tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-178623812024-02-28T03:26:17.447-05:00Michael's ReflectionsThis is a blog about God, church, family, country, and anything else that comes to mind. Blogging is much cheaper than therapy ;-)Michael D. Green, Jr.http://www.blogger.com/profile/05736161224178446728noreply@blogger.comBlogger108125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-17862381.post-12337508056446760942019-10-22T20:26:00.000-04:002019-10-22T20:26:05.590-04:00Ain't It Funny How Time Slips Away<a href="https://encrypted-tbn0.gstatic.com/images?q=tbn:ANd9GcRNj2aXgxw6qluPY2QNTWBfNakGbItNgw9SokYt6wBcTpWu9BcCJQ" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="Image result for time" border="0" height="133" src="https://encrypted-tbn0.gstatic.com/images?q=tbn:ANd9GcRNj2aXgxw6qluPY2QNTWBfNakGbItNgw9SokYt6wBcTpWu9BcCJQ" width="200" /></a>I happened across my neglected blog this morning and was once again reminded of how quickly time quickly passes. It has been over two years since I last wrote anything here! I enjoy writing and miss it greatly. However, we are at a BUSY season in life and must prioritize daily. Here are a few irons that we have in the fire:<br />
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<li><b>Serving God</b> -- Let me start off by saying that I am nowhere close to where I ought to be in this area and am daily convicted of my insufficiency! I am thankful for the promises of <b>2 Corinthians 12:9</b> which remind us that His strength is made perfect in our weakness. His grace is sufficient. Several years ago I was blessed with the opportunity to move back home and help serve the church that I was raised up in. I believe that the Lord was in this matter and continues to shower us with blessings. Shameless plug -- We meet every Sunday and Wednesday evening and would love to have you come and worship with us (<a href="http://www.macclennypbc.com/">www.MacclennyPBC.com</a>). In addition to this, we have been involved in supporting other saints that are seeking to start a new church. This has been very exciting and we have also seen the Lord's hand in this effort. He is still adding to His church! I have also been trying to be an encouragement to our local congregations as the Lord sees fit and this has left very little time for additional travels. My desire is for the cause of Christ to continue to be strong in our area and am thankful for the opportunity to serve in this capacity. However, I regularly pray that the Lord would add laborers into His harvest (<b>Matthew 9:37-38</b>). We have a great need in this area and I ain't getting any younger!! Pray for our region/state/nation that he would raise up men that would be faithful to His word and that our congregations would be strengthened by such. </li>
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Time has gotten away from me again (imagine that) and I will stop for now. I encourage you to regularly pause in the midst of the busyness of life and ALWAYS make sure that you are putting God first. My life consists of constantly recalibrating to ensure that this happens. Truthfully, it does not always occur, much to my shame. I appreciate the gentle (and sometimes not-so-gentle) reminders from those around me to make sure my priorities are straight. The fact is, time does get away quickly and we should strive to make the most of what we have left!</div>
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<b>Matthew 6:31-34 </b><i>Therefore take no thought, saying, What shall we eat? or, What shall we drink? or, Wherewithal shall we be clothed? 32 (For after all these things do the Gentiles seek:) for your heavenly Father knoweth that ye have need of all these things. 33 But seek ye first the kingdom of God, and his righteousness; and all these things shall be added unto you. 34 Take therefore no thought for the morrow: for the morrow shall take thought for the things of itself. Sufficient unto the day [is] the evil thereof</i>.</div>
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To be continued... </div>
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I hope that all have a wonderful evening!</div>
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MG</div>
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Michael D. Green, Jr.http://www.blogger.com/profile/05736161224178446728noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-17862381.post-29821266339134313822017-09-10T12:44:00.000-04:002017-09-10T12:44:00.340-04:00The Lord of Storms<div dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;">
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiAaf8IDYZJNXR3kAoKvRPUauTVQps_5pWHL3yzAgylKgw7qxb637OY1AosWkkTc-nmYzXX4hIgge5VdmeYcaMP5qGjUWg1CT46lUJchz3pdighG7AxnQWGL70uhsBe-ZorN8PTRQ/s1600/peace.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="364" data-original-width="550" height="131" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiAaf8IDYZJNXR3kAoKvRPUauTVQps_5pWHL3yzAgylKgw7qxb637OY1AosWkkTc-nmYzXX4hIgge5VdmeYcaMP5qGjUWg1CT46lUJchz3pdighG7AxnQWGL70uhsBe-ZorN8PTRQ/s200/peace.jpg" width="200" /></a></div>
<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: "arial"; font-size: 11pt; font-style: italic; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">And he arose, and rebuked the wind, and said unto the sea, Peace, be still. And the wind ceased, and there was a great calm. 40 And he said unto them, Why are ye so fearful? how is it that ye have no faith?</span><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: "arial"; font-size: 11pt; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"> </span><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: "arial"; font-size: 11pt; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 700; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">-Mark 4:39-40</span></div>
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<div dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;">
<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: "arial"; font-size: 11pt; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">In the midst of preparing for the unprecedented storm that appears to be making landfall in the next couple of days, it is important to remember that our Lord is with us through every storm of life. As were were preparing for bed last night my youngest son expressed his fears about the pending storm. He asked why wouldn’t God just send the storm away? I did my best to explain that He is certainly able and might possibly do that. We recalled the miraculous ‘bobble’ that last year’s Hurricane Matthew experienced prior to making landfall. While the damage was great, it could have been much worse. We also experienced numerous manifestations of His grace and mercy in the days following that storm.</span></div>
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<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: "arial"; font-size: 11pt; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">Jesus’ apostles in Mark 4 were in the midst of of a perilous storm. Where was Jesus as their vessel began to take on water? He was ASLEEP and they were incredulous! Can you imagine the thoughts that ran through their mind in the midst of their crises? “We have the Son of God with us and He is totally unconcerned about our plight!” “Why is He allowing this to happen to us? We are his apostles!” “Why doesn’t He bring a stop to all of this right now!”</span></div>
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<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: "arial"; font-size: 11pt; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">Truthfully, we all have such questions in times of trouble. How did the Savior respond to the storm of Mark 4? Simply stated, He acted at the perfect time; His time. The sovereign ruler of the universe spoke precisely at the right time and the winds and waves obeyed His will. </span></div>
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<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: "arial"; font-size: 11pt; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">I tried to offer a cogent explanation to console my son. I explained that we live in a world corrupted by sin. Adam’s transgression affected every part of earth, thus causing destructive weather patterns that oftentimes threaten humanity. This was not God’s plan for His creation, but a result of the judgement of sin and death being placed on mankind. While true, this offered little consolation to his six year old mind. </span></div>
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<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: "arial"; font-size: 11pt; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">What did offer comfort was the reminder that our Lord is in control. As long as we are on this planet we will battle fierce storms; some without and some within. God has blessed us with common sense to prepare for these storms, but we understand that there comes a point in all trials that we must exercise faith and cast our cares on the One who speaks, “Peace be still.” </span></div>
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<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: "arial"; font-size: 11pt; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">Friends, our Lord is always on time. He may not act when or where we think is best, but He knows what is best for His people. He might still turn this storm away from us (He is indeed able), but if He doesn’t we can trust that will provide sufficient grace for us in whatever the aftermath may be. </span></div>
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Michael D. Green, Jr.http://www.blogger.com/profile/05736161224178446728noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-17862381.post-13800374479085749802017-05-08T08:57:00.001-04:002017-05-08T08:57:17.110-04:00Evil Speech<div dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;">
<a 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" style="height: 165px; margin-top: 0px; width: 306px;" width="200" /></span></a><span style="background-color: transparent; font-family: Arial; font-size: 11pt; font-style: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-weight: 700; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">James 4:11-12</span><span style="background-color: transparent; font-family: Arial; font-size: 11pt; font-style: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"> </span><span style="background-color: transparent; font-family: Arial; font-size: 11pt; font-style: italic; font-variant-caps: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">Speak not evil one of another, brethren. He that speaketh evil of his brother, and judgeth his brother, speaketh evil of the law, and judgeth the law: but if thou judge the law, thou art not a doer of the law, but a judge. 12 There is one lawgiver, who is able to save and to destroy: who art thou that judgest another?</span></div>
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<span style="background-color: transparent; font-family: Arial; font-size: 11pt; font-style: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><br /></span></div>
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<span style="background-color: transparent; font-family: Arial; font-size: 11pt; font-style: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><br /></span></div>
<div dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;">
<span style="background-color: transparent; font-family: Arial; font-size: 11pt; font-style: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">Do you use your words to</span><span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 11pt; white-space: pre-wrap;"> build up or tear down others? In the above passage, James addresses the disciple’s speech for the second time in his letter to the church. Why the redundancy? Because the Lord know the pervasiveness of unruly speech in the life of a believer. </span></div>
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<div dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;">
<span style="background-color: transparent; font-family: Arial; font-size: 11pt; font-style: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">James is primarily concerned with how we speak about fellow believers, but this principle should be applied to all in which we interact. Evil speech encompasses the notion of speaking about a another individual with the intent to tear down, rather than building up. He clearly calls such behavior out as evil. It is likened to murder earlier in James 4. </span></div>
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<span style="background-color: transparent; font-family: Arial; font-size: 11pt; font-style: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">Interestingly enough, the New Testament word, Devil is literally defined as slanderer or accuser. Revelation 12:10 calls the devil the accuser of the brethren. It should be eye-opening to the believer that when he uses his words to tear down, he is doing the devil’s work! Lord help us to not fall into the trap of supporting the agenda of the evil one.</span></div>
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<div dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;">
<span style="background-color: transparent; font-family: Arial; font-size: 11pt; font-style: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">James also states that when we speak evil of one another, we make ourselves judges of the law. In other words, we place ourselves above the law of God. Simply stated this is a pride issue. Instead of submitting themselves unto the ordinances of the Lord, they operate above them and become judge over their brothers and sisters. </span></div>
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<div dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;">
<span style="background-color: transparent; font-family: Arial; font-size: 11pt; font-style: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">There is only one lawgiver and we must labor to remember that we are under the law of God. His law requires us to act humbly towards those who have wronged us. If we have been wronged, then we are to seek redress via biblical means. James is not forbidding us addressing conflicts or expressing concerns when a fellow believer is going in a direction contrary to the word. However, he is absolutely concerned about the intent of our communications. </span></div>
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<span style="background-color: transparent; font-family: Arial; font-size: 11pt; font-style: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">Every interaction that we have with others, especially those of the household of faith should be conducted with the intent to humbly build them up within the parameters of God’s word and not to destroy others. In Colossians 4:6, Paul admonishes us to,</span><span style="background-color: transparent; font-family: Arial; font-size: 11pt; font-style: italic; font-variant-caps: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"> “Let your speech be alway with grace, seasoned with salt, that ye may know how ye ought to answer every man.”</span><span style="background-color: transparent; font-family: Arial; font-size: 11pt; font-style: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"> Lord give us grace to consistently live out this commandment!</span></div>
