tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-15965207667461385082024-03-17T15:18:42.477-04:00Gramp's Morning ThoughtsGramp's Morning Thoughtshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04596882698758464794noreply@blogger.comBlogger1491125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1596520766746138508.post-72770273971135753012024-03-17T15:17:00.004-04:002024-03-17T15:17:51.944-04:00What Voice Are You Listening To?<p> <b><span style="color: #222222; font-family: "Arial",sans-serif; font-size: 8.5pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-font-kerning: 0pt; mso-ligatures: none;">Friday, March 7, 2014</span></b></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="background: #FFF9EE; line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 9.0pt; mso-outline-level: 3;"><a name="3250934971848165003"></a></p><p align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="background: #FFF9EE; line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0in; text-align: center;"></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEi2WpPNAr15Ud3lxJocyVbcWexRG45amkUicyJ23t0qi71TJGnIelMWAbFKEWSR1Jrqk5j5FDjm2DRaRHiFdle4lbpD00x3YwO2bW_PxEMmsx9nWbvep9oW5R7I4LAHGw1eBGpXNTfeGv0aHgrs8maMANunN9odA8oZofQOeIvuxi1yKoWMDUD7Wv9OBfE" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="" data-original-height="250" data-original-width="313" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEi2WpPNAr15Ud3lxJocyVbcWexRG45amkUicyJ23t0qi71TJGnIelMWAbFKEWSR1Jrqk5j5FDjm2DRaRHiFdle4lbpD00x3YwO2bW_PxEMmsx9nWbvep9oW5R7I4LAHGw1eBGpXNTfeGv0aHgrs8maMANunN9odA8oZofQOeIvuxi1yKoWMDUD7Wv9OBfE" width="300" /></a></div><br /><b><span style="color: #222222; font-family: "Georgia",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-font-kerning: 0pt; mso-ligatures: none;">"Truly, truly, I say to you, he who hears My word, and
believes Him who sent Me, has eternal life, and does not come into judgment,
but has passed out of death into life"</span></b><span style="color: #222222; font-family: Georgia, serif; font-size: 12pt;"> (John 5:24)</span><p></p>
<p align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="background: #FFF9EE; line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0in; text-align: center;"><span style="color: #222222; font-family: Georgia, serif; font-size: 12pt; text-align: left;">Hey Gang: Did you ever literally have
another person’s life in your hands? Where a mis-spoken word could lead
to their demise? I have. As an air traffic controller, on any given
shift of work I held more than a hundred aircraft filled with people in my
hands; one missed communication could have placed one, or more, of these
aircraft in a life- threatening position.</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="background: #FFF9EE; line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0in;"><span style="color: #222222; font-family: "Georgia",serif; font-size: 11.5pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-font-kerning: 0pt; mso-ligatures: none;"><o:p> </o:p></span><span style="color: #222222; font-family: Georgia, serif; font-size: 12pt;">One night, while working at the
Selfridge AFB Rapcon, I was idling away the remaining hour of my shift by
tinkering with the long rang radar scope that allowed the Ground Controller at
another facility to line the aircraft up with our radar and thus land the
aircraft safely. As I tinkered, I listened to the ground controller give instructions
to the pilot. But, I noticed there were two aircraft taking her
instructions. The direction finder soon proved that she was also giving
instructions to the wrong airplane. </span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="background: #FFF9EE; line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0in;"><span style="color: #222222; font-family: "Georgia",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-font-kerning: 0pt; mso-ligatures: none;"> </span><span style="color: #222222; font-family: Georgia, serif; font-size: 12pt;">A call soon corrected the problem and
the aircraft was safely vectored to his home base. The pilot thought he
was following the instructions that would lead him to safety, but without
immediate corrective action, the T33 would have soon run out of fuel and fallen
far short of his Rehoboth (home base). Do you see the analogy painted here?
We may think we are following the right path when, in reality, we are slipping
further away from the Lord. </span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="background: #FFF9EE; line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0in;"><span style="color: #222222; font-family: "Georgia",serif; font-size: 11.5pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-font-kerning: 0pt; mso-ligatures: none;"><o:p> </o:p></span><span style="color: #222222; font-family: Georgia, serif; font-size: 12pt;">Moses gave us the formula to remain
strong in the Lord and not be subject to following the wrong voice when he
wrote, “</span><b style="color: #222222; font-family: Georgia, serif; font-size: 12pt;">You shall love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all
your soul and with all your might. These words which I am commanding
you today, shall be on your heart. You shall teach them diligently to
your sons and shall talk of them when you sit in our house and when you
walk by the way and when you lie down and when you rise up”</b><span style="color: #222222; font-family: Georgia, serif; font-size: 12pt;"> (Deut.
6:5-7). </span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="background: #FFF9EE; line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0in;"><span style="color: #222222; font-family: "Georgia",serif; font-size: 11.5pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-font-kerning: 0pt; mso-ligatures: none;"><o:p> </o:p></span><span style="color: #222222; font-family: Georgia, serif; font-size: 12pt;">Soooo, my young friends, unless you
feed your heart, soul and mind with the things of God and stay in constant
communication with Him, you may choose to follow the wrong voice. In His teaching
on what is to come in the last days, Jesus said: </span><b style="color: #222222; font-family: Georgia, serif; font-size: 12pt;">Be</b><span style="color: #222222; font-family: Georgia, serif; font-size: 12pt;"> </span><b style="color: #222222; font-family: Georgia, serif; font-size: 12pt;">not deceived</b><span style="color: #222222; font-family: Georgia, serif; font-size: 12pt;">".
(Matthew. 24:3). If He were standing beside you this morning, He would
still say, “</span><b style="color: #222222; font-family: Georgia, serif; font-size: 12pt;"><i>Be in My word and be not deceived</i>. </b><span style="color: #222222; font-family: Georgia, serif; font-size: 12pt;">Listen to His voice.</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="background: #FFF9EE; line-height: normal;"><span style="color: #222222; font-family: "Georgia",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-font-kerning: 0pt; mso-ligatures: none;">Blessings.<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="background: #FFF9EE; line-height: normal;"><span style="color: #222222; font-family: "Georgia",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-font-kerning: 0pt; mso-ligatures: none;">Gramps<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="background: #FFF9EE; line-height: normal;"><span style="color: #222222; font-family: "Georgia",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-font-kerning: 0pt; mso-ligatures: none;">PS So very important today when we
hears voices on the Media, so much other communication. phones full of blogs, etc.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>– It is important to check it all with Gods
Word and direction. </span><span style="color: #222222; font-family: "Georgia",serif; font-size: 11.5pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-font-kerning: 0pt; mso-ligatures: none;"><o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><o:p> </o:p></p>Gramp's Morning Thoughtshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04596882698758464794noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1596520766746138508.post-6927351290060670792024-03-10T16:46:00.001-04:002024-03-10T16:46:06.691-04:00Do You Feel Like You Are In God's Shaker?<p> </p><p class="MsoNormal" style="background: #FFF9EE; line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0in; mso-outline-level: 2;"><b><span style="color: #222222; font-family: "Arial",sans-serif; font-size: 8.5pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-font-kerning: 0pt; mso-ligatures: none;">Monday, March 10, 2014<o:p></o:p></span></b></p>
<p align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="background: #FFF9EE; line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0in; text-align: center;"></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEhbwICxVo-zooHcXLS569Ue5yQURBFWrbJjAcIVdesfzUrOCa0c8JMlQ5oKhqwCOGvW1inXhDObJQ7aqwJB4Nf2KiT8ocEF55PibHH-ti_eRy3bQE3sCuNS-eHUCby2nYHf9QQasZNd64YaX6bun1RaPZOwvhOzjKisoN8wjFlvjuciB-wgwfnw2haQd8E" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="" data-original-height="313" data-original-width="208" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEhbwICxVo-zooHcXLS569Ue5yQURBFWrbJjAcIVdesfzUrOCa0c8JMlQ5oKhqwCOGvW1inXhDObJQ7aqwJB4Nf2KiT8ocEF55PibHH-ti_eRy3bQE3sCuNS-eHUCby2nYHf9QQasZNd64YaX6bun1RaPZOwvhOzjKisoN8wjFlvjuciB-wgwfnw2haQd8E" width="159" /></a></div><span style="color: #222222; font-family: Georgia, serif; font-size: 12pt; text-align: left;">Hey Gang: The writer of Hebrews
wrote these words, “</span><b style="color: #222222; font-family: Georgia, serif; font-size: 12pt; text-align: left;">Yet once more I will shake not only the earth, but also
the heaven.” Yet once more,” denotes the removal ofthose things which
can be shaken, as of created things so that those things which cannot be shaken
may remain. Therefore, since we receive a kingdom which cannot be shaken,
let us show gratitude, by which we may offer to God an acceptable service with
reverence and awe; for our God is a consuming fire</b><span style="color: #222222; font-family: Georgia, serif; font-size: 12pt; text-align: left;">. (Heb. 12:26-29).</span><p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="background: #FFF9EE; line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0in;"><span style="color: #222222; font-family: "Georgia",serif; font-size: 11.5pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-font-kerning: 0pt; mso-ligatures: none;"><o:p> </o:p></span><b><span style="color: #222222; font-family: "Georgia",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-font-kerning: 0pt; mso-ligatures: none;"> James wrote, “Consider it all
joy when you are in the shaker knowing the testing of your faith produces
endurance and endurance the perfect result so that you may be perfect and
complete lacking in nothing</span></b><span style="color: #222222; font-family: Georgia, serif; font-size: 12pt;">”
(James 1:2-4 Hainley rendition).</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="background: #FFF9EE; line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0in;"><span style="color: #222222; font-family: "Georgia",serif; font-size: 11.5pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-font-kerning: 0pt; mso-ligatures: none;"><o:p> </o:p></span><span style="color: #222222; font-family: Georgia, serif; font-size: 12pt;">Yes, my young friends, we are going to
go through increasingly more difficult shakers as the end of the Age of
Gentiles, described so clearly in the Prophets and Revelation, The
writers of Hebrews and James also knew that, but they also had the words of
Jeremah in their computer banks. Notice the power verse in Jeremiah 29:12
where God said, “</span><b style="color: #222222; font-family: Georgia, serif; font-size: 12pt;">For I know the plans that I have for you, declares the
Lord, plans for welfare and not for calamity to give you a future and a hope.”</b><span style="color: #222222; font-family: Georgia, serif; font-size: 12pt;"> </span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="background: #FFF9EE; line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0in;"><span style="color: #222222; font-family: "Georgia",serif; font-size: 11.5pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-font-kerning: 0pt; mso-ligatures: none;"><o:p> </o:p></span><span style="color: #222222; font-family: Georgia, serif; font-size: 12pt;">As I little twerp I dreamed of the
days when I could make my own decisions and do what pleased me. And then
that day arrived, and I walked into the world of reality. The Amish have
a saying that goes like this: "To quick old and too late
smart!" I have learned the wisdom in that statement a thousand or so
times - each time I think I have the answer and tell God to take a hike that I
can handle this "back-against-the-wall experience. My life has
consisted of a never-ending line of peaks and valleys, some top-of-the-mountain
times when I allow God to be in control, and the drudgeries of the valleys,
when I say, ‘okay I will take it from here.'</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="background: #FFF9EE; line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0in;"><span style="color: #222222; font-family: "Georgia",serif; font-size: 11.5pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-font-kerning: 0pt; mso-ligatures: none;"><o:p> </o:p></span><span style="color: #222222; font-family: Georgia, serif; font-size: 12pt;">In the past several weeks I have
encountered some new valleys. It is common to hear people refer to the
older years as the Golden Years. I have modified that to say Golden Years
for the medical profession. I have always been super blessed with good
health but in the past several months my body has been sending me messages that
my four score years is catching up with me.</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="background: #FFF9EE; line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0in;"><span style="color: #222222; font-family: "Georgia",serif; font-size: 11.5pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-font-kerning: 0pt; mso-ligatures: none;"><o:p> </o:p></span><span style="color: #222222; font-family: Georgia, serif; font-size: 12pt;">There are new aches and pains, new
infirmities which gives me the right to grumble- right? No, when I feel
like doing that I turn by attention to those restricted to wheel chairs or life
threatening conditions and I say, "Thank You Father for the wonderful gift
of health!” </span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="background: #FFF9EE; line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0in;"><span style="color: #222222; font-family: "Georgia",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-font-kerning: 0pt; mso-ligatures: none;"> </span><span style="color: #222222; font-family: Georgia, serif; font-size: 12pt;"> Soooo my young friends, when it
feels that God has you in His shaker turn to Isaiah 25:1 and shout to the
heavens, </span><b style="color: #222222; font-family: Georgia, serif; font-size: 12pt;">“O Lord, You are my God; I will exalt You, I will give
thanks to Your name; For You have worked wonders, Plans formed long ago, with
perfect faithfulness". </b><span style="color: #222222; font-family: Georgia, serif; font-size: 12pt;">Having a tough time? Find someone that is
worse off than you and bless them.</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="background: #FFF9EE; line-height: normal;"><span style="color: #222222; font-family: "Georgia",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-font-kerning: 0pt; mso-ligatures: none;">Blessings,<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="background: #FFF9EE; line-height: normal;"><span style="color: #222222; font-family: "Georgia",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-font-kerning: 0pt; mso-ligatures: none;">Gramps</span><span style="color: #222222; font-family: "Georgia",serif; font-size: 11.5pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-font-kerning: 0pt; mso-ligatures: none;"><o:p></o:p></span></p>Gramp's Morning Thoughtshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04596882698758464794noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1596520766746138508.post-791551465795753532024-03-03T17:43:00.002-05:002024-03-03T17:43:24.799-05:00Do You Do It To the Least of These My Brethren?<p> <b><span style="color: #222222; font-family: "Arial",sans-serif; font-size: 8.5pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-font-kerning: 0pt; mso-ligatures: none;">Monday, March 17, 2014</span></b></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="background: #FFF9EE; line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 9.0pt; mso-outline-level: 3;"><a name="5719821642380445159"></a></p><p align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="background: #FFF9EE; line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0in; text-align: center;"></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEiMX-JnBInsYVnZjNjnFjElxYWivFhUD7EUS0auvYNjoxbFiVRlWFw9UUuvgdHwreZaBThPhYibSOfU21B0LqxWf38ctv20xZvNT3wDxZWvNCZWbXWYnO3JW-qcXNTbSJrHC7e0fd3gditgfoSZR6JqGk7k7QLUMMVsd0vi626eoNlnlvCoDGpT-fWZwq0" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="" data-original-height="233" data-original-width="313" height="238" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEiMX-JnBInsYVnZjNjnFjElxYWivFhUD7EUS0auvYNjoxbFiVRlWFw9UUuvgdHwreZaBThPhYibSOfU21B0LqxWf38ctv20xZvNT3wDxZWvNCZWbXWYnO3JW-qcXNTbSJrHC7e0fd3gditgfoSZR6JqGk7k7QLUMMVsd0vi626eoNlnlvCoDGpT-fWZwq0" width="320" /></a></div><br /><b style="text-align: left;"><span style="color: #222222; font-family: "Georgia",serif; font-size: 10.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-font-kerning: 0pt; mso-ligatures: none;">"But love your enemies and do
good, and lend, expecting nothing in return; and your reward will be great, and
you will be sons of the Most High, for He Himself is kind to ungrateful and
evil men"</span></b><span style="color: #222222; font-family: Georgia, serif; font-size: 10pt; text-align: left;"> (Luke 6:35). (NASB)</span><p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="background: #FFF9EE; line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0in;"><span style="color: #222222; font-family: "Georgia",serif; font-size: 11.5pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-font-kerning: 0pt; mso-ligatures: none;"><o:p> </o:p></span><span style="color: #222222; font-family: Georgia, serif; font-size: 10pt;">Dr. Luke followed this power-packed
verse with another power-packed verse that has been engrained in my heart and
life: "</span><b style="color: #222222; font-family: Georgia, serif; font-size: 10pt;">Give, and it shall be given to you. They will pour into
your lap a good measure - pressed down, shaken together, and running over, for
by your standard of measure it will be measured to you in return.”</b><span style="color: #222222; font-family: Georgia, serif; font-size: 10pt;">
(Lu. 6:38). </span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="background: #FFF9EE; line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0in;"><span style="color: #222222; font-family: "Georgia",serif; font-size: 11.5pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-font-kerning: 0pt; mso-ligatures: none;"><o:p> </o:p></span><span style="color: #222222; font-family: Georgia, serif; font-size: 10pt;">Hey Gang: I came across this
neat, but very understandable, explanation of the difference between heaven and
hell- this is only a story!!</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="background: #FFF9EE; line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0in;"><i><span style="color: #222222; font-family: "Georgia",serif; font-size: 10.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-font-kerning: 0pt; mso-ligatures: none;">A holy man was having a conversation
with God, one day, and asked Him to show him heaven and hell. God led the
Holy man to two doors. The holy man opened one of the doors and then
looked in. In the middle of the room was a large round table which a
fantastic pot of stew that made the holy man's mouth water. </span></i><i><span style="color: #222222; font-family: "Georgia",serif; font-size: 11.5pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-font-kerning: 0pt; mso-ligatures: none;"><o:p></o:p></span></i></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="background: #FFF9EE; line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0in;"><i><span style="color: #222222; font-family: "Georgia",serif; font-size: 11.5pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-font-kerning: 0pt; mso-ligatures: none;"><o:p> </o:p></span></i><i><span style="color: #222222; font-family: "Georgia",serif; font-size: 10.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-font-kerning: 0pt; mso-ligatures: none;">But the people sitting around the
table were thin and sickly; they appeared to be famished. They were
holding spoons with very long handles which were strapped to their arms. Each
found it possible to reach into the pot of stew and take a spoonful, but
because the handle was longer than their arms, they could not get the spoons to
their mouth. The holy man shuddered at the sight of their misery and
suffering. The Lord said you have seen 'hell'.</span></i></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="background: #FFF9EE; line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0in;"><i><span style="color: #222222; font-family: "Georgia",serif; font-size: 11.5pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-font-kerning: 0pt; mso-ligatures: none;"><o:p> </o:p></span></i><i><span style="color: #222222; font-family: "Georgia",serif; font-size: 10.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-font-kerning: 0pt; mso-ligatures: none;">They went to the next room and opened
the door. It was exactly the same as the first one. There was the
large round table with a large, fantastic pot of stew, just like the one before,
which also made the holy man's mouth water. The people were equipped with
the same long- handled spoons, but here the people were well nourished and
plump, laughing and talking. </span></i></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="background: #FFF9EE; line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0in;"><i><span style="color: #222222; font-family: "Georgia",serif; font-size: 11.5pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-font-kerning: 0pt; mso-ligatures: none;"><o:p> </o:p></span></i><i><span style="color: #222222; font-family: "Georgia",serif; font-size: 10.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-font-kerning: 0pt; mso-ligatures: none;">The holy man said, "I don't
understand". "It is simple," said the Lord. “Entering
heaven requires but one skill, (</span></i><span style="color: #222222; font-family: Georgia, serif; font-size: 10pt;">different from accepting Jesus<i>) you see, they have
learned to feed each other, while the greedy think only of themselves. In
other words, those in heaven, </i>having received Jesus<i>, were focused on the
Golden Rule: ‘do unto others as you pray they will do unto you’.</i></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="background: #FFF9EE; line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0in;"><i><span style="color: #222222; font-family: "Georgia",serif; font-size: 11.5pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-font-kerning: 0pt; mso-ligatures: none;"><o:p> </o:p></span></i><span style="color: #222222; font-family: Georgia, serif; font-size: 10pt;">In the very early years of developing
the Village, making budget was always a very tough chore. God supplied
but did not spoil us with a dime more than we needed! It was time when I
learned that sacrificial giving was very difficult for many folks, including
myself. Coming out of the depression, the son of a coal miner, I tended
to have a fear that if I gave it away, I would come up hungry. </span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="background: #FFF9EE; line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0in;"><span style="color: #222222; font-family: "Georgia",serif; font-size: 11.5pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-font-kerning: 0pt; mso-ligatures: none;"><o:p> </o:p></span><span style="color: #222222; font-family: Georgia, serif; font-size: 10pt;">And then a dear elderly lady, who
resided in a local nursing home, taught me a wonderful lesson. She sent me a
very special gift, three dimes, a nickel and two pennies, I knew this is what
she had left after taking care of her financial responsibilities. One
thing I have learned, in my sojourn on this earth, ‘you cannot out give God!’</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="background: #FFF9EE; line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0in;"><span style="color: #222222; font-family: "Georgia",serif; font-size: 11.5pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-font-kerning: 0pt; mso-ligatures: none;"><o:p> </o:p></span><span style="color: #222222; font-family: Georgia, serif; font-size: 10pt;">Soooo, friends and neighbors, remember
when Jesus died on the Cross He was thinking of you (John 17:20). When He
defeated Satan and rose from the grave, He was thinking of you. When He
ascended into the heavenlies and sat down at the right hand of the Father, you
were on His mind and He now is your intercessor and one day, soon, He will hear
His Father say – ‘time, go for it’. Soon, He will come and collect all
those who love Him as Savior and Lord and are committed to Him totally.</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="background: #FFF9EE; line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0in;"><span style="color: #222222; font-family: "Georgia",serif; font-size: 11.5pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-font-kerning: 0pt; mso-ligatures: none;"><o:p> </o:p></span><span style="color: #222222; font-family: Georgia, serif; font-size: 10pt;">Blessings,</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="background: #FFF9EE; line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0in;"><span style="color: #222222; font-family: "Georgia",serif; font-size: 11.5pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-font-kerning: 0pt; mso-ligatures: none;"><o:p> </o:p></span><span style="color: #222222; font-family: Georgia, serif; font-size: 10pt;">Gramps </span></p>Gramp's Morning Thoughtshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04596882698758464794noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1596520766746138508.post-68119796586681895382024-02-25T14:41:00.000-05:002024-02-25T14:41:03.630-05:00There Is A Better Way! Part <p> <b><span style="color: #222222; font-family: "Arial",sans-serif; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-font-kerning: 0pt; mso-ligatures: none;">Friday, February 28, 2014</span></b></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="background: #FFF9EE; line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0in;"><span style="color: #222222; font-family: "Georgia",serif; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-font-kerning: 0pt; mso-ligatures: none;"><o:p> </o:p></span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEiinf2_LMyuQAtHo4BAJesw4_7vq4UiLlf78fL2EvCmNuJsvDVFMbQ-8myTMoxqNBzU6mnCL-pGGtuknKaRshzMOCObBApuA7gfBuU0v35cPwoCEUf_CP7AB1rv1MgO30NZPdyxtP3a0jjtZMddQiVrGhIiPAeGLlNkFspYDvS69eOzg3jx98TYBZX4UHY" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="" data-original-height="313" data-original-width="313" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEiinf2_LMyuQAtHo4BAJesw4_7vq4UiLlf78fL2EvCmNuJsvDVFMbQ-8myTMoxqNBzU6mnCL-pGGtuknKaRshzMOCObBApuA7gfBuU0v35cPwoCEUf_CP7AB1rv1MgO30NZPdyxtP3a0jjtZMddQiVrGhIiPAeGLlNkFspYDvS69eOzg3jx98TYBZX4UHY" width="240" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><b style="text-align: left;">"All authority has been given to Me in heaven and on
earth. Go therefore and make disciples of all the nations, baptizing them
in the name of the Father and the Son and Holy Spirit teaching them to observe
all that I commanded you; and lo, I am with you always, even to the end of the
age". (Matthew 28:18-20).</b></div><p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="background: #FFF9EE; line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0in;"><span style="color: #222222; font-family: "Georgia",serif; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-font-kerning: 0pt; mso-ligatures: none;"><o:p> </o:p></span><span style="color: #222222; font-family: Georgia, serif;">Hey Gang: In the last Gramps Morning Thoughts, I
mentioned my management style, which was to give as much responsibility to
those with talents, so it would release me to do far greater things.
It is a management style that Jesus used with the development of
His disciples. Remember at the feeding of the five thousand, Jesus said
to the disciples, "</span><span style="color: red; font-family: Georgia, serif;">You feed them </span><span style="color: #222222; font-family: Georgia, serif;">". (Luke 14:16)</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="background: #FFF9EE; line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0in;"><span style="color: #222222; font-family: "Georgia",serif; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-font-kerning: 0pt; mso-ligatures: none;"><o:p> </o:p></span><span style="color: #222222; font-family: Georgia, serif;">His command to us is “</span><span style="color: red; font-family: Georgia, serif;">Go and make disciples</span><span style="color: #222222; font-family: Georgia, serif;">” so that they can go and make disciples so that they can
go and make disciples. Several months ago our pastor preached on building
disciples and used a five step plan to complete the task. The first
step requires initiative - you must find the right candidates. I can
attest to the fact that this is most difficult part of the process. Pray First!!</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="background: #FFF9EE; line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0in;"><span style="color: #222222; font-family: "Georgia",serif; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-font-kerning: 0pt; mso-ligatures: none;"><o:p> </o:p></span><b><span style="color: #222222; font-family: "Georgia",serif; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-font-kerning: 0pt; mso-ligatures: none;">"Now as Jesus was walking by the Sea of Galilee, He
saw two brothers, Simon who was called Peter, and Andrew his brother, casing a
net into the sea; for they were fishermen. And He said to them, "</span></b><b><span style="color: red; font-family: "Georgia",serif; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-font-kerning: 0pt; mso-ligatures: none;">Come here after Me and I will make you fishes of men.</span></b><b><span style="color: #222222; font-family: "Georgia",serif; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-font-kerning: 0pt; mso-ligatures: none;">"</span></b><span style="color: #222222; font-family: Georgia, serif;"> (Matthew
4:18-19) Note: we see Jesus’ pattern in these two verses "</span><span style="color: red; font-family: Georgia, serif;">Come</span><span style="color: #222222; font-family: Georgia, serif;">", and "</span><span style="color: red; font-family: Georgia, serif;">I will</span><span style="color: #222222; font-family: Georgia, serif;">". </span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="background: #FFF9EE; line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0in;"><span style="color: #222222; font-family: "Georgia",serif; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-font-kerning: 0pt; mso-ligatures: none;"><o:p> </o:p></span><span style="color: #222222; font-family: Georgia, serif;">Step two is to develop or establish a clear pattern of life
doctrines and ministry. In Matthew 5:1-2 we are told that Jesus, seeing
the crowd, sat down and He began to teach them in what we know as the </span><i style="color: #222222; font-family: Georgia, serif;">Sermon
on the Mount</i><span style="color: #222222; font-family: Georgia, serif;">. Later in 8:13 we note that Jesus’ teaching was active
as well as verbal, He did something that was absolutely taboo - He touched and
healed a leper! Hey gang, would you lay hands on an HIV infected
believer? or for that matter non- believer?</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="background: #FFF9EE; line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0in;"><span style="color: #222222; font-family: "Georgia",serif; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-font-kerning: 0pt; mso-ligatures: none;"><o:p> </o:p></span><span style="color: #222222; font-family: Georgia, serif;">Step three - grant authority and give ministry
opportunities. In Matthew 10:1-5 that is precisely what Jesus did.
