tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-246765152024-03-06T22:45:07.397-07:00Christian EarThe Christian Ear is a forum for discussing and listening to the voice of today's church.
The Lord spoke to churches,“He who has an ear, let him hear what the Spirit says to the churches.” Rev 2&3Christian Earhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06840682742473058814noreply@blogger.comBlogger3757125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-24676515.post-22389806148351417422020-08-07T10:38:00.001-06:002020-08-07T10:38:42.423-06:00Transition<p>For many months Blogger/Blog Spot, who is the host for The Christian Ear, has worked on transitioning to a new interface. Blogger is at the point where they insist all users transition to the new format by the end of the month. No doubt there is financial component behind the switch; however, I am not willing to jump through the hoops.</p><p>So, after writing a daily, five-day a week blog, I have decided it is time to discontinue writing The Christian Ear. </p><p>Thanks to all who have joined me over the last 14-plus years in looking for God in everyday life experiences. </p><p>Blessings, </p><p>Gail</p><p><br /></p>Christian Earhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06840682742473058814noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-24676515.post-17397823815673478352020-08-06T04:00:00.001-06:002020-08-06T04:00:00.279-06:00Growing Together<p class="MsoNormal"><br /></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 13.0pt; line-height: 107%;">There are
online games that allow players to chat with one another and unfortunately,
some unscrupulous people try to build a relationship with others in order to
victimize them. I’ll admit that I was once suckered into building a
chat-relationship with a fictitious player and I learned a valuable lesson. I discovered
I can still play the game with these frauds; I just don’t chat or build a
relationship with them. The Parable of the Weeds is applicable. A man’s enemy
sowed weeds among good seeds that were planted in his field, “The servants
asked him, ‘Do you want us to go and pull them up?’ “‘No,’ he answered,
‘because while you are pulling the weeds, you may root up the wheat with them. Let
both grow together until the harvest. At that time I will tell the harvesters:
First collect the weeds and tie them in bundles to be burned; then gather the
wheat and bring it into my barn’” (Matt 13:28b-30 NIV). <o:p></o:p></span></p><br />Christian Earhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06840682742473058814noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-24676515.post-20123218673116065012020-08-05T04:00:00.000-06:002020-08-05T04:00:03.345-06:00Servants of the Word<br />
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: 13pt;">Luke opens
his Gospel with his purpose for writing, the intended audience, and his
methodology in approaching the subject. Doctor Luke said, “Many have undertaken
to draw up an account of the things that have been fulfilled among us, </span><a href="https://www.blogger.com/u/1/null" name="4" style="font-size: 13pt;"></a><span style="font-size: 13pt;">just as they were handed down to us by those who from the first were
eyewitnesses and servants of the word” </span><a href="https://www.blogger.com/u/1/null" name="5" style="font-size: 13pt;"></a><span style="font-size: 13pt;">(Luke 1:1-2 NIV). We may
not be eyewitnesses, but those in this generation who diligently study the
Bible are indeed servants of the Word. </span><span style="font-size: 13pt;"> </span><span style="font-size: 13pt;"> </span></div>
<br />Christian Earhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06840682742473058814noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-24676515.post-68477062118698210002020-08-04T04:00:00.000-06:002020-08-04T04:00:16.020-06:00Lonely Places<br />
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: 13pt;">I struggle
with feeling that ministry opportunities have been ripped away from us because of
COVID-19. We are in a lonely place because we can no longer reach or serve people
in the same manner we once did. However, I recently realized we are in good
company. Jesus experienced something similar, but rather than wringing his
hands and abandoning his ministry, he worked around the obstacles. At the start
of his ministry Jesus said, “I must preach the good news of the kingdom of God
to the other towns also, because that is why I was sent.” </span><a href="https://www.blogger.com/u/1/null" name="48" style="font-size: 13pt;"></a><span style="font-size: 13pt;">And
he kept on preaching in the synagogues of Judea.” (Luke 4:43-44 NIV). However, the
Lord’s preaching in the synagogues was short lived when he healed a man with leprosy.
