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1. St. Augustine felt justified in concluding that, in spite of appearances to the contrary, Rome had ceased to exist at the moment when, according to one historian, Rome had lost all jus tice. COG p.23 2. (The evil city) reduces even the commonweal to its own ends because of proud lust of domination; (the good city) the one is subject to God, the other sets itself up as a rival to God; the one is serene, the other tempestuous; the one peaceful, the other quarrelsome. COG p.27 3. From this we infer that the pursuer of wisdom, that is, the philosopher, will only be happy when he begins to rejoice in God. COG p.156 4. The root of the trouble was that diabolical envy which moves evil men to hate those who are good for no other reason than that they are good. COG p.329 5. Men whose wisdom is according to God hold for certain, first, that God in the scriptures could not possibly lie, and, second, that He has the power to do things that seem impossible to the unbeliever. (a. God cannot and does not lie; b. You cannot limit God.) COG p.493 6. As a moth doth by a garment, and a worm by the wood, so the sadness of a man consumeth the heart. Prov 25:20, COG p.503 7. He had broken with his evil past and abandoned his career in the world. Conf p.24 8. It is thus with the man of faith, to whom this whole rich world belongs, who, by cleaving to you whom all things serve, is as one having nothing yet possessing all things. Conf p.117 9. I still hesitated to die to death and to live to life, for the ingrown worse had more power over me than the untried better. Conf p.200 10. In fact, joy in truth is the happy life. Why is your Man who preaches truth to men become an enemy in their eyes, even though there is love for the happy life, which is naught else but joy in the truth? Conf p.252 11. I call you into my soul, which you prepare to accept you by the longing that you breath into it. Conf p.335 12. My love is my weight! I am borne about by it, wheresoever I am borne. Conf p.341
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Baptism

- Now the Lord is the Spirit, and where the Spirit of the Lord is, there is freedom. 2 Cor 3:17 Five reasons why I believe Baby Baptism is a valid form of Bap tism - 1) The primary motivation and cause of my parents having me baptized as a baby was because they LOVED me. - God is Love. 1 John 4:8 - What shall we say to these things? If God is for us, who is against us? Romans 8:31 The Lord decided to and caused me to be baptized as an infant. HE elected me! Who am I to reject or tell God I have not been baptized and chosen? The baptism I received was a gift. I accept that gift and its reality. If God is for me, who is against me? - Who will bring any charge against those whom God has chosen? Romans 8:33 - Then He breathed on them, saying,'Receive the Holy Spirit! If you forgive anyone's sins, they are forgiven; if you pronounce them unforgiven, unforgiven they remain.' John 20:22, 23 Jesus Christ freely gives us the Power and Authority of His Name! We are tasked to love as Jesus. To love as Jesus is to forgive. The Power of God is in the Name of Jesus Christ of Nazareth!! Acts 3:6 - For where two or three are gathered in my name, there am I in the midst of them. Mat 18:20 - "Who can forgive sins but God alone?"..."But that you may know that the Son of Man has authority on earth to forgive sins..." He said to the paralytic, "I tell you, get up, take your mat and go home." Mark 2:7,10,11 2) In Believers Baptism you attempt to duplicate the way Christ was baptized. That is fine but, if you truly want to imitate perfectly the baptism of Christ you need to take everybody to the Jordan River, get a person to dress in animal skins who has lived a life like John the Baptist, make sure the river is flowing, etc... In other words, you cannot duplicate the baptism of Christ exactly! That is why the Lord does not describe how and when a person is to be baptized. If the application of the Grace of God depends on the proper formula of the baptism, then you are (in this case) depending on WORKS and not the FAITH for God to perfect the sacrament. What if you get the formula wrong? - I will have mercy on whom I have mercy, and I will have compas sion on whom I have compassion. Exodus 33:19 - It does not, therefore, depend on man's desire or effort, but on God's mercy. Romans 9:16 3) We do not know the heart of the person being baptized. The proper application of the sacrament does not and cannot depend on our own perfection and righteousness but on the RIGHTEOUSNESS OF GOD. Our own righteousness is as filthy rags. No matter how sincere a person may appear, only God knows the heart. 4) Where in scripture does the Lord acknowledge the faith of the parents in blessing and healing the children? Matt 9:18-26 17:14-18 5) Where in scripture is sprinkling and baptism used for the remission of sin? Ezek 36:25-27 Acts 3:38 I was motivated by the Spirit to write to you - - Then in my heart it becomes like a burning fire shut up in my bones; and I am weary of holding it in, and I cannot endure it. Jer 20:9 Not allowing children to be baptized is limiting God. Some only recognize scripture that agrees with their denomination's inter pretation of scripture. My salvation and baptism depend on the promise of God. They cannot depend on the performance of the preacher or my own righteousness. The validity of my baptism depends on the perfor mance of the Spirit and the righteousness of God. Praise God!! - Peter replied, "Repent and be baptized, every one of you, in the name of Jesus Christ for the forgiveness of your sins. And you will receive the gift of the Holy Spirit. This Promise is for you and your children and for all who are far off - for all the Lord our God will call." Acts 2:38,39 - Get up, be baptized and wash your sins away, calling on His name. Acts 22:16 - And whoever welcomes (receives) a little child like this in my name welcomes me. Matthew 18:5 - When Jesus saw this, he was indignant (God was angry). He said to them, "Let the little children come to me, and do not hinder them, for the kingdom of God belongs to such as these." Mark 10:14 If God is present - sin must be absent. The Spirit cannot abide with sin. The Lord heals completely!! - which is easier: to say, 'Your sins are forgiven', or 'Get up and walk'? Luke 5:23 To bless a person in Jesus name is to forgive their sins. - Truly, I say to you, whoever does not receive the kingdom of God like a child shall not enter it. Mark 10:15
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Bless Me