He called the disciples together and gave them their tool box of powers and
then sent them on their way to test these new weapons. In Matthew
17 we note that the disciples blew it; they could not cast demons out of a
man. Failure? No, need for more training? Yes. Jesus said it
takes a prayer. Did they not pray? Probably. But how many
know there are steps to growth in prayer? What I could not do yesterday,
I can do today.</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="background: #FFF9EE; line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0in;"><span style="color: #222222; font-family: "Georgia",serif; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-font-kerning: 0pt; mso-ligatures: none;"><o:p> </o:p></span><span style="color: #222222; font-family: Georgia, serif;">Step four - gracefully correct and recommit. An evangelist was
asked what he does when he prays for someone and they die. His response,
"I go to the next one". In Matthew 16:8-9 Jesus takes the
disciples to task: "D</span><span style="color: red; font-family: Georgia, serif;">on't you remember the
miracle of the 4000, or 50000. O ye of little faith, why are you worrying
about whether we have enough bread". </span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="background: #FFF9EE; line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0in;"><span style="color: #222222; font-family: "Georgia",serif; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-font-kerning: 0pt; mso-ligatures: none;"><o:p> </o:p></span><span style="color: #222222; font-family: Georgia, serif;">Soooo, good buddies, step five is repeat steps one through
four until it becomes engrained in your head and heart. How quickly
we sometimes turn our back when the process becomes burdensome. Jesus
gives us the purpose for steps one through five in Matthew 28:19-20, "</span><b><span style="color: red; font-family: "Georgia",serif; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-font-kerning: 0pt; mso-ligatures: none;">All authority is given to Me and I give it to You - so
go!!!" </span></b><b><span style="color: #222222; font-family: "Georgia",serif; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-font-kerning: 0pt; mso-ligatures: none;"> </span></b></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="background: #FFF9EE; line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0in;"><span style="color: #222222; font-family: "Georgia",serif; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-font-kerning: 0pt; mso-ligatures: none;"><o:p> </o:p></span><span style="color: #222222; font-family: Georgia, serif;">Blessings,</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="background: #FFF9EE; line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0in;"><span style="color: #222222; font-family: "Georgia",serif; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-font-kerning: 0pt; mso-ligatures: none;"><o:p> </o:p></span><span style="color: #222222; font-family: Georgia, serif;">Gramps</span></p>Gramp's Morning Thoughtshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04596882698758464794noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1596520766746138508.post-40977710334627527242024-02-21T16:40:00.023-05:002024-02-21T16:40:00.266-05:00<p> <b><span face=""Arial",sans-serif" style="color: #222222; font-size: 8.5pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-font-kerning: 0pt; mso-ligatures: none;">Friday, February 21, 2014 </span></b><a name="1897192956177053887"></a><b><span style="color: #222222; font-family: "Georgia",serif; font-size: 9pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-font-kerning: 0pt; mso-ligatures: none;"><a href="https://grampsmorningthoughts.blogspot.com/2014/02/whats-happening-man-3.html"><span style="color: #993300;">What's Happening, Man? 3</span></a></span></b></p><p><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEjpIs0bxVZ9Q7auZbjZCPJ3d_R93g8OlbyOwJsaSjdSN9sev2QYhaqGZ79hm8DTMw5ma6FJaOF9xDIO-0yOOiedeC9UwhF6Vas2wFtHja3qhAMgv0jrxQ_fHuaBUQgRK-s8ZRsrI31Ir7cdNJhuICGDGro3kkVY7Xb0PopbkAPG4PnSUxAz4exWAEqIe8c" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img alt="" data-original-height="509" data-original-width="610" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEjpIs0bxVZ9Q7auZbjZCPJ3d_R93g8OlbyOwJsaSjdSN9sev2QYhaqGZ79hm8DTMw5ma6FJaOF9xDIO-0yOOiedeC9UwhF6Vas2wFtHja3qhAMgv0jrxQ_fHuaBUQgRK-s8ZRsrI31Ir7cdNJhuICGDGro3kkVY7Xb0PopbkAPG4PnSUxAz4exWAEqIe8c" width="288" /></a>C<span style="text-align: center;">an you find Israel between Jordan & Syria?</span></p><p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="background: white; line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0in;"><b><span face=""Arial",sans-serif" style="color: #222222; font-size: 11.5pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-font-kerning: 0pt; mso-ligatures: none;"> “O
God, do not remain quiet: Do not be silent and¸ O God do not be still.
For behold, Your enemies make an uproar; And those who have You have exalted
themselves. They make shrewd plans against Your people, <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>And conspire together against Your treasured
ones. They have said, “Come, and let us wipe them out as a
nation”. </span></b><span style="color: #222222; font-family: "Georgia",serif; font-size: 11.5pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-font-kerning: 0pt; mso-ligatures: none;"><o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="background: white; line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0in;"><b><span face=""Arial",sans-serif" style="color: #222222; font-size: 11.5pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-font-kerning: 0pt; mso-ligatures: none;"> </span></b><span face="Arial, sans-serif" style="color: #222222; font-size: 11.5pt;">Hey
Gang: The people of Israel have been under constant harassment since the
birth of the nation in 1948 with wars, on-going terrorist attacks and, boycotts
of their products across the world. It seems everyone in the world
thinks Israel’s business is </span><i style="color: #222222; font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 11.5pt;">their</i><span face="Arial, sans-serif" style="color: #222222; font-size: 11.5pt;"> business and can dictate to
them how they/Israel should accommodate the desires of the US & UN! </span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="background: white; line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0in;"><span style="color: #222222; font-family: "Georgia",serif; font-size: 11.5pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-font-kerning: 0pt; mso-ligatures: none;"><o:p> </o:p></span><span face="Arial, sans-serif" style="color: #222222; font-size: 11.5pt;">In the
mean-time we have seen the second greatest single piece of prophecy of all time
fulfilled, second only to the birth of Christ, </span><b style="color: #222222; font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 11.5pt;">the rebirth of Israel.</b><span face="Arial, sans-serif" style="color: #222222; font-size: 11.5pt;">
And even as I write this blog, our President and Secretary of State are
preparing to present, yet another mandate from the United States, demanding
that Israel retreat to the 1967 boundaries, which all the world knows cannot be
defended. (Only by God)</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="background: white; line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0in;"><span face=""Arial",sans-serif" style="color: #222222; font-size: 11.5pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-font-kerning: 0pt; mso-ligatures: none;"> </span><b><span face=""Arial",sans-serif" style="color: #222222; font-size: 11.5pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-font-kerning: 0pt; mso-ligatures: none;"> “It
will come about in that day that I will make Jerusalem a heavy stone for all
the peoples, all who lift it will be severely injured. And all the
nations of the earth will be gathered against it.” </span></b><span face="Arial, sans-serif" style="color: #222222; font-size: 11.5pt;">(Zech
12:3). </span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="background: white; line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0in;"><b><span face=""Arial",sans-serif" style="color: #222222; font-size: 11.5pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-font-kerning: 0pt; mso-ligatures: none;"> </span></b><span face="Arial, sans-serif" style="color: #222222; font-size: 11.5pt;">I tend
to think Zechariah 12:2 might answer that question,</span><b style="color: #222222; font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 11.5pt;"> “Behold, I am going
to make Jerusalem a cup that causes reeling to all the peoples around, and when
the siege is against Jerusalem, it will also be against Judah.”</b></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="background: white; line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0in;"><span style="color: #222222; font-family: "Georgia",serif; font-size: 11.5pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-font-kerning: 0pt; mso-ligatures: none;"><o:p> </o:p></span><span face="Arial, sans-serif" style="color: #222222; font-size: 11.5pt;">My
bride and I have had the privilege of going to Israel on several occasions
between the years of 1980 and 2008, (</span><i><span face=""Arial",sans-serif" style="color: #222222; font-size: 9pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-font-kerning: 0pt; mso-ligatures: none;">Last time in 2016 for
our 60<sup>th Anniversary</sup></span></i><sup><span face=""Arial",sans-serif" style="color: #222222; font-size: 9pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-font-kerning: 0pt; mso-ligatures: none;">)</span></sup><span face="Arial, sans-serif" style="color: #222222; font-size: 11.5pt;"> and,
on each trip we noticed an increase in the ‘<i>peace at all cost’ syndrome</i>
that grips the nation today. The people of Israel are just plan
tired of terrorist, bickering over who owns the land and the constant fear that
the 170,000 rockets pointed at them will be released. </span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="background: white; line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0in;"><span style="color: #222222; font-family: "Georgia",serif; font-size: 11.5pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-font-kerning: 0pt; mso-ligatures: none;"><o:p> </o:p></span><span face="Arial, sans-serif" style="color: #222222; font-size: 11.5pt;">Can
one doubt that Satan’s agenda is to complete the task Hitler began, the total
annihilation of the Jews? Today the Palestinian flags and military uniform
map patches, and </span><span face="Arial, sans-serif" style="color: #222222; font-size: 11.5pt;"> </span><span face="Arial, sans-serif" style="color: #222222; font-size: 11.5pt;">Maps in schools do not
have an Israeli presence. Is not Satan an arrogant pup? He knows
the Word of God better than seminary guru’s and there is no doubt in his mind
he is on a one-way ticket to the pit, for a thousand years and then
to the Lake of Fire. Yet he has this maniacal belief: if he can wipe out
God’s chosen people and God’s chosen land, then </span><span face="Arial, sans-serif" style="color: #222222; font-size: 11.5pt;"> </span><span face="Arial, sans-serif" style="color: #222222; font-size: 11.5pt;"> </span><span face="Arial, sans-serif" style="color: #222222; font-size: 11.5pt;">Jesus
will have no place or reason to return. No wonder God sits in the heavens and
laughs.</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="background: white; line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0in;"><span style="color: #222222; font-family: "Georgia",serif; font-size: 11.5pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-font-kerning: 0pt; mso-ligatures: none;"><o:p> </o:p></span><span face="Arial, sans-serif" style="color: #222222; font-size: 11.5pt;">Sooooo,
it is not amazing how many people believe that, if there was no Israel, there
would be peace in the Middle East? – But, be advised, there is a constant blood
bath among the Sunni’s, Shiites, Kurds and others. In Syria
alone it is estimated that more than 130,000 Syrians have been killed in the
civil war and over 5000 Iraqi’s, since the President pulled our troops out of
Iraq - And I might add by brothers killing brothers which has nothing
to do with Israel. Iran is up and coming.</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="background: white; line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0in;"><span style="color: #222222; font-family: "Georgia",serif; font-size: 11.5pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-font-kerning: 0pt; mso-ligatures: none;"><o:p> </o:p></span><span face="Arial, sans-serif" style="color: #222222; font-size: 11.5pt;">Blessings,</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="background: white; line-height: normal;"><span face=""Arial",sans-serif" style="color: #222222; font-size: 11.5pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-font-kerning: 0pt; mso-ligatures: none;">Gramps</span><span style="color: #222222; font-family: "Georgia",serif; font-size: 11.5pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-font-kerning: 0pt; mso-ligatures: none;"><o:p></o:p></span></p>Gramp's Morning Thoughtshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04596882698758464794noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1596520766746138508.post-16113594510531325982024-02-18T16:25:00.000-05:002024-02-18T16:25:19.341-05:00Threats Facing Israel - 2013<p> <b><span style="color: #222222; font-family: "Arial",sans-serif; font-size: 8.5pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-font-kerning: 0pt; mso-ligatures: none;">Wednesday, February 19, 2014 </span></b><b><span style="color: #222222; font-family: Georgia, serif;"><a href="https://grampsmorningthoughts.blogspot.com/2014/02/hey-man-whats-happening-2.html"><span style="color: #ff1900;"><span style="font-size: x-small;">Hey, Man, What's Happening? Part 2</span></span></a></span></b></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="background: white; line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0in;"></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEhfLYg9YxxdQKbwZ-HaanmTodTYO_jqg_IbcQ96PR3WNf1ilBfjmbl90NVXWkdmzRUM-sM062Vkrz3OTkm3Wtq6xhCiT5Vrvaj-pBQCs--P7xDfsuT0RnyjpFlVYRkbhodTscnrd8su1K_i2c-ZUFYcjJITMYhCqircOJLLqifoB31rtNEccOZU9ZZ5wR0" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="" data-original-height="752" data-original-width="661" height="540" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEhfLYg9YxxdQKbwZ-HaanmTodTYO_jqg_IbcQ96PR3WNf1ilBfjmbl90NVXWkdmzRUM-sM062Vkrz3OTkm3Wtq6xhCiT5Vrvaj-pBQCs--P7xDfsuT0RnyjpFlVYRkbhodTscnrd8su1K_i2c-ZUFYcjJITMYhCqircOJLLqifoB31rtNEccOZU9ZZ5wR0=w475-h540" width="475" /></a></div><p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="background: white; line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0in;"><b><span style="color: #222222; font-family: "Arial",sans-serif; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-font-kerning: 0pt; mso-ligatures: none;"> “When a prophet
speaks in the name of the Lord, if the thing does not come about or come true,
that is the things which the Lord has not spoken. The prophet has spoken
it presumptuously, you shall not be afraid of him” (Deut. 18:22).</span></b></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="background: white; line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0in;"><span style="color: #222222; font-family: "Georgia",serif; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-font-kerning: 0pt; mso-ligatures: none;"> </span><span style="color: #222222; font-family: Arial, sans-serif;">Hey Gang: Now hear
this – now hear this – now hear this – I do not claim to be a prophet of God
and have shied away from presenting what I believe is happening prophetically
in our world. I tend to leave the prophetic driving to those I believe
God has blessed with the gift of prophecy. But I sense in the last
several months, that God is prodding me to share thoughts about what is
happening in our world that lines up with God alerting His children to the
signs of His releasing His Son to return to earth and collect His children.</span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="background: white; line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0in;"><span style="color: #222222; font-family: "Georgia",serif; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-font-kerning: 0pt; mso-ligatures: none;"> </span><span style="color: #222222; font-family: Arial, sans-serif;">That does not mean that
I do not spend a third of my Bible study time in the prophetic
Scriptures. It is my sincere opinion that since one third of the Bible is
prophecy, I should spend at least one third of my Bible study time in seeking
out those truths presented by Jesus, the Apostles and Prophets of old.
But, I also warn those who become top heavy in studying prophecy that time with
the rest of the writers of the Scriptures is essential to gain a balanced
spiritual perspective.</span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="background: white; line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0in;"><span style="color: #222222; font-family: "Arial",sans-serif; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-font-kerning: 0pt; mso-ligatures: none;">With that disclaimer
clearly understood, I will honor Abba Father by sharing what I believe He has
made clear<b> </b>to me in the past several months and even years.
Jesus, in the Olivet Discourse, laid out a very clear message for His children
on the Signs of Christ Return. Note: He began with a warning,<b> “See
to it that no one misleads you. For many will come in My name, saying, ‘I am
the Christ’ and will mislead many” (Matt. 24:4b- 5).</b></span><span style="color: #222222; font-family: "Georgia",serif; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-font-kerning: 0pt; mso-ligatures: none;"><o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="background: white; line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0in;"><span style="color: #222222; font-family: "Georgia",serif; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-font-kerning: 0pt; mso-ligatures: none;"> </span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="background: white; line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0in;"><span style="color: #222222; font-family: "Arial",sans-serif; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-font-kerning: 0pt; mso-ligatures: none;">One does not have to be
a rocket scientist to realize deception is running rampant, not only in the
pagan world, but also among many who avow they are believers in Christ and
followers of the King of kings. But, as my good friend and mentor Jessie,
pounded into my mind and heart – <i>“if it ain’t in the Word and taken
literally, it will probably lead you down the prime-rose path.”</i></span><i><span style="color: #222222; font-family: "Arial",sans-serif; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-font-kerning: 0pt; mso-ligatures: none;"> </span></i></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="background: white; line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0in;"><span style="color: #222222; font-family: "Arial",sans-serif; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-font-kerning: 0pt; mso-ligatures: none;">It has almost become
common place for self-proclaimed gurus who, claim they have the inside path to
knowing, and announce to the world the exact time that Jesus will return.
Unfortunately there are many who do not heed what Jesus warned, <b>“Don’t be
deceived</b>.” </span><span style="color: #222222; font-family: "Georgia",serif; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-font-kerning: 0pt; mso-ligatures: none;"><o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="background: white; line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0in;"><span style="color: #222222; font-family: "Georgia",serif; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-font-kerning: 0pt; mso-ligatures: none;"> </span><span style="color: #222222; font-family: Arial, sans-serif;">The world is filled with
deception today. You can find just about anything you want to
believe. At this time there are three rapidly growing blasphemies
that are very deceptive. One I call the Oprah Wintry blasphemy: she avows that
there is more than one road to God. Perhaps the verse</span><b style="color: #222222; font-family: Arial, sans-serif;"> “Jesus is
the way, truth and the life, no one comes to the Father but through
Me” (John 14:6). </b><span style="color: #222222; font-family: Arial, sans-serif;">Is missing from her Bible.</span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="background: white; line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0in;"><span style="color: #222222; font-family: "Georgia",serif; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-font-kerning: 0pt; mso-ligatures: none;"> </span><span style="color: #222222; font-family: Arial, sans-serif;">Perhaps the blasphemy
that is causing the most upheaval in our world is Replacement Theology: the
belief that God no long loves Israel and has replaced Israel with the
church. This misunderstanding of the mega references pertaining to God’s
eternal love of Israel, in my humble opinion, has caused a rapid growth in the
fulfillment of Zechariah 12:2 “</span><b style="color: #222222; font-family: Arial, sans-serif;">Behold I am going to make Jerusalem, a
cup that causes reeling to all the people around”.</b><span style="color: #222222; font-family: Arial, sans-serif;"> </span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="background: white; line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0in;"><span style="color: #222222; font-family: "Georgia",serif; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-font-kerning: 0pt; mso-ligatures: none;"> </span><span style="color: #222222; font-family: Arial, sans-serif;">The third blasphemy is
perhaps the most damaging to the salvation message. Simply, it states: to
“believe” is enough; as long as you ‘</span><i style="color: #222222; font-family: Arial, sans-serif;">believe’</i><span style="color: #222222; font-family: Arial, sans-serif;"> you are home free, no
matter what you do or not do in this lifetime. One might get the idea it
is a license to sin. BE ADVISED: Satan and his "</span><b style="color: #222222; font-family: Arial, sans-serif;">Demons also believe in
God and shudder</b><span style="color: #222222; font-family: Arial, sans-serif;">." (James 2:19)</span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="background: white; line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0in;"><span style="color: #222222; font-family: "Georgia",serif; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-font-kerning: 0pt; mso-ligatures: none;"> </span><span style="color: #222222; font-family: Arial, sans-serif;">Soooo, now, let me ask
you a question. If you were living in Israel and each day know that you
are totally surrounded by 170,000 missiles designed to cover every inch of
Israel, would you be a wee bit nervous? .</span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="background: white; line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0in;"><span style="color: #222222; font-family: "Georgia",serif; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-font-kerning: 0pt; mso-ligatures: none;"> </span><span style="background-color: #fff9ee; color: #222222; font-family: Arial, sans-serif;">Blessings,</span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="background: #FFF9EE; color: #222222; font-family: "Arial",sans-serif; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-font-kerning: 0pt; mso-ligatures: none;">Gramps<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="background: #FFF9EE; color: #222222; font-family: "Arial",sans-serif; font-size: 10.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-font-kerning: 0pt; mso-ligatures: none;">PS
As I try to select Gramps thought from 10 years back – I am the one most
blessed. The introductory One I left omitted but will post # 3 either mid-week
or next Sunday. Stay tuned you might
think you are reading today’s paper!!</span><span style="font-size: 10.0pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></p><p>
</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><br /><p></p>Gramp's Morning Thoughtshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04596882698758464794noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1596520766746138508.post-2007204426529550842024-02-11T17:37:00.001-05:002024-02-11T17:44:17.908-05:00WiIl We Ever Learn?<p><span style="color: #222222; font-family: Arial, sans-serif;"><b><span style="font-size: 8.5pt;">Monday, February 18,</span><span style="font-size: x-small;"> </span>2013 </b></span></p><p><b><span style="color: #222222; font-family: "Arial",sans-serif; font-size: 8.5pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-font-kerning: 0pt; mso-ligatures: none;">I am not predicting End Time, but our spiritual enemy seems to be hard at work.</span></b></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="background: #FFF9EE; line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 9.0pt; mso-outline-level: 3;"><a name="7438877940962888135"></a></p><p align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="background: #FFF9EE; line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0in; text-align: center;"></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEj7RK9UgNClJJYLY3koAgIkGmaDJTYb-HyD7O0lD7L2fuG1A9U4PKAAQ2Wj26oO4Yc8NVgoKHrWmefdepKMJt3qMJwbm5jOeLd6rdBpyqQGayv75xS2UNk5jy6VmPu7MqShwhpoEFdHF2wVU-9t547r_dsqKmDMEdgJ157OBR1FrP8pQSTMczbXsytZFTw" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="" data-original-height="338" data-original-width="338" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEj7RK9UgNClJJYLY3koAgIkGmaDJTYb-HyD7O0lD7L2fuG1A9U4PKAAQ2Wj26oO4Yc8NVgoKHrWmefdepKMJt3qMJwbm5jOeLd6rdBpyqQGayv75xS2UNk5jy6VmPu7MqShwhpoEFdHF2wVU-9t547r_dsqKmDMEdgJ157OBR1FrP8pQSTMczbXsytZFTw" width="240" /></a></div><p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="background: #FFF9EE; line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0in;"><span style="color: #222222; font-family: "Georgia",serif; font-size: 11.5pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-font-kerning: 0pt; mso-ligatures: none;"><o:p> </o:p></span><b><span style="color: #222222; font-family: "Arial",sans-serif; font-size: 9.5pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-font-kerning: 0pt; mso-ligatures: none;">“For
behold, in those days and at that time, When I restore the fortunes of Judah
and Jerusalem, I will gather all the nations and bring them down to the valley
of Jehoshaphat Then I will enter into judgment with them here on
behalf of My people and My inheritance, Israel, Whom they have scattered among
the nations, AND THEY HAVE DIVIDED UP My land”</span></b><span style="color: #222222; font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 9.5pt;"> (Joel
3:2 )</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="background: white; line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0in;"><span style="color: #222222; font-family: "Georgia",serif; font-size: 11.5pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-font-kerning: 0pt; mso-ligatures: none;"><o:p> </o:p></span><span style="color: #222222; font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 9.5pt;">Hey
Gang: The president announcement that he is going to go to Israel in the
coming month to get the parties to the talking table and fix the problem that
has persisted since Hagar and Ishmael were sent packing by Sarah, and Esau got
snuffed out of his birthright. </span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="background: white; line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0in;"><span style="color: #222222; font-family: "Georgia",serif; font-size: 11.5pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-font-kerning: 0pt; mso-ligatures: none;"><o:p> </o:p></span><span style="color: #222222; font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 9.5pt;">When I
heard this announcement, I immediately took inventory of my surroundings, laid
in a few extra provisions and filled the wood box to the hilt, for such
announcements do have a history or woe that followed shortly after they
were initiated since the focus will be for Israel to give land and Jerusalem
for peace.</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="background: white; line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0in;"><span style="color: #222222; font-family: "Georgia",serif; font-size: 11.5pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-font-kerning: 0pt; mso-ligatures: none;"><o:p> </o:p></span><span style="color: #222222; font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 9.5pt;">Did
you notice that shortly after John Kerry was approved to be Secretary of
State by the Senate, he announced he would be donning his diplomat’s hat and
heading to the most sensitive spot of the world (Israel), to prepare the way
for our exalted leader to do what a ‘skillion’ people have failed to do - get
the parties to sit down at a table and put thousands of years of hatred and
mistrust behind them and come up with a solution to the number one problem in
the world.</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="background: white; line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0in;"><span style="color: #222222; font-family: "Georgia",serif; font-size: 11.5pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-font-kerning: 0pt; mso-ligatures: none;"><o:p> </o:p></span><span style="color: #222222; font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 9.5pt;">John
Muncy (I don’t know who John Muncy is but his letter seemed to make sense to
me) recently published an excellent letter pertaining to the folly of this type
of approach to solving the problem. In it he wrote,” </span><i style="color: #222222; font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 9.5pt;">I have 75
examples of major storms striking our country each time our nation’s leaders
try to force the hand of the Israeli leaders to give away their
promised/covenant land in exchange for peace.”</i></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="background: white; line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0in;"><span style="color: #222222; font-family: "Georgia",serif; font-size: 11.5pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-font-kerning: 0pt; mso-ligatures: none;"><o:p> </o:p></span><span style="color: #222222; font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 9.5pt;"> It
is interesting to note that within days of Kerry’s announcing that he
would be going to Israel to put pressure on them to give away more Covenant
Land, a major storm hit Massachusetts. As Muncy in his letter and Koenig, in his
book </span><u style="color: #222222; font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 9.5pt;">Eye to Eye,</u><span style="color: #222222; font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 9.5pt;"> clearly explained, </span><i style="color: #222222; font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 9.5pt;">this is not a good idea.</i><span style="color: #222222; font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 9.5pt;">
Note the Scripture of the day, Joel made it pretty clear that God takes a
dim view of we earthly folks trying to put Israel in the shoe box, and then
sealing it shut, and burying it in a cave someplace.</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="background: white; line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0in;"><span style="color: #222222; font-family: "Georgia",serif; font-size: 11.5pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-font-kerning: 0pt; mso-ligatures: none;"><o:p> </o:p></span><span style="color: #222222; font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 9.5pt;">Paul
wrote an irrevocable law, “<b>Be not deceived, God is not mocked, whatever
he sows, that will he reap”. (Gal 6:7). </b>Obediah 1:15
clearly states: “<b>For the day of the Lord draws near on all the
nations. As you have done, it will be done to you. Your dealings
will return on your own head.” </b></span><span style="color: #222222; font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 17pt; letter-spacing: 1.2pt;"> </span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="background: white; line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0in;"><span style="color: #222222; font-family: "Georgia",serif; font-size: 11.5pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-font-kerning: 0pt; mso-ligatures: none;"><o:p> </o:p></span><span style="color: #222222; font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 9.5pt;">The
Question, “Will we learn before it is too late? God made it very clear in
Genesis 12, </span><b style="color: #222222; font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 9.5pt;">“I will bless those who bless you, and I will curse those
who curse you.”</b><span style="color: #222222; font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 9.5pt;"> </span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="background: white; line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0in;"><span style="color: #222222; font-family: "Georgia",serif; font-size: 11.5pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-font-kerning: 0pt; mso-ligatures: none;"><o:p> </o:p></span><span style="color: #222222; font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 9.5pt;">Again,
quoting from John Muncy’s letter, “</span><i style="color: #222222; font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 9.5pt;">Like it or not, God judges those nations
that cross over His clear covenant with the Jews. Any time you want to
test His authority and power to make you miserable, try touching the “apple of
His eye (see Zechariah 2:8). And He as many ways of making us miserable</i><span style="color: #222222; font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 9.5pt;">.” </span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="background: white; line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0in;"><span style="color: #222222; font-family: "Arial",sans-serif; font-size: 9.5pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-font-kerning: 0pt; mso-ligatures: none;"><o:p> </o:p></span><span style="color: #222222; font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 9.5pt;">Sooooo, my friends, button down the hatches, lay in some extra
provisions and make your insurance is up to date. Also keep in mind<b>, </b></span><span style="color: #222222; font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 9.5pt;"><b>if
there is no Israel</b></span><b style="color: #222222; font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 9.5pt;">, then Jesus cannot return again and</b><span style="color: #222222; font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 9.5pt;"> all the
promises He made about Israel are bogus. And you can bet your sweet
bippy, you can take each one of Jesus’ promises to the bank. </span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="background: white; line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0in;"><o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="background: white; line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0in;"><span style="color: #222222; font-family: "Georgia",serif; font-size: 11.5pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-font-kerning: 0pt; mso-ligatures: none;"><o:p> </o:p></span><span style="background-color: #fff9ee; color: #222222; font-family: Georgia, serif; font-size: 11.5pt;">Blessings,</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="background: #FFF9EE; line-height: normal;"><span style="color: #222222; font-family: "Georgia",serif; font-size: 11.5pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-font-kerning: 0pt; mso-ligatures: none;">Gramps<o:p></o:p></span></p>Gramp's Morning Thoughtshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04596882698758464794noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1596520766746138508.post-70210518131143570432024-02-04T16:18:00.004-05:002024-02-04T16:18:58.048-05:00Weekend Bonus<p> <b><span face=""Arial",sans-serif" style="color: #222222; font-size: 8.5pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-font-kerning: 0pt; mso-ligatures: none;">Saturday, February 2, 2013</span></b></p><p><b><span style="color: #222222; font-family: "Georgia",serif; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-font-kerning: 0pt; mso-ligatures: none;">“</span></b><i><span style="color: #222222; font-family: "Georgia",serif; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-font-kerning: 0pt; mso-ligatures: none;">The thief (devil) comes</span></i><b><span style="color: #222222; font-family: "Georgia",serif; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-font-kerning: 0pt; mso-ligatures: none;"> </span></b><i><span style="color: #222222; font-family: "Georgia",serif; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-font-kerning: 0pt; mso-ligatures: none;">only to steal and kill
and destroy: I (Jesus) came that they might have life, and have it abundantly.” John 10:10</span></i></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="background: rgb(255, 249, 238); line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 9.0pt; margin: 9pt 0in 0in; mso-outline-level: 3;"><a name="716475519087566022"></a></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="background: rgb(255, 249, 238); line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0in;"><span style="color: #222222; font-family: "Georgia",serif; font-size: 11.5pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-font-kerning: 0pt; mso-ligatures: none;"><o:p> </o:p></span><span style="color: #222222; font-family: Georgia, serif;">Hey Gang, I am writing this from a mountain top condo
in a beautiful resort in Branson, Missouri. We are enjoying this time
of rest and relaxation recouping our energies and strength to return to Voice
of Martyrs for the final half of our commitment. We are in the midst
of a huge gully washer so laying out under the sun is out of the
question. </span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="background: rgb(255, 249, 238); line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0in;"><span style="color: #222222; font-family: "Georgia",serif; font-size: 11.5pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-font-kerning: 0pt; mso-ligatures: none;"><o:p> </o:p></span><span style="color: #222222; font-family: Georgia, serif;">The bride of my youth was bringing her correspondence up to
speed when she came across an old commentary written by Paul Harvey many years
ago (1965). It is more relevant today than it was when he wrote it (2024?).