Michael D. Green, Jr.http://www.blogger.com/profile/05736161224178446728noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-17862381.post-87490861494084907272015-12-31T23:05:00.000-05:002016-01-01T17:33:16.636-05:00Wow, What A Year!<div dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;">
<span style="background-color: transparent; font-family: Arial; font-size: 14.6667px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">As 2015 draws to a conclusion and I actually have some time to reflect on the whirlwind that will soon conclude, I thought it expedient to share some of the experiences that rank the past dozen months as some of the most significant in our family’s life. </span></div>
<b id="docs-internal-guid-f9b67233-ff4f-6b79-5387-c54534b8a0cc" style="font-weight: normal;"><br /></b>
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<span style="background-color: transparent; font-family: Arial; font-size: 14.6667px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">January started normal enough as we were hunkered down for the typical Northern Indiana winter. The Lord had blessed us in every imaginable way. We were all relatively healthy. The Lord was blessing our church and I was settled in to a job that was simultaneously personally rewarding and challenging. All of our needs were being met. In other words, we were in a comfortable place. It is in such cocoons that God ofttimes works. </span></div>
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<span style="background-color: transparent; font-family: Arial; font-size: 14.6667px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">Unbeknownst to only a few, I had been struggling for the past year or so with what the Lord’s will was for my ministry and subsequently, our family. I am rapidly entering the stage of life where the horizon is in sight and this caused me to become intentional about what (and where) He wanted me be with the remainder of my life in mind. While cognizant of this stirring, I wanted to be sure that whatever changes were on the horizon, it was the movement of the Lord and not merely sentiment. Therefore, I devoted much time to prayer and reflection in His word and sought the counsel of wise individuals. I was content to let the matter rest until a clearer path was opened. </span></div>
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<span style="background-color: transparent; font-family: Arial; font-size: 14.6667px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">The family and I were blessed to spend our Spring Break in beautiful Lake Guntersville State Park in Alabama. This was really the first extended period of quiet time that we had enjoyed since winter break. It was during this time that we earnestly started thinking about our future and praying that God would reveal His will for us in the future. This time of focused and fervent prayer was about to be answered in an incredible way!</span></div>
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<span style="background-color: transparent; font-family: Arial; font-size: 14.6667px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">Two takeaways from our experiences thus far is that God can (and will) shake us out of our comfort zones. Luke 12 warns us against trusting in such ease. Rather, we should always be seeking the kingdom of God and not laying up treasures for ourselves (Luke 12:31). We have definitely learned that lesson in this adventure. The Lord can mess up your nest!</span></div>
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<span style="background-color: transparent; font-family: Arial; font-size: 14.6667px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">We have also been astonished at the power of prayer and the miracle of God hearing and answering our feeble petitions. In Matthew 7:11 Jesus said, “If ye then, being evil, know how to give good gifts unto your children, how much more shall your Father which is in heaven give good things to them that ask him?” Our heavenly father is faithful to give us what we need when we ask! In our case, it involved opening some doors for the next chapter in our lives. </span></div>
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<span style="background-color: transparent; font-family: Arial; font-size: 14.6667px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">But that is another story for another day!</span></div>
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<span style="background-color: transparent; font-family: Arial; font-size: 14.6667px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">Blessings,</span></div>
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<span style="background-color: transparent; font-family: Arial; font-size: 14.6667px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><br /></span></div>
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<span style="background-color: transparent; font-family: Arial; font-size: 14.6667px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">Michael D. Green, Jr. </span></div>
<br />Michael D. Green, Jr.http://www.blogger.com/profile/05736161224178446728noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-17862381.post-48962490676117273762015-08-07T22:13:00.000-04:002015-08-07T22:13:06.695-04:00Lifting Up<div dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt; text-align: center;">
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<span style="background-color: transparent; clear: left; color: black; float: left; font-family: Arial; font-size: 14.6666666666667px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: bold; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><img alt="Image result for moses arms up" 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" /></span></div>
<div dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;">
<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Arial; font-size: 14.666666666666666px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: bold; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">Exodus 17:8-13</span><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Arial; font-size: 14.666666666666666px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"> </span><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Arial; font-size: 14.666666666666666px; font-style: italic; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">Then came Amalek, and fought with Israel in Rephidim. And Moses said unto Joshua, Choose us out men, and go out, fight with Amalek: to morrow I will stand on the top of the hill with the rod of God in mine hand. So Joshua did as Moses had said to him, and fought with Amalek: and Moses, Aaron, and Hur went up to the top of the hill. And it came to pass, when Moses held up his hand, that Israel prevailed: and when he let down his hand, Amalek prevailed. But Moses' hands were heavy; and they took a stone, and put it under him, and he sat thereon; and Aaron and Hur stayed up his hands, the one on the one side, and the other on the other side; and his hands were steady until the going down of the sun. And Joshua discomfited Amalek and his people with the edge of the sword.</span></div>
<b style="font-weight: normal;"><br /></b>
<div dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;">
<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Arial; font-size: 14.666666666666666px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">Exodus 17 presents the reader with an unusual manifestation of the Lord blessing Israel with victory over the nefarious Amalekites. As the battle ensued below, Moses stood on a hill with the rod of God. When his hands were raised, Israel had the upper hand. When they were lowered, Amalek gained the advantage. Much can be said about this passage, but I want to focus on the human aspect of this occurrance. Moses grew weary as he held up the rod of God is this battle. What might seem like a simple task became much more difficult as time passed. Thankfully, there were faithful individuals that willingly assisted him with bearing this heavy burden. if this great man of God needed the assistance of others, how much more do we?</span></div>
<b style="font-weight: normal;"><br /></b>
<div dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;">
<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Arial; font-size: 14.666666666666666px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">The answer is plain. We can not go it alone in any area of life. Perhaps we can muddle our way through the inevitable challenges, but we will quickly grow weary and discouraged. We have all experienced this to some degree. I have tried to do this and miserably failed. Thankfully, God has not called us to do it all by ourselves! His word is replete with examples and instruction to come alongside and lift up one another. Notice the following passages:</span></div>
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<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Arial; font-size: 14.666666666666666px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: bold; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">Hebrews 3:13</span><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Arial; font-size: 14.666666666666666px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"> </span><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Arial; font-size: 14.666666666666666px; font-style: italic; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">But </span><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Arial; font-size: 14.666666666666666px; font-style: italic; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: underline; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">exhort</span><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Arial; font-size: 14.666666666666666px; font-style: italic; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"> one another daily, while it is called To day; lest any of you be hardened through the deceitfulness of sin.</span></div>
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<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Arial; font-size: 14.666666666666666px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: bold; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">Jude 1:3</span><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Arial; font-size: 14.666666666666666px; font-style: italic; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"> Beloved, when I gave all diligence to write unto you of the common salvation, it was needful for me to write unto you, and </span><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Arial; font-size: 14.666666666666666px; font-style: italic; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: underline; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">exhort</span><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Arial; font-size: 14.666666666666666px; font-style: italic; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"> you that ye should earnestly contend for the faith which was once delivered unto the saints.</span></div>
<b style="font-weight: normal;"><br /></b>
<div dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;">
<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Arial; font-size: 14.666666666666666px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">Exhortation literally means to come to another’s side to strengthen and encourage them. This is in stark contrast to the popular notion that we should take advantage of a man in his weakness. Nor does it say we are called to lecture or act condescendingly towards a weaker individual. As Aaron and Hur lovingly lifted the arms of Moses at a point of weakness during the battle, we should be willing to do the same for our brothers and sisters in Christ. The Apostle Paul rightly echoed this principal when he commanded the strong to bear one another’s burdens (Galatians 6:2). This is a must in every area of discipleship!</span></div>
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<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Arial; font-size: 14.666666666666666px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">Blessings, </span></div>
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<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Arial; font-size: 14.666666666666666px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">Michael D. Green, Jr.</span></div>
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Michael D. Green, Jr.http://www.blogger.com/profile/05736161224178446728noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-17862381.post-49416379042856850082015-01-01T12:42:00.000-05:002015-01-01T12:42:05.511-05:00Taking Off The Grave Clothes<div class="Body">
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgcxnw7I3PBFnouoYv4WKMZHMYxkmgEAmv3FNkFGms2r7SXKpux3eSUmdYn8spcchMbBO6tP26TS6EpkZbk972oUMi1bWppEb8-Zcj5NSH6WZQ-bG-vLiNX-LSqGEy-f5oRNRKFAg/s1600/Tomb-of-Lazarus-Bethany.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgcxnw7I3PBFnouoYv4WKMZHMYxkmgEAmv3FNkFGms2r7SXKpux3eSUmdYn8spcchMbBO6tP26TS6EpkZbk972oUMi1bWppEb8-Zcj5NSH6WZQ-bG-vLiNX-LSqGEy-f5oRNRKFAg/s1600/Tomb-of-Lazarus-Bethany.jpg" height="222" width="320" /></a></div>
In John 11 we read of the sickness and subsequent death of
Lazarus, a friend of Jesus. While Martha and Mary, Lazarus' sisters lamented
the late arrival of the One who could have delivered him from his malady, our
Savior used the occasion as an opportunity to show his power over death. What
an opportunity it was! Our Lord spoke to the dead and stinking Lazarus and he
was made alive again!</div>
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In like manner, we are changed from a state of spiritual death to
life by the power of God. The same voice that cried, "Lazarus come
forth" is able speak life into our stony heart. The central theme of our
passage is the power of our Lord to give life. The result of this spiritual
life is our ability to make changes for the better. Let us look at the command
given by Jesus once Lazarus was resurrected from the dead.<o:p></o:p></div>
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<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">John 11:43-44</b> <b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">KJV</b> - <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">And when he thus had spoken, he cried with a loud voice, Lazarus, come
forth. And he that was dead came forth, bound hand and foot with graveclothes:
and his face was bound about with a napkin. Jesus saith unto them, Loose him,
and let him go.<o:p></o:p></i></div>
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Once life was given, Jesus instructed Lazarus<span style="font-family: "Arial Unicode MS"; mso-ascii-font-family: Helvetica;">’</span>
grave clothes be removed. The clothing associated with death was to be removed.
