and rain into
daylight with our runway in sight and Christ as our Pilot in Command.<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 115%;">Maranatha,<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 115%;">Ken<o:p></o:p></span></p>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2679770131902100123.post-84473672436110468872023-12-04T08:14:00.002-06:002023-12-05T09:05:16.588-06:00Love Your Nabor<p> </p><p class="MsoNormal"><b><i><span style="font-size: 16pt; line-height: 115%;">Do not
seek revenge or bear a grudge against one of your people, but love your
neighbor as yourself. I am the LORD. Leviticus 19:18 (NIV)<o:p></o:p></span></i></b></p>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEji09xlSpuTDpcJnn3SGCvSe6ftUEv66gXrvw4u6HFlIvWgQyPDrQqzggrBvdb4kGMWp9gw7ylb_P9gDh_GPNyofqOrbiUMnuVlHklckybFSB71dZtlfkmT_8_0mRYMH7tyqeGIE7HaMonJQMOb99WVq1m8_MESFAB1hGm7gcA1YESD1Ow7z6XzCOpPafo/s396/Boy%20With%20Nose%20On%20Window.JPG" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="396" data-original-width="286" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEji09xlSpuTDpcJnn3SGCvSe6ftUEv66gXrvw4u6HFlIvWgQyPDrQqzggrBvdb4kGMWp9gw7ylb_P9gDh_GPNyofqOrbiUMnuVlHklckybFSB71dZtlfkmT_8_0mRYMH7tyqeGIE7HaMonJQMOb99WVq1m8_MESFAB1hGm7gcA1YESD1Ow7z6XzCOpPafo/s320/Boy%20With%20Nose%20On%20Window.JPG" width="231" /></a></div><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 16pt;">Once while
cleaning up a Sunday School room at my church, I came across a child’s lesson.
In their innocent child-like way they had written in crayon, “Love Your Nabor.”</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 16pt; line-height: 115%;">I smiled as
I read it but was struck by something deeper in those simple words. While the spelling
might not have been perfect, it was pristine of heart revealing the simple and
trusting faith of a child.<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 16pt; line-height: 115%;">As I
considered it, if my choice were to live next to a nabor who got a D in spelling
but graduated with a circumcised heart for God, I would choose them over any neighbor with a degree that came with a heart of flint. I have lived with both
kinds of people, and I have always preferred the nabor. <o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 16pt; line-height: 115%;">Jesus taught
that unless we are converted and become as little children, we will not enter
the kingdom of God (Matt. 18:3). We must put off continued anger, resentments,
grudges, or getting even. These things will eat at us and destroy our peace. If
trust is an issue, remember trust is also a choice. Yes, it is possible to be
hurt again, but it is also possible to find healing and reconciliation through its
embrace. These good returns cannot be achieved without it. This was a mainstay
in the teaching of Jesus Christ in trust and forgiveness (Luke 17:4). <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 16pt; line-height: 115%;">If we are to
love like a child, we must approach the Lord in the innocence of child-like
faith. He wants us to approach Him in a spirit of humility, and loving trust.
He is much less interested that we know how to spell ‘neighbor,’ as that we
practice being one.<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 16pt; line-height: 115%;">Maranatha,<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 16pt; line-height: 115%;">Ken<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 16pt; line-height: 115%;"><o:p> </o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 16pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></span></p>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2679770131902100123.post-34940270180427186452023-11-27T08:32:00.003-06:002023-11-27T08:32:52.180-06:00The Eloquence of Silence<p> </p><p class="MsoNormal"><b><i><span style="font-size: 16.0pt; line-height: 115%;">The
chief priests accused him of many things. So again Pilate asked him, “Aren’t
you going to answer? See how many things they are accusing you of.” But Jesus
still made no reply, and Pilate was amazed. Mark 15:3-5 (NIV)</span></i></b><b><span style="font-size: 16.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><o:p></o:p></span></b></p><p class="MsoNormal"><b><i></i></b></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><b><i><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjjx4AuNoeKFul6wHWmcyj04KtelrmInkxOTURQ8T2T8gxn_xLVVhKVgZvuULG9pMz4_EtcK84UuBwyIqCui3YKJKY5kReQS7JCSDz7WAKrFO6eYEQAG0TgXX4bvWyGQnWcJcOkOBa8oE-IvF5Rwce4KVMYgkyx27UR258CB6TxWAP2dUUy34UR441VrOI/s1461/Pilate%20Amazed%20Before%20Christ.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="791" data-original-width="1461" height="173" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjjx4AuNoeKFul6wHWmcyj04KtelrmInkxOTURQ8T2T8gxn_xLVVhKVgZvuULG9pMz4_EtcK84UuBwyIqCui3YKJKY5kReQS7JCSDz7WAKrFO6eYEQAG0TgXX4bvWyGQnWcJcOkOBa8oE-IvF5Rwce4KVMYgkyx27UR258CB6TxWAP2dUUy34UR441VrOI/s320/Pilate%20Amazed%20Before%20Christ.JPG" width="320" /></a></i></b></div><span style="font-size: 16pt;">You know it
is going to be a bad day when you are waiting behind some Hells Angels at a red
light and the guy behind you lays on the horn as soon as the light changes. Your
first words after waking up in the hospital are, “Hey, it wasn’t my fault!”</span><p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 16.0pt; line-height: 115%;">OK, so maybe
that is a bit of hyperbole. Many of us have been the brunt of another person’s unwarranted
wrath. Peter teaches a spiritual principle that applies to any such circumstances, and that is to patiently bear up under unjust accusation and suffering. He writes, <b><i>But
how is it to your credit if you receive a beating for doing wrong and endure
it? But if you suffer for doing good and you endure it, this is commendable
before God</i></b> (1<sup>st</sup> Peter 2:20). The fleshly side of my nature
is not fond of this notion. <o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 16.0pt; line-height: 115%;">There is no
credit in bearing a deserved punishment. It is gracious compliance to
underserved suffering that finds favor in God’s eyes. Jesus Christ was the
perfect example of gracious compliance to unjust accusation and suffering (Is.
