tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-80126120123008609712024-02-27T18:39:00.428-05:00Everlasting JoyLearning to walk with Joy through all life's circumstances.sharon brobsthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05886459608541959680noreply@blogger.comBlogger400125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8012612012300860971.post-75265193278705268262024-01-09T14:37:00.001-05:002024-01-09T14:37:56.249-05:00Weary Yet Pursuing<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: verdana; text-align: left;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; font-size: large; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh4jgz5nqu0tIct6KaExBvZgG057pI8969CgF6oSMoIjZjrqLW8r8cmk3_jT7FaoSQnG4jndaNoz7sEKgjasxWm3Dhc6CRQtP91rCPOHCRgMxaR6ImFY8bM8g623cFxIKfcKrQyB3ne0t9E4yWprH7CedH6T07msHnZ0EzfOw3ipZf-vPc5kdcPzDR25xs/s1080/weary%20yet%20pursuing.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1080" data-original-width="1080" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh4jgz5nqu0tIct6KaExBvZgG057pI8969CgF6oSMoIjZjrqLW8r8cmk3_jT7FaoSQnG4jndaNoz7sEKgjasxWm3Dhc6CRQtP91rCPOHCRgMxaR6ImFY8bM8g623cFxIKfcKrQyB3ne0t9E4yWprH7CedH6T07msHnZ0EzfOw3ipZf-vPc5kdcPzDR25xs/w400-h400/weary%20yet%20pursuing.png" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; font-size: large; text-align: center;"><span style="text-align: left;"><br /></span></div><p style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="text-align: left;">They are three little words, yet they were what was needed to encourage my </span><span style="text-align: left;">heart today. The words were from Judges 8:4 which says, "</span><b style="text-align: left;">weary yet pursuing</b><span style="text-align: left;">". </span></p><p style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="text-align: left;"></span></p><div style="text-align: left;"> </div></span><span style="font-family: verdana; text-align: left;"><div style="text-align: left;"> The context of those words was written amid battle. Gideon and his army of 300 men had been fighting against the Midianites. God had already delivered 3 leaders into their hands and they were still pursuing more. They needed food to be strengthened, but those around them did not come to their rescue. Instead of giving up, they pursued their enemy, even though they were weary. (There is a lot more to the story, and I encourage you to read it in Judges 8, but God used those three little words to encourage me this day.)</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div></span><span style="font-family: verdana;"><div style="text-align: left;"> When I am tired and weary of the battle where do I go? Who do I turn to? How do I cope with the weariness that I feel? What should I pursue instead of giving in to the weariness of my soul? </div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div></span><span style="font-family: verdana;"><div style="text-align: left;"> Too often I want to go to people, and while the body of Christ can and should be a good source of refreshment often they fail. They fail because we have gone to them first, we've put our hope in their strength to encourage and lift us up instead of Christ. They fail because they have battles of their own to fight. </div></span><span style="font-family: verdana;"><div style="text-align: left;"><span>So before going to others, even the body of Christ, we must go to God. We must</span><span> go to His word. It's here, and here alone that I am refreshed and encouraged.</span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span><b><br /></b></span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span><b> I forget this so many times and run to people.</b> But today it was God's words that refreshed this tired and weary heart.</span> Perhaps they too will refresh your weary heart.</div></span><span style="font-family: verdana;"><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div></span><p></p></div><blockquote style="border: none; margin: 0 0 0 40px; padding: 0px;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: verdana; text-align: left;"><p style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: verdana;"></span></p><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="background-color: white; line-height: 21.4286px;"><i> </i></span><span style="background-color: white;"><span style="color: #444444;"><i><span style="line-height: 21.4286px;">Do you not know? Have you not heard? The Everlasting God, the LORD , the Creator of the ends of the earth Does not become</span><span class="highlight" style="box-sizing: border-box; line-height: 21.4286px; padding: 0px 5px;">weary</span><span style="line-height: 21.4286px;">or tired. His understanding is inscrutable. </span><span style="line-height: 21.4286px;">He gives strength to the</span><span class="highlight" style="box-sizing: border-box; line-height: 21.4286px; padding: 0px 5px;">weary</span><span style="line-height: 21.4286px;">, And to him who lacks might He increases power. </span><span style="line-height: 21.4286px;">Though youths grow </span><span class="highlight" style="box-sizing: border-box; line-height: 21.4286px; padding: 0px 5px;">weary</span><span style="line-height: 21.4286px;"> and tired, And vigorous young men stumble badly, </span><span style="line-height: 21.4286px;">Yet those who wait for the LORD Will gain new strength; They will mount up with wings like eagles, They will run and not get tired, They will walk and not become </span></i><span class="highlight" style="box-sizing: border-box; line-height: 21.4286px; padding: 0px 5px;"><i>weary</i>. (Isaiah 40:28-31)</span></span></span></div></span><p></p></div></blockquote><div style="text-align: left;">
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<span style="color: #444444; font-family: verdana;"><span style="background-color: white; line-height: 21.4286px;">"<i>For I satisfy the </i></span><span class="highlight" style="background-color: white; box-sizing: border-box; line-height: 21.4286px; padding: 0px 5px;"><i>weary</i></span><span style="background-color: white; line-height: 21.4286px;"><i> ones and refresh everyone who languishes</i>." (Jer 31:25)</span></span></blockquote>
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<span style="color: #444444; font-family: verdana;"><i><span style="background-color: white; line-height: 21.4286px;">Come to Me, all who are weary and</span></i><span style="background-color: white; line-height: 21.4286px;"><i> heavy-laden, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you and learn from Me, for I am gentle and humble in heart, and YOU WILL FIND REST FOR YOUR SOULS. For my yoke is easy and My burden is light</i>. (Matthew 11:28-30)</span></span></blockquote>
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<span style="color: #444444; font-family: verdana;"><span style="background-color: white; line-height: 20px;"><i>Let us not lose heart in doing good, for in due time we will reap if we do not grow weary</i></span><span style="background-color: white;"><span style="line-height: 20px;"><i>.</i> (Gal 6:9)</span></span><span style="background-color: white;"><span style="line-height: 20px;"><br /></span></span><span style="background-color: white; line-height: 20px;"></span></span></blockquote>
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<span style="color: #444444; font-family: verdana;"><i><span style="background-color: white; line-height: 20px;">For consider Him who has endured such hostility by sinners against Himself, so that you will not grow </span><span class="highlight" style="background-color: white; box-sizing: border-box; line-height: 20px; padding: 0px 5px;">weary</span></i><span style="line-height: 20px;"><span style="background-color: white;"><i> and lose heart.</i> (Hebrews 12:3)</span></span></span></blockquote>
<span style="font-family: verdana;"><span> Jesus will be our strength, in Him we will find rest. Run to Him, pursue Him through His words to you.</span><br />
<span><br /></span><span> So what should we do instead of giving in to weariness, discouragement, depression, anxieties, or any other ways we may try to deal with hard times? What does God's word say I should pursue instead of giving in to my weariness?</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: verdana;"><i><span style="background-color: white; color: #444444;"> </span><span style="background-color: white; color: #444444; line-height: 21.4286px;">O God, You are my God; I shall seek You</span></i><span style="background-color: white; color: #444444; line-height: 21.4286px;"><i> earnestly; My soul thirsts for You, my flesh yearns for You, In a dry and weary land where there is no water. </i>(Psalm 63:1)</span></span></blockquote>
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<span style="color: #444444; font-family: verdana;"><i><span style="background-color: white; line-height: 21.4286px;">So then we pursue</span><span style="background-color: white;"><span style="line-height: 21.4286px;"> </span></span></i><span style="background-color: white; line-height: 21.4286px;"><i>the things which make for peace and the building up of one another.</i> (Rom 14:19)</span> </span></blockquote>
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<span style="color: #444444; font-family: verdana;"><span style="background-color: white; line-height: 18.5714px;">..<i>. </i></span><span style="background-color: white;"><i><span class="highlight" style="box-sizing: border-box; line-height: 18.5714px; padding: 0px 5px;">pursue</span><span style="line-height: 18.5714px;"> </span></i></span><span style="background-color: white; line-height: 18.5714px;"><i>righteousness, godliness, faith, love, perseverance and gentleness. </i>(1 Timothy 6:11)</span> </span></blockquote>
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<span style="color: #444444; font-family: verdana;">..<i>.seek peace and pursue it</i>. (Heb 12:14; 1 Peter 3:11)</span></blockquote><span style="font-family: verdana;"> Today may we choose to seek God and the things of God. May we pursue that which will build us up instead of tearing us down. May we fall on our knees before the cross, pray to know God, and pursue Him in a greater, deeper way.<br /></span><br /><div>
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</div>sharon brobsthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05886459608541959680noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8012612012300860971.post-9020098116584345062023-12-14T20:58:00.000-05:002023-12-14T20:58:03.813-05:00Watering the Soul<span style="font-family: helvetica; font-size: medium;">I have a few plants in my house that will either look lush and thriving or withered and dying. It seems that in order to keep them looking healthy and alive I need to water them. Seriously though, I understand their desperate need for water. But too often I get distracted and forget or I just don’t see them when their leaves are turning brown, withering up and about to die. It’s sad really. I should probably just give up and not try. I am sure artificial plants could look really nice too. To be honest the only reason I have had these particular plants is because my husband is better at seeing them than I am and he will remind me that they are dying. Sometimes he will just water them without saying a word. I am sure they love my husband more than me. <br />
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Today I was reading Psalm 1 and my heart was pricked by verse 3 which says, “<em>He will be like a tree firmly planted by stream of water, which yields its fruit in its season and it leaf does not wither</em>…” In the quietness before the Lord He reminded me of something I had forgotten. Jeremiah 17:8 says, “<em>For he will be like a tree planted by the water, that extends its roots by the stream and will not fear when the heat come; But its leaves will be green, and it will not be anxious in a year of drought nor cease to yield fruit.</em>”<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhXbOFD4BE0aWbpsX5cYpmB06LyGxh1p1ir_tiLUZmFsCVXONAXkxBQlCPy11HY26tx9OLfJNsilEpvt7bwAqG_dQueAi435v5PVm-v_-IaIvp2P8gMG266f4JaBIwJUcYJp3qUzArALpI/s1600/Withered.jpg" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: helvetica; font-size: medium;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhXbOFD4BE0aWbpsX5cYpmB06LyGxh1p1ir_tiLUZmFsCVXONAXkxBQlCPy11HY26tx9OLfJNsilEpvt7bwAqG_dQueAi435v5PVm-v_-IaIvp2P8gMG266f4JaBIwJUcYJp3qUzArALpI/s400/Withered.jpg" width="266" /></span></a></div><span style="font-family: helvetica; font-size: medium;">
