tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-28513705270940234502024-02-08T14:47:15.848-06:00Joel Stutzman's blogMy thoughts...Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00291302901742816400noreply@blogger.comBlogger6125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2851370527094023450.post-57031860680090390942011-11-22T23:20:00.001-06:002011-11-22T23:20:24.149-06:00Brother Nate<div class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 10.0pt;">Hey Nate,<o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;"><span style="font-size: 10.0pt; line-height: 200%;"> This is your big brother. I am not good at saying goodbye. I don’t like saying goodbye especially when I am a long ways away. Until this moment, I never understood how hard it was to lose something until you have lost it. You are not supposed to die before me. <o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;"><span style="font-size: 10.0pt; line-height: 200%;"> I got the call at school to get to the hospital as soon as possible. When I heard you were not doing well, I broke down and cried in the hallway. My friends prayed for you.<o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;"><span style="font-size: 10.0pt; line-height: 200%;">I had the whole school of Moody praying for you.<o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;"><span style="font-size: 10.0pt; line-height: 200%;"> I am so glad that I was able to get here in time to see you before you passed away. <o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;"><span style="font-size: 10.0pt; line-height: 200%;">As I was thinking back I remember all the conversations we had about fishing, hunting, and of course sports. You loved them all and I will miss those conversations. <o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;"><span style="font-size: 10.0pt; line-height: 200%;">One thing I can say for sure, you had a love for people. You made everyone feel welcome.<o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;"><span style="font-size: 10.0pt; line-height: 200%;">When you did something, you put your whole heart into it. You were passionate!<o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;"><span style="font-size: 10.0pt; line-height: 200%;">I really appreciate your awesome attitude through this difficult time. You had a great attitude and a tenderness about you that I have never seen from you before. I am glad you are spending eternity in Heaven.<o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal"><b><span style="font-size: 10.0pt;">THE BROKEN CHAIN<o:p></o:p></span></b></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 10.0pt;">L<i>ittle did we know, that on Sept.22<sup>nd,</sup></i><o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><i><span style="font-size: 10.0pt;">God was going to call your name,</span></i><span style="font-size: 10.0pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><i><span style="font-size: 10.0pt;">In life we loved you dearly,</span></i><span style="font-size: 10.0pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><i><span style="font-size: 10.0pt;">in death we do the same.</span></i><span style="font-size: 10.0pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal"><i><span style="font-size: 10.0pt;">It broke our hearts to lose you early,</span></i><span style="font-size: 10.0pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><i><span style="font-size: 10.0pt;">but in God you have put your trust,</span></i><span style="font-size: 10.0pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><i><span style="font-size: 10.0pt;">In times as difficult as these,</span></i><span style="font-size: 10.0pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><i><span style="font-size: 10.0pt;">faith is a very must.</span></i><span style="font-size: 10.0pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal"><i><span style="font-size: 10.0pt;">You have left us great memories,</span></i><span style="font-size: 10.0pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><i><span style="font-size: 10.0pt;">How you were so kind,</span></i><span style="font-size: 10.0pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><i><span style="font-size: 10.0pt;">And though we cannot see you anymore,</span></i><span style="font-size: 10.0pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><i><span style="font-size: 10.0pt;">you will be always in our minds.</span></i><span style="font-size: 10.0pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal"><i><span style="font-size: 10.0pt;">Our family chain is broken,</span></i><span style="font-size: 10.0pt;"> <o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><i><span style="font-size: 10.0pt;">and nothing seems the same,</span></i><span style="font-size: 10.0pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><i><span style="font-size: 10.0pt;">But as God calls us one by one,</span></i><span style="font-size: 10.0pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><i><span style="font-size: 10.0pt;">the chain will link again.<o:p></o:p></span></i></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal"><i><span style="font-size: 10.0pt;">Bye brother and I will miss you. <o:p></o:p></span></i></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal"><i><span style="font-size: 10.0pt;">Joel Stutzman</span></i><span style="font-size: 10.0pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00291302901742816400noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2851370527094023450.post-41133339379790436842011-07-11T23:58:00.000-05:002011-07-11T23:58:34.494-05:00Leadership Training and disciplining by Boyle and Toregeson<div class="MsoNormal">Christ spent 3 years with the disciples</div><div class="MsoNormal"><o:p></o:p></div><div class="MsoNormal">They ate with him…walked with Him…served with Him…learned from Him<o:p></o:p></div><div class="MsoNormal">8 hours a day x five days a week x 52 weeks x 3 years = 6,240 hours of time with Christ.