tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4004504684702474902024-02-20T14:51:37.250-06:00Growing in Prayer"Growing in Prayer" is a journey Doyle and I have taken over many years and we would like to share this journey with you. Our heart's desire is for you to begin your own journey, engaging in the study of God's Word, and allow God to reveal His truth in effective prayer.Charlsey Greenleehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07357018908728880595noreply@blogger.comBlogger31125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-400450468470247490.post-17618025200030608972020-05-23T11:57:00.000-05:002020-05-23T12:16:31.417-05:0031. Growing in Prayer - The Learning Tree – Fear of Coronavirus<span class="text" style="text-align: justify;"><b><i><sup><span style="background: white; font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 9pt;">11</span></sup></i></b></span><span class="text" style="text-align: justify;"><b><i><sup><span style="background: white; font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 12pt;"> </span></sup></i></b></span><span class="text" style="text-align: justify;"><i><span style="background: white; font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 12pt;">For I know the plans and thoughts that I have for you,’ says the </span></i></span><span class="small-caps" style="text-align: justify;"><i><span style="background: white; font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 12pt;">Lord</span></i></span><span class="text" style="text-align: justify;"><i><span style="background: white; font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 12pt;">, ‘plans for peace and well-being and not for disaster, to give you a future
and a hope. </span></i></span><span class="text" style="text-align: justify;"><b><i><sup><span style="background: white; font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 9pt;">12 </span></sup></i></b></span><span class="text" style="text-align: justify;"><i><span style="background: white; font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 12pt;">Then you will call
on Me and you will come and pray to Me, and I will hear [your voice] and I will listen to you. ~<a href="https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Jeremiah+29%3A11-12&version=AMP" target="_blank">Jeremiah 29:11-12</a></span></i></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt;">I see fear in our Nation, but God says in <a href="https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=I+John+4%3A18&version=AMP" target="_blank">I John 4:18</a>, “</span><b><sup><span style="background: white; font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 9pt;">18 </span></sup></b><i><span style="background: white; font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 12pt;"><span style="text-align: start;">There is no fear in love [dread does not exist]. But perfect
(complete, full-grown) love drives out fear, because fear involves [the
expectation of divine] punishment, so the one who is afraid [of God’s judgment]
is not perfected in love [has not grown into a sufficient understanding of
God’s love</span></span></i><span style="background: white; font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 12pt;">].</span>” <span style="background-color: white; font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 12pt;">Do
you live in God’s love?</span><span style="background-color: white; font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 12pt;"> </span><span style="background-color: white; font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 12pt;">(<a href="https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=1+John+4%3A7-8&version=AMP" target="_blank">I John 4:7-8</a>).</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt;">My husband and I are 89 and
87.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>We are prime targets for
Coronavirus!<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>But we live in God’s love and according to Jeremiah 29, He has
plans for us, not to harm us but for peace.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>He will provide our safety IF we live in His love.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It is sad to say some folks do not understand
God’s love.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>They do not have trust in
their hearts, and they do not live trust with others.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Perhaps they have hardened their hearts as it
says in <a href="https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Isaiah+58%3A11&version=NKJV" target="_blank">Isaiah 58:11</a>.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>In this verse <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">(“drought” means your heart has been harden
by the things that have come upon you</i>). <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>We are to live God’s agape love with each
other regardless of what has happened in our life.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt;">As a Nation, we have to open up
this country for work and so important for worship.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>If I must remind you the First Amendment of
our Constitution, “<i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">Congress shall make no
law respecting an establishment of religion, or prohibiting the free exercise
thereof; or abridging the freedom of speech, or of the press; or the right of
people peaceably to assemble, and to petition the government for a redress of
grievances</i>.”<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The Bible says in <a href="https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Romans+13%3A1-2&version=NKJV" target="_blank">Romans13:1-2</a> tells us to obey the government God has set up. If the Governors are so
strict regarding the Coronavirus to prevent worshiping together, they are
acting in power or fear or both.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Rather
than obeying those who want to prevent us for worshiping together, we always
obey the laws of God first.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt;">We have a part; God has a
part.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>God’s part is <a href="https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Jeramiah+29&version=NKJV" target="_blank">Jeramiah 29</a> (promises
to Israel in Babylon and it is our<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>promise today), our part is to obey the rules of our government….wear a
mask; wash your hands often; do not touch your face, mouth, or eyes; and social
distancing.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>And any other rules to safe
guard our person.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The horror to me is to
cause someone else to have Coronavirus.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<i><span style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt;">“Many times, we have no control
over the circumstances and events in life but our refusal to speak doubt and
fear will keep our hearts more inclined to what God can do rather than what we
cannot.”</span></i><a href="file:///C:/Users/Owner/Documents/Charlsey's%20Important%20Writings-2007/1a.2013-2019.Blog.Compass/31.%20Growing%20in%20Prayer%20-%20The%20Learning%20Tree%20-%20Fear%20of%20Coroniavirus.1.docx#_ftn1" name="_ftnref1" style="mso-footnote-id: ftn1;" title=""><span class="MsoFootnoteReference"><i><span style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin;"><span style="mso-special-character: footnote;"><!--[if !supportFootnotes]--><span class="MsoFootnoteReference"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: x-small;">[1]</span></b></span><!--[endif]--></span></span></i></span></a><span style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt;">When we face challenging times, we
are not to speak defeating words but to be obedient to God in all things.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Our words can speak life or speak death.
(<a href="https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Proverbs+18%3A21&version=AMP" target="_blank">Proverbs 18:21</a>)<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt;">God created and owns all things (<a href="https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=I+Chronicles+29%3A11-12&version=AMP" target="_blank">IChronicles 29:11-12</a>).<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>He is in control!<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>He has a part to our living, protection, and
to grow righteousness.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>We have a part (<a href="https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Colossians+3%3A23-24&version=AMP" target="_blank">Colossians3:23-24</a>) to be faithful, reading God’s Word for directions to all
challenges of life and obeying His precepts (a general rule intended to
regulate behavior or thought).<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Be always
in prayer for God’s direction, pray for each other, pray for those who are
arrogate and do not use common sense.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<a href="file:///C:/Users/Owner/Documents/Charlsey's%20Important%20Writings-2007/1a.2013-2019.Blog.Compass/31.%20Growing%20in%20Prayer%20-%20The%20Learning%20Tree%20-%20Fear%20of%20Coroniavirus.1.docx#_ftnref1" name="_ftn1" style="mso-footnote-id: ftn1;" title=""><span class="MsoFootnoteReference"><span style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif;"><span style="mso-special-character: footnote;"><!--[if !supportFootnotes]--><span class="MsoFootnoteReference"><span style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 10.0pt;">[1]</span></span><!--[endif]--></span></span></span></a><span style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif;"> Roy Hicks, Sr., G.Th., D.D., Faith’s
Confession of God’s Word.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<br />Charlsey Greenleehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07357018908728880595noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-400450468470247490.post-43820207871474029742020-05-05T14:38:00.000-05:002020-05-06T09:58:38.218-05:0030. Growing in Prayer – The Learning Tree - Tribute to My Mother<br />
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<b><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><sup><span style="color: black; font-family: "arial" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: x-small;">28</span></span><span style="color: black; font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt;"> “</span></sup></i></b><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span style="color: black; font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt;">Her children rise up and call her blessed; Her
husband <span style="mso-bidi-font-style: italic;">also,</span> and he
praises her: <b><sup>29 </sup></b>“Many daughters have done well, but you excel them
all.”</span></i><span style="color: black; font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><a href="https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Proverbs+31%3A10-31&version=NKJV" target="_blank">Proverbs 31:10-31</a><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg-_8usGQPKjBN22j2-HvDuaLeLGM7bQWqeEFjQ63B6asz-SoRbsPnxVfdTm3F8UIel1ei3NJzjVz1UCnuQaMURyNawX5dytc4CL0Xy7ScHwxHXy4NdyVNzLO8_0FzF9Gc74r7o-Ahlt9E/s1600/Mother+Circa+1944.38+yrs..jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1154" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg-_8usGQPKjBN22j2-HvDuaLeLGM7bQWqeEFjQ63B6asz-SoRbsPnxVfdTm3F8UIel1ei3NJzjVz1UCnuQaMURyNawX5dytc4CL0Xy7ScHwxHXy4NdyVNzLO8_0FzF9Gc74r7o-Ahlt9E/s200/Mother+Circa+1944.38+yrs..jpg" width="143" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt;">It will be Mother’s Day this
coming weekend, May 10, 2020.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The Bible tells us to honor our father and
mother that it may go well with you (<a href="https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Ephesians+6%3A1-3&version=NKJV" target="_blank">Ephesians 6:1-3</a>).<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Mothers are irreplaceable….good, bad or
indifferent . . . . They are irreplaceable. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I know my Mother is to me.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>She was my friend, soulmate, and confidant.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>She was my Mother.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt;">She exemplified my Heavenly
Father’s forgiveness.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>She would fight a
circle saw for me when I was right and when I was in the wrong, she let me know
in uncertain terms.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>We did not always
get along through the years, but we loved each other through it all.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>When the chips were down, she stood in
defense of me and carried my banner.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt;">Mother was a lady with great
dignity often showing her stoic English bearing and her physical stature of the
Dutch.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>She often called herself the
Dutch woman.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Meaning she was short and
stout.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>To me she was beautiful.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt;">My first memory of Mother was when I was about
two.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>We were in church and I was
standing in the pew beside her….her arm was around me, and she was singing to
the roof tops.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Mother was a presence of
warmth and security.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It seems she was
light.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt;">Most of all I remember her hands.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>She had exceptionally large hands as soft as
velvet.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>When I was a little girl her
hand covered my back as she rubbed Grandma Freeman’s miracle cure for
congestion, sore throats, and what “ails you.”<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt;">She worked constantly for the comfort of her
family.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>She literally loved and patted
her</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg_Hwd1KFRkVzXoxVaDHkOA-Hl7Wu0ficU202EMfOAD7uFfA2dHBYgPJj2fYk_1s6Fajx2Kjml8bLCyH4ka40vkql3B_feICj4DVedEKYsf4XzstA6wraDEg5UzUJNUL1YFXhbvWaEbwdY/s1600/Mother+90.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1401" data-original-width="1143" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg_Hwd1KFRkVzXoxVaDHkOA-Hl7Wu0ficU202EMfOAD7uFfA2dHBYgPJj2fYk_1s6Fajx2Kjml8bLCyH4ka40vkql3B_feICj4DVedEKYsf4XzstA6wraDEg5UzUJNUL1YFXhbvWaEbwdY/s200/Mother+90.jpg" width="163" /></a></span></div>
<span style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt;"> cooking on to the table for us.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Her
hands cleaned, washed our clothes in black wash pots in the back yard, yet
those big hands made the delicate embroidery, tucking, and smocking on the
beautiful clothes I wore.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>She always
sang or hummed while she worked.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>She
worked outside the home and I remember waking in the dark of the night, she at
her peddle sewing machine making my beautiful clothes.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt;">Mother was very mischievous and such a
tease!<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>She laughed freely and brought
great joy to our family.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt;">She cast over me an influence which has lasted
all my life. The good effects of her early training I can never lose. If it had
not been for her appreciation and her faith in me at a critical time in my
life, I would have never met life’s trials with the trust and faith that I
survive in my Lord Jesus.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt;">I realize in my now ancient years, I had a
beautiful, secure with no fear and tender childhood that lives in me
today.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The greatest gift my Mother and
Daddy gave me was their love for each other….they adored each other, and it
permeated my brother and me.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt;">After her 98<sup>th</sup> Birthday, she told me
she was tired and was ready to go home.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>A week before she breathed her last, she went to sleep…peaceably and
quietly.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>In the early morning hours of
September 15, 2004 as I held her hand she slipped away.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I have never been as sure of anything in life
as she slipped from my hand; Jesus took my Mother’s hand and led her into His
Glory. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>My Mother was truly a Proverbs 31
woman.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt;">We honor our Mothers this Sunday, May 10,
2020.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>They are God’s gift to us
all.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Pray for your Mother.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />Charlsey Greenleehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07357018908728880595noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-400450468470247490.post-41143093502213733892020-04-02T10:18:00.000-05:002020-04-04T09:11:46.895-05:0029. Growing In Prayer – The Learning Tree – My Friend’s Journal<br />
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<![endif]><![endif]--><!--[if !vml]--><!--[endif]--><span style="background: white; color: #333333; font-family: "arial" , sans-serif;"> </span><span style="background-color: white; font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">“<i>Be still
and know (recognize, understand) that I am God. </i></span><span style="background-color: white; font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><i>I will be exalted among the
nations! I will be exalted in the earth.” </i></span><span style="background-color: white; color: #313132; font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; text-align: right;">~~<a href="https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Psalm+46%3A10&version=AMP" target="_blank">Psalm 46:10</a></span></div>
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<span style="background-color: white; color: #313132; font-family: "arial" , sans-serif;">This morning I was awaiting breakfast in our
Assisted Living apartment and my friend sent me a page from her journal.</span><span style="color: #313132; font-family: "arial" , sans-serif;"> </span><span style="background-color: white; color: #313132; font-family: "arial" , sans-serif;">Actually she is more like a daughter to me,
and she and her husband are Executor’s to our Will.</span><span style="color: #313132; font-family: "arial" , sans-serif;"> </span><span style="background-color: white; color: #313132; font-family: "arial" , sans-serif;">Anyway during her quite time she felt like
God was saying pray specifically and in those prayers and the Caronovirus
debacle I, God, will be glorified.</span><span style="color: #313132; font-family: "arial" , sans-serif;"> </span><span style="background-color: white; color: #313132; font-family: "arial" , sans-serif;">Since
I have several visits from the Holy Spirit speaking to me verbally, I did not
have trouble believing this communication from God.</span><span style="color: #313132; font-family: "arial" , sans-serif;"> </span><span style="background-color: white; color: #313132; font-family: "arial" , sans-serif;">I would like to share with you her journal
page today.</span></div>
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<span style="background-color: white; color: #313132; font-family: "arial" , sans-serif;">My friend used the above scripture to start off
her journal page.</span><span style="color: #313132; font-family: "arial" , sans-serif;"> </span><span style="background-color: white; color: #313132; font-family: "arial" , sans-serif;">Here are her thoughts
and God’s message to her:</span></div>
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<span style="background: white; color: #313132; font-family: "arial" , sans-serif;"><o:p> </o:p></span><span style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; text-align: left;">April 1, 2020</span></div>
<br />
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif;">“Be
still and know that I AM God.” - Psalm 46:10<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif;">I
AM right here with you, beside you, and in you. I AM pleased by your prayers
and your heart for the nations. That’s My heart, too. I will be glorified in
and through this pandemic. Keep praying along those lines, agreeing with Me and
what I want to do through this tragedy. I AM working, much of which you will
later learn about. Pray that many would respond to Me, that heart soils would
be ready for the seeds of My Word. A mighty harvest is coming, and your prayers
prepare the soil for the harvest. Encourage others in prayer, for this I placed
within you. Remember Esther, and you have her heart for the nations. So, pray!
And, pray, and pray! Your prayers will avail much! Ask of Me, and I will give
the nations as an inheritance for Jesus. What was intended for evil, I long to
use for good. It’s time to get creative in influencing Believers to pray for
what I want to bring through this pandemic - salvation, healing, deliverance,
and an awareness of My glory and My power! Nothing is impossible for Me! I AM
Mighty God, the same yesterday, today, and forever, the God who walked with
Abraham, with Isaac, and with Jacob, and the God who walks with you. Yes, I
walk with you, and want you to grasp the awe of that reality! If I AM with you,
what can be against you? And, what can separate us? Disease? No! I don’t want
to be separated from My people because of fear of or fear from this Coronavirus
disease. I long to draw many, many to Myself through this.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif;">Pray
that the church will have creativity in this hour to convey My peace and My
Presence to those stricken with fear. My peace and My Presence through
Believers can draw Unbelievers to Me. Be a conduit of My Presence and My peace.
You do not walk in darkness, and you can shine My light in this dark valley and
to those in darkness. The darker things become, the more detectable the light
is! It’s time for The Church to rise-up and take the place I established for
her - pray for this, too. Pray for My love to take deep root in The Church and
be evident to the world. My love draws people to Me. My love expressed through
The Church lifts Me up and draws the lost to Me. Do not lose heart, pray.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="background: white; color: #313132; font-family: "arial" , sans-serif;">Her journal page touched my heart.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>After many years of studying effective prayer,
we claim God’s Word that He is always with us (<a href="https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Matthew+28%3A19-20&version=AMP" target="_blank">Matthew 28:19-20</a>).<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>His power in prayer is the Power of the Holy Spirit and what we do not
know for which to pray, He will pray for us.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>He speaks what God tells Him (<a href="https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=John+12%3A49&version=AMP" target="_blank">John 12:49</a>) and He will tell us what to pray.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It is important to pray for others.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>When Job prayed for his friends, God returned
to him all his possessions (<a href="https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Job+42%3A10&version=AMP" target="_blank">Job 42:10</a>).<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="background: white; color: #313132; font-family: "arial" , sans-serif;">When we pray God’s Word and His Will, believe
that He will give what we ask, and don’t doubt like waves crashing against each
other, and above all repent (turn around) from our wicked ways, we are in
effective prayer (<a href="https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=James+5%3A16&version=AMP" target="_blank">James 5:16</a>).<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>We will
not rest until Jesus’ all time prayer for the world comes to fruition (<a href="https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=John+17%3A20-21&version=AMP" target="_blank">John 17:20-21</a></span><span style="background-color: white; color: #313132; font-family: "arial" , sans-serif;">).</span></div>
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<br />Charlsey Greenleehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07357018908728880595noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-400450468470247490.post-53966005820920460122020-03-29T14:15:00.002-05:002020-03-29T14:15:22.584-05:0028. Growing Prayer – The Learning Tree – What is Fear?<br />
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<span style="background: white; color: #333333; font-family: "Arial",sans-serif;"> “Do not be anxious about anything, but in
every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your
requests to God. And the peace of God, which transcends all
understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.” <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="background: white; color: #333333; font-family: "Arial",sans-serif;">~ </span><a href="https://www.biblestudytools.com/philippians/passage/?q=philippians+4:6-7" style="-webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; background-position-x: 0px; background-position-y: 0px; box-sizing: border-box; font-variant-caps: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; orphans: 2; text-align: start; widows: 2; word-spacing: 0px;"><span style="background: white; color: #3366b4; font-family: "Arial",sans-serif;">Philippians
4:6-7</span></a><span style="font-family: "Arial",sans-serif;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif;">I have been thinking.</span><span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif;"> </span><span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif;">When I would say that when I was young to my
husband, Doyle, he would cringe with a groan!</span><span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif;"> </span><span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif;">But I really
have been thinking.</span><span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif;"> </span><span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif;">We have been locked
in and now confined almost week within our apartments in Assisted Living.</span><span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif;"> </span><span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif;">Now we don’t know how folks are doing but
thank our Lord we are safe from the wicked Coronavirus that is going around.</span><span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif;"> </span><span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif;">I give credit to our Lord for protecting us and
the good souls that follow the</span> <a href="https://www.blogger.com/null" style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif;">rules</a><span class="MsoCommentReference"><span style="font-size: 8.0pt;"><span style="mso-special-character: comment;"> </span></span></span><span style="font-family: "Arial",sans-serif; mso-bidi-font-style: italic;">.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Arial",sans-serif;">Our
President has spent his waking hours trying to protect us using the counsel of
brilliant experts to guide him.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>He has
gathered together the most brilliant minds around him to move in protection for
this Nation.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Arial",sans-serif;">The
Communist Government in China that out and out lied about the danger of this
Coronavirus to the Nations.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>They sure do
not take the scripture seriously about the importance of the individual persona
(<a href="https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Matthew+10%3A29-31&version=AMP" target="_blank">Matthew 10:29-31</a>).<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Shame on them….(<a href="https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Romans+12%3A19&version=AMP" target="_blank">Romans12:19</a>).<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Arial",sans-serif;">I
guess that is why I have set mind on thinking.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>Now, I am not judging and I use the words of my Daddy’s sister just
older than him, Aunt Vera, “Now I am not judging, but sizing them up”.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>In those words I am speaking truth and reality.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>In my “sizing up. . .reality”, I wonder about
the folks in flight with fear.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>They sure
don’t realize the truth of God’s Word, “Do Not be anxious about anything . . .