Sometimes we can be like my poor plants. Our leaves begin to wither and die and for various reasons no one sees us. They don’t see that we are dying spiritually. They don’t see that we are struggling. They walk by and we die a little more. Our edges begin to curl up and we no longer produce our fruit. The ground around us begins to dry and discouragement sets in. We wonder will anyone see? Does anyone know we are struggling? <br />
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But unlike my plants we can do something about our withering leaves. My plants are dependent on me. Their only hope is that I see that they are dying. Their only hope is that I will remember to water them. We, however, have a greater hope. We have the hope of Jesus and His written word. We only need to open up His word and allow it to refreshing and renew us. <br />
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So if you feel like your life is falling apart. If you feel dried out and about to wither up then go to the One who does see you. Go to the One who is never so distracted he forgets about you. In fact He never forgets you and always sees you. Go to Him and spend time in His word and let Him refresh you. <br />
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To be honest I have forgotten this lately. Thinking other things, books, and people would be able to refresh that which I felt dying inside me. But it’s when I am meditating on the truth of His word that my soul and heart grows and is refreshed. It’s His word alone that waters my soul. I;m so grateful He sees me and reminds me that He is the answer to my thirsty soul.<br />
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What about you? How long has it been since you have sat before the Lord with your Bible? Not a bible study or devotional, but His Word, the Bible? Not that those things are wrong, but if we are only getting what others have already studied and chewed up then we are missing the richness of watering our soul through the words of Jesus. Why not start today and open up your Bible and see how God might speak to you?<br /><br /></span>sharon brobsthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05886459608541959680noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8012612012300860971.post-89166040100281527132023-12-04T22:00:00.001-05:002023-12-04T22:03:14.304-05:00 Press On Toward Christ<p></p> <p><font></font></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; font-family: "Comic Sans MS"; font-size: small; text-align: center;"><font><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEijVqwrgnVlp7a2R0lA5CW7UDo1zKXlSMm-zy1Q3Gy1zF9T_JoMep7nzHeRetLYyr-qAlKohbnzBc2ZfnZlUPNbCqx_TorSbob3rcbAxJTrU7HJSCHYjzqb01JMF25U2LnuqwAij20Cmv-jJvR3XXAmNhFe_D0wPBHQVCS8QvbZS9qUKt8AbWrZ9KAteUc/s1080/let%20us%20press%20on%20.png" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1080" data-original-width="1080" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEijVqwrgnVlp7a2R0lA5CW7UDo1zKXlSMm-zy1Q3Gy1zF9T_JoMep7nzHeRetLYyr-qAlKohbnzBc2ZfnZlUPNbCqx_TorSbob3rcbAxJTrU7HJSCHYjzqb01JMF25U2LnuqwAij20Cmv-jJvR3XXAmNhFe_D0wPBHQVCS8QvbZS9qUKt8AbWrZ9KAteUc/s320/let%20us%20press%20on%20.png" width="320" /></a></font></div><font><span style="font-family: helvetica; font-size: medium;">In this world we are told there will be suffering, trials, heartache and tribulations. </span></font><p></p> <p><span style="font-family: helvetica; font-size: medium;"><font>It can feel overwhelming. So overwhelming that people are often tempted to stop, give up and they lose hope.</font><font> </font></span></p> <p><span style="font-size: medium;"><span style="font-family: helvetica;"><font>But God reminds</font><font> us to <b>press on</b> to maturity. (Heb 6:1) We can choose to allow the trials of this life</font></span><span style="font-family: helvetica;"> to mature us and make us more like Christ.</span></span></p> <p><span style="font-family: helvetica; font-size: medium;"><font>We are reminded to</font><font> <strong>press on</strong> to know the LORD" (Hos 6:3)</font></span></p> <p><font face="helvetica" size="4">And...</font></p><p><span style="font-family: helvetica; font-size: medium;"><font>We are told to <strong>press on</strong> so that we may lay hold of that for which also was laid hold of by Christ Jesus. </font><span>We </span><strong>press on</strong><span> toward the goal for the prize of the upward call of God in Christ Jesus. (Phil 3:12,14)</span></span></p> <div class="wlWriterEditableSmartContent" id="scid:5737277B-5D6D-4f48-ABFC-DD9C333F4C5D:819eb7d1-7536-4029-a0fc-8d7b07050bb0" style="display: inline; float: none; margin: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding: 0px;"><div id="41d05339-f276-48f9-ba25-17d494785024" style="display: inline; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;"><span style="font-family: helvetica; font-size: medium;">My dear friends no matter what you are facing today, no matter how you feel, I pray that you will choose to press in to Christ so that you are able to grow in maturity and be more like Christ Jesus.</span></div></div>sharon brobsthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05886459608541959680noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8012612012300860971.post-70728499940483517542023-11-13T13:00:00.000-05:002023-11-13T13:00:13.705-05:00Being Thankful In All Things<p> </p><span id="docs-internal-guid-16bf1279-7fff-46c4-2996-8b152b582084"><span style="font-size: medium;"><br /></span><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgikT-xr-txsZ52G6M-Cl5C7myovbSoOq2sDdg6ry5R2C5xbQwPnnWdOLLnALxnpbXA74sdUhqwtKW_pNw3cK1sJwDIS2CA6XHssyEVqFrngl6OpomizC8HVe43INLu1-8ps6nWxTS7caHtBeq6G1GewXIOzUn6JHYVuSpo-jRcbpdEu6bvSmCAc59gjew/s1080/Rejoice%20always;%20pray%20without%20ceasing;%20in%20everything%20give%20thanks;%20for%20this%20is%20God's%20will%20for%20you%20in%20Christ.%201%20Thess%20516-18.png" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1080" data-original-width="1080" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgikT-xr-txsZ52G6M-Cl5C7myovbSoOq2sDdg6ry5R2C5xbQwPnnWdOLLnALxnpbXA74sdUhqwtKW_pNw3cK1sJwDIS2CA6XHssyEVqFrngl6OpomizC8HVe43INLu1-8ps6nWxTS7caHtBeq6G1GewXIOzUn6JHYVuSpo-jRcbpdEu6bvSmCAc59gjew/s320/Rejoice%20always;%20pray%20without%20ceasing;%20in%20everything%20give%20thanks;%20for%20this%20is%20God's%20will%20for%20you%20in%20Christ.%201%20Thess%20516-18.png" width="320" /></span></a></div><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif; white-space-collapse: preserve;"><span style="font-size: medium;">Recently I was asked "How can we give thanks for everything that happens to us?" My quick answer was, "We can't. And God doesn't expect us to. God said that we are to give thank in everything, not for everything." </span></span></p><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif; white-space-collapse: preserve;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><br /></span></span></p><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif; white-space-collapse: preserve;">So often the enemy changes one small word and our entire thinking goes wrong. God tells us that w</span><span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif; white-space-collapse: preserve;">e are to be thankful in our circumstances not for them. </span></span></p><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif; white-space-collapse: preserve;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><br /></span></span></p><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space-collapse: preserve;"><span style="font-size: medium;">How many times have we been in a place where we are faced with suffering, pain, or trials with the wrong view? We think that somehow we are to be thankful for whatever we are facing. In this life we can face some really hard things in life. Like, how can a mother watch her child die of cancer and be thankful? How can a wife be thankful that her husband is having an affair? How can we be thankful as we live and work in an environment that seems hostile to what we believe? How can anyone be thankful for being abused, beaten, abandoned, marginalized, forgotten or... the list could go on and on.</span></span></p><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space-collapse: preserve;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><br /></span></span></p><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space-collapse: preserve;"><span style="font-size: medium;">Oh dear one, God does not ask us to be thankful for these things. He wants us to have an attitude of thankfulness as we walk through them. When our circumstances threaten to overwhelm us we can still be thankful. We can be thankful as we look to God. But first we must take our eyes off the circumstance, die to what we thought would happen, and remember who He is and what He has done. We can be thankful for His continued Faithfulness to us.</span></span></p><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space-collapse: preserve;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><br /></span></span></p><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space-collapse: preserve;"><span style="font-size: medium;">We can give thanks because we know that God always acts in righteousness.<i> "I will give thanks to the LORD according to His righteousness And will sing praise to the name of the LORD Most High".</i> Ps 7:17 </span></span></p><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space-collapse: preserve;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><br /></span></span></p><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space-collapse: preserve;"><span style="font-size: medium;">We can give thanks because He is our God! <i>"You are my God, and I give thanks to You; You are my God, I extol You".</i> Ps 118:28</span></span></p><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space-collapse: preserve;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><br /></span></span></p><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space-collapse: preserve;"><span style="font-size: medium;">We can give thanks as a sacrifice of praise. "...</span></span><span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: medium;"><span style="white-space-collapse: preserve;">The Lord gave, and the Lord has taken away; Blessed be the name of the Lord.” Job 1:21</span></span></p><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space-collapse: preserve;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><br /></span></span></p><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space-collapse: preserve;"><span style="font-size: medium;">God wants us to choose an attitude of thankfulness. It’s choosing to live, walk, and believe in TRUTH regardless of emotions or circumstances. </span></span><span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: large; white-space-collapse: preserve;">Living a life in thankfulness is beyond the ability of the flesh so we must rely on the Spirit. We must be in His word. "<i>Devote yourselves to prayer, keeping alert in it with an attitude of thanksgiving</i>." Col 4:2 </span></p><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: large; white-space-collapse: preserve;"><br /></span></p><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space-collapse: preserve;"><span style="font-size: medium;">Will you choose to be thankful because of who God is? Will you choose to focus on God and His character instead of whatever current circumstances you find yourself in? Go to God in prayer and ask His Spirit to help you live a life being thankful reguardless of your circumstances.</span></span></p><br /></span>sharon brobsthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05886459608541959680noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8012612012300860971.post-82631803016399252662023-11-09T13:13:00.000-05:002023-11-09T13:13:05.325-05:00Reflecting God's Love<p><br /></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhfATx_IRB_XZPqz8ziOBjxffDtYElOwbW3n5OcX4iB6zNcMVTLxwl0GGLgnxHHqrF8FbjgbvkwF5ia1twdzb176S5hRGXqsrDkQgkHcnbHAYWZD_5TVC5oJJ70lPaMte7khfblp7EbfJtEBqXpjxIJD97mQ9vnU7f4YXXI6GS2nWwGzhyYsmODT3dbwTs/s1080/reflecting%20God's%20love.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1080" data-original-width="1080" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhfATx_IRB_XZPqz8ziOBjxffDtYElOwbW3n5OcX4iB6zNcMVTLxwl0GGLgnxHHqrF8FbjgbvkwF5ia1twdzb176S5hRGXqsrDkQgkHcnbHAYWZD_5TVC5oJJ70lPaMte7khfblp7EbfJtEBqXpjxIJD97mQ9vnU7f4YXXI6GS2nWwGzhyYsmODT3dbwTs/s320/reflecting%20God's%20love.png" width="320" /></a></div><br /><div style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: small;"><br /></div><div style="background-color: white; color: #222222;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: small;"> </span><span style="font-family: trebuchet; font-size: medium;">"A new command I give you: Love one another. As I have loved you, so you must love one another." - John 13:34 (NIV)</span></div><div style="background-color: white; color: #222222;"><span style="font-family: trebuchet; font-size: medium;"><br /></span></div><div style="background-color: white; color: #222222;"><span style="font-family: trebuchet; font-size: medium;"><br /></span></div><div style="background-color: white; color: #222222;"><span style="font-family: trebuchet; font-size: medium;"><br /></span></div><div style="background-color: white; color: #222222;"><span style="font-family: trebuchet; font-size: medium;">As followers of Christ we are called to reflect God's love in our daily lives. Being a Christian is not merely about attending church services or reciting prayers; it is about embodying the teachings of Jesus and living out His commandments.