tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8086348030248318102024-02-01T22:13:30.164-06:00Temple Dwellers Ministry“One thing I have asked from the LORD, that shall I seek:
That I may dwell in the house of the LORD all the days of my life,
To behold the beauty of the LORD
and to meditate in His temple.”
Psalm 27:4Alicia Zbylothttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03040247491389052403noreply@blogger.comBlogger80125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-808634803024831810.post-27498504886561168502013-01-02T09:12:00.003-06:002013-01-02T09:16:00.429-06:00New Name & LocationWith the new year, we have decided to switch blog hosts as well as change the blog's name. Temple Dwellers Ministry is now Faith Steps-Walking in Grace, Stepping Out in Faith. We are prayerfully anticipating seeing God move in ways we have never before seen or experienced this next year. Please take a moment to visit our families new blog at <span style="font-size: large;"><a href="http://faithstepsjourney.wordpress.com/" target="_blank">Faith Steps</a> </span>and register to follow us through e-mail.<br />
<br />
We look forward to sharing our Faith Steps with you as well as hear how God is strengthening and carrying you through your own faith steps. Leave comments, like, and spread the word as we journey together in God's grace.<br />
<br />
<br />Alicia Zbylothttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03040247491389052403noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-808634803024831810.post-57691681301501891772012-10-16T07:47:00.002-05:002012-10-16T10:58:09.571-05:00Blessings from the Love of a Puppy<br />
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I’m sorry if my last post (<a href="http://templedwellersministry.blogspot.com/2012/10/love-for-puppy.html" target="_blank">Love for a Puppy</a>) ended a bit abruptly.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It was
done intentionally.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Hopefully after
reading it you felt a little like you do when watching a movie and it suddenly
ends without a full conclusion or after reading a book and arriving at the end
only to have the author leave it up to you to figure out what happened
next.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Knowing the loss of our puppy
pairs in comparison to the loss of a human life, we believe God gave the
Zbylot’s a small taste of what it feels like to loose something you love
dearly.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>While we no longer have Delilah
physically with us, sweet memories with her do remain.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>In addition, while we definitely would love
to have her physically with us now, we would not trade the world for the
lessons the children as well as Scott and I have learned through this
experience.<o:p></o:p></div>
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<a name='more'></a><br />
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After the initial shock of her
death, the burial and grave built, and our final goodbyes, the questions
came.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Why did God have to take her so
young?<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Do dogs go to heaven?<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Why did God have to take her?<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>We only had her six weeks.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Why would God make us wait 9 months to
finally get the perfect puppy and then take her away?<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Why?<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>Why?<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Why?<o:p></o:p></div>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"> <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEguPP2A2UHN2NiRyirC8MtuSdVhP-BbZpR5FcRkUKfsjB6Z4OjCueR9q9FsNcxZk6BYJvKgt6nbLJo1Lkzmn9NvDaW-CQ5uwzvtxCPIbxpf-5B5LVTPK-C3-cvlvGJ7r70g8xk-6aju4oQ/s1600/100_2678.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEguPP2A2UHN2NiRyirC8MtuSdVhP-BbZpR5FcRkUKfsjB6Z4OjCueR9q9FsNcxZk6BYJvKgt6nbLJo1Lkzmn9NvDaW-CQ5uwzvtxCPIbxpf-5B5LVTPK-C3-cvlvGJ7r70g8xk-6aju4oQ/s320/100_2678.JPG" width="240" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Nathan built the cross, Hannah wrote the grave stone, and they all gathered rocks to put around it. <br />
Even the neighborhood kids helped.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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<br /></div>
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As we headed to church just 30
minutes after the incident the tears and memories poured.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>As we rode, the children would share a memory
they had of her and then break down again at the thought of not seeing her do
or be there again.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Not knowing if they
would be able to make it through Awana, I told them I would bring them home if
they needed me to.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>They did make it
through barely and as soon as we made it back into the car, the tears and
memories flooded again.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>While we will
never know exactly why Delilah had to die, I believe God gave Scott and I some
clear answers for some of their questions.</div>
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<o:p></o:p></div>
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<br /></div>
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<u>Why did God have to take her and take her so young?</u> </div>
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</div>
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God is always faithful.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Scott reminded the children that we should be thankful for the blessings He does give us today and not demand that He continue to give us blessings. We have to learn that God is in control and not be upset if He choses to give us some blessings and not others. Just two weeks before in Sunday school the
children studied about Job.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>(I encourage
you to read the book of <a href="http://www.mystudybible.com/" target="_blank">Job</a> in the Old Testament.)<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>We read through his life and were reminded
that God is in control no matter what.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Job
lost everything he had.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>He lost all his
children, his livestock, everything.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>Yet, Job fell on his face and worshipped God.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>While Job had lots of questions, he never
cursed God.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>When it was all over, Job recognized
that even though he had questions, God was still in control and could be
trusted.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> Job learned that he should be thankful for what God had given to him. </span>God then blessed him with
double of everything he lost. Upon the
remembrance of this part of Job’s life, Dawson promptly asked, “Does that mean
we are going to get two puppies next time?”<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></div>
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<o:p></o:p></div>
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<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"><br /></span></div>
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Most of you may not know that our
family has been in the process of becoming a licensed foster to adopt family
since June and are in the final stages.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>God allowed me to comfort the kids with this reality that I shared with
them that night at the dinner table…</div>
<blockquote class="tr_bq">
“God gave you guys so much love for
Delilah.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>She had a better life in the
six weeks she lived with you than she did the first four months of her life in
the kennel.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>She had a big back yard to
run and play.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>She got to go on road
trips.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Delilah got to sleep in bed with
you.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Just think of all the children out
there who are not living such a good life and God is giving us the opportunity
to help rescue a child and give that child a better life and share Jesus with
them.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The love for Delilah is so small
compared to the love that you will have for a little boy or girl that comes
into our home.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Maybe God is showing us
that the love we had for Delilah is just a tiny glimpse into the love He will
give us for one of His children.”<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></blockquote>
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<o:p></o:p></div>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg9lMzWOQQKGkOVhrXCyG4Nuhhw9xVx_nBStO8XtFAT6oQVpRwPDsF8P8dCbIfJGOsZFM79au4zwB0-HGLrx6pL3TpO7EjaKMo90xiiLnAyogWF5TfYHpXmaU5LBq1wXgmswbVtIhdtYB8/s1600/100_2558.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg9lMzWOQQKGkOVhrXCyG4Nuhhw9xVx_nBStO8XtFAT6oQVpRwPDsF8P8dCbIfJGOsZFM79au4zwB0-HGLrx6pL3TpO7EjaKMo90xiiLnAyogWF5TfYHpXmaU5LBq1wXgmswbVtIhdtYB8/s320/100_2558.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Delilah playing in the backyard for the first time.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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Also, Scott’s grandmother is not
doing well.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>She was put into hospice
about two weeks ago, just one week before Delilah’s death.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The children have never lost a loved one close
to them at an age they can really remember.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>Since his grandmother lives behind our house, the kids have had multiple
encounters and opportunities to strengthen their relationship with their great
grandmother that few children are able to.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>Thus, God may be using Delilah’s death to prepare our hearts to go
through the grieving process when Mema passes.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: .5in;">
<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: .5in;">
<br /></div>
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<u>Do dogs go to heaven?</u><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span><o:p></o:p></div>
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<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: .5in;">
Scott and I unashamedly were able
to tell the children that there are animals in heaven.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The lion will lay down with the lamb.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Does the bible give us clear understanding
regarding all animals and where they go upon death?<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>No.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>But the comfort of knowing God does cherish animals, for He created them
in the first place, brings us comfort as well. <o:p></o:p></div>
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<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: .5in;">
It is amazing how this little
creature God created brought so much joy, excitement and contentment to our
household.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>We are thankful for the times
we had with her, thankful for the lessons and experience our children were
given because of her life as well as her death, and look forward to what God
has for us next.<o:p></o:p></div>
<br />
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<!--EndFragment-->Alicia Zbylothttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03040247491389052403noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-808634803024831810.post-73911257277847730022012-10-14T21:37:00.000-05:002012-10-16T10:52:33.654-05:00Love for a Puppy<!--[if gte mso 9]><xml>
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August 25, 2012 was a grand day for
the Zbylot’s.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Our children had never had
a puppy before and we had spent almost 9 months praying, researching, and
looking for just the right one.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>We had
narrowed it down to a miniature female dachshund.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Then as we were coming home from my niece’s
third birthday party, we passed two roadside tents selling puppies.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>As we passed the second one, I told Scott we
should probably turn around and see what they have.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Right as I was telling Scott he said that he
was thinking the same thing.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>This might
not seem out of the ordinary for some people, but we had NEVER stopped to look
at puppies on the side of the road.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>We
turned around and was going to head to the farthest one first and work our way
back when the first stand caught our eye with the sign Terriers, Dachshunds,
and Chihuahuas.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: .5in;">
<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"></span><br />
<a name='more'></a><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>As we piled
out of the car, the children could not contain their excitement.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Mostly because they couldn’t believe we were
actually stopping!!<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>We approached the
cages and wouldn’t you know they had one dachshund...female and miniature.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>She stole our hearts with her apricot
coloring and hazel eyes.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The children
were ecstatic as comments such as, “This is what we have been looking for!<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>She is perfect!<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>She’s so cute!” “We could name her Delilah.” and
on and on.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The price was stated and
Scott did not even try to negotiate after everything the children were
saying.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>But then again, the price was
half of what we had been seeing on the Internet and other places so God was
even answering our prayers regarding the price of the puppy.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"><br /></span></div>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgZ_BKs9UpA9NB-2lERk-nJF4Ay1sLPMYaKbl726iMN05gv4kJjfNJo53ft2Q6goL9LfxcrsBRoRF2-3lHVIJX5yWr7Gec0K5PMeBEjpoppwd2yGE2NqKacH_ZL3cxAGQgbBRno59hKzmc/s1600/100_2561.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgZ_BKs9UpA9NB-2lERk-nJF4Ay1sLPMYaKbl726iMN05gv4kJjfNJo53ft2Q6goL9LfxcrsBRoRF2-3lHVIJX5yWr7Gec0K5PMeBEjpoppwd2yGE2NqKacH_ZL3cxAGQgbBRno59hKzmc/s320/100_2561.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">We can't believe we finally have a puppy!</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>Into the
car with the new little member, the phone calls began.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Grandparents and cousins HAD to be notified
as each of the children took their turn holding her.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Even the passengers in the front seat took
their turn!<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Arriving at the house,
Delilah met her new older sister of almost 14 years, Ms. Maddy, our part
American Eskimo/Spitz.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Having been an
only dog for the duration of all of our children’s lives and never really
caring for any dog that was around, Maddy did not take to kindly to this new,
small, active ball of fun.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Playfully,
Delilah tried everything she could to get Maddy to play, but failed time after
time.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>However, over the weeks ahead
Delilah would slowly wear Maddy down to the point she could not help but give
in just a little.<br />
<div class="MsoNormal">
<o:p></o:p></div>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh-pxTqdEFRRSz4NewRLoO9Oc-ytUulEMXlx8NifxEt-VHfKDaBH-8rAqpgtOVvySM04ottg8qasIfXe11T600QHspxjrCE25bYGKvcbgtNvBHL9VliDQvLVDhN88poXImXhjSluCBB8YU/s1600/100_2626.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh-pxTqdEFRRSz4NewRLoO9Oc-ytUulEMXlx8NifxEt-VHfKDaBH-8rAqpgtOVvySM04ottg8qasIfXe11T600QHspxjrCE25bYGKvcbgtNvBHL9VliDQvLVDhN88poXImXhjSluCBB8YU/s320/100_2626.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Delilah and Maddy after playing</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: .5in;">
After the first day, the name
Delilah stuck.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>We teased that she had
tricked us into buying her with her good looks, but the reality was she truly
was the cutest and sweetest puppy.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The
kids adored her.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Picking up the responsibility
of house training, the kids gave little argument over having to clean up after her,
as it was part of the agreement in getting a puppy from the beginning.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Delilah loved people and wanted to be right
in the middle of the action.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>In fact
after just three days of having her she was accidently stepped on and could not
place any weight at all on her right shoulder.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>After x-rays we thought for sure she had a broken or fractured shoulder.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Many prayers went up that night for little
Delilah.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The next morning Scott and I
woke to Nathan and Peter’s voice outside our window “Good girl, Delilah.”<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>As I peeked out the blinds, there she was
running around chasing them.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>God had answered
our prayers again with this little dog.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: .5in;">
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjMgKCfQ6YVjL5R10RA0qc77g-G9fiT1rRYd1GVHgw8QTJADKRHAMJMm2R30Cicrc2aGEGPxNnVx993TQtyiuVwCtxGZao5iGQ59kVXrq6pwOcTu66NjOLhhRtXewQofeNqek9C0p68cI0/s1600/100_2569.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjMgKCfQ6YVjL5R10RA0qc77g-G9fiT1rRYd1GVHgw8QTJADKRHAMJMm2R30Cicrc2aGEGPxNnVx993TQtyiuVwCtxGZao5iGQ59kVXrq6pwOcTu66NjOLhhRtXewQofeNqek9C0p68cI0/s320/100_2569.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Delilah with her first dove.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
The weeks went by and Delilah followed
the kids everywhere.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>She spent
alternating nights between the kids beds and took road trips with the family
across Texas.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>She saw Granny, the Bonham
aunts, uncles, and cousins, the Weatherford family, and of course the Tomball
family and friends.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>She was the center
of attention everywhere she went including the rest stops on the Texas
roadways.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>At home she spent her time
searching and chasing after stuffed animals; her favorites being Peter’s monkey
pillow pet, Dawson’s old rhino Webkinz, Peter’s red kindergarten graduation
bear, and my feather duster.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>On any
given day she traipsed through the house at full spend to the back bedroom only
to return again to the living room with her prize possession fill our
hearts.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>She was a smart little dog and when
you hid one of her favorite toys it was not long before she found it and would
go to any extent to get it back.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></div>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjpqcmhRriFU8BSHy_mUqUCewc2wCmDiTGxPPHOETiQXrHD7pgsCzrNANwnFDRR_kL48kMJEXOrsWvyGMYwKo9T1-m_-5O9994b8bLuo50JBuyqW-ghyoEIyaduSbtSKpSs2Ir9uoTrb8k/s1600/100_2609.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjpqcmhRriFU8BSHy_mUqUCewc2wCmDiTGxPPHOETiQXrHD7pgsCzrNANwnFDRR_kL48kMJEXOrsWvyGMYwKo9T1-m_-5O9994b8bLuo50JBuyqW-ghyoEIyaduSbtSKpSs2Ir9uoTrb8k/s320/100_2609.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Traveling around Texas</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhGBexdbXGe5poKkSmQzjXk3nT7xTeeDIL0uM61O9T8iYLyiH5heUNeYtrCnyOkEcZabPabH83thPajdPS-gTZK9_XfharTGV7ZXajD7PRYEjp1yghzy0wzPRp3_uIViLiYZmLhxYEqtxw/s1600/100_2610.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhGBexdbXGe5poKkSmQzjXk3nT7xTeeDIL0uM61O9T8iYLyiH5heUNeYtrCnyOkEcZabPabH83thPajdPS-gTZK9_XfharTGV7ZXajD7PRYEjp1yghzy0wzPRp3_uIViLiYZmLhxYEqtxw/s320/100_2610.JPG" width="240" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Enjoying the view</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: .5in;">
<br />
Unconsciously, the Zbylot hearts
were drawn into a love for this little puppy that would only be revealed
through a tragic event on Sunday, October 7<sup>th</sup>.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Having just arrived home from Scott speaking
at a men’s retreat that weekend, we walked into the house and were greeted by
our children and of course Delilah.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Her
uncontrollable desire to give you kisses on the face and the excitement she showed
as you held her had been missed.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Later that afternoon at 4:30 the phone rang.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>My mother-in-law’s alarmed voice spoke,
“Delilah’s been hit by a car.”<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The only
thing I could say was “No!”<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“Yes,” was
her reply.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“No!” I said again.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“Yes, you need to come over here.”<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I hung up and ran to the front yard where
Scott, Hannah, Dawson, and Peter were playing basketball.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I shouted, “Delilah’s been hit by a car.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>We need to go to your mom’s.”<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I ran back through the house out the back
door as the four of them headed around the front to the main street.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I met them in the front of my in-laws house
as the driver and passenger were leaving.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>Nathan and my father-in-law were in the front.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The tears came.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>We were all in such shock as just 6 weeks
and one day after she joined our family she was gone.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: .5in;">
<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: .5in;">
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<br /></div>
<!--EndFragment-->Alicia Zbylothttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03040247491389052403noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-808634803024831810.post-36270253024147640152012-09-06T06:42:00.000-05:002012-09-06T06:43:11.273-05:00The Church of Today<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; text-indent: 0.5in;">
The Lord wrapped up the month of July for the Zbylot family in the most powerful way. (Yes, I know I am still writing about July, but please indulge me as God’s work in our lives is never boring.) On July 30, 2012 I posted this message on Facebook as Scott, Hannah, Dawson, and myself left for a week at Preteen Camp:<br />
<br />
<a name='more'></a></div>
<blockquote class="tr_bq">
<span style="color: #262626;">"Let everything that has breath praise the Lord." Psalm 150:6</span> </blockquote>
<blockquote class="tr_bq">
<span style="color: #262626;">I can't hear or read this verse without being taken back to that small church where my mom and aunt took my sister and I to a concert. The pastor got up and spoke those words and in my eight-year-old heart I thought, I have breath and I need to praise the Lord. I walked down front and gave my life to Christ. I remember walking out of the church and telling my mother I felt like I could fly. It wasn't until the summer after my ninth grade year that I realized while I knew I was going to heaven, God wanted so much more. He wanted to have a daily relationship with me. At that point I began a lifelong journey walking with Him. I am praying for all the campers this week that they too will understand that a daily relationship with God will rock their world and compares to nothing this world can ever offer!</span></blockquote>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;">
Little did I know what God had planned just several hours later and throughout the week in answering that prayer.<o:p></o:p></div>
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<br /></div>
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After several hours in the bus and a stop at Brazos Bend Park for lunch we arrived at Highland Lakes Baptist Encampment. Excitement was everywhere as we found our dorm, unpacked, settled in, and enjoyed the new swimming pool. After supper we made our way to the worship center. The worship team was outstanding and drew our hearts straight to the throne of God in praise and worship of our Savior. Tommy Tombs then took the stage and presented the gospel message and the importance of walking with the Lord in a fun, yet meaningful way. I happened to be sitting next to Hannah that night and as Tommy began to wrap things up, Hannah leaned over, took my hand, and began to cry. </div>
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****I need to share this side note so that you can fully understand the impact of the work God is about to do in Hannah’s life. Scott and I along with several of our closest prayer warriors had been praying for Hannah to adjust and accept the fact God had moved us to a new church. She had been fighting it the whole way and we could tell had lost her joy in the Lord. We had several people praying for her and this is a testimony to the faithfulness of their prayers.****</blockquote>
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I led her out to the counseling area where she shared with me that she had gotten away from the Lord. I asked her why she thought that and she said she was already a Christian so she didn’t quite know. We talked about some of the things that keep us from God and about how Jesus was able to stay close to His Father while on earth. Then God laid on my heart the story of Jonah. I reminded her God told Jonah to go and tell the people God loved them and he didn’t do it. I shared that I thought God was telling her to go to Silver Springs and she was rebelling. God used His word and the prayers of His children to penetrate Hannah’s heart that Monday night and she prayed and asked for forgiveness for many things including having a poor attitude regarding going to a new church. It was a sweet time for Hannah and I share and I am so thankful God allowed me the opportunity to see His work firsthand in the life of my daughter.<o:p></o:p></div>
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But God’s work did not end there. During dinner the last night we were at camp, I mentioned to Scott I thought a huge spiritual battle was being waged among several of the boys we had brought to camp. Several did not have a relationship with the Lord and you could feel Satan had a strong desire to keep it that way and was providing all kinds of distractions. As the worship began for the evening, an overwhelming pull to pray for those boys came over me. I told Scott I had to leave to go and pray for them. I left the worship area and knew I needed to pray with someone. As I was walking out, one of our counselors was sitting studying God’s word and I asked him if he would pray with me for the boys. We prayed over the boys by name and for God to show His power and love to them. I went back in and you could feel the difference in the room. Tommy presented the gospel again and that night several of the boys professed Christ as their Lord and Savior. <o:p></o:p></div>
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What made it even more special is that Dawson also went down front, but not to make a profession of faith. One of his friends asked him to go with him as he was accepting Christ. Dawson was able to share with him and a few other boys his own testimony. Afterwards, Dawson told us that made two. What he was referring to is last year at camp one of his other friends had asked him to go with him to accept Christ and now it was happening again. Dawson has an extremely sensitive heart for the lost and for God to allow Dawson to have a part in the work He is doing in young boy’s lives is amazing to me!<o:p></o:p></div>
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During that same time, God had invited Hannah into His work as well. She felt she needed to go down front to pray. While she was there she said she felt she should pray for a girl’s dad next to her. She leaned over and prayed for her dad and then went back to her seat. Hannah didn’t know fully why she did what she did, but she just followed in what the Holy Spirit was prompting her to do. Then after it was over and we were headed to concessions, that same girl she prayed for came running up to Hannah and asked if she was the one who prayed for her dad. Hannah said yes. The girl told Hannah that she had not seen her dad in six months. Hannah told her that maybe God was allowing her to go through this time so that she would be able to share with others who parents were divorced and they were not able to see their dads for a long time either. WOW and tears were all that I could say and do as Hannah shared this story with our church group that night!</div>
<blockquote class="tr_bq">
****Another side note…we shared with Hannah that she probably would not have heard the Holy Spirit’s prompting had she not surrendered and asked for forgiveness of her rebellion just two days before. It was a huge reminder to her, Scott, and myself of the power unconfessed sin has in our lives to prevent us from being a part of the work God desires to do through us.****</blockquote>
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One of the last things that struck me from the week at camp was something Tommy said towards the end of the week. He mentioned that many people would look across the worship center and see the church of the future. However, he said he looked across the worship center and sees the church of today. Young people today do not have to wait until they are older to be the church. They are just as much a part of the church body today as they will be five or ten years from now. As I witnessed God work through my own two children at camp, I saw Satan silenced through them. Praise be to God for our children and let us not hinder them from coming to the Lord and seeking His will.<o:p></o:p></div>
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“Yahweh, our Lord, how magnificent is Your name throughout the earth!<o:p></o:p></div>
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You have covered the heavens with Your majesty.<o:p></o:p></div>
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Because of Your adversaries,<o:p></o:p></div>
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<b>You have established a stronghold<o:p></o:p></b></div>
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<b>From the mouths of children and nursing infants<o:p></o:p></b></div>
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<b>to silence the enemy and the avenger.”<o:p></o:p></b></div>
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Psalm 8:1-2<o:p></o:p></div>
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<b>My Heart’s Prayer:</b> Lord, forgive my disbelief and help me to have faith. Lord, praise be to Your name and glory given to You in the highest. Thank you for using 10, 11, and 12 year olds to partake in the work You are doing in the midst of the church today. Help me and other adults not to stifle the work You desire to do through the lives of our children. May you continue to silence Satan through the mouths of babes. In Jesus Name, Amen.</div>
Alicia Zbylothttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03040247491389052403noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-808634803024831810.post-3300699796308112502012-08-23T07:53:00.000-05:002012-08-23T07:53:58.568-05:00Sweetness of Friendships and God's Faithfulness<!--[if gte mso 9]><xml>
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<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: .5in;">
Picking up where I left off with my last post (<a href="http://templedwellersministry.blogspot.com/2012/08/where-in-world-is-zbylot-family.html" target="_blank">Where in the World is the Zbylot Family?</a>), the children came home from a
great week with their cousins and studying God’s word. We shared the weekend
together as a family and worshipped for the first time with Silver Springs
Baptist Church as Scott preached his first sermon as the pastor.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Overwhelmed with the joy and love from the
congregation, God continued to confirm the place He wanted our family to be
serving.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: .5in;">
<br />
<a name='more'></a><br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: .5in;">
With the undeniable knowledge of
recognizing God’s plan for our family our children were still unsure about how
changing churches was going to affect them.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>Leaving behind friends at a church they mostly grew up in and had built
relationships was weighing heavy on their hearts.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Scott and I, watching their concern and
anxiousness, began praying for them as far back as March.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The first thing we recognized could aid in
this transition was to attend Silver Springs Baptist’s Vacation Bible
School.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The week after Scott preached to
come in view of a call we attended to allow the children to meet some future
friends their age while giving us a glimpse into the church life at Silver
Springs.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>This act helped the children
but it still seemed they were struggling. <o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: .5in;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: .5in;">
In June as God revealed more and
more the direction He was taking us, we asked permission for our children (all
but Peter because he was too young) to register to attend camp with Silver
Springs.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Attending camp is a huge relationship
building experience for all ages.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Deep
down Scott and I knew this would be a great way for the children to make new
friends and begin the process of relationship building at the new church.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>This would prove to be a huge faith building
experience for them as well as for us. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: .5in;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: .5in;">
As Wednesday, the day of departure
approached, Hannah, Dawson, and Nathan were expressing anxiousness about going
while I became more and more anxious about letting my children go to a camp I
knew very little about and did not even know the sponsors who would be in
charge of my children while there.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>(No
offense to the wonderful team who took them, it was just so knew to me and just
meeting the sponsors two sometimes three times is not at all my protocol for
releasing my children into strangers hands.)<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>So as it got closer and closer my prayer partners lifted me up while our
family prayed together and prepared for KidsLifeCamp.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: .5in;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: .5in;">
Of course, knowing our sin nature,
Satan began to attack before the children even left.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I always like to have things in order, etc.,
but as we unloaded their stuff from the car onto the van, Nathan realized he
did not have his pillow.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>A quick trip to
Wal-mart produced a travel pillow for him. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I felt like I did not even get to have a
proper send off.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: .5in;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: .5in;">
Later that afternoon I received a
phone call from my husband while I was in a meeting asking if Dawson left his
luggage in the car?<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>What?!?<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I felt helpless.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I excused myself and doubled checked the car,
knowing full well it was not there because we had taken everything out.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Sure enough it was not there which left me
even more helpless because I knew my son was miles away without any clothing or
bedding, etc. and his mother was not even there to help search for where it had
been misplaced.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I returned to my meeting
while Scott assured me he would let me know when they found it.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I sent off some text messages to a few of the
sponsors I had their information for and began praying for Dawson to remain
calmer than I was at that time and for them to be able to find his
luggage.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Of course I don’t’ remember
what I was suppose to be learning at my meeting for the next 20 minutes as my
mind was obviously not focusing on what I was suppose to be focusing on.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>However, I finally received a text that set
my heart at ease…Luggage Found.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>What a
relief.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: .5in;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: .5in;">
The Lord graciously allowed us the
opportunity to visit the on Friday.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>All
my fears and anxiety left as we saw our children and walked around the
camp.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Seeing and hearing that Dawson had
found a friend and had been fishing during every chance of free time they had,
Nathan running around with a huge smile on his face and laughter in his voice,
and Hannah taking off and not even “needing” me only allowed for one
response.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Thank you Lord and forgive my
disbelief. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: .5in;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: .5in;">
Yes, this is why God provided the
extra funds to send three children to an extra camp this summer.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Yes, this is why God allowed us the courage
for all of us to step out of our comfort zones.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>Yes, this is why we have to walk by faith and not by sight.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Hannah, Dawson, and Nathan each had begun to
build relationships with the children at camp while listening and studying the
Word of God. Watching our children trust God for the courage to leave for four
days with children and adults they barely knew and seeing how God protected and
gave them the courage to walk by faith was a lesson I would not have
voluntarily provided for them.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>However,
God knows the steps of faith they need and gave Hannah, Dawson, and Nathan the
opportunity to see His character in a new light.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: .5in;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: .5in;">
After an amazing week at KidsLifeCamp
and witnessing huge answers to prayers for our children we rested one week at
home before finishing off the month with one last week of camp where God was
not through demonstrating and showing off His awesome love and power!!<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: .5in;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: .5in;">
My Heart’s Prayer:<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Lord, how can I thank You enough for the love
and tender care You have for my family and me?<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>How can I put into words the utter amazement I feel when I see You work
in the lives of my children?<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>You are
worthy to be praised.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Thank You for
hiding Your children under the shadow of Your wings and training them and
taking care of them in a way that only You can do.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Thank You for being faithful to them even
through my doubt.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I love You Lord.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>In Jesus Name, Amen.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: .5in;">
<br /></div>
<div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">
“Oil and incense
bring joy to the heart, </div>
<div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">
and the sweetness of a friend is better than
self-counsel.”<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></div>
<div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">
Proverbs 27:9<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: .5in;">
<br /></div>
<!--EndFragment-->Alicia Zbylothttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03040247491389052403noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-808634803024831810.post-19898885991833180342012-08-09T07:24:00.002-05:002012-08-09T07:24:31.333-05:00Where in the World is the Zbylot Family?<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: .5in;">
Where in the world is the Zbylot
Family?<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>We have asked ourselves the same
question this last month!<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>As crazy as
the month of July was for our family, it was an extremely blessed and
encouraging month.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></div>
<a name='more'></a><o:p></o:p><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: .5in;">
We began the month with our family
vacation as we toured around Texas to visit family.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>After picking up Scott, Nathan, and Peter
from Kidz Camp we made our way over to Wimberly to visit Scott’s uncle and
aunt.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>We had a great time visiting and
spending time with them as we kayaked down the San Marcos River and a nearby
lake (Sorry I can’t remember the name.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>It has been over a month.)<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>As we
entered into the San Marcos River, Scott received the phone call from <a href="http://silverspringsbaptist.org/" target="_blank">Silver Springs Baptist Church</a> announcing the church had passed the vote to call Scott
as their pastor.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>What a memorable time
as God has once again changed the direction He has for our family.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>We said our good-byes with promises to visit
soon and turned north to Weatherford.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: .5in;">
<br />
Having not seen my sister and her
family since March of this year, it was a blessing to be in their home and
catch up on life.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Our families headed
to <a href="http://www.legolanddiscoverycenter.com/dallasfw/" target="_blank">Legoland</a> with nine children ages 2-12.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>Yes, happy is the house whose quiver is full (Psalm 127:5) for we had
nine happy children as the parents watched with overflowing hearts of thanksgiving
for the blessing of such children.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>After swimming, spending time with cousins and shooting fireworks we
left my sister’s and the six of us landed at <a href="http://www.swbts.edu/" target="_blank">Southwestern Baptist Seminary</a> to
see the <a href="http://seethescrolls.com/" target="_blank">Dead Sea Scrolls Exhibit</a>.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>We
spent over three hours there and the children enjoyed it too!<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It was so fascinating and we encourage anyone
who is in the Dallas/Ft. Worth area to attend.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>You will be blessed.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>We even made
it on the local <a href="http://dfw.cbslocal.com/video/7477612-dead-sea-scrolls-exhibit-curators-discuss-authenticity/#.T_o-DLLiJHQ.email" target="_blank">T.V. channel</a> (we are about halfway through the clip).<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>We ate our
sack lunch on the beautiful campus of Southwestern and then blazed a trail to
<a href="http://www.sixflags.com/overTexas/index.aspx" target="_blank">Six Flags</a>.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>After an eventful and
thrilling time spent on roller coasters, we loaded up once again and head
further north to Bonham.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: .5in;">
<br />
Arriving late in the evening to
Scott’s Granny’s home, we slept soundly and rose to another day of spending
time with extended family.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Food,
swimming in the Red River, fireworks, cousins, aunts, and uncles topped off our
family vacation as we headed home to begin a new leg of our journey here on
earth.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: .5in;">
<br />
With bittersweet thoughts and
memories we spent our last official Sunday at <a href="http://www.fbctomball.org/" target="_blank">FBC Tomball</a> on July 8<sup>th</sup>.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>From there Scott began his duties as Senior
Pastor of Silver Springs Baptist Church the following day while our children
left to visit their cousins in Richards for the week and attend their VBS.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: .5in;">
<br />
I know you are probably glad to
hear about where we have been this past July, but if you notice, all that has
been said up to this point happened within the first 13 days of July.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>We still have 18 left!!<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>While the first 13 were tremendously fun, refreshing,
and greatly needed, the last 18 left us basking in God’s faithfulness as we
watched Him over and over answer prayers and move in ways beyond our
imagination. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Unfortunately, if I were
to share everything in this one blog post, you would be reading for over an
hour.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>So, as much as I hate to do this,
I will have to stop for the time being and share more at a later time.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Until then, please continue to pray for our
family as the Lord places us on your hearts.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: .5in;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b>My Heart’s Prayer:</b><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"><b> </b>
</span>Lord thank you so much for Your unfailing love for us.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Thank You for allowing us glimpses into the
work You are doing even when we can not fully see the bigger picture.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Lord thank You for a time to get away and
spend time with family and share with one another our joys and burdens.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Thank You for sustaining us during a busy
season of our lives.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Lord, I love
You.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>In Jesus Name, Amen.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">
<blockquote class="tr_bq">
“God Your faithful
love is so valuable that people take refuge in the shadow of Your wings.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>They are filled from the abundance of Your
house; You let them drink from Your refreshing stream, for with You is life’s
fountain.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>In Your light we will see
light.”<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span> </blockquote>
<blockquote class="tr_bq">
Psalm 36:7-9</blockquote>
<o:p></o:p></div>Alicia Zbylothttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03040247491389052403noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-808634803024831810.post-559123692856124972012-06-28T08:28:00.000-05:002012-06-29T08:57:25.767-05:00VBS Boot Camp<br />
<div class="MsoNormal">
The Zbylot’s have been attending what we have termed VBS
Boot Camp this year. As God appears to
have our family in a transition period, the kids are attending not one VBS, but
TWO!! In the mornings at <a href="http://fbctomball.org/" target="_blank">FBC Tomball</a>,
the kids have learned about the Amazing Wonders of the world that God has created
and the Amazing God we serve. Then they
come home, eat, take a nap and prepare to head to Babylon at <a href="http://silverspringsbaptist.org/" target="_blank">Silver SpringsBaptist Church</a> where they are learning about how God gives you what you need to
handle change, stand up for what is right, and how He is always with them. I would like to share with you how this VBS
Boot Camp has eternally changed our family.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br />
<a name='more'></a><br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Last summer I began working through the book <a href="http://www.christianbook.com/the-power-of-a-praying-kid/stormie-omartian/9780736901222/pd/901221?product_redirect=1&Ntt=901221&item_code=&Ntk=keywords&event=ESRCP" target="_blank">The Power of aPraying Kid</a> with each of our children individually. It was a powerful time and what led to Peter
praying with me and Nathan praying with Scott to acknowledge Christ as their personal
Lord and Savior. We have never wanted to
push any of our children to make a decision for Christ as it is so important
for it to be their own relationship with Christ and not their parents. Thus, we have allowed our children to pray as
God led them and in His time. While we
rejoiced last summer with Peter and Nathan we continued to pray for clarity and
a desire to express their faith publically continuing to pray for opportunities
to see God’s work in their lives.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Fast forward to a few months ago. The kids and I are listening to the morning
devotional by Keys for Kids. After it is
over I typically ask the kids what they think regarding the message. It was pretty silent for a while only to have
the silence broken with the question from Nathan, “How can you know for sure
you are going to heaven?” Wow!! I shared a little, but could tell Nathan
really was uncomfortable talking even in front of his siblings. So we all prayed together and Scott and I
continued to pray for Nathan and Peter to have a desire to make their decision
to follow Christ public and to solidify their relationship with Christ. Just a few days later, our children’s
minister had asked us to lead the children’s worship during late service on
Sunday morning and it just so happened the same question Nathan asked just a
few days before was one of the questions that was drawn from the bowl to be
discussed that morning. It was so neat
to have front row seats and see God working in the life our child.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Then not too long after my mother took Peter for the night
to spend some time celebrating his birthday.
