tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-34447050937355368792024-03-18T05:40:29.928-04:00Love Lines From GodEncouragement for Your DayMartin Wileshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10701425106598292224noreply@blogger.comBlogger3915125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3444705093735536879.post-64580398052004434822024-03-18T04:30:00.006-04:002024-03-18T04:30:00.300-04:00More Difficult Than It Has to Be - Martin Wiles<p><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: large;"><i><span style="background: white;"></span></i></span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: large;"><i><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhWcefz9faeu95qU7nGV3FeSqcx1v6mqT4RwkHLVoncKXlimcCY3-oIenQWv90WU6NJiUnQtW9hGmB29au0_jwNDOzNZvnR2-DNfXr-qg9yUWe4XgxLDFxwzQXyBeNnb2amiV5gB-_gHdsKgob5YIHvKs1jmzdoQmAThywFYqsLHLLomvrgaRxLV0chv_3A/s523/gracegiver2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img alt="More Difficult Than It Has to Be" border="0" data-original-height="340" data-original-width="523" height="260" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhWcefz9faeu95qU7nGV3FeSqcx1v6mqT4RwkHLVoncKXlimcCY3-oIenQWv90WU6NJiUnQtW9hGmB29au0_jwNDOzNZvnR2-DNfXr-qg9yUWe4XgxLDFxwzQXyBeNnb2amiV5gB-_gHdsKgob5YIHvKs1jmzdoQmAThywFYqsLHLLomvrgaRxLV0chv_3A/w400-h260/gracegiver2.jpg" width="400" /></a></i></span></div><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: large;"><i>God saved you by his special favor when you
believed. And you can’t take credit for this; it is a gift from God.</i><span style="background: white;"> <b>Ephesians
2:8 NLT</b></span></span><p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 12.0pt;"><span style="background: white;"><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: large;">“I can’t believe I didn’t think of that earlier. I made it so
difficult,” my wife said. <o:p></o:p></span></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 12.0pt;"><span style="background: white;"><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: large;">A friend and I lounged at our favorite fast-food restaurant,
shooting the breeze while our wives walked to a nearby retail store. My friend
had lost a lot of weight due to recent health problems and needed a pair of
pants that fit him. <o:p></o:p></span></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 12.0pt;"><span style="background: white;"><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: large;">Our wives soon returned and plopped down beside us. Mine
immediately took out a fingernail file and began working on a pocketbook that
looked unfamiliar. It should have because it belonged to her friend, not her. The
fabric had caught in the zipper and stuck fast. <o:p></o:p></span></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 12.0pt;"><span style="background: white;"><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: large;">After the nail file rendered unsuccessful, my wife asked for
my pocketknife. She cut a few slices to no avail. After ten minutes of
struggling with a stubborn zipper, she inserted the fingernail file between the
zipper, and it immediately separated. With a sigh and laugh, she realized how
difficult she had made something so simple. <o:p></o:p></span></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 12.0pt;"><span style="background: white;"><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: large;">On the other hand, my friend and I thought of God’s freeing grace.
Paul had experienced it, taught it, and lived it. He was a legalist to the core
before meeting Christ. His life had been about following all the rules, even
those Christ hadn’t given. Now, it was about freedom. <o:p></o:p></span></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 12.0pt;"><span style="background: white;"><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: large;">Grace is freeing, just as the contents of the pocketbook were
by the separated zipper. My wife attempted to approach the problem in the usual
way—unzip the zipper—when all she had to do was open the pocketbook another
way. <o:p></o:p></span></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 12.0pt;"><span style="background: white;"><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: large;">Grace is the other way . . . the only way. When we place our
faith in Christ, his grace forgives our sins and frees us from their chains.
Now, we can do what we couldn’t before: obey His commands. <o:p></o:p></span></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 12.0pt;"><span style="background: white;"><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: large;">Grace, however, isn’t a license to live recklessly. We
misunderstand grace if we think we don’t have to worry about sin anymore
because Christ has forgiven our sins. When we understand what grace cost
God—the life of His Son—we’ll want to please Him by staying as far away from
sinful and spiritually harmful situations as possible. Like soldiers in sync,
we’ll march to the tune of holiness. <o:p></o:p></span></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 12.0pt;"><span style="background: white;"><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: large;">If you have experienced the freeing power of God’s grace, show
your appreciation through obedience. <o:p></o:p></span></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 12.0pt;"><span style="background: white;"><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: large;">Father, thank you for making it easy to run into your loving
arms. </span><span style="font-size: 14pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></span></p><p><span style="color: red; font-family: verdana; font-size: large;">If you enjoyed this devotion, please share it with your friends. </span></p><p><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: large;"><br /></span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span class="text"><span style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial; font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: 14pt;"><i style="background-color: #fff9ee; color: #333333; font-family: arial, tahoma, helvetica, freesans, sans-serif; font-size: 19.8px; line-height: 36.96px;"><span face="" style="font-size: medium;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiQ0U5sxxoUsjIF9HQQCjICK0WDdv8lvT-Bd4XLQnlA9NLwxIyZTgWoRRWFLXN-PvzWIv4LBm8qGm7M86TFgtKSw3vINZv0cOK9Bn_HHSb049TsorlcpBJxvkCBuW_3ZYYk2UGvXgrFODpHya6n5_SmdYLMc20ISYuNCY_3d2L5mDiZmTu7cA1JsexGAmug/s320/us10.jpg" style="clear: left; 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margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 12.0pt; margin: 12pt 0in 0in;"><span style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial;"></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 12.0pt; margin: 12pt 0in 0in;"><span style="background-color: white; background: white;"></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 12.0pt; margin: 12pt 0in 0in;"><span style="background-color: white; background: white;"></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 12.0pt; margin: 12pt 0in 0in;"><span style="background-color: white; background: white;"></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="background-color: white; background: white; line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 15pt;"><span style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial;"></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: 11pt; line-height: 22px; margin: 0in; text-size-adjust: auto;"><span style="background-color: white; font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: 14pt; line-height: 28px;"></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; line-height: 22px; margin: 0in; text-size-adjust: auto;"><span style="background-color: white; font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: 14pt; line-height: 28px;"></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: white; line-height: normal; margin: 0in 0in 15pt; text-size-adjust: auto;"><span style="font-family: Times New Roman, serif; font-size: 14pt;"></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="background: white; line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 15pt;"><span style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial;"></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 12pt;"><span style="line-height: 17.12px;"></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 12.0pt;"><span style="background: white;"></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 12.0pt; margin: 12pt 0in 0in;"><span class="text"><span style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial;"><span class="text"><span style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial;"><i style="background-color: #fff9ee; color: #333333; line-height: 36.96px;"><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: medium;">Thanks to all our faithful followers who share our posts! We also invite you to follow and like us on <a href="https://www.facebook.com/martinwilesgreenwoodsc?ref=hl" style="color: #6699cc;">Facebook</a>, <a href="http://www.pinterest.com/martinwiles/" style="color: #6699cc;">Pinterest</a>, <a href="https://twitter.com/linesfromgod" style="color: #6699cc;">Twitter</a>, and <a href="https://www.instagram.com/lovelinesfromgod" target="_blank">Instagram</a>. Help us spread God's encouragement through His Love Lines.</span></i></span></span></span></span></p>Martin Wileshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10701425106598292224noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3444705093735536879.post-63746037684379372412024-03-16T04:30:00.004-04:002024-03-16T04:30:00.274-04:00Green Bean Bundles<p> </p><div class="post-body entry-content" id="post-body-6003358057614365393" itemprop="description articleBody" style="background-color: white; line-height: 1.4; position: relative; width: 760px;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; color: #222222; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 13.2px; text-align: center;"><a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-dywRAooAXRo/UX0D2ONsGjI/AAAAAAAADqA/ibC_-MXu10E/s1600/green+beans.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="color: #cc111a; margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-decoration-line: none;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-dywRAooAXRo/UX0D2ONsGjI/AAAAAAAADqA/ibC_-MXu10E/s320/green+beans.JPG" style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial; border: 1px solid rgb(238, 238, 238); box-shadow: rgba(0, 0, 0, 0.1) 1px 1px 5px; padding: 5px; position: relative;" width="212" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; color: #222222; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 13.2px; text-align: center;"> </div><div style="color: #222222; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 13.2px; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", "serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 18.4px;"><span style="color: red; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;"><br /></span></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="line-height: 18.4px;"><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: large;">Ingredients</span></span></div><div style="color: #222222; text-align: center;"><span style="line-height: 18.4px;"><span style="color: red;"><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: large;">3 cans French-style green beans (drained)</span></span></span></div><span style="line-height: 18.4px;"><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: large;"><div style="color: red; text-align: center;"><br />1 pound of bacon (cut pieces in half)</div><div style="color: red; text-align: center;"><br />1 stick butter (melted)</div><div style="color: red; text-align: center;"><br />1 cup brown sugar</div><div style="color: red; text-align: center;"><br />1 teaspoon garlic salt</div><div style="color: red; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="color: red; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">Directions</div><div style="color: red; text-align: center;"> </div><div style="color: red; text-align: center;">Wrap seven green beans with a half piece of bacon and place in</div><div style="color: red; text-align: center;"> </div><div style="color: red; text-align: center;">a greased 9 x 13 pan.</div><div style="color: red; text-align: center;"><br />Repeat until all beans are wrapped.</div><div style="color: red; text-align: center;"><br />Combine butter with brown sugar and pour over bean bundles.</div><div style="color: red; text-align: center;"><br />Sprinkle garlic salt over bundles.</div><div style="color: red; text-align: center;"><br />Cover pan with aluminum foil.</div><div style="color: red; text-align: center;"><br />Bake at 350 degrees for forty-five minutes.</div><div style="color: red; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="color: red; text-align: left;"><p style="color: black; font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size: medium;"><span style="color: red; font-family: verdana; font-size: large;">If you enjoyed this devotion, please share it with your friends. </span></p><p style="color: black; font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size: medium;"><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: large;"><br /></span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; color: black; font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size: medium; text-align: center;"><span class="text"><span style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial; font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: 14pt;"><i style="background-color: #fff9ee; color: #333333; font-family: arial, tahoma, helvetica, freesans, sans-serif; font-size: 19.8px; line-height: 36.96px;"><span face="" style="font-size: medium;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiQ0U5sxxoUsjIF9HQQCjICK0WDdv8lvT-Bd4XLQnlA9NLwxIyZTgWoRRWFLXN-PvzWIv4LBm8qGm7M86TFgtKSw3vINZv0cOK9Bn_HHSb049TsorlcpBJxvkCBuW_3ZYYk2UGvXgrFODpHya6n5_SmdYLMc20ISYuNCY_3d2L5mDiZmTu7cA1JsexGAmug/s320/us10.jpg" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="320" data-original-width="240" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiQ0U5sxxoUsjIF9HQQCjICK0WDdv8lvT-Bd4XLQnlA9NLwxIyZTgWoRRWFLXN-PvzWIv4LBm8qGm7M86TFgtKSw3vINZv0cOK9Bn_HHSb049TsorlcpBJxvkCBuW_3ZYYk2UGvXgrFODpHya6n5_SmdYLMc20ISYuNCY_3d2L5mDiZmTu7cA1JsexGAmug/w150-h200/us10.jpg" width="150" /></a></span></i></span></span></div><p class="MsoNormal" style="color: black; font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size: medium; line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 12.0pt; margin: 12pt 0in 0in;"><span class="text"><span style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial;"></span></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="color: black; font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size: medium; line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 12.0pt; margin: 12pt 0in 0in;"><span style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial;"></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="color: black; font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size: medium; line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-left: 0in; 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background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial;"></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="color: black; font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size: medium; line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 12.0pt; margin: 12pt 0in 0in;"><span style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-color: white; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial;"></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="color: black; font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size: medium; line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 12.0pt; margin: 12pt 0in 0in;"><span style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-color: white; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; 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background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial;"></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; color: black; font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: 11pt; line-height: 22px; margin: 0in; text-size-adjust: auto;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: 14pt; line-height: 28px;"></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; color: black; font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size: medium; line-height: 22px; margin: 0in; text-size-adjust: auto;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: 14pt; line-height: 28px;"></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; color: black; font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size: medium; line-height: normal; margin: 0in 0in 15pt; text-size-adjust: auto;"><span style="font-family: Times New Roman, serif; font-size: 14pt;"></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial; color: black; font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size: medium; line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 15pt;"><span style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial;"></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="color: black; font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size: medium; line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 12.0pt; margin: 12pt 0in 0in;"><span class="text"><span style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial;"><span class="text"><span style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial;"><i style="background-color: #fff9ee; color: #333333; line-height: 36.96px;"><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: medium;">Thanks to all our faithful followers who share our posts! We also invite you to follow and like us on <a href="https://www.facebook.com/martinwilesgreenwoodsc?ref=hl" style="color: #6699cc;">Facebook</a>, <a href="http://www.pinterest.com/martinwiles/" style="color: #6699cc;">Pinterest</a>, <a href="https://twitter.com/linesfromgod" style="color: #6699cc;">Twitter</a>, and <a href="https://www.instagram.com/lovelinesfromgod" target="_blank">Instagram</a>. Help us spread God's encouragement through His Love Lines.</span></i></span></span></span></span></p></div></span></span></div>Martin Wileshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10701425106598292224noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3444705093735536879.post-14784039085328514092024-03-15T04:30:00.019-04:002024-03-15T04:30:00.138-04:00 Racing Toward Satisfaction - Martin Wiles<p class="MsoNormal" style="background: white; line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 15pt; text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: large;"><i><span style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial;"></span></i></span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: right;"><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: large;"><i><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjbW6DSY_4Ce8HnZSkUEu3U-o8owUJKOmWPEh9wz0RoXqk0dXl9A7ous9phUTkmjIjb_aqeuO-LtdtUvvVpF2O3Ho87Y8atn1A4vVpnNi7PFjpjLFkREBpD3M0VTfFF0YrB5W_x5E5rJVbkr_RVUbfefX4_BNjEhjU8CGmTbIXSFdCldgaJM9wa-E48_Id_/s1280/pinewood%20derby.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img alt="racing toward satisfaction" border="0" data-original-height="853" data-original-width="1280" height="266" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjbW6DSY_4Ce8HnZSkUEu3U-o8owUJKOmWPEh9wz0RoXqk0dXl9A7ous9phUTkmjIjb_aqeuO-LtdtUvvVpF2O3Ho87Y8atn1A4vVpnNi7PFjpjLFkREBpD3M0VTfFF0YrB5W_x5E5rJVbkr_RVUbfefX4_BNjEhjU8CGmTbIXSFdCldgaJM9wa-E48_Id_/w400-h266/pinewood%20derby.jpg" width="400" /></a></i></span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: large;"><i><i><span style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial;"></span></i><blockquote><i><span style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial;">I have learned the secret of being
content in any and every situation, whether well fed or hungry, whether
living in plenty or in want.</span></i><span style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial;"> <b>Philippians
4:12 NIV</b></span></blockquote><span style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial;"><b></b></span></i></span></div><p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="background: white; line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 15.0pt;"><span style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial;"><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: large;">Only one time was he content. <o:p></o:p></span></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="background: white; line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 15.0pt;"><span style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial;"><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: large;">As our second-oldest grandson finished
his first year of Cub Scouts, the time for the annual Pinewood Derby arrived. I
assumed I would help him build the car—many years before Dad and I had helped
my son build one. As I recall, it didn’t perform so well. I hoped for better
this time around. But I didn’t have to help my grandson after all. <o:p></o:p></span></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="background: white; line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 15.0pt;"><span style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial;"><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: large;">Our daughter now had a fiancé who
spent a great deal of time with her two boys. He became the obvious choice for
the task. I didn’t mind so much. After all, he knew more than I did about constructing
the car, painting it, and aligning the proper weights. I let them enjoy the
experience together. When my daughter texted pictures of their work in
progress, I smiled. She had found someone to love her boys and our grandsons. <o:p></o:p></span></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="background: white; line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 15.0pt;"><span style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial;"><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: large;">The big day finally arrived. My wife
and I made our way to the church hosting the event—9:30 on a Saturday morning.
I could have found other things to do, but our grandson needed our support. The
scouts, their parents, and the scout leaders had gathered the night before to
set up the aluminum track, weigh the cars, and test the cars. Everything was
ready. <o:p></o:p></span></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="background: white; line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 15.0pt;"><span style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial;"><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: large;">As race time approached, we could
feel the anxiety in the room. We took our seats on the front row and waited nervously
for the beginning of the race. The scout leader explained the rules. Twelve
scouts had entered. Each car would race six times against different
competitors. Our grandson, who typically ran around, sat still and waited for
the leader to call number five—his number. He even watched closely as his
friends’ car raced, picking one of the two he wanted to win. <o:p></o:p></span></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="background: white; line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 15.0pt;"><span style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial;"><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: large;">Each of the six times, the leader
called car number five, my grandson rose to his knees and looked intently as
his car pummeled down the track’s steep hill and launched toward the finish
line. He also gazed at the digital machine that told which car came in first
and which came in second. Like his mom, he’s competitive. If his car won—and it
did twice—he raised his arms in the air and whispered, “Yes.” When he lost, his
countenance fell, and a touch of anger raced across his face. He only
experienced satisfaction when his car won. <o:p></o:p></span></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="background: white; line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 15.0pt;"><span style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial;"><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: large;">Paul had a rollercoaster life after
God called him to serve as a missionary to the world. More down than up.
Despite the challenges he faced—some life-threatening—he said he had learned to
be content. Doing so took him a lifetime, but he mastered the art of
satisfaction. <o:p></o:p></span></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="background: white; line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 15.0pt;"><span style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial;"><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: large;">Almost everything in life teaches us
not to be satisfied until we meet certain conditions. I must have power,
possessions, pleasure, and relationships. And they must contain specific levels
or characteristics. If not, I must keep pursuing until they do. <o:p></o:p></span></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 12.0pt;"><span style="line-height: 107%;"><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: large;">One-time
presidential candidate Ross Perot said, “I’ll never be satisfied, that’s my
nature. If everybody pronounces it a Swiss watch that keeps time to a
thousandth of a second, I’ll be saying-well, how do we make it keep time to
another thousandth of a second? That’s just my nature.”<o:p></o:p></span></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 12.0pt;"><span style="line-height: 107%;"><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: large;">We learn satisfaction
by experience. As I get things, I eventually discover I crave more or different
things. They tear up, break down, get stolen or misplaced, or don’t bring the
joy they did when I first got them. <o:p></o:p></span></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 12.0pt;"><span style="line-height: 107%;"><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: large;">The pleasure
that came with power when I first received it dims over time. I remember how I
felt the first time I landed a supervisor position. My head swelled, my
shoulders arched, my back straightened, and my attitude changed. However, after a few months, I discovered that many headaches accompanied the power. What I thought would
satisfy didn’t. <o:p></o:p></span></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 12.0pt;"><span style="line-height: 107%;"><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: large;">And how much
have I spent on play toys? Not as much as some, but enough to take me into debt
more times than I care to remember. As when I was a child receiving new gifts,
the newness wore off after a while. I tossed them, sold them, gave them
away—and bought more. <o:p></o:p></span></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 12.0pt;"><span style="line-height: 107%;"><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: large;">Satisfaction
is a state of mind—a perspective we choose. Paul discovered satisfaction did
not depend on his circumstances or what he had or didn’t have. Satisfaction
depended on whom he knew. Before knowing Christ, he knew religion. He had been
trained in the most prestigious schools. But all that disappointed him. Only
knowing Christ and serving Him satisfied. <o:p></o:p></span></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 12.0pt;"><span style="line-height: 107%;"><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: large;">We can’t
attain this level of satisfaction on our own. Without God’s help, we’ll keep
running after the wrong things and throw our hands up in disgust every time our car doesn’t win the race or we see a car that looks better than ours. <o:p></o:p></span></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 12.0pt;"><span style="line-height: 107%;"><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: large;">With God’s
help, however, we can learn what Paul did: contentment comes with knowing
someone. When this is in place, we’ll enjoy all aspects of life. Whatever comes
our way, we’ll know it originated from God—and He loves us and gives us only
what is best.<o:p></o:p></span></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 12.0pt;"><span style="line-height: 107%;"><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: large;">Let God teach
you the art of satisfaction.<o:p></o:p></span></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 12.0pt;"><span style="line-height: 107%;"><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: large;">Father, I
look to You to find the true satisfaction I seek. </span><span style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: 14pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></span></p><p><span style="color: red; font-family: verdana; font-size: large;">If you enjoyed this devotion, please share it with your friends. </span></p><p><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: large;"><br /></span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span class="text"><span style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial; font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: 14pt;"><i style="background-color: #fff9ee; color: #333333; font-family: arial, tahoma, helvetica, freesans, sans-serif; font-size: 19.8px; line-height: 36.96px;"><span face="" style="font-size: medium;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiQ0U5sxxoUsjIF9HQQCjICK0WDdv8lvT-Bd4XLQnlA9NLwxIyZTgWoRRWFLXN-PvzWIv4LBm8qGm7M86TFgtKSw3vINZv0cOK9Bn_HHSb049TsorlcpBJxvkCBuW_3ZYYk2UGvXgrFODpHya6n5_SmdYLMc20ISYuNCY_3d2L5mDiZmTu7cA1JsexGAmug/s320/us10.jpg" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="320" data-original-width="240" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiQ0U5sxxoUsjIF9HQQCjICK0WDdv8lvT-Bd4XLQnlA9NLwxIyZTgWoRRWFLXN-PvzWIv4LBm8qGm7M86TFgtKSw3vINZv0cOK9Bn_HHSb049TsorlcpBJxvkCBuW_3ZYYk2UGvXgrFODpHya6n5_SmdYLMc20ISYuNCY_3d2L5mDiZmTu7cA1JsexGAmug/w150-h200/us10.jpg" width="150" /></a></span></i></span></span></div><p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 12.0pt; margin: 12pt 0in 0in;"><span class="text"><span style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial;"></span></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 12.0pt; margin: 12pt 0in 0in;"><span style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial;"></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 12.0pt; margin: 12pt 0in 0in;"><span style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial;"></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 12.0pt; margin: 12pt 0in 0in;"><span style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial;"></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 12.0pt; margin: 12pt 0in 0in;"><span style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial;"></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 12.0pt; margin: 12pt 0in 0in;"><span style="background-color: white; background: white;"></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 12.0pt; margin: 12pt 0in 0in;"><span style="background-color: white; background: white;"></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 12.0pt; margin: 12pt 0in 0in;"><span style="background-color: white; background: white;"></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="background-color: white; background: white; line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 15pt;"><span style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial;"></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: 11pt; line-height: 22px; margin: 0in; text-size-adjust: auto;"><span style="background-color: white; font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: 14pt; line-height: 28px;"></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; line-height: 22px; margin: 0in; text-size-adjust: auto;"><span style="background-color: white; font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: 14pt; line-height: 28px;"></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: white; line-height: normal; margin: 0in 0in 15pt; text-size-adjust: auto;"><span style="font-family: Times New Roman, serif; font-size: 14pt;"></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="background: white; line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 15pt;"><span style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial;"></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 12.0pt;"><span style="line-height: 107%;"></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 12.0pt; margin: 12pt 0in 0in;"><span class="text"><span style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial;"><span class="text"><span style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial;"><i style="background-color: #fff9ee; color: #333333; line-height: 36.96px;"><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: medium;">Thanks to all our faithful followers who share our posts! We also invite you to follow and like us on <a href="https://www.facebook.com/martinwilesgreenwoodsc?ref=hl" style="color: #6699cc;">Facebook</a>, <a href="http://www.pinterest.com/martinwiles/" style="color: #6699cc;">Pinterest</a>, <a href="https://twitter.com/linesfromgod" style="color: #6699cc;">Twitter</a>, and <a href="https://www.instagram.com/lovelinesfromgod" target="_blank">Instagram</a>. Help us spread God's encouragement through His Love Lines.</span></i></span></span></span></span></p>Martin Wileshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10701425106598292224noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3444705093735536879.post-43219238787089138282024-03-13T04:30:00.017-04:002024-03-13T04:37:20.941-04:00 Prayer Works - Martin Wiles<p><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: large;"><i><span style="background: white;"></span></i></span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: large;"><i><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjbSM2SyjXKY9JyIAH2Aq5Xyxc_96UEnLhnfxzEgZyaSkCbUsEQxbK0rkoxtXa7D-sutCp-NAiBXHgMy8lp9YqQ4ADr3uaCBurHEkivOXtPxVRoh1A3kmD1Zl8FZKOrAaeHsxM9SWzS-o-CG5dynz2i_CCGLIBc1z81TM8PnrA6YuiwDETnUsrjgoDN-GXt/s510/encouraging%20prayer%20intercession.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img alt="prayer works" border="0" data-original-height="340" data-original-width="510" height="266" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjbSM2SyjXKY9JyIAH2Aq5Xyxc_96UEnLhnfxzEgZyaSkCbUsEQxbK0rkoxtXa7D-sutCp-NAiBXHgMy8lp9YqQ4ADr3uaCBurHEkivOXtPxVRoh1A3kmD1Zl8FZKOrAaeHsxM9SWzS-o-CG5dynz2i_CCGLIBc1z81TM8PnrA6YuiwDETnUsrjgoDN-GXt/w400-h266/encouraging%20prayer%20intercession.jpg" width="400" /></a></i></span></div><blockquote><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: large;"><i><span style="background: white;">For everyone who asks, receives. Everyone who
seeks, finds. And the door is opened to everyone who knocks.</span></i><span style="background: white;"> <b>Luke
11:10 NLT</b></span></span></blockquote><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: large;"><span style="background: white;"><b></b></span></span><p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 12.0pt;"><span style="background: white;"><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: large;">People lined the streets as the Roman emperor's chariot snaked along the road in the town
parade. Legionnaires hovered nearby, deterring anyone trying to approach
the dignified ruler. <o:p></o:p></span></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 12.0pt;"><span style="background: white;"><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: large;">As the emperor approached the place where his family was
seated, a young boy broke from the crowd and lurched for the emperor’s chariot.