</span></div><div style="background-color: white; color: #222222;"><span style="font-family: trebuchet; font-size: medium;"><br /></span></div><div style="background-color: white; color: #222222;"><span style="font-family: trebuchet; font-size: medium;">In John 13:34, Jesus gives us a new commandment: to love one another as He has loved us. This commandment is the foundation of being a god centered Christian. It challenges us to extend love, grace, and compassion to everyone we encounter, regardless of their background, beliefs, or actions. </span></div><div style="background-color: white; color: #222222;"><span style="font-family: trebuchet; font-size: medium;"><br /></span></div><div style="background-color: white; color: #222222;"><span style="font-family: trebuchet; font-size: medium;">To be a Christian means to be a vessel of God's love in a broken world. It means showing kindness to the stranger, forgiveness to the offender, and empathy to the hurting. It means being patient with those who test our patience and extending a helping hand to those in need. It means loving those who sin differently than we do and remembering the sin and temptations God has saved us from.</span></div><div style="background-color: white; color: #222222;"><span style="font-family: trebuchet; font-size: medium;"><br /></span></div><div style="background-color: white; color: #222222;"><span style="font-family: trebuchet; font-size: medium;">Being a godly Christian also involves living a life of integrity and righteousness. It means aligning our thoughts, words, and actions with God's Word. It means seeking His guidance and wisdom in every decision we make, and allowing the Holy Spirit to transform us from within.</span></div><div style="background-color: white; color: #222222;"><span style="font-family: trebuchet; font-size: medium;"><br /></span></div><div style="background-color: white; color: #222222;"><span style="font-family: trebuchet; font-size: medium;">Let us remember that being a godly Christian is not about perfection, but about progress. It is a lifelong journey of growth and transformation. We may stumble and fall along the way, but God's grace is always available to lift us up and empower us to continue walking in His ways.</span></div><div style="background-color: white; color: #222222;"><span style="font-family: trebuchet; font-size: medium;"><br /></span></div><div style="background-color: white; color: #222222;"><span style="font-family: trebuchet; font-size: medium;">Today, let us commit ourselves to being a God honoring Christian, reflecting God's love in all that we do. May our lives be a testimony of His goodness, mercy, and grace, drawing others closer to Him.</span></div><div><br /></div>sharon brobsthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05886459608541959680noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8012612012300860971.post-54313265337451119722023-10-26T11:46:00.010-04:002023-10-29T20:14:52.455-04:00God’s Peace<div><span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: 100%; display: inline; text-size-adjust: 100%;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; font-size: 12pt; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiTvWNVQZMabMiiTRrlmUlhY5IW7hTZLRszAhyphenhyphenMXWRPZN0m3W1VsM6ceA2RB932ccc8mqLv57WQZQwXc5jdiVWc4uGYHI6SrWheNaE4wdzjvTlpmXrhqq6jDth-PZHtj6-l8ph2kHLn-8S-lhYFaANH1RQbNIJ364OOJzn-kpyr4zhiqnirIsRyADSDsUE/s1080/CFA69620-ACB8-4388-A24D-A7B103B8A2B4.jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1080" data-original-width="1080" height="365" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiTvWNVQZMabMiiTRrlmUlhY5IW7hTZLRszAhyphenhyphenMXWRPZN0m3W1VsM6ceA2RB932ccc8mqLv57WQZQwXc5jdiVWc4uGYHI6SrWheNaE4wdzjvTlpmXrhqq6jDth-PZHtj6-l8ph2kHLn-8S-lhYFaANH1RQbNIJ364OOJzn-kpyr4zhiqnirIsRyADSDsUE/w365-h365/CFA69620-ACB8-4388-A24D-A7B103B8A2B4.jpeg" width="365" /></a></div><br /><span style="font-size: medium;">In a world filled with chaos, uncertainty, and turmoil, finding true peace can seem like an impossible dream. We often seek peace in external circumstances, relationships, or material possessions, only to find that these sources are temporary and fleeting. However, as believers, we have access to a peace that surpasses all understanding – God's peace.</span></span></div><div><span style="font-size: medium;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-size: medium;">God's peace is not merely the absence of conflict or trouble; it is a deep sense of tranquility and well-being that comes from knowing and trusting in Him. It is a peace that remains steadfast even in the midst of life's storms. When we experience God's peace, our hearts are calmed, our minds are renewed, and our souls find rest.</span></div><div><span style="font-size: medium;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-size: medium;">The world offers a counterfeit peace that is based on external circumstances. It promises happiness through wealth, success, or the absence of problems. But this peace is fragile and easily shattered. God's peace, on the other hand, is an internal peace that remains unshaken regardless of our circumstances. It is a peace that can sustain us through the darkest of times and carry us through the challenges we face.</span></div><div><span style="font-size: medium;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-size: medium;">To experience God's peace, we must first surrender our worries, fears, and anxieties to Him. We need to cast our burdens upon the Lord, knowing that He cares for us (1 Peter 5:7). As we release control and place our trust in Him, He fills our hearts with His peace that surpasses all understanding.</span></div><div><span style="font-size: medium;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-size: medium;">Today, let us seek God's peace with all our hearts. May we find solace in His presence, knowing that He is our refuge and strength. As we surrender our worries and fears to Him, may His peace guard our hearts and minds, enabling us to live victoriously and radiate His peace to a world in desperate need.</span></div>sharon brobsthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05886459608541959680noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8012612012300860971.post-51107983757744100522023-10-26T11:36:00.001-04:002023-10-26T11:38:20.831-04:00Stop Fighting For Control<div><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjg5RWEFuktXZl8AU-On3um8Z72z7RApFDx57XOPSsUCKebejT40SRepurliXgYuU5vcqcy4Pi7t10igxcLSJA3m15bLUC8h5nJT6Hfb99kgiF48vRNK3_77t1BlveWcHvhU7aJKxQCDurIvTDJXV5mBEH627Bo11llrFxWWLWoH7UU2ONaOp4yTuLkccQ/s1080/7582780F-5645-45BC-B593-74547BFAFCFD.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1080" data-original-width="1080" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjg5RWEFuktXZl8AU-On3um8Z72z7RApFDx57XOPSsUCKebejT40SRepurliXgYuU5vcqcy4Pi7t10igxcLSJA3m15bLUC8h5nJT6Hfb99kgiF48vRNK3_77t1BlveWcHvhU7aJKxQCDurIvTDJXV5mBEH627Bo11llrFxWWLWoH7UU2ONaOp4yTuLkccQ/s320/7582780F-5645-45BC-B593-74547BFAFCFD.jpeg" width="320" style="max-height: 80%; max-width: 80%; height: auto; width: auto;"></a></div><div style="text-align: left;"><div>Have you ever had one of those days when it feels like you are carrying around the weight of the world? You look around you and see all the pain, heartbreak, struggling, confusion, uncertainty and you want to do something. You want to try fix it!</div><div> </div><div>There is so much hurt. So much pain. You wonder, "How can I help make it better"? As you look around it seems overwhelming. How can you help those that will not listen? How can you warn of the coming storms when people choose not to see? How can you encourage the heartbroken? The abused? Those caught in sin's cycle?</div><div><br></div><div>In the midst of a day when I am taking on the sorrow of the world God whispers gently in my ear. “These sorrows are not for you. I will carry them.”</div><div><br></div><div>I protest, “But God, shouldn’t I say SOMETHING to help them see truth?” Shouldn’t I DO something?” Again a whisper, “Dear child, you have spoken. You have pointed out truth. You have loved them where they are. And as I give you opportunity continue but for right now, let it go and pray.”</div><div> </div><div>“PRAY? That is it!” “Yes.”</div><div><br></div><div>Oh how often I forget that God carries the world and all the troubles on His shoulders I do not need to. I forget I am not in control of the lives of those I love. God changes minds, heart and saves souls. He convicts of sin and He is the one who will work it all out for His glory. </div><div><br></div><div>I need to pray.</div><div><br></div><div>What I continue to learn over and over and over is, I AM NOT IN CONTROL. Not even a little. I am learning, continually it seems, that I need to trust more. For if I am fighting to control my family, friends or my circumstances then I am not trusting God. Did you get that?</div><div><br></div><div>If I am fighting for control, then I am not trusting God. </div><div> </div><div>Oh Father help me trust you more fully! Help me to realize that I can not carry the sorrows and heartaches of this world. You have called me to pray. Father, teach me to pray and leave it all with you.</div><div><br></div><span style="font-size: 12pt; -webkit-text-size-adjust: 100%; display: inline !important;">#trustgod #blogger #devotions #newblogpost #itsbeenawhile</span>.</div>sharon brobsthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05886459608541959680noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8012612012300860971.post-12778984120418070652022-03-30T15:46:00.004-04:002022-03-30T15:48:31.741-04:00No Longer Condemned<p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi8hsf6zwfSZmEoYWrRk2MEUk0hqO2HXQP7xUod6uAOQAGNQpGwNRm1vez8pQjLJv3WIMQnQDo3-2nA98gDNIdMf1m-tmxu_WTH_tWOiXvMgmezeywM-cmA2XuGilMSXrrcpl15KbwQWk1usn0NmohPqjYozda8iVV8Br4xm78r5M-Kzb953ZPxb584/s1014/IMG_8212.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1014" data-original-width="996" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi8hsf6zwfSZmEoYWrRk2MEUk0hqO2HXQP7xUod6uAOQAGNQpGwNRm1vez8pQjLJv3WIMQnQDo3-2nA98gDNIdMf1m-tmxu_WTH_tWOiXvMgmezeywM-cmA2XuGilMSXrrcpl15KbwQWk1usn0NmohPqjYozda8iVV8Br4xm78r5M-Kzb953ZPxb584/s320/IMG_8212.jpg" width="314" /></a></div><span style="font-family: arial;"><span style="background-color: white;">If you are anything like me I'm sure there are times that you</span><span style="background-color: white; color: #050505; white-space: pre-wrap;"> need to be reminded that shame does not come from Jesus. </span></span><p></p><div class="cxmmr5t8 oygrvhab hcukyx3x c1et5uql o9v6fnle ii04i59q" style="background-color: white; color: #050505; margin: 0.5em 0px 0px; overflow-wrap: break-word; white-space: pre-wrap;"><div dir="auto"><span style="font-family: arial;">If you are trapped in a cycle of shame, run to Jesus. Read His word. Pray to Him. </span></div></div><div class="cxmmr5t8 oygrvhab hcukyx3x c1et5uql o9v6fnle ii04i59q" style="background-color: white; color: #050505; margin: 0.5em 0px 0px; overflow-wrap: break-word; white-space: pre-wrap;"><div dir="auto"><span style="font-family: arial;">There is no condemnation in those who follow Christ. He has set us free from both sin and shame. </span></div></div><div class="cxmmr5t8 oygrvhab hcukyx3x c1et5uql o9v6fnle ii04i59q" style="background-color: white; color: #050505; margin: 0.5em 0px 0px; overflow-wrap: break-word; white-space: pre-wrap;"><div dir="auto"><span style="font-family: arial;">Guilt on the other hand is conviction from the Holy Spirit that we have sinned against God and will ALWAYS lead us to repentance. Thereby drawing us closer to God. </span></div><div dir="auto"><span style="font-family: arial;"><br /></span></div><div dir="auto"><span style="font-family: arial;">Shame will always lead you away from God. Our enemy loves to get us focused on shamet that causes us to spiral down hill toward thinking of self. To make us feel like a bad person, unworthy of forgiveness or love. </span></div><div dir="auto"><span style="font-family: arial;"><br /></span></div><div dir="auto"><span style="font-family: arial;">Shame says "I am bad." Guilt says "I did something bad." Shame leads to a self focused veiw of our sin. Guilt leads to a focus on our behavior and causes us to run to our Father to seek grace, mercy and forgiveness. </span></div><div dir="auto"><span style="font-family: arial;"><br /></span></div><div dir="auto"><span style="font-family: arial;">Spend some time today reading these verses and mediating on their truth. All are in the NASB (1995) version.