“Jesus sent him away at once with a strong warning: </span><a href="https://www.blogger.com/u/1/null" name="52" style="font-size: 13pt;"></a><span style="font-size: 13pt;">“See
that you don’t tell this to anyone. But go, show yourself to the priest and
offer the sacrifices that Moses commanded for your cleansing, as a testimony to
them.” </span><a href="https://www.blogger.com/u/1/null" name="53" style="font-size: 13pt;"></a><span style="font-size: 13pt;">Instead he went out and began to talk freely,
spreading the news. As a result, Jesus could no longer enter a town openly but
stayed outside in lonely places. Yet the people still came to him from
everywhere” (Mark 1:43-45 NIV).</span></div>
<br />Christian Earhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06840682742473058814noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-24676515.post-18692764598664676702020-08-03T04:00:00.000-06:002020-08-03T04:00:08.383-06:00Wrong Motives<br />
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: 13pt;">Last
Thursday I watched the funeral service for Senator John Lewis and found myself
mentally recoiling at the </span><span style="font-size: 17.3333px;">politically</span><span style="font-size: 13pt;"> motivated prayers that were prayed in the
name of Jesus Christ. For instance, praying to God for worldwide white
supremacy to be eliminated, Black Lives Matter would be upheld, black people
would have equality in housing, that all black people would be united in their
votes in the upcoming presidential election, etc. James said, “What causes
fights and quarrels among you? Don’t they come from your desires that battle
within you? </span><a href="https://www.blogger.com/u/1/null" name="3" style="font-size: 13pt;"></a><span style="font-size: 13pt;">You want something but don’t get it. You kill
and covet, but you cannot have what you want. You quarrel and fight. You do not
have, because you do not ask God. </span><a href="https://www.blogger.com/u/1/null" name="4" style="font-size: 13pt;"></a><span style="font-size: 13pt;">When you ask, you do not
receive, because you ask with wrong motives, that you may spend what you get on
your pleasures” (James 4:1-3 NIV).</span></div>
<br />Christian Earhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06840682742473058814noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-24676515.post-43217494935199039392020-07-31T04:00:00.000-06:002020-07-31T04:00:02.273-06:00God’s Wrath<br />
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: 13pt;">Fake news is
everywhere and social media keeps it alive. Recently there was a post about an
incident in Walmart where the voice over the PA system said Walmart no longer supports
the police. Many people commented on the post saying they would never shop at
Walmart again; however, a quick fact-check proved the post to be false. No
doubt the originator of the post thinks he/she will never be held accountable
for instigating lies and misinformation. Paul said, “Let no one deceive you with empty
words, for because of such things God’s wrath comes on those who are
disobedient. </span><a href="https://www.blogger.com/u/1/null" name="7" style="font-size: 13pt;"></a><span style="font-size: 13pt;">Therefore do not be partners with them” (Eph
5:6-7 NIV).</span></div>
<br />Christian Earhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06840682742473058814noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-24676515.post-64579194561126604932020-07-30T04:00:00.000-06:002020-07-30T04:00:15.765-06:00Taking a Knee in Heaven, on Earth and Under the Earth<br />
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: 13pt;">Peer pressure
has athletes, coaches and owners in every national sport taking a knee in support
of the Black Lives Matter (BLM) movement. In my mind this comes very close to
bowing before a BLM altar and I’m reminded of the remnant of Israel, 7,000 in
all, who had not bowed the knee to Baal (Ro 11:4). People of faith should consider
carefully the ramifications of taking a knee to anyone or anything other than Jesus. Speaking of Christ, Paul said “Therefore
God exalted him to the highest place and gave him the name that is above every
name, that at the name of Jesus every knee should bow, in heaven and on earth
and under the earth, and every tongue confess that Jesus Christ is Lord, to the
glory of God the Father” (Phil 2:9-11 NIV).</span></div>
<br />Christian Earhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06840682742473058814noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-24676515.post-56203234271848047352020-07-29T04:00:00.000-06:002020-07-29T04:00:06.404-06:00Worthless Religion<br />
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: 13.0pt; line-height: 107%;"><o:p> </o:p></span><span style="font-size: 13pt;">In witness
and testimony, my outspoken friend puts her faith on display daily. At times she
is aggressive, in-your-face and caustic in speaking her mind. I have to admit
she has positioned herself as someone not to be challenged — either
politically, spiritually, or socially. James said, “If anyone considers himself
religious and yet does not keep a tight rein on his tongue, he deceives himself
and his religion is worthless. Religion that God our Father accepts as
pure and faultless is this: to look after orphans and widows in their distress
and to keep oneself from being polluted by the world” (James 1:26-27 NIV).</span></div>
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<br />Christian Earhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06840682742473058814noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-24676515.post-68093087922666809432020-07-28T04:00:00.000-06:002020-07-28T04:00:05.882-06:00Lawlessness<br />
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: 13pt;">One thing
that makes America unique among other countries is that she is a nation of laws.
