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So Bluetooth is named for uniting nations under Jesus…. Though today we don’t go into forcible conversions….
However, whenever you see this symbol, let’s think about being unified as Paul said in Ephesians 4:11-13:
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Presumption
Presumptuous plans and ideas can be dangerous; even when a majority of people agree on the plan.
"They said, 'Come, let us build for ourselves a city, and a tower whose top will reach into heaven, and let us make for ourselves a name, otherwise we will be scattered abroad over the face of the whole earth.' " (Genesis 11.4)
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The Unexpected
Man's Make Up
It's estimated that we are made up of 52 pounds of oxygen, 2 ounces of salt, 50 quarts of water, 3 pounds of calcium, 24 pounds of carbon, and trace amounts of a variety of other chemical compounds. That is a more detailed description of this basic truth:
"Then the Lord God formed man of dust from the ground, and breathed into his nostrils the breath of life; and man became a living being." (Genesis 2.7)
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Influence
Whoever and whatever has our ear has influence. So it's imperative that we be discerning.
"And He was saying to them, 'Take care what you listen to. By your standard of measure it will be measured to you; and more will be given you besides. For whoever has, to him more shall be given; and whoever does not have, even what he has shall be taken away from him.' " (Mark 4.24-25)
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To Know Him
"Now, therefore, fear the LORD and serve Him in sincerity and truth" (Joshua 24.14)
A parting admonition by Joshua to the people of Israel was wholehearted devotion to Creator and Father, Yahweh. Show the utmost respect for Him. Let your devotional and service to Him be marked by both sincerity and truth. Religious pretense and ritual would not be sufficient, nor would lack of knowledge. To love and serve Him would require genuine and truthful pursuit.
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Broken
The broken will be made whole. Not necessarily now, but then.
"Blessed are the poor in spirit, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven. Blessed are those who mourn, for they shall be comforted. Blessed are the gentle, for they shall inherit the earth.Blessed are those who hunger and thirst for righteousness, for they shall be satisfied." (Matthew 5.3-6)
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Food For Thought
Hunger
Few of us know real hunger. Unless we have fasted for an extended period of time, we do not know the relentless gnawing that real hunger brings.
"He humbled you and let you be hungry, and fed you with manna which you did not know, nor did your fathers know, that He might make you understand that man does not live by bread alone, but man lives by everything that proceeds out of the mouth of the Lord." (Deuteronomy 8.3)
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Injustice
Harvest
Life circumstances are such that there are people near you who are ready to accept the gospel message. Whether a health crisis, marriage problem, job loss, or death of someone close, there are people we know who are ready to hear and receive.
"Do you not say, 'There are yet four months, and then comes the harvest'? Behold, I say to you, lift up your eyes and look on the fields, that they are white for harvest." (John 4.35)
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Resolutions
The season of resolutions is almost upon us. For many people, the new year serves as a benchmark for life decisions and changes. Lose weight. Exercise more. Be more productive, and disciplined.
What about resolving to walk more closely with your Creator and Father? "Seek the Lord while He may be found; Call upon Him while He is near." (Isaiah 55.6)
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What Do You Keep vs Throw Away?
What do you keep, and what do you throw away? Our nearly endless cycle of accumulation forces us to regular ask this question. But, it's a question that pertains to something far more important.
"For whoever wishes to save his life will lose it, but whoever loses his life for My sake and the gospel's will save it. For what does it profit a man to gain the whole world, and forfeit his soul? For what will a man give in exchange for his soul?" (Mark 8.35-37)
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He is Coming
Eager Expectation
Honestly, is the return of Christ a passive thought for you, or an eager expectation? Are you living this day as though it could be THAT day?
"Christ also, having been offered once to bear the sins of many, will appear a second time for salvation without reference to sin, to those who eagerly await Him." (Hebrews 9.28)
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Crucified
It's a lot easier said than done. In fact, the reality might be that there's more saying than doing.
"I have been crucified with Christ; and it is no longer I who live, but Christ lives in me; and the life which I now live in the flesh I live by faith in the Son of God, who loved me and gave Himself up for me." (Galatians 2.20)
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Bridging the Divide in Our Diverse, Incredible Nation
American Sign Language
Who Are You For?
So, who are you for? That's a question that can be asked about political candidates, parties, or sports teams. But, the better question is, WHAT are you for?
"Paul, a bond-servant of God and an apostle of Jesus Christ, for the faith of those chosen of God and the knowledge of the truth which is according to godliness, in the hope of eternal life, which God, who cannot lie, promised long ages ago" (Titus 1.1-2)
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Good Days
Regardless of the times or circumstances, we who are blessed are called to be a blessing.
"The one who desires life, to love and see good days, Must keep his tongue from evil and his lips from speaking deceit. He must turn away from evil and do good; He must seek peace and pursue it. For the eyes of the Lord are toward the righteous, And His ears attend to their prayer, But the face of the Lord is against those who do evil." (1 Peter 3.10-12, from Psalm 34)
"Good days" are not determined by who will reside in the White House, or serve in any elected position ...