<o:p></o:p></div><div class="MsoNormal">What’s the average time a person spends at church?<o:p></o:p></div><div class="MsoNormal">Average 2 hours a week…maybe 3-4 at best-only 32 weeks year!<o:p></o:p></div><div class="MsoNormal">5 hours x 32= 260 hours per year<o:p></o:p></div><div class="MsoNormal">6240 divided by 260=24 years to duplicate the training!<o:p></o:p></div><div class="MsoNormal">The only way that ministers are trained today in the same time span is at seminary! (three year span)<o:p></o:p></div><div class="MsoNormal">Seeing the potential to fly is leadership development<o:p></o:p></div><div class="MsoNormal">What do we develop?<o:p></o:p></div><div class="MsoNormal">Being…Who am I supposed to be?<o:p></o:p></div><div class="MsoNormal">Knowing…What do I need to know?<o:p></o:p></div><div class="MsoNormal">Doing…What must I learn to do!<o:p></o:p></div><div class="MsoNormal">There is one more item that is often neglected!<o:p></o:p></div><div class="MsoNormal">Emotions…what must I learn to address?<o:p></o:p></div><div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpFirst" style="mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; text-indent: -.25in;"><!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-family: Symbol; mso-bidi-font-family: Symbol; mso-fareast-font-family: Symbol;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">·<span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";"> </span></span></span><!--[endif]--><span dir="LTR"></span>Spiritual Formation<o:p></o:p></div><div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; text-indent: -.25in;"><!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-family: Symbol; mso-bidi-font-family: Symbol; mso-fareast-font-family: Symbol;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">·<span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";"> </span></span></span><!--[endif]--><span dir="LTR"></span>Character Development<o:p></o:p></div><div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; text-indent: -.25in;"><!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-family: Symbol; mso-bidi-font-family: Symbol; mso-fareast-font-family: Symbol;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">·<span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";"> </span></span></span><!--[endif]--><span dir="LTR"></span>Ministry Competency and skill Development<o:p></o:p></div><div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; text-indent: -.25in;"><!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-family: Symbol; mso-bidi-font-family: Symbol; mso-fareast-font-family: Symbol;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">·<span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";"> </span></span></span><!--[endif]--><span dir="LTR"></span>Theological Integration and Reflection<o:p></o:p></div><div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpLast" style="mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; text-indent: -.25in;"><!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-family: Symbol; mso-bidi-font-family: Symbol; mso-fareast-font-family: Symbol;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">·<span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";"> </span></span></span><!--[endif]--><span dir="LTR"></span>Ethics<o:p></o:p></div>Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00291302901742816400noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2851370527094023450.post-77187056846797243772011-03-10T18:33:00.000-06:002011-03-10T18:33:33.961-06:00Suffering<div style="font-family: Verdana, 'Bitstream Vera Sans', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 21px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding-bottom: 0.5em; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;">Christian believers are not immune from suffering. In fact, sometimes it seems that sincere Christian believers suffer more than others! God has promised us many things, but He has not promised us immunity from suffering in this life. "Many are the afflictions of the righteous, but the Lord delivers him out of them all." (Psalm 34:19). "Yes, and all who desire to live godly in Christ Jesus will suffer persecution." (2 Timothy 3:12). Suffering will be a reality for us in one form or another until Jesus returns. The issue of suffering is a complex one, since there are many kinds of suffering, many possible reasons for each kind, and often many perplexing mysteries. Our faith in the goodness of God may be tested through sufferings, and our responses to suffering in this life have the potential to make us or break us.</div><div style="font-family: Verdana, 'Bitstream Vera Sans', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 21px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding-bottom: 0.5em; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;">How convenient it would be for us if God somehow guaranteed that we will never be severely tested in this life - that all will be sweetness, comfort and prosperity! It is a false teaching, sadly often found in charismatic circles, that says that if we are in covenant with God we will escape serious suffering - either by simply rebuking it in Jesus name or by calling upon God, our covenant partner, who will <i>immediately</i> come and rescue us. No, God will rescue us, but it may well be that deliverance will not come about quickly as we would like. God has his reasons for this, and the answers are generally not simple, nor can we always know them while we are suffering.