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It's hard to respond with grace or to respond in prayer when someone has hurt us. This may be the understatement of the year! 😀 LOL!
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It's also hard to not hold onto the hurtful words spoken because as I've said before, the old saying, "Stick and stones may break my bones but words may never hurt me", while we can understand the sentiment behind it, it's really not the reality of life!
Why? Because while bones heal relatively quickly, it's the words spoken that tend to dwell in our hearts and minds for a long time!
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If we're honest, we all say and do dumb things when we're angry or hurt. We need The Lord's help to heal our hearts, minds, and to help us become more grace filled in our responses.
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We also need His help through His Holy Spirit to season our responses to other people when we've been wronged by them.
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Furthermore, we need to make sure we don't let the circumstances of life change who God is shaping us into. We are The Lord's, we're a product of His grace, and not merely a product of the circumstances, including the mistreatment, of life.
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Ultimately, how we respond is up to us and in the process we need God's help in responding as well as healing us from the flaming arrows that are hurled at us and leave scars along the way...scars that God can and will heal us from. I pray that we grow through these tough experiences and that they help us become better, more mature instead of bitter, ineffective, and crippled by these things.
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Read James 1:19, Colossians 4:6, Ephesians 6:18, and 1 Thessalonians 5:16-18 for encouragement from God's Word.
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#faith #hope #truth #wisdom #life #encourage #encouragement #Jesus #HolySpirit #bible #scripture #GodsWord #heart #mind #soul #strength #christian #Christianity #christfollower #ashepherdsheart
As a little Christmas gift from me to you, I wanted to share again a recording of the Luke account of The Birth of Jesus again. (Part 1 of 4)
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I'll be posting an audio reading of all of Luke 2 through Christmas Eve here and on soundcloud.com/user-335546274
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The Birth of Jesus - Luke 2:1-7
Merry Christmas!
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The Holy Bible, English Standard Version® (ESV®)
Copyright © 2001 by Crossway,
a publishing ministry of Good News Publishers.
All rights reserved.
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#christmas #advent #hope #faith #joy #peace #Jesus #Christian #Christianity #ChristFollower #inspirational #inspire #inspiration #encourage #encouragement #Godsword #scripture #Bible #ashepherdsheart
I am going to repost this from time to time to remind us of Who and What we really need!
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To be "happy"...
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Some seek fortune and fame to make them feel significant.
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Some seek to gain followers or popularity.
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Some seek to lose weight or be in so called "perfect shape". _
Some seek success or are driven by the praise of mankind.
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None of these things will make you happy! None of these things will make you feel ultimately better, complete or whole.
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When it comes right down to it...You need Jesus!
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He alone is your strength and He alone is The One Who defines, defends, and completes you.
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Cease striving and know He is God!
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(Turn your sound on)
#ineedJesus #faith #hope #truth #wisdom #life #encourage #encouragement #Jesus #HolySpirit #Christian #Christianity #ChristFollower #bible #scripture #Godsword #heart #mind #soul #strength #ashepherdsheart
Fear is the opposite of faith and yet sometimes we allow fear to cripple us.
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It also doesn't help that the enemy of your soul, satan, tries to use fear to derail our faith!
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No matter what, we need to recalibrate our hearts and minds with the truth of God's Word because in His Word, He reminds us to fear not, why? Because He is with you and I always!!
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No matter what the accuser says or others may say, that is the truth my friend! So, let us reject fear and step forward in faith because God is with us and will never leave or forsake us!
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"fear not, for I am with you; be not dismayed, for I am your God; I will strengthen you, I will help you, I will uphold you with my righteous right hand." Isaiah 41:10 ESV
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#faith #fearless #fearnot #hope #truth #wisdom #life #joy #peace #Jesus #HolySpirit #Godsword #scripture #Bible #heart #mind #soul #strength #ashepherdsheart #Christian #Christianity #ChristFollower #encouragement #encourage
What is worship and what is service?...
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Is it only the songs we sing or is it also the how we lives our lives? As in...our lives being lived in such a way that it is an act of worship?
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Are worship and service only to relegated to once a week as we join together? Is service just what we do on Sundays? Or is it that and more?
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Each week we come together to worship The Lord in song, be instructed, encouraged and challenged in The Word and to fellowship and serve one another which is a vital and biblical time.
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Once we leave the church meeting places we can either sort of "check the box" as we worshiped or we can leave and actively be the hands and feet of Jesus beyond our weekend church activities.
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Don't get me wrong, again, it's vital and scriptural that we join together and not forsake it but our worship and service unto The Lord and others cannot be contained in a 1-2 hour service once a week.
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In reality our service unto The Lord is moment-by-moment and The Body of Christ should all the more become The Body of Christ once we leave the church meeting places.
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We become the hands and feet of Jesus more and more as we go into the world to serve our neighbors and one another with the love of Christ and helping meet their physical and spiritual needs.