2 Chron 15:2 - The Lord is with you if you are with Him. If you seek Him, He will be found by you, but if you forsake Him, He will forsake you. If we dwell on the Lord - we dwell in the Lord. The Justice of God: I will judge each of you according to his ways (whatev er you believe is the truth). Ezek 33:20 - JESUS says "I am the way". But if you find when you are praying that nothing at all accuses you of evil, then you are free and by God's will have entered into His peace. Philokalia v.1 p.25
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Choice

- therefore choose Life, that you and your descendants may live and love the Lord your God, obey His voice, and cling to Him. For He is your Life and the length of your days... Deut 30:19,20 We all have to make choices. It takes God given Wisdom to know which choices are the right choices. - The Fear of the Lord is the beginning of Wisdom Psalm 111:10 Fear of the Lord = Visions of God 2 Chron 26:5 - Christ crucified is the Wisdom and Power of God 1 Cor 1:23,24 God has given us free will. It is more edifying and glorifying to God for us to choose His way over our own. Behavior that is truly pleasing to God is behavior motivated by true love. Godly be havior is motivated by God (God is Love, 1 John 4:8). - nor does his word (love) dwell in you, for you do not believe the one he sent... I know that you do not have the love of God in your hearts. John 5:38,42 When we focus on Christ crucified, God's love flows through us. Love is the seed from which right choices and right behavior are born. - If you love me, you will keep my commands. John 14:15 We do what is right because of our love for God. Love not hate; good not evil; life not death; true not false; kind not mean. - Jesus answered, "I am the way and the truth and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me." John 14:6 The most important choice to make is to believe in Jesus Christ as Lord and Savior. Belief in Jesus is the starting point. From that point, God empowers us to do right behavior. This behavior is always pro-life. The Holy Spirit counsels and teaches us what is right. - The mind of the sinful man is death (the mind set on the flesh), but the mind controlled by (set on) the Spirit is life and peace. Romans 8:6
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Cosmic

People somehow get disconnected with the reality around them. They are caught up in the complexities of their own existence. Whether we like it or not, we are a part of the universe - a part of the earth. When we throw a rock into a pond, the rock plunges into the water. The consequences of our action is: water thrown into the air; waves and ripples in the pond; the noise. Think of the universe as one very big pond. Our actions, be they ever so insignificant, cause other things to happen. The disrup tion we cause forces an automatic reaction from the universe to balance or correct the disruption. There are cosmic consequences to our actions. The bible teaches the law of love. The law of love is NOT sepa rate from the reality around us. Happiness, contentment, love, harmony, peace, justice - all speak of universal balance. Without love - the Wisdom of obedience to the law of love (the Word of God) - there is disharmony. Without love, our world becomes out of balance. Jesus is the one who maintains the universe in bal ance. When people do not believe and obey the Word of God, there is unhappiness, discontent, war, etc.. Every action which is not accounted for by love is counted in the universal balance. The universal balance was set in place by God. It is entirely fair and just. An eye for an eye, a tooth for a tooth, a life for a life. When people live a life of injustice and sin, their actions are counted on the universal balance. The universe is programed to correct imbalances. Our world is pre sently out of balance. Because we are a part of this reality, and the law of God is universal, and vengeance is the Lord's - - Vengeance is mine, and retribution, in due time their foot will slip; for the day of their calamity is near, and the impending things are hastening upon them. Deut 32:35 God uses nature to correct the balance. Hurricanes, tornadoes, floods, meteors, etc.. - acts of God. - Wail, for the day of the Lord is near! It will come as destruc tion from the Almighty. Isaiah 13:6
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Creation

If you have the Love of God in your heart you will believe in Jesus. - I do not accept the praise of men, but I know you. I know you do not have the Love of God in your hearts. John 5:41-42 When you ask Jesus into your heart, you are asking the very power that created the universe into your heart. The only barrier that stands between me and the power of creation is fear. - There is no fear in love. But perfect love drives out fear, because fear has to do with punishment. The one who fears is not made perfect in love. 1 John 4:18 Creation is stepping outside of known space. Risking is part of creation. To create is to step out in faith. To believe in God is to have faith in the Creator. God is Love. The only limits we have are the limits we place upon ourselves. - I can do everything through Him who gives me strength. Phil 4:13 In love and righteousness we are free. The power to create comes from the light and not from darkness. Therefore, to reach our maximum creative potential, to be our absolute best, we must focus on God by doing what is right. - And this is love: that we walk in obedience to His commands. As you have heard from the beginning, His command is that you walk in love. 2 John 6
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The Cross

- But we preach Christ crucified: a stumbling block to Jews and foolishness to Gentiles, but to those whom God has called, both Jews and Greeks, Christ the power of God and the wisdom of God. 1 Cor 1:23, 24 It is our own sin we see or realize when we look upon the cruci fix. The Word of God is a pure mirror. It reflects back whatever is wrong/right with our walk. If the crucifix was not a pure thing, it would not bring such conviction. The crucifix must be the Word, otherwise looking upon it would not convict. Our prime focus is what we worship; what we worship is what inspires us; faith is acting on the inspiration. WORSHIP = relax the self and focus By focusing on something, we open ourselves up to the spirit or inspiration behind it. By focusing on the crucifix, we open ourselves up to the Holy Ghost. Jesus Christ crucified is the door to God. - For he who has died is freed from sin. Rom 6:7 - So if the Son sets you free, you will be free indeed! John 8:36 I have experienced this grace - this freedom - this peace. It is true love. The love that will set you free. - and if a serpent had bitten any man, when he looked to the serpent of bronze (attentively, expectantly, with a steady and absorbing gaze), he lived. Num 21:9 - And as Moses lifted up the serpent in the wilderness, so must the Son of man be lifted up, that whoever believes in him may have eternal life. John 3:14, 15
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Seeing is Believing