the peace of God (<span style="background: white; color: #001320;">the love of
Christ which passeth knowledge</span>) will guard your hearts and minds”.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I am speaking mostly of the leading City in
Caronavirus, New York City.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>They filled
with fear scattered to Florida and other states to escape the virus and they
infected innocent folks.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Shame on them
for their selfishness.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I say here is God’s
Word, <a href="https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Matthew+10%3A29-31&version=AMP" target="_blank">Matthew 10:29-31</a>.</span><o:p></o:p></div>
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<span style="background: white; color: #001320; font-family: "Arial",sans-serif;">Just think if those New Yorkers had stayed put,
Florida might <b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><u>not</u></b> see this
rapid increase and the Florida Governor would not be so miffed.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>How dare the New Yorkers that are “irked”
because they are “</span><span style="background: white; color: #313132; font-family: "Arial",sans-serif;">unwelcome in some states</span>”. . . . I would
surmise that is selfish, selfish, selfish.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>Stay<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>put in your homes
(apartments) and live this Scripture, Philippians 4:6-7 <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">bow your knees in prayer and petition with thanksgiving and the<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>peace of God will guard your hearts and minds</i>.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>We need to remember<b><span style="background: white; color: #222222; font-family: "Arial",sans-serif; font-size: 10.5pt;"> </span></b><b><span style="background: white; color: #222222; font-family: "Arial",sans-serif;">Franklin D. Roosevelt</span></b><span style="background: white; color: #222222; font-family: "Arial",sans-serif;"><span style="-webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; float: none; font-variant-caps: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; orphans: 2; text-align: start; text-decoration-color: initial; text-decoration-style: initial; widows: 2; word-spacing: 0px;"> </span>words
in his first inauguration in 1933, “<i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">my
firm belief that the only thing we have to fear is...fear itself</i></span><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">”.<o:p></o:p></i></div>
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<span style="background: white; color: #313132; font-family: "Arial",sans-serif;">We believe in the infallible Word of God (<a href="https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=2+Timothy+3%3A16-17&version=AMP" target="_blank">2 Timothy 3:16-17</a>).<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>We believe in the Power of Pray releases God’s
promises (<a href="https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Mark+11%3A24&version=AMP" target="_blank">Mark 11:24</a>).<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>If all souls, especially those
who live in fear would rest in our Lord, bend their knees in prayer and believe
He is with us and protect us from all the evil that brought this virus to us
and even free us from being swamped with this Coronavirus.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<br />Charlsey Greenleehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07357018908728880595noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-400450468470247490.post-88290387790028541082020-01-29T11:04:00.000-06:002020-01-29T11:07:04.413-06:0027. Growing Prayer – The Learning Tree – Time for Change<br />
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<span class="chapternum"><b><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><sup><span style="color: black; font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 9.0pt;">3</span></sup></i></b></span><span class="chapternum"><b><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span style="color: black; font-family: "arial" , sans-serif;"> </span></i></b></span><span class="text"><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span style="color: black; font-family: "arial" , sans-serif;">To everything <span style="mso-bidi-font-style: italic;">there
is</span> a season,</span></i></span><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span style="color: black; font-family: "arial" , sans-serif;"> <span class="text">A time for every purpose under heaven:</span></span><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></i><span class="text"><b><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><sup><span style="color: black; font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 8.0pt;">2 </span></sup></i></b></span><span class="text"><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span style="color: black; font-family: "arial" , sans-serif;">A time to be born,</span></i></span><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span style="color: black; font-family: "arial" , sans-serif;"> <span class="text">And a time to die;</span></span> <span class="text">A time to plant,</span> <span class="text">And a time to pluck <span style="mso-bidi-font-style: italic;">what is</span> planted;</span> </i><span class="text"><b><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><sup><span style="color: black; font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 8.0pt;">3</span></sup></i></b></span><span class="text"><b><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><sup><span style="color: black; font-family: "arial" , sans-serif;"> </span></sup></i></b></span><span class="text"><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span style="color: black; font-family: "arial" , sans-serif;">A time to kill,</span></i></span><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span style="color: black; font-family: "arial" , sans-serif;"> <span class="text">And a time to heal;</span></span> <span class="text">A time to break
down,</span> </i><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhRhnZ9cepAJtcjwhhK8JZkrbFhGB0gaa9k_ZeEt6V_AxY5DTmcSnHyO9jXfXTxNIK4Ut9NUdnejtq6t7cyA3f2kov5gcfzsSvhLJ4nCCLMkqke7u755oTQicB3SRizW-MXVhRHonHy6Ls/s1600/1000+yr+old+Rock+Port.TX.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="410" data-original-width="550" height="148" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhRhnZ9cepAJtcjwhhK8JZkrbFhGB0gaa9k_ZeEt6V_AxY5DTmcSnHyO9jXfXTxNIK4Ut9NUdnejtq6t7cyA3f2kov5gcfzsSvhLJ4nCCLMkqke7u755oTQicB3SRizW-MXVhRHonHy6Ls/s200/1000+yr+old+Rock+Port.TX.jpg" width="200" /></a></i></div>
<i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span class="text">And a time to build up;</span> </i><span class="text"><b><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><sup><span style="color: black; font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 8.0pt;">4</span></sup></i></b></span><span class="text"><b><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><sup><span style="color: black; font-family: "arial" , sans-serif;"> </span></sup></i></b></span><span class="text"><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span style="color: black; font-family: "arial" , sans-serif;">A time to weep,</span></i></span><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span style="color: black; font-family: "arial" , sans-serif;"> <span class="text">And a time to laugh;</span></span> <span class="text">A time to mourn,</span>
<span class="text">And a time to dance;</span> </i><span class="text"><b><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><sup><span style="color: black; font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 8.0pt;">5</span></sup></i></b></span><span class="text"><b><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><sup><span style="color: black; font-family: "arial" , sans-serif;"> </span></sup></i></b></span><span class="text"><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span style="color: black; font-family: "arial" , sans-serif;">A time to cast away stones,</span></i></span><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span style="color: black; font-family: "arial" , sans-serif;"> <span class="text">And a time to gather stones;</span></span> <span class="text">A time to embrace,</span> <span class="text">And a time to
refrain from embracing;</span> </i><span class="text"><b><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><sup><span style="color: black; font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 8.0pt;">6</span></sup></i></b></span><span class="text"><b><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><sup><span style="color: black; font-family: "arial" , sans-serif;"> </span></sup></i></b></span><span class="text"><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span style="color: black; font-family: "arial" , sans-serif;">A time to gain,</span></i></span><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span style="color: black; font-family: "arial" , sans-serif;"> <span class="text">And a time to lose;</span></span> <span class="text">A time to keep,</span>
<span class="text">And a time to throw away;</span> </i><span class="text"><b><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><sup><span style="color: black; font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 8.0pt;">7</span></sup></i></b></span><span class="text"><b><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><sup><span style="color: black; font-family: "arial" , sans-serif;"> </span></sup></i></b></span><span class="text"><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span style="color: black; font-family: "arial" , sans-serif;">A time to tear,</span></i></span><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span style="color: black; font-family: "arial" , sans-serif;"> <span class="text">And a time to sew;</span></span> <span class="text">A time to keep
silence,</span> <span class="text">And a time to speak;</span>
</i><span class="text"><b><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><sup><span style="color: black; font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 8.0pt;">8</span></sup></i></b></span><span class="text"><b><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><sup><span style="color: black; font-family: "arial" , sans-serif;"> </span></sup></i></b></span><span class="text"><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span style="color: black; font-family: "arial" , sans-serif;">A time to love,</span></i></span><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span style="color: black; font-family: "arial" , sans-serif;"> <span class="text">And a time to hate;</span></span> <span class="text">A time of
war,</span> <span class="text">And a time of peace.</span><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></i><span class="text"><span style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif;"><a href="https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Ecclesiastes+3%3A1-8&version=NKJV" target="_blank">Ecclesiastic 3:1-8</a></span></span><span style="color: black; font-family: "arial" , sans-serif;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif;">***<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif;">We retired from Compass – finances God’s way,
January 1, 2020, because it was a time to change.</span><span style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif;"> </span><span style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif;">We are eighty-seven and Doyle will soon be
eighty-nine.</span><span style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif;"> </span><span style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif;">In the aging process my
body is not so good and Doyle’s memory is fading.</span><span style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif;"> </span><span style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif;">We jokingly say Doyle is my body and I am his
brain.</span><span style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif;"> </span><span style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif;">We manage quite well that
way.</span><span style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif;"> </span><span style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif;">My mother used to say “if you don’t
laugh, you would cry”.</span><span style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif;"> </span><span style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif;">So we are “laughing”
into Assisted Living.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<br /></div>
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; mso-bidi-font-style: italic;">There is that time of “New Blood” and New Ideas”.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>However, God never changes!! </span><span style="font-family: "segoe ui emoji" , sans-serif; mso-ascii-font-family: Arial; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial; mso-bidi-font-style: italic; mso-char-type: symbol-ext; mso-hansi-font-family: Arial; mso-symbol-font-family: "Segoe UI Emoji";">😊</span><span style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; mso-bidi-font-style: italic;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>When one has learned the effective prayer,
and the close relationship with our God and Father, we have learned His Ways
into His promises.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Prayer is the doorway
into God’s promises and that will never change.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<br /></div>
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; mso-bidi-font-style: italic;">The scripture that called us to prayer was
<span style="color: black;"><a href="https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Ephesians+6%3A17-18&version=NKJV" target="_blank">Ephesians 6:18</a>,</span> “</span><b><sup style="box-sizing: border-box;"><span style="background: white; color: black; font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 8.0pt;"><span style="-webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; float: none; font-variant-caps: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; orphans: 2; text-align: start; text-decoration-color: initial; text-decoration-style: initial; widows: 2; word-spacing: 0px;"><span id="en-NKJV-29356" style="-webkit-font-smoothing: antialiased; -webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; box-sizing: border-box; font-variant-caps: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; orphans: 2; text-align: start; text-decoration-color: initial; text-decoration-style: initial; widows: 2; word-spacing: 0px;">18</span></span></span></sup><span class="text"><sup><span style="background: white; color: black; font-family: "arial" , sans-serif;"> </span></sup></span><span class="text"><span style="background: white; color: black; font-family: "arial" , sans-serif;">praying
always with all prayer and supplication in the Spirit, being watchful to
this end with all perseverance and supplication for all the saints—</span>“.</span></b></div>
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<span class="text"></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif;">God’s
Word is the foundation of life: </span><span class="text"><b><sup><span style="background: white; font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 8pt;">16</span></sup></b></span><span class="text"><b><span style="background: white; font-family: "arial" , sans-serif;"> </span></b></span><span class="text"><i><span style="background: white; font-family: "arial" , sans-serif;">All Scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable for doctrine, for
reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness, </span></i></span><span class="text"><b><i><sup><span style="background: white; font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 8pt;">17</span></sup></i></b></span><span class="text"><b><i><span style="background: white; font-family: "arial" , sans-serif;"> </span></i></b></span><span class="text"><i><span style="background: white; font-family: "arial" , sans-serif;">that the man of God may be complete, thoroughly equipped for every
good work.-“.</span></i></span><span class="text"><span style="background: white; font-family: "arial" , sans-serif;"> <a href="https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=2+Timothy+3%3A16-17&version=NKJV" target="_blank">2 Timothy 3:16-17</a></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif;">Keep
praying when life changes.</span><span style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif;"> </span><span style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif;">God will be
with you!</span><span style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif;"> </span><span style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif;">He is always faithful.</span><span style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif;"> </span><span style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif;">Let us be faithful in the communication with
God!</span></div>
</div>
<br />Charlsey Greenleehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07357018908728880595noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-400450468470247490.post-91711610778061137732019-11-26T12:32:00.002-06:002019-11-26T12:32:53.625-06:0026. Growing Prayer – The Learning Tree – (2) Why Do We Pray?<br />
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<sup><span style="color: black; font-family: "Arial",sans-serif; mso-bidi-font-weight: bold;">16 </span></sup><span style="color: black; font-family: "Arial",sans-serif;">Rejoice always <i>and</i> delight
in your faith; <sup><span style="mso-bidi-font-weight: bold;">17 </span></sup>be
unceasing <i>and</i> persistent in prayer; <sup><span style="mso-bidi-font-weight: bold;">18 </span></sup>in every situation [no
matter what the circumstances] be thankful <i>and</i> continually
give thanks <i>to God</i>; for this is the will of God for you in Christ
Jesus.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>--<span style="mso-font-kerning: 18.0pt;"><a href="https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=1+Thessalonians+5%3A16-18+&version=AMP" target="_blank">1 Thessalonians 5:16-18 </a></span></span><span style="font-family: "Arial",sans-serif;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Arial",sans-serif;">***<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Arial",sans-serif; mso-bidi-font-style: italic;">This is our second Blog on "Why Do We Pray". Why do we pray?<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>A question of great magnitude!<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>Prayer is having a conversation with God, an intimate sanctified
(set-apart) time.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It is the very breath
of our soul the core of our being.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>Prayer is the <u>key</u> (Matt. 16:19) that unlocks the incredible
promises of God. There are times we pray like we speak to a friend.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Other times we pray intensely, passionately
and it is the prayer of an intercessor. We pray in the name of Jesus who
connects us to His promises.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><a href="https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=John+16%3A24&version=AMP" target="_blank">John 16:24</a>,
“<i>Until now you have asked nothing in My name. Ask, and you will receive,
that your joy may be full</i>”.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>In and
through prayer the promises of God are manifested (revealed) in and through
us.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>We are privileged to begin each day
with prayer giving our hearts to God.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>When temptation threatens, and it will, we have the power source and
communion with God the Father through the blood and name of Jesus Christ.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>He knows our voice.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Arial",sans-serif; mso-bidi-font-style: italic;">I cannot remember when I did not pray…not aloud…not
in public….but in child-like simplicity.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Arial",sans-serif; mso-bidi-font-style: italic;">I began to pray that Jesus would teach me to pray
just as His disciple asked (<a href="https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Luke+11%3A1&version=AMP" target="_blank">Luke 11:1</a>).<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>As the years have passed, I grew in a close intimate relationship with
the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>Through the Holy Spirit I have been taught much (<a href="https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=I+John+2%3A27&version=AMP" target="_blank">I John 2:27</a>).<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>First and foremost, we pray for the
undefeatable benevolence and unconquerable goodwill that always seeks the
highest good for mankind and ourselves.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<i><span style="font-family: "Arial",sans-serif;">“Biblical
prayer is always accompanied by radical obedience.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>God’s response to prayer with obedience
always releases the nature of heaven into our impaired circumstances”</span></i><span style="font-family: "Arial",sans-serif; mso-bidi-font-style: italic;">.<a href="file:///C:/Users/Owner/Documents/Charlsey's%20Important%20Writings-2007/1a.2013-2019.Blog.Compass/26.%20Growing%20in%20Prayer%20-%20The%20Learning%20Tree%20-%20(2)%20Why%20Do%20We%20Pray.docx#_ftn1" name="_ftnref1" style="mso-footnote-id: ftn1;" title=""><sup><span style="mso-special-character: footnote;"><!--[if !supportFootnotes]--><sup><span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: x-small;">[1]</span></span></sup><!--[endif]--></span></sup></a><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif;">Why do we pray?</span><span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif;">
</span><span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif;">We learn to pray God’s Will.</span><span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif;"> </span><span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif;">We
pray for </span><b style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif;"><u>Spiritual Development</u></b><span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif;">
and growth in intimacy with God the Father.</span><span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif;">
</span><span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif;">As we grow in our Spiritual Development, our faith grows in answered
prayer (</span><a href="https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=1+Chronicles+4%3A10&version=AMP" style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif;" target="_blank">1 Chronicles 4:10</a><span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif;">).</span><span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif;"> </span><span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif;">When we pray
in faith (Mark 11:22) moved to action, believing (II Chronicles 20:5-12; </span><a href="https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Romans+10%3A9&version=AMP" style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif;" target="_blank">Romans10:9</a><span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif;">), without doubt (</span><a href="https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=James+1%3A6&version=AMP" style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif;" target="_blank">James 1:6</a><span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif;">), seeking repentance and forgiveness (</span><a href="https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Matt+3%3A2&version=AMP" style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif;" target="_blank">Matt 3:2</a><span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif;">;
</span><a href="https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Matt+6%3A14&version=AMP" style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif;" target="_blank">Matt 6:14</a><span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif;">) forgiving those who have hurt us, laying down all strongholds (</span><a href="https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=2+Corinthians+10%3A5&version=AMP" style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif;" target="_blank">2Corinthians 10:5</a><span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif;">), lifting the Name of the Father, Jesus Christ and the Holy
Spirit in honor and glory, praising and worshiping (<a href="https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Psalm+34%3A1&version=AMP" target="_blank">Psalm 34:1</a>), </span><b style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif;">we are in effective prayer</b><span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif;">.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<br /></div>
<div style="mso-element: footnote-list;">
<!--[if !supportFootnotes]--><br clear="all" />
<hr align="left" size="1" width="33%" />
<!--[endif]-->
<div id="ftn1" style="mso-element: footnote;">
<div class="MsoFootnoteText">
<a href="file:///C:/Users/Owner/Documents/Charlsey's%20Important%20Writings-2007/1a.2013-2019.Blog.Compass/26.%20Growing%20in%20Prayer%20-%20The%20Learning%20Tree%20-%20(2)%20Why%20Do%20We%20Pray.docx#_ftnref1" name="_ftn1" style="mso-footnote-id: ftn1;" title=""><span class="MsoFootnoteReference"><span style="mso-special-character: footnote;"><!--[if !supportFootnotes]--><span class="MsoFootnoteReference"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 10.0pt; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-bidi-language: AR-SA; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-language: EN-US;">[1]</span></span><!--[endif]--></span></span></a> When
Heaven Invades Earth, Chapter 5, Praying Heaven Down, p. 58, Bill Johnson,
Author<o:p></o:p></div>
</div>
</div>
<br />Charlsey Greenleehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07357018908728880595noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-400450468470247490.post-71117952174509836682019-11-21T11:08:00.000-06:002019-11-21T11:08:50.616-06:0025. Growing Prayer – The Learning Tree - Why Do We Pray?<div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: "Arial",sans-serif;">I Cannot Remember When I Did Not Pray<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Arial",sans-serif;">Father
God we seek Your face.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>We have questions
and we long for You to teach us in a way that we will grow closer and closer to
you.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>We cling to Your promises and our
hope is in You.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Blessed is Your Holy
Name.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>In Jesus’ magnificent name I
pray.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Amen and Amen.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: "Arial",sans-serif;">***<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Arial",sans-serif;">We have often
heard the question, “Why do we pray”?<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "Arial",sans-serif; mso-bidi-font-style: italic;">In <a href="https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Luke+11%3A1&version=AMP" target="_blank">Luke 11:1</a>, Jesus had been praying and one of the
disciples asks, “Teach us to pray”.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The
result of that request Jesus gave us the Lord’s Prayer.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It became the Lord’s Prayer by choice of
those who read the scriptures.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Actually
it is a pattern for how we pray. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>We
believe the real Lord’s Prayer is <a href="https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=John+17&version=AMP" target="_blank">John 17</a>. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>One of the important thoughts to understand
regarding the Lord’s Prayer (Luke 11:1), it was written in the imperative