It’s not only unsettling to see the lawlessness taking place in the US today,
but startling to realize the masses taking part in such activity are not children
of God. John said, “Everyone who sins breaks the law; in fact, sin is
lawlessness. </span><a href="https://www.blogger.com/u/1/null" name="5" style="font-size: 13pt;"></a><span style="font-size: 13pt;">But you know that he appeared so that he might
take away our sins. And in him is no sin. </span><a href="https://www.blogger.com/u/1/null" name="6" style="font-size: 13pt;"></a><span style="font-size: 13pt;">No one who lives
in him keeps on sinning. No one who continues to sin has either seen him or
known him.</span><a href="https://www.blogger.com/u/1/null" name="7" style="font-size: 13pt;"></a><span style="font-size: 13pt;"> Dear children, do not let anyone lead you astray. He
who does what is right is righteous, just as he is righteous. He who does what
is sinful is of the devil, because the devil has been sinning from the
beginning. The reason the Son of God appeared was to destroy the devil’s
work. No one who is born of God will continue to sin, because God’s seed
remains in him; he cannot go on sinning, because he has been born of God. This
is how we know who the children of God are and who the children of the devil
are: Anyone who does not do what is right is not a child of God; nor is anyone
who does not love his brother” (1 John 3:4-10 NIV).</span></div>
<br />Christian Earhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06840682742473058814noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-24676515.post-3916950762485846352020-07-27T04:00:00.000-06:002020-07-27T04:00:13.018-06:00Called to Persevere<br />
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: 13pt;">The call for
Americans to repent and to pray that our nation will be healed is becoming more
intense. Many believers worry about the loss of culture, history and personal assets.
The writer of Hebrews speaks to me, “Remember those earlier days after you had
received the light, when you stood your ground in a great contest in the face
of suffering.</span><a href="https://www.blogger.com/u/1/null" name="34" style="font-size: 13pt;"></a><span style="font-size: 13pt;"> Sometimes you were publicly exposed to insult and
persecution; at other times you stood side by side with those who were so
treated. </span><a href="https://www.blogger.com/u/1/null" name="35" style="font-size: 13pt;"></a><span style="font-size: 13pt;">You sympathized with those in prison and joyfully
accepted the confiscation of your property, because you knew that you
yourselves had better and lasting possessions. </span><a href="https://www.blogger.com/u/1/null" name="36" style="font-size: 13pt;"></a><span style="font-size: 13pt;">So do not throw
away your confidence; it will be richly rewarded. </span><a href="https://www.blogger.com/u/1/null" name="37" style="font-size: 13pt;"></a><span style="font-size: 13pt;">You need
to persevere so that when you have done the will of God, you will receive what
he has promised” (Heb 10:32-36 NIV).</span></div>
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<br />Christian Earhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06840682742473058814noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-24676515.post-82794606224159463722020-07-24T04:00:00.000-06:002020-07-24T04:00:05.973-06:00Misjudged<br />
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: 13pt;">This week we
went shopping for a large screen all-in-one computer and the young, long-haired
sales clerk tried to guide us to a basic computer, rather than the larger,
fully loaded computer. He reasoned that the bigger computers were more powerful
than what we would probably need. He said, “The bigger computers with larger screens
have more graphics. They are used more by people like designers and gamers…and
they cost quite a bit more.” Bill and I laughed as we left the store. Did we
look like we couldn’t afford the more expensive computer? Or, did the young man
think that a computer with graphic capabilities would be wasted on us because
it would be beyond our skill level? Similar situations can occur </span><span style="font-size: 17.3333px;">among</span><span style="font-size: 13pt;"> believers and many of us are guilty of having, at one time or another,
misjudged another person. With sarcasm Paul defended himself to the Corinthians
when some false apostles challenged Paul’s authority, “But I do not think I am
in the least inferior to those “super–apostles.”</span><a href="https://www.blogger.com/u/1/null" name="7" style="font-size: 13pt;"></a><span style="font-size: 13pt;"> I may not be a
trained speaker, but I do have knowledge. We have made this perfectly clear to
you in every way” (2 Cor 11:5-6 NIV).</span></div>
