tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-81041575323455038602024-02-07T01:53:52.135-08:00Quake Youth MinistryKathy Rohrshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02220216221705415626noreply@blogger.comBlogger12125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8104157532345503860.post-45285415618821493762014-04-20T06:28:00.000-07:002014-04-20T06:28:11.880-07:00What does the resurrection mean to Mark? The resurrection means everything. This is the glue that
holds our faith and belief in Christ as the Messiah together. <br />
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1<sup>st</sup> Corinthians 15:12-15 tells us that our faith,
our preaching, our beliefs, our hopes are <u>useless</u> if Jesus was <u>not</u>
raised from the dead. If so, then we are still in sin. We are utterly lost and
hopeless. <o:p></o:p></div>
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<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><u>But</u></i></b> Jesus has risen! <o:p></o:p></div>
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Friday came, but now it is Sunday. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></div>
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Through Jesus death on a cross and his resurrection from the
dead, I can be justified (just-as-if-I-never-sinned) to God through Jesus. I
could have never done this on my own. My sin had separated me from God, but
with Jesus rising from the dead I now have new life in Jesus and able to be in
right relationship with the Father. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“I
have been crucified with Christ and I no longer live, but Christ lives in me. The
life I now live in the body, I live by faith in the Son of God, who loved me
and gave himself for me” (Galatians 2:20). <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Also, my old self was crucified and now I am no
longer a slave to sin (Romans 6:6), but set free to live a life according to his calling.<o:p></o:p></div>
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Jesus was pierced for our transgressions, he was crushed for
our iniquities; the punishment that us peace was upon Jesus, and by his wounds
we are healed (Isaiah 53:5). <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></div>
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In dying Satan struck Jesus' heal, but Jesus came back to life and has crushed Satan’s head (Genesis 3:15). <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Jesus defeated the Devil. We no longer have to live in fear or worry about the Satan and his schemes, but are freed and have abundant life in Jesus Christ. <o:p></o:p></div>
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Thank you Jesus for dying and resurrecting for you and me.<o:p></o:p></div>
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What does the resurrection mean to you?<o:p></o:p></div>
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Mark <o:p></o:p></div>
Markhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03579113353794333647noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8104157532345503860.post-12778691839058395972014-04-16T11:31:00.000-07:002014-04-16T11:31:08.320-07:00There was another cross?!?On Thursday, Jesus had his last meal, was betrayed by one of his disciples, sought refuge in prayer with God in a garden, and then Jesus was bound and arrested.<br />
<br />
On Friday morning, Jesus has accused by religious leaders for be a blasphemer and a public nuisance and taken before the governor for a trial. Then his countrymen let a known murder go free and choose death and crucifixion for Jesus. Jesus was then mocked, beaten, spat on, and bruised. Roman guards smashed a crown of thorns into his head and put purple clothing on him to mock him as being a king. They then forced to pick up his cross and walk to Golgotha on the outskirts of the city. From there he was pierced three times. He struggled to breath and grew thirsty. Jesus took up his cross and bore the world's sin on it. There two other crosses that day that the criminals on them. They were to Jesus' left and to this right.<br />
<br />
Yet there was another cross.<br />
<br />
Wait, there wasn't four cross? But I thought there were only three?!?<br />
<br />
Today, that fourth cross is yours and mine. It's the cross where our old self was crucified. "For we know that our old self was crucified with him so that the body ruled by sin might be done away with, that we should no longer be slaves to sin!"(Romans 6:6)<br />
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Jesus tells us in Luke 9:23-26:<br />
<br />
<span class="text Luke-9-23" id="en-NLT-25293" style="background-color: white; font-family: Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 16px;"><span class="woj" style="color: red;">“If any of you wants to be my follower, you must turn from your selfish ways, take up your cross daily, and follow me.</span></span><span style="background-color: white; font-family: Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 16px;"> </span><span class="text Luke-9-24" id="en-NLT-25294" style="background-color: white; font-family: Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 16px;"><span class="versenum" style="font-size: 0.75em; font-weight: bold; vertical-align: top;">24 </span><span class="woj" style="color: red;">If you try to hang on to your life, you will lose it. But if you give up your life for my sake, you will save it.</span></span><span style="background-color: white; font-family: Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 16px;"></span><span class="text Luke-9-25" id="en-NLT-25295" style="background-color: white; font-family: Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 16px;"><span class="versenum" style="font-size: 0.75em; font-weight: bold; vertical-align: top;">25 </span><span class="woj" style="color: red;">And what do you benefit if you gain the whole world but are yourself lost or destroyed?</span></span><span style="background-color: white; font-family: Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 16px;"> </span><span class="text Luke-9-26" id="en-NLT-25296" style="background-color: white; font-family: Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 16px;"><span class="versenum" style="font-size: 0.75em; font-weight: bold; vertical-align: top;">26 </span><span class="woj" style="color: red;">If anyone is ashamed of me and my message, the Son of Man will be ashamed of that person when he returns in his glory and in the glory of the Father and the holy angels.</span></span><span style="background-color: white; color: red; font-family: Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 16px;">"</span><br />
<br />
Each of us have a cross to bear. Are we willing to pick up it, lose your selfish desires, let go of our life, and give it over to Jesus?<br />
<br />
If we do believe in Jesus our lives will change dramatically. The old life will be gone and the new one is here. We will find forgiveness! We will find life! We will find purpose!<br />
<br />
Hang up the old life you lived on the cross. Go start your new life now and live for Christ!<br />
<br />Markhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03579113353794333647noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8104157532345503860.post-29318618520519460992014-04-09T09:00:00.000-07:002014-04-09T09:00:09.212-07:00I Needed a Savior<!--[if gte mso 9]><xml>
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<![endif]--><span style="font-family: "Calibri","sans-serif";"><i>This is a fictional story that I wrote in thinking about what it truly would have been like to be a person who lived at the same time as Jesus and watched his life and death unfold.</i> </span><span style="font-family: "Calibri","sans-serif";"> </span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-family: "Calibri","sans-serif";">I
had known of him for many years.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I even
remember my father, a faithful Jewish leader, casting aside rumors from about
30 years ago.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>At that time, there were
stories about a baby who was born by a virgin and would come to save us, who
would finally be the King that the Jewish people were looking for.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>There was a woman named Anna, who saw him in
the temple and said so.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>She was a
faithful woman and people trusted her.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>But then, nothing happened.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>This
boy, he was raised by common parents, and the last I heard before a few years
ago, was that he was training to be a carpenter.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>A wood worker?<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>He wasn’t even training to become a religious
teacher – like all of the boys who wanted to tell people about the Scriptures
and God.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Surely, the rumors weren’t true.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I was just a little girl when I first heard
those rumors, and I decided that they must not have been much of anything.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>So as time went on, my father and mother
arranged for me to marry a nice Jewish boy.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>We were 16 when we got married.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I
remember a few times in the next year, I would see that young Jewish man travel
with his family to Jerusalem
for Passover.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Even though he didn’t know
me, I kind of wanted to keep track of him.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>Just in case the rumors were true … but of course they couldn’t be.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>A Jewish man from Galilee
who was a carpenter – how could he save us?</span><span style="font-family: "Calibri","sans-serif";"></span><span style="font-family: "Calibri","sans-serif";"> </span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-family: "Calibri","sans-serif";">My
husband and I, we have had many children.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>Even now, my youngest is just a babe and I carry her everywhere with
me.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>She is probably my last child, and
I treasure her.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>She is my gift from
God.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Recently, things have started to
heat up in Jerusalem.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Apparently, Jesus is doing more than just