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We also serve one another in The Body of Christ through small groups, bearing one another's burdens, caring for widows and orphans, feeding and care for one another making sure we take care of one another, especially those in need.
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May we begin our service all the more as we leave our meeting places because...when the worship is over the service begins.
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See Luke 10:2, Matthew 9:35-38, John 4:24, Acts 2:42-47, Ephesians 5:18-21 and Romans 12 for encouragement from God's Word on serving...being the hands and feet of Jesus. There are many more scriptures that teach us about this so keep studying and exploring God's Word.
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#worship #service #serve #faith #hope #truth #wisdom #life #encourage #encouragement #inspire #inspiration #Jesus #HolySpirit #Christian #Christianity #ChristFollower #bible #scripture #Godsword #heart #mind #soul #strength #ashepherdsheart
The circumstances of life whether it's the trials, people and even the enemy of our souls, all wage war against us and try to cloud our vision of the truth...God's truth.
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As followers of Christ, we need to keep our eyes on Jesus in every circumstance and we need His help to do so.
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May you and I fight daily to keep our eyes fixed on The Author and Perfecter of our faith no matter what we face the days ahead!
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Lord, please help us to keep our eyes fixed on You!
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Read Hebrews 12:2 for more encouragement about this from God's Word!
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#faith #hope #truth #wisdom #life #encourage #encouragement #Jesus #HolySpirit #Christian #Christianity #ChristFollower #bible #scripture #Godsword #heart #mind #soul #strength #ashepherdsheart
Give everything over to the Lord, then... rest well in Him.
#rest #peace #hope #sleep #faith #hope #truth #wisdom #life #encourage #encouragement #inspire #inspiration #inspirational #inspirationalquotes #quote #quotes #christian #Christianity #christfollower #bible #scripture #Godsword #heart #mind #soul #strength #ashepherdsheart
(Picture of Fishhawk Lake at dusk by @randolphkoch)
If God is for you...(and He is!) That's all you need to know!
#passiton
#Heisforyou #HeIsSovereign #GodIsGood #Godisforyou #Heisyourshelter #Heiswithyou #faith #hope #trust #wisdom #truth #love #life #Christian #Christian #Christianity #ChristFollower #inspirational #inspirationalquotes #inspire #hesharesthetruth #ashepherdsheart
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popshoplive: Yes.
juanbendana: amazing!
There is so much I could say and "preach on" this topic and I post on it pretty regularly because of the battle for worth and identity I've seen in others as well as experienced myself because of my past, but, the space for characters is limited here oh and time too. :-)
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Many believe that their worth is all about many temporal things as I've mentioned in this graphic, (yes, I quoted myself again lol) but our worth ultimately has nothing to do with these things.
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Jesus died for you not because you have it all together, or have lots of money and things, or are in perfect shape, or anything else...He died for you because of The Father's Great love for you even though you and I were dead in our sins! Your righteousness and worth is Jesus' righteousness and worth!
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As you walk in your new life in Christ you will or should continue to learn and grow in the wisdom and knowledge of Him as well as who you really are as your worth and identity is found in The One Who gave His life for you, period!
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When you are having a low day, maybe not liking your own reflection or believing the lies of the opinions of others or that you tell yourself...take a look at The Word again and the next time you see yourself in the mirror or have a negative thought, remember that you are a reflection of The One Who created you in His Image and gave His life for you!
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Read: Ephesians 2:1-10 and Colossians 2:13-15 for encouragement from God's Word.
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#identity #worth #whoyouareinchrist #faith #hope #truth #wisdom #life #encourage #encouragement #Jesus #HolySpirit #bible #scripture #GodsWord #heart #mind #soul #strength #christian #Christianity #christfollower #ashepherdsheart
If you are in Christ, you are a new creation and your identity in Him is what matters plain and simple!
No one's opinions defines you nor does your past!
Dive into God's Word and abide in Christ and you will discover your true identity!
#faith #hope #truth #wisdom #life #Jesus #identity #whoyouareinChrist #believe #christfollower #christian #Christianity #bible #scripture #Godsword #heart #mind #soul #strength #ashepherdsheart
How much do you value your relationship with God through Jesus and The Holy Spirit?
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Do you daily devote yourself to growing in your relationship with Him or do you go on autopilot because "I'm saved" and it's "all good"!?
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Imagine if you applied this in your relationships with the people in your life? How would you possibly get to know them and grow in that relationship unless you devote yourself, your time etc into a true growing relationship?
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If you choose to not do so, you'd only have surface relationships...and in regards to your Heavenly Father... He didn't create you to have merely a surface relationship with Him!
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He wants to be known by you and wants you to grow in Him through the day-to-day walk of life! He knows you better than anyone!
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Let me encourage you to daily or throughout the day be very intentional about seeking to grow closer to Him as He deserves nothing less than your devotion, time...you're life!