<br />Christian Earhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06840682742473058814noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-24676515.post-54074242028479139342020-07-23T04:00:00.000-06:002020-07-23T04:00:07.380-06:00Check Your Sources<br />
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</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: 13.0pt; line-height: 107%;">A person of
faith posted an article on Facebook that was purportedly written by radio host
Dave Ramsey. Within less than an hour she posted again, “Yikes ... found out
this isn't by Dave Ramsey ... but what this person has written is prophetic in
my opinion.” No doubt Mr. Ramsey appreciates the correction. However, the
poster then not only gives credence to an unknown author, but goes a step
further by declaring it, in her opinion, prophetic. Today, as in biblical
times, believers must verify their sources. Concluding his second letter to the
Thessalonians Paul wrote, “Now may the Lord of peace himself give you peace at
all times and in every way. The Lord be with all of you. <a href="https://www.blogger.com/u/1/null" name="20"></a>I,
Paul, write this greeting in my own hand, which is the distinguishing mark in
all my letters. This is how I write. <a href="https://www.blogger.com/u/1/null" name="21"></a>The grace of our Lord
Jesus Christ be with you all” (2 Thess 3:16 NIV).<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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Christian Earhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06840682742473058814noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-24676515.post-66899025950312925912020-07-22T04:00:00.000-06:002020-07-22T04:00:05.166-06:00Who’s Footing the Bill<br />
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: 13pt;">The riots in
Portland, Oregon have been going on for almost 55 days. Most hard-working
Americans can’t afford to take a two-month vacation, but yet these vandals carry
out a sustained two-month rampage of destruction. I can’t help but wonder who
would give room and board for these folks while they destroy their community. Paul
said, “For even when we were with you, we gave you this rule: “If a man will
not work, he shall not eat.” </span><a href="https://www.blogger.com/u/1/null" name="13" style="font-size: 13pt;"></a><span style="font-size: 13pt;">We hear that some among you are idle.
They are not busy; they are busybodies. </span><a href="https://www.blogger.com/u/1/null" name="14" style="font-size: 13pt;"></a><span style="font-size: 13pt;">Such people we
command and urge in the Lord Jesus Christ to settle down and earn the bread
they eat. </span><a href="https://www.blogger.com/u/1/null" name="15" style="font-size: 13pt;"></a><span style="font-size: 13pt;">And as for you, brothers, never tire of doing
what is right” (2 Thess 3:10-13 NIV).</span></div>
<br />Christian Earhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06840682742473058814noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-24676515.post-81813395484920893632020-07-21T04:00:00.000-06:002020-07-21T04:00:12.048-06:00Put Into Practice<br />
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: 13pt;">The Apostle
Paul tells us not to be anxious about anything; however, everything we hear on
the news or on social media keep our minds focused on turmoil and unrest. In
today’s world it’s up to us to make a conscious effort to find things that are
praiseworthy. Paul said, “Finally, brothers, whatever is true, whatever is
noble, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is
admirable—if anything is excellent or praiseworthy—think about such
things. Whatever you have learned or received or heard from me, or seen in
me—put it into practice. And the God of peace will be with you” (Phil 4:8-9
NIV).</span></div>
<br />Christian Earhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06840682742473058814noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-24676515.post-31524248560127735022020-07-20T04:00:00.000-06:002020-07-20T04:00:10.992-06:00House Church<br />
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: 13pt;">COVID-19 has
disrupted worship services and the way we minister to one another. I’m reminded
of Paul who, while he waited for the Jews to press for a trial, was under guard
in Rome. In a sense Paul’s ministry efforts were restricted because he could no
longer go to the temple, to the churches, or to the river to find a place of
prayer. However, his situation of being in a physical </span><span style="font-size: 17.3333px;">lock down</span><span style="font-size: 13pt;"> did not keep the
Gospel in </span><span style="font-size: 17.3333px;">lock down</span><span style="font-size: 13pt;">, “For two whole years Paul stayed there in his own rented