A guard quickly grabbed him, saying, “You cannot go out there, boy. Do you know
who is in that chariot? That is the emperor. You cannot go near him.” <o:p></o:p></span></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 12.0pt;"><span style="background: white;"><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: large;">Struggling for freedom from the legionnaire's grasp, the
young lad laughed and remarked, “He may be your emperor, but he’s my father.”
Then he continued his run into his father’s arms. <o:p></o:p></span></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 12.0pt;"><span style="background: white;"><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: large;">Jesus tells of a friend who visited another friend’s house at
midnight. His friend had just arrived for a visit, and he had nothing to feed
him. The friend who was asleep had no intention of getting up. He had locked
the door and brought the animals inside. His family was snuggled in for the
night. But the friend’s persistence persuaded him to get up. <o:p></o:p></span></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 12.0pt;"><span style="background: white;"><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: large;">The story isn’t about friends but prayer. God doesn’t have to
be begged to answer our requests, but He does reward our persistence. My
continual prayers demonstrate my faith and that I’m convinced what I’m praying
about is within His will and power to answer. God knows when I’m serious about
something. He wants me to know as well. <o:p></o:p></span></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 12.0pt;"><span style="background: white;"><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: large;">God isn’t like the friend who didn’t want to get up to give
his friend food. He loves to answer our prayers. Doing so demonstrates His love
and increases our trust in Him. He has good things in store for us. All we must
do is keep asking, seeking, and knocking. <o:p></o:p></span></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 12.0pt;"><span style="background: white;"><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: large;">When God chooses not to answer immediately, we must trust He
knows what’s best. Perhaps the timing is wrong, or we’re not ready for His
answer. If He says, “No,” he knows something we don’t. He knows what’s best for
us, just as parents often know what’s best for their children. <o:p></o:p></span></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 12.0pt;"><span style="background: white;"><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: large;">Though we may not understand how prayer works, millions of
believers can testify it does. Try it regularly. <o:p></o:p></span></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 12.0pt;"><span style="background: white;"><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: large;">Father, thank You for allowing me to come before Your throne with the assurance of Your love, interest, and power to
answer. </span><span style="font-size: 14pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></span></p><p><span style="color: red; font-family: verdana; font-size: large;">If you enjoyed this devotion, please share it with your friends. </span></p><p><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: large;"><br /></span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span class="text"><span style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial; font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: 14pt;"><i style="background-color: #fff9ee; color: #333333; font-family: arial, tahoma, helvetica, freesans, sans-serif; font-size: 19.8px; line-height: 36.96px;"><span face="" style="font-size: medium;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiQ0U5sxxoUsjIF9HQQCjICK0WDdv8lvT-Bd4XLQnlA9NLwxIyZTgWoRRWFLXN-PvzWIv4LBm8qGm7M86TFgtKSw3vINZv0cOK9Bn_HHSb049TsorlcpBJxvkCBuW_3ZYYk2UGvXgrFODpHya6n5_SmdYLMc20ISYuNCY_3d2L5mDiZmTu7cA1JsexGAmug/s320/us10.jpg" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="320" data-original-width="240" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiQ0U5sxxoUsjIF9HQQCjICK0WDdv8lvT-Bd4XLQnlA9NLwxIyZTgWoRRWFLXN-PvzWIv4LBm8qGm7M86TFgtKSw3vINZv0cOK9Bn_HHSb049TsorlcpBJxvkCBuW_3ZYYk2UGvXgrFODpHya6n5_SmdYLMc20ISYuNCY_3d2L5mDiZmTu7cA1JsexGAmug/w150-h200/us10.jpg" width="150" /></a></span></i></span></span></div><p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 12.0pt; margin: 12pt 0in 0in;"><span class="text"><span style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial;"></span></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 12.0pt; margin: 12pt 0in 0in;"><span style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial;"></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 12.0pt; margin: 12pt 0in 0in;"><span style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial;"></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 12.0pt; margin: 12pt 0in 0in;"><span style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial;"></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 12.0pt; margin: 12pt 0in 0in;"><span style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial;"></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 12.0pt; margin: 12pt 0in 0in;"><span style="background-color: white; background: white;"></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 12.0pt; margin: 12pt 0in 0in;"><span style="background-color: white; background: white;"></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 12.0pt; margin: 12pt 0in 0in;"><span style="background-color: white; background: white;"></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="background-color: white; background: white; line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 15pt;"><span style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial;"></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: 11pt; line-height: 22px; margin: 0in; text-size-adjust: auto;"><span style="background-color: white; font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: 14pt; line-height: 28px;"></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; line-height: 22px; margin: 0in; text-size-adjust: auto;"><span style="background-color: white; font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: 14pt; line-height: 28px;"></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: white; line-height: normal; margin: 0in 0in 15pt; text-size-adjust: auto;"><span style="font-family: Times New Roman, serif; font-size: 14pt;"></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="background: white; line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 15pt;"><span style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial;"></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 12.0pt;"><span style="background: white;"></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 12.0pt; margin: 12pt 0in 0in;"><span class="text"><span style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial;"><span class="text"><span style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial;"><i style="background-color: #fff9ee; color: #333333; line-height: 36.96px;"><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: medium;">Thanks to all our faithful followers who share our posts! We also invite you to follow and like us on <a href="https://www.facebook.com/martinwilesgreenwoodsc?ref=hl" style="color: #6699cc;">Facebook</a>, <a href="http://www.pinterest.com/martinwiles/" style="color: #6699cc;">Pinterest</a>, <a href="https://twitter.com/linesfromgod" style="color: #6699cc;">Twitter</a>, and <a href="https://www.instagram.com/lovelinesfromgod" target="_blank">Instagram</a>. Help us spread God's encouragement through His Love Lines.</span></i></span></span></span></span></p>Martin Wileshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10701425106598292224noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3444705093735536879.post-56345070840155263302024-03-11T04:30:00.009-04:002024-03-11T04:30:00.133-04:00Hiding Behind Fig Leaves - Martin Wiles<p><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: large;"><i><span style="background: white;"></span></i></span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: large;"><i><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiiSeceluh2sNncQaG6WvSE3Zhod-gf9D9DFcYJtHLjTPpNi8ebiZVTgrzNW5tBFBmd_sqp2Lp9m3nUT_Y8m_d338CyaOIeLV1_OGo2uhRlcvXgEqdmvSjzvDrjUWKvherILsT4AZ0V2zmay4PVnwYxD0wt48dzSiFLGH-bMuLF8ZT3xxgaRrObf65gOMf4/s394/hiding%20from%20God.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img alt="hiding behind fig leaves" border="0" data-original-height="340" data-original-width="394" height="345" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiiSeceluh2sNncQaG6WvSE3Zhod-gf9D9DFcYJtHLjTPpNi8ebiZVTgrzNW5tBFBmd_sqp2Lp9m3nUT_Y8m_d338CyaOIeLV1_OGo2uhRlcvXgEqdmvSjzvDrjUWKvherILsT4AZ0V2zmay4PVnwYxD0wt48dzSiFLGH-bMuLF8ZT3xxgaRrObf65gOMf4/w400-h345/hiding%20from%20God.jpg" width="400" /></a></i></span></div><blockquote><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: large;"><i><span style="background: white;">So they strung fig leaves together around their
hips to cover themselves.</span></i><span style="background: white;"> <b>Genesis 3:7 NLT</b></span></span></blockquote><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: large;"><span style="background: white;"><b></b></span></span><p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 12.0pt;"><span style="background: white;"><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: large;">Young children can hide in the craziest places. <o:p></o:p></span></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 12.0pt;"><span style="background: white;"><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: large;">“Levi, do you want to play Hide-n-Seek with Pop?”<o:p></o:p></span></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 12.0pt;"><span style="background: white;"><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: large;">“Okay.” <o:p></o:p></span></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 12.0pt;"><span style="background: white;"><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: large;">“You hide, and Pop will find you.” <o:p></o:p></span></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 12.0pt;"><span style="background: white;"><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: large;"> I sat in my recliner.
He scampered off for the kitchen.<o:p></o:p></span></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 12.0pt;"><span style="background: white;"><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: large;">“Ready or not, here I come,” I call as I head to where I know
he is. <o:p></o:p></span></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 12.0pt;"><span style="background: white;"><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: large;">I find him standing in the middle of the kitchen floor with
only his hands over his eyes. In his young mind, he thought that action would
keep me from seeing him. <o:p></o:p></span></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 12.0pt;"><span style="background: white;"><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: large;">Seems silly, but we adults don’t do much of a better job
trying to hide from God. God placed Adam and Eve in a pristine environment with
everything they could ever want at their fingertips. But they weren’t
satisfied. Fruit from the one tree God said was off-limits lured them. A slithering
serpent (Satan) provided the enticement, but they still had the power to say
“No.”<o:p></o:p></span></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 12.0pt;"><span style="background: white;"><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: large;">After they had done the deed, they experienced an emotion
they’d never felt before: shame. They had violated God’s express command and attempted
to cover the guilt by sewing together fig leaves. But, they soon discovered
leaves couldn’t keep God from seeing them any more than my grandson’s hands
could keep me from observing him. <o:p></o:p></span></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 12.0pt;"><span style="background: white;"><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: large;">Fast forward a few thousand years, and we find religious
leaders attempting to cover their guilt too . . . but with different things.
They tried to hide behind a façade of good works. Jesus told them they were
just white-washed tombs full of dead bones. He could see beneath their outside.
<o:p></o:p></span></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 12.0pt;"><span style="background: white;"><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: large;">I’ve sewn a few sets of fig leaves myself. They may have
consisted of good works, community organizations, beneficial relationships, or positions
in my local church. <o:p></o:p></span></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 12.0pt;"><span style="background: white;"><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: large;">Yet, none of the above—or anything else—can erase feelings of
guilt. There are just not enough fig leaves. True guilt comes when God’s
commands are violated or we have ignored him. Christ has paid for whatever
we’ve done, and confession—not fig leaves—will alleviate the guilt. We can’t
work to repay what we couldn’t buy in the first place, nor can we ever be good
enough to place God under obligation to us. All He requires is heartfelt
sorrow.<o:p></o:p></span></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 12.0pt;"><span style="background: white;"><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: large;">Come up with a plan of action for when you feel guilt.<o:p></o:p></span></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 12.0pt;"><span style="background: white;"><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: large;">Father, I give my guilt to you. I realize only the blood of
Christ can cover it. </span><span style="font-size: 14pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></span></p><p><span style="color: red; font-family: verdana; font-size: large;">If you enjoyed this devotion, please share it with your friends. </span></p><p><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: large;"><br /></span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span class="text"><span style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial; font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: 14pt;"><i style="background-color: #fff9ee; color: #333333; font-family: arial, tahoma, helvetica, freesans, sans-serif; font-size: 19.8px; line-height: 36.96px;"><span face="" style="font-size: medium;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiQ0U5sxxoUsjIF9HQQCjICK0WDdv8lvT-Bd4XLQnlA9NLwxIyZTgWoRRWFLXN-PvzWIv4LBm8qGm7M86TFgtKSw3vINZv0cOK9Bn_HHSb049TsorlcpBJxvkCBuW_3ZYYk2UGvXgrFODpHya6n5_SmdYLMc20ISYuNCY_3d2L5mDiZmTu7cA1JsexGAmug/s320/us10.jpg" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="320" data-original-width="240" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiQ0U5sxxoUsjIF9HQQCjICK0WDdv8lvT-Bd4XLQnlA9NLwxIyZTgWoRRWFLXN-PvzWIv4LBm8qGm7M86TFgtKSw3vINZv0cOK9Bn_HHSb049TsorlcpBJxvkCBuW_3ZYYk2UGvXgrFODpHya6n5_SmdYLMc20ISYuNCY_3d2L5mDiZmTu7cA1JsexGAmug/w150-h200/us10.jpg" width="150" /></a></span></i></span></span></div><p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 12.0pt; margin: 12pt 0in 0in;"><span class="text"><span style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial;"></span></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 12.0pt; margin: 12pt 0in 0in;"><span style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial;"></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 12.0pt; margin: 12pt 0in 0in;"><span style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial;"></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 12.0pt; margin: 12pt 0in 0in;"><span style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial;"></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 12.0pt; margin: 12pt 0in 0in;"><span style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial;"></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 12.0pt; margin: 12pt 0in 0in;"><span style="background-color: white; background: white;"></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 12.0pt; margin: 12pt 0in 0in;"><span style="background-color: white; background: white;"></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 12.0pt; margin: 12pt 0in 0in;"><span style="background-color: white; background: white;"></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="background-color: white; background: white; line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 15pt;"><span style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial;"></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: 11pt; line-height: 22px; margin: 0in; text-size-adjust: auto;"><span style="background-color: white; font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: 14pt; line-height: 28px;"></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; line-height: 22px; margin: 0in; text-size-adjust: auto;"><span style="background-color: white; font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: 14pt; line-height: 28px;"></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: white; line-height: normal; margin: 0in 0in 15pt; text-size-adjust: auto;"><span style="font-family: Times New Roman, serif; font-size: 14pt;"></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="background: white; line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 15pt;"><span style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial;"></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 12.0pt;"><span style="background: white;"></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 12.0pt; margin: 12pt 0in 0in;"><span class="text"><span style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial;"><span class="text"><span style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial;"><i style="background-color: #fff9ee; color: #333333; line-height: 36.96px;"><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: medium;">Thanks to all our faithful followers who share our posts! We also invite you to follow and like us on <a href="https://www.facebook.com/martinwilesgreenwoodsc?ref=hl" style="color: #6699cc;">Facebook</a>, <a href="http://www.pinterest.com/martinwiles/" style="color: #6699cc;">Pinterest</a>, <a href="https://twitter.com/linesfromgod" style="color: #6699cc;">Twitter</a>, and <a href="https://www.instagram.com/lovelinesfromgod" target="_blank">Instagram</a>. Help us spread God's encouragement through His Love Lines.</span></i></span></span></span></span></p>Martin Wileshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10701425106598292224noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3444705093735536879.post-74637558900537466742024-03-09T04:30:00.006-05:002024-03-09T04:30:00.133-05:00Grape Salad<p> </p><h3 class="post-title entry-title" itemprop="name" style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-size: 22px; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; font-weight: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0.75em 0px 0px; position: relative;"> </h3><div class="post-header" style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 10.8px; line-height: 1.6; margin: 0px 0px 1.5em;"><div class="post-header-line-1"></div></div><div class="post-body entry-content" id="post-body-3539772824721908916" itemprop="description articleBody" style="background-color: white; line-height: 1.4; position: relative; width: 760px;"><h3 class="post-title entry-title" itemprop="name" style="color: #222222; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-size: 22px; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; font-weight: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; position: relative; text-align: center;"><div class="post-body entry-content" id="post-body-2657802732189470071" itemprop="description articleBody" style="font-size: 24.2px; line-height: 1.4; position: relative; text-align: start; width: 808px;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-NH0jliAsR88/VxDnQDuk5CI/AAAAAAAAMf8/OHOSN7x3Zs8lzzPRZtlZaRd-6NKxykLFQCLcB/s1600/grapesalad.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="color: #cc111a; margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-decoration-line: none;"><img border="0" height="266" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-NH0jliAsR88/VxDnQDuk5CI/AAAAAAAAMf8/OHOSN7x3Zs8lzzPRZtlZaRd-6NKxykLFQCLcB/s400/grapesalad.jpg" style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial; border: 1px solid rgb(238, 238, 238); box-shadow: rgba(0, 0, 0, 0.1) 1px 1px 5px; padding: 5px; position: relative;" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br /></div></div></h3><h3 class="post-title entry-title" itemprop="name" style="font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; font-weight: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; position: relative; text-align: center;"><div class="post-body entry-content" itemprop="description articleBody" style="line-height: 1.4; position: relative; width: 808px;"><div class="post-body entry-content" id="post-body-3419580179232635686" itemprop="description articleBody" style="line-height: 1.4; position: relative; width: 808px;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; color: #222222;"><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: large;">Ingredients</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; color: #222222;"><span style="color: red;"><span style="line-height: 33.6px;"><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: large;">2 POUNDS GREEN GRAPES</span></span></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; color: #222222;"><span style="color: red;"><span style="line-height: 33.6px;"><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: large;"><br /></span></span></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; color: #222222;"><span style="color: red;"><span style="line-height: 33.6px;"><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: large;">2 POUNDS RED GRAPES</span></span></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; color: #222222;"><span style="color: red;"><span style="line-height: 33.6px;"><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: large;"><br /></span></span></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; color: #222222;"><span style="color: red;"><span style="line-height: 33.6px;"><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: large;">8 OUNCES SOUR CREAM</span></span></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; color: #222222;"><span style="color: red;"><span style="line-height: 33.6px;"><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: large;"><br /></span></span></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; color: #222222;"><span style="color: red;"><span style="line-height: 33.6px;"><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: large;">8 OUNCES CREAM CHEESE</span></span></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; color: #222222;"><span style="color: red;"><span style="line-height: 33.6px;"><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: large;"><br /></span></span></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; color: #222222;"><span style="color: red;"><span style="line-height: 33.6px;"><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: large;">½ CUP SUGAR</span></span></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; color: #222222;"><span style="color: red;"><span style="line-height: 33.6px;"><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: large;"><br /></span></span></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; color: #222222;"><span style="color: red;"><span style="line-height: 33.6px;"><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: large;">1 TEASPOON VANILLA</span></span></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; color: #222222;"><span style="color: red;"><span style="line-height: 33.6px;"><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: large;"><br /></span></span></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; color: #222222;"><span style="line-height: 33.6px;"><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: large;">Topping</span></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; color: #222222;"><span style="color: red;"><span style="line-height: 33.6px;"><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: large;"> 1 CUP BROWN SUGAR </span></span></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; color: #222222;"><span style="color: red;"><span style="line-height: 33.6px;"><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: large;"><br /></span></span></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; color: #222222;"><span style="color: red;"><span style="line-height: 33.6px;"><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: large;">1 CUP CRUSHED TOASTED PECANS</span></span></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; color: #222222;"><span style="color: red;"><span style="line-height: 33.6px;"><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: large;"><br /></span></span></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; color: #222222;"><span style="line-height: 33.6px;"><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: large;">Directions</span></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; color: #222222;"><span style="color: red;"><span style="line-height: 33.6px;"><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: large;">MIX SOUR CREAM, SUGAR, CREAM CHEESE, AND VANILLA.</span></span></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; color: #222222;"><span style="color: red;"><span style="line-height: 33.6px;"><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: large;"><br /></span></span></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; color: #222222;"><span style="color: red;"><span style="line-height: 33.6px;"><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: large;">STIR IN GRAPES.</span></span></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; color: #222222;"><span style="color: red;"><span style="line-height: 33.6px;"><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: large;"><br /></span></span></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; color: #222222;"><span style="color: red;"><span style="line-height: 33.6px;"><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: large;">IN A SEPARATE BOWL, MIX TOPPING AND THEN SPRINKLE ON TOP OF THE GRAPES.</span></span></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; color: #222222;"><span style="color: red;"><span style="line-height: 33.6px;"><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: large;"><br /></span></span></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; color: #222222;"><span style="color: red;"><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: large;">CHILL OVERNIGHT.</span></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><p><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: large;">If you enjoyed this devotion, please share it with your friends.</span><span style="color: red; font-family: verdana; font-size: large;"> <span style="font-family: Times New Roman; font-size: medium;"> </span></span></p><p style="color: black; font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size: medium;"><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: large;"><br /></span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; color: black; font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size: medium; text-align: center;"><span class="text"><span style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial; font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: 14pt;"><i style="background-color: #fff9ee; color: #333333; font-family: arial, tahoma, helvetica, freesans, sans-serif; font-size: 19.8px; line-height: 36.96px;"><span face="" style="font-size: medium;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiQ0U5sxxoUsjIF9HQQCjICK0WDdv8lvT-Bd4XLQnlA9NLwxIyZTgWoRRWFLXN-PvzWIv4LBm8qGm7M86TFgtKSw3vINZv0cOK9Bn_HHSb049TsorlcpBJxvkCBuW_3ZYYk2UGvXgrFODpHya6n5_SmdYLMc20ISYuNCY_3d2L5mDiZmTu7cA1JsexGAmug/s320/us10.jpg" style="clear: left; 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line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 12.0pt; margin: 12pt 0in 0in;"><span style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial;"></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="color: black; font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size: medium; line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 12.0pt; margin: 12pt 0in 0in;"><span style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial;"></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="color: black; font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size: medium; line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 12.0pt; margin: 12pt 0in 0in;"><span style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial;"></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="color: black; font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size: medium; line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 12.0pt; margin: 12pt 0in 0in;"><span style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial;"></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="color: black; font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size: medium; line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 12.0pt; margin: 12pt 0in 0in;"><span style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-color: white; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial;"></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="color: black; font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size: medium; line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 12.0pt; margin: 12pt 0in 0in;"><span style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-color: white; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial;"></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="color: black; font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size: medium; line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 12.0pt; margin: 12pt 0in 0in;"><span style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-color: white; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial;"></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-color: white; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial; color: black; font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size: medium; line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 15pt;"><span style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial;"></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; color: black; font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: 11pt; line-height: 22px; margin: 0in; text-size-adjust: auto;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: 14pt; line-height: 28px;"></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; color: black; font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size: medium; line-height: 22px; margin: 0in; text-size-adjust: auto;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; 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color: #333333; line-height: 36.96px;"><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: medium;">Thanks to all our faithful followers who share our posts! We also invite you to follow and like us on <a href="https://www.facebook.com/martinwilesgreenwoodsc?ref=hl" style="color: #6699cc;">Facebook</a>, <a href="http://www.pinterest.com/martinwiles/" style="color: #6699cc;">Pinterest</a>, <a href="https://twitter.com/linesfromgod" style="color: #6699cc;">Twitter</a>, and <a href="https://www.instagram.com/lovelinesfromgod" target="_blank">Instagram</a>. Help us spread God's encouragement through His Love Lines.</span></i></span></span></span></span></p></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; color: #222222; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 26.62px;"><span style="color: red; font-family: verdana, sans-serif; font-size: large;"><span style="line-height: 33.6px;"><br /></span></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; color: #222222; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 26.62px;"><br /></div></div></div></h3></div>Martin Wileshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10701425106598292224noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3444705093735536879.post-18131994666302245322024-03-08T04:30:00.013-05:002024-03-08T04:30:00.130-05:00The Value of a Soul - Martin Wiles<p><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: large;"><i><span style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial;"></span></i></span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: large;"><i><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgb4DVy03wgajeHNRkN34GDsQL2Xfqdl6rLFZgXAiiOrG3FnkRHZV-YeCoo5xjFfBMtZWgOFikaHbHU6gYwcQVUjlUKIIwVOnvPVCPs7IkJKLdky2Z5zFpnhcdNSronNZFSmsjufhWFF7Tb93pH4cUSW7cDtjMXq7EiIpp2Blr0cSSghpZ3hIvzHpqcrycl/s661/going%20through%20a%20dark%20valley.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img alt="The Value of a Soul" border="0" data-original-height="340" data-original-width="661" height="206" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgb4DVy03wgajeHNRkN34GDsQL2Xfqdl6rLFZgXAiiOrG3FnkRHZV-YeCoo5xjFfBMtZWgOFikaHbHU6gYwcQVUjlUKIIwVOnvPVCPs7IkJKLdky2Z5zFpnhcdNSronNZFSmsjufhWFF7Tb93pH4cUSW7cDtjMXq7EiIpp2Blr0cSSghpZ3hIvzHpqcrycl/w400-h206/going%20through%20a%20dark%20valley.jpg" width="400" /></a></i></span></div><blockquote><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: large;"><i><span style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial;">So God created human beings in
his own image. In the image of God, he created them; male and female he created
them.</span></i><span style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial;"> <b>Genesis 1:27 NLT</b></span></span></blockquote><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: large;"><span style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial;"><b></b></span></span><p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="background: white; line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 15.0pt;"><span style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial;"><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: large;">I had never heard such a statement—nor
had anyone in my class.<o:p></o:p></span></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="background: white; line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 15.0pt;"><span style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial;"><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: large;">A plane crash has just killed
basketball legend, Kobe Bryant, his daughter, and several other people. Many
mourned this tragedy, including students at our school. As I took morning
prayer requests, the first two related to praying for Kobe’s family. <o:p></o:p></span></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="background: white; line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 15.0pt;"><span style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial;"><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: large;">But one wise youngster said, “The
plane had other people on it, too.” <o:p></o:p></span></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="background: white; line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 15.0pt;"><span style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial;"><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: large;">And that’s also when the unbelievable
comment followed: “But they weren’t important.” <o:p></o:p></span></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="background: white; line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 15.0pt;"><span style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial;"><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: large;">The comment shocked me, initially, so
much so that I couldn’t speak for a moment. Everyone else in the class
experienced the same shock. <o:p></o:p></span></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="background: white; line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 15.0pt;"><span style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial;"><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: large;">I could not help myself. The teacher
and adult in me came out. “God may not have cared that Kobe Bryant played
basketball.” <o:p></o:p></span></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="background: white; line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 15.0pt;"><span style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial;"><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: large;">If I know God as I think I do, I
believe He would have cared more about whether Kobe had a relationship with
Jesus Christ, whether he was a good husband and dad, and whether he used his
skills and talents to promote the love of Christ in his world. I made my point
with the self-centered young girl, and I hope she got it. In her mind, Kobe’s
value lay only in playing basketball well. <o:p></o:p></span></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="background: white; line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 15.0pt;"><span style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial;"><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: large;">Value is a funny thing. Something can
have value and hold no worth. The opposite can also hold true. Something can
have no value but become valuable. <o:p></o:p></span></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="background: white; line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 15.0pt;"><span style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial;"><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: large;">My wife and I often saw this happen
at antique auctions. Occasionally, an ugly item would come up for bid but initially
receive no bids. Our auctioneer friend knew the solution to the problem. “If
you buy this, you will be the only person with one.” <o:p></o:p></span></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="background: white; line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 15.0pt;"><span style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial;"><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: large;">Once he said that, hands shot up, and
bids poured in. Suddenly, something that held no value sold for unbelievable
money because the scenario changed. <o:p></o:p></span></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="background: white; line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 15.0pt;"><span style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial;"><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: large;">Economics calls this supply and
demand. Prices drop when a large supply of something exists, but no one wants
it. But prices rise if a limited supply exists and many people want it. Value
is not always determined by the item itself but by who wants it and how many
people crave it. <o:p></o:p></span></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="background: white; line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 15.0pt;"><span style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial;"><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: large;">Value works differently with people,
too. What others think I’m worth doesn’t matter. The writer of Genesis said God
created people in His image. We are not identical to God, but we resemble Him
in many ways. We can think, feel, love, and show emotion. The image of God in
us makes us valuable. <o:p></o:p></span></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="background: white; line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 15.0pt;"><span style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial;"><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: large;">The value of a soul hinges on whom we
belong to. Having God as our creator doesn’t necessarily mean we belong to Him.