He that was dead was made alive by the voice of the Master. It is mere
speculation on my part, but I imagine Lazarus putting on his best change of
clothes after his encounter with Jesus. Perhaps he bought a new outfit to
celebrate the occasion. What an experience. He who was dead was alive again.<o:p></o:p></div>
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We do not have to speculate about what should happen to us when
we are born again. The Apostle Paul instructs us to take off the grave clothes
and put on a new garment. <o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="Body">
<br /></div>
<div class="Body">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">Ephesians 4:21-24 KJV</b>
- If so be that ye have heard him, and have been taught by him, as the truth is
in Jesus: That ye put off concerning the former conversation the old man, which
is corrupt according to the deceitful lusts; And be renewed in the spirit of
your mind; And that ye put on the new man, which after God is created in
righteousness and true holiness.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="Body">
<br /></div>
<div class="Body">
The actions of the old man are simply grave clothes of a former
life. Once the Spirit of God makes us alive, we ought to clothe ourselves with
the garments of a disciple; those things comprised of righteousness and
holiness.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="Body">
<br /></div>
<div class="Body">
As we begin a new year, we should ponder our own discipleship.
What grave clothes are we still wearing of a former life. Deceit? Slothfulness?
Evil speaking? Whatever it might be, may we put the off and put on the clothes
of edifying and godly living. What a testimony we will be in 2015 when we
imitate the life and actions of our Lord by putting on righteousness. <o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="Body">
<br /></div>
<div class="Body">
In Christian Love,<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="Body">
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<div class="Body">
Michael D. Green, Jr.<o:p></o:p></div>
Michael D. Green, Jr.http://www.blogger.com/profile/05736161224178446728noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-17862381.post-26612574714604086882014-09-17T11:33:00.002-04:002014-09-17T11:36:07.812-04:00God’s Design for Instruction<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjDVJLHzmioopAqQz45EyuyKGMvsVXc2Zc2GMrVBG2Kcb50_RpP-jT9fkcwnRbx7v_maohkG9QuuXwO_ForL8zSN6mVutXCkRVgyIxVJ-lVTcl7YH9lUacteQ-zM-iVCzMcMjo-3A/s1600/Bible-in-light.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjDVJLHzmioopAqQz45EyuyKGMvsVXc2Zc2GMrVBG2Kcb50_RpP-jT9fkcwnRbx7v_maohkG9QuuXwO_ForL8zSN6mVutXCkRVgyIxVJ-lVTcl7YH9lUacteQ-zM-iVCzMcMjo-3A/s1600/Bible-in-light.jpg" height="143" width="200" /></a></div>
<div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">
<b><i>Romans 1:16</i></b><i> - For I am
not ashamed of the gospel of Christ: for it is the power of God unto salvation
to every one that believeth; to the Jew first, and also to the Greek.</i></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
It seems as if we are living in a day where conferences,
seminars, forums, sessions, etcetera are given more weight than the simple New
Testament pattern of worship. It is not my intention to delve into the
potential shortcomings of such. I simply want to highlight the truth that God
provided a far more superior means for us to navigate the manifold challenges
of everyday life. Let us not be ashamed of what our Lord has provided.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
The word ‘salvation’ in the context of Romans 1:16 is
defined as a <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">deliverance</i> or <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">preservation</i>. We can think of the gospel
as a life preserver for the born again child of God when the winds and waves of
the world would overwhelm him. We need this daily deliverance at work, in our
homes, as we strive to be responsible citizens, and in our personal devotion to
God!<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
God in his mercy established the local church as the
assembly in which this is to occur.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>To
be effective, the ministry and congregants must both apply themselves to the
study of the word. There should also be prayers that God would bless the
messages to be scriptural and applicable to the needs of the local flock. When
these things occur, no better instruction can be found! </div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Are you zealously supporting and cultivating these qualities in your local congregation? <o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
This design has been effective for over two thousand years. Lord
help us to recognize, appreciate, and encourage the preaching of the gospel in
accordance with God’s simple pattern! <o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Blessings,<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Michael D. Green, Jr.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
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Michael D. Green, Jr.http://www.blogger.com/profile/05736161224178446728noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-17862381.post-69551331611716994582014-09-16T10:59:00.000-04:002014-09-16T11:17:31.588-04:00The Power of the Tongue<div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjZNABXkTEgjbztv9QmXZkAOs7uYJlmXvjPEh0Obfk9qIHtRMno1iWAxHs_eIWvSq4427wmHkpwPQc933ZriwJzNm97betbHkN2_6b7bMwDxkO8uT7PkwXxkPQPP6ArAywdumL4Pw/s1600/images-3.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjZNABXkTEgjbztv9QmXZkAOs7uYJlmXvjPEh0Obfk9qIHtRMno1iWAxHs_eIWvSq4427wmHkpwPQc933ZriwJzNm97betbHkN2_6b7bMwDxkO8uT7PkwXxkPQPP6ArAywdumL4Pw/s1600/images-3.jpeg" height="200" width="150" /></a></div>
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<i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">James 3:5 - Even so
the tongue is a little member, and boasteth great things. Behold, how great a
matter a little fire kindleth!<o:p></o:p></i></div>
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I had an unfortunate reminder of this truth
not too long ago. It would not be prudent to go into detail about this
particular situation, but needless to say a few individuals that were not in
control of their tongue dampened an otherwise uplifting and encouraging
experience!<o:p></o:p></div>
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<div class="MsoNormal">
In chapter 3 James explains the power of the tongue. The
physical size of the tongue is miniscule compared to the rest of the body, but
it has great sway. The power can be used in an edifying or denigrating manner.
Consider some of the ways that we can use our tongue:<o:p></o:p></div>
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<br /></div>
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<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-family: Symbol; mso-bidi-font-family: Symbol; mso-fareast-font-family: Symbol;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">·<span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";">
</span></span></span><!--[endif]-->Offering words of encouragement to someone who
someone who is going through a rough patch<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; text-indent: -.25in;">
<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-family: Symbol; mso-bidi-font-family: Symbol; mso-fareast-font-family: Symbol;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">·<span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";">
</span></span></span><!--[endif]-->Sharing a portion of God’s word to a struggling
friend<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpLast" style="mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; text-indent: -.25in;">
<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-family: Symbol; mso-bidi-font-family: Symbol; mso-fareast-font-family: Symbol;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">·<span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";">
</span></span></span><!--[endif]-->Praying for a loved one who is enduring physical
trials <o:p></o:p></div>
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<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Less edifying uses might include:<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpFirst" style="mso-list: l1 level1 lfo2; text-indent: -.25in;">
<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-family: Symbol; mso-bidi-font-family: Symbol; mso-fareast-font-family: Symbol;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">·<span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";">
</span></span></span><!--[endif]-->Gossiping about a fellow church member that has
been repeatedly absent from the fellowship<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="mso-list: l1 level1 lfo2; text-indent: -.25in;">
<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-family: Symbol; mso-bidi-font-family: Symbol; mso-fareast-font-family: Symbol;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">·<span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";">
</span></span></span><!--[endif]-->Participating in and sharing inappropriate jokes
about different races or backgrounds<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpLast" style="mso-list: l1 level1 lfo2; text-indent: -.25in;">
<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-family: Symbol; mso-bidi-font-family: Symbol; mso-fareast-font-family: Symbol;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">·<span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";">
</span></span></span><!--[endif]-->Harshly criticizing a child or spouse<o:p></o:p></div>
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<div class="MsoNormal">
Many other examples can be added to both lists. Obviously,
one group builds up and another tears down. As disciples of Christ we should
strive for the former. Every word that we speak has the potential to make a
huge difference in the life of others, both positive and negative. We must
strive not to kindle a great fire with our tongue! <o:p></o:p></div>
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<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Paul writes, “Only let your conversation be as it becometh
the gospel of Christ (Philippians 1:27).” Our ‘conversation’ entails more than the
words that we speak, but they are indeed included in this admonition. Lord help
us to take care with every word that we speak. Your next words have the
potential to sway another person one way or the other in their discipleship.<o:p></o:p></div>
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<div class="MsoNormal">
Blessings, <o:p></o:p></div>
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<div class="MsoNormal">
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<div class="MsoNormal">
Michael D. Green, Jr. <o:p></o:p></div>
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Michael D. Green, Jr.http://www.blogger.com/profile/05736161224178446728noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-17862381.post-74479294428560281722014-09-01T09:12:00.000-04:002014-09-01T09:12:14.381-04:00Stedfast<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<b><i>1 Corinthians 15:58 - Therefore, my beloved brethren, be ye stedfast, unmoveable, always abounding in the work of the Lord, forasmuch as ye know that your labour is not in vain in the Lord.</i></b><br />
<br />
The reality of life is that there are inevitable ups and downs. This is true personally, in your family, and in your church. This is the result of living in a sin-cursed earth. We will disappoint one another. We will disagree. We will say things that we should not. In spite of this the biblical mandate is to press on in spite of failures.<br />
<br />
The Apostle Paul uses the term, <i>stedfast</i> to illustrate this attitude. just a cursory reading of this word elicits a feeling of moving forward. Be steady but moving along. The term literally means to be <i>firm</i> and <i>fixed</i> on a purpose. We all have short and long-term goals. The ultimate goal of a disciple of Christ is to become more like Him and shine a spotlight on Him in the process. This will happen when we dust off after a failure and return to the part of discipleship. The most meaningful move that we can make when in a valley of life is towards our Savior in steadfast persistence.<br />
<br />
What failures are you allowing to hold you back. Are you allowing disappointments of the past to move you from the path of Christlikeness? Today is a great opportunity to cast those burdens at His feet and return to the work of the Lord.Michael D. Green, Jr.http://www.blogger.com/profile/05736161224178446728noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-17862381.post-83220186988217336702014-07-06T17:11:00.000-04:002014-07-06T17:11:29.302-04:00Our Rock in Times of Trouble<div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">
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<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">Psalms 61:2-3</b> - <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">From the end of the earth will I cry unto
thee, when my heart is overwhelmed: lead me to the rock that is higher than I.