being a carpenter now.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I’ve started to
hear stories, and I don’t know what to believe.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>There are rumors that he is healing people, that those who were blind
can see, and those who were crippled can walk.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>I know it seems impossible, but I even heard that he raised<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>a man from the dead.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>How can that be?</span><span style="font-family: "Calibri","sans-serif";"> </span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-family: "Calibri","sans-serif";">My
husband doesn’t think any of the rumors are true, but when I see my father, he
doesn’t say much.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>He refuses to deny
them, but I think he’s scared to talk about them at all.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I mean, is this even possible?<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>But as time goes on, I’m just confused.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>He touches unclean people – people the Law
says we can’t – and shares that we are to love our enemies.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I thought we were supposed to overthrow our
enemies in Rome
and now he’s telling us to love them?<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I
don’t get it.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>But still, there’s
something different.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>He’s not rambling
like a crazy person – I’ve heard him speak once.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>He speaks with power, but with kindness.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>And when I heard him speak, he spoke all
about what God’s kingdom was like, like he has personally seen where God sits
and knows all things.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>He speaks in a way
that just makes you want to trust him.</span><span style="font-family: "Calibri","sans-serif";"></span><span style="font-family: "Calibri","sans-serif";"> </span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-family: "Calibri","sans-serif";">Last
week, he rode into Jerusalem
and people adored him.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It was like an
impromptu parade for him and the people were going crazy.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>When I heard the cheering, I thought – well,
maybe this is it.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Maybe the rumors are
true and our king is going to take the place he deserves.</span><span style="font-family: "Calibri","sans-serif";"> </span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-family: "Calibri","sans-serif";">At
Passover tonight, my husband shared about how God saved us from Egypt by
sacrificing the first born child of the Egyptians.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>How we were saved by spreading the blood of a
lamb on our doors.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>God saved us, but
would he save us again?<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Were his
promises really true?<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I couldn’t help
but think about these things as I rocked my sweet girl in the middle of the
night.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>When would we really be
free?<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>When would the promised Messiah
come?<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>And as I was thinking that, there
was a commotion down the street.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I
looked out and saw torches coming down from the Mount of
Olives.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>There was a crowd
of angry men heading to the synagogue, and as I stepped out my front door for a
better view, my eyes locked with his for just a moment.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">Jesus. </i>They
were taking him away.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Handcuffed.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I tried to put my baby back to sleep, but she
just fussed.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>So we sat all night –
listening to the sounds from down the street.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>I heard voices making accusations, and lots of commotion in the
courtyard outside the synagogue.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It
became silent, and I thought they had settled the dispute until the entire mob
passed my home – they were on the way to Pilate.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I don’t know what happened there, but as
morning rose, there was a strange air in the city.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span> </span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-family: "Calibri","sans-serif";">Something was not right.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I walked outside to see the mob forming a
path to Golgotha.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>No.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It
couldn’t be.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>But it was.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>They had decided to execute Jesus.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I knew my husband wouldn’t approve, but I had
to go.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I swaddled our baby, and headed
to the path.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I was there just in time to
see him pass, and the bottom fell out of my stomach.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I guess that I truly believed he was the
Messiah.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I wanted to believe he was one
who would save us.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I wanted to believe that
he was the one who really did miracles.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>But how could<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>a Savior die?<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>How could our King be crucified?<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>He was sentenced to the death of
criminals.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I continued to follow the
crowd, and as I did, holding my baby tighter and tighter, I saw them put the
nails in his hands.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I saw them twist the
crown of thorns onto his head, and then I saw them lift the cross up.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Many people came and went through the next
hours, but I saw a group of people right in front of the cross who refused to
leave.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>His followers.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Among them, Mary – that woman who was a
sinner, but started following him, John, who stopped being a fisherman in order
to be his disciple, and his mother, the one who had wrapped him up all those
years ago.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>They were firmly planted
before the cross, crying and praying.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I
couldn’t move.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I stayed, and I saw him
take his last breath six hours later.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>At
that point, I knew somehow.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-family: "Calibri","sans-serif";"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Jesus had
died for me.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I hadn’t asked him to.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>But he had died because I needed a
Savior.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></span><span style="font-family: "Calibri","sans-serif";"></span>
Kathy Rohrshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02220216221705415626noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8104157532345503860.post-55861090831065249302014-04-06T12:00:00.000-07:002014-04-06T12:00:01.182-07:00Can God really heal someone?<div class="MsoNormal" style="mso-layout-grid-align: none; mso-pagination: none; text-autospace: none;">
<span style="color: #262626; font-family: "Helvetica Neue"; font-size: 14.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Helvetica Neue";">Here is a story about Mark
as an intern to a youth ministry in Arizona while on a mission trip to Arkansas
in the summer of 2008.</span><span style="font-family: Times; font-size: 16.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Times;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<br /></div>
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<span style="color: #262626; font-family: "Helvetica Neue"; font-size: 14.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Helvetica Neue";">The wooden staircase
beneath my feet was wet from a youth group full of students going down Alan's
80 foot man-made water slide into a pond. My fear of going down the slide had
ceased due to my previous ride into the pond. (Water slide pictured below).</span><span style="font-family: Times; font-size: 16.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Times;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<br /></div>
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<a href="https://fbcdn-photos-h-a.akamaihd.net/hphotos-ak-frc1/t1.0-0/250591_507823482160_2852_a.jpg"><span style="color: #0000e9; font-family: Times; font-size: 16.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Times; mso-no-proof: yes; text-decoration: none; text-underline: none;"><!--[if gte vml 1]><v:shapetype
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</v:shape><![endif]--><!--[if !vml]--><!--[endif]--></span></a><u style="text-underline: #0000E9;"><span style="color: #0000e9; font-family: Times; font-size: 16.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Times;"><o:p></o:p></span></u></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="mso-layout-grid-align: none; mso-pagination: none; text-autospace: none;">
<a href="webkit-fake-url://CA94F1D3-28AD-4C9C-B096-79925B424386/application.pdf" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="webkit-fake-url://CA94F1D3-28AD-4C9C-B096-79925B424386/application.pdf" width="150" /></a><span style="color: #262626; font-family: "Helvetica Neue"; font-size: 14.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Helvetica Neue";">I desired to go a second
time and the bugs in Arkansas are biting me as I approach the top of the slide.