The connection comes through faith in Christ. When that happens, we enter His
family and become His child, not just His creation. <o:p></o:p></span></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="background: white; line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 15.0pt;"><span style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial;"><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: large;">My Dad’s hobby was woodworking. He
built many beautiful items, but if they didn’t come into his home, they were
only his creations, not his personal property. <o:p></o:p></span></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="background: white; line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 15.0pt;"><span style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial;"><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: large;">Value is further determined by what
God says about us. He says we belong to Him and that no one can snatch us from
His hand. No person or circumstance holds enough power to overpower God’s
strong arm that holds us safely in His care. <o:p></o:p></span></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="background: white; line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 15.0pt;"><span style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial;"><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: large;">My young students confused identity
with performance. In her mind, Kobe held more importance than the others on the
plane because he had fame in the basketball world. God, on the other hand, says
our value has nothing to do with what we do but with who we are. And in Christ,
we belong to the heavenly Father. That determines our value. Our doing is only
proof of our appreciation for what God has done in our lives. We serve because
of Who has served us. <o:p></o:p></span></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="background: white; line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 15.0pt;"><span style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial;"><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: large;">Don’t determine your worth by what
you do, but by whom you belong to.<o:p></o:p></span></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="background: white; line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 15.0pt;"><span style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial;"><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: large;">Father, may I realize that You
determine my true worth through my connection to You. </span><span style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: 14pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></span></p><p><span style="color: red; font-family: verdana; font-size: large;">If you enjoyed this devotion, please share it with your friends. </span></p><p><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: large;"><br /></span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span class="text"><span style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial; font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: 14pt;"><i style="background-color: #fff9ee; color: #333333; font-family: arial, tahoma, helvetica, freesans, sans-serif; font-size: 19.8px; line-height: 36.96px;"><span face="" style="font-size: medium;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiQ0U5sxxoUsjIF9HQQCjICK0WDdv8lvT-Bd4XLQnlA9NLwxIyZTgWoRRWFLXN-PvzWIv4LBm8qGm7M86TFgtKSw3vINZv0cOK9Bn_HHSb049TsorlcpBJxvkCBuW_3ZYYk2UGvXgrFODpHya6n5_SmdYLMc20ISYuNCY_3d2L5mDiZmTu7cA1JsexGAmug/s320/us10.jpg" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="320" data-original-width="240" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiQ0U5sxxoUsjIF9HQQCjICK0WDdv8lvT-Bd4XLQnlA9NLwxIyZTgWoRRWFLXN-PvzWIv4LBm8qGm7M86TFgtKSw3vINZv0cOK9Bn_HHSb049TsorlcpBJxvkCBuW_3ZYYk2UGvXgrFODpHya6n5_SmdYLMc20ISYuNCY_3d2L5mDiZmTu7cA1JsexGAmug/w150-h200/us10.jpg" width="150" /></a></span></i></span></span></div><p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 12.0pt; margin: 12pt 0in 0in;"><span class="text"><span style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial;"></span></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 12.0pt; margin: 12pt 0in 0in;"><span style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial;"></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 12.0pt; margin: 12pt 0in 0in;"><span style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial;"></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 12.0pt; margin: 12pt 0in 0in;"><span style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial;"></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 12.0pt; margin: 12pt 0in 0in;"><span style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial;"></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 12.0pt; margin: 12pt 0in 0in;"><span style="background-color: white; background: white;"></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 12.0pt; margin: 12pt 0in 0in;"><span style="background-color: white; background: white;"></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 12.0pt; margin: 12pt 0in 0in;"><span style="background-color: white; background: white;"></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="background-color: white; background: white; line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 15pt;"><span style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial;"></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: 11pt; line-height: 22px; margin: 0in; text-size-adjust: auto;"><span style="background-color: white; font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: 14pt; line-height: 28px;"></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; line-height: 22px; margin: 0in; text-size-adjust: auto;"><span style="background-color: white; font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: 14pt; line-height: 28px;"></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: white; line-height: normal; margin: 0in 0in 15pt; text-size-adjust: auto;"><span style="font-family: Times New Roman, serif; font-size: 14pt;"></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="background: white; line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 15.0pt;"><span style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial;"></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 12.0pt; margin: 12pt 0in 0in;"><span class="text"><span style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial;"><span class="text"><span style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial;"><i style="background-color: #fff9ee; color: #333333; line-height: 36.96px;"><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: medium;">Thanks to all our faithful followers who share our posts! We also invite you to follow and like us on <a href="https://www.facebook.com/martinwilesgreenwoodsc?ref=hl" style="color: #6699cc;">Facebook</a>, <a href="http://www.pinterest.com/martinwiles/" style="color: #6699cc;">Pinterest</a>, <a href="https://twitter.com/linesfromgod" style="color: #6699cc;">Twitter</a>, and <a href="https://www.instagram.com/lovelinesfromgod" target="_blank">Instagram</a>. Help us spread God's encouragement through His Love Lines.</span></i></span></span></span></span></p>Martin Wileshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10701425106598292224noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3444705093735536879.post-83747436502386693722024-03-06T04:30:00.017-05:002024-03-06T04:30:00.134-05:00The Mind Reader - Martin Wiles<p><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: large;"><i><span style="background: white;"></span></i></span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: large;"><i><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhmvgEwiuP45C5NFk0i7-kmJw1epI96DuxOo3jq3zbc-TcIkDwrWFWMNsbZkOgqNBFY1QWIaMx54nGLkifsr9cvcF-XjpnU1feqOr97KkxFOsfN3De93L2_MkLituAd-Ytr7TpnY0XSpevYx-c_gQ4AzaL4w0bKn0TXkJfc8oLTOE9iZ1amUB-yPv08Kbsg/s340/brain.png" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img alt="the mind reader" border="0" data-original-height="340" data-original-width="258" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhmvgEwiuP45C5NFk0i7-kmJw1epI96DuxOo3jq3zbc-TcIkDwrWFWMNsbZkOgqNBFY1QWIaMx54nGLkifsr9cvcF-XjpnU1feqOr97KkxFOsfN3De93L2_MkLituAd-Ytr7TpnY0XSpevYx-c_gQ4AzaL4w0bKn0TXkJfc8oLTOE9iZ1amUB-yPv08Kbsg/w304-h400/brain.png" width="304" /></a></i></span></div><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: large;"><i>Then Jesus spoke up and answered his thoughts.
“Simon,” he said to the Pharisee, “I have something to say to you.”</i><span style="background: white;"> <b>Luke 7:40
NLT</b></span></span><p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 12.0pt;"><span style="background: white;"><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: large;">“You’re in a ‘spazzy’ mood today. I’m sure you’ll break
something.” The mind reader had struck again. <o:p></o:p></span></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 12.0pt;"><span style="background: white;"><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: large;">Let me clarify. I’ve never visited a mind reader, but I live
with one. My wife and I have an uncanny ability to read each other’s minds, and
she was doing it again. She claims it’s because we’re “soul mates.” Maybe she’s
right. I suppose it comes from living together, spending quality time with each
other, having similar likes and dislikes, and reaching for the same goals. When
significant decisions approach, I know her answer, and she knows mine—even
though we discuss the matter to make sure. Sometimes, it’s freaky to think someone
else knows what I’m thinking. <o:p></o:p></span></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 12.0pt;"><span style="background: white;"><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: large;">I suppose Simon the Pharisee felt the same. He had invited
Jesus to his religious party. But Simon didn’t invite the sinful woman who
showed up, too. Why he didn’t ask her to leave is a mystery. <o:p></o:p></span></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 12.0pt;"><span style="background: white;"><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: large;">As Simon watched the woman cry over Jesus’ feet and anoint
them with perfume, he concluded this couldn’t be the long-awaited Messiah. He
wouldn’t allow a sinful woman like this to touch Him. Simon didn’t know it, but
Jesus read his thoughts—and then answered them with a story of two debtors who
had their debts forgiven. <o:p></o:p></span></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 12.0pt;"><span style="background: white;"><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: large;">Knowing Jesus can read our thoughts is comforting—yet
disturbing. Comforting because sometimes our situations are such that we can’t
adequately express what we want to say. The grief slices too deeply. The pain
is almost unbearable. We can’t put into words what we want to say. God assures us
we don’t have to. Paul wrote, “But the Holy Spirit prays for us with groanings
that cannot be expressed in words” (Romans 8:26 NLT). <o:p></o:p></span></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 12.0pt;"><span style="background: white;"><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: large;">Disturbing because there are those times when I shudder to realize
Jesus knows what I’m thinking. Those times when my mind has wandered into areas
it has no business traveling. When I’m not thinking about things that are true, honorable, right, pure, lovely, and
admirable. Things that are excellent and worthy of praise.<i> </i>(Philippians 4:8) Jesus can help
reorient the direction of our minds as well—onto healthier turf. <o:p></o:p></span></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 12.0pt;"><span style="background: white;"><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: large;">Don’t be afraid to let Jesus read your mind. Only good can come
from it. <o:p></o:p></span></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 12.0pt;"><span style="background: white;"><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: large;">Father, guide me to think about those things that honor Your
name and build me up spiritually. </span><span style="font-size: 14pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></span></p><p><span style="color: red; font-family: verdana; font-size: large;">If you enjoyed this devotion, please share it with your friends. </span></p><p><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: large;"><br /></span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span class="text"><span style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial; font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: 14pt;"><i style="background-color: #fff9ee; color: #333333; font-family: arial, tahoma, helvetica, freesans, sans-serif; font-size: 19.8px; line-height: 36.96px;"><span face="" style="font-size: medium;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiQ0U5sxxoUsjIF9HQQCjICK0WDdv8lvT-Bd4XLQnlA9NLwxIyZTgWoRRWFLXN-PvzWIv4LBm8qGm7M86TFgtKSw3vINZv0cOK9Bn_HHSb049TsorlcpBJxvkCBuW_3ZYYk2UGvXgrFODpHya6n5_SmdYLMc20ISYuNCY_3d2L5mDiZmTu7cA1JsexGAmug/s320/us10.jpg" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="320" data-original-width="240" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiQ0U5sxxoUsjIF9HQQCjICK0WDdv8lvT-Bd4XLQnlA9NLwxIyZTgWoRRWFLXN-PvzWIv4LBm8qGm7M86TFgtKSw3vINZv0cOK9Bn_HHSb049TsorlcpBJxvkCBuW_3ZYYk2UGvXgrFODpHya6n5_SmdYLMc20ISYuNCY_3d2L5mDiZmTu7cA1JsexGAmug/w150-h200/us10.jpg" width="150" /></a></span></i></span></span></div><p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 12.0pt; margin: 12pt 0in 0in;"><span class="text"><span style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial;"></span></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 12.0pt; margin: 12pt 0in 0in;"><span style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial;"></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 12.0pt; margin: 12pt 0in 0in;"><span style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial;"></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 12.0pt; margin: 12pt 0in 0in;"><span style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial;"></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 12.0pt; margin: 12pt 0in 0in;"><span style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial;"></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 12.0pt; margin: 12pt 0in 0in;"><span style="background-color: white; background: white;"></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 12.0pt; margin: 12pt 0in 0in;"><span style="background-color: white; background: white;"></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 12.0pt; margin: 12pt 0in 0in;"><span style="background-color: white; background: white;"></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="background-color: white; background: white; line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 15pt;"><span style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial;"></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: 11pt; line-height: 22px; margin: 0in; text-size-adjust: auto;"><span style="background-color: white; font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: 14pt; line-height: 28px;"></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; line-height: 22px; margin: 0in; text-size-adjust: auto;"><span style="background-color: white; font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: 14pt; line-height: 28px;"></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: white; line-height: normal; margin: 0in 0in 15pt; text-size-adjust: auto;"><span style="font-family: Times New Roman, serif; font-size: 14pt;"></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 12.0pt;"><span style="background: white;"></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 12.0pt; margin: 12pt 0in 0in;"><span class="text"><span style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial;"><span class="text"><span style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial;"><i style="background-color: #fff9ee; color: #333333; line-height: 36.96px;"><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: medium;">Thanks to all our faithful followers who share our posts! We also invite you to follow and like us on <a href="https://www.facebook.com/martinwilesgreenwoodsc?ref=hl" style="color: #6699cc;">Facebook</a>, <a href="http://www.pinterest.com/martinwiles/" style="color: #6699cc;">Pinterest</a>, <a href="https://twitter.com/linesfromgod" style="color: #6699cc;">Twitter</a>, and <a href="https://www.instagram.com/lovelinesfromgod" target="_blank">Instagram</a>. Help us spread God's encouragement through His Love Lines.</span></i></span></span></span></span></p>Martin Wileshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10701425106598292224noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3444705093735536879.post-90423057609065414172024-03-04T04:30:00.013-05:002024-03-04T04:30:00.198-05:00 Finding Peace - Martin Wiles<p><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: large;"><i><span style="background: white;"></span></i></span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: large;"><i><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjdMVHvMQnRYpdWS3wBvls6GyhyphenhyphenOEj_L9auLIbNKiarmEhf9lY-IM1MD2a_jIBKaWrdxaQ36w22Yb22GjlqgjdkHqnL5SE8LHfiVnjfOmr-TL1wROgnMPTv_x7FW9b5KV5uto06zPQD2on34L0nPk1DkTV3EjVpM78j0MSxvT2ZybyVhyj6k1HgKChmhdx6/s640/a%20question%20of%20peace.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img alt="finding peace" border="0" data-original-height="427" data-original-width="640" height="268" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjdMVHvMQnRYpdWS3wBvls6GyhyphenhyphenOEj_L9auLIbNKiarmEhf9lY-IM1MD2a_jIBKaWrdxaQ36w22Yb22GjlqgjdkHqnL5SE8LHfiVnjfOmr-TL1wROgnMPTv_x7FW9b5KV5uto06zPQD2on34L0nPk1DkTV3EjVpM78j0MSxvT2ZybyVhyj6k1HgKChmhdx6/w400-h268/a%20question%20of%20peace.jpg" width="400" /></a></i></span></div><blockquote><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: large;"><i><span style="background: white;">And Jesus said to the woman, “Your faith has
saved you; go in peace.”</span></i><span style="background: white;"> <b>Luke 7:50 NLT</b></span></span></blockquote><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: large;"><span style="background: white;"><b></b></span></span><p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 12.0pt;"><span style="background: white;"><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: large;">For me, finding peace means heading for the hills. <o:p></o:p></span></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 12.0pt;"><span style="background: white;"><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: large;">Regardless of how taxing my dilemmas, I can always re-focus
when I view the mountains—up close and in person. Every motel in Maggie Valley,
NC, has riverfront rooms, since a river runs down the main street. <o:p></o:p></span></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 12.0pt;"><span style="background: white;"><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: large;">The room our family stayed in on one occasion wasn’t
extraordinary, yet it was. A screen door shielded the back door, and the temp
was cool enough for us to open the back door and listen to the roaring creek. This
we topped off by sitting on the cozy porch and enjoying the sounds and views.
The following day, I took my computer to the porch and sat on one of the wooden
rockers while I penned my morning devotion. I found peace. Trouble was, though,
I couldn’t stay there. <o:p></o:p></span></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 12.0pt;"><span style="background: white;"><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: large;">The sinful woman couldn’t remain in her location either, but
she found a peace she could carry away with her. Somehow, this immoral woman
found her way into a religious snob’s party. Jesus happened to be there, and
she immediately zeroed in on Him. In fact, He was why she was there in the
first place. Her tears tumbled on His feet, she wiped them with her hair, and then
she anointed Jesus’ feet with perfume. Luke doesn’t tell us she asked for
forgiveness—she didn’t have to. Her actions showed she wanted it, and Jesus
granted it. She could leave in peace. <o:p></o:p></span></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 12.0pt;"><span style="background: white;"><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: large;">Although I can renew my peace in the mountains, I can’t discover
it there—unless it happens to be where I meet Jesus. Meeting Him is the key for
peace. Only as we do what the sinful woman did can we find peace that won’t
fluctuate with life’s situations. She recognized her sinfulness and went to the
person who could solve her problem and soothe her soul. The peace Jesus offered
was connected to the forgiveness she desired. <o:p></o:p></span></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 12.0pt;"><span style="background: white;"><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: large;">Knowing all of our sins were taken care of at the cross
allows us to live in a state of continual peace—regardless of our circumstances.