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#faith #hope #truth #wisdom #life #encourage #encouragement #inspire #inspiration #Jesus #HolySpirit #Christian #Christianity #ChristFollower #bible #scripture #Godsword #heart #mind #soul #strength #ashepherdsheart
Here's an audio reminder of The Fruit of The Spirit from Galatians 5:22-25.
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Let's stay in step with The Spirit!
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#love #joy #peace #patience #kindness #goodness #faithfulness #gentleness #selfcontrol #thefruitofTheSpirit #faith #hope #truth #wisdom #life
…I want to be in the Light
As You are in the Light
I want to shine like the stars in the heavens...
Oh, Lord be my Light and be my salvation…
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Just as the lyrics from the DC Talk song proclaim, our aim should be to be in the light as He is in the light. We're to walk in light and not allow any part of our lives to be shrouded in darkness.
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Don't let sin, destructive thoughts, wrong attitudes, actions are anything else remain in the dark, rather, drag those things into the Light of Christ, His Holy Spirit and the Word of God!
Nothing is hidden from Him!
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Let His light pierce through the darkest places in your life and allow Him to heal, restore and redirect your steps in the process because darkness and light ultimately cannot coexist and light will ultimately overcome the darkness.
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May His Holy Spirit brightly spot light where darkness persists in our lives and in the process, may God refine you and I enabling us to shine out His light all the more!
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#faith #hope #truth #wisdom #life #light #joy #peace #strength #Jesus #HolySpirit #encouragement #encourage #christfollower #christian #Christianity #bible #scripture #Godsword #heart #mind #soul #strength #ashepherdsheart
(photo of the Milky Way night sky by @noah_koch_photography)
The Struggle is Real... But so is God!
#Heisforyou #HeIsSovereign #Heisyourshelter #Heiswithyou #ashepherdsheart #Christian #Christianity #ChristFollower #inspirational #inspirationalquotes #inspire #hesharesthetruth
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abundancecrew: 💙🎥🌀
Run to Him! There is ultimate safety in Him alone!_Proverbs 18:10 (ESV)The name of the Lord is a strong tower; the righteous man runs into it and is safe.
We live in world that often lacks a filter when it comes to what people say and do.
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As followers of Christ, we need to watch our words, actions and attitudes all the more as we are His ambassadors!
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We need to T.H.I.N.K. more often before we speak or act!
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Watch this short video message and consider how you can T.H.I.N.K. more often and more effectively.
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#think #wisdom #life #faith #love #hope #truth #encourage #encouragement #inspire #Jesus #HolySpirit #Christian #Christianity #ChristFollower #bible #scripture #Godsword #heart #mind #soul #strength #ashepherdsheart
Christmas day is tomorrow!
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As we recall part of the Christmas story, where the wise men went to great lengths to find Jesus, I'm reminded today that we don’t have to look for a star to follow in order to find Him!
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Many today seek the truth in all of the wrong places, only to come up empty handed. If you want to or desire to be wise then seek Jesus Christ today and every day! He's only a prayer away and His Holy Spirit has taken up residency in you! Also, as you abide in His Word you'll find Him day-to-day.
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The wise men went to great lengths to seek out and find Jesus...what about you?
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I pray that you week actively seek Him with everything that is within you each day!
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Merry Christmas!
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#christmas #advent #hope #faith #joy #peace #truth #wisdom #life #encourage #encouragement #Jesus #HolySpirit #bible #scripture #GodsWord #heart #mind #soul #strength #christian #Christianity #christfollower #ashepherdsheart
Let Jesus be your Prince of Peace each day...moment by moment...all year through!
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Allow Him to turn whatever chaos you face into Peace...His Peace.
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Read the following passages for encouragement from God's Word about this: Isaiah 9:6, Philippians 4:4-9, Ephesians 2:13-18, and Matthew 11:28-30.
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#peace #faith #hope #truth #wisdom #life #encourage #encouragement #Jesus #HolySpirit #bible #scripture #GodsWord #heart #mind #Soul #strength #Christian #Christianity #christfollower #ashepherdsheart #Friyay #Friday
Happy New Year 2019!
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I pray that you and I seek Him with everything that is within us!
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Let's strive to live life on purpose together for His Kingdom and glory!
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#HappyNewYear #NewYear #2019 #faith #hope #truth #wisdom #life #encourage #encouragement #Jesus #HolySpirit #bible #scripture #GodsWord #heart #mind #soul #strength #christian #Christianity #christfollower #ashepherdsheart
Being part of a family and being a parent is a gift and an interesting challenge at times.
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Personally, I know my own failings at times as a parent, but, I do know because of my own experience, (my biological dad hasn't been an active part of my life since about the age of 10) I've tried hard to be a good dad for my kids and I was there and still try to be there for them and I love them very much. God's grace is greater than mine or anyone's parenting skills or lack thereof.