tense.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Why the imperative?<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Arial",sans-serif; mso-bidi-font-style: italic;">The word imperative used as an adjective means </span><span class="definition"><span lang="EN" style="font-family: "Arial",sans-serif; mso-ansi-language: EN;">of <sup>1</sup></span></span><span class="MsoHyperlink"><span lang="EN" style="font-family: "Arial",sans-serif; mso-ansi-language: EN; mso-color-alt: windowtext;"><a href="http://www.oxforddictionaries.com/us/definition/american_english/vital" title="Meaning of vital">vital</a></span></span><span class="definition"><span lang="EN" style="font-family: "Arial",sans-serif; mso-ansi-language: EN;"> </span></span><span class="MsoHyperlink"><span lang="EN" style="font-family: "Arial",sans-serif; mso-ansi-language: EN; mso-color-alt: windowtext;"><a href="http://www.oxforddictionaries.com/us/definition/american_english/importance" title="Meaning of importance">importance</a></span></span><span class="definition"><span lang="EN" style="font-family: "Arial",sans-serif; mso-ansi-language: EN;">; </span></span><span class="MsoHyperlink"><span lang="EN" style="font-family: "Arial",sans-serif; mso-ansi-language: EN; mso-color-alt: windowtext;"><a href="http://www.oxforddictionaries.com/us/definition/american_english/crucial" title="Meaning of crucial">crucial</a></span></span><span class="definition"><span lang="EN" style="font-family: "Arial",sans-serif; mso-ansi-language: EN;">:</span></span><span class="examplegroup"><span lang="EN" style="font-family: "Arial",sans-serif; mso-ansi-language: EN;"> </span></span><span class="MsoHyperlink"><i><span lang="EN" style="font-family: "Arial",sans-serif; mso-ansi-language: EN; mso-color-alt: windowtext;"><a href="http://www.oxforddictionaries.com/us/definition/american_english/immediate" title="Meaning of immediate">immediate</a></span></i></span><em><span lang="EN" style="font-family: "Arial",sans-serif; mso-ansi-language: EN;"> </span></em><span class="MsoHyperlink"><i><span lang="EN" style="font-family: "Arial",sans-serif; mso-ansi-language: EN; mso-color-alt: windowtext;"><a href="http://www.oxforddictionaries.com/us/definition/american_english/action" title="Meaning of action">action</a></span></i></span><em><span lang="EN" style="font-family: "Arial",sans-serif; mso-ansi-language: EN;"> was imperative</span></em><span style="font-family: "Arial",sans-serif; mso-bidi-font-style: italic;">, and <sup>2</sup></span><span class="definition"><span lang="EN" style="font-family: "Arial",sans-serif; mso-ansi-language: EN;">Giving an </span></span><span class="MsoHyperlink"><span lang="EN" style="font-family: "Arial",sans-serif; mso-ansi-language: EN; mso-color-alt: windowtext;"><a href="http://www.oxforddictionaries.com/us/definition/american_english/authoritative" title="Meaning of authoritative">authoritative</a></span></span><span class="definition"><span lang="EN" style="font-family: "Arial",sans-serif; mso-ansi-language: EN;"> </span></span><span class="MsoHyperlink"><span lang="EN" style="font-family: "Arial",sans-serif; mso-ansi-language: EN; mso-color-alt: windowtext;"><a href="http://www.oxforddictionaries.com/us/definition/american_english/command" title="Meaning of command">command</a></span></span><span class="definition"><span lang="EN" style="font-family: "Arial",sans-serif; mso-ansi-language: EN;">; </span></span><span class="MsoHyperlink"><span lang="EN" style="font-family: "Arial",sans-serif; mso-ansi-language: EN; mso-color-alt: windowtext;"><a href="http://www.oxforddictionaries.com/us/definition/american_english/peremptory" title="Meaning of peremptory">peremptory</a></span></span><span class="definition"><span lang="EN" style="font-family: "Arial",sans-serif; mso-ansi-language: EN;">.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Used as a noun
it means <sup>1</sup>an </span></span><span class="MsoHyperlink"><span lang="EN" style="font-family: "Arial",sans-serif; mso-ansi-language: EN; mso-color-alt: windowtext;"><a href="http://www.oxforddictionaries.com/us/definition/american_english/essential" title="Meaning of essential">essential</a></span></span><span class="definition"><span lang="EN" style="font-family: "Arial",sans-serif; mso-ansi-language: EN;"> or </span></span><span class="MsoHyperlink"><span lang="EN" style="font-family: "Arial",sans-serif; mso-ansi-language: EN; mso-color-alt: windowtext;"><a href="http://www.oxforddictionaries.com/us/definition/american_english/urgent" title="Meaning of urgent">urgent</a></span></span><span class="definition"><span lang="EN" style="font-family: "Arial",sans-serif; mso-ansi-language: EN;"> <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>thing, and <sup>2</sup></span></span><span lang="EN" style="font-family: "Arial",sans-serif; mso-ansi-language: EN;">a <span class="definition">factor or </span><span class="MsoHyperlink"><span style="mso-color-alt: windowtext;"><a href="http://www.oxforddictionaries.com/us/definition/american_english/influence" title="Meaning of influence">influence</a></span></span><span class="definition">
making something </span><span class="MsoHyperlink"><span style="mso-color-alt: windowtext;"><a href="http://www.oxforddictionaries.com/us/definition/american_english/necessary" title="Meaning of necessary">necessary</a></span></span><span class="definition">.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The word imperative originated from </span><span class="Date1">late Middle English</span> (as a grammatical term): from <span class="MsoHyperlink"><span style="mso-color-alt: windowtext;"><a href="http://www.oxforddictionaries.com/us/definition/american_english/late-Latin" title="Meaning of late Latin">late Latin</a></span></span> <em><span style="font-family: "Arial",sans-serif;">imperativus</span></em> (literally 'specially
ordered', translating <span class="MsoHyperlink"><span style="mso-color-alt: windowtext;"><a href="http://www.oxforddictionaries.com/us/definition/american_english/Greek" title="Meaning of Greek">Greek</a></span></span> <em><span style="font-family: "Arial",sans-serif;">prostatikē enklisis</span></em> 'imperative mood'), from <em><span style="font-family: "Arial",sans-serif;">imperare</span></em> 'to command', from <em><span style="font-family: "Arial",sans-serif;">in-</span></em> 'toward' + <em><span style="font-family: "Arial",sans-serif;">parare</span></em> 'make ready'.<a href="file:///C:/Users/Owner/Documents/Charlsey's%20Important%20Writings-2007/1a.2013-2019.Blog.Compass/26.%20Work%20Cope.%20Growing%20in%20Prayer%20-%20The%20Learning%20Tree%20-%20Why%20Do%20We%20Pray.docx#_ftn1" name="_ftnref1" style="mso-footnote-id: ftn1;" title=""><span class="MsoFootnoteReference"><span style="mso-special-character: footnote;"><!--[if !supportFootnotes]--><span class="MsoFootnoteReference"><span lang="EN" style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: x-small;">[1]</span></span></span><!--[endif]--></span></span></a><span class="definition"><o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Arial",sans-serif; mso-bidi-font-style: italic;">We would acknowledge that prayer is very important
to our God and Father.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It is imperative,
of vital importance, crucial, an authoritative and peremptory command.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It is not that we order God around.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>We must first understand our roll in
prayer.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Nothing is going to happen on this
earth unless we ask first (<a href="https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Matthew+16%3A19&version=AMP" target="_blank">Matthew 16:19</a>).<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>Through God’s Son, birth, life, death and resurrection, we become
redeemed people to lift our voices in prayer and change here on earth.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The summons in the Lord’s Prayer is that we
walk into prayer with authority given to us.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>When we realize the awesome trust God puts in us, we will begin to pray
the way God wants us to pray.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Arial",sans-serif; mso-bidi-font-style: italic;">What then is effective prayer?<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It is prayer prayed in God’s Will.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<i><span style="font-family: "Arial",sans-serif;">The
word effective in the Greek means a decided, decisive, or desired effect, ready
for service or action.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The Synonyms for
effective are: <u>capable</u>, <u>able</u>, <u>powerful</u>, and <u>efficient</u>.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Strong’s #1754, effectively<u>, energeo</u>
(en-erg-eh-oh); One of the four big energy words; energeo, energes, energeia,
and energema.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The words all stem from
en, “in”, and ergon, “work” and have to do with the active operation or working
of power and its effectual results.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>(en-erg-eh-oh) be effectual, be might in, effectual fervent, effectually
work, show forth (one’s) self, to do, work, work effectually in.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“….The effective fervent prayer of a
righteous man…”<a href="file:///C:/Users/Owner/Documents/Charlsey's%20Important%20Writings-2007/1a.2013-2019.Blog.Compass/26.%20Work%20Cope.%20Growing%20in%20Prayer%20-%20The%20Learning%20Tree%20-%20Why%20Do%20We%20Pray.docx#_ftn2" name="_ftnref2" style="mso-footnote-id: ftn2;" title=""><span class="MsoFootnoteReference"><span style="mso-special-character: footnote;"><!--[if !supportFootnotes]--><span class="MsoFootnoteReference"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: x-small;">[2]</span></span></b></span><!--[endif]--></span></span></a><o:p></o:p></span></i></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Arial",sans-serif; mso-bidi-font-style: italic;">True effective prayer is work</span><span style="font-family: "Arial",sans-serif;">.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>If you expect to go before the Throne of Grace in a laid back
state….think again.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Jesus in the garden
exemplified the pouring out of His soul before God the Fathe<i>r.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“He agonized until His sweat mingled with His
blood dripped to the ground and many have tried to deny this as even being
possible.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>However, there is a medical
term, <u>Hematidrosis</u>, or bloody sweat, which is well documented.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Under great emotional stress of the kind that
Jesus suffered, tiny capillaries in the sweat glands can break, thus mixing
blood with sweat which can lead to weakness and shock.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Isn’t it interesting that Luke, the physician,
is the only one who documented this fact in the Gospels”<a href="file:///C:/Users/Owner/Documents/Charlsey's%20Important%20Writings-2007/1a.2013-2019.Blog.Compass/26.%20Work%20Cope.%20Growing%20in%20Prayer%20-%20The%20Learning%20Tree%20-%20Why%20Do%20We%20Pray.docx#_ftn3" name="_ftnref3" style="mso-footnote-id: ftn3;" title=""><span class="MsoFootnoteReference"><span style="mso-special-character: footnote;"><!--[if !supportFootnotes]--><span class="MsoFootnoteReference"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: x-small;">[3]</span></span></b></span><!--[endif]--></span></span></a>?<o:p></o:p></i></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Arial",sans-serif; mso-bidi-font-style: italic;">We ask you are you willing to pour your heart and
soul out in prayer….are you willing to “work” at prayer….are you guilty of
“cookie cutter prayers”?<a href="file:///C:/Users/Owner/Documents/Charlsey's%20Important%20Writings-2007/1a.2013-2019.Blog.Compass/26.%20Work%20Cope.%20Growing%20in%20Prayer%20-%20The%20Learning%20Tree%20-%20Why%20Do%20We%20Pray.docx#_ftn4" name="_ftnref4" style="mso-footnote-id: ftn4;" title=""><span class="MsoFootnoteReference"><span style="mso-special-character: footnote;"><!--[if !supportFootnotes]--><span class="MsoFootnoteReference"><span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: x-small;">[4]</span></span></span><!--[endif]--></span></span></a><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif;">Next week the continuance of “Why Do We Pray”.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<a href="file:///C:/Users/Owner/Documents/Charlsey's%20Important%20Writings-2007/1a.2013-2019.Blog.Compass/26.%20Work%20Cope.%20Growing%20in%20Prayer%20-%20The%20Learning%20Tree%20-%20Why%20Do%20We%20Pray.docx#_ftnref1" name="_ftn1" style="mso-footnote-id: ftn1;" title=""><span class="MsoFootnoteReference"><span style="mso-special-character: footnote;"><!--[if !supportFootnotes]--><span class="MsoFootnoteReference"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 10.0pt; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-bidi-language: AR-SA; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-language: EN-US;">[1]</span></span><!--[endif]--></span></span></a> Oxford
Dictionaries<o:p></o:p></div>
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<a href="file:///C:/Users/Owner/Documents/Charlsey's%20Important%20Writings-2007/1a.2013-2019.Blog.Compass/26.%20Work%20Cope.%20Growing%20in%20Prayer%20-%20The%20Learning%20Tree%20-%20Why%20Do%20We%20Pray.docx#_ftnref2" name="_ftn2" style="mso-footnote-id: ftn2;" title=""><span class="MsoFootnoteReference"><span style="mso-special-character: footnote;"><!--[if !supportFootnotes]--><span class="MsoFootnoteReference"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 10.0pt; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-bidi-language: AR-SA; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-language: EN-US;">[2]</span></span><!--[endif]--></span></span></a> Greek
Lexicon<o:p></o:p></div>
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<a href="file:///C:/Users/Owner/Documents/Charlsey's%20Important%20Writings-2007/1a.2013-2019.Blog.Compass/26.%20Work%20Cope.%20Growing%20in%20Prayer%20-%20The%20Learning%20Tree%20-%20Why%20Do%20We%20Pray.docx#_ftnref3" name="_ftn3" style="mso-footnote-id: ftn3;" title=""><span class="MsoFootnoteReference"><span style="mso-special-character: footnote;"><!--[if !supportFootnotes]--><span class="MsoFootnoteReference"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 10.0pt; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-bidi-language: AR-SA; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-language: EN-US;">[3]</span></span><!--[endif]--></span></span></a> Dr. C.
Truman Davis<o:p></o:p></div>
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<a href="file:///C:/Users/Owner/Documents/Charlsey's%20Important%20Writings-2007/1a.2013-2019.Blog.Compass/26.%20Work%20Cope.%20Growing%20in%20Prayer%20-%20The%20Learning%20Tree%20-%20Why%20Do%20We%20Pray.docx#_ftnref4" name="_ftn4" style="mso-footnote-id: ftn4;" title=""><span class="MsoFootnoteReference"><span style="mso-special-character: footnote;"><!--[if !supportFootnotes]--><span class="MsoFootnoteReference"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 10.0pt; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-bidi-language: AR-SA; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-language: EN-US;">[4]</span></span><!--[endif]--></span></span></a> “Cookie
Cutter” prayers are rote prayers; repetitious and shallow prayers; mechanical,
unthinking or devoid of heart.<o:p></o:p></div>
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Charlsey Greenleehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07357018908728880595noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-400450468470247490.post-31904862925325842112019-09-14T11:24:00.000-05:002019-09-14T11:24:09.680-05:0024. Growing in Prayer – The Learning Tree – What Do We Do Now?<br />
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<span class="text"><span style="color: black; font-family: Arial, sans-serif;">Hear the word of the </span></span><span class="small-caps"><span style="color: black; font-family: "Arial",sans-serif; font-variant: small-caps;">Lord</span></span><span class="text"><span style="color: black; font-family: "Arial",sans-serif;">,</span></span><span style="color: black; font-family: Arial, sans-serif;"> <span class="text">You children of Israel, For the </span><span class="small-caps"><span style="font-variant: small-caps;">Lord</span></span><span class="text"> <i>brings</i> a charge against the inhabitants
of the land:</span> <span class="text">“There is no truth or mercy</span> <span class="text">or knowledge of God in the land.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><b><sup>2 </sup></b><i>By</i> swearing
and lying,</span> <span class="text">Killing and stealing and committing
adultery,</span> <span class="text">they break all restraint,</span> <span class="text">With bloodshed upon bloodshed.</span><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><span class="text"><b><sup>3 </sup></b>Therefore the
land will mourn;</span> <span class="text">And everyone who dwells there
will waste away</span> <span class="text">with the beasts of the field and the
birds of the air;</span> <span class="text">Even the fish of the sea will be
taken away.</span> </span><i><span style="font-family: "Arial",sans-serif;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>– Hosea
4</span></i><span style="color: black; font-family: Arial, sans-serif;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif;">Our Sunday School teacher is
teaching on the book of Hosea and as we read chapter by chapter, I couldn’t
help but think of Solomon when he said;</span><span style="background: white; color: black; font-family: Arial, sans-serif;"> “<span class="text"><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">That which has been <span style="mso-bidi-font-style: italic;">is</span> what will be,</i></span></span><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span style="color: black; font-family: Arial, sans-serif;"><span class="text"><span style="background: white;">That which <span style="mso-bidi-font-style: italic;">is</span> done is what will be done,</span></span>
<span class="text"><span style="background: white;">And <span style="mso-bidi-font-style: italic;">there is</span> nothing new under the
sun</span></span></span></i><span class="text"><span style="background: white; color: black; font-family: Arial, sans-serif;">”.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>–Ecclesiastes 1:9<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif;">We are in the depths
of sin in our Nation.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>People are people
and we have a sin nature.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It is not new
and it high lights the words of Solomon.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif;">As we read Hosea
each Sunday, I think to myself this where our country and society is
today.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The Ten Commandments are no
longer a directional to righteous living.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>There is cheating, lying, stealing, murder, sins of the flesh; I could
go on and on.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>What is more there is no
conscience.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Those who do these horrible
sinful acts has no conscience; they think they have the right to do “<i>whatever
is right in their own eyes</i>” (Judges 17:6). <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Are they in for an awakening when judgement
comes?<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif;">We find as it says
in Ecclesiastes 1:9, there is nothing new under the sun.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>What has happened will happen again in a new
setting, fitting to modern times, but the same in structure; good or evil.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>As new generations mature, they must make a choice
between good or evil.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Paul calls us to
put on the armor of God Ephesians 6:10-18.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>Our weapons are God’s Word and Prayer.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif;">Yes, God’s Word is a
two-edge sword!<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Prayer is the most
powerful weapon we can find or use against all evil, illness, etc.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>When we pray with power of the Holy Spirit,
we can overcome all adversity.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>All
things are possible (Matthew 19:26)!!<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif;">Hosea 6:1-3, God’s
Word reaches out to save those unrighteous folks.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>All they must do is repent . . .<i><sup>3</sup></i></span><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span style="background: white; color: black; font-family: Arial, sans-serif;">Let us pursue the knowledge of
the </span><span class="small-caps"><span style="font-variant: small-caps;"><span style="-webkit-font-smoothing: antialiased; -webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; box-sizing: border-box; orphans: 2; text-align: start; text-decoration-color: initial; text-decoration-style: initial; widows: 2; word-spacing: 0px;">Lord</span></span></span></i><span style="background: white; color: black; font-family: Arial, sans-serif;"><span style="-webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; float: none; font-variant-caps: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; orphans: 2; text-align: start; text-decoration-color: initial; text-decoration-style: initial; widows: 2; word-spacing: 0px;">.</span><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif;">Our Nation, our
society even down to our cities, towns, and committees and even our Christian
service are in chaos!!<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>My folks would
express it in this way; “<i>we are in one mell of a hess</i>.”<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Everyone has an opinion and they do not
follow any sort of leadership.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Instead
of giving our encouragement we judge one another, and we criticize each other
for our thoughts, leadership, character, our very presence. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<br /></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif;">We have always loved
Paul’s prayer in Ephesians 3:14-19. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>We
believe if God’s people will pray Paul’s prayer in the power and might of the
Holy Spirit, all things are possible<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<br /></div>
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<strong><span style="color: black; font-family: Arial, sans-serif;">Matthew 3:10</span></strong><span style="color: black; font-family: Arial, sans-serif;"><span style="-webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; float: none; font-variant-caps: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; orphans: 2; text-align: start; text-decoration-color: initial; text-decoration-style: initial; widows: 2; word-spacing: 0px;"> - <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">The axe is already at the root of the trees,
and every tree that does not produce good fruit will be cut down and thrown
into the fire.</i></span></span><i><span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif;"><o:p></o:p></span></i></div>
<br /><br />
Charlsey Greenleehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07357018908728880595noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-400450468470247490.post-23597039171869940792019-08-01T11:31:00.002-05:002019-08-01T11:31:47.739-05:0023. Growing in Prayer – The Learning Tree – Ask and Keep on Asking<br />
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<span style="font-family: "Arial",sans-serif;">Let’s think
about Luke 11:5-8<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><sup><span style="font-family: "Arial",sans-serif;">5</span></sup></i><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span style="font-family: "Arial",sans-serif;">And He said to them, “Which
of you shall have a friend, and go to him at midnight and say to him, ‘Friend,
lend me three loaves; <a href="https://www.blogger.com/null" name="6"></a><sup>6</sup>for a friend of mine has
come to me on his journey, and I have nothing to set before him’; <a href="https://www.blogger.com/null" name="7"></a><sup>7</sup>and he will answer from within and say, ‘Do not trouble
me; the door is now shut, and my children are with me in bed; I cannot rise and
give to you’?<a href="https://www.blogger.com/null" name="8"></a> <sup>8</sup>I say to you, though he will not rise
and give to him because he is his friend, yet because of his <b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><u>persistence</u></b> he will rise and
give him as many as he needs</span></i><span style="font-family: "Arial",sans-serif;">.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<br /></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Arial",sans-serif;">This
scripture is referred to as a ‘prim-er (for teaching) or ‘Pri-mer (to ignite an
explosive charge) in prayer.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Jesus was
teaching his disciples the very basics and power of prayer.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<br /></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Arial",sans-serif;">The
Scripture just prior to this Luke 11:1, one of His Disciples said:<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>teach us to pray.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Jesus gave them what we call today the Lord’s
Prayer.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>This was not given to us as a
prayer, but as a lesson in prayer.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "Arial",sans-serif;">The
important thing to understand the Lord’s Prayer was written in the imperative
tense.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Why the imperative?<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It is not that we order God around.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>We must first understand our roll in
prayer.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Nothing is going to happen on
this planet unless we ask first.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Through
God’s Son, birth, life, death and resurrection, we become redeemed people to
lift our voices in prayer and change.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The
summons in the Lord’s Prayer is that we walk into prayer with authority.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>When we realize the awesome trust God puts in
us, we will begin to pray the way God wants us to pray~~~In His Will!<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "Arial",sans-serif;">Do
you say “just” in your prayers, i.e., I just praise you; just call on your
name, just bring the people, just thank you for today…?<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“Just” implies we feel we are a problem to
God.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>We are not a problem to God!!<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>God has given us great dignity and privilege
to come before Him to ASK!<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>He tells us
repeatedly, ASK.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The power He has given
us is in the Power of Prayer . . . the same power that raised Jesus Christ from
the dead.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>When we ask, God’s moves His
hand from Heaven.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>His promises are
manifested in and through our prayers.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<br /></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Arial",sans-serif;">In
verse 8, Jesus says, <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><sup>8</sup>I say to
you, though he will not rise and give to him because he is his <u>friend</u>,
yet because of his <u>persistenc</u>e (importunity) he will rise and give him
as many as he needs</i>.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "Arial",sans-serif;">Actually
the word persistence is importunity which means Troublesome urgency; excessive
persistence. In <span class="MsoHyperlink"><span style="mso-color-alt: windowtext;"><a href="qv://steplinkto4%2042%2011:8"><span style="mso-color-alt: windowtext;">Luke
11:8</span></a></span></span> importunity results in a favorable response to a <st1:time hour="0" minute="0" w:st="on">midnight</st1:time> request for bread (KJV, RSV).