It is a </span><b style="color: #222222; font-family: Georgia, serif;">piece that should be read </b><span style="color: #222222; font-family: Georgia, serif;">in the White House, the
Halls of Congress, every college and university and high school and junior high
school and yes, even the elementary schools and kindergartens of the
land. It should also be read from every pulpit and presented on
television and radio six or eight times a day.</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="background: rgb(255, 249, 238); line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0in;"><span style="color: #222222; font-family: "Georgia",serif; font-size: 11.5pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-font-kerning: 0pt; mso-ligatures: none;"><o:p> </o:p></span><span style="color: #222222; font-family: Georgia, serif;">He begins with this catchy phrase and title: “</span><b style="color: #222222; font-family: Georgia, serif;">If I were
the Devil"</b><span style="color: #222222; font-family: Georgia, serif;">…</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="background: rgb(255, 249, 238); line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0in;"><span style="color: #222222; font-family: "Georgia",serif; font-size: 11.5pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-font-kerning: 0pt; mso-ligatures: none;"><o:p> </o:p></span><span style="color: #222222; font-family: Georgia, serif;">"If I were the Devil...I mean, “if I were the Prince
of Darkness” I would of course, want to engulf the whole earth in
darkness. I would have a third of its real estate and four-fifths of its
population, but I would not be happy until I had seized the ripest apple on the
tree, so I should set about, however necessary, to take over the United States.</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="background: rgb(255, 249, 238); line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0in;"><span style="color: #222222; font-family: "Georgia",serif; font-size: 11.5pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-font-kerning: 0pt; mso-ligatures: none;"><o:p> </o:p></span><span style="color: #222222; font-family: Georgia, serif;">I would begin with a campaign of whispers. With the
wisdom of a serpent, I would whisper to you as I whispered to Eve; “Did God
really say?” </span><span style="color: #222222; font-family: Georgia, serif;"> </span><span style="color: #222222; font-family: Georgia, serif;">To the young, I would
whisper, “The Bible a myth.” I would convince them that man created God
instead of the other way around. I would confide that what is bad is good, and
what is good is “square”. In the ears of the young marrieds I would
whisper that work is debasing, the cocktail parties are good for you. I would
caution them not to be extreme in religion, patriotism, or moral conduct.
And the old, I would teach to pray. I would teach them to say after
me: “Our Father, which is in Washington.”</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="background: rgb(255, 249, 238); line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0in;"><span style="color: #222222; font-family: "Georgia",serif; font-size: 11.5pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-font-kerning: 0pt; mso-ligatures: none;"><o:p> </o:p></span><span style="color: #222222; font-family: Georgia, serif;">If I were the Devil, I’d educate authors in how to make
lurid literature exciting so that anything else would appear dull as
uninteresting. I’d turn T V producers to dirtier, more violent movies.
And then, if I were the devil, I’d get organized. I’d infiltrate unions
and urge more loafing and less work, because idle hands usually work for
me. I’d peddle narcotics to whomever I could. I’d sell alcohol to
ladies and gentlemen of distinction. And I’d tranquilize the rest with
pills.</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="background: rgb(255, 249, 238); line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0in;"><span style="color: #222222; font-family: "Georgia",serif; font-size: 11.5pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-font-kerning: 0pt; mso-ligatures: none;"><o:p> </o:p></span><span style="color: #222222; font-family: Georgia, serif;">If I were the Devil, I would encourage schools to refine
young intellects but neglect to discipline emotions …let those run wild.
I would designate an atheist to front for me before the highest courts in the
land and I would get preachers to say, “she’s right”. With flattery and
promises of power, I could get the courts to rule what I construe as against
God and in favor or pornography, and thus, I would evict God from the
courthouse, and then from the school. and then from the houses of Congress. Then,
in His own churches I would substitute psychology for religion, and I would
deify science because that way men would become smart enough to create super
weapons, but not wise enough to control them.</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="background: rgb(255, 249, 238); line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0in;"><span style="color: #222222; font-family: "Georgia",serif; font-size: 11.5pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-font-kerning: 0pt; mso-ligatures: none;"><o:p> </o:p></span><span style="color: #222222; font-family: Georgia, serif;">If I were Satan, I’d make the symbol of Easter an egg, and
the symbol of Christmas, a bottle. If I were the Devil, I would take from those
who have and I would give to those who wanted, until I had killed the incentive
of the ambitious. Then, I could separate families, putting children
in uniform, women in coal mines, and objectors in slave camps. In other
words, i</span><b style="color: #222222; font-family: Georgia, serif;">f I were Satan, I’d just keep on doing what he’s doing!!</b></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="background: rgb(255, 249, 238); line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0in;"><span style="color: #222222; font-family: "Georgia",serif; font-size: 11.5pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-font-kerning: 0pt; mso-ligatures: none;"><o:p> </o:p></span><span style="color: #222222; font-family: Georgia, serif;">Paul Harvey, Good day!</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="background: rgb(255, 249, 238); line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0in;"><span style="color: #222222; font-family: "Georgia",serif; font-size: 11.5pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-font-kerning: 0pt; mso-ligatures: none;"><o:p> </o:p></span><b><span style="color: #222222; font-family: "Georgia",serif; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-font-kerning: 0pt; mso-ligatures: none;">What say you?</span></b></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="background: rgb(255, 249, 238); line-height: normal;"><b><span style="color: #222222; font-family: "Georgia",serif; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-font-kerning: 0pt; mso-ligatures: none;">Gramps</span></b><span style="color: #222222; font-family: "Georgia",serif; font-size: 11.5pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-font-kerning: 0pt; mso-ligatures: none;"><o:p></o:p></span></p>Gramp's Morning Thoughtshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04596882698758464794noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1596520766746138508.post-38770634428397395172024-01-28T17:02:00.001-05:002024-01-28T17:03:16.151-05:00Be Content<p> <b style="font-family: Aptos, sans-serif; font-size: 11pt;"><span face="Arial,sans-serif" style="font-size: 8.5pt;">Friday, January 25, 2013 A special picture for our family. Dad is in Glory and Ry at 13.</span></b></p>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEhUhpDZA4-DMzVrgUt9cxIzM15grKyuF9aRb8iX1u9ivOW5px1DtmOPxOn7KseJmENFJKK0WDykZipE-3WFFe5G8vl9JcjYieYwY1YHc1Eg2ES88q8qzAzyytJKoLeNMaP4dekyQAyH6MRDYGHF9WTlwAuNyY1mt2qkoT6AsaHBGK6IWzhHqBHYxlNXQBY" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"></a><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEhUhpDZA4-DMzVrgUt9cxIzM15grKyuF9aRb8iX1u9ivOW5px1DtmOPxOn7KseJmENFJKK0WDykZipE-3WFFe5G8vl9JcjYieYwY1YHc1Eg2ES88q8qzAzyytJKoLeNMaP4dekyQAyH6MRDYGHF9WTlwAuNyY1mt2qkoT6AsaHBGK6IWzhHqBHYxlNXQBY" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="" data-original-height="130" data-original-width="78" height="293" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEhUhpDZA4-DMzVrgUt9cxIzM15grKyuF9aRb8iX1u9ivOW5px1DtmOPxOn7KseJmENFJKK0WDykZipE-3WFFe5G8vl9JcjYieYwY1YHc1Eg2ES88q8qzAzyytJKoLeNMaP4dekyQAyH6MRDYGHF9WTlwAuNyY1mt2qkoT6AsaHBGK6IWzhHqBHYxlNXQBY=w176-h293" width="176" /></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEisuufcpi9Jd4sugUqpKu--ytI1hiC0E6erEoXI3OuOMIvDBvd1-nX1Gr8bVKy4B1x7Dl5RpyLVhP7S_cJwVg2gpMTw7dHJ8YXbxMb3n7jozyB2IubFyD9v1ISwNBuroGM1-V_V0paTntxy9_ciXvXxRIJwoyiLoo_YngcAZECKhxON-0dpYb6bYN7KgY0" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="" data-original-height="540" data-original-width="696" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEisuufcpi9Jd4sugUqpKu--ytI1hiC0E6erEoXI3OuOMIvDBvd1-nX1Gr8bVKy4B1x7Dl5RpyLVhP7S_cJwVg2gpMTw7dHJ8YXbxMb3n7jozyB2IubFyD9v1ISwNBuroGM1-V_V0paTntxy9_ciXvXxRIJwoyiLoo_YngcAZECKhxON-0dpYb6bYN7KgY0" width="309" /></a></div></div><div><br /></div><p class="MsoNormal" style="background: rgb(255, 249, 238); font-family: Aptos, sans-serif; font-size: 11pt; line-height: normal; margin: 0in;"><b style="font-size: 11pt;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt;">"I
know how to get along with humble means and I also know how to live in
prosperity; in any and every circumstance I have learned the secret of being
filled and going hungry, both of having abundance and suffering need"
(Phil. 4:12).</span></b></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="background: rgb(255, 249, 238); font-family: Aptos, sans-serif; font-size: 11pt; line-height: normal; margin: 0in;"><span style="font-family: Georgia,serif; font-size: 11.5pt;"></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="background: rgb(255, 249, 238); font-family: Aptos, sans-serif; font-size: 11pt; line-height: normal; margin: 0in;"><span style="font-family: Georgia,serif; font-size: 11.5pt;"> </span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="background: rgb(255, 249, 238); font-family: Aptos, sans-serif; font-size: 11pt; line-height: normal; margin: 0in;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt;">Hey
Gang: I found the following statement in a magazine that rang my bell</span><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 11.5pt;">,</span><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt;"> "Contentment
begins when comparison stops.” How true that is, at least for yours
truly. You see, I have always had a hard time being content at
anything. When I do a project I always end up doing far more than I
anticipated. If you don't believe that, come and see the Christmas
displays in our basement. When I set out to do a writing project, I am never
content to leave it until it is completely done, corrected and published.</span><span style="font-family: Georgia,serif; font-size: 11.5pt;"></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="background: rgb(255, 249, 238); font-family: Aptos, sans-serif; font-size: 11pt; line-height: normal; margin: 0in;"><span style="font-family: Georgia,serif; font-size: 11.5pt;"> </span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="background: rgb(255, 249, 238); font-family: Aptos, sans-serif; font-size: 11pt; line-height: normal; margin: 0in;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt;">If I
am in the final stages of a wood project and my bride calls for lunch or some
other important chore, I tend to want to complete the project before I
answer her call. On top of this my brain seems to be stuck in a nonstop
mode. For me to sit down and read a book is agony and pain. I
presently have four books in the mill, one on page 18, the second on page 34, a
third on 59 and the last on page 102. (Note: page 102 is a
tremendous victory.)</span><span style="font-family: Georgia,serif; font-size: 11.5pt;"></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="background: rgb(255, 249, 238); font-family: Aptos, sans-serif; font-size: 11pt; line-height: normal; margin: 0in;"><span style="font-family: Georgia,serif; font-size: 11.5pt;"> </span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="background: rgb(255, 249, 238); font-family: Aptos, sans-serif; font-size: 11pt; line-height: normal; margin: 0in;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt;">This
trait equipped me to be a role model for kids that I have worked with, for I
have yet, in more than fifty years of working with dysfunctional children, have
found one who is content. As a matter of fact I have often taught in
workshops and shared that they are dysfunctional because they are unable to
find contentment. It is like having an itch you cannot scratch and you
spend every waking hour trying to fill that churning in your gut.</span><span style="font-family: Georgia,serif; font-size: 11.5pt;"></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="background: rgb(255, 249, 238); font-family: Aptos, sans-serif; font-size: 11pt; line-height: normal; margin: 0in;"><span style="font-family: Georgia,serif; font-size: 11.5pt;"> </span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="background: rgb(255, 249, 238); font-family: Aptos, sans-serif; font-size: 11pt; line-height: normal; margin: 0in;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt;">Does
that mean I am plagued with uncontentment the rest of my life? At age 79,
if I am going to learn what Paul meant when he wrote, <b>"Not that I
speak from want, for I have learned to be content in whatever circumstances I
am."</b> (Phil.4:11), I am going to have to get myself in gear, so me
thinks I am talking to me, and not you, this time around.. </span><span style="font-family: Georgia,serif; font-size: 11.5pt;"></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="background: rgb(255, 249, 238); font-family: Aptos, sans-serif; font-size: 11pt; line-height: normal; margin: 0in;"><span style="font-family: Georgia,serif; font-size: 11.5pt;"> </span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="background: rgb(255, 249, 238); font-family: Aptos, sans-serif; font-size: 11pt; line-height: normal; margin: 0in;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt;">Now,
let me share with you a neat diversion we developed in our Girls’ Wilderness
Quest Program that seemed to lead to contentment. We built four shelters
in a remote part of the campus. They had no electricity, no water, no
facilities of any kind and the girls had to walk half a mile to get to the
dining hall and to do most activities. One day one of the staff
suggested we alternate boys and girls in the camp. The result was open
rebellion on the part of the girls and boys alike. The girls did not want
to move out and the boys did not want to move in.</span><span style="font-family: Georgia,serif; font-size: 11.5pt;"></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="background: rgb(255, 249, 238); font-family: Aptos, sans-serif; font-size: 11pt; line-height: normal; margin: 0in;"><span style="font-family: Georgia,serif; font-size: 11.5pt;"> </span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="background: rgb(255, 249, 238); font-family: Aptos, sans-serif; font-size: 11pt; line-height: normal; margin: 0in;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt;">When
asked why the girls were so adamant in remaining in the primitive setting the
main reason was "Here, we can be us, we do not have to put on a front - no
make-up, no being concerned about our clothes, etc. In other words they
were content to be who they really were. </span><span style="font-family: Georgia,serif; font-size: 11.5pt;"></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="background: rgb(255, 249, 238); font-family: Aptos, sans-serif; font-size: 11pt; line-height: normal; margin: 0in;"><span style="font-family: Georgia,serif; font-size: 11.5pt;"> </span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="background: rgb(255, 249, 238); font-family: Aptos, sans-serif; font-size: 11pt; line-height: normal; margin: 0in;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt;">Soooo,
do you get the point? "Contentment does begin when comparison is put
to bed. I believe I have learned that we cannot weigh our
contentment on a scale of stuff. When stuff is your measurement, you will
never have enough because there is always someone out there who has "more
stuff".</span><span style="font-family: Georgia,serif; font-size: 11.5pt;"></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="background: rgb(255, 249, 238); font-family: Aptos, sans-serif; font-size: 11pt; line-height: normal; margin: 0in;"><span style="font-family: Georgia,serif; font-size: 11.5pt;"> </span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="background: rgb(255, 249, 238); font-family: Aptos, sans-serif; font-size: 11pt; line-height: normal; margin: 0in;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt;">Blessings, </span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="background: rgb(255, 249, 238); font-family: Aptos, sans-serif; font-size: 11pt; line-height: normal; margin: 0in;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt;"> Gramps</span></p>Gramp's Morning Thoughtshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04596882698758464794noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1596520766746138508.post-75998120441667661882024-01-21T16:36:00.004-05:002024-01-21T16:36:53.328-05:00Just Butt IN<p> </p><p class="MsoNormal" style="background: rgb(255, 249, 238); line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0in; mso-outline-level: 2;"><b><span face=""Arial",sans-serif" style="color: #222222; font-size: 8.5pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-font-kerning: 0pt; mso-ligatures: none;">Monday, January 28, 2013<o:p></o:p></span></b></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="background: rgb(255, 249, 238); line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 9.0pt; margin: 9pt 0in 0in; mso-outline-level: 3;"><a name="4209222795073312178"></a></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEgvm9nH-ZDkxUlAZ8iErXYrbAXkoOkoUjhJo1LbRxkG1QzdhX4ABB3Lnj_9mqcxuxgGdFqdqLMLc_uvEZkgSPCapYXg4aZaRTKDb8_z02CcIxFDoS46yCCujTS81xEf-a2bNKTjJbgKRAen9BGRXo2iUv6vJKyVIr3geW3ecOo_viL9LYFUzaXp3wxYGdQ" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="" data-original-height="423" data-original-width="466" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEgvm9nH-ZDkxUlAZ8iErXYrbAXkoOkoUjhJo1LbRxkG1QzdhX4ABB3Lnj_9mqcxuxgGdFqdqLMLc_uvEZkgSPCapYXg4aZaRTKDb8_z02CcIxFDoS46yCCujTS81xEf-a2bNKTjJbgKRAen9BGRXo2iUv6vJKyVIr3geW3ecOo_viL9LYFUzaXp3wxYGdQ" width="264" /></a></div><br /><span style="color: #222222; font-family: "Georgia",serif; font-size: 11.5pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-font-kerning: 0pt; mso-ligatures: none; text-align: left;"><o:p> </o:p></span><span style="color: #222222; font-family: Georgia, serif; font-size: 11.5pt; text-align: left;"><o:p> </o:p></span><b style="text-align: left;"><span style="color: #222222; font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-font-kerning: 0pt; mso-ligatures: none;">"Oh, that I had wings like a dove! I would fly
away and be at rest. Behold, I would wander far away, I would lodge in
the wilderness. I would hasten to my place of refuge from the stormy wind
and tempest."</span></b><span style="color: #222222; font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: 12pt; text-align: left;"> (Ps. 55:6 - 8)</span></div><p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="background: rgb(255, 249, 238); line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0in;"><span style="color: #222222; font-family: "Georgia",serif; font-size: 11.5pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-font-kerning: 0pt; mso-ligatures: none;"><o:p> </o:p></span><span style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: 12pt;">Hey Gang: Everybody in the world has heard, and
perhaps even used, the words ‘Butt Out’. Some have modified the words and
say, "Hey man, give me some space!" I believe the major
problem in our world today is that mega multitudes of folks have said to Abba
Father, “Just "Butt Out." And when He is told to ‘Butt Out’, I
do believe that is precisely what He does.</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="background: white; line-height: 16.75pt; margin-bottom: 0in;"><span style="color: #222222; font-family: "Georgia",serif; font-size: 11.5pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-font-kerning: 0pt; mso-ligatures: none;"><o:p> </o:p></span><span style="color: #222222; font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: 12pt;">Let me ask you a question this morning: “Do you think
America has sent a message to Abba Father to ‘Just Butt Out’? I certainly
believe that is precisely what has been said. My prayer for many months
prior to the election was, "Lord, I pray you will' Butt In' - to the
Affairs of our Nation". I felt that was a prayer that
Abba Father would hear. I am instructed to pray for our leaders and did
not want to dishonor that command to us. But at the same time, I wanted
Abba Father to know that if our country is going to repent of our gross
sin, it could only happen if He, YHWH "Butt's In". </span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="background: white; line-height: 16.75pt; margin-bottom: 0in;"><span style="color: #222222; font-family: "Georgia",serif; font-size: 11.5pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-font-kerning: 0pt; mso-ligatures: none;"><o:p> </o:p></span><span style="color: #222222; font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: 12pt;">I confess, after the election I was depressed, I mean
really depressed. Not so much about the President's re election, although
that, too, was a depressing reality, but rather I had such deep hopes that this
would be the time when God would "Butt In" and lead us out of the
wilderness. It was truly a time when I needed a restoration of Spirit in
my heart and soul. </span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="background: white; line-height: 16.75pt; margin-bottom: 0in;"><span style="color: #222222; font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-font-kerning: 0pt; mso-ligatures: none;">I found myself being drawn to 2 Chronicles 7:14, a verse
that is very familiar to all who have been called by His name. It is a
powerful verse that gives us hope even in the most difficult times. But,
the more I pondered on this verse, the more I began to understand there is a <b>Covenant
</b>involved in the fulfillment of this verse.</span><span style="color: #222222; font-family: "Georgia",serif; font-size: 11.5pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-font-kerning: 0pt; mso-ligatures: none;"><o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="background: white; line-height: 16.75pt; margin-bottom: 0in;"><span style="color: #222222; font-family: "Georgia",serif; font-size: 11.5pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-font-kerning: 0pt; mso-ligatures: none;"><o:p> </o:p></span><span style="color: #222222; font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: 12pt;">The first thing that hit me was the tiny word </span><b style="color: #222222; font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: 12pt;"><i>"if".</i></b><span style="color: #222222; font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: 12pt;">
The fulfillment of the </span><b style="color: #222222; font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: 12pt;">Covenant </b><span style="color: #222222; font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: 12pt;">is determined by the tiny word "</span><i style="color: #222222; font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: 12pt;">if</i><span style="color: #222222; font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: 12pt;">". </span><b style="color: #222222; font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: 12pt;">"If"</b><span style="color: #222222; font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: 12pt;"> </span><b style="color: #222222; font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: 12pt;">My
people who are called by My name humble themselves and pray and seek My face
and turn from their wicked ways".</b><span style="color: #222222; font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: 12pt;"> The prerequisites for
fulfillment of the covenant - humble ourselves, pray and put away our wicked
ways. </span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="background: white; line-height: 16.75pt; margin-bottom: 0in;"><span style="color: #222222; font-family: "Georgia",serif; font-size: 11.5pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-font-kerning: 0pt; mso-ligatures: none;"><o:p> </o:p></span><span style="color: #222222; font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: 12pt;">I began to seek God's counsel on where I had failed.