53:7). The Roman prefect, Pilate, was amazed by this (Mark 15:5).<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 16.0pt; line-height: 115%;">It is not
easy to keep quiet when we are the focal point of someone’s negative judgments
or wrath, especially when unjustified, however there is a trade-off that is
right in God’s estimation. Taking it patiently is praiseworthy to Him. It
creates blessing in very unfair circumstances for it demonstrates a heart that
is right and commendable before God. When we do we exemplify our Lord Jesus
Christ in a way that touches hearts and can leave them amazed.<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 16.0pt; line-height: 115%;">Maranatha,<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 16.0pt; line-height: 115%;">Ken<o:p></o:p></span></p>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2679770131902100123.post-17299438674504027792023-11-20T09:41:00.004-06:002023-11-20T09:51:42.891-06:00From That to This<p> </p><p class="MsoNormal"><b><i><span style="font-size: 16pt; line-height: 115%;">Therefore,
if anyone is in Christ, the new creation has come. The old is gone, the new is
here! 2<sup>nd</sup> Corinthians 5:17 (NIV)<o:p></o:p></span></i></b></p><p class="MsoNormal"><b><i></i></b></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><b><i><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjpWqpf4xiFI6ErrKIM8TeW6Q0z7nEKb0Nm_C0R63OGELh_htbOcW6GagK_6hCNIgnnk2PfFgK6cfXnPCybIFf6QjwmWxPvP8HBvLOrgkFgvjSMDe-1K3yp1kRpMzMWPn-fMyD5tzFpSlL6aQ3KV3ZlFb-1dvWY72q5SCcESReGxLo9W139drkN2gLAW5Q/s1667/Redwood%20seed%20in%20Hand.JPG" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="775" data-original-width="1667" height="149" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjpWqpf4xiFI6ErrKIM8TeW6Q0z7nEKb0Nm_C0R63OGELh_htbOcW6GagK_6hCNIgnnk2PfFgK6cfXnPCybIFf6QjwmWxPvP8HBvLOrgkFgvjSMDe-1K3yp1kRpMzMWPn-fMyD5tzFpSlL6aQ3KV3ZlFb-1dvWY72q5SCcESReGxLo9W139drkN2gLAW5Q/s320/Redwood%20seed%20in%20Hand.JPG" width="320" /></a></i></b></div><b><i><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhqwRaPesm7yKk_r0WhnairPGYW0U69bzjmg3tSuZMEtrkvI5jAc67zCSOe84tTbX2OHtUg0Sa7B-GjIvwy8vpEY4xw7_PiInCq93vx972hwssrsjMdSJ78WyRxxSFQTfCPTjDzaeI2ANsrmOpsCJGkAlakvEiG-g1c-MuDX-VdjNOuMlrdlxFj0iNVZiQ/s446/Sequoia%20Tree.JPG" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="446" data-original-width="381" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhqwRaPesm7yKk_r0WhnairPGYW0U69bzjmg3tSuZMEtrkvI5jAc67zCSOe84tTbX2OHtUg0Sa7B-GjIvwy8vpEY4xw7_PiInCq93vx972hwssrsjMdSJ78WyRxxSFQTfCPTjDzaeI2ANsrmOpsCJGkAlakvEiG-g1c-MuDX-VdjNOuMlrdlxFj0iNVZiQ/s320/Sequoia%20Tree.JPG" width="273" /></a></div></i></b><span style="font-size: 16pt;">The coastal
redwoods of the western United States are the largest coniferous trees in the
world, some reaching heights of a 35-story building (365 feet or 110 meters). Their
seeds are small enough to fit in the palm of the hand but fully grown can
produce a tree that weighs as much as 200 tons (200,000 kilograms). As mammoth
as these trees are, they are anchored by a shallow but strong root system that
can withstand storms, wind, and even earthquakes. While most redwoods live
between 500 and 1000 years, some Giant Sequoias of the Sierra Nevada mountains are
between 2000-3000 years old.</span><p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 16pt; line-height: 115%;">Trees in
Scripture denote sustenance, strength, and health. In Eden God gave Adam and
Eve every fruit bearing tree, pleasing to the eye and good for food (Gen. 2:9).
David speaks of those who trust in the LORD as strong and fruitful trees that
prosper (Psalm 1:3), and in the time of complete reconciliation and redemption
to come, the tree of life will again be available to bring health and wellbeing to the
nations (Rev. 22:2).<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 16pt; line-height: 115%;">What is
meant by new creations in Christ? The Greek<i> en Christos, </i>denotes a
relation of rest. To be a new creation in Christ means not only to rest in Him
but allow Him to renew an individual to a new and better way of life. Christ will
take all who believe from a new beginning, to a towering faith, that stands the
test of time.<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 16pt; line-height: 115%;">This kind of
growth is not immediate but happens over time as we patiently persevere in our
walk with Christ. Getting in a hurry with worry will not add one hour to our
lives (Matt. 6:27), or a single centimeter to our height. Walking means one
step at a time, and maturity in growth our daily occupation. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 16pt; line-height: 115%;">The seeds
that fall from your branches can plant themselves in hearts that will bear a
harvest at the appropriate time. It helps to remember we are not the Holy
Spirit; He does the work (Eph. 2:8). He only asks us to be faithful to plant
His good seed in hearts that might one day reap a hundred-fold harvest (Mark
4:8). <o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 16pt; line-height: 115%;">You may not
be aware of your growth but be assured others are taking note. Be encouraged.