We don’t have to worry about judgment or condemnation. Jesus took that in our
behalf. What the Father placed on Him, He won’t judge us for. Nor will He allow
us to endure more than we can handle with His power. <o:p></o:p></span></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 12.0pt;"><span style="background: white;"><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: large;">Find your peace in Christ and nothing else. <o:p></o:p></span></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 12.0pt;"><span style="background: white;"><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: large;">Father, thank You for the peace that comes from knowing You accept,
forgive, and love me. </span><span style="font-size: 14pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></span></p><p><span style="color: red; font-family: verdana; font-size: large;">If you enjoyed this devotion, please share it with your friends. </span></p><p><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: large;"><br /></span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span class="text"><span style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial; font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: 14pt;"><i style="background-color: #fff9ee; color: #333333; font-family: arial, tahoma, helvetica, freesans, sans-serif; font-size: 19.8px; line-height: 36.96px;"><span face="" style="font-size: medium;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiQ0U5sxxoUsjIF9HQQCjICK0WDdv8lvT-Bd4XLQnlA9NLwxIyZTgWoRRWFLXN-PvzWIv4LBm8qGm7M86TFgtKSw3vINZv0cOK9Bn_HHSb049TsorlcpBJxvkCBuW_3ZYYk2UGvXgrFODpHya6n5_SmdYLMc20ISYuNCY_3d2L5mDiZmTu7cA1JsexGAmug/s320/us10.jpg" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="320" data-original-width="240" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiQ0U5sxxoUsjIF9HQQCjICK0WDdv8lvT-Bd4XLQnlA9NLwxIyZTgWoRRWFLXN-PvzWIv4LBm8qGm7M86TFgtKSw3vINZv0cOK9Bn_HHSb049TsorlcpBJxvkCBuW_3ZYYk2UGvXgrFODpHya6n5_SmdYLMc20ISYuNCY_3d2L5mDiZmTu7cA1JsexGAmug/w150-h200/us10.jpg" width="150" /></a></span></i></span></span></div><p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 12.0pt; margin: 12pt 0in 0in;"><span class="text"><span style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial;"></span></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 12.0pt; margin: 12pt 0in 0in;"><span style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial;"></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 12.0pt; margin: 12pt 0in 0in;"><span style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial;"></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 12.0pt; margin: 12pt 0in 0in;"><span style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial;"></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 12.0pt; margin: 12pt 0in 0in;"><span style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial;"></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 12.0pt; margin: 12pt 0in 0in;"><span style="background-color: white; background: white;"></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 12.0pt; margin: 12pt 0in 0in;"><span style="background-color: white; background: white;"></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 12.0pt; margin: 12pt 0in 0in;"><span style="background-color: white; background: white;"></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="background-color: white; background: white; line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 15pt;"><span style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial;"></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: 11pt; line-height: 22px; margin: 0in; text-size-adjust: auto;"><span style="background-color: white; font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: 14pt; line-height: 28px;"></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; line-height: 22px; margin: 0in; text-size-adjust: auto;"><span style="background-color: white; font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: 14pt; line-height: 28px;"></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: white; line-height: normal; margin: 0in 0in 15pt; text-size-adjust: auto;"><span style="font-family: Times New Roman, serif; font-size: 14pt;"></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 12.0pt;"><span style="background: white;"></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 12.0pt; margin: 12pt 0in 0in;"><span class="text"><span style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial;"><span class="text"><span style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial;"><i style="background-color: #fff9ee; color: #333333; line-height: 36.96px;"><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: medium;">Thanks to all our faithful followers who share our posts! We also invite you to follow and like us on <a href="https://www.facebook.com/martinwilesgreenwoodsc?ref=hl" style="color: #6699cc;">Facebook</a>, <a href="http://www.pinterest.com/martinwiles/" style="color: #6699cc;">Pinterest</a>, <a href="https://twitter.com/linesfromgod" style="color: #6699cc;">Twitter</a>, and <a href="https://www.instagram.com/lovelinesfromgod" target="_blank">Instagram</a>. Help us spread God's encouragement through His Love Lines.</span></i></span></span></span></span></p>Martin Wileshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10701425106598292224noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3444705093735536879.post-48867952372358356552024-03-02T04:30:00.014-05:002024-03-02T04:30:00.407-05:00Broccoli and Potato Soup<p> </p><div class="post-header" style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 10.8px; line-height: 1.6; margin: 0px 0px 1.5em;"><div class="post-header-line-1"></div></div><div class="post-body entry-content" id="post-body-6009384607630397698" itemprop="description articleBody" style="background-color: white; line-height: 1.4; position: relative; width: 760px;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; color: #222222; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 13.2px; text-align: center;"><a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-UuiF9XbrXzw/Un7EMMz6PLI/AAAAAAAAE7Y/PhwMPHRGh7o/s1600/broccoli+soup.png" imageanchor="1" style="color: #cc111a; margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-decoration-line: none;"><img alt="broccoli and potato soup" border="0" height="400" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-UuiF9XbrXzw/Un7EMMz6PLI/AAAAAAAAE7Y/PhwMPHRGh7o/w400-h400/broccoli+soup.png" style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial; border: 1px solid rgb(238, 238, 238); box-shadow: rgba(0, 0, 0, 0.1) 1px 1px 5px; padding: 5px; position: relative;" width="400" /></a></div><div style="color: #222222; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 13.2px; text-align: center;"><span style="color: black; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;"><em><br /></em></span></div><div style="color: #222222; text-align: center;"><span style="color: black;"><em><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: large;">Ingredients</span></em></span></div><div style="color: #222222; text-align: center;"><span style="color: red;"><em><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: large;">4 RED POTATOES (CUT INTO LONG STRIPS)</span></em></span></div><div style="color: #222222; text-align: center;"><span style="color: red;"><em><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: large;"> <br />2 CUPS CHOPPED BROCCOLI</span></em></span></div><span style="color: red;"><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: large;"><em><div style="text-align: center;"><br />1 ONION (DICED)</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />1 LARGE CAN MILK</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />½ TEASPOON SALT</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />¼ TEASPOON PEPPER</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />½ CUP VELVETTA CHEESE</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />1 TABLESPOON CORNSTARCH</div></em><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div></span></span><div style="color: #222222; text-align: center;"><em><span style="color: black;"><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: large;">Directions</span></span></em></div><div style="color: #222222; text-align: center;"><span style="color: red;"><em><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: large;">COOK POTATOES, BROCCOLI, AND ONION IN A QUART OF WATER.</span></em></span></div><em><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: large;"><div style="color: red; text-align: center;"><br />COOK UNTIL TENDER.</div><div style="color: red; text-align: center;"><br />ADD SALT, PEPPER, MILK, AND CHEESE.</div><div style="color: red; text-align: center;"><br />DISSOLVE CORNSTARCH IN COLD WATER TO THICKEN SOUP.</div><div style="color: red; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;"><p style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size: medium; font-style: normal;"><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: large;">If you enjoyed this devotion, please share it with your friends. </span><span style="color: red; font-family: verdana; font-size: large;"> </span></p><p style="color: black; font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size: medium; font-style: normal;"><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: large;"><br /></span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; color: black; font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size: medium; font-style: normal; text-align: center;"><span class="text"><span style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial; font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: 14pt;"><i style="background-color: #fff9ee; color: #333333; font-family: arial, tahoma, helvetica, freesans, sans-serif; font-size: 19.8px; line-height: 36.96px;"><span face="" style="font-size: medium;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiQ0U5sxxoUsjIF9HQQCjICK0WDdv8lvT-Bd4XLQnlA9NLwxIyZTgWoRRWFLXN-PvzWIv4LBm8qGm7M86TFgtKSw3vINZv0cOK9Bn_HHSb049TsorlcpBJxvkCBuW_3ZYYk2UGvXgrFODpHya6n5_SmdYLMc20ISYuNCY_3d2L5mDiZmTu7cA1JsexGAmug/s320/us10.jpg" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="320" data-original-width="240" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiQ0U5sxxoUsjIF9HQQCjICK0WDdv8lvT-Bd4XLQnlA9NLwxIyZTgWoRRWFLXN-PvzWIv4LBm8qGm7M86TFgtKSw3vINZv0cOK9Bn_HHSb049TsorlcpBJxvkCBuW_3ZYYk2UGvXgrFODpHya6n5_SmdYLMc20ISYuNCY_3d2L5mDiZmTu7cA1JsexGAmug/w150-h200/us10.jpg" width="150" /></a></span></i></span></span></div><p class="MsoNormal" style="color: black; font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size: medium; font-style: normal; line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 12.0pt; margin: 12pt 0in 0in;"><span class="text"><span style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial;"></span></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="color: black; font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size: medium; font-style: normal; line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 12.0pt; margin: 12pt 0in 0in;"><span style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial;"></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="color: black; font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size: medium; font-style: normal; line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 12.0pt; margin: 12pt 0in 0in;"><span style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial;"></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="color: black; font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size: medium; font-style: normal; line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 12.0pt; margin: 12pt 0in 0in;"><span style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial;"></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="color: black; font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size: medium; font-style: normal; line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 12.0pt; margin: 12pt 0in 0in;"><span style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial;"></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="color: black; font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size: medium; font-style: normal; line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 12.0pt; margin: 12pt 0in 0in;"><span style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-color: white; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial;"></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="color: black; font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size: medium; font-style: normal; line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 12.0pt; margin: 12pt 0in 0in;"><span style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-color: white; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial;"></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="color: black; font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size: medium; font-style: normal; line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 12.0pt; margin: 12pt 0in 0in;"><span style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-color: white; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial;"></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-color: white; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial; color: black; font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size: medium; font-style: normal; line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 15pt;"><span style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial;"></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; color: black; font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: 11pt; font-style: normal; line-height: 22px; margin: 0in; text-size-adjust: auto;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: 14pt; line-height: 28px;"></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; color: black; font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size: medium; font-style: normal; line-height: 22px; margin: 0in; text-size-adjust: auto;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: 14pt; line-height: 28px;"></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; color: black; font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size: medium; font-style: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0in 0in 15pt; text-size-adjust: auto;"><span style="font-family: Times New Roman, serif; font-size: 14pt;"></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="color: black; font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size: medium; font-style: normal; line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 12.0pt; margin: 12pt 0in 0in;"><span class="text"><span style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial;"><span class="text"><span style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial;"><i style="background-color: #fff9ee; color: #333333; line-height: 36.96px;"><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: medium;">Thanks to all our faithful followers who share our posts! We also invite you to follow and like us on <a href="https://www.facebook.com/martinwilesgreenwoodsc?ref=hl" style="color: #6699cc;">Facebook</a>, <a href="http://www.pinterest.com/martinwiles/" style="color: #6699cc;">Pinterest</a>, <a href="https://twitter.com/linesfromgod" style="color: #6699cc;">Twitter</a>, and <a href="https://www.instagram.com/lovelinesfromgod" target="_blank">Instagram</a>. Help us spread God's encouragement through His Love Lines.</span></i></span></span></span></span></p></div></span></em></div>Martin Wileshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10701425106598292224noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3444705093735536879.post-34965698845344558812024-03-01T04:30:00.046-05:002024-03-01T04:30:00.136-05:00Good Sam - Martin Wiles<p></p><p class="MsoNoSpacing" style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; margin: 0in; text-align: center; text-size-adjust: auto;"><br /></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: white; line-height: normal; margin: 0in 0in 8pt; text-size-adjust: auto;"><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: large;"><i></i></span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: large;"><i><i><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: right;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj3-vuSGi1fCCZmgS5vbcr932vudfR0OQ1Nx5ShufzhP5BfEo0xcci8BV5o80hXGMr7y5HWcPCqOtJcPXJfpFUWTP_RpFWVQeCK6kOjIKvTFEe4N_YrkCV8pz_qlYbWVaPkf5EU1EjfIpQA3eTbfHCIIWc0PkPUSwbArAgbUeI13ZOa1hhRRTABZDwxNrw_/s1280/bicycle1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img alt="good Sam" border="0" data-original-height="854" data-original-width="1280" height="268" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj3-vuSGi1fCCZmgS5vbcr932vudfR0OQ1Nx5ShufzhP5BfEo0xcci8BV5o80hXGMr7y5HWcPCqOtJcPXJfpFUWTP_RpFWVQeCK6kOjIKvTFEe4N_YrkCV8pz_qlYbWVaPkf5EU1EjfIpQA3eTbfHCIIWc0PkPUSwbArAgbUeI13ZOa1hhRRTABZDwxNrw_/w400-h268/bicycle1.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>Then a despised Samaritan came along, and when he saw the man, he felt compassion for him.</i><span style="font-family: verdana;"> <b>Luke 10:33 NLT</b></span></i></span></div><p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: white; line-height: normal; margin: 0in 0in 8pt; text-size-adjust: auto;"><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: large;">“Hey, you boys need a ride.”<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: white; line-height: normal; margin: 0in 0in 8pt; text-size-adjust: auto;"><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: large;">Eleven miles. Not far if you zoom down a road at interstate speed. A long way, however, if you are a young boy pedaling a bicycle. And my cousin and I were young and pedaling. <o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: white; line-height: normal; margin: 0in 0in 8pt; text-size-adjust: auto;"><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: large;">My cousin lived next door to my maternal grandparents. When I stayed with them some during the summer, he and I hung around together. Since Vance, South Carolina, found her home in the country, we concocted games to play and things to do. One involved riding our bicycles. He had his, and Mom and Dad brought mine and left it so I could join him. Video games had not been invented, so nothing existed to keep us inside. In fact, we hated the indoors. The outside called our name continuously. <o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: white; line-height: normal; margin: 0in 0in 8pt; text-size-adjust: auto;"><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: large;">One day, my cousin said, “Let’s ride our bicycles to Holly Hill,”—the next town over and eleven miles down the road. I’m not sure our wisdom led us to consider how far eleven miles was. Or to think about other things like carrying water. <o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: white; line-height: normal; margin: 0in 0in 15pt; text-size-adjust: auto;"><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: large;"><span>I don’t remember how long it took us to pedal to Holly Hill. Although we had to ride on a major highway to get there, doing so wasn’t so dangerous because traffic was light. I also don’t remember what we did when we got there. Probably rode around town. After all, we didn’t know anyone. Nor do I recall how long we stayed. Come to think of it, I don’t even think we told my grandparents about our destination or plans. We had a habit of just disappearing when we wanted to do something we thought they might disapprove of. </span><span><o:p></o:p></span></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: white; line-height: normal; margin: 0in 0in 15pt; text-size-adjust: auto;"><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: large;">After a while, we set out for home. About halfway home, our young legs gave way. We got off our bikes and began pushing. That’s when “Good Sam” stopped and asked, “You boys want a ride?”<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: white; line-height: normal; margin: 0in 0in 15pt; text-size-adjust: auto;"><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: large;">My cousin knew a lot of people in the area—he lived there—but he didn’t know Good Sam. We shrugged our shoulders and said, “Sure.”<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: white; line-height: normal; margin: 0in 0in 15pt; text-size-adjust: auto;"><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: large;"><span>“Where you going?” he asked. We told him the name of our granddaddy. He knew him, so we didn’t have to provide directions. “Throw your bikes in the back of the truck and hop in.” </span><span><o:p></o:p></span></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: white; line-height: normal; margin: 0in 0in 15pt; text-size-adjust: auto;"><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: large;">We did, and in a short minute, we were home. I don’t know whether my grandmother ever found out about our little escapade, but we were glad Good Sam came along. <o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: white; line-height: normal; margin: 0in 0in 15pt; text-size-adjust: auto;"><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: large;">Jesus also told a story about a Good Sam—Samaritan, that is. A man was walking from one town to another when thieves robbed him, beat him, and left him for dead. Two church folks came by, gave him a look, and passed to their destination. The Samaritan who came by, however, stopped, tended to the man’s wounds, took him to a hotel, and paid the bill. <o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: white; line-height: normal; margin: 0in 0in 15pt; text-size-adjust: auto;"><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: large;">Being a Good Sam in today’s world can prove dangerous. I’ve let quite a few opportunities to be one slip by because I was unsure whether the person who needed help really needed help. How could I know they were on the up and up? What if they robbed me when I tried to assist them?<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: white; line-height: normal; margin: 0in 0in 15pt; text-size-adjust: auto;"><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: large;">Yet, if I let fear rule, I’ll never help anyone. In such times, asking God for wisdom, listening to the small voice of His Spirit, and heeding our inner alarm makes good sense. If none of these bother us, we need to help. After all, God puts people in our path, and the second greatest command is to love our neighbor—which includes assisting them when they need help. <o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: white; line-height: normal; margin: 0in 0in 15pt; text-size-adjust: auto;"><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: large;">I don’t know whether my “Good Sam” had prayed for opportunities to help, but doing so is a good idea. This lets God know we want to get involved in His Kingdom work. It shows our heart to Him—and to us. <o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: white; line-height: normal; margin: 0in 0in 15pt; text-size-adjust: auto;"><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: large;">Ask God to send you some “Good Sam” opportunities. <o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: white; line-height: normal; margin: 0in 0in 15pt; text-size-adjust: auto;"><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: large;"><span>Father, give me opportunities to be a good Sam in my world.</span><span> <o:p></o:p></span></span></p><p><span style="color: red; font-family: verdana; font-size: large;">If you enjoyed this devotion, please share it with your friends. </span></p><p><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: large;"><br /></span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span class="text"><span style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial; font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: 14pt;"><i style="background-color: #fff9ee; color: #333333; font-family: arial, tahoma, helvetica, freesans, sans-serif; font-size: 19.8px; line-height: 36.96px;"><span face="" style="font-size: medium;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiQ0U5sxxoUsjIF9HQQCjICK0WDdv8lvT-Bd4XLQnlA9NLwxIyZTgWoRRWFLXN-PvzWIv4LBm8qGm7M86TFgtKSw3vINZv0cOK9Bn_HHSb049TsorlcpBJxvkCBuW_3ZYYk2UGvXgrFODpHya6n5_SmdYLMc20ISYuNCY_3d2L5mDiZmTu7cA1JsexGAmug/s320/us10.jpg" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="320" data-original-width="240" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiQ0U5sxxoUsjIF9HQQCjICK0WDdv8lvT-Bd4XLQnlA9NLwxIyZTgWoRRWFLXN-PvzWIv4LBm8qGm7M86TFgtKSw3vINZv0cOK9Bn_HHSb049TsorlcpBJxvkCBuW_3ZYYk2UGvXgrFODpHya6n5_SmdYLMc20ISYuNCY_3d2L5mDiZmTu7cA1JsexGAmug/w150-h200/us10.jpg" width="150" /></a></span></i></span></span></div><p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 12.0pt; margin: 12pt 0in 0in;"><span class="text"><span style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial;"></span></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 12.0pt; margin: 12pt 0in 0in;"><span style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial;"></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 12.0pt; margin: 12pt 0in 0in;"><span style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial;"></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 12.0pt; margin: 12pt 0in 0in;"><span style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial;"></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 12.0pt; margin: 12pt 0in 0in;"><span style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial;"></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 12.0pt; margin: 12pt 0in 0in;"><span style="background-color: white; background: white;"></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 12.0pt; margin: 12pt 0in 0in;"><span style="background-color: white; background: white;"></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 12.0pt; margin: 12pt 0in 0in;"><span style="background-color: white; background: white;"></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="background-color: white; background: white; line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 15pt;"><span style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial;"></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: 11pt; line-height: 22px; margin: 0in; text-size-adjust: auto;"><span style="background-color: white; font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: 14pt; line-height: 28px;"></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; line-height: 22px; margin: 0in; text-size-adjust: auto;"><span style="background-color: white; font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: 14pt; line-height: 28px;"></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: white; line-height: normal; margin: 0in 0in 15pt; text-size-adjust: auto;"><span style="font-family: Times New Roman, serif; font-size: 14pt;"></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 12.0pt; margin: 12pt 0in 0in;"><span class="text"><span style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial;"><span class="text"><span style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial;"><i style="background-color: #fff9ee; color: #333333; line-height: 36.96px;"><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: medium;">Thanks to all our faithful followers who share our posts! We also invite you to follow and like us on <a href="https://www.facebook.com/martinwilesgreenwoodsc?ref=hl" style="color: #6699cc;">Facebook</a>, <a href="http://www.pinterest.com/martinwiles/" style="color: #6699cc;">Pinterest</a>, <a href="https://twitter.com/linesfromgod" style="color: #6699cc;">Twitter</a>, and <a href="https://www.instagram.com/lovelinesfromgod" target="_blank">Instagram</a>. Help us spread God's encouragement through His Love Lines.</span></i></span></span></span></span></p>Martin Wileshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10701425106598292224noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3444705093735536879.post-53920342355371536482024-02-28T04:30:00.036-05:002024-02-28T04:30:00.139-05:00 Conquering through Praise - Martin Wiles<p><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: large;"><i style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; text-size-adjust: auto;"><span style="background-color: white; line-height: 28px;"></span></i></span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: large;"><i style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; text-size-adjust: auto;"><span style="background-color: white; line-height: 28px;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEisDgOtRSvnqKfpLCKy_V5O8G8qhfN4qI8ytdyyfIJId4sOwpkd1R1lmIqrAZYyX_RRd5qB2ILK7Wdc1synN5CqK51kahx8lhrN7KVXR00BH0qw6gkBv9JKxdX-3E9MTFxd4LhcfD4SQpbrWajxWZT2bcYuXNgsdLeOrWT7VT2wEOssXirJv89ePpHPUD8W/s1280/DDF78A2F-C1EF-461B-B1D7-EFB1A6F93C3A.jpeg" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img alt="Conquering Through Praise" border="0" data-original-height="827" data-original-width="1280" height="259" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEisDgOtRSvnqKfpLCKy_V5O8G8qhfN4qI8ytdyyfIJId4sOwpkd1R1lmIqrAZYyX_RRd5qB2ILK7Wdc1synN5CqK51kahx8lhrN7KVXR00BH0qw6gkBv9JKxdX-3E9MTFxd4LhcfD4SQpbrWajxWZT2bcYuXNgsdLeOrWT7VT2wEOssXirJv89ePpHPUD8W/w400-h259/DDF78A2F-C1EF-461B-B1D7-EFB1A6F93C3A.jpeg" width="400" /></a></span></i></span></div><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: large;"><i style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; text-size-adjust: auto;"><span style="background-color: white; line-height: 28px;">Enter his gates with thanksgiving; go into his courts with praise. Give thanks to him and bless his name.