Was pride an issue with me? Have I not humbled myself before you? Have I
failed in my praise and adoration to you through prayer and worship?
Lord, is there lurking in the recesses of my heart things that do not bring
honor and glory to you?</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="background: white; line-height: 16.75pt; margin-bottom: 0in;"><span style="color: #222222; font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-font-kerning: 0pt; mso-ligatures: none;">Sooooo, my friends, I fell better this morning after
unloading the guilt feelings I have harbored since I did not get my way on
election day. Confession is good for the soul. Isn't that
what God's word teaches us? I am glad I know that He is Sovereign
God and I know His kingdom is forever.<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="background: white; line-height: 16.75pt; margin-bottom: 0in;"><span style="color: #222222; font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-font-kerning: 0pt; mso-ligatures: none;">Blessings, <o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="background: white; line-height: 16.75pt; margin-bottom: 0in;"><span style="color: #222222; font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-font-kerning: 0pt; mso-ligatures: none;">Gramps</span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="background: white; line-height: 16.75pt; margin-bottom: 0in;"></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="background: white; line-height: 16.75pt; margin-bottom: 0in;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEgBq3NNIPU78kJOI2vctLH0xeiyJhce7Tr58KUN7PQ6l6S4z-UySqmrsssHr6fRmTvpvmO8OKtpp7QOz3dgIr30XO56n8WbCRH2MaRtHLlBYzvvJxkd8G9m69TulToOzjur6diDhO98lxEoYzqAcIUNSeiO8H4StBqvYLqb5ii91JsqTY3T62hVCQUzhQM" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img alt="" data-original-height="148" data-original-width="197" height="171" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEgBq3NNIPU78kJOI2vctLH0xeiyJhce7Tr58KUN7PQ6l6S4z-UySqmrsssHr6fRmTvpvmO8OKtpp7QOz3dgIr30XO56n8WbCRH2MaRtHLlBYzvvJxkd8G9m69TulToOzjur6diDhO98lxEoYzqAcIUNSeiO8H4StBqvYLqb5ii91JsqTY3T62hVCQUzhQM=w227-h171" width="227" /></a></p><p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="background: white; line-height: 16.75pt; margin-bottom: 0in;"><span style="color: #222222; font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: 12pt;">PS It is hard to believe what has happened to our country
in the last 10 years!! Continue to pray for our country and our leaders to seek
God’s wisdom and thank Him for revival that is sweeping through our country and
others nation. Including Israel!</span><span style="color: #222222; font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: 12pt; mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><span style="color: #222222; font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: 12pt;">We are
10 years closer to His return!</span></p>Gramp's Morning Thoughtshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04596882698758464794noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1596520766746138508.post-3353609800345295272024-01-14T16:52:00.001-05:002024-01-14T16:52:33.593-05:00The Quiet Sermo<p><b><span style="color: #222222; font-family: "Arial",sans-serif; font-size: 8.5pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-font-kerning: 0pt; mso-ligatures: none;">Monday, January 27, 2014</span></b></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="background: #FFF9EE; line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 9.0pt; mso-outline-level: 3;"><a name="7161783348364404895"></a></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEgfi23AnCGtYi2Iy12ShqMoD10RJvvvrxgP2TY7gauu49E3H9CcqCtsO4hOiBrBCLwFmI1L7XB63tTtGAZJa34l5BvD4kd5tY4LiN9gRPsEX5J5zvcnJb6_IKuKjoRwlp2wAe6AWx7qsMOeJllqZeC_B0pOgQ2yEtGQmVviyzoPSbdalLmMNEEHvvhG5nE" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="" data-original-height="216" data-original-width="313" height="221" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEgfi23AnCGtYi2Iy12ShqMoD10RJvvvrxgP2TY7gauu49E3H9CcqCtsO4hOiBrBCLwFmI1L7XB63tTtGAZJa34l5BvD4kd5tY4LiN9gRPsEX5J5zvcnJb6_IKuKjoRwlp2wAe6AWx7qsMOeJllqZeC_B0pOgQ2yEtGQmVviyzoPSbdalLmMNEEHvvhG5nE" width="320" /></a></div><br /><br /><p></p>
<p align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="background: #FFF9EE; line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0in; text-align: center;"><b style="text-align: left;"><span style="color: #222222; font-family: "Georgia",serif; font-size: 11.5pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-font-kerning: 0pt; mso-ligatures: none;">"But if we walk in the Light as
He Himself is in the Light, we have fellowship with one another, and the blood
of Jesus His Son cleanses us from all sin".</span></b><span style="color: #222222; font-family: Georgia, serif; font-size: 11.5pt; text-align: left;"> (I John 1:7)</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="background: #FFF9EE; line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0in;"><span style="color: #222222; font-family: "Georgia",serif; font-size: 11.5pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-font-kerning: 0pt; mso-ligatures: none;"><o:p> </o:p></span><span style="color: #222222; font-family: Georgia, serif; font-size: 11.5pt;">Hey Gang: I have had the
following story in my archives for years. For some reason I never felt it was
important to send it along to you. But I recently talked with a man who
said he searched for a church for years where praise and worship was important,
molded in with pure Bible Study; but he failed to find it and now he has chosen
to be his own church. After hearing his story, I returned home and got
out the worn and torn endorphin file and dug out this story:</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="background: #FFF9EE; line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0in;"><span style="color: #222222; font-family: "Georgia",serif; font-size: 11.5pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-font-kerning: 0pt; mso-ligatures: none;"><o:p> </o:p></span><span style="color: #222222; font-family: Georgia, serif; font-size: 11.5pt;">"</span><i style="color: #222222; font-family: Georgia, serif; font-size: 11.5pt;">It seems that a member of a
certain church, who previously had been attending services regularly, stopped
going. After a few weeks, the Pastor decided to visit him. </i></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="background: #FFF9EE; line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0in;"><span style="color: #222222; font-family: "Georgia",serif; font-size: 11.5pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-font-kerning: 0pt; mso-ligatures: none;"><o:p> </o:p></span><i><span style="color: #222222; font-family: "Georgia",serif; font-size: 11.5pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-font-kerning: 0pt; mso-ligatures: none;">It was a chilly evening. The
Pastor found the man at home alone, setting before a blazing fire.
Guessing the reason for this Pastors visit, the man welcomed him, ledt him to a
comfortable chair near the fireplace and waited.</span></i></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="background: #FFF9EE; line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0in;"><span style="color: #222222; font-family: "Georgia",serif; font-size: 11.5pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-font-kerning: 0pt; mso-ligatures: none;"><o:p> </o:p></span><i><span style="color: #222222; font-family: "Georgia",serif; font-size: 11.5pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-font-kerning: 0pt; mso-ligatures: none;">The Pastor made himself at home but
said nothing. In the grave silence, he contemplated the dance of the
flames around the burning logs. After some minutes, the Pastor took the fire
tongs, carefully picked up a brightly burning ember and placed it to one side
of the hearth all alone. Then he sat back in his chair, still
silent. The host watched all this in quiet contemplation. As the
one lone ember's flame flickered and diminished, there was a momentary glow and
then its fire was no more. Soon it was cold and dead.</span></i></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="background: #FFF9EE; line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0in;"><span style="color: #222222; font-family: "Georgia",serif; font-size: 11.5pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-font-kerning: 0pt; mso-ligatures: none;"><o:p> </o:p></span><i><span style="color: #222222; font-family: "Georgia",serif; font-size: 11.5pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-font-kerning: 0pt; mso-ligatures: none;">Not a word had been spoken since the
initial greeting. The Pastor glanced at his watch and realized it was
time to leave. He slowly stood up, picked up the cold, dead ember and
placed it back in the middle of the fire. Immediately it began to glow,
once more with the light and warmth of the burning coals around it.</span></i></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="background: #FFF9EE; line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0in;"><span style="color: #222222; font-family: "Georgia",serif; font-size: 11.5pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-font-kerning: 0pt; mso-ligatures: none;"><o:p> </o:p></span><i><span style="color: #222222; font-family: "Georgia",serif; font-size: 11.5pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-font-kerning: 0pt; mso-ligatures: none;">As the pastor reached the door to
leave, the host said with a tear running down his cheek "Thank you so much
for your visit and especially for the fiery sermon. I shall be back in
church next Sunday</span></i><span style="color: #222222; font-family: Georgia, serif; font-size: 11.5pt;">."</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="background: #FFF9EE; line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0in;"><span style="color: #222222; font-family: "Georgia",serif; font-size: 11.5pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-font-kerning: 0pt; mso-ligatures: none;"><o:p> </o:p></span><span style="color: #222222; font-family: Georgia, serif; font-size: 11.5pt;">Sooooo, my friends, Home Bible study
and prayer are essential to keeping our keel deep in the water, but the
fellowship of believers keeps the coals burning in our heart and souls.</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="background: #FFF9EE; line-height: normal;"><span style="color: #222222; font-family: "Georgia",serif; font-size: 11.5pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-font-kerning: 0pt; mso-ligatures: none;">Blessings,<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="background: #FFF9EE; line-height: normal;"><span style="color: #222222; font-family: "Georgia",serif; font-size: 11.5pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-font-kerning: 0pt; mso-ligatures: none;">Gramps<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="background: #FFF9EE; line-height: normal;"><span style="color: #222222; font-family: "Georgia",serif; font-size: 11.5pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-font-kerning: 0pt; mso-ligatures: none;">PS 2024 is a good year for change. Our
Pastor has been emphasizing the importance of connection with God and His Word,
and <b>others</b>. Covid fear has continued to isolate many for various
reasons. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>If you feel isolated or just
alone, remember the coal that lost its glow until re-connected in the fire
(church family).<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Find a Bible believing
church and choose to get connected. Spread the Holy Spirit fire.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Gma J</span><o:p></o:p></p>Gramp's Morning Thoughtshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04596882698758464794noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1596520766746138508.post-2594803095717511182024-01-07T15:51:00.000-05:002024-01-07T15:51:01.318-05:00Is Your Wealth In God's Storehouse?<p> <b style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: #222222; font-family: "Arial",sans-serif; font-size: 8.5pt; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-bidi-language: AR-SA; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-language: EN-US; mso-font-kerning: 0pt; mso-ligatures: none;">Wednesday, January 29, 2014</span></b></p><p><b style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: #222222; font-family: "Arial",sans-serif; font-size: 8.5pt; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-bidi-language: AR-SA; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-language: EN-US; mso-font-kerning: 0pt; mso-ligatures: none;"><br /></span></b></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="background: #FFF9EE; line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0in;"><span style="color: #222222; font-family: "Georgia",serif; font-size: 11.5pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-font-kerning: 0pt; mso-ligatures: none;"><o:p> </o:p></span><span style="color: #222222; font-family: Georgia, serif; font-size: 10pt;">God’s power principle for today</span><b style="color: #222222; font-family: Georgia, serif; font-size: 10pt;">: “If
you keep My commandments, you will abide in My love; just as I have kept My
Father’s commandments and abide in His love.”</b><span style="color: #222222; font-family: Georgia, serif; font-size: 10pt;"> (John 15:10).</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="background: #FFF9EE; line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0in;"><span style="color: #222222; font-family: "Georgia",serif; font-size: 11.5pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-font-kerning: 0pt; mso-ligatures: none;"><o:p> </o:p></span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEi86-04wM4zmW3gFbO8iBu3sUpSDNm-BsZyuMVl7ED4ctF1TP8UNA3fXcyGBG9YRXbgpql_9qxrpYH2pfsqscSfcqMxFL_Q8lMe9K9QlO24tc-cAcKLuM57bQ0pG2eQH2GwKd4rn5AklgPDAxOoS-yk9LP60K1RhvZ3MFgCD4pb21se865aCtvy1TFmT1E" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="" data-original-height="313" data-original-width="242" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEi86-04wM4zmW3gFbO8iBu3sUpSDNm-BsZyuMVl7ED4ctF1TP8UNA3fXcyGBG9YRXbgpql_9qxrpYH2pfsqscSfcqMxFL_Q8lMe9K9QlO24tc-cAcKLuM57bQ0pG2eQH2GwKd4rn5AklgPDAxOoS-yk9LP60K1RhvZ3MFgCD4pb21se865aCtvy1TFmT1E" width="186" /></a></div><br /><p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="background: #FFF9EE; line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0in;"><span style="color: #222222; font-family: "Georgia",serif; font-size: 10.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-font-kerning: 0pt; mso-ligatures: none;">Hey Gang: The woman lived in
poverty, much to the chagrin of her lawyer son who faithfully sent her a check
each month to cover her every need. Her son heard of her stunning poverty
and called her on the phone: “Mother, I hear that you don’t have enough money
to pay your bills.” ‘That’s right” she said sadly. “But how can
that be? Don’t you get my letters every month?” “Yes, I get your
letters”. “Then what do you do with the money?” “What money?
All you send is those pieces of paper with your name scrawled on the
bottom.” She lived in poverty even though she had thousands of dollars
available to her. All she had to do was cash the checks!</span><span style="color: #222222; font-family: "Georgia",serif; font-size: 11.5pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-font-kerning: 0pt; mso-ligatures: none;"><o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="background: #FFF9EE; line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0in;"><span style="color: #222222; font-family: "Georgia",serif; font-size: 11.5pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-font-kerning: 0pt; mso-ligatures: none;"><o:p> </o:p></span><span style="color: #222222; font-family: Georgia, serif; font-size: 10pt;">Before you are too hard on the woman,
think about your situation. God has given you promises to cover your
every need, but they do you no good until you cash them. The Bible is
filled with promises from our Heavenly Father with checks addressed to each of
us but they are of no value if you have not plugged your power cord into God’s
power supply.</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="background: #FFF9EE; line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0in;"><span style="color: #222222; font-family: "Georgia",serif; font-size: 11.5pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-font-kerning: 0pt; mso-ligatures: none;"><o:p> </o:p></span><span style="color: #222222; font-family: Georgia, serif; font-size: 10pt;">There is the story of "old
man" for that was his identification. Just plain "old
man". He lived in a ram- shackled cabin in one of the hollows in the
mountains of Pennsylvania. A young man, who happened to drive by his
house regularly, always checked to see if there was smoke coming out of the
chimney. One day he noticed - there was no smoke. Old man had
passed away. But who cared, he was just an old hermit who, like so many,
passed from this earth without making even the slightest impact on his world.</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="background: #FFF9EE; line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0in;"><span style="color: #222222; font-family: "Georgia",serif; font-size: 11.5pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-font-kerning: 0pt; mso-ligatures: none;"><o:p> </o:p></span><span style="color: #222222; font-family: Georgia, serif; font-size: 10pt;">But, as distant family went through
his earthly possessions that were sparse, they found a very beat up Bible. In
the Bible were pieces of paper with names and dates, Jane, 1934 let, Mark, 1935
back, Joyce 1940 brain surgery. After much research they found that in
each case money, that was not available to care for these needs, suddenly came
from an unknown source. “Old man” had chosen to live in poverty so that he
could provide a "shirt tail to hang onto" for those who had needs.</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="background: #FFF9EE; line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0in;"><span style="color: #222222; font-family: "Georgia",serif; font-size: 11.5pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-font-kerning: 0pt; mso-ligatures: none;"><o:p> </o:p></span><span style="color: #222222; font-family: Georgia, serif; font-size: 10pt;">I do not know if the story of
"Old Man" is true, I suspect it is. I can say this, it impacted
my life and made me more sensitive to the needs of people around me who are
hurting. I pray when I stand before my heavenly Father “</span><b style="color: #222222; font-family: Georgia, serif; font-size: 10pt;">He will say
well done, true the faithful servant.”</b></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="background: #FFF9EE; line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0in;"><span style="color: #222222; font-family: "Georgia",serif; font-size: 11.5pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-font-kerning: 0pt; mso-ligatures: none;"><o:p> </o:p></span><span style="color: #222222; font-family: Georgia, serif; font-size: 10pt;">Studying the promises of God can be
like trying to drink out of a fire hydrant. They are so powerful and so
many of them that they may knock us off our feet.</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="background: #FFF9EE; line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0in;"><span style="color: #222222; font-family: "Georgia",serif; font-size: 11.5pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-font-kerning: 0pt; mso-ligatures: none;"><o:p> </o:p></span><span style="color: #222222; font-family: Georgia, serif; font-size: 10pt;">Paul challenges our hearts with a
tremendous promise that we can take to the bank:</span><b style="color: #222222; font-family: Georgia, serif; font-size: 10pt;"> “I can do all things
through Him who strengthens me” </b><span style="color: #222222; font-family: Georgia, serif; font-size: 10pt;">and just six verses later he gives us
this pearl of great price</span><b style="color: #222222; font-family: Georgia, serif; font-size: 10pt;"> “My God will supply all your needs according
to His riches in glory in Christ Jesus.” </b><span style="color: #222222; font-family: Georgia, serif; font-size: 10pt;">(Phil 4:13,19)</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="background: #FFF9EE; line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0in;"><span style="color: #222222; font-family: "Georgia",serif; font-size: 11.5pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-font-kerning: 0pt; mso-ligatures: none;"><o:p> </o:p></span><span style="color: #222222; font-family: Georgia, serif; font-size: 10pt;">Soooo, my young chicks, take Malachi’s
advice:</span><b style="color: #222222; font-family: Georgia, serif; font-size: 10pt;"> “Bring the whole tithe into the storehouse, so that there may
be food in My house, and test Me now in this,” says the Lord of hosts. If
I will not open for you the windows of heaven and pour out for you a blessing
until it overflows.” (Mal. 3:10)</b></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="background: #FFF9EE; line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0in;"><span style="color: #222222; font-family: "Georgia",serif; font-size: 11.5pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-font-kerning: 0pt; mso-ligatures: none;"><o:p> </o:p></span><span style="color: #222222; font-family: Georgia, serif; font-size: 10pt;">Wait!! Don’t stop there, read the
blessing that follows: </span><b style="color: #222222; font-family: Georgia, serif; font-size: 10pt;">“Then I will rebuke the devourer for you, so
that it will not destroy the fruits of the ground; nor will your vine in
the field cast its grapes,” says the Lord of hosts”. </b><span style="color: #222222; font-family: Georgia, serif; font-size: 10pt;">(v.11)</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="background: #FFF9EE; line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0in;"><span style="color: #222222; font-family: "Georgia",serif; font-size: 11.5pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-font-kerning: 0pt; mso-ligatures: none;"><o:p> </o:p></span><span style="color: #222222; font-family: Georgia, serif; font-size: 10pt;">Blessings,</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="background: #FFF9EE; line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0in;"><span style="color: #222222; font-family: "Georgia",serif; font-size: 11.5pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-font-kerning: 0pt; mso-ligatures: none;"><o:p> </o:p></span><span style="color: #222222; font-family: Georgia, serif; font-size: 10pt;">Gramps</span></p>Gramp's Morning Thoughtshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04596882698758464794noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1596520766746138508.post-69781461789971055432023-12-31T15:40:00.000-05:002023-12-31T15:40:06.341-05:00<p> <span style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: Tahoma, sans-serif; font-size: 11pt;">HAPPY NEW YEAR! The Choice is yours.</span></p><div class="adn ads" data-legacy-message-id="18cc1951c9d526c7" data-message-id="#msg-a:r-6821614991136573975" style="background-color: white; border-left: none; color: #222222; display: flex; font-family: "Google Sans", Roboto, RobotoDraft, Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; padding: 0px;"><div class="gs" style="margin: 0px; min-width: 0px; padding: 0px 0px 20px; width: initial;"><div class=""><div class="ii gt" id=":ub" jslog="20277; u014N:xr6bB; 1:WyIjdGhyZWFkLWE6ci0zNjg1MjAwNDYyODkwNjI5NjQxIl0.; 4:WyIjbXNnLWE6ci02ODIxNjE0OTkxMTM2NTczOTc1Il0." style="direction: ltr; font-size: 0.875rem; margin: 8px 0px 0px; overflow-x: hidden; padding: 0px; position: relative;"><div class="a3s aiL " id=":zj" style="direction: initial; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-size: small; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: 1.5; overflow: auto hidden; position: relative;"><div dir="ltr"><img alt="image.png" class="CToWUd a6T" data-bit="iit" data-image-whitelisted="" height="340" src="https://mail.google.com/mail/u/0?ui=2&ik=5440f03a53&attid=0.1&permmsgid=msg-a:r-6821614991136573975&th=18cc1951c9d526c7&view=fimg&fur=ip&sz=s0-l75-ft&attbid=ANGjdJ8_cGAV4Sy9CQWfTD88NEGk6AXTUAYx08Q0MHSg0Bvuk431asa0tvAbu28uEkkKR4DP-0JvJRrfAVHchO-dVSscmYWTjO_kbH9HCXqi4vDWTNZB58Wa56T3FDc&disp=emb&realattid=ii_lqty7vwd0" style="cursor: pointer; outline: 0px;" tabindex="0" width="509" /><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: 11pt; line-height: 15.6933px; margin: 0in;"><span style="font-family: Tahoma, sans-serif; font-size: 11pt;"> </span><br /></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: 11pt; line-height: 15.6933px; margin: 0in;"><b><span style="font-family: Tahoma, sans-serif;">“And whatsoever you do, whether in word or deed, do it ALL in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God the Father thru him</span></b><span style="font-family: Tahoma, sans-serif;">.” Colossians 3:20. “<b>Whatever</b> <b>you do work at it with ALL your heart, as working</b> for the Lord.” Colossians 3:23</span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: 11pt; line-height: 15.6933px; margin: 0in;"><span style="font-family: Tahoma, sans-serif;"> </span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: 11pt; line-height: 15.6933px; margin: 0in;"><span style="font-family: Tahoma, sans-serif;">January 3, 2020!! How many New Year’s resolutions did you make and already break? Lose weight? That is often one after the Holidays! Work harder? Take more vacation time? Increase savings? Less TV or Social Media? Most of us are not very good at keeping these and give up when we fail to keep them just once</span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: 11pt; line-height: 15.6933px; margin: 0in;"><span style="font-family: Tahoma, sans-serif;"> </span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: 11pt; line-height: 15.6933px; margin: 0in;"><span style="font-family: Tahoma, sans-serif;">I have a suggestion: call it life-style change and ask God to help you draw closer to Him That is far more important and has eternal value!</span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: 11pt; line-height: 15.6933px; margin: 0in;"><span style="font-family: Tahoma, sans-serif;"> </span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: 11pt; line-height: 15.6933px; margin: 0in;"><span style="font-family: Tahoma, sans-serif;">He is God of second chances – even 3<sup>rd</sup>, 4<sup>th </sup>… etc. Read Hebrew Chapter 11 where the Fathers of Faith are listed. Then check out their lives and what got them to this faith. often times it was failure or missing God’s mark. Then came recognition of need, repentance and forgiveness.</span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: 11pt; line-height: 15.6933px; margin: 0in;"><span style="font-family: Tahoma, sans-serif;"> </span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: 11pt; line-height: 15.6933px; margin: 0in;"><span style="font-family: Tahoma, sans-serif;">Here are a few of the New Testament heroes:</span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: 11pt; line-height: 15.6933px; margin: 0in;"><b><span style="font-family: Tahoma, sans-serif;"> Peter</span></b><span style="font-family: Tahoma, sans-serif;">, an apostle, often put his foot in his mouth – even denying he knew Jesus. Luke 26:31-34, but when the Holy Spirit filled him, became a strong leader. (Acts 2-15)</span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: 11pt; line-height: 15.6933px; margin: 0in;"><span style="font-family: Tahoma, sans-serif;"> <b>Zacchaeus </b>was a Jewish tax collector who lined his pockets at the expense of his own people. Then he met Jesus! And his life was changed. Luke Chapter 19</span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: 11pt; line-height: 15.6933px; margin: 0in;"><span style="font-family: Tahoma, sans-serif;"> <b>Paul,</b> a very religious man who persecuted those of <i>The Way</i>, met Jesus and was changed 180 degrees. The Book of Acts tell us the rest of the story- how he traveled and spread the Good News of Jesus’ Love to Asia Minor, even while enduring much persecution from Jews and Romans.</span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: 11pt; line-height: 15.6933px; margin: 0in;"><span style="font-family: Tahoma, sans-serif;"> </span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: 11pt; line-height: 15.6933px; margin: 0in;"><span style="font-family: Tahoma, sans-serif;">Years ago, I learned three things that established my lifestyle:</span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: 11pt; line-height: 15.6933px; margin: 0in;"><span style="font-family: Tahoma, sans-serif;"> LOVE GOD – I need an active relationship with Him – search His Word and pray.</span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: 11pt; line-height: 15.6933px; margin: 0in;"><span style="font-family: Tahoma, sans-serif;"> LOVE OTHERS – I need an active relationship with Him, Jesus, who is the Living WORD.</span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: 11pt; line-height: 15.6933px; margin: 0in;"><span style="font-family: Tahoma, sans-serif;">He taught us to care for the poor, widows and orphans and to love others in word and deed.</span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: 11pt; line-height: 15.6933px; margin: 0in;"><span style="font-family: Tahoma, sans-serif;"> SHARE JESUS – I need to obey the Holy Spirit (within me) guidance, nudges and leading to walk in the Love, Light and Joy of Jesus. </span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: 11pt; line-height: 15.6933px; margin: 0in;"><span style="font-family: Tahoma, sans-serif;"> </span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: 11pt; line-height: 15.6933px; margin: 0in;"><span style="font-family: Tahoma, sans-serif;">Sooo my friends, I would challenge you to include Colossians 3:14-20 as a part of your Lifestyle: “<b>Therefore as God’s Choses…clothe yourselves with compassion (and other fruits of the spirit)…Bare with each other… forgive as the Lord forgave you. And put on love that binds them all together in perfect unity. Let the peace of Christ dwell in your hearts…be thankful. Let the Word of Christ dwell in you….sing and gratitude…. do it all in the Name of the Lord Jesus!”</b></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: 11pt; line-height: 15.6933px; margin: 0in;"><b><span style="font-family: Tahoma, sans-serif;"> </span></b></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: 11pt; line-height: 15.6933px; margin: 0in;"><span style="font-family: Tahoma, sans-serif;">Blessings,</span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: 11pt; line-height: 15.6933px; margin: 0in;"><span style="font-family: Tahoma, sans-serif;">Gma J</span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: 11pt; line-height: 15.6933px; margin: 0in;"><span style="font-family: Tahoma, sans-serif;"> </span></p><span style="color: #888888;"><div><br /></div><span class="gmail_signature_prefix">--</span><br /><div class="gmail_signature" data-smartmail="gmail_signature" dir="ltr"><div dir="ltr">______________________________<wbr></wbr>________________<div>Jean Hainley</div><div>22816 Woodward Ave</div><div>Big Rapids, MI 49307</div><div>231-250-3207</div><div><br /></div></div></div></span></div><div class="yj6qo"></div><div class="adL"></div></div></div><div class="hi" style="background: rgb(242, 242, 242); 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position: absolute; top: auto; user-select: none;">You can't react with an emoji to a large group</div></span></div></div></div></td></tr></tbody></table></div></div></div></div>Gramp's Morning Thoughtshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04596882698758464794noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1596520766746138508.post-73094079805011957192023-12-17T14:24:00.001-05:002023-12-17T14:24:25.835-05:00The Gifts I Remember<p><b><span style="color: #222222; font-family: "Arial",sans-serif; font-size: 8.5pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-font-kerning: 0pt; mso-ligatures: none;">Friday, December 20, 2013</span></b></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0in; mso-outline-level: 2;"><b><span style="color: #222222; font-family: "Arial",sans-serif; font-size: 10.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-font-kerning: 0pt; mso-ligatures: none;">Gramps
Memories about Christmas and his challenge to you.</span></b><b><span style="font-family: "Arial",sans-serif; font-size: 10.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-font-kerning: 0pt; mso-ligatures: none;"><o:p></o:p></span></b></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 9.0pt; mso-outline-level: 3;"><a name="7053927223689493718"></a></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEjWfj2r8BGQArhUqO5MNfSUY7yR7sEVtfgZcmxhjYpf1ZS9Exukkb_CKHDMCxTQ4Pu-Ol1TvCcadh3b62AuvAEnM6IMdDFFmEgBJKyyCyaqCE6sn11prB09qIElOdRR6ILhORSc3w6BWmdGoy9moGvqNGLnpZ1UTXVVF5uowj0vVvJeZepOLNtiZsvpofI" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="" data-original-height="213" data-original-width="313" height="218" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEjWfj2r8BGQArhUqO5MNfSUY7yR7sEVtfgZcmxhjYpf1ZS9Exukkb_CKHDMCxTQ4Pu-Ol1TvCcadh3b62AuvAEnM6IMdDFFmEgBJKyyCyaqCE6sn11prB09qIElOdRR6ILhORSc3w6BWmdGoy9moGvqNGLnpZ1UTXVVF5uowj0vVvJeZepOLNtiZsvpofI" width="320" /></a></div><p></p>
<p align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="background: #FFF9EE; line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0in; text-align: center;"><b style="text-align: left;"><span style="color: #222222; font-family: "Arial",sans-serif; font-size: 11.5pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-font-kerning: 0pt; mso-ligatures: none;">"For
God so loved the World that He gave his one and only son that whosoever believes
in Him shall have everlasting life.’ John 3:16</span></b></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="background: white; line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0in;"><span style="color: #222222; font-family: "Georgia",serif; font-size: 11.5pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-font-kerning: 0pt; mso-ligatures: none;"><o:p> </o:p></span><span style="color: #222222; font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 11.5pt;">Hey
Gang: what did you get last year for Christmas? I have wracked by brain for
days trying to remember the very special things that I have received in my
lifetime at Christmas. I remember a very special one. Shortly after
I finished my tenure in Korea, I asked a very special lady in my life if she
would consider becoming my bride. And she said "YES!"