When she brought him home the next day she told me that Peter was asking
questions about baptism and how he wanted to be baptized! Again front row seats to see God answering
our prayers for desires to express their faith publically.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Now fast forward all the way to this week. Nathan came home from FBC Tomball VBS Tuesday
morning and drew a picture of Christ dying on the cross for the sins of the
people. That morning at VBS they had
shared the ABC’s of how to ask Christ to be Lord of your life. Having been praying all week for Nathan and
Peter’s salvation to be solidified, I truly believe this is how Nathan was
expressing how God was working in his life.
That night he asked me what he should draw the next day. I told him, “Why don’t you ask God what He
wants you to draw?” Before I could get
out of the bedroom, he told me he was going to draw the tomb. Again, I could see how God was revealing
Himself to this precious young boy He blessed us with over nine years ago
through the death, burial, and resurrection story. </div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Wednesday morning Scott and I were having some quiet time on
the back porch before the busy day began and I shared with him what Nathan had
drawn and said and how what I had been praying specifically for Nathan and
Peter this week. Together we prayed for
God to move on the hearts of Nathan and Peter to solidify their relationship
with Christ and to have a desire to express it publically through baptism. Last night at Silver Springs Baptist Church
the ABC’s were shared again. This time
Nathan and Peter both, while in separate classes, raised their hands to find
out more about how to make Christ Lord of their lives. Nathan had the opportunity to council with
Brother James while Peter and two other young boys went with Scott. </div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
As we were traveling home our car was buzzing with seven
children!! Mostly about the fun and
activities they had just participated in.
Scott shared how excited he was about the decisions that were made by
four of the children in the car. Being
more reserved and quite frankly hesitant to believe the decisions that were
seemingly made that night, I waited to see a sign that would “prove” what had
just happened. Yes, call me pharisaical
and having a tremendous lack of faith regarding the power God has to move and
speak to His children, but that is what I was feeling and I was really
struggling with it. </div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
As we put Nathan and Peter to bed we asked Nathan what
happened tonight. He shared that he was
kinder. Still trying to probe for more
of what kind of a decision he made, he told us that he just felt God told him
to go. Having already experienced with
our oldest child at age four telling us God was talking to her on the side of
the mountain we were climbing at Glorietta, New Mexico, I have no doubt He was
speaking to Nathan last night. Then
Nathan began to talk about how Brother James shared how we are seedlings and
that when we accept Christ as Lord of our life we are to grow and bear good
fruit for Him so that others might see the fruit and accept Christ as their Lord
as well. The connection was beginning to
take shape. I asked Nathan if his
kindness was a result of the change God was doing in His life and he said
yes. Then Scott asked Peter and Nathan
if they had ever prayed to receive Christ before. Nathan said “Yes” and Peter said, “Yes,
remember I prayed with you mom.” Then
Scott asked them why they prayed again? Nathan
again said, “God told me to.” Peter was
a little unsure. I said, do you think
you didn’t quite understand everything the last time. They both said yes, and Peter said with a
smile, “I understand it all now” and shared more about what it means to accept
Christ. We prayed together and let the
boys get some much needed sleep.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Scott shared with me how Peter was adamant and certain in
his responses during the counsel time period at the church. We have no doubt that God has moved on the
hearts of Nathan and Peter and I am so thankful I serve a God who is willing to
tangibly show the work of His hand in the lives of our children despite my
resistance to believe. </div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b>My Heart’s Prayer:</b> Forgive me Lord for being slow to accept
your mighty work. Lord, increase my
faith and help my disbelief. I ask you prevent
Satan from trying to keep me from walking by faith and sharing in the glorious
work you are doing right here in my own family.
Thank you Lord Jesus for calling Nathan and Peter into a personal
relationship with you so that we can glorify you as a family forever in
eternity!! I pray that you would
continue to speak to Hannah, Dawson, Nathan and Peter as you reveal Yourself to
them as only You can do. In Jesus Name,
Amen.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Below is Nathan's Picture. He wanted to make sure you knew the blood dripping from the cross was red even though it didn't show up in this picture. :) The words say Crucify Him.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<img class="page-image" src="https://docs.google.com/viewer?attid=0&pid=gmail&thid=13833425804820e0&url=https%3A%2F%2Fmail.google.com%2Fmail%2F%3Fui%3D2%26ik%3De711556670%26view%3Datt%26th%3D13833425804820e0%26attid%3D0%26disp%3Dsafe%26zw&docid=2237b7cbcadc3c8ae7e87436389a1557%7C3538a3dfe8dbb08b7cb7b0f239b3d977&a=bi&pagenumber=1&w=712" style="width: 712px;" /> </div>Alicia Zbylothttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03040247491389052403noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-808634803024831810.post-55233091703955296462012-06-18T08:01:00.000-05:002012-06-18T08:01:14.784-05:00Powerful Change<!--[if gte mso 9]><xml>
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<br />
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Powerful change.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>If
you live around the Houston area and listen to the amazing Christian radio
station, KSBJ then you have undoubtedly heard this phrase over the last two
months.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>In addition, if you are
wondering where I have been over the past couple of weeks, you must know that
it has in part to do with change. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It
never fails either, anytime change is on the horizon for me, it seems like
every aspect of my life begins to be in transition.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>This time is not different.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></div>
<a name='more'></a><br />
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<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">Changes at Temple
Dwellers</b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
First, I am in the process of switching web hosting
companies for Temple Dwellers Ministry.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>Therefore, I have taken some time away from the blog to focus on
learning the new ins and outs of the other site.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Hopefully, the new site will be ready for
debut by the end of the summer.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>If you
or someone you know is interested in helping design a logo and helping me out
(I can’t pay) please let me know.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
As some of you may remember, the beginning of the year God lead
me to the book of Philippians. After roughly five or so months in the book, a
bible study has been in the works.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>Seeking to know Him this year through His resurrection and sufferings,
compiling my first ever online bible study has also taken some time from the
blog.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b>Changes on the Home
Front</b></div>
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Not only is change coming with Temple Dwellers, but change
is also coming here on the home front.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>For those who have not already heard, my husband is in the process of a
job change.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>While we are at total peace
and know for certain this change has been ordained by God, it is still
change.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It is a change that affects
Scott, myself, as well as our children.</div>
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And if that isn’t enough, God seems to desire more change
for the Zbylot household.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Scott and I
have completed classes and are acquiring more information regarding the possibility
of becoming a rescue family through <a href="http://www.littlefootprintscm.com/" target="_blank">Little Footprints</a>.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Having been in prayer for about a year, it
appears God’s timing on this is now or at least in the near future.</div>
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<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b>Changes Spiritually</b></div>
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Have you ever been through a dry spell in your spiritual
walk?<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I have on several occasions.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It doesn’t seem to matter how much I read and
pray, it just feels like sometimes I am not hearing from God.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I know that He is there and He is hearing me,
but I am like a deer panting for water as I read and seek His voice only to
come up dry.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The past several weeks have
felt that way to me.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I take comfort in
knowing the well is nearby and God slowly directs me there each time.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It has been after the dry spells of my
spiritual life that God brings me to the well to experience the depths of His
love and to spur me on toward the next step in my spiritual walk.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
I share all of this with you as Scott, Hannah, Dawson,
Nathan, Peter, and myself need your prayers.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>When God begins to move in mighty powerful ways, Satan is not
happy.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>We have already begun to see his
disgruntled attitude show up around us. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>But even through Satan’s futile attempts to thwart
God’s plans, God has taught us to conceal an offense as it will promote love whereas
if we were to gossip about it, then friends would separate (Proverbs
17:9).<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>As some of these changes begin to become more
public, I will be sharing more of how God has allowed us to see Him work behind
the scenes so that you too may join us through these “powerful changes” that
are on the horizon.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b>My Heart’s Prayer:</b><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“I
love You, LORD, my strength.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The Lord is
my rock, my fortress, and my deliverer, my God, my mountain where I seek
refuge, my shield and the horn of my salvation, my stronghold.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I called to the LORD, who is worthy of
praise, and I was saved from my enemies…I called to the LORD in my distress,
and I cried to my God for help.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>From His
temple He heard my voice, and my cry to Him reached His ears…God—His way is
perfect: the word of the LORD is pure.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>He is a shield to all who take refuge in Him.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>For who is God besides Yahweh?<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>And who is a rock?<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Only our God” (Psalm 18:1-3, 6, 30-31)</div>Alicia Zbylothttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03040247491389052403noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-808634803024831810.post-52665664900333746422012-05-28T13:00:00.000-05:002012-05-28T13:00:18.808-05:00Part 6-What are your feet saying?<!--[if gte mso 9]><xml>
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<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">Resurrection--Now
What?</span></b><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">Memorial Day.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>A day set aside by our country to remember all the brave men and women
who freely gave of their lives in order that we as a nation might be free.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Yesterday, the church had a significant event
to remember—The Day of Pentecost.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>In the
past, I have not given it much thought.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>However, this year I did not just want to stay at Jesus’ death and resurrection
only to wait until Christmas to celebrate and remember His birth again. My
question and reading has been focused on What happened after the
Resurrection?<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>As we have explored
together the past three weeks the period of 50 days after Jesus’ resurrection,
we have seen Him appear to many people and share with them His parting
words.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Last week we looked at His last
words before His ascension which spoke to the work we are to carry on as
believers and followers of Christ.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>After
He ascended He told the disciples to wait in Jerusalem until they received the
promise of the Holy Spirit.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Remember He
did not even tell them how long, what time, or how it would be received.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It is now ten days later and the time we now
label the Day of Pentecost. As we remember today the lives sacrificed for our freedoms here in this nation, may we not forget the sacrifice we as believers must be willing to make in order to save souls from eternity spent absent of the presence of God. </span></div>
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<span class="hbs"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"></span></span></div>
<a name='more'></a><br />
<blockquote class="tr_bq">
<span class="hbs"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">“When</span></span><span class="noindent"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">
</span></span><span class="hbs"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">the</span></span><span class="noindent"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">
</span></span><span class="hbs"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">day</span></span><span class="noindent"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">
of </span></span><span class="hbs"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">Pentecost</span></span><span class="noindent"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">
had </span></span><span class="hbs"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">arrived</span></span><span class="noindent"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">,
they </span></span><span class="hbs"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">were</span></span><span class="noindent"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">
</span></span><span class="hbs"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">all</span></span><span class="noindent"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">
</span></span><span class="hbs"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">together</span></span><span class="noindent"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">
</span></span><span class="hbs"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">in</span></span><span class="noindent"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">
</span></span><span class="hbs"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">one</span></span><span class="noindent"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">
place.</span></span><span class="hbfs"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span></span></span><span class="hbs"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">Suddenly</span></span><span class="noindent"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">
a </span></span><span class="hbs"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">sound</span></span><span class="noindent"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">
</span></span><span class="hbs"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">like</span></span><span class="noindent"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">
that of a </span></span><span class="hbs"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">violent</span></span><span class="noindent"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">
</span></span><span class="hbs"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">rushing</span></span><span class="noindent"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">
</span></span><span class="hbs"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">wind</span></span><span class="noindent"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">
</span></span><span class="hbs"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">came</span></span><span class="noindent"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">
</span></span><span class="hbs"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">from</span></span><span class="noindent"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">
</span></span><span class="hbs"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">heaven</span></span><span class="noindent"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">,
</span></span><span class="hbs"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">and</span></span><span class="noindent"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">
it </span></span><span class="hbs"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">filled</span></span><span class="noindent"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">
</span></span><span class="hbs"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">the</span></span><span class="noindent"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">
</span></span><span class="hbs"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">whole</span></span><span class="noindent"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">
</span></span><span class="hbs"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">house</span></span><span class="noindent"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">
</span></span><span class="hbs"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">where</span></span><span class="noindent"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">
they </span></span><span class="hbs"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">were</span></span><span class="noindent"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">
</span></span><span class="hbs"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">staying</span></span><span class="noindent"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></span></span><span class="hbs"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">And</span></span><span class="noindent"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">
</span></span><span class="hbs"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">tongues</span></span><span class="noindent"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">,
</span></span><span class="hbs"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">like</span></span><span class="noindent"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">
flames of </span></span><span class="hbs"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">fire</span></span><span class="noindent"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">
that were </span></span><span class="hbs"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">divided</span></span><span class="noindent"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">,
</span></span><span class="hbs"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">appeared</span></span><span class="noindent"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">
to </span></span><span class="hbs"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">them</span></span><span class="noindent"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">
</span></span><span class="hbs"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">and</span></span><span class="noindent"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">
</span></span><span class="hbs"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">rested</span></span><span class="noindent"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">
</span></span><span class="hbs"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">on</span></span><span class="noindent"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">
each </span></span><span class="hbs"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">one</span></span><span class="noindent"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">
of </span></span><span class="hbs"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">them</span></span><span class="noindent"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">.
</span></span><span class="hbvn"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></span></span><span class="hbs"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">Then</span></span><span class="noindent"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">
they were </span></span><span class="hbs"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">all</span></span><span class="noindent"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">
</span></span><span class="hbs"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">filled</span></span><span class="noindent"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">
with the </span></span><span class="hbs"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">Holy</span></span><span class="noindent"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">
</span></span><span class="hbs"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">Spirit</span></span><span class="noindent"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">
</span></span><span class="hbs"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">and</span></span><span class="noindent"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">
</span></span><span class="hbs"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">began</span></span><span class="noindent"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">to </b></span></span><span class="hbs"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">speak</span></b></span><span class="noindent"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"> in</span></b></span><span class="noindent"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">
</span></span><span class="hbs"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">different</span></b></span><span class="noindent"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"> </span></b></span><span class="hbs"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">languages</span></b></span><span class="noindent"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">,
</span></span><span class="hbs"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">as</span></span><span class="noindent"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">
</span></span><span class="hbs"><u><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">the</span></u></span><span class="noindent"><u><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"> </span></u></span><span class="hbs"><u><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">Spirit</span></u></span><span class="noindent"><u><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"> </span></u></span><span class="hbs"><u><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">gave</span></u></span><span class="noindent"><u><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"> </span></u></span><span class="hbs"><u><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">them</span></u></span><span class="noindent"><u><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"> ability for </span></u></span><span class="hbs"><u><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">speech</span></u></span><span class="noindent"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">.</span></span><span class="hbfs"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">
</span></span><span class="ind"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"> There </span></span><span class="hbs"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">were</span></span><span class="ind"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">
</span></span><span class="hbs"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">Jews</span></span><span class="ind"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">
</span></span><span class="hbs"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">living</span></span><span class="ind"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">
</span></span><span class="hbs"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">in</span></span><span class="ind"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">
</span></span><span class="hbs"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">Jerusalem</span></span><span class="ind"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">,
</span></span><span class="hbs"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">devout</span></span><span class="ind"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">
</span></span><span class="hbs"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">men</span></span><span class="ind"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">
</span></span><span class="hbs"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">from</span></span><span class="ind"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">
</span></span><span class="hbs"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">every</span></span><span class="ind"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">
</span></span><span class="hbs"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">nation</span></span><span class="hbfs"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">
</span></span><span class="hbs"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">under</span></span><span class="ind"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">
</span></span><span class="hbs"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">heaven</span></span><span class="ind"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">.
<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>When </span></span><span class="hbs"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">this</span></span><span class="ind"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">
</span></span><span class="hbs"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">sound</span></span><span class="ind"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">
</span></span><span class="hbs"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">occurred</span></span><span class="ind"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">,
a </span></span><span class="hbs"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">crowd</span></span><span class="ind"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">
came </span></span><span class="hbs"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">together</span></span><span class="ind"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">
</span></span><span class="hbs"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">and</span></span><span class="ind"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">
was </span></span><span class="hbs"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">confused</span></span><span class="ind"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">
</span></span><span class="hbs"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">because</span></span><span class="ind"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">each </b></span></span><span class="hbs"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">one</span></b></span><span class="ind"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"> </span></b></span><span class="hbs"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">heard</span></b></span><span class="ind"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"> </span></b></span><span class="hbs"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">them</span></b></span><span class="ind"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"> </span></b></span><span class="hbs"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">speaking</span></b></span><span class="ind"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">in his </b></span></span><span class="hbs"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">own</span></b></span><span class="ind"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"> </span></b></span><span class="hbs"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">language</span></b></span><span class="ind"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">.
</span></span><span class="hbvn"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></span></span><span class="hbs"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">And</span></span><span class="ind"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">
they were </span></span><span class="hbs"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">astounded</span></span><span class="ind"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">
</span></span><span class="hbs"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">and</span></span><span class="ind"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">
</span></span><span class="hbs"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">amazed</span></span><span class="ind"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">,
</span></span><span class="hbs"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">saying</span></span><span class="ind"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">,
`</span></span><span class="hbs"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">Look</span></span><span class="ind"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">,
</span></span><span class="hbs"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">aren’t</span></span><span class="ind"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">
</span></span><span class="hbs"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">all</span></span><span class="ind"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">
</span></span><span class="hbs"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">these</span></span><span class="ind"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">
who are </span></span><span class="hbs"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">speaking</span></span><span class="ind"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">
</span></span><span class="hbs"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">Galileans</span></span><span class="ind"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">?</span></span><span class="hbfs"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></span></span><span class="hbs"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">How</span></span><span class="ind"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">
is it that </span></span><span class="hbs"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">each</span></b></span><span class="ind"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"> of </span></b></span><span class="hbs"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">us</span></b></span><span class="ind"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"> can </span></b></span><span class="hbs"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">hear</span></b></span><span class="ind"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"> </span></b></span><span class="hbs"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">in</span></b></span><span class="ind"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"> </span></b></span><span class="hbs"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">our</span></b></span><span class="ind"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"> </span></b></span><span class="hbs"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">own</span></b></span><span class="ind"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"> </span></b></span><span class="hbs"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">native</span></b></span><span class="ind"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"> </span></b></span><span class="hbs"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">language</span></b></span><span class="ind"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">?
</span></span><span class="hbvn"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></span></span><span class="hbs"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">Parthians</span></span><span class="ind"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">,
</span></span><span class="hbs"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">Medes</span></span><span class="ind"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">,
</span></span><span class="hbs"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">Elamites</span></span><span class="ind"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">;
</span></span><span class="hbs"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">those</span></span><span class="ind"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">
who </span></span><span class="hbs"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">live</span></span><span class="ind"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">
in </span></span><span class="hbs"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">Mesopotamia</span></span><span class="ind"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">,
in </span></span><span class="hbs"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">Judea</span></span><span class="ind"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">
</span></span><span class="hbs"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">and</span></span><span class="ind"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">
</span></span><span class="hbs"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">Cappadocia</span></span><span class="ind"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">,
</span></span><span class="hbs"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">Pontus</span></span><span class="ind"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">
</span></span><span class="hbs"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">and</span></span><span class="ind"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">
</span></span><span class="hbs"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">Asia</span></span><span class="ind"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">,</span></span><span class="hbfs"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">
P</span></span><span class="hbs"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">hrygia</span></span><span class="ind"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">
</span></span><span class="hbs"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">and</span></span><span class="ind"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">
</span></span><span class="hbs"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">Pamphylia</span></span><span class="ind"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">,
</span></span><span class="hbs"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">Egypt</span></span><span class="ind"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">
</span></span><span class="hbs"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">and</span></span><span class="ind"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">
</span></span><span class="hbs"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">the</span></span><span class="ind"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">
</span></span><span class="hbs"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">parts</span></span><span class="ind"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">
of </span></span><span class="hbs"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">Libya</span></span><span class="ind"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">
</span></span><span class="hbs"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">near</span></span><span class="ind"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">
</span></span><span class="hbs"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">Cyrene</span></span><span class="ind"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">;
</span></span><span class="hbs"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">visitors</span></span><span class="ind"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">
from </span></span><span class="hbs"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">Rome</span></span><span class="ind"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">,
</span></span><span class="hbs"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">both</span></span><span class="ind"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">
</span></span><span class="hbs"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">Jews</span></span><span class="ind"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">
</span></span><span class="hbs"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">and</span></span><span class="ind"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">
</span></span><span class="hbs"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">proselytes</span></span><span class="ind"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">,</span></span><span class="hbfs"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">
</span></span><span class="hbs"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">Cretans</span></span><span class="ind"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">
</span></span><span class="hbs"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">and</span></span><span class="ind"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">
</span></span><span class="hbs"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">Arabs</span></span><span class="ind"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">—<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">we </b></span></span><span class="hbs"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">hear</span></b></span><span class="ind"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"> </span></b></span><span class="hbs"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">them</span></b></span><span class="ind"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"> </span></b></span><span class="hbs"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">speaking</span></b></span><span class="ind"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"> </span></b></span><span class="hbs"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">the</span></b></span><span class="ind"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"> magnificent </span></b></span><span class="hbs"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">acts</span></b></span><span class="ind"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"> of </span></b></span><span class="hbs"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">God</span></b></span><span class="ind"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"> in </span></b></span><span class="hbs"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">our</span></b></span><span class="ind"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"> own </span></b></span><span class="hbs"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">languages</span></b></span><span class="ind"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">.’ They
were </span></span><span class="hbs"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">all</span></span><span class="ind"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">
</span></span><span class="hbs"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">astounded</span></span><span class="ind"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">
</span></span><span class="hbs"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">and</span></span><span class="ind"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">
</span></span><span class="hbs"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">perplexed</span></span><span class="ind"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">,
</span></span><span class="hbs"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">saying</span></span><span class="ind"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">
</span></span><span class="hbs"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">to</span></span><span class="ind"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">
</span></span><span class="hbs"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">one</span></span><span class="ind"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">
</span></span><span class="hbs"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">another</span></span><span class="ind"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">,
`</span></span><span class="hbs"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">What</span></span><span class="ind"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">
could </span></span><span class="hbs"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">this</span></span><span class="ind"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">
</span></span><span class="hbs"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">be</span></span><span class="ind"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">?’</span></span><span class="hbvn"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">
</span></span><span class="hbs"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"> But</span></span><span class="ind"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">
</span></span><span class="hbs"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">some</span></span><span class="ind"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">
</span></span><span class="hbs"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">sneered</span></span><span class="ind"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">
and </span></span><span class="hbs"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">said,</span></span><span class="ind"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">
`</span></span><span class="hbs"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">They’re</span></span><span class="ind"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">
</span></span><span class="hbs"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">full</span></span><span class="ind"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">
of new </span></span><span class="hbs"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">wine</span></span><span class="ind"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">!
‘” (</span></span><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">Acts 2:1-13)</span></blockquote>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">As I meditated on this passage for the past few days
one thing stood out to me that I have never noticed before.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Do you remember what Jesus said to His
followers before He ascended into heaven?<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>Go into all creation, all nations, to the ends of the earth and preach
the gospel (Matthew 28:19; Mark 16:15; Acts 1:8).<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>What would the disciples and followers have
been thinking at that time?<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Could they
speak more than one language?<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Even if
they could, I would not think they could speak every known language at that
time.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>They must have felt extremely
inadequate and questioned what exactly Jesus wanted them to do.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Spending their time in praise and prayer
while they waited, their answer came 50 days later through the receiving of the
Holy Spirit.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>On the Day of Pentecost,
the Spirit gave them ability for speech.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>It was as I read this over, I was reminded, when God calls us to a task,
He also equips us.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>We may not have all
the answers or the knowledge and exact plans as to how to carry out the task
God assigns to us, but we can rest in our trust and faith in Christ, He will send
through the Holy Spirit the exact tools we will need for the job.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>What great comfort that is to me.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">Upon receiving of the Holy Spirit, we immediately
see the obedience of Peter to carry out the spreading of the gospel.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"></span></div>
<blockquote class="tr_bq">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12pt;">“But Peter stood up with the Eleven,
raised his voice, and proclaimed to them: `Men of Judah and all you residents
of Jerusalem, let me explain this to you and pay attention to my words. For
these people are not drunk, as you suppose, since it’s only nine in the
morning. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>On the contrary, this is what
was spoken through the prophet Joel: </span><br /><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12pt;"></span></blockquote>
<blockquote class="tr_bq">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12pt;">
And it will be in the last days, says God, that I will pour
out My Spirit on all humanity; then your sons
and your daughters will prophesy, your young men will
see visions, and your old men will dream dreams. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I will even pour out My Spirit on My male
and female slaves in those days, and they
will prophesy. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I will display
wonders in the heaven above and signs on the earth below:
blood and fire and a cloud of smoke. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The sun will be turned to darkness and
the moon to blood before the great and remarkable Day of the
Lord comes. Then everyone who calls on the name
of the Lord will be saved. </span><br /><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12pt;"></span></blockquote>
<blockquote class="tr_bq">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12pt;">
`Men of Israel, listen to these words: This Jesus the Nazarene was a man
pointed out to you by God with miracles, wonders, and signs that God did among
you through Him, just as you yourselves know.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>Though He was delivered up according to God’s determined plan and
foreknowledge, you used lawless people to nail Him to a cross and kill Him. God
raised Him up, ending the pains of death, because it was not possible for Him
to be held by it. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>For David says of Him:
</span><br /><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12pt;"></span></blockquote>
<blockquote class="tr_bq">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12pt;">
I saw the Lord ever before me; because He is
at my right hand, I will not be shaken. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Therefore my heart was glad, and my
tongue rejoiced. Moreover, my flesh will rest in hope, because
You will not leave me in Hades or allow Your Holy One to see decay. You
have revealed the paths of life to me; You will fill me
with gladness in Your presence. </span><br /><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12pt;"></span></blockquote>
<blockquote class="tr_bq">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12pt;">
`Brothers, I can confidently speak to you about the patriarch David: He is both
dead and buried, and his tomb is with us to this day. Since he was a
prophet, he knew that God had sworn an oath to him to seat one of his
descendants on his throne. Seeing this in advance, he spoke concerning
the resurrection of the Messiah: </span><br /><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12pt;"></span></blockquote>
<blockquote class="tr_bq">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12pt;">
He was not left in Hades, and His flesh did not experience decay. </span><br /><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12pt;"></span></blockquote>
<blockquote class="tr_bq">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12pt;">
`<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">God has resurrected this Jesus. We are
all witnesses of this. Therefore, since He has been exalted to the right
hand of God and has received from the Father the promised Holy Spirit, <u>He
has poured out what you both see and hear</u>.</b> <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>For it was not David who ascended into the
heavens, but he himself says: </span><br /><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12pt;"></span></blockquote>
<blockquote class="tr_bq">
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">
The Lord declared to my Lord, ‘Sit at My right hand until I
make Your enemies Your footstool.</span></div>
</blockquote>
<blockquote class="tr_bq">
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">`Therefore let all the house of
Israel know with certainty that God has made this Jesus, whom you crucified,
both Lord and Messiah!’</span></div>
</blockquote>
<blockquote class="tr_bq">
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">When
they <u>heard</u> this, they came under deep conviction</span></b><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"> and said to Peter and the rest of the apostles: `Brothers,
what must we do?’ <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>`Repent,’ Peter said
to them, `and be baptized, each of you, in the name of Jesus Christ for the
forgiveness of your sins, and you will receive the gift of the Holy Spirit. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>For the promise is for you and for your
children, and for all who are far off, as many as the Lord our God will call.’ And
with many other words he testified and strongly urged them, saying, `Be saved
from this corrupt generation!’ </span></div>
</blockquote>
<blockquote class="tr_bq">
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12pt;">So those who accepted his message
were baptized, and that day about 3,000 people were added to them. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>And they devoted themselves to the apostles’
teaching, to the fellowship, to the breaking of bread, and to the prayers.”
(Acts 2:14-42)</span><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"> </span></div>
</blockquote>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">Again, I am captivated by Peter’s
testimony—The undiluted message of the gospel of Jesus Christ.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Through Peter’s obedience to share the
message, many came under deep conviction and had a desire to know what they
must do.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>As a result 3,000 came to know
the Lord as their personal Savior!!!<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Then
as so often happens when we place our trust in Christ, or step out in faith to
obey what He has asked us to do, fear overcomes us.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"></span></div>
<blockquote class="tr_bq">
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span class="hbs"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">“<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">Then</b></span></span><span class="ind"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">
</span></b></span><span class="hbs"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><u><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">fear</span></u></b></span><span class="ind"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"> </span></b></span><span class="hbs"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">came</span></b></span><span class="ind"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"> over </span></b></span><span class="hbs"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">everyone</span></b></span><span class="ind"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">,
</span></span><span class="hbs"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">and</span></span><span class="ind"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">
</span></span><span class="hbs"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">many</span></span><span class="ind"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">
</span></span><span class="hbs"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">wonders</span></span><span class="ind"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">
</span></span><span class="hbs"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">and</span></span><span class="ind"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">
</span></span><span class="hbs"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">signs</span></span><span class="ind"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">
were being </span></span><span class="hbs"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">performed</span></span><span class="ind"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">
</span></span><span class="hbs"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">through</span></span><span class="ind"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">
</span></span><span class="hbs"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">the</span></span><span class="ind"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">
</span></span><span class="hbs"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">apostles</span></span><span class="ind"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">.</span></span><span class="hbfs"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></span></span><span class="hbs"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">Now</span></span><span class="ind"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">
</span></span><span class="hbs"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">all</span></span><span class="ind"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">
</span></span><span class="hbs"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">the</span></span><span class="ind"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">
</span></span><span class="hbs"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">believers</span></span><span class="ind"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">
</span></span><span class="hbs"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">were</span></span><span class="ind"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">
</span></span><span class="hbs"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">together</span></span><span class="ind"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">
</span></span><span class="hbs"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">and</span></span><span class="ind"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">
</span></span><span class="hbs"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">held</span></span><span class="ind"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">
</span></span><span class="hbs"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">all</span></span><span class="ind"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">
things in </span></span><span class="hbs"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">common</span></span><span class="ind"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">.</span></span><span class="hbfs"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">
</span></span><span class="ind"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"> They </span></span><span class="hbs"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">sold</span></span><span class="ind"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">
</span></span><span class="hbs"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">their</span></span><span class="ind"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">
</span></span><span class="hbs"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">possessions</span></span><span class="ind"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">
</span></span><span class="hbs"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">and</span></span><span class="ind"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">
</span></span><span class="hbs"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">property</span></span><span class="ind"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">
</span></span><span class="hbs"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">and</span></span><span class="ind"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">
</span></span><span class="hbs"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">distributed</span></span><span class="ind"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">
the </span></span><span class="hbs"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">proceeds</span></span><span class="ind"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">
to </span></span><span class="hbs"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">all</span></span><span class="ind"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">,
</span></span><span class="hbs"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">as</span></span><span class="ind"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">
</span></span><span class="hbs"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">anyone</span></span><span class="ind"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">
</span></span><span class="hbs"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">had</span></span><span class="ind"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">
a </span></span><span class="hbs"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">need</span></span><span class="ind"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">.</span></span><span class="hbfs"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">
</span></span><span class="ind"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"> Every </span></span><span class="hbs"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">day</span></span><span class="ind"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">
they </span></span><span class="hbs"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">devoted</span></span><span class="ind"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">
themselves to meeting </span></span><span class="hbs"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">together</span></span><span class="ind"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">
</span></span><span class="hbs"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">in</span></span><span class="ind"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">
</span></span><span class="hbs"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">the</span></span><span class="ind"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">
</span></span><span class="hbg"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">temple</span></span><span class="ind"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">
</span></span><span class="hbs"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">complex</span></span><span class="ind"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">,
</span></span><span class="hbs"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">and</span></span><span class="ind"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">
</span></span><span class="hbs"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">broke</span></span><span class="ind"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">
</span></span><span class="hbs"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">bread</span></span><span class="ind"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">
from </span></span><span class="hbs"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">house</span></span><span class="ind"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">
to house. They </span></span><span class="hbs"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">ate</span></span><span class="ind"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">
their </span></span><span class="hbs"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">food</span></span><span class="ind"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">
</span></span><span class="hbs"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">with</span></span><span class="ind"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">
a </span></span><span class="hbs"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">joyful</span></span><span class="ind"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">
</span></span><span class="hbs"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">and</span></span><span class="ind"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">
</span></span><span class="hbs"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">humble</span></span><span class="ind"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">
</span></span><span class="hbs"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">attitude</span></span><span class="ind"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">,</span></span><span class="hbs"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">
praising</span></span><span class="ind"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"> </span></span><span class="hbs"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">God</span></span><span class="ind"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">
</span></span><span class="hbs"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">and</span></span><span class="ind"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">
</span></span><span class="hbs"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">having</span></span><span class="ind"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">
</span></span><span class="hbs"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">favor</span></span><span class="ind"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">
</span></span><span class="hbs"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">with</span></span><span class="ind"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">
</span></span><span class="hbs"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">all</span></span><span class="ind"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">
</span></span><span class="hbs"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">the</span></span><span class="ind"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">
</span></span><span class="hbs"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">people</span></span><span class="ind"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">.
</span></span><span class="hbs"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">And</span></span><span class="ind"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">
every </span></span><span class="hbs"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">day</span></span><span class="ind"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">
</span></span><span class="hbs"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">the</span></span><span class="ind"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">
</span></span><span class="hbs"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">Lord</span></span><span class="ind"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">
</span></span><span class="hbs"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">added</span></span><span class="ind"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">
to them</span></span><span class="hbfs"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">e</span></span><span class="ind"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">
</span></span><span class="hbs"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">those</span></span><span class="ind"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">
who were being </span></span><span class="hbs"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">saved</span></span><span class="ind"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">.”<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>(</span></span><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">Acts 2:43-47)</span></div>
</blockquote>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">It has happened before and it will happen
again.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Satan does not like it when
another lost sinner finds his way.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>Knowing he can do nothing to separate from the love of God, he will try
his best to dampen our relationship with our Savior.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The believers were overcome with fear.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>However, through the continued testimony of
the apostles, the believers were strengthened in their faith and became
disciples themselves.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">So many lessons have been learned along this journey
from Jesus’ death and resurrection to the receiving of the Holy Spirit, yet it
all points towards one thing:<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The Glory
of God through the spreading of His love story for His people.</span></div>
<blockquote class="tr_bq">
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">“But how can they call on Him they have not believed
in?<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>And how can they believe without
hearing about Him?<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>And how can they hear
without a preacher?<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>And how can they
preach unless they are sent?<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>As it is
written: How beautiful are the feet of those who announce the gospel of good
things!<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>But all did not obey the
gospel.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>For Isaiah says, Lord, who has
believed our message?<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>So faith comes
from what is heard, and what is heard comes through the message about Christ.”