If a small seed can fall from a tree, bury itself, and grow from a sprout into
a massive and unshakable tree, then you are on your way. In Christ it will
happen and is happening for you even now. You are among the king of trees,
rooted in the King of Kings. When the old is gone the new comes. You are a tree
that cannot be shaken nor moved! <o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 16pt; line-height: 115%;">Maranatha,<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 16pt; line-height: 115%;">Ken <o:p></o:p></span></p>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2679770131902100123.post-33965406292727058852023-11-13T09:21:00.006-06:002023-11-14T12:12:02.565-06:00And Everybody Laughed<p class="MsoNormal"><b><i><span style="font-size: 16pt; line-height: 115%;">And
Abraham fell facedown, he laughed and said to himself, “Will a son be born to a
man a hundred years old? Will Sarah bear a child at the age of ninety?” Genesis
17:17 (NIV)</span></i></b><i><span style="font-size: 16pt; line-height: 115%;"><o:p></o:p></span></i></p>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjpEQ3iYQqhGZCksGF9t8uE9_A56gashmmEl_l_ZmK__oKx-npGU9wl0Pgj7Y4CEtKmC-kgN3lKqgsNZTX7C_FU1JANt8nZ6K1BArqt-CfYRsy7AH5urDSGNvR7V0_okfSZNOxj3uGn4zjBfVYcKAzTBI-V53M8l2owyyOpjBF-2ABZ48JePBGEblNue1w/s487/Abraham%20holding%20Isaac.JPG" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="487" data-original-width="461" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjpEQ3iYQqhGZCksGF9t8uE9_A56gashmmEl_l_ZmK__oKx-npGU9wl0Pgj7Y4CEtKmC-kgN3lKqgsNZTX7C_FU1JANt8nZ6K1BArqt-CfYRsy7AH5urDSGNvR7V0_okfSZNOxj3uGn4zjBfVYcKAzTBI-V53M8l2owyyOpjBF-2ABZ48JePBGEblNue1w/s320/Abraham%20holding%20Isaac.JPG" width="303" /></a></div><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 16pt;">God can do
anything.</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 16pt; line-height: 115%;">He had just
finished giving Abram and Sarai new names to reflect His promise of an heir in
their old age. Abram meant <i>Exalted Father. </i>It is probable Sarai meant <i>Princely.
</i>Abraham was now <i>Father of nations</i> and Sarah was <i>Princess</i>. She
would be the mother of future princes and kings. Changing her name demonstrated
God’s favor and acceptance of her into the Abrahamic Covenant.<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 16pt; line-height: 115%;">What greater thing could God do for the one He had chosen to be the progenitor of the people to
represent Him to all the earth? He had promised Abram that he would father a
great nation and be a blessing (Gen. 12:2). At that time, Abram was around 75
years old, and Sarai 65. <o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 16pt; line-height: 115%;">In His
promise God stopped their play clock for another 25 years, but both judged Him
faithful who had promised (Heb. 11:11-12). Could God do that for a man and
woman who were far beyond their abilities for childbearing? Abram thought so. When
he received the good news, he fell facedown before the LORD and laughed in joy.<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 16pt; line-height: 115%;">To
commemorate God’s power and fidelity, Abraham named his son and heir Issac
which means <i>He Laughs</i>. Each time he called Isaac by name, he would be
reminded of the great God who had given him this dear son and how His promise had
made him laugh with delight.<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 16pt; line-height: 115%;">Later, Sarah
would overhear this same word from the LORD and laugh too, but it would be a laugh
of skepticism. When He called her on it, she denied it (Gen. 18:12-14).
He graciously overlooked her momentary lapse of faith and prophesied that the
following year she would deliver a baby boy when Abraham would be 100 years old, and she
would be 90. It was so, according to the sure promise of God<b>—<i>who gives life
to the dead—and calls those things which do not exist as though they did. (Rom.
4:17). </i><o:p></o:p></b></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 16pt; line-height: 115%;">They were
grateful to God who gave them this precious gift and how he brought laughter and
joy into their household. This son of promise would in turn bless the nations
with the laughter and joy of salvation that would come through his offspring
(John 4:22). It would find its finished work in God’s Son Yeshua whose name means
Salvation (Matt. 1:21, Jn. 19:28-30).<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 16pt; line-height: 115%;">Yes, God <i>can</i>
do anything. He promised a virgin
would conceive a Son of Promise without a human father and call Him Immanuel
(Is. 7:14), meaning <i>God with us</i>. This was seven hundred years before it
happened! The angel Gabriel proclaimed it at the appointed time, and we have
history’s witness to its fulfillment. <o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 16pt; line-height: 115%;">The Father
has given us the greatest reason to laugh by giving us His own Son of Promise,
a promise He first declared at the fall in Eden (Gen 3:15). He is a God in whom
all power and authority exists, who can do abundantly above all we ask or think
(Eph. 3:20). As the God of all flesh He asks, “Is there anything too hard for
Me?” (Jer. 32:27).<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 16pt; line-height: 115%;">His loving
kindness and personal relationship with us can easily cause us to bow in
amazement before Him laughing with joy and thanksgiving as He fulfills His word
to us. And as we look up, we can even find He is laughing with us for He is for
us. He is that kind of loving Father, faithful and true. That is good enough to
bring laughter to any heart.<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 16pt; line-height: 115%;">Maranatha,<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 16pt; line-height: 115%;">Ken<o:p></o:p></span></p><br />Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2679770131902100123.post-22756048077485406502023-11-05T10:39:00.013-06:002023-11-09T11:51:02.104-06:00<p class="MsoNormal"><b><i><span style="font-size: 16pt; line-height: 115%;">The
LORD spoke to Manasseh and his people, but they paid no attention. So the LORD
brought against them the army commanders of the king of Assyria, who took
Manasseh prisoner, put a hook in his nose, bound him with bronze shackles and
took him to Babylon. 2<sup>nd</sup> Chronicles 33:10-11 (NIV)<o:p></o:p></span></i></b></p>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiPTdD_CMRRs6fbkcXWdE1oNTiBveH2YmgJed2BUTY30Vw3faBhzQ0JmVrwsoCHZTouh9vcQKqbe0xbzCNuw0sZyFkD0b5MeYe4zIpmxFElpKXa2_pVWP-4596Abo8LE-xm8Vat1ZJkzmZZDxzDY9YUomX_0iaoyJUQs94Lz0_Uwte6YOrPkbeNdwYCcCE/s745/Manasseh%20as%20a%20prisoner.JPG" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="277" data-original-width="745" height="119" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiPTdD_CMRRs6fbkcXWdE1oNTiBveH2YmgJed2BUTY30Vw3faBhzQ0JmVrwsoCHZTouh9vcQKqbe0xbzCNuw0sZyFkD0b5MeYe4zIpmxFElpKXa2_pVWP-4596Abo8LE-xm8Vat1ZJkzmZZDxzDY9YUomX_0iaoyJUQs94Lz0_Uwte6YOrPkbeNdwYCcCE/s320/Manasseh%20as%20a%20prisoner.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 16pt;">King
Hezikiah had been a good king during his rule over Judah, a righteous man who
insisted the Jews follow the Law of the LORD. God blessed and prospered his
righteous reign. His son and kingly heir, Manasseh, came to the throne at 12
years old at the death of his father.</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 16pt; line-height: 115%;">Manasseh was
given to a defiant nature and rebelled against God and his father’s spiritual
leadership and values. His rebellious streak lasted years and he did great evil
in the eyes of the LORD, undoing everything good his father had done. He led
the nation into the most egregious apostasies from witchcraft, sorcery, and setting
up an idol in the temple, to sacrificing by fire his children to a heathen god
(2<sup>nd</sup> Kings 21:7, 2<sup>nd</sup> Chronicles 33:6). He brought
unmatched defilement to the kingdom of Judah.<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 16pt; line-height: 115%;">Even though God
in His grace allowed Manasseh’s rebellion to go on for a time even when His
warnings were ignored, the floodwaters of his choices finally closed over his
head. The LORD allowed the king of Assyria to conquer him, and the once grand king was taken prisoner and led into captivity like an ox, with a nose-chain, and bound by
bronze shackles (2<sup>nd</sup> Chron. 33:11). <o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 16pt; line-height: 115%;">While a
story like this can usually end in justification, accusations, and bitterness
toward God and others, this story has a positive ending. Solomon’s wisdom of raising
up a young child in the way they should go in the Lord is spot on (Prov. 22:6).