Many modern translations read persistence (<st1:stockticker w:st="on">NASB</st1:stockticker>,
NIV, NRSV, REB). <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><u>The literal meaning
of the term is shamelessness</u> (<st1:stockticker w:st="on">NEB</st1:stockticker>;
compare TEV: <u>“not ashamed to keep on asking”)</u>.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Jesus is telling us to pray to the point,
exactly, specifically, and pray with boldness and authority; shamelessly.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<br /></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Arial",sans-serif;">Then
Jesus says:<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Luke 11:9-10, <sup>9</sup>“<i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">So I say to you, ask, and it will be given
to you; seek, and you will find; knock and it will be opened to you. <a href="https://www.blogger.com/null" name="10"></a><sup>10</sup>For everyone who asks receives, and he who seeks
finds, and to him who knocks it will be opened</i>.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<br /></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif;">Nothing
will happen unless we pray.</span><span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif;"> </span><span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif;">God gives us
responsibility, privilege and accountability.</span><span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif;">
</span><span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif;">Let us go before the Throne of Grace reverently, worshiping, asking
with authority.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />Charlsey Greenleehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07357018908728880595noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-400450468470247490.post-31144154577459633182019-07-02T13:00:00.000-05:002019-07-02T13:00:48.410-05:0022. Growing in Prayer – The Learning Tree - (2) Pathway to God’s Glory<br />
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<span class="woj"><b><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><sup><span style="background: white; color: black; font-family: Arial, sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: xx-small;">11</span></span></sup></i></b></span><span class="woj"><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span style="background: white; color: black; font-family: "Arial",sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt;">For everyone who
exalts himself will be humbled</span></i></span><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span style="background: white; color: black; font-family: "Arial",sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt;"> [before others], <span class="woj">and
he who <span style="mso-bidi-font-style: italic;">habitually</span> humbles
himself (keeps a realistic self-view) will be exalted.”<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>--Luke 14:11</span></span></i><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span style="font-family: "Arial",sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><o:p></o:p></span></i></div>
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<br /></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Arial",sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">We
continue with the Pathway to God’s Glory that we began last week.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>As mentioned, this Blog is a result of
Doyle’s writings on this subject.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<br /></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: 12pt;">“Jesus
gives us His holiness and humility. </span><span style="font-size: 12pt;"> Receiving
Jesus we begin our walk to sanctification.</span><span style="font-size: 12pt;">
Jesus growing in us we grow in the desire and thirst to live as He
lived.</span><span style="font-size: 12pt;"> He suffered and died on the Cross
and was glorified. </span><span style="font-size: 12pt;"> [He completed His
work--John 17:14]</span><a href="file:///C:/Users/Owner/Documents/Charlsey's%20Important%20Writings-2007/1a.2013-2019.Blog.Compass/22.%20Growing%20in%20Prayer%20-%20The%20Learning%20Tree%20-%20(2)%20God's%20Glory.docx#_ftn1" name="_ftnref1" title=""><span class="MsoFootnoteReference"><!--[if !supportFootnotes]--><span class="MsoFootnoteReference"><span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: xx-small;">[1]</span></span></span><!--[endif]--></span></a><span style="font-size: 12pt;"> We are called to Jesus’ Holiness.</span><span style="font-size: 12pt;"> Can we surrender in humility our own worldly
passions to be holy as He is holy?</span><span style="font-size: 12pt;"> This
faith, choice, action [faith moved to action} is the humility that we are
called setting us apart from the world.</span><span style="font-size: 12pt;">
We are to God the very fragrance of love as we strive to His holiness. </span><span style="font-size: 12pt;"> We are imperfect beings here on this earth and
the only way we will achieve this Holiness is in and through Jesus Christ our
Lord.</span><span style="font-size: 12pt;"> Would it not be incredible if
God’s living saints could master the humbleness of Christ as they grow in
sanctification?</span><span style="font-size: 12pt;"> We, the Church, could put
on the beautiful garments and humility of God and this will be seen in her
teachers and members as the beauty of holiness. The Lamb of God means two
things—meekness (humble) and death (to self). Andrew Murray says:</span><span style="font-size: 12pt;"> “</span><i style="font-size: 12pt;">Let us
seek to receive Him in both forms. In Him, they are inseparable; they must be
in us also</i><span style="font-size: 12pt;">”. </span><a href="file:///C:/Users/Owner/Documents/Charlsey's%20Important%20Writings-2007/1a.2013-2019.Blog.Compass/22.%20Growing%20in%20Prayer%20-%20The%20Learning%20Tree%20-%20(2)%20God's%20Glory.docx#_ftn2" name="_ftnref2" title=""><span class="MsoFootnoteReference"><!--[if !supportFootnotes]--><span class="MsoFootnoteReference"><span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: xx-small;">[2]</span></span></span><!--[endif]--></span></a><span style="font-size: 12pt;">”<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<br /></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: 12pt;">“We
cannot live the life Jesus lived without the power of the Holy Spirit. What a
hopeless task if we had to do the work! </span><span style="font-size: 12pt;"> We are imperfect, sinners in a World of
sinners.</span><span style="font-size: 12pt;"> Even God’s grace cannot
overcome our free choice.</span><span style="font-size: 12pt;"> We are
helpless to self without the love of Jesus.</span><span style="font-size: 12pt;">
“</span><i><span style="font-size: 12pt;">The death of Jesus, once and
forever, is our death to self. And the ascension of Jesus, His entering once
and forever into the Holiest has given us the Holy Spirit to communicate to us
in power, and makes the power of the death life our very own. As the soul, in
the pursuit and</span><span style="font-size: 12pt;"> practice of humility,
follows in the steps of Jesus, its consciousness of the need of something more
is awakened”.</span><a href="file:///C:/Users/Owner/Documents/Charlsey's%20Important%20Writings-2007/1a.2013-2019.Blog.Compass/22.%20Growing%20in%20Prayer%20-%20The%20Learning%20Tree%20-%20(2)%20God's%20Glory.docx#_ftn3" name="_ftnref3" title=""><span class="MsoFootnoteReference"><!--[if !supportFootnotes]--><span class="MsoFootnoteReference"><b><span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: xx-small;">[3]</span></span></b></span><!--[endif]--></span></a></i>
<span style="font-size: 12pt;"> We grow in sanctification and in that
growth we receive the fullness of the Spirit of Jesus. </span><span style="font-size: 12pt;"> In that fullness and total submission of self “</span><i style="font-size: 12pt;">we make humility the all-pervading spirit of
our life</i><span style="font-size: 12pt;">”</span><span style="font-size: xx-small;">.</span><a href="file:///C:/Users/Owner/Documents/Charlsey's%20Important%20Writings-2007/1a.2013-2019.Blog.Compass/22.%20Growing%20in%20Prayer%20-%20The%20Learning%20Tree%20-%20(2)%20God's%20Glory.docx#_ftn4" name="_ftnref4" title=""><span class="MsoFootnoteReference"><!--[if !supportFootnotes]--><span class="MsoFootnoteReference"><span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: xx-small;">[4]</span></span></span><!--[endif]--></span></a> <span style="font-size: 12pt;"> Say to the Father as Jesus said, “</span></span><span class="woj"><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span style="font-family: "Arial",sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt;">nevertheless not My will, but Yours, be done</span></i></span><span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: 12pt;">”.</span><a href="file:///C:/Users/Owner/Documents/Charlsey's%20Important%20Writings-2007/1a.2013-2019.Blog.Compass/22.%20Growing%20in%20Prayer%20-%20The%20Learning%20Tree%20-%20(2)%20God's%20Glory.docx#_ftn5" name="_ftnref5" title=""><span class="MsoFootnoteReference"><!--[if !supportFootnotes]--><span class="MsoFootnoteReference"><span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: xx-small;">[5]</span></span></span><!--[endif]--></span></a><span style="font-size: 12pt;"> In our humility we will see the magnificent,
radiance, His visible splendor, His Glory!</span><span style="font-size: 12pt;">
Without <u><b>humility</b></u> and the submission of self to the resurrected Christ we
are nothing.</span><span style="font-size: 12pt;"> By our faith, believing to
action the life, death and resurrected Jesus we have no hope of the life
promised on earth and in heaven.</span><span style="font-size: 12pt;"> </span><span style="font-size: 12pt;"> We commit our spirit with Christ into the
Father’s hands and enter His perfect peace.</span><span style="font-size: 12pt;">
We submit to that perfect, helpless dependence upon God.”<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "Arial",sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "Arial",sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">“Would
you please join in repeating this prayer with me?”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<br /></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Arial",sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">“Father
we ask that you stop all the former workings of our hearts and mind. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Give us all the strength in our hearts, to
continually stand in the humility of Jesus.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>Help us always be inwardly longing and earnestly praying this one prayer
to You Oh, God.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>That of Your great
goodness You would make known to us, and take from our hearts, every kind, form,
and degree of pride whether it be from evil spirits, or our own corrupt nature.
<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>That You will awaken in us the deepest
depth and truth of that humility which can make us capable of Your radiant
splendor . . . . Your glory.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Let us reject every thought, but that of
waiting and praying in this matter from the bottom of our hearts, with truth
and earnestness. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>We ask in the Holy,
magnificent Name of Jesus.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Amen”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<a href="file:///C:/Users/Owner/Documents/Charlsey's%20Important%20Writings-2007/1a.2013-2019.Blog.Compass/22.%20Growing%20in%20Prayer%20-%20The%20Learning%20Tree%20-%20(2)%20God's%20Glory.docx#_ftnref1" name="_ftn1" style="mso-footnote-id: ftn1;" title=""><span class="MsoFootnoteReference"><span style="mso-special-character: footnote;"><!--[if !supportFootnotes]--><span class="MsoFootnoteReference"><span style="font-family: "Book Antiqua",serif; font-size: 10.0pt; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-language: AR-SA; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-bidi; mso-fareast-font-family: "Book Antiqua"; mso-fareast-language: EN-US; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin;">[1]</span></span><!--[endif]--></span></span></a>
All brackets are inserted for clarification<o:p></o:p></div>
</div>
<div id="ftn2" style="mso-element: footnote;">
<div class="MsoFootnoteText">
<a href="file:///C:/Users/Owner/Documents/Charlsey's%20Important%20Writings-2007/1a.2013-2019.Blog.Compass/22.%20Growing%20in%20Prayer%20-%20The%20Learning%20Tree%20-%20(2)%20God's%20Glory.docx#_ftnref2" name="_ftn2" style="mso-footnote-id: ftn2;" title=""><span class="MsoFootnoteReference"><span style="mso-special-character: footnote;"><!--[if !supportFootnotes]--><span class="MsoFootnoteReference"><span style="font-family: "Book Antiqua",serif; font-size: 10.0pt; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-language: AR-SA; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-bidi; mso-fareast-font-family: "Book Antiqua"; mso-fareast-language: EN-US; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin;">[2]</span></span><!--[endif]--></span></span></a> Andrew
Murray’s book “Humility”<o:p></o:p></div>
</div>
<div id="ftn3" style="mso-element: footnote;">
<div class="MsoFootnoteText">
<a href="file:///C:/Users/Owner/Documents/Charlsey's%20Important%20Writings-2007/1a.2013-2019.Blog.Compass/22.%20Growing%20in%20Prayer%20-%20The%20Learning%20Tree%20-%20(2)%20God's%20Glory.docx#_ftnref3" name="_ftn3" style="mso-footnote-id: ftn3;" title=""><span class="MsoFootnoteReference"><span style="mso-special-character: footnote;"><!--[if !supportFootnotes]--><span class="MsoFootnoteReference"><span style="font-family: "Book Antiqua",serif; font-size: 10.0pt; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-language: AR-SA; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-bidi; mso-fareast-font-family: "Book Antiqua"; mso-fareast-language: EN-US; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin;">[3]</span></span><!--[endif]--></span></span></a>
Andrew Murray’s book “Humility”<o:p></o:p></div>
</div>
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<a href="file:///C:/Users/Owner/Documents/Charlsey's%20Important%20Writings-2007/1a.2013-2019.Blog.Compass/22.%20Growing%20in%20Prayer%20-%20The%20Learning%20Tree%20-%20(2)%20God's%20Glory.docx#_ftnref4" name="_ftn4" style="mso-footnote-id: ftn4;" title=""><span class="MsoFootnoteReference"><span style="mso-special-character: footnote;"><!--[if !supportFootnotes]--><span class="MsoFootnoteReference"><span style="font-family: "Book Antiqua",serif; font-size: 10.0pt; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-language: AR-SA; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-bidi; mso-fareast-font-family: "Book Antiqua"; mso-fareast-language: EN-US; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin;">[4]</span></span><!--[endif]--></span></span></a>
Andrew Murray’s book “Humility”<o:p></o:p></div>
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<a href="file:///C:/Users/Owner/Documents/Charlsey's%20Important%20Writings-2007/1a.2013-2019.Blog.Compass/22.%20Growing%20in%20Prayer%20-%20The%20Learning%20Tree%20-%20(2)%20God's%20Glory.docx#_ftnref5" name="_ftn5" style="mso-footnote-id: ftn5;" title=""><span class="MsoFootnoteReference"><span style="mso-special-character: footnote;"><!--[if !supportFootnotes]--><span class="MsoFootnoteReference"><span style="font-family: "Book Antiqua",serif; font-size: 10.0pt; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-language: AR-SA; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-bidi; mso-fareast-font-family: "Book Antiqua"; mso-fareast-language: EN-US; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin;">[5]</span></span><!--[endif]--></span></span></a>
Luke 22:41<o:p></o:p></div>
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<br />Charlsey Greenleehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07357018908728880595noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-400450468470247490.post-41171752132707826332019-06-25T10:20:00.000-05:002019-06-28T08:50:04.507-05:0021. Growing in Prayer –The Learning Tree - (1) Pathway to God’s Glory<br />
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<span class="text"><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span style="background: white; color: black; font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 14.0pt;">So I, the prisoner for the
Lord, appeal to you to live a life worthy of the calling to which you have been
called [that is, to live a life that exhibits godly character, moral courage,
personal integrity, and mature behavior—a life that expresses gratitude to God
for your salvation],</span></i></span><span class="text"><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span style="background: white; color: black; font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 9.0pt;"> <b><sup>2</sup></b></span></i></span><span class="text"><b><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><sup><span style="background: white; color: black; font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 14.0pt;"> </span></sup></i></b></span><span class="text"><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span style="background: white; color: black; font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 14.0pt;">with all humility
[forsaking self-righteousness], and gentleness [maintaining self-control], with
patience, bearing with one another in [unselfish] love</span></i></span><a href="file:///C:/Users/Owner/Documents/Charlsey's%20Important%20Writings-2007/1a.2013-2019.Blog.Compass/21.%20Growing%20in%20Prayer%20-%20The%20Learning%20Tree%20-%20Pathway%20to%20God's%20Glory.docx#_ftn1" name="_ftnref1" style="mso-footnote-id: ftn1;" title=""><span class="MsoFootnoteReference"><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span style="background: white; color: black; font-family: "arial" , sans-serif;"><!--[if !supportFootnotes]--><span class="MsoFootnoteReference"><b><span style="background: white; color: black; font-family: "arial" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: xx-small;">[1]</span></span></b></span><!--[endif]--></span></i></span></a><span class="text"><span style="background: white; color: black; font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 14.0pt;">.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>Ephesians 4:1-2</span></span><span style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 14.0pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 14.0pt;">This blog has been writings and studies of my
pen.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Doyle and I studied together for
years and I have put those studies on paper with my pen. With age, and
some more than others, memories begin to fade.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>My precious Doyle is slowly entering that stage of life.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I assure you the meaning of scripture is
still alive in him.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>He may not remember
the verse or quote it accurately, but the meaning is alive in him. Now I would
like to introduce to you my loving husband, Doyle.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The next two weeks are from his pen.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>My love deepens each day for him and his
sweet, spiritual nature that covets God’s Word.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I share with you a devotional he gave to
Crown Financial Ministry many years ago.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 14.0pt;">Doyle’s thoughts.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 14.0pt;">“A few years back Charlsey and I were putting
together our thoughts for The Lenten Season, I had been considering what Jesus
had prayed, in John 17:22 “<i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">And the glory
which you gave Me I have given them, that they may be one just as We are one.</i>”
I realized that Jesus was praying this for all believers. One of the first
sermons our Pastor at the time had presented to us was on this [Scriptural] prayer.
I asked him to repeat to me the description he stated for glory. He stated, “<i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">Visible Splendor</i>.” <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 14.0pt;">“At times since then, I have seen glimpses of “<i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">Visible Splendor</i>” in the faces of those
in church. It is most visible on the faces of those who are really into God’s Word
(especially my wife, Charlsey). I believe we experience this splendor from the
choir as they deliver an unusually beautiful song. I do not know your thoughts,
but to me, there is splendor in a sermon well delivered, which brings worship
for our Lord.”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: 14pt;">“Please explore with me this thought. How can you
and I experience the glory Jesus has given us through the Father so that we may
be one with Him as He is one with the Father? Humility!</span><span style="font-size: 14pt;"> </span></span><span style="font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: 18.6667px;">If any prayer is ever answered would not Jesus' prayer for us be answered?</span><span style="font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: 14pt;">Please hear as I read from Andrew Murray’s
book “Humility.”</span><a href="file:///C:/Users/Owner/Documents/Charlsey's%20Important%20Writings-2007/1a.2013-2019.Blog.Compass/21.%20Growing%20in%20Prayer%20-%20The%20Learning%20Tree%20-%20Pathway%20to%20God's%20Glory.docx#_ftn2" name="_ftnref2" style="font-family: arial, sans-serif;" title=""><span class="MsoFootnoteReference"><span class="MsoFootnoteReference"><span style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: xx-small;">[2]</span></span></span></span></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 14.0pt;">“<i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">We speak
of the Holiness movement in our times, and praise God for it. We hear a great
deal about seekers after holiness and professors of holiness, of holiness
teaching and holiness meetings. The blessed truths of holiness in Christ, and
holiness by faith, are being emphasized as never before. The great test of
whether the holiness we profess to seek or to attain is truth and life will be
whether it produces an increasing <b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><u>humility</u></b>
in us</i>”. “ (The End)<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 14.0pt;">Because of our humanness and imperfection, it
is difficult (not impossible) for us to totally humble ourselves.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“Self” gets in the way.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Yet without humility, do we lean to the
impossible when we do not humble ourselves? This is the one thing needed to
allow God’s holiness to dwell in us and shine through us…. His “Visible Splendor”
…… The Glory of God!!<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 14.0pt;">The problems and savagery of the world would end,
if we would each release self and live Ephesians 4:1-2 in total humility.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<a href="file:///C:/Users/Owner/Documents/Charlsey's%20Important%20Writings-2007/1a.2013-2019.Blog.Compass/21.%20Growing%20in%20Prayer%20-%20The%20Learning%20Tree%20-%20Pathway%20to%20God's%20Glory.docx#_ftnref1" name="_ftn1" style="mso-footnote-id: ftn1;" title=""><span class="MsoFootnoteReference"><span style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif;"><span style="mso-special-character: footnote;"><!--[if !supportFootnotes]--><span class="MsoFootnoteReference"><span style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 10.0pt;">[1]</span></span><!--[endif]--></span></span></span></a><span style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif;"> </span><u><span style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 10.5pt;"><a href="https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Ephesians+4%3A1-2&version=AMP#en-AMP-29275" title="Go to Ephesians 4:2"><span style="mso-color-alt: windowtext;">Ephesians
4:2</span></a></span></u><span style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 10.5pt;"> The
key to understanding this and other statements about love is to know that this
love (the Greek word <i>agape</i>) is not so much a matter of emotion as
it is of doing things for the benefit of another person, that is, having an
unselfish concern for another and a willingness to seek the best for another.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<a href="file:///C:/Users/Owner/Documents/Charlsey's%20Important%20Writings-2007/1a.2013-2019.Blog.Compass/21.%20Growing%20in%20Prayer%20-%20The%20Learning%20Tree%20-%20Pathway%20to%20God's%20Glory.docx#_ftnref2" name="_ftn2" style="mso-footnote-id: ftn2;" title=""><span class="MsoFootnoteReference"><span style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif;"><span style="mso-special-character: footnote;"><!--[if !supportFootnotes]--><span class="MsoFootnoteReference"><span style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 10.0pt;">[2]</span></span><!--[endif]--></span></span></span></a><span style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif;"> Howard Dayton, Co-founder of Crown
Financial Ministries and Founder of Compass – finances God’s way, encouraged
the reading of Andrew Murray’s book “Humility.”<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>Howard Dayton is the epitome of humility.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<br />Charlsey Greenleehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07357018908728880595noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-400450468470247490.post-48101658570319980202019-06-11T13:05:00.000-05:002019-06-11T13:05:02.847-05:0020. Growing in Prayer – The Learning Tree – (2) God’s Word Sharper than a Two-Edge Sword <br />
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<span class="text"><span style="background: white; color: black; font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 14.0pt;">“</span></span><b><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><sup><span style="background: white; color: black; font-family: "arial" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: xx-small;">12</span></span></sup></i></b><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span style="background: white; color: black; font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 14.0pt;">For the word of God is living and active <span style="mso-bidi-font-style: italic;">and</span> full of power [making it operative, energizing, and
effective]. It is sharper than any two-edged sword, penetrating as far as
the division of the soul and spirit [the completeness of a person], and of
both joints and marrow [the deepest parts of our nature], exposing <span style="mso-bidi-font-style: italic;">and</span> judging the very thoughts
and intentions of the heart.” </span></i><span style="background: white; font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">--</span><span class="text"><span style="background: white; font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 14pt;"><a href="https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Hebrews+4%3A12&version=AMP" target="_blank">Hebrews 4:12</a></span></span></div>
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<span style="color: #333333; font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 14.0pt;">Yes, the Word of God is like a
two-edged sword.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Ask anyone who has
repented and fallen before the Cross of Jesus and asked for forgiveness of
their sins.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I have and it was very painful;
God’s Word cut me to the quick.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>My soul
was penetrated to “<i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">both joints and marrow</i>.”<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>As it says in <a href="https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Romans+3%3A22-24&version=AMP" target="_blank">Romans 3:22-24</a>, “<i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">....since all have sinned and fall short of the
glory of God</i>...."<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="color: #333333; font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 14.0pt;">Jack Hayford wrote in a study article,
“<i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">The absolute authority of the Bible over
our lives is based in our conviction that this Book does not merely contain the
Word of God, but that it is the Word of God in its sum and in its parts</i>.”<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The mature Christian believes <a href="https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Psalm+19%3A7&version=AMP" target="_blank">Psalm 19:7</a>, “<i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">The law of the Lord is perfect
(flawless) restoring <span style="mso-bidi-font-style: italic;">and</span> refreshing
the soul; The statutes of the Lord are reliable <span style="mso-bidi-font-style: italic;">and</span> trustworthy, making wise the
simple.”</i><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="color: #333333; font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 14.0pt;">Anyone from the 1960s now
understand the profound societal change.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>Our country changed from the Gospel of Jesus Christ to “<i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">every man did what was right in his own eyes</i>”
(<a href="https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Judges+17%3A6&version=AMP" target="_blank">Judges 17:6</a>).<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><a href="https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=2+Timothy+4%3A3-4&version=AMP" target="_blank">II Timothy 4:3-4</a> says, “….<i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"> they will turn their ears away from the
truth</i>…...”<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>We believe the truth is
in God’s Word.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="color: #333333; font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 14.0pt;">We have often wondered when Jesus
said, “<i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">When the Son of Man comes, will He
really find faith on the earth</i>?” (<a href="https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Luke+18%3A8&version=AMP" target="_blank">Luke 18:8</a>).<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Will He?<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="color: #333333; font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 14.0pt;">From an article by Billy Graham long
ago, “<i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">A revival among Christians could
change the whole process of history and reverse the immoral tide</i>.”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="color: #333333; font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 14.0pt;">We cannot help thinking our enemy
(devil, Satan, or whatever you call this fallen angel) is rejoicing that he has
us fighting and falling away from the Word of God.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="color: #333333; font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 14.0pt;">I am one of the fortunate ones; I
was raised in a loving home with loving parents and a loving older
brother.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>They lived God’s Word and I
wrote in my Bible beside Proverbs 17:27, “My Daddy.”<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It says, “<i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">He
who has knowledge spares his words; and a man of understanding is of a calm
spirit</i>.”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<br /></div>
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<span style="color: #333333; font-family: "arial" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: 14pt;">The only way we can stabilize ourselves
and this Nation is to receive God’s Word.</span><span style="font-size: 14pt;">
God gave us His Great Commandment in <a href="https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Deuteronomy+6%3A5&version=AMP" target="_blank">Deuteronomy 6:5</a> and He went on to