Romans 10:14-17</span></div>
</blockquote>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">My
Heart’s Prayer:</span></b><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"> Lord, forgive me for my fear.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Help me in my weakness to step out in faith
to share the message of Christ to those who are waiting to hear.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Instead of fearfulness, I ask for Your Spirit
of power, love and sound judgment.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Use
my mouth to proclaim Your Glory and may many more come to know You as their
personal Lord and Savior.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>In Jesus Name,
Amen.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></span></div>Alicia Zbylothttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03040247491389052403noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-808634803024831810.post-28984853120987466952012-05-25T08:42:00.000-05:002012-05-25T08:42:25.766-05:00Part 5--Waiting...<!--[if gte mso 9]><xml>
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<span class="hbfs"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">Resurrection—Now
What? </span></b></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">It’s Friday and Memorial weekend has arrived.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The kids are ready for school to be out,
teachers are REALLY ready for school to get out, and parents are beginning to
fret as to what they are going to be doing with their kids all summer!!<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I love summertime because it gives me the
opportunity to catch up on things that don’t get done during the school
year.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It allows me a time to relax and
not have everything on a schedule.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It
allows me time to spend with my family experiencing new things together.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">The time for Jesus’ earthly ministry had ended with
His death and resurrection.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>He had spent
40 days appearing to His disciples and followers and was now ready to ascend to
take His place at His Father’s right hand.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>Jesus left them with the words that He would never leave them as well as
some final instructions.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Today we visit
this period as we are preparing our hearts for the day of Pentecost on
Sunday.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"></span></div>
<a name='more'></a><br />
<blockquote class="tr_bq">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">“I wrote the first narrative, Theophilus, about all
that Jesus began to do and teach until the day He was taken up, after He had
given orders through the Holy Spirit to the apostles He had chosen.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>After He had suffered, He also presented
Himself alive to them by many convincing proofs, appearing to them during 40
days and speaking about the kingdom of God.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>While He was together with them, <b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">He
commanded them not to leave Jerusalem</b>, but to wait for the Father’s
promise.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>‘This,’ He said, ‘is what you
heard from Me; for John baptized with water, but you will be baptized with the
Holy spirit not many days from now.’<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>So
when they had come together, they asked Him, ‘Lord, are You restoring the
kingdom to Israel at this time?’<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>He said
to them, “It is not for you to know times or periods that the Father has set by
His own authority.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">But you will receive power when the Holy Spirit has come on you, and
you will be My witnesses in Jerusalem, in all Judea and Samaria, and to the
ends of the earth</b>.’<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>After He had
said this, He was taken up as they were watching, and a cloud took Him out of
their sight.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>While He was going, they
were gazing into heaven, and suddenly two men in white clothes stood by
them.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>They said, ‘Men of Galilee, why do
you stand looking up into heaven?<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>This
Jesus, who has been taken from you into heaven, will come in the same way that
you heaven seen Him going into heaven.’”Acts 1:1-11</span></blockquote>
<blockquote class="tr_bq">
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">“The 11 disciples traveled to Galilee, to the
mountain where Jesus had directed them.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>When they saw Him, they worshiped, but some doubted.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span> Then Jesus came near and said to them,
`All authority has been given to Me in heaven and on earth.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span> <b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">Go</b>,
therefore, and <b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">make</b> disciples of all
nations, <b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">baptizing</b> them in the name
of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, <b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">teaching</b><u> </u>them to observe everything I have commanded you.
And remember, <b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">I am with you always,</b>
to the end of the age.’” <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Matthew 28:16-20</span></div>
</blockquote>
<blockquote class="tr_bq">
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span class="hbs"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">“Then</span></span><span class="disputed"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">
He </span></span><span class="hbs"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">said</span></span><span class="disputed"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">
to </span></span><span class="hbs"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">them</span></span><span class="disputed"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">,
</span></span><span class="hbs"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">“<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">Go</b></span></span><span class="hbjw"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"> </span></b></span><span class="hbs"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">into</span></b></span><span class="hbjw"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"> </span></b></span><span class="hbs"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">all</span></b></span><span class="hbjw"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"> </span></b></span><span class="hbs"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">the</span></b></span><span class="hbjw"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"> </span></b></span><span class="hbs"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">world</span></b></span><span class="hbjw"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"> and </span></b></span><span class="hbs"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">preach</span></b></span><span class="hbjw"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"> </span></b></span><span class="hbs"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">the</span></b></span><span class="hbjw"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"> </span></b></span><span class="hbs"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">gospel</span></b></span><span class="hbjw"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"> to </span></b></span><span class="hbs"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">the</span></b></span><span class="hbjw"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"> </span></b></span><span class="hbs"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">whole</span></b></span><span class="hbjw"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"> </span></b></span><span class="hbs"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">creation</span></b></span><span class="hbjw"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">.
</span></span><span class="hbvn"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></span></span><span class="hbs"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">Whoever</span></span><span class="hbjw"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">
</span></span><span class="hbs"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">believes</span></span><span class="hbjw"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">
</span></span><span class="hbs"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">and</span></span><span class="hbjw"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">
is </span></span><span class="hbs"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">baptized</span></span><span class="hbjw"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">
will be </span></span><span class="hbs"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">saved</span></span><span class="hbjw"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">,
</span></span><span class="hbs"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">but</span></span><span class="hbjw"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">
</span></span><span class="hbs"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">whoever</span></span><span class="hbjw"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">
does not </span></span><span class="hbs"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">believe</span></span><span class="hbjw"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">
will be </span></span><span class="hbs"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">condemned</span></span><span class="hbjw"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">.
</span></span><span class="hbvn"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></span></span><span class="hbs"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"> And</span></span><span class="hbjw"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">
</span></span><span class="hbs"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">these</span></span><span class="hbjw"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">
</span></span><span class="hbs"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">signs</span></span><span class="hbjw"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">
will </span></span><span class="hbs"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">accompany</span></span><span class="hbjw"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">
</span></span><span class="hbs"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">those</span></span><span class="hbjw"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">
who </span></span><span class="hbs"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">believe</span></span><span class="hbjw"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">:
</span></span><span class="hbs"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">In</span></span><span class="hbjw"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">
</span></span><span class="hbs"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">My</span></span><span class="hbjw"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">
</span></span><span class="hbs"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">name</span></span><span class="hbjw"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">
they will drive </span></span><span class="hbs"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">out</span></span><span class="hbjw"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">
</span></span><span class="hbs"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">demons</span></span><span class="hbjw"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">;
they will </span></span><span class="hbs"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">speak</span></span><span class="hbjw"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">
in </span></span><span class="hbs"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">new</span></span><span class="hbjw"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">
</span></span><span class="hbs"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">languages</span></span><span class="hbjw"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">;
they will pick </span></span><span class="hbs"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">up</span></span><span class="hbjw"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">
</span></span><span class="hbs"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">snakes</span></span><span class="hbjw"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">;</span></span><span class="hbfs"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">
</span></span><span class="hbs"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">if</span></span><span class="hbjw"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">
they should </span></span><span class="hbs"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">drink</span></span><span class="hbjw"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">
</span></span><span class="hbs"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">anything</span></span><span class="hbjw"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">
</span></span><span class="hbs"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">deadly</span></span><span class="hbjw"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">,
it will </span></span><span class="hbs"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">never</span></span><span class="hbjw"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">
</span></span><span class="hbs"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">harm</span></span><span class="hbfs"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">
</span></span><span class="hbs"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">them</span></span><span class="hbjw"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">;
they will </span></span><span class="hbs"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">lay</span></span><span class="hbjw"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">
</span></span><span class="hbs"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">hands</span></span><span class="hbjw"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">
</span></span><span class="hbs"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">on</span></span><span class="hbjw"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">
the </span></span><span class="hbs"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">sick</span></span><span class="hbjw"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">,
</span></span><span class="hbs"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">and</span></span><span class="hbjw"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">
they will </span></span><span class="hbs"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">get</span></span><span class="hbjw"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">
</span></span><span class="hbs"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">well</span></span><span class="hbjw"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></span></span><span class="hbs"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">Then</span></span><span class="disputed"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">
</span></span><span class="hbs"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">after</span></span><span class="disputed"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">
</span></span><span class="hbs"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">speaking</span></span><span class="disputed"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">
to </span></span><span class="hbs"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">them</span></span><span class="disputed"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">,
</span></span><span class="hbs"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">the</span></span><span class="disputed"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">
</span></span><span class="hbs"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">Lord</span></span><span class="disputed"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">
</span></span><span class="hbs"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">Jesus</span></span><span class="disputed"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">
was taken </span></span><span class="hbs"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">up</span></span><span class="disputed"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">
</span></span><span class="hbs"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">into</span></span><span class="disputed"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">
</span></span><span class="hbs"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">heaven</span></span><span class="hbfs"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">
</span></span><span class="hbs"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">and</span></span><span class="disputed"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">
sat </span></span><span class="hbs"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">down</span></span><span class="disputed"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">
</span></span><span class="hbs"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">at</span></span><span class="disputed"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">
the right </span></span><span class="hbs"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">hand</span></span><span class="disputed"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">
of </span></span><span class="hbs"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">God</span></span><span class="disputed"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">.
</span></span><span class="hbvn"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></span></span><span class="hbs"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">And</span></b></span><span class="disputed"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"> </span></b></span><span class="hbs"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">they</span></b></span><span class="disputed"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"> went </span></b></span><span class="hbs"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">out</span></b></span><span class="disputed"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"> and </span></b></span><span class="hbs"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">preached</span></b></span><span class="disputed"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"> </span></b></span><span class="hbs"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">everywhere</span></b></span><span class="disputed"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">, </span></b></span><span class="hbs"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">the</span></i></b></span><span class="disputed"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">
</span></i></b></span><span class="hbs"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">Lord</span></i></b></span><span class="disputed"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">
working </span></i></b></span><span class="hbs"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">with</span></i></b></span><span class="disputed"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">
them</span></i></b></span><span class="disputed"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">
</span></b></span><span class="hbs"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">and</span></b></span><span class="disputed"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"> </span></b></span><span class="hbs"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">confirming</span></b></span><span class="disputed"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"> </span></b></span><span class="hbs"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">the</span></b></span><span class="disputed"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"> </span></b></span><span class="hbs"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">word</span></b></span><span class="disputed"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"> </span></b></span><span class="hbs"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">by</span></b></span><span class="disputed"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"> </span></b></span><span class="hbs"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">the</span></b></span><span class="disputed"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"> </span></b></span><span class="hbs"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">accompanying</span></b></span><span class="disputed"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"> </span></b></span><span class="hbs"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">signs</span></b></span><span class="disputed"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">.</span></b></span><span class="disputed"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></span></span><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">Mark 16:15-20</span></div>
</blockquote>
<blockquote class="tr_bq">
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span class="hbfs"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">“</span></span><span class="hbs"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">Then</span></span><span class="ind"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">
He </span></span><span class="hbs"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">led</span></span><span class="ind"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">
</span></span><span class="hbs"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">them</span></span><span class="ind"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">
</span></span><span class="hbs"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">out</span></span><span class="ind"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">
</span></span><span class="hbs"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">as</span></span><span class="ind"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">
far as </span></span><span class="hbs"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">Bethany</span></span><span class="ind"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">,
</span></span><span class="hbs"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">and</span></span><span class="ind"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">
lifting </span></span><span class="hbs"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">up</span></span><span class="ind"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">
</span></span><span class="hbs"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">His</span></span><span class="ind"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">
</span></span><span class="hbs"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">hands</span></span><span class="ind"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">
He </span></span><span class="hbs"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">blessed</span></span><span class="ind"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">
</span></span><span class="hbs"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">them</span></span><span class="ind"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">.
</span></span><span class="hbs"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"> And</span></span><span class="ind"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">
</span></span><span class="hbs"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">while</span></span><span class="ind"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">
He </span></span><span class="hbs"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">was</span></span><span class="ind"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">
</span></span><span class="hbs"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">blessing</span></span><span class="ind"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">
</span></span><span class="hbs"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">them</span></span><span class="ind"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">,
He </span></span><span class="hbs"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">left</span></span><span class="ind"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">
</span></span><span class="hbs"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">them</span></span><span class="ind"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">
</span></span><span class="hbs"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">and</span></span><span class="ind"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">
was carried </span></span><span class="hbs"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">up</span></span><span class="ind"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">
</span></span><span class="hbs"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">into</span></span><span class="ind"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">
</span></span><span class="hbs"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">heaven</span></span><span class="ind"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">.</span></span><span class="hbfs"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">
</span></span><span class="ind"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">After
</span></b></span><span class="hbs"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">worshiping</span></b></span><span class="ind"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"> </span></b></span><span class="hbs"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">Him</span></b></span><span class="ind"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">, they </span></b></span><span class="hbs"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">returned</span></b></span><span class="ind"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"> </span></b></span><span class="hbs"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">to</span></b></span><span class="ind"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"> </span></b></span><span class="hbs"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">Jerusalem</span></b></span><span class="ind"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"> </span></b></span><span class="hbs"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">with</span></b></span><span class="ind"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"> </span></b></span><span class="hbs"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">great</span></b></span><span class="ind"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"> </span></b></span><span class="hbs"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">joy</span></b></span><span class="ind"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">.</span></b></span><span class="hbfs"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"> </span></b></span><span class="hbs"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"> And</span></b></span><span class="ind"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"> they </span></b></span><span class="hbs"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">were</span></b></span><span class="ind"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"> </span></b></span><span class="hbs"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">continually</span></b></span><span class="ind"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"> </span></b></span><span class="hbs"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">in</span></b></span><span class="ind"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"> </span></b></span><span class="hbs"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">the</span></b></span><span class="ind"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"> </span></b></span><span class="hbg"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">temple</span></b></span><span class="ind"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"> </span></b></span><span class="hbs"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">complex</span></b></span><span class="ind"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"> </span></b></span><span class="hbs"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">praising</span></b></span><span class="ind"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"> </span></b></span><span class="hbs"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">God</span></b></span><span class="ind"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">.</span></b></span><span class="ind"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">”
</span></span><span class="hbfs"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">Luke 24:50-53</span></span></div>
</blockquote>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">It is amazing to me when you begin to look at
scripture as a whole, the undeniable unity of the Word of God.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>All four passages speak to and/or confirm
three things surrounding Jesus ascension.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">First, Jesus commands them to stay in Jerusalem
(Acts 1:4).<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>This is confirmed in Luke
24:52).<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Second, Jesus tells them they
will receive the Holy Spirit (Matthew 28:20, Mark 16:20, Acts 1:5).<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Last, He tells them what is expected of them
when they receive the Holy Spirit (Matthew 28:19-20, Mark 16:15, 20, Acts
1:8).<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">Let us spend some time looking at how the disciples
and His followers carried out Jesus’ command to stay in Jerusalem as well as
the significance of His command to share the gospel. The day of Pentecost
covers the receiving of the Holy Spirit.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">Waiting
in Jerusalem</span></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">It is clear from the scriptures that Jesus wanted
His followers to stay in Jerusalem and wait for the Holy Spirit.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Jesus did not tell them how long they would
have to wait.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>They were just told to
wait.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Have you ever been in this situation?<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I have more times they I want to admit.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Waiting has never been my strongest
quality.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>As a child, I heard on multiple
occasions from my dad, “Wait on the Lord.”<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>So what did they do while they were waiting?<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">Luke tells us they praised God (Luke 24:50).<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>When we continue reading in Acts 1:12-26 we
find out they were praying (Acts 1:14). These two qualities are of worthy
note.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Scriptures teach us throughout
that we are to pray and petition with thanksgiving (Philippians 4:6).<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>So while we wait for whatever it is we are
waiting to hear from the Lord, we should be in a spirit of prayer and
praise.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>However, there is one other
thing the disciples do while they wait that we need to examine further and see
if we too find ourselves in the same situation.</span></div>
<blockquote class="tr_bq">
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">“<span class="hbs">During</span><span class="ind"> </span><span class="hbs">these</span><span class="ind"> </span><span class="hbs">days</span><span class="ind"> </span><span class="hbs">Peter</span><span class="ind"> stood </span><span class="hbs">up</span><span class="ind"> </span><span class="hbs">among</span><span class="ind"> </span><span class="hbs">the</span><span class="ind"> </span><span class="hbs">brothers</span><span class="ind">—the number of </span><span class="hbs">people</span><span class="ind"> who were </span><span class="hbs">together</span><span class="ind"> </span><span class="hbs">was</span><span class="ind"> </span><span class="hbs">about</span><span class="ind"> </span><span class="hbs">120</span><span class="ind">—and </span><span class="hbs">said</span><span class="ind">: ‘</span><span class="hbs">Brothers</span><span class="ind">, </span><span class="hbs">the</span><span class="ind"> </span><span class="hbs">Scripture</span><span class="ind"> had </span><span class="hbs">to</span><span class="ind"> be </span><span class="hbs">fulfilled</span><span class="ind"> </span><span class="hbs">that</span><span class="ind"> </span><span class="hbs">the</span><span class="ind"> </span><span class="hbs">Holy</span><span class="ind"> </span><span class="hbs">Spirit</span><span class="ind"> </span><span class="hbs">through</span><span class="ind"> the </span><span class="hbs">mouth</span><span class="ind"> of </span><span class="hbs">David</span><span class="ind"> spoke in </span><span class="hbs">advance</span><span class="ind"> </span><span class="hbs">about</span><span class="ind"> </span><span class="hbs">Judas</span><span class="ind">, who </span><span class="hbs">became</span><span class="ind"> a </span><span class="hbs">guide</span><span class="ind"> to </span><span class="hbs">those</span><span class="ind"> who </span><span class="hbs">arrested</span><span class="ind"> </span><span class="hbs">Jesus</span><span class="ind">.</span><span class="hbfs"> </span><span class="hbs"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>For</span><span class="ind"> he </span><span class="hbs">was</span><span class="ind"> one </span><span class="hbs">of</span><span class="ind"> </span><span class="hbs">our</span><span class="ind"> </span><span class="hbs">number</span><span class="ind"> </span><span class="hbs">and</span><span class="ind"> was </span><span class="hbs">allotted</span><span class="ind"> </span><span class="hbs">a</span><span class="ind"> </span><span class="hbs">share</span><span class="ind"> in </span><span class="hbs">this</span><span class="ind"> </span><span class="hbs">ministry</span><span class="ind">.’ </span><span class="hbs"> Now</span><span class="ind"> </span><span class="hbs">this</span><span class="ind"> man </span><span class="hbs">acquired</span><span class="ind"> a </span><span class="hbs">field</span><span class="ind"> </span><span class="hbs">with</span><span class="ind"> </span><span class="hbs">his</span><span class="ind"> </span><span class="hbs">unrighteous</span><span class="ind"> </span><span class="hbs">wages</span><span class="ind">. He fell </span><span class="hbs">headfirst</span><span class="ind"> and
burst </span><span class="hbs">open</span><span class="ind"> in the </span><span class="hbs">middle</span><span class="ind">, </span><span class="hbs">and</span><span class="ind"> </span><span class="hbs">all</span><span class="ind"> </span><span class="hbs">his</span><span class="ind"> </span><span class="hbs">insides</span><span class="ind"> spilled </span><span class="hbs">out</span><span class="ind">.</span><span class="hbfs"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></span><span class="ind">This </span><span class="hbs">became</span><span class="ind"> </span><span class="hbs">known</span><span class="ind"> to </span><span class="hbs">all</span><span class="ind"> </span><span class="hbs">the</span><span class="ind"> </span><span class="hbs">residents</span><span class="ind"> of </span><span class="hbs">Jerusalem</span><span class="ind">, so </span><span class="hbs">that</span><span class="ind"> in </span><span class="hbs">their</span><span class="ind"> </span><span class="hbs">own</span><span class="ind"> </span><span class="hbs">language</span><span class="ind"> </span><span class="hbs">that</span><span class="ind"> </span><span class="hbs">field</span><span class="ind"> is </span><span class="hbs">called</span><span class="ind"> </span><span class="hbs"><i>Hakeldama</i></span><span class="ind"> (</span><span class="hbs">that</span><span class="ind"> </span><span class="hbs">is</span><span class="ind">, </span><span class="hbs">Field</span><span class="ind"> of </span><span class="hbs">Blood</span><span class="ind">). </span><span class="hbvn"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>‘</span><span class="hbs">For</span><span class="ind"> it is </span><span class="hbs">written</span><span class="ind"> </span><span class="hbs">in</span><span class="ind"> the </span><span class="hbs">Book</span><span class="ind"> of </span><span class="hbs">Psalms</span><span class="ind">:</span> <span class="otquote">Let </span><span class="hbs">his</span><span class="otquote"> </span><span class="hbs">dwelling</span><span class="otquote"> </span><span class="hbs">become</span><span class="otquote"> </span><span class="hbs">desolate</span><span class="otquote">;</span>
<span class="otquote">let </span><span class="hbs">no</span><span class="otquote"> </span><span class="hbs">one</span><span class="otquote"> </span><span class="hbs">live</span><span class="otquote"> </span><span class="hbs">in it</span><span class="otquote">;</span><span class="hbs"> and</span> <span class="otquote">Let someone </span><span class="hbs">else</span><span class="otquote"> </span><span class="hbs">take</span><span class="otquote"> </span><span class="hbs">his position</span><span class="otquote">.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></span>‘<span class="hbs">Therefore</span><span class="ind">, from among </span><span class="hbs">the</span><span class="ind"> </span><span class="hbs">men</span><span class="ind"> who have </span><span class="hbs">accompanied</span><span class="ind"> </span><span class="hbs">us</span><span class="ind"> </span><span class="hbs">during</span><span class="ind"> the </span><span class="hbs">whole</span><span class="ind"> </span><span class="hbs">time</span><span class="ind"> </span><span class="hbs">the</span><span class="ind"> </span><span class="hbs">Lord</span><span class="ind"> </span><span class="hbs">Jesus</span><span class="ind"> went in and </span><span class="hbs">out</span><span class="ind"> </span><span class="hbs">among</span><span class="ind"> </span><span class="hbs">us</span><span class="ind">—</span><span class="hbs">beginning</span><span class="ind"> </span><span class="hbs">from</span><span class="ind"> </span><span class="hbs">the</span><span class="ind"> </span><span class="hbs">baptism</span><span class="ind"> of </span><span class="hbs">John</span><span class="ind"> </span><span class="hbs">until</span><span class="ind"> </span><span class="hbs">the</span><span class="ind"> </span><span class="hbs">day</span><span class="ind"> He was taken </span><span class="hbs">up</span><span class="ind"> </span><span class="hbs">from</span><span class="ind"> </span><span class="hbs">us</span><span class="ind">—from among </span><span class="hbs">these</span><span class="ind">, it
is </span><span class="hbs">necessary</span><span class="ind"> that </span><span class="hbs">one</span><span class="ind"> </span><span class="hbs">become</span><span class="ind"> a </span><span class="hbs">witness</span><span class="ind"> </span><span class="hbs">with</span><span class="ind"> </span><span class="hbs">us</span><span class="ind"> of </span><span class="hbs">His</span><span class="ind"> </span><span class="hbs">resurrection</span><span class="ind">.’<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span></span><span class="hbs">So</span><span class="ind"> they </span><span class="hbs">proposed</span><span class="ind"> </span><span class="hbs">two</span><span class="ind">: </span><span class="hbs">Joseph</span><span class="ind">, </span><span class="hbs">called</span><span class="ind"> </span><span class="hbs">Barsabbas</span><span class="ind">, </span><span class="hbs">who</span><span class="ind"> was also </span><span class="hbs">known</span><span class="ind"> as </span><span class="hbs">Justus</span><span class="ind">, </span><span class="hbs">and</span><span class="ind"> </span><span class="hbs">Matthias</span><span class="ind">.</span><span class="hbfs"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></span><span class="hbs">Then</span><span class="ind"> they </span><span class="hbs">prayed</span><span class="ind">,</span><span class="hbfs"> </span><span class="ind"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>‘</span><span class="hbs">You</span><span class="ind">, </span><span class="hbs">Lord</span><span class="ind">, know the </span><span class="hbs">hearts</span><span class="ind"> of </span><span class="hbs">all</span><span class="ind">; </span><span class="hbs">show</span><span class="ind"> </span><span class="hbs">which</span><span class="ind"> </span><span class="hbs">of</span><span class="ind"> </span><span class="hbs">these</span><span class="ind"> </span><span class="hbs">two</span><span class="ind"> You have </span><span class="hbs">chosen</span><span class="ind"> to </span><span class="hbs">take</span><span class="ind"> </span><span class="hbs">the</span><span class="ind"> </span><span class="hbs">place</span><span class="ind"> in </span><span class="hbs">this</span><span class="ind"> </span><span class="hbs">apostolic</span><span class="ind"> </span><span class="hbs">service</span><span class="hbfs">d</span><span class="ind"> </span><span class="hbs">that</span><span class="ind"> </span><span class="hbs">Judas</span><span class="ind"> </span><span class="hbs">left</span><span class="ind"> to </span><span class="hbs">go</span><span class="ind"> </span><span class="hbs">to</span><span class="ind"> his </span><span class="hbs">own</span><span class="ind"> </span><span class="hbs">place</span><span class="ind">.’ </span><span class="hbs"> Then</span><span class="ind"> they </span><span class="hbs">cast</span><span class="ind"> </span><span class="hbs">lots</span><span class="ind"> for </span><span class="hbs">them</span><span class="ind">, </span><span class="hbs">and</span><span class="ind"> </span><span class="hbs">the</span><span class="ind"> </span><span class="hbs">lot</span><span class="ind"> </span><span class="hbs">fell</span><span class="ind"> </span><span class="hbs">to</span><span class="ind"> </span><span class="hbs">Matthias</span><span class="ind">. </span><span class="hbs">So</span><span class="ind"> he was </span><span class="hbs">numbered</span><span class="ind"> </span><span class="hbs">with</span><span class="ind"> </span><span class="hbs">the</span><span class="ind"> </span><span class="hbs">11</span><span class="ind"> </span><span class="hbs">apostles</span><span class="ind">.”<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></span>Acts 1:12-26</span></div>
</blockquote>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">Did you see yourself?<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I saw Alicia.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>Often times while I am waiting I pray and praise God.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>But my impatience gets the best of me and I
have to find something to do.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I try to
make it spiritual and say it is for God, but deep down, I am stepping out of my
faith in trusting in God for the answer and begin to work in my own
strength.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The disciples seem to be doing
the same.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Peter, while his motive was
probably pure, stepped out of the waiting process and took matters into his own
hands.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>They replaced Judas through the
Old Testament strength—casting lots instead of waiting for the Holy Spirit to
be received in their lives and working in God’s strength.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Even though we as Christians have the power
of the Holy Spirit within us, we often times choose to not use it and revert
back to our own strength.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Herein lays
many problems.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>May we take heart today
in waiting on the Lord through prayer and praise instead of in our own works.</span></div>
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<div class="MsoNormal">
<b><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">Action</span></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span class="hbs"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">“<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">Go</b></span></span><span class="hbjw"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"> </span></span><span class="hbs"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">into</span></span><span class="hbjw"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">
</span></span><span class="hbs"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">all</span></span><span class="hbjw"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">
</span></span><span class="hbs"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">the</span></span><span class="hbjw"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">
</span></span><span class="hbs"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">world</span></span><span class="hbjw"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">
and </span></span><span class="hbs"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">preach</span></span><span class="hbjw"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">
</span></span><span class="hbs"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">the</span></span><span class="hbjw"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">
</span></span><span class="hbs"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">gospel</span></span><span class="hbjw"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">
to </span></span><span class="hbs"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">the</span></span><span class="hbjw"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">
</span></span><span class="hbs"><u><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">whole</span></u></span><span class="hbjw"><u><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">
</span></u></span><span class="hbs"><u><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">creation</span></u></span><span class="hbs"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">”
(Mark 16:15).<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“</span></span><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">Go</span></b><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">,
therefore, and <b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">make</b> disciples of <u>all
nations</u>, <b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">baptizing</b> them in the
name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, <b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">teaching</b><u> </u>them to observe
everything I have commanded you. And remember, <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">I am with you always</i><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">,</b> to
the end of the age’” (Matthew 28:19-20).<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>“‘<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">You will be My witnesses</b><u>
in Jerusalem, in all Judea and Samaria, and to the ends of the earth</u>.’’<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>(Acts 1:8)</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">There is no doubt what Jesus wants His disciples and
followers to do upon receiving the Holy Spirit—share it!!<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Not just while we are in Sunday school class
or at a bible study.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>While we do need to
share with other Christians the work God is doing in our lives, it is not to
stay within the walls of the church. No!<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>It is to be spread to all of creation, to all nations, to the ends of
the earth.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Sound intimidating?<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It does to me.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Maybe that is why Jesus also tells His
followers simultaneously they are not alone.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>He is with us always, even to the end of the age!<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Thank you Jesus!!</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">My
Heart’s Prayer:</span></b><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“<span class="poetry1">I </span><span class="hbs">exalt</span><span class="poetry1"> You, </span><span class="hbs">my God</span><span class="poetry1"> </span><span class="hbs">the King</span><span class="poetry1">,</span> <span class="poetry1">and </span><span class="hbs">praise</span><span class="poetry1"> </span><span class="hbs">Your name</span><span class="poetry1">
</span><span class="hbs">forever and ever</span><span class="poetry1">.</span><span class="hbfs"> </span><span class="poetry1"> I will </span><span class="hbs">praise</span><span class="poetry1"> You </span><span class="hbs">every day</span><span class="poetry1">;</span> <span class="poetry1">I will </span><span class="hbs">honor</span><span class="poetry1"> </span><span class="hbs">Your name</span><span class="poetry1">
</span><span class="hbs">forever and ever</span><span class="poetry1">.</span><span class="hbfs"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></span><span class="hbs">Yahweh</span><span class="poetry1"> is </span><span class="hbs">great</span><span class="poetry1"> a</span><span class="hbs">nd is highly praised</span><span class="poetry1">;</span><span class="hbfs"> </span><span class="poetry1">His </span><span class="hbs">greatness</span><span class="poetry1"> is </span><span class="hbs">unsearchable</span><span class="poetry1">.</span><span class="hbfs"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></span><span class="poetry1">One </span><span class="hbs">generation</span><span class="poetry1"> </span><span class="hbs">will declare</span><span class="poetry1"> </span><span class="hbs">Your works</span><span class="poetry1"> to the next</span> <span class="poetry1">and will </span><span class="hbs">proclaim</span><span class="poetry1"> </span><span class="hbs">Your mighty acts</span><span class="poetry1">.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I will speak </span><span class="hbs">of</span><span class="poetry1"> </span><span class="hbs">Your splendor</span><span class="poetry1"> and </span><span class="hbs">glorious majesty</span> <span class="poetry1">and </span><span class="hbs">Your wonderful works</span><span class="poetry1">.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>They will </span><span class="hbs">proclaim</span><span class="poetry1"> </span><span class="hbs">the power</span><span class="poetry1"> </span><span class="hbs">of Your awe-inspiring</span><span class="poetry1"> acts,</span> <span class="poetry1">and I will </span><span class="hbs">declare</span><span class="poetry1"> </span><span class="hbs">Your greatness</span><span class="poetry1">.</span><span class="hbfs"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></span><span class="poetry1">They will </span><span class="hbs">give</span><span class="poetry1"> </span><span class="hbs">a testimony</span><span class="poetry1"> o</span><span class="hbs">f Your great goodness</span>
<span class="poetry1">and will joyfully sing </span><span class="hbs">of Your righteousness</span><span class="poetry1">.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The </span><span class="hbs">Lord</span><span class="poetry1"> is </span><span class="hbs">gracious</span><span class="poetry1"> </span><span class="hbs">and compassionate</span><span class="poetry1">,</span> <span class="hbs">slow</span><span class="poetry1"> to </span><span class="hbs">anger</span><span class="poetry1"> </span><span class="hbs">and great</span><span class="poetry1"> </span><span class="hbs">in faithful love</span><span class="poetry1">.</span><span class="hbfs"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></span><span class="poetry1">The </span><span class="hbs">Lord</span><span class="poetry1"> </span><span class="hbs">is good</span><span class="poetry1"> </span><span class="hbs">to everyone</span><span class="poetry1">;</span> <span class="poetry1">His </span><span class="hbs">compassion</span><span class="poetry1"> rests </span><span class="hbs">on all He has made</span><span class="poetry1">.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></span><span class="hbs">All</span><span class="poetry1"> You have </span><span class="hbs">made</span><span class="poetry1"> </span><span class="hbs">will thank</span><span class="poetry1"> You, </span><span class="hbs">Lord</span><span class="poetry1">;</span> <span class="poetry1">the </span><span class="hbs">godly</span><span class="poetry1"> </span><span class="hbs">will praise</span><span class="poetry1"> You.</span><span class="hbfs"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></span><span class="poetry1">They will </span><span class="hbs">speak</span><span class="poetry1"> </span><span class="hbs">of the glory</span><span class="poetry1"> </span><span class="hbs">of Your kingdom</span> <span class="poetry1">and will </span><span class="hbs">declare</span><span class="poetry1"> </span><span class="hbs">Your might</span><span class="poetry1">,</span> <span class="hbs">informing</span><span class="poetry1"> all
</span><span class="hbs">people</span><span class="poetry1"> </span><span class="hbs">of Your mighty acts</span> <span class="poetry1">and of
the </span><span class="hbs">glorious</span><span class="poetry1"> </span><span class="hbs">splendor</span><span class="poetry1"> of Your</span><span class="hbfs">s</span><span class="hbs"> kingdom</span><span class="poetry1">.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Your </span><span class="hbs">kingdom</span><span class="poetry1"> is </span><span class="hbs">an everlasting kingdom</span><span class="poetry1">;</span> <span class="poetry1">Your </span><span class="hbs">rule</span><span class="poetry1"> is </span><span class="hbs">for all</span><span class="poetry1"> </span><span class="hbs">generations</span><span class="poetry1">.</span>
<span class="poetry1">The </span><span class="smcaps">Lord</span><span class="poetry1"> is faithful in all His words and gracious in all
His actions.</span><span class="hbfs"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span></span><span class="poetry1">The </span><span class="hbs">Lord</span><span class="poetry1"> </span><span class="hbs">helps</span><span class="poetry1"> </span><span class="hbs">all who fall</span><span class="poetry1">;</span> <span class="poetry1">He raises </span><span class="hbs">up</span><span class="poetry1"> </span><span class="hbs">all</span><span class="poetry1"> </span><span class="hbs">who are oppressed</span><span class="poetry1">.</span><span class="hbfs"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></span><span class="hbs">All</span><span class="poetry1"> </span><span class="hbs">eyes</span><span class="poetry1"> </span><span class="hbs">look</span><span class="poetry1"> </span><span class="hbs">to</span><span class="poetry1"> You,</span> <span class="poetry1">and
</span><span class="hbs">You</span><span class="poetry1"> </span><span class="hbs">give</span><span class="poetry1"> them </span><span class="hbs">their food</span><span class="poetry1"> at the </span><span class="hbs">proper time</span><span class="poetry1">.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>You </span><span class="hbs">open</span><span class="poetry1"> </span><span class="hbs">Your hand</span>
<span class="poetry1">and </span><span class="hbs">satisfy</span><span class="poetry1"> </span><span class="hbs">the desire</span><span class="poetry1"> </span><span class="hbs">of every living</span><span class="poetry1"> thing.</span><span class="hbfs"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></span><span class="poetry1">The </span><span class="hbs">Lord</span><span class="poetry1"> is </span><span class="hbs">righteous</span><span class="poetry1"> </span><span class="hbs">in all His ways</span> <span class="poetry1">and </span><span class="hbs">gracious</span><span class="poetry1"> in
</span><span class="hbs">all</span><span class="poetry1"> </span><span class="hbs">His acts</span><span class="poetry1">.</span><span class="hbfs"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></span><span class="poetry1">The </span><span class="hbs">Lord</span><span class="poetry1"> is </span><span class="hbs">near</span><span class="poetry1"> </span><span class="hbs">all</span><span class="poetry1"> </span><span class="hbs">who call out</span><span class="poetry1"> to Him,</span> <span class="hbs">all</span><span class="poetry1"> </span><span class="hbs">who</span><span class="poetry1"> call </span><span class="hbs">out</span><span class="poetry1"> to Him </span><span class="hbs">with integrity</span><span class="poetry1">.</span><span class="hbfs"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></span><span class="poetry1">He </span><span class="hbs">fulfills</span><span class="poetry1"> </span><span class="hbs">the desires</span><span class="poetry1"> of those who </span><span class="bn">•</span><span class="hbs">fear</span><span class="poetry1"> Him;</span>
<span class="poetry1">He </span><span class="hbs">hears</span><span class="poetry1">
their cry </span><span class="hbs">for help</span><span class="poetry1"> </span><span class="hbs">and saves</span><span class="poetry1"> them.</span><span class="hbfs"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></span><span class="poetry1">The
</span><span class="hbs">Lord</span><span class="poetry1"> </span><span class="hbs">guards</span><span class="poetry1"> </span><span class="hbs">all</span><span class="poetry1"> those </span><span class="hbs">who love</span><span class="poetry1"> Him,</span> <span class="poetry1">but He </span><span class="hbs">destroys</span><span class="poetry1">
</span><span class="hbs">all the wicked</span><span class="poetry1">.</span><span class="hbfs"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></span><span class="poetry1">My
</span><span class="hbs">mouth</span><span class="poetry1"> will </span><span class="hbs">declare</span><span class="poetry1"> </span><span class="hbs">Yahweh’s praise</span><span class="poetry1">;</span> <span class="poetry1">let </span><span class="hbs">every</span><span class="poetry1"> </span><span class="hbs">living thing</span> <span class="hbs">praise</span><span class="poetry1"> </span><span class="hbs">His holy name</span><span class="poetry1"> </span><span class="hbs">forever</span><span class="poetry1"> </span><span class="hbs">and ever</span><span class="poetry1">.”</span><span class="hbfs">
(Psalm 145)</span></span></div>Alicia Zbylothttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03040247491389052403noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-808634803024831810.post-15558350463368848672012-05-21T08:40:00.000-05:002012-05-21T08:41:12.630-05:00Part 4—Plunging in Feet First<br />
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<b><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">Resurrection—N</span><span class="hbfs"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">ow
What? </span></span></b></div>
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<span class="hbfs"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">Just one week left before
Pentecost. It is important to note that
while we are studying this week a few more events which happened after Jesus’
resurrection, the disciples, women, and some followers of Jesus spent the last
ten days leading up to Pentecost gathered together in a room in Jerusalem (Acts
1:3, 12-14). There they were continually
united in prayer (Acts 1:14). Let us
keep this in mind as we study this week.