house and welcomed all who came to see him. </span><a href="https://www.blogger.com/u/1/null" name="33" style="font-size: 13pt;"></a><span style="font-size: 13pt;">Boldly and
without hindrance he preached the kingdom of God and taught about the Lord
Jesus Christ” (Acts 28:30 NIV).</span></div>
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<br />Christian Earhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06840682742473058814noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-24676515.post-14157186490539779742020-07-17T04:00:00.000-06:002020-07-17T04:00:07.801-06:00Captive Thoughts<br />
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: 13pt;">On so many
fronts, America is at war with herself. Many of us want to join the battle, but
unfortunately the weapons we reach for to combat riots, racism, socialism, and
injustices are the weapons of the world. Paul said, “For though we live in the
world, we do not wage war as the world does. </span><a href="https://www.blogger.com/u/1/null" name="5" style="font-size: 13pt;"></a><span style="font-size: 13pt;">The weapons we
fight with are not the weapons of the world. On the contrary, they have divine
power to demolish strongholds. </span><a href="https://www.blogger.com/u/1/null" name="6" style="font-size: 13pt;"></a><span style="font-size: 13pt;">We demolish arguments and
every pretension that sets itself up against the knowledge of God, and we take
captive every thought to make it obedient to Christ” (2 Cor 10:3-5 NIV).</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 13.0pt; line-height: 106%;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />Christian Earhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06840682742473058814noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-24676515.post-16960029202946560182020-07-16T04:00:00.000-06:002020-07-16T04:00:02.230-06:00What Did You Go Out to See?<br />
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: 13pt;">Our new
house is on a large lot and although we have a little grass to mow, the
majority of the landscaping is xeriscape. We have a variety of ornamental
grasses (pampas, hot rod, etc.) scattered around berms, an assortment of
rocks/gravel, and boulders. Each plant looks like an oasis in the middle of the
rocky landscape and I often step out the door to watch the foot-high grasses sway
in the breeze. Jesus began to speak to the crowd about John the Baptist. He
said, “What did you go out into the desert to see? A reed swayed by the
wind? If not, what did you go out to see? A man dressed in fine clothes?
No, those who wear fine clothes are in kings’ palaces. Then what did you
go out to see? A prophet? Yes, I tell you, and more than a prophet. This
is the one about whom it is written: “‘I will send my messenger ahead of you,
who will prepare your way before you.’ I tell you the truth: Among those born
of women there has not risen anyone greater than John the Baptist; yet he who
is least in the kingdom of heaven is greater than he” </span><a href="https://www.blogger.com/u/1/null" name="13" style="font-size: 13pt;"></a><span style="font-size: 13pt;">(Matt
11:7:11 NIV).</span></div>
<br />Christian Earhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06840682742473058814noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-24676515.post-54242017690890056492020-07-15T04:00:00.000-06:002020-07-15T04:00:05.054-06:00Called to Give an Account<br />
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: 13pt;">A fellow
believer wrote on Facebook, “I don’t want any confrontation on this post. Just
getting my feelings out. If you don’t agree, just pass this by…I want to vent…”
I have to laugh when I consider God’s view of his petulant children. We don’t
want to be confronted by anyone, or anything…including Scripture. The writer of
Hebrews said, “For the word of God is living and active. Sharper than any
double–edged sword, it penetrates even to dividing soul and spirit, joints and
marrow; it judges the thoughts and attitudes of the heart. </span><a href="https://www.blogger.com/u/1/null" name="14" style="font-size: 13pt;"></a><span style="font-size: 13pt;">Nothing
in all creation is hidden from God’s sight. Everything is uncovered and laid
bare before the eyes of him to whom we must give account” (Heb 4:12-13 NIV).</span></div>
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<br />Christian Earhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06840682742473058814noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-24676515.post-79384658676746215732020-07-14T04:00:00.000-06:002020-07-14T04:00:03.731-06:00Shame On You<br />
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: 13pt;">Whether it
is on Facebook, in the media, or in the local church, believers are trying to
shame one another into a certain view or stance, particularly as it applies to COVID-19.