</span></div><div dir="auto"><span style="font-family: arial;"><br /></span></div></div><div class="cxmmr5t8 oygrvhab hcukyx3x c1et5uql o9v6fnle ii04i59q" style="background-color: white; color: #050505; margin: 0.5em 0px 0px; overflow-wrap: break-word; white-space: pre-wrap;"><div dir="auto"><b><span style="font-family: arial;">Psalm 25:3</span></b></div><div dir="auto"><span style="font-family: arial;"><span style="color: #555555; white-space: normal;">Indeed, none of those who wait for You will be ashamed; Those who deal treacherously without cause will be ashamed.</span><br style="color: #555555; white-space: normal;" /></span></div><div dir="auto"><span style="color: #555555; white-space: normal;"><span style="font-family: arial;"><br /></span></span></div><div dir="auto"><span style="color: #555555; white-space: normal;"><b><span style="font-family: arial;">Psalm 32:5</span></b></span></div><div dir="auto"><span style="color: #333333; white-space: normal;"><span style="font-family: arial;">Then I acknowledged my sin to you and did not cover up my iniquity. I said, “I will confess my transgressions to the LORD.” And you forgave the guilt of my sin.</span></span></div><div dir="auto"><span style="font-family: arial;"><br /></span></div><div dir="auto"><b><span style="font-family: arial;">Psalm 34:5</span></b></div><div dir="auto"><span style="color: #555555; white-space: normal;"><span style="font-family: arial;">They looked to Him and were radiant, And their faces will never be ashamed.</span></span></div><div dir="auto"><span style="color: #555555; white-space: normal;"><span style="font-family: arial;"><br /></span></span></div><div dir="auto"><b><span style="font-family: arial;">Romans 8:1-2</span></b></div><div dir="auto"><span style="font-family: arial;"><span style="color: black; white-space: normal;">THERE is therefore now no condemnation for those who are in Christ Jesus</span><span style="color: black; white-space: normal;">. For the law of the Spirit of life in Christ Jesus has set you free from the law of sin and of death.”</span></span></div><div dir="auto"><span style="font-family: arial;"><br /></span></div><div dir="auto"><b><span style="font-family: arial;">Romans 10:11</span></b></div><div dir="auto"><span style="font-family: arial;"><span class="text Rom-10-11" id="en-NASB-28188" style="color: black; white-space: normal;">For the Scripture says, “<span class="small-caps" style="font-variant-caps: small-caps; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal;">Whoever believes in Him will not be</span> <span class="small-caps" style="font-variant-caps: small-caps; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal;">put to shame</span>.”</span><span style="color: black; white-space: normal;"> </span><span class="text Rom-10-12" id="en-NASB-28189" style="color: black; white-space: normal;"><span class="versenum" style="display: inline; font-weight: 700; line-height: normal; position: relative; top: auto; vertical-align: text-top;"> </span></span></span></div><div dir="auto"><span class="text Rom-10-12" style="color: black; white-space: normal;"><span class="versenum" style="display: inline; font-weight: 700; line-height: normal; position: relative; top: auto; vertical-align: text-top;"><span style="font-family: arial;"><br /></span></span></span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span class="text Rom-10-12" style="color: black; white-space: normal;"><span class="versenum" style="display: inline; font-weight: 700; line-height: normal; position: relative; top: auto; vertical-align: text-top;"><span style="font-family: arial;">Hebrews 10:22<br /></span></span></span><span class="text Rom-10-12" style="color: black; white-space: normal;"><span class="versenum" style="display: inline; font-weight: 700; line-height: normal; position: relative; top: auto; vertical-align: text-top;"><span style="color: #333333; font-weight: 400;"><span style="font-family: arial;">let us draw near to God with a sincere heart and with the full assurance that faith brings, having our hearts sprinkled to cleanse us from a guilty conscience and having our bodies washed with pure water.</span></span></span></span></div><div dir="auto" style="font-size: 15px;"><span style="font-family: verdana;"><br /></span></div><div dir="auto" style="font-size: 15px;"><span style="font-family: verdana;"><br /></span></div><div dir="auto" style="font-size: 15px;"><br /></div></div>sharon brobsthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05886459608541959680noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8012612012300860971.post-51568987836228093702021-10-25T19:52:00.001-04:002023-10-25T19:56:05.789-04:00Hope For Hurt Sheep<p> </p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-DVOAsfOTZEM/YWRUdCK64NI/AAAAAAAA6OE/99cqDlVDIAsKL5LRj10w9SQh4YaXQbn0gCLcBGAsYHQ/s940/38025F92-4E44-4997-AFFB-BDBC92345928.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="750" data-original-width="940" height="255" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-DVOAsfOTZEM/YWRUdCK64NI/AAAAAAAA6OE/99cqDlVDIAsKL5LRj10w9SQh4YaXQbn0gCLcBGAsYHQ/s320/38025F92-4E44-4997-AFFB-BDBC92345928.jpeg" width="320" /></a></div><p></p><p>Last week I listened to the first episode of “The Rise and Fall of Mars Hill.” It was good, but heartbreaking. I don’t know if I’ll listen to all of the episodes or not because my heart just grieved. On so many levels I grieved. But mostly I grieved for those precious, beloved sheep who have been wounded and broken. They have been hurt by the very ones who were supposed to watch over them, feed them and grow them. </p><p>This morning my read was in Jeremiah chapters 23-25. So timely. Shepherds who abuse God’s sheep break His heart. </p><p>Shepherds, who are they? They are the pastors, elders and leaders. I also don’t believe Its a stretch to apply this to those who “shepherd” over women’s or children’s ministry. </p><p>Anyway, as I was reading Jeremiah I was reminded of Ezekiel 34 where God again has very strong words against those that abuse God’s precious sheep. They will be held accountable, Hebrews 13:17 says of church leaders, “Obey those who rule over you, and be submissive, for they watch out for your souls, as those who must give an account.” </p><p>Mars Hill is not the only church, unfortunately, that has had or will deal with abusive pastors or leaders. I pray they will be found out, that they will be humbled and seek restoration. I grieve for their souls too. </p><p>But my biggest heartache are the damaged sheep. I’ve “talked” to so many on social media who are just broken and devastated. Where do they turn? Where do they run? </p><p>Jeremiah 23:5-6 gives us that answer. </p><p style="text-align: center;">The days are coming,” declares the Lord,</p><p style="text-align: center;">“when I will raise up for David a a righteous Branch,</p><p style="text-align: center;">a King who will reign wisely</p><p style="text-align: center;">and do what is just and right in the land.</p><p style="text-align: center;">6In his days Judah will be saved</p><p style="text-align: center;">and Israel will live in safety.</p><p style="text-align: center;">This is the name by which he will be called:</p><p style="text-align: center;">The Lord Our Righteous Savior. </p><p style="text-align: center;">JESUS! Jesus is the answer. </p><p>May we all remember that we are to follow the One True Shepherd, Jesus. He will not fail us. We need to stop putting church leaders on pedestals. We need to pray for them and hold them accountable. </p><p>Oh, dear one of God, you are so precious to Him. Please hear me when I say that your Great Shepherd, Jesus, loves you.</p>sharon brobsthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05886459608541959680noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8012612012300860971.post-43899039846476030392021-10-02T22:06:00.003-04:002021-10-02T22:11:30.727-04:00It Is Well <p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/--hyJGrISty8/YVkP1Ik8U8I/AAAAAAAA6Mg/x2i_VU_PblM7sE3AYETjpFT2VPL4Q3DKgCLcBGAsYHQ/s1125/E1E160D4-3076-4C98-B601-1496D0F22697.png" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="753" data-original-width="1125" height="214" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/--hyJGrISty8/YVkP1Ik8U8I/AAAAAAAA6Mg/x2i_VU_PblM7sE3AYETjpFT2VPL4Q3DKgCLcBGAsYHQ/s320/E1E160D4-3076-4C98-B601-1496D0F22697.png" width="320" /></a></div><br />Horatio Spafford wrote the hymn “It Is Well With my Soul” during a difficult season of life. He lost his only son to sickness. A successful lawyer he lost all he owned in the The Great Chicago fire. And shortly afterwards he lost his four daughters when the ship his daughters and wife were on went down. He penned this hymn as he was sailing to meet his wife while they passed over the area his daughters had drowned. <p></p><p>In the midst of horrible devastation Stafford chose to remind himself that nothing mattered but Christ. Whether life was good or difficult he would say, “ it is well with my soul”. </p><p>This is the kind of peace I desire. A peace that springs forth from a knowledge that God is sovereign and He is always good. Stafford could not have penned the words to this hymn without that knowledge. He could not have felt peace without complete trust in His God. </p><p>Oh Father, build this kind of trust in my heart that I can say, no matter what may come, “it is well, it’s is well with my soul.”</p>sharon brobsthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05886459608541959680noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8012612012300860971.post-61607984837677276092021-08-12T20:06:00.000-04:002021-08-12T20:08:09.643-04:00A Burdened Heart<p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-qSjggrestGI/YRWxyV70wTI/AAAAAAAA5Q8/k-NI4WuTws4zWvhZrcqxoBLVRiYGFmSLQCLcBGAsYHQ/s570/D9D1D129-2CCB-4596-9EFA-19A8F616F2CE.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="570" data-original-width="570" height="320" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-qSjggrestGI/YRWxyV70wTI/AAAAAAAA5Q8/k-NI4WuTws4zWvhZrcqxoBLVRiYGFmSLQCLcBGAsYHQ/s320/D9D1D129-2CCB-4596-9EFA-19A8F616F2CE.png" width="320" /></a></div><br /> My heart has been so heavy. It’s been burdened by so many things. Today it has felt like too much. I can’t carry all this weight. The weight of my own failure in so many areas. The weight of my sin, the sin of others and those who have been sinned against. My heart cries out for God to heal, to restore, to unite and to make things right and holy. I know I am powerless to fix anything and yet my heart aches for answers. For restoration of brothers and sisters. <p></p><p>Come to me all who are weary and burdened…yes Jesus, I come to You and lays all the things at your feet. They are too heavy for me. And besides, I was never meant to carry them anyway. </p><p>Jesus it’s your burden, you’ve promised to carry it. You will do the work necessary in order to lead those who come to You You are the one who convicts of sin and heals the unrighteous. </p><p>Oh help me to remember I only need to carry your yoke which is easy and light compared to the burden you carry for us all. Help me be obedient to the God I love. Who willingly carried the burden of my sin. </p><p><br /></p><p>AMEN</p><p><br /></p>sharon brobsthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05886459608541959680noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8012612012300860971.post-34022149791061452952021-08-03T09:47:00.004-04:002021-08-03T09:51:10.083-04:00His Humble Servant<p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-EeKRt9CzRAA/YQlIZ7g7qyI/AAAAAAAA5LY/OutPqquHltEh5MumUQSus4KyioYu15JrgCLcBGAsYHQ/s1175/A10AF166-77DC-4675-90BD-2ADA9D5E36CA.jpeg" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1175" data-original-width="890" height="320" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-EeKRt9CzRAA/YQlIZ7g7qyI/AAAAAAAA5LY/OutPqquHltEh5MumUQSus4KyioYu15JrgCLcBGAsYHQ/s320/A10AF166-77DC-4675-90BD-2ADA9D5E36CA.jpeg" width="242" /></a></div><br /><br /><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div> I am reminded of King Nebuchadnezzar in Daniel 4:30 when he gave himself glory for the building of Babylon instead of God. <p></p><p>Leaders do not build anything, whether