Let us meet each other at the throne of God through prayer as we read
and examine the scriptures. </span></span></div>
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<span class="hbfs"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"></span></span></div>
<a name='more'></a><br />
<blockquote class="tr_bq">
<span class="hbfs"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">“</span></span><span class="hbs"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">After</span></span><span class="noindent"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">
</span></span><span class="hbs"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">this</span></span><span class="noindent"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">,
</span></span><span class="hbs"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">Jesus</span></span><span class="noindent"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">
</span></span><span class="hbs"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">revealed</span></span><span class="noindent"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">
</span></span><span class="hbs"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">Himself</span></span><span class="noindent"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">
</span></span><span class="hbs"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">again</span></span><span class="noindent"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">
to </span></span><span class="hbs"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">His</span></span><span class="noindent"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">
</span></span><span class="hbs"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">disciples</span></span><span class="noindent"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">
</span></span><span class="hbs"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">by</span></span><span class="noindent"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">
</span></span><span class="hbs"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">the</span></span><span class="noindent"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">
</span></span><span class="hbs"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">Sea</span></span><span class="noindent"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">
of </span></span><span class="hbs"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">Tiberias</span></span><span class="noindent"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">.
He </span></span><span class="hbs"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">revealed</span></span><span class="noindent"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">
Himself in this </span></span><span class="hbs"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">way</span></span><span class="noindent"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">:</span></span><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">
<span class="hbvn"> </span><span class="hbs">Simon</span><span class="ind"> </span><span class="hbs">Peter</span><span class="ind">, </span><span class="hbs">Thomas</span><span class="ind"> (</span><span class="hbs">called</span><span class="ind"> </span><span class="hbs">“Twin</span><span class="ind">”), </span><span class="hbs">Nathan from</span><span class="ind"> </span><span class="hbs">Cana</span><span class="ind"> of </span><span class="hbs">Galilee</span><span class="ind">, </span><span class="hbs">Zebedee’s sons</span><span class="ind">, </span><span class="hbs">and</span><span class="ind"> </span><span class="hbs">two</span><span class="ind"> </span><span class="hbs">others</span><span class="ind"> </span><span class="hbs">of</span><span class="ind"> </span><span class="hbs">His</span><span class="ind"> </span><span class="hbs">disciples</span><span class="ind"> </span><span class="hbs">were</span><span class="ind"> </span><span class="hbs">together</span><span class="ind">.</span> <span class="hbvn"> </span><span class="ind"> “I’m
</span><span class="hbs">going</span><span class="ind"> </span><span class="hbs">fishing</span><span class="ind">,” </span><span class="hbs">Simon</span><span class="ind"> </span><span class="hbs">Peter</span><span class="ind"> </span><span class="hbs">said</span><span class="ind"> to </span><span class="hbs">them</span><span class="ind">.</span> <span class="hbs">“We’re</span><span class="ind"> </span><span class="hbs">coming</span><span class="ind"> </span><span class="hbs">with</span><span class="ind"> </span><span class="hbs">you</span><span class="ind">,” they </span><span class="hbs">told</span><span class="ind"> </span><span class="hbs">him</span><span class="ind">. They went </span><span class="hbs">out</span><span class="ind"> </span><span class="hbs">and</span><span class="ind"> </span><span class="hbs">got</span><span class="ind"> </span><span class="hbs">into</span><span class="ind"> </span><span class="hbs">the</span><span class="ind"> </span><span class="hbs">boat</span><span class="ind">, </span><span class="hbs">but</span><span class="ind"> </span><span class="hbs">that</span><span class="ind"> </span><span class="hbs">night</span><span class="ind"> they </span><span class="hbs">caught</span><span class="ind"> </span><span class="hbs">nothing</span><span class="ind">.</span> <span class="hbvn"> </span><span class="ind">When </span><span class="hbs">daybreak</span><span class="ind"> </span><span class="hbs">came</span><span class="ind">, </span><span class="hbs">Jesus</span><span class="ind"> </span><span class="hbs">stood</span><span class="ind"> </span><span class="hbs">on</span><span class="ind"> </span><span class="hbs">the</span><span class="ind"> </span><span class="hbs">shore</span><span class="ind">. </span><span class="hbs">However</span><span class="ind">, </span><span class="hbs">the</span><span class="ind"> </span><span class="hbs">disciples</span><span class="ind"> did </span><span class="hbs">not</span><span class="ind"> </span><span class="hbs">know</span><span class="ind"> it </span><span class="hbs">was</span><span class="ind"> </span><span class="hbs">Jesus</span><span class="ind">.</span> <span class="hbvn"> </span><span class="hbs"> “Men</span><span class="hbjw">,”</span><span class="ind"> </span><span class="hbs">Jesus</span><span class="ind"> </span><span class="hbs">called</span><span class="ind"> to </span><span class="hbs">them</span><span class="ind">, </span><span class="hbjw">“you </span><span class="hbs">don’t</span><span class="hbjw"> </span><span class="hbs">have</span><span class="hbjw"> </span><span class="hbs">any</span><span class="hbjw"> </span><span class="hbs">fish</span><span class="hbjw">, do you?”</span> <span class="hbs">“No</span><span class="ind">,” they </span><span class="hbs">answered</span><span class="ind">.</span>
<span class="hbvn"> </span><span class="hbs"> “Cast</span><span class="hbjw"> </span><span class="hbs">the</span><span class="hbjw"> </span><span class="hbs">net</span><span class="hbjw"> </span><span class="hbs">on</span><span class="hbjw"> </span><span class="hbs">the</span><span class="hbjw"> </span><span class="hbs">right</span><span class="hbjw"> </span><span class="hbs">side</span><span class="hbjw"> of </span><span class="hbs">the</span><span class="hbjw"> </span><span class="hbs">boat</span><span class="hbjw">,”</span><span class="ind"> </span><span class="hbs">He</span><span class="ind"> </span><span class="hbs">told</span><span class="ind"> </span><span class="hbs">them</span><span class="ind">, </span><span class="hbs">“and</span><span class="hbjw"> you’ll </span><span class="hbs">find</span><span class="hbjw"> some.”</span><span class="ind"> So they did, </span><span class="hbs">and</span><span class="ind"> they were </span><span class="hbs">unable</span><span class="ind"> to
haul </span><span class="hbs">it</span><span class="ind"> </span><span class="hbs">in</span><span class="ind"> because </span><span class="hbs">of</span><span class="ind"> </span><span class="hbs">the</span><span class="ind"> large </span><span class="hbs">number</span><span class="ind"> of </span><span class="hbs">fish</span><span class="ind">. </span><span class="hbvn"> </span><span class="hbs"> Therefore</span><span class="ind"> </span><span class="hbs">the</span><span class="ind"> </span><span class="hbs">disciple</span><span class="ind">, the </span><span class="hbs">one</span><span class="ind"> </span><span class="hbs">Jesus</span><span class="ind"> </span><span class="hbs">loved</span><span class="ind">, </span><span class="hbs">said</span><span class="ind"> to </span><span class="hbs">Peter</span><span class="ind">, “It </span><span class="hbs">is</span><span class="ind"> </span><span class="hbs">the</span><span class="ind"> </span><span class="hbs">Lord</span><span class="ind">!”</span> <span class="ind"><u>When </u></span><span class="hbs"><u>Simon</u></span><span class="ind"><u> </u></span><span class="hbs"><u>Peter</u></span><span class="ind"><u>
</u></span><span class="hbs"><u>heard</u></span><span class="ind"><u> </u></span><span class="hbs"><u>that</u></span><span class="ind"><u> it </u></span><span class="hbs"><u>was</u></span><span class="ind"><u> </u></span><span class="hbs"><u>the</u></span><span class="ind"><u> </u></span><span class="hbs"><u>Lord</u></span><span class="ind">, <u>he</u> tied </span><span class="hbs">his</span><span class="ind"> outer </span><span class="hbs">garment</span><span class="ind"> </span><span class="hbs">around</span><span class="ind"> him</span><span class="hbfs"> </span><span class="ind">(</span><span class="hbs">for</span><span class="ind"> he </span><span class="hbs">was</span><span class="ind"> </span><span class="hbs">stripped</span><span class="ind">) </span><span class="hbs">and</span><span class="ind"> </span><span class="hbs"><u>plunged</u></span><span class="ind"><u> </u></span><span class="hbs"><u>into</u></span><span class="ind"><u> </u></span><span class="hbs"><u>the</u></span><span class="ind"><u> </u></span><span class="hbs"><u>sea</u></span><span class="ind">. </span><span class="hbvn"> </span><span class="hbs"> But</span><span class="ind"> </span><span class="hbs">since</span><span class="ind"> they </span><span class="hbs">were</span><span class="ind"> </span><span class="hbs">not</span><span class="ind"> </span><span class="hbs">far</span><span class="ind"> </span><span class="hbs">from</span><span class="ind"> </span><span class="hbs">land</span><span class="ind"> (</span><span class="hbs">about</span><span class="ind"> 100 </span><span class="hbs">yards</span><span class="hbfs"> </span><span class="hbs">away</span><span class="ind">), </span><span class="hbs">the</span><span class="ind"> </span><span class="hbs">other</span><span class="ind"> </span><span class="hbs">disciples</span><span class="ind"> came </span><span class="hbs">in</span><span class="ind"> </span><span class="hbs">the</span><span class="ind"> </span><span class="hbs">boat</span><span class="ind">, </span><span class="hbs">dragging</span><span class="ind"> </span><span class="hbs">the</span><span class="ind"> </span><span class="hbs">net</span><span class="ind"> full of </span><span class="hbs">fish</span><span class="ind">. </span><span class="hbs"> When</span><span class="ind"> they got </span><span class="hbs">out</span><span class="ind"> </span><span class="hbs">on</span><span class="ind"> </span><span class="hbs">land</span><span class="ind">, they </span><span class="hbs">saw</span><span class="ind"> a charcoal </span><span class="hbs">fire</span><span class="ind"> there,
with </span><span class="hbs">fish</span><span class="ind"> </span><span class="hbs">lying</span><span class="ind"> on it, </span><span class="hbs">and</span><span class="ind"> </span><span class="hbs">bread</span><span class="ind">.</span> <span class="hbvn"> </span><span class="hbs"> “Bring</span><span class="hbjw"> some </span><span class="hbs">of</span><span class="hbjw"> </span><span class="hbs">the</span><span class="hbjw"> </span><span class="hbs">fish</span><span class="hbjw"> you’ve just </span><span class="hbs">caught</span><span class="hbjw">,”</span><span class="ind"> </span><span class="hbs">Jesus</span><span class="ind"> </span><span class="hbs">told</span><span class="ind"> </span><span class="hbs">them</span><span class="ind">. </span><span class="hbvn"> </span><span class="hbs">So</span><span class="ind"> </span><span class="hbs">Simon</span><span class="ind"> </span><span class="hbs">Peter</span><span class="ind"> got </span><span class="hbs">up</span><span class="ind"> </span><span class="hbs">and</span><span class="ind"> </span><span class="hbs">hauled</span><span class="ind"> </span><span class="hbs">the</span><span class="ind"> </span><span class="hbs"><u>net</u></span><span class="ind"> </span><span class="hbs">ashore</span><span class="ind">, </span><span class="hbs"><u>full</u></span><span class="ind"><u> of </u></span><span class="hbs"><u>large</u></span><span class="ind"><u> </u></span><span class="hbs"><u>fish—153</u></span><span class="ind"><u>
of them. Even </u></span><span class="hbs"><u>though</u></span><span class="ind"><u>
there </u></span><span class="hbs"><u>were</u></span><span class="ind"><u> so </u></span><span class="hbs"><u>many</u></span><span class="ind"><u>, </u></span><span class="hbs"><u>the</u></span><span class="ind"><u> </u></span><span class="hbs"><u>net</u></span><span class="ind"><u>
was </u></span><span class="hbs"><u>not</u></span><span class="ind"><u> </u></span><span class="hbs"><u>torn</u></span><span class="ind">.</span><span class="hbfs"> </span><span class="hbs"> “Come</span><span class="hbjw"> and have </span><span class="hbs">breakfast</span><span class="hbjw">,”</span><span class="ind"> </span><span class="hbs">Jesus</span><span class="ind"> </span><span class="hbs">told</span><span class="ind"> </span><span class="hbs">them</span><span class="ind">. </span><span class="hbs">None</span><span class="ind"> of </span><span class="hbs">the</span><span class="ind"> </span><span class="hbs">disciples</span><span class="ind"> </span><span class="hbs">dared</span><span class="ind"> </span><span class="hbs">ask</span><span class="ind"> </span><span class="hbs">Him</span><span class="ind">, </span><span class="hbs">“Who</span><span class="ind"> </span><span class="hbs">are</span><span class="ind"> </span><span class="hbs">You</span><span class="ind">?” </span><span class="hbs">because</span><span class="ind"> they </span><span class="hbs">knew</span><span class="ind"> it </span><span class="hbs">was</span><span class="ind"> </span><span class="hbs">the</span><span class="ind"> </span><span class="hbs">Lord</span><span class="ind">. </span><span class="hbvn"> </span><span class="hbs">Jesus</span><span class="ind"> </span><span class="hbs">came</span><span class="ind">, </span><span class="hbs">took</span><span class="ind"> </span><span class="hbs">the</span><span class="ind"> </span><span class="hbs">bread</span><span class="ind">, </span><span class="hbs">and</span><span class="ind"> </span><span class="hbs">gave</span><span class="ind"> it to </span><span class="hbs">them</span><span class="ind">. He did the
</span><span class="hbs">same</span><span class="ind"> with </span><span class="hbs">the</span><span class="ind"> </span><span class="hbs">fish</span><span class="ind">.</span><span class="hbs"> This</span><span class="ind"> was </span><span class="hbs">now</span><span class="ind"> the third </span><span class="hbs">time</span><span class="ind"> </span><span class="hbs">Jesus</span><span class="ind"> </span><span class="hbs">appeared</span><span class="ind"> to </span><span class="hbs">the</span><span class="ind"> </span><span class="hbs">disciples</span><span class="ind"> after He was </span><span class="hbs">raised</span><span class="ind"> </span><span class="hbs">from</span><span class="ind"> the </span><span class="hbs">dead</span><span class="ind">.” </span><span class="hbfs">John 21:1-14</span></span></blockquote>
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<span class="ind"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">This is now the third time Jesus
appears to the disciples. The first time
was, right after they found out the tomb was empty, behind locked doors and
Thomas was not with them (John 20:19).
The second visit from Jesus to the disciples was in the presence of
Thomas (John 20:26). Now, Jesus is on
the shoreline telling them how to fish and cooking breakfast for them. You can find multitudes of sermons and
devotions on this as well as the following passage of scripture. But I would like to share with you two things
the Holy Spirit impressed upon my heart as I studied this time. </span></span></div>
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<br /></div>
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<span class="ind"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">First, the bible records the
disciples caught 153 fish and even though there were so many, the net was not
torn (John 21:11). Why would God record
this in the Bible? What relevance does
it have to the reader? Could it be to
serve as a reminder to us that God knows every minute detail about His creation
and His children? Remember, God knows
the number of hairs on our head (Luke 12:7).
He knows how many stars are in the sky and gives them all names (Psalm
147:4). Why would He not know exactly
how many fish were in the net? In
addition, the net was not torn. What significance
does that hold? Could it be to remind us
that nothing can separate us from God (Romans 8:35-39)? No matter how many God calls into His
kingdom, not one will be lost. The
entire chapter of Luke 15 deals with lost sheep, coins, and sons and yet they
were all found because the owner was unwilling to give up the search. Perhaps God records the number of fish and
the untorn net to remind us He cares about the details of our lives and will
always be present with us.</span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span class="ind"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">The second thing that struck me was
the personality of Peter. Peter has an
extremely impulsive personality.
Throughout scripture we see him jumping out of boats (Matthew 14:29),
cutting off a soldier’s ear (John 18:10), professing not to deny Christ and
then denying Him three times (Mark 14:29, 66-72), running into a tomb to find
nothing but the burial and linen cloths (John 20:6-7), hiding behind locked
doors (John 20:19), and now back at his old trade of fishing (John 21:2-3). So it is not surprising that the first thing
Peter does when he hears Jesus is on the shoreline, despite the fact they are
not far from reaching it by boat, Peter plunges into the sea (John 21:7). Despite all of Peter’s impulsive tendencies,
Jesus did not criticize Him or look down upon his weaknesses. Instead Jesus met Peter, just like He meets
us where we are, and dealt with Peter according to the way God created him. Join Jesus and Peter on the shoreline as He tenderly
speaks to Peter and restores him to Himself.</span></span><span class="hbfs"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"></span></span></div>
<blockquote class="tr_bq">
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span class="hbfs"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">“</span></span><span class="hbs"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">When</span></span><span class="ind"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">
they had eaten </span></span><span class="hbs"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">breakfast</span></span><span class="ind"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">,
</span></span><span class="hbs"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">Jesus</span></span><span class="ind"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">
</span></span><span class="hbs"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">asked</span></span><span class="ind"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">
</span></span><span class="hbs"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">Simon</span></span><span class="ind"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">
</span></span><span class="hbs"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">Peter</span></span><span class="ind"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">,
</span></span><span class="hbs"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">“Simon</span></span><span class="hbjw"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">,
son of </span></span><span class="hbs"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">John</span></span><span class="hbjw"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">,</span></span><span class="ind"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">
</span></span><span class="hbjw"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">do you </span></span><span class="hbs"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">love</span></span><span class="ind"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">
</span></span><span class="hbs"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">Me</span></span><span class="hbjw"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">
</span></span><span class="hbs"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">more</span></span><span class="hbjw"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">
than </span></span><span class="hbs"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">these</span></span><span class="hbjw"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">?”</span></span><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">
<span class="hbs">“Yes</span><span class="ind">, </span><span class="hbs">Lord</span><span class="ind">,” he </span><span class="hbs">said</span><span class="ind"> to </span><span class="hbs">Him</span><span class="ind">, </span><span class="hbs">“You</span><span class="ind"> </span><span class="hbs">know</span><span class="ind"> </span><span class="hbs">that</span><span class="ind"> I </span><span class="hbs">love</span><span class="ind"> </span><span class="hbs">You</span><span class="ind">.”</span> <span class="hbs">“Feed</span><span class="hbjw"> </span><span class="hbs">My</span><span class="hbjw"> </span><span class="hbs">lambs</span><span class="hbjw">,”</span><span class="ind"> He </span><span class="hbs">told</span><span class="ind"> </span><span class="hbs">him</span><span class="ind">.</span> <span class="hbvn"> </span><span class="ind"> A </span><span class="hbs">second</span><span class="ind"> time He </span><span class="hbs">asked</span><span class="ind"> </span><span class="hbs">him</span><span class="ind">, </span><span class="hbs">“Simon</span><span class="hbjw">, son of </span><span class="hbs">John</span><span class="hbjw">, do you </span><span class="hbs">love</span><span class="hbfs"> </span><span class="hbs">Me</span><span class="hbjw">?”</span> <span class="hbs">“Yes</span><span class="ind">, </span><span class="hbs">Lord</span><span class="ind">,” he </span><span class="hbs">said</span><span class="ind"> to </span><span class="hbs">Him</span><span class="ind">, </span><span class="hbs">“You</span><span class="ind"> </span><span class="hbs">know</span><span class="ind"> </span><span class="hbs">that</span><span class="ind"> I </span><span class="hbs">love</span><span class="ind"> </span><span class="hbs">You</span><span class="ind">.”</span> <span class="hbs">“Shepherd</span><span class="hbjw"> </span><span class="hbs">My</span><span class="hbjw"> </span><span class="hbs">sheep</span><span class="hbjw">,”</span><span class="ind"> He </span><span class="hbs">told</span><span class="ind"> </span><span class="hbs">him</span><span class="ind">.</span> <span class="hbvn"> </span><span class="ind"> He </span><span class="hbs">asked</span><span class="ind"> </span><span class="hbs">him</span><span class="ind"> </span><span class="hbs">the</span><span class="ind"> </span><span class="hbs">third</span><span class="ind"> time, </span><span class="hbs">“Simon</span><span class="hbjw">, son of </span><span class="hbs">John</span><span class="hbjw">, do you </span><span class="hbs">love</span><span class="hbjw"> </span><span class="hbs">Me</span><span class="hbjw">?”</span> <span class="hbs">Peter</span><span class="ind"> was </span><span class="hbs">grieved</span><span class="ind"> </span><span class="hbs">that</span><span class="ind"> He </span><span class="hbs">asked</span><span class="ind"> </span><span class="hbs">him</span><span class="ind"> </span><span class="hbs">the</span><span class="ind"> third </span><span class="hbs">time</span><span class="ind">, </span><span class="hbjw">“Do you </span><span class="hbs">love</span><span class="hbjw"> </span><span class="hbs">Me</span><span class="hbjw">?”</span><span class="ind"> He </span><span class="hbs">said</span><span class="ind">, </span><span class="hbs">“Lord</span><span class="ind">, </span><span class="hbs">You</span><span class="ind"> </span><span class="hbs">know</span><span class="ind"> </span><span class="hbs">everything</span><span class="ind">! </span><span class="hbs">You</span><span class="ind"> </span><span class="hbs">know</span><span class="ind"> </span><span class="hbs">that</span><span class="ind"> I </span><span class="hbs">love</span><span class="ind"> </span><span class="hbs">You</span><span class="ind">.”</span> <span class="hbs">“Feed</span><span class="hbjw"> </span><span class="hbs">My</span><span class="hbjw"> </span><span class="hbs">sheep</span><span class="hbjw">,”</span><span class="ind"> </span><span class="hbs">Jesus</span><span class="ind"> </span><span class="hbs">said</span><span class="ind">. </span><span class="hbvn"> </span><span class="hbjw">“</span><span class="hbg">I</span><span class="hbjw"> </span><span class="hbs">assure</span><span class="hbjw"> </span><span class="hbs">you</span><span class="hbjw">: </span><span class="hbs">When</span><span class="hbjw"> you </span><span class="hbs">were</span><span class="hbjw"> </span><span class="hbs">young</span><span class="hbjw">, you would tie
</span><span class="hbs">your</span><span class="hbjw"> </span><span class="hbs">belt</span><span class="hbjw"> </span><span class="hbs">and</span><span class="hbjw"> </span><span class="hbs">walk</span><span class="hbjw"> </span><span class="hbs">wherever</span><span class="hbjw"> you </span><span class="hbs">wanted</span><span class="hbjw">. </span><span class="hbs">But</span><span class="hbjw"> </span><span class="hbs">when</span><span class="hbjw"> you grow </span><span class="hbs">old</span><span class="hbjw">, you
will stretch </span><span class="hbs">out</span><span class="hbjw"> </span><span class="hbs">your</span><span class="hbjw"> </span><span class="hbs">hands</span><span class="hbjw"> </span><span class="hbs">and</span><span class="hbjw"> someone </span><span class="hbs">else</span><span class="hbjw"> will </span><span class="hbs">tie</span><span class="hbjw"> </span><span class="hbs">you</span><span class="hbjw"> </span><span class="hbs">and</span><span class="hbjw"> </span><span class="hbs">carry</span><span class="hbjw"> you </span><span class="hbs">where</span><span class="hbjw"> you </span><span class="hbs">don’t</span><span class="hbjw"> </span><span class="hbs">want</span><span class="hbjw"> to go.”</span><span class="ind"> </span><span class="hbvn"> </span><span class="ind">He </span><span class="hbs">said</span><span class="ind"> </span><span class="hbs">this</span><span class="ind"> to </span><span class="hbs">signify</span><span class="ind"> by what
kind </span><span class="hbs">of</span><span class="ind"> </span><span class="hbs">death</span><span class="hbfs"> </span><span class="ind">he would </span><span class="hbs">glorify</span><span class="ind"> </span><span class="hbs">God</span><span class="ind">.</span><span class="hbfs"> </span><span class="ind"> After
</span><span class="hbs">saying</span><span class="ind"> </span><span class="hbs">this</span><span class="ind">, He </span><span class="hbs">told</span><span class="ind"> </span><span class="hbs">him</span><span class="ind">, </span><span class="hbs">“<u>Follow</u></span><span class="hbjw"><u> </u></span><span class="hbs"><u>Me</u></span><span class="hbjw">!” </span><span class="hbfs">John 21:15-19</span></span></div>
</blockquote>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span class="hbjw"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">Again there are multitudes of
sermons on this passage and many applications to apply to our lives. However, as I read this passage in light of
the Pentecost coming in ten days I notice something different. After Jesus confirms to Peter his denial
three times has been forgiven, He tells Peter to follow Him. The very next verse states: “So Peter turned
around and saw the disciple Jesus loved following them (John 21:20). Jesus and the disciples must have finished
eating, cleaned up, and headed out. But
where would they be headed? Could it be
to the Mount of Olives? We will look at
this later this week. For right now, let’s
see what Peter does with Jesus’ command to follow Him.</span></span><span class="hbfs"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"></span></span></div>
<blockquote class="tr_bq">
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span class="hbfs"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">“</span></span><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">So Peter turned around and saw the
disciple Jesus loved following them. That disciple was the one who had leaned
back against Jesus at the supper and asked, “Lord, who is the one that’s going
to betray You?” When Peter saw him, he said to Jesus, “Lord—what about
him?” “If I want him to remain
until I come,” Jesus answered, “what is that to you? As for you, follow
Me.” So this report spread to the brothers
that this disciple would not die. Yet Jesus did not tell him that he would not
die, but, “If I want him to remain until I come, what is that to you?” This is
the disciple who testifies to these things and who wrote them down. We know
that his testimony is true. And there are also many other things that Jesus
did, which, if they were written one by one, I suppose not even the world
itself could contain the books that would be written.” </span><span class="hbfs"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">John
21:20-25</span></span></div>
</blockquote>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span class="hbfs"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">Was Peter focusing on his
responsibility to follow Christ?
No. He was immediately concerned
about what Jesus wanted the other disciples to do. Oh how we get so caught up in other people’s
business. We get so worried about what
other people are or are not doing within the church. Doesn’t God remind us that everyone has a
part in the body and not one is lesser than the other (1 Corinthians 12:12-26)?
</span></span></div>
<br />
<span class="hbfs"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><b>My Heart’s Prayer</b>: Lord,
thank You for Your patience. Thank You for
caring so deeply about us and for taking care of all the details with Your
creation. Thank You for knowing us
intimately and spurring us on to come into a greater knowledge of intimacy with
You. Lord, forgive us for our tendency
to wander and interfere with other people’s affairs instead of focusing on the
task You have prepared for ourselves. Be
glorified in our lives today as we seek to follow after You. In Jesus Name, Amen.</span></span>Alicia Zbylothttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03040247491389052403noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-808634803024831810.post-26353856395429696312012-05-18T08:00:00.001-05:002012-05-18T08:00:46.155-05:00Part 3--Coming off a Spiritual High<!--[if gte mso 9]><xml>
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<div class="MsoNormal">
<span class="hbfs"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">Resurrection—Now
What?</span></b></span><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">Growing up I was blessed to have the opportunity to
participate in many youth camps, Disciple Now weekends (sort of like youth camp,
but held one weekend during the school year on Friday-Sunday), and various
other events that helped to focus my attention on God and the work He was doing
at the time.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Even as an adult I continue
to seek times of spiritual renewal through various conferences; to take time
away from the hustle and bustle of everyday life and rest in His presence and
power in a different setting.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>One thing
that was and is always profound about these times is that I always come away
with new understanding about God and feel refreshed and renewed.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Inevitably, though, I walk through the door
and reality hits.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I am immediately hit
with a choice.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Do I believe what God has
shown me over the course of the weekend or week I was away and do I act upon
that faith?<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Or do I doubt what I heard
and saw during my time spent with Him and shy away from carrying out the plans
God laid before me?<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>As a youth, we were
always warned that Satan would be ready and waiting for us on Monday
mornings.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>While we may be on the
mountain top there at camp or at the conference, sooner or later we would have
to go down into the valley (our schools, neighborhoods, etc.) and put our faith
into practice.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The disciples had to make
the same decision.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"></span></div>
<a name='more'></a>The disciples had the great opportunity to walk,
talk, eat, and experience Jesus in the flesh for three years.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>That is a long conference to attend!!<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I can’t imagine the “spiritual high” they
must have been on as they entered into the last days of Jesus death and
resurrection.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The reality of the empty
tomb hit hard and they were faced with the same choice we have today.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Will we trust Jesus to give us the faith we
need to believe and then act upon that faith?<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>Let’s see what they did.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><br />
<blockquote class="tr_bq">
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">“<span class="hbs">Later</span><span class="disputed">,
He </span><span class="hbs">appeared</span><span class="disputed"> to </span><span class="hbs">the</span><span class="disputed"> </span><span class="hbs">Eleven</span><span class="disputed"> </span><span class="hbs">themselves</span><span class="disputed">
as they were reclining at the </span><span class="hbs">table</span><span class="disputed">. He </span><span class="hbs">rebuked</span><span class="disputed"> </span><span class="hbs"><u>their</u></span><span class="disputed"><u> </u></span><span class="hbs"><u>unbelief</u></span><span class="disputed"><u> </u></span><span class="hbs"><u>and</u></span><span class="disputed"><u> hardness of </u></span><span class="hbs"><u>heart</u></span><span class="disputed">, </span><span class="hbs">because</span><span class="disputed"> <u>they did </u></span><span class="hbs"><u>not</u></span><span class="disputed"><u> </u></span><span class="hbs"><u>believe</u></span><span class="disputed"> </span><span class="hbs">those</span><span class="disputed"> who </span><span class="hbs">saw</span><span class="disputed"> </span><span class="hbs">Him</span><span class="disputed"> after He had been </span><span class="hbs">resurrected</span><span class="disputed">.” Mark 16:14</span><span class="hbfs"> </span><span class="hbs"> </span></span></div>
</blockquote>
<blockquote class="tr_bq">
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span class="hbfs"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">“</span></span><span class="hbs"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">And</span></span><span class="ind"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">
as </span></span><span class="hbs"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">they</span></span><span class="ind"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">
were </span></span><span class="hbs"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">saying</span></span><span class="ind"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">
</span></span><span class="hbs"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">these</span></span><span class="ind"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">
things (<i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">the two men from the road to
Emmaus</i>), </span></span><span class="hbs"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">He</span></span><span class="ind"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">
Himself </span></span><span class="hbs"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">stood</span></span><span class="ind"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">
</span></span><span class="hbs"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">among</span></span><span class="ind"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">
</span></span><span class="hbs"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">them (<i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">the disciples</i>)</span></span><span class="ind"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">. He </span></span><span class="hbs"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">said</span></span><span class="ind"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">
to </span></span><span class="hbs"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">them</span></span><span class="ind"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">,
</span></span><span class="hbs"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">“Peace</span></span><span class="hbjw"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">
to </span></span><span class="hbs"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">you</span></span><span class="hbjw"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">!”</span></span><span class="ind"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">
</span></span><span class="hbvn"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></span></span><span class="hbs"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"> But</span></span><span class="ind"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">
<u>they were </u></span></span><span class="hbs"><u><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">startled</span></u></span><span class="ind"><u><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">
</span></u></span><span class="hbs"><u><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">and</span></u></span><span class="ind"><u><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">
</span></u></span><span class="hbs"><u><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">terrified</span></u></span><span class="ind"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">
and </span></span><span class="hbs"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">thought</span></span><span class="ind"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">
they </span></span><span class="hbs"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">were</span></span><span class="ind"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">
</span></span><span class="hbs"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">seeing</span></span><span class="ind"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">
a </span></span><span class="hbs"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">ghost</span></span><span class="ind"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">.</span></span><span class="hbfs"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">
</span></span><span class="hbs"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"> “<u>Why</u></span></span><span class="hbjw"><u><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">
</span></u></span><span class="hbs"><u><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">are</span></u></span><span class="hbjw"><u><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">
you </span></u></span><span class="hbs"><u><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">troubled</span></u></span><span class="hbjw"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">?”</span></span><span class="ind"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">
He </span></span><span class="hbs"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">asked</span></span><span class="ind"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">
</span></span><span class="hbs"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">them</span></span><span class="ind"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">.
</span></span><span class="hbs"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">“And</span></span><span class="hbjw"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">
</span></span><span class="hbs"><u><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">why</span></u></span><span class="hbjw"><u><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">
do </span></u></span><span class="hbs"><u><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">doubts</span></u></span><span class="hbjw"><u><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">
</span></u></span><span class="hbs"><u><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">arise</span></u></span><span class="hbjw"><u><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">
</span></u></span><span class="hbs"><u><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">in</span></u></span><span class="hbjw"><u><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">
</span></u></span><span class="hbs"><u><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">your</span></u></span><span class="hbjw"><u><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">
</span></u></span><span class="hbs"><u><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">hearts</span></u></span><span class="hbjw"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">?
</span></span><span class="hbvn"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></span></span><span class="hbs"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">Look</span></span><span class="hbjw"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">
at </span></span><span class="hbs"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">My</span></span><span class="hbjw"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">
</span></span><span class="hbs"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">hands</span></span><span class="hbjw"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">
</span></span><span class="hbs"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">and</span></span><span class="hbjw"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">
</span></span><span class="hbs"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">My</span></span><span class="hbjw"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">
</span></span><span class="hbs"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">feet</span></span><span class="hbjw"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">,
</span></span><span class="hbs"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">that</span></span><span class="hbjw"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">
it </span></span><span class="hbs"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">is</span></span><span class="hbjw"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">
</span></span><span class="hbs"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">I</span></span><span class="hbjw"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">
</span></span><span class="hbs"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">Myself</span></span><span class="hbjw"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">!