It is altogether possible the memory and teaching of Manasseh’s godly father was the major catalyst to his later repentance. <o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 16pt; line-height: 115%;">For parents who
have children who have moved away from what they were first taught in Christ,
may this be an encouragement. If God could touch the heart of a Manasseh, He
certainly can touch the heart of any wayward child. God says of His power and
will, “<b><i>so is my word that goes out from my mouth: It will not return to
me empty, but will accomplish what I desire and achieve the purpose for which I
sent it” (Is. 55:11).<o:p></o:p></i></b></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 16pt; line-height: 115%;">Manasseh
cried out to the LORD in true repentance, not just because he wanted to be
brought out of his bondage but because he got honest with God in wanting to serve
and honor Him. It was a jailhouse conversion to be sure, but there have been
many men and women who recognized and embraced the light they had been running
from when it broke upon them in a prison cell. God not only forgave Manasseh
but restored his throne and rule of Judah’s kingdom to him. <o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 16pt; line-height: 115%;">I am not
teaching that God restores every penitent soul back to their former lifestyles
and privileges. While that can happen, it is not always the case. We are dependent
on God’s grace and plan for our lives. Whatever prison and brokenness He brings
anyone out of, He will craft their life to His own purposes, designs, and glory.
That is where the greatest blessing for anyone ultimately lies. <o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 16pt; line-height: 115%;">I once had a
little maple tree that had been broken off close to the ground in a
thunderstorm. I at first thought it was broken beyond saving and I was going to
dig it up, but decided to wait and see what would happen. I pruned it and within
three weeks it had amazingly sprouted new growth!<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 16pt; line-height: 115%;">That was
over twelve years ago, and at this writing that tree is around 20’ tall, healthy,
and verdant. One would never know that at one time it had been so utterly
broken and looked beyond saving. That life is not what it once was, but it is beautiful in its recovery now.
So will we be in Christ’s care, no matter the pasts prison we have done time in. <o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 16pt; line-height: 115%;">Manasseh certainly did
make a mess of things, but in His brokenness and contrite heart God in His
grace picked up the pieces (Psalm 51:17). Manasseh did not need to clean
himself up, before God would have him back, he just needed to come to Him as he
was. When the Master Arborist finished pruning his life, He cleaned up the mess.
A broken tree began to grow and budded into a life of beauty and strength that
blessed a nation through which the Messiah would come. When life lets us down, that
same Messiah, Jesus Christ, will lift us up, every time. <o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 16pt; line-height: 115%;">Maranatha,<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 16pt; line-height: 115%;">Ken <o:p></o:p></span></p><br />Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2679770131902100123.post-81977721162621385312023-10-30T08:32:00.003-05:002023-10-30T08:35:52.324-05:00No Less in God's Hope<p class="MsoNormal"><b><i><span style="font-size: 16pt; line-height: 115%;">“And
as soon as the priests who carry the ark of the LORD—the LORD of all the
earth—set foot in the Jordan, its waters flowing downstream will be cut off and
stand up in a heap” Josh. 3:13 (NIV)<o:p></o:p></span></i></b></p>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgDc80xWCsa7Lk1lZ1G6Xl-FhKhtZTPtuzUll2t5auyakSeO3X0c1DKEeBtOyyNSoLnKEI3-rJIRPzZojcxnFD-aG4fDDRIMmbDSibqha4bQ9i2d-TghAdRBHZdzgVbrZ1T5b7AmCvsyeD8itLyU6lqBBLghRjpF8njmCFu5v9r-1E7PjHrAaWfdbjpW5o/s633/Crossing%20the%20Jordan%20II.JPG" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="374" data-original-width="633" height="189" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgDc80xWCsa7Lk1lZ1G6Xl-FhKhtZTPtuzUll2t5auyakSeO3X0c1DKEeBtOyyNSoLnKEI3-rJIRPzZojcxnFD-aG4fDDRIMmbDSibqha4bQ9i2d-TghAdRBHZdzgVbrZ1T5b7AmCvsyeD8itLyU6lqBBLghRjpF8njmCFu5v9r-1E7PjHrAaWfdbjpW5o/s320/Crossing%20the%20Jordan%20II.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 16pt;">As the
children of Israel faced their final step into the promised land, they stood on
the banks of a river flowing at its highest level. Years of desert wandering
had brought them to what seemed an odd and impassable barrier. The Jordan was
at the height of its harvest flood stage. God’s command seemed equally
impossible; Possessing the land meant crossing that river.</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 16pt; line-height: 115%;">OK, but how?