For thou hast been a shelter for me, and a strong tower from the enemy.<o:p></o:p></i></div>
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Periods of sorrow and hopelessness are timeless. Throughout
history even the best of men have experienced these emotions. David, a man
after God’s own heart and the author of numerous Psalms was not exempt. Even
the Apostle Paul at one point despaired of his own life as persecution waxed
hot. It is not ‘if’ such trouble will present itself in our lives, but ‘when’
it will appear.</div>
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<o:p></o:p></div>
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The good news is that scripture provides guidance on how to
navigate the inevitable pitfalls of life. David offers three nuggets of wisdom:
<o:p></o:p></div>
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<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="mso-bidi-font-family: Cambria; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-fareast-font-family: Cambria; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-latin;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">1.<span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";">
</span></span></span><!--[endif]-->Cry unto Him. <o:p></o:p></div>
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<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="mso-bidi-font-family: Cambria; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-fareast-font-family: Cambria; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-latin;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">2.<span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";">
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In a nutshell, when trouble comes we should run to the Lord
instead of away. Human nature wants to avoid anything remotely connected to God
(His people, word, and church). The world says that we can stand on our own two
feet. The flesh strives to solve heart problems with alcohol, drugs, fleshly
lusts, etc. All of these simply mask the true issue and serve to drive us
deeper into despair. The current statistics that indicate approximately 10 percent
of adults and a shocking 20 percent of teens suffer some type of prolonged
depressive symptoms supports the fact that what we are generally doing is not
working. I understand that mental illness is a multifaceted, complex issue, but
a neglect of spiritual matters cannot be ignored. <o:p></o:p></div>
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<br /></div>
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The remedy is to recognize the rock that towers above all
else, Jesus Christ. Cast your cares upon Him. Look to the one that is an anchor
of the soul, both sure and steadfast! The one who delivered the elect family of
God eternally when he laid down his life on the cross is more than equipped to
bless us to navigate us through periods of sorrow and helplessness in the
day-to-day affairs of life. <o:p></o:p></div>
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<br /></div>
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<span style="font-size: 10.0pt; mso-bidi-font-weight: bold;">Oh! sometimes the shadows
are deep,
And rough seems the path to the goal,
And sorrows, sometimes how they
sweep
Like tempests down over the soul.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">
<i><span style="font-size: 10.0pt; mso-bidi-font-weight: bold;">---<o:p></o:p></span></i></div>
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<span style="font-size: 10.0pt; mso-bidi-font-weight: bold;">Oh! sometimes how long seems
the day,
And sometimes how weary my feet!
But toiling in life’s dusty way,
The
Rock’s blessed shadow, how sweet!<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">
<i><span style="font-size: 10.0pt; mso-bidi-font-weight: bold;">---<o:p></o:p></span></i></div>
<div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: 10.0pt; mso-bidi-font-weight: bold;">Then near to the Rock let me
keep
If blessings or sorrows prevail,
Or climbing the mountain way steep,
Or
walking the shadowy vale.</span><span style="font-size: 10.0pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 10.0pt;">---<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<i><span style="font-size: 10.0pt; mso-bidi-font-weight: bold;">O then to the Rock let me
fly
To the Rock that is higher than I
O then to the Rock let me fly
To the Rock
that is higher than I!<o:p></o:p></span></i></div>
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Blessings, <o:p></o:p></div>
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<div class="MsoNormal">
Michael D. Green, Jr.<o:p></o:p></div>
Michael D. Green, Jr.http://www.blogger.com/profile/05736161224178446728noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-17862381.post-85740431411500424732014-06-21T10:32:00.002-04:002014-06-21T10:32:47.940-04:00"If Only"<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhFKvvOi0CUMRXmNWsgVORYwaPT60rUiOpL_CDn_rMB8eKQzYDYXbWwEc3U5rA52kPdlybDI0nU-pqq9m7vsIt2kmIXRKiMa_NIgc1MKq0hNQjPrHQYjWFcv3xEw23hV2OIPlWfJA/s1600/images.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhFKvvOi0CUMRXmNWsgVORYwaPT60rUiOpL_CDn_rMB8eKQzYDYXbWwEc3U5rA52kPdlybDI0nU-pqq9m7vsIt2kmIXRKiMa_NIgc1MKq0hNQjPrHQYjWFcv3xEw23hV2OIPlWfJA/s1600/images.jpeg" /></a></div>
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<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: .5in;">
I recently read an article denoting
some keys to effective growth. One of the author’s suggestions was to avoid
using “if-only” statements at all cost. This involves blaming another person or
group for your failings. If only someone else were doing a better job, then
things would change for the better. In education this might represent
inattentive parents or involvement from an out of touch government. In your
community this might be blaming politicians or the economy for the current
state of affairs. If only we had good leaders… If only there were more jobs…</div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: .5in;">
<span style="text-indent: 0.5in;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: .5in;">
<span style="text-indent: 0.5in;">This thinking can also affect our
discipleship! Think about think about the “if-only” statements that we often
times revert to regarding the public assembly. “If only so and so were here.
They needed that sermon!” “If only Sister _______ would assist more with
cleanup, things would be better.” “If only other people would give more, we
could better minster to others!”</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: .5in;">
<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: .5in;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: .5in;">
We are also prone to play the blame
game in other areas of our walk. My friends, this is most unproductive. The
Bible teaches that discipleship begins with us. In Philippians 2:12, the
apostle Paul instructs us to work <u>out our</u> own salvation with fear and
trembling. He then outlines how we are responsible for shining as lights in a
crooked and perverse world. The onus is not on those that are evil, but we who
have been quickened by the Spirit.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: .5in;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: .5in;">
While most problems are generally
complex with multiple areas of blame, God expects behavior change and growth to
begin with us. Who are you blaming for your surrounding woes? The economy? The
government? A different race? Evil people in your community? Slack church
members? Scripture requires change to begin with you! What areas of life are
you stuck in a rut because you are playing the “if only” game?<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Blessings,<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
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Michael D. Green, Jr.<o:p></o:p></div>
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Michael D. Green, Jr.http://www.blogger.com/profile/05736161224178446728noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-17862381.post-14613526556859250332014-02-05T09:46:00.000-05:002014-02-05T09:46:01.515-05:00Rest<div class="MsoNormal">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhHFBonCvPvUZ8zjdWsFmtLjKYB9Tq0sVYnuoCiT1gbFkdwMrYfiFC3n6d3wJyoyXvlzkScdqO6Gq5EyEqOaRhHhxDF2WBjuwkyMeQ0P-Ltdvp-ps9WuGSs-zDq26tR_O0qdtcuCA/s1600/300px-Noon,_rest_from_work_-_Van_Gogh.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhHFBonCvPvUZ8zjdWsFmtLjKYB9Tq0sVYnuoCiT1gbFkdwMrYfiFC3n6d3wJyoyXvlzkScdqO6Gq5EyEqOaRhHhxDF2WBjuwkyMeQ0P-Ltdvp-ps9WuGSs-zDq26tR_O0qdtcuCA/s1600/300px-Noon,_rest_from_work_-_Van_Gogh.jpeg" /></a>Ah rest, sweet rest! We have finally reached the stage in
life that our youngest is sleeping through the night. What a joyful day indeed!
I am thankful for the grace that God gives parents (especially my wife) to keep
everyone alive and function throughout the day with minimal, sporadic sleep.
But repose from this stage of life is most welcome. <o:p></o:p></div>
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<br /></div>
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Thus it is with discipleship as well. We should be thankful
for the spiritual rest that comes from Above. The Psalmist wrote, “Rest in the
LORD, and wait patiently for him: fret not thyself because of him who
prospereth in his way, because of the man who bringeth wicked devices to pass
(37:7).”<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It is a blessing to know that
we can enjoy peace in spite of the ever-growing wickedness around us. Even when
things are not going as we think they ought, we can still rest in Him.<o:p></o:p></div>
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<br /></div>
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Naturally speaking, a lack of rest can create two
situations. One involves impaired judgment. When you are tired small problems
can seem monumental. We become anxious, short with others, and easily agitated
when sleep deprived. The other condition is resignation to your restless state.
What is likely a temporary situation seems to be your lot in life. Neither is
pleasant. But what joy and contrast when rest is finally found!<o:p></o:p></div>
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<br /></div>
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Spiritual rest is a welcome blessing to the child of God.
When Israel hardened their hearts towards God in the wilderness, they missed
out on rest for 40 years (Hebrews 3). But oh what joy it was when finally given
to them. Such it is with us today. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>There
is peace and clarity when we patiently rest in the Lord. There is a relief in
His rest that nothing in the world can offer.<o:p></o:p></div>
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Michael D. Green, Jr.http://www.blogger.com/profile/05736161224178446728noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-17862381.post-35254689109749350452013-06-04T08:15:00.001-04:002013-06-04T08:15:51.863-04:00Summer Break, Stress, and Calm. Oh My! <!--[if gte mso 9]><xml>
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<!--StartFragment-->
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhuCee-3K18phLHz4yHExHCb9lCWXDn8pA4-D_fBtR-QYLemUancwd1sZxQZxdOwzrvUxQG6Y12qG4i_3nUIRgER57sKSfP2KMJUoSUbvGwJM-5ckVgKj7IngsQH-LtO3cXgzVS6A/s1600/break.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhuCee-3K18phLHz4yHExHCb9lCWXDn8pA4-D_fBtR-QYLemUancwd1sZxQZxdOwzrvUxQG6Y12qG4i_3nUIRgER57sKSfP2KMJUoSUbvGwJM-5ckVgKj7IngsQH-LtO3cXgzVS6A/s1600/break.jpg" /><b> </b></a></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Ahhhhh! <o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: .5in;">
Just in case you were wondering
about that strange sound coming from the Green household. No worries! It is
simply a sigh of relief that summer break has commenced. That wonderful time of
decompressing from the fast-paced days of early alarms, endless meetings and
all of the expectations that come along with the education profession. I have
been going to school in varying capacities for over thirty years and the one
consistent thing about them all is that summer break is always a welcome sight.
Couple that with a particularly demanding season as a pastor and physical
difficulties at home and we are extremely glad to enjoy a change in pace. <o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: .5in;">
We hope to be able to visit our
friends and relatives in Florida and Alabama this summer, which will encompass
over two weeks of our break. When we return home there are also some components
of the kid’s education that we need to complete and also some church meetings
that we are looking forward to attending. BUT, the theme of this summer is
CALM. That sounds easy enough doesn’t it?
Experience proves that it is much easier said than done when reality,
expectations and time (or lack thereof) inevitably collide in the game of
life. Despite the challenges, we would
all benefit from a healthy dose of calm in our lives. Let’s examine this
subject from a biblical standpoint:<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b>Philippians 4:5-7</b>
<i>Let your moderation be known unto all
men. The Lord is at hand.<o:p></o:p></i></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<i>Be careful for
nothing; but in every thing by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let
your requests be made known unto God. And the peace of God, which passeth all
understanding, shall keep your hearts and minds through Christ Jesus.<o:p></o:p></i></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: .5in;">
Do you notice the beautiful
progression of this passage? Herein contains some crucial steps to achieving
calm in your life. Step one is moderation. The 1828 Webster’s Dictionary
defines it as: <i>calmness of mind;
equanimity; as, to bear prosperity or adversity with moderation</i>. In other
words we should confront the inevitable challenges of life without extreme
emotional reactions. Both good and bad are to be responded to in a moderate
manner. We should not overreact either direction. Why? Because the Lord is
always with us!<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: .5in;">
The next step involves replacing
worry with conversing with God. I confess that a large amount of my thought
life is consumed with ‘what ifs’ that might never come to fruition. It is my
nature to overanalyze every little aspect of life. But the Apostle Paul
admonishes us to replace such with petitions to God. Worry is fruitless.