</span></span><span class="hbs"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">Touch</span></span><span class="hbjw"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">
</span></span><span class="hbs"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">Me</span></span><span class="hbjw"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">
</span></span><span class="hbs"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">and</span></span><span class="hbjw"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">
</span></span><span class="hbs"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">see</span></span><span class="hbjw"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">,
</span></span><span class="hbs"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">because</span></span><span class="hbjw"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">
a </span></span><span class="hbs"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">ghost</span></span><span class="hbjw"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">
does </span></span><span class="hbs"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">not</span></span><span class="hbjw"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">
</span></span><span class="hbs"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">have</span></span><span class="hbjw"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">
</span></span><span class="hbs"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">flesh</span></span><span class="hbjw"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">
</span></span><span class="hbs"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">and</span></span><span class="hbjw"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">
</span></span><span class="hbs"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">bones</span></span><span class="hbjw"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">
</span></span><span class="hbs"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">as</span></span><span class="hbjw"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">
you can </span></span><span class="hbs"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">see</span></span><span class="hbjw"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">
</span></span><span class="hbs"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">I</span></span><span class="hbjw"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">
</span></span><span class="hbs"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">have</span></span><span class="hbjw"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">.”</span></span><span class="ind"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">
</span></span><span class="hbvn"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></span></span><span class="ind"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">Having
</span></span><span class="hbs"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">said</span></span><span class="ind"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">
</span></span><span class="hbs"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">this</span></span><span class="ind"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">,
He </span></span><span class="hbs"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">showed</span></span><span class="ind"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">
</span></span><span class="hbs"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">them</span></span><span class="ind"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">
</span></span><span class="hbs"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">His</span></span><span class="ind"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">
</span></span><span class="hbs"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">hands</span></span><span class="ind"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">
</span></span><span class="hbs"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">and</span></span><span class="ind"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">
</span></span><span class="hbs"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">feet</span></span><span class="ind"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">.
</span></span><span class="hbvn"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></span></span><span class="hbs"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">But</span></span><span class="ind"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">
while <u>they </u></span></span><span class="hbs"><u><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">still</span></u></span><span class="ind"><u><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">
were </span></u></span><span class="hbs"><u><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">amazed</span></u></span><span class="ind"><u><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">
</span></u></span><span class="hbs"><u><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">and</span></u></span><span class="ind"><u><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">
</span></u></span><span class="hbs"><u><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">unbelieving</span></u></span><span class="ind"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">
because </span></span><span class="hbs"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">of</span></span><span class="ind"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">
</span></span><span class="hbs"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">their</span></span><span class="ind"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">
</span></span><span class="hbs"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">joy</span></span><span class="ind"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">,
He </span></span><span class="hbs"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">asked</span></span><span class="ind"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">
</span></span><span class="hbs"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">them</span></span><span class="ind"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">,
</span></span><span class="hbjw"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">“Do you </span></span><span class="hbs"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">have</span></span><span class="hbjw"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">
</span></span><span class="hbs"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">anything</span></span><span class="hbjw"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">
</span></span><span class="hbs"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">here</span></span><span class="hbjw"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">
to </span></span><span class="hbs"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">eat</span></span><span class="hbjw"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">?”</span></span><span class="ind"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">
</span></span><span class="hbvn"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></span></span><span class="hbs"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"> So</span></span><span class="ind"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">
they </span></span><span class="hbs"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">gave</span></span><span class="ind"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">
</span></span><span class="hbs"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">Him</span></span><span class="ind"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">
a piece </span></span><span class="hbs"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">of</span></span><span class="ind"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">
a </span></span><span class="hbs"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">broiled</span></span><span class="ind"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">
</span></span><span class="hbs"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">fish</span></span><span class="ind"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">,
and He </span></span><span class="hbs"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">took</span></span><span class="ind"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">
it and </span></span><span class="hbs"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">ate</span></span><span class="ind"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">
in </span></span><span class="hbs"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">their</span></span><span class="ind"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">
</span></span><span class="hbs"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">presence</span></span><span class="ind"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">.</span></span><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">
<span class="hbvn"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></span><span class="hbs">Then</span><span class="ind"> He </span><span class="hbs">told</span><span class="ind"> </span><span class="hbs">them</span><span class="ind">, </span><span class="hbs">“<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">These</b></span><span class="hbjw"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"> are </b></span><span class="hbs"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">My</b></span><span class="hbjw"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"> </b></span><span class="hbs"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">words</b></span><span class="hbjw"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"> </b></span><span class="hbs"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">that</b></span><span class="hbjw"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"> I </b></span><span class="hbs"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">spoke</b></span><span class="hbjw"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"> </b></span><span class="hbs"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">to</b></span><span class="hbjw"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"> </b></span><span class="hbs"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">you</b></span><span class="hbjw"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"> while I </b></span><span class="hbs"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">was</b></span><span class="hbjw"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"> </b></span><span class="hbs"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">still</b></span><span class="hbjw"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"> </b></span><span class="hbs"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">with</b></span><span class="hbjw"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"> </b></span><span class="hbs"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">you</b>—that</span><span class="hbjw"> </span><span class="hbs">everything</span><span class="hbjw"> </span><span class="hbs">written</span><span class="hbjw"> </span><span class="hbs">about</span><span class="hbjw"> </span><span class="hbs">Me</span><span class="hbjw"> </span><span class="hbs">in</span><span class="hbjw"> </span><span class="hbs">the</span><span class="hbjw"> </span><span class="hbs">Law</span><span class="hbjw"> of </span><span class="hbs">Moses</span><span class="hbjw">, </span><span class="hbs">the</span><span class="hbjw"> </span><span class="hbs">Prophets</span><span class="hbjw">, </span><span class="hbs">and</span><span class="hbjw"> the </span><span class="hbs">Psalms</span><span class="hbjw"> </span><span class="hbs">must</span><span class="hbjw"> be </span><span class="hbs">fulfilled</span><span class="hbjw">.”</span><span class="ind"> </span><span class="hbvn"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></span><span class="hbs"> Then</span><span class="ind"> <b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">He </b></span><span class="hbs"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">opened</b></span><span class="ind"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"> </b></span><span class="hbs"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">their</b></span><span class="ind"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"> </b></span><span class="hbs"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">minds</b></span><span class="ind"> to </span><span class="hbs">understand</span><span class="ind"> </span><span class="hbs">the</span><span class="ind"> </span><span class="hbs">Scriptures</span><span class="ind">. He </span><span class="hbs">also</span><span class="ind"> </span><span class="hbs">said</span><span class="ind"> to </span><span class="hbs">them</span><span class="ind">, </span><span class="hbjw">“This is </span><span class="hbs">what</span><span class="hbjw"> is </span><span class="hbs">written</span><span class="hbjw">:</span><span class="hbfs"> </span><span class="hbs">The</span><span class="hbjw"> </span><span class="hbs">Messiah</span><span class="hbjw"> would </span><span class="hbs">suffer</span><span class="hbjw"> </span><span class="hbs">and</span><span class="hbjw"> </span><span class="hbs">rise</span><span class="hbjw"> </span><span class="hbs">from</span><span class="hbjw"> the </span><span class="hbs">dead</span><span class="hbjw"> </span><span class="hbs">the</span><span class="hbjw"> </span><span class="hbs">third</span><span class="hbjw"> </span><span class="hbs">day</span><span class="hbjw">,</span><span class="hbs"> and</span><span class="hbjw"> </span><span class="hbs">repentance</span><span class="hbjw"> </span><span class="hbs">for</span><span class="ind"> </span><span class="hbs">forgiveness</span><span class="hbjw"> of </span><span class="hbs">sins</span><span class="hbjw"> would be </span><span class="hbs">proclaimed</span><span class="hbjw"> </span><span class="hbs">in</span><span class="hbjw"> </span><span class="hbs">His</span><span class="hbjw"> </span><span class="hbs">name</span><span class="hbjw"> </span><span class="hbs">to</span><span class="hbjw"> </span><span class="hbs">all</span><span class="hbjw"> </span><span class="hbs">the</span><span class="hbjw"> </span><span class="hbs">nations</span><span class="hbjw">, </span><span class="hbs">beginning</span><span class="hbjw"> </span><span class="hbs">at</span><span class="hbjw"> </span><span class="hbs">Jerusalem</span><span class="hbjw">.</span><span class="hbfs"> </span><span class="hbs"> You</span><span class="hbjw"> are </span><span class="hbs">witnesses</span><span class="hbjw"> of </span><span class="hbs">these</span><span class="hbjw"> things. </span><span class="hbvn"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></span><span class="hbs">And</span><span class="hbjw"> </span><span class="hbs">look</span><span class="hbjw">, </span><span class="hbs">I</span><span class="hbjw"> am </span><span class="hbs">sending</span><span class="hbjw"> </span><span class="hbs">you</span><span class="hbfs"> </span><span class="hbjw">what </span><span class="hbs">My</span><span class="hbjw"> </span><span class="hbs">Father</span><span class="hbjw"> </span><span class="hbs">promised</span><span class="hbjw">.</span><span class="hbfs"> </span><span class="hbjw"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>As </span><span class="hbs">for</span><span class="hbjw"> </span><span class="hbs">you</span><span class="hbjw">, </span><span class="hbs">stay</span><span class="hbjw"> </span><span class="hbs">in</span><span class="hbjw"> </span><span class="hbs">the</span><span class="hbjw"> </span><span class="hbs">city</span><span class="ind"> </span><span class="hbs">until</span><span class="hbjw"> you are empowered</span><span class="ind"> </span><span class="hbs">from</span><span class="hbjw"> </span><span class="hbs">on</span><span class="hbjw"> </span><span class="hbs">high</span><span class="hbjw">.”<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span></span><span class="hbfs">Luke 24:36-49</span></span></div>
</blockquote>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span class="hbfs"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">Three years with Jesus. Three years
of listening to Him tell them what was going to happen and they still were
troubled and had doubts in their hearts.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>We are not too far removed from the disciples are we?<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>We are startled and terrified when we see and
hear Jesus through the reading of His word and as He calls us out of our
comfort zones.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>We are even amazed and
stand in disbelief as He provides proof of His existence and glory.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Lord, have mercy on us and open our
minds!!<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>John’s account goes even further
in depicting our doubtful hearts to an even further extent.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></span></span><span class="hbs"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"></span></span></div>
<blockquote class="tr_bq">
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span class="hbfs"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">“</span></span><span class="ind"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">In
the </span></span><span class="hbs"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">evening</span></span><span class="ind"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">
of </span></span><span class="hbs"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">that</span></span><span class="ind"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">
</span></span><span class="hbs"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">first</span></span><span class="ind"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">
</span></span><span class="hbs"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">day</span></span><span class="ind"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">
of the </span></span><span class="hbs"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">week</span></span><span class="ind"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">,</span></span><span class="hbfs"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">
</span></span><span class="hbs"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">the</span></span><span class="ind"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">
</span></span><span class="hbs"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">disciples</span></span><span class="ind"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">
</span></span><span class="hbs"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">were</span></span><span class="ind"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">
</span></span><span class="hbs"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">gathered</span></span><span class="ind"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">
together with the </span></span><span class="hbs"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">doors</span></span><span class="ind"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">
</span></span><span class="hbs"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">locked</span></span><span class="ind"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">
because </span></span><span class="hbs"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">of</span></span><span class="ind"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">
</span></span><span class="hbs"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">their</span></span><span class="ind"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">
</span></span><span class="hbs"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">fear</span></span><span class="ind"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">
of </span></span><span class="hbs"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">the</span></span><span class="ind"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">
</span></span><span class="hbs"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">Jews</span></span><span class="ind"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">.
Then </span></span><span class="hbs"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">Jesus</span></span><span class="ind"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">
</span></span><span class="hbs"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">came</span></span><span class="ind"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">,
</span></span><span class="hbs"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">stood</span></span><span class="ind"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">
</span></span><span class="hbs"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">among</span></span><span class="ind"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">
them, </span></span><span class="hbs"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">and</span></span><span class="ind"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">
</span></span><span class="hbs"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">said</span></span><span class="ind"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">
to </span></span><span class="hbs"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">them</span></span><span class="ind"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">,
</span></span><span class="hbs"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">“Peace</span></span><span class="hbjw"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">
to </span></span><span class="hbs"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">you</span></span><span class="hbjw"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">!”</span></span><span class="hbfs"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">
</span></span><span class="ind"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"> Having </span></span><span class="hbs"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">said</span></span><span class="ind"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">
</span></span><span class="hbs"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">this</span></span><span class="ind"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">,
He </span></span><span class="hbs"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">showed</span></span><span class="ind"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">
</span></span><span class="hbs"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">them</span></span><span class="ind"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">
</span></span><span class="hbs"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">His</span></span><span class="ind"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">
</span></span><span class="hbs"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">hands</span></span><span class="ind"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">
</span></span><span class="hbs"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">and</span></span><span class="ind"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">
</span></span><span class="hbs"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">His</span></span><span class="ind"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">
</span></span><span class="hbs"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">side</span></span><span class="ind"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">.
</span></span><span class="hbs"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">So</span></span><span class="ind"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">
</span></span><span class="hbs"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">the</span></span><span class="ind"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">
</span></span><span class="hbs"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">disciples</span></span><span class="ind"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">
</span></span><span class="hbs"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">rejoiced</span></span><span class="ind"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">
when they </span></span><span class="hbs"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">saw</span></span><span class="ind"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">
</span></span><span class="hbs"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">the</span></span><span class="ind"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">
</span></span><span class="hbs"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">Lord</span></span><span class="ind"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></span></span><span class="hbs"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">Jesus</span></span><span class="ind"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">
</span></span><span class="hbs"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">said</span></span><span class="ind"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">
to </span></span><span class="hbs"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">them</span></span><span class="ind"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">
</span></span><span class="hbs"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">again</span></span><span class="ind"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">,
</span></span><span class="hbs"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">“Peace</span></span><span class="hbjw"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">
to </span></span><span class="hbs"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">you</span></span><span class="hbjw"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">!
</span></span><span class="hbs"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">As</span></span><span class="hbjw"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">
</span></span><span class="hbs"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">the</span></span><span class="hbjw"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">
</span></span><span class="hbs"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">Father</span></span><span class="hbjw"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">
has </span></span><span class="hbs"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">sent</span></span><span class="hbjw"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">
</span></span><span class="hbs"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">Me</span></span><span class="hbjw"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">,
I </span></span><span class="hbs"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">also</span></span><span class="hbjw"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">
</span></span><span class="hbs"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">send</span></span><span class="hbjw"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">
</span></span><span class="hbs"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">you</span></span><span class="hbjw"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">.”</span></span><span class="hbfs"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">
</span></span><span class="ind"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"> After </span></span><span class="hbs"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">saying</span></span><span class="ind"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">
</span></span><span class="hbs"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">this</span></span><span class="ind"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">,
He breathed </span></span><span class="hbs"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">on</span></span><span class="ind"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">
</span></span><span class="hbs"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">them</span></span><span class="hbfs"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">
</span></span><span class="hbs"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">and</span></span><span class="ind"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">
</span></span><span class="hbs"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">said</span></span><span class="ind"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">,
</span></span><span class="hbs"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">“Receive</span></span><span class="hbjw"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">
the </span></span><span class="hbs"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">Holy</span></span><span class="hbjw"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">
</span></span><span class="hbs"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">Spirit</span></span><span class="hbjw"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">.</span></span><span class="hbfs"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">
</span></span><span class="hbs"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"> If</span></span><span class="hbjw"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">
you </span></span><span class="hbs"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">forgive</span></span><span class="hbjw"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">
</span></span><span class="hbs"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">the</span></span><span class="hbjw"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">
</span></span><span class="hbs"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">sins</span></span><span class="hbjw"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">
of </span></span><span class="hbs"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">any</span></span><span class="hbjw"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">,
they are </span></span><span class="hbs"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">forgiven</span></span><span class="hbjw"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">
</span></span><span class="hbs"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">them</span></span><span class="hbjw"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">;
</span></span><span class="hbs"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">if</span></span><span class="hbjw"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">
you </span></span><span class="hbs"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">retain</span></span><span class="hbjw"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">
the sins of </span></span><span class="hbs"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">any</span></span><span class="hbjw"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">,
they are </span></span><span class="hbs"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">retained</span></span><span class="hbjw"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">.”</span></span><span class="hbfs"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"></span></span></div>
</blockquote>
<blockquote class="tr_bq">
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span class="hbfs"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">`</span></span><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">But one of the Twelve, Thomas
(called “Twin”), was not with them when Jesus came. So the other disciples kept
telling him, “We have seen the Lord!” But he said to them, “<u>If I don’t see
the mark of the nails in His hands, put my finger into the mark of the nails,
and put my hand into His side, I will never believe</u>!</span></div>
</blockquote>
<blockquote class="tr_bq">
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">`After
eight days His disciples were indoors again, and Thomas was with them. Even
though the doors were locked, Jesus came and stood among them. He said, “Peace
to you!”<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Then He said to Thomas, “<u>Put
your finger here and observe My hands. Reach out your hand and put it into My
side. Don’t be an unbeliever, but a believer</u>.” Thomas responded to
Him, “<u>My Lord and my God</u>!” Jesus said, “Because you have seen Me,
you have believed. Those who believe without seeing are blessed.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Jesus performed many other signs in the
presence of His disciples that are not written in this book.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>But <b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">these
are written so that you may believe Jesus is the Messiah, the Son of God, and
by believing you may have life in His name</b>.”<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></span><span class="hbfs"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">John
20:21-31</span></span></div>
</blockquote>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span class="hbfs"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">There are still those today who
want hard evidence from God that He is real.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>I pray that He opens your eyes so that you can see the nail scars in His
hands and the side that was pierced for your sins. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It has all been written down in the Bible so
that you may believe Jesus is the Messiah, the Son of God.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I pray that you will make the same
declaration that Thomas did, “My Lord and my God, and in your belief you may
have life in His name.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Do not be
afraid.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Do not be troubled.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Do not doubt that God sent His son to die on
the cross for your sins and desires for you to put your complete trust in
Him.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Open up His word and read His
letter to you.</span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span class="hbfs"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">For those of us who have already
made the declaration of Jesus as our Lord and Savior, may we not be afraid,
troubled, or doubt God’s faithfulness, love, and plan for our lives.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It is far too easy to fall back into our
selfish ways and deny what God says to us through His word.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Time has a way of fostering doubt in our
lives. The best way to combat doubt is to daily spend time reading the Bible as
we pray for open eyes to understand the scriptures and faith to carry out His
will.</span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-bidi-language: AR-SA; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-language: EN-US;">My Heart’s
Prayer:<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>My Lord and my God!<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Help my unbelief.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Too often I cower and shy away from what Your
word says is true.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Open my eyes Lord and
give me the strength and courage through the Holy Spirit to act on faith.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>In Jesus Name, Amen.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"> </span><br />
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><script src="http://www.godtube.com/embed/source/0e11mnnu.js?w=400&h=255&ap=true&sl=true&title=true" type="text/javascript">
</script></span><br />
<a href="http://www.godtube.com/watch/?v=0E11MNNU">Voice Of
Truth</a> from <a href="http://www.godtube.com/martielane">martielane</a> on
<a href="http://www.godtube.com/">GodTube</a>.<br />Alicia Zbylothttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03040247491389052403noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-808634803024831810.post-32476770885088276862012-05-15T08:27:00.000-05:002012-05-15T08:27:33.763-05:00Part 2—Footprints in the Sand<!--[if gte mso 9]><xml>
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<span class="hbfs"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">Resurrection—Now
What? </span></b></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span class="hbfs"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><br /></span></b></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">I’m no theologian so my futile attempt to categorize
the events leading up to the Pentecost will probably not be as accurate as some
might desire.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>However, my journey is not
to put together exact times, but to experience the flow of events found within
the four gospels surrounding the time from Christ’s resurrection to His ascent
into Heaven and the deliverance of the Holy Spirit.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>While
they may not be in exact order, the journey today takes us to Mark and Luke
where the famous Road to Emmaus scene occurs.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>Join me today with open eyes as we ask ourselves, Who are we walking
with down this road of life? <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"></span></div>
<a name='more'></a><br />
<blockquote class="tr_bq">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">“<span class="hbs">Then</span><span class="disputed"> </span><span class="hbs">after</span><span class="disputed"> </span><span class="hbs">this</span><span class="disputed">, He </span><span class="hbs">appeared</span><span class="disputed">
</span><span class="hbs">in</span><span class="disputed"> a </span><span class="hbs">different</span><span class="disputed"> </span><span class="hbs">form</span><span class="disputed"> to </span><span class="hbs">two</span><span class="disputed"> </span><span class="hbs">of</span><span class="disputed"> </span><span class="hbs">them</span><span class="disputed"> walking
on their </span><span class="hbs">way</span><span class="disputed"> </span><span class="hbs">into</span><span class="disputed"> the </span><span class="hbs">country</span><span class="disputed">. </span><span class="hbvn"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></span><span class="disputed"> And </span><span class="hbs">they</span><span class="disputed"> </span><span class="hbs">went</span><span class="disputed"> and </span><span class="hbs">reported</span><span class="disputed">
it to </span><span class="hbs">the</span><span class="disputed"> </span><span class="hbs">rest</span><span class="disputed">, who did </span><span class="hbs">not</span><span class="disputed"> </span><span class="hbs">believe</span><span class="disputed"> </span><span class="hbs">them</span><span class="disputed"> either.”<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></span>Mark 16:12-13<span class="disputed"></span></span></blockquote>
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<span class="ind"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"></span></span></div>
<blockquote class="tr_bq">
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<span class="ind"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">“</span></span><span class="hbs"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">Now</span></span><span class="ind"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">
</span></span><span class="hbs"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">that</span></span><span class="ind"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">
</span></span><span class="hbs"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">same</span></span><span class="ind"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">
</span></span><span class="hbs"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">day</span></span><span class="ind"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">
</span></span><span class="hbs"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">two</span></span><span class="ind"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">
</span></span><span class="hbs"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">of</span></span><span class="ind"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">
</span></span><span class="hbs"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">them</span></span><span class="ind"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">
</span></span><span class="hbs"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">were</span></span><span class="ind"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">
on their </span></span><span class="hbs"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">way</span></span><span class="ind"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">
</span></span><span class="hbs"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">to</span></span><span class="ind"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">
a </span></span><span class="hbs"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">village</span></span><span class="ind"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">
</span></span><span class="hbs"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">called</span></span><span class="ind"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">
</span></span><span class="hbs"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">Emmaus</span></span><span class="ind"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">,
which </span></span><span class="hbs"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">was</span></span><span class="ind"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">
about seven </span></span><span class="hbs"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">miles</span></span><span class="ind"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">
</span></span><span class="hbs"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">from</span></span><span class="ind"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">
</span></span><span class="hbs"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">Jerusalem</span></span><span class="ind"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">.</span></span><span class="hbfs"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">
</span></span><span class="hbs"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"> Together</span></span><span class="ind"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">
</span></span><span class="hbs"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">they</span></span><span class="ind"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">
were </span></span><span class="hbs"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">discussing</span></span><span class="ind"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">
</span></span><span class="hbs"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">everything</span></span><span class="ind"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">
that had taken </span></span><span class="hbs"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">place</span></span><span class="ind"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">.”</span></span><span class="hbs"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">
<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></span></span><span class="ind"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">Luke
24:13-14</span></span></div>
</blockquote>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">After hearing the news from the women regarding the
tomb being empty and their testimony of having seen the risen Lord, two men
leave Jerusalem.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The Passover Feast has
been observed and they, along with many others, are probably on their way back
to their homes and their jobs.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>As they
are walking, they begin a deep discussion and even argument regarding the
events they had witnessed over the past three days.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>What was it these two men were arguing
over?<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Jesus asks them the same question?<span class="ind"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></span></span></div>
<blockquote class="tr_bq">
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span class="hbs"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">“And</span></span><span class="ind"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">
</span></span><span class="hbs"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">while</span></span><span class="ind"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">
they </span></span><span class="hbs"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">were</span></span><span class="ind"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">
</span></span><span class="hbs"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">discussing</span></span><span class="ind"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">
</span></span><span class="hbs"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">and</span></span><span class="ind"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">
</span></span><span class="hbs"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">arguing</span></span><span class="ind"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">,
</span></span><span class="hbs"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">Jesus</span></span><span class="ind"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">
</span></span><span class="hbs"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">Himself</span></span><span class="ind"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">
came </span></span><span class="hbs"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">near</span></span><span class="ind"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">
</span></span><span class="hbs"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">and</span></span><span class="ind"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">
began to walk along </span></span><span class="hbs"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">with</span></span><span class="ind"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">
</span></span><span class="hbs"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">them</span></span><span class="ind"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">.
</span></span><span class="hbvn"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></span></span><span class="hbs"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"> But</span></span><span class="ind"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">
they were prevented </span></span><span class="hbs"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">from</span></span><span class="ind"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">
</span></span><span class="hbs"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">recognizing</span></span><span class="ind"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">
</span></span><span class="hbs"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">Him</span></span><span class="ind"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">.</span></span><span class="hbfs"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">
</span></span><span class="hbs"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"> Then</span></span><span class="ind"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">
He </span></span><span class="hbs"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">asked</span></span><span class="ind"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">
</span></span><span class="hbs"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">them</span></span><span class="ind"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">,
</span></span><span class="hbs"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">“What</span></span><span class="hbjw"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">
is </span></span><span class="hbs"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">this</span></span><span class="hbjw"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">
</span></span><span class="hbs"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">dispute</span></span><span class="hbjw"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">
</span></span><span class="hbs"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">that</span></span><span class="hbjw"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">
you’re </span></span><span class="hbs"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">having</span></span><span class="hbfs"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">
</span></span><span class="hbs"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">with</span></span><span class="hbjw"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">
each </span></span><span class="hbs"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">other</span></span><span class="hbjw"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">
as you are </span></span><span class="hbs"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">walking</span></span><span class="hbjw"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">?”</span></span><span class="ind"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Luke 24:15-17a</span></span></div>
</blockquote>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">Have you ever been walking on a jogging trail in a
park and you know there is someone behind you that wants to get by.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Being the courteous person you are, you slow
down and scoot further to the side to allow them to pass.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>With many people traveling on the road, these
two men must have felt someone approaching them from behind and as is natural,
scooted over.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>But to their amazement,
this person slows down to their pace and not only begins to walk with them but
even meddles in their conversation.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Now
if someone was to come up to me as I was walking along the road, interrupted my
conversation and interfered with my business, I would be extremely
offended.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Oh wait.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Do I get that way with Jesus sometimes
too?<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Don’t I assume I can figure things
out on my own and even disagree with fellow believers about the events Christ
is doing today?<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><span class="ind"></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span class="ind"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"></span></span></div>
<blockquote class="tr_bq">
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span class="ind"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">“</span></span><span class="hbs"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">And</span></span><span class="ind"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">
they </span></span><span class="hbs"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">stopped</span></span><span class="ind"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">
walking and looked </span></span><span class="hbs"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">discouraged</span></span><span class="ind"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">.”</span></span><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">
<span class="ind"> Luke 24:17b</span></span></div>
</blockquote>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">They stop.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Not
only do they stop, but the weight of the events from the past three days are
visibly displayed on their faces.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>They
are discouraged.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Their hope of deliverance
has been taken from them.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>With
aggravation one responds…<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></span></div>
<blockquote class="tr_bq">
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span class="ind"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">“The </span></span><span class="hbs"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">one</span></span><span class="ind"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">
</span></span><span class="hbs"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">named</span></span><span class="ind"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">
</span></span><span class="hbs"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">Cleopa</span></span><span class="ind"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">
</span></span><span class="hbs"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">answered</span></span><span class="ind"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">
</span></span><span class="hbs"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">Him</span></span><span class="ind"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">,
“Are </span></span><span class="hbs"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">You</span></span><span class="ind"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">
the </span></span><span class="hbs"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">only</span></span><span class="ind"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">
</span></span><span class="hbs"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">visitor</span></span><span class="ind"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">
in </span></span><span class="hbs"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">Jerusalem</span></span><span class="ind"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">
who </span></span><span class="hbs"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">doesn’t</span></span><span class="ind"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">
</span></span><span class="hbs"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">know</span></span><span class="ind"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">
</span></span><span class="hbs"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">the</span></span><span class="ind"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">
things that </span></span><span class="hbs"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">happened</span></span><span class="ind"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">
</span></span><span class="hbs"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">there</span></span><span class="ind"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">
</span></span><span class="hbs"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">in</span></span><span class="ind"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">
</span></span><span class="hbs"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">these</span></span><span class="ind"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">
</span></span><span class="hbs"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">days</span></span><span class="ind"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">?”<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“</span></span><span class="hbs"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">What</span></span><span class="hbjw"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">
things?”</span></span><span class="ind"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"> He </span></span><span class="hbs"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">asked</span></span><span class="ind"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">
</span></span><span class="hbs"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">them</span></span><span class="ind"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">.</span></span><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">
<span class="hbs">So</span><span class="ind"> they </span><span class="hbs">said</span><span class="ind"> to </span><span class="hbs">Him</span><span class="ind">, </span><span class="hbs">“The</span><span class="ind"> things </span><span class="hbs">concerning</span><span class="ind"> </span><span class="hbs">Jesus</span><span class="ind"> </span><span class="hbs">the</span><span class="ind"> </span><span class="hbs">Nazarene</span><span class="ind">, </span><span class="hbs">who</span><span class="ind"> </span><span class="hbs">was</span><span class="ind"> a </span><span class="hbs">Prophet</span><span class="ind"> </span><span class="hbs">powerful</span><span class="ind"> </span><span class="hbs">in</span><span class="ind"> </span><span class="hbs">action</span><span class="ind"> </span><span class="hbs">and</span><span class="ind"> </span><span class="hbs">speech</span><span class="hbfs"> </span><span class="hbs">before</span><span class="ind"> </span><span class="hbs">God</span><span class="ind"> </span><span class="hbs">and</span><span class="ind"> </span><span class="hbs">all</span><span class="ind"> </span><span class="hbs">the</span><span class="ind"> </span><span class="hbs">people</span><span class="ind">,</span><span class="hbfs"> </span><span class="hbs">and</span><span class="ind"> </span><span class="hbs">how</span><span class="ind"> </span><span class="hbs">our</span><span class="ind"> </span><span class="hbg">chief</span><span class="ind"> </span><span class="hbs">priests</span><span class="ind"> </span><span class="hbs">and</span><span class="ind"> </span><span class="hbs">leaders</span><span class="hbfs"> </span><span class="ind">handed </span><span class="hbs">Him</span><span class="ind"> </span><span class="hbs">over</span><span class="ind"> </span><span class="hbs">to</span><span class="ind"> be </span><span class="hbs">sentenced</span><span class="ind"> to </span><span class="hbs">death</span><span class="ind">, </span><span class="hbs">and</span><span class="ind"> they </span><span class="hbs">crucified</span><span class="ind"> </span><span class="hbs">Him</span><span class="ind">.</span><span class="hbfs"> </span><span class="hbs"> But</span><span class="ind"> </span><span class="hbs">we</span><span class="ind"> were </span><span class="hbs">hoping</span><span class="ind"> </span><span class="hbs">that</span><span class="ind"> </span><span class="hbs">He</span><span class="ind"> </span><span class="hbs">was</span><span class="ind"> </span><span class="hbs">the</span><span class="ind"> One who was about </span><span class="hbs">to</span><span class="ind"> </span><span class="hbs">redeem</span><span class="ind"> </span><span class="hbs">Israel</span><span class="ind">. </span><span class="hbs">Besides</span><span class="ind"> </span><span class="hbs">all</span><span class="ind"> </span><span class="hbs">this</span><span class="ind">, </span><span class="hbs">it’s</span><span class="ind"> the </span><span class="hbs">third</span><span class="ind"> </span><span class="hbs">day</span><span class="ind"> </span><span class="hbs">since</span><span class="ind"> </span><span class="hbs">these</span><span class="ind"> things </span><span class="hbs">happened</span><span class="ind">.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span> Moreover, </span><span class="hbs">some</span><span class="ind"> </span><span class="hbs">women</span><span class="ind"> </span><span class="hbs">from</span><span class="ind"> </span><span class="hbs">our</span><span class="ind"> group </span><span class="hbs">astounded</span><span class="ind"> </span><span class="hbs">us</span><span class="ind">. They </span><span class="hbs">arrived</span><span class="ind"> </span><span class="hbs">early</span><span class="ind"> </span><span class="hbs">at</span><span class="ind"> </span><span class="hbs">the</span><span class="ind"> </span><span class="hbs">tomb</span><span class="ind">,</span><span class="hbs"> and</span><span class="ind"> when they </span><span class="hbs">didn’t</span><span class="ind"> </span><span class="hbs">find</span><span class="ind"> </span><span class="hbs">His</span><span class="ind"> </span><span class="hbs">body</span><span class="ind">, they </span><span class="hbs">came</span><span class="ind"> </span><span class="hbs">and</span><span class="ind"> </span><span class="hbs">reported</span><span class="ind"> that they had </span><span class="hbs">seen</span><span class="ind"> a </span><span class="hbs">vision</span><span class="ind"> of </span><span class="hbs">angels</span><span class="ind"> </span><span class="hbs">who</span><span class="ind"> </span><span class="hbs">said</span><span class="ind"> </span><span class="hbs">He</span><span class="ind"> was </span><span class="hbs">alive</span><span class="ind">. </span><span class="hbvn"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></span><span class="hbs">Some</span><span class="ind"> of </span><span class="hbs">those</span><span class="ind"> who were </span><span class="hbs">with</span><span class="ind"> </span><span class="hbs">us</span><span class="ind"> </span><span class="hbs">went</span><span class="ind"> </span><span class="hbs">to</span><span class="ind"> </span><span class="hbs">the</span><span class="ind"> </span><span class="hbs">tomb</span><span class="ind"> </span><span class="hbs">and</span><span class="ind"> </span><span class="hbs">found</span><span class="ind"> it just </span><span class="hbs">as</span><span class="ind"> </span><span class="hbs">the</span><span class="ind"> </span><span class="hbs">women</span><span class="ind"> had </span><span class="hbs">said</span><span class="ind">, </span><span class="hbs">but</span><span class="ind"> they </span><span class="hbs">didn’t</span><span class="ind"> </span><span class="hbs">see</span><span class="ind"> </span><span class="hbs">Him</span><span class="ind">.”</span><span class="hbfs"> </span><span class="hbs"> Luke 24:18-24</span></span></div>
</blockquote>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span class="hbs"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">How do the two men describe
Jesus?<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>They label Him: 1) Jesus the
Nazarene, 2) a prophet, 3) powerful in action and speech before God and all
people, and 4) place their hope in His ability to redeem Israel.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I, myself, am forced to ask the question, How
do I describe Jesus?<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Is my description
of Jesus one that makes Jesus fit into my mold and my view of who I think He
should be or is it the description God gives regarding His Son, Jesus Christ?<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></span></span></div>
<blockquote class="tr_bq">
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span class="hbs"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">“He</span></span><span class="ind"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">
</span></span><span class="hbs"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">said</span></span><span class="ind"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">
</span></span><span class="hbs"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">to</span></span><span class="ind"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">
</span></span><span class="hbs"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">them</span></span><span class="ind"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">,
</span></span><span class="hbs"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">“How</span></span><span class="hbjw"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">
</span></span><span class="hbs"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">unwise</span></span><span class="hbjw"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">
</span></span><span class="hbs"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">and</span></span><span class="hbjw"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">
</span></span><span class="hbs"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">slow</span></span><span class="hbjw"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">
you are to </span></span><span class="hbs"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">believe</span></span><span class="hbjw"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">
</span></span><span class="hbs"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">in</span></span><span class="hbjw"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">
</span></span><span class="hbs"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">your</span></span><span class="hbjw"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">
</span></span><span class="hbs"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">hearts</span></span><span class="hbjw"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">
</span></span><span class="hbs"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">all</span></span><span class="hbjw"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">
</span></span><span class="hbs"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">that</span></span><span class="hbjw"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">
</span></span><span class="hbs"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">the</span></span><span class="hbjw"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">
</span></span><span class="hbs"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">prophets</span></span><span class="hbjw"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">
have </span></span><span class="hbs"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">spoken</span></span><span class="hbjw"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">!</span></span><span class="hbfs"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">
</span></span><span class="hbs"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"> Didn’t</span></span><span class="hbjw"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">
</span></span><span class="hbs"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">the</span></span><span class="hbjw"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">
</span></span><span class="hbs"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">Messiah</span></span><span class="hbjw"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">
have </span></span><span class="hbs"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">to</span></span><span class="hbjw"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">
</span></span><span class="hbs"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">suffer</span></span><span class="hbjw"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">
</span></span><span class="hbs"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">these</span></span><span class="hbjw"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">
things </span></span><span class="hbs"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">and</span></span><span class="hbjw"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">
</span></span><span class="hbs"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">enter</span></span><span class="hbjw"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">
</span></span><span class="hbs"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">into</span></span><span class="hbjw"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">
</span></span><span class="hbs"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">His</span></span><span class="hbjw"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">
</span></span><span class="hbs"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">glory</span></span><span class="hbjw"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">?”</span></span><span class="hbfs"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">
</span></span><span class="hbs"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Then</span></span><span class="ind"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">
</span></span><span class="hbs"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">beginning</span></span><span class="ind"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">
</span></span><span class="hbs"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">with</span></span><span class="ind"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">
</span></span><span class="hbs"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">Moses</span></span><span class="ind"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">
</span></span><span class="hbs"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">and</span></span><span class="ind"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">
</span></span><span class="hbs"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">all</span></span><span class="ind"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">
</span></span><span class="hbs"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">the</span></span><span class="ind"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">
</span></span><span class="hbs"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">Prophets</span></span><span class="ind"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">,
He </span></span><span class="hbs"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">interpreted</span></span><span class="ind"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">
for </span></span><span class="hbs"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">them</span></span><span class="ind"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">
</span></span><span class="hbs"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">the</span></span><span class="ind"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">
things </span></span><span class="hbs"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">concerning</span></span><span class="ind"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">
</span></span><span class="hbs"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">Himself</span></span><span class="ind"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">
</span></span><span class="hbs"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">in</span></span><span class="ind"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">
</span></span><span class="hbs"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">all</span></span><span class="ind"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">
</span></span><span class="hbs"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">the</span></span><span class="ind"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">
</span></span><span class="hbs"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">Scriptures</span></span><span class="ind"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>They came </span></span><span class="hbs"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">near</span></span><span class="ind"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">
</span></span><span class="hbs"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">the</span></span><span class="ind"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">
</span></span><span class="hbs"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">village</span></span><span class="ind"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">
</span></span><span class="hbs"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">where</span></span><span class="ind"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">
they were </span></span><span class="hbs"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">going</span></span><span class="ind"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">,
</span></span><span class="hbs"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">and</span></span><span class="ind"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">
</span></span><span class="hbs"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">He</span></span><span class="ind"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">
gave the </span></span><span class="hbs"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">impression</span></span><span class="ind"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">
that He was </span></span><span class="hbs"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">going</span></span><span class="ind"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">
</span></span><span class="hbs"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">farther</span></span><span class="ind"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">.</span></span><span class="hbfs"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></span></span><span class="hbs"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">But</span></span><span class="ind"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">
they </span></span><span class="hbs"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">urged</span></span><span class="ind"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">
</span></span><span class="hbs"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">Him</span></span><span class="ind"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">:
</span></span><span class="hbs"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">“Stay</span></span><span class="ind"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">
</span></span><span class="hbs"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">with</span></span><span class="ind"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">
</span></span><span class="hbs"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">us</span></span><span class="ind"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">,
</span></span><span class="hbs"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">because</span></span><span class="ind"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">
</span></span><span class="hbs"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">it’s</span></span><span class="ind"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">
almost </span></span><span class="hbs"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">evening</span></span><span class="ind"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">,
</span></span><span class="hbs"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">and</span></span><span class="ind"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">
</span></span><span class="hbs"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">now</span></span><span class="ind"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">
</span></span><span class="hbs"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">the</span></span><span class="ind"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">
</span></span><span class="hbs"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">day</span></span><span class="ind"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">
is almost </span></span><span class="hbs"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">over</span></span><span class="ind"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">.”