</div><div style="font-family: Verdana, 'Bitstream Vera Sans', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 21px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding-bottom: 0.5em; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;">There is sweetness, comfort and prosperity in the gospel, but there are also fiery trials, afflictions, sufferings, persecutions and rejection. Paul knew what it was to be abased, and he also knew how to abound - sometimes he had more than enough, other times he suffered need and hunger (Philippians 4:12). This was not because he lacked faith, but because he <i>had </i>faith. True faith takes us out of the comfort zone into areas where we enter into conflict with Satan's kingdom and must demonstrate both patience and faith in the face of delays and difficulties. The person who has it as his goal to enjoy an easy life here and now is not following after love, but is living selfishly. God calls us to combat with a real enemy. Yes, He has given us power to overcome, but not without a fight (see teaching on <a href="http://www.christian-faith.com/forjesus/spiritual-warfare-breaking-curses" style="text-decoration: none;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: black;">spiritual warfare</span></a>).</div><h2 style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, 'Bitstream Vera Sans', sans-serif; font-size: 16px; line-height: 21px; margin-bottom: 0.5em; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0.5em;"><b>Our Response to Suffering</b></h2><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, 'Bitstream Vera Sans', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 21px;">When we suffer, our response is very important. We need to remember that God still loves us, and while there is life, there is hope. </span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, 'Bitstream Vera Sans', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 21px;"> </span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, 'Bitstream Vera Sans', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 21px;">Don't allow discouragement and bitterness against God to enter your heart. Learn from the experiences of the children of Israel. Also try to get as many as possible to pray for you and your situation. This will help, but you still need patience.</span><div style="font-family: Verdana, 'Bitstream Vera Sans', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 21px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding-bottom: 0.5em; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;"></div><div style="font-family: Verdana, 'Bitstream Vera Sans', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 21px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding-bottom: 0.5em; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;"><b>Praise God!</b></div><div style="font-family: Verdana, 'Bitstream Vera Sans', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 21px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding-bottom: 0.5em; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;">Do not yield to discouragement because of suffering. This is one of the greatest battles we will ever face - the battle to stay encouraged and joyful. <b>PRAISE </b>is a major key to making it through trials. If offered sincerely, in faith, to God, it will help you get out of troubles faster than anything, and you will get stronger and feel less pain in the whole process, because God dwells in the praises of His people. Just consider how quickly God delivered Paul and Silas from the jail in Philippi when they praised Him in the middle of the night (Acts 16) ! This is a good example for us. Here is where major spiritual battles are won or lost. Praise God instead of grumbling. It will make the world of difference.</div><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding-bottom: 0.5em; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, 'Bitstream Vera Sans', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: x-small;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: 21px;">Michael</span></span></div>Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00291302901742816400noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2851370527094023450.post-68517985610218829992011-01-26T17:28:00.001-06:002011-01-26T17:28:43.524-06:00<div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 200%;">IN THIS QUIET PLACE- MUSIC-<o:p></o:p></span></div><div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 200%;">Ryan Thom Lyrics-Fred Pratt Green<o:p></o:p></span></div><div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">Verse 1<o:p></o:p></div><div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">Here Master in this quiet place<o:p></o:p></div><div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">Where anyone may kneel<o:p></o:p></div><div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">We also come to ask for grace<o:p></o:p></div><div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">Believing you can heal<o:p></o:p></div><div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">Chorus <o:p></o:p></div><div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">If pain of body stress of mind<o:p></o:p></div><div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">Destroys our inward peace<o:p></o:p></div><div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">In prayer to you LORD <o:p></o:p></div><div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">May we come and find our faith increased<o:p></o:p></div><div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">And find our faith increased<o:p></o:p></div><div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">Verse 2<o:p></o:p></div><div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">If our flesh upon its sickness feeds<o:p></o:p></div><div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">And turns our lives to