Talking to God is always productive and time well spent!<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: .5in;">
Finally, the fruit of these two
habits is supernatural peace. That is the calm that I desire! That is the
example that we desire to cultivate in our home this summer and beyond. The
demands of life will always be present. There will always be roadblocks along
the journey. But what a wonderful joy to know that obedience to God and
adherence to the simple pattern that He breathed into scripture can produce
peace in the midst of incredible challenges!<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Blessings,<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Michael D. Green, Jr.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Fort Wayne PBC<o:p></o:p></div>
<!--EndFragment-->Michael D. Green, Jr.http://www.blogger.com/profile/05736161224178446728noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-17862381.post-1046775540814741802013-05-06T08:50:00.001-04:002013-05-06T09:10:02.637-04:00Treatment of God’s Children <!--[if gte mso 9]><xml>
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<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEitrZeVSzBZN-UKv5X3IzYvhLsli6RsDelyMFysFq1FUpnHSW24Ua35HT_nk3TV2v-3y06UDRMXfD9sBz8WpRLEu3qKeWdp2apRwwG4IFVGtSq6efdH2foSG9og8bmXDn0JmNVSAg/s1600/handshake.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="132" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEitrZeVSzBZN-UKv5X3IzYvhLsli6RsDelyMFysFq1FUpnHSW24Ua35HT_nk3TV2v-3y06UDRMXfD9sBz8WpRLEu3qKeWdp2apRwwG4IFVGtSq6efdH2foSG9og8bmXDn0JmNVSAg/s200/handshake.jpg" width="200" /></a></div>
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<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b>Matthew 18:10</b> <i>Take heed that ye despise not one of these
little ones; for I say unto you, That in heaven their angels do always behold
the face of my Father which is in heaven.<o:p></o:p></i></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: .5in;">
As part of the body of Christ we
must take great care in how we treat our brothers and sisters in the church. It
is not an accident that the above passage is one of Jesus’ first sermons
specifically directed to the church. He recognized the challenge that we would
encounter when interacting with one another. <o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: .5in;">
The word ‘despise’ conveys the
meaning of looking down with contempt on another. It also means to regard as
negligible, worthless or distasteful. Such an attitude is accepted in many
avenues of life in our modern world, but should not be present in our churches.
Remember, that we are called out to live differently as disciples of Christ. <o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: .5in;">
What are some ways that we despise
or look down on out fellow believers? One way is by being a respecter of
persons? In the church setting this generally occurs when people separate
themselves or isolate others by forming cliques. It is human nature to
gravitate towards people that are most like you. As a high school teacher I
witness this phenomena daily. We want to associate with those who share the
same interests, backgrounds, upbringings, etc. But discipleship requires us to
step out of this comfort zone and embrace all members within our local body of
believers. <o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: .5in;">
Earlier in Matthew 18, Jesus says
that it is better for us to have a millstone hanged around our neck and drown
than offend one of his children. Those that make up our congregations should
feel loved valued when in our midst and we must do all within our ability to
avoid offending them. The church of the Lord Jesus Christ is to be a shelter
from the storms of life and a welcome change from all of the contention and
divisions that exist in our world. <o:p></o:p></div>
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<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: .5in;">
James writes, “My brethren, have
not the faith of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Lord of glory, with respect of
persons (James 2:1).” When we assemble with the saints, all natural differences
should be checked at the door. There are no big “I’s” in the church. We must
remember that we share the common bond of being sinners saved by the grace of
God. Before the King of Kings we are equal. We all deserved eternal
condemnation. Yet Christ died to save those who were elected in Him before the
foundation of the world. In Ephesians 2, Paul references Christ as, “our peace,
who hath made both one, and hath broken down the middle wall of partition
between us (v. 14).” Jew, Gentile, rich,
poor, famous or unknown; all are equal through the blood of Christ!<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: .5in;">
God help us to break carnal habits
and take time to minister to everyone that the He allows us to have contact
with in His church. Next Sunday I encourage you to adjust some of your old
habits to facilitate this change. Relocate your seating during public worship
and fellowship to position yourself near new visitors or closer to those that you
have had little prior contact. This move shows that you value others and desire
closer fellowship. It is also a good practice to purpose to visit and/or
communicate with all members of your church on a regular basis. Perhaps
creating a list or schedule can assist you in this practice. It is amazing what
a small change such as this can accomplish. I am certain that the Lord will
bless any move in this direction. It is not just the job of the pastor to make
sure that everyone is visited. We all have the blessed responsibility to
embrace all of our brothers and sisters in Christ.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Blessings, <o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Michael D. Green, Jr.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Fort Wayne PBC<o:p></o:p></div>
<!--EndFragment-->Michael D. Green, Jr.http://www.blogger.com/profile/05736161224178446728noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-17862381.post-46812103696998322472013-04-19T06:52:00.002-04:002013-04-19T09:04:08.772-04:00Help in the Midst of Trouble<!--[if gte mso 9]><xml>
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<br />
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<br /></div>
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiYU4gJDj9e5vVikpMTUlJ4MNGWdiUmHl2VBjrJqfHNITEdlNhfzLGgsTkVGBH_SVDDhHHqAbkp2L5Qk5kzvHFu7Lw5JxKz1jtBT2GCism6_fKGSUH2mj3yaiGRoDu-X3lhdZUb0Q/s1600/help.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="149" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiYU4gJDj9e5vVikpMTUlJ4MNGWdiUmHl2VBjrJqfHNITEdlNhfzLGgsTkVGBH_SVDDhHHqAbkp2L5Qk5kzvHFu7Lw5JxKz1jtBT2GCism6_fKGSUH2mj3yaiGRoDu-X3lhdZUb0Q/s200/help.jpg" width="200" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<b> </b><b>Psalms 46:1</b> <i>God is our refuge
and strength, a very present help in trouble.</i></div>
</div>
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<o:p></o:p></div>
<div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Occasionally we will have a week where we are confronted
with one trial after another. This week has been such for me. The combination
of headline grabbing tragedies that have been rampant, difficulties at work,
challenges at home, and the everyday battle with my own flesh has been
overwhelming at times over the last several days. Compared to the burdens of
others, my problems are minor. But they are problems nonetheless. <o:p></o:p></div>
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<br /></div>
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What a comfort to know that we have both a refuge and a
source of strength in the midst of our troubles! We have a friend in Jesus who
has the power to both protect and empower us to endue the difficulties of life.
No other individual can provide such to us. I am thankful for the few dear
friends that I have that would do anything to help me if I were in trouble. Yet
their assistance is limited. Distance, lack of resources, lack of
understanding, etc. naturally limit what they can do for me. I also have the
same shortcomings as I try to minister to others. But such does not limit Jesus.
<o:p></o:p></div>
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<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Our Savior has unlimited availability. He is omnipresent. He
is always available. Therefore he is a present help in time of trouble. We can
call out to him in prayer at any moment and he is available. He has the power
to protect us. Sadly, I have tried to minister to individuals who were in such
trouble that I was powerless to assist them. Not so with our Lord. In this
Psalm, David said that the Lord is our refuge though the earth be removed. That
is complete power! In addition to protection, the Lord also gives us strength.
In reality, we do not have what takes to endure the trials of life. We are
weak. We are fragile. We are sinful. Yet by the grace of God, we can fight the
good fight of faith in the midst of manifold trials and tribulations. <o:p></o:p></div>
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<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
The Apostle Paul concurred with the Psalmist. He constantly
dealt with both Jews and Gentiles that sought his life. Yet he pressed on with
joy and encouraged others to stand fast in the Lord. How on earth was he able
to maintain such faith in the midst of so much trouble? He remembered where to
look for refuge and strength and understood that Christ was a very present help
in trouble! <o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b>Philippians 4:13</b> <i>I can do all things through Christ which
strengtheneth me.</i><o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Wherever we find ourselves this morning I pray that we will
pause and remember this profound thought. Sometimes troubles come from outside
difficulties. Sometimes they are of our own making. Either way we have protection
and power in Jesus.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Blessings,<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Michael D. Green, Jr.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Fort Wayne Primitive Baptist Church<o:p></o:p></div>
<!--EndFragment-->Michael D. Green, Jr.http://www.blogger.com/profile/05736161224178446728noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-17862381.post-79951857218668994972013-04-11T10:05:00.001-04:002013-04-11T10:05:58.197-04:00True Friendships
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhdKrIEEPiERYT9JrBAZGhHbYXfis-ZITWzE-ovoVwdnboGaolCEP9z8KR94H6-2-RQ_M-K-yKKGGFfHhd0FpJSPS9XEemQSAEDsLC_RacQF-AN9_JD94OyHDjB1y8taw4xSloUoA/s1600/friends.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhdKrIEEPiERYT9JrBAZGhHbYXfis-ZITWzE-ovoVwdnboGaolCEP9z8KR94H6-2-RQ_M-K-yKKGGFfHhd0FpJSPS9XEemQSAEDsLC_RacQF-AN9_JD94OyHDjB1y8taw4xSloUoA/s1600/friends.jpg" /></a></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b>1 Samuel 18:1</b> <i>And it came to pass, when he had made an end
of speaking unto Saul, that the soul of Jonathan was knit with the soul of
David, and Jonathan loved him as his own soul.<o:p></o:p></i></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Deep and meaningful friendships are a rare occurrence in our
day. We now live in the Facebook age that gives the appearance of having
friends, but generally consists of mere acquaintances. The reality is that at best most of us only have a few close
friendships with others. <o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Such was not the case with Jonathan and David. It appears
that they grew close soon after David slew the giant Goliath. David had brought
the head to the king and had exemplified courage and conviction that was
lacking amongst the leaders and warriors of Israel during that time. David
witnessed the blasphemy and mockery of this wicked Philistine and asked the
question, “Is there not a cause?” He confronted the giant with the confidence
that God would deliver. And God did. <o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
The Bible states that their souls were knit together.
Jonathan loved David like he loved himself. Some have wrongfully tried to make
this friendship into a perversion. It is an example of two men of faith and
love for the Lord ministering to one another. This is something deeply needed
in our society today. <o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Many relationships are based on how others can benefit us.
We make alliances with those who can provide material success or popularity. We
make superficial connections with those who make us feel better about ourselves
or the sheer numbers of so-called friends somehow increases our value as a
person. These are not enduring friendships! We need to more focus our energy on
more substantial relations such as Jonathan and David. Their friendship was not
selfish, but mutually encouraging. <o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
When faced with the difficulties of life it is a blessing to
have another person that will be there regardless of circumstances. We all need
a Jonathan in our lives that will walk arm-in-arm with us in the midst of the
inevitable trials and tribulations of life.