</span></span><span class="hbs"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">So</span></span><span class="ind"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">
He went </span></span><span class="hbs"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">in</span></span><span class="ind"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">
to </span></span><span class="hbs"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">stay</span></span><span class="ind"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">
</span></span><span class="hbs"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">with</span></span><span class="ind"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">
</span></span><span class="hbs"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">them</span></span><span class="ind"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">.”</span></span><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Luke 24:25-29<span class="ind"></span></span></div>
</blockquote>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span class="ind"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">At some point from when the men
stopped in discouragement, the three must have naturally picked up their walk
towards Emmaus.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Jesus, in His humble and
authoritative way, interprets correctly the events they have witnessed as they
continue their seven mile journey.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Let’s
just assume it takes about two hours to walk seven miles.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>So over the course of two hours, Jesus begins
with Moses and all the Prophets and interprets everything concerning Himself
within the Scriptures.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Can you imagine
listening for that long without interrupting?<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>For the most part we never stop to listen to God for even five
minutes.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Sure we pray frequently, but too
often we come to the Lord in prayer and talk, talk, talk, and then say Amen
without kneeling before Him in quietness and stillness to hear His still small
voice in the wind.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></span></span></div>
<blockquote class="tr_bq">
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span class="ind"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">“It </span></span><span class="hbs"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">was</span></span><span class="ind"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">
</span></span><span class="hbs"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">as</span></span><span class="ind"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">
</span></span><span class="hbs"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">He</span></span><span class="ind"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">
reclined at the </span></span><span class="hbs"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">table</span></span><span class="ind"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">
</span></span><span class="hbs"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">with</span></span><span class="ind"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">
</span></span><span class="hbs"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">them</span></span><span class="ind"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">
that He </span></span><span class="hbs"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">took</span></span><span class="ind"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">
</span></span><span class="hbs"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">the</span></span><span class="ind"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">
</span></span><span class="hbs"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">bread</span></span><span class="ind"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">,
</span></span><span class="hbs"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">blessed</span></span><span class="ind"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">
</span></span><span class="hbs"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">and</span></span><span class="ind"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">
</span></span><span class="hbs"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">broke</span></span><span class="ind"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">
it, and </span></span><span class="hbs"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">gave</span></span><span class="ind"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">
it to </span></span><span class="hbs"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">them</span></span><span class="ind"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">.
</span></span><span class="hbvn"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></span></span><span class="hbs"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">Then</span></span><span class="ind"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">
</span></span><span class="hbs"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">their</span></span><span class="ind"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">
</span></span><span class="hbs"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">eyes</span></span><span class="ind"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">
were </span></span><span class="hbs"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">opened</span></span><span class="ind"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">,
</span></span><span class="hbs"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">and</span></span><span class="ind"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">
they </span></span><span class="hbs"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">recognized</span></span><span class="ind"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">
</span></span><span class="hbs"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">Him</span></span><span class="ind"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">,
</span></span><span class="hbs"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">but</span></span><span class="ind"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">
</span></span><span class="hbs"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">He</span></span><span class="ind"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">
disappeared </span></span><span class="hbs"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">from</span></span><span class="ind"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">
</span></span><span class="hbs"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">their</span></span><span class="ind"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">
</span></span><span class="hbs"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">sight</span></span><span class="ind"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">.</span></span><span class="hbfs"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">”<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Luke 24:30-31</span></span><span class="hbs"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"></span></span></div>
</blockquote>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span class="hbs"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">When did the men recognize the
Jesus the Messiah?<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It was only when God
opened their eyes.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Last week we begged
God to open our eyes so that we might see Him.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>The realization we can do nothing apart from Him strikes home.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>He is the one that gives us the faith to believe
in what is unseen.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></span></span></div>
<blockquote class="tr_bq">
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span class="hbs"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">“So</span></span><span class="ind"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">
they </span></span><span class="hbs"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">said</span></span><span class="ind"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">
</span></span><span class="hbs"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">to</span></span><span class="ind"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">
each </span></span><span class="hbs"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">other</span></span><span class="ind"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">,
</span></span><span class="hbs"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">“Weren’t</span></span><span class="ind"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">
</span></span><span class="hbs"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">our</span></span><span class="ind"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">
</span></span><span class="hbs"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">hearts</span></span><span class="ind"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">
</span></span><span class="hbs"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">ablaze</span></span><span class="ind"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">
</span></span><span class="hbs"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">within</span></span><span class="ind"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">
</span></span><span class="hbs"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">us</span></span><span class="ind"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">
</span></span><span class="hbs"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">while</span></span><span class="ind"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">
He </span></span><span class="hbs"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">was</span></span><span class="ind"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">
talking </span></span><span class="hbs"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">with</span></span><span class="ind"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">
</span></span><span class="hbs"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">us</span></span><span class="ind"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">
</span></span><span class="hbs"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">on</span></span><span class="ind"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">
</span></span><span class="hbs"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">the</span></span><span class="ind"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">
</span></span><span class="hbs"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">road</span></span><span class="ind"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">
and </span></span><span class="hbs"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">explaining</span></span><span class="ind"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">
</span></span><span class="hbs"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">the</span></span><span class="ind"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">
</span></span><span class="hbs"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">Scriptures</span></span><span class="ind"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">
to </span></span><span class="hbs"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">us</span></span><span class="ind"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">?”
</span></span><span class="hbvn"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></span></span><span class="hbs"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"> That</span></span><span class="ind"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">
</span></span><span class="hbs"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">very</span></span><span class="ind"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">
</span></span><span class="hbs"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">hour</span></span><span class="ind"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">
they got </span></span><span class="hbs"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">up</span></span><span class="ind"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">
and </span></span><span class="hbs"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">returned</span></span><span class="ind"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">
</span></span><span class="hbs"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">to</span></span><span class="ind"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">
</span></span><span class="hbs"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">Jerusalem</span></span><span class="ind"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">.
They </span></span><span class="hbs"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">found</span></span><span class="ind"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">
</span></span><span class="hbs"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">the</span></span><span class="ind"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">
</span></span><span class="hbs"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">Eleven</span></span><span class="ind"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">
</span></span><span class="hbs"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">and</span></span><span class="ind"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">
</span></span><span class="hbs"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">those</span></span><span class="ind"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">
</span></span><span class="hbs"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">with</span></span><span class="ind"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">
</span></span><span class="hbs"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">them</span></span><span class="ind"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">
gathered </span></span><span class="hbs"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">together</span></span><span class="ind"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">, who
</span></span><span class="hbs"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">said</span></span><span class="ind"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">,</span></span><span class="hbfs"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">
</span></span><span class="hbs"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">“The</span></span><span class="ind"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">
</span></span><span class="hbs"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">Lord</span></span><span class="ind"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">
has </span></span><span class="hbs"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">certainly</span></span><span class="ind"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">
been </span></span><span class="hbs"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">raised</span></span><span class="ind"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">,
</span></span><span class="hbs"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">and</span></span><span class="ind"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">
has </span></span><span class="hbs"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">appeared</span></span><span class="ind"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">
to </span></span><span class="hbs"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">Simon</span></span><span class="ind"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">!”</span></span><span class="hbfs"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">
</span></span><span class="hbs"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">Then</span></span><span class="ind"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">
</span></span><span class="hbs"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">they</span></span><span class="ind"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">
began to </span></span><span class="hbs"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">describe</span></span><span class="ind"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">
what had happened </span></span><span class="hbs"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">on</span></span><span class="ind"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">
</span></span><span class="hbs"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">the</span></span><span class="ind"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">
</span></span><span class="hbs"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">road</span></span><span class="ind"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">
</span></span><span class="hbs"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">and</span></span><span class="ind"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">
</span></span><span class="hbs"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">how</span></span><span class="ind"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">
He was made </span></span><span class="hbs"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">known</span></span><span class="ind"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">
to </span></span><span class="hbs"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">them</span></span><span class="ind"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">
</span></span><span class="hbs"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">in</span></span><span class="ind"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">
</span></span><span class="hbs"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">the</span></span><span class="ind"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">
</span></span><span class="hbs"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">breaking</span></span><span class="ind"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">
of </span></span><span class="hbs"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">the</span></span><span class="ind"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">
</span></span><span class="hbs"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">bread</span></span><span class="ind"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">.</span></span><span class="hbfs"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">”<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Luke 24:32-35</span></span></div>
</blockquote>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span class="hbfs"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">They got up that very hour and
walked another seven miles back to Jerusalem to tell the disciples.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>When God opens our eyes we can’t help but go
and share it with others.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>We are
compelled to tell what we have seen.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></span></span></div>
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<br /></div>
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<span class="hbfs"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">My Heart’s Prayer:<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Lord, even in the most difficult times the
truth is you are still with us.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>You desire
to explain and open our eyes to the work You are doing even when it appears
dark and hopeless.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Help me to trust in
You through it all.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Draw me to Your
side.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Help me to listen as You share
with me the things that concern You.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>Help me to share with others what You reveal to me.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>In Jesus name, I sit and wait to hear your
voice…</span></span></div>
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<br /></div>
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<span class="hbfs"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><script src="http://www.godtube.com/embed/source/klkpkgnx.js?w=400&h=255&ap=true&sl=true&title=true" type="text/javascript">
</script></span></span></div>
<a href="http://www.godtube.com/watch/?v=KLKPKGNX">FOOTPRINTS IN THE
SAND</a> from <a href="http://www.godtube.com/betsy46516">betsy46516</a>
on <a href="http://www.godtube.com/">GodTube</a>.<br />
<br />
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<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 18pt;">Footprints</span></div>
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-bidi-font-weight: bold; mso-bidi-language: AR-SA; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-language: EN-US;">One night I had a
dream--<br />
I dreamed I was walking along the beach with the Lord <br />
and across the sky flashed scenes from my life. <br />
For each scene I noticed two sets of footprints, <br />
one belonged to me and the other to the Lord. <br />
When the last scene of my life flashed before me,<br />
I looked back at the footprints in the sand.<br />
I noticed that many times along the path of my life,<br />
there was only one set of footprints.<br />
I also noticed that it happened at the very lowest<br />
and saddest times in my life. <br />
This really bothered me and I questioned the Lord about it. <br />
"Lord, you said that once I decided to follow you,<br />
you would walk with me all the way,<br />
but I have noticed that during the most troublesome times in my life<br />
there is only one set of footprints. <br />
"I don't understand why in times when I needed you most,<br />
you should leave me." <br />
The Lord replied, "My precious, precious child,<br />
I love you and I would never, never leave you<br />
during your times of trial and suffering. <br />
"When you saw only one set of footprints,<br />
it was then that I carried you."<br />
<br />
...Mary Stevenson</span>Alicia Zbylothttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03040247491389052403noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-808634803024831810.post-64105375469249137522012-05-11T07:28:00.001-05:002012-05-11T07:28:12.584-05:00Part 1—Open Our Eyes<!--[if gte mso 9]><xml>
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<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;">Resurrection—Now What?<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></span></b></div>
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<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;"></span></b></div>
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<br /></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;">Easter.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It seems so long ago that we celebrated one
of the most recognized events in Christianity.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>However, what happened next?<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The
story of Christ’s deliverance for us did not just stop with His
resurrection.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>He promised to send a
Helper.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>He promised we would not be left
alone.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Over the next two weeks I would
like to take some time to reflect on the same question the disciples must have
been asking after they saw the empty tomb—Now What?<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Have we celebrated the risen Savior back in
April only to forget that He is still alive and is still revealing His presence
to us?<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Have we seen the risen Lord over
the last 40 days?<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Join me as we
experience the sightings of Jesus after His resurrection.</span></div>
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<a name='more'></a><br />
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<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;">We
begin on Resurrection Day as the women head to the tomb to anoint the body with
spices as was their custom.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Let us take
a moment to read each gospel account to get the full picture of what was
happening on that glorious Sunday morning.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>Take special note how each individual responded to seeing the empty
tomb.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;">“<span class="hbs">Early</span><span class="disputed"> on the </span><span class="hbs">first</span><span class="disputed"> day of the </span><span class="hbs">week</span><span class="disputed">, after He had </span><span class="hbs">risen</span><span class="disputed">, He </span><span class="hbs">appeared</span><span class="disputed">
</span><span class="hbs">first</span><span class="disputed"> to </span><span class="hbs">Mary</span><span class="disputed"> </span><span class="hbs">Magdalene</span><span class="disputed">, out </span><span class="hbs">of</span><span class="disputed"> </span><span class="hbs">whom</span><span class="disputed"> He had </span><span class="hbs">driven</span><span class="disputed"> </span><span class="hbs">seven</span><span class="disputed"> </span><span class="hbs">demons</span><span class="disputed">.</span><span class="hbfs"> </span><span class="hbs"> She</span><span class="disputed"> </span><span class="hbs">went</span><span class="disputed"> and </span><span class="hbs">reported</span><span class="disputed">
to </span><span class="hbs">those</span><span class="disputed"> who had </span><span class="hbs">been</span><span class="disputed"> </span><span class="hbs">with</span><span class="disputed"> </span><span class="hbs">Him</span><span class="disputed">, as they
were </span><span class="hbs">mourning</span><span class="disputed"> </span><span class="hbs">and</span><span class="disputed"> </span><span class="hbs">weeping</span><span class="disputed">. </span><span class="hbvn"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></span><span class="disputed"> Yet, when
they </span><span class="hbs">heard</span><span class="disputed"> </span><span class="hbs">that</span><span class="disputed"> He was </span><span class="hbs">alive</span><span class="disputed"> </span><span class="hbs">and</span><span class="disputed"> had been
</span><span class="hbs">seen</span><span class="disputed"> </span><span class="hbs">by</span><span class="disputed"> </span><span class="hbs">her</span><span class="disputed">, <b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">they did not </b></span><span class="hbs"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">believe</b></span><span class="disputed"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"> it</b>.</span><span class="hbfs">”<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></span>Mark 16:9-11<span class="hbfs"></span></span></div>
</blockquote>
<blockquote class="tr_bq">
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span class="noindent"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;"> “On
</span></span><span class="hbs"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;">the</span></span><span class="noindent"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;">
</span></span><span class="hbs"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;">first</span></span><span class="noindent"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;">
day of </span></span><span class="hbs"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;">the</span></span><span class="noindent"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;"> </span></span><span class="hbs"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;">week</span></span><span class="noindent"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;">,
very early in the </span></span><span class="hbs"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;">morning</span></span><span class="noindent"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;">,
they </span></span><span class="hbs"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;">came</span></span><span class="noindent"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;"> </span></span><span class="hbs"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;">to</span></span><span class="noindent"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;">
</span></span><span class="hbs"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;">the</span></span><span class="noindent"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;">
</span></span><span class="hbs"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;">tomb</span></span><span class="noindent"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;">,
</span></span><span class="hbs"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;">bringing</span></span><span class="noindent"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;">
the </span></span><span class="hbs"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;">spices</span></span><span class="noindent"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;"> they had </span></span><span class="hbs"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;">prepared</span></span><span class="noindent"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;">.
</span></span><span class="hbvn"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></span></span><span class="noindent"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;"> They </span></span><span class="hbs"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;">found</span></span><span class="noindent"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;">
</span></span><span class="hbs"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;">the</span></span><span class="noindent"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;">
</span></span><span class="hbs"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;">stone</span></span><span class="noindent"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;">
rolled </span></span><span class="hbs"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;">away</span></span><span class="noindent"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;"> </span></span><span class="hbs"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;">from</span></span><span class="noindent"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;">
</span></span><span class="hbs"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;">the</span></span><span class="noindent"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;">
</span></span><span class="hbs"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;">tomb</span></span><span class="noindent"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;">.
They went </span></span><span class="hbs"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;">in</span></span><span class="noindent"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;"> </span></span><span class="hbs"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;">but</span></span><span class="noindent"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;">
did </span></span><span class="hbs"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;">not</span></span><span class="noindent"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;"> </span></span><span class="hbs"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;">find</span></span><span class="noindent"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;">
</span></span><span class="hbs"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;">the</span></span><span class="noindent"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;">
</span></span><span class="hbs"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;">body</span></span><span class="noindent"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;">
of </span></span><span class="hbs"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;">the</span></span><span class="noindent"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;"> </span></span><span class="hbs"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;">Lord</span></span><span class="noindent"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;">
</span></span><span class="hbs"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;">Jesus</span></span><span class="noindent"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;">.</span></span><span class="hbfs"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;">
</span></span><span class="hbs"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;"> While</span></span><span class="noindent"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;">
they </span></span><span class="hbs"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;">were</span></span><span class="noindent"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;"> </span></span><span class="hbs"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;">perplexed</span></span><span class="noindent"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;">
</span></span><span class="hbs"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;">about</span></span><span class="noindent"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;">
</span></span><span class="hbs"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;">this</span></span><span class="noindent"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;">,
</span></span><span class="hbs"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;">suddenly</span></span><span class="noindent"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;">
</span></span><span class="hbs"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;">two</span></span><span class="noindent"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;">
</span></span><span class="hbs"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;">men</span></span><span class="noindent"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;">
stood </span></span><span class="hbs"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;">by</span></span><span class="noindent"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;"> </span></span><span class="hbs"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;">them</span></span><span class="noindent"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;">
</span></span><span class="hbs"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;">in</span></span><span class="noindent"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;">
</span></span><span class="hbs"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;">dazzling</span></span><span class="noindent"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;">
</span></span><span class="hbs"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;">clothes</span></span><span class="noindent"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;">.
</span></span><span class="hbvn"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></span></span><span class="hbs"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;">So</span></span><span class="noindent"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;">
the </span></span><span class="hbs"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;">women</span></span><span class="noindent"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;"> </span></span><span class="hbs"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;">were</span></span><span class="noindent"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;">
</span></span><span class="hbs"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;">terrified</span></span><span class="noindent"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;">
</span></span><span class="hbs"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;">and</span></span><span class="noindent"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;">
bowed </span></span><span class="hbs"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;">down</span></span><span class="noindent"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;"> </span></span><span class="hbs"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;">to</span></span><span class="noindent"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;">
</span></span><span class="hbs"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;">the</span></span><span class="noindent"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;">
</span></span><span class="hbs"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;">ground</span></span><span class="noindent"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;">.</span></span><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;"> <span class="hbs">“Why</span><span class="ind"> are you looking </span><span class="hbs">for</span><span class="ind"> </span><span class="hbs">the</span><span class="ind"> </span><span class="hbs">living</span><span class="ind"> </span><span class="hbs">among</span><span class="ind"> </span><span class="hbs">the</span><span class="ind"> </span><span class="hbs">dead</span><span class="ind">?” </span><span class="hbs">asked</span><span class="ind"> the </span><span class="hbs">men</span><span class="ind">. “He </span><span class="hbs">is</span><span class="ind"> </span><span class="hbs">not</span><span class="ind"> </span><span class="hbs">here</span><span class="ind">, </span><span class="hbs">but</span><span class="ind"> He has been </span><span class="hbs">resurrected</span><span class="ind">! </span><span class="hbs">Remember</span><span class="ind"> </span><span class="hbs">how</span><span class="ind"> He </span><span class="hbs">spoke</span><span class="ind"> to </span><span class="hbs">you</span><span class="ind"> when He </span><span class="hbs">was</span><span class="ind"> </span><span class="hbs">still</span><span class="ind"> </span><span class="hbs">in</span><span class="ind"> </span><span class="hbs">Galilee</span><span class="ind">,</span><span class="hbs"> saying</span><span class="ind">, </span><span class="hbs">‘The</span><span class="bn"> </span><span class="hbs">Son</span><span class="hbjw"> of </span><span class="hbs">Man</span><span class="hbjw"> </span><span class="hbs">must</span><span class="hbjw"> be </span><span class="hbs">betrayed</span><span class="hbjw"> </span><span class="hbs">into</span><span class="hbjw"> the </span><span class="hbs">hands</span><span class="hbjw"> of </span><span class="hbs">sinful</span><span class="hbjw"> </span><span class="hbs">men</span><span class="hbjw">, be </span><span class="hbs">crucified</span><span class="hbjw">, </span><span class="hbs">and</span><span class="hbjw"> </span><span class="hbs">rise</span><span class="hbjw"> on </span><span class="hbs">the</span><span class="hbjw"> </span><span class="hbs">third</span><span class="hbjw"> </span><span class="hbs">day</span><span class="hbjw">’</span><span class="ind">?” </span><span class="hbvn"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></span><span class="hbs">And</span><span class="ind"> they </span><span class="hbs">remembered</span><span class="ind"> </span><span class="hbs">His</span><span class="ind"> </span><span class="hbs">words</span><span class="ind">.</span> <span class="hbs"> Returning</span><span class="ind"> </span><span class="hbs">from</span><span class="ind"> </span><span class="hbs">the</span><span class="ind"> </span><span class="hbs">tomb</span><span class="ind">, they </span><span class="hbs">reported</span><span class="ind"> </span><span class="hbs">all</span><span class="ind"> </span><span class="hbs">these</span><span class="ind"> things to </span><span class="hbs">the</span><span class="ind"> </span><span class="hbs">Eleven</span><span class="ind"> </span><span class="hbs">and</span><span class="ind"> to </span><span class="hbs">all</span><span class="ind"> </span><span class="hbs">the</span><span class="ind"> </span><span class="hbs">rest</span><span class="ind">. </span><span class="hbvn"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></span><span class="hbs">Mary</span><span class="ind"> </span><span class="hbs">Magdalene</span><span class="ind">, </span><span class="hbs">Joanna</span><span class="ind">, </span><span class="hbs">Mary</span><span class="ind"> </span><span class="hbs">the</span><span class="ind"> mother of </span><span class="hbs">James</span><span class="ind">, </span><span class="hbs">and</span><span class="ind"> </span><span class="hbs">the</span><span class="ind"> </span><span class="hbs">other</span><span class="ind"> women </span><span class="hbs">with</span><span class="ind"> </span><span class="hbs">them</span><span class="ind"> were </span><span class="hbs">telling</span><span class="ind"> </span><span class="hbs">the</span><span class="ind"> </span><span class="hbs">apostles</span><span class="ind"> </span><span class="hbs">these</span><span class="ind"> things. </span><span class="hbvn"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></span><span class="hbs">But</span><span class="ind"> </span><span class="hbs"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">these</b></span><span class="ind"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"> </b></span><span class="hbs"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">words</b></span><span class="ind"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"> </b></span><span class="hbs"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">seemed</b></span><span class="ind"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"> </b></span><span class="hbs"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">like</b></span><span class="ind"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"> </b></span><span class="hbs"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">nonsense</b></span><span class="ind"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"> </b></span><span class="hbs"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">to</b></span><span class="ind"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"> </b></span><span class="hbs"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">them</b></span><span class="ind">, </span><span class="hbs">and</span><span class="ind"> <b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">they
did not </b></span><span class="hbs"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">believe</b></span><span class="ind"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"> the </b></span><span class="hbs"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">women</b></span><span class="ind">. </span><span class="hbvn"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></span><span class="hbs">Peter</span><span class="ind">, </span><span class="hbs">however</span><span class="ind">, got </span><span class="hbs">up</span><span class="ind"> </span><span class="hbs">and</span><span class="ind"> </span><span class="hbs">ran</span><span class="ind"> </span><span class="hbs">to</span><span class="ind"> </span><span class="hbs">the</span><span class="ind"> </span><span class="hbs">tomb</span><span class="ind">. When he stooped to look </span><span class="hbs">in</span><span class="ind">, he </span><span class="hbs">saw</span><span class="ind"> </span><span class="hbs">only</span><span class="ind"> </span><span class="hbs">the</span><span class="ind"> linen </span><span class="hbs">cloths</span><span class="ind">.</span><span class="hbfs"> </span><span class="hbs">So</span><span class="ind"> he </span><span class="hbs">went</span><span class="ind"> home, <u>amazed </u></span><span class="hbs"><u>at</u></span><span class="ind"><u> what had </u></span><span class="hbs"><u>happened</u></span><span class="ind">.”<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></span><span class="hbfs">Luke 24:1-12</span></span></div>
</blockquote>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span class="hbfs"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;"></span></span></div>
<blockquote class="tr_bq">
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span class="hbfs"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;">“</span></span><span class="noindent"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;">On
</span></span><span class="hbs"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;">the</span></span><span class="noindent"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;">
</span></span><span class="hbs"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;">first</span></span><span class="noindent"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;">
day of </span></span><span class="hbs"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;">the</span></span><span class="noindent"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;"> </span></span><span class="hbs"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;">week
Mary</span></span><span class="noindent"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;"> </span></span><span class="hbs"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;">Magdalene</span></span><span class="noindent"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;">
</span></span><span class="hbs"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;">came</span></span><span class="noindent"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;">
</span></span><span class="hbs"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;">to</span></span><span class="noindent"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;">
</span></span><span class="hbs"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;">the</span></span><span class="noindent"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;">
</span></span><span class="hbs"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;">tomb</span></span><span class="noindent"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;">
</span></span><span class="hbs"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;">early</span></span><span class="noindent"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;">,
while it </span></span><span class="hbs"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;">was</span></span><span class="noindent"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;"> </span></span><span class="hbs"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;">still</span></span><span class="noindent"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;">
</span></span><span class="hbs"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;">dark</span></span><span class="noindent"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;">.
She </span></span><span class="hbs"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;">saw</span></span><span class="noindent"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;"> that </span></span><span class="hbs"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;">the</span></span><span class="noindent"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;">
</span></span><span class="hbs"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;">stone</span></span><span class="noindent"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;">
had been </span></span><span class="hbs"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;">removed</span></span><span class="noindent"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;">
</span></span><span class="hbs"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;">from</span></span><span class="noindent"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;">
</span></span><span class="hbs"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;">the</span></span><span class="noindent"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;">
</span></span><span class="hbs"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;">tomb</span></span><span class="noindent"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;">.
</span></span><span class="hbvn"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></span></span><span class="hbs"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;">So</span></span><span class="noindent"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;">
she </span></span><span class="hbs"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;">ran</span></span><span class="noindent"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;"> </span></span><span class="hbs"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;">to</span></span><span class="noindent"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;">
</span></span><span class="hbs"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;">Simon</span></span><span class="noindent"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;">
</span></span><span class="hbs"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;">Peter</span></span><span class="hbfs"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;">
</span></span><span class="hbs"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;">and</span></span><span class="noindent"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;">
</span></span><span class="hbs"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;">to</span></span><span class="noindent"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;">
</span></span><span class="hbs"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;">the</span></span><span class="noindent"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;">
</span></span><span class="hbs"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;">other</span></span><span class="noindent"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;">
</span></span><span class="hbs"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;">disciple</span></span><span class="noindent"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;">,
the </span></span><span class="hbs"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;">one</span></span><span class="noindent"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;"> </span></span><span class="hbs"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;">Jesus</span></span><span class="noindent"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;">
</span></span><span class="hbs"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;">loved</span></span><span class="noindent"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;">,
</span></span><span class="hbs"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;">and</span></span><span class="noindent"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;">
</span></span><span class="hbs"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;">said</span></span><span class="noindent"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;">
to </span></span><span class="hbs"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;">them</span></span><span class="noindent"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;">, “They have </span></span><span class="hbs"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;">taken</span></span><span class="noindent"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;">
</span></span><span class="hbs"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;">the</span></span><span class="noindent"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;">
</span></span><span class="hbs"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;">Lord</span></span><span class="noindent"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;">
out </span></span><span class="hbs"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;">of</span></span><span class="noindent"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;"> </span></span><span class="hbs"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;">the</span></span><span class="noindent"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;">
</span></span><span class="hbs"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;">tomb</span></span><span class="noindent"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;">,
</span></span><span class="hbs"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;">and</span></span><span class="noindent"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;">
we </span></span><span class="hbs"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;">don’t</span></span><span class="noindent"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;"> </span></span><span class="hbs"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;">know</span></span><span class="noindent"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;">
</span></span><span class="hbs"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;">where</span></span><span class="noindent"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;">
they have </span></span><span class="hbs"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;">put</span></span><span class="noindent"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;"> </span></span><span class="hbs"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;">Him</span></span><span class="noindent"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;">!”</span></span><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;"> <span class="hbvn"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></span><span class="ind">At
that, </span><span class="hbs">Peter</span><span class="ind"> </span><span class="hbs">and</span><span class="ind"> </span><span class="hbs">the</span><span class="ind"> </span><span class="hbs">other</span><span class="ind"> </span><span class="hbs">disciple</span><span class="ind"> went </span><span class="hbs">out</span><span class="ind">, </span><span class="hbs">heading</span><span class="ind"> </span><span class="hbs">for</span><span class="ind"> </span><span class="hbs">the</span><span class="ind"> </span><span class="hbs">tomb</span><span class="ind">. </span><span class="hbvn"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></span><span class="hbs">The</span><span class="ind"> </span><span class="hbs">two</span><span class="ind"> were </span><span class="hbs">running</span><span class="ind"> </span><span class="hbs">together</span><span class="ind">, </span><span class="hbs">but</span><span class="ind"> </span><span class="hbs">the</span><span class="ind"> </span><span class="hbs">other</span><span class="ind"> </span><span class="hbs">disciple</span><span class="ind"> </span><span class="hbs">outran</span><span class="ind"> </span><span class="hbs">Peter</span><span class="ind"> </span><span class="hbs">and</span><span class="ind"> </span><span class="hbs">got</span><span class="ind"> </span><span class="hbs">to</span><span class="ind"> </span><span class="hbs">the</span><span class="ind"> </span><span class="hbs">tomb</span><span class="ind"> </span><span class="hbs">first</span><span class="ind">. </span><span class="hbvn"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></span><span class="ind">Stooping </span><span class="hbs">down</span><span class="ind">, he </span><span class="hbs"><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><u>saw</u></i></span><span class="ind"> </span><span class="hbs">the</span><span class="ind"> linen </span><span class="hbs">cloths</span><span class="ind"> </span><span class="hbs">lying</span><span class="ind"> there, </span><span class="hbs"><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><u>yet</u></i></span><span class="ind"><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><u> he did </u></i></span><span class="hbs"><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><u>not</u></i></span><span class="ind"><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><u> go </u></i></span><span class="hbs"><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><u>in</u></i></span><span class="ind">. </span><span class="hbvn"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></span><span class="hbs"> Then</span><span class="ind">, </span><span class="hbs">following</span><span class="ind"> </span><span class="hbs">him</span><span class="ind">, </span><span class="hbs">Simon</span><span class="ind"> </span><span class="hbs">Peter</span><span class="ind"> </span><span class="hbs">came</span><span class="ind"> </span><span class="hbs">also</span><span class="ind">. He </span><span class="hbs">entered</span><span class="ind"> </span><span class="hbs">the</span><span class="ind"> </span><span class="hbs">tomb</span><span class="ind"> </span><span class="hbs">and</span><span class="ind"> </span><span class="hbs">saw</span><span class="ind"> </span><span class="hbs">the</span><span class="ind"> linen </span><span class="hbs">cloths</span><span class="ind"> </span><span class="hbs">lying</span><span class="ind"> there. </span><span class="hbvn"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></span><span class="hbs">The</span><span class="ind"> </span><span class="hbs">wrapping</span><span class="ind"> </span><span class="hbs">that</span><span class="ind"> had </span><span class="hbs">been</span><span class="ind"> </span><span class="hbs">on</span><span class="ind"> </span><span class="hbs">His</span><span class="ind"> </span><span class="hbs">head</span><span class="ind"> was </span><span class="hbs">not</span><span class="ind"> </span><span class="hbs">lying</span><span class="ind"> </span><span class="hbs">with</span><span class="ind"> </span><span class="hbs">the</span><span class="ind"> linen </span><span class="hbs">cloths</span><span class="ind"> </span><span class="hbs">but</span><span class="ind"> was folded </span><span class="hbs">up</span><span class="ind"> </span><span class="hbs">in</span><span class="ind"> </span><span class="hbs">a</span><span class="ind"> </span><span class="hbs">separate</span><span class="ind"> </span><span class="hbs">place</span><span class="ind"> by itself. </span><span class="hbvn"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></span><span class="hbs">The</span><span class="ind"> </span><span class="hbs">other</span><span class="ind"> </span><span class="hbs">disciple</span><span class="ind">, </span><span class="hbs">who</span><span class="ind"> had </span><span class="hbs">reached</span><span class="ind"> </span><span class="hbs">the</span><span class="ind"> </span><span class="hbs">tomb</span><span class="ind"> </span><span class="hbs">first</span><span class="ind">, </span><span class="hbs">then</span><span class="ind"> </span><span class="hbs">entered</span><span class="ind"> the tomb, </span><span class="hbs"><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><u>saw</u></i></span><span class="ind">, </span><span class="hbs">and</span><span class="ind"> </span><span class="hbs"><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><u>believed</u></i></span><span class="ind">. </span><span class="hbvn"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></span><span class="hbs">For</span><span class="ind"> <u>they still did </u></span><span class="hbs"><u>not</u></span><span class="ind"><u> </u></span><span class="hbs"><u>understand</u></span><span class="ind"><u> </u></span><span class="hbs"><u>the</u></span><span class="ind"><u> </u></span><span class="hbs"><u>Scripture</u></span><span class="ind"> </span><span class="hbs">that</span><span class="ind"> </span><span class="hbs">He</span><span class="ind"> </span><span class="hbs">must</span><span class="ind"> </span><span class="hbs">rise</span><span class="ind"> </span><span class="hbs">from</span><span class="ind"> the </span><span class="hbs">dead</span><span class="ind">.</span><span class="hbfs"> </span><span class="hbs"> Then</span><span class="ind"> </span><span class="hbs">the</span><span class="ind"> </span><span class="hbs">disciples</span><span class="ind"> </span><span class="hbs">went</span><span class="ind"> home </span><span class="hbs">again</span><span class="ind">.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></span><span class="hbfs">John
20:1-10</span></span></div>
</blockquote>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span class="hbfs"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;"></span></span></div>
<blockquote class="tr_bq">
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span class="hbfs"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;">“</span></span><span class="hbs"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;">But</span></span><span class="ind"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;">
</span></span><span class="hbs"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;">Mary</span></span><span class="ind"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;">
</span></span><span class="hbs"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;">stood</span></span><span class="ind"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;">
</span></span><span class="hbs"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;">outside</span></span><span class="ind"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;">
</span></span><span class="hbs"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;">facing</span></span><span class="ind"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;">
</span></span><span class="hbs"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;">the</span></span><span class="ind"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;">
</span></span><span class="hbs"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;">tomb</span></span><span class="ind"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;">,
</span></span><span class="hbs"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;">crying</span></span><span class="ind"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;">.