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As read through the pages of His Word, I see clearly that God on the other hand does not have any failings or imperfections whatsoever!
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No matter your family situation, remember this....
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He's the perfect Father Who loves us with an unconditional love.
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He's the Father to the fatherless.
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He's the Father to those who have fathers too.
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If you're in Christ, He's adopted us as sons and daughters!
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We're a part of His family now so no matter how dysfunctional our earthly parent(s) or family was or is...you always have your perfect Heavenly Father and you can run to the safety of His arms that are always wide open to receive you!
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God affirms you. God defines you. God Loves you. God has a purpose, will and plan for you. God will never leave or forsake you. God adopted you. God has a place for you in heaven where you'll be with Him for eternity.
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He fulfills and proves all of these things through His Son, Jesus Christ.
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His love and grace is sufficient for you.
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Let Him be your Heavenly Father. Cling to Him. Run to Him as again, He's there with always open arms to receive you as you're HIS child.
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#HeavenlyFather #family #perfectlove #faith #hope #truth #wisdom #life #encourage #encouragement #Jesus #HolySpirit #bible #scripture #GodsWord #heart #mind #soul #strength #christian #Christianity #christfollower #ashepherdsheart
We're instructed to shine out our light but just as the moon reflects the light of the sun, the light we shine is a reflection of Jesus The Son!
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Some want the glory including popularity for themselves but we're here to make His name great and not just our own.
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So, shine out your light before all for His Kingdom and glory!
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I pray that you and I will do this day-by-day!
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Matthew 5:13-16 (ESV)- 13 “You are the salt of the earth, but if salt has lost its taste, how shall its saltiness be restored? It is no longer good for anything except to be thrown out and trampled under people's feet. 14 “You are the light of the world. A city set on a hill cannot be hidden. 15 Nor do people light a lamp and put it under a basket, but on a stand, and it gives light to all in the house. 16 In the same way, let your light shine before others, so that they may see your good works and give glory to your Father who is in heaven.
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#shinebright #shine #faith #hope #truth #wisdom #life #encourage #encouragement #Jesus #HolySpirit #Christian #Christianity #ChristFollower #bible #scripture #Godsword #heart #mind #soul #strength #ashepherdsheart
Jesus is the Living Water. Your Living water!
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Drink from His well and... you will never thirst again!
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Read: John 7:37-39 and John 4:1-15
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#livingwater #Jesus #HolySpirit #faith #hope #truth #wisdom #life #encourage #encouragement #inspire #inspiration #bible #scripture #Godsword #heart #mind #soul #strength #christian #Christianity #christfollower #ashepherdsheart
(Video footage compliments of @gavin_wroblewski15)
In James 3 we're reminded that our tongues are a fire. It's with one careless, unloving, hateful, or unkind word that a figurative fire definitely begins as it burns through things like TV, Social Media and sometimes in person.
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The world often seems to look to find and spread gossip or to malign the character of the subject of the gossip. It happens quickly and it often brings destruction to the receivers.
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Our words have more power than we think and it's words that injure us more than "sticks and stones" do. In my experience, they the harsh, hateful, unloving, and unkind words spoken stay with you longer and take longer to heal than say a physical bruise does.
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If we know our words are so destructive as God's Word says, then why aren't we more careful with the words we choose? One answer is because, we're not perfect at following Jesus and need the work of The Holy Spirit in our lives to grow in the grace and knowledge of Him. We need Him to help us choose our words wisely and also help us to close our mouths more often than not.
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In Ephesians 4, we're told to speak words that build one another up. The question is, do we want to be different than the world and seek to honor God and build others up or not?
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Lets also remember Proverbs 17:28 where we're told that even a fool is considered wise if they keep silent. So, let's keep all this in mind as we seek to honor God in word and deed including seeking to build others up as we walk this journey day-to-day in Jesus name.
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#wordsareimportant #speaklife #faith #hope #truth #wisdom #life #encourage #encouragement #Jesus #HolySpirit #bible #scripture #GodsWord #heart #mind #soul #strength #christian #Christianity #christfollower #ashepherdsheart
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"Typography" to
#igms_typography
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. ✋ It's Renee (@rbpixs) presenting "typography" as our theme today. Tag all your photos including font/type/text on them to be randomly spotlighted throughout the day. The image MUST include text and we are not talking about the copyright text on your images to be selected. Happy hump day from Michelle and I. We are excited to see your submissions! Stay tuned for more :)
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Love this yummy image from the ig_mississippi tag submitted by our great member artist: ✨ @tinabee2 ✨
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Thanks for tagging. Until the next spotlighted artist, leave some love and visit her gallery. .
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Connecting . Engaging . Inspiring mobile and traditional artists and photographers globally.