gall<o:p></o:p></div><div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">Let us not fret about our needs<o:p></o:p></div><div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">But simply tell you all<o:p></o:p></div><div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">Chorus 2<o:p></o:p></div><div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">You never said you ask too much<o:p></o:p></div><div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">To any troubled soul<o:p></o:p></div><div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">We long to feel your healing touch<o:p></o:p></div><div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">Will you please make us whole (repeat)<o:p></o:p></div><div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">Verse 3<o:p></o:p></div><div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">But if the thing we most desire<o:p></o:p></div><div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">Is not the way of Thee<o:p></o:p></div><div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">May our faith when tested in the fire<o:p></o:p></div><div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">Prove its integrity<o:p></o:p></div><div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">Chorus 3<o:p></o:p></div><div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">We ask You LORD our Great High Priest<o:p></o:p></div><div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">Make our faith fully grown<o:p></o:p></div><div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">Lord disbelieve our unbelief<o:p></o:p></div><div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">You’ve claimed us as your own (repeat)<o:p></o:p></div><div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">We thank You LORD that by the cross<o:p></o:p></div><div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">You’ve claimed us as your own (repeat<o:p></o:p></div>Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00291302901742816400noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2851370527094023450.post-38873403456775113082010-12-21T14:46:00.000-06:002010-12-21T14:46:55.524-06:00What Christmas is All About by Lowndes<div class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 16.0pt; line-height: 200%;"><u>What Christmas Is All About</u><o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 16.0pt; line-height: 200%;">Christmas will always be for us<o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 16.0pt; line-height: 200%;">A time to reflect on Christ<o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 16.0pt; line-height: 200%;">The gift God gave to the entire world<o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 16.0pt; line-height: 200%;">Was the gift of His life<o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 16.0pt; line-height: 200%;">We know Christmas is not about tinsel<o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 16.0pt; line-height: 200%;">Nor fancy Christmas wreaths<o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 16.0pt; line-height: 200%;">Nor is it about all the decorations<o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 16.0pt; line-height: 200%;">That adorns our Christmas trees<o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 16.0pt; line-height: 200%;">And it’s not about Holly or Mistletoe<o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 16.0pt; line-height: 200%;">Hanging from our doors<o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 16.0pt; line-height: 200%;">Nor is it about the gifts that are left<o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 16.0pt; line-height: 200%;">By the jolly Santa Claus<o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 16.0pt; line-height: 200%;">Christmas is more than all of this<o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 16.0pt; line-height: 200%;">And the only reason why<o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 16.0pt; line-height: 200%;">We celebrate Christ’s birth together<o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 16.0pt; line-height: 200%;">And the wonder of His life<o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 16.0pt; line-height: 200%;">So remember as you celebrate<o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 16.0pt; line-height: 200%;">Just what it’s all about<o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 16.0pt; line-height: 200%;">And invite the Lord to join with you<o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 16.0pt; line-height: 200%;">Instead of leaving Him out<o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 16.0pt; line-height: 200%;">For He will always be the reason<o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 16.0pt; line-height: 200%;">We celebrate this day<o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 16.0pt; line-height: 200%;">No substitute the world may offer<o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 16.0pt; line-height: 200%;">Can take that meaning away<o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 16.0pt; line-height: 200%;">By M.S.Lowndes ~ 2007<o:p></o:p></span></div>Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00291302901742816400noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2851370527094023450.post-18775088536077943802010-10-25T17:24:00.000-05:002010-10-25T17:24:03.062-05:00Psalms 147<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'MS Shell Dlg'; font-size: small;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: 13px;"></span></span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'MS Shell Dlg'; font-size: small;"><div class="MsoNormal">Why Praise God?