What is especially disturbing to me is that these believers are proud and
boastful about their ability to shame other believers. Paul reminds us, “Therefore
let us stop passing judgment on one another. Instead, make up your mind not to
put any stumbling block or obstacle in your brother’s way” (Ro 14:13 NIV).</span></div>
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<br />Christian Earhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06840682742473058814noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-24676515.post-16510138948528957212020-07-13T04:00:00.000-06:002020-07-13T04:00:03.621-06:00Rapture of the Holy Spirit<br />
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: 13pt;">Believers
are looking forward to the Rapture when we will be taken up in the clouds to be
with the Lord. It occurs to me that not only will we be united with the Lord at
that time, but the Holy Spirit dwelling within each of us will be raptured with
us. The earth without believers is one thing; however, the earth without the
indwelling presence of the Holy Spirit is quite another. Paul said, “Consequently,
you are no longer foreigners and aliens, but fellow citizens with God’s people
and members of God’s household, </span><a href="https://www.blogger.com/u/1/null" name="22" style="font-size: 13pt;"></a><span style="font-size: 13pt;">built on the foundation of
the apostles and prophets, with Christ Jesus himself as the chief
cornerstone. </span><a href="https://www.blogger.com/u/1/null" name="23" style="font-size: 13pt;"></a><span style="font-size: 13pt;">In him the whole building is joined together
and rises to become a holy temple in the Lord. </span><a href="https://www.blogger.com/u/1/null" name="24" style="font-size: 13pt;"></a><span style="font-size: 13pt;">And in him
you too are being built together to become a dwelling in which God lives by his
Spirit” (Eph 2:19:22 NIV).</span></div>
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<br />Christian Earhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06840682742473058814noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-24676515.post-62426703633144847652020-07-10T04:00:00.000-06:002020-07-10T04:00:06.239-06:00There is a Remnant<br />
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<span style="font-size: 13pt;">I’m sure if I
lived in Chicago, New York, or Seattle I would feel like Elijah when he
appealed to God against Israel. Speaking from Elijah’s perspective Paul said, “Lord,
they have killed your prophets and torn down your altars; I am the only one
left, and they are trying to kill me”? </span><a href="https://www.blogger.com/u/1/null" name="5" style="font-size: 13pt;"></a><span style="font-size: 13pt;">And what was God’s
answer to him? “I have reserved for myself seven thousand who have not bowed
the knee to Baal.” </span><a href="https://www.blogger.com/u/1/null" name="6" style="font-size: 13pt;"></a><span style="font-size: 13pt;">So too, at the present time there is a
remnant chosen by grace.</span><a href="https://www.blogger.com/u/1/null" name="7" style="font-size: 13pt;"></a><span style="font-size: 13pt;"> And if by grace, then it is no longer by
works; if it were, grace would no longer be grace. What then? What Israel
sought so earnestly it did not obtain, but the elect did. The others were
hardened…” (Ro 11:3-8a NIV). It’s too bad the media doesn’t report on the actions of the remnant
that exists in Chicago, New York and Seattle.</span></div>
<br />Christian Earhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06840682742473058814noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-24676515.post-16922233648779075622020-07-09T04:00:00.000-06:002020-07-09T04:00:07.903-06:00Look for the Riches of God’s Glory<br />
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<span style="font-size: 13pt;">I understand
people wanting the rioting, killing and looting to stop; however, I’m convinced
God has purposely hardened the hearts of those who are committing such evil. Similar
to today’s Christians praying for the healing of America, the Hebrew children
cried out to God for deliverance from Pharaoh. Paul said, “For the Scripture
says to Pharaoh: “I raised you up for this very purpose, that I might display
my power in you and that my name might be proclaimed in all the earth.</span><a href="https://www.blogger.com/u/1/null" name="19" style="font-size: 13pt;"></a><span style="font-size: 13pt;">” Therefore God has mercy on whom he wants to have mercy, and he
hardens whom he wants to harden. </span><a href="https://www.blogger.com/u/1/null" name="20" style="font-size: 13pt;"></a><span style="font-size: 13pt;">One of you will say to me:
“Then why does God still blame us? For who resists his will?” </span><a href="https://www.blogger.com/u/1/null" name="21" style="font-size: 13pt;"></a><span style="font-size: 13pt;">But
who are you, O man, to talk back to God? “Shall what is formed say to him who
formed it, ‘Why did you make me like this?’” </span><a href="https://www.blogger.com/u/1/null" name="22" style="font-size: 13pt;"></a><span style="font-size: 13pt;">Does not the
potter have the right to make out of the same lump of clay some pottery for
noble purposes and some for common use? </span><a href="https://www.blogger.com/u/1/null" name="23" style="font-size: 13pt;"></a><span style="font-size: 13pt;">What if God, choosing to
show his wrath and make his power known, bore with great patience the objects