I placed my raft down and mist from the hose above my head is covering my body.
Then, I placed both my hands firmly on the raft and double check to make sure
the pond below me I clear of others. I pushed off and went down. I was going so
fast, but a song entered my mind. I was mumbling a John Denver song, "I'm
leaving on a jet plane...” At that moment a smart idea came to me as I am
singing the song: I should do a flip off the ramp before I hit the water. Well,
here goes nothing, I said to my self. I tuck as soon as I felt my body leave
the slide and threw my raft to complete this dumb trick. Upon completing the
trick I smacked the left side of my face against the water first. An intensive
pain overcame my left ear and immediately my ear had been super clogged from
the impact of the water going that fast. </span><span style="font-family: Times; font-size: 16.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Times;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="color: #262626; font-family: "Helvetica Neue"; font-size: 14.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Helvetica Neue";">I told myself, I am done.
No more rides down the slide for me on this Friday evening in woods of Little
Rock, Arkansas. The pain was growing ever worse; maybe this is something more
than just an ear infection? It was 2:30am the morning after the accident
and I was unable to sleep due to pain. My ear had begun to leak. I told myself
I will be fine in the morning. That night lasted forever. The leaking continued
and I placed a Q-tip in my ear and retrieved an orangeish-red substance from my
ear. Thinking this is great my ear is now bleeding and I am flying back to
Phoenix, Arizona in a matter of hours. I started praying that God will do
something with my ear, because I have had issues before with flying and ear
problems. God answered my prayer as we landed in Phoenix without to many issues
on Saturday Night. I headed out to church the next morning extra early
to go to the prayer room at the church and I found myself praying for my ear to
be fixed. I was unsure if God would really grand my request, since it seemed
selfish for me to pray for that. Yet, I did, I asked God to fix my ear, but
nothing happened that day. On Monday, I headed out for High School Camp and we
were passing "Dead-man's Wash" on I-17 towards Prescott, AZ my ear
began to throb once again, I could literally feel my heart beating in my ear. I
noticed the previous night that I had a lot of residue on my pillow case from
my left ear. This throbbing intensified as the van was going to Sr. High Camp
climbing up and down the mountains and with multiple altitude changes. I grabbed
a Kleenex from my backpack and tore a piece of it and placed in my ear. We
arrived at camp and the camp had the theme of "Restoration
Project" and the whole idea was to restore ourselves to Christ, build
community, and restore others. Once we arrived, I had to go to the
Urgent Care in Prescott Valley, about a 30 minute drive. My heart was sinking,
because I had to leave the campers and head out with another adult to the
hospital. I didn't know even know the full extent of what I was about to find
out too. After a long wait, I finally got sent back to my room. The doctor came
in and went to my good ear first, the right one which looked fine. Then the
doctor goes towards my left ear. He accompanied his search of my ear with
noises which sort of scared me. He pulls his tool out of my ear and told me,
“You are not going to like what I found!” Oh great, what is this doctor going
to tell me? The doctor says, “You have a HOLE in your ear drum, about the size
of a pencil eraser, with an infection around the hole. You have about an 80%
chance that you will have to have surgery on it in the next few days.” The
doctor then had a number of doctors and nurses to come in to check out the hole
in my ear. I sarcastically say to a doctor in the hallway, “HEY! Do you wanta
look too?” I felt like a rat lab while all the medical professionals were
looking at my ear. Camp had gone very well that week. The speaker at
camp, Kristen, spoke on Jesus' miracle, what the early church did after
Pentecost, and about miracles occurring even today. The thought of God
restoring me was taking over my mind. We headed back to Phoenix that Friday. On
Sunday morning, Pastor Dave told a story about a friend who had been healed by
God. The Holy Spirit was speaking to my heart and I went forward during the
alter call. One of the elders of this church came up to me and asked if I
wanted to be anointed with oil for God’s healing. I believed whole-heartedly
that God was going to restore me. I was ready to see God move, and move in a
new big way! On Monday, I had Middle School Camp and headed back up to
Urgent Care on the way to camp. I had the same doctor as last week and
remembered me. He inspected both my ears without making a sound. He asked me,
“So… which ear was it that had the whole?” As he looked at the medical records
from my last visit, I began to laugh and was almost in disbelief. I explained
to him that it was left ear and how awesome it was that God healed me the
previous day. It was a great opportunity to share with the Doctor the way in
which God healed me since he began to question me about the whole situation and
what happened since he saw me last. It was an incredible blessing to be touched
by God and healed. I asked God for the healing and gave God all the glory, as
we should!<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<br /></div>
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<span style="color: #262626; font-family: "Helvetica Neue"; font-size: 14.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Helvetica Neue";">----------------------------------------------------------------<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="color: #262626; font-family: "Helvetica Neue"; font-size: 14.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Helvetica Neue";">A few great Scriptures on
healing:<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="color: #262626; font-family: "Helvetica Neue"; font-size: 14.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Helvetica Neue";">----------------------------------------------------------------<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="color: #262626; font-family: "Helvetica Neue"; font-size: 14.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Helvetica Neue";">In Psalm 30:2, it says,
"O' LORD my God, I called to you for help and you helped me."<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="mso-layout-grid-align: none; mso-pagination: none; text-autospace: none;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="mso-layout-grid-align: none; mso-pagination: none; text-autospace: none;">
<span style="color: #262626; font-family: "Helvetica Neue"; font-size: 15.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Helvetica Neue";">In James 5:14 “Is anyone
among you sick? Let him call for the elders of the church, and let them pray
over him, anointing him with oil in the name of the Lord.” </span><span style="color: #262626; font-family: "Helvetica Neue"; font-size: 14.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Helvetica Neue";"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<br /></div>
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<span style="color: #262626; font-family: "Helvetica Neue"; font-size: 15.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Helvetica Neue";">In Mark 11:24, Jesus says,
“Therefore I say to you, whatever things you ask when you pray, believe that
you receive them, and you will have them.”</span><span style="color: #262626; font-family: "Helvetica Neue"; font-size: 14.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Helvetica Neue";"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<br /></div>