Solomon later wrote:<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b>Proverbs 17:17</b> <i>A friend loveth at all times, and a brother
is born for adversity.</i><o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Perhaps one of the reasons for the high numbers of people
struggling with hopelessness and depression today is the lack of meaningful
friendships that bear one another’s burdens. Both David and Jonathan were to
face numerous troubles. What a blessing that they did not endure them alone.
Lord help us to find at least one other person that we can knit our souls with.
We need the godly support and encouragement of others as we navigate life’s
journey.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Blessings, <o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Michael D. Green, Jr.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Fort Wayne Primitive Baptist Church<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<!--EndFragment-->Michael D. Green, Jr.http://www.blogger.com/profile/05736161224178446728noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-17862381.post-42365279174152202022013-04-07T08:19:00.001-04:002013-04-07T08:19:46.046-04:00Wisdom and Understanding
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<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg2jtsDPYBgj16QGa6T7WdttjXgZGIh17MY542yv7SPHdBwngxs20ItxT9m0NcGGei-E-ONGtZW2CS9TatrQw179WrWfbXAxC6ajGvqNy21uJMrEF1N_k_2t9J1N7prBLww6Ok-Tw/s1600/bible.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg2jtsDPYBgj16QGa6T7WdttjXgZGIh17MY542yv7SPHdBwngxs20ItxT9m0NcGGei-E-ONGtZW2CS9TatrQw179WrWfbXAxC6ajGvqNy21uJMrEF1N_k_2t9J1N7prBLww6Ok-Tw/s1600/bible.jpg" /></a></div>
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<span style="color: #cccccc;"><b>Job 28:28</b> <i>And unto man he said, Behold, the fear of
the Lord, that is wisdom; and to depart from evil is understanding.<o:p></o:p></i></span></div>
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<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="mso-layout-grid-align: none; mso-pagination: none; text-autospace: none; text-indent: .5in;">
<span style="color: #eeeeee;">The self-help industry is a huge business in our nation.
Billions of dollars are spent to buy the latest and greatest book on whatever
issue one might encounter. Some of these resources have merit and are useful
tools for navigating through the difficulties of life. Others are not worth the
paper on which they were printed! We all have a responsibility exercise
diligence with such. Whatever assistance such resources might offer, we must
remember that they will never offer perfect counsel. One must eat the
watermelon and spit out the seeds. <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; text-indent: .5in;">
<span style="color: #eeeeee;">But there is one guide that we can trust fully. That is the word
of God. The King of Kings has provided the ultimate authority on how we should
conduct ourselves as His people. Some will argue that the Bible does not
specifically address every issue that one might confront. This is true, but God
had provided guidelines that indeed apply to every issue that one might
encounter in this world.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="color: #eeeeee;">Job teaches that true wisdom starts with fearing the Lord. The
world as a whole is systematically trying to eradicate God from every avenue of
life. We observe this in many civic and educational institutions. This has been
going on for many years now! In light of Job’s proclamation is there any wonder
that our society is so ‘dumbed down’ today. We have neglected the fountainhead
of wisdom. <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; text-indent: .5in;">
<span style="color: #eeeeee;">He also exclaims that understanding is demonstrated by a
departure from evil. This is indeed a timeless truth. One of the catalysts of
the downfall of all great nations is the cultural move towards and endorsement
of gross immorality. Unfortunately, this appears to be the current trend in our
own great nation.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="color: #eeeeee;">But this does not have to be so! If we would simply return to
God’s instruction book, The Bible, we would find the solution to the problems
that plague our current way of life. Paul emphasized the blessings of the word
of God to Timothy:<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="color: #eeeeee;"><b>2 Timothy 3:16-17</b> <i>All scripture is given by inspiration of
God, and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for
instruction in righteousness: That the man of God may be perfect, throughly
furnished unto all good works.<o:p></o:p></i></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="mso-layout-grid-align: none; mso-pagination: none; text-autospace: none; text-indent: .5in;">
<span style="color: #eeeeee;">Most homes have easy access to God’s word, yet how often is it
neglected? It is complete. It is inerrant. Lord help us to dig out the truths
of Scripture such as the ones exalted by Job. It was a comfort to him in the
midst of great difficulty. I am certain that it will benefit us also!<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="color: #eeeeee;">Blessings,<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="color: #eeeeee;">Michael D. Green, Jr.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="color: #eeeeee;">Fort Wayne Primitive Baptist Church</span><o:p></o:p></div>
<!--EndFragment-->Michael D. Green, Jr.http://www.blogger.com/profile/05736161224178446728noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-17862381.post-13420882170031323532013-03-22T11:09:00.000-04:002013-03-22T11:09:29.948-04:00Rejoice in The Lord
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<br />
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<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj7D1nJRKsShAJzbyGcjofTyxsL3wOJxqRK2QeMphFDMiIiwmlhq2wiFHUMNu4YgoIFroX-4i0MgMRKGhpvFc90Jk5euzpfaL9rLzxC-SDuXZ8En3azeOI-dWuh0VmfiB5V_N4erQ/s1600/joy.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj7D1nJRKsShAJzbyGcjofTyxsL3wOJxqRK2QeMphFDMiIiwmlhq2wiFHUMNu4YgoIFroX-4i0MgMRKGhpvFc90Jk5euzpfaL9rLzxC-SDuXZ8En3azeOI-dWuh0VmfiB5V_N4erQ/s1600/joy.jpg" /></a></div>
<div class="Body1">
<b>Psalms 33:1</b> Rejoice in the Lord, O ye righteous: for praise is comely
for the upright.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="Body1">
<br /></div>
<div class="Body1" style="text-indent: .5in;">
This week marks the beginning of March Madness. If you are
not familiar with this term, it refers to the college basketball playoffs. I
did not know much about this until I moved up to the Hoosier state. To say that
they take basketball seriously up here would be a great understatement! The
excitement that some people display towards tossing a ball into a hoop is
incredible. <o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="Body1">
<br /></div>
<div class="Body1" style="text-indent: .5in;">
How blessed we would be if just a fraction of such
excitement were manifest in praising the Lord. There have been times that I
have participated in services where a visitor would think that it was a funeral
service instead of worship. This ought not to be! If we can display so much
excitement for a silly sporting event, how much more should we manifest praise
for the One who has saved us?<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="Body1">
<br /></div>
<div class="Body1" style="text-indent: .5in;">
David encourages the righteous to rejoice. When we stop to
think about how we were brought to such a state, it should put us on shouting
ground. We deserved nothing more than eternal condemnation, yet God in this
infinite mercy chose a people to redeem before the world was created! We
deserved His wrath because of our sins, but received unmerited grace. My
friends that will beat a basketball day hands down!<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="Body1">
<br /></div>
<div class="Body1" style="text-indent: .5in;">
We are also blessed because of the Lord's daily provision.
In <b>Psalms 68:19</b> David wrote,
"Blessed be the Lord, who daily loadeth us with benefits." It is good
news to know that we are never left to our own devices. He gives us daily grace
sufficient to make it through the day. <o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="Body1">
<br /></div>
<div class="Body1" style="text-indent: .5in;">
Our praise brings glory to the Lord. The pleasure of your
favorite sports team achieving victory is fleeting. The win a few and then lose
a few. But you will never be disappointed in directing your affections and energies
towards the Lord. He is the only source of all truth. He is the creator and
sustainer of our universe. He is our only deliverer. In light of these truths
(and many more) why would we not rejoice in Him?<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="Body1">
<br /></div>
<div class="Body1">
Blessings,<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="Body1">
<br /></div>
<div class="Body1">
Michael
D. Green, Jr. <o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="Body1">
Fort
Wayne Primitive Baptist Church<span style="color: windowtext; font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size: 10.0pt; mso-ansi-language: #0400; mso-bidi-language: X-NONE; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-language: #0400;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<!--EndFragment-->Michael D. Green, Jr.http://www.blogger.com/profile/05736161224178446728noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-17862381.post-42691981597141101462013-03-20T11:38:00.000-04:002013-03-20T11:38:01.530-04:00Things We Must Fight Against
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<b>1 Timothy 6:12</b> Fight the good fight of faith, lay hold on eternal
life, whereunto thou art also called, and hast professed a good profession
before many witnesses.</div>
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<br /></div>
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Many times we find ourselves
fighting against things that we should leave alone and neglecting the things in
which we should constantly be warring against as a disciple. Paul encourages
Timothy in this direction by reminding him to fight the good fight of faith.
Discipleship is indeed the most challenging pursuit that we will ever undertake
in this life. It is also our blessed responsibility as children of the King of
Kings! Are you focusing your attention towards this noble pursuit? <o:p></o:p></div>
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<br /></div>
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<span style="text-indent: 0.5in;"> What are some things that we must
constantly fight against as disciples? This is by no means a comprehensive
list, but here are a few areas where we must be actively engaged in spiritual
warfare:</span></div>
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<o:p></o:p></div>
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<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
One area is
temptation. Paul would later warn
Timothy to flee youthful lusts (2 Timothy 2:22). There are numerous tools in
Satan’s arsenal that he will employ to cause us to stumble. We must be vigilant
and avoid the many temptations that confront us every day. </div>
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<br /></div>
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We must also fight against fear. Proverbs 29:25 proclaims,
“The fear of man bringeth a snare: but whoso putteth his trust in the Lord
shall be safe.” We oftimes will allow peer pressure or popular opinion to
dictate our decisions. The solution to this attitude is to trust in the Lord of
Hosts and not fear what man may do to you. It is my experience that many of the
things that we dedicate a large portion of our lives worrying about generally
are not as bad as we anticipate or never even materialize!</div>
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<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Finally, we also should fight against pride. Pride causes us
to have an overinflated opinion of our qualities or abilities. When we are in
this state of mind, we become critical and disrespectful to others. God’s glory
is also relegated to an inferior position when we are prideful. The inevitable
conclusion to this attitude is a fall (Proverbs 16:18; 18:12)! We fight against
pride by humbling ourselves before God. </div>
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Proverbs 8:13 reinforces this truth. “The fear of the Lord
is to hate evil: pride, and arrogancy, and the evil way, and the froward mouth,
do I hate.” <o:p></o:p></div>
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Lord help us to keep our priorities straight and not find
ourselves fighting against the Lord and His people, but faithfully profess a
good profession before others by faithfully fulfilling our obligations as
soldiers of Christ. <o:p></o:p></div>
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<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Blessings,<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Michael D. Green, Jr.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Fort Wayne Primitive Baptist Church</div>
<!--EndFragment-->Michael D. Green, Jr.http://www.blogger.com/profile/05736161224178446728noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-17862381.post-55439495693727511382013-03-15T11:56:00.001-04:002013-03-15T11:56:50.004-04:00A Proper Perspective
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<b>Psalms 31:15</b> <i>My times are in thy hand: deliver me from
the hand of mine enemies, and from them that persecute me.<o:p></o:p></i></div>
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<br /></div>
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Are you currently struggling through difficult times in your
life? Do you feel that there is no end to your troubles? If so, then you are in
good company. We all inevitably find ourselves in this position from time to
time. It is not a matter of ‘if’ troubles will find us but when. The Psalmist
David writes of one such time in Psalms 31.