- Everything is possible for him who believes. Mark 9:23 - Turn (look) to me and be saved, all you ends of the earth; for I am God, and there is no other. Isaiah 45:22 - Then Jesus told his disciples, "If any man would come after me, let him deny himself and take up his cross and follow me." Mat 16:24 - Jesus said to them, "I am the bread of life; he who comes to me shall not hunger, and he who believes in me shall never thirst." John 6:35 - Jesus answered them, "Destroy this temple, and in three days I will raise it up."...But he spoke of the temple of his body. John 2:19, 21 - Jesus said to him,'Because you have seen me you have found faith.' John 20:29 - ...making peace by the blood of his cross. Col 1:20c
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Desires

The riddle of steel: what makes it strong? A sword is only as strong as the spirit behind it. When we say 'I do it for God', His Spirit empowers the action. I forgive for God, I heal for God, I do good for God, I love for God, I live for God; in the Holy Name of God who answers my prayers, Amen. Heart = Conscience Desire = Will Take delight in the Lord (be pleased/satisfied, give thanks - Thank you God for God!!), and He will give you the desires (deep longings) of your heart (conscience). Commit your way to the Lord; trust in Him, and He will act. Psalm 37:4, 5 I do it for God = Psalm 37:4, 5 Desire = requirements of the heart-soul-spirit (deep longing) Need = requirements of the body (food, clothes, home) Want = requirements of the self (shallow - I want a taco) If my heart is for the Lord, then my desire is His arrow pointing in the way I should go. "Love one another as I have loved you" is pure religion and covers almost everything you will ever learn in church or Sunday school. "Thank you God" and "God bless you" cover the rest. Thank the Lord for what you DO have - - Stop fretting over what you DON'T have
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Disruption

(from a sermon heard at Green Valley Baptist Church, LV) Divine disruption is God's way of keeping us from getting spir itually content. Contentment in material things is SPIRITUAL. Contentment in spiritual things is DANGEROUS. SPRITUAL contentment : stunts our growth; lowers our guard; wastes our gifts. - He leads me (humble; --drives me, humbled) in paths of righteousness for his name sake. Psalm 23:3 Disruption #1: Broken Dreams (Matthew 16:21-23) Disruption #2: Unfulfilled Desires (John 11:20,21) Disruption #3: Shaken Doctrine (John 9:1-3)
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Do Right

- Now the Lord is the Spirit, and where the Spirit of the Lord is, there is freedom. 2 Cor 3:17 Keeping God's commandments is (Jesus) self-sacrifice/Wisdom/the fear of the Lord. This is the Spirit of Righteousness. The Lord is the Spirit of Truth. Truth = what is right. The Lord is the Spirit of Righteousness. - Little children, let no one deceive you. He who does what is right is righteous, just as Christ is righteous. 1 John 3:7 This is where the devil deceives the saints. The word 'freedom' is twisted to mean - free to sin. Sin enslaves. There is no freedom where there is sin. Our true freedom lies in doing the Lord's will. - But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, self-control; against such there is no law. And those who belong to Christ Jesus have crucified the flesh with its passions and desires. Gal 5:22-24 How are we free? We are free to do what is right. This freedom starts with faith in the Lord. Our righteousness emanates from faith in God. (Romans 9:30-32) The circle of Life: - Wisdom says, "Do whatever He tells you to do." John 2:5 >>> - Jesus says, "If you love me, you will obey what I command." John 14:15 >>> - keeping the commandments is the 'fear of the Lord' Sirach 1:23 >>> - the fear of the Lord is Wisdom Job 28:28
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Faith and Works

Faith and works are two sides of the same coin; neither one is any good without the other. Faith without works is empty and worthless, and works without faith is idolatry. - As the body without the spirit is dead, so faith without deeds is dead. James 2:26 - But the man who has doubts is condemned if he eats, because his eating is not from faith; and EVERYTHING that does not come from faith is sin. Romans 14:23 Our faith in Jesus should inspire us to do good works. Jesus is our Lord and Savior. To love him is to serve him. He has command ed us to love one another, so this is what we must do. We should have the greatest confidence (faith) in the greatest good. As a well maintained car inspires confidence in the driver; the good in it gives faith to the driver. God is the greatest good. Why is it so hard for people to have faith in God? He is the greatest good, therefore we should have the greatest faith and confidence in Him. The purpose of trials and temptations is the increase of faith. - Blessed are you when people insult you, persecute you and falsely say all kinds of evil against you because of me. Rejoice and be glad, because great is your reward in heaven, for in the same way they persecuted the prophets before you. Matthew 5:11,12
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False World

Sin is an alternate truth - imaginary reality - false world. - There is a way that seems right to a man, but in the end it leads to death. Proverbs 14:12 The Holy Spirit is the Spirit of Truth. John 14:16,17 When scripture says: 'our righteous acts are like filthy rags' (Isaiah 64:6), we have substituted what we think is right (the false imaginings of men) for the truth of scripture. The Word of God is true. We make ourselves out to be God when we substitute our own righteousness and live in the imaginings of our own mind. - they speak a vision of their own heart, and not out of the mouth of the Lord... They say unto them that despise me - walk after the imagination of your own heart, no evil will come upon you. Jeremiah 23:16,17 When people invent things outside the will of God, they are inventing a substitute reality. The false world they have invent ed goes against the universe God created. There are rules in God's universe. Men feel trapped by God's rules; they don't like them.
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Feet