<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 16pt; line-height: 115%;">The LORD
chose a way that would bring them safely across while demonstrating His
glorious power and care for His chosen people.<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 16pt; line-height: 115%;">With God the
necessary can be done immediately and the impossible in the next second. The
priests were instructed to carry the ark of the covenant on their shoulders and
step into the river. As soon as their feet would touch the water, God would cause
the river to part. The priests were commanded to stand in the middle of the
riverbed while all Israel moved across. <o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 16pt; line-height: 115%;">The Israelis
were warned not to come any closer to the ark than 2000 cubits or approximately
3000 feet (Josh. 3:4). Why? Probably as a reminder of the sacredness of the ark
and to protect them from the power of God’s pure and consuming holy presence.
One may wonder why the priests were not slain carrying the ark? The priests were
of the Levitical tribe, appointed by the LORD through Aaron to minister to the
people in His name and the only ones who were allowed to work in the presence of God. <o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 16pt; line-height: 115%;">When Israel
put their best foot forward in faith, they crossed over into what was their
land of possession sworn to them through Abraham’s promised son, Isaac (Gen.
35:12). God would later reaffirm that covenant to Moses at Mount Nebo
(Deuteronomy 34:4). <o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 16pt; line-height: 115%;">The land<b><i>
</i></b>belongs to Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob and all their offspring, given on the
promise of Jehovah over 4000 years ago! That covenant promise with Israel is
still in effect. It will continue, when Jesus Christ shall rule the earth in
righteousness from Jerusalem (Ps. 2:6-9, Rev. 2:26-27). God does not lie nor renege
on His promises (Ps. 89:34, Heb. 6:18). <o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 16pt; line-height: 115%;">In my walk
with Christ, I have stood on the banks of a few Jordans and even experienced some
panicky Red Sea scenarios. At the outset they all seemed hopeless, that is
until the Lord bid me trust Him and put my foot in the waters. Christ was
faithful to show me there is no “less” in His hope, only a hope that is filled with
His righteous power and care. <o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 16pt; line-height: 115%;">Pharaohs’ dash
to reclaim his slaves was brought to a standstill as the waters of the Red Sea
closed in on his plan. The walls of Jericho were later breached at God’s
command because of one remarkable day at the floodwaters of the Jordan (Josh.
6:20, Heb. 11:30). The same God had no problem doing either. He is already
aware of your needs as you are contending at your own Jordan. He knows where
and how He will take you safely across. <o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 16pt; line-height: 115%;">When Israel
was terrified by the Egyptians at the Red Sea Moses encouraged the people when
he said,<b> <i>“Do not be afraid. Stand firm and you will see the deliverance
the LORD will bring you today. The Egyptians you see today you will never see
again. The LORD will fight for you; you need only to be still” (Ex.14:13-14).</i>
</b>Being still means being firm and quiet in confidence.<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 16pt; line-height: 115%;">Jesus Christ
not only parts the waters but makes the ground we will walk on dry (Josh. 4:22-23).
At these times all we need to do is trust the Lord of all the earth and just
put our feet in the water. He who spoke the river into existence can also part
it. He will always be faithful to take care of the rest. “<b><i>The LORD will
fight for you; you need only to be still.”</i></b><o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 16pt; line-height: 115%;">Maranatha,<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 16pt; line-height: 115%;">Ken<o:p></o:p></span></p><br />Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2679770131902100123.post-27132327350958579172023-10-23T07:48:00.006-05:002023-10-30T08:24:14.877-05:00Oh, You're Still There!<p class="MsoNormal"><i><span style="font-size: 16pt; line-height: 115%;"><b>Hear my
prayer, O LORD, listen to my cry for mercy. In the day of my trouble I will
call to you, for you will answer me. Psalm 86:6-7 (NIV)</b><o:p></o:p></span></i></p>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjC3ABz_kEwRbl7GC2xvqF3hZ-9nDy3ZdLpsOTw8gh8tB7HmRl-PtN92EK0ibHZiCUrtvlN3BilFDuz_lcLIzZD8msygrKFL_Ikm1wSJm7d54xPx6oZU0oCEG1q-EKdw6EA2mGY3J8j4prB_-XMUleyFIVWmxcu40dxAqT8lgSIO2g06F18Wz1LLSir2gc/s447/God%20is%20Listening.JPG" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="392" data-original-width="447" height="281" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjC3ABz_kEwRbl7GC2xvqF3hZ-9nDy3ZdLpsOTw8gh8tB7HmRl-PtN92EK0ibHZiCUrtvlN3BilFDuz_lcLIzZD8msygrKFL_Ikm1wSJm7d54xPx6oZU0oCEG1q-EKdw6EA2mGY3J8j4prB_-XMUleyFIVWmxcu40dxAqT8lgSIO2g06F18Wz1LLSir2gc/s320/God%20is%20Listening.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 16pt;">When my grandson was around four years old, I had been on the phone talking to
him when he suddenly stopped talking, turned away and began speaking to his
mother about something that came to mind. I remember that in that moment I
got to share in the experience of the innocence and wonder in his life. It was
such a beautiful moment. When he had finished speaking to her he came back on
the line and listened. He said, “Pepa isn‘t there. He hung up.” I chuckled and
said, “No, I’m still here.” He giggled in happy surprise and said, “Oh, you’re
still there!”</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="background: white; color: #222222; font-size: 16pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">Most of us have experienced moments, or even seasons, in our
lives where it felt like God had hung up on us. We wonder, "God, are you
listening?" When He is quiet it can be very discouraging, and we can even
wonder at times if there is something wrong with us. Why would the Lord ignore
us? Has the line between us been severed? Has He stopped caring?<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 16pt; line-height: 115%;">Jesus said