say, “</span><i><span style="font-size: 14pt;">These Words, which I (God) am
commanding you today, shall be written on your heart and mind.</span><span style="font-size: 14pt;"> </span><b><sup><span style="font-size: xx-small;">7</span></sup></b><span style="font-size: 14pt;">You shall teach them
diligently to your children….”</span></i><span style="font-size: 14pt;"> (<a href="https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Deuteronomy+6%3A6-8&version=AMP" target="_blank">Deuteronomy 6:6-8</a>).<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="color: #333333; font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 14.0pt;">Let us pray that the mature Christian (<a href="https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Luke+8%3A15&version=AMP" target="_blank">Luke 8:15</a>) will rise and proclaim (loud and clear) the Word of God, and those
who defile the truth of HIS Word (<a href="https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Titus+1%3A15&version=AMP" target="_blank">Titus 1:15</a>) will hear the call of God’s Word through the
power of the Holy Spirit.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />Charlsey Greenleehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07357018908728880595noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-400450468470247490.post-45015260690884273872019-06-06T10:57:00.000-05:002019-06-06T10:58:11.564-05:0019. Growing in Prayer – The Learning Tree – (1)God’s Word, Perfect in its Accuracy<br />
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<span class="text"><span style="background: white; color: black; font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 14.0pt;">“</span></span><span class="text"><b><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><sup><span style="background: white; color: black; font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 9.0pt;">16 </span></sup></i></b></span><span class="text"><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span style="background: white; color: black; font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 14.0pt;">All Scripture is God-breathed
[given by divine inspiration] and is profitable for instruction, for conviction
[of sin], for correction [of error and restoration to obedience], for training
in righteousness [learning to live in conformity to God’s will, both publicly
and privately—behaving honorably with personal integrity and moral
courage]; </span></i></span><span class="text"><b><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><sup><span style="background: white; color: black; font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 9.0pt;">17</span></sup></i></b></span><span class="text"><b><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><sup><span style="background: white; color: black; font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 14.0pt;"> </span></sup></i></b></span><span class="text"><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span style="background: white; color: black; font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 14.0pt;">so that the </span></i></span><span class="text"><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span style="background: white; color: black; font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 14.0pt;">man of God may be
complete <span style="mso-bidi-font-style: italic;">and</span> proficient,
outfitted <span style="mso-bidi-font-style: italic;">and</span> thoroughly
equipped for every good work</span></i></span><span class="text"><span style="background: white; color: black; font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 14.0pt;">.”<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>--<a href="https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=2+Timothy+3%3A16-17&version=AMP" target="_blank">2 Timothy 3:16-17</a><o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<br /></div>
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<span style="color: #333333; font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 14.0pt;">We believe in the infallible Word
of God.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>That it was God breathed to
guide us and direct our paths.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The Word
of God is complete and sufficient to completely answer anything we need to know
about eternal salvation or practical wisdom concerning relationships, morality,
character, finances, and conduct.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The
one requirement is obedience.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>We have
never sought an answer that we did not find the answer in God’s Word.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="color: #333333; font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 14.0pt;">One Core Value of Compass –
finances God’s way, is the obedience of God’s Word.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“<i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">If we
are not obeying God’s Word, we will be unable to accurately understand and
apply it and unable to teach others</i>.”<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>We stand on that truth!<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="color: #333333; font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 14.0pt;">We must realize our faith in
God’s Word does not deny the reality of difficult times, circumstances even
tragedies, it declares the power of God in the face of all that can happen here
on this earth.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I quote Roy Hicks, “<i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">When facing great challenges, do not permit
your lips to speak unbelieving words.”<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“We
cannot help what we see and hear, but our refusal to speak doubt and fear will
keep our hearts more inclined to what God can do, rather than to what we cannot
(<a href="https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Proverbs+30%3A32&version=AMP" target="_blank">Proverbs 30:32</a>).”<o:p></o:p></i></span></div>
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<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="color: #333333; font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 14.0pt;">We are to live a life
exemplifying God’s Word.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>We refuse to be
led astray by politics, unbelievers, and false gods.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>We speak with integrity who we are in Christ
Jesus.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Jesus confirms that every word of
Scripture is given by God, every truth is to be held in reference, and that the
Scriptures are eternal and credible.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>We grow as we model God’s Word…...Jesus was conceived by the Spirit; He
is the living Word of God.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The Spirit
working within Him brought forth the fruit of good character (<a href="https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Luke+2%3A52&version=AMP" target="_blank">Luke 2:52</a>).<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="color: #333333; font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 14.0pt;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="color: #333333; font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 14.0pt;">To confess our faith in God’s
Word, we are saying we believe in the promises of God and humbly stand before
our God our Father; Your Word is truth, we worship You for your love, goodness,
mercy, and kindness. </span></div>
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<span style="color: #333333; font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 14pt;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="color: #333333; font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 14pt;">Let us pray in thanksgiving for
God’s Word.</span></div>
<br />
<br />Charlsey Greenleehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07357018908728880595noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-400450468470247490.post-79351374059866137742019-05-22T10:44:00.002-05:002019-05-22T10:53:14.793-05:0018. Growing in Prayer – The Learning Tree – (2) The Heart Is Deceitful<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span class="text"><span style="background: white; color: black; font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 14.0pt;">“<i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">The heart is deceitful above all
things and it is extremely sick; Who can understand it fully <span style="mso-bidi-font-style: italic;">and</span> know its secret motives</i>?”<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>--<a href="https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Jeremiah+17%3A9&version=AMP" target="_blank">Jeremiah 17:9</a><o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<br /></div>
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<span style="color: #333333; font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 14.0pt;">We continue with our discussion
of the heart.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Last week we discussed the
morally good heart.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>This week we venture
into the deceitful heart.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>First, we must
understand “deceit”.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Deceit is when we
take action or practice deceiving those around us by concealing or
misrepresenting the truth.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Many folks
even deceive themselves so well they can be convincing to others their own
beliefs and actions of the heart.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="color: #333333; font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 14.0pt;">I use as an example collateral
damage.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>When others do to you that
brings harm, the one harmed reacts to the hurt.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>A deceived heart begins to justify their actions to harm the one that
did the collateral damage.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The true
heart takes responsibility regardless of circumstances for their own actions and turns to Jesus for their hurt
(<a href="https://www.blogger.com/Philippians%204:13" target="_blank">Philippians 4:13</a>).<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="color: #333333; font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 14.0pt;">There are many scriptures
defining the heart.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>As we mentioned last
week the heart is the whole person, thinking, acting, remembering, feeling; all
our human activity.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>God works within the
heart; we may have a tender, soft heart or we may have a heart of stone
(<a href="https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Ezekiel+11%3A19&version=AMP" target="_blank">Ezekiel 11:19</a>).<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>We must understand how
our heart deceives us.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="color: #333333; font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 14.0pt;">One may say, “I don’t have a hard
heart.”<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>When we reject God’s teachings,
we have entered the Harding of our heart.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>We do this to ourselves.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>For
instance if you have unforgiveness in your heart that unforgiveness grows into </span><span style="color: #333333; font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 18.6667px;">anger, </span><span style="color: #333333; font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 14pt;">bitterness</span><span style="color: #333333; font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 18.6667px;">, and </span><span style="color: #333333; font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 14pt;">resentment .</span><span style="color: #333333; font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 14pt;"> </span><span style="color: #333333; font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 14pt;">The
longer it stays within our heart, our heart begins to harden (<a href="https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Matthew+6%3A15&version=AMP" target="_blank">Matthew 6:15</a>).</span></div>
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<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="color: #333333; font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 14.0pt;">Sometimes God hardens our
heart.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I use for example the Pharaoh of
Egypt (<a href="https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Exodus+7%3A3%2C+9%3A12&version=AMP" target="_blank">Exodus 7:3, 9:12</a>).<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Why did God
harden Pharaoh’s heart?<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Could it be that
God uses the hardened heart to show His mighty power; He is God all Glory and
Honor to HIM.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Paul had a hard heart
toward Christians and God used him to bring the Good News to the Gentiles (<a href="https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Acts+22%3A19-21&version=AMP" target="_blank">Acts 22:19-21</a>).<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<br /></div>
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<span style="color: #333333; font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 14.0pt;">You may say what has this to do
with prayer?<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I had rather come to the Thorn
of Grace with a true, clean, and pure heart (<a href="https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Psalms+51%3A6&version=AMP" target="_blank">Psalms 51:6</a>) than a heart of stone, wouldn’t
you?<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="color: #333333; font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 14.0pt;">Let us pray for those in darkness
and let Christ bring them to the Living Water (<a href="https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=John+7%3A38&version=AMP" target="_blank">John 7:38</a>) and His light (<a href="https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=John+8%3A12&version=AMP" target="_blank">John8:12</a>).<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />Charlsey Greenleehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07357018908728880595noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-400450468470247490.post-54281412414188911082019-05-15T12:24:00.000-05:002019-05-16T10:00:01.069-05:0017. Growing in Prayer – The Learning Tree – (1) The Understanding Heart<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span class="woj"><b><sup><span style="background: white; font-family: "arial" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: xx-small;">21</span></span><span style="background: white; font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 14pt;"> </span></sup></b></span><span class="woj"><i><span style="background: white; font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 14pt;">For where your treasure is, there your heart</span></i></span><span style="background: white; font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 14pt;"><span style="font-style: italic; text-align: start;"> [your wishes, your desires; that on which your life
centers] </span><span class="woj"><span style="-webkit-font-smoothing: antialiased; box-sizing: border-box; text-align: start;"><i>will be also. </i>--<a href="https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Matthew+6%3A21&version=AMP" target="_blank">Matthew 6:21</a></span></span></span></div>
<br />
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 14.0pt;">We talk often regarding knowledge of the mind
and understanding of the heart. In long
ago Blogs we have explained this thoroughly in the concept that we understand.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 14.0pt;">We of the Western world think of the heart as a
physical organ that pumps our life-giving blood in our bodies. Not so in the Biblical sense. The ancient Hebrews understood the heart as a
physical part of our bodies but far more they understood the heart is the very
soul of a person. All things thought or
done comes from the heart. <span style="color: #333333;">The Heart is the Center of Hidden
Emotional-Intellectual-Moral Activity. "Man looks at the outward
appearance, " says Samuel, "but the Lord looks at the heart" </span>(<span class="MsoHyperlink"><span style="text-decoration-line: none;"><a href="https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=1+Sam+16%3A7&version=AMP" target="_blank">1 Sam16:7</a></span></span><span style="color: #333333;">).<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="color: #333333; font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 14.0pt;">The heart's reasoning, as well as
its feeling, depends on its moral condition.
If we think bad or evil things our mouth speaks what is in our hearts
(<a href="https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Mark+7%3A21&version=AMP" target="_blank">Mark 7:21</a>; </span><span style="background: white; color: #222222; font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 14.0pt;"><a href="https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Matthew+12%3A34&version=AMP" target="_blank">Matthew 12:34</a>; <a href="https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Luke+6%3A45&version=AMP" target="_blank">Luke 6:45</a></span><span style="color: #333333; font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 14.0pt;">). For instances if one has unforgiveness in
their heart, the mouth speaks it though the one speaking may not mention the thing that
they do not have forgiveness. What folks
do not realize the hatred, resentment, and revenge shows in an outwardly way.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="color: #333333; font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 14.0pt;">Our emotional state of the heart
affects us in the rest of our person.
<a href="https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Proverbs+15%3A13+&version=AMP" target="_blank">Proverbs 15:13 </a>says it well. “</span><span class="text"><i><span style="background: white; font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 14pt;">A heart full of
joy and goodness
makes a cheerful face,</span></i></span><i><span style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 14pt;"> <span class="text"><span style="background: white;">but when a heart is full of sadness
the spirit is crushed</span></span></span></i><span class="text"><span style="background: white; font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 14pt;">.” <a href="https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Proverbs+17%3A22&version=AMP" target="_blank">Proverbs 17:22</a> says “<i>A happy heart is good medicine and a joyful mind causes
healing,</i></span></span><i><span style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 14pt;"> <span class="text"><span style="background: white;">but a broken spirit dries up the
bones.”</span></span></span></i><i><span style="color: #333333; font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 14.0pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></i></div>
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<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="color: #333333; font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 14.0pt;">Our heart thinks (<a href="https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Matthew+9%3A4&version=AMP" target="_blank">Matthew 9:4</a>;
<a href="https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Mark+2%3A8&version=AMP" target="_blank">Mark 2:8</a>), it remembers, and meditates (<a href="https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Psalm+77%3A5-6&version=AMP" target="_blank">Psalm 77:5-6</a>; <a href="https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Luke+2%3A19&version=AMP" target="_blank">Luke 2:19</a>). God made our hearts to understand, to discern
and give us insight. An understanding
heart cannot be separated from our morals.
We intercede for those in our prayers to have eyes that see and ears to
hear. What we see and hear we take into
our heart unless we have the power of the Holy Spirit to reject what is wrong
or evil in God’s sight. <a href="https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=James+1%3A5&version=AMP" target="_blank">James 1:5</a> says to
ask for wisdom in our circumstances and it will be given to us. <a href="https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=James+1%3A6&version=AMP" target="_blank">James 1:6</a> says we must ask in faith without
doubting.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="color: #333333; font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 14.0pt;">To be in God’s Will our heart
must be pure and clean (<a href="https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Psalms+51%3A10&version=AMP" target="_blank">Psalms 51:10</a>).
We must have a heart that is receptive to God’s Word and His direction
to live as we are purposed in our Mother’s womb. The Holy Spirit teaches us to discern,
understand, the statutes and God’s guidance to live a life in Jesus.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="color: #333333; font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 14.0pt;">Our mouth reveals what is in our
heart, the ear determines what we receive in our heart. In <a href="https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Proverbs+2%3A2-6&version=AMP" target="_blank">Proverbs 2:2-6</a> says “</span><span class="text"><i><span style="background: white; font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 14pt;">So that your ear
is attentive to [skillful and godly] wisdom and apply your heart to
understanding</span> . . . “</i></span><span class="text"><span style="background: white; font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 14pt;">. With the power of the Holy
Spirit we have wisdom and with that wisdom we understand the knowledge of</span></span><span style="background: white; font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 14pt;"> the glory God (<a href="https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Habakkuk+2%3A14&version=AMP" target="_blank">Habakkuk 2:14</a>).</span> <span style="color: #333333; font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 14.0pt;">We cannot have a pure and clean
heart without the power of the Holy Spirit to teach us an understanding heart. </span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="color: #333333; font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 14pt;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="color: #333333; font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 14pt;">God gave us the greatest commandment:
“</span><span class="small-caps"><span style="background: white; font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 14pt;"><span style="-webkit-font-smoothing: antialiased; box-sizing: border-box; text-align: start;">and you shall love the Lord your God with all your heart, and with all
your soul</span></span></span><span style="background: white; font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 14pt;"><span style="text-align: start;"> (life), </span><span class="small-caps"><span style="font-variant-caps: small-caps; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal;"><span style="-webkit-font-smoothing: antialiased; box-sizing: border-box; text-align: start;">and with all your mind</span></span></span><span style="text-align: start;"> (thought, understanding), </span><span class="small-caps"><span style="font-variant-caps: small-caps; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal;"><span style="-webkit-font-smoothing: antialiased; box-sizing: border-box; text-align: start;">and with all your strength</span></span></span><span style="text-align: start;">’ (<a href="https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Mark+12%3A30&version=AMP" target="_blank">Mark 12:30</a>)<span class="woj"> If we do this, we understand
the fullness of God’s love for us.</span></span></span></div>
</div>
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<br /></div>
Charlsey Greenleehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07357018908728880595noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-400450468470247490.post-64169269456188492042019-05-07T10:38:00.000-05:002019-05-07T11:04:17.315-05:0016. Growing in Prayer – The Learning Tree – (3) Prayer and the Holy Spirit<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
</div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span class="text"><i><sup><span style="background: white; font-family: "arial" , sans-serif;">16 </span></sup></i></span><span class="text"><i><span style="background: white; font-family: "arial" , sans-serif;">May He [God] grant you out of the riches of His
glory, to be strengthened and <u><b>spiritually</b></u>
[connected to God]</span></i></span><a href="file:///C:/Users/Owner/Documents/Charlsey's%20Important%20Writings-2007/1a.2013-2019.Blog.Compass/16.%20Growing%20in%20Prayer%20-%20The%20Learning%20Tree%20-%20(3)%20Prayer%20and%20the%20Holy%20Spirit.docx#_ftn1" name="_ftnref1" title=""><span class="MsoFootnoteReference"><i><span style="background: white; color: black; font-family: "arial" , sans-serif;"><!--[if !supportFootnotes]--><span class="MsoFootnoteReference"><b><span style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial;"><span style="font-size: xx-small;">[1]</span></span></b></span><!--[endif]--></span></i></span></a><span class="text"><i><span style="background: white; font-family: "arial" , sans-serif;"> energized with <b><u>power</u></b> [Holy<b><u> </u></b>Spirit
Power<u>]</u> through His <u><b>Spirit</b></u><b> </b>[Holy
Spirit] in your inner self, (indwelling
your innermost being and personality), <sup>17 </sup>so that Christ
may dwell in your hearts through your faith. And may you, having been (deeply)
rooted and (securely) grounded in love, <sup>18 </sup>be fully
capable of comprehending with all the saints (God’s people) the width and
length and height and depth of His love (fully experiencing that amazing,
endless love); <sup>19 </sup>and (that you may come) to know (practically,
through personal experience) the <u><b>love</b></u> of Christ which far surpasses (mere)
knowledge (without experience), that you may be filled up (throughout your
being) to all the <u><b>fullness of God</b></u> (so that you may have the richest
experience of God’s presence in your lives, completely filled and flooded with
God Himself)</span></i></span><span class="text"><span style="background: white; font-family: "arial" , sans-serif;">. </span></span><span style="background: white; font-family: "arial" , sans-serif;">–<span class="MsoHyperlink"><a href="https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Ephesians+3%3A16-19+&version=AMP">Ephesians
3:16-19</a></span> (AMP)<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="background: white; font-family: "arial" , sans-serif;">We want to begin this week’s Blog with this definition of
God’s grace. “<a href="https://www.blogger.com/null" name="_Hlk6910426"><i><span style="color: black;">Grace describes the undeserved kindness by
which salvation is given, but it is also the power-word describing the
Holy Spirit’s operational means. Grace
is a force as well as a favor, a verb as well as a noun</span>.</i></a><a href="file:///C:/Users/Owner/Documents/Charlsey's%20Important%20Writings-2007/1a.2013-2019.Blog.Compass/16.%20Growing%20in%20Prayer%20-%20The%20Learning%20Tree%20-%20(3)%20Prayer%20and%20the%20Holy%20Spirit.docx#_ftn2" name="_ftnref2" title=""><sup><!--[if !supportFootnotes]--><sup><span style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial;"><span style="font-size: xx-small;">[2]</span></span></sup><!--[endif]--></sup></a><i> </i><a href="https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=John+1%3A16&version=AMP">John 1:16</a>,<i> “And of His fullness we have all received, and grace for
grace.”</i><i> “The
fact that John states that grace comes from His fullness teaches that grace is
more than God’s disposition or impersonal favor. It is God meeting us at our point of need in
the Person of Jesus Christ, including all His <u>power</u> and <u>provision</u></i>.”<span style="font-size: xx-small;"><a href="file:///C:/Users/Owner/Documents/Charlsey's%20Important%20Writings-2007/1a.2013-2019.Blog.Compass/16.%20Growing%20in%20Prayer%20-%20The%20Learning%20Tree%20-%20(3)%20Prayer%20and%20the%20Holy%20Spirit.docx#_ftn3" name="_ftnref3" title=""><sup><!--[if !supportFootnotes]--><sup><span style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial;">[3]</span></sup><!--[endif]--></sup></a> </span><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="background: white; font-family: "arial" , sans-serif;">We first learn knowledge in our mind, but the understanding
becomes wisdom of the heart. We use <span class="MsoHyperlink"><a href="https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Ephesians+1%3A17-18&version=AMP">Ephesians
1:17-18</a></span>; <span class="MsoHyperlink"><a href="https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Isaiah+6%3A10+&version=AMP">Isaiah
6:10</a></span> and <span class="MsoHyperlink"><a href="https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Proverbs+2%3A2+&version=AMP">Proverbs
2:2</a></span> for our thoughts. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="background: white; font-family: "arial" , sans-serif;">It is our understanding, the fullness of God is the
understanding in our hearts the incredible, magnificent, and glorious love God has
for us. God’s fullness is the fullness
of the Holy Spirit’s </span><span style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif;">salvation by the regenerating work in us, born again, </span><span class="MsoHyperlink"><span style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif;"><a href="https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=%28Romans+10%3A9-10&version=AMP">(Romans
10:9-10</a></span></span><span style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif;">)</span><span style="background: white; font-family: "arial" , sans-serif;"> and power (<span class="MsoHyperlink"><a href="https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Acts+1%3A8&version=AMP">Acts
1:8</a></span>) to give our hearts the understanding of His love and to do our
mission. God’s love is the full measure
of who we are in Jesus Christ<b> </b>(</span><span class="MsoHyperlink"><span style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif;"><a href="https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=1+John+4%3A7-21&version=AMP">1
John 4:7-21</a></span></span><span style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif;">)<b>.</b></span><span style="background: white; font-family: "arial" , sans-serif;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif;">In
Paul’s prayer he says, “<span class="text"><i><span style="background: white;">to be strengthened and spiritually energized with power
through His Spirit in your inner self.” </span></i></span> We quote John Piper, “<i>The fullness of God is <b>experienced</b>,
he says, as we are given the ‘strength to comprehend’ the love of Christ in its
height and depth and length and breadth—that is, in its fullness. This is remarkable:
The fullness of God is the spiritual apprehension (experience) of the fullness
of the love of Christ. This love is the grace and truth that fills the Son of
God and pours out on us</i>.”<span style="font-size: xx-small;"><a href="file:///C:/Users/Owner/Documents/Charlsey's%20Important%20Writings-2007/1a.2013-2019.Blog.Compass/16.%20Growing%20in%20Prayer%20-%20The%20Learning%20Tree%20-%20(3)%20Prayer%20and%20the%20Holy%20Spirit.docx#_ftn4" name="_ftnref4" title=""><span class="MsoFootnoteReference"><!--[if !supportFootnotes]--><span class="MsoFootnoteReference">[4]</span><!--[endif]--></span></a> </span><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif;">We
cannot experience the “fullness of the love of Christ” without the baptism of the
Holy Spirit’s power received on Pentecost.