</span></span><span class="hbs"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;">As</span></span><span class="ind"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;">
she was </span></span><span class="hbs"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;">crying</span></span><span class="ind"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;">, she </span></span><span class="hbs"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;">stooped</span></span><span class="ind"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;">
to look </span></span><span class="hbs"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;">into</span></span><span class="ind"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;"> </span></span><span class="hbs"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;">the</span></span><span class="ind"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;">
</span></span><span class="hbs"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;">tomb</span></span><span class="ind"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;">.
</span></span><span class="hbvn"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></span></span><span class="ind"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;">She </span></span><span class="hbs"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;">saw</span></span><span class="ind"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;">
</span></span><span class="hbs"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;">two</span></span><span class="ind"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;">
</span></span><span class="hbs"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;">angels</span></span><span class="ind"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;">
</span></span><span class="hbs"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;">in</span></span><span class="ind"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;">
</span></span><span class="hbs"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;">white</span></span><span class="ind"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;">
</span></span><span class="hbs"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;">sitting</span></span><span class="ind"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;">
there, </span></span><span class="hbs"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;">one</span></span><span class="ind"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;"> </span></span><span class="hbs"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;">at</span></span><span class="ind"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;">
</span></span><span class="hbs"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;">the</span></span><span class="ind"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;">
</span></span><span class="hbs"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;">head</span></span><span class="ind"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;">
</span></span><span class="hbs"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;">and</span></span><span class="ind"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;">
</span></span><span class="hbs"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;">one</span></span><span class="ind"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;">
</span></span><span class="hbs"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;">at</span></span><span class="ind"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;">
</span></span><span class="hbs"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;">the</span></span><span class="ind"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;">
</span></span><span class="hbs"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;">feet</span></span><span class="ind"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;">,
</span></span><span class="hbs"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;">where</span></span><span class="ind"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;">
</span></span><span class="hbs"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;">Jesus’</span></span><span class="ind"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;">
</span></span><span class="hbs"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;">body</span></span><span class="ind"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;">
had been </span></span><span class="hbs"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;">lying</span></span><span class="ind"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;">. </span></span><span class="hbvn"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></span></span><span class="hbs"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;">They</span></span><span class="ind"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;">
</span></span><span class="hbs"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;">said</span></span><span class="ind"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;">
to </span></span><span class="hbs"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;">her</span></span><span class="ind"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;">, “</span></span><span class="hbs"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;">Woman</span></span><span class="ind"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;">,
</span></span><span class="hbs"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;">why</span></span><span class="ind"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;">
are you </span></span><span class="hbs"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;">crying</span></span><span class="ind"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;">?”</span></span><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;"> <span class="hbs">“Because</span><span class="ind"> they’ve taken </span><span class="hbs">away</span><span class="ind"> </span><span class="hbs">my</span><span class="ind"> </span><span class="hbs">Lord</span><span class="ind">,” she </span><span class="hbs">told</span><span class="ind"> </span><span class="hbs">them</span><span class="ind">, </span><span class="hbs">“and</span><span class="ind"> I </span><span class="hbs">don’t</span><span class="ind"> </span><span class="hbs">know</span><span class="ind"> </span><span class="hbs">where</span><span class="ind"> they’ve </span><span class="hbs">put</span><span class="ind"> </span><span class="hbs">Him</span><span class="ind">.” Having </span><span class="hbs">said</span><span class="ind"> </span><span class="hbs">this</span><span class="ind">, she turned </span><span class="hbs">around</span><span class="ind"> </span><span class="hbs">and</span><span class="ind"> </span><span class="hbs"><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><u>saw</u></i></span><span class="ind"> </span><span class="hbs">Jesus</span><span class="ind"> </span><span class="hbs">standing</span><span class="ind"> there, </span><span class="hbs">though</span><span class="ind"> she <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><u>did </u></i></span><span class="hbs"><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><u>not</u></i></span><span class="ind"><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><u> </u></i></span><span class="hbs"><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><u>know</u></i></span><span class="ind"><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><u> it </u></i></span><span class="hbs"><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><u>was</u></i></span><span class="ind"><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><u> </u></i></span><span class="hbs"><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><u>Jesus</u></i></span><span class="ind">.</span><span class="hbfs"> </span><span class="hbs"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“Woman</span><span class="hbjw">,”</span><span class="ind"> </span><span class="hbs">Jesus</span><span class="ind"> </span><span class="hbs">said</span><span class="ind"> to </span><span class="hbs">her</span><span class="ind">, </span><span class="hbs">“why</span><span class="hbjw"> are you </span><span class="hbs">crying</span><span class="hbjw">? </span><span class="hbs">Who</span><span class="hbjw"> is it you are looking </span><span class="hbs">for</span><span class="hbjw">?”</span> <span class="hbs">Supposing</span><span class="ind"> He </span><span class="hbs">was</span><span class="ind"> </span><span class="hbs">the</span><span class="ind"> </span><span class="hbs">gardener</span><span class="ind">, </span><span class="hbs">she</span><span class="ind"> </span><span class="hbs">replied</span><span class="ind">, </span><span class="hbs">“Sir</span><span class="ind">, </span><span class="hbs">if</span><span class="ind"> </span><span class="hbs">you’ve</span><span class="ind"> </span><span class="hbs">removed</span><span class="ind"> </span><span class="hbs">Him</span><span class="ind">, </span><span class="hbs">tell</span><span class="ind"> </span><span class="hbs">me</span><span class="ind"> </span><span class="hbs">where</span><span class="ind"> you’ve </span><span class="hbs">put</span><span class="ind"> </span><span class="hbs">Him</span><span class="ind">, and </span><span class="hbs">I</span><span class="ind"> will take </span><span class="hbs">Him</span><span class="ind"> </span><span class="hbs">away</span><span class="ind">.”</span> <span class="hbvn"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></span><span class="hbs"> Jesus</span><span class="ind"> </span><span class="hbs">said</span><span class="ind">, </span><span class="hbs">“Mary</span><span class="hbjw">.”</span> <span class="ind">Turning </span><span class="hbs">around</span><span class="ind">, </span><span class="hbs">she</span><span class="ind"> </span><span class="hbs">said</span><span class="ind"> to </span><span class="hbs">Him</span><span class="ind"> in </span><span class="hbs">Hebrew</span><span class="ind">, </span><span class="hbs"><i>“Rabbouni</i></span><span class="ind"><i>!”</i></span><span class="hbs">—which</span><span class="ind"> </span><span class="hbs">means</span><span class="ind"> </span><span class="hbs">“Teacher</span><span class="ind">.” </span><span class="hbs"> “Don’t</span><span class="hbjw"> cling </span><span class="hbs">to</span><span class="hbjw"> </span><span class="hbs">Me</span><span class="hbjw">,”</span><span class="ind"> </span><span class="hbs">Jesus</span><span class="ind"> </span><span class="hbs">told</span><span class="ind"> </span><span class="hbs">her</span><span class="ind">, </span><span class="hbs">“for</span><span class="hbjw"> I have not </span><span class="hbs">yet</span><span class="hbjw"> </span><span class="hbs">ascended</span><span class="hbjw"> </span><span class="hbs">to</span><span class="hbjw"> </span><span class="hbs">the</span><span class="hbjw"> </span><span class="hbs">Father</span><span class="hbjw">. </span><span class="hbs">But</span><span class="hbjw"> </span><span class="hbs">go</span><span class="hbjw"> </span><span class="hbs">to</span><span class="hbjw"> </span><span class="hbs">My</span><span class="hbjw"> </span><span class="hbs">brothers</span><span class="hbjw"> </span><span class="hbs">and</span><span class="hbjw"> </span><span class="hbs">tell</span><span class="hbjw"> </span><span class="hbs">them</span><span class="hbjw"> that I am </span><span class="hbs">ascending</span><span class="hbjw"> </span><span class="hbs">to</span><span class="hbjw"> </span><span class="hbs">My</span><span class="hbjw"> </span><span class="hbs">Father</span><span class="hbjw"> </span><span class="hbs">and</span><span class="hbjw"> </span><span class="hbs">your</span><span class="hbjw"> </span><span class="hbs">Father</span><span class="hbjw">—to </span><span class="hbs">My</span><span class="hbjw"> </span><span class="hbs">God</span><span class="hbjw"> </span><span class="hbs">and</span><span class="hbjw"> </span><span class="hbs">your</span><span class="hbjw"> </span><span class="hbs">God</span><span class="hbjw">.”</span> <span class="hbvn"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></span><span class="hbs">Mary</span><span class="ind"> </span><span class="hbs">Magdalene</span><span class="ind"> </span><span class="hbs">went</span><span class="ind"> and </span><span class="hbs">announced</span><span class="ind"> to </span><span class="hbs">the</span><span class="ind"> </span><span class="hbs">disciples</span><span class="ind">, “<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">I have </b></span><span class="hbs"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">seen</b></span><span class="ind"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"> </b></span><span class="hbs"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">the</b></span><span class="ind"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"> </b></span><span class="hbs"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">Lord</b></span><span class="ind">!”</span><span class="hbfs"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>And</span><span class="ind">
she told them what He had </span><span class="hbs">said</span><span class="ind"> to
</span><span class="hbs">her</span><span class="ind">.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></span><span class="hbfs">John 20:11-18</span><span class="ind"></span></span></div>
</blockquote>
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<blockquote class="tr_bq">
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span class="ind"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;">“As
</span></span><span class="hbs"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;">they</span></span><span class="ind"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;">
were on their </span></span><span class="hbs"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;">way</span></span><span class="ind"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;">, </span></span><span class="hbs"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;">some</span></span><span class="ind"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;">
of </span></span><span class="hbs"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;">the</span></span><span class="ind"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;"> </span></span><span class="hbs"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;">guards</span></span><span class="ind"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;">
</span></span><span class="hbs"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;">came</span></span><span class="ind"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;">
</span></span><span class="hbs"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;">into</span></span><span class="ind"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;">
</span></span><span class="hbs"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;">the</span></span><span class="ind"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;">
</span></span><span class="hbs"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;">city</span></span><span class="ind"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;">
and </span></span><span class="hbs"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;">reported</span></span><span class="ind"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;"> to </span></span><span class="hbs"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;">the</span></span><span class="ind"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;">
</span></span><span class="hbg"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;">chief</span></span><span class="ind"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;">
</span></span><span class="hbs"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;">priests</span></span><span class="ind"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;">
</span></span><span class="hbs"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;">everything</span></span><span class="ind"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;">
that had </span></span><span class="hbs"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;">happened</span></span><span class="ind"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;">. </span></span><span class="hbvn"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></span></span><span class="ind"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;"> After the
priests had </span></span><span class="hbs"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;">assembled</span></span><span class="ind"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;"> </span></span><span class="hbs"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;">with</span></span><span class="ind"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;">
</span></span><span class="hbs"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;">the</span></span><span class="ind"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;">
</span></span><span class="hbs"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;">elders</span></span><span class="ind"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;">
</span></span><span class="hbs"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;">and</span></span><span class="ind"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;">
agreed </span></span><span class="hbs"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;">on</span></span><span class="ind"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;"> a </span></span><span class="hbs"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;">plan</span></span><span class="ind"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;">,
they </span></span><span class="hbs"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;">gave</span></span><span class="ind"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;"> </span></span><span class="hbs"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;">the</span></span><span class="ind"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;">
</span></span><span class="hbs"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;">soldiers</span></span><span class="ind"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;">
a large sum </span></span><span class="hbs"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;">of</span></span><span class="ind"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;"> </span></span><span class="hbs"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;">money</span></span><span class="ind"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;">
and </span></span><span class="hbs"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;">told</span></span><span class="ind"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;"> them, </span></span><span class="hbs"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;">“Say</span></span><span class="ind"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;">
</span></span><span class="hbs"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;">this,</span></span><span class="ind"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;">
</span></span><span class="hbs"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;">‘His</span></span><span class="ind"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;">
</span></span><span class="hbs"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;">disciples</span></span><span class="ind"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;">
</span></span><span class="hbs"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;">came</span></span><span class="ind"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;">
during the </span></span><span class="hbs"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;">night</span></span><span class="ind"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;"> and </span></span><span class="hbs"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;">stole</span></span><span class="ind"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;">
</span></span><span class="hbs"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;">Him</span></span><span class="ind"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;">
while </span></span><span class="hbs"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;">we</span></span><span class="ind"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;"> were </span></span><span class="hbs"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;">sleeping</span></span><span class="ind"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;">.’</span></span><span class="hbvn"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></span></span><span class="hbs"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;"> If</span></span><span class="ind"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;">
</span></span><span class="hbs"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;">this</span></span><span class="ind"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;">
reaches </span></span><span class="hbs"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;">the</span></span><span class="ind"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;"> </span></span><span class="hbs"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;">governor’s</span></span><span class="ind"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;">
</span></span><span class="hbs"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;">ears</span></span><span class="ind"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;">,
</span></span><span class="hbs"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;">we</span></span><span class="ind"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;">
will deal </span></span><span class="hbs"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;">with</span></span><span class="ind"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;"> </span></span><span class="hbs"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;">him</span></span><span class="ind"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;">
</span></span><span class="hbs"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;">and</span></span><span class="ind"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;">
</span></span><span class="hbs"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;">keep</span></span><span class="ind"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;">
</span></span><span class="hbs"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;">you</span></span><span class="ind"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;">
out of </span></span><span class="hbs"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;">trouble</span></span><span class="ind"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;">.”</span></span><span class="hbs"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;">
So</span></span><span class="ind"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;">
</span></span><span class="hbs"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;">they</span></span><span class="ind"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;">
</span></span><span class="hbs"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;">took</span></span><span class="ind"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;">
</span></span><span class="hbs"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;">the</span></span><span class="ind"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;">
</span></span><span class="hbs"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;">money</span></span><span class="ind"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;">
and </span></span><span class="hbs"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;">did</span></span><span class="ind"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;"> </span></span><span class="hbs"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;">as</span></span><span class="ind"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;">
they were </span></span><span class="hbs"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;">instructed</span></span><span class="ind"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;">. </span></span><span class="hbs"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;">And</span></span><span class="ind"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;">
</span></span><span class="hbs"><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;">this</span></i></span><span class="ind"><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;"> </span></i></span><span class="hbs"><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;">story</span></i></span><span class="ind"><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;"> has been </span></i></span><span class="hbs"><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;">spread</span></i></span><span class="ind"><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;"> </span></i></span><span class="hbs"><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;">among</span></i></span><span class="ind"><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;"> Jewish </span></i></span><span class="hbs"><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;">people</span></i></span><span class="ind"><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;"> </span></i></span><span class="hbs"><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;">to</span></i></span><span class="ind"><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;"> this </span></i></span><span class="hbs"><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;">day</span></i></span><span class="ind"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;">.”<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></span></span><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;">Matthew 28: 11-15</span></div>
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<span class="hbfs"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;">Wow!<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>As I reread through the accounts immediately
following the resurrection of the Lord Jesus Christ I find myself in the same
position as the women and the disciples.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>Yes, I went to church and celebrated Resurrection Sunday.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I said I believed, but have I truly “seen”
the Lord since then.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Mary saw Jesus and
did not know it was Him.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>He called her
by name and then she truly saw Him.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I am
left pondering, “Have I taken the time to hear the Lord call my name?”<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></span></span></div>
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<br /></div>
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<span class="hbfs"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;">What
about the disciple’s reactions?<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Some saw
the empty tomb, but did not go in.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Maybe
you made a decision this past Easter to place your trust in Jesus Christ, but
for one reason or another you have been timid in stepping out in faith to
actually experience the fullness of living a life in full relationship with
Him.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Whereas Peter step out in faith and
went all the way into the tomb, I challenge you to do the same.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Peter still did not have all the answers when
he went in nor will you or I have all the answers when we step out in faith
either.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>However, we are guaranteed He
will guide and direct our paths and give us understanding and wisdom in His
perfect timing.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></span></span></div>
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<br /></div>
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<span class="hbfs"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;">Finally,
what story are we spreading regarding the empty tomb?<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Have we shared the good news of the empty
tomb with anyone since we celebrated Easter this past April?<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>(Ouch!)<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>Instead, have we allowed false stories of the disciples stealing the
body or other such nonsense to penetrate our communities?<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Have we truly listened to other fellow
believers about the work the Lord is doing in their lives?<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>As we focus the next two weeks on the time
between the resurrection of our Lord Jesus Christ and the day of Pentecost, may
our eyes be spiritually open to see clearly not only Christ’s work on the
cross, but the work He desires to do in our own lives and those around us in
this present day.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></span></span></div>
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<span class="hbfs"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;">My
Heart’s Prayer:<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Lord, open the eyes of
my heart.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Open the eyes of my heart.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I want to see you.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I truly want to see you.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Forgive me for so easily being prone to
wander and fall right back into the traditional model of worshipping you.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I want to truly see you as Mary did when you
called her name.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I want to have the
courage to run and tell others how I have seen you so that they too might
believe because of the work they see You have done in and through me.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Lord, I don’t want live a life that
demonstrates false stories about your resurrection, but instead want to live in
a way that shows your almighty power.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Lord,
I wait now as I am certain I will see Your goodness in the land of the living
as I wait for You (Psalm 27:13).<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>In
Jesus Name, Amen.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></span></span></div>
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<b><script src="http://www.godtube.com/embed/source/m991cnnu.js?w=400&h=255&ap=true&sl=true&title=true" type="text/javascript">
</script><a href="http://www.godtube.com/watch/?v=M991CNNU">Open the eyes of my heart lord</a> from <a href="http://www.godtube.com/juggier">juggier</a> on <a href="http://www.godtube.com/">GodTube</a>.</b>Alicia Zbylothttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03040247491389052403noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-808634803024831810.post-51403226625603278562012-05-07T06:46:00.000-05:002012-05-07T06:46:50.405-05:00Earthly or Heavenly Eyes?<br />
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“You have a wonderful child.” </div>
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“Your child is so well-behaved.” </div>
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“Your children get along so well.” </div>
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“Your child did great on the field today.” </div>
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And the list goes on as to what we desire to
hear from other parents and adults regarding our children. But is this what we as parents should be
seeking after—the praise of man? What is
important when it comes to teaching our children—good grades, behavior,
athletic achievement? Psalm 78:1-8 is a
great reminder in bringing our focus back to the importance of teaching our
children what God desires for us to teach them.</div>
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“My people, hear my instruction; listen to what I say. I will declare wise sayings; I will speak
mysteries from the past—things we have heard and known and that our fathers
have passed down to us. We must not hide
them from their children but must tell a future generation the praises of the
LORD, His might, and the wonderful works He has performed. He established a testimony in Jacob and set
up a law in Israel, which He commanded our fathers to teach to their children
so that a future generation—children yet to be born—might know. They were to rise and tell their children so
that they might put their confidence in God and not forget God’s works, but
keep His commands. Then they would not
be like their fathers, a stubborn and rebellious generation, a generation whose
heart was not loyal and whose spirit was not faithful to God.” </div>
</blockquote>
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Speak of the Past (Psalm 78:2b). </h4>
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We all have a past and God tells us we are to share it. Yikes.
I thought we were supposed to cover and hide our past from everyone so
that we would appear perfect in man’s eyes.
Wrong! God specifically tells us
we must not hide the mysteries of the past especially from our children. Now these mysteries are not our self-proclaimed
victories, achievements, accolades, or failures. While these are naturally shared within a
family over time, the mysteries God desires to be heard from the mouths of
parents to their children are the mysteries of the work of God which includes:
praises of the LORD, His might, and the wonderful work He has performed in our
lives through the good and the bad times (Psalm 78:4b). God did not set up His testimony in Jacob and
His law in Israel just to give a set of rules and regulations to His
people. Quite the opposite. God’s desire was for not only the next
generation, but even the generation after to be able to know the praises of the
LORD, His might, and the works He has performed (Psalm 78:5-6). But how do we do this? How do we ensure that our children know the
praises of the LORD? How do we teach the
mightiness of God? How do we share the
wonderful work of God in our lives with children who seem to careless at times? </div>
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Rise and Tell Them (Psalm 78:6b). </h4>
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Easier said than done right?
How is it we can tell our children to clean their room, make their
lunch, feed the dog, do their chores, all day long and not once mention Great
is our Lord and worthy to be praised, Our God is a strong tower and we can run
to Him, God helped me through a similar situation when I was your age? Oh how Satan loves to keep our eyes, hearts,
minds, and spirit here on this earth! By
doing so he prolongs the great gifts He has for our children through our
obedience to rise and share with our children the mysteries of the past. </div>
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Blessings for our children (Psalm 78:7-8)</h4>
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When we open up and share with our children, our children
are given the opportunity to put their confidence in God. Not their confidence in themselves, the
media, another guy or girl they are dating, but in God! They will not forget God’s works. They will keep His commands. They will not be stubborn and
rebellious. They will not be unloyal and
unfaithful to God. Isn’t this what we
truly want for our children and yet we are unwilling to teach what is
important…praises of our LORD, His might, the wonderful works He has performed.</div>
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My Heart’s Prayer: Lord, heavenly Father. Forgive me for having earthly eyes and not Your eyes. Help me to rise and praise Your mighty name with my children. Help me to help them see Your greatness and might. Help me to share the awesome work You have done in my life over the years. Help me to help them see the work that You have already done in their lives. Thank you for being a God who desires to see His children turn to Him and give blessings to them. I love you Lord. In Jesus Name, Amen.</div>Alicia Zbylothttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03040247491389052403noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-808634803024831810.post-45168028078013941642012-05-03T08:23:00.000-05:002012-05-03T08:24:04.572-05:00Where’s the Beef?<br />
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Thinking I pack his lunch in the mornings, Scott came home
yesterday from work and asked me, “What happened this morning?” </div>
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“What do you mean?” was my honest reply. </div>
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“I mean, I went to open my lunch and all that was in it was
an orange, chips, and some cookies. </div>
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“What?!?” </div>
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“I looked again to see if I had missed something. I scratched my head and thought maybe I had
already put something in the microwave to heat up, but nope. That was all I had.”</div>
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Now bursting out in laughter, I asked, “There wasn’t a
sandwich in your lunch?”</div>
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“Nope,”</div>
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Not being able to control myself, I kept laughing and
telling him I could have sworn I made him a sandwich. I always try to make his lunch the night
before because while I am considered a morning person I truly am only awake
enough in the morning to pull his lunch box out of the refrigerator and make my
tea. After I have had a cup of tea and
done some reading then I am ready to go.
So as I was thinking back to what I possibly could have done it hit me…I
had indeed not made him a sandwich because we had run out of lunch meat. I had intended on picking some up from the
store that evening when we were in town, but forgot. Thus, Scott found himself at his lunchroom
table asking himself, “Where’s the Beef?”</div>
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I know you think this extremely humorous!!! But Scott did survive the day with his meager
orange, chips, and cookies that did not miraculously get multiplied to share
with the lunch room. We did buy lunch
meat last night. I did make and pack his
lunch so he has a sandwich today!! And while
my mind seems to be leaving me quicker each day I get older, the Lord was
gracious to me in giving me this silly situation an illustration for our
spiritual lives.</div>
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The Lord reminded me that we too are running around with no
beef in our lives. We wake up in the
mornings and hit the floor running. We
grab our children, keys, and laptops and run out the door. We may listen to Christian music on the radio
and say a prayer while dropping the kids off at school or while stuck in
traffic, but the real meat is missing from our lives. How are we expected to be a living witness to
those around us when they look at us and ask the question, “Where’s the beef?” What makes you so different?” </div>
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When we don’t take the time out of our day to really meet
with God and chew on His word the Bible and allow the meat of His word to
digest in our lives, then our lives do not have the proper spiritual nutrients
it needs to sustain us through the day. God’s word is a lamp for our feet and a light
for our path (Psalm 119:105). Not taking
the time to meditate on God’s word leaves us fluffy and appealing on the
outside, but the inside is hollow and empty.
Consider reading all of <a href="http://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=psalm%20119&version=HCSB" target="_blank">Psalm 119</a> throughout the day today. Meditate on God’s word and allow His meat to
digest within you. For those on the go,
check out: <a href="http://www.mystudybible.com/">www.mystudybible.com</a> as an
excellent way to chew on God’s word any time and any place.</div>
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My Heart’s Prayer:
Lord, help me to not forsake the beef today. Help me to chew and meditate on the most
important thing that will have an impact not only for me personally but for my
family and those around me. Give me a
craving for reading Your word. In Jesus
Name, Amen.</div>
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Special Announcement: today is the National Day of Prayer. For those who are in the Tomball Area, please join us this evening as we pray for our nation, communities, and families.</div>
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Tomball Prayer Rally for National Day of Prayer</h3>
<div style="color: #222222; font-size: 13px; padding-bottom: 15px; white-space: pre-wrap; word-wrap: break-word;">
A time or worship through prayer and song to pray for our nation and community. </div>
<table border="0" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" summary="Event details"><tbody>
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<i style="font-style: normal;">When</i></div>
</td>
<td style="color: #222222; font-family: Arial,Sans-serif; font-size: 13px; padding-bottom: 10px;" valign="top">Thu, May 3, 7:00pm – 8:30pm <span style="color: #888888;">GMT-05:00</span></td></tr>
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<td style="color: #888888; font-family: Arial,Sans-serif; font-size: 13px; padding-bottom: 10px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 1em; padding-top: 0px; white-space: nowrap;" valign="top"><div>
<i style="font-style: normal;">Where</i></div>
</td>
<td style="color: #222222; font-family: Arial,Sans-serif; font-size: 13px; padding-bottom: 10px;" valign="top">Quinn Rd. and Village Square Dr., Tomball, TX 77375</td></tr>
<tr>
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</tbody></table>
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<br /></div>Alicia Zbylothttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03040247491389052403noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-808634803024831810.post-69216758776588031642012-04-27T07:56:00.001-05:002012-04-27T07:57:01.899-05:00Z Bits of the WeekIt has been several months since the Zbylot kids have written anything. I finally sat down with them yesterday and they shared what was on their hearts. It always amazes me what is inside of the them. I only wish I could capture their face expressions, body language and tone of voice so that you could get the full effect of their personalities! Evidenced by their words below they had a great time visiting the Nina and Pinta replica ships in Matagorda Harbor. Scott was leading a Disciple Now so my sister-in-law and I took our kids for a weekend field trip. We had a blessed time together. Enjoy!<br />
<br />
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<br />
<a name='more'></a><br />
<b><span style="font-size: small;">Z Bits of the Week </span></b><br />
<b><span style="font-size: small;">April 27, 2012</span></b><span style="font-size: large;"> </span><br />
<h2>
<span style="font-size: large;">Peter’s Playground</span></h2>
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We went to Matagorda a couple of weeks ago. We stayed for one night and after that night
we went to see the Nina and the Pinta ships.
We learned how to tie lots of different knots. After that my brother went home to stay the
night with my cousin for the night. They
had a fun time going home and while they were going home we went to the beach
to see the waves. Then we went home. But
on the way home we saw my brother and my cousin on the road. It was funny.
As we went home I made my own new type of knot. It had a hole and it would not budge. It was tied with a hole on it which you could
stick a rope through. Next, I made an X
knot which looks like an X. </div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">Pete’s Playground Rule of the Week: </span>Never disobey your mom
or your dad. (<i>Peter literally spent the whole trip home coming up with his own type of knots. He really enjoyed the trip.)</i><br />
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<h1>
</h1>
<h1>
<span style="font-size: large;">Nathan’s Nighthawk</span></h1>
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Hi this is Nathan again.
I know you haven’t heard from me in a long time. I want to talk to you about Matagorda. We went on the Nina and Pinta ships and there
was a guy named Dylan. He taught us how
to tie some knots. I only know some like
the flying bowline which I could send you the instructions. The one-second bowline and the figure eight
knot are a couple of others I learned. You
can find them in books on knots. </div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">Night Flying Technique:</span> Read the bible every day like a book
that you read every day. Duh duh duh
duhn. Bye! (<i>If you can picture Nathan with pretend drumsticks and tapping them on the table while saying his good-bye then you get a better idea of his closing</i>.)<br />
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<span style="font-size: large;"><b>Dawson’s Dugout</b></span></div>
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OK this is Dawson
sorry I missed the last weeks but I have something for you. A couple of weekends ago we went to Matagorda and so did my cousins. My cousin and I decided that if I could finish all my
school for Friday on Thursday I could go to his house and then go to
Matagorda with them. I hurried and had a good attitude, but when I called him, I found out that he had had a bad attitude in school so I was not allowed to spend the night with him. (I forgot
to tell you we are homeschooled and so are they.) The lesson I learned is that a bad attitude
never works out although it seems it will work it doesn’t. Also, one person's actions affect other people too. </div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">From the Dugout: </span>Don’t
have a bad attitude in school because you miss out on a lot of fun things. (<i>Dawson did get to go home with his cousin the next night as Peter reference earlier. It was a great lesson for Dawson to be on the receiving end of someone's actions.</i>)<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEibNlVq1mbG_dvE0a_L1Ytxg_i7VGFzaFWvA2Q9izYSaNvAD4jYMUbXxnkatAAhehpuV-2czZmZpahe4xHmq11kVmaJ_syKZlWYX-CQgCHLBtrmQc0m8_bT2Q4UrBj3p0GAb3sefRezdIs/s1600/Dawson.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEibNlVq1mbG_dvE0a_L1Ytxg_i7VGFzaFWvA2Q9izYSaNvAD4jYMUbXxnkatAAhehpuV-2czZmZpahe4xHmq11kVmaJ_syKZlWYX-CQgCHLBtrmQc0m8_bT2Q4UrBj3p0GAb3sefRezdIs/s320/Dawson.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
</div>
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<b><span style="font-size: large;">Hannah’s Hideout</span></b></div>
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Hi this is Hannah. Sorry you haven’t heard from me lately. I’ve
been busy. Back to the point. Are you hanging around friends that are a good
example? 2 Corinthians 6:14 Says ‘Do not be joined to unbelievers.
What do right and wrong have in common? Can light and darkness be friends? How
can Christ and Satan agree? What does a believer have in common with an
unbeliever? How can the temple of the true God and the statues of other gods agree?’
What does a believer have in common with an unbeliever? Can we change
nonbelievers into Christians? With the help of God we can but not on our own. </div>
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<br /></div>
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Scriptures: Read John 10:20-21 and 2<sup>nd</sup>
Corinthians 6:14-18</div>
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</div>
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<br /></div>
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Fun and Interesting Fact: To get someone to accept Christ it takes about 10 times of you or other people
telling that person about Christ.</div>
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<br /></div>
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Weekly Challenge for you: Do something fun this week with a non believer.</div>
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<br /></div>
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Hannah's Prayer: Lord help my actions to be a good example of
you today. Help my friend who does not believe in you to come and know you as
his Lord and Savior. Amen.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEipcwHY4QyTSMqPDp2lZLfFjALxf6__9E9GFZIFAbOe3Eflh3Acj9P9nmLvY5KnzqKiVE-MHVzZANivGt31k04h1HzwxapXlOgVeVNAPr7tZmD_LT0SaFlBRJI3rAEP7fo9YUQtBilPzQY/s1600/Hannah.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEipcwHY4QyTSMqPDp2lZLfFjALxf6__9E9GFZIFAbOe3Eflh3Acj9P9nmLvY5KnzqKiVE-MHVzZANivGt31k04h1HzwxapXlOgVeVNAPr7tZmD_LT0SaFlBRJI3rAEP7fo9YUQtBilPzQY/s320/Hannah.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
</div>
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<br />
My Heart's Prayer: Lord, great God! You are worthy to be praised. What a blessing you have given our family with these four great children. Thank you for allowing Scott and I the opportunity to see them grow and watch them light up when they find something they are interested in and desire to learn more about. Lord, I pray that you would continue to impress upon their hearts a desire and hunger to know You more. May their eyes and faces light up when they hear something new about You. Help them to dive deeper into Your word to learn how to better glorify You with their lives. In Jesus Name, Amen.<br />
<iframe allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="315" src="http://www.youtube.com/embed/WZA053FTR3I" width="420"></iframe> <br />
<br /></div>Alicia Zbylothttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03040247491389052403noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-808634803024831810.post-22929840792772433972012-04-19T13:32:00.000-05:002012-04-19T13:33:04.074-05:00Concept of Majesty results in Authority Issues<br />
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While holding a garage sale today
and tomorrow, I am taking advantage of the inevitable slow times by picking up
my reading in the book <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">God: Discover His
Character</i> by Bill Bright. Read
through the chapter on God’s sovereignty and just had to share this insight…<br />
<a name='more'></a></div>
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"If we took away the royal trappings
from any human sovereign, he would look just like one of us. His honor is derived from ceremonies and the
homage paid him by other people, which can be removed in a moment… </div>
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God’s reign is different. God does not derive His right to rule from
anyone or anything. No title was
bestowed on Him by another, and there is no higher authority anywhere than
His. The great I AM always does what He
knows is best and answers to no one. His
reign is so magnificent that we cannot even comprehend any part of it…</div>
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Part of our problem with accepting
God’s authority and honoring Him is that we have lost our concept of
majesty. With little sense of the
majesty of God, we have trouble submitting to His sovereignty and worshiping
Him. For most Christians, true worship
is not something they practice very often or well. A. W. Tozer explains our dilemma:</div>
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The modern Christian has lost a
sense of worship along with the concept of majesty [of God], and of course,
reverence as well. He has lost his
ability to withdraw inwardly and commune in the secret place with God in the
shrine of his own hidden spirit. It is
this that makes Christianity, and we have all but lost it. Added numbers, yes, but lost fear. Multiplied schools, yes, but lost awareness
of the invisible. Tons of literature being
poured out, of course, but no consciousness of the divine Presence. Better communication, certainly, but nothing
to communicate. Evangelistic organizations,
yes, but the concept of majesty and worship and reverence has almost left us.</div>
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Understanding God’s sovereignty causes
us to focus on Him, not ourselves. Our
response is to fall at His feet and give Him everything we are and own. <b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">If the
royalty of England kneel before Queen Elizabeth II and pledge to submit to her reign,
how much more important is it for us to kneel before God’s throne and surrender
ourselves to him?</b></div>
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I urge you to recognize God’s sovereignty
right now by humbling yourself before Him.