<o:p></o:p></div><div class="MsoNormal"><u>The background of Psalms 147<o:p></o:p></u></div><div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpFirst" style="margin-left: 1.0in; mso-add-space: auto; mso-list: l1 level1 lfo1; text-indent: -.25in;"><span style="font-family: Symbol; mso-bidi-font-family: Symbol; mso-fareast-font-family: Symbol;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">·<span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";"> </span></span></span>This passage is referring to Israel when they were coming back to Jerusalem from their exile.<o:p></o:p></div><div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="margin-left: 1.0in; mso-add-space: auto; mso-list: l1 level1 lfo1; text-indent: -.25in;"><span style="font-family: Symbol; mso-bidi-font-family: Symbol; mso-fareast-font-family: Symbol;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">·<span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";"> </span></span></span>This chapter was probably written during the autumn feast of Tabernacles, in reference to what <u>verse 14.</u><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></div><div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="margin-left: 1.0in; mso-add-space: auto; mso-list: l1 level1 lfo1; text-indent: -.25in;"><span style="font-family: Symbol; mso-bidi-font-family: Symbol; mso-fareast-font-family: Symbol;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">·<span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";"> </span></span></span>Verse 13 makes reference to the “dedication of the walls in the times of Nehemiah.” <o:p></o:p></div><div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="margin-left: 1.0in; mso-add-space: auto; mso-list: l1 level1 lfo1; text-indent: -.25in;"><span style="font-family: Symbol; mso-bidi-font-family: Symbol; mso-fareast-font-family: Symbol;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">·<span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";"> </span></span></span>Approximately 445 B.C. when they finished the walls and were calling for a celebration and gathering of all the people of Israel to dedicate the finishing of the walls of Jerusalem.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The significance of the rebuilding of the walls was that it was also a time of restoration for the people of Israel.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>God had a bigger plan then just the walls. We will see as we look into the chapter how God does that with Israel.<o:p></o:p></div><div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpLast" style="margin-left: 1.0in; mso-add-space: auto; mso-list: l1 level1 lfo1; text-indent: -.25in;"><span style="font-family: Symbol; mso-bidi-font-family: Symbol; mso-fareast-font-family: Symbol;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">·<span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";"> </span></span></span>God’s hand was in the total project of rebuilding the walls and the people of Israel.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The Persian King Artaxerxes sent Nehemiah to Jerusalem to rebuild the walls.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Nehemiah had lots of opposition and struggles in getting them rebuild.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: 1.5in;">Think about this for a minute, we build a house, do a remodel project we have marital issues before it’s done.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Imagine building a massive city walls.<o:p></o:p></div><div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpFirst" style="margin-left: 2.0in; mso-add-space: auto; mso-list: l2 level1 lfo2; text-indent: -.25in;"><span style="font-family: Symbol; mso-bidi-font-family: Symbol; mso-fareast-font-family: Symbol;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">·<span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";"> </span></span></span>Nehemiah persevered and got the job. Neh. 6:16<o:p></o:p></div><div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpLast" style="margin-left: 2.0in; mso-add-space: auto;">Power of God was made known to all who knew that the walls were being rebuilt.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 115%;">Ok, this is God showing Israel why they need to praise and worship God for what He has done.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It is equally important why we need to praise Him also.<o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 16.0pt; line-height: 115%;">The Four “C’s” of why we need to praise God.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpFirst" style="margin-left: 2.0in; mso-add-space: auto;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="margin-left: .25in; mso-add-space: auto; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo3; text-indent: -.25in;"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">1.<span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";"> </span></span></span></b><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><u>We are </u></b><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><u><span style="font-size: 20.0pt; line-height: 115%;">Commanded </span>to Praise!<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></u></b><u>Verse 1<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><o:p></o:p></b></u></div><div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="margin-left: 2.0in; mso-add-space: auto; mso-list: l2 level1 lfo2; text-indent: -.25in;"><span style="font-family: Symbol; mso-bidi-font-family: Symbol; mso-fareast-font-family: Symbol;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">·<span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";"> </span></span></span>Praise in different forms to God is mentioned 167 times in just Psalms alone.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Do you think maybe it is important??