- He will guard the feet of his saints, but the wicked will be silenced in darkness. 1 Sam 2:9 - they have pierced my hands and my feet. Psalm 22:16 - I have kept my feet from every evil path so that I might obey your word. Psalm 119:101 - Look, there on the mountains, the feet of one who brings good news, who proclaims peace! Nahum 1:15 - How beautiful on the mountains are the feet of those who bring good news, Isaiah 52:7 - "No," said Peter, "you shall never wash my feet." Jesus answered, "Unless I wash you, you have no part with me." John 13:8 How clean are my feet? I am clean - inside and out - because I believe in Jesus - the Word of God. - You are already clean because of the word which I have spoken to you. John 15:3 - that He might sanctify her (the church), having cleansed her by the washing of water with the Word, Ephesians 5:26 Jesus is the Word of God. Where the Word is, Jesus is. If you trust that the Word is true - you believe it - your sins have been forgiven. --"The Atonement (Jesus) is so gentle you need but whisper to it and all its power will rush to your assistance and support." Time, 6/24/96 p.65 Marianne Williamson
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Freedom

Self-control is freedom. - Now the Lord is the Spirit, and where the Spirit of the Lord is, there is freedom. 2 Cor 3:17 - Jesus replied, "I tell you the truth, everyone who sins is a slave to sin." John 8:34 This is where the devil deceives the saints. The word 'freedom' is twisted to mean - free to sin. Sin enslaves. There is no freedom where there is sin. Our true freedom lies in doing the Lord's will. Self-control is freedom. If sin dominates your life, you are a slave to it. Lack of self-control happens when a person is under the control of sinful desires. To sin is to throw your freedom away. By making the choice to follow and obey the Word of God, we gain our freedom. When I am in control of myself, evil thoughts and desires no longer have the power to dominate me. Jesus gives us the love and wisdom to make the correct decisions. Jesus is salvation - the freedom from sin. I am not free if sin controls me. - So if the Son sets you free, you will be free indeed. John 8:36 Sin is a false reality. Not living in the truth. The truth is a 'true understanding of the way things are' (Wisdom of Solomon 7:17). In other words - reality. - To the Jews who had believed him, Jesus said, "If you hold to my teaching, you are really my disciples. Then you will know the truth, and the truth will set you free." John 8:31-32 What does freedom mean to a Christian? True freedom exists in knowing what is right and doing what is right. - To do what is right and just is more acceptable to the Lord than sacrifice. Proverbs 21:3 The salvation of the Lord Jesus rests in putting sin behind us and righteousness ahead of us. Freedom is a heart and mind clear of the domination of sin; making decisions from a straight heart and mind. Sins are enslaving behaviors that immediately or ul timately lead to self-destruction. To be truly free is to be in a state where you are free from guilt, fear, sin - in a place where the heart is free. - I will run in the way of your commands (righteousness) when you give me a docile (free) heart. Psalm 119:32 As long as a sinful behavior has us in bondage we are a prisoner. Sin keeps you under its' thumb. It gives you a little leash to make you feel free, but in truth you are a prisoner. Only a focus on Jesus can break the chains and release one from the dominion of sin. Self-control is the gift of the Spirit which maintains our free dom. Self-control is true freedom because addictive self- destructive behaviors are sorted and discarded. Right actions and thoughts are unfettered and left to rise up - even to Heaven. Self-control is self-mastery. Freedom is control over your own thoughts and actions. A person without wisdom is driven by im pulse, sin, and emotion. To have mastery over the self is to be the little god Jesus talks about whomever hears the word and obeys it. - If it calls them gods to whom the word of God came, and scrip ture cannot be set aside; John 11:35 My mind circles this subject - trying to fully grasp its meaning. If sin is a false reality - a lie - to be in the truth is the freedom Jesus talks about. Love the Lord and love your neighbor = Fear God and keep the commandments (Ecc 12:13) = righteousness = Wisdom = Love = Self-control = freedom = the Word = Jesus = God
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Fret Not

The goal of this teaching is total reliance on God. do not fret - it leads only to evil. Psalm 37:8b In my dream, the Lord Jesus said to me, "do not be afraid John, I will take care of you". But the righteous (just) shall live (gain sustenance) by his faith. Hab 2:4 Have no fear; stand firm and see the deliverance that the Lord will bring you this day; for as sure as you see the Egyptians now, you will never see them again. The Lord will fight for you; say no more. Exodus 14:13, 14 Be still before the Lord and wait patiently for him; Psalm 37:7 But I call to God, and the Lord saves me. Psalm 55:16 Cast your cares on the Lord and he will sustain you; he will never let the righteous fall. Psalm 55:22 Holy Father, Lord of heaven and earth - Lord give us the confidence that you have, are, and will provide for us. An undeniable, unshakeable surety. Praise God! In the name of Jesus the Nazarene, Amen! O Lord, my heart is not proud, nor are my eyes haughty; I busy not myself with great things, nor with things too sublime for me. Nay rather, I have stilled and quieted my soul like a weaned child. Like a weaned child on its mother's lap, so is my soul within me. Psalm 131:1,2 This is the SWEET-LOVING-KINDNESS of God!! Thank the Lord for what you DO have - - Stop fretting over what you DON'T have
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The Gardener