That was more than 56 years ago but it is as clear as
yesterday. </span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="background: white; line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0in;"><span style="color: #222222; font-family: "Georgia",serif; font-size: 11.5pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-font-kerning: 0pt; mso-ligatures: none;"><o:p> </o:p></span><span style="color: #222222; font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 11.5pt;">Last
year I was especially intrigued to watch the little people, the great grand's
open their Christmas packages. Each were given a gift to open and after
much prodding on the part of their parents the wrappings were separated from
the gifts but in each case, the gift was ignored and the box and paper became
the items of interest. It reminded me that the gift of anticipation was
the wonderful part of waiting for Santa's arrival.</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="background: white; line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0in;"><span style="color: #222222; font-family: "Georgia",serif; font-size: 11.5pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-font-kerning: 0pt; mso-ligatures: none;"><o:p> </o:p></span><span style="color: #222222; font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 11.5pt;">As I
have mentioned, in previous blogs, I am the son of the coal miner and spent my
very early ears living in the mountains of Pennsylvania. It is said we lived so
far back in the sticks that even the hoot owls carried knap sacks, and they had
to pump sunshine to us. </span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="background: white; line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0in;"><span style="color: #222222; font-family: "Georgia",serif; font-size: 11.5pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-font-kerning: 0pt; mso-ligatures: none;"><o:p> </o:p></span><span style="color: #222222; font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 11.5pt;">Depression
years were very tough years. Every dollar earned was needed to keep bread on
the table and heat in the house, but my Mom was a magician when it came to
salting a dollar here and a dollar there to buy one special gift for her boys.
With the exception of one Christmas, when I wanted a little yellow truck that
had a dump bed on it, I do not recall Christmas mornings in the mountains when
the stockings were "hung on the chimney with care", but I do have
some warm memories of when we as a family hiked through forest to find a tree.</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="background: white; line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0in;"><span style="color: #222222; font-family: "Georgia",serif; font-size: 11.5pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-font-kerning: 0pt; mso-ligatures: none;"><o:p> </o:p></span><span style="color: #222222; font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 11.5pt;">And I
remember the evenings when we cut colored paper in stripes and made little
circles to hang on the tree. I remember times when we looked for things
like pine cones to place on the tree, popping popcorn and stringing it, and
cutting colored paper and making decorations. There were no lights, no
tinsel, no beautiful star at the top, no commercially made decorations, but
beautiful, because we did it as a family.</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="background: white; line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0in;"><span style="color: #222222; font-family: "Georgia",serif; font-size: 11.5pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-font-kerning: 0pt; mso-ligatures: none;"><o:p> </o:p></span><span style="color: #222222; font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 11.5pt;">My
folks were not into religion in those years. I do not recall their
attending the church just down the road from where we lived, but I had a dear
saintly grandma who made sure that we heard the Christmas story - that Jesus,
the Son of God was born and came to set me free from the stupid things I did in
my life,. It was only after we left the mountains that my mom ushered me
off to church every Sunday morning. But the seeds of wanting to know
Jesus as my Lord and Savior were planted on the top of that mountain, many
years ago.</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="background: white; line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0in;"><span style="color: #222222; font-family: "Georgia",serif; font-size: 11.5pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-font-kerning: 0pt; mso-ligatures: none;"><o:p> </o:p></span><span style="color: #222222; font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 11.5pt;">Soo, I
pray, that you will shut down all of the wonderful modern audio devices for a
while, share or read the Christmas story and relate it to the crucifixion. Then
join your hands and hearts together and give thanks that God so loved you that
He sent His Son as a gift of peace within your heart and eternity with him.</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="background: white; line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0in;"><span style="color: #222222; font-family: "Georgia",serif; font-size: 11.5pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-font-kerning: 0pt; mso-ligatures: none;"><o:p> </o:p></span><span style="color: #222222; font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 11.5pt;">Blessings,</span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="background: white; line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0in;"><span style="color: #222222; font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 11.5pt;"> Gramps</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="background: white; line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0in;"><span style="color: #222222; font-family: "Georgia",serif; font-size: 11.5pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-font-kerning: 0pt; mso-ligatures: none;"><o:p> </o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><o:p> </o:p></p>Gramp's Morning Thoughtshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04596882698758464794noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1596520766746138508.post-38550854805252288802023-12-10T14:49:00.005-05:002023-12-10T14:49:54.339-05:00Joy to the World<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0in;"><b><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><o:p></o:p></span></b></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><b><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEhWSiofb1HPnljRjFv9SF9VNws9qCz5BeEsnKwSfXMu5-hGn9qu7o-L2Js-ma9dzQYyweMQX3f3R85woCaAdGHtaYyW3twSQIanmAqzxuEMr2gcwjoRQn3Y2866F_NogNYmhq6TZpHnG1NTAz5RZ-rKc4gxGLW8Wiv4-4D0f8zsGKbTQ1JBg6L-ZlCZW_M" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="" data-original-height="481" data-original-width="320" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEhWSiofb1HPnljRjFv9SF9VNws9qCz5BeEsnKwSfXMu5-hGn9qu7o-L2Js-ma9dzQYyweMQX3f3R85woCaAdGHtaYyW3twSQIanmAqzxuEMr2gcwjoRQn3Y2866F_NogNYmhq6TZpHnG1NTAz5RZ-rKc4gxGLW8Wiv4-4D0f8zsGKbTQ1JBg6L-ZlCZW_M" width="160" /></a></span></b></div><p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0in;"><b><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">SCRIPTURE: " Fear Not! For behold I bring you
tidings of GREAT JOY which shall be to ALL people! For unto you is born this
day, in the city of David, a Savior which is Christ the Lord." </span></b><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">Luke 2:10-11</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0in;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">As I read my writing of years ago, I decided to
include, in this week of caring for others, <b>Bells </b>of joy,
peace and love. As think about sharing the JOY of JESUS with
others, my mind immediately sees and hears bells – from the tiniest bell in my
collection to the Liberty Bell in Philadelphia. I would challenge you to
listen for bells this Advent season. You will hear them in the music and
words of Christmas Carols, Christmas stories and Churches – from the old
bells we pulled with ropes to the newer Carillons, sleigh bells (maybe in
movies), silver bells, Salvation Army Bells, ….. What do you do when you
hear them? Smile?? Feel more joyful? Be moved to give? They
usually represent happiness.</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0in;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">Maybe there were even bells in heaven the night Jesus was
born. What excitement there must have been! I imagine
the whole realm of heaven was just bursting at the seams. If angels ever
argued, surely it was that night; not all of them were chosen to go to the
shepherds to sing of God's glory and <b>JOY </b>to mankind, but all
of them wanted to do so!</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0in;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">We enjoy Christmas Pageants where ‘little angels’ squirm,
make faces and even wear halos a bit tilted, but the message is clear
“Fear not! I bring <b>JOY</b>…The long-awaited Messiah has
come. Joy to the world! Do you hear bells as you sing this favorite
by Isaac Watts based on Psalm 98.</span><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 10pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"> <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span> </span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0in;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 10pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"> <span> </span><span> </span><span> </span><span> </span><span> </span><span> </span>Joy to the world, the
Lord is come! </span><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: 10pt;"> Let earth receive her King. </span><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: 10pt;"> Let every heart prepare Him room, </span><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: 10pt;"> And heaven and nature sing. </span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0in;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">I could fill each of these writings with carols, songs and
Scriptures of joy – but I will only share a couple and let you think of those
which are special to you. Christmas Carols have a special brightness of joy,
hope and eternal love. For days the chorus of the song <u>Joy-bells</u> has
been ringing in my head. I have learned to check the web for Scriptures
and lyrics, when I can remember only part of the words. I looked for this
one<b> Joy of Jesus</b>. </span><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: 10pt;">You
may have the joy-bells ringing in your heart </span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-left: 1.25in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in; margin: 0in 0in 0in 1.25in;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 10pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">
And a peace that from you never will depart;<br />
Walk the straight and narrow way, Live for Jesus every day,<br />
He will keep the joy-bells ringing in your heart.</span><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-left: 1in; margin-top: 12pt; mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; text-indent: 10.5pt;"><i><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 10pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">Refrain:</span></i><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 10pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><br />
Joy-bells ringing in your heart, Joy-bells ringing in your heart;<br />
Take the Savior here below With you everywhere you go;<br />
He will keep the joy-bells ringing in your heart.</span><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0in;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">The Old<i> </i>Testament is filled with JOY, (check it
out, especially the Psalms). Jesus spoke often about JOY; His joy of suffering
for us is indescribable, but he also challenged us to share with others –
kindness, cup of water, a word of encouragement; “In as much as you have done
unto the least of these my brethren, you have done it unto me.” Matthew 25:40.
Check your heart. Is there room for Jesus?<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0in;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">Christmas Joy is shared and remembered in stories: The
Grinch learned that Christmas was more than things, and Mean old Scrooge became
the best of men when learning that ‘Joy’ is a life-style. (Jesus is
implied here, Dickens was a Christian man who shared his faith.)<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0in;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><o:p> </o:p></span><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: 12pt;">SOOO, this week as you think about caring for others, make
an honest effort to share a smile; see how many smile back. As Christians
we have the most reason to be joyful. Remember to tell your face! Let
others see the JOY of Jesus in you </span><b style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: 12pt;">ALL</b><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: 12pt;"> year long. May
your heart and spirit be touched with transforming power of the </span><b style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: 12pt;">JOY of JESUS.</b></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0in;"><b><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">Blessings,<o:p></o:p></span></b></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0in;"><b><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">Gma J<o:p></o:p></span></b></p>Gramp's Morning Thoughtshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04596882698758464794noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1596520766746138508.post-23384038642404858792023-12-03T10:09:00.002-05:002023-12-03T10:09:42.788-05:00Mary Did You Kno<p> <b><span style="color: #222222; font-family: "Arial",sans-serif; font-size: 8.5pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-font-kerning: 0pt; mso-ligatures: none;">Wednesday, December 18, 2013</span></b></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="background: white; line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0in;"><span style="color: #222222; font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 11.5pt;">Paul
wrote, "</span><b style="color: #222222; font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 11.5pt;">For all have sinned and come short of the glory of God" </b><span style="color: #222222; font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 11.5pt;"> </span><span style="color: #222222; font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 11.5pt;">Romans 3:23). I assume Mary was part of
that "all", but she was also purified through God's grace- as is each </span><span style="color: #222222; font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 11.5pt;">person who accepts Jesus as Lord and Messiah. </span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="background: white; line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0in;"><span style="color: #222222; font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 11.5pt;"></span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEjLuqbyLVgPkCjW7Zj8EcvKuZN8h4SSDjETaeLhWCMao-3Yru-82w0uMKVodparACO0Wcs12KH6C-haPBulP-l7qImNWhnglWy9fk1ssWeB98DnipZi-BJEeF4SFKNZLkDdkyrmkVqNQtgRYQXzJsnotz8YB5OkHWoZ8rTuC0I_pFgSUyfmWlM-ESXr2MQ" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="" data-original-height="313" data-original-width="267" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEjLuqbyLVgPkCjW7Zj8EcvKuZN8h4SSDjETaeLhWCMao-3Yru-82w0uMKVodparACO0Wcs12KH6C-haPBulP-l7qImNWhnglWy9fk1ssWeB98DnipZi-BJEeF4SFKNZLkDdkyrmkVqNQtgRYQXzJsnotz8YB5OkHWoZ8rTuC0I_pFgSUyfmWlM-ESXr2MQ" width="205" /></a></div><br /><span style="color: #222222; font-family: Georgia, serif; font-size: 11.5pt;"><o:p> </o:p></span><span style="color: #222222; font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 11.5pt;">This
we also know, the Word is clear, God cannot tolerate sin or even have sin in
His presence. I sense there was no great pain to Father God than when He
turned away from His Son, Jesus, as hung on the cross as our sin-bearer. </span><p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="background: white; line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0in;"><span style="color: #222222; font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 11.5pt;">A
point to ponder: Was Mary sinless in the nine months she carried the
Messiah in her body? I would think she had opportunity to say or
hold some thoughts that might be construed as sin. And how did Joseph feel that
night when Mary called him aside and said there is something I need to share
with you: "I am with child, but no worry, the Holy Spirit is the
Father. Can you imagine the agony he must have gone through between her
announcement to him and the Angel of the Lord's visitation telling him
"not to worry, </span><b style="color: #222222; font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 11.5pt;">she is with child of the Holy Spirit</b><span style="color: #222222; font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 11.5pt;">"?</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="background: white; line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0in;"><span style="color: #222222; font-family: "Georgia",serif; font-size: 11.5pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-font-kerning: 0pt; mso-ligatures: none;"><o:p> </o:p></span><span style="color: #222222; font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 11.5pt;">With
your permission I will do as I often do when teaching - take a side trip and
give you some meat to chew on. Put yourself in Mary's shoes for a moment.
How do you think she felt when a whole barn full of shepherds suddenly arrived
in her palatial cave? Keep in mind she had also had contacts with angels.
Do you think she felt super blessed? Overwhelmed? or perhaps even a little
fearful? This we do know from the Holy Writ, "…<b>she treasured
these things and pondered them in her hear</b>t (Lk 2:19)</span><span style="color: #222222; font-family: Georgia, serif; font-size: 11.5pt;">.</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="background: white; line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0in;"><span style="color: #222222; font-family: "Georgia",serif; font-size: 11.5pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-font-kerning: 0pt; mso-ligatures: none;"><o:p> </o:p></span><span style="color: #222222; font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 11.5pt;">Getting
back to the question "Was she sinless during that nine-month period?
I have no question but that God gave Mary a special anointing when He said: "</span><b style="color: #222222; font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 11.5pt;">You
are highly favored",</b><span style="color: #222222; font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 11.5pt;"> I have a very special assignment for you,
but does that mean she was sinless? I will ask God when I get to heaven –May
2020. I don’t think this was on his mind!</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="background: white; line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0in;"><span style="color: #222222; font-family: "Georgia",serif; font-size: 11.5pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-font-kerning: 0pt; mso-ligatures: none;"><o:p> </o:p></span><span style="color: #222222; font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 11.5pt;">My
bride has entered into the world of genealogical studies of her family and
mine. It has sparked an interest in my mind and heart to know more about
one Grandpa that I never had the privilege of knowing. It is said that he
was a fiery Mennonite preacher who made the rafters shake when he
preached. I would have liked to have heard him. But my real
interest in knowing more about him is that he came from the Dutch-land of
Germany where the Amish/Mennonite originated, was he Amish/Mennonite? </span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="background: white; line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0in;"><span style="color: #222222; font-family: "Georgia",serif; font-size: 11.5pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-font-kerning: 0pt; mso-ligatures: none;"><o:p> </o:p></span><span style="color: #222222; font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 11.5pt;">If God
reached down and said to me this morning, Kermit, I am going to give you a very
special gift. I will open the door for you to interview any person who
ever lived on this earth, my choice would be very easy. No, I would not
waste such a gift on my grandfather's background, but rather I would ask to
interview Mary, the mother of our Lord. Now some would say, why would you
not choose to interview Jesus, her Son who takes away the sins of the
world? My answer, "we talk on a regular basis!"</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="background: white; line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0in;"><span style="color: #222222; font-family: "Georgia",serif; font-size: 11.5pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-font-kerning: 0pt; mso-ligatures: none;"><o:p> </o:p></span><span style="color: #222222; font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 12pt;">I
would say to her with Mark Lowery........</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="background: white; line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0in;"><span style="color: #222222; font-family: "Arial",sans-serif; font-size: 10.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-font-kerning: 0pt; mso-ligatures: none;"> <i>"Mary
did you know that your baby boy would someday walk on water? Mary
did you know that your baby boy would save our sons and daughters? Did
you know that your baby boy has come to make you new? This child that
you've delivered, will soon deliver you. Mary did you know that your baby
boy would give sight to a blind man? Mary did you know that your baby boy
would calm a storm with his hand? Did you know that your baby boy has
walked where angels trod? And when your kiss your little baby, you have kissed
the face of God.</i></span><i><span style="color: #222222; font-family: "Arial",sans-serif; font-size: 9.5pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-font-kerning: 0pt; mso-ligatures: none;"><br />
<br />
</span></i><i><span style="color: #222222; font-family: "Arial",sans-serif; font-size: 10.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-font-kerning: 0pt; mso-ligatures: none;">Oh Mary did you know The blind will see, the deaf will
hear, the dead will live again. The lame will leap, the dumb will speak, the
praises of the lamb Mary did you know that your baby boy is Lord of all
creation? Mary did you know that your baby boy would one day rule the
nations? Did you know that your baby boy is heaven's perfect Lamb?
This sleeping child you're holding is the great <b>I AM</b>?"</span></i><i><span style="color: #222222; font-family: "Arial",sans-serif; font-size: 9.5pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-font-kerning: 0pt; mso-ligatures: none;"> </span></i><span style="color: #222222; font-family: "Georgia",serif; font-size: 11.5pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-font-kerning: 0pt; mso-ligatures: none;"><o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="background: white; line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0in;"><span style="color: #222222; font-family: "Georgia",serif; font-size: 11.5pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-font-kerning: 0pt; mso-ligatures: none;"><o:p> </o:p></span><span style="color: #222222; font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 11.5pt;">My
dear friends, who honor me by reading, what I pray God is saying through me in
gramps morning thoughts: "Do you know that Jesus is the Lord of all
creation?" And one day He will rule all the nations"?
Perhaps we will celebrate Jesus’ next birthday in the New Jerusalem. Come
Lord Jesus! </span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="background: white; line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0in;"><span style="color: #222222; font-family: "Georgia",serif; font-size: 11.5pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-font-kerning: 0pt; mso-ligatures: none;"><o:p> </o:p></span><span style="color: #222222; font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 11.5pt;">Soooo,
I ask you this morning "Do You Know Him personally?</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="background: white; line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0in;"><span style="color: #222222; font-family: "Georgia",serif; font-size: 11.5pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-font-kerning: 0pt; mso-ligatures: none;"><o:p> </o:p></span><span style="color: #222222; font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 11.5pt;">Blessings,</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="background: white; line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0in;"><span style="color: #222222; font-family: "Georgia",serif; font-size: 11.5pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-font-kerning: 0pt; mso-ligatures: none;"><o:p> </o:p></span><span style="color: #222222; font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 11.5pt;">Gramps</span></p>Gramp's Morning Thoughtshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04596882698758464794noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1596520766746138508.post-36013389998810217742023-11-26T15:35:00.000-05:002023-11-26T15:35:19.700-05:00Blessing Time - Thanksliving<p> </p><p class="MsoNormal" style="background: rgb(255, 249, 238); line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0in; mso-outline-level: 2;"><b><span face=""Arial",sans-serif" style="color: #222222; font-size: 8.5pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-font-kerning: 0pt; mso-ligatures: none;">Friday, November 29, 2013<o:p></o:p></span></b></p>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEhP3ab24cOYWLqWI0vxjTSMrv24qwt5tf7xop9amqXnBCGdyn_sEsY-kEQ7t9q1pn0DsEtjYtEHI55bRbIv2p2sRtTksybSzHU4-Vi6UP73xz_ufWKiPojkk-Kpoo3XksVGjZ0VEbBvmadilM_dXajoXhZyhMKup6e3-upCWCJ1z1FXW8iW3PUGmtidfE0" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="" data-original-height="316" data-original-width="391" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEhP3ab24cOYWLqWI0vxjTSMrv24qwt5tf7xop9amqXnBCGdyn_sEsY-kEQ7t9q1pn0DsEtjYtEHI55bRbIv2p2sRtTksybSzHU4-Vi6UP73xz_ufWKiPojkk-Kpoo3XksVGjZ0VEbBvmadilM_dXajoXhZyhMKup6e3-upCWCJ1z1FXW8iW3PUGmtidfE0" width="297" /></a></div><p class="MsoNormal" style="background: white; line-height: 16.75pt; margin-bottom: 0in;"><b><span face=""Arial",sans-serif" style="color: #333333; font-size: 12pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-font-kerning: 0pt; mso-ligatures: none;">"And the crowds were questioning Him, saying,
"Then what shall we do?" And He would answer and say to them,
‘The man who has two tunics is to share with him who has none; and he who has
food is to do likewise.’"</span></b><span face=""Arial",sans-serif" style="color: #333333; font-size: 12pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-font-kerning: 0pt; mso-ligatures: none;"> (Lu. 3:10-11)</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="background: white; line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0in;"><span style="color: #222222; font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-font-kerning: 0pt; mso-ligatures: none;">Hey
Gang: Thanksgiving is over and it is back to the grind or Black Friday Shopping.