<o:p></o:p></div><div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="margin-left: 2.0in; mso-add-space: auto; mso-list: l2 level1 lfo2; text-indent: -.25in;"><span style="font-family: Symbol; mso-bidi-font-family: Symbol; mso-fareast-font-family: Symbol;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">·<span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";"> </span></span></span>God telling Israel continually in the O.T. was not good enough.<o:p></o:p></div><div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="margin-left: 2.0in; mso-add-space: auto;">Israel still didn’t praise God for all that he did for the them..<o:p></o:p></div><div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="margin-left: 2.0in; mso-add-space: auto;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="margin-left: 2.0in; mso-add-space: auto; mso-list: l2 level1 lfo2; text-indent: -.25in;"><span style="font-family: Symbol; mso-bidi-font-family: Symbol; mso-fareast-font-family: Symbol;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">·<span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";"> </span></span></span>In the OT the goodness of God is shown in what he does well for Israel.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>He provided for Israel in many amazing ways but they were not grateful. They complained. <o:p></o:p></div><div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="margin-left: 2.0in; mso-add-space: auto;">He gave them quail, manna, protection, land flowing with milk and honey.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Yet they still complained and were disobedient.<o:p></o:p></div><div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpLast" style="margin-left: 2.0in; mso-add-space: auto; mso-list: l2 level1 lfo2; text-indent: -.25in;"><span style="font-family: Symbol; mso-bidi-font-family: Symbol; mso-fareast-font-family: Symbol;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">·<span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";"> </span></span></span>Takes energy to be thankful and it is our sin nature coming out when we complain.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></div><div class="MsoNormal">We are so much like Israel today, we are commanded to worship God and yet we don’t listen. <o:p></o:p></div><div class="MsoNormal">In Matthew 4:10 Jesus is tell Satan that “You should worship the Lord your God and him only shall you serve.”<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></div><div class="MsoNormal">During Israel time they had many gods that they could worship and get distracted by.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It is not any different today, we have many things that we worship or that takes priority over praising God.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>What do you think the Israelites would say if they could look into our world today?<o:p></o:p></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoListParagraph" style="margin-left: .25in; mso-add-space: auto; mso-list: l3 level1 lfo6; text-indent: -.25in;"><span style="font-family: Symbol; mso-bidi-font-family: Symbol; mso-fareast-font-family: Symbol;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">·<span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";"> </span></span></span><u>Praise bring great joy to God.</u><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It should be not just a Sunday morning thing. But a daily practice to God.<o:p></o:p></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Singing:<o:p></o:p></div><div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpFirst" style="margin-left: .25in; mso-add-space: auto;">Play an instrument or sing.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It is an outward expression of giving God the praise he is due.<o:p></o:p></div><div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="margin-left: .25in; mso-add-space: auto;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="margin-left: .25in; mso-add-space: auto; mso-list: l3 level1 lfo6; text-indent: -.25in;"><span style="font-family: Symbol; mso-bidi-font-family: Symbol; mso-fareast-font-family: Symbol;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">·<span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";"> </span></span></span><u>It is good to praise God because God is morally prefect and glorious.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></u></div><div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="margin-left: .25in; mso-add-space: auto; mso-list: l3 level1 lfo6; text-indent: -.25in;"><span style="font-family: Symbol; mso-bidi-font-family: Symbol; mso-fareast-font-family: Symbol;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">·<span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";"> </span></span></span><u>Ps. 106:1 for he is good and his love endures forever.<o:p></o:p></u></div><div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="margin-left: .25in; mso-add-space: auto; mso-list: l3 level1 lfo6; text-indent: -.25in;"><span style="font-family: Symbol; mso-bidi-font-family: Symbol; mso-fareast-font-family: Symbol;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">·<span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";"> </span></span></span><u>The works of God are good; for they reveal his attributes of wisdom and power</u> (All through Psalms is talks about them).<o:p></o:p></div><div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="margin-left: .25in; mso-add-space: auto; mso-list: l3 level1 lfo6; text-indent: -.25in;"><span style="font-family: Symbol; mso-bidi-font-family: Symbol; mso-fareast-font-family: Symbol;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">·<span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";"> </span></span></span><u>Who God is to Israel and it hasn’t changed with us all these years. </u><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>In fact he loved us so much he paid the ultimate price for our sins.