He would never leave us or forsake us (Heb. 13:5). Both words, leave and
forsake, can carry meanings of desertion and rejection. Neither define God
for He always remains and accepts. As I remained with my grandson in my silence,
my presence was still with him. Silence does not necessarily mean abandonment. In
times when God is silent on my line, I take it as His commendation that He sees
I have come far enough in my faith to rest in His Strength when He just wants
to listen. His plan for my life always remains strong and in effect. <o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 16pt; line-height: 115%;">His love for
us is much greater than any love we can hold for a precious child. Just because
we do not hear Him does not mean He is not there. His ear is always open to our
cry. For you personally, He has always known every word you will ever speak in your
lifetime and hears every cry of your heart. His plan and work in your life is
always current, up to date, and sound. It is still happening in the quiet
times. David speaks to this saying, <b><i>“You know when I sit and when I rise,
you perceive my thoughts from afar. You discern my going out and my lying down;
you are familiar with all my ways” (Psalms 139:2-3).</i></b> <o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 16pt; line-height: 115%;">We may at
times take His silence as absence, rejection, or even disapproval and believe
our thoughts and prayers are thudding into impenetrable ceilings of disregard. It
is just the opposite. <o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 16pt; line-height: 115%;">This is when
He makes us giggle with delight in those golden moments as we hear His tender
voice say, “No, I’m still here and I am listening.” Silence does not mean He is
not there; it means He is hearing us. The very God who holds the power of Creation
in His hands (Col. 1:16-17) has your name written on His palms (Is. 49:16). He
hears <i>and</i> sees your need. Jesus promised, <b>“<i>And surely I am with
you always, to the very end of the age” (Matt. 28:20)</i></b><i>. </i>Trust in
that dear child. Trust in that.<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 16pt; line-height: 115%;">Maranatha,<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 16pt; line-height: 115%;">Ken<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 16pt; line-height: 115%;"><o:p> </o:p></span></p><br />Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2679770131902100123.post-58453965976531620342023-10-16T09:09:00.029-05:002023-11-21T11:05:13.509-06:00The Stone That Will Not Be Moved<p class="MsoNormal"><i><span style="font-size: 16pt; line-height: 115%;"><b>It will
come about on that day that I will make Jerusalem a heavy stone for all the
peoples; all who lift it will injure themselves severely. And all the nations
of the earth will be gathered against it. Zechariah 12:4 (NASB)</b><o:p></o:p></span></i></p>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi008CcbF3DMgOgZllU3370FASe0RVwxEXg0zOPpuixPNDsKw6gSBF5F3EMqt33BjZAUIjWppQtqoz94nlvjXNin8x4RuAA_AnwuLS2EbKh78EUsyn30zcGHVGsNgyJ8vWwtbvPmVsgiHc7VBJStekxX0JXx14M1y64v5-f0-zPMJNtu8XHwvaKNNNGbFQ/s516/The%20Stone%20That%20Cannot%20Be%20Moved.JPG" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="404" data-original-width="516" height="251" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi008CcbF3DMgOgZllU3370FASe0RVwxEXg0zOPpuixPNDsKw6gSBF5F3EMqt33BjZAUIjWppQtqoz94nlvjXNin8x4RuAA_AnwuLS2EbKh78EUsyn30zcGHVGsNgyJ8vWwtbvPmVsgiHc7VBJStekxX0JXx14M1y64v5-f0-zPMJNtu8XHwvaKNNNGbFQ/s320/The%20Stone%20That%20Cannot%20Be%20Moved.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 16pt;">When Satan realized
that salvation would come through the Jews (Jn. 4:22) it became his mission to
destroy them completely. This appetite for slaughter was present in him from
the start for Jesus said he was a murderer from the beginning (Jn. 8:44). No
Jews mean there will be no group over which the Messiah can reign. The
destruction of the Jews would be a great victory over God.</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 16pt; line-height: 115%;">If you are
following current events, you are aware that after a vicious and unprovoked
attack on the state of Israel by the terrorist group Hamas, Israel has
declared all-out war on the groups attacking it. Those who wanted complete annelation of the Jewish state initially
achieved an attack of total surprise at the end of the 2023 Jewish feast of Sukkot. <o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 16pt; line-height: 115%;">The breaching
of Israeli defenses was followed by savage and bloody rampages. At this
writing, close to 1,400 Israeli deaths, mostly civilians, with perhaps 4,000
wounded have been accounted for so far. Many of the dead were women and
children. <o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 16pt; line-height: 115%;">At the
Hamas-attacked kibbutz at Kfar Aza, outside Gaza, 40 babies were discovered brutally
murdered, with some having been decapitated. The dismembered bodies of adult Jewish
citizens have also been found with whole Jewish families bound and tortured in their homes before being murdered. This entire outbreak has all the signs of an unrestrained
and vicious demonic attack fueled by Satan himself. Not since the European
holocaust by the Nazis have so many Jews been killed at one time.<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 16pt; line-height: 115%;">How is it that
a capital city in a nation the approximate size of New Jersey, became such a heavy
and immovable stone of contention among the nations? The prophet Zechariah predicted
this some 2,500 years ago. Armies throughout the millennia have tried to
destroy this city and yet it returns, thrives, and grows heavier by the year.<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 16pt; line-height: 115%;">When God
opened the graves of European Jewry after the Holocaust and commanded their dry
bones to return to the land given to Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob, He fulfilled His
promise to restore the nation (Ezekiel 37:1-14). Suddenly the small stone of this
lowly city began to grow. The war between the Arab Ishmael and the Jew Isaac
(Gen. 21:9) that had smoldered for years reignited. The weight of this stone is
messianic and grows year-by-year. It can no longer be ignored or dismissed as irrelevant.