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<span style="color: #262626; font-family: "Helvetica Neue"; font-size: 15.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Helvetica Neue";">In Matthew 10:8, the
disciples are told to, "Heal the sick, cleanse the lepers, raise the dead,
cast out devils: freely you have received, freely give."</span><span style="font-family: Times; font-size: 16.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Times;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<br /></div>
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<span style="color: #262626; font-family: "Helvetica Neue"; font-size: 14.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Helvetica Neue";">----------------------------------------------------------------<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="color: #262626; font-family: "Helvetica Neue"; font-size: 14.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Helvetica Neue";">Questions on Healing<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="color: #262626; font-family: "Helvetica Neue"; font-size: 14.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Helvetica Neue";">----------------------------------------------------------------<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="mso-layout-grid-align: none; mso-pagination: none; text-autospace: none;">
<span style="color: #262626; font-family: "Helvetica Neue"; font-size: 14.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Helvetica Neue";">"<u style="text-underline: #0000E9;">Does God still heal?</u>"<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="mso-layout-grid-align: none; mso-pagination: none; text-autospace: none;">
<span style="color: #262626; font-family: "Helvetica Neue"; font-size: 14.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Helvetica Neue";">I would have to say that,
"Yes, God heals!" I have experienced his touch, his love, and his
healing. God can and will heal the emotional, physical, and spiritual aspects
of our lives! My experience is not alone, there are many others I know whom
have been healed by God.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="mso-layout-grid-align: none; mso-pagination: none; text-autospace: none;">
<u style="text-underline: #262626;"><span style="color: #262626; font-family: "Helvetica Neue"; font-size: 14.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Helvetica Neue";">Does God always heal us when we ask and believe?</span></u><span style="color: #262626; font-family: "Helvetica Neue"; font-size: 14.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Helvetica Neue";"> <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="mso-layout-grid-align: none; mso-pagination: none; text-autospace: none;">
<span style="color: #262626; font-family: "Helvetica Neue"; font-size: 14.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Helvetica Neue";">No, God does not always
heal us. But, he can and will, we must ask and believe. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="mso-layout-grid-align: none; mso-pagination: none; text-autospace: none;">
<span style="color: #262626; font-family: "Helvetica Neue"; font-size: 14.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Helvetica Neue";">Sometimes we must go
through sickness, pain, and even death without healing. We must give God the
glory for when He heals and does not heal. We look forward to the day with no
more pain or death (Revelations 21), by our relationship in Jesus in the coming
age. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="mso-layout-grid-align: none; mso-pagination: none; text-autospace: none;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="mso-layout-grid-align: none; mso-pagination: none; text-autospace: none;">
<u style="text-underline: #262626;"><span style="color: #262626; font-family: "Helvetica Neue"; font-size: 14.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Helvetica Neue";">If God does not heal you, that does not mean that he does not
love you? </span></u><span style="color: #262626; font-family: "Helvetica Neue"; font-size: 14.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Helvetica Neue";"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="mso-layout-grid-align: none; mso-pagination: none; text-autospace: none;">
<span style="color: #262626; font-family: "Helvetica Neue"; font-size: 14.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Helvetica Neue";">No, not believing healed
does not equate the amount of God's loves for you. God cares deeply about every
part of your life. Paul encourages us to give God the glory and "</span><span style="color: #010f18; font-family: Arial; font-size: 14.0pt;">always (give) thanks
to God the Father for everything, in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ.</span><span style="color: #262626; font-family: "Helvetica Neue"; font-size: 14.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Helvetica Neue";">" (Ephesians 5:20)<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<u style="text-underline: #262626;"><span style="color: #262626; font-family: "Helvetica Neue"; font-size: 14.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Helvetica Neue";">Can God heal through medicine, science, doctors?</span></u><span style="color: #262626; font-family: "Helvetica Neue"; font-size: 14.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Helvetica Neue";"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="color: #262626; font-family: "Helvetica Neue"; font-size: 14.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Helvetica Neue";">Yes, God can use doctors
and counselors to help us in the healing process too with physical, emotional,
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to enable healing to happen. God has given medical professionals knowledge and
understanding into how to help people in the healing process. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Times; font-size: 16.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Times;">-Mark </span><o:p></o:p></div>
Markhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03579113353794333647noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8104157532345503860.post-18315519595414522262014-03-30T12:19:00.001-07:002014-03-30T12:41:28.557-07:00HomoousisSay whaaaaa?? If you read this post title and thought, "well, it's all Greek to me", you are absolutely right. The title of this post is the Greek word that perfectly describes what we have been talking about this week. The mystery of Christ. Fully God. Fully human. The word "homoousis" is Greek for "of the same substance or essence" and it describes the truth that Jesus and God are equal with each other and of the same form. They cannot be separated. <div><br></div><div>One of the great things about being part of the 21st century church is that we stand on the shoulders of amazing giants who have given us a foundation for our faith. In the fourth century, people like Athanasius worked hard to keep the truth of the gospel and the Bible from being distorted. There were teachers like a guy named Arius going around telling people that the Jesus was created by God and therefore, not equal with God. <span style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue Light', HelveticaNeue-Light, helvetica, arial, sans-serif;"> But faithful teachers questioned Arius' beliefs (which were spreading quickly) and defended our faith through working hard to gather people around a statement that would affirm what the Bible really says - that God the Father and God the Son are equal and eternal. It was affirmed by the church at the Council of Nicea and for that reason, we call it The Nicene Creed. Just like The Apostle's Creed, we believe these words. That statement begins like this:</span></div><div><br></div><div><p style="margin: 0px; padding: 0px 0px 10px; border: 0px; outline: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;"><span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);"><i>We believe in one God,<br>The Father, the Almighty,<br>Maker of heaven and earth,<br>of all that is seen and unseen.