The proper perspective to have in regard to our world is: We are the gardeners of Paradise. We are tasked with the wise use and maintenance of this garden paradise earth. God has given this place into our hands. It is sinful to waste paradise. It is not God's fault our world is such a mess. It is man's disobedience to the commandments of God that have wasted the earth. If man applied 'Love your neighbor' there would be no hunger or pollution or war. Our paradise earth would remain a paradise. A man who wants to justify his sinful lifestyle will blame God and religion for the waste of our earth. He wants to be free, but he is truly a slave to his vices. Because he holds God in con tempt, his life and paradise are wasted. Jesus Christ says, "Love one another as I have loved you". John 15:12
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HOW TO DETERMINE GOD'S WILL FOR YOUR LIFE:

(from Focus on the Family magazine) 1. Pray to Him about it. 2. It must be in harmony with His Word. 3. Seek Godly counsel. 4. Pay close attention to "providential circumstances". "Read" events in your life for evidence of divine influence. 5. Do nothing impulsively. Wait on the Lord. In the Name of Jesus Christ of Nazareth - Dear God please shower good blessings on my home and my family. Keep our home and family in peace and safety. Give me a good job, where the people will care for me and care for my family. We love you El Elyon (God Most High). Our hope is in you. In God's Holy Name, Amen!!
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Hearing

All things were created good by God (including man). They began good. Even a fool who keeps silent is considered wise; when he closes his lips, he is deemed intelligent. Prov 17:28 So a child who says nothing is deemed wiser than a brain surgeon who prattles on without love. The innocent can perceive good or bad better than one whose wits are clouded by a mountain of information.
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Humbled- it is wise to be humble.

The goal of this teaching is total reliance on God. 1. It is humble to submit to the authority of God and obey Him. I asked the Lord, "what can I sacrifice to you so you will answer my prayers and give me the desires of my heart?" The Lord said, "obey me and I will give you the desires of your heart." Keeping God's commandments is (Jesus) self-sacrifice. We must sacrifice ourselves to obey God. 2. To choose to humble oneself. He had broken with his evil past and abandoned his career in the world. Conf. of St. Augustine P.24 To let go totally of the world and self-glorification. To really turn your life over to God who created us. To give up trying to take care of your needs by your own talents. 3. God chooses to humble you. Humbled - afflicted and suffering from circumstances beyond your control. God does this sometimes to punish - sometimes to teach. My pride makes it hard for me to admit that I am unable to take care of myself. When a person is humbled - he is forced to face the truth. I have humbled myself when I face the truth and admit that I am a sinner and that I need help. It is humble to ask for help. I am learning to say (with confidence, courage, and faith) 'do not be afraid, God will take care of us'. In my dream, the Lord Jesus said to me, "do not be afraid John, I will take care of you". And when they had brought them forth, they said,"Flee for your life; do not look back or stop anywhere in the valley; flee to the hills lest you be consumed."...But Lot's wife behind him looked back, and she became a pillar of salt. Gen 19:17, 26 But the righteous (just) shall live (gain sustenance) by his faith. Hab 2:4 Have no fear; stand firm and see the deliverance that the Lord will bring you this day; for as sure as you see the Egyp tians now, you will never see them again. The Lord will fight for you; say no more. Exodus 14:13, 14 In the name of the Lord Jesus Christ - Lord give us the confidence that you have, are, and will provide for us. An undeniable, unshakeable surety. Praise God! In the Holy name of God who answers my prayers, Amen!
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I Forgive- I do it for God.

Simon Peter replied, "You are the Christ, the Son of the living God." Mat 16:16 And I tell you, you are Peter, and on this rock I will build my church, and the powers of death shall not prevail against it. Mat 16:18 (The church) having been built upon the foundation of the apos tles and prophets, Christ Jesus himself being the cornerstone. Eph 2:20 Jesus Christ says, "Love one another as I have loved you". John 15:12 Then He breathed on them, saying,'Receive the Holy Spirit! If you forgive anyone's sins, they are forgiven; if you pronounce them unforgiven, unforgiven they remain.' John 20:22, 23 And when you stand praying, if you hold anything against anyone, forgive him, so that your Father in heaven may forgive you your sins. Mat 11:25 The freedom you give is the freedom you get. Jesus Christ freely gives us the Power and Authority of His Name! All people who confess Jesus as Lord are in-dwelled by the Holy Spirit and are a part of His church. We are tasked to love as Jesus. To love as Jesus is to forgive. The Power of God is in the Name of Jesus Christ of Nazareth!! Acts 3:6 For where two or three are gathered in my name, there am I in the midst of them. Mat 18:20 "Who can forgive sins but God alone?"..."But that you may know that the Son of Man has authority on earth to forgive sins..." He said to the paralytic, "I tell you, get up, take your mat and go home." Mark 2:7,10,11 These passages are the key to understanding how we as believers can confidently baptize infants and forgive one another's sins.
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Inspiration- Christ crucified: the heart of the bible.