of his wrath—prepared for destruction? </span><a href="https://www.blogger.com/u/1/null" name="24" style="font-size: 13pt;"></a><span style="font-size: 13pt;">What if he did this
to make the riches of his glory known to the objects of his mercy, whom he
prepared in advance for glory—</span><a href="https://www.blogger.com/u/1/null" name="25" style="font-size: 13pt;"></a><span style="font-size: 13pt;">even us, whom he also called, not
only from the Jews but also from the Gentiles” (Ro 9:17-24 NIV)?</span></div>
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<br />Christian Earhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06840682742473058814noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-24676515.post-22379361404539632642020-07-08T04:00:00.000-06:002020-07-08T04:00:01.893-06:00The Trap<br />
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<o:p> </o:p><span style="font-size: 13pt;">The news media,
even purported conservative media, continue to ask President Trump questions
that do not seek the truth or facts, but rather are designed to trap him. To Trump's credit he responds even though he, as well as all viewers, can see
through the reporter’s duplicity. Using the words of Jesus, I would love to see
Trump respond to such evil intent in a similar manner. “Then the Pharisees went
out and laid plans to trap him in his words.</span><a href="https://www.blogger.com/u/1/null" name="18" style="font-size: 13pt;"></a><span style="font-size: 13pt;"> They sent their
disciples to him along with the Herodians. “Teacher,” they said, “we know you
are a man of integrity and that you teach the way of God in accordance with the
truth. You aren’t swayed by men, because you pay no attention to who they
are. </span><a href="https://www.blogger.com/u/1/null" name="19" style="font-size: 13pt;"></a><span style="font-size: 13pt;">Tell us then, what is your opinion? Is it right to pay
taxes to Caesar or not?” </span><a href="https://www.blogger.com/u/1/null" name="20" style="font-size: 13pt;"></a><span style="font-size: 13pt;">But Jesus, knowing their evil intent,
said, “You hypocrites, why are you trying to trap me” (Matt 22:15-18)? </span></div>
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<br />Christian Earhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06840682742473058814noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-24676515.post-29625324287639058742020-07-07T04:00:00.000-06:002020-07-07T04:00:11.890-06:00The Lord’s Leading<br />
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<span style="font-size: 13pt;">Many of us
look for opportunities to witness and testify to others about Jesus, but with
the COVID-19 stay-at-home orders those doors of opportunity are closed. It
occurs to me that what I previously viewed as opportunities could be situations
of my own making, rather than the Spirit leading me to someone. “Now an angel
of the Lord said to Philip, “Go south to the road—the desert road—that goes
down from Jerusalem to Gaza.” So he started out, and on his way he met an
Ethiopian eunuch, an important official in charge of all the treasury of
Candace, queen of the Ethiopians. This man had gone to Jerusalem to
worship, and on his way home was sitting in his chariot reading the book
of Isaiah the prophet. </span><a href="https://www.blogger.com/u/1/null" name="33" style="font-size: 13pt;"></a><span style="font-size: 13pt;">The Spirit told Philip, “Go to that
chariot and stay near it.” </span><a href="https://www.blogger.com/u/1/null" name="34" style="font-size: 13pt;"></a><span style="font-size: 13pt;">Then Philip ran up to the chariot and
heard the man reading Isaiah the prophet. “Do you understand what you are
reading?” Philip asked. </span><a href="https://www.blogger.com/u/1/null" name="35" style="font-size: 13pt;"></a><span style="font-size: 13pt;">“How can I,” he said, “unless someone
explains it to me?” So he invited Philip to come up and sit with him” (Acts 8:26-29
NIV).</span></div>
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<br />Christian Earhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06840682742473058814noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-24676515.post-29048488994041869662020-07-06T04:00:00.000-06:002020-07-06T04:00:02.951-06:00Before You Ask<br />
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<span style="font-size: 13pt;">In the
process of building our house we wound up with an extra garage heating and air-conditioning
unit. Our cousin just built a new double car garage/shop, so we offered it
to him for less than half of the original cost. Even though David is a
life-long believer he still had that lift of surprise in his voice when he said,
“God answered a prayer and I hadn’t even prayed it yet!” Jesus said, “So do not
worry, saying, ‘What shall we eat?’ or ‘What shall we drink?’ or ‘What shall we
wear?’ </span><a href="https://www.blogger.com/u/1/null" name="37" style="font-size: 13pt;"></a><span style="font-size: 13pt;">For the pagans run after all these things, and your
heavenly Father knows that you need them. </span><a href="https://www.blogger.com/u/1/null" name="38" style="font-size: 13pt;"></a><span style="font-size: 13pt;">But seek first
his kingdom and his righteousness, and all these things will be given to you as
well. Therefore do not worry about tomorrow, for tomorrow will worry about
itself. Each day has enough trouble of its own” (Matt 7:31-34 NIV).</span></div>
<br />Christian Earhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06840682742473058814noreply@blogger.com0