</i></span></p><p style="margin: 0px; padding: 0px 0px 10px; border: 0px; outline: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;"><span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);"><i>We believe in one Lord, Jesus Christ,<br>the only Son of God,<br>eternally begotten of the Father,<br>God from God, Light from Light,<br>True God from True God,<br>begotten, not made,<br>of one being with the Father;<br>through Him all things were made.<br>For us and for our salvation</i></span></p><p style="margin: 0px; padding: 0px 0px 10px; border: 0px; outline: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;"><span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);"><i>...</i></span></p></div><div>(It continues and talks about the Holy Spirit as equal too; you can find the whole text at http://www.confessingumc.org/our-story/historical-documents/united-methodist-hymnal-the-nicene-creed-and-the-apostles-creed/) </div><div><br></div><div>Aren't you glad that you and I didn't have to figure that out? The word "begotten" means "brought about" and not created. Jesus' life on earth was brought about out of God but he wasn't born or created. He has always existed. While it may not seem that important, think about this. If Jesus wasn't God, then God sent some random guy to the cross to die for us and not himself. If he didn't die for us, then our forgiveness isn't real. Only the sacrifice of our perfect God can save us. The belief called "homoousis" reminds us that these words are actually true:</div><div><br></div><div>For God so loved the world that he sent his only begotten Son that whoever believes in him wil not perish but have everlasting life." - John 3:16</div><div><br></div><div>So in 325 AD, people fought hard to make sure that others would teach the most popular Bible verse written and not ignore it. Without Athanasius and his friends, John 3:16 wouldn't be recognized by you or me. And we wouldn't understand just what great of a sacrifice God made for each of us in giving himself. Tonight, as you go to bed, say a prayer of thanks for Athanasius, the Nicene Creed, and mostly, God coming as a human to making His love known to the world. </div>Kathy Rohrshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02220216221705415626noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8104157532345503860.post-62443636985896883342014-03-26T12:00:00.000-07:002014-03-26T12:00:53.492-07:00What you find in His presence! Have you ever had one of those days, months, or seasons where it seems like everything is falling apart? Nothing is going as planned? You kinda just want to give up?<br />
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I remember the late winter of my first year of college at Miami University. I was doing well in my classes and working full-time. My parents called my older brother and me in for a family meeting. These rarely happened, but if they did, we knew it was something big. My parents began to tell us the news that my Dad lost his job, just three months after his 30th year at the company!<br />
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Now, he was jobless.<br />
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Wow, what a shocker!<br />
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Questions were going through my mind: how are we going to survive? Will I need to quit college?<br />
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My Dad went on an interview tour across the country. He was being thoroughly looked at multiple companies in different states. He accepted a position in Safford, Arizona. Where? That was my exact question too.<br />
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My parents told me to think about coming with them once the house sold. They gave me the option of going to college somewhere out there, continue going to Miami University, or find another college. My focus in the meantime would be to watch over the house, clean the house, and take care of my older brother. My question to my parents, is that not the job of my older brother?<br />
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This was a troublesome time in my life. I had lots of questions with few answers. My attention was honestly completely on myself, what my next steps in life would be, and where I was going to live. For the first time in many years, God enabled me to do a three things in my life:<br />
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<ol>
<li>STOP. My life had been going a hundred miles an hour to fix what went wrong. This process of stopping started about one week after I found out about my Dad had lost his job. The act of stopping was much needed. God showed me through his love and care that we would completely take care of me, my family, and all the different situations in my life. My goal in this situation was to not fix, solve, or do anything in my own power, but to come to him. </li>
<li>COME. Jesus called me to "come" to him (<a href="http://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Matthew+11%3A28-30&version=NLT">Matthew 11:28-30</a>). I was able to quit looking for answers elsewhere. I was able to go to him directly and talk. He was there to listen and hear me out. All of my frustrations and pains could be heard, understood, and released. I came close to God, and God came close to me (<a href="http://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=James+4%3A8&version=NLT">James 4:8</a>).</li>
<li>REST. I knew that God had it all taken care of in advanced. I could actually rest, breathe, and have peace in the situation. Just as with Moses, the Lord tells us that he will personally go with us and give you rest - everything will be fine (<a href="http://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Exodus+33%3A14&version=NLT">Exodus 33:14</a>). </li>
</ol>
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By God doing these three things in me, he showed me where he wanted me to go to school for the remainder of college, that my family would be taken care of, show me what I was to do with my life, and that in his presence is the only place I would find the fullness of joy (<a href="http://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Psalm+16%3A11&version=NLT">Psalm 16:11</a>). These troubles and questions became an opportunity for joy to occur (<a href="http://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=James+1%3A2-4&version=NLT">James 1:2-4</a>). This weird act which would not have been my choice, was one of the most impactful things that positively changed my life. I had true joy in life knowing that I was following his will for my life and living life to the fullest (<a href="http://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=John+10%3A10&version=NLT">John 10:10</a>).<br />
<br />
-Mark<br />
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<br />Markhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03579113353794333647noreply@blogger.com0Marysville, OH 43040, USA40.2612116 -83.35756700000001739.8734316 -84.003014000000022 40.6489916 -82.712120000000013tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8104157532345503860.post-63574497935229901702014-03-23T13:00:00.000-07:002014-03-23T13:00:01.002-07:00Soaking in God's PresenceI long for summer.<br />
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My body aches for the time where I can go outside, without a coat or hoodie on, to swim in a pool or jump into a lake off a dock swimming around until my body prunes up with water filling my pores.<br />
<br />
Or to go down an amusement park ride screaming and laughing until my gut hurts.<br />
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Or being on a bench swing, in a tree, or on a papason chair with the sun overhead reading a book or just to simply relaxing with an icy Coke-a-Cola Classic to drink.<br />