By the power of the Holy Spirit, we can experience the breath-taking
miracle of God’s love. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif;">We
are baptized by water in our confession of faith, we believe Jesus Christ is
the Son of God, lived, suffered, died, and was raised from the dead so that we
might know God the Father and eternal life with HIM. <span style="background: white; color: #4d4d4f;">When
we received Jesus as our Savior, He cleansed us of our sins, and He came into
our spirit as life. Thus, </span><strong style="box-sizing: border-box; text-align: start;">because
Christ is in us, our “spirit is life because of righteousness.”</strong></span>
(<a href="https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Galatians+2%3A20&version=AMP">Galatians
2:20</a>; <a href="https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=II+Corinthians+13%3A5&version=AMP">II
Corinthians 13:5</a>; <a href="https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Romans+8%3A10&version=AMP">Romans
8:10</a>) <o:p></o:p></div>
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif;">When
we ask, we are baptized with the power of the Holy Spirit to do our purpose and
mission here on earth. When we receive
the power of the Holy Spirit (<span class="MsoHyperlink"><a href="https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Acts+4%3A31&version=AMP">Acts
4:31</a></span>) God’s presence gives us understanding in our hearts the love (<span class="MsoHyperlink"><a href="https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=I+John+3%3A1%3B+4%3A7&version=AMP">I
John 3:1; 4:7</a></span>) He has for His Children.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif;">Let
us join in Prayer as Jesus’ followers joined in praise and prayer in <a href="https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Acts+4%3A31&version=AMP">Acts
4:31</a>. Let us shake our very core by the power of the Holy Spirit.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<br />
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<!--[if !supportFootnotes]--><br clear="all" />
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<div id="ftn1">
<div class="MsoFootnoteText">
<span style="font-size: x-small;"><a href="file:///C:/Users/Owner/Documents/Charlsey's%20Important%20Writings-2007/1a.2013-2019.Blog.Compass/16.%20Growing%20in%20Prayer%20-%20The%20Learning%20Tree%20-%20(3)%20Prayer%20and%20the%20Holy%20Spirit.docx#_ftnref1" name="_ftn1" title=""><span class="MsoFootnoteReference"><!--[if !supportFootnotes]--><span class="MsoFootnoteReference"><span style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif;">[1]</span></span><!--[endif]--></span></a> Charlsey’s
interpretation in brackets<o:p></o:p></span></div>
</div>
<div id="ftn2">
<div class="MsoFootnoteText">
<span style="font-size: x-small;"><a href="file:///C:/Users/Owner/Documents/Charlsey's%20Important%20Writings-2007/1a.2013-2019.Blog.Compass/16.%20Growing%20in%20Prayer%20-%20The%20Learning%20Tree%20-%20(3)%20Prayer%20and%20the%20Holy%20Spirit.docx#_ftnref2" name="_ftn2" title=""><span class="MsoFootnoteReference"><!--[if !supportFootnotes]--><span class="MsoFootnoteReference"><span style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif;">[2]</span></span><!--[endif]--></span></a> Spirit
Filled Bible, Note, p. 1647<o:p></o:p></span></div>
</div>
<div id="ftn3">
<div class="MsoFootnoteText">
<span style="font-size: x-small;"><a href="file:///C:/Users/Owner/Documents/Charlsey's%20Important%20Writings-2007/1a.2013-2019.Blog.Compass/16.%20Growing%20in%20Prayer%20-%20The%20Learning%20Tree%20-%20(3)%20Prayer%20and%20the%20Holy%20Spirit.docx#_ftnref3" name="_ftn3" title=""><span class="MsoFootnoteReference"><!--[if !supportFootnotes]--><span class="MsoFootnoteReference"><span style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif;">[3]</span></span><!--[endif]--></span></a> Spirit
Filled Bible, Note, p.1444<o:p></o:p></span></div>
</div>
<div id="ftn4">
<div class="MsoFootnoteText">
<span style="font-size: x-small;"><a href="file:///C:/Users/Owner/Documents/Charlsey's%20Important%20Writings-2007/1a.2013-2019.Blog.Compass/16.%20Growing%20in%20Prayer%20-%20The%20Learning%20Tree%20-%20(3)%20Prayer%20and%20the%20Holy%20Spirit.docx#_ftnref4" name="_ftn4" title=""><span class="MsoFootnoteReference"><!--[if !supportFootnotes]--><span class="MsoFootnoteReference"><span style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif;">[4]</span></span><!--[endif]--></span></a> <span style="background: white; color: #222222; font-family: "arial" , sans-serif;">John
Stephen Piper (born January 11, 1946) is an American Reformed Baptist continuationist pastor. <b>Continuationism</b> is a
Christian theological belief that the gifts of the Holy Spirit have continued
to the present age.</span></span><span style="font-size: 13.5pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<br />
<br />Charlsey Greenleehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07357018908728880595noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-400450468470247490.post-65921417372601888462019-04-30T11:18:00.000-05:002019-04-30T11:22:43.252-05:0015. Growing in Prayer – The Learning Tree – (2) Prayer and the Holy Spirit<br />
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<span class="woj"><b><sup><span style="background: white; color: black; font-family: "arial" , sans-serif;">8 </span></sup></b></span><span class="woj"><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span style="background: white; color: black; font-family: "arial" , sans-serif;">But you will receive <b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><u>power</u></b> <span style="mso-bidi-font-style: italic;">and</span> ability
when the Holy Spirit comes upon you; and you will be My witnesses</span></i></span><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span style="background: white; color: black; font-family: "arial" , sans-serif;"> [to tell people about Me] <span class="woj">both in Jerusalem and in all Judea, and Samaria, and even to the ends
of the earth</span></span></i><span class="woj"><span style="background: white; color: black; font-family: "arial" , sans-serif;">.”<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></span></span><span style="background: white; font-family: "arial" , sans-serif;">–<a href="https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Acts+1%3A8&version=AMP" target="_blank">Acts 1:8</a> (AMP)<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif;">As
we continue in our discussion of the Holy Spirit, we share these words from
Scott G. Bauer author of <u>The Baptism with the Holy Spirit</u>, there are two
different works of the Holy Spirit in a believer’s life.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>(<a href="https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Romans+8%3A2&version=AMP" target="_blank">Romans 8:2</a>) <i>“For the law of the Spirit of
life in Christ Jesus has made me free from the law of sin and death.”<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></i>This is the new birth<i>.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It says in <a href="https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=John+3%3A3&version=AMP" target="_blank">John 3:3</a>, “Jesus answered and said
to him, ‘Most assuredly, I say to you, unless one is born again, he cannot see
the <st1:place w:st="on"><st1:placetype w:st="on">kingdom</st1:placetype> of <st1:placename w:st="on">God</st1:placename></st1:place>.”<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span><o:p></o:p></i></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif;">We
receive the Holy Spirit upon receiving Christ as our Savior…. new birth…. born
again<i>.</i><span style="mso-bidi-font-style: italic;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>According to Scott G. Bauer in <u>The Baptism
with the Holy Spirit</u>, there are two different works of the Holy Spirit in a
believer’s life.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; mso-bidi-font-style: italic;">I continue to
quote Scott G. Bauer; “<i>As the Baptizer with the Holy Spirit (<a href="https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Luke+3%3A16&version=AMP" target="_blank">Luke 3:16</a>),
Jesus’ instruction to His followers in <a href="https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Luke+11%3A13&version=AMP" target="_blank">Luke 11:13</a> to ‘ask’ for the Holy Spirit
and to wait until they received <b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><u>power</u></b>
is pertinent to all believers for all time.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>All who believe are to <b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><u>ask</u></b>
and expect God to fill them with His Spirit and to be empowered </i>(</span><span style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif;"><a href="https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Acts+1%3A8&version=AMP" target="_blank">Acts1:8</a></span>)<i><span style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif;"> for their mission
to serve Him.</span></i><span style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; mso-bidi-font-style: italic;">”<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>This is the fullness of God.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; mso-bidi-font-style: italic;">Pentecost is the day of empowerment of the Holy
Spirit.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>We all need the Holy Spirit
empowerment if we fulfill our purpose that God created us.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>We confess our sins and receive our salvation
the Spirit of life; by the regenerating work in us (<a href="https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Romans+8%3A11-17&version=AMP" target="_blank">Romans 8:11-17</a>).<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>All we must do is <b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><u>ask</u></b> God for the power to do our mission.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif;"><a href="https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Zechariah+4%3A6-9&version=AMP" target="_blank">Zechariah4:6-9</a>, Zerubbabel, the leader of Jewish exiles, returned from <st1:city w:st="on"><st1:place w:st="on">Babylon</st1:place></st1:city> to rebuild the temple.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Great discouragement fell on him and he was
told by the prophet:<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><i><sup>6</sup> So
he said to me, "This is the word of the LORD to Zerubbabel: 'Not by might
nor by power, but by my Spirit,' says the LORD Almighty</i>.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif;">God
is giving instructions and encouragement that the temple would be rebuilt by
His <u>Spirit</u> and it would be done.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>The Scripture goes on to say in <a href="https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Zechariah+4%3A7&version=AMP" target="_blank">Zechariah 4:7</a>, <i><sup>7</sup>‘Who are
you, O great mountain (what God wants to do through us)? Before Zerubbabel you
shall become a plain!<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>And he shall bring
forth the capstone with shouts of “Grace, grace to it!”’”<o:p></o:p></i></span></div>
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<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; mso-bidi-font-style: italic;">Do we try to remove the mountains in our life
without the power of the Holy Spirit?<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Do
we have the faith moved to action believing that we can have that power in us
to move the mountains of life?<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Remember
the scripture <a href="https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Luke+11%3A13&version=AMP" target="_blank">Luke 11:13</a>, “<b><i><sup>13 </sup></i></b><i>If you, then,
being evil [that is, sinful by nature], know how to give good gifts
to your children, how much more will your heavenly Father give the Holy Spirit
to those who ask and continue to ask Him</i>!”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<br /></div>
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; mso-bidi-font-style: italic;">We have the privilege of prayer to our Heavenly
Father and we can <b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><i><u>ask</u></i></b>
for the power of the Holy Spirit.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>Hallelujah!!<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<br />Charlsey Greenleehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07357018908728880595noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-400450468470247490.post-64700336733120428582019-04-23T12:33:00.000-05:002019-04-30T11:22:26.243-05:0014. Growing in Prayer – The Learning Tree – (1) Prayer and the Holy Spirit<br />
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<span style="font-size: large;"><b><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><sup><span style="background: white; font-family: "arial" , sans-serif;">26 </span></sup></i></b><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span style="background: white; font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">“But
when the Helper (Comforter, Advocate, Intercessor—Counselor, Strengthener,
Standby) comes, whom I will send to you from the Father, <span style="mso-bidi-font-style: italic;">that is</span> the Spirit of Truth who
comes from the Father, He will testify <span style="mso-bidi-font-style: italic;">and </span>bear witness about Me</span></i><span style="background: white; font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>–<a href="https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=John+15%3A26&version=AMP" target="_blank">John 15:26</a> (AMP)<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: large;">We
have just had a weekend of celebration!<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>The celebration of our risen Lord.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>Jesus promised us the Holy Spirit to bring the Spirit of Truth to us who
believe in the risen Christ. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Prayer is essential,
but effective prayer is all important to bring the promises of God to fruition
(<a href="https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Matthew+18%3A18&version=AMP" target="_blank">Matthew 18:18</a>).<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>We cannot have
effective prayer without the guidance of the Holy Spirit.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: large;">I
begin this Blog with the quoted words of author John Bevere with Addison
Bevere; “<i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">I began to see the Scriptures in
a new light as God opened my eyes to many wonders of His Spirit.”<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“I soon discovered that the Holy Spirit is
the most misunderstood Person in the Church.</i>”<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Truer
words have never been spoken.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I do not
believe the average person really understands the power we can have in our
prayer life, the power of the Holy Spirit.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: large;">This
is what I understand about the Holy Spirit!<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>When we repent and accept Jesus Christ as our Lord and Savior (<a href="https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Romans+10%3A9-10&version=AMP" target="_blank">Romans10:9-10</a>), we receive God’s Spirit of Grace, the Holy Spirit, goodness beyond
what we deserve.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>God’s character is
mercy/grace.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif;">When Christ ascended to His Father, He promised the<u><b> power</b></u> of the Holy Spirit (<a href="https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Acts+1%3A8&version=AMP" target="_blank">Acts1:8</a>) in order for those of us to do the mission (<a href="https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Matthew+28%3A19-20&version=AMP" target="_blank">Matthew 28:19-20</a>) Jesus gave
to us.</span><span style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif;"> </span><span style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif;"><o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: large;">Is
there a difference between the saving Grace of the Holy Spirit and the Power of
the Holy Spirit?<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Are they one and the
same?<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Are there two Spirits of Grace or
one?<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>These are questions that I asked
myself.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><a href="https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Ephesians+2%3A8&version=AMP" target="_blank">Ephesians 2:8</a> speaks to us
regarding God’s saving grace (the Holy Spirit), <i>“For by grace you have been
saved through faith, and that not of yourselves; it is the gift of God.”<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></i>Goodness beyond what we deserve.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: large;">When
we accept Jesus Christ as the Lord of our life, we receive the Holy Spirit
(Spirit of Grace), <i>“Goodness beyond what we deserve.”<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>We receive our salvation, justification.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Salvation is threefold.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>We are saved, justified, when we first trust
Christ; we are being saved sanctification as the Holy Spirit continues to work
in us; and we will yet be saved, glorification as we share in the Lord’s final
triumph</i>.<a href="file:///C:/Users/Owner/Documents/Charlsey's%20Important%20Writings-2007/1a.2013-2019.Blog.Compass/14.%20Growing%20in%20Prayer%20-%20The%20Learning%20Tree%20-%20Prayer%20and%20the%20Holy%20Spirit.docx#_ftn3" name="_ftnref3" style="mso-footnote-id: ftn3;" title=""><span class="MsoFootnoteReference"><span style="mso-special-character: footnote;"><!--[if !supportFootnotes]--><span class="MsoFootnoteReference"><span style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif;">[3]</span></span><!--[endif]--></span></span></a><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>This is God’s saving grace which is the Holy
Spirit in us . . . New Birth.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<br /></div>
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: large;">Christ
gave new birth to the disciples before his ascension in (<a href="https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=John+20%3A21-22&version=AMP" target="_blank">John 20:21-22</a><i>).</i>
The Disciples received new birth,<i> </i>New Life, the Holy Spirit<i>, </i><span style="mso-bidi-font-style: italic;">the Spirit of Grace.<o:p></o:p></span></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: large;">Join
us next week as we continue with the Holy Spirit!</span><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<hr align="left" size="1" width="33%" />
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<a href="file:///C:/Users/Owner/Documents/Charlsey's%20Important%20Writings-2007/1a.2013-2019.Blog.Compass/14.%20Growing%20in%20Prayer%20-%20The%20Learning%20Tree%20-%20Prayer%20and%20the%20Holy%20Spirit.docx#_ftnref1" name="_ftn1" style="mso-footnote-id: ftn1;" title=""><span class="MsoFootnoteReference"><span style="mso-special-character: footnote;"><!--[if !supportFootnotes]--><span class="MsoFootnoteReference"><span style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 10.0pt;">[1]</span></span><!--[endif]--></span></span></a> Spirit
Filled Bible, Note, p. 1647<o:p></o:p></div>
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<a href="file:///C:/Users/Owner/Documents/Charlsey's%20Important%20Writings-2007/1a.2013-2019.Blog.Compass/14.%20Growing%20in%20Prayer%20-%20The%20Learning%20Tree%20-%20Prayer%20and%20the%20Holy%20Spirit.docx#_ftnref2" name="_ftn2" style="mso-footnote-id: ftn2;" title=""><span class="MsoFootnoteReference"><span style="mso-special-character: footnote;"><!--[if !supportFootnotes]--><span class="MsoFootnoteReference"><span style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 10.0pt;">[2]</span></span><!--[endif]--></span></span></a> Spirit
Filled Bible, Note, p.1444<o:p></o:p></div>
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<a href="file:///C:/Users/Owner/Documents/Charlsey's%20Important%20Writings-2007/1a.2013-2019.Blog.Compass/14.%20Growing%20in%20Prayer%20-%20The%20Learning%20Tree%20-%20Prayer%20and%20the%20Holy%20Spirit.docx#_ftnref3" name="_ftn3" style="mso-footnote-id: ftn3;" title=""><span class="MsoFootnoteReference"><span style="mso-special-character: footnote;"><!--[if !supportFootnotes]--><span class="MsoFootnoteReference"><span style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 10.0pt;">[3]</span></span><!--[endif]--></span></span></a> Spirit
Filled Bible, Note, P.1688<o:p></o:p></div>
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<br />Charlsey Greenleehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07357018908728880595noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-400450468470247490.post-16815810927948201252019-04-20T10:24:00.000-05:002019-04-20T10:30:21.751-05:0013. Growing in Prayer – Easter<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgh-aNm-psCKHPuQabPO3V2k65ELaRTnn7qzPC9PPoaIYp4Eq8TCo9T1AxIWLDZL8KTxECwJSx9Ne0rVAIxVZqKuHv78FoykXdfU5dY1CATcrzGC3VD4Tn_0BKk2ZWaZt54c98HO4j1n9E/s1600/Jesus+Leaving+the+Tomb.png" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="900" data-original-width="636" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgh-aNm-psCKHPuQabPO3V2k65ELaRTnn7qzPC9PPoaIYp4Eq8TCo9T1AxIWLDZL8KTxECwJSx9Ne0rVAIxVZqKuHv78FoykXdfU5dY1CATcrzGC3VD4Tn_0BKk2ZWaZt54c98HO4j1n9E/s200/Jesus+Leaving+the+Tomb.png" width="141" /></a><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span style="background: white; color: #222222; font-family: "arial" , sans-serif;">The </span><b style="-webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; font-variant-caps: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; orphans: 2; text-decoration-color: initial; text-decoration-style: initial; widows: 2; word-spacing: 0px;">Spirit</b><span style="-webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; float: none; font-variant-caps: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; orphans: 2; text-decoration-color: initial; text-decoration-style: initial; widows: 2; word-spacing: 0px;"> of God, who </span><b style="-webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; font-variant-caps: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; orphans: 2; text-decoration-color: initial; text-decoration-style: initial; widows: 2; word-spacing: 0px;">raised Jesus from the dead</b><span style="-webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; float: none; font-variant-caps: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; orphans: 2; text-decoration-color: initial; text-decoration-style: initial; widows: 2; word-spacing: 0px;">, </span><b style="-webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; font-variant-caps: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; orphans: 2; text-decoration-color: initial; text-decoration-style: initial; widows: 2; word-spacing: 0px;">lives in you</b><span style="-webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; float: none; font-variant-caps: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; orphans: 2; text-decoration-color: initial; text-decoration-style: initial; widows: 2; word-spacing: 0px;">.</span><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><b>And</b><span style="-webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; float: none; font-variant-caps: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; orphans: 2; text-decoration-color: initial; text-decoration-style: initial; widows: 2; word-spacing: 0px;"> just as God </span><b style="-webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; font-variant-caps: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; orphans: 2; text-decoration-color: initial; text-decoration-style: initial; widows: 2; word-spacing: 0px;">raised Christ Jesus from the dead</b><span style="-webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; float: none; font-variant-caps: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; orphans: 2; text-decoration-color: initial; text-decoration-style: initial; widows: 2; word-spacing: 0px;">, </span><b style="-webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; font-variant-caps: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; orphans: 2; text-decoration-color: initial; text-decoration-style: initial; widows: 2; word-spacing: 0px;">he</b><span style="-webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; float: none; font-variant-caps: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; orphans: 2; text-decoration-color: initial; text-decoration-style: initial; widows: 2; word-spacing: 0px;"> will give
life to your mortal bodies by this same </span><b style="-webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; font-variant-caps: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; orphans: 2; text-decoration-color: initial; text-decoration-style: initial; widows: 2; word-spacing: 0px;">Spirit</b><span style="-webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; float: none; font-variant-caps: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; orphans: 2; text-decoration-color: initial; text-decoration-style: initial; widows: 2; word-spacing: 0px;"> living within </span><b style="-webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; font-variant-caps: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; orphans: 2; text-decoration-color: initial; text-decoration-style: initial; widows: 2; word-spacing: 0px;">you</b></i><span style="background: white; color: #222222; font-family: "arial" , sans-serif;"><span style="-webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; float: none; font-variant-caps: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; orphans: 2; text-decoration-color: initial; text-decoration-style: initial; widows: 2; word-spacing: 0px;">. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>--Romans 8:11.</span></span><o:p></o:p></div>
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif;">This time of year,
many people think of the Easter Bunny and Easter egg hunts, new and fancy
clothes…...new shoes and in the South one begins wearing white shoes.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>But this time of year, is the celebration of the risen Christ!<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif;">Just as <a href="https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Romans+8%3A11&version=AMP" target="_blank">Romans 8:11</a> says the Spirit of God raised Jesus from the dead and lives today in our very
Christian core; all who repent and receives Jesus as our Lord and Savior.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>We have a celebration that is good, loving,
and the grace of God.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>We do not deserve
the goodness and grace that He bestows on us for we all fall short of the Glory
of God.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif;">Jesus gave us
HOPE and that lives in us as we live a life that Jesus gave us.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>We all are born with a purpose and to live
that purpose is the life given us in Jesus Christ.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif;">I quote you
from an article written in “Decision” magazine by Paul Blackham.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“<i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">The
Apostle Paul was caught up in mere self-improvement before he knew the power of
the death and resurrection of Jesus.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>When
we trust Jesus, we press on, work hard, and run with all our strength—not because
the Lord, Jesus Christ, calls us (and draws us) to the finish line to give us
the prize freely</i> (<a href="https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Philippians+3%3A14&version=AMP" target="_blank">Philippians 3:14</a>).”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif;">This doesn’t
mean we don't live the consequences of our actions as Ruth Bell Graham says regarding
the thief on the cross beside Jesus, “<i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">He
died the thief and yet, before, he’d cried for mercy and, what’s more, his
tortured soul had found relief.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>He got
death that he deserved; a Life that he did not</i>.”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif;">One may feel
desperate in this life on Earth, but we have the Hope of Jesus.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>All one must do is accept by faith in the
risen Lord, Jesus Christ!<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif;">I close with
this quote from Paul Blackham, “<i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">This very
day, no matter how dead our heart might feel—Christ and the power of His
resurrection can bring us back to life.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>Back to fruitfulness and joy.”<o:p></o:p></i></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif;">Let us
celebrate this Easter with power and might in prayer of thankfulness and praise
to our Risen Lord, Jesus Christ. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif;">Let us pray! <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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Charlsey Greenleehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07357018908728880595noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-400450468470247490.post-58841876562098283742019-04-09T14:07:00.000-05:002019-04-13T14:00:18.659-05:0012. Growing in Prayer – The Learning Tree – Pharisee’s Condemn Christ<br />
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<i><span style="color: red;">“Father forgive them for they know not what they do</span></i><span style="color: red;">”</span> (<a href="https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Luke+23%3A34&version=AMP" target="_blank">Luke 23:34</a>). <o:p></o:p></div>
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It is Easter time and it is that time we study the scripture anew. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></div>
