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Proverbs 4:23
I can guard my heart by being less focused on the things of this world. That means listening to God’s words without distraction while seeking things that edify my heart and my mind. When I bring all the things I hear and see together with prayer and meditation, I should be able to share Scripture that I’ve learned with others. Although doing this can protect my heart from the evils of the world penetrating my soul, the spring of life will truly flow meaningfully when I drink deeply from God’s own words. I think that when this happens, my own thirst will be satiated and I will still have plenty…
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What is an answer? Reflection on prayer…
God answers our prayers. What is an answer? It’s a response. An answer CAN BE that God would give me what I asked for if it is according to God’s will. Who is man to know the will of God? The closest we can get to knowing the will of God is to align our prayers with what Scripture speaks to us about who God is. When the disciples asked Jesus how to pray, Jesus models for them the Lord’s prayer. Within the Lord’s prayer it says “your will be done, on earth as it is in heaven.” Matthew 6:10 Whatever you ask in my name, this I will do,…
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My Story
For most of my life I was unable to hear the Gospel message because of my pride, because of my stubbornness, and because of my love for sin. That last one, my love for sin, was a tremendous obstacle in my path. It felt like it was physically in my way, physically stopping me from moving forward. Looking back at how I lived my life then, I realize now that my love for sin was ultimately very selfish and always insatiable. Because I denied myself nothing I desired, I found that I was denying myself everything that mattered. Not too long ago, I was spiritually broken and twisted inside when…
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Everyone has a story….
And everyone struggles with wanting to tell their story to others. There’s a couple of problems with that. Number one is finding someone who wants to hear your story. Number two is once you think you’ve found a receptive ear, internally a person may struggle with not knowing which story to tell, or how to tell it. Those are real problems. Those are real obstacles when it comes to letting someone see who you are and what makes you tick. These are real determinants for whether or not that person you are sharing your story with would want to get to know you even more. Once you know a person’s…
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Not all things are helpful….
Freedom. I have the freedom to do God’s will. But if I do someone else’s will, is it not my own anymore? Isn’t doing the will of another explicitly not doing my own will? No. Not if my actions are in alignment with what God wants me to do. I need to want to do what God wants me to do. 1 Corinthians 6:12 repeats, “all things are lawful for me,” twice. The first instance is followed by the response, “but not all things are helpful.” The second instance has a more pointed response, “but I will not be dominated by anything.” This is not in reference to man’s law.…
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Forgiveness cools the flames
Giving forgiveness is a spectacular thing because you can’t see it or touch it. You know it’s there and you can feel it—so it must be real. It seems almost impossible to give away something like this to someone else and have them receive it without being able to see it either. But they will also know that they received it—without a doubt. Getting forgiveness is also a very special thing. Many times, life goes on without realizing there is a need to be forgiven. Why would anyone who is innocent need to be told the slate is wiped clean? They don’t—but conviction can take hold of the heart and…