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There is just something about summer and resting. After a long school year, it is time to relax a little.<br />
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I can remember when I was in middle and high school, that I had my favorite spot to go in the summer. I had a pond in my backyard that about a dozen other houses backed up to. There was a wooden bench there under a large weeping willow tree that was perfect for fishing. This was my space. After a busy day of chores or getting back from my job, this is where you could find me. I would retreat to that exact spot, which looked kind of like this:<br />
<img class="irc_mut" src="http://images.fineartamerica.com/images-medium-large/the-pond-bench-robert-bottass.jpg" height="214" id="irc_mi" style="margin-top: 22px;" width="320" /><br />
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Yet, when I got there... something seemed to always happen.<br />
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I would get about three minutes of peace and quiet. Then, the things of this world would flood my mind: relationships, sports, friends, text messages, something I forgot to do, and always a sibling or neighbor would come by to pestering me.<br />
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My relaxing, my rest, well, it got interrupted.<br />
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Do you ever feel that way? <a href="http://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Psalms+46%3A10&version=NLT">Psalms 46:10</a> tells us, "be still and know that I am God." God desires for us to be still... how can we even do that today?<br />
We are to try to stay focused, forget everything else that is going on around us, and be in the presence of God to soak him in. Allow this time to be like your skin after swimming too long, soaked. To "know" God means that you are in relationship with him. Not simply seeing him on the weekends or casually in dialogue, but in constant contact with Him. Just the same way you would be in relationship with a close friend.<br />
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In <a href="http://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Matthew+11%3A28-30&version=NLT">Matthew 11:28-30</a>, Jesus calls those who have heavy burdens, those who are weighed down by life, to come to him and find rest. Jesus can take the weight of life all of your mistakes, regrets, sins, doubts, fears, inadequacies, and worries.<br />
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We cannot carry around the load any longer.<br />
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Give it over to the only one who can handle it all.<br />
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Begin to rest in him.<br />
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Let us get back to resting and soaking in Christ, allowing each of us to be satisfied and complete in Him. <br />
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-MarkMarkhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03579113353794333647noreply@blogger.com0Marysville, OH 43040, USA40.2612116 -83.35756700000001739.8734316 -84.003014000000022 40.6489916 -82.712120000000013tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8104157532345503860.post-51073684922661053412014-03-19T10:46:00.000-07:002014-03-20T10:36:50.194-07:00Self-DenialSunday nights are particularly exhausting for me. I've usually had a really fun day teaching, learning, laughing, and searching all over the church for my lost keys (every. single. week.). But, it's tiring. You know those long days at school where you come home and just want to crash? It feels like that. So after the girls are in bed, all I want to do is sit down beside Eric, watch a funny t.v. show, and eat a bowl of ice cream. There is absolutely nothing wrong with that, in my opinion.<br>
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But here's what happens. I tell myself, "I deserve an extra scoop because I'm <i>so</i> tired" or "I'll add twice as many Oreos because I need to reward myself for an great job today". Have any of you ever done this? At first, it's not so harmless. But sometimes, I give myself rewards and pick-me-ups rather than turning to God for a pick-me-up. I think to myself, "I <i>deserve</i> this" when there is really nothing that I deserve. I turn to food or other things to satisfy me, rather than trusting that I am enough and I am satisfied in Christ. It's ridiculous. And if you don't get this, then you'll think I'm even more of a lunatic than you already do. But can I suggest that maybe you do it too?<br>
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- You are annoyed with everyone around you so you tune them out to play a few minutes (or couple hours) of Flappy Bird, or Clash of Clans, or that weird tile game.<br>
- You post a selfie on Instagram to see how many likes you can get, so you will feel better about yourself.<br>
- You post a rant on Twitter just because you need to "get something off your chest".<br>
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If you've done this, you get me. <br>
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Is your worth determined by how many likes you have on Instagram or how good that chocolate ice cream tastes? Is your ability to handle rough situations only solvable through turning to social media as an outlet? Then maybe you (like me) need to learn to die to self.<br>
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I love the quote from <a href="http://billygraham.org/decision-magazine/september-2011/dying-to-self-and-discovering-so-much-more/">this article</a>: "To die to self is to set aside what we want in this moment and focus
instead on loving God with everything we’ve got and valuing others as
highly as we value ourselves (Matthew 22:37-39). This moves us away from
self-centeredness and closer to becoming openhearted followers of
Christ who care deeply for others. It’s much easier to pay attention to
the concerns, interests and needs of people (Philippians 2:3-4) when our
own interests no longer consume us." There is an open space in your life from what you gave up for Lent - what are you going to fill it with? If you can't play that game on your phone, send a friend an encouraging text. If you aren't watching t.v., spend extra time in the Word. If you gave up complaining, take up a gratitude journal to remember all you have to be thankful for. If we let go of what satisfies us temporarily, God will fill us with something so much better. <br>
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We fill our lives with lots of other things rather than leaning in to the gifts that God has for us. He wants to form you, shape you, reward you, and delight in you. The things we rely on are a crutch that keeps us from relying on God alone for all of our securities and needs. "[Overindulgence] turns food into our comfort in times of trouble and distress. We seek refuge in food at times when God should be our refuge. When this happens, we not only distort God’s good gifts, we replace God with them. - Teddy Ray (from this amazing article at <a href="http://teddyray.com/skinny-glutton/">http://teddyray.com/skinny-glutton/</a>)<br>
<div id="stcpDiv" style="left: -1988px; position: absolute; top: -1999px;">
gluttony
turns food into our comfort in times of trouble and distress. We seek
refuge in food at times when God should be our refuge. When this
happens, we not only distort God’s good gifts, we replace God with them.
- See more at: http://teddyray.com/skinny-glutton/#sthash.CCBENvBt.dpuf</div>
<br>
<div id="stcpDiv" style="left: -1988px; position: absolute; top: -1999px;">
gluttony
turns food into our comfort in times of trouble and distress. We seek
refuge in food at times when God should be our refuge. When this
happens, we not only distort God’s good gifts, we replace God with them.