Thanksgiving was different at our house one year. There was no "over the
mountain and through the woods to grandma's house we go". There was
no aroma of the fantastic feast that grandma spent days preparing. There
was no planting the seeds of love into the trimmings and preparation for the
day for when the cars drove up the driveway and deposited those we love the
most.</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="background: white; line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0in;"><span style="color: #222222; font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-font-kerning: 0pt; mso-ligatures: none;">Sooo,
I tended to re-live Thanksgiving Seasons of the past. Reviewing my prayer log,
I went way back into my early years and tried to relive some of those fantastic
Thanksgiving days. I remembered the year my daddy was injured in a coal
mining accident. WE did not have two dimes to rub together. It was going
to be a very bleak and sparse Thanksgiving, but God would not have it that
way. He laid it on my aunt's heart to share some of the bounty that He
had blessed her family with.</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="background: white; line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0in;"><span style="color: #222222; font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-font-kerning: 0pt; mso-ligatures: none;">I
believe the seeds of giving were planted into my heart on that Thanksgiving
Day. When God opened the door for development of the Village, He made it
clear that the foundation of the ministry would be based on giving. I
made a vow to Him that I would never turn away a child or family that was
hurting and need of what He had blessed us with.</span><span style="color: #222222; font-family: Georgia, serif; font-size: 11.5pt;"> </span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="background: white; line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0in;"><span style="color: #222222; font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-font-kerning: 0pt; mso-ligatures: none;">One
of the high points that surfaced, in my recollections, was the years that
the Village Chaplaincy Program provided food to more than a hundred families in
the local area who would have been like my family when my daddy was
injured. Turkeys, potatoes, carrots, biscuits and pumpkin for
pies were purchased. The ladies prepared detailed instructions on how to
prepare the foods, for we knew that many of the families did not have a clue
how to roast a turkey.</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="background: white; line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0in;"><span style="color: #222222; font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-font-kerning: 0pt; mso-ligatures: none;">So
that year of no ‘over the mountain and through the woods to grandma's house we
go’, we decided to seek out a family that was as we were, that year up on the
mountain, and share our Thanksgiving with them. </span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="background: white; line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0in;"><span style="color: #222222; font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-font-kerning: 0pt; mso-ligatures: none;">We
thought about finding a ministry that provided a meal to the homeless or the
down and outers and offering our services. There was no lack of such
places in our area, but each seemed to have all they needed. I
thought, as I looked at the list of places, that it might be better to spread
these meals out. Perhaps a meal a week would provide for empty bellies.</span><span style="color: #222222; font-family: Georgia, serif; font-size: 11.5pt;"> </span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="background: white; line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0in;"><span style="color: #222222; font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-font-kerning: 0pt; mso-ligatures: none;"> We
then thought about finding a family who was hurting and we would provide a
feast for them but we could not find one. Food stamps, food banks
seem to be meeting the needs of most, but getting food stamps from the
government or a box of food at a local food bank seemed cold to me. I liked the
idea of the folks in New England that were hit by ‘Sandy.’ Families were
encouraged to open their Thanksgiving feast to a family who lost it all.
That seems to me to be "Going into all the world", as JESUS COMMISSIONED
US.</span><span style="color: #222222; font-family: Georgia, serif; font-size: 11.5pt;"> </span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="background: white; line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0in;"><span style="color: #222222; font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-font-kerning: 0pt; mso-ligatures: none;">Sooooo,
Thanksgiving Day did not have much meaning that one year. Oh, don't get
me wrong, I have been so very blessed in my life and so thankful to My Lord for
his bountiful provisions. But it would have been so much more fulfilling
if we could have shared some of those bountiful blessings with someone. I
wonder if the government has not taken away the blessing of giving?<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Food for thought for next year!!</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="background: white; line-height: normal;"><span style="color: #222222; font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-font-kerning: 0pt; mso-ligatures: none;">Blessings,</span><span style="color: #222222; font-family: "Georgia",serif; font-size: 11.5pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-font-kerning: 0pt; mso-ligatures: none;"><o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="background: white; line-height: normal;"><span style="color: #222222; font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-font-kerning: 0pt; mso-ligatures: none;">Gramps</span></p>Gramp's Morning Thoughtshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04596882698758464794noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1596520766746138508.post-25432932974664005242023-11-19T17:44:00.008-05:002023-11-19T17:44:47.014-05:00Give Thanks, For This is the Will of God<p> <b><span style="color: #222222; font-family: "Arial",sans-serif; font-size: 8.5pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-font-kerning: 0pt; mso-ligatures: none;">Wednesday, November 27, 2013</span></b></p>
<p align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="background: #FFF9EE; line-height: 15.75pt; margin-bottom: 0in; text-align: center;"></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEiMW4FQCIJ1GowgkQ_LtL876Gt9RdtArAJV3WEgOEj-KrlR6J9XjRy3A1Ka90Mub2fHCl9OTbRYCzFqwIhUtaqxd5YIpu86TfpZAelIlqOXMbCD6LtFfOf59rF1gUbSGtmHlDEtk4kx1zI5SF7L6kRtj3XiLo8UcDOmHvtydVTA2D7wvsANBf2R2kXmCwI" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="" data-original-height="452" data-original-width="500" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEiMW4FQCIJ1GowgkQ_LtL876Gt9RdtArAJV3WEgOEj-KrlR6J9XjRy3A1Ka90Mub2fHCl9OTbRYCzFqwIhUtaqxd5YIpu86TfpZAelIlqOXMbCD6LtFfOf59rF1gUbSGtmHlDEtk4kx1zI5SF7L6kRtj3XiLo8UcDOmHvtydVTA2D7wvsANBf2R2kXmCwI" width="265" /></a></div><p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="background: #FFF9EE; line-height: 15.75pt; margin-bottom: 0in;"><span style="color: #222222; font-family: "Georgia",serif; font-size: 11.5pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-font-kerning: 0pt; mso-ligatures: none;">Did you notice the spelling? Did
you know this is probably the only time Thanksgiving and Hanukkah fall on the
same day? When this happened the last time, Thanksgiving had not yet
been recognized as a Holiday. Because of the difference in our calendar
and the lunar calendar; the projection for this to converge again is 2070 –
about every 75 years.<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="background: #FFF9EE; line-height: 15.75pt; margin-bottom: 0in;"><span style="color: #222222; font-family: "Georgia",serif; font-size: 11.5pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-font-kerning: 0pt; mso-ligatures: none;"><b>"And do not get drunk with wine, for that is dissipation, (squandering)
but be filled with the Spirit, speaking to one another is psalms and hymns, and
spiritual songs, singing and making melody with your heart to the Lord; always
giving thanks for all things in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ to God, even
the Father” (Eph. 5:18-20).</b><o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="background: #FFF9EE; line-height: 15.75pt; margin-bottom: 0in;"><span style="color: #222222; font-family: "Georgia",serif; font-size: 11.5pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-font-kerning: 0pt; mso-ligatures: none;"><o:p> </o:p></span><span style="color: #222222; font-family: Georgia, serif; font-size: 11.5pt;">Hey gang: It is my sincere
opinion that designating a day called ‘</span><i style="color: #222222; font-family: Georgia, serif; font-size: 11.5pt;">Thanksgiving</i><span style="color: #222222; font-family: Georgia, serif; font-size: 11.5pt;">’ is, in reality,
designed for those who are non-believers in the goodness of Jesus
Christ. Why do I say that? Because Paul teaches us, in I
Thessalonian's 5:18,</span><b style="color: #222222; font-family: Georgia, serif; font-size: 11.5pt;"> “In everything give thanks; for this is God’s will
for you in Christ Jesus.” </b><span style="color: #222222; font-family: Georgia, serif; font-size: 11.5pt;">In other words, thanksgiving should
not be a special day, but an on-going way of life for believers –</span><b style="color: #222222; font-family: Georgia, serif; font-size: 11.5pt;"><i>Thanksliving</i></b><i style="color: #222222; font-family: Georgia, serif; font-size: 11.5pt;">”.</i><span style="color: #222222; font-family: Georgia, serif; font-size: 11.5pt;">
I have got good news for you, there is never a day goes by when God does not
bless us in some way!</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="background: #FFF9EE; line-height: 15.75pt; margin-bottom: 0in;"><span style="color: #222222; font-family: "Georgia",serif; font-size: 11.5pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-font-kerning: 0pt; mso-ligatures: none;"><o:p> </o:p></span><span style="color: #222222; font-family: Georgia, serif; font-size: 11.5pt;">Let me put some meat on that
statement. We recently spent a month volunteering at Voice of Martyrs in
Bartlesville, Oklahoma and had one week left on our commitment, but all went
well and we finished our task a week early, so we packed up to return home.
In the packing</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="background: #FFF9EE; line-height: 15.75pt; margin-bottom: 0in;"><span style="color: #222222; font-family: "Georgia",serif; font-size: 11.5pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-font-kerning: 0pt; mso-ligatures: none;">I placed a notebook that contained
financial records for the past ten years in the bottom of a box, without
thinking. <o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="background: #FFF9EE; line-height: 15.75pt; margin-bottom: 0in;"><span style="color: #222222; font-family: "Georgia",serif; font-size: 11.5pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-font-kerning: 0pt; mso-ligatures: none;"><o:p> </o:p></span><span style="color: #222222; font-family: Georgia, serif; font-size: 11.5pt;">Later I needed something from the
notebook. </span><span style="color: #222222; font-family: Georgia, serif; font-size: 11.5pt;"> </span><span style="color: #222222; font-family: Georgia, serif; font-size: 11.5pt;">I could not find it
anywhere. We frantically looked in every nook and cranny with no
success. We even called the motel in Branson, Missouri, where we had
stayed during Veterans Week, but it was not there either. My
nerves were rapidly becoming frazzled.</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="background: #FFF9EE; line-height: 15.75pt; margin-bottom: 0in;"><span style="color: #222222; font-family: "Georgia",serif; font-size: 11.5pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-font-kerning: 0pt; mso-ligatures: none;"><o:p> </o:p></span><span style="color: #222222; font-family: Georgia, serif; font-size: 11.5pt;">My prayer was very simple and to the
point, "Lord, I do not need this frustration at this time.” Later
that day we headed to town for a dinner engagement and, as I pulled out of the
driveway, I heard a noise in the back of the car. When I checked, the box that
contained the notebook, along with other materials, fell over and opened!
Now wasn't that lucky? No way, Hosea!</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="background: #FFF9EE; line-height: 15.75pt; margin-bottom: 0in;"><span style="color: #222222; font-family: "Georgia",serif; font-size: 11.5pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-font-kerning: 0pt; mso-ligatures: none;"><o:p> </o:p></span><span style="color: #222222; font-family: Georgia, serif; font-size: 11.5pt;">Several years ago, I was pulling my
recreation vehicle home from a weekend in the woods. We were on a back road,
doing around fifty miles an hour, when a car pulled out of a driveway about
five hundred feet in front of us. Corrective action prevented my hitting
the car, but shortly after that the driver slammed on the brakes and began a
left turn off the roadway! There was no way in the world I was going to
keep from plowing into the car, but, somehow, </span><b style="color: #222222; font-family: Georgia, serif; font-size: 11.5pt;">not</b><span style="color: #222222; font-family: Georgia, serif; font-size: 11.5pt;"> only did I not
hit the car, but did not shake up the contents of the coach! </span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="background: #FFF9EE; line-height: 15.75pt; margin-bottom: 0in;"><span style="color: #222222; font-family: "Georgia",serif; font-size: 11.5pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-font-kerning: 0pt; mso-ligatures: none;"><o:p> </o:p></span><span style="color: #222222; font-family: Georgia, serif; font-size: 11.5pt;">I have thought about that incident
each time I drive by that spot and thank God for what He did that day.
Have you ever taken the time to sit down and make a listing of the times God
blessed you with a very special blessing? Have you ever considered the
times He may have saved your life, and you knew nothing about it? Are you
one who tends to use the phrase, “Boy that was lucky”? Thank you Jesus is a better
option.</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="background: #FFF9EE; line-height: 15.75pt; margin-bottom: 0in;"><span style="color: #222222; font-family: "Georgia",serif; font-size: 11.5pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-font-kerning: 0pt; mso-ligatures: none;"><o:p> </o:p></span><span style="color: #222222; font-family: Georgia, serif; font-size: 11.5pt;">If the will of God in Christ Jesus is
to give thanks to God in everything, every believer should know why we should
give thanks and be grateful </span><i style="color: #222222; font-family: Georgia, serif; font-size: 11.5pt;">at all time.</i><span style="color: #222222; font-family: Georgia, serif; font-size: 11.5pt;"> Gratitude is a
feeling of thankfulness and appreciation for everything that Almighty God is
doing in our daily life. We call that an ‘Attitude</span><span style="color: #222222; font-family: Georgia, serif; font-size: 11.5pt;"> </span><span style="color: #222222; font-family: Georgia, serif; font-size: 11.5pt;">of Gratitude.’</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="background: #FFF9EE; line-height: 15.75pt; margin-bottom: 0in;"><span style="color: #222222; font-family: "Georgia",serif; font-size: 11.5pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-font-kerning: 0pt; mso-ligatures: none;"><o:p> </o:p></span><span style="color: #222222; font-family: Georgia, serif; font-size: 11.5pt;">Soooo, young colleagues, may I suggest
that sometime in the leisure of your Thanksgiving celebration, take your Bible
and concordance and do a word study on thanksgiving and gratitude. You
will find many such references in both Old and New Covenants for it is God’s
will. </span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="background: #FFF9EE; line-height: 15.75pt; margin-bottom: 0in;"><span style="color: #222222; font-family: "Georgia",serif; font-size: 11.5pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-font-kerning: 0pt; mso-ligatures: none;"><o:p> </o:p></span><b><span style="color: #222222; font-family: "Georgia",serif; font-size: 10.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-font-kerning: 0pt; mso-ligatures: none;">George Washington’s
First Thanksgiving Proclamation</span></b></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="background: #FFF9EE; line-height: 15.75pt; margin-bottom: 0in;"><span style="color: #222222; font-family: "Georgia",serif; font-size: 11.5pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-font-kerning: 0pt; mso-ligatures: none;">
Whereas it is the duty of all nations to acknowledge the providence of Almighty
God, to obey His will, to be grateful for His benefits, and humbly implore His
protection aid and favors…<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="background: #FFF9EE; line-height: 15.75pt; margin-bottom: 0in;"><span style="color: #222222; font-family: "Georgia",serif; font-size: 11.5pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-font-kerning: 0pt; mso-ligatures: none;">
Now, therefore, I recommend and assign Thursday the 26<sup>th</sup> day of
November next, to be devoted by the people of these States to the service of
that great and glorious Being, who is the Beneficent Author of all the good
that was, that is, or that will be that we may them all unite in rendering unto
Him our sincere and humble thanks for His kind of care and protection of the
people of this country, and for all the great and various favors which He has
been pleased to confer upon us.<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="background: #FFF9EE; line-height: 15.75pt; margin-bottom: 0in;"><span style="color: #222222; font-family: "Georgia",serif; font-size: 11.5pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-font-kerning: 0pt; mso-ligatures: none;"><o:p> </o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="background: #FFF9EE; line-height: 15.75pt; margin-bottom: 0in;"><span style="color: #222222; font-family: "Georgia",serif; font-size: 11.5pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-font-kerning: 0pt; mso-ligatures: none;">Blessings this Thanksgiving day,<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="background: #FFF9EE; line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0in;"><span style="color: #222222; font-family: "Georgia",serif; font-size: 11.5pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-font-kerning: 0pt; mso-ligatures: none;"><o:p> </o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="background: #FFF9EE; line-height: 15.75pt;"><span style="color: #222222; font-family: "Georgia",serif; font-size: 11.5pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-font-kerning: 0pt; mso-ligatures: none;">Gramps<o:p></o:p></span></p>Gramp's Morning Thoughtshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04596882698758464794noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1596520766746138508.post-36017367576554297612023-11-12T20:33:00.007-05:002023-11-12T20:33:59.923-05:00Are You Up to Speed on What is Happening in Our World?<p><b><span face=""Arial",sans-serif" style="color: #222222; font-size: 8.5pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-font-kerning: 0pt; mso-ligatures: none;">Friday, November 22, 2013</span></b></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="background: rgb(255, 249, 238); line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0in; mso-outline-level: 2;"><b><span face=""Arial",sans-serif" style="color: #222222; font-size: 10pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-font-kerning: 0pt; mso-ligatures: none;">Note the date! I asked the Lord to lead me to His special
Word for you today. Expecting something for Veterans Day – both of our families
have many who served in World War 2 and since. But this is the one <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>was the first one I looks at and could go no
further</span></b><b><span face=""Arial",sans-serif" style="color: #222222; font-size: 9pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-font-kerning: 0pt; mso-ligatures: none;">. <o:p></o:p></span></b></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="background: rgb(255, 249, 238); line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 9.0pt; margin: 9pt 0in 0in; mso-outline-level: 3;"><a name="2500270762639817364"></a></p><p align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="background: rgb(255, 249, 238); line-height: normal; text-align: center;"></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEhJ7TdnSBjmnws5MDhG0kqrMWTsVrKMtJ7x8NMTUvnobAtnHRZsrqOTXxqnoLms1bR8YiXGYBQzgm9WFVCoG88uzbiT36KEwaLiSlekL3hHQ01O1yH3Y09lRb8v17SIPW0od_LsXCBJ-JlxbIDNn9YI3qAzzqiba7xlHXHxZ4PJcJDnqujvuYPB_sIOgxU" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="" data-original-height="223" data-original-width="226" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEhJ7TdnSBjmnws5MDhG0kqrMWTsVrKMtJ7x8NMTUvnobAtnHRZsrqOTXxqnoLms1bR8YiXGYBQzgm9WFVCoG88uzbiT36KEwaLiSlekL3hHQ01O1yH3Y09lRb8v17SIPW0od_LsXCBJ-JlxbIDNn9YI3qAzzqiba7xlHXHxZ4PJcJDnqujvuYPB_sIOgxU" width="243" /></a></div><br /><b style="background-color: transparent; text-align: left;"><span style="color: #222222; font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 11.5pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-font-kerning: 0pt; mso-ligatures: none;">"For
the day of the Lord draws near on all the nations, As you have done, it will be
done to you. Your dealings will return on your own head" (Obadiah
1:15).</span></b><p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="background: white; line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0in;"><span style="color: #222222; font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: 11.5pt;">Hey
Gang: I am truly amazed that in this day, when all of the promises made in
the Bible are becoming more clear, increased numbers of people have chosen to
"go their own way". </span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="background: white; line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0in;"><span style="color: #222222; font-family: "Georgia",serif; font-size: 11.5pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-font-kerning: 0pt; mso-ligatures: none;"><o:p> </o:p></span><span style="color: #222222; font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: 11.5pt;">We
just returned from volunteering for a month at Voice of Martyrs, a ministry
that seeks out, encourages, and provides support for believers who are in the
midst of persecution. In Chapel each Tuesday. We hear from so many who are
sharing the Gospel and it is just amazing that in the midst of persecution they
say, “Don’t pray that I be freed from prison, beatings or persecution, but that
my faith will stand the test and my witness will lead my persecutors to the
knowledge of Jesus Christ”,.</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="background: white; line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0in;"><span style="color: #222222; font-family: "Georgia",serif; font-size: 11.5pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-font-kerning: 0pt; mso-ligatures: none;"><o:p> </o:p></span><span style="color: #222222; font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: 11.5pt;">In
training for the underground pastorate, one of the courses taught is: ‘How to
Conduct Yourself when Imprisoned. ‘As a witness for Christ, they are many times
that require discrete and creative methods. Those who become Christ-followers
know it is not a question of </span><i style="color: #222222; font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: 11.5pt;">if </i><span style="color: #222222; font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: 11.5pt;">you go to prison but </span><i style="color: #222222; font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: 11.5pt;">when</i><span style="color: #222222; font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: 11.5pt;"> and
for how long.</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="background: white; line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0in;"><span style="color: #222222; font-family: "Georgia",serif; font-size: 11.5pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-font-kerning: 0pt; mso-ligatures: none;"><o:p> </o:p></span><span style="color: #222222; font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: 11.5pt;"> As
I listened to the various speakers who present the morning messages at the
chapel services, I found myself asking, “If I were threatened with death, if I
did not recant my love and faith in Christ, would I stand firm on the Rock that
is my Savior?”</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="background: white; line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0in;"><span style="color: #222222; font-family: "Georgia",serif; font-size: 11.5pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-font-kerning: 0pt; mso-ligatures: none;"><o:p> </o:p></span><span style="color: #222222; font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: 11.5pt;">I find
it absolutely amazing that where persecution is the worst the underground
church is growing the fastest! When one of the underground pastors was
asked, “Why does the church in the United States not grow as the churches in
the communist and Muslim nations?” His response, "Because there is
no persecution.” In other words, the American church is unaware of what
it means to sacrifice for the Lord who loved us so much He sent His only Son to
die on a hideous cross for us. We are too comfortable and not dependent enough
on Father God.</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="background: white; line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0in;"><span style="color: #222222; font-family: "Georgia",serif; font-size: 11.5pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-font-kerning: 0pt; mso-ligatures: none;"><o:p> </o:p></span><span style="color: #222222; font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: 11.5pt;">As I
listened to speaker after speaker the message was very clear- they had a clear
understanding of what Jesus meant when He said, "</span><b style="color: #222222; font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: 11.5pt;">There is no greater
love in the world than a willingness to lay down one’s life for their
brethren."</b><span style="color: #222222; font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: 11.5pt;"> (I John 3:16).</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="background: white; line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0in;"><span style="color: #222222; font-family: "Georgia",serif; font-size: 11.5pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-font-kerning: 0pt; mso-ligatures: none;"><o:p> </o:p></span><span style="color: #222222; font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: 11.5pt;">As we
were driving home from Bartlesville, Oklahoma, the home of Voice of Martyrs, I
had hours to review what many of these folks shared with us. We were also
ahead of the storm that hit Illinois with the force of many hammers. I sense
God has been sending –(And continues to send-Gma) our Nation messages that it
is time to get our house in order.</span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="background: white; line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0in;"><span style="color: #222222; font-family: Georgia, serif; font-size: 11.5pt;"><o:p> </o:p></span><span style="color: #222222; font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: 11.5pt;">My
greatest concern is not what is happening in our country today, even though
that is of concern, but rather that our country appears to be saying to Israel,
“Give up your Covenant Land or else…" and that my friends that is a
dangerous stand to take. Joel makes it clear that those that turn their
back on Israel will pay the piper. Joel 3:2 clearly states: </span><b style="color: #222222; font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: 11.5pt;">"I
will gather all the nations and bring them down to the valley of
Jehoshaphat. Then I will enter into judgment with them there on behalf of
My people and My inheritance, Israel, "WHOM THEY HAVE SCATTERED AMONG THE
NATIOHS AND THEY HAVE DIVIDED UP MY LAND</b><span style="color: #222222; font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: 11.5pt;">". We are 10 years later,
and nations are still trying to tell Israel – Cease fire! Continue to live as
neighbors with people who want attack you and drive your people into the sea. </span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="background: white; line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0in;"><span style="color: #222222; font-family: "Georgia",serif; font-size: 11.5pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-font-kerning: 0pt; mso-ligatures: none;"><o:p> </o:p></span><span style="color: #222222; font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: 11.5pt;">Sooooo,
my friends and neighbors, have you noticed the tremendous fires we experienced
this summer, the record numbers of violent tornadoes, the many floods, drought
and other weather conditions. Do you think it is time for the Church of
America to wake up and humble themselves before the Lord and pray and put away
all of those things that grieve the Holy Spirit? (2 Chron. 7:14). Notice:
that challenge is addressed to - not the world - but "</span><b style="color: #222222; font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: 11.5pt;">MY PEOPLE</b><span style="color: #222222; font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: 11.5pt;">!</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="background: white; line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0in;"><span style="color: #222222; font-family: "Georgia",serif; font-size: 11.5pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-font-kerning: 0pt; mso-ligatures: none;"><o:p> </o:p></span><span style="color: #222222; font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: 11.5pt;">Blessings,</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="background: white; line-height: normal;"><span style="color: #222222; font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 11.5pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-font-kerning: 0pt; mso-ligatures: none;">Gramps</span><span style="color: #222222; font-family: "Georgia",serif; font-size: 11.5pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-font-kerning: 0pt; mso-ligatures: none;"><o:p></o:p></span></p>Gramp's Morning Thoughtshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04596882698758464794noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1596520766746138508.post-6474460480074197942023-10-29T15:32:00.001-04:002023-10-29T15:32:39.989-04:00But First the Apostasy Must Come<p> <b><span style="color: #222222; font-family: "Arial",sans-serif; font-size: 8.5pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-font-kerning: 0pt; mso-ligatures: none;">Friday, September 18, 2015</span></b></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="background: #FFF9EE; line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 9.0pt; mso-outline-level: 3;"><a name="2229164758950603505"></a></p><p align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="background: #FFF9EE; line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0in; text-align: center;"></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEjGX532L34k_D6n5hFJ3gBJa1KXsn6ga1QWCHm8hde5N1tPfahjEYEY-dHS3Blx3Lx3it_Aj4GtEOiq4pUc6sAfWtVCVxsxaTzGt49Tv0D12SQmTWUIY2TmrSayd9mvx6gteF7Q03qVeqqRY3vROfA4agenuRAdIyBrnViy1sYDoeylCjwAOJlQZkrzahk" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="" data-original-height="191" data-original-width="313" height="195" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEjGX532L34k_D6n5hFJ3gBJa1KXsn6ga1QWCHm8hde5N1tPfahjEYEY-dHS3Blx3Lx3it_Aj4GtEOiq4pUc6sAfWtVCVxsxaTzGt49Tv0D12SQmTWUIY2TmrSayd9mvx6gteF7Q03qVeqqRY3vROfA4agenuRAdIyBrnViy1sYDoeylCjwAOJlQZkrzahk" width="320" /></a></div><br /><span style="color: #222222; font-family: Georgia, serif; font-size: 11.5pt; text-align: left;"><o:p> </o:p></span><b style="text-align: left;"><span style="color: #222222; font-family: "Georgia",serif; font-size: 11.5pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-font-kerning: 0pt; mso-ligatures: none;">"Let no one deceive you in any
way, for it </span></b><b style="text-align: left;"><span style="color: #222222; font-family: "Georgia",serif; font-size: 9.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-font-kerning: 0pt; mso-ligatures: none;">(Day of Wrath) </span></b><b style="text-align: left;"><span style="color: #222222; font-family: "Georgia",serif; font-size: 11.5pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-font-kerning: 0pt; mso-ligatures: none;">will not come <u>unless the
apostasy comes first</u>, and the man of lawlessness is revealed, the son of
destruction. who opposes and exalts himself above every so-called god or
object of worship so that he takes his seat in the temple of God, displaying
himself as being God" (</span></b><span style="color: #222222; font-family: Georgia, serif; font-size: 11.5pt; text-align: left;">2 Thessalonians. 2:3-4<b>).</b></span><p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="background: #FFF9EE; line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0in;"><span style="color: #222222; font-family: "Georgia",serif; font-size: 11.5pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-font-kerning: 0pt; mso-ligatures: none;"><o:p> </o:p></span><b><span style="color: #222222; font-family: "Georgia",serif; font-size: 11.5pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-font-kerning: 0pt; mso-ligatures: none;">"Know this first of all, that in
the Last Days mockers will come with their mocking, following after their own
lusts and saying, "Where is the promise of His coming? For ever
since the fathers fell asleep, all continues just as it was from the beginning
of creation." (</span></b><span style="color: #222222; font-family: Georgia, serif; font-size: 11.5pt;">2 Peter 3:3-4).</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="background: #FFF9EE; line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0in;"><span style="color: #222222; font-family: "Georgia",serif; font-size: 11.5pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-font-kerning: 0pt; mso-ligatures: none;"><o:p> </o:p></span><span style="color: #222222; font-family: Georgia, serif; font-size: 11.5pt;">Hey Gang: I was checking out the
weather when a program marquee came on that got my attention advertising, ‘The
Highway to Hell'. It is the story of a tow-trucking firm in Alaska that
answers the call when accidents occur on “The Highway to Hell”. I
haven’t a clue why anyone would want to drive a semi load of steel up the side
of an icy mountain road in a blinding snowstorm- but for the almighty buck. It
seems we can find someone to do just about anything. </span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="background: #FFF9EE; line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0in;"><span style="color: #222222; font-family: "Georgia",serif; font-size: 11.5pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-font-kerning: 0pt; mso-ligatures: none;"><o:p> </o:p></span><span style="color: #222222; font-family: Georgia, serif; font-size: 11.5pt;">As I watched the program, and I admit
I kind of got caught up in the tug of war that was going on between tow-truck
operators and vehicles that had found their way off the mountain roads. I even
got a wee bit excited when I saw the tow-truck being pulled ever closer to an
embankment by a huge semi that had gone over the side.</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="background: #FFF9EE; line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0in;"><span style="color: #222222; font-family: "Georgia",serif; font-size: 11.5pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-font-kerning: 0pt; mso-ligatures: none;"><o:p> </o:p></span><span style="color: #222222; font-family: Georgia, serif; font-size: 11.5pt;">As I watched the process, I thought of
Anne Graham Lotz’s challenge to the church to get serious, “</span><b style="color: #222222; font-family: Georgia, serif; font-size: 11.5pt;">Rejoice always,
pray without ceasing; in everything give thanks; for this is God's will for you
in Christ Jesus. Do not quench the Spirit; do not despise prophetic
utterances. But examine everything carefully; hold fast to that which is
good; abstain from every form of evil</b><span style="color: #222222; font-family: Georgia, serif; font-size: 11.5pt;">” (1 Thessalonians 5:16-22).</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="background: #FFF9EE; line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0in;"><span style="color: #222222; font-family: "Georgia",serif; font-size: 11.5pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-font-kerning: 0pt; mso-ligatures: none;"><o:p> </o:p></span><span style="color: #222222; font-family: Georgia, serif; font-size: 11.5pt;">So, what is the connection between the
‘Highway to Hell' story and Paul's teaching on what Christian conduct should
look like? Is that not a picture of the church today? Satan seems to be
on a roll, and one might get the idea that the church has dug its heels in but
is slowly being dragged toward the precipice. </span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="background: #FFF9EE; line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0in;"><span style="color: #222222; font-family: "Georgia",serif; font-size: 11.5pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-font-kerning: 0pt; mso-ligatures: none;"> </span><span style="color: #222222; font-family: Georgia, serif; font-size: 11.5pt;">The tow-truck tug of War went on for
several hours, frustration growing with each failure. But just as
they were ready to throw the towel and await the light of day a savior arrived
on the scene, a second huge tow-truck. Within the hour they not only had
the truck out of the ravine but it was upright. I found myself rooting
with the tow-truck drivers.</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="background: #FFF9EE; line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0in;"><span style="color: #222222; font-family: "Georgia",serif; font-size: 11.5pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-font-kerning: 0pt; mso-ligatures: none;"><o:p> </o:p></span><span style="color: #222222; font-family: Georgia, serif; font-size: 11.5pt;">Soooo, In our Scriptures we are given
clear warning that before the final chapter of man’s governments can begin
there will be a rapid growth in apostasy. It will be a time when even
many of the saints will be led astray. I believe we are seeing this
happen today. But we need to read on in both of these Scriptures.</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="background: #FFF9EE; line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0in;"><span style="color: #222222; font-family: "Georgia",serif; font-size: 11.5pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-font-kerning: 0pt; mso-ligatures: none;"><o:p> </o:p></span><span style="color: #222222; font-family: Georgia, serif; font-size: 11.5pt;">Notice 2 Thessalonians 2:8: “</span><b style="color: #222222; font-family: Georgia, serif; font-size: 11.5pt;">Then
that lawless one will be revealed whom the Lord will slay with the breath of
His mouth and bring to an end by the appearance of His coming”; </b><span style="color: #222222; font-family: Georgia, serif; font-size: 11.5pt;">and In
Peter we read:</span><b style="color: #222222; font-family: Georgia, serif; font-size: 11.5pt;"> “Be on your guard so that you are not led astray.