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Please, practice the 1,3,5 rule! For every one image you tag to either of our themes or the #ig_mississippi forum, add one new person, comment on three other images and like five. Build the community of friends in which you enjoy!:)
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2013.07.09
#ig_mississippi #mississippi
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ig_mississippi: #fontapp
ig_mississippi: To download the font app above search for (Font Free) on iPad or iPhone to get the correct app. The one in which I was referring to....the icon that has a black background and a gold "F" on it.
ig_mississippi: #christfollowers
ig_mississippi: #artoffaith
ig_mississippi: #christfollower
tinabee2: Thank you so much @rbpixs @ig_mississippi!!!. This was a delicious breakfast I enjoyed with my son yesterday. I love typography ill be sure to tag some today!!
kriscraws24: Thanks @rbpixs!
michellebishoff: Congrats @tinabee2
To be "happy"...
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Some seek fortune and fame to make them feel significant.
_
Some seek to gain followers or popularity.
_
Some seek to lose weight or be in so called "perfect shape".
_
Some seek success or are driven by the praise of mankind.
_
None of these things will make you happy! None of these things will make you feel ultimately better, complete or whole.
_
When it comes right down to it...You need Jesus!
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He alone is your strength and He alone is The One Who defines, defends, and completes you.
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Cease striving and know He is God!
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#ineedJesus #faith #hope #truth #wisdom #life #encourage #encouragement #Jesus #HolySpirit #Christian #Christianity #ChristFollower #bible #scripture #Godsword #heart #mind #soul #strength #ashepherdsheart
Jesus has prepared a place for you in heaven and He keeps His promises...He will be back for you and take you to that place.
Let me repeat myself...He's prepared a place for YOU!
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I love this quote / reminder from C. S. Lewis and if you're like me, some days you long for the day where you'll enter into His presence for eternity...the place that will fit you perfectly.
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Until then may we make every moment count for His kingdom and glory. May we also praise Him all the more for keeping His promises.
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Read John 14:2-3 for further encouragement.
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#heaven #faith #hope #truth #wisdom #life #joy #bible #scripture #Godsword #heart #mind #soul #strength #christian #Christianity #christfollower #ashepherdsheart
We're all a work in progress...we're all flawed in various ways.
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As hard as it is to remember this sometimes, especially in the heat of the moment...let's make every effort to remember this!
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May we work to respond with God's grace, love and truth remembering the tremendous grace and love God has shown us!
May the Holy Spirit help us do this in Jesus name I pray, Amen.
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#grace #love #peace #truth #wisdom #life #encourage #encouragement #inspire #inspiration #inspirational #faith #hope #christian #Christianity #christfollower #ashepherdsheart
I'm reminded that The Lord has called us to in some shape or form to serve others...to be servants of all (I.E. Matthew 23:11, Mark 9:35) and whoever is the least is really the greatest ( I.E. Luke 9:48)
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Jesus was our prime example of being a humble and selfless servant.
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I wonder though how selfless and humble are we willing to be as we strive to be more Christ-like and walk in His footsteps?
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Ultimately our reward will be in heaven so I pray that while we do take care of ourselves as we should, that we don't get so caught up in "self" including our own pursuits that we lose sight of serving others as humble, selfless and willing servants.
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#servant #humility #humble #selfless #faith #hope #truth #wisdom #life #encourage #encouragement #inspire #inspiration #inspirational #bible #scripture #Godsword #heart #mind #soul #strength #christian #Christianity #christfollower #ashepherdsheart (photo of Multnomah Falls at dusk by Randolph Koch)
The inn keeper in modern tradition often gets a bad rap because of the Biblical account that tends to get embellished a bit, where there was "no room in the inn"... We tend to stop right there and while this is partially true, the reality is that while there wasn't room for Mary and Joseph inside the actual Inn, the inn keeper made the last possible space available to them which was the manger. He did still make room for them.
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That's an interesting distinction as from what we know from the Biblical accounts found in the Gospels, room was made for Joseph and Mary and it was in that lowly place Jesus was born!
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Yes, did the King of Kings deserve better accommodations?...a resounding YES, but none-the-less He came and humbled Himself born in very humble place all for you and I.
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Now here's the question for all of us, Do you and I make room for Jesus In our lives? Or, do we reject Him keeping Him "at arms length" keeping yourself "too busy" either in your relationship with Him if you're a follower of Christ or if you're not...do you keep rejecting His free gift of salvation for you?
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I pray that we make room for Him...reserve for Him the greatest space within our lives...like a "royal" or "presidential" suite so He can fully take up residency within us!
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This Christmas and all the days of your life make room for Jesus as He deserves your all and not just a lowly portion or no portion at all.
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#foodforthought #christmas #advent #faith #truth #wisdom #life #encourage #encouragement #inspire #inspiration #Jesus #HolySpirit #Christian #Christianity #ChristFollower #bible #scripture #Godsword #heart #mind #soul #strength #ashepherdsheart
Do you find yourself putting your faith in your own timing and plans or other shifting or temporal things? How's that working out for you? 😉
Or, do you strive to put your faith, trust and hope in God's perfect timing, purpose, will and plans?