- See more at: http://teddyray.com/skinny-glutton/#sthash.CCBENvBt.dpuf</div>
For me, that's what Lent is all about. It creates a habit where I stop reaching for stuff myself, and reach for God. It's an opportunity to pause from delighting in stuff, and delight in God. You know that verse, "Delight yourself in the Lord and he will give you the desires of your heart" (Psalm 37:4). I'm guessing that doesn't mean that when I delight in God, he will give me a bowl of ice cream. But it does mean that I'll be satisfied and know HIS delight in me when I turn to him.<br>
<br>Kathy Rohrshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02220216221705415626noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8104157532345503860.post-88465419653815648512014-03-16T15:00:00.000-07:002014-03-25T07:52:25.719-07:00Temptation is not the same as sin! How often do we forget that this in our lives:<br />
<b>Temptation is <u>not</u> the same thing as sin!</b><br />
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<b>Each one of us are tempted daily</b>. Know that this common to all mankind (<a href="http://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=1+Corinthians+1%3A13&version=NLT">1 Cor 1:13</a>). Not a day goes by that I am not tempted to do wrong. In the prayer Jesus' teaches us to pray in <a href="http://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Matthew%206:9-13&version=NIV">Matthew 6</a>, he tells us to pray "forgive us our debts" and to "lead us not into temptation." The debt he mentions is our sin that we have committed. The temptation is not sin, but what can lead to sin if we submit to the temptation. Jesus wants us pray for power and wisdom to not fall to the temptation. Since sin in is any voluntary act of transgression of the known law of God. If we do sin, God is gracious and will forgive us. That is the good news we have through Jesus Christ. The perfect Savior, who was sinless became sin for us! (<a href="http://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=2+corinthians+5%3A21&version=NIV">2 Cor 5:21</a>)<br />
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<b>Jesus was tempted in every way that we are, yet he was without sin</b> (<a href="http://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Hebrews+4%3A15&version=NLT">Heb 4:15</a>). Jesus himself was tempted just after fasting in wilderness by the Devil (<a href="http://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Matthew+4%3A1-11&version=NLT">Matthew 4:1-11</a>) and yet never succumb to sinning, because he remained faithful to God. He quoted Scripture to each attack by Satan. Jesus overcame temptation and lived a sinless life.<br />
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<b>One of the greatest lies Satan tells today is that if we have temptation then we are sinning</b>. He tries to defeat us by using his power to tempt us. Do NOT believe the lie that is not the case! Although, Satan is the one who tempts us (<a href="http://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=James+1%3A13-14&version=NLT">James 1:13-14</a>).<br />
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<b>Let us live free of the fear of temptation by knowing these three things: </b><br />
1. That we do <u>not</u> have to fall to temptation through watching yourself and prayer (<a href="http://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Matthew+26%3A41&version=NLT">Matthew 26:41</a>).<br />
2. That God will provide a way out (<a href="http://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=1+Corinthians+1%3A13&version=NLT">1 Cor 1:13</a>)<br />
3. That we can be blameless until he comes back! (<a href="http://www.biblegateway.com/verse/en/1%20Thessalonians%205%3A23">1 Thess 5:23</a>)<br />
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See you at Quake tonight at 6pm! Doors open at 5:30pm for Open Gym!<br />
*Sign up for Text Reminders: see right column for more details<br />
*Quake Lenten Photo Challenge: #temptation #quakelent2014<br />
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-MarkMarkhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03579113353794333647noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8104157532345503860.post-73783264258676645612014-03-12T14:30:00.000-07:002014-03-12T14:30:01.063-07:00Why did Jesus have to be "made perfect"?Yesterday's reading in the Lent Devotional was <a href="http://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Hebrews+2%3A5-18&version=NIV">Hebrews 2:5-18</a>. The theme was "Made like this" has really got my wheels turning on why did Jesus had to be "made... perfect" in <a href="http://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Hebrews+2%3A10&version=NIV">verse 10</a>.<br />
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<b>Why would God need to make Jesus perfect?</b><br />
Jesus was flawless, without sin, and perfectly moral. There wasn't a time he wasn't perfect.<br />
<span style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;">"</span><span style="background-color: white; font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;">God made him who had no sin</span><span class="crossreference" style="background-color: white; font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-weight: bold; vertical-align: top;" value="(<a href="#cen-NIV-28899A" title="See cross-reference A">A</a>)"></span><span style="background-color: white; font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;"> to be sin</span><span style="background-color: white; font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;"> for us, so that in him we might become the righteousness of God." 2 Corinthians 5:21</span><br />
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<b>Okay, then why would God need to make Jesus perfect?</b><br />
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It points more towards Jesus' assignment, his mission, his purpose on earth. "Make... perfect" like in <a href="http://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Hebrews+2%3A10&version=NIV">verse 10</a> is more about bring something to a rightful or appointed end. By suffering and dying on the cross, the perfect Son of God become our perfect Savior, opening a direct way to God.<br />
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Also, in <a href="http://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Hebrews+2%3A17&version=NIV">verse 17</a>, it says that Jesus did come to die for our sins, and also to become our High Priest, our only access to the Father. Jesus identified with our needs by become made like us and provided a way for us to approach God. Jesus had "no sin to be sin for us" (2 Corinthians 5:21), which allows us to connect to a holy and loving God. <br />
<br />
-Mark<br />
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Don't forget about the Photo Challenge for today: #king #quakelent2014<br />
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<br />Markhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03579113353794333647noreply@blogger.com0Marysville, OH 43040, USA40.2612116 -83.35756700000001739.8734316 -84.003014000000022 40.6489916 -82.712120000000013tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8104157532345503860.post-46665429867824782992014-03-09T06:01:00.001-07:002014-03-09T06:02:46.410-07:00Why would Jesus be tempted?<p class="s2" style="margin-top: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px;"><span style="background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0); font-family: 'Helvetica Neue Light', HelveticaNeue-Light, helvetica, arial, sans-serif; -webkit-text-size-adjust: auto;"> </span></p><p class="s2" style="margin-top: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px;"><span class="s6" style="font-weight: bold; -webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);">Is it because Satan thought Jesus was weak?</span></p><p class="s2" style="margin-top: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px;"><span class="s6" style="font-weight: bold; -webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);">To test Jesus?</span></p><p class="s2" style="margin-top: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px;"><span class="s6" style="font-weight: bold; -webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);">To trick Jesus into sinning?</span></p><p class="s2" style="margin-top: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px;"><span class="s6" style="font-weight: bold; -webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);"><br></span></p><p class="s2" style="margin-top: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px;"><span class="s6" style="font-weight: bold; -webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);"><span class="s2" style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue Light', HelveticaNeue-Light, helvetica, arial, sans-serif; font-weight: normal;">Let’s look at </span><a href="http://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=matthew+4%3A1-11&version=NIV" style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue Light', HelveticaNeue-Light, helvetica, arial, sans-serif; font-weight: normal;"><span class="s5">Matthew 4:1-11</span></a><span class="s2" style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue Light', HelveticaNeue-Light, helvetica, arial, sans-serif; font-weight: normal;"> and </span><a href="http://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Luke+23%3A35-43&version=NIV" style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue Light', HelveticaNeue-Light, helvetica, arial, sans-serif; font-weight: normal;"><span class="s5">Luke 23:35-43</span></a><span class="s2" style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue Light', HelveticaNeue-Light, helvetica, arial, sans-serif; font-weight: normal;">.