</span></i><span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: white; line-height: 28px; text-size-adjust: auto;"> <b>Psalm 100:4 NLT</b></span></span><p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; line-height: 22px; margin: 0in; text-size-adjust: auto;"><span style="background-color: white; line-height: 28px;"><o:p><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: large;"> </span></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; line-height: 22px; margin: 0in; text-size-adjust: auto;"><span style="background-color: white; line-height: 28px;"><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: large;">On any given day, disappointments can be overwhelming. Conquering through praise doesn’t come easily. <o:p></o:p></span></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; line-height: 22px; margin: 0in; text-size-adjust: auto;"><span style="background-color: white; line-height: 28px;"><o:p><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: large;"> </span></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; line-height: 22px; margin: 0in; text-size-adjust: auto;"><span style="background-color: white;"><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: large;">Enter the life of a middle school Language Arts teacher. For the first three weeks of school, the program we use for grades, homework, lesson plans, lunch, announcements, and payment was up and down because our internet was up and down. </span></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; line-height: 22px; margin: 0in; text-size-adjust: auto;"><span style="background-color: white; line-height: 28px;"><o:p><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: large;"> </span></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; line-height: 22px; margin: 0in; text-size-adjust: auto;"><span style="background-color: white; font-family: verdana; font-size: large; line-height: 28px;"><span>On one particular day—as the students attempted to work through an online grammar exercise—the internet dropped us at least fifteen times within forty minutes. Frustrating. Making lesson plans was challenging due to the intermittent connection. What normally took an hour took an entire day. Student lunch orders didn’t process. One fellow teacher threatened to throw her computer out the window. I thought about it myself. Of course, all of this had nothing to do with our computers. </span><span><o:p></o:p></span></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; line-height: 22px; margin: 0in; text-size-adjust: auto;"><span style="background-color: white; font-family: verdana; font-size: large; line-height: 28px;"><o:p> </o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; line-height: 22px; margin: 0in; text-size-adjust: auto;"><span style="background-color: white; line-height: 28px;"><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: large;">Since our lives as teachers are so dependent on the internet, several weeks of issues tax us and make finding anything positive difficult. And of course, we have to toss in staff meetings, parent meetings, and other student-related matters. <o:p></o:p></span></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; line-height: 22px; margin: 0in; text-size-adjust: auto;"><span style="background-color: white; line-height: 28px;"><o:p><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: large;"> </span></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; line-height: 22px; margin: 0in; text-size-adjust: auto;"><span style="background-color: white; line-height: 28px;"><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: large;">Yet, many reasons to praise exist. We work in a smaller atmosphere where peer and student-teacher relationships are closer. Fights among students are almost non-existent. So is backbiting and jealousy among teachers and staff. We also get to bathe everything we do in a Christian worldview. I can talk about Christ and biblical principles as often as I choose. In fact, I’m instructed to. <o:p></o:p></span></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; line-height: 22px; margin: 0in; text-size-adjust: auto;"><span style="background-color: white; line-height: 28px;"><o:p><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: large;"> </span></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; line-height: 22px; margin: 0in; text-size-adjust: auto;"><span style="background-color: white; line-height: 28px;"><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: large;">I’ve encountered some disappointing times during my lifetime. When I’m under a heavy load of whatever, it’s challenging to discover the light—but there’s one. And it is for everyone if they want it to be. <o:p></o:p></span></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; line-height: 22px; margin: 0in; text-size-adjust: auto;"><span style="background-color: white; line-height: 28px;"><o:p><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: large;"> </span></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; line-height: 22px; margin: 0in; text-size-adjust: auto;"><span style="background-color: white; line-height: 28px;"><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: large;">Knowing Christ as Savior gives us reason to praise Him. Realizing all our sins—past, present, and future—were forgiven at the cross is worth shouting about. God is also omnipotent. He controls everything. The reason for the disappointment is immaterial. He has authority over the situation. Looking for the positive in all situations helps, too. We can see glasses of water as half full or half empty. The choice is ours. <o:p></o:p></span></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; line-height: 22px; margin: 0in; text-size-adjust: auto;"><span style="background-color: white; line-height: 28px;"><o:p><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: large;"> </span></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; line-height: 22px; margin: 0in; text-size-adjust: auto;"><span style="background-color: white; line-height: 28px;"><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: large;">Let God teach you how to use praise so you can conquer disappointing times. <o:p></o:p></span></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; line-height: 22px; margin: 0in; text-size-adjust: auto;"><span style="background-color: white; line-height: 28px;"><o:p><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: large;"> </span></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; line-height: 22px; margin: 0in; text-size-adjust: auto;"><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: large;"><span style="background-color: white; line-height: 28px;"><span>Father, teach me to praise You even when it appears I have no reason to do so</span></span><span style="background-color: white; line-height: 28px;">. <o:p></o:p></span></span></p><p><span style="color: red; font-family: verdana; font-size: large;">If you enjoyed this devotion, please share it with your friends. </span></p><p><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: large;"><br /></span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span class="text"><span style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial; font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: 14pt;"><i style="background-color: #fff9ee; color: #333333; font-family: arial, tahoma, helvetica, freesans, sans-serif; font-size: 19.8px; line-height: 36.96px;"><span face="" style="font-size: medium;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiQ0U5sxxoUsjIF9HQQCjICK0WDdv8lvT-Bd4XLQnlA9NLwxIyZTgWoRRWFLXN-PvzWIv4LBm8qGm7M86TFgtKSw3vINZv0cOK9Bn_HHSb049TsorlcpBJxvkCBuW_3ZYYk2UGvXgrFODpHya6n5_SmdYLMc20ISYuNCY_3d2L5mDiZmTu7cA1JsexGAmug/s320/us10.jpg" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="320" data-original-width="240" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiQ0U5sxxoUsjIF9HQQCjICK0WDdv8lvT-Bd4XLQnlA9NLwxIyZTgWoRRWFLXN-PvzWIv4LBm8qGm7M86TFgtKSw3vINZv0cOK9Bn_HHSb049TsorlcpBJxvkCBuW_3ZYYk2UGvXgrFODpHya6n5_SmdYLMc20ISYuNCY_3d2L5mDiZmTu7cA1JsexGAmug/w150-h200/us10.jpg" width="150" /></a></span></i></span></span></div><p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 12.0pt; margin: 12pt 0in 0in;"><span class="text"><span style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial;"></span></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 12.0pt; margin: 12pt 0in 0in;"><span style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial;"></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 12.0pt; margin: 12pt 0in 0in;"><span style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial;"></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 12.0pt; margin: 12pt 0in 0in;"><span style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial;"></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 12.0pt; margin: 12pt 0in 0in;"><span style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial;"></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 12.0pt; margin: 12pt 0in 0in;"><span style="background-color: white; background: white;"></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 12.0pt; margin: 12pt 0in 0in;"><span style="background-color: white; background: white;"></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 12.0pt; margin: 12pt 0in 0in;"><span style="background-color: white; background: white;"></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="background-color: white; background: white; line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 15pt;"><span style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial;"></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: 11pt; line-height: 22px; margin: 0in; text-size-adjust: auto;"><span style="background-color: white; font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: 14pt; line-height: 28px;"></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; line-height: 22px; margin: 0in; text-size-adjust: auto;"><span style="background-color: white; font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: 14pt; line-height: 28px;"></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 12.0pt; margin: 12pt 0in 0in;"><span class="text"><span style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial;"><span class="text"><span style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial;"><i style="background-color: #fff9ee; color: #333333; line-height: 36.96px;"><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: medium;">Thanks to all our faithful followers who share our posts! We also invite you to follow and like us on <a href="https://www.facebook.com/martinwilesgreenwoodsc?ref=hl" style="color: #6699cc;">Facebook</a>, <a href="http://www.pinterest.com/martinwiles/" style="color: #6699cc;">Pinterest</a>, <a href="https://twitter.com/linesfromgod" style="color: #6699cc;">Twitter</a>, and <a href="https://www.instagram.com/lovelinesfromgod" target="_blank">Instagram</a>. Help us spread God's encouragement through His Love Lines.</span></i></span></span></span></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; line-height: 22px; margin: 0in; text-size-adjust: auto;"><span style="background-color: white; font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: 14pt; line-height: 28px;"><br /></span></p>Martin Wileshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10701425106598292224noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3444705093735536879.post-38235961027131237122024-02-26T04:30:00.063-05:002024-02-26T04:30:00.232-05:00 Angry at Grace - Martin Wiles<p><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: large;"><i style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; text-size-adjust: auto;"><span style="background-color: white; line-height: 28px;"></span></i></span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: large;"><i style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; text-size-adjust: auto;"><span style="background-color: white; line-height: 28px;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjPIAQSaWaaXLaw7hVlWTbcAparqyqjyqKN7dI3x1g0126fro1j3eYwDgynqzwK5AJ9t8XM61KrE9fkUFBWgtR_wWOwpqEwnKYDQKcm0xR20DeyT47OpQJtF3sZTfEuUCrKiyfYUJegVwW_Xe93wA-JslND8ZBJhRO7oUzS12p7-GNUr5_sCeUh38IpMI5K/s1280/E139ACD9-E16B-4088-B9B0-44A527D3CE12.jpeg" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img alt="Angry at grace" border="0" data-original-height="853" data-original-width="1280" height="266" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjPIAQSaWaaXLaw7hVlWTbcAparqyqjyqKN7dI3x1g0126fro1j3eYwDgynqzwK5AJ9t8XM61KrE9fkUFBWgtR_wWOwpqEwnKYDQKcm0xR20DeyT47OpQJtF3sZTfEuUCrKiyfYUJegVwW_Xe93wA-JslND8ZBJhRO7oUzS12p7-GNUr5_sCeUh38IpMI5K/w400-h266/E139ACD9-E16B-4088-B9B0-44A527D3CE12.jpeg" width="400" /></a></span></i></span></div><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: large;"><i style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; text-size-adjust: auto;"><span style="background-color: white; line-height: 28px;"></span></i><blockquote><i style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; text-size-adjust: auto;"><span style="background-color: white; line-height: 28px;">The older brother was angry and wouldn’t go in. His father came out and begged him.</span></i><span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: white; line-height: 28px; text-size-adjust: auto;"> <b>Luke 15:28 NLT</b></span></blockquote><span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: white; line-height: 28px; text-size-adjust: auto;"><b></b></span></span><p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; line-height: 22px; margin: 0in; text-size-adjust: auto;"></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; line-height: 22px; margin: 0in; text-size-adjust: auto;"><span style="background-color: white; line-height: 28px;"><o:p><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: large;"><br /></span></o:p></span></p><div style="line-height: 22px; margin: 0in; text-align: left; text-size-adjust: auto;"><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: large;">Michael was angry at grace and God. </span></div><div style="line-height: 22px; margin: 0in; text-align: left; text-size-adjust: auto;"><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: large;"><br /></span></div><div style="line-height: 22px; margin: 0in; text-align: left; text-size-adjust: auto;"><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: large;">But he hadn’t always been. He once loved going to church. Not that he had a choice. His parents made sure he was there every time the doors opened. At a young age, he accepted Christ as his Savior.</span></div><div style="line-height: 22px; margin: 0in; text-size-adjust: auto;"><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: large;"><br /></span></div><div style="line-height: 22px; margin: 0in; text-size-adjust: auto;"><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: large;">Somewhere along the line, however, Michael became an angry teenager. His walk away from Christ began with tobacco and led into alcohol abuse. Vandalism followed. He lashed out against churches, cracked open vehicles, and went on a string of destructive ventures. He was never apprehended by the police. Just too sly, I suppose. </span></div><div style="line-height: 22px; margin: 0in; text-size-adjust: auto;"><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: large;"> </span></div><div style="line-height: 22px; margin: 0in; text-size-adjust: auto;"><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: large;">By the time Michael turned twenty-two, he’d calmed down a bit. All that remained of his prodigal childhood was the smoking. For some unknown reason, the convicting voice of God’s Spirit finally penetrated his hard shell. He listened, gave up his one final bad habit, and recommitted his life to God. </span></div><div style="line-height: 22px; margin: 0in; text-size-adjust: auto;"><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: large;"> </span></div><div style="line-height: 22px; margin: 0in; text-size-adjust: auto;"><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: large;">God has used Michael’s ever since. God saved him twice: once from sin, and once from his sinful practices.</span></div><div style="line-height: 22px; margin: 0in; text-size-adjust: auto;"><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: large;"><br /></span></div><div style="line-height: 22px; margin: 0in; text-size-adjust: auto;"><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: large;">Some might get angry at God for forgiving and using Michael. He does, after all, have a sordid past and a bunch of baggage. The older brother in Jesus’ story probably would be one who’d object to God’s grace. He didn’t appreciate the fact that his father forgave his straying brother and welcomed him back home as if nothing had happened. Had he forgotten his son had requested his inheritance early and then blown it on wicked living? When his father asked him to join the “Welcome Home” party, he said, “No thanks!”</span></div><div style="line-height: 22px; margin: 0in; text-size-adjust: auto;"><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: large;"><br /></span></div><div style="line-height: 22px; margin: 0in; text-size-adjust: auto;"><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: large;">I’ll admit there have been times when I’ve thought God’s grace was unfair. Actually, it’s unfair all the time if we think about it. Were He fair, we’d all get what we deserved: unforgiveness and an eternity in a hot place. But He’s willing to forgive and forget all our sins if we only ask. </span></div><div style="line-height: 22px; margin: 0in; text-size-adjust: auto;"><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: large;"><br /></span></div><div style="line-height: 22px; margin: 0in; text-size-adjust: auto;"><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: large;">And who am I to question His grace. After all, He’s God, He makes the rules, and He can love and forgive if He wants to. My job is to be more—rather than less—like Him. </span></div><div style="line-height: 22px; margin: 0in; text-size-adjust: auto;"><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: large;"><br /></span></div><div style="line-height: 22px; margin: 0in; text-size-adjust: auto;"><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: large;">Don’t let God’s grace disturb you. Repentance unlocks the door to forgiveness—regardless of what a person has done. Things much worse than the prodigal and Michael ever thought about. </span></div><div style="line-height: 22px; margin: 0in; text-size-adjust: auto;"><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: large;"><br /></span></div><div style="line-height: 22px; margin: 0in; text-size-adjust: auto;"><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: large;">Father, thank You for Your grace that covers all our sins. </span></div><div style="line-height: 22px; margin: 0in; text-size-adjust: auto;"><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: large;"><br /></span></div><div style="line-height: 22px; margin: 0in; text-size-adjust: auto;"><span style="color: red; font-family: verdana; font-size: large;">If you enjoyed this devotion, please share it with your friends. </span></div><p><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: large;"><br /></span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span class="text"><span style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial; font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: 14pt;"><i style="background-color: #fff9ee; color: #333333; font-family: arial, tahoma, helvetica, freesans, sans-serif; font-size: 19.8px; line-height: 36.96px;"><span face="" style="font-size: medium;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiQ0U5sxxoUsjIF9HQQCjICK0WDdv8lvT-Bd4XLQnlA9NLwxIyZTgWoRRWFLXN-PvzWIv4LBm8qGm7M86TFgtKSw3vINZv0cOK9Bn_HHSb049TsorlcpBJxvkCBuW_3ZYYk2UGvXgrFODpHya6n5_SmdYLMc20ISYuNCY_3d2L5mDiZmTu7cA1JsexGAmug/s320/us10.jpg" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="320" data-original-width="240" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiQ0U5sxxoUsjIF9HQQCjICK0WDdv8lvT-Bd4XLQnlA9NLwxIyZTgWoRRWFLXN-PvzWIv4LBm8qGm7M86TFgtKSw3vINZv0cOK9Bn_HHSb049TsorlcpBJxvkCBuW_3ZYYk2UGvXgrFODpHya6n5_SmdYLMc20ISYuNCY_3d2L5mDiZmTu7cA1JsexGAmug/w150-h200/us10.jpg" width="150" /></a></span></i></span></span></div><p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 12.0pt; margin: 12pt 0in 0in;"><span class="text"><span style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial;"></span></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 12.0pt; margin: 12pt 0in 0in;"><span style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial;"></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 12.0pt; margin: 12pt 0in 0in;"><span style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial;"></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 12.0pt; margin: 12pt 0in 0in;"><span style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial;"></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 12.0pt; margin: 12pt 0in 0in;"><span style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial;"></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 12.0pt; margin: 12pt 0in 0in;"><span style="background-color: white; background: white;"></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 12.0pt; margin: 12pt 0in 0in;"><span style="background-color: white; background: white;"></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 12.0pt; margin: 12pt 0in 0in;"><span style="background-color: white; background: white;"></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="background-color: white; background: white; line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 15pt;"><span style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial;"></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: 11pt; line-height: 22px; margin: 0in; text-size-adjust: auto;"><span style="background-color: white; font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: 14pt; line-height: 28px;"></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 12.0pt; margin: 12pt 0in 0in;"><span class="text"><span style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial;"><span class="text"><span style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial;"><i style="background-color: #fff9ee; color: #333333; line-height: 36.96px;"><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: medium;">Thanks to all our faithful followers who share our posts! We also invite you to follow and like us on <a href="https://www.facebook.com/martinwilesgreenwoodsc?ref=hl" style="color: #6699cc;">Facebook</a>, <a href="http://www.pinterest.com/martinwiles/" style="color: #6699cc;">Pinterest</a>, <a href="https://twitter.com/linesfromgod" style="color: #6699cc;">Twitter</a>, and <a href="https://www.instagram.com/lovelinesfromgod" target="_blank">Instagram</a>. Help us spread God's encouragement through His Love Lines.</span></i></span></span></span></span></p>Martin Wileshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10701425106598292224noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3444705093735536879.post-70446910850360348792024-02-24T04:30:00.007-05:002024-02-24T04:30:00.129-05:00Broccoli Salad<p> </p><div class="post-header" style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 10.8px; line-height: 1.6; margin: 0px 0px 1.5em;"><div class="post-header-line-1"></div></div><div class="post-body entry-content" id="post-body-2597105813282970926" itemprop="description articleBody" style="background-color: white; line-height: 1.4; position: relative; width: 760px;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; color: #222222; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 13.2px; text-align: center;"><a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-TQZK8J_DEdY/Ub2mxQOUnoI/AAAAAAAAD8Q/Tnm4AuY8msQ/s1600/broccolisalad.png" imageanchor="1" style="color: #cc111a; margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-decoration-line: none;"><img border="0" height="266" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-TQZK8J_DEdY/Ub2mxQOUnoI/AAAAAAAAD8Q/Tnm4AuY8msQ/w400-h266/broccolisalad.png" style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial; border: 1px solid rgb(238, 238, 238); box-shadow: rgba(0, 0, 0, 0.1) 1px 1px 5px; padding: 5px; position: relative;" width="400" /></a></div><br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><em><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: large;"><strong>Ingredients</strong><br /><span style="color: red;">2 MEDIUM STALKS BROCCOLI</span></span></em></div><span style="color: #222222; font-family: verdana; font-size: large;"><em><span style="color: red;"><div style="text-align: center;"><br />½ CUP RAISINS</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />1/3 CUP REAL BACON BITS</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />2/3 CUP MAYONNAISE</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />2 TABLESPOONS SUGAR</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />2 TABLESPOONS PURPLE ONIONS (CHOPPED)</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />1 CUP SHREDDED CHEESE</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />2 TABLESPOONS VINEGAR</div></span><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div></em><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div></span><div style="text-align: center;"><em><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: large;"><strong>Directions</strong><br /><span style="color: red;">CHOP BROCCOLI INTO SMALL PIECES.</span></span></em></div><em style="color: #222222;"><span style="color: red;"><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: large;"><div style="text-align: center;"><br />ADD RAISINS, BACON, ONIONS, AND CHEESE. SET ASIDE.</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />IN SEPARATE BOWL, MIX MAYONNAISE, SUGAR, VINEGAR, AND SALT/PEPPER.</div><div style="text-align: center;"> </div><div style="text-align: center;">MIX WELL AND COAT BROCCOLI MIXTURE.</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;"><p style="color: black; font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size: medium; font-style: normal;"><span style="color: red; font-family: verdana; font-size: large;">If you enjoyed this devotion, please share it with your friends. </span></p><p style="color: black; font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size: medium; font-style: normal;"><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: large;"><br /></span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; color: black; font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size: medium; font-style: normal; text-align: center;"><span class="text"><span style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial; font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: 14pt;"><i style="background-color: #fff9ee; color: #333333; font-family: arial, tahoma, helvetica, freesans, sans-serif; font-size: 19.8px; line-height: 36.96px;"><span face="" style="font-size: medium;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiQ0U5sxxoUsjIF9HQQCjICK0WDdv8lvT-Bd4XLQnlA9NLwxIyZTgWoRRWFLXN-PvzWIv4LBm8qGm7M86TFgtKSw3vINZv0cOK9Bn_HHSb049TsorlcpBJxvkCBuW_3ZYYk2UGvXgrFODpHya6n5_SmdYLMc20ISYuNCY_3d2L5mDiZmTu7cA1JsexGAmug/s320/us10.jpg" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="320" data-original-width="240" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiQ0U5sxxoUsjIF9HQQCjICK0WDdv8lvT-Bd4XLQnlA9NLwxIyZTgWoRRWFLXN-PvzWIv4LBm8qGm7M86TFgtKSw3vINZv0cOK9Bn_HHSb049TsorlcpBJxvkCBuW_3ZYYk2UGvXgrFODpHya6n5_SmdYLMc20ISYuNCY_3d2L5mDiZmTu7cA1JsexGAmug/w150-h200/us10.jpg" width="150" /></a></span></i></span></span></div><p class="MsoNormal" style="color: black; font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size: medium; font-style: normal; line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 12.0pt; margin: 12pt 0in 0in;"><span class="text"><span style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial;"></span></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="color: black; font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size: medium; font-style: normal; line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 12.0pt; margin: 12pt 0in 0in;"><span style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial;"></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="color: black; font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size: medium; font-style: normal; line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 12.0pt; margin: 12pt 0in 0in;"><span style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial;"></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="color: black; font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size: medium; font-style: normal; line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 12.0pt; margin: 12pt 0in 0in;"><span style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial;"></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="color: black; font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size: medium; font-style: normal; line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 12.0pt; margin: 12pt 0in 0in;"><span style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial;"></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="color: black; font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size: medium; font-style: normal; line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 12.0pt; margin: 12pt 0in 0in;"><span style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial;"></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="color: black; font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size: medium; font-style: normal; line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 12.0pt; margin: 12pt 0in 0in;"><span style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial;"></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="color: black; font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size: medium; font-style: normal; line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 12.0pt; margin: 12pt 0in 0in;"><span style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial;"></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="color: black; font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size: medium; font-style: normal; line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 12.0pt; margin: 12pt 0in 0in;"><span class="text"><span style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial;"><span class="text"><span style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial;"><i style="background-color: #fff9ee; color: #333333; line-height: 36.96px;"><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: medium;">Thanks to all our faithful followers who share our posts! We also invite you to follow and like us on <a href="https://www.facebook.com/martinwilesgreenwoodsc?ref=hl" style="color: #6699cc;">Facebook</a>, <a href="http://www.pinterest.com/martinwiles/" style="color: #6699cc;">Pinterest</a>, <a href="https://twitter.com/linesfromgod" style="color: #6699cc;">Twitter</a>, and <a href="https://www.instagram.com/lovelinesfromgod" target="_blank">Instagram</a>. Help us spread God's encouragement through His Love Lines.</span></i></span></span></span></span></p></div></span></span></em></div>Martin Wileshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10701425106598292224noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3444705093735536879.post-31472319665918718682024-02-23T04:30:00.009-05:002024-02-23T04:30:00.160-05:00 Reach for the Light - Martin Wiles<p class="MsoNoSpacing" style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: large;"><i><span style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial;"></span></i></span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: large;"><i><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiyy7WcW9rWI39wcjFa82J3JvRaLCFGF0txc7svQGONd3VSOEVECYoEoA9zGLsI7oym3zP1RZYArNUtlbXVqnuRA65pRQ9nmYCg_3wZCmtDMS6Wkl730V15aQfQfg0fTtCkcxwm3XRy7NXbh1rVufsL0b-_xXc5fAP2Gmst7-wOb5RaYSpFbRa43r6sjZPV/s510/Gods%20healing%20light.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img alt="reach for the light" border="0" data-original-height="340" data-original-width="510" height="266" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiyy7WcW9rWI39wcjFa82J3JvRaLCFGF0txc7svQGONd3VSOEVECYoEoA9zGLsI7oym3zP1RZYArNUtlbXVqnuRA65pRQ9nmYCg_3wZCmtDMS6Wkl730V15aQfQfg0fTtCkcxwm3XRy7NXbh1rVufsL0b-_xXc5fAP2Gmst7-wOb5RaYSpFbRa43r6sjZPV/w400-h266/Gods%20healing%20light.jpg" width="400" /></a></i></span></div><blockquote><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: large;"><i><span style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial;">They demonstrate that God’s law is
written in their hearts, for their own conscience and thoughts either accuse
them or tell them they are doing right.</span></i><span style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial;"> <b>Romans
2:15 NLT</b></span></span></blockquote><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: large;"><span style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial;"><b></b></span></span><p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="background: white; line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 15.0pt;"><span style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial;"><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: large;">“Every year, this random flower comes
up.”<o:p></o:p></span></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="background: white; line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 15.0pt;"><span style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial;"><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: large;">An early morning Snap and a picture
arrived on my phone from my daughter. Like the flower, our conversations are
sometimes random as well. Not that we don’t communicate regularly, but what we
communicate about and how long we communicate suits her generation’s style of
talking. <o:p></o:p></span></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="background: white; line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 15.0pt;"><span style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial;"><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: large;">“It’s a hyacinth and a bulb flower,”
I responded. <o:p></o:p></span></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="background: white; line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 15.0pt;"><span style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial;"><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: large;">“But I pulled it up two years ago
before landscaping my yard, and I put a grass barrier down over the area.” <o:p></o:p></span></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="background: white; line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 15.0pt;"><span style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial;"><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: large;">I told her she obviously didn’t get
the bulb. “God designed it to reach for the light, and that’s what it’s doing.”<o:p></o:p></span></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="background: white; line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 15.0pt;"><span style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial;"><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: large;">I got the traditional
hand-over-the-face meme when I told her this would make a good writing topic.