Totally and irrevocably submit to His lordship of your life. Worship Him by giving Him everything you
own. Think of your life as a house with
many rooms. Go through each “room” and
surrender both the room and the contents to Him. If you have a closet full of fears, let Him
control that part of your life. Invite
Him into the room where you hide your insecurities and hurts. Let Him take down that monument of pride to
your own abilities and talents that you have displayed in your living room. Ask Him to control your checkbook and bank account. Everything you “lose” by serving Him He will
replace with something so much better.
He controls the universe; He will without doubt enrich your life with
joy, peace, happiness, fulfillment, satisfaction, and rewards far beyond your
wildest imagination!" (Bright,104, 110-11)</div>
</blockquote>
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My Heart’s Prayer: Lord, help me to reverence You more. Help me to surrender each and every are of my
life. May nothing go hidden from You and
the work you desire to do in me. For
Your Glory Lord, In Jesus Name, Amen.</div>Alicia Zbylothttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03040247491389052403noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-808634803024831810.post-81545803380463275722012-04-09T07:51:00.001-05:002012-04-09T07:51:47.269-05:00Reflections from Easter<br />
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My heart’s prayer over the last six weeks has been to prepare
my heart for the death and resurrection of our Lord Jesus Christ. Beginning on Ash Wednesday this year I began
a journey unlike any other I have experienced on any other Easter. </div>
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<br /></div>
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I told my children yesterday on the way home from church
that my heart was prepared much more this year than any other year. They immediately chimed in “Me, too!” I asked them why and here are some of their
responses:</div>
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<br /></div>
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“We read <a href="http://www.christianbook.com/amons-adventure-arnold-ytreeide/9780825441714/pd/441712?item_code=WW&netp_id=828175&event=ESRCG&view=details" target="_blank">Amon’s Adventure</a>.”</div>
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“We did the Passover.”</div>
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“We prayed more as a family.”</div>
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“We did Lent.”</div>
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<br /></div>
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I couldn’t have agreed more with their responses and not
because of “the right answer,” but because of the sincerity of their
responses. They truly did have a
different Easter experience this year. </div>
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</div>
<a name='more'></a><br />
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Reading <a href="http://www.christianbook.com/amons-adventure-arnold-ytreeide/9780825441714/pd/441712?item_code=WW&netp_id=828175&event=ESRCG&view=details" target="_blank">Amon’s Adventure</a> did keep our family focused on the
true meaning behind why we celebrate Easter.
By reading through the book a couple of chapters a week in turn provided
us the opportunity to pray more together as a family and read the biblical
accounts behind the fictional story.
During our time reading, the Lord led our family to give something up
during the time of lent in order to, on a small scale, reflect on Christ’s
sacrifice for our sin. One of the more
profound times in preparing our hearts was when we celebrated the Passover as a
family this past Thursday night. Using
the book, <a href="http://www.christianbook.com/celebrating-biblical-feasts-martha-zimmerman/9780764228971/pd/28978?item_code=WW&netp_id=318294&event=ESRCG&view=details" target="_blank">Celebrating Biblical Feasts</a> (highly recommend), we went through the
process of what the Jews do to remember the work God did in delivering them
from Egypt. I can’t even tell you what a
blessed time we had for our 2 ½ hour dinner on our living room floor. The conversations and fellowships we had
together will be cherished forever and I believe imprinted on the hearts of
each of our children.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiTvBHbaUNFr5jqpPl3G3f1yI58cDORs1SFB5gjfkdQsHc_RTUNWb9JJie_DiP_Hl_wgFpD73Tuha-xcGTSEE-H6zisxD3GaQq-FGVOTiaHeDh4HQ7jFz9nD852nDIpFc4PCfq1A0H1CsI/s1600/Passover+Pic+1.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiTvBHbaUNFr5jqpPl3G3f1yI58cDORs1SFB5gjfkdQsHc_RTUNWb9JJie_DiP_Hl_wgFpD73Tuha-xcGTSEE-H6zisxD3GaQq-FGVOTiaHeDh4HQ7jFz9nD852nDIpFc4PCfq1A0H1CsI/s320/Passover+Pic+1.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
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In addition to these times, the Holy Spirit walked me
through the life of Christ His last week on earth beginning with Palm
Sunday. It was a special time for me as
I read through the gospel accounts with an open heart and allowed the Holy
Spirit to reveal new truths from the Word.
Many more connections were made for me as I journeyed through this time
and I shared some of those thoughts with you this past week. </div>
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<br /></div>
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But Easter has come and gone now. What’s next?
For most of us we jump right back into our work, school, or planning
schedule. We will only occasionally
reflect back on the work Christ did on the cross for our lives. It will be another year before we are
intentional in remembering Christ’s death and resurrection. But is this truly the way Christians are to
live their lives the other 364 days of the year? After the experience the Lord has brought me
on, I am left with wanting more. What is
that more to look like? The answer came
this morning as I was reading through Philippians. The Holy Spirit opened my eyes to see that my
life verse for this year, Philippians 3:10-12 (posted at the top of my blog),
was answered in part through my Easter experience.</div>
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My goal is to know Him and the power of His resurrection and
the fellowship of His sufferings, being conformed to His death, assuming that I
will somehow reach the resurrection from among the dead. (Philippians 3:10-11).</div>
</blockquote>
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Yes, Lord! That is
it!! I have wanted to know God more and He
has graciously allowed me that opportunity.
Not quite knowing how I was to come to know the power of His
resurrection and the fellowship of His sufferings, I believe He revealed just a
small glimpse of that through the participation in Lent. While I have come through Easter with a
deeper understanding of God, my true heart is expressed in the next verse. </div>
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Not that I have already reached the goal or am already fully
mature but I make every effort to take hold of it because I also have been
taken hold of by Christ Jesus (Philippians 3:12)</div>
</blockquote>
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I do not have everything together and I am still so far from
where I need to be, but do I just stop?
No! Through God’s strength and
power, I can make every effort to press on and take hold of knowing Him more. I can press on in taking hold of knowing even
more the power of His resurrection and the fellowship of His sufferings. </div>
<div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: large;"><b>It doesn’t stop on Easter
morning!! </b></span></div>
<div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: large;"><b>It continues on throughout the
year.</b></span></div>
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<br /></div>
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There is so much more to share, but time is running out and
I hope Z Bits will be back up this Friday for you hear from the hearts of His children,
what Easter meant to them this year.</div>
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<br /></div>
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My Heart’s Prayer: Lord, what else can I say to you today than, “I
will thank Yahweh with all my heart; I will declare all Your wonderful
works. I will rejoice and boast about You;
I will sing about Your name, Most High (Psalm 99:1-2).” Thank you for being faithful to answer the
prayers of this sinful child. Thank you
for sending your only Son to die on the cross for my sins. Thank you for loving me beyond what I
deserve. I love you Lord. In Jesus Name, Amen.</div>Alicia Zbylothttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03040247491389052403noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-808634803024831810.post-18608942737345072592012-04-08T06:03:00.000-05:002012-04-08T06:04:10.076-05:00He's Alive and I'm Forgiven!!Christ Jesus is Alive. You will not find Him in the tomb. Join me as I celebrate the risen Savior today!!!<br />
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<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<a href="http://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Matthew%2028:1-15&version=HCSB" target="_blank">Matthew 28:1-15</a>; <a href="http://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Mark%2016:1-8&version=HCSB" target="_blank">Mark 16:1-8</a>; <a href="http://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Luke%2024:1-12&version=HCSB" target="_blank">Luke 24:1-12</a>; <a href="http://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=John%2020:1-18&version=HCSB" target="_blank">John 20:1-18</a></div>
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<br /></div>
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<blockquote class="tr_bq">
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12pt;">On the first day of the week, very
early in the morning, they<sup> </sup>came to the tomb, bringing the spices
they had prepared. <sup>2</sup> They found the stone rolled away from the tomb.
<sup>3</sup> They went in but did not find the body<sup> </sup>of the Lord
Jesus. <sup>4</sup> While they were perplexed about this, suddenly two men
stood by them in dazzling<sup> </sup>clothes. <sup>5</sup> So the women were
terrified and bowed down to the ground. </span></div>
</blockquote>
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<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12pt;"> “Why are you
looking for the living among the dead?” asked the men. <sup>6</sup> “He is not
here, but He has been resurrected! Remember how He spoke to you when He was
still in Galilee, <sup>7</sup> saying, ‘The Son of Man must be betrayed<sup> </sup>into
the hands of sinful men, be crucified, and rise, on the third day’?” <sup>8</sup>
And they remembered His words. </span></div>
</blockquote>
<blockquote class="tr_bq">
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; mso-margin-top-alt: auto;">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12pt;"> <sup>9</sup> Returning from
the tomb, they reported all these things to the Eleven and to all the rest. <sup>10</sup>
Mary Magdalene, Joanna, Mary the mother of James, and the other women with them
were telling the apostles<sup> </sup>these things. <sup>11</sup> But these
words seemed like nonsense to them, and they did not believe<sup> </sup>the
women. <sup>12</sup> Peter, however, got up and ran to the tomb. When he
stooped to look in, he saw only the linen cloths. So he went home, amazed at
what had happened. (Luke 24:1-12) </span></div>
</blockquote>
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<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
If you still have not given your life over to the God who
gave everything He had to the point of death for your sins, it is not to late.
Take a moment today and offer your life, just as it is, to Him. Christ
did rise from the dead and He will come again. Will you be ready this
time?</div>
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<br /></div>
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My Heart’s Prayer:
Lord Jesus, thank you for completing what You started. Thank you for inviting me to join You on this
Easter journey this year in a new and more real way. Thank you for continuing to love me even when
I fall to temptation. Thank you that you
have forgiven all my sins and that You did not stay in the grave. You have risen!!! In Jesus Name, Amen.</div>
</div>
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<script src="http://www.godtube.com/embed/source/d6yzdwnx.js?w=400&h=255&ap=true&sl=true&title=true" type="text/javascript">
</script></div>
<a href="http://www.godtube.com/watch/?v=D6YZDWNX">JESUS ROSE -He's
Alive_Don Francisco</a> from <a href="http://www.godtube.com/nonebeforenoneafter">nonebeforenoneafter</a>
on <a href="http://www.godtube.com/">GodTube</a>.<br />
<br />
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<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
My Heart's Prayer: </div>Alicia Zbylothttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03040247491389052403noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-808634803024831810.post-31894147479519383972012-04-07T12:56:00.000-05:002012-04-08T21:27:35.039-05:00Sabbath Day--I Will Rise Again<br />
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It is hard to imagine what the disciples, Mary, and all the
other followers of Christ must have felt on that Sabbath day following Christ’s
crucifixion. Were they praying for a
miracle similar to the one Jesus performed when He raised Lazarus from the
dead? Were they praying for protection
as they were hiding from the soldiers? Were they remembering the last words He
spoke to them at the Last supper (<a href="http://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=John%2013-17&version=HCSB" target="_blank">John 13-17</a>)? Were they praying that His promise to rise again would come true? One thing we do know though is that, “they rested on the Sabbath
according to the commandment” (Luke 23:56).
While the Jews were hiding in
silence behind closed doors continuing to be faithful to God’s commands of the
Sabbath, the Romans were not at such peace. <br />
<br />
<a name='more'></a> </div>
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“The next day, which followed the preparation day the chief
priests and the Pharisees gathered before Pilate and said, `Sir we remember
that while this deceiver was still alive He said, `After three days I will rise
again.’ Therefore give orders that the
tomb be made secure until the third day.
Otherwise, His disciples may come, steal Him, and tell the people, `He
has been raised form the dead.’ Then the
last deception will be worse than the first.
`You have a guard of soldiers,’ Pilate told them. `Go and make it as secure as you know how.’ Then they went and made the tomb secure by sealing
the stone and setting the guard” (Matthew 27:62-66)</div>
</blockquote>
<div class="MsoNormal">
The priests and Pharisees were still not 100% certain they had eliminated their opponent. While Jesus' followers were probably trying to remember all the promises Jesus made while He was with them, the priests were remembering all the things Jesus said He was still going to do that would still interfere with their plans!! </div>
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<br /></div>
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<script src="http://www.godtube.com/embed/source/ee19cnnu.js?w=400&h=255&ap=true&sl=true&title=true" type="text/javascript">
</script></div>
<a href="http://www.godtube.com/watch/?v=EE19CNNU">Dallas Holm / Rise
Again</a> from <a href="http://www.godtube.com/tbarrett8">tbarrett8</a> on
<a href="http://www.godtube.com/">GodTube</a>.<br />
<br />
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<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
My Heart’s Prayer: Lord, may I continue to remember the silence on this day as the world awaited for Sunday morning to come. May I wait with anticipation as You fulfill the promises you made to Your followers while on earth. In Jesus Name, Amen.</div>Alicia Zbylothttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03040247491389052403noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-808634803024831810.post-22503331798803643542012-04-06T09:46:00.000-05:002012-04-07T12:56:58.590-05:00Good Friday<br />
<div class="MsoNormal">
This morning as I rose refreshed from a good night’s rest I
couldn’t help but think of the agony Christ must have felt on the night before
His crucifixion. Without sleep and
communicating with His Father intensely forbid Christ thoughts of anything else but the task He had come to fulfill. I cannot even begin to describe or explain
the events of that Thursday night and early Friday morning.
</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
As we enter into this day with perhaps a vacation day attitude, may we not
discount the work that Jesus was doing on our behalf this day over 2000 years
ago. May we take some time out of our
day today to reflect on this greatest act of love.</div>
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<br />
<a name='more'></a><br /></div>
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Early Friday Morning:</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<a href="http://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Matthew%2027:11-44&version=HCSB" target="_blank">Matthew 27:11-44</a>; <a href="http://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Mark%2015:1-33&version=HCSB" target="_blank">Mark 15:1-33</a>; <a href="http://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Luke%2022:66-23:1-43&version=HCSB" target="_blank">Luke 22:66-23:1-43</a>; <a href="http://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=John18-19:24&version=HCSB" target="_blank">John18-19:24</a></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Around noon:</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<a href="http://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Matthew%2027:45-61&version=HCSB" target="_blank">Matthew 27:45-61</a>; <a href="http://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Mark%2015:33-47&version=HCSB" target="_blank">Mark 15:33-47</a>; <a href="http://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Luke%2023:44-56&version=HCSB" target="_blank">Luke 23:44-56</a>; <a href="http://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=John%2019:25-42&version=HCSB" target="_blank">John19:25-42</a></div>
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<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<script src="http://www.godtube.com/embed/source/kzkzgwnx.js?w=400&h=255&ap=true&sl=true&title=true" type="text/javascript">
</script></div>
<a href="http://www.godtube.com/watch/?v=KZKZGWNX">Skit Guys - Good
Friday</a> from <a href="http://www.godtube.com/skitguys">skitguys</a> on <a href="http://www.godtube.com/">GodTube</a>.<br />
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
My Heart’s Prayer:
Lord, I will never, ever fully understand how much you love me and how
much you sacrificed for me. Forgive
me. Thank you for being everything that
I am not. Thank you for the hope that I
have in You. In Jesus Name, Amen.</div>Alicia Zbylothttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03040247491389052403noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-808634803024831810.post-77513882449443418552012-04-05T07:32:00.000-05:002012-04-05T07:32:43.684-05:00Passion Week in the Gospel of John and The Last Supper<!--[if gte mso 9]><xml>
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<div class="MsoNormal">
Today we enter into John’s account of the last days of Jesus
on earth.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>John’s account does not have any events that
correspond with the other gospels and is quite short.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>However, John spends much more time on the details
regarding Jesus’ last hours with His disciples.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>May we take a few minutes this morning to examine the words from John’s
gospel in relation to the week leading up to Jesus’ Last Supper.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<a href="http://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=John%2012:37-50&version=HCSB" target="_blank">John 12:37-50</a></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
</div>
<a name='more'></a>I know I didn’t comment on any verses yesterday and it was
really hard not too!!<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>But this morning
as I read the account in John, it brought me right back to Luke’s account.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>What struck me yesterday was the amount of deliberate
wisdom Jesus used when interacting with the people and the scribes.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
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When Jesus was being questioned by the spies, Jesus’ response
is as follows: “But detecting their craftiness, He said to them…” (Luke 20:23).<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Jesus was on His game and could recognize
what they were trying to do.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>As mother’s
we can usually tell what our children are up to by the smirk or deviousness
shown on their faces.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>We should be able
to recognize the craftiness of Satan in our lives as well.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></div>
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<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Because of Jesus’ wisdom and discernment in how He responded
on more than one occasion, the result was silence: “…and being amazed at His
answer, they became silent…and they no longer dared to ask Him anything” (Luke
20:26, 40).</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Thinking about these things and then reading today’s
account, it all made sense.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Jesus
Himself tells the people how He is able to speak in such a wise and discerning
way:</div>
<blockquote class="tr_bq">
<div class="MsoNormal">
“I have not spoken on My own, but the Father Himself who
sent Me has given Me a command as to what I should say and what I should
speak.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I know that His command is
eternal life.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>So the things that I
speak, I speak just as the Father has told Me” (John 12:49-50).</div>
</blockquote>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Did you hear that?<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>Jesus spoke as God told Him.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Do I
speak as God tells me?<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Not all the time,
but I can take comfort in the last words that stirred me in my reading of Luke
yesterday, “for I will give you such words and a wisdom that none of your
adversaries will be able to resist or contradict” (Luke 21:15).</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Wow!!<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>God will give
me the words to say when those around me are trying to trick me, when those
around me are discrediting the validity of my belief in God, and when I am
sharing the gospel message with those who are willing to hear!<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Today we must not only take time to read John’s account of
Passion Week, but we must also turn our hearts towards Jesus’ Last Supper.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>This Last Supper was performed in the usual
Jewish tradition, but made complete as Jesus taught the disciples the full
meaning of the ceremony.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>While many of
us will continue on with our daily activities today, those who choose to reflect
back over 2000 years ago to Jesus’ last night on earth as the Son of God in the
flesh, will find new meaning into the sacrifice Jesus paid in order for us to
live with Him forever.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The events
leading up to Good Friday should not be taken lightly as we prepare our hearts
for the resurrection of our Lord.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Beginning
with Jesus’ last Passover and moving into the late hours of the night, we see
Jesus’ heart of love for the world He came to save.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Join me as we enter into the life of Jesus
His last hours.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Take comfort in the
words He leaves with His disciples, for they too are the words He has left for
us as we prepare for the silence that will follow the next two days.</div>
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<br /></div>
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<a href="http://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Matthew%2026-27:1-10&version=HCSB" target="_blank">Matthew 26-27:1-10</a>; <a href="http://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Mark%2014:1-72&version=HCSB" target="_blank">Mark 14:1-72</a>; <a href="http://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Luke%2022:1-65&version=HCSB" target="_blank">Luke 22:1-65</a>; <a href="http://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=John%2013-18:18&version=HCSB" target="_blank">John13-18:18</a></div>
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My Heart’s Prayer:<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Thank
you Lord Jesus for your presence.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Fill
my mouth with your words.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Prepare my
heart today as I reflect on the agony you must have felt in your last hours
here.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The compassion you had for the
world that was lost and unwilling to accept you.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Forgive me for putting You through that agony
and torture.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Be glorified through me
today and help me to stay awake and pray continually for those around me.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>In Jesus name, Amen.</div>
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<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<iframe allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="315" src="http://www.youtube.com/embed/KVv4bj2MiL8" width="560"></iframe></div>Alicia Zbylothttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03040247491389052403noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-808634803024831810.post-44829346438809141152012-04-04T07:56:00.000-05:002012-04-04T07:56:20.317-05:00Passion Week in the Gospel of Luke<!--[if gte mso 9]><xml>
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<span style="font-size: x-small;">(I deeply apologize for having incorrect links to the last
five passages of Mark in yesterday’s blog, <a href="http://templedwellersministry.blogspot.com/2012/04/passion-week-in-gospel-of-mark.html" target="_blank"><i>Passion Week in the Gospel of Mark</i></a>.<span> </span>They
have been corrected.)</span><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></div>
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Just two days left on our journey before our Lord celebrates
the Passover meal with His disciples.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Tomorrow
night, Jesus will sit amongst his beloved disciples and eat His last supper
with them.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Today’s reading brings us to
the gospel of Luke.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The reader will find
not find any new material within the pages, but will find the same scenes recorded
in the gospels of Matthew and Mark worded from the vantage point of Luke’s
eyes. </div>
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Often times it is easier just to read someone’s
thoughts instead of reading the Bible in thoughtful prayer and seeking what God
wants to reveal to you.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>So today I would
like you to read for yourself the account in Luke instead of reading the
accounts and my reflections.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>After all
this is your heart you are preparing and not mine.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"></span><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>As
I did yesterday, I have posted all the accounts recorded in Matthew and Mark
that correspond to the ones in Luke.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>There
are only three accounts not found in Luke that are found in Matthew and Mark: <span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">Primary Commandments (<span style="color: black;">Mark 12:28-34</span>; Matthew
22:34-40); Question about the Messiah (<span style="color: black;">Mark 12:35-37</span>; Matthew
22:41-46) and Persecutions Predicted (<span style="color: black;">Mark 13:9-13</span>; Matthew
24:9-14).<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">Please do
not let the familiarity of the scriptures take away from the Holy Spirit being
able to reveal new truths to your heart.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>We can read the Bible over and over again and still not know it all.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>May we not take the same attitude of the
scribes and Pharisees who thought themselves to be more righteous than others
because of their knowledge of the word.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>For it is not knowledge Christ wants us to have, but a closer
relationship with Him that only comes through spending time in His word and in
prayer.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>May your time with Him today be
sweet!<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“Taste and see that the LORD is
good (Psalm 34:8)!! </span></div>
<a name='more'></a><br />
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<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal;">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12pt;">Cleansing the Temple Complex (<a href="http://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Luke%2019:45-48&version=HCSB" target="_blank">Luke19:45-48</a>; Mark 11:15-19<span style="color: black;">; Matthew
21:12-13)</span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">Messiah’s Authority challenged (<a href="http://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Luke%2020:1-8&version=HCSB" target="_blank">Luke20:1-8</a>; Mark 11:27-33; Matthew
21:23-26)</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">Parable of the Vineyard Owner (<a href="http://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Luke%2020:9-19&version=HCSB" target="_blank">Luke20:9-19</a>; Mark 12:1-12; Matthew
21:33-46)</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">God and Caesar (<a href="http://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Luke%2020:20-26&version=HCSB" target="_blank">Luke 20:20-26</a>; Mark 12:13-17; Matthew
22:15-22)</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">Sadducees and the Resurrection (<a href="http://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Luke%2020:27-44&version=HCSB" target="_blank">Luke20:27-44</a>; Mark 12:18-27; Matthew
22:23-33)</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">Warning against the scribes (<a href="http://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Luke%2020:45-47&version=HCSB" target="_blank">Luke20:45-47</a>; Mark 12:38-40; Matthew
23:5-7, 14)</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-font-weight: bold; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">The
Widow’s Gift (<a href="http://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Luke%2021:1-4&version=HCSB" target="_blank">Luke 21:1-4</a>; Mark12:41-44)</span><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">Destruction of the Temple Predicted
(<a href="http://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Luke%2021:5-6&version=HCSB" target="_blank">Luke 21:5-6</a>; Mark 13:1-2; Matthew
24:1-8)</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">Signs of the End of the Age (<a href="http://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Luke%2021:7-19&version=HCSB" target="_blank">Luke21:7-19</a>; Mark 13:3-8; Matthew
24:3-8)</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">The Great Tribulation (<a href="http://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Luke%2021:20-24&version=HCSB" target="_blank">Luke21:20-24</a>; Mark 13:14-23; Matthew
24:15-28)</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">The Coming of the Son of Man (<a href="http://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Luke%2021:25-28&version=HCSB" target="_blank">Luke21:25-28</a>; Mark 13:24-27; Matthew
24:29-31)</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">The Parable of the Fig Tree (<a href="http://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Luke%2021:29-33&version=HCSB" target="_blank">Luke21:29-33</a>; Mark 13:28-31; Matthew
24:32-35)</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">No One Knows the Day or Hour (<a href="http://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Luke%2021:34-38&version=HCSB" target="_blank">Luke21:34-38</a>; Mark 13:32-37; Matthew
24:36-44)</span></div>
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My Heart’s Prayer:<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> Lord, help me to taste your glory today as I leave Your presence in the Lord. My your presence be on my lips, in my hands, through my eyes and in my feet as I enter this day you have given me. Help my heart to beat as your heart beats. In Jesus Name, Amen.</span></div>
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<span><script src="http://www.godtube.com/embed/source/d6zpgwnx.js?w=400&h=255&ap=true&sl=true&title=true" type="text/javascript">
</script></span></div>
<a href="http://www.godtube.com/watch/?v=D6ZPGWNX">Third Day - Nothing Compares</a> from <a href="http://www.godtube.com/bride618">bride618</a> on <a href="http://www.godtube.com/">GodTube</a>.<br />
<br /><br />Alicia Zbylothttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03040247491389052403noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-808634803024831810.post-62916993977747565852012-04-03T07:14:00.000-05:002012-04-04T07:12:19.761-05:00Passion Week in the Gospel of Mark<br />
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Opening the Word this morning we continue our journey
through Jesus’ last days here on earth and move to the gospel of Mark. Immediately, Satan wants to take our focus
off of the power of focusing our attention on preparing our hearts for Easter
as he confronts us with the question: “Does the Bible contradict itself? At first it appears that the writers of the
gospel of Matthew and Mark disagree regarding to when the temple was cleansed
and how the incident with the cursing of the fig tree appeared. In addition, we will find out tomorrow and on
Friday that Luke’s gospel only records the cleansing of the temple and John’s
gospel does not include either. So whose
word do we take as the truth? Matthew,
Mark, Luke or John’s? The answer is we
do not take either of their word for truth.
We take <b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">GOD’s WORD</b> for
truth. Believing that the Bible was written
under the guidance and direction of the Holy Spirit, there can be no errors or
contradictions. Not that we have to give
an explanation or have a viable reason before we can take God at His word, one
of the better explanations I have heard regarding this issue is the following. </div>
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Pretend there was a car wreck that happened in the middle of
an intersection. The witnesses from all
four corners of the intersection give their report of how and when the wreck
occurred to the police officer. Do all
four witnesses give the same report?
No. Why not? Each individual witnessed the wreck from a
different side of the road. Therefore
their vantage point was different.
Taking this and applying it to the situation at hand with the gospels
and the information recorded in each, Matthew, Mark, Luke and John each at a
separate and distinct vantage point to the events leading up to Christ’s
death. As believer’s we must step out in
faith and trust God at His word and be willing to continue to open up our
hearts to the message He wants us to hear as we walk this road to Calvary.</div>
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So we begin. Please take a moment to read Mark’s account
and reflect on what the Holy Spirit wants to teach you today as we draw nearer
to the day of Christ’s death. While we
are reading in Mark today, I have also included the correlating passages found
in Matthew’s gospel for you to note that everything that is recorded in Mark is
recorded in Matthew with one exception.
We will camp out there when we get to it in our reading. </div>
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Barren Fig Tree is Cursed and Withered (<a href="http://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Mark%2011:12-14,%2020-26&version=HCSB" target="_blank">Mark 11:12-14,20-26</a>; Matthew 21:18-22)</div>
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Again, I am so thankful for Christ coming in the form of man
in order to know He can relate to my humanness because He has experienced it
Himself. I also take comfort in knowing
Jesus told the disciples many things and even though they didn’t understand
everything every time, the disciples did remember later the events and words of
Jesus. So many times I read the Bible
and don’t understand what it says, yet when I ask God, He is faithful to
provide and answer. “For the Lord gives
wisdom; from His mouth come knowledge and understanding” (Proverbs 2:6)</div>
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Cleansing the Temple Complex (<a href="http://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Mark%2011:15-19&version=HCSB" target="_blank">Mark 11:15-19</a>; Matthew
21:12-13)</div>
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Messiah’s Authority challenged (<a href="http://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Mark%2011:27-33&version=HCSB" target="_blank">Mark 11:27-33</a>; Matthew
21:23-26)</div>
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Parable of the Vineyard Owner (<a href="http://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Mark%2012:1-12&version=HCSB" target="_blank">Mark 12:1-12</a>; Matthew
21:33-46)</div>
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God and Caesar (<a href="http://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Mark%2012:13-17&version=HCSB" target="_blank">Mark 12:13-17</a>; Matthew 22:15-22)</div>
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Sadducees and the Resurrection (<a href="http://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Mark%2012:18-27&version=HCSB" target="_blank">Mark 12:18-27</a>; Matthew
22:23-33)</div>
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Primary Commandments (<a href="http://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Mark%2012:28-34&version=HCSB" target="_blank">Mark 12:28-34</a>; Matthew 22:34-40)</div>
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Question about the Messiah (<a href="http://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Mark%2012:35-37&version=HCSB" target="_blank">Mark 12:35-37</a>; Matthew 22:41-46)</div>
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Warning against the scribes (<a href="http://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Mark%2012:38-40&version=HCSB" target="_blank">Mark 12:38-40</a>; Matthew 23:5-7, 14)</div>
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Just as in the gospel of Matthew, Mark records several
encounters with the Pharisees, Sadducees, and Herodians in front of the crowds
at the temple. If Jesus knew they were
intent on killing Him, why did Jesus insist on continuing to put His life at
greater risk? Why didn’t He stay on the
outskirts of Jerusalem and let the crowds come to Him to hear Him speak? I think Jesus wanted the crowds to hear the
questions of the religious leaders of Jerusalem. By allowing the leaders to present the
question, the crowds were able to decide and make a distinction for themselves
between the old law, that followed by the religious leaders and the new law, that
which Christ came to fulfill and to give to those who would believe. Christ was not forcing His power of the
crowds, but revealing the true hearts of the Jewish leaders.</div>
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<b>The Widow’s Gift (<a href="http://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Mark%2012:41-44&version=HCSB" target="_blank">Mark12:41-44</a>)</b></div>
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It is in this passage Mark makes a distinction between his
account and Matthew’s. My first reaction
to this passage is it reminds me of the scene in Matthew when the children are shouting
`Hosanna to the Son of David!’ and the scribes trying to get Jesus to hush
them. I believe Jesus cherished the
seemingly, small insignificant acts that were going on around Him during his
last days. Jesus loves the little
children and the widow who approached the temple treasury did not go unnoticed
by Him either. Sometimes we may feel
that even God doesn’t hear or see us, but He does. We cannot escape His presence. “The Lord looks down from heaven; He observes
everyone” (Psalm 33:13).</div>
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Secondly, Jesus wanted to make sure His disciples did not
miss this seemingly small sacrifice.
Jesus knew after He was resurrected and the disciples began the ministry
of sharing the gospel, it would be easy to get so busy they would not notice
the small acts of kindness, sacrifices, and love demonstrated by so many around
them. Jesus took the time to disciple
His followers and teaches them what was truly important.</div>
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Destruction of the Temple Predicted (<a href="http://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Mark%2013:1-2&version=HCSB" target="_blank">Mark 13:1-2</a>; Matthew
24:1-8)</div>
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Signs of the End of the Age (<a href="http://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Mark%2013:3-8&version=HCSB" target="_blank">Mark 13:3-8</a>; Matthew 24:3-8)</div>
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Persecutions Predicted (<a href="http://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Mark%2013:9-13&version=HCSB" target="_blank">Mark 13:9-13</a>; Matthew 24:9-14)</div>
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The Great Tribulation (<a href="http://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Mark%2013:14-23&version=HCSB" target="_blank">Mark 13:14-23</a>; Matthew 24:15-28)</div>
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The Coming of the Son of Man (<a href="http://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Mark%2013:24-27&version=HCSB" target="_blank">Mark 13:24-27</a>; Matthew
24:29-31)</div>
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The Parable of the Fig Tree (<a href="http://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Mark%2013:28-31&version=HCSB" target="_blank">Mark 13:28-31</a>; Matthew 24:32-35)</div>
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No One Knows the Day or Hour (<a href="http://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Mark%2013:32-37&version=HCSB" target="_blank">Mark 13:32-37</a>; Matthew
24:36-44)</div>
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The last accounts written in Mark correspond to the same
ones recorded in Matthew. As readers and
believers in Christ, one must acknowledge the importance of knowing for sure
Jesus will return! Whereas, Jesus’ words
first give pause to fear of the end times, we take comfort in knowing Jesus
cares so much for us, He gave us the warning signs and what to do about it. “And you must watch! I have told you in advance” (Mark
13:23). </div>
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Overall Reflections:</div>
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Still not sure about losing control of your life and handing it over to a God who loves you? Just as the widow gave all she could give, God gave us even more. He gave us His one and only Son. Take a step of faith and give Him your life, no matter how great or small. No matter how rich or poor. No matter how knowledgeable or ignorant. God is waiting for you to cry out to Him and accept His gift this Easter.</div>
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<script src="http://www.godtube.com/embed/source/fm09fmnu.js?w=400&h=255&ap=true&sl=true&title=true" type="text/javascript">
</script></div>
<a href="http://www.godtube.com/watch/?v=FM09FMNU">We Are the Reason by Avalon</a> from <a href="http://www.godtube.com/worshipthefather">worshipthefather</a> on <a href="http://www.godtube.com/">GodTube</a>.<br />
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My Heart’s Prayer: "God, You are my God; I eagerly seek You. I thirst for You; my body faints for You in a land that is dry, desolate, and without water. So I gaze on You in the sanctuary to see Your strength and Your glory. (Psalm 63:1-2). Lord, help me to seek you throughout the day today. Help me to see You, Your strength, and Your glory in the day to day activities today. Help me not to miss the seemingly small and insignificant details of the day. I love you Lord. In Jesus Name, Amen.</div>Alicia Zbylothttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03040247491389052403noreply@blogger.com0