Those who come against it will be severely judged. <o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 16pt; line-height: 115%;">Throughout
the ages, God’s hand has caused the children of Abraham to triumph through dire
situations and impossible odds. Looking back, we marvel at how His miraculous
power kept the identity of the Jewish people separate and undiluted for nearly
1900 years, restoring them back as a national presence, with the same language
and moral values. That has not happened to this extent to any nation in the history of the world. The
LORD declares if there is sun, moon, stars, and waves that roar Israel will
exist (Jer. 31:35-36). His prophetic word to His city and nation has stood the
test of time. <o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 16pt; line-height: 115%;">Israel has
begun its first phase of neutralizing and destroying all the terrorist cells
and proxies aligned on all its borders. Israel needs our prayers now more
than ever as it begins its military infiltration into the Gaza Strip to
permanently destroy these vicious entities. Hamas was surprised that Israel
declared war and now understands their total destruction will be the only outcome. Posting
videos of their own atrocities has only tarnished their image before the
nations. Those things are in the public domain forever and once seen can never
be unseen. These terrorists have documented the intent of their hearts to the world and are
their own hostile witnesses. The greatest worry is the Iranian proxy Hezbollah's current involvement and the very real threat of an intervention by the Iran/Russia/Turkey triumvirate from Syria's southern border. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 16pt; line-height: 115%;">I encourage
all of us to continue to pray for the nation of Israel and to support it in any
way possible. Let us also remember while the terrorists must stand accountable
for their barbarous acts, that Christ’s blood was shed for them, too. Pray for a
Christ-given moral clarity for them and that the convicting and life-changing
work of the Holy Spirit will be evident in their lives.<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 16pt; line-height: 115%;">For those
worried and anxious over all this, do not fear. God is faithful to those He
chooses. He will be faithful to you; He will be faithful to His people Israel,
and Satan’s power is being brought to nothing. As Jerusalem stands so stands the
nation. This stone will never be broken.<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 16pt; line-height: 115%;">To Israel I
offer the words the LORD gave to Joshua,<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><i><span style="font-size: 16pt; line-height: 115%;"><b>“No man
shall be able to stand before you all the days of your life. Just as I was with
Moses, so I will be with you. I will not leave you or forsake you.” Joshua 1:5 </b><o:p></o:p></span></i></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 16pt; line-height: 115%;">Amen. As we wait
for the blessed hope and glorious appearing of our great God and Savior Jesus Christ (Titus 2:13), we pray, even so, come quickly Lord Jesus!<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 16pt; line-height: 115%;">Maranatha,<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 16pt; line-height: 115%;">Ken<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 16pt; line-height: 115%;"><o:p> </o:p></span></p><br />Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2679770131902100123.post-47356003110505245442023-10-09T08:56:00.002-05:002023-10-30T15:23:55.913-05:00If You're Discouraged in Your Faith<p class="MsoNormal"><i><span style="font-size: 16pt; line-height: 115%;"><b>But the
Lord said to Ananias, “Go! This man is my chosen instrument to proclaim my name
to the Gentiles and their kings and to the people of Israel. I will show him
how much he must suffer for my name.” Acts 9:15-16 (NIV)</b><o:p></o:p></span></i></p>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgARFffKq4bBz09IdrPlQxXjDBTCAXFpjhCFgRZx_ny_t9iWqgpB5ZMsvQxVUbikmzC8_M4Q_uftS5OluBXbDaKORVUpiw62UcUKsRvYEbv4Z1EkMZ4agqLVUamCgCXtWW9n2s-QYKZb9AYMp1y4EMaYudRzScRvkM3K6d0hcEXD15ASuq0NLjmYqxhInM/s415/Ananias%20Prays%20for%20Paul.JPG" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="384" data-original-width="415" height="296" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgARFffKq4bBz09IdrPlQxXjDBTCAXFpjhCFgRZx_ny_t9iWqgpB5ZMsvQxVUbikmzC8_M4Q_uftS5OluBXbDaKORVUpiw62UcUKsRvYEbv4Z1EkMZ4agqLVUamCgCXtWW9n2s-QYKZb9AYMp1y4EMaYudRzScRvkM3K6d0hcEXD15ASuq0NLjmYqxhInM/s320/Ananias%20Prays%20for%20Paul.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 16pt;">Are you
discouraged with your faith right now and ready to quit? Before giving up
consider Saul of Tarsus. If anybody had a good excuse for walking away it was this
man.</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 16pt; line-height: 115%;">After Saul’s
Damascus Road conversion (Acts 9:3-8) Jesus sent a believer named Ananias to
him to encourage and pray for him and commission him to ministry to both Jew
and Gentile. Christ Himself would tell him what his calling to serve Him would
cost. There is no account of Saul’s response to that conversation with the Lord,
outside of the historical evidence of his faithful commitment to it. Saul
became Paul, an apostle of Jesus Christ by the will of God (Eph. 1:1).<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 16pt; line-height: 115%;">Paul made
three missionary journeys during his lifetime, traveling through the Middle
East, Asia Minor (currently Turkey) and Europe. From AD 46 to AD 63 it is
estimated he traveled 10,000 miles preaching Christ and planting churches and
giving the witness of Christ before kings and emperors. It is amazing to think in
those years of ministry Paul and his companions covered those miles mostly on
foot with some by sea, but all under great hardship.<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 16pt; line-height: 115%;">Paul gives
an account of the things he endured in his obedience to Christ’s call. He was
whipped five times by the Jews receiving 195 lashes (40 lashes x 5, save 1 for
mercy), beaten three times with rods, stoned and left for dead (Acts 14:19),
shipwrecked three times, and spent a night and a day in the open sea. He was
constantly on the move being in danger from rivers, Jews, and Gentiles, and in
danger in both city and country. In addition, he was in danger from false believers.<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 16pt; line-height: 115%;">He recounted
times of intensive labor and toil, going long periods without sleep, and suffering
without food or drink and being cold and naked. Besides everything else there
was the pressure of his concern for all the churches (2<sup>nd</sup> Cor.
11:24-28). <o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 16pt; line-height: 115%;">He would
eventually be beheaded for his faith at the command of Nero. Paul realized what
was coming and said he had fought the good fight, finished the race, and kept
the faith. He had the assurance that Christ, the righteous judge, had a crown
of righteousness in store for him and all who longed for His appearing (2<sup>nd</sup>
Tim. 4:6-8). He was ready to lay down his life in the service and calling of
Christ.<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 16pt; line-height: 115%;">Paul was the
person for the job and Jesus knew he would do it. Paul emphasized that faith is
dependent not on human wisdom but on the Power of Christ (1<sup>st</sup>
Cor.2:4-5). Everyone has a calling, whether it is a bully pulpit with thousands
of people or a weekly blog of only a few. Stresses and doubts will come and we
might be tempted to throw in the towel, yet in service He exalts the humble
(Matt. 23:11-12).<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 16pt; line-height: 115%;">Sometimes the
results of simple obedience are not readily seen, or ever in our lifetime, but
as we receive our rewards from the hand of Christ perhaps the people our
obedience touched will be the witness of the power that was evident in our
work. How wonderful it would be to hear our Lord say to us on that day, “These
witnesses are here because of the encouragement you gave them when they needed
it. Well done, good and faithful servant!”<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 16pt; line-height: 115%;">Whatever His
call on your life, His strength will sustain you, whether it is walking 10,000
miles or giving a person a cup of cold water (Matt. 10:42). Whatever it is, be
faithful. Grow and be fragrant where Christ plants you.<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 16pt; line-height: 115%;">Paul’s
encouragement to the Christians in the Galatian church is appropriate to our
day: <i>“And let us not become weary in doing good, for at the proper time we
will reap a harvest if we do not give up” (Gal. 6:9).</i> Hold fast to your faith.