He was facing intense persecution from those that would see him and the
nation of Israel overthrown. <o:p></o:p></div>
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<br /></div>
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In the midst of trials we can lose proper biblical perspective.
We will focus on the problem, the ones that are causing trouble, or the
possible results of the problem. This brings much unnecessary stress and worry
into our lives! When trouble comes, the proper action is to focus on the One
who is able to deliver us from such. <o:p></o:p></div>
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<br /></div>
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David understood that his life was in the Lord’s hand.
Though he was unsure of the outcome of these particular difficulties and was grieved
at the evildoers, David recalled that the Lord was intimately acquainted with
his problem. This should be our attitude regardless of the situation we face.
Come what may, God’s grace is sufficient for the trials that we encounter. It
might be that he delivers us completely out of a difficult situation. Perhaps
he doesn’t remove us from those that would persecute us, but gives us the grace
and strength necessary to endure. Whatever the case, we can put our trust in
the Lord and join David in acknowledging Him as our strong rock.<o:p></o:p></div>
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<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Blessings,<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Bro. Michael D. Green, Jr.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Fort Wayne Primitive Baptist Church<o:p></o:p></div>
<!--EndFragment-->Michael D. Green, Jr.http://www.blogger.com/profile/05736161224178446728noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-17862381.post-21155947298503994412013-03-09T17:47:00.002-05:002013-03-09T17:47:12.957-05:00Conquering Fear
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<b>Psalms 27:1</b> <i>The Lord is my light and my salvation; whom
shall I fear?<o:p></o:p></i></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">
<i>the Lord is the strength of my life; of whom shall I be
afraid?</i><o:p></o:p></div>
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<br /></div>
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One of the most common emotions that we experience is fear.
Many of our trepidations stem from the unknown. We fear the potential loss of
friendships, health, financial security and freedom. Some of this some of these
concerns are warranted, but how much joy is lost to worrying about situations
that might never occur?<o:p></o:p></div>
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<br /></div>
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Unfortunately, our culture does not do much too assuage our
fears. My wife and I were watching television the other day and were shocked at
the number of movies and weekly programming that is being produced to elicit
fear in the viewers. We have to even screen commercials because of some of the
images flashed on the screen that would be outright terrifying to our younger
children!<o:p></o:p></div>
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<br /></div>
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The high offices of government also seem to be selling fear
these days. News from Washington is ofttimes chronicling one potential disaster
after another. We are told that if certain policy is not enacted, unprecedented
upheaval will occur. There is the constant threat of terrorism, both foreign
and domestic. Again, much of this is a ploy to further political agenda. <o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
I am thankful that this is not the case with our Lord. It is
our responsibility to be discerning about the potential dangers that surround
us. But ultimately we have nothing to fear as a child of the King. The Lord is
our light that shines in this world of darkness. Notice the following
scriptures of comfort: <o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b>2 Timothy 1:7 </b><i>For God hath not given us the spirit of fear;
but of power, and of love, and of a sound mind.</i><o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b>Romans 8:15 </b><i>For ye have not received the spirit of bondage
again to fear; but ye have received the Spirit of adoption, whereby we cry,
Abba, Father.</i><o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
We have been empowered by the Holy Spirit with the ability
to live life with boldness. Let us remember that though the world around us wax
worse and worse, our home is in Heaven. Our security is in the One who
conquered death, hell, and the grave. In light of these truths whom do you
fear? Lord help us to keep this hope in the forefront of our minds!<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Blessings,<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Michael D. Green, Jr.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Fort Wayne Primitive Baptist Church<o:p></o:p></div>
<!--EndFragment-->Michael D. Green, Jr.http://www.blogger.com/profile/05736161224178446728noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-17862381.post-50629756528038967762013-02-20T09:39:00.000-05:002013-02-20T09:39:13.239-05:00Jacob’s Ladder
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi45Zs_yvI1Qxucffqq1tSODSrHfBS4SknDdqj0Zlp0zk-7iCAcwBino5QIRicETgCKUJ_ATbpelDRgAs6IKSAFfS3HIOpOo3xsxqLEVapuw8918Wuwm8TM0826HY1TtQAGosI4uA/s1600/ladder.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="161" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi45Zs_yvI1Qxucffqq1tSODSrHfBS4SknDdqj0Zlp0zk-7iCAcwBino5QIRicETgCKUJ_ATbpelDRgAs6IKSAFfS3HIOpOo3xsxqLEVapuw8918Wuwm8TM0826HY1TtQAGosI4uA/s200/ladder.jpg" width="200" /></a></div>
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<o:p> </o:p><b>Genesis 28:16</b> <i>And Jacob awaked out of his sleep, and he
said, Surely the Lord is in this place; and I knew it not.</i></div>
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<br /></div>
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All of us
inevitably go through periods of loneliness. Perhaps the circumstances of life
(job, school, etc.) necessitate a move from all that you hold dear. Sometimes
we are separated from those we love because of broken relationships or even
physical death. Whatever the case, the
uncertainty of such situations can be extremely discouraging. <o:p></o:p></div>
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<br /></div>
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This was the
situation that Jacob faced in Genesis 28. Granted, much of his difficulty
stemmed from misdeeds in the past. He was leaving hearth and home due to a
bitter relationship with his brother Esau. The threat of death was eminent and
he was being sent to a strange land to seek out a wife that he had not yet met.
To say that Jacob’s life was full of uncertainty is a gross understatement. <o:p></o:p></div>
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<br /></div>
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What a blessing
to see that the Lord provides a wonderful vision of encouragement during this
dark time. It was while he laid his head
on a stone of pillows that God blessed him with the vision of a ladder that
reached to Heaven with angels going up and down. The Lord stood at the top and
spoke words of encouragement and reassurance to this young man whose life was
in shambles. <o:p></o:p></div>
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<br /></div>
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<b>Genesis 28:13 -15</b>
<i>And, behold, the Lord stood above it, and
said, I am the Lord God of Abraham thy father, and the God of Isaac: the land
whereon thou liest, to thee will I give it, and to thy seed; And thy seed shall
be as the dust of the earth, and thou shalt spread abroad to the west, and to
the east, and to the north, and to the south: and in thee and in thy seed shall
all the families of the earth be blessed. And, behold, I am with thee, and will
keep thee in all places whither thou goest, and will bring thee again into this
land; for I will not leave thee, until I have done that which I have spoken to
thee of.<o:p></o:p></i></div>
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<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
God reaffirmed
the promise that was given to Jacob’s father and grandfather! He would always
be with Jacob and would see to his needs throughout his life’s journey. What an
encouragement indeed! The ladder was a symbol of God’s constant care and
provision for His people. We have
constant, uninterrupted access to God! There were angels ascending the ladder.
In like manner, our petitions are carried up to God via prayer. In those times of great loneliness and
uncertainty what a blessing to know that we have one who hears our prayers.
Paul elaborates on this function of the Holy Spirit in Romans 8.<o:p></o:p></div>
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<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b>Romans 8:26</b> <i>Likewise the Spirit also helpeth our
infirmities: for we know not what we should pray for as we ought: but the
Spirit itself maketh intercession for us with groanings which cannot be
uttered.<o:p></o:p></i></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
In the darkest
hours of life when all that we can do is groan because of the hopelessness of
our situation, the Spirit lifts these feeble petitions to our Heavenly Father.