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>This in itself should be enough to praise Him.<o:p></o:p></div><div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpLast" style="margin-left: .25in; mso-add-space: auto; mso-list: l3 level1 lfo6; text-indent: -.25in;"><span style="font-family: Symbol; mso-bidi-font-family: Symbol; mso-fareast-font-family: Symbol;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">·<span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";"> </span></span></span><u>Praise is not just for those who can sing</u> because I can’t sing very well.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It is more than that. It comes when we are doing to God.<o:p></o:p></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpFirst" style="margin-left: .25in; mso-add-space: auto; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo3; text-indent: -.25in;"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">2.<span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";"> </span></span></span></b><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><u>Because He is our </u></b><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><u><span style="font-size: 20.0pt; line-height: 115%;">Creator</span>(contractor)</u></b> vs. 2,4, 8<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Verse 7 singing-noise/howling of animals.<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><u><o:p></o:p></u></b></div><div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="margin-left: .75in; mso-add-space: auto; mso-list: l4 level1 lfo5; text-indent: -.25in;"><span style="font-family: Symbol; mso-bidi-font-family: Symbol; mso-fareast-font-family: Symbol;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">·<span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";"> </span></span></span>Vs. 2 <u>builds</u> is fortifying, rebuilding, and same word in Hebrew that is in Gen. 2:22<o:p></o:p></div><div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="margin-left: .75in; mso-add-space: auto; mso-list: l4 level1 lfo5; text-indent: -.25in;"><span style="font-family: Symbol; mso-bidi-font-family: Symbol; mso-fareast-font-family: Symbol;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">·<span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";"> </span></span></span>God wants to bring in the Israelites that are all over the countryside from the exile. It has been 150 plus years since Jerusalem and the Israelites were as a nation.<o:p></o:p></div><div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="margin-left: .75in; mso-add-space: auto; mso-list: l4 level1 lfo5; text-indent: -.25in;"><span style="font-family: Symbol; mso-bidi-font-family: Symbol; mso-fareast-font-family: Symbol;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">·<span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";"> </span></span></span>God has named all the stars, who do we think we are to rename the stars.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></div><div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="margin-left: .75in; mso-add-space: auto; mso-list: l4 level1 lfo5; text-indent: -.25in;"><span style="font-family: Symbol; mso-bidi-font-family: Symbol; mso-fareast-font-family: Symbol;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">·<span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";"> </span></span></span>Do you think he has a big book with all the names and how many stars he has?<o:p></o:p></div><div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="margin-left: .75in; mso-add-space: auto; mso-list: l4 level1 lfo5; text-indent: -.25in;"><span style="font-family: Symbol; mso-bidi-font-family: Symbol; mso-fareast-font-family: Symbol;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">·<span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";"> </span></span></span>God cares enough to give a name to each star, wow amazing<o:p></o:p></div><div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="margin-left: .75in; mso-add-space: auto; mso-list: l4 level1 lfo5; text-indent: -.25in;"><span style="font-family: Symbol; mso-bidi-font-family: Symbol; mso-fareast-font-family: Symbol;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">·<span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";"> </span></span></span><o:p> </o:p></div><div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpLast" style="margin-left: .25in; mso-add-space: auto; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo3; text-indent: -.25in;"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">3.<span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";"> </span></span></span></b><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><u>He is a </u></b><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><u><span style="font-size: 20.0pt; line-height: 115%;">Caring</span>(Provider and healer) </u></b>vs. 9, 16-18 - - vs. 3,6<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><u><o:p></o:p></u></b></div><div class="MsoNormal">Vs. 16- Hoarfrost Ex. 16:14 fine-flake on ground like the manna that God gave Israel.<o:p></o:p></div><div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpFirst" style="margin-left: .25in; mso-add-space: auto;">God is not only concerned for the Israel and their basic needs, but he is also concerned for the livestock as well.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>He loves all of His creation all through the scriptures and it is good. <o:p></o:p></div><div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpLast" style="margin-left: .25in; mso-add-space: auto;">He knows how many stars and the names of each one.