a church rises or falls is God’s doing. Any leader who claims “it’s my church, I built it” has a sin of pride. </p><p>Because of pride, James M Boice says of King Nebuchadnezzer, “God caused him to be lowered from the pinnacle of human pride and glory to the baseless of insanity, it was God’s way of saying that this is what happens to all who …take the glory of God for themselves.” </p><p>I find this a bit sobering. As a leader of a church, ministry, family or if you’ve written a blog, authored a book, or created anything really, it’s so important to remember that you and I haven’t built anything. God has given the abilities, the knowledge to do what we are doing. He has brought success or failure. </p><p>There needs to be a humility within each of us that says, “all glory goes to God, I am but His humble servant.” </p></div>sharon brobsthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05886459608541959680noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8012612012300860971.post-13243838477470693292021-07-22T10:08:00.001-04:002021-07-22T10:18:58.825-04:00Trust God, Not Man<p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-QgwCqYpuyJA/YPl7I0PjtAI/AAAAAAAA5JI/2hL1Vgv3-rMmc8q5-z4e-EWp61SenRWuQCLcBGAsYHQ/s857/870E0AF3-42FD-4CC1-A2CF-5AF34E23A827.jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="750" data-original-width="857" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-QgwCqYpuyJA/YPl7I0PjtAI/AAAAAAAA5JI/2hL1Vgv3-rMmc8q5-z4e-EWp61SenRWuQCLcBGAsYHQ/s320/870E0AF3-42FD-4CC1-A2CF-5AF34E23A827.jpeg" width="320" /></a></div><br /> It is better to trust in the LORD than to put confidence in man. Psalm 118:8<div><br /></div><div>When I am at a place of actively trusting the Lord in all things I experience peace. There is a calmness, even in trials, because I know God is good. He will not leave me. I know that He has a plan for my life and I can trust that He will work out all the good, bad, ugly, painful things. </div><div><br /></div><div>But, when I forget, and place my confidence in humans I experience anxiety. When I trust in leaders, even Christian leaders, I set myself up to be disappointed. What I mean is, I should be able to trust them, but I must trust with the knowledge that they are fallible. They will disappoint. They will make mistakes. They will sin. They are just like me and capable of all the same failures I am capable of. </div><div><br /></div><div>I can, however, trust the God who is at work in them. It always comes back to trust in God. God will work through my failures and sin just as He will those leaders who serve over me. The older I get, and the more I see, I realize that my anxiety is at its worst when I begin to trust in man instead of the God. Instead, I need to trust the God who is at work through them. </div><div><i><br /></i></div><div><i>Oh, Father, help us keep our hearts focused on You, and You alone. We pray for our leader and fellow man, that Your purposes will be done in and through them. Father, thank you for Your promises to always be with us. Amen</i></div>sharon brobsthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05886459608541959680noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8012612012300860971.post-74948765106761530382021-06-03T00:03:00.004-04:002021-06-03T00:06:04.426-04:00Be A Peacemaker <p><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-KFG_NA-KQ20/YLhUHFFj-dI/AAAAAAAA4Yg/xKPVl2NRxyg5gdr2mmhAJ08CBzT3ini6QCLcBGAsYHQ/s747/EBA2CFB6-E790-4FE8-92D3-3F99B0BCBBAC.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="747" data-original-width="747" height="320" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-KFG_NA-KQ20/YLhUHFFj-dI/AAAAAAAA4Yg/xKPVl2NRxyg5gdr2mmhAJ08CBzT3ini6QCLcBGAsYHQ/s320/EBA2CFB6-E790-4FE8-92D3-3F99B0BCBBAC.jpeg" /> </a> The commitment to make peace is highly valued throughout the Bible, but what does it mean to be a peacemaker? </p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-KFG_NA-KQ20/YLhUHFFj-dI/AAAAAAAA4Yg/xKPVl2NRxyg5gdr2mmhAJ08CBzT3ini6QCLcBGAsYHQ/s747/EBA2CFB6-E790-4FE8-92D3-3F99B0BCBBAC.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><br /></a></div>Biblically, a peacemaker is someone who reconciles people who are in conflict. The heart of Jesus' earthly mission was to make peace between God and those who would come to Him through faith. He did this by offering Himself as a sacrifice. His sacrifice made a way for God and man to have peace. <p></p><p>As I think about this I am reminded that in order to be a peacemaker we may have to make sacrifices of our own. We may need to lay down our pride. Peace/harmony among believers is of the upmost importance. It shows the world Jesus. </p><p>Conflict always comes but when it does will you be a peacemaker? Will you seek peace or ignore the conflict? Will you fight for unity among the body? </p><p>God’s children should always be on the side of making peace. </p>sharon brobsthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05886459608541959680noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8012612012300860971.post-6165736948458515872021-05-25T12:19:00.003-04:002021-05-25T12:26:15.943-04:00A Lament for Healing<p class="p1" style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; font-size: 19px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; text-align: left;"><span class="s1"></span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span class="s1"></span><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjtwzpZ5XON0GRV3xZW2EENA4HVAjXDoPO2EzHTiJYjqnK-a1PSjBDNZQk2FgYRdGp0tO-OiTYfFK3cXi2l4X0HnY9GhR1uItnYJq2PbuVvP9rERq-RCOzh3nV2fkY4CsugE0KhxhJ7ZLk/s1125/4B8EECC9-2CE7-42D3-B8F4-41D19CBDAC09.png" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="750" data-original-width="1125" height="190" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjtwzpZ5XON0GRV3xZW2EENA4HVAjXDoPO2EzHTiJYjqnK-a1PSjBDNZQk2FgYRdGp0tO-OiTYfFK3cXi2l4X0HnY9GhR1uItnYJq2PbuVvP9rERq-RCOzh3nV2fkY4CsugE0KhxhJ7ZLk/w285-h190/4B8EECC9-2CE7-42D3-B8F4-41D19CBDAC09.png" width="285" /></a></div><span class="s1"><span style="font-size: 19px;">I wrote this a few months ago as I realized that I was not going into remission. My almost 4 year battle with Hypothyroidism, due to Graves Disease will soon result in a thyroid removal. Sometimes healing doesn’t come as we desire. And though I know God could cause me to go into remission or healing me completely so Graves is gone, He hasn’t chosen too. I don’t know why, but I do know He loves me and that His purposes for my life are good. </span><br /></span><p class="p1" style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; font-size: 19px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; text-align: left;"><br /></p><p class="p1" style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; font-size: 19px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; text-align: center;"><span class="s1"><br /></span></p><p class="p1" style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; font-size: 19px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; text-align: center;">Oh Lord how long will I struggle?</p><p class="p1" style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; font-size: 19px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; text-align: center;"><span class="s1"> How long will my body work against me?</span></p><p class="p1" style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; font-size: 19px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; text-align: center;"><span class="s1"> Do you see me fight the darkness. </span></p><p class="p1" style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; font-size: 19px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; text-align: center;"><span class="s1">Where are You? </span></p><p class="p1" style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; font-size: 19px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; text-align: center;"><span class="s1">I pray for healing but it does not come. </span></p><p class="p1" style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; font-size: 19px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; text-align: center;"><span class="s1">Why are you silent? </span></p><p class="p1" style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; font-size: 19px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; text-align: center;"><span class="s1"> </span></p><p class="p1" style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; font-size: 19px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; text-align: center;"> O Lord I need you!</p><p class="p1" style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; font-size: 19px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; text-align: center;"><span class="s1"> I need to feel Your Spirit within me. </span></p><p class="p1" style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; font-size: 19px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; text-align: center;"><span class="s1">I need to know you are with me</span></p><p class="p1" style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; font-size: 19px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; text-align: center;"><span class="s1">Even if healing never comes. </span></p><p class="p1" style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; font-size: 19px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; text-align: center;"><span class="s1">Free me from this life!</span></p><p class="p1" style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; font-size: 19px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; text-align: center;"><span class="s1">Show me how to live with pain yet joy. </span></p><p class="p1" style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; font-size: 19px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; text-align: center;"><span class="s1"><br /></span></p><p class="p1" style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; font-size: 19px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; text-align: center;"><span class="s1">Lord God, I know you are good. </span></p><p class="p1" style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; font-size: 19px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; text-align: center;"><span class="s1">I know your purposes are true and holy.</span></p><p class="p1" style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; font-size: 19px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; text-align: center;"><span class="s1"> You have everything in your hands. </span></p><p class="p1" style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; font-size: 19px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; text-align: center;"><span class="s1">You rule the nations and keep all things together. </span></p><p class="p1" style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; font-size: 19px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; text-align: center;"><span class="s1">I know you keep me too.