</span></span></p><p class="s2" style="margin-top: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px;"><span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);"> </span></p><p class="s2" style="margin-top: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px;"><span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);"><span class="s2">When reading </span><a href="http://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=matthew+4%3A1-11&version=NIV"><span class="s5">Matthew 4:1-11</span></a><span class="s2">, </span><span class="s2">we find that Jesus was empowered and led by the Holy Spirit. God’s will was for Jesus to go into the wilderness. In the wilderness Jesus fasted for 40 days to prepare for his ministry. In L</span><a name="_GoBack"></a><span class="s2">uke’s version of this story, Luke states that Jesus was hungry, oh man I would have been too... 40 days!</span></span></p><p class="s2" style="margin-top: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px;"><span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);"> </span></p><p class="s2" style="margin-top: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px;"><span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);"><span class="s2">Then something strange happens. The devil comes to tempt </span><span class="s2">Jesus</span><span class="s2"> 3 times. At Quake tonight, Josh and Courtney will be sharing from </span><span class="s5"><a href="http://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=matthew+4%3A1-11&version=NIV">Matthew 4:1-11</a> </span><span class="s2">on Jesus being tempted by Satan in the wilderness. It’</span><span class="s2">s a familiar, yet interesting</span><span class="s2"> story. Come tonight and find out what it is all about!!!</span></span></p><p class="s2" style="margin-top: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px;"><span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);"> </span></p><p class="s2" style="margin-top: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px;"><span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);"><span class="s2">Also, Jesus is tempted in </span><a href="http://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Luke+23%3A35-43&version=NIV"><span class="s5">Luke 23:35-43</span></a><span class="s2">,</span><span class="s2"> while he is on the cross by those crucifying him </span><span class="s2">mocked him and told him to save himself </span><span class="s2">(v 35-38). </span><span class="s2">Jesus had the power and ability to save himself, yet gave himself up as an sacrifice for mankind. </span><span class="s2">Even one of the criminals on a cross next to Jesus hurled insults at him (v29). </span><span class="s2">Jesus died a shocking and horrific death, so we might be saved from our sin and restored into right relationship with God. At any time, Jesus could have changed this, but he insisted on doing the Father’s will.</span></span></p><p class="s2" style="margin-top: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px;"><span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);"> </span></p><p class="s2" style="margin-top: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px;"><span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);"><span class="s6" style="font-weight: bold;">Was Jesus weak?</span><span class="s2"> No. Jesus had the power and authority no one else on earth ever had. See </span><a href="http://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Matthew+28%3A18&version=NIV"><span class="s5">Matthew 28:18</span></a><span class="s2">. He healed, drove out demons, calmed raging seas, resurrected people, lived a perfect life, and was raised from the dead.</span></span></p><p class="s2" style="margin-top: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px;"><span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);"> </span></p><p class="s2" style="margin-top: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px;"><span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);"><span class="s6" style="font-weight: bold;">Did he pass the test?</span><span class="s2"> What do you think? Reread</span><span class="s2"> </span><a href="http://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=matthew+4%3A1-11&version=NIV"><span class="s5">Matthew 4:1-11</span></a><span class="s2">. </span></span></p><p class="s2" style="margin-top: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px;"><span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);"> </span></p><p class="s2" style="margin-top: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px;"><span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);"><span class="s6" style="font-weight: bold;">Was he tricked into sinning?</span><span class="s2"> No, he defeated temptation. God gives the power and way of any temptation. See </span><a href="http://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=1+Corinthians+10%3A13+&version=NIV"><span class="s5">1</span><span class="s7" style="vertical-align: super;">st</span><span class="s5">Corin</span><span class="s5">thians 10:13</span></a><span class="s2"> and </span><span class="s5"><a href="http://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=James+1%3A12-18&version=NIV">James 1:12-18.</a></span></span></p><p class="s2" style="margin-top: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px;"><span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);"><br></span></p><p class="s2" style="margin-top: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px;"><span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);">Grace and peace to you today,</span></p><p class="s2" style="margin-top: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px;"><span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto;">Mark </span></p>Kathy Rohrshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02220216221705415626noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8104157532345503860.post-8173851421522864562014-03-05T05:00:00.000-08:002014-03-05T05:00:07.798-08:00Ash Wednesday<br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: inherit;">My timeline and newsfeed have been filled with that age-old question that happens every year 46 days before Easter</span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: inherit;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">"what am i going to give up for </span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-large;"><b>lent</b></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">?"</span></span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: inherit; font-size: small;">every single year, it happens. I do it too. Last night, I thought I knew what I was doing, but still had to decide before I fell into a beautiful night of sleep. But because I was undecided yesterday, I tried to stock up on everything - I slept in, watched lots of TV, obsessively checked Facebook/twitter, decided on coffee for breakfast, reveled in pizza for lunch, and may have baked a few too many goodies for Bible study so I could gorge myself. Just maybe. Okay, that may sound like every other day, but I really went overboard - the ultimate Fat Tuesday.</span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: inherit;">So now you're probably asking you what I'm doing for Lent. I went to a Lutheran elementary school, and every year, it seemed like we were trying to trump each other. I mean, we knew Lent. It was taught to us in a wonderful way and giving up something was a great way to teach us to seek God. But these words stick out in my mind:</span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: inherit;"><span class="Apple-style-span">“Even now,” declares the LORD,</span><span class="Apple-style-span"> </span><span class="Apple-style-span"><br /></span><span class="Apple-style-span"> “return to me with all your heart,</span><span class="Apple-style-span"> </span><span class="Apple-style-span"><br /></span><span class="Apple-style-span"> with fasting and weeping and mourning.”</span></span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: inherit;">Rend your heart<br /> and not your garments.<br />Return to the LORD your God,<br /> for he is gracious and compassionate,<br />slow to anger and abounding in love,<br /> and he relents from sending calamity. </span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: inherit;">(Joel 2:12-13)</span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: inherit;">"Rend" means tear. In the Old Testament, people would tear their garments out of anguish as they mourned over their sins. But sometimes, rending garments became a public show that meant nothing on the inside. So here's what God I think God is saying to the people. </span></div>
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<i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: inherit;"> Fast, weep, and mourn - you need to do those things to return to me wholeheartedly. But don't tear your clothes as some empty way to show how holy you are. Tear your heart. May you be heartbroken over your sins. </span></i></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: inherit;">So this year, here's what I'm encouraging you to do - take this time to be truly repentant over your sins. Wholeheartedly return to God. Give something up that will help you remember how grateful we are to be for the forgiveness of God. Or even, take something on that draws you closer to God. Direct it towards God and your love for Him. But don't make a huge deal of it to others. Don't tear your clothes without tearing your heart. Hide your commitment to God in your heart and stick to it - for Him, not others.</span></div>
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Kathy Rohrshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02220216221705415626noreply@blogger.com2