- But we preach Christ crucified: a stumbling block to Jews and foolishness to Gentiles, but to those whom God has called, both Jews and Greeks, Christ the power of God and the wisdom of God. 1 Cor 1:23, 24 In my search for the truth, I did not realize exactly what has been driving me. Life has not been easy at all these last few years. Ever since I realized that love is the active presence of God right here, right now. God is the true love you feel and exercise in your daily life, taking care of your family. What or how is the way to pray to connect with God? Answer: Our prime focus is what we worship; what we worship is what inspires us; faith is acting on the inspiration. By focusing on the crucifix, we open ourselves up to the Holy Ghost. Jesus Christ crucified is the door to God. - "..I am the door of the sheep." John 10:7 When I encountered the Holy Ghost while focusing on the crucifix, many things were lifted from my heart. The most obvious things - my anxiety over the job situation, what will I do with my life, etc.. Fear, fear, fear. I realized I was being driven by fear. Deep down fear. Fear I was unwilling to face - and really did not know how to deal with. I was genuinely troubled, and had tried various methods of prayer to connect with God. My relief was like pushing against a wall - and then the wall was not there. A real sense that all those things promised in the bible were true. That finally I had found a way to communicate with God. And prayers were being answered. The bible is packed with references to the suffering of the cross: - Thou dost keep him in perfect peace, whose mind is stayed on thee, because he trusts in thee. Isaiah 26:3 - the punishment that brought us peace was upon him, and by his wounds we are healed. Isaiah 53:5b I have realized that this is the peace I wanted and had been looking for. Find a accurate crucifix. Pray on the wounds of Christ. Fix your gaze on his body for a while. That is all. - and if a serpent had bitten any man, when he looked to the serpent of bronze (attentively, expectantly, with a steady and absorbing gaze), he lived. Num 21:9 - And as Moses lifted up the serpent in the wilderness, so must the Son of man be lifted up, that whoever believes in him may have eternal life. John 3:14, 15
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Write a Letter to God-

- But if you find when you are praying that nothing at all accus es you of evil, then you are free and by God's will have entered into His peace. Philokalia v.1 p.25 But then sometimes something does accuse you of evil. You can't sleep. Visions of past mistakes haunt you. You need some way to be released from the chains of your past. Your mind is full of trouble and there seems to be nothing to free you from the tor ment. The Word of God is a pure mirror (when you read scripture or con template the cross), it reflects the truth. When you look into the true mirror, it reveals how messed up we really are. If our walk is true and clean, it will reflect that. If our walk is twisted, it will show that too. Our imperfections fog the mirror. We need to clear the fog to see the truth. One method I have found to clear the fog is to write a letter to God. 1. Get yourself to a quiet place. 2. Address a letter to God. This is totally private - only bet ween you and God. Don't be shy - God knows all that you have done already. 3. Poor out all your mean thoughts and emotions, all your trou bles and cares, all your sins and iniquities. Be as detailed as you want - God knows. Remember - this is between you and your maker; He knows everything about you already - there is NOTHING you can hide from Him. Ask God to forgive you. 4. Get a tin can; stuff your letter into the can; BURN IT. As it burns, keep repeating - I give this to you Lord, it's all yours, in Jesus name, Amen. 5. Be dramatic. Sing a hymn. Play Amazing Grace. Clime a mountain and throw the ashes to the wind. Throw your ashes into the sea. I have done this whenever something has really bothered me. Jana did it when we first met because a bad past relationship was haunting her. It works - do it. - If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just, and will forgive our sins and cleanse us from all unrighteousness. 1 John 1:9
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Love is the Word-

Love the LORD your GOD with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind. Love your neighbor as yourself. Mat 22:37-39 If I dwell on the Lord, I dwell in the Lord. Beloved, let us love one another; for love is of God, and he who loves is born of God and knows God. He who does not love does not know God; for God is Love. 1 John 4:7, 8 In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God. John 1:1 Our prime focus is what we worship; what we worship is what inspires us; faith is acting on the inspiration. Love is the greatest inspiration. Love is the most important word. God is love, and he who abides in love abides in God, and God abide in him. 1 John 4:16 But the Lord is true God;.. Jer 10:10 God is Love... 1 John 4:8 = God is True Love - Praise the Lord!!! - "Because you love me," says the Lord, "I will rescue you; I will protect you, for you acknowledge my name. You will call upon me, and I will answer you; I will be with you in trouble, I will deliver you and honor you. With long life will I satisfy you and show you my salvation!" Psalm 91:14-16 - My command is this: Love each other as I have loved you. John 15:12 - Hatred stirs up dissension, but love covers over all wrongs. Proverbs 10:12 - Love is patient, love is kind. It does not envy, it does not boast, it is not proud. It is not rude, it is not self-seeking, it is not easily angered, it keeps no record of wrongs. Love does not delight in evil but rejoices with the truth. It always pro tects, always trusts, always hopes, always perseveres. Love never fails. 1 Cor 13:4-8
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Maxims to live by-

The riddle of steel: what makes it strong? A sword is only as strong as the spirit behind it. Do it for God! Thank the Lord for what you DO have - - Stop fretting over what you DON'T have. Your Prime focus is what you Worship; what you worship is what inspires you; faith is acting on the inspiration. Faith and works are two sides of the same coin; neither one is any good without the other. Faith without works is empty and worthless, and works without faith is idolatry. The secret to enjoying life is to get into it. You should have the greatest confidence (faith) in the greatest good. Thank God for the good in this! The purpose of trials and temptations is the increase of faith. Integrity is doing the right thing even when no one is looking. The application of the love of God in our hearts is the wisdom of righteous living. The One who loves you the most is the One you hurt the most. You are as big as the one you serve. Fear is the only barrier that stands between me and the creative Power of God. The only limits we have are the limits we place upon ourselves. The power to create comes from the light and not from darkness. Therefore, to reach our maximum creative potential, to be our absolute best, we must focus on God by doing what is right. Love = Self-control = Wisdom = Freedom The salvation of the Lord Jesus rests in putting sin behind us and righteousness ahead of us.
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Warnings about the Name of God