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A number of years ago, driving home
from work during Lent season, Chuck Swindoll was giving a blow by blow
description of Christ’s suffering and death on the Cross.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It was a life changing experience to hear all
that Christ physically, emotionally and mentally went through from the time the
chief priests and the scribes sought how they might kill him, the Garden of
Gethsemane to His asking forgiveness for us. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The piercing pain in my heart I had never
experienced.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>For the first time I really
zeroed into the pain Jesus suffered, and tears flowed freely down my
face.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Not only was I experiencing His
pain, I realized a love for me (and all peoples) that humbled me prostrate before the Lord of my
life.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I knew the story in scripture. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I had heard and read the scripture before, but
this day, the Holy Spirit touched me and my knowing became incredible
understanding in my heart of a love that goes beyond anything we know on this
earth.<o:p></o:p></div>
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For the next week and a half as
we approach Easter, we would like to share with you this scripture, all Christians
for sure and many non-believers, have heard repeatedly throughout a life
time. Our prayer is that once again hearing this scripture, you will
experience a new miracle, a new revelation in the inner depths that reveals new understanding where you are in your walk with the
Lord.<o:p></o:p></div>
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After 400 years between the Old
and New Testament Christ is born, <i>“For God so loved the world . . . .” </i>(<a href="https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=John+3%3A16&version=AMP" target="_blank">John 3:16</a>). His Sermon on the Mount is a compilation of
His moral teachings and Christians believe that Jesus is the mediator of the
New Covenant (<a href="https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Hebrews+8%3A6&version=AMP" target="_blank">Hebrews 8:6</a>). He began His
miracles when He turned water into wine, <a href="https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=John+2%3A11&version=AMP" target="_blank">John 2:11</a>. Jesus continued to do greater and greater
miracles and signs until that day the Chief Priests began to plot the death of
Jesus. (<a href="https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=John+11%3A45-53&version=AMP" target="_blank">John 11:45-53</a>). Their concern
was, “<i>If we let Him (Jesus) alone like this, everyone will believe in Him,
and the Romans will come and take away both our place and nation</i>.” Caiaphas, the High Priest, said, “<i>consider
. . . is it not expedient for us that one man die for the people than a whole
nation should perish and then from that day on, they plotted to put Jesus to
death</i>.” That was their reasoning for
killing Jesus, a Man that spoke peace and never fell short of the Glory of God<o:p></o:p></div>
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The Chief Priests became fearful
in their hearts and in selfishness and greed they sought to prevent losing
their prestige and position.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>They feared
the people would believe in Jesus as their Messiah.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> The Gospel of </span>Mark tells us they used trickery (deception)
to put Jesus to death.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Their deception
waited until after the Passover because they feared the reaction of the people
(followers of Christ).<o:p></o:p></div>
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Let us ask you, were you ever
placed in a position that someone premeditated to cause great harm to
you by deception and lies?<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>You are
innocent! Yet because of the evil in the heart of another, great pain, damage
to your character comes to you.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Once a person
speaks a lie, it is exceedingly difficult to prove truth.<o:p></o:p></div>
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<br /></div>
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We can stand on the same truth
that Jesus Christ stood, His Heavenly Father.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>Christ is sent into the world with a love beyond comprehension.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The Father had given Him a mission and the
Father was with Him, through the power of the Holy Spirit, giving Him strength,
courage, and assurance that He (Jesus) would finish the mission for which He
was sent.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Jesus Glorified God, <i><span style="color: red;">“I have glorified You (God) on the earth, I have finished the
work which You have given Me to do”</span></i>. (<a href="https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=John+17%3A4&version=AMP" target="_blank">John 17:4</a>) The High Priests
may have lied, cheated with trickery and deception, and schemed until Christ
was to hang on the Cross.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Truth
prevailed in the resurrection of Jesus, the Son of God, that we may know life
eternally.<o:p></o:p></div>
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Regardless of what man can do to
us, in the truth of the cross our mission will be complete in the dignity and
honor we have in our Lord Jesus Christ.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>Let us Pray!!<o:p></o:p></div>
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<br />Charlsey Greenleehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07357018908728880595noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-400450468470247490.post-69871871802081793532019-04-05T10:28:00.000-05:002019-04-05T10:28:26.051-05:0011. Growing in Prayer – The Learning Tree – (6) Submission<br />
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<b><sup><span style="background: white; font-family: Arial, sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: xx-small;">17 </span></span></sup></b><i><span style="background: white; font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 11pt;">Then Christ will make his home in your hearts as
you trust in him. Your roots will grow down into God’s love and keep you
strong. </span></i><span style="background: white; font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 11pt;">–Ephesians 3:17</span></div>
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<br /></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Arial",sans-serif; font-size: 11.0pt;">All my life I <b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><u>felt</u></b> I was a Christian, then came the day I submitted my
life to Christ.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>This submission did not
come easy. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>In reviewing my reactions to
collateral damage in my life, I had come to the Garden of Gethsemane.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>During that time God gave me a poem and named
it, “God’s Video Tape.”<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The words of
this poem raged in my head, it would not go away.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>For two days I cried and walked the floors .
. . the poem raging in my head.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The pain
I experienced during this time is indescribable.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It was intense.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>On the third morning I sat down at my
computer and began to write the words God was giving me.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The words flowed swiftly.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I wrote in paragraphs before I realized it
was a poem.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I wrote the words exactly as
I received them …. not changing a word.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>When I had finished, I realized the message God was trying to give
me.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>We, as Christians, do not justify
our actions by what others did to us.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>We
stay faithful to God our Father and submit in faith to His will.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Many years went by and I did not share this
poem.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I felt it was too personal, too
intimate.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Through the years, I began to
understand the depth and meaning of this poem. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>As I read my Bible through these years, I came
across scripture for every line and verse God had given me.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I realized there are times when people all
around me live a life of this poem.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I
share my God given poem at the end of this Blog.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "Arial",sans-serif; font-size: 11.0pt;">After receiving this poem my life changed
completely.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>My reading of God’s Word
became more focused and reading became study.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>Then there was the day I honestly began to let go of self and seek only
the Will of God. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>In that time-frame I said,
“Lord I will do anything and go anywhere you send me.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Just don’t send me to China.”<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I submitted but not my <st1:stockticker w:st="on"><u>ALL</u></st1:stockticker>.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>My
walk in the Garden of Gethsemane did not end with the poem.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I struggled for several years relinquishing <b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><u>ALL</u></b> to my God.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Then the day came when I experienced God’s view
of submission.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>AT that point in my life I confessed, “Lord,
I will do anything and go anywhere you send me.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>I will even go to China.”<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "Arial",sans-serif; font-size: 11.0pt;">This submission was not my twelve-year-old
confession of faith.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It was not the
years I was confident that I was a faithful Christian.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>This was the adult, mature Charlsey who gave
her life to Christ Jesus in total submission. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>At long last I realized through the eyes of my
heart what Christ Jesus wanted me to understand.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>In the core of my being, I <b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><u>experienced</u></b> His love in my
Garden of Gethsemane!<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "Arial",sans-serif; font-size: 11.0pt;">When I had written the poem as God gave me the
words, in an audible voice, God said: “you be faithful to Me; I’ll take care of
the rest.”<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I read over the poem and
began to realize whatever happens in life, collateral damage, choices,
mistakes, errors of heart, self-will; we must meet our God in the Garden of
Gethsemane.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>He calls us to submit to His
Will, teachings, and grow in His character.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>We must confess and repent of our own falling short (sin).<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>We cannot live in justification, blaming
others; “I wouldn’t have done that <b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><u>IF</u></b>……”<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>We cannot continue to excuse self as my
little two-year-old daughter once said over a broken toy, “Kitty Tom did it.”<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>We are responsible for our own actions and no
one can do our own submission.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>We close
with <a href="https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Ephesians+4%3A1-3&version=AMP" target="_blank">Ephesians 4:1-3</a>.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>We claim this
scripture with our God given passion.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "Arial",sans-serif; font-size: 11.0pt;">This is submission!<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Have you walked your Garden Gethsemane?<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoTitle" style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: 11pt;">God's
Video Tape</span></span></div>
<div class="MsoTitle">
<br /></div>
<div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: "Arial",sans-serif; font-size: 11.0pt;">God played the
videotape <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: "Arial",sans-serif; font-size: 11.0pt;">Of the life I've lived
on earth.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: "Arial",sans-serif; font-size: 11.0pt;">The things I've said
the choices made, <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: "Arial",sans-serif; font-size: 11.0pt;">In all their height and
girth.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: "Arial",sans-serif; font-size: 11.0pt;">As I watch I ache
inside<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: "Arial",sans-serif; font-size: 11.0pt;">Because I failed Him so.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: "Arial",sans-serif; font-size: 11.0pt;">The things I see, the
pain I've caused<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: "Arial",sans-serif; font-size: 11.0pt;">Was not my heart's
intent.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: "Arial",sans-serif; font-size: 11.0pt;">My faith is real I love
Him so;<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: "Arial",sans-serif; font-size: 11.0pt;">It was love I really
meant.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: "Arial",sans-serif; font-size: 11.0pt;">I found fault, I
complained, I judged,<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: "Arial",sans-serif; font-size: 11.0pt;">Anger I displayed.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: "Arial",sans-serif; font-size: 11.0pt;">Frustration grew, sin
came in<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: "Arial",sans-serif; font-size: 11.0pt;">In sinfulness I swayed.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: "Arial",sans-serif; font-size: 11.0pt;">I lost sight of the
love I meant;<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: "Arial",sans-serif; font-size: 11.0pt;">The pain grows mightily.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: "Arial",sans-serif; font-size: 11.0pt;">What others do or say<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: "Arial",sans-serif; font-size: 11.0pt;">Free choice is theirs
to make.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: "Arial",sans-serif; font-size: 11.0pt;">Now I know I cannot
judge<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: "Arial",sans-serif; font-size: 11.0pt;">God will undertake.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: "Arial",sans-serif; font-size: 11.0pt;">The video plays on, my
tears freely flow.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: "Arial",sans-serif; font-size: 11.0pt;">My soul is bleeding too.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: "Arial",sans-serif; font-size: 11.0pt;">He takes my hand and
talks to me;<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: "Arial",sans-serif; font-size: 11.0pt;">A sweet voice soft and
true.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: "Arial",sans-serif; font-size: 11.0pt;">I see the light around
His face<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: "Arial",sans-serif; font-size: 11.0pt;">And comfort fills
within.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: "Arial",sans-serif; font-size: 11.0pt;">He wipes my tears and
tells to me<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: "Arial",sans-serif; font-size: 11.0pt;">A truth we all should
know.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: "Arial",sans-serif; font-size: 11.0pt;">"I shed your
tears, I bled for you<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: "Arial",sans-serif; font-size: 11.0pt;">I cleanse you white as
snow".<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: "Arial",sans-serif; font-size: 11.0pt;">I humbly bow before my
Lord<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: "Arial",sans-serif; font-size: 11.0pt;">As the video tape plays
on.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: "Arial",sans-serif; font-size: 11.0pt;">He wants me to see the
future;<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: "Arial",sans-serif; font-size: 11.0pt;">He wants me to know the
dawn.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: "Arial",sans-serif; font-size: 11.0pt;">"Your path is
different now<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: "Arial",sans-serif; font-size: 11.0pt;">Your eyes are set on
Me".<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: "Arial",sans-serif; font-size: 11.0pt;">"Your Love is with
your heart's intent;<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: "Arial",sans-serif; font-size: 11.0pt;">Goodness fills your
soul".<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: "Arial",sans-serif; font-size: 11.0pt;">Forgiveness in His eyes
I see;<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: "Arial",sans-serif; font-size: 11.0pt;">Forgiveness is my goal.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: "Arial",sans-serif; font-size: 11.0pt;">Because he cried and
bled for me<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: "Arial",sans-serif; font-size: 11.0pt;">And love is my intent.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: "Arial",sans-serif; font-size: 11.0pt;">Forgiveness must begin with
me<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: "Arial",sans-serif; font-size: 11.0pt;">And dwell with me<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: "Arial",sans-serif; font-size: 11.0pt;">The reason He was sent.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div style="mso-element: footnote-list;">
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<br />Charlsey Greenleehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07357018908728880595noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-400450468470247490.post-7808790588724456492019-03-28T13:05:00.001-05:002019-03-28T13:06:35.083-05:0010. Growing in Prayer – The Learning Tree (5) Submission<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<b><sup><span style="background: white; color: black; font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: xx-small;">8 </span></sup></b><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span style="background: white; color: black; font-family: "arial" , sans-serif;">But God clearly shows <span style="mso-bidi-font-style: italic;">and</span> proves His own love for us,
by the fact that while we were still sinners, Christ died for us</span></i><span style="background: white; color: black; font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>–Romans 5:8</span><span style="font-size: 14.0pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif;">We
have left out a great deal regarding the Passion of Christ, but the message is
this; I quote Warren Mueller, <i><u>The Passion of Christ Bible Study</u></i>.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>His words so express our feelings and passion
for Christ.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<i><span style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif;">“The
life of Christ has set a pattern for living a passionate life for Him.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Believers in Jesus experience a spiritual
birth that results in the indwelling presence of the Holy Spirit (John 3:3; 1
Corinthians <st1:time hour="18" minute="19" w:st="on">6:19</st1:time>)
therefore, believers have everything needed to live a passionate life for
Christ.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Why then are there so few
passionate Christians?<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I believe the
answer lies in the fact that, so few Christians follow the pattern of Christ’s
life</span></i><a href="file:///C:/Users/Owner/Documents/Charlsey's%20Important%20Writings-2007/1a.2013-2015.Blog.Compass/10.%20Growing%20in%20Prayer%20-%20The%20Learning%20Tree%20-%20(5)%20Submission.docx#_ftn1" name="_ftnref1" style="mso-footnote-id: ftn1;" title=""><span class="MsoFootnoteReference"><i><span style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-theme-font: major-fareast;"><span style="mso-special-character: footnote;"><!--[if !supportFootnotes]--><span class="MsoFootnoteReference"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: xx-small;">[1]</span></span></b></span><!--[endif]--></span></span></i></span></a><i><span style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif;">.”<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span><o:p></o:p></span></i></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif;">Christ
totally submitted to the Will of the Father.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>Nothing less is asked of us.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif;">I
believe our submission begins with understanding in the heart of how much God
loves us.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><i>“Christ’s love for us is
not dependent on a quality in us that makes us lovable.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>He loves because He is love regardless of our
strengths or weaknesses</i>.”</span><a href="file:///C:/Users/Owner/Documents/Charlsey's%20Important%20Writings-2007/1a.2013-2015.Blog.Compass/10.%20Growing%20in%20Prayer%20-%20The%20Learning%20Tree%20-%20(5)%20Submission.docx#_ftn2" name="_ftnref2" style="mso-footnote-id: ftn2;" title=""><span class="MsoFootnoteReference"><span style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-theme-font: major-fareast;"><span style="mso-special-character: footnote;"><!--[if !supportFootnotes]--><span class="MsoFootnoteReference"><span style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: xx-small;">[2]</span></span></span><!--[endif]--></span></span></span></a><span style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif;">We
submit to that love.<o:p></o:p></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif;">Once
I was told I was too passionate [for the Lord], the words from one I loved and
respected, pierced me deeply. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I was
devastated.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I was in a state of quandary. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Can one be too passionate for Christ?<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>God is good and when you seek Him, you will
find Him.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I feel God led me to a sermon
written by Steve Saint.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Steve Saint is
the son of Nate Saint.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Nate Saint, a
pilot, served with Jim Elliott and three others as missionaries in Ecuador on
the Pacific side of the Andes. </span><span lang="EN" style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; mso-ansi-language: EN;">These men were attempting to evangelize the </span><span class="MsoHyperlink"><span lang="EN" style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; mso-ansi-language: EN; mso-color-alt: windowtext; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-theme-font: major-fareast;"><a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Waodani" title="Waodani"><span style="mso-color-alt: windowtext;">Waodani</span></a></span></span><span lang="EN" style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; mso-ansi-language: EN;"> people in the
jungles of Ecuador.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>In 1956 during one
excursion the Waodani Indians killed these missionaries.<o:p></o:p></span><br />
<span lang="EN" style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; mso-ansi-language: EN;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif;">I
began to read and as I read this sermon by Steve Saint my heart quicken.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Steve Saint had searched his heart and felt he
did not have the passion needed to bring the story of his dad and the other
missionaries to the world.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>He prayed,
“Lord give me passion.”<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Reading these
words my breath came in sharp gasps; and I lifted my voice to the God and
Father of our Lord Jesus Christ and humbly thanked HIM for my passion.<o:p></o:p></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif;">Steve
Saint portrayed his dad, Nate Saint, Jim Elliott, and the other missionaries in
the movie, “End of the Spear.”<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"><br /></span></span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif;">We
have had several years to think about our passion for Christ Jesus.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Does it not grow when we begin to relinquish
self and submit to our Heavenly Father?<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div style="mso-element: footnote-list;">
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<a href="file:///C:/Users/Owner/Documents/Charlsey's%20Important%20Writings-2007/1a.2013-2015.Blog.Compass/10.%20Growing%20in%20Prayer%20-%20The%20Learning%20Tree%20-%20(5)%20Submission.docx#_ftnref1" name="_ftn1" style="mso-footnote-id: ftn1;" title=""><span class="MsoFootnoteReference"><span style="mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-theme-font: major-fareast;"><span style="mso-special-character: footnote;"><!--[if !supportFootnotes]--><span class="MsoFootnoteReference"><span style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 10.0pt;">[1]</span></span><!--[endif]--></span></span></span></a>
Warren Mueller, <i><u>The Passion of Christ Bible Study</u></i><o:p></o:p></div>
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<a href="file:///C:/Users/Owner/Documents/Charlsey's%20Important%20Writings-2007/1a.2013-2015.Blog.Compass/10.%20Growing%20in%20Prayer%20-%20The%20Learning%20Tree%20-%20(5)%20Submission.docx#_ftnref2" name="_ftn2" style="mso-footnote-id: ftn2;" title=""><span class="MsoFootnoteReference"><span style="mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-theme-font: major-fareast;"><span style="mso-special-character: footnote;"><!--[if !supportFootnotes]--><span class="MsoFootnoteReference"><span style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 10.0pt;">[2]</span></span><!--[endif]--></span></span></span></a>
Lloyd John Ogilvie, Ret. Chaplain, the United States Senate, “The Call to Unity
in Christ’s Body”.<o:p></o:p></div>
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<br />Charlsey Greenleehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07357018908728880595noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-400450468470247490.post-56428129431796112342019-03-18T11:10:00.000-05:002019-03-18T11:11:39.045-05:009. Growing in Prayer – The Learning Tree - (4) Submission<span style="font-size: 14pt; text-align: justify;">Paul says</span><i style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-size: 14pt;">, </span><sup><span style="font-size: xx-small;">5</span></sup><span style="font-size: 14pt;">You
must have the same attitude that Christ Jesus had.</span><span style="font-size: 14pt;"> </span><sup><span style="font-size: xx-small;">6</span></sup><span style="font-size: 14pt;">Though he was God, [Or Being in
the form of God] he did not think of equality with God as something to cling
to.</span><span style="font-size: 14pt;"> </span><sup><span style="font-size: xx-small;">7</span></sup><span style="font-size: 14pt;">Instead, he gave up his
divine privileges [Greek he emptied himself] he took the humble position of a
slave [Or the form of a slave] and was born as a human being.</span><span style="font-size: 14pt;"> When he appeared in human form,</span><sup style="font-size: 14pt;"> </sup><sup><span style="font-size: xx-small;">8</span></sup><span style="font-size: 14pt;">he humbled himself in obedience [submission] to God and died a criminal’s death
on a cross.</span><span style="font-size: 14pt;"> --</span></i><span style="font-size: 14pt; text-align: justify;"> <a href="https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Philippians+2%3A5-8&version=AMP" target="_blank">Philippians 2:5-8</a></span><br />
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt;"><br /></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 14.0pt;">In
human nature it is not an easy act to surrender ourselves.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>We struggle in our attempts to hold on to self,
to maintain our iron will, to do and live as we want.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Charles Stanley, in essence, made a statement
like this, <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">we do not read God’s Word for
the truth, but we read His Word to say what we want it to say</i>.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The Word becomes a source to justify our life
style not the life God intended us to live.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>It is not an easy choice to submit our life to God’s Will and it will
continue to be a struggle until that day of total submission as Christ
submitted in the Garden of Gethsemane.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>Our day of submission is our Gethsemane! <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-size: 14.0pt;">F.T.