Likewise, the angels descending Jacob’s ladder points us towards God’s
involvement in our everyday lives. He not only hears our prayers, but acts on
our behalf. This was the crux of God’s encouragement to Jacob. My friends, God
is not some distant observer of the happenings on Earth. He is involved. He
gives us grace sufficient for the trials of life. He keeps the promises
contained in His word and strengthens us for the trials ahead. The example of Jacob
also reassures us of God’s mercy even during the times that we suffer because
of our actions. He is indeed a God of ALL mercy and grace. May we recognize His
constant presence in our lives and be comforted/strengthened by these thoughts!<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Blessings, <o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Michael D. Green, Jr.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Fort Wayne Primitive Baptist Church<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<!--EndFragment-->Michael D. Green, Jr.http://www.blogger.com/profile/05736161224178446728noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-17862381.post-60912884551847625512013-02-19T15:22:00.002-05:002013-02-19T15:22:47.546-05:00Godly Relationships
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<br />
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<br /></div>
<div align="center" class="Body1" style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjDcRX3I0HFH_ECs7jJUNWez8LQdHFmu-USjUM6A_xpSq4uNeD1ffngs9ObDrNqnxgBYthq0VozFjgMneu3iQiZHEjpiKy4r6XLDxwWvN6njuGSJn4zo9fq4CKZ4FxMcFaj1oQWgg/s1600/help.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="81" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjDcRX3I0HFH_ECs7jJUNWez8LQdHFmu-USjUM6A_xpSq4uNeD1ffngs9ObDrNqnxgBYthq0VozFjgMneu3iQiZHEjpiKy4r6XLDxwWvN6njuGSJn4zo9fq4CKZ4FxMcFaj1oQWgg/s320/help.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<div class="Body1">
<b>Romans 15:24 </b><i>Whensoever I take my journey
into Spain, I will come to you: for I trust to see you in my journey, and to be
brought on my way thitherward by you, if first I be somewhat filled with your
company.<o:p></o:p></i></div>
<div class="Body1">
<br /></div>
<div class="Body1">
One of the unfortunate consequences of the
technological age in which we live is the
impersonalization of our society. While computers, the Internet, social
media, etc. have allowed us to connect with the world like never before, I fear
that many of us are forgetting the value of building meaningful, personal
relationships with those that we come into contact with in our everyday lives. <o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="Body1">
<br /></div>
<div class="Body1">
The Apostle Paul emphasizes importance of
godly relationships with fellow believers in the closing chapters of The Book
of Romans. Paul loved God's children. He was not merely content to correspond
with them via written letters, but wanted to be in their presence. This mutual,
personal fellowship was a hallmark of the early church. <o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="Body1">
<br /></div>
<div class="Body1">
Do you desire to foster godly
relationships in your church or are you content to just show up on Sunday
mornings and limit your involvement to superficial interactions with your
fellow believers? If you choose the latter, then you will miss out on a
wonderful resource afforded to those that are a part of the visible body of
Christ: mutual encouragement, accountability and prayers. These are all areas
that Paul addresses in Romans 13. <o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="Body1">
<br /></div>
<div class="Body1">
Poet John Donne wrote that no man is an
island entire of itself. This is especially true of God's children. We are all
a vital part of the body of Christ and depend upon one another. Among other
rich illustrations regarding our relationship with fellow believers in 1
Corinthians 12, Paul writes:<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="Body1">
<br /></div>
<div class="Body1">
<b>1 Corinthians 12:26</b> <i>And whether one
member suffer, all the members suffer with it; or one member be honoured, all
the members rejoice with it. </i><i><o:p></o:p></i></div>
<div class="Body1">
<br /></div>
<div class="Body1">
This world is rife with trials and
tribulations. What a blessing to know that God has given us dear friends in
Christ to help us along life's journey! They suffer when we suffer. They
rejoice in times of blessing. If you have distanced yourself from other
believers I encourage you to step out of your comfort zone and join company
with those of the like-precious faith. You will be glad that you did. <o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="Body1">
<br /></div>
<div class="Body1">
Blessings,
<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="Body1">
<br /></div>
<div class="Body1">
Michael
D. Green, Jr. <o:p></o:p></div>
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Fort
Wayne Primitive Baptist Church<span style="color: windowtext; font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size: 10.0pt; mso-ansi-language: #0400; mso-bidi-language: X-NONE; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-language: #0400;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<!--EndFragment-->Michael D. Green, Jr.http://www.blogger.com/profile/05736161224178446728noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-17862381.post-1062401818179346582013-02-18T13:39:00.001-05:002013-02-18T13:39:40.567-05:00Become As Little Children <br />
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<span style="clear: left; color: black; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi6oxiolbnDvM6PhmusEGXO29-ChDmSiZvhSRpDXCycY32_bJ5bK0cQCIFBBiPju80DYYVSZO0PAs1XYNrEraqz6ppK35_yewtaC5lHwnvuKOAn09wkLxioyEq0AtsqQmK7dbiuow/s200/jesus.jpg" width="200" /></span></div>
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<b><br /></b></div>
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<b>Matthew 18:3 </b><i>Verily I say unto you, except ye be
converted, and become as little children, ye shall not enter into the kingdom
of heaven.<o:p></o:p></i></div>
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<div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 12px; text-align: left; text-indent: 0.5in;">
Just a casual look at the Bible
reveals that God’s ways stand in stark contrast to that of the world. This is clearly evident in Jesus’
admonition to the disciples in Matthew 18. The popular teaching of our day
encourages self-reliance and the ‘bootstrap’ mentality to navigate the
difficulties of life. If someone hinders us, we just knock ’em out of the way. <o:p></o:p></div>
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This was the attitude of Jesus’
disciples and sadly, much of Christianity today. Throughout His public
ministry, those closest to Jesus were engaged in an ongoing debate about who is
the greatest. Can you imagine the friction that such a debate generated? At one
point two of his closest disciples, James and John, even had their mother
approach the Savior in regards to this debate (Matthew 20:21)! Not much has
changed as we observe the personality conflicts and power struggles that occur
under the banner of modern Christianity. <o:p></o:p></div>
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While temporal success might occur as one tries to navigate
the world of business, economic and personal growth, meaningful change and positive
growth in our walk with the Lord will not occur unless we become as little
children. What specifically does Jesus mean when he makes this statement about
us becoming as little children? Consider the following:<o:p></o:p></div>
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<ol>
<li><span style="text-indent: -0.5in;">Most children are easily teachable. Experts in
child development claim that the ages of 0 to 5 are the most important years as
far as learning. Children are like little sponges. They absorb a large amount
of information in this short timeframe. </span></li>
<li><span style="text-indent: -0.5in;">Children are generally open to correction. When
a mistake is made, a little child can be quickly re-directed by a parent or
other adult. This openness to reproof and instruction makes early childhood an
opportune time to teach right from wrong</span><span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: 7pt; text-indent: -0.5in;"> .</span></li>
<li><span style="text-indent: -0.5in;">Children are forgiving. If a child has a
disagreement with another, no matter how contentious, they generally forgive
one another quickly and fellowship resumes. Their memory is much shorter than
that of an adult.</span></li>
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<o:p></o:p></div>
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We would do well to integrate
these characteristics in our own lives, which is the main point of Jesus’
statement. Instead of chasing personal success and notoriety, we should strive
to be teachable and open to gospel conversion. This is crucial in every aspect
of our discipleship. There is much to learn and much room for growth in our
walk with the Lord, if we would simply humble ourselves when presented with Biblical
teaching. <o:p></o:p></div>
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Nobody likes to be corrected, but
this is also a necessary component of Christian service. None are perfect. Conversion is an ongoing process. The journey
of life and subsequent ‘pressing towards the mark’ (Philippians 3:14)
necessitate a childlike submission to constant correction and Biblical
re-direction. Even though we might be adults, this does not automatically
translate into wisdom and perfect knowledge. Such does not occur this side of
Heaven! <o:p></o:p></div>
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Finally, we must recognize that others are not perfect
either. If we are around one another for any extended period of time,
contention will occur. This is true of all of our relationships. This is why
child-like forgiveness is crucial. Though we might disagree occasionally, we
are not to harbor animosity for an extended period of time. Jesus teaches that
we are to address the issue and move on. An unforgiving spirit will indeed
hinder our growth in the kingdom of Heaven.<o:p></o:p></div>
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What a simple, yet profound statement given by our Savior.
Lord help us to take the spotlight off of us and shine it towards Him through
our humility and dedication to loving others as He has loved us!<o:p></o:p></div>
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Blessings, <o:p></o:p></div>
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<div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 12px; text-align: left;">
Michael D. Green, Jr.<o:p></o:p></div>
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Fort Wayne Primitive Baptist Church<o:p></o:p></div>
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Michael D. Green, Jr.http://www.blogger.com/profile/05736161224178446728noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-17862381.post-58662762780178369532013-01-26T10:01:00.000-05:002013-01-26T10:01:16.520-05:00Weekly AdventuresIt has been an interesting week around the Green household to say the least. Approximately three weeks ago we were blessed with a new addition. Rebekah Eloise entered the world kicking and screaming Thursday January 3rd around 12:30PM. She is a wonderful, beautiful blessing and needless to say much of our day (especially momma's) is centered around meeting her needs. And so it should be! Though I am praying that she soon adapts to a semi-normal sleep schedule :-)<br />
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgUikyTTp3ilRf9uubJ3sGstiEi2SRc3mEJbIuLO2Mw_C6h0PGhdK2YmcTtJiquCF5QOIP-hA-yuJLek6h8_4bOvnv-Q7PNC2429-sBsqsUV6SEBhFPd209C3LuVtf9qanc0XjomA/s1600/IMG_1991.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgUikyTTp3ilRf9uubJ3sGstiEi2SRc3mEJbIuLO2Mw_C6h0PGhdK2YmcTtJiquCF5QOIP-hA-yuJLek6h8_4bOvnv-Q7PNC2429-sBsqsUV6SEBhFPd209C3LuVtf9qanc0XjomA/s320/IMG_1991.jpg" width="239" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Hello World!</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh7a-xYyDPH6qv1QZ6JAD2zetRv_7rBvOTa1rUNzrd_erFSdqrtr0c1F7Lu9Nc-f1PWSIjz_XyU_g2VRm2k6oSotlkHEVVY8-K7GxscGKbGChATUmqV66qH1V4TndHjtAUMX2cGmg/s1600/IMG_1983.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh7a-xYyDPH6qv1QZ6JAD2zetRv_7rBvOTa1rUNzrd_erFSdqrtr0c1F7Lu9Nc-f1PWSIjz_XyU_g2VRm2k6oSotlkHEVVY8-K7GxscGKbGChATUmqV66qH1V4TndHjtAUMX2cGmg/s320/IMG_1983.jpg" width="239" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Ya talkin' to me?!?</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
I can also scratch a couple of things off of my bucket list. Earlier this week I made the front page of one of our community newspapers. No, it was not for any criminal charges. Although some think it a crime when I run :-)<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiHOlN_vWqCOJXpNUQwVLlPCL6M6n3HZnuvdT399lazegZcKpO_yPqEJacTf10VAa0xvfE8PxFTU19IqfX-CpzYCmM9b8Q8QuINbH6auH38uM_RJMMojazcXUinKpH4mc7PmjSWSg/s1600/IMG_1973.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiHOlN_vWqCOJXpNUQwVLlPCL6M6n3HZnuvdT399lazegZcKpO_yPqEJacTf10VAa0xvfE8PxFTU19IqfX-CpzYCmM9b8Q8QuINbH6auH38uM_RJMMojazcXUinKpH4mc7PmjSWSg/s320/IMG_1973.jpg" width="239" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Run!!</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
I have been working on improved exercise and dietary habits since the beginning of the new year. Believe it or not, I have been somewhat physically fit in my lifetime. It was a good place to be and I wish to return to that happy place. Most of my reasoning for recommitting to a healthy lifestyle if for a better health and well-being. But I also confess that I do not like the Shrek-like shape that my body takes when I make one too many trips to the dessert line at church.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjroywKcKPvnVn1bMUBc_H5icJoBDlCX5-nLPoK-g_dYTKkJ4Y5GwdgqUje4oLBzZiJZ8EpvnoLlMzb1_DXLvub1_v1y6bM7Cqt-pE6b9q1RMt6gbaJkl1xR0YgoBv3bbVO8NnnRg/s1600/shrek.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjroywKcKPvnVn1bMUBc_H5icJoBDlCX5-nLPoK-g_dYTKkJ4Y5GwdgqUje4oLBzZiJZ8EpvnoLlMzb1_DXLvub1_v1y6bM7Cqt-pE6b9q1RMt6gbaJkl1xR0YgoBv3bbVO8NnnRg/s1600/shrek.jpg" /></a></div>
Anyways, I have been utilizing the (free) facilities at my place of employment and was recently photographed pounding it out on the ole treadmill. Here's to my moment in the spotlight ;-)<br />
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Then, Friday was another first. I won a radio call-in contest. I generally only half pay attention to the radio on my way to work. But yesterday I was listening when the daily trivia question was asked. The question was what happens six-thousand (approximately) times per year in American hospitals? I quickly guessed triplets, being in new baby-daddy mode. Anyways, I called and successfully got through. The question was correct and I won a prize pack that includes free lunch. I was probably more excited than I should have been, but it was fun nonetheless.<br />
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We've kinda slacked on our Bible reading this week and will be playing catch up today. We were blessed with approximately sixteen visitors in our home this week and are expecting more today. It is always a blessing to share our home with dear Brothers and Sisters in Christ. Come up and see us sometime!<br />
<br />
Exciting times indeed. Enough about my week. How has yours been?<br />
<br />
Stay Classy :-)<br />
<br />
MG<br />
<br />
<br />Michael D. Green, Jr.http://www.blogger.com/profile/05736161224178446728noreply@blogger.com0