No matter what, as you daily abide in and walk with Him, let me encourage and challenge you to seek Him first...seek His wisdom and direction. Seek His perfect timing, purpose, will and plan rather than your own as with His wisdom, direction, power and strength...you will find a clearer pathway as you trust in His timing.
Let's pray for each other that we will do this each day no matter what we face!
#foodforthought #hiswillbedone #GodIsGood #faith #hope #truth #wisdom #life #timing #will #purpose #plan #encourage #encouragement #inspire #inspiration #inspirational #inspirationalquotes #quote #quotes #christian #Christianity #christfollower #bible #scripture #Godsword #heart #mind #soul #strength #ashepherdsheart
I love how God's Word is proven true time and time again!
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For instance, as we celebrate the Birth of our Lord and Savior Jesus Chris during this Christmas season, I'm reminded that His birth is the fulfillment and a direct reflection of John 3:16-18!
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I pray that you have received His free gift of salvation and if you are in Christ, may we join together in praising God for sending His one and only Son so that we might have forgiveness, salvation, and new life in Him!
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It's with this perspective that we can celebrate Christmas all the more from a whole heart because it's His birth we celebrate!
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Merry Christmas!
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#christmas #advent #hope #faith #hope #joy #peace #truth #wisdom #life #encourage #encouragement #Jesus #HolySpirit #bible #scripture #GodsWord #heart #mind #soul #strength #christian #Christianity #christfollower #ashepherdsheart
Do you take prayer and praying for others seriously? Also, are you a person of your word?
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When it come to prayer it's met with a varied response by people. Some say they'll "pray" and you know you can truly count on them to pray for you. Then there are others that say they'll "pray" but they don't really intent to pray.
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It's one thing to occasionally forget but we need to be people of our word and make an effort to take prayer seriously and write it down, add it to your calendar or prayer list so you don't forget.
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In the Church this phrase "I'll pray for you" has almost become to some like the casual in passing "How are you doing?" question that most often the person asking it doesn't really intend to hear the answer.
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To be fair, there's a time and place for everything and you can't always pause to hear a full story but, you can certainly loop back with that person and check in on them and pray for them then.
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When it comes to prayer we ought to want to hear the needs and then in turn spend time interceding for the people and their needs. When we say, "I'll pray for you", the reassurance is nice and very encouraging but God wants us to pray for one another and make it a priority so we ought to make sure it's not an empty phrase.
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If we say we'll pray, we need to honor others and actually pray.
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May we pray for one another that we will be faithful in prayer and anything else God calls us to do in Jesus name!
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Read: Philippians 2:3-4, Ephesians 6:18-20, Hebrews 13:18-19, James 5:14-16, and 1 Timothy 2:1-2 (to name a few) for encouragement from God's Word.
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#prayer #pray #faith #hope #truth #wisdom #life #encourage #encouragement #Jesus #HolySpirit #bible #scripture #GodsWord #heart #mind #soul #strength #christian #Christianity #christfollower #ashepherdsheart
A large part of my aim through A Shepherd's Heart is to help encourage, inspire and build you up in your day-to-day journey with Jesus Christ!
I want to do what I can to help you grow still more in Him. I also want to build a true sense of community as journey together (as much as is possible via these virtual platforms)! 😀
With this in mind... I need Your help!
I'm always looking for scripture, quotes and other content to share with you.
So, if you have a favorite scripture or quote, or you run across one in your personal studies... I invite you to share it with me! Shoot me a message here through Instagram Direct and If I create something based on what you share - I'll give you a shout out! :) Lastly, thanks for your time and I can always use your prayers!
Blessings in Christ always,
Your brother and servant in Christ,
Randolph Koch (Please follow @ashepherdsheart and pass this message on)
#ashepherdsheart #help #inspirational #inspirationalquotes #inspire #GodIsGood #hesharesthetruth #quote #quotes #bible #Godsword #scripture #wisdom #truth #life #hope #faith #joy #peace #Christian #Christianity #ChristFollower
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4 Comments on Instagram:
4yourcity: Brilliant! Best one so far!
ashepherdsheart: Thank you @4yourcity. Don't know that it's brilliant :) but I definitely want to do what I can to encourage Others in their faith and walk with Jesus.
bonkmusic: 😀 ✊ thanks alot for helping me get encouraged! ✌
ashepherdsheart: Thank and many blessings @bonkmusic! Humbled by your encouragement!
Anxiety and depression are definitely a battle that can wage war for our minds and hearts. It can be crippling sometimes and we need to remember that it's not a battle we can face alone. We need God, His Word, His Holy Spirit, and His people to overcome any anxiety, depression or anything.