Pickett, Professor, Christian Life School of Theology, Author and Teacher, says:
“<i>Joy is derived from the confidence that the price of dying to our will
holds the inevitable certainty of eventually realizing the triumph of HIS
[will]”.</i><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-size: 14.0pt;">Richard
J. Foster writes, <i>“All of the luminaries in Scripture struggled as
well:<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Abraham as he relinquished his
son, Isaac; Moses as he relinquished his understanding of how the deliverer of
Israel should function; David as he relinquished the son given to him by
Bathsheba; Mary as she relinquished control over her future; Paul as he
relinquished his desire to be free of a debilitating ‘thorn in the flesh’”</i>.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>In the end each one submitted to God’s Will
and they were blessed!<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-size: 14.0pt;">I
quote Pastor James Merritt, “<i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">there are
only three men in the History of the Old Testament who God did not reprimand.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>They were Joseph, Daniel and Jonathan.”</i><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Why?<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>They followed God’s commandments in total submission.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-size: 14.0pt;">This
does not mean they did not go through trials and suffering in their life, but
it means despite the trials, they were in total submission to our God and
Father.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>In so doing they Glorified God.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-size: 14.0pt;">To
surrender self in total submission is the crucifixion of self.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Paul understood this perfectly in <a href="https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Galatians+2%3A20&version=AMP" target="_blank">Galatians2:20</a>, <i>“I have been crucified with Christ; it is no longer I who live, but
Christ lives in me; and the life which I now live in the flesh I live by faith
in the Son of God, who loved me and gave Himself for me</i>.” <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 14.0pt;">In
the crucifixion of self, we gain complete submission to Christ Jesus and the
Will of the Father.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>We are set free to
pray, to act and to serve “<i><u><span style="color: black;">where He (God) is
already at work”.<o:p></o:p></span></u></i></span></div>
<br />Charlsey Greenleehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07357018908728880595noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-400450468470247490.post-16841447437426330842019-03-12T10:26:00.000-05:002019-03-12T10:26:28.947-05:008. Growing in Prayer – The Learning Tree – (3) Submission<br />
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<span class="text"><i><span style="background: white; font-family: Arial, sans-serif;">Teach me to do Your will [so that I may please
You], For You are my God;</span></i></span><i><span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif;"> <span class="text"><span style="background: white;">Let Your good Spirit lead me on level ground</span></span></span></i><span class="text"><span style="background: white; font-family: Arial, sans-serif;">.</span></span><span style="font-family: "Arial",sans-serif;"> <span style="background: white; color: #23221f;">—<a href="https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Psalm+143%3A10&version=AMP" target="_blank">Psalm143:10</a></span><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "Arial",sans-serif;">Oswald
Chambers in <u>My Utmost for His Highest</u> says<i>, “Our Lord never dictated
demands to His Father, and neither are we to make demands on God. We are here to <u>submit to His will</u> so
that He may work through us what He wants.”<o:p></o:p></i></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Arial",sans-serif;">Our
intimacy with God grows in and through our prayers. As we give ourselves in
submission to Him and His ways, we release our will so that His design and
purpose can accomplish His Will in and through us here on earth as in Heaven.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Arial",sans-serif;">Blackaby
and King, convey this message<i>, “Knowing God does not come through a program,
a study, or a method. Knowing God comes
through a relationship with a Person.
This is an intimate love relationship with God. Through this relationship,
God reveals Himself, His purposes, and His ways; and He invites you to join Him
<u>where He is already at work</u>”</i>.</span><a href="file:///C:/Users/Owner/Documents/Charlsey's%20Important%20Writings-2007/1a.2013-2015.Blog.Compass/8.%20Growing%20In%20Prayer%20-%20The%20Learning%20Tree%20%20-%20Submission.docx#_ftn1" name="_ftnref1" title=""><span class="MsoFootnoteReference"><span style="color: black; font-family: "Arial",sans-serif; font-size: 9.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-theme-font: major-fareast;"><!--[if !supportFootnotes]--><span class="MsoFootnoteReference"><span style="font-size: 9pt;">[1]</span></span><!--[endif]--></span></span></a><span style="font-family: "Arial",sans-serif;"> Also they say:
<i>“</i><i>We must give up our own plans, desires, and
aspirations and be willing to make God’s desires and plans for our lives our
own</i>”. This
happens in and through prayer and our submission to the God and Father of our
Lord Jesus Christ. We claim His Word and
we see in our heart how much God loves us.
There is no greater place to discover true submission to our Heavenly
Father than in the Garden of Gethsemane (<a href="https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Luke+22%3A39-46+&version=AMP" target="_blank">Luke <st1:time hour="22" minute="39" w:st="on">22:39</st1:time>-46 </a>).<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Arial",sans-serif;">I
would like for you to close your eyes and image Christ, the Son of God, in the
Garden of Gethsemane as He began to be troubled and deeply distressed and
exceedingly sorrowful. (<a href="https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Mark+14%3A33-34&version=AMP" target="_blank">Mark 14:33-34</a>) Christ being in agony continued to pray
more earnestly until His sweat became like great drops of blood falling to the
ground. (<a href="https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Luke+22%3A44&version=AMP" target="_blank">Luke 22:44</a>) He continued to ask His Abba that this cup of destruction
be removed from Him. His human nature
really wanted this sacrifice to pass away…. His heart was saying is there not
some other way for the sins of this world to be healed…..that I would not have
to suffer and die the shameful agony of sin.
Jesus, the one life lived in perfection, abhorred to be identified with
sin, gross selfish sin. Far greater than
all the physical pain He was to suffer, the separation from His Father was incomprehensible. The answer to His request was a resounding
no. Andrew Murray writes, <i>“For our
sins, He suffered beneath the burden of that unanswered<span style="color: green;">
</span>prayer.”</i></span><a href="file:///C:/Users/Owner/Documents/Charlsey's%20Important%20Writings-2007/1a.2013-2015.Blog.Compass/8.%20Growing%20In%20Prayer%20-%20The%20Learning%20Tree%20%20-%20Submission.docx#_ftn2" name="_ftnref2" title=""><span class="MsoFootnoteReference"><span style="font-family: "Arial",sans-serif; font-size: 9.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-theme-font: major-fareast;"><!--[if !supportFootnotes]--><span class="MsoFootnoteReference"><span style="font-size: 9pt;">[2]</span></span><!--[endif]--></span></span></a><span style="font-family: "Arial",sans-serif;">
In view of this understanding, is it not incredible that we allow our
faith to be daunted when our prayers are not answered in the timing and way
that we think they should?!<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Arial",sans-serif;">Christ
yielded to the Will of the Father. His
submission was complete. Not My will,
but your will be done (<a href="https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Luke+22%3A42&version=AMP" target="_blank">Luke 22:42</a>).
Richard J. Foster writes, <i>“Here we have the complete laying down of
human will.” “Here we have the perfect
flowing into the will of the Father.”
“In the school of Gethsemane, we learn that ‘my will, my way, my good’
must yield to higher authority</i>.”</span><a href="file:///C:/Users/Owner/Documents/Charlsey's%20Important%20Writings-2007/1a.2013-2015.Blog.Compass/8.%20Growing%20In%20Prayer%20-%20The%20Learning%20Tree%20%20-%20Submission.docx#_ftn3" name="_ftnref3" title=""><span class="MsoFootnoteReference"><span style="font-family: "Arial",sans-serif; font-size: 9.0pt;"><!--[if !supportFootnotes]--><span class="MsoFootnoteReference"><span style="font-size: 9pt;">[3]</span></span><!--[endif]--></span></span></a><span style="font-family: "Arial",sans-serif;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "Arial",sans-serif;">Christ
exemplified complete and true submission.
God allowed His Son to carry the burden of sin in the world and save us
from destruction. We can be reborn,
regenerated in reconciliation that we become a new being (<a href="https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Ephesians+2%3A10&version=AMP" target="_blank">Ephesians 2:10</a>). We are offered the opportunity to receive
Christ as our Savior and receive the promise of eternal life. It is in our <b><i><u>submission</u></i></b> that
God can truly use us. The purpose and
intent of the mission we have been given is fulfilled in the laying down of our
human will. In this act of surrender, we
are His and He is the Lord of our Life.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<a href="file:///C:/Users/Owner/Documents/Charlsey's%20Important%20Writings-2007/1a.2013-2015.Blog.Compass/8.%20Growing%20In%20Prayer%20-%20The%20Learning%20Tree%20%20-%20Submission.docx#_ftnref1" name="_ftn1" title=""><span class="MsoFootnoteReference"><!--[if !supportFootnotes]--><span class="MsoFootnoteReference"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 10.0pt; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-bidi-language: AR-SA; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-language: EN-US; mso-fareast-theme-font: major-fareast;">[1]</span></span><!--[endif]--></span></a>
Henry T. Blackaby and Claude V. King, <u>Experiencing God: </u><span class="bigbold1"><u>Knowing
and Doing the Will of God</u></span><b><o:p></o:p></b></div>
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<a href="file:///C:/Users/Owner/Documents/Charlsey's%20Important%20Writings-2007/1a.2013-2015.Blog.Compass/8.%20Growing%20In%20Prayer%20-%20The%20Learning%20Tree%20%20-%20Submission.docx#_ftnref2" name="_ftn2" title=""><span class="MsoFootnoteReference"><!--[if !supportFootnotes]--><span class="MsoFootnoteReference"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 10.0pt; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-bidi-language: AR-SA; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-language: EN-US; mso-fareast-theme-font: major-fareast;">[2]</span></span><!--[endif]--></span></a>
As quoted from Richard J. Foster’s book, “Prayer: Finding the Heart’s True Home”<o:p></o:p></div>
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<a href="file:///C:/Users/Owner/Documents/Charlsey's%20Important%20Writings-2007/1a.2013-2015.Blog.Compass/8.%20Growing%20In%20Prayer%20-%20The%20Learning%20Tree%20%20-%20Submission.docx#_ftnref3" name="_ftn3" title=""><span class="MsoFootnoteReference"><!--[if !supportFootnotes]--><span class="MsoFootnoteReference"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 10.0pt; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-bidi-language: AR-SA; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-language: EN-US;">[3]</span></span><!--[endif]--></span></a>
“Prayer: Finding the Heart’s True Home”,
Richard J. Foster<o:p></o:p></div>
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<br />Charlsey Greenleehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07357018908728880595noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-400450468470247490.post-75811177064408966192019-02-28T12:21:00.000-06:002019-02-28T12:21:39.184-06:007. Growing in Prayer – The Learning Tree – (2) Submission<br />
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</div>
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<b><sup><span style="background: white; color: black; font-family: "Arial",sans-serif; font-size: 9.0pt;">8 </span></sup></b><span style="font-size: large;"><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span style="background: white; color: black; font-family: "Verdana",sans-serif;">But God clearly shows <span style="mso-bidi-font-style: italic;">and</span> proves His own love for us,
by the fact that while we were still sinners, Christ died for us</span></i><span style="background: white; color: black; font-family: "Verdana",sans-serif;">.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>--<a href="https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Romans+5%3A8&version=AMP" target="_blank">Romans 5:8</a> (AMP)</span></span><span style="font-size: 14.0pt; mso-bidi-font-style: italic;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="background: white; color: black; font-family: "Verdana",sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-size: 14.0pt; mso-bidi-font-style: italic;">We are speaking about <b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><i><u>submission</u></i></b>!<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Jesus is our example of true submission – “<i>not
My will but Your will</i>” (<a href="https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Luke+22%3A42&version=AMP" target="_blank">Luke 22:42</a>).<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>We share with you the agony Jesus suffered in submitting to the Father
for our sins.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Jesus did this to free us
from sin so that we might have eternal life with our Heavenly Abba.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-size: 14.0pt; mso-bidi-font-style: italic;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<i><span style="font-size: 14.0pt;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“As He [Jesus] slowly sags down with more
weight on the nails in the wrists excruciating pain shoots along the fingers
and up the arms to explode in the brain -- the nails in the wrist are putting
pressure on the median nerves. As He pushes Himself upward to avoid this
stretching torment, He places His full weight on the nail through His feet.
Again there is the searing agony of the nail tearing</span></i><span style="font-size: 14.0pt;"> <i>through</i> <i>the nerves between the metatarsal
bones of the feet.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>At this point, as the
arms fatigue, great waves of cramps sweep over the muscles, knotting them in
deep, relentless, throbbing pain. With these cramps comes the inability to push
Himself upward. Hanging by his arms, the pectoral muscles are paralyzed and the
intercostal muscles are unable to act. Air can be drawn into the lungs, but
cannot be exhaled. Jesus fights to raise Himself in order to get even one short
breath. Finally, carbon dioxide builds up in the lungs and in the blood stream
and the cramps partially subside. Spasmodically, he is able to push Himself
upward to exhale and bring in the life-giving oxygen. It was undoubtedly during
these periods that He uttered the seven short sentences recorded”.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“With one last surge of strength, he once
again presses His torn feet against the nail, straightens His legs, takes a
deeper breath, and utters His seventh and last cry, "Father! Into thy
hands I commit my spirit.”</i></span><span class="MsoFootnoteReference"><i><span style="font-size: 9.0pt;"><span style="mso-special-character: footnote;"><!--[if !supportFootnotes]--><span class="MsoFootnoteReference"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 9.0pt; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-bidi-language: AR-SA; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-language: EN-US;"><a href="file:///C:/Users/Owner/Documents/Charlsey's%20Important%20Writings-2007/1a.2013-2015.Blog.Compass/7.%20Growing%20In%20Prayer%20-%20The%20Learning%20Tree%20-%20(2)%20Submission.docx#_ftn1" style="mso-footnote-id: ftn1;" title="">[1]</a></span></b></span><a href="file:///C:/Users/Owner/Documents/Charlsey's%20Important%20Writings-2007/1a.2013-2015.Blog.Compass/7.%20Growing%20In%20Prayer%20-%20The%20Learning%20Tree%20-%20(2)%20Submission.docx#_ftn1" title=""><!--[endif]--></a></span></span></i></span><i><span style="font-size: 14.0pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></i></div>
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<span class="MsoFootnoteReference"><i><span style="font-size: 9.0pt;"><span style="mso-special-character: footnote;"><span class="MsoFootnoteReference"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><br /></b></span></span></span></i></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-size: 14.0pt;">Why
do we share these brutal details; <b><u>because</u></b>, the relinquishment of
self is so important in our walk of faith.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>We must experience the Garden of Gethsemane.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Many times in our prayer life, we want God to
do our will.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>We pray for what we want to
happen dictating to God our wishes regarding our surrounding circumstances.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>If He would only do as we request, things
would be much better.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>In our selfish
pursuit to have control over the situations in life, we feel certain that what
we want would be best and did not Jesus promise all we have to do is ask in His
Name (<a href="https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=John+14%3A13&version=AMP" target="_blank">John 14:13</a>). <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>There are many
scriptures in learning God’s Will.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>God
is sovereign that means he determines everything in His purpose the ultimate
outcome of Who God is.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Until
we understand scripture, we will never understand the effective prayer.</span><span style="font-family: "Arial",sans-serif; font-size: 14.0pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 14pt;">However,
rather than asking in God’s Will, we want to dictate the changes according to
our will.</span><span style="font-size: 14pt;"> Somewhere along the line of
our thinking we did not absorb or take to our heart God’s Word in </span><a href="https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Isaiah+55%3A8-9&version=AMP" style="font-size: 14pt;" target="_blank">Isaiah55:8-9</a><span style="font-size: 14pt;">, </span><i style="font-size: 14pt;">“For My thoughts are not your thoughts, . . . . </i><span style="font-size: 14pt;">”.</span><span style="font-size: 14pt;"> Somewhere we have not connected to this
truth.</span><span style="font-size: 14pt;"> Or maybe we didn’t get the truth
in </span><a href="https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=I+Corinthians+1%3A25&version=AMP" style="font-size: 14pt;" target="_blank">I Corinthians 1:25</a><span style="font-size: 14pt;">.</span><span style="color: blue; font-size: 14pt;"> </span><a href="https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=John+3%3A30&version=AMP" style="font-size: 14pt;" target="_blank">John 3:30</a><span style="font-size: 14pt;"> tells us: </span><sup><span style="font-size: xx-small;">30</span></sup>
<i style="font-size: 14pt;">He (Jesus) must increase, but I must decrease.<o:p></o:p></i></div>
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<span style="font-size: 14.0pt; mso-bidi-font-style: italic;">This is submission giving up self to be more like
Jesus. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Jesus, (fully human; and fully divine),
gave His will to the Father’s Will in the Garden of Gethsemane. In your
Garden of Gethsemane are you willing to submit your will to our Father’s Will?<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>This is effective prayer.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I must decrease so that Jesus will increase!<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<a href="file:///C:/Users/Owner/Documents/Charlsey's%20Important%20Writings-2007/1a.2013-2015.Blog.Compass/7.%20Growing%20In%20Prayer%20-%20The%20Learning%20Tree%20-%20(2)%20Submission.docx#_ftnref1" name="_ftn1" style="mso-footnote-id: ftn1;" title=""><span class="MsoFootnoteReference"><span style="mso-special-character: footnote;"><!--[if !supportFootnotes]--><span class="MsoFootnoteReference"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 10.0pt; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-bidi-language: AR-SA; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-language: EN-US;">[1]</span></span><!--[endif]--></span></span></a> <b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="color: #666666;">Dr. C. Truman
Davis, “<span style="mso-bidi-font-weight: bold;">A Physician's View of the
Crucifixion of Jesus Christ”.</span></span><o:p></o:p></b></div>
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Charlsey Greenleehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07357018908728880595noreply@blogger.com1