Grow in grace and knowledge of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. To Him
be the glory, both now and to the day of eternity. Amen</b><span style="color: #222222; font-family: Georgia, serif; font-size: 11.5pt;">” (3:17-18). </span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="background: #FFF9EE; line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0in;"><span style="color: #222222; font-family: Georgia, serif; font-size: 11.5pt;">Blessings,</span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="background: #FFF9EE; line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0in;"><span style="color: #222222; font-family: Georgia, serif; font-size: 11.5pt;">Gramps</span></p>Gramp's Morning Thoughtshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04596882698758464794noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1596520766746138508.post-40830120697118529442023-10-22T17:26:00.002-04:002023-10-22T17:26:17.866-04:00Tough Times Have a time Limit and We Have Much to Say About How Long They Last!<p><b><span style="color: #222222; font-family: "Arial",sans-serif; font-size: 8.5pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-font-kerning: 0pt; mso-ligatures: none;">Wednesday, October 24, 2012
</span></b><b><span style="color: #222222; font-family: "Arial",sans-serif; font-size: 9.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-font-kerning: 0pt; mso-ligatures: none;">Notice this date!</span></b><b><span style="color: #222222; font-family: "Arial",sans-serif; font-size: 8.5pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-font-kerning: 0pt; mso-ligatures: none;"> </span></b><b><span style="color: #222222; font-family: "Arial",sans-serif; font-size: 9.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-font-kerning: 0pt; mso-ligatures: none;">God is still trying to
get our attention.</span></b><b><span style="color: #222222; font-family: "Arial",sans-serif; font-size: 8.5pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-font-kerning: 0pt; mso-ligatures: none;"> Pray for Israel! This message must be important. I had much difficulty getting it to copy!! Be blessed.</span></b></p>
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<p class="MsoNormal" style="background: #FFF9EE; line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0in;"><a name="13a863f3839dce0d_13795cad5971a4d9_137938"></a><span style="color: #222222; font-family: "Georgia",serif; font-size: 11.5pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-font-kerning: 0pt; mso-ligatures: none;"> </span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEg4gHOR42ghLjoeml7pApRp9Ctj_Dfbjdve9rnoxpzvjeyyDYPGA47pigt_buQelPdSfHozudw79Pg1IPolEh2wDkDbo7yyW8O9TWxy7H74qw1xBshBJqm-A9-vYjotjpl5hMQyypM1AEPXza9jFGzaDDPtl4TAzXambWtgls8PALLG8PDC7tNBgRaW2DM" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="" data-original-height="198" data-original-width="264" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEg4gHOR42ghLjoeml7pApRp9Ctj_Dfbjdve9rnoxpzvjeyyDYPGA47pigt_buQelPdSfHozudw79Pg1IPolEh2wDkDbo7yyW8O9TWxy7H74qw1xBshBJqm-A9-vYjotjpl5hMQyypM1AEPXza9jFGzaDDPtl4TAzXambWtgls8PALLG8PDC7tNBgRaW2DM" width="320" /></a></div>Gramps Bible<o:p></o:p><p></p>
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<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0in;"><span style="background: #FFF9EE; color: #222222;">Hey Gang, I like Chuck
Swindoll! He rings my bell with his common- sense approach to
presenting God's Word. He made a comment one day that I believe with
all my heart to be true. He said: "Many preachers would be far
more effective if they just got up on Sunday Morning and read the Word to
their flock.”</span><o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0in;"><span style="background: #FFF9EE; color: #222222;"><span style="-webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; float: none; font-variant-caps: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; orphans: 2; text-align: -webkit-left; text-decoration-color: initial; text-decoration-style: initial; text-decoration-thickness: initial; widows: 2; word-spacing: 0px;">The news coming
from the four corners, in the past several days, has been especially
depressing. I am sure you who avail yourselves of ‘Gramps messages’ on
a regular basis get a wee bit tired of hearing me use the prophetic words of
Haggai, </span><b style="-webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; font-variant-caps: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; orphans: 2; text-align: -webkit-left; text-decoration-color: initial; text-decoration-style: initial; text-decoration-thickness: initial; widows: 2; word-spacing: 0px;">"Everything that can be shaken will be shaken"</b><span style="-webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; float: none; font-variant-caps: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; orphans: 2; text-align: -webkit-left; text-decoration-color: initial; text-decoration-style: initial; text-decoration-thickness: initial; widows: 2; word-spacing: 0px;"> but I do not believe we can deny "</span><b style="-webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; font-variant-caps: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; orphans: 2; text-align: -webkit-left; text-decoration-color: initial; text-decoration-style: initial; text-decoration-thickness: initial; widows: 2; word-spacing: 0px;">everything that can be shaken is being shaken</b><span style="-webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; float: none; font-variant-caps: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; orphans: 2; text-align: -webkit-left; text-decoration-color: initial; text-decoration-style: initial; text-decoration-thickness: initial; widows: 2; word-spacing: 0px;">".</span></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0in;"><span style="color: #333333; font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif; font-size: 10pt;"><o:p> </o:p></span><span style="color: #222222; font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: 12pt;">SO. this morning I felt I should follow Pastor Swindoll's suggestion and just let
the Word speak to your hearts. The following verses area few of the
promises God gives us for tough times:</span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0in;"><span style="color: #222222; font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: 12pt;"> </span><span style="color: #222222; font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: 12pt;">Isaiah
43:2-3 </span><b style="color: #222222; font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: 12pt;">When you pass through the waters, I will be with you, And
through the rivers, they will not overflow you. When you walk through
the fire, you will not be scorched. Nor will the flame burn you.
For I am the Lord your God, The Holy One of Israel, your Savior.”</b></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0in;"><span style="color: #333333; font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif; font-size: 10pt;"><o:p> </o:p></span><span style="color: #222222; font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: 12pt;">Jer.
29:11-13 </span><b style="color: #222222; font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: 12pt;">“For I know the plans that I have for you, declares the
Lord, plans for welfare and not for calamity to give you a future and a
hope. Then you will call upon Me and come and pray to Me and I will
listen to you. You will seek Me and find Me when you search for Me with
all your heart.”</b></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0in;"><span style="color: #333333; font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif; font-size: 10pt;"><o:p> </o:p></span><span style="color: #222222; font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: 12pt;">Matthew
7:7-8 </span><b style="color: #222222; font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: 12pt;">“Ask, and it will be given to you; seek and you will find,
knock, and it will be opened to you. For everyone who asks receives,
and he who seeks finds, and to him who knocks, it will be opened.”</b></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0in;"><span style="color: #222222; font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: 12pt;">Matthew
11:28-</span><b style="color: #222222; font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: 12pt;">30 “Come to Me all who are weary and heavy-laden and I will
give you rest. Take My yoke upon you and learn from Me, for I am gentle
and humble in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. For My yoke
is easy and My burden is light”.</b></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0in;"><span style="color: #222222; font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: 12pt;">Phil.6:6-7 </span><b style="color: #222222; font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: 12pt;">“Be
anxious for nothing, but in everything by prayer and supplication with
thanksgiving let your requests be made know to God. And the peace of
God which surpasses all comprehension, will guard your hearts and your minds
in Christ Jesus”.</b></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0in;"><span style="color: #222222; font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: 12pt;">James
1:2-4 </span><b style="color: #222222; font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: 12pt;">“Consider it all joy my brethren, when you encounter various
trials, knowing that the testing of your faith produced endurance.
And let endurance have its prefect result so that you may be perfect and
complete, lacking in nothing.”</b></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0in;"><span style="color: #222222; font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: 12pt;">Psalm
9:9-10 </span><b style="color: #222222; font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: 12pt;">“The Lord also will be a stronghold for the oppressed, A
stronghold in times of trouble; And those who know Your name will put their
trust in You, For You, O Lord have not forsaken those who seek You.”</b></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0in;"><span style="color: #222222; font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: 12pt;">Psalms
91:1-2; 14-16 </span><b style="color: #222222; font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: 12pt;">“He who dwells in the shelter of the most High will
abide in the shadow of the Almighty. I will say to the Lord, “My refuge
and my fortress, My God, in whom I trust.”</b></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0in;"><span style="color: #333333; font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif; font-size: 10.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-font-kerning: 0pt; mso-ligatures: none;"><o:p> </o:p></span><span style="color: #222222; font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: 12pt;">Soooo,
yes, one does not have to be a rocket scientist or brain surgeon to see that
God is doing all in his power to get our attention. My heart aches when
I see folks going through very deep waters, but I also know that the honing
of the wheel produces endurance for the long fight that lays ahead and
through endurance we become perfect in God's sight. (James 1:1-4).</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0in;"><span style="color: #333333; font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif; font-size: 10.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-font-kerning: 0pt; mso-ligatures: none;">Blessings<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0in;"><span style="color: #333333; font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif; font-size: 10.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-font-kerning: 0pt; mso-ligatures: none;">Gramps<o:p></o:p></span></p>
</td>
</tr>
</tbody></table>Gramp's Morning Thoughtshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04596882698758464794noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1596520766746138508.post-76250160509159251392023-10-15T18:49:00.003-04:002023-10-15T18:49:41.428-04:00What Time Is I<p> <b><span style="color: #222222; font-family: "Arial",sans-serif; font-size: 8.5pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-font-kerning: 0pt; mso-ligatures: none;">Wednesday, October 9, 2013</span></b></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="background: #FFF9EE; line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 9.0pt; mso-outline-level: 3;"><a name="2617233436578839822"></a></p><p align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="background: #FFF9EE; line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0in; text-align: center;"></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEhIF6Bhhuyy8RIVBeymaEf79lDNrhO69O0bd1mEKelrrnj9a01iqXZlTh5Fyx-nLmEkBdo8FjnJdZ96hykl-U89jsSmXWiH60pX8TR7dhTjlXHxJMlPg1ne_0mzSsQJf0ZowBVeT7TdiaxfXfV9ZJ8_5B4j0aV7bMaZXCfcjcp0txHphKLkMiYCxrAjd2Y" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="" data-original-height="500" data-original-width="389" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEhIF6Bhhuyy8RIVBeymaEf79lDNrhO69O0bd1mEKelrrnj9a01iqXZlTh5Fyx-nLmEkBdo8FjnJdZ96hykl-U89jsSmXWiH60pX8TR7dhTjlXHxJMlPg1ne_0mzSsQJf0ZowBVeT7TdiaxfXfV9ZJ8_5B4j0aV7bMaZXCfcjcp0txHphKLkMiYCxrAjd2Y" width="187" /></a></div><br /><span style="color: #222222; font-family: Georgia, serif; font-size: 11.5pt; text-align: left;"><o:p> </o:p></span><b style="text-align: left;"><span style="color: #222222; font-family: "Arial",sans-serif; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-font-kerning: 0pt; mso-ligatures: none;"> “For behold, the
day is coming, burning like a furnace; and all the arrogant and every evildoer
will be chaff, and the day that is coming will set them ablaze,” says the Lord
of hosts. “So that it will leave them neither root nor branch.”</span></b><span style="color: #222222; font-family: Arial, sans-serif; text-align: left;"> (Malachi 4:1).</span><p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="background: white; line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0in;"><span style="color: #222222; font-family: "Arial",sans-serif; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-font-kerning: 0pt; mso-ligatures: none;"><o:p> </o:p></span><span style="color: #222222; font-family: Arial, sans-serif;">“</span><b style="color: #222222; font-family: Arial, sans-serif;">So at the name of
Jesus EVERY KNEE WILL BOW, of those who are in heaven and on earth and under
the earth, and every TONGUE WILL CONFESS that Jesus Christ IS LORD.” Philippians
2:10-11</b></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="background: white; line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0in;"><span style="color: #222222; font-family: "Georgia",serif; font-size: 11.5pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-font-kerning: 0pt; mso-ligatures: none;"><o:p> </o:p></span><span style="color: #222222; font-family: Arial, sans-serif;">Hey Gang: Do you
think this day has arrived or is just around the corner? What say you? Are
we living in that time referred to by the prophets of old as the “latter days”
or the ”last days?”</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="background: white; line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0in;"><span style="color: #222222; font-family: "Georgia",serif; font-size: 11.5pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-font-kerning: 0pt; mso-ligatures: none;"><o:p> </o:p></span><span style="color: #222222; font-family: Arial, sans-serif;">Mathew tells us, </span><b style="color: #222222; font-family: Arial, sans-serif;">"Jesus
came out of the temple and was going away when the disciples came up to point
out the temple buildings to Him"</b><span style="color: #222222; font-family: Arial, sans-serif;"> (Matthew 24:1). It appears
from Mark's account that "they" the disciples were mesmerized by its
beauty. They exclaimed: </span><b style="color: #222222; font-family: Arial, sans-serif;">"Teacher, behold what wonderful stones and
what wonderful buildings!</b><span style="color: #222222; font-family: Arial, sans-serif;"> (Mark 13:1b). </span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="background: white; line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0in;"><span style="color: #222222; font-family: "Georgia",serif; font-size: 11.5pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-font-kerning: 0pt; mso-ligatures: none;"><o:p> </o:p></span><span style="color: #222222; font-family: Arial, sans-serif;">His response, "</span><b style="color: #222222; font-family: Arial, sans-serif;">Not
one stone here will be left upon another, which will not be torn down</b><span style="color: #222222; font-family: Arial, sans-serif;">"
(Matthew 24:2). His words must have brought them back to the world of
reality for we see a change of focus from man-made beauty to </span><b style="color: #222222; font-family: Arial, sans-serif;">"Tell
us, when will these things happen and what will be the sign of Your coming, and
the end of the age"</b><span style="color: #222222; font-family: Arial, sans-serif;">(Matthew 3b). Read Matthew 24.</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="background: white; line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0in;"><span style="color: #222222; font-family: "Georgia",serif; font-size: 11.5pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-font-kerning: 0pt; mso-ligatures: none;"><o:p> </o:p></span><span style="color: #222222; font-family: Arial, sans-serif;">Their question? “</span><b style="color: #222222; font-family: Arial, sans-serif;">When
shall these things happen and what will be the sign of Your coming and the end
of the Age?</b><span style="color: #222222; font-family: Arial, sans-serif;">” His first words in answering their question is one that
we need to take to heart - </span><b style="color: #222222; font-family: Arial, sans-serif;">“Do not be deceived!”</b><span style="color: #222222; font-family: Arial, sans-serif;"> I
recently heard a salty old preacher warn his sheep "beware of wolves in
sheep's' clothing. He mentioned three rapidly moving blasphemies that are
leading even many of the elect to be taken down the Prime Rose Path.