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When He says cast all your anxiety upon Him because He cares for you, (see 1 Peter 5:7) He means it. When He says come to Him all who are weary and heavy laden, and He will give you rest, (see Matthew 11:28-30) He means it. But the question remains...do we actually do these things are do we try to carry these burdens alone?
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Speaking from my own experience and witnessing the experience of others, while our anxiety or depression may drive us to run from God and His Word, as follower's of Christ we need to learn to train ourselves to run to God and His Word as He is The ultimate, help, strength, healer and more that we need to over come these times.
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We all need to speak the truth of His Word ourselves no matter how loud the opposing voices scream otherwise.
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Are you anxious? Speak the truth of God's Word to yourself.
Is a believing friend anxious? Speak the encouragement and truth of God's Word to them.
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May we speak a good word or The Good Word of encouragement from God's Word over our own lives or the lives of others who are facing times of anxiety and depression as He and His Word will bring joy and gladness back to us in place of anxieties and depression we face. (see Proverbs 12:25)
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Speak a good Word!
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#anxiety #depression #joy #hope #truth #wisdom #life #faith #Jesus #speaklife #GodsWord #bible #heart #mind #soul #strength #christian #Christianity #christfollower #encourage #encouragement #HolySpirit #ashepherdsheart
In life...you well know that you will go through times of trial, (and have) where you feel as though your feet are put to the fire or where you feel like you're drowning in a sea that you think is overwhelming you.
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No matter what you face remember, just like this passage in Isaiah, God is always with you and will bring you through the tough times you will face.
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Cling to Him, trust Him, reply on Him, and praise His mighty name!
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#faith #hope #truth #wisdom #life #perseverance #encourage #encouragement #victory #Jesus #HolySpirit #bible #scripture #GodsWord #heart #mind #soul #strength #christian #Christianity #christfollower #bible #scripture #Godsword #heart #mind #soul #strength #ashepherdsheart
In Jim Cymbala’s book "Fresh Wind, Fresh Fire", he has this to say about the apostles priority of prayer,
“The apostles had this instinct: When in trouble, pray. When intimidated, pray. When challenged, pray. When persecuted, pray.”
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What a great observation!
What a truly awesome challenge for us - Can we like the apostles, make prayer our priority in every circumstance, even when we’re not facing troubling times?
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Just making prayer so much a part of us that we pray throughout the day or set a special portion of the day a side to, intercede, cry out, praise, thank, communicate, etc., with Him through prayer!
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He wants to hear from us. It pleases Him so much when we focus our time in communicating with Him through prayer!
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Prayer is a gift from God and we get to communicate with our Heavenly Father whenever we want to and we can also intercede for others as well!
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I pray that you and I make prayer more of a priority in our lives.
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#pray #prayer #faith #hope #truth #wisdom #life #encourage #encouragement #inspire #inspiration #Jesus #HolySpirit #Christian #Christianity #ChristFollower #bible #scripture #Godsword #heart #mind #soul #strength #ashepherdsheart
While we are all human, if we're in Christ, we are the dwelling place of The Holy Spirit. So, being His dwelling place need to walk in and keep step with The Spirit. We are more than merely human as we have His guidance, protection, access to His wisdom and strength...and much more.
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Through Christ we have the tools to successfully live for Him and in living for Him we cannot live and walk like we used to nor should be living merely for the things of this world including walking in the flesh.
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May we saturate our minds and lives with the living Word of God and seek and trust The Holy spirit for the wisdom, guidance, and strength we need to walk in The Spirit.
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Lets pray for one another in Jesus name that we will indeed walk in The Spirit in the new life Jesus has given us!
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If we live by the Spirit, let us also keep in step with the Spirit.
-Galatians 5:25 (ESV)
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Look carefully then how you walk, not as unwise but as wise, making the best use of the time, because the days are evil.
-Ephesians 5:15-16 (ESV)
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But I say, walk by the Spirit, and you will not gratify the desires of the flesh. -Galatians 5:16 ESV
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#faith #hope #truth #wisdom #life #encourage #encouragement #Jesus #HolySpirit #bible #scripture #GodsWord #heart #mind #soul #strength #christian #Christianity #christfollower #ashepherdsheart
Not everything in life goes as expected and we cannot control everything nor should we try.
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When can be our own worst enemy too often as we focus more on what we cannot accomplish and get overwhelmed by this instead of focus on the tangible things we CAN do!
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We have to take one step at a time and one day at a time and focus on what we can accomplish each day as even through what we deem a "small step" is still a step of progress...a step in the right direction.
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I pray that we keep moving forward accomplishing what we can and then down the road we'll recognize that it was with God's help and strength that we've traveled miles down the road...when we thought we might not make any progress in the in the beginning or at all!
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#progress #wisdom #truth #peace #life #path #HolySpirit #Jesus
#Christian #Christianity #ChristFollower #bible #scripture #Godsword #encouragement #encourage #inspirational #inspire #heart #mind #soul #strength #ashepherdsheart
You may have experienced a lifetime thus far that has been filled with abandonment of various sorts. :(
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You may have been abandoned by a parent.