But she got the point. <o:p></o:p></span></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="background: white; line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 15.0pt;"><span style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial;"><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: large;">My wife and I have had flowers do the
same thing. We once decided to plant Mexican petunias, not knowing they were
considered invasive—that is, they spread like crazy. We worked for months and
even years to eliminate them when we decided we didn’t want them anymore. But
each spring, some magically appeared again. They were reaching for the
light—doing what God designed them to do. <o:p></o:p></span></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="background: white; line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 15.0pt;"><span style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial;"><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: large;">Romans is Paul’s theological
dissertation, and in this section, he demonstrates how all people—even those
God had not communicated with through the law—still knew what the law was and
were responsible to Him. God might not have given them a written law as He did
the Jewish people, but He placed the knowledge of right and wrong in their
minds. They instinctively knew the difference. <o:p></o:p></span></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="background: white; line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 15.0pt;"><span style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial;"><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: large;">Everyone reaches for the Light. The
problem comes in knowing what light we’re reaching for and how we’re supposed
to reach the light. Without knowing God’s commands and principles, we’ll always
reach in the wrong direction. If a seed or bulb sprouts and goes downward, it
will never see the light of day—or grow and do what God designed for it to do. <o:p></o:p></span></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="background: white; line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 15.0pt;"><span style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial;"><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: large;">Left to ourselves, we seek the Light
in evil and twisted ways. We pervert relationships, sex, technology, jobs,
communities, cities, and the entire world. God created good in us, but when we
intermingle it with our sinful nature, we reach for the Light in corrupted
ways. <o:p></o:p></span></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="background: white; line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 15.0pt;"><span style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial;"><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: large;">The instinctive thing God wants us to
know is that we reach Him, the Light, only by repentance and faith. Once we’ve
done that, we can grow, bloom, and produce fruit in healthy and beneficial ways
that make the world better. <o:p></o:p></span></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="background: white; line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 15.0pt;"><span style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial;"><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: large;">When my daughter sent me the Snap of
the flower, it was in full bloom. My wife and I have grown them before. The
bloom doesn’t last long—like most spring bulb plants. But our bloom . . . well,
that’s another story. Reaching the Light correctly sets us up to bloom our
entire lifetime. <o:p></o:p></span></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="background: white; line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 15.0pt;"><span style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial;"><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: large;">Think of some ways you can bloom for
the Light. <o:p></o:p></span></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="background: white; line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 15.0pt;"><span style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial;"><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: large;">Father, help me to bloom brightly for You. </span><span style="font-size: 14pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></span></p><p><span style="color: red; font-family: verdana; font-size: large;">If you enjoyed this devotion, please share it with your friends. </span></p><p><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: large;"><br /></span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span class="text"><span style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial; font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: 14pt;"><i style="background-color: #fff9ee; color: #333333; font-family: arial, tahoma, helvetica, freesans, sans-serif; font-size: 19.8px; line-height: 36.96px;"><span face="" style="font-size: medium;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiQ0U5sxxoUsjIF9HQQCjICK0WDdv8lvT-Bd4XLQnlA9NLwxIyZTgWoRRWFLXN-PvzWIv4LBm8qGm7M86TFgtKSw3vINZv0cOK9Bn_HHSb049TsorlcpBJxvkCBuW_3ZYYk2UGvXgrFODpHya6n5_SmdYLMc20ISYuNCY_3d2L5mDiZmTu7cA1JsexGAmug/s320/us10.jpg" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="320" data-original-width="240" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiQ0U5sxxoUsjIF9HQQCjICK0WDdv8lvT-Bd4XLQnlA9NLwxIyZTgWoRRWFLXN-PvzWIv4LBm8qGm7M86TFgtKSw3vINZv0cOK9Bn_HHSb049TsorlcpBJxvkCBuW_3ZYYk2UGvXgrFODpHya6n5_SmdYLMc20ISYuNCY_3d2L5mDiZmTu7cA1JsexGAmug/w150-h200/us10.jpg" width="150" /></a></span></i></span></span></div><p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 12.0pt; margin: 12pt 0in 0in;"><span class="text"><span style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial;"></span></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 12.0pt; margin: 12pt 0in 0in;"><span style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial;"></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 12.0pt; margin: 12pt 0in 0in;"><span style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial;"></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 12.0pt; margin: 12pt 0in 0in;"><span style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial;"></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 12.0pt; margin: 12pt 0in 0in;"><span style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial;"></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 12.0pt; margin: 12pt 0in 0in;"><span style="background: white;"></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 12.0pt; margin: 12pt 0in 0in;"><span style="background: white;"></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 12.0pt; margin: 12pt 0in 0in;"><span style="background: white;"></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="background: white; line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 15.0pt;"><span style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial;"></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 12.0pt; margin: 12pt 0in 0in;"><span class="text"><span style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial;"><span class="text"><span style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial;"><i style="background-color: #fff9ee; color: #333333; line-height: 36.96px;"><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: medium;">Thanks to all our faithful followers who share our posts! We also invite you to follow and like us on <a href="https://www.facebook.com/martinwilesgreenwoodsc?ref=hl" style="color: #6699cc;">Facebook</a>, <a href="http://www.pinterest.com/martinwiles/" style="color: #6699cc;">Pinterest</a>, <a href="https://twitter.com/linesfromgod" style="color: #6699cc;">Twitter</a>, and <a href="https://www.instagram.com/lovelinesfromgod" target="_blank">Instagram</a>. Help us spread God's encouragement through His Love Lines.</span></i></span></span></span></span></p>Martin Wileshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10701425106598292224noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3444705093735536879.post-64712142437060116412024-02-21T04:30:00.019-05:002024-02-21T04:30:00.263-05:00Baptized into Christ - Martin Wiles<p><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: large;"><i><span style="background: white;"></span></i></span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: large;"><i><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjjxbc9IgXk7Wv8DFrRivhE1xJKYg1TNzTFpChaMF5Fc0hdAQQJnXwwqmqCOLJJcDRgg1vmJZZqG1gFNyzycazMWXC6vyeKcfFZ5aY7BNJclWY30lswigcNatuhGvBBl2GzOBSYCTZ3rD8JE2tQLqgtd-rMrJMTAR623liFMUnmUiZlxUNjQA3l17k9fech/s1280/where%20the%20water%20is.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img alt="baptized into Christ" border="0" data-original-height="853" data-original-width="1280" height="266" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjjxbc9IgXk7Wv8DFrRivhE1xJKYg1TNzTFpChaMF5Fc0hdAQQJnXwwqmqCOLJJcDRgg1vmJZZqG1gFNyzycazMWXC6vyeKcfFZ5aY7BNJclWY30lswigcNatuhGvBBl2GzOBSYCTZ3rD8JE2tQLqgtd-rMrJMTAR623liFMUnmUiZlxUNjQA3l17k9fech/w400-h266/where%20the%20water%20is.jpg" width="400" /></a></i></span></div><blockquote><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: large;"><i><span style="background: white;">Or have
you forgotten that when we were joined with Christ Jesus in baptism, we joined
him in his death?</span></i><span style="background: white;"> <b>Romans 6:3 NLT</b></span></span></blockquote><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: large;"><span style="background: white;"><b></b></span></span><p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0in;"><span style="background-color: white;"><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: large;">I enjoyed mine the first time, but the second
go-round was traumatic.</span></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0in;"><span style="background-color: white;"><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: large;">Dad was a Methodist minister when I received
Christ as my Savior. In their tradition, sprinkling was the form of baptism
used. Since I had once almost drowned in a friend’s swimming pool, I was okay
with sprinkling. A little water on the head wouldn’t cause a panic.</span></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0in;"><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: large;"><span style="background-color: white;">Then, fast forward six years. Dad switched back
to his roots—Baptist. They required baptism by immersion. The fact that I’d
already been baptized didn’t matter. Dunking was the only correct way. Since I
had no choice, the date was set. I reminded dear old dad how afraid I was of
water: “Make it quick.” And he did. In fact, the bangs of my hair didn’t make
the baptism. When my face sliced the water, he raised me back up.</span><span style="background-color: white;"> </span></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0in;"><span style="background-color: white;"><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: large;">Only later in life did I understand what Paul
taught about baptism. The act involved more than just getting wet—whatever way
a particular church wet a person. Baptism meant I was somehow joined to
Christ—even into His death. And the effects of it should last longer than the
time it took to perform the act itself.</span></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0in;"><span style="background-color: white;"><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: large;">Regardless of the mode used, baptism symbolizes
to us and others that we’ve decided to connect with Christ. He’s forgiven our
sins, and we’ve promised to follow His commands. Going under the water—by
whatever means—demonstrates we’ve decided to die to the old way of living by
the dictates of the old sinful nature.</span></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0in;"><span style="background-color: white;"><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: large;">But this one-time act should have life-altering
effects. What the ceremony symbolizes transforms our l lives from that point
forward. When we’re baptized into Jesus’ death, we become partakers in what His
death accomplished—the forgiveness of sins. As we grow in Christ, sinning
should be the abnormal rather than the normal. By partaking in spiritual
disciplines and allowing Christ to teach us what being a disciple entails, we
learn to live above sinful practices. While sinless perfection isn’t possible,
sinning less as we grow in Christ is.</span></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0in;"><span style="background-color: white;"><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: large;">Grace is not a license to sin but the freedom to
live above the enslaving effects of sin. Are you living this way?</span></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0in;"><span style="background-color: white;"><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: large;">Father, guide my life journey toward godliness
rather than sinfulness. </span></span></p><p><span style="color: red; font-family: verdana; font-size: large;">If you enjoyed this devotion, please share it with your friends. </span></p><p><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: large;"><br /></span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span class="text"><span style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial; font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: 14pt;"><i style="background-color: #fff9ee; color: #333333; font-family: arial, tahoma, helvetica, freesans, sans-serif; font-size: 19.8px; line-height: 36.96px;"><span face="" style="font-size: medium;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiQ0U5sxxoUsjIF9HQQCjICK0WDdv8lvT-Bd4XLQnlA9NLwxIyZTgWoRRWFLXN-PvzWIv4LBm8qGm7M86TFgtKSw3vINZv0cOK9Bn_HHSb049TsorlcpBJxvkCBuW_3ZYYk2UGvXgrFODpHya6n5_SmdYLMc20ISYuNCY_3d2L5mDiZmTu7cA1JsexGAmug/s320/us10.jpg" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="320" data-original-width="240" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiQ0U5sxxoUsjIF9HQQCjICK0WDdv8lvT-Bd4XLQnlA9NLwxIyZTgWoRRWFLXN-PvzWIv4LBm8qGm7M86TFgtKSw3vINZv0cOK9Bn_HHSb049TsorlcpBJxvkCBuW_3ZYYk2UGvXgrFODpHya6n5_SmdYLMc20ISYuNCY_3d2L5mDiZmTu7cA1JsexGAmug/w150-h200/us10.jpg" width="150" /></a></span></i></span></span></div><p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 12.0pt; margin: 12pt 0in 0in;"><span class="text"><span style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial;"></span></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 12.0pt; margin: 12pt 0in 0in;"><span style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial;"></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 12.0pt; margin: 12pt 0in 0in;"><span style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial;"></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 12.0pt; margin: 12pt 0in 0in;"><span style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial;"></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 12.0pt; margin: 12pt 0in 0in;"><span style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial;"></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 12.0pt; margin: 12pt 0in 0in;"><span style="background: white;"></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 12.0pt; margin: 12pt 0in 0in;"><span style="background: white;"></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 12.0pt; margin: 12pt 0in 0in;"><span style="background: white;"></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 12.0pt; margin: 12pt 0in 0in;"><span class="text"><span style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial;"><span class="text"><span style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial;"><i style="background-color: #fff9ee; color: #333333; line-height: 36.96px;"><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: medium;">Thanks to all our faithful followers who share our posts! We also invite you to follow and like us on <a href="https://www.facebook.com/martinwilesgreenwoodsc?ref=hl" style="color: #6699cc;">Facebook</a>, <a href="http://www.pinterest.com/martinwiles/" style="color: #6699cc;">Pinterest</a>, <a href="https://twitter.com/linesfromgod" style="color: #6699cc;">Twitter</a>, and <a href="https://www.instagram.com/lovelinesfromgod" target="_blank">Instagram</a>. Help us spread God's encouragement through His Love Lines.</span></i></span></span></span></span></p>Martin Wileshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10701425106598292224noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3444705093735536879.post-25504645564630462482024-02-19T04:30:00.019-05:002024-02-19T04:30:00.165-05:00Leaving an Inheritance - Martin Wiles<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0in; text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: large;"><i><span style="background: white;"></span></i></span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: large;"><i><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi6ia-yTy2PWczvOyxRhOWDHRjZ-7s2t6rxYc85ab_bPPa203xX7VbnyrIcccrkldRVo2MjbeksaTZrBJVEtIymlRCT3fHoCYaQVND89ZSbSUO0_RFse1hIwpflCo6TosLW_cDNB41NnzEGppWMPIVZsReWMRVpBcU3d44C3-Bm_e2ynuGMrdSg7Tx5Cxhu/s300/inheritance%20in%20the%20waiting.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img alt="leaving an inheritance" border="0" data-original-height="225" data-original-width="300" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi6ia-yTy2PWczvOyxRhOWDHRjZ-7s2t6rxYc85ab_bPPa203xX7VbnyrIcccrkldRVo2MjbeksaTZrBJVEtIymlRCT3fHoCYaQVND89ZSbSUO0_RFse1hIwpflCo6TosLW_cDNB41NnzEGppWMPIVZsReWMRVpBcU3d44C3-Bm_e2ynuGMrdSg7Tx5Cxhu/w400-h300/inheritance%20in%20the%20waiting.jpg" width="400" /></a></i></span></div><blockquote><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: large;"><i><span style="background: white;">Good
people leave an inheritance to their grandchildren.</span></i><span style="background: white;"> <b>Proverbs 13:22
NLT</b></span></span></blockquote><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: large;"><span style="background: white;"><b></b></span></span><p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0in;"><span style="background-color: white;"><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: large;">Leaving an inheritance has meant very little in
my family—at least where it concerns money.</span></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0in;"><span style="background-color: white;"><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: large;">My maternal grandparents were the only ones in my
family who accumulated a tidy sum of money. But even what they had wouldn’t be
considered much by today’s standards. Yet, in the eyes of a fifteen-year-old,
it was. When my grandfather died, we discovered he had a nice chunk in savings
and his checking account. However, I doubt my grandmother ever knew. He didn’t
allow her to touch the money, pay the bills, or make financial decisions.</span></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0in;"><span style="background-color: white;"><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: large;">Though quite thrifty in life, my grandfather was
a little more generous in death. In his will, he delegated a nice little sum to
each of his grandchildren. It wouldn’t seem like much now, but it was a gold
mine to this teenager. I forget what I did with mine, but I do remember my
spendthrift parents made sure I used it wisely.</span></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0in;"><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: large;"><span style="background-color: white;">But money wasn't all my grandfather left me. He
also left me many good memories of a simple life around the farm. I don't
remember him showing me affection or telling me he loved me. Nor do I remember
him speaking words of encouragement or sharing wisdom for the future. But I did
have his unspoken example.</span><span style="background-color: white;"> </span></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0in;"><span style="background-color: white;"><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: large;">On the other hand, my paternal grandparents left
me something different—although it did not come as a monetary inheritance. From
them, I received bunches of hugs, hundreds of I-love-you’s, time together,
financial help when I struggled, and many words of wisdom for the future. What
they left served me better than a sum of money.</span></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0in;"><span style="background-color: white;"><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: large;">At the moment—and as far as I know, no change is
in the cards—I won’t leave my grandchildren money either. As my paternal
grandparents did for me, I will leave my grandboys the example of a meager
financial lifestyle.</span></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0in;"><span style="background-color: white;"><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: large;">But that’s okay. My grandparents taught me money
can’t buy everything and that some things are more important than money. Such
as spending time with my grandchildren around the table eating a meal,
sitting in my recliner reading Bible stories to them, sitting at a table doing
handiwork that teaches how God created the world, or taking them to church.</span></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0in;"><span style="background-color: white;"><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: large;">I’m not “spending my grandchildren’s
inheritance.” Instead, I’m leaving my spiritual heritage intact for them.
Hopefully, they’ll pass it on to theirs.</span></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0in;"><span style="background-color: white;"><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: large;">What are you leaving for your posterity?</span></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0in;"><span style="background-color: white;"><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: large;">Father, may I leave for posterity what can never
be spent. </span></span></p><p><span style="color: red; font-family: verdana; font-size: large;">If you enjoyed this devotion, please share it with your friends. </span></p><p><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: large;"><br /></span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span class="text"><span style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial; font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: 14pt;"><i style="background-color: #fff9ee; color: #333333; font-family: arial, tahoma, helvetica, freesans, sans-serif; font-size: 19.8px; line-height: 36.96px;"><span face="" style="font-size: medium;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiQ0U5sxxoUsjIF9HQQCjICK0WDdv8lvT-Bd4XLQnlA9NLwxIyZTgWoRRWFLXN-PvzWIv4LBm8qGm7M86TFgtKSw3vINZv0cOK9Bn_HHSb049TsorlcpBJxvkCBuW_3ZYYk2UGvXgrFODpHya6n5_SmdYLMc20ISYuNCY_3d2L5mDiZmTu7cA1JsexGAmug/s320/us10.jpg" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="320" data-original-width="240" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiQ0U5sxxoUsjIF9HQQCjICK0WDdv8lvT-Bd4XLQnlA9NLwxIyZTgWoRRWFLXN-PvzWIv4LBm8qGm7M86TFgtKSw3vINZv0cOK9Bn_HHSb049TsorlcpBJxvkCBuW_3ZYYk2UGvXgrFODpHya6n5_SmdYLMc20ISYuNCY_3d2L5mDiZmTu7cA1JsexGAmug/w150-h200/us10.jpg" width="150" /></a></span></i></span></span></div><p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 12.0pt; margin: 12pt 0in 0in;"><span class="text"><span style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial;"></span></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 12.0pt; margin: 12pt 0in 0in;"><span style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial;"></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 12.0pt; margin: 12pt 0in 0in;"><span style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial;"></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 12.0pt; margin: 12pt 0in 0in;"><span style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial;"></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 12.0pt; margin: 12pt 0in 0in;"><span style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial;"></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 12.0pt; margin: 12pt 0in 0in;"><span style="background: white;"></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 12.0pt; margin: 12pt 0in 0in;"><span style="background: white;"></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 12.0pt; margin: 12pt 0in 0in;"><span style="background: white;"></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 12.0pt; margin: 12pt 0in 0in;"><span class="text"><span style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial;"><span class="text"><span style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial;"><i style="background-color: #fff9ee; color: #333333; line-height: 36.96px;"><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: medium;">Thanks to all our faithful followers who share our posts! We also invite you to follow and like us on <a href="https://www.facebook.com/martinwilesgreenwoodsc?ref=hl" style="color: #6699cc;">Facebook</a>, <a href="http://www.pinterest.com/martinwiles/" style="color: #6699cc;">Pinterest</a>, <a href="https://twitter.com/linesfromgod" style="color: #6699cc;">Twitter</a>, and <a href="https://www.instagram.com/lovelinesfromgod" target="_blank">Instagram</a>. Help us spread God's encouragement through His Love Lines.</span></i></span></span></span></span></p>Martin Wileshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10701425106598292224noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3444705093735536879.post-74859249953831221082024-02-17T04:30:00.013-05:002024-02-17T04:30:00.313-05:00Broccoli Casserole<p> </p><div class="post-header" style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 10.8px; line-height: 1.6; margin: 0px 0px 1.5em;"><div class="post-header-line-1"></div></div><div class="post-body entry-content" id="post-body-2559934558400287946" itemprop="description articleBody" style="background-color: white; line-height: 1.4; position: relative; width: 760px;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; color: #222222; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 13.2px; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-GwkhkasDdSs/U4B013vSBVI/AAAAAAAAFsg/kwPFK167Bwo/s1600/broccoli+casserole.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="color: #cc111a; margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-decoration-line: none;"><img border="0" height="266" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-GwkhkasDdSs/U4B013vSBVI/AAAAAAAAFsg/kwPFK167Bwo/s1600/broccoli+casserole.jpg" style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial; border: 1px solid rgb(238, 238, 238); box-shadow: rgba(0, 0, 0, 0.1) 1px 1px 5px; padding: 5px; position: relative;" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; color: #222222; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: large;"><br /></span></div><div style="color: #222222; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: large;">Ingredients</span></div><div style="color: #222222; text-align: center;"><span style="color: red;"><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: large;">3 CUPS LIGHTLY STEAMED BROCCOLI</span></span></div><div style="color: #222222; text-align: center;"><span style="color: red;"><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: large;"><br /></span></span></div><div style="color: #222222; text-align: center;"><span style="color: red;"><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: large;">1 CUP MILK</span></span></div><div style="color: #222222; text-align: center;"><span style="color: red;"><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: large;"><br /></span></span></div><div style="color: #222222; text-align: center;"><span style="color: red;"><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: large;">1 STICK BUTTER (MELTED)</span></span></div><div style="color: #222222; text-align: center;"><span style="color: red;"><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: large;"><br /></span></span></div><div style="color: #222222; text-align: center;"><span style="color: red;"><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: large;">1 SLEEVE RITZ CRACKERS</span></span></div><div style="color: #222222; text-align: center;"><span style="color: red;"><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: large;"><br /></span></span></div><div style="color: #222222; text-align: center;"><span style="color: red;"><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: large;">2 CUPS SHREDDED CHEDDAR CHEESE</span></span></div><div style="color: #222222; text-align: center;"><span style="color: red;"><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: large;"> </span></span></div><div style="color: #222222; text-align: center;"><span style="color: red;"><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: large;">½ CUP MAYONNAISE</span></span></div><div style="color: #222222; text-align: center;"><span style="color: red;"><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: large;"><br /></span></span></div><div style="color: #222222; text-align: center;"><span style="color: red;"><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: large;">1 CAN CREAM OF CHICKEN SOUP</span></span></div><div style="color: #222222; text-align: center;"><span style="color: red;"><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: large;"> </span></span></div><div style="color: #222222; text-align: center;"><span style="color: red;"><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: large;">2 EGGS (BEATEN)</span></span></div><div style="color: #222222; text-align: center;"><span style="color: red;"><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: large;"><br /></span></span></div><div style="color: #222222; text-align: center;"><span style="color: red;"><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: large;">SALT/PEPPER</span></span></div><div style="color: #222222; text-align: center;"><span style="color: red;"><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: large;"><br /></span></span></div><div style="color: #222222; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: large;">Directions</span></div><div style="color: #222222; text-align: center;"><span style="color: red;"><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: large;">MIX BUTTER AND CRUSHED CRACKERS TOGETHER.</span></span></div><div style="color: #222222; text-align: center;"><span style="color: red;"><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: large;"><br /></span></span></div><div style="color: #222222; text-align: center;"><span style="color: red;"><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: large;"> SPRAY CASSEROLE DISH.</span></span></div><div style="color: #222222; text-align: center;"><span style="color: red;"><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: large;"><br /></span></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: red; font-family: verdana; font-size: large;">PLACE ONE-HALF OF THE CRACKERS ON THE BOTTOM OF THE DISH.</span></div><div style="color: #222222; text-align: center;"><span style="color: red;"><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: large;"><br /></span></span></div><div style="color: #222222; text-align: center;"><span style="color: red;"><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: large;">MIX SOUP, MAYONNAISE, EGGS, MILK, AND SALT/PEPPER TOGETHER.</span></span></div><div style="color: #222222; text-align: center;"><span style="color: red;"><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: large;"><br /></span></span></div><div style="color: #222222; text-align: center;"><span style="color: red;"><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: large;">LAYER BROCCOLI OVER CRACKERS, SOUP MIXTURE, AND CRACKERS.</span></span></div><div style="color: #222222; text-align: center;"><span style="color: red;"><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: large;"><br /></span></span></div><div style="color: #222222; text-align: center;"><span style="color: red;"><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: large;">TOP WITH CHEESE.</span></span></div><div style="color: #222222; text-align: center;"><span style="color: red;"><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: large;"><br /></span></span></div><div style="color: #222222; text-align: center;"><span style="color: red;"><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: large;">BAKE AT 350 DEGREES FOR 30 MINUTES OR UNTIL BROWN.</span></span></div><div style="color: #222222; text-align: center;"><span style="color: red;"><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: large;"><br /></span></span></div><div style="color: #222222; text-align: left;"><p style="color: black;"><span style="color: red; font-family: verdana; font-size: large;">If you enjoyed this recipe, please share it with your friends. </span></p><p style="color: black;"><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: large;"><br /></span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; color: black; text-align: center;"><span class="text"><span style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial; font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: 14pt;"><i style="background-color: #fff9ee; color: #333333; font-family: arial, tahoma, helvetica, freesans, sans-serif; font-size: 19.8px; line-height: 36.96px;"><span face="" style="font-size: medium;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiQ0U5sxxoUsjIF9HQQCjICK0WDdv8lvT-Bd4XLQnlA9NLwxIyZTgWoRRWFLXN-PvzWIv4LBm8qGm7M86TFgtKSw3vINZv0cOK9Bn_HHSb049TsorlcpBJxvkCBuW_3ZYYk2UGvXgrFODpHya6n5_SmdYLMc20ISYuNCY_3d2L5mDiZmTu7cA1JsexGAmug/s320/us10.jpg" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="320" data-original-width="240" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiQ0U5sxxoUsjIF9HQQCjICK0WDdv8lvT-Bd4XLQnlA9NLwxIyZTgWoRRWFLXN-PvzWIv4LBm8qGm7M86TFgtKSw3vINZv0cOK9Bn_HHSb049TsorlcpBJxvkCBuW_3ZYYk2UGvXgrFODpHya6n5_SmdYLMc20ISYuNCY_3d2L5mDiZmTu7cA1JsexGAmug/w150-h200/us10.jpg" width="150" /></a></span></i></span></span></div><p class="MsoNormal" style="color: black; line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 12.0pt; margin: 12pt 0in 0in;"><span class="text"><span style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial;"></span></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="color: black; line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 12.0pt; margin: 12pt 0in 0in;"><span style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial;"></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="color: black; line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 12.0pt; margin: 12pt 0in 0in;"><span style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial;"></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="color: black; line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 12.0pt; margin: 12pt 0in 0in;"><span style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial;"></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="color: black; line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 12.0pt; margin: 12pt 0in 0in;"><span style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial;"></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="color: black; line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 12.0pt; margin: 12pt 0in 0in;"><span style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial;"></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="color: black; line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 12.0pt; margin: 12pt 0in 0in;"><span style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial;"></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="color: black; line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 12.0pt; margin: 12pt 0in 0in;"><span style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial;"></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="color: black; line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 12.0pt; margin: 12pt 0in 0in;"><span class="text"><span style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial;"><span class="text"><span style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial;"><i style="background-color: #fff9ee; color: #333333; line-height: 36.96px;"><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: medium;">Thanks to all our faithful followers who share our posts! We also invite you to follow and like us on <a href="https://www.facebook.com/martinwilesgreenwoodsc?ref=hl" style="color: #6699cc;">Facebook</a>, <a href="http://www.pinterest.com/martinwiles/" style="color: #6699cc;">Pinterest</a>, <a href="https://twitter.com/linesfromgod" style="color: #6699cc;">Twitter</a>, and <a href="https://www.instagram.com/lovelinesfromgod" target="_blank">Instagram</a>. Help us spread God's encouragement through His Love Lines.</span></i></span></span></span></span></p></div></div>Martin Wileshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10701425106598292224noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3444705093735536879.post-19792701572796439622024-02-16T04:30:00.013-05:002024-02-16T04:30:00.233-05:00When the Unimportant Becomes Too Important - Martin Wiles<p><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: large;"><i><span style="background: white; line-height: 107%;"></span></i></span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: large;"><i><span style="background: white; line-height: 107%;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjVkj5fCjmDscdH2RcrbVd_JuhG-svHbtKuxpsp_pDmn-ixLk4hlC6HcKPQ-i7ktvirx3JGR4E8tvDlSil2hI5vp_KbuypRpShV0__3zIRlsqAFP_hL8zfrUvh1brBBKniInAJQIN7UnjUAvpyOIMSjKffKa5zbIwRYvZM9OMbOSIVOZYcJVY6P6Y_tzkru/s954/decisions3.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img alt="when the unimportant becomes too important" border="0" data-original-height="503" data-original-width="954" height="211" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjVkj5fCjmDscdH2RcrbVd_JuhG-svHbtKuxpsp_pDmn-ixLk4hlC6HcKPQ-i7ktvirx3JGR4E8tvDlSil2hI5vp_KbuypRpShV0__3zIRlsqAFP_hL8zfrUvh1brBBKniInAJQIN7UnjUAvpyOIMSjKffKa5zbIwRYvZM9OMbOSIVOZYcJVY6P6Y_tzkru/w400-h211/decisions3.JPG" width="400" /></a></span></i></span></div><blockquote><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: large;"><i><span style="background: white; line-height: 107%;">But all
too quickly the message is crowded out by the worries of this life, the lure of
wealth, and the desire for other things, so no fruit is produced.</span></i><span style="background: white; line-height: 107%;"> <b>Mark 4:19 NLT</b></span></span></blockquote><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: large;"><span style="background: white; line-height: 107%;"><b></b></span></span><p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="background: white; line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 15pt;"><span style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial;"><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: large;">Sometimes, the unimportant becomes too important.