No matter if He asks a little or a lot, all He asks is all He requires. He is
faithful, too.<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 16pt; line-height: 115%;">Maranatha,<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 16pt; line-height: 115%;">Ken<o:p></o:p></span></p><br />Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2679770131902100123.post-1408177900616847412023-10-02T08:25:00.011-05:002023-10-30T15:24:27.431-05:00Who Will Deliver Us?<p class="MsoNormal"><i><span style="font-size: 16pt; line-height: 115%;"><b>For I
delight in the law of God, in my inner being, but I see in my members another
law waging war against the law of my mind and making me captive to the law of
sin that dwells in my members. Romans 7:22-23 (ESV)</b><o:p></o:p></span></i></p>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEghnBI1aAFMfIfGEEZlARLi5IwzwdCJ5Vrg4IAbVPHh-9npXt47k-jDxZsKtOpaGoX6TkxAN77EaRKvwWYUG2CDAcuqMRgfLbW7ochxUscuAXnOxkgEDOhvN3fC0dQodMENJOeWiBHzuW2slND71r_qifG7To0IIcMys5VBJuVzBvYpeOvkTJvyOt5JQf0/s331/Jesus%20breaking%20chains.JPG" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="324" data-original-width="331" height="313" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEghnBI1aAFMfIfGEEZlARLi5IwzwdCJ5Vrg4IAbVPHh-9npXt47k-jDxZsKtOpaGoX6TkxAN77EaRKvwWYUG2CDAcuqMRgfLbW7ochxUscuAXnOxkgEDOhvN3fC0dQodMENJOeWiBHzuW2slND71r_qifG7To0IIcMys5VBJuVzBvYpeOvkTJvyOt5JQf0/s320/Jesus%20breaking%20chains.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 16pt;">When I was a
youngster, I accidently spilled a glob of black oil paint on one of my mom’s pink
throw rugs. The spot was only the size of a quarter, but no amount of cleaning
could remove it. The spot was set, and the rug was permanently marred.</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 16pt; line-height: 115%;">Sin left a
permanent stain on the human soul when Adam sinned. Its source was the highest
created cherub of God, Lucifer (Satan), who allowed his beauty to corrupt his
wisdom and righteousness so that he rebelled against the LORD, moving to unseat
Him from His throne (Is. 14:13-14, Ezk. 28:12-19). After losing his holy position,
Lucifer brought sin with him into the world, bringing mankind into his long war
against God.<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 16pt; line-height: 115%;">The
continual warring of my inborn sin nature with the righteousness of Christ
frustrates me. The Apostle Paul was frustrated by the sin in his own life, too.
Like myself he wanted to do right but sin always tripped him up. In his
frustration he cried out, “<i>For I have the desire to do what is good, but I
cannot carry it out. For I do not do the good I want to do, but the evil I do
not want to do—this I keep on doing” (Rom. 7:18-19).<o:p></o:p></i></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 16pt; line-height: 115%;">The Bible
does not teach that our sin nature is eradicated at salvation. I wish that were
so but like that oil stain in that rug, it is permanently set on our souls. We
will not be free of it except through death or Rapture. Paul expresses what
kind of man sin had made him when he cries out, “<i>What a wretched man I am!
Who will rescue me from this body that is subject to death?” (Rom. 7:24).<o:p></o:p></i></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 16pt; line-height: 115%;">When Christ
gave His life on the cross, He broke the power of sin to enslave us. Even
though the curse of sin was not fully removed, there was still a great victory
won at the cross. If sin remains a problem, it no longer has the legal right to
force its mastery and control on us. <o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 16pt; line-height: 115%;">The good
news is God the Holy Spirit (Acts 5:3-4) empowers us to stand against sin in
its war against the mind. When temptation comes to us with its chains of
seduction that once held us, we now have the freedom and the right in Christ to
refuse to put those chains back on. The Word of God is our Document of Emancipation.
<i>It is for freedom that Christ has set us free. Stand firm, then, and do not
let yourselves be burdened again by a yoke of slavery </i>(Gal. 5:1).<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 16pt; line-height: 115%;">God has for
reasons of His own chosen not to explain why He did not take the stain of sin
completely from us when we believed on Christ.
However, since the death and resurrection of Jesus Christ, for nearly 2,000
years His loving power and saving grace have been extended to billions of the
sons and daughters of Adam making them into new
creations in Christ (1st Cor. 15:45, 17). <o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 16pt; line-height: 115%;">After Paul’s
question of who will rescue him, he states in the emphatic, <a name="_Hlk146753420">“<i>Thanks be to God who delivers me through Jesus Christ
our Lord!” </i></a><i>(Rom. 7:25).</i> It is Christ and the powerful working of
the Spirit of Truth who delivers us, for He will be with us <i>and</i> in us
(Jn. 14:17, 16:13). <o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 16pt; line-height: 115%;">Sin will
certainly be eradicated one day, and we have the King of Kings’ true and
faithful promise that He will make all things new and perfect again (Rev. 21:5). Until
then sin remains that oily smudge we cannot be rid of. Who will save us from
this body of sin and death? <o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 16pt; line-height: 115%;">We can all gratefully
say with Paul, “<i>Thanks be to God who delivers me through Jesus Christ our
Lord!”</i> Amen. Let it be so, Lord Jesus, for in Your strength is our power to
accomplish all things in righteousness (Phil 4:13).<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 16pt; line-height: 115%;">Maranatha,<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 16pt; line-height: 115%;">Ken<o:p></o:p></span></p><br />Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0