</span></p><p class="p1" style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; font-size: 19px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; text-align: center;"><span class="s1"> </span></p><p class="p1" style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; font-size: 19px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; text-align: center;"><span class="s1">Your purposes are beyond my understanding. </span></p><p class="p1" style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; font-size: 19px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; text-align: center;"><span class="s1">Your ways are higher than mine. </span></p><p class="p1" style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; font-size: 19px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; text-align: center;"><span class="s1">I want to be in Your will. </span></p><p class="p1" style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; font-size: 19px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; text-align: center;"><span class="s1">I will be content in whatever You do. </span></p><p class="p1" style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; font-size: 19px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; text-align: center;"><span class="s1">Father I pray for healing, </span></p><p class="p1" style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; font-size: 19px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; text-align: center;">Yet Your will be done. </p>sharon brobsthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05886459608541959680noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8012612012300860971.post-32059123571008230812021-05-18T13:17:00.001-04:002021-05-18T13:21:10.210-04:00Calm my Heart, Lord<p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-OfSUomzbpAE/YKPy8PG77VI/AAAAAAAA4Jk/b9mGJ9aet3s7SWKr_KBrCD2PmPWDlWzhACLcBGAsYHQ/s1659/807936EC-6AD5-495F-B915-E85BAB0D5A3C.png" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1659" data-original-width="936" height="320" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-OfSUomzbpAE/YKPy8PG77VI/AAAAAAAA4Jk/b9mGJ9aet3s7SWKr_KBrCD2PmPWDlWzhACLcBGAsYHQ/s320/807936EC-6AD5-495F-B915-E85BAB0D5A3C.png" /></a></div><div><span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: 100%; background-color: white;">Father, my heart has been so anxious. Thousands of thoughts run across my mind. The questions and concerns. The what if’s. You hear them all. </span></div><div><span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: 100%; background-color: white;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: 100%; background-color: white;">I speak truth. You are there. But I long for healing. I long for answers but none seem to come. At least not the ones I was hoping for. I don’t want to be here, in this place, at this moment. I wonder how long, Oh God, will you wait to return? </span></div><div><span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: 100%; background-color: white;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: 100%; background-color: white;">As I cry out to You and voice my troubles, my pain, concerns, and doubts, I know you hear me. I know You are good and have a plan for my life. You are trustworthy. You have it all in your sovereign control. </span></div><div><span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: 100%; background-color: white;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: 100%; background-color: white;">Father, thank you calming my anxious thoughts. Thank you for Your peace, comfort and grace. Thank you for restoring my joy in You! </span></div><div><br /></div>sharon brobsthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05886459608541959680noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8012612012300860971.post-75899048771974793472021-05-14T13:29:00.000-04:002021-05-14T13:29:40.294-04:00Lament of the Broken<p align="left"><span style="font-family: Arial;">My heart is heavy.</span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-rpXUrVcatIQ/YJ6zB7nF7sI/AAAAAAAA4Dw/5p1D5_BPpOM_IMWMxY5ppGLk_RpZIFLewCLcBGAsYHQ/s1020/6FC9F325-9913-4122-9F19-B5843B8F879C.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1020" data-original-width="885" height="246" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-rpXUrVcatIQ/YJ6zB7nF7sI/AAAAAAAA4Dw/5p1D5_BPpOM_IMWMxY5ppGLk_RpZIFLewCLcBGAsYHQ/w214-h246/6FC9F325-9913-4122-9F19-B5843B8F879C.jpeg" width="214" /></a></div><br /><p></p> <p align="left"><font face="Arial"><font face="Arial">There are so many broken people.</font></font> </p><p align="left"><font face="Arial"><font face="Arial">Words alone just aren’t adequate</font></font><font face="Arial"><font face="Arial">.</font></font> </p><p align="left"><font face="Arial"><font face="Arial">There is no comfort. </font></font> </p><p align="left"><font face="Arial"><font face="Arial">The losses are just too great. </font></font> </p><p align="left"><font face="Arial">Tears flow uncontrollably.</font> </p><p align="left"><font face="Arial">Hearts once whole, now broken.</font></p><p align="left"><font face="Arial"><br /></font></p><p align="left"><font face="Arial">I stammer for healing words.</font></p><p align="left"><font face="Arial">Does anyone see them?</font> </p><p align="left"><font face="Arial">Oh Father, where are your people?</font> </p><p align="left"><font face="Arial">Where are those with words that encourage?</font></p><p align="left"><font face="Arial">Oh Father, how long must we wait?</font></p><p align="left"><font face="Arial">How long until we hear Your healing words </font></p><p align="left"><font face="Arial">Your words that bring peace.</font> </p><p align="left"><font face="Arial">Your are the mender of broken hearts.</font> </p><p><font face="Arial">The healer of our soul. </font> </p><p><font face="Arial">Oh Father help us to speak Your healing words.</font> </p><p><font face="Arial">Use us an an instrument of Your hands.</font> </p><p><font face="Arial"></font> </p><p align="center"><font face="Arial"><em>The LORD binds up the hurt of his people, and heals the stroke of their wound. Isaiah </em>30:26 </font> </p><p align="center"><font face="Arial"><em>Cast your burden on the LORD, and he will sustain you; he will never permit the righteous to be moved. </em></font><font face="Arial"><strong><em> </em></strong><font face="Arial">Psalms 55:22 </font></font> </p><p align="center"><font face="Arial"><em>The LORD is near to the brokenhearted and saves the crushed in spirit. </em><font face="Arial">Psalm 34:18 </font></font> </p><p align="center"><font face="Arial"><em>I will restore you to health and heal your wounds, declares the LORD. </em><font face="Arial">Jeremiah 30:17</font></font> </p><p align="center"><font face="Arial"><em>O Lord my God, I cried to You for help, and You healed me. </em><font face="Arial">Psalm 30:2</font></font> </p><p></p><p></p><p></p><p></p><p></p><p></p><p></p><p></p><p></p><p></p><p></p><p></p><p></p><p></p><p></p><p></p><p></p><p></p><p></p><p></p><p></p><p></p><p></p>sharon brobsthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05886459608541959680noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8012612012300860971.post-89723083638771930052021-05-08T11:50:00.017-04:002021-05-08T11:59:09.039-04:00When Fear Comes I will Trust<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-N7Kpde3ub3s/YJayyIyEwUI/AAAAAAAA3-4/wD1tUO0tZA0zcO1Pc3tZQobWfEbOQCyMgCLcBGAsYHQ/s1407/B699F0A5-892F-430A-9212-55F5A41ED852.png" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1407" data-original-width="1125" height="320" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-N7Kpde3ub3s/YJayyIyEwUI/AAAAAAAA3-4/wD1tUO0tZA0zcO1Pc3tZQobWfEbOQCyMgCLcBGAsYHQ/s320/B699F0A5-892F-430A-9212-55F5A41ED852.png" /> </a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="text-align: left;"><br /></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;"><span style="text-align: left;">Sometimes I feel fear creeping into my heart. My anxiety begins to rage with a faster heart rate, trouble sleeping and a mind that I can’t turn off. I lose sight of what I know is true and plunge into the pit of worry and depression. It come when life seems out of control, my control. It comes when I lose sight of Who is in control. </span></div><p>Today I read 1 Chronicles 17:16 which says “Who am I, O LORD God, and what is my house that You should have brought me this far?” Then a little further I read verse 20 “O, Lord, there is none like You, nor is there any God besides You, according to all that we have heard with our ears,” </p><p>These two verses remind me this that God has blessed me, He has been with me, He is good, He is God, He is in control and He will always be with me. He has brought me so far in this life. He took a broken, abused, scared little girl and set her free from the demons of her past. He took one on a path of destruction and sin to place her in His Kingdom. </p><p>Who am I that He would be so mindful of me? I don’t have an answer, there was nothing good in me, nothing that would draw a good God to save me from my sinful life. And yet, He loved me, He chose me, He called me and I followed Him. Since that day, 40+ years ago, I have continued to follow Him. It hasn’t been perfectly, in fact some times it’s down right ugly, but He continues to work perfectly in and through my life as I surrender to Him. </p><p>Faced with this reminder, knowing God is in control and good, I choose to focus on the God who has been faithful in my life. He has been good and He has always worked all thing out according to His purposes. He has brought me this far and He will continue to be with me in all my tomorrows regardless of what may come. </p><p>O Lord, there is none like You, nor is there any God beside you! Blessed be the name of the LORD for I have seen and heard of Your greatness in my life!! Amen! </p><p></p><p><br /></p><p>#heiswithme #whoami #noonelikemygod #iwilltrusthim #heistrustworthy #thankful #blessed #hiswordspeaks #myheartisfull</p>sharon brobsthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05886459608541959680noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8012612012300860971.post-85037246632096095192021-04-20T13:19:00.001-04:002021-05-20T13:55:36.113-04:00A Year of Lament<p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-oGn-afsUKhA/YKaUldYDhNI/AAAAAAAA4Kg/YUE68KR8ESUy-mD_lk0EokdkVVAeNbcXQCLcBGAsYHQ/s1407/A5CE55C8-3270-408E-A1E2-51A69EDD25EA.png" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1407" data-original-width="1125" height="200" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-oGn-afsUKhA/YKaUldYDhNI/AAAAAAAA4Kg/YUE68KR8ESUy-mD_lk0EokdkVVAeNbcXQCLcBGAsYHQ/w160-h200/A5CE55C8-3270-408E-A1E2-51A69EDD25EA.png" width="160" /></a></div><span style="font-family: verdana;">It was in January 11th that I wrote in my journal the word lament. It seemed an odd word, not like the words of past years. What was God saying? Was it going to be a year of lament? A hard year? Was He trying to prepare me for something coming? Why lament? </span><p><span style="font-family: verdana;">Okay God, I thought, I’ll go with you whatever it may mean. But I still didn’t have a verse, until today. </span></p><p><span style="font-family: verdana;">Over the past few months since that day I’ve read Lamentations and have studied much on lamenting. I think one of the first things I realized is that I had been in the habit, for a long time now, of writing laments in my journals. My journals are filled with many types of writings but I also use it to write prayers to God. Those prayers are often laments. </span></p><p><span style="font-family: verdana;">Over and over I cry out to God in complaint and then process through until I end with my eyes upon God and His faithfulness. </span></p><p><span style="font-family: verdana;">Today, I read Psalm 62:8 “...<span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: 100%; background-color: white; caret-color: rgb(17, 17, 17); color: #111111;"> trust in him at all times. Pour out your heart to him, for God is our refuge.” That’s it! </span></span></p><p><span style="font-family: verdana;"><span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: 100%; background-color: white; caret-color: rgb(17, 17, 17); color: #111111;">As I learn to lament before God, I am being reminded that I can trust Him. He will listen to my complaints, I can take refuge in Him and trust Him with the results. </span></span></p><p><span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: 100%; background-color: white; caret-color: rgb(17, 17, 17); color: #111111;"><span style="font-family: verdana;">I’ve been asking God to help me pray more intimately. To pray better. I’m not sure this is what I expected but I am so grateful to be on this journey of lamenting before God. </span></span></p><p><span face="-apple-system, BlinkMacSystemFont, "avenir next", avenir, "helvetica neue", helvetica, ubuntu, "segoe ui", sans-serif" style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: 100%; background-color: white; caret-color: rgb(17, 17, 17); color: #111111;"><br /></span></p>sharon brobsthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05886459608541959680noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8012612012300860971.post-63557003464694737532020-08-04T12:29:00.002-04:002020-08-04T12:29:43.466-04:003 Things I've Learned About Community While In Isolation<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-gsJoV2YgCz4/XymMqeUMJKI/AAAAAAAA1K0/8IUy9GmxrlIv8UiEZ8s1No_dFO-g9rOqACLcBGAsYHQ/s1322/photo-1583211112545-838da29bacc8.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="664" data-original-width="1322" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-gsJoV2YgCz4/XymMqeUMJKI/AAAAAAAA1K0/8IUy9GmxrlIv8UiEZ8s1No_dFO-g9rOqACLcBGAsYHQ/s640/photo-1583211112545-838da29bacc8.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><div><br /></div>I’ve always welcomed isolation. At times, you could even say that I’ve longed for it. Isolation, to me, means renewal. It gives me strength, energy and is good for my mental health. I love giving, serving and coming alongside people but it needs to be balanced with time alone. But isolation can have a negative side if I am not careful. It’s my weakness, the place the enemy knows to attack. I’ll isolate from the hurt, pain or sorrow that have come into my life. I withdraw from my community when things get too hard or hurtful. I will just curl up within myself where it feels safe.