<o:p></o:p></span></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="background: white; line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 15pt;"><span style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial;"><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: large;">Marcin Muchalski was taking a morning stroll
along the Williamsburg Bridge when a mugger surprised him, took out a gun, and
requested his cell phone. Thinking the robber would not shoot him in the middle
of the Williamsburg Bridge at seven in the morning, Muchalski dared the robber
to pry the gun off his cold, dead hands. The robber obliged by shooting
Muchalski in the leg. Instead of handing over the phone, Muchalski limped away
as fast as he could with phone in hand. The robber, who had more sense than Muchalski,
decided not to chase the man. The phone wasn’t worth a murder charge. <o:p></o:p></span></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="background: white; line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 15pt;"><span style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial;"><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: large;">Or take Marie Murphy, a New Jersey teacher who
got a call saying her house was on fire. She rushed home, not fearing anyone
was in danger. She knew her husband--and her mother, who had been staying with
them--was not in the blazing house. So what drove Murphy to run into a blazing
house and risk her life? Baseball tickets. More specifically, her season tickets to see the Phillies. <o:p></o:p></span></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="background: white; line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 15pt;"><span style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial;"><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: large;">She ignored all her other possessions—even the
certificate of fire insurance—to save her tickets. Luckily, she made it out
before everything else—the house included—went up in flames. Although she and
her husband had to live in a motel for a while after the fire, they were able
to settle with the insurance company. Murphy was also surprised at school one
day when a Phillies fanatic tossed a bunch of Phillies merchandise to her,
including a framed World Series ticket. Perhaps around this time, she thought
about how foolish her actions had been, especially when she learned the
Phillies would have reprinted her tickets because they burned in a fire. <o:p></o:p></span></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="background: white; line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 15pt;"><span style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial;"><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: large;">And then there was Guita Sazan Silverstein. She
left her two-year-old son in her car on a hot summer day while shopping. When
she returned to her car, she discovered she had locked herself out. With
temperatures in the upper 80’s, her child was at risk of heat stroke. She
called for help. When the firefighters arrived, they told her they would need
to break one of her car windows. Silverstein told them no. After all, the car
was an Audi. <o:p></o:p></span></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="background: white; line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 15pt;"><span style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial;"><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: large;">Silverstein came up with a compromise. She would
drive more than a mile to her home and retrieve her spare keys—even though her
son had already been in the car for twenty minutes. After borrowing a car to
drive home, firefighters broke the window anyway and rescued the child—who by
this time was unresponsive but luckily revivable. When the mother returned,
authorities arrested her for reckless endangerment and risk of injury to a
minor (source). <o:p></o:p></span></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="background: white; line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 15pt;"><span style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial;"><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: large;">I’ve never made the same mistakes as Marcin,
Marie, or Guita, but I have made more than my share of other poor choices. And
I have let the not-so-important become important on more occasions than I care
to mention. <o:p></o:p></span></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="background: white; line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 15pt;"><span style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial;"><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: large;">Jesus tells the story of a farmer scattering
seeds. The seed fell on various types of soil, some infested with thorns. As
the seed sprouted and grew, the thorns choked out the plants. According to
Jesus, this represents those who let the worries of life, the deceitfulness of
wealth, and the desire for things distract them. Those who hold too tightly to
a cell phone. Those who rush into a burning home for sporting tickets. Or those
who let a shopping excursion put a child in danger. <o:p></o:p></span></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="background: white; line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 15pt;"><span style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial;"><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: large;">A regular diet of God’s Word reminds us what the
thorns of unimportance are. Prayer for strength we don’t have helps us
distinguish between the unimportant and the important.</span></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="background: white; line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 15pt;"><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: large;">Father, give me wisdom to know the difference
between the unimportant and the important. </span><span style="font-size: 14pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></p><p><span style="color: red; font-family: verdana; font-size: large;">If you enjoyed this devotion, please share it with your friends. </span></p><p><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: large;"><br /></span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span class="text"><span style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial; font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: 14pt;"><i style="background-color: #fff9ee; color: #333333; font-family: arial, tahoma, helvetica, freesans, sans-serif; font-size: 19.8px; line-height: 36.96px;"><span face="" style="font-size: medium;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiQ0U5sxxoUsjIF9HQQCjICK0WDdv8lvT-Bd4XLQnlA9NLwxIyZTgWoRRWFLXN-PvzWIv4LBm8qGm7M86TFgtKSw3vINZv0cOK9Bn_HHSb049TsorlcpBJxvkCBuW_3ZYYk2UGvXgrFODpHya6n5_SmdYLMc20ISYuNCY_3d2L5mDiZmTu7cA1JsexGAmug/s320/us10.jpg" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="320" data-original-width="240" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiQ0U5sxxoUsjIF9HQQCjICK0WDdv8lvT-Bd4XLQnlA9NLwxIyZTgWoRRWFLXN-PvzWIv4LBm8qGm7M86TFgtKSw3vINZv0cOK9Bn_HHSb049TsorlcpBJxvkCBuW_3ZYYk2UGvXgrFODpHya6n5_SmdYLMc20ISYuNCY_3d2L5mDiZmTu7cA1JsexGAmug/w150-h200/us10.jpg" width="150" /></a></span></i></span></span></div><p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 12.0pt; margin: 12pt 0in 0in;"><span class="text"><span style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial;"></span></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 12.0pt; margin: 12pt 0in 0in;"><span style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial;"></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 12.0pt; margin: 12pt 0in 0in;"><span style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial;"></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 12.0pt; margin: 12pt 0in 0in;"><span style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial;"></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 12.0pt; margin: 12pt 0in 0in;"><span style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial;"></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 12.0pt; margin: 12pt 0in 0in;"><span style="background: white;"></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 12.0pt; margin: 12pt 0in 0in;"><span style="background: white;"></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 12.0pt; margin: 12pt 0in 0in;"><span style="background: white;"></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 12.0pt; margin: 12pt 0in 0in;"><span class="text"><span style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial;"><span class="text"><span style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial;"><i style="background-color: #fff9ee; color: #333333; line-height: 36.96px;"><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: medium;">Thanks to all our faithful followers who share our posts! We also invite you to follow and like us on <a href="https://www.facebook.com/martinwilesgreenwoodsc?ref=hl" style="color: #6699cc;">Facebook</a>, <a href="http://www.pinterest.com/martinwiles/" style="color: #6699cc;">Pinterest</a>, <a href="https://twitter.com/linesfromgod" style="color: #6699cc;">Twitter</a>, and <a href="https://www.instagram.com/lovelinesfromgod" target="_blank">Instagram</a>. Help us spread God's encouragement through His Love Lines.</span></i></span></span></span></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="background: white; line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 15pt;"><br /></p>Martin Wileshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10701425106598292224noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3444705093735536879.post-60481216184701903992024-02-14T04:30:00.018-05:002024-02-14T04:30:00.250-05:00Dieting for God - Martin Wiles<p><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: large;"><i><span style="background: white;"></span></i></span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: large;"><i><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjDyHrG4GM1EyNUuqghZeZOyk7K4xEjn4VttyZZDWozWn69vacxCmRZ02cc-Ya-EZlqk74Qwe_oIq_5pGDxo5FS0rXZhp6XlYEUN0YrZB6Et_nXoFAyZ7OdVsafV3gOaKX6b1ocH2pNphdL74T1KlXkYQRRideDfGVANP7P8x1IqN6WzuIfzDzb6fR7Hwcw/s852/food.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img alt="dieting for God" border="0" data-original-height="480" data-original-width="852" height="225" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjDyHrG4GM1EyNUuqghZeZOyk7K4xEjn4VttyZZDWozWn69vacxCmRZ02cc-Ya-EZlqk74Qwe_oIq_5pGDxo5FS0rXZhp6XlYEUN0YrZB6Et_nXoFAyZ7OdVsafV3gOaKX6b1ocH2pNphdL74T1KlXkYQRRideDfGVANP7P8x1IqN6WzuIfzDzb6fR7Hwcw/w400-h225/food.jpg" width="400" /></a></i></span></div><blockquote><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: large;"><i><span style="background: white;">And when
you fast, don’t make it obvious as the hypocrites do.</span></i><span style="background: white;"> <b>Matthew
6:16 NLT</b></span></span></blockquote><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: large;"><span style="background: white;"><b></b></span></span><p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0in;"><span style="background-color: white;"><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: large;">I once fasted, but not from food.</span></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0in;"><span style="background-color: white;"><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: large;">I suddenly found myself saddled with two car
payments. Knowing I couldn’t afford both, I had a decision to make. One of the
vehicles would have to go. One was a new Chevrolet Tracker I had just
purchased. The other was a used Chevrolet S-10 pickup. The solution came not in
selling one but in drawing out my retirement so I could pay one of them off. I
chose the Tracker and then gave it to my daughter, who was about to leave for
college.</span></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0in;"><span style="background-color: white;"><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: large;">The decision to give up the Tracker was
difficult. I planned to use it on my monthly hiking escapades in the mountains.
Love, however, led me to give it up for a higher purpose.</span></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0in;"><span style="background-color: white;"><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: large;">Fasting requires letting go. Often, food is in
question. It was when Jesus addressed the religious hypocrites who thought they
did such an excellent job at it. Like most of what they did, they did this with
ulterior motives. They wanted others to notice them.</span></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0in;"><span style="background-color: white;"><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: large;">Dieting from food for a time or certain foods has
never been my forte, but God has shown me a few other things I need to take a
break from. Sin is one. Instead of seeing how close I can come to sin without
sinning, I need to stay as far away from it as possible. God has given us a new
nature, and we must avoid the “old person” with a passion. Christian baptism
symbolizes our intention to die to the old way of living, walking instead in
obedience to Christ’s commands.</span></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0in;"><span style="background-color: white;"><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: large;">When I choose to go on a diet for God, it should
also be because I want to draw closer to Him. Good and not-so-good attractions
that attempt to distract us from God fill this world. Giving up whatever
prevents us from clinging close to His side is always a good diet.</span></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0in;"><span style="background-color: white;"><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: large;">Dieting for God is an individual choice. God
won’t force us to diet for Him. We must voluntarily let go of those things that
keep us from a closer walk with him. What can you let go of that will move you
closer to God?</span></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0in;"><span style="background-color: white;"><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: large;">Father, take away those things that prevent me
from being all You want me to be. </span></span></p><p><span style="color: red; font-family: verdana; font-size: large;">If you enjoyed this devotion, please share it with your friends. </span></p><p><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: large;"><br /></span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span class="text"><span style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial; font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: 14pt;"><i style="background-color: #fff9ee; color: #333333; font-family: arial, tahoma, helvetica, freesans, sans-serif; font-size: 19.8px; line-height: 36.96px;"><span face="" style="font-size: medium;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiQ0U5sxxoUsjIF9HQQCjICK0WDdv8lvT-Bd4XLQnlA9NLwxIyZTgWoRRWFLXN-PvzWIv4LBm8qGm7M86TFgtKSw3vINZv0cOK9Bn_HHSb049TsorlcpBJxvkCBuW_3ZYYk2UGvXgrFODpHya6n5_SmdYLMc20ISYuNCY_3d2L5mDiZmTu7cA1JsexGAmug/s320/us10.jpg" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="320" data-original-width="240" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiQ0U5sxxoUsjIF9HQQCjICK0WDdv8lvT-Bd4XLQnlA9NLwxIyZTgWoRRWFLXN-PvzWIv4LBm8qGm7M86TFgtKSw3vINZv0cOK9Bn_HHSb049TsorlcpBJxvkCBuW_3ZYYk2UGvXgrFODpHya6n5_SmdYLMc20ISYuNCY_3d2L5mDiZmTu7cA1JsexGAmug/w150-h200/us10.jpg" width="150" /></a></span></i></span></span></div><p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 12.0pt; margin: 12pt 0in 0in;"><span class="text"><span style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial;"></span></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 12.0pt; margin: 12pt 0in 0in;"><span style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial;"></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 12.0pt; margin: 12pt 0in 0in;"><span style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial;"></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 12.0pt; margin: 12pt 0in 0in;"><span style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial;"></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 12.0pt; margin: 12pt 0in 0in;"><span style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial;"></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 12.0pt; margin: 12pt 0in 0in;"><span style="background: white;"></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 12.0pt; margin: 12pt 0in 0in;"><span style="background: white;"></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 12.0pt; margin: 12pt 0in 0in;"><span style="background: white;"></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 12.0pt; margin: 12pt 0in 0in;"><span class="text"><span style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial;"><span class="text"><span style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial;"><i style="background-color: #fff9ee; color: #333333; line-height: 36.96px;"><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: medium;">Thanks to all our faithful followers who share our posts! We also invite you to follow and like us on <a href="https://www.facebook.com/martinwilesgreenwoodsc?ref=hl" style="color: #6699cc;">Facebook</a>, <a href="http://www.pinterest.com/martinwiles/" style="color: #6699cc;">Pinterest</a>, <a href="https://twitter.com/linesfromgod" style="color: #6699cc;">Twitter</a>, and <a href="https://www.instagram.com/lovelinesfromgod" target="_blank">Instagram</a>. Help us spread God's encouragement through His Love Lines.</span></i></span></span></span></span></p>Martin Wileshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10701425106598292224noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3444705093735536879.post-15469030213349166002024-02-12T04:30:00.014-05:002024-02-12T04:30:00.149-05:00Choosing the Right Weapons - Martin Wiles<p><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: large;"><span class="text"><i><span style="background: white;"></span></i></span></span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: large;"><i><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhTwCIYxI-VJBYns1pZkZuS_r-YaO9jISCx5S-o3AL1qWUGFSP6mXTtLLXAk0IfwiFBitzNCCMep7YT9rTSCo5H_ysdujN9Nx5cgbxsdGPT1GGXxq1h3DUoQ7DGyNSdzzqEOPHQqOEJIO2CJhpM0i5cuK0-xC4A1ZdI0aY7UCoRniXuBXVabWpFC7QEv6Cj/s1280/stones.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img alt="choosing the right weapons" border="0" data-original-height="853" data-original-width="1280" height="266" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhTwCIYxI-VJBYns1pZkZuS_r-YaO9jISCx5S-o3AL1qWUGFSP6mXTtLLXAk0IfwiFBitzNCCMep7YT9rTSCo5H_ysdujN9Nx5cgbxsdGPT1GGXxq1h3DUoQ7DGyNSdzzqEOPHQqOEJIO2CJhpM0i5cuK0-xC4A1ZdI0aY7UCoRniXuBXVabWpFC7QEv6Cj/w400-h266/stones.jpg" width="400" /></a></i></span></div><blockquote><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: large;"><span class="text"><i><span style="background: white;">“I can’t go in these,” he protested
to Saul. “I’m not used to them.” So David took them off again.</span></i></span><span class="apple-converted-space"><i><span style="background: white;"> </span></i></span><span class="text"><i><span style="background: white;">He picked
up five smooth stones from a stream and put them into his shepherd’s bag.</span></i></span><span class="text"><span style="background: white;"> <b>1 Samuel 17:39-40 NLT</b></span></span></span></blockquote><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: large;"><span class="text"><span style="background: white;"><b></b></span></span></span><p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 12.0pt;"><span class="text"><span style="background: white;"><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: large;">Choosing the right weapons can make the
difference between a victory and a loss. <o:p></o:p></span></span></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 12.0pt;"><span class="text"><span style="background: white;"><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: large;">Hunting squirrels was the first type of hunting
my father taught me. While some hunted them with .22 rifles, we chose shotguns.
We left before daylight, strolled through the woods with our
flashlights—shining the beams up into the trees to look for nests—and then
picked a tree to sit beneath and wait. <o:p></o:p></span></span></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 12.0pt;"><span class="text"><span style="background: white;"><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: large;">The barking began just before the first rays of
light penetrated the hardwood forests. As soon as we saw the shapes of the
trees against the intruding light, the squirrels began scampering from their
nests. We were there to welcome them with lead. Had we chosen bows and arrows,
I doubt we would have bagged much, if any, game. <o:p></o:p></span></span></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 12.0pt;"><span class="text"><span style="background: white;"><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: large;">Young shepherd boy David was successful for the
same reason. While the Israelite army cowered in fear before the Philistine
giant Goliath, Dave said, “Let me at him.” He was too small for the king’s
armor. Instead, he chose five smooth stones. All he needed was one. <o:p></o:p></span></span></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 12.0pt;"><span class="text"><span style="background: white;"><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: large;">We fight a spiritual battle with Satan and his
army of demons. God tells us to put on the whole armor of God so we’ll be
prepared. He also assures us no battle will be more intense than we can handle
with the help of his Spirit’s power in us. We are already more than conquerors
through Jesus Christ our Lord. <o:p></o:p></span></span></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 12.0pt;"><span class="text"><span style="background: white;"><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: large;">David chose smooth stones. Perhaps he took five
in case he needed the others for more Philistines or in case he needed more
than one to do Goliath in. As believers, the stones we should choose include
confidence, righteous anger, courage, and a firm handle on the truth. <o:p></o:p></span></span></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 12.0pt;"><span class="text"><span style="background: white;"><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: large;">We fight with confidence because God is on our
side, and greater is he who is in us than he who is in the world. We won’t even
see the need to fight the battles if we neglect righteous indignation over sin.
We march forward with courage, for the battle is the Lord’s. We also step into
battle with truth because it is truth that sets us free. <o:p></o:p></span></span></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 12.0pt;"><span class="text"><span style="background: white;"><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: large;">What stones have you chosen to fight your battles
with? <o:p></o:p></span></span></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 12.0pt;"><span class="text"><span style="background: white;"><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: large;">Father, I ask for the right weapons so that I
might be victorious in my spiritual battles. </span><span style="font-size: 14pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></span></span></p><p><span style="color: red; font-family: verdana; font-size: large;">If you enjoyed this devotion, please share it with your friends. </span></p><p><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: large;"><br /></span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span class="text"><span style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial; font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: 14pt;"><i style="background-color: #fff9ee; color: #333333; font-family: arial, tahoma, helvetica, freesans, sans-serif; font-size: 19.8px; line-height: 36.96px;"><span face="" style="font-size: medium;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiQ0U5sxxoUsjIF9HQQCjICK0WDdv8lvT-Bd4XLQnlA9NLwxIyZTgWoRRWFLXN-PvzWIv4LBm8qGm7M86TFgtKSw3vINZv0cOK9Bn_HHSb049TsorlcpBJxvkCBuW_3ZYYk2UGvXgrFODpHya6n5_SmdYLMc20ISYuNCY_3d2L5mDiZmTu7cA1JsexGAmug/s320/us10.jpg" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="320" data-original-width="240" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiQ0U5sxxoUsjIF9HQQCjICK0WDdv8lvT-Bd4XLQnlA9NLwxIyZTgWoRRWFLXN-PvzWIv4LBm8qGm7M86TFgtKSw3vINZv0cOK9Bn_HHSb049TsorlcpBJxvkCBuW_3ZYYk2UGvXgrFODpHya6n5_SmdYLMc20ISYuNCY_3d2L5mDiZmTu7cA1JsexGAmug/w150-h200/us10.jpg" width="150" /></a></span></i></span></span></div><p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 12.0pt; margin: 12pt 0in 0in;"><span class="text"><span style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial;"></span></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 12.0pt; margin: 12pt 0in 0in;"><span style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial;"></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 12.0pt; margin: 12pt 0in 0in;"><span style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial;"></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 12.0pt; margin: 12pt 0in 0in;"><span style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial;"></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 12.0pt; margin: 12pt 0in 0in;"><span style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial;"></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 12.0pt; margin: 12pt 0in 0in;"><span style="background: white;"></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 12.0pt; margin: 12pt 0in 0in;"><span style="background: white;"></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 12.0pt; margin: 12pt 0in 0in;"><span style="background: white;"></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 12.0pt;"><span class="text"><span style="background: white;"></span></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 12.0pt; margin: 12pt 0in 0in;"><span class="text"><span style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial;"><span class="text"><span style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial;"><i style="background-color: #fff9ee; color: #333333; line-height: 36.96px;"><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: medium;">Thanks to all our faithful followers who share our posts! We also invite you to follow and like us on <a href="https://www.facebook.com/martinwilesgreenwoodsc?ref=hl" style="color: #6699cc;">Facebook</a>, <a href="http://www.pinterest.com/martinwiles/" style="color: #6699cc;">Pinterest</a>, <a href="https://twitter.com/linesfromgod" style="color: #6699cc;">Twitter</a>, and <a href="https://www.instagram.com/lovelinesfromgod" target="_blank">Instagram</a>. Help us spread God's encouragement through His Love Lines.</span></i></span></span></span></span></p>Martin Wileshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10701425106598292224noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3444705093735536879.post-54774917968731211912024-02-10T04:30:00.029-05:002024-02-10T04:30:00.204-05:00Baked Chicken Spaghetti<p> </p><div class="post-body entry-content" id="post-body-1436401691534134457" itemprop="description articleBody" style="background-color: white; line-height: 1.4; position: relative; width: 760px;"><div style="text-align: center;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; color: #222222; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 13.2px;"><a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-tWyYjkNn_r4/WMvYTqYrlXI/AAAAAAAAOHg/EXYafr807Z8czEDoTNpcPYd3KRi7_vkCQCLcB/s1600/chicken%2Bspaghetti.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="color: #cc111a; margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-decoration-line: none;"><img alt="Baked Chicken Spaghetti" border="0" height="267" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-tWyYjkNn_r4/WMvYTqYrlXI/AAAAAAAAOHg/EXYafr807Z8czEDoTNpcPYd3KRi7_vkCQCLcB/w400-h267/chicken%2Bspaghetti.jpg" style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial; border: 1px solid rgb(238, 238, 238); box-shadow: rgba(0, 0, 0, 0.1) 1px 1px 5px; padding: 5px; position: relative;" width="400" /></a></div><span style="color: red; font-family: arial, helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;"><em><br /></em></span><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: large;">Ingredients</span></div><div style="color: #222222; text-align: center;"><span style="color: red;"><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: large;">1 CAN MUSHROOM SOUP</span></span></div><div style="color: #222222; text-align: center;"><span style="color: red;"><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: large;"> <br />1 CAN MUSHROOMS</span></span></div><span style="color: #222222; font-family: verdana; font-size: large;"><span style="color: red;"></span><br /></span><div style="color: #222222; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: large;"><span style="color: red;">1 CAN BLACK OLIVES (DRAINED)</span></span></div><span style="color: #222222; font-family: verdana; font-size: large;"><span style="color: red;"><div style="text-align: center;"><br />1 ONION (CHOPPED)</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />2 CUPS SHREDDED MOZERELLA</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />1 BELL PEPPER (CHOPPED)</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />1 CUP SHREDDED PARMESAN</div><div style="text-align: center;"> <br />1 JAR RAGU (GARDEN)</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />12 OUNCES SPAGHETTI (COOKED, DRAINED)</div><div style="text-align: center;"> <br />1 TEASPOON OREGANO</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /> 1 BOX TYSON (DICED CHICKEN)</div><div style="text-align: center;"> <br />1 CAN TOMATOES</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /> 1 TEASPOON BUTTER </div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div></span></span><div style="color: #222222; text-align: center;"><span style="color: red;"><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: large;">1 CAN ROTEL</span></span></div><div style="color: #222222; text-align: center;"><span style="color: red;"><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: large;"><br /></span></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: large;">Directions</span></div><div style="color: #222222; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: large;"><span style="color: red;"><br /></span><span style="color: red;">SAUTE CHICKEN, ONION, PEPPER, BUTTER, OREGANO, AND SALT/PEPPER.</span></span></div><span style="color: red;"><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: large;"><div style="text-align: center;"><br />ADD TOMATOES, ROTELS, MUSHROOMS, AND OLIVES.</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />ONCE ALL VEGETABLES ARE TENDER ADD RAGU AND MUSHROOM SOUP.</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />MIX SAUCE AND NOODLES IN A CASSEROLE DISH.</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />TOP WITH CHEESE.</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />COVER WITH ALUMINUM FOIL.</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />BAKE AT 350 FOR 35 TO 40 MINUTES.