Perhaps we had best read John 14:6,</span><b style="color: #222222; font-family: Arial, sans-serif;"> " I am the way, truth and the
life, no one comes to the Father but through Me</b><span style="color: #222222; font-family: Arial, sans-serif;">."</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="background: white; line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0in;"><span style="color: #222222; font-family: "Georgia",serif; font-size: 11.5pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-font-kerning: 0pt; mso-ligatures: none;"><o:p> </o:p></span><span style="color: #222222; font-family: Arial, sans-serif;">The first he referred to
was the ‘Oprah road’ where there is more than one road to God. Notice in the
Olivet Discourse Jesus said, </span><b style="color: #222222; font-family: Arial, sans-serif;">“Behold I have told you in advance?"</b><span style="color: #222222; font-family: Arial, sans-serif;"> (Matthew
24:25). In other words, you have choice; you can be as the five prudent
virgins and have your lamps prepared for the coming of the Husband or hear the
door slam shut when the bridegroom comes unexpectedly.</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="background: white; line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0in;"><span style="color: #222222; font-family: "Georgia",serif; font-size: 11.5pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-font-kerning: 0pt; mso-ligatures: none;"><o:p> </o:p></span><span style="color: #222222; font-family: Arial, sans-serif;"> The second
blasphemy, called ’Replacement Theology’, teaches that Israel is no longer the
"apple of God's eye" but has been replaced by the church. Again
I would draw your attention to God's Word: </span><b><span style="color: #3a3a3a; font-family: "Helvetica",sans-serif; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-font-kerning: 0pt; mso-ligatures: none;">"For I do not want
you, brethren, to be uninformed of this mystery, lest you be wise in your own
estimation, that a partial hardening has happened to Israel until the fullness
of the Gentiles has come in; and thus all Israel will be saved; just as it is
written, 'The Deliverer will come from Zion, he will remove ungodliness from
Jacob,'</span></b><span style="color: #3a3a3a; font-family: Helvetica, sans-serif;">” </span><u><span style="color: #222222; font-family: "Helvetica",sans-serif; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-font-kerning: 0pt; mso-ligatures: none;">(</span></u><span style="color: #666666;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, serif; font-size: 11.5pt;"><a href="http://biblia.com/bible/nasb95/Rom.%2011.25-26" target="_blank"><span style="font-family: Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 11pt;">Romans
11:25-26</span></a></span><span style="font-family: Helvetica, sans-serif;">).</span></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="background: white; line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0in;"><span style="color: #222222; font-family: "Georgia",serif; font-size: 11.5pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-font-kerning: 0pt; mso-ligatures: none;"><o:p> </o:p></span><span style="color: #222222; font-family: Arial, sans-serif;">The third, in the
opinion of the writer is most damaging, is that to "believe" is
all it takes to gain the eternal Kingdom of God and spending eternity with the
Lord. Well, folks, I have very bad news for those that have been caught
up in this web of deception. James tells us "</span><b style="color: #222222; font-family: Arial, sans-serif;">even the demons also
BELIEVE and shudder".</b><span style="color: #222222; font-family: Arial, sans-serif;"> (James 2:16). </span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="background: white; line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0in;"><span style="color: #222222; font-family: "Georgia",serif; font-size: 11.5pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-font-kerning: 0pt; mso-ligatures: none;"><o:p> </o:p></span><span style="color: #222222; font-family: Arial, sans-serif;">Soooo, my good buddies,
what am I trying to say here? Very simply stated: </span><b style="color: #222222; font-family: Arial, sans-serif;">"Be Not
deceived". "See that no one mislead you for many will come in
My name saying, 'I am the Christ,' and will mislead many" </b><span style="color: #222222; font-family: Arial, sans-serif;">(Matthew
24:4-5). And how do we make sure we are not deceived? By filling
our minds and hearts with His Word and staying in communication with Yeshua and
keeping our eyes on Him.</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="background: white; line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0in;"><span style="color: #222222; font-family: "Arial",sans-serif; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-font-kerning: 0pt; mso-ligatures: none;"><o:p> </o:p></span><b><span style="color: #222222; font-family: "Arial",sans-serif; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-font-kerning: 0pt; mso-ligatures: none;">READ and share</span></b><span style="color: #222222; font-family: Arial, sans-serif;"> these Scriptures to
assure your salvation and your loved ones.</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="background: white; line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0in;"><span style="color: #222222; font-family: "Arial",sans-serif; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-font-kerning: 0pt; mso-ligatures: none;">“ALL have sinned and com
short of the Glory of God.” Romans 3:23</span><span style="color: #222222; font-family: "Georgia",serif; font-size: 11.5pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-font-kerning: 0pt; mso-ligatures: none;"><o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="background: white; line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0in;"><span style="color: #222222; font-family: "Georgia",serif; font-size: 11.5pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-font-kerning: 0pt; mso-ligatures: none;">“<b>The wages of sin is DEATH.”</b> Romans
6:23a<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="background: white; line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0in;"><span style="color: #222222; font-family: "Georgia",serif; font-size: 11.5pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-font-kerning: 0pt; mso-ligatures: none;">“<b>But the gift of God is eternal
life through Jesus Christ our Lord</b>.” Romans 6:23b<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="background: white; line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0in;"><b><span style="color: #222222; font-family: "Georgia",serif; font-size: 11.5pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-font-kerning: 0pt; mso-ligatures: none;">“Whosoever shall call on the name of
the Lord shall be saved</span></b><span style="color: #222222; font-family: "Georgia",serif; font-size: 11.5pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-font-kerning: 0pt; mso-ligatures: none;">.” Romans
10:13<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="background: white; line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0in;"><span style="color: #222222; font-family: "Georgia",serif; font-size: 11.5pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-font-kerning: 0pt; mso-ligatures: none;">“<b>If you will confess with your
mouth the Lord Jesus, and shall believe in your heart that God raised Him from
the dead, you will be saved.”</b> Romans 10:9<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="background: white; line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0in;"><span style="color: #222222; font-family: "Georgia",serif; font-size: 11.5pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-font-kerning: 0pt; mso-ligatures: none;"><o:p> </o:p></span><span style="color: #222222; font-family: Arial, sans-serif;">Blessings,</span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="background: white; line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0in;"><span style="color: #222222; font-family: Arial, sans-serif;">Gramps</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="background: white; line-height: normal;"><span style="color: #222222; font-family: "Arial",sans-serif; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-font-kerning: 0pt; mso-ligatures: none;">Gramps</span><span style="color: #222222; font-family: "Georgia",serif; font-size: 11.5pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-font-kerning: 0pt; mso-ligatures: none;"><o:p></o:p></span></p>Gramp's Morning Thoughtshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04596882698758464794noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1596520766746138508.post-24547198543312924982023-10-08T19:03:00.003-04:002023-10-08T19:03:24.743-04:00Be Strong in the Strength of His Might Today<p><b><span style="color: #222222; font-family: "Arial",sans-serif; font-size: 8.5pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-font-kerning: 0pt; mso-ligatures: none;">Wednesday, October 16, 2013</span></b></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="background: #FFF9EE; line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 9.0pt; mso-outline-level: 3;"><a name="2319770853479845624"></a></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEhr3BsWR5Ugsj91Q3QXc9njJOAfhnVOdS3OT99G9u_BsWMNnP_fz2uUT_JfhrKolfUgykcH8V0VbIaYeTbWIw44762lfaGwE5zpWiI0Az9ZLeEOsoO0LHzj_8P57O6ru2F6U-e-sdo-IveCIYbTJcseiNSYBNBlZ4cZyvv7V7Y2z8L2U6IrjsmX5jVE8wk" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="" data-original-height="234" data-original-width="313" height="239" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEhr3BsWR5Ugsj91Q3QXc9njJOAfhnVOdS3OT99G9u_BsWMNnP_fz2uUT_JfhrKolfUgykcH8V0VbIaYeTbWIw44762lfaGwE5zpWiI0Az9ZLeEOsoO0LHzj_8P57O6ru2F6U-e-sdo-IveCIYbTJcseiNSYBNBlZ4cZyvv7V7Y2z8L2U6IrjsmX5jVE8wk" width="320" /></a></div><br /><b><span style="color: #222222; font-family: "Georgia",serif; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-font-kerning: 0pt; mso-ligatures: none;"> “I do not cease [to pray] for the eyes of your hearts
to be enlightened, that you may know what is the hope of your calling and what
is the wealth of the glory of God’s inheritance in the saints<i>”</i> (</span></b><span style="color: #222222; font-family: Arial, sans-serif;"><a href="http://biblia.com/bible/esv/Ephesians%201.16-18" target="_blank"><b><span style="color: #634956; font-family: "Times New Roman",serif;">Ephesians 1:16-18</span></b></a></span><b><span style="color: #222222; font-family: "Georgia",serif; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-font-kerning: 0pt; mso-ligatures: none;">). “The joy of the Lord is your
strength</span></b><i><span style="color: #222222; font-family: "Georgia",serif; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-font-kerning: 0pt; mso-ligatures: none;">”</span></i><span style="color: #222222; font-family: Georgia, serif;"> (</span><span style="color: #222222; font-family: Arial, sans-serif;"><a href="http://biblia.com/bible/esv/Nehemiah%208.10" target="_blank"><b><span style="color: #634956; font-family: "Times New Roman",serif;">Nehemiah 8:10</span></b></a></span><span style="color: #222222; font-family: Georgia, serif;">)</span><p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="background: white; line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0in;"><span style="color: #222222; font-family: "Georgia",serif; font-size: 11.5pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-font-kerning: 0pt; mso-ligatures: none;"><o:p> </o:p></span><span style="color: #222222; font-family: Georgia, serif;">Hey Gang: As you traverse
through the day, do you look for those wonderful object lessons that God
provides for us? Several days ago I was cutting and splitting some wood
in preparation for the coming fuzzy-white-stuff season. There were
several types of wood in the pile, some easy and some more
difficult. I had forgotten about an old elm tree that came down in
a recent storm; it was hard as flint.</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="background: white; line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0in; vertical-align: baseline;"><span style="color: #222222; font-family: "Georgia",serif; font-size: 11.5pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-font-kerning: 0pt; mso-ligatures: none;"><o:p> </o:p></span><span style="color: #222222; font-family: Georgia, serif;"> I learned very rapidly
that if I tried to go at the strength of those pieces, the eight-horse splitter
did not have the power to penetrate and split the log. But, if I studied
the piece and looked for the fault line in the log and zeroed in on that
weakness, I was able to split the log and. Once it was split, the rest of the
splitting process became much easier. </span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="background: white; line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0in; vertical-align: baseline;"><span style="color: #222222; font-family: "Georgia",serif; font-size: 11.5pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-font-kerning: 0pt; mso-ligatures: none;"><o:p> </o:p></span><span style="color: #222222; font-family: Georgia, serif;"> Throughout the day, each time I
ran into a piece of that tough elm tree, God reminded me of Paul's words in
Ephesians 6:10: </span><b style="color: #222222; font-family: Georgia, serif;"> "Finally, be strong in the Lord and in the
strength of His might".</b><span style="color: #222222; font-family: Georgia, serif;"> I have mentioned, in morning
messages before, that I am a very weird person for I love to cut the
grass. I get great joy in getting on that noisy machine and making a ‘skillion’
revolutions around the yard. Why? Because I can sing at the top of my
lungs and no one can hear me. I have found that singing brings joy to my
heart. Nehemiah tells me, </span><b style="color: #222222; font-family: Georgia, serif;">"The joy of the Lord is my
Strength". </b></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="background: white; line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0in; vertical-align: baseline;"><span style="color: #222222; font-family: "Georgia",serif; font-size: 11.5pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-font-kerning: 0pt; mso-ligatures: none;"><o:p> </o:p></span><span style="color: #222222; font-family: Georgia, serif;">Paul continued, in his letter to the
Ephesians, giving us the formula for living a life of victory and joy</span><b style="color: #222222; font-family: Georgia, serif;">.</b><span style="color: #222222; font-family: Georgia, serif;">
First, and foremost</span><b style="color: #222222; font-family: Georgia, serif;">, "put on the full armor or God". </b><span style="color: #222222; font-family: Georgia, serif;">Why?</span><b style="color: #222222; font-family: Georgia, serif;">
"So that you can "stand firm against the schemes of the
devil." </b><span style="color: #222222; font-family: Georgia, serif;">Matthew tell us that when our house is built on the
sand, we are like the foolish builder whose house could not stand against the
storms.</span><b style="color: #222222; font-family: Georgia, serif;"> </b></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="background: white; line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0in; vertical-align: baseline;"><b><span style="color: #222222; font-family: "Georgia",serif; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-font-kerning: 0pt; mso-ligatures: none;"><o:p> </o:p></span></b><b><span style="color: #222222; font-family: "Georgia",serif; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-font-kerning: 0pt; mso-ligatures: none;"> </span></b><span style="color: #222222; font-family: Georgia, serif;">Paul does not leave it there. He always states the
principle he is trying to teach us and then hangs the ‘whys and wherefores’ on
the knobs that follow<b>: "For our struggle is not against flesh and
blood, but against the rulers, against the powers, against the world forces of
this darkness, against the spiritual forces of wickedness in the heavenly
places." </b>(Eph. 6:11-17).<b> </b></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="background: white; line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0in; vertical-align: baseline;"><span style="color: #222222; font-family: "Georgia",serif; font-size: 11.5pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-font-kerning: 0pt; mso-ligatures: none;"><o:p> </o:p></span><b><span style="color: #222222; font-family: "Georgia",serif; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-font-kerning: 0pt; mso-ligatures: none;"> </span></b><span style="color: #222222; font-family: Georgia, serif;">Do you agree with me that we are in an evil age when
everything that can be shaken is being shaken? Paul closes his
teaching on the importance of having every piece of the armor of God in place
with this challenge "<b>Therefore, take up the full armor of God, so that
you will be able to resist in the evil day, and having done everything, so
stand firm</b>" (vs, 18) </span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="background: white; line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0in; vertical-align: baseline;"><span style="color: #222222; font-family: "Georgia",serif; font-size: 11.5pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-font-kerning: 0pt; mso-ligatures: none;"><o:p> </o:p></span><span style="color: #222222; font-family: Georgia, serif;"> An old salt country preacher,
after reading these words, </span><b style="color: #222222; font-family: Georgia, serif;">"Stand firm having girded your loins
with truth, and having put on the breastplate of righteousness, and having shod
your feet with the preparation of the gospel of peace, in addition to all,
taking up the shield of faith with which you will be able to extinguish all the
flaming arrows of the veil one and take the helmet of salvation, and the sword
of the Spirit, which is the word of God</b><span style="color: #222222; font-family: Georgia, serif;">' (Eph. 6:14-17) said, when all the
parts are in place, Satan cannot tell you from Jesus Himself! </span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="background: white; line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0in; vertical-align: baseline;"><span style="color: #222222; font-family: Georgia, serif;"> Sooooo, time for me to
close this and for you to do a quick inventory - make sure you have all the
pieces of the armor in place. Why don't you drop what you are doing for a
moment or two and join me in prayer. Your eternal life may depend on it.</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="background: white; line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0in; vertical-align: baseline;"><span style="color: #222222; font-family: "Georgia",serif; font-size: 11.5pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-font-kerning: 0pt; mso-ligatures: none;"><o:p> </o:p></span><span style="color: #222222; font-family: Georgia, serif;">Blessings, </span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="background: white; line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0in;"><span style="color: #222222; font-family: "Georgia",serif; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-font-kerning: 0pt; mso-ligatures: none;">Gramps</span><span style="color: #222222; font-family: "Georgia",serif; font-size: 11.5pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-font-kerning: 0pt; mso-ligatures: none;"><o:p></o:p></span></p>Gramp's Morning Thoughtshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04596882698758464794noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1596520766746138508.post-15780701249273772972023-10-01T15:40:00.003-04:002023-10-01T15:40:42.582-04:00A More Opportune Time!<p> <b><span style="color: #222222; font-family: "Arial",sans-serif; font-size: 8.5pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-font-kerning: 0pt; mso-ligatures: none;">Monday, October 7, 2013</span></b></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="background: #FFF9EE; line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 9.0pt; mso-outline-level: 3;"><a name="4464420372814306656"></a></p><p align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="background: white; line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0in; text-align: center;"><span style="color: #222222; font-family: Georgia, serif; font-size: 11.5pt; text-align: left;"><o:p> </o:p></span><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEjP6x1FBuqMzZzfwBHJMYaIJ-fs3rl7KeGZDymbtAA5o9SF4AfoCYihM8y8cDxim5IGcM_3DGuxbU_PfotQuwzrRDGEX8EhrUnCLUarKcN5Fso_Rpj7fXmqm2uEyxaPgH5_HSeUfA7A-CsDflwO7mHQrPHFPdDNwWFD0c_2B63BT_0WcLubxos1fdyi0bw" style="font-family: Georgia, serif; font-size: 11.5pt; margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="" data-original-height="308" data-original-width="398" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEjP6x1FBuqMzZzfwBHJMYaIJ-fs3rl7KeGZDymbtAA5o9SF4AfoCYihM8y8cDxim5IGcM_3DGuxbU_PfotQuwzrRDGEX8EhrUnCLUarKcN5Fso_Rpj7fXmqm2uEyxaPgH5_HSeUfA7A-CsDflwO7mHQrPHFPdDNwWFD0c_2B63BT_0WcLubxos1fdyi0bw" width="310" /></a></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="background: white; line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0in;"><span style="color: #222222; font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 10pt;">God’s
power principle for this morning</span><b style="color: #222222; font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 10pt;">: “Finally, my brethren, be strong in the
Lord and in the power of His might. Put on the whole armor of God, that
you may be able to stand against the wiles of the devil”</b><span style="color: #222222; font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 10pt;"> (Eph.
6:10-11).</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="background: white; line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 12.0pt;"><span style="color: #222222; font-family: "Arial",sans-serif; font-size: 10.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-font-kerning: 0pt; mso-ligatures: none;">Hey
Gang: I have a very important piece of wisdom that I need to share with
you this morning: In order to beat the devil at his own game, we must have a
solid understanding of his “<i>wiles</i>” ie., “<i>enemy tactics</i>”.
And how do we beat him at his own game <b>– ‘put on the full armor of God!”</b></span><span style="color: #222222; font-family: "Georgia",serif; font-size: 11.5pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-font-kerning: 0pt; mso-ligatures: none;"><o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="background: white; line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0in;"><span style="color: #222222; font-family: "Arial",sans-serif; font-size: 10.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-font-kerning: 0pt; mso-ligatures: none;">Jesus
did battle with Satan shortly after He was baptized in the Jordan by John the
Baptist. Notice the sequence: he was baptized, and His Father declared He
was His Son in whom He was well pleased. In essence, He was equipped for
warfare and did not tarry. He was led by the Spirit into the wilderness
to be tempted by the devil and, I sense, to let the Devil know ‘his existence
was going to become exceedingly more difficult’. </span><span style="color: #222222; font-family: "Georgia",serif; font-size: 11.5pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-font-kerning: 0pt; mso-ligatures: none;"><br />
</span><span style="color: #222222; font-family: "Arial",sans-serif; font-size: 10.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-font-kerning: 0pt; mso-ligatures: none;"> .</span><span style="color: #222222; font-family: "Georgia",serif; font-size: 11.5pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-font-kerning: 0pt; mso-ligatures: none;"><o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="background: white; line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 12.0pt;"><span style="color: #222222; font-family: "Arial",sans-serif; font-size: 10.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-font-kerning: 0pt; mso-ligatures: none;">Satan
said,<b> “If you are the Son of God…”;</b> Jesus responded, “<b>IT IS
WRITTEN”.</b> And again Satan said, <b>“If you are the Son of God”</b> and
Jesus responded <b>“IT IS WRITTEN”. </b> And a third time Satan
said, “<b>If you are the Son of God”</b> and Jesus said, “<b>IT IS WRITTEN</b>”!
The battle was over and Matthew tells us “<b>The devil left Him”. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>But </b> Luke adds these seven words
to Matthew’s account and we must be aware!, “<b>He (Satan) left Him
(Jesus) until an opportune time.”</b> (Lu.4:13)!</span><span style="color: #222222; font-family: "Georgia",serif; font-size: 11.5pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-font-kerning: 0pt; mso-ligatures: none;"><o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="background: white; line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 12.0pt;"><span style="color: #222222; font-family: "Arial",sans-serif; font-size: 10.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-font-kerning: 0pt; mso-ligatures: none;">The
point: Jesus said we are to go to the cross daily, put on our armor and speak
the WORD of Truth! <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Satan's opportune
times have no time limits and are always present, and just around the
corner. BUT We have the Sword of the LORD, His Holy Spirit and Victory in
Jesus!!</span><span style="color: #222222; font-family: "Georgia",serif; font-size: 11.5pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-font-kerning: 0pt; mso-ligatures: none;"><o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="background: white; line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 12.0pt;"><span style="color: #222222; font-family: "Arial",sans-serif; font-size: 10.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-font-kerning: 0pt; mso-ligatures: none;">Soooo,
my young warriors, Be advised - you have someone looking very your shoulder
this morning. He cannot read your mind, but he certainly can read your
actions. Be sure you are covered with His armor. Every second of the day
you will have opportunities to be a seed planter –positive and negative.
Every second of the day you will be a Pin-Hole or a Pipe-Line Christian.
When you lay your head on your pillow tonight, will you win with God’s word
and will your seed planting program for the day be blessing to the Lord?</span><span style="color: #222222; font-family: "Georgia",serif; font-size: 11.5pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-font-kerning: 0pt; mso-ligatures: none;"><o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="background: white; line-height: normal;"><span style="color: #222222; font-family: "Arial",sans-serif; font-size: 10.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-font-kerning: 0pt; mso-ligatures: none;">Blessings,<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="background: white; line-height: normal;"><span style="color: #222222; font-family: "Arial",sans-serif; font-size: 10.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-font-kerning: 0pt; mso-ligatures: none;">Gramps</span><span style="color: #222222; font-family: "Georgia",serif; font-size: 11.5pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-font-kerning: 0pt; mso-ligatures: none;"><o:p></o:p></span></p>Gramp's Morning Thoughtshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04596882698758464794noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1596520766746138508.post-54546447008505002852023-09-24T17:33:00.004-04:002023-09-24T17:33:47.075-04:00What If?<p> <b><span style="color: #222222; font-family: "Arial",sans-serif; font-size: 8.5pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-font-kerning: 0pt; mso-ligatures: none;">Wednesday, September 12, 2012</span></b></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="background: #FFF9EE; line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 9.0pt; mso-outline-level: 3;"><a name="5663219022036360267"></a></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEiFdfHodqcM9rrhfK1DkA_lMuQZUku7_yWX3b_LreFnTMu9HEefg8h8Vy649VgUjIf3_hIkUqWNL14XhKx3OH-Wjgt7oNmcnuNUGGx0GH_1NcoE1BZjqpu0Ad10nXoOwZyI5WR4VYAEiqMIC6rgPwUu1zfr_w9rq_0ZdlvJH_I5EjGQlqCVxaXglDMT5rk" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="" data-original-height="352" data-original-width="352" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEiFdfHodqcM9rrhfK1DkA_lMuQZUku7_yWX3b_LreFnTMu9HEefg8h8Vy649VgUjIf3_hIkUqWNL14XhKx3OH-Wjgt7oNmcnuNUGGx0GH_1NcoE1BZjqpu0Ad10nXoOwZyI5WR4VYAEiqMIC6rgPwUu1zfr_w9rq_0ZdlvJH_I5EjGQlqCVxaXglDMT5rk" width="240" /></a></div><br /><span style="color: #222222; font-family: Georgia, serif; font-size: 11.5pt;"><o:p> </o:p></span><b><span style="color: #222222; font-family: "Arial",sans-serif; font-size: 11.5pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-font-kerning: 0pt; mso-ligatures: none;">"Even
though I walk through the valley and shadow of death, I will fear no evil, for
You are with me. Your rod and Your staff, they comfort me...."</span></b><span style="color: #222222; font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 11.5pt;">
(Psa. 23:4)</span><p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="background: #FFF9EE; line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0in;"><span style="color: #222222; font-family: "Georgia",serif; font-size: 11.5pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-font-kerning: 0pt; mso-ligatures: none;"><o:p> </o:p></span><span style="color: #222222; font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 11.5pt;">Hey
Gang: I read of a very frightening statistic in a magazine article... more
than twenty- three million American's have declared they no long believe, or
have never believed in God, and refer to themselves as Agnostics. If you
add to these the folks who <b>"have a form of godliness but deny the
power",</b> and those who are <b>"lovers of pleasures
rather than lovers of God" </b>or those who are "<b>ever
learning but never come to the knowledge of the truth</b>" you might conclude
that our nation is in deep waters. (2 Tim. 3).</span><span style="color: #222222; font-family: Arial, sans-serif;"> </span><span style="color: #222222; font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 10pt;">(2012)</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="background: #FFF9EE; line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0in;"><span style="color: #222222; font-family: "Georgia",serif; font-size: 11.5pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-font-kerning: 0pt; mso-ligatures: none;"><o:p> </o:p></span><span style="color: #222222; font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 11.5pt;">As I
read that statistic, I wondered what these folks do when the
rubber-hit's-the-road or the alligators are stacked up to your armpits.
What do they do when they find a loved one has terminal cancer or when you go
to work only to find a pink slip on your desk? What does one do when your
child is in rebellion, or you have deep marital problems? Where do you
turn for help, support, and encouragement when the check-book registers zip and
the bills keep coming in?</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="background: #FFF9EE; line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0in;"><span style="color: #222222; font-family: "Georgia",serif; font-size: 11.5pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-font-kerning: 0pt; mso-ligatures: none;"><o:p> </o:p></span><span style="color: #222222; font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 11.5pt;">The
bride-of-my-youth brought to my attention an article from the Daily Guideposts about
a young lady who had aced her way through high school and earned a scholarship
to a prestigious college. After completing her first year of higher
learning she returned home and announced to a friend: I've chucked it". I
do not believe in this God-stuff anymore. (Not an uncommon malady in
today's colleges and universities) </span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="background: #FFF9EE; line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0in;"><span style="color: #222222; font-family: "Arial",sans-serif; font-size: 11.5pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-font-kerning: 0pt; mso-ligatures: none;"><o:p> </o:p></span><span style="color: #222222; font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 11.5pt;">As she
expounded on the finer things of godlessness, the friend prayed that God would
fill his mouth with the right words; words that would rekindle the fire that he
had seen in this beautiful lass as she grew from childhood to the enlightened
years of teenage.</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="background: #FFF9EE; line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0in;"><span style="color: #222222; font-family: "Georgia",serif; font-size: 11.5pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-font-kerning: 0pt; mso-ligatures: none;"><o:p> </o:p></span><span style="color: #222222; font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 11.5pt;">He
thought of all the wonderful and powerful verses he could fling at her, but he
knew that would only flame the embers that were burning within her chest
cavity. Somehow he sensed she was on a fishing expedition, seeking how an
old confidant might react to her announcement that she had chosen "to go
her own way".</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="background: #FFF9EE; line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0in;"><span style="color: #222222; font-family: "Georgia",serif; font-size: 11.5pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-font-kerning: 0pt; mso-ligatures: none;"><o:p> </o:p></span><span style="color: #222222; font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 11.5pt;">Instead,
he calmly responded, "What would I do, if a friend was going through a
deep valley? Where would I go when a grandson suddenly contracted a
cancer that was zipping the very life out of him? To whom would I pray,
if my child had chosen to "go his own way" and closed his heart to
the King of kings and Lord of lords? To whom would I turn when I knew
that blood of my blood and bones of my bones had chosen paths that I knew would
only lead to pain and agony?</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="background: #FFF9EE; line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0in;"><span style="color: #222222; font-family: "Georgia",serif; font-size: 11.5pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-font-kerning: 0pt; mso-ligatures: none;"><o:p> </o:p></span><span style="color: #222222; font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 11.5pt;">The
girl responded with tears in her eyes, "I hadn't thought of
that". David wrote: </span><b style="color: #222222; font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 11.5pt;">"Though I walk through the valley
and shadow of death, I will fear no evil,"</b><span style="color: #222222; font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 11.5pt;"> How could he have
such assurance? "Because he had tested God's love and he knew His
Lord and Savior and Shepherd was with him and his rod and staff would bring
comfort even in the deepest waters.</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="background: #FFF9EE; line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0in;"><span style="color: #222222; font-family: "Georgia",serif; font-size: 11.5pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-font-kerning: 0pt; mso-ligatures: none;"><o:p> </o:p></span><span style="color: #222222; font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 11.5pt;">Sooooo,
Rejoice my young warriors, God so love you He gave his only Son and He
continues to give". He stand at the door of your heart and
waits for you to ask, "Lord keep Your might arms of protection around me
and my family, as I walk through the valleys and shadows of this
day." </span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="background: #FFF9EE; line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0in;"><span style="color: #222222; font-family: "Georgia",serif; font-size: 11.5pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-font-kerning: 0pt; mso-ligatures: none;"><o:p> </o:p></span><span style="color: #222222; font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 11.5pt;">Blessings, </span><span style="color: #222222; font-family: Georgia, serif; font-size: 11.5pt;"><o:p> </o:p></span><span style="color: #222222; font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 11.5pt;">Gramps</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal">PS Our pastor just completed a series called “Love or
Law.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>He challenged us to live so others
see the love of Jesus in us and desire the fruit of the Spirit they see in our
lives. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>We should choose to 'Win Souls,
not Arguments about how those with out God should live their lives! <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> Gma J</span><o:p></o:p></p>Gramp's Morning Thoughtshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04596882698758464794noreply@blogger.com0