Saying 'I am' is at the heart of all sin. It is THE sin. Man uses the power in the Name for his own personal glory. I am, the Love that is God, Jesus, are completely one. Man must acknowledge that God is at the heart of all things. Nothing can succeed without God. God is the only true self. The only I AM. Pride is a man taking the name of God, using it, without thanking God or acknowledging Him, and then saying he did it all himself (they say something like, "boy, I am good!"). Notice the person says 'I am'. Scripture says, "The Lord, our God, the Lord is one." Notice the number '1' looks like a capitol 'I'. There is only 1 'I', and He is God. We are all fragments of the one and we only find identity in Him when we cast out myself and call on the Name of the Lord. Sin and pride corrupt the image. While I am here, in this life, only through the cross of our Lord Jesus (self-sacrifice in obedience to the Word) will I see the truth.
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The Name of God-

The name of God is I AM. He is totally aware. He is totally awake. When Adam and Eve ate of the fruit of the tree of the knowledge of good and evil - they became aware. Their eyes were opened. Their innocence was lost. They suddenly became aware of them selves. The self. The statement 'I am' is the ultimate state of self awareness. God wants us to be selfless. As a child is not aware that the body they live in is their own. Jesus says, "you must deny your self to follow me". When people become aware of themselves, they lose their in nocence. The self full of pride rules its' own world. It does not care about God. It wants to decide its' own destiny. It wants to be God. So, self-awareness is in opposition to God. Being self-aware is at the heart of sin. The self is the ultimate enemy a person must fight to be in harmony with God. Job realized this when he finally repented: - therefore I despise MYSELF, and repent in dust and ashes. Job 42:6 I must lose myself in order to find God. God is THE ONLY I AM. The only TRUE self. Man is only in harmony with God and the universe when he stops trying to rule it all. God rules. He is the Sovereign Lord. The works of man are prideful and selfish. I need to really see how God will bring good things to me. Lord help me to let go of my fear that you will not take care of me. O God the only I AM, please give me that innocence Adam lost in the garden - the absolute confidence that you will take care of me. In Jesus' Name, Amen!! Father, surround me with your loving presence that takes away my fears.
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Obey God-

I asked the Lord, "what can I sacrifice to you so you will answer my prayers and give me the desires of my heart?" The Lord said, "obey me and I will give you the desires of your heart." - Love the LORD your GOD with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind. Love your neighbor as yourself. Mat 22:37-39 1. You shall have no other gods before me. 2. You shall not make an idol or worship it. 3. You shall not take the name of the LORD your GOD in vain. 4. Remember the Sabbath and keep it holy. 5. Honor your father and your mother. 6. You shall not murder. 7. You shall not commit adultery-->sex with no one except God's intended mate - before, during, or after marriage!! 8. You shall not steal. 9. You shall not lie. 10. You shall not covet. Exodus 20:1-17 SALVATION is the freedom from sin by obeying God through (Jesus) self-sacrifice. Keeping God's commandments is (Jesus) self-sacrifice. Jesus = self-sacrifice. We must sacrifice ourselves to obey God. --> I am the way, and the truth, and the life, no one comes to the Father except through me (Jesus = self-sacrifice). - those who had refused to obey in the past, while God waited patiently in the days when Noah was building the ark; in it a few people, eight in all, were brought in safety through the water. 1 Pet 3:20 The people of Noah's world believed in God. God destroyed Noah's world because they refused to obey God. I must act on my faith to satisfy God. Lord have mercy on me, a sinner! The life of a Christian is a life of self-sacrifice in obedience to the Word of God. We must meet the challenge in order to produce fruit.
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One

I am one in God. (perfect, unified, focused, whole, complete, content) - Hear , O Israel, the Lord our God, the Lord is one. Mark 12:29 - There is only One who is good. Matthew 19:17 - And do not call anyone on earth 'father,' for you have one Father, and he is in heaven. Nor are you to be called 'teacher,' for you have one Teacher, the Christ. Matthew 23:9,10 - Ha! What do you want with us, Jesus of Nazareth? Have you come to destroy us? I know who you are - the Holy One of God! Luke 4:34 - I and the Father are one. John 10:30 - Holy Father, protect them by the power of your name - the name you gave me - so that they may be one as we are one. John 17:11 - I have given them the glory that you gave me, that they may be one as we are one: I in them and you in me. John 17:22-23 - for the Mighty One has done great things for me - Holy is his name. Luke 1:49 - the two will become one flesh Gen 2:24 - but he who unites himself with the Lord is one with him in Spirit. 1 Cor 5:17 Jesus = Wisdom = self-sacrifice We are what we do. If we exercise wisdom, we are one with God. If a person gains True Wisdom - he has gained the Lord. Therefore, there should be no conflict of ideas. A person who has been truly saved/enlightened/illuminated WILL recognize Jesus Christ as Lord and Savior. Otherwise, they have been deceived. In the moment a person turns to God - it is a marriage. In an instant, the two become one. And as with any marriage - it takes commitment to work. The commitment is Wisdom and Love. - Hatred stirs up dissension, but love covers over ALL wrongs. Proverbs 10:12 The circle of Life: - Wisdom says, "Do whatever He tells you to do." John 2:5 >>> - Jesus says, "If you love me, you will obey what I command." John 14:15 >>> - keeping the commandments is the 'fear of the Lord' Sirach 1:23 >>> - the fear of the Lord is Wisdom Job 28:28 True Wisdom is the act of repentance. Actively turning away from my own way to God's way - Jesus (Wisdom). Wisdom is deeper than deep - to the heart. True Wisdom is my heart felt desire to obey God moment by moment, day by day. This is Salvation - to be free of sin by the active participation in the will of God. - But by the grace of God (Jesus) I am what I am (I am one in God) 1 Cor 15:10
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Perfection- The work of the Holy Ghost.