<p>I do not always mean to stay in isolation for long periods of time, but too often I just get comfortable. I begin to believe the lie that I can get by on my own, just Jesus and me. But this kind of isolation is counter intuitive. It drains my energy. It does not cause growth but death. Death to my soul. Death to my relationships. It will push people away making me even more isolated sending me on a path toward discouragement, even depression.
</p><p>During this time of forced isolation I have come to realize that I have grown far too comfortable in my self isolation of the past few years. As I said before, isolation can be a needed renewal of energy but it should be for short periods of time not a lifestyle.
</p><p>God has used this time of quarantine to shown me why I need to be in community. I am sure there are more but theses are the, not so new, lessons I’ve seen.
</p><p><i>Living in community our lies are exposed.</i> We are more vulnerable to believe the lies of the world, our flesh and our enemy when isolated. It’s important to have a community around us that will challenge our beliefs, and speak truth to us when we are believing lies. As others live and speak the truth around us the lies we believe are easier to see. (Ephesians 4:14-16;25)
</p><p><i>Community helps me to grow.</i> I can and should have times in God’s word alone. I need to be able to study God’s word for myself, to be able to grow alone. But I also need God’s people to help me process, and challenge me to go deeper in my understanding of God’s word and who God is. (1 Cor 12:24-26; 1 Thess 5:11)
</p><p><i>Community is a safe place to be our authentic self. </i>I really struggle with this one but it doesn’t make it any less true. Let’s just be honest here, community isn’t always safe. In fact, community has been a place of great hurt. What God has shown me though is that even in the hurt and pain it can still be safe in Him. It’s here that my brothers and sisters will love, support, pray, encourage, and point me toward Jesus.
</p><p>They will not always do it perfectly, and neither will I. They will, however, accept me with love and desire God’s best for me. Within the larger Church we can find smaller communities of people that are safe. A group of close friends, a life group, a Bible study can all be really safe communities. They are more intimate and allow you a place to grow deeper, and become more solid in your walk with Jesus. They will hold you accountable to the truth of God’s word. (Hebrews 10:23-25; Gal 6:2; 1 Pe 4:8;)
</p><p>My challenge (to all of us) is that when this “forced” isolation is over we will pour ourselves out and really love our community. To reach out with abandon asking “how can I best serve Jesus as I serve His people.” We must be willing to go out on a ledge, if needed, in order to rescue our brothers or sisters in Christ. We need to surround ourselves with a group of God's family who love us, point us to Him, keep us accountable and grow us deeper in our relations with Christ.
</p><p>In Christ’s community, we need to be willing to be rejected, hurt, or misunderstood in order to point our brother’s and sister’s toward a deeper walk with Jesus.</p><p><br /></p><p><i>Orginally posted on May 22, 2020 at <a href="https://wowcornerstone.blogspot.com/2020/05/ive-always-welcomed-isolation.html" target="_blank">Women Encouraging Women</a></i></p><p></p><p></p><p></p><p></p><p></p><p></p><p></p><p></p><p></p>sharon brobsthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05886459608541959680noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8012612012300860971.post-84756398076468130012020-05-08T19:00:00.000-04:002020-05-10T19:34:23.455-04:00Surprised by Motherhood<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-jrIV_V7r4xQ/XriMwySd1iI/AAAAAAAAz3Q/h2G5kRLs0WQseBA-nbhfOWSU9uxR5G1BQCLcBGAsYHQ/s1600/motherhood.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="901" data-original-width="1350" height="266" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-jrIV_V7r4xQ/XriMwySd1iI/AAAAAAAAz3Q/h2G5kRLs0WQseBA-nbhfOWSU9uxR5G1BQCLcBGAsYHQ/s400/motherhood.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
As I look back on Motherhood I remember those moments of rocking my babies, kissing cheeks, cuddling, singing, praying, and just watching you sleep. <br />
Who knew that you would touch my heart the way you did? Who knew that a heart could be filled with so much love. <br />
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Who knew that one so tiny could change the heart of a young, confused girl and give her the heart of a mother? <br />
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Who knew that you would come into my life and change my world? <br />
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Even now as I think back over the years I can’t help but be so very thankful for the gift of each of you. <br />
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Every moment as your mother has such precious memories. I would not trade those moments. Not even one of them. <br />
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Moments forever pictured in my heart.<br />
Moments of laughter and silliness.<br />
Moments of watching you play and grow.<br />
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My heart is filled with so many tender moments of just loving you…and…you loving me. <br />
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There were moments of sorrow and pain. Times of struggling between the wills. But there was always love, always forgiveness, always grace.We learned through the hard times and it made us stronger. It made us who we are today.<br />
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I made mistakes, a lot of mistakes, but you were always so forgiving so understanding when I came to you and told you how sorry I was. <br />
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You may not know it, but you helped me to grow up. You taught me so many things. I learned patience, perseverance and most of all, you taught me about love. Oh how you taught me to love! <br />
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There are not words enough to share the love that is in my heart for you, even now, though you are adult men you can still bring such joy to my heart.Who knew that my precious little baby boys would grow up to be such wonderful young men? Amazing fathers.<br />
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Boys, yes you both were all boy. Running, wrestling, playing Cowboys and Indians, bringing home snakes, climbing trees, scrapped knees, broken bones, stitches, running into deer, camping, hiking, bikes, basketball, soccer, track, oh and lets not forget the mud and dirt, running in the creek, falling into a frozen pond or loud unexpected noises! You kept me on my toes!<br />
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Such memories, so precious to a mother’s heart. <br />
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Now you are men with homes of your own, with precious family of your own and I am so proud of you. <br />
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My heart is still filled with such love and wonder as I watch the young men before me. <br />
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Who knew that a young girl with so little to give, could learn to love with such a great love?<br />
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Who knew? God of course!<br />
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He knew that by placing two precious little boys into my arms I would grow, learn and love with a heart that is full. God knew that as my love and understanding of being a mother grew my understanding of God would grow. <br />
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I am so thankful for you both. I will love you forever and always. <br />
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May God be glorified for the work He has done not only in the heart of this mother but what He continues to do in her heart and the heart of her sons. <br />
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Adam David your name means “first born, beloved” and you are my beloved first born. I see in your heart a deep love and compassion, even though you try to keep it hidden. I love watching the way you love, care and protect your family. Always remember that you are very much loved. You are so very much loved, not only by your mother, but also by God. You are so very precious to Him and He calls you His beloved son. <br />
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Joshua Mark your name means “Jehovah is salvation, defender” and you are a defender of those less fortunate, you have compassion for the hurting. Compassion and a deep love for your family. Always remember that you are very much loved. Jesus is your salvation and He is your defender. You are so very precious to me and to God. Never forget that God calls you HIS and you are beloved of God. <br />
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THANK YOU God for entrusting these two precious boys into my heart. I am forever grateful for the privilege of being a Mother.<br />
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sharon brobsthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05886459608541959680noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8012612012300860971.post-68075133581542689732019-10-07T15:11:00.002-04:002019-10-07T19:21:16.399-04:00The Hope in Suffering<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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I was reading in 1 Peter today and was struck again by the hope we have in our suffering. The context of 1 Peter is our suffering for the Lord, especially during the last days. But as I read it today I was reminded that the truths Peter shares and how they also apply to our everday suffering.<br />
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1 Peter 1:6 and 7 says "<i>In this you greatly rejoice, even thought now for a little while, if necessary, you have been distressed by various trials, so that the proof of your faith, being more precious than gold which is perishable, even though tested by faire, may be found to result in praise and glory and honor at the revelation of Jesus Christ;</i>"<br />
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In what are we to rejoice? We have a living hope through Jesus Christ. We will obtain an inheritance which is imperishable. We are protected by the power of God through faith. (1:3-5) And because we have a living Christ who has secured our place in heaven we can rejoice today, even though we face suffering. Suffering is temporary, our salvation, our inheritance is eternal.<br />
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Therefore, by focusing on the eternal in the day to day trials I can persevere knowing that one day, even if not here on earth, Christ will restore, confirm, strengthen and establish, not only His kingdom but also His child.<br />
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Today I hold on to my eternal reward. I hold on knowing that one day the suffering and trials of this life will fade away. I will no longer feel pain, sorrow or heartbreak. One day in heaven I will see Jesus face to face and all of this world will mean nothing.sharon brobsthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05886459608541959680noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8012612012300860971.post-27775976922365035312019-08-12T13:26:00.000-04:002019-08-12T13:30:02.710-04:00Walking by Faith and Doubt<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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I am currently working through the Bible Study by Jen Wilkin called God of Covenant. The last several weeks it has been fun to, once again, take a look at the life of Abraham. As I have studied it this time I have been reminded, encouraged, and grateful to see God choosing to use imperfect people.<br />