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>What a great memory.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I wish I had that kind of brain.<o:p></o:p></div><div class="MsoNormal">Heals: makes fresh the brokenhearted or the crushed (restores the shattered or was once whole) Ps. 34:18<o:p></o:p></div><div class="MsoNormal">Binds: reminds me of when I was a fireman/emt and how you come to an injured person and fix their wounds or painful spots. Reminds me of a mother who cares for a young child who gets hurt.<o:p></o:p></div><div class="MsoNormal">Lifts up:<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>more than just lifting up, but is God who surrounds/encircles the humble or gentle<o:p></o:p></div><div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpFirst" style="margin-left: .25in; mso-add-space: auto; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo3; text-indent: -.25in;"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">4.<span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";"> </span></span></span></b><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><u>He the main </u></b><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><u><span style="font-size: 20.0pt; line-height: 115%;">Controller</span>(Power) </u></b>vs. 5, 10<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><u><o:p></o:p></u></b></div><div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="margin-left: .25in; mso-add-space: auto;">Vs. 10:<o:p></o:p></div><div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="margin-left: .25in; mso-add-space: auto;">Reminder that there is a total dependence on God.<o:p></o:p></div><div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpLast" style="margin-left: 2.0in; mso-add-space: auto;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal">Vs. 11<o:p></o:p></div><div class="MsoNormal">Awe or fear of God<o:p></o:p></div><div class="MsoNormal">His steadfast love is vital when we think about the Israelites and how many times they tried God.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>God still loved them and kept bringing them back to Him.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>This chapter proves that he loved Israel so much that he was bringing them back together as a nation and restoring Jerusalem.<o:p></o:p></div><div class="MsoListParagraph" style="margin-left: 2.0in; mso-add-space: auto;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal">Romans 12:1-2<o:p></o:p></div><div class="MsoNormal">We are His creation, we are in need of His care and provision, we need His healing hands over us, and through His control and power we have been redeemed through His blood and we are forgiven of our sins.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Through this we should be praising and worshiping God daily.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></div><div class="MsoNormal">How do we apply this to our lives?<o:p></o:p></div><div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpFirst" style="mso-list: l5 level1 lfo4; text-indent: -.25in;"><span style="mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">1.<span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";"> </span></span></span>Come to church with a spirit of worship and not complaining or looking for this that are not done right. <u><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Thankfulness</u><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Ps. 111<o:p></o:p></div><div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="mso-list: l5 level1 lfo4; text-indent: -.25in;"><span style="mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">2.<span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";"> </span></span></span><u>Share with others</u> what he is doing in your life and if you can’t find anything that He is doing in your life then maybe, it’s time to do soul searching.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Sharing with each other is a time to encourage each other.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Rom. 1:11-12 Our gifts God has given each of us.<o:p></o:p></div><div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="mso-list: l5 level1 lfo4; text-indent: -.25in;"><span style="mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">3.<span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";"> </span></span></span><u>Build up and strengthen those around us.</u><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Christ was the example for us. Eph. 4:31-32<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Christ forgave us of all our sins and what more do we need to sing His praises and not complain.<o:p></o:p></div><div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="mso-list: l5 level1 lfo4; text-indent: -.25in;"><span style="mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">4.<span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";"> </span></span></span><u>Praise needs to be to God.</u><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Our Focus<o:p></o:p></div><div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpLast">Ps. 115:1<o:p></o:p></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 16.0pt; line-height: 115%;">Worship and praising God is not just something that we do natural, but a command from God.<o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 16.0pt; line-height: 115%;">A.W. Tozer said, "Without worship, we go about miserable." God doesn't want us to be miserable -- He has a perfect plan for our lives. He has done so many things to show us that He loves us and doesn't want us to be miserable.<o:p></o:p></span></div></span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'MS Shell Dlg'; font-size: small;"></span>Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00291302901742816400noreply@blogger.com0