</div><div style="text-align: center;"><p style="color: black; font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size: medium; text-align: left;"><span style="color: red; font-family: verdana; font-size: large;">If you enjoyed this devotion, please share it with your friends. </span></p><p style="color: black; font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size: medium; text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: large;"><br /></span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; color: black; font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size: medium;"><span class="text"><span style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial; font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: 14pt;"><i style="background-color: #fff9ee; color: #333333; font-family: arial, tahoma, helvetica, freesans, sans-serif; font-size: 19.8px; line-height: 36.96px;"><span face="" style="font-size: medium;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiQ0U5sxxoUsjIF9HQQCjICK0WDdv8lvT-Bd4XLQnlA9NLwxIyZTgWoRRWFLXN-PvzWIv4LBm8qGm7M86TFgtKSw3vINZv0cOK9Bn_HHSb049TsorlcpBJxvkCBuW_3ZYYk2UGvXgrFODpHya6n5_SmdYLMc20ISYuNCY_3d2L5mDiZmTu7cA1JsexGAmug/s320/us10.jpg" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="320" data-original-width="240" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiQ0U5sxxoUsjIF9HQQCjICK0WDdv8lvT-Bd4XLQnlA9NLwxIyZTgWoRRWFLXN-PvzWIv4LBm8qGm7M86TFgtKSw3vINZv0cOK9Bn_HHSb049TsorlcpBJxvkCBuW_3ZYYk2UGvXgrFODpHya6n5_SmdYLMc20ISYuNCY_3d2L5mDiZmTu7cA1JsexGAmug/w150-h200/us10.jpg" width="150" /></a></span></i></span></span></div><p class="MsoNormal" style="color: black; font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size: medium; line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 12.0pt; margin: 12pt 0in 0in; text-align: left;"><span class="text"><span style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial;"></span></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="color: black; font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size: medium; line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 12.0pt; margin: 12pt 0in 0in; text-align: left;"><span style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial;"></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="color: black; font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size: medium; line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 12.0pt; margin: 12pt 0in 0in; text-align: left;"><span style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial;"></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="color: black; font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size: medium; line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 12.0pt; margin: 12pt 0in 0in; text-align: left;"><span style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial;"></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="color: black; font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size: medium; line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 12.0pt; margin: 12pt 0in 0in; text-align: left;"><span style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial;"></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="color: black; font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size: medium; line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 12.0pt; margin: 12pt 0in 0in; text-align: left;"><span style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial;"></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="color: black; font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size: medium; line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 12.0pt; margin: 12pt 0in 0in; text-align: left;"><span style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial;"></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="color: black; font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size: medium; line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 12.0pt; margin: 12pt 0in 0in; text-align: left;"><span class="text"><span style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial;"><span class="text"><span style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial;"><i style="background-color: #fff9ee; color: #333333; line-height: 36.96px;"><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: medium;">Thanks to all our faithful followers who share our posts! We also invite you to follow and like us on <a href="https://www.facebook.com/martinwilesgreenwoodsc?ref=hl" style="color: #6699cc;">Facebook</a>, <a href="http://www.pinterest.com/martinwiles/" style="color: #6699cc;">Pinterest</a>, <a href="https://twitter.com/linesfromgod" style="color: #6699cc;">Twitter</a>, and <a href="https://www.instagram.com/lovelinesfromgod" target="_blank">Instagram</a>. Help us spread God's encouragement through His Love Lines.</span></i></span></span></span></span></p></div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div></span></span></div>Martin Wileshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10701425106598292224noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3444705093735536879.post-87700812336644985012024-02-09T04:30:00.007-05:002024-02-09T04:30:00.147-05:00 Justice for All - Karen Huffaker<p><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: large;"><span class="text"><i><span style="line-height: 107%;"></span></i></span></span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: large;"><i><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhnHtbdP780mBiZyo3bVFPF2Hrf0qS1tD8zHXGQmLSjGRV3jB4QikeW6NT1JPdTqxwUXkGeNgaMGnDeFfEFmYwC4cWYN-FtmFikhmrLGPfWMthNi-wqH3auuD9VRWW-2gBP921ScGxKzeCt8DSanCKHqD3Zpv3G9LAmR5B_t1-306_X4vKsmHqmYI00PRTC/s1280/justice%20for%20all.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img alt="Justice for All" border="0" data-original-height="853" data-original-width="1280" height="266" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhnHtbdP780mBiZyo3bVFPF2Hrf0qS1tD8zHXGQmLSjGRV3jB4QikeW6NT1JPdTqxwUXkGeNgaMGnDeFfEFmYwC4cWYN-FtmFikhmrLGPfWMthNi-wqH3auuD9VRWW-2gBP921ScGxKzeCt8DSanCKHqD3Zpv3G9LAmR5B_t1-306_X4vKsmHqmYI00PRTC/w400-h266/justice%20for%20all.jpg" width="400" /></a></i></span></div><blockquote><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: large;"><span class="text"><i><span style="line-height: 107%;">But the </span></i></span><span class="small-caps"><i><span style="font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-caps: small-caps; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; line-height: 107%;">Lord</span></i></span><span class="text"><i><span style="line-height: 107%;"> has been my defense,</span></i></span><i><span style="line-height: 107%;"> a<span class="text">nd my God the rock of
my refuge</span></span></i><span class="text"><span style="line-height: 107%;">. </span></span><b><span style="line-height: 107%;">Psalm 94:22 NKJV</span></b></span></blockquote><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: large;"><b><span style="line-height: 107%;"></span></b></span><p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0in;"><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: large;">The
classroom was quiet as students worked on their primary lessons. I was focused
and minded my own business. Suddenly, Dick leaned over and kissed me. I promptly
scolded him, but guess who got in trouble? Not Dick!<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0in;"><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: large;">Our
first-grade teacher blamed me for the disruption. As the principal’s wife, she was
stricter than the other first-grade teacher. There was no one to defend me. I
was sure a witness was at my table, but no one spoke up. The teacher directed
me to stand behind the door for a time. Later, I could return to my seat. This
was my earliest experience with fairness and justice, or lack thereof.</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0in;"><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: large;">In
the Old Testament, Joseph, son of Jacob, was wrongfully accused of an offense against
Potiphar’s wife, then arrested and imprisoned. But God turned that situation
around many years later, and Joseph was a blessing to the Israelites.</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0in;"><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: large;">When
life is unfair, where can we turn? Who can bring about truth and justice? Jesus
is our saving defense, the rock of our refuge to whom we can turn.</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0in;"><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: large;">We
hear about situations when truth and fairness occur. We cheer on the little guy—glad
he’s had a happy ending to his story and that justice prevailed despite resistance.</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0in;"><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: large;">I
applaud bold and vocal people who stand up for what is right, true, and good. I
admire the ones who step out of the shadows and become heroes on the side of
justice. There is right and wrong, true and false, and good and evil. </span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0in;"><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: large;">In
any circumstance, I know my true and faithful defense and refuge is God. I can
trust in His promises. We can step up to the plate when we know those who are
weak, infirm, forgotten, excluded, or destitute. We can be a voice for them and
extend our support.</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0in;"><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: large;">God
will judge all things when we stand before His throne. I want to be on the side
of righteousness, truth, and goodness. Make sure you are standing there, too. </span></p><p><span style="color: red; font-family: verdana; font-size: large;">If you enjoyed this devotion, please share it with your friends. </span></p><p><span style="color: red; font-family: verdana; font-size: large;"><br /></span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: large;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjrDUQoZLc28mCID_LgqS5Z6_URs1iIa09bewo04VSTYZS2nT01hdXPRHfYK2KtUl3i54EUo8kvbkXDdWqrlcrrfJinMnUjhlcCWZr_rigCvbfHB3k_1lbKGj88yRSm109u6KAuBtJVyOh3MonfCPvyS1FZ-dx_PBGA4wcH3qEWic_ieiTToTUb-9xsmA/s834/Karen%20Huffaker%20(1).jpg" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="834" data-original-width="688" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjrDUQoZLc28mCID_LgqS5Z6_URs1iIa09bewo04VSTYZS2nT01hdXPRHfYK2KtUl3i54EUo8kvbkXDdWqrlcrrfJinMnUjhlcCWZr_rigCvbfHB3k_1lbKGj88yRSm109u6KAuBtJVyOh3MonfCPvyS1FZ-dx_PBGA4wcH3qEWic_ieiTToTUb-9xsmA/w165-h200/Karen%20Huffaker%20(1).jpg" width="165" /></a></span></div><p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0in;"><span style="font-family: verdana;"><span style="color: red; font-size: large;"></span></span></p><p><span style="color: red; font-family: verdana; font-size: large;"></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0in;"><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: large;">Karen Huffaker is a freelance Christian writer. She has taught children’s Sunday school and single mom’s Bible studies and written poetry. She is from the Deep South and loves reading Christian books, devotionals, genealogy adventures, fishing, and all things family. She is also passionate about her grandchildren’s sporting events. </span></p><p><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: large;"><br /></span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span class="text"><span style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial; font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: 14pt;"><i style="background-color: #fff9ee; color: #333333; font-family: arial, tahoma, helvetica, freesans, sans-serif; font-size: 19.8px; line-height: 36.96px;"><span face="" style="font-size: medium;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiQ0U5sxxoUsjIF9HQQCjICK0WDdv8lvT-Bd4XLQnlA9NLwxIyZTgWoRRWFLXN-PvzWIv4LBm8qGm7M86TFgtKSw3vINZv0cOK9Bn_HHSb049TsorlcpBJxvkCBuW_3ZYYk2UGvXgrFODpHya6n5_SmdYLMc20ISYuNCY_3d2L5mDiZmTu7cA1JsexGAmug/s320/us10.jpg" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="320" data-original-width="240" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiQ0U5sxxoUsjIF9HQQCjICK0WDdv8lvT-Bd4XLQnlA9NLwxIyZTgWoRRWFLXN-PvzWIv4LBm8qGm7M86TFgtKSw3vINZv0cOK9Bn_HHSb049TsorlcpBJxvkCBuW_3ZYYk2UGvXgrFODpHya6n5_SmdYLMc20ISYuNCY_3d2L5mDiZmTu7cA1JsexGAmug/w150-h200/us10.jpg" width="150" /></a></span></i></span></span></div><p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 12.0pt; margin: 12pt 0in 0in;"><span class="text"><span style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial;"></span></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 12.0pt; margin: 12pt 0in 0in;"><span style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial;"></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 12.0pt; margin: 12pt 0in 0in;"><span style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial;"></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 12.0pt; margin: 12pt 0in 0in;"><span style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial;"></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 12.0pt; margin: 12pt 0in 0in;"><span style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial;"></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 12.0pt; margin: 12pt 0in 0in;"><span style="background: white;"></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 12.0pt; margin: 12pt 0in 0in;"><span style="background: white;"></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 12.0pt; margin: 12pt 0in 0in;"><span class="text"><span style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial;"><span class="text"><span style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial;"><i style="background-color: #fff9ee; color: #333333; line-height: 36.96px;"><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: medium;">Thanks to all our faithful followers who share our posts! We also invite you to follow and like us on <a href="https://www.facebook.com/martinwilesgreenwoodsc?ref=hl" style="color: #6699cc;">Facebook</a>, <a href="http://www.pinterest.com/martinwiles/" style="color: #6699cc;">Pinterest</a>, <a href="https://twitter.com/linesfromgod" style="color: #6699cc;">Twitter</a>, and <a href="https://www.instagram.com/lovelinesfromgod" target="_blank">Instagram</a>. Help us spread God's encouragement through His Love Lines.</span></i></span></span></span></span></p>Martin Wileshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10701425106598292224noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3444705093735536879.post-14985496455244514112024-02-07T04:30:00.017-05:002024-02-07T04:30:00.146-05:00Models of Christ - Martin Wiles<p><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: large;"><i><span style="background: white;"></span></i></span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: large;"><i><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh6kxECAeQyBcmY-dMBk5zGNvq16MwXO7iF8EtGFWNc3LqusnFpDejxQg4fDR66k0xvVDBCNbD7-kOjZwut61tU5kBqSn5bAhzOyy5980huu_M5nBRt9AG-WFjyCQUPNCS_QSgRqmE30tE5tRCYBPJYViyawQYNJLHN5o72UxCE0OBILpUsZgfoUUZrQOWi/s350/modelcar.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img alt="models of Christ" border="0" data-original-height="350" data-original-width="350" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh6kxECAeQyBcmY-dMBk5zGNvq16MwXO7iF8EtGFWNc3LqusnFpDejxQg4fDR66k0xvVDBCNbD7-kOjZwut61tU5kBqSn5bAhzOyy5980huu_M5nBRt9AG-WFjyCQUPNCS_QSgRqmE30tE5tRCYBPJYViyawQYNJLHN5o72UxCE0OBILpUsZgfoUUZrQOWi/w400-h400/modelcar.jpg" width="400" /></a></i></span></div><blockquote><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: large;"><i><span style="background: white;">And you yourself must be an example to them by
doing good works of every kind. Let everything you do reflect the integrity and
seriousness of your teaching.</span></i><span style="background: white;"> <b>Titus 2:7 NLT</b></span></span></blockquote><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: large;"><span style="background: white;"><b></b></span></span><p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 12.0pt;"><span style="background: white;"><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: large;">Every male friend I had seemed to enjoy it, but somehow, I
didn’t share their enthusiasm. <o:p></o:p></span></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 12.0pt;"><span style="background: white;"><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: large;">When I was a pre-teen, putting together model cars was the in
thing. Most of my male friends did it and seemed to love it. I looked at the
shelves lined with model cars of various styles, shapes, models, and prices and
wondered how someone could get so excited about them. I suppose most young men
wanted to know how to work on cars. Assembling a model car would give them a
chance to learn the various parts of the motor. <o:p></o:p></span></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 12.0pt;"><span style="background: white;"><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: large;">Not wanting to be the odd boy out, I bought one and quickly
discovered this wasn’t for me. While the finished product was stylish, getting
to that point was difficult. Model car glue and super glue were surely related.
Parts had to be placed in the correct spot quickly and with no glue on your
fingers. After one shabby attempt, I decided I’d get the snap-together type
from then on. <o:p></o:p></span></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 12.0pt;"><span style="background: white;"><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: large;">Model cars were impressive when assembled correctly, but mine
were a poor representation of the real thing. Paul reminds Titus he was a model
to those God had called him to teach. He may have been young, but his good works,
teaching, and integrity were to model Christ well. <o:p></o:p></span></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 12.0pt;"><span style="background: white;"><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: large;">We, too, model Christ. I’m not sure my one cemented together
model car was a good representation of the real thing. My life, however, should
display a more accurate depiction. Jesus modeled the Father. He said looking at
Him was the same as gazing upon the heavenly Father. He was kind,
compassionate, empathetic, service-minded, conscientious of others’ needs, and
firmly grounded in the Word. When tempted, He was armored to resist the fiery
darts of Satan. In times of persecution—even death—for His beliefs, He stood
firm. <o:p></o:p></span></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 12.0pt;"><span style="background: white;"><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: large;">Constant attention to what kind of models we are is
essential. An unfocused mind is a wandering mind—into places, actions, and
words that don’t represent Christ well. Distractions will take us where we
don’t need to go and, in the process, distort the model others see. <o:p></o:p></span></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 12.0pt;"><span style="background: white;"><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: large;">Remember how the Christ who put you together appears. Don’t
let someone or something glue pieces where they don’t belong. <o:p></o:p></span></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 12.0pt;"><span style="background: white;"><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: large;">Father, give us strength to model Your attributes well before
others. </span><span style="font-size: 14pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></span></p><p><span style="color: red; font-family: verdana; font-size: large;">If you enjoyed this devotion, please share it with your friends. </span></p><p><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: large;"><br /></span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span class="text"><span style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial; font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: 14pt;"><i style="background-color: #fff9ee; color: #333333; font-family: arial, tahoma, helvetica, freesans, sans-serif; font-size: 19.8px; line-height: 36.96px;"><span face="" style="font-size: medium;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiQ0U5sxxoUsjIF9HQQCjICK0WDdv8lvT-Bd4XLQnlA9NLwxIyZTgWoRRWFLXN-PvzWIv4LBm8qGm7M86TFgtKSw3vINZv0cOK9Bn_HHSb049TsorlcpBJxvkCBuW_3ZYYk2UGvXgrFODpHya6n5_SmdYLMc20ISYuNCY_3d2L5mDiZmTu7cA1JsexGAmug/s320/us10.jpg" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="320" data-original-width="240" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiQ0U5sxxoUsjIF9HQQCjICK0WDdv8lvT-Bd4XLQnlA9NLwxIyZTgWoRRWFLXN-PvzWIv4LBm8qGm7M86TFgtKSw3vINZv0cOK9Bn_HHSb049TsorlcpBJxvkCBuW_3ZYYk2UGvXgrFODpHya6n5_SmdYLMc20ISYuNCY_3d2L5mDiZmTu7cA1JsexGAmug/w150-h200/us10.jpg" width="150" /></a></span></i></span></span></div><p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 12.0pt; margin: 12pt 0in 0in;"><span class="text"><span style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial;"></span></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 12.0pt; margin: 12pt 0in 0in;"><span style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial;"></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 12.0pt; margin: 12pt 0in 0in;"><span style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial;"></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 12.0pt; margin: 12pt 0in 0in;"><span style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial;"></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 12.0pt; margin: 12pt 0in 0in;"><span style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial;"></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 12.0pt; margin: 12pt 0in 0in;"><span style="background: white;"></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 12.0pt; margin: 12pt 0in 0in;"><span style="background: white;"></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 12.0pt;"><span style="background: white;"></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 12.0pt; margin: 12pt 0in 0in;"><span class="text"><span style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial;"><span class="text"><span style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial;"><i style="background-color: #fff9ee; color: #333333; line-height: 36.96px;"><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: medium;">Thanks to all our faithful followers who share our posts! We also invite you to follow and like us on <a href="https://www.facebook.com/martinwilesgreenwoodsc?ref=hl" style="color: #6699cc;">Facebook</a>, <a href="http://www.pinterest.com/martinwiles/" style="color: #6699cc;">Pinterest</a>, <a href="https://twitter.com/linesfromgod" style="color: #6699cc;">Twitter</a>, and <a href="https://www.instagram.com/lovelinesfromgod" target="_blank">Instagram</a>. Help us spread God's encouragement through His Love Lines.</span></i></span></span></span></span></p>Martin Wileshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10701425106598292224noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3444705093735536879.post-7687071074267083092024-02-05T04:45:00.001-05:002024-02-05T04:45:00.128-05:00Pierced for God - Martin Wiles<p><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: large;"><span class="text" style="text-indent: 0.5in;"><i><span style="background: white; line-height: 150%;"></span></i></span></span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: large;"><i><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEifTqwtuY8Gb_Eof9TSfjRPs5fZeOhnJt362jXyAj59QfOs-OUU0OTKPidkTpCd38Qccqn9FIPj0jR1wqAwBawYiY4fEwnVDVLRFSj3POzIJqauW6xSpCBK0ELK8U8V3y3HLtozsheTNBvH6yaTG_UmYQtWb2kKfeTU6roFCdjlEWfpy-NKx0Ypw7Nl3SSU/s1280/earring.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img alt="pierced for God" border="0" data-original-height="853" data-original-width="1280" height="266" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEifTqwtuY8Gb_Eof9TSfjRPs5fZeOhnJt362jXyAj59QfOs-OUU0OTKPidkTpCd38Qccqn9FIPj0jR1wqAwBawYiY4fEwnVDVLRFSj3POzIJqauW6xSpCBK0ELK8U8V3y3HLtozsheTNBvH6yaTG_UmYQtWb2kKfeTU6roFCdjlEWfpy-NKx0Ypw7Nl3SSU/w400-h266/earring.jpg" width="400" /></a></i></span></div><blockquote><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: large;"><span class="text" style="text-indent: 0.5in;"><i><span style="background: white; line-height: 150%;">But suppose your servant says, ‘I will not leave you’…In that case, take
an awl and push it through his earlobe into the door. After that, he will be
your servant for life.</span></i></span><span class="text" style="text-indent: 0.5in;"><b><span style="background: white; line-height: 150%;"> Deuteronomy 15:16-17 NLT</span></b></span></span></blockquote><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: large;"><span class="text" style="text-indent: 0.5in;"><b><span style="background: white; line-height: 150%;"></span></b></span></span><p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 150%; margin-bottom: 0in;"><span style="background-color: white; text-indent: 0.5in;"><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: large;">They were popular among boys and men at the time,
so when my son asked if he could get an earring, I said, “Sure.” </span></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 150%; margin-bottom: 0in;"><span style="background-color: white; text-indent: 0.5in;"><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: large;">His anxiety level was high. We loaded up in the
car and made our way to the local mall where we found a piercing pagoda located
in the middle. Though only twelve, he sat in the chair like a little man and let
the attendant jam a needle through his ear lobe. He beamed, and everything
seemed well—until we started walking.</span></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 150%; margin-bottom: 0in;"><span style="background-color: white; text-indent: 0.5in;"><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: large;">“Dad, I don’t feel so well,” he remarked. I found
myself lying him down on a mall bench and retrieving a wet paper towel for his
face.</span></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 150%; margin-bottom: 0in;"><span style="background-color: white; text-indent: 0.5in;"><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: large;">Six weeks later, the time came to change the stud.
Once again, he was excited, having picked out a new earring to install. This time he didn’t make it to the bench but collapsed on the bathroom
floor. Several weeks later—when his ear got infected—he decided he didn’t want
an earring after all.</span></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 150%; margin-bottom: 0in;"><span style="background-color: white; text-indent: 0.5in;"><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: large;">If a Hebrew owned a fellow Hebrew servant for
some reason, he was to free him after six years of service. But if the slave
loved him and wanted to stay, the master pierced his ear with an awl. He would
be his slave forever.</span></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 150%; margin-bottom: 0in;"><span style="background-color: white; text-indent: 0.5in;"><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: large;">I’ve never had my ear pierced, but I have had my
heart punctured. When I placed my faith in Jesus Christ, I became His forever.
He didn’t take an awl and make a hole in my ear, but He did pierce my heart
with the presence of His Holy Spirit. God’s Spirit is the Seal that proves I
belong to Christ—forever.</span></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 150%; margin-bottom: 0in;"><span style="background-color: white; text-indent: 0.5in;"><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: large;">What kept the servant awled to his master was
love. What keeps our heart pierced for Christ is the same. No amount of service
we can offer can ever repay Him for all He’s done for us. He’s carried our sins
away as far as the East is from the West, and He’s buried them in the deepest
portions of the ocean—never to be held against us again.</span></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 150%; margin-bottom: 0in;"><span style="background-color: white; text-indent: 0.5in;"><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: large;">Has your heart been pierced for Christ? If not,
He’s waiting with the awl.</span></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 150%; margin-bottom: 0in;"><span style="background-color: white; text-indent: 0.5in;"><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: large;">Father, we dedicate ourselves to
You . . . forever. </span></span></p><p><span style="color: red; font-family: verdana; font-size: large;">If you enjoyed this devotion, please share it with your friends. </span></p><p><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: large;"><br /></span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span class="text"><span style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial; font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: 14pt;"><i style="background-color: #fff9ee; color: #333333; font-family: arial, tahoma, helvetica, freesans, sans-serif; font-size: 19.8px; line-height: 36.96px;"><span face="" style="font-size: medium;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiQ0U5sxxoUsjIF9HQQCjICK0WDdv8lvT-Bd4XLQnlA9NLwxIyZTgWoRRWFLXN-PvzWIv4LBm8qGm7M86TFgtKSw3vINZv0cOK9Bn_HHSb049TsorlcpBJxvkCBuW_3ZYYk2UGvXgrFODpHya6n5_SmdYLMc20ISYuNCY_3d2L5mDiZmTu7cA1JsexGAmug/s320/us10.jpg" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="320" data-original-width="240" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiQ0U5sxxoUsjIF9HQQCjICK0WDdv8lvT-Bd4XLQnlA9NLwxIyZTgWoRRWFLXN-PvzWIv4LBm8qGm7M86TFgtKSw3vINZv0cOK9Bn_HHSb049TsorlcpBJxvkCBuW_3ZYYk2UGvXgrFODpHya6n5_SmdYLMc20ISYuNCY_3d2L5mDiZmTu7cA1JsexGAmug/w150-h200/us10.jpg" width="150" /></a></span></i></span></span></div><p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 12.0pt; margin: 12pt 0in 0in;"><span class="text"><span style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial;"></span></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 12.0pt; margin: 12pt 0in 0in;"><span style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial;"></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 12.0pt; margin: 12pt 0in 0in;"><span style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial;"></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 12.0pt; margin: 12pt 0in 0in;"><span style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial;"></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 12.0pt; margin: 12pt 0in 0in;"><span style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial;"></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 12.0pt; margin: 12pt 0in 0in;"><span style="background: white;"></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 12.0pt; margin: 12pt 0in 0in;"><span style="background: white;"></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 12.0pt; margin: 12pt 0in 0in;"><span class="text"><span style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial;"><span class="text"><span style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial;"><i style="background-color: #fff9ee; color: #333333; line-height: 36.96px;"><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: medium;">Thanks to all our faithful followers who share our posts! We also invite you to follow and like us on <a href="https://www.facebook.com/martinwilesgreenwoodsc?ref=hl" style="color: #6699cc;">Facebook</a>, <a href="http://www.pinterest.com/martinwiles/" style="color: #6699cc;">Pinterest</a>, <a href="https://twitter.com/linesfromgod" style="color: #6699cc;">Twitter</a>, and <a href="https://www.instagram.com/lovelinesfromgod" target="_blank">Instagram</a>. Help us spread God's encouragement through His Love Lines.</span></i></span></span></span></span></p>Martin Wileshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10701425106598292224noreply@blogger.com0