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God chooses Abraham knowing that he would not always be fully faithful in every area of his life. Instead of trusting God to protect him he chooses to tell a lie about his wife and claims she is his sister. (Genesis 12:10-20) God promised Abraham that is descendants would be "as the dust of the earth". Instead of trusting God and His timing and plan Abraham allows his wife to give him her servant Hagar in order to have a descendant. (Gen 13:14-17)<br />
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These are just two examples, but they encourage me knowing that in spite of our doubts and lack of trust, at times, God can and does still use us. It's in God's faithfulness, grace, and mercy that He still chooses us. Abraham knew God and he obeyed God (Gen 12:1-5) but he also doubted God.<br />
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To be perfectly honest, I have lived much of my life like Abraham. There are areas that I trust and obey God but in other areas of life, I have major trust issues. As I look over the last forty-one years of following God I can see clearly that my lack of trust, my doubts, have not stopped Him from working in and through my life. It's not because I am special or anything, it's simply because God is faithful even when I am not. He is faithful to continue His work in me and through me. This brings great encouragement.<br />
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Both Abraham and Sarah are described in Hebrews 11:8-11 as having faith. By faith, Sarah conceived. I love that we are reminded of her faith, not her doubts. I believe by the end of their life they had grown to trust God in a greater way than in the beginning. Abraham's faith grew to the point that he was willing to sacrifice his son (Genesis 22) to God believing that God would raise Isaac back to life. (Hebrews 11::17)<br />
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I pray that as I grow in Christ, as I grow in my faith, that I will learn to trust God in even greater degrees than I do now. I pray that I am remembered for my faith, not my doubts.sharon brobsthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05886459608541959680noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8012612012300860971.post-65230950076248491032019-07-21T14:32:00.000-04:002019-07-21T22:34:31.313-04:003 Things We Need When Our Emotions Can't Be Trusted<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-AhrMZlknn_0/XTSvh02Cg6I/AAAAAAAAuLg/htqBVXTw9BMjhBS-4H2pH20m4nsyySJugCLcBGAs/s1600/can%2527t%2Bbe%2Btrusted%2B7.21.19.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1269" height="400" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-AhrMZlknn_0/XTSvh02Cg6I/AAAAAAAAuLg/htqBVXTw9BMjhBS-4H2pH20m4nsyySJugCLcBGAs/s400/can%2527t%2Bbe%2Btrusted%2B7.21.19.jpg" width="316" /></a></div>
<span data-offset-key="main_block-0-0" style="background-color: white; font-family: "roboto slab" , "georgia" , "times new roman" , "times" , serif; white-space: pre-wrap;"><span data-text="true">Last night, before the service began, a flashback came to my mind. Where it came from, I do not know. There didn't seem to be anything that triggered it. Unfortunately, it's not uncommon. Too often, </span></span><span data-offset-key="main_block-2-0" style="background-color: white; font-family: "roboto slab" , "georgia" , "times new roman" , "times" , serif; white-space: pre-wrap;"><span data-text="true">out of nowhere, images play across my mind that I wish would stay buried.
In the past, a trigger like this would cause hours, or days, of wrong thinking, eventually sending me toward darkness. It would often end in depression. The images were powerful, filled with so much shame and accusations. But God continues to heal, to teach and to help me battle those flashbacks. He helps me bring them back to the foot of the cross where they belong.
It lasted for only seconds. Thank God for His daily grace and mercy in my life. I could now sit and listen to His word being taught without shame being whispered in my ear.
At the end of the sermon, a quote by Chuck Swindoll was shared that said, "For faith to replace fears, steer clear of naysayers.*" In other words, stay away from those who influence you to draw away from God. Be careful whom you give access to speak into your heart and life. You do not want to surround yourself with those who will not point you to Christ.
Then, a thought entered my mind, "What if you are the naysayer?" What if you are the one who speaks lies to yourself? What if you continue to believe, and dwell on the lies the enemy whispers into your heart?
Immediately, I thought back to what happened right before the sermon and thought, "We take it back to the cross." You see, we cannot always be trusted to know if we are believing a lie or not. Our hearts and minds have all kinds of emotions going on that just can't be trusted typically. So, we need help.
I believe that help comes in three ways:
1) <b>We need to go before the cross.</b> It's here that we are reminded of who we were. We are reminded of our sin which required Jesus to die in our place. We are reminded of the Gospel. We are reminded that Jesus died for our sins and was raised again so that we might have victory. Victory over sin, shame, flashbacks, and lies. At the cross, we are reminded that the same power that raised Jesus is the same power at work in us.
2) <b>We need to be in His Word, the Bible.</b> We need to read, study and meditate on the word of God. The actual Bible, not books written about it. Without the truths written in His word, we cannot distinguish the truth from lies. We cannot know God, the One true God of the Bible.
3) <b>We need </b></span></span><b><span style="background-color: white; font-family: "roboto slab" , "georgia" , "times new roman" , "times" , serif; white-space: pre-wrap;"></span><span class="sc-gGBfsJ loYaVo" style="background-color: white; border-bottom: none; font-family: "roboto slab" , "georgia" , "times new roman" , "times" , serif; padding-top: 4px; white-space: pre-wrap;" type="language"><span data-offset-key="main_block-3-0"><span data-text="true">friends</span></span></span></b><span data-offset-key="main_block-4-0" style="background-color: white; font-family: "roboto slab" , "georgia" , "times new roman" , "times" , serif; white-space: pre-wrap;"><span data-text="true"><b> who know Jesus.</b> We need friends who will always point us back to the truth, to Jesus when we have forgotten. When we can't see the truth we need those around us who can. We do not need "naysayers" who agree with us or tell us what we want to hear. We need those willing to "hurt" us with the truth.
Friends, I do not always get this right but I am so grateful that God does not give up on me. </span></span><span style="background-color: white; font-family: "roboto slab" , "georgia" , "times new roman" , "times" , serif; white-space: pre-wrap;"></span><span class="sc-gGBfsJ loYaVo" style="background-color: white; border-bottom: none; font-family: "roboto slab" , "georgia" , "times new roman" , "times" , serif; padding-top: 4px; white-space: pre-wrap;" type="rules"><span data-offset-key="main_block-5-0"><span data-text="true">No matter how</span></span></span><span data-offset-key="main_block-6-0" style="background-color: white; font-family: "roboto slab" , "georgia" , "times new roman" , "times" , serif; white-space: pre-wrap;"><span data-text="true"> stubborn I can be, no matter how often I forget, </span></span><span style="background-color: white; font-family: "roboto slab" , "georgia" , "times new roman" , "times" , serif; white-space: pre-wrap;"></span><span class="sc-gGBfsJ loYaVo" style="background-color: white; border-bottom: none; font-family: "roboto slab" , "georgia" , "times new roman" , "times" , serif; padding-top: 4px; white-space: pre-wrap;" type="rules"><span data-offset-key="main_block-7-0"><span data-text="true">He</span></span></span><span data-offset-key="main_block-8-0" style="background-color: white; font-family: "roboto slab" , "georgia" , "times new roman" , "times" , serif; white-space: pre-wrap;"><span data-text="true"> is always there to point me in the way I should go.</span></span><br />
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* <span style="text-indent: -1cm;">Swindoll, Charles R. </span><i style="text-indent: -1cm;">Insights on Mark</i><span style="text-indent: -1cm;">. Tyndale House Publishers, Inc., 2016. </span><span style="text-indent: -1cm;">page 140</span>sharon brobsthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05886459608541959680noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8012612012300860971.post-76003543949923001772019-06-03T12:47:00.002-04:002019-06-03T13:00:02.663-04:00Do You Live a Life That Prepares Others For Christ?<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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Today I began studying/reading through The Gospel of Mark. And after a three-year hiatus of writing, I felt led to begin again. Hopefully, I will sit and write my journey for the past couple of years. Why I stopped writing and why I found the words hard to flow out of my heart. I promise to try to do that soon, but for now, I want to share with you, what I was struck by in the first eight verses of Mark.<br />
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First a summary. Mark begins by reminding us that Isaiah foretold the coming of John the Baptist in Isaiah 40:3. John was sent to prepare the way for Christ. For those that would hear, John proclaimed the coming of the Messiah. His message was one of "repentance for the forgiveness of sin." (v.4) In verse eight John says, "I baptized you with water, but He will baptize you with the Holy Spirit."<br />
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As I read these eight verses I was struck by the fact that I am like John the Baptist. I was giving life through Christ in order to proclaim the coming of Christ Jesus. Not just the message of His first coming, death, and resurrection but that He is coming again. My life should be lived in such a way that I prepare others to hear the message of Jesus. John could not baptize with the Holy Spirit, but He did baptize with water in order to prepare for the message of Jesus. Jesus, the One who would bring the Holy Spirit with Him.<br />
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As I thought through these verses I began to ask questions of my own heart. What am I doing to prepare hearts for the message of the gospel? Am I preaching, with my words and life, the gospel in a way that makes those who don't know Jesus want Him? John's message was one of repentance and forgiveness of sin, do I live a life that proclaims the same?<br />
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The world is watching those who proclaim they have a relationship with Christ. The question is does your life, your words, prepare a way for them to want to follow Jesus or does it live them wanting nothing to do with Christ? I once heard someone I love, say to me if what they do and say is who Jesus is I want nothing to do with Him. Honestly, the judgment and hate she experiences are heartbreaking to me. Because of what she had seen she wanted nothing to do with the gospel message.<br />
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So, again I ask, Does your life and words prepare the way for others to hear the message of Jesus?sharon brobsthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05886459608541959680noreply@blogger.com0