You may have been abandoned by a friend.
You may have been abandoned by a spouse.
You may have been abandoned by a boyfriend.
You may have been abandoned by a girlfriend.
You may have been abandoned by your child or children.
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I've faced abandonment myself by my biological dad and others including friends over the years.
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So, from my heart to yours, hear me when I say that GOD will NEVER abandon you!
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Run to Him as His arms are wide open. Cling to Him and allow Him to heal your heart over time and show you His love an faithfulness.
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This is not easy for those of us who have been abandoned but you will stunt your growth and won't be able to successfully move forward unless you allow Him to guide you through this. Don't you want His best for you? If so, stop clinging to what should be the past now as part of your history that has now become HIStory. :-)
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#faith #hope #truth #wisdom #life #history #HIStory #future #strength #Jesus #HolySpirit #bible #scripture #Godsword #heart #mind #soul #strength #christian #Christianity #christfollower #ashepherdsheart
We live in an time that is full of confusion, confusion that often creeps into our lives, minds and the church which leads to compromise and destruction.
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It's the same confusion that the evil one pulled in the garden of Eden to ultimately influence Adam and Eve to do what God told them NOT to do.
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God is NOT the author of confusion!
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Peace ultimately cannot come apart from God but confusion is found everywhere else we turn especially where He is not.
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In some cases confusion is a our own doing because of our choices, because, if you and I choose not to do things God's way and want to go down a path that is contrary to His will and way, we cannot expect to ever experience His peace which is true peace.
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Let me remind you that the evil one is the author and propagator of lies and confusion and he wants nothing less than to influence those who know the truth. The chief liar wants people to compromise or in some case throw out or try to explain away scripture all together. Why? So the the confused ones or the ones that love and suppor them can stay in their decisions and sin or validate other's decision or sin as if they can't love and support them anyway without compromising God's truth...the truth that is supposed to set them free!
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We can still love with Christ's love but we can not comprise or validate that which is contrary to God's Word.
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You and I who have received His free gift of salvation, need to reject compromise and reject confusion and embrace His truth and peace instead.
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Let me say it again this way: Reject confusion & embrace His truth and peace!
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Let's pray for the protection of His Holy Spirit and put on the full armor of God. Let's pray that God will shine His truth on every situation and circumstance which will cast out the confusion. In Jesus name I pray, Amen.
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#truth #life #faith #Jesus #HolySpirit #bible #scripture #GodsWord #heart #mind #soul #strength #christian #Christianity #christfollower #ashepherdsheart
Many have bought into the fallacy that God doesn't want to use them because they aren't ____________ fill in the blank here. Or they don't have it all together!
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The truth is that God does want to use you just as He used ordinary people in the past.
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Don't believe me? Well, look no further than people such as, David, Peter, and Paul and more! All were ordinary and imperfect people yet God used them mightily.
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One was a shepherd boy, another was fisherman, and another was previously a full on persecutor of the church.
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None of these servant had it all together and some failed miserably but He still used them and even in the case of David, who went from a shepherd boy to King, even with His failings, He is still stated as a man after God's own heart.
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God transformed, empowered and used these imperfect people. Note, they weren't some kind of "Christian Celebrities"who sometimes overshadow The One they are called to serve, again, they were everyday, imperfect people that God chose to use. You don't have to be a celebrity to be used by God or to serve Him!
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No matter where you've come from, if you're in Christ God wants to use you for His kingdom and glory! Don't every forget that The Creator of the universe wants to use you for who you are and where you are because God wants to use ordinary people. The question is, will we get over ourselves, get over the hurdles and walls we erect which get in the way of Him using us and actually allow Him to use us for His kingdom and glory?!
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I pray that we will allow Him to use us and that we'd worship or extraordinary King and Master Who has a purpose and plan for us no matter what!
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#faith #hope #truth #wisdom #life #serve #encouragement #encourage #Jesus #HolySpirit #bible #scripture #GodsWord #heart #mind #soul #strength #christian #Christianity #christfollower #ashepherdsheart
These words from Helen Keller are true. There is example after example of those who have overcome tremendous adversity and in many cases through incredible amounts of physical, mental and emotional pain and suffering. But they overcame it!
If you are in Christ then you too are an overcomer and you know the Chief Overcomer... Jesus Christ who won victory over death for you and I as payment for our sins. You now have His strength and His Holy Spirit to empower you and bring you through and overcome anything you face in this life. So, cling to Him! Allow Him to help you overcome everything you face! In Jesus name I pray, Amen.
#faith #hope #truth #wisdom #life #peace #strength #overcome #overcomer #Jesus #HolySpirit #encouragement #encourage #inspirational #inspire #christfollower #christian #Christianity #bible #scripture #Godsword #heart #mind #soul #strength #ashepherdsheart