- looking to Jesus the pioneer and perfecter of our faith.. Heb 12:2 - Likewise the Spirit helps us in our weakness; for we do not know how to pray as we ought, but the Spirit himself intercedes for us with sighs too deep for words. Rom 8:26 - but the righteous will live by his faith. Hab 2:4 It is God's righteousness which perfects our faith and prayers. - You see a person is justified by what he does and not by faith alone. James 2:24 A complete faith is filled with works. Faith and works are two sides to the same coin - neither one is any good without the other. Faith is empty without works, and works without faith is selfish/proud/idolatry. In all the faith, works, prayers, love, sacraments, belief, etc.. - I trust in God to perfect them all. I trust that the Wisdom of God is greater than any man's wisdom. If sin and pride are absent - The prayer or sacrament offered in faith and love will be ac knowledged and accepted by God. Love never fails - He will per fect them. He is only concerned with the heart. Therefore, God is at work perfecting all mankind in all the churches - regardless of denominational differences. With faith in the Lord Jesus we are perfect in God. To deny the work of perfection that the Holy Ghost performs in a sacrament is to cheapen it - to take the spirit/gut/heart out of it. It is not our place to judge the prayers and faith of others since God is the one who scrutinizes them. God applies the blessings. If the Power of God is denied in a blessing - no blessing is given. If the Power of God is confirmed - the blessing is given. The greatest blessings live with the greatest love. I acknowledge the Power of God to perfect my prayers and sacra ments. - Now the Lord is Spirit, and where the Spirit of the Lord is, there is freedom. 2 Cor 3:17
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Power-

The Power of God is in the Name of Jesus Christ of Nazareth!! Acts 3:6 ...but we preach Christ crucified, a stumbling block to Jews and folly to Gentiles, but to those who are called, both Jews and Greeks, Christ the Power of God and the Wisdom of God. 1 Cor 1:23, 24 In the book of Acts, the apostles say the Lord's name BEFORE the miracle. It follows that it is proper to start a prayer in the Holy Name of Jesus. Jehovah El-Shaddai = LORD (I AM) God Almighty El Elyon = God Most High
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Prayer

(from a sunday morning tv sermon) But seek FIRST his kingdom and his righteousness, and all these things will be given to you as well. Mat 6:33 This, then, is how you should pray: 1. Our Father who is in Heaven, hallowed be your Name, Your Kingdom come, Your will be done on earth as it is in Heaven. 2. Give us this day our daily bread. Forgive us our debts, as we also have forgiven our debtors. And lead us not into temptation (please do not put us to the test!), but deliver us from the evil one. Amen. Mat 6:9-13 1. Establish proper priority. a. His Name b. His Kingdom c. His Will 2. Express prayerful petition. Tell God what you need. 3. Thank God for taking care of your needs. In the Name of the Lord Jesus Christ, Amen!!
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The Right Stuff-

The circle of Life: - Wisdom says, "Do whatever He tells you to do." John 2:5 >>> - Jesus says, "If you love me, you will obey what I command." John 14:15 >>> - keeping the commandments is the 'fear of the Lord' Sirach 1:23 >>> - the fear of the Lord is Wisdom Job 28:28
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The Spirit of Righteousness

When you do what is right you are righteous > When you do what is true you are in the Spirit of Truth > When you are in the Spirit of Truth you are free > When we do what is right we are free of sin > This is true freedom - sin no longer has the power to dominate you. You gain the SELF-CONTROL to say no. Love = Self-control = Wisdom = Freedom
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Salesman-

A salesman must believe in his product in order to have the confidence to sell it. - God is good. The salesman must believe his product is good. - God made all things good. That which is good is useful. A good thing promotes and sustains life. Good things make you happy - satisfied. I love you = I believe in you = I have faith in you = I am proud of you pride = trust = faith = surety Proper attitude is - humble of self, proud of God. Why? ...You should have the greatest confidence (pride) in the object of the greatest good. Example: You have a good car. It's quality of goodness inspires you to have confidence in it. You have faith that it will run. God is the greatest good. Therefore, our greatest love/trust/pride/faith/surety should be in Him.
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Sin and Pain-

Every sin we do hurts Jesus. The One who loves you the most is the One you hurt the most. You lie...CRACK! goes the whip against Jesus' back. You kill...BANG! hits the hammer, driving a nail deeper into His hand. You lust...Jesus tries to take another painful breath on the cross. Do you understand? So, you say 'by faith my sins have been forgiven'. Are you taking advantage of God? That freedom Christ bought for you; are you abusing it? It was by pain and suffering and death Christ atoned for our sins. When Jesus said, "If you love me, you will keep my command ments." (John 14:15); He knows the price He has to pay for your sins. So if we love Him - to lessen His suffering - we should live and walk in the Spirit of Righteousness; doing what is right and good and pleasing to Him. Always remember - He feels all of our sins, iniquities, and transgressions! So live a pure life to ease our Lord's pain!!
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Some Wisdom-

What makes you _______ 1. Pretty 2. Righteous 3. Smart 4. Free is not your _______ 1. looks 2. works 3. knowledge 4. irresponsibility but the ______ 1. Love 2. Love 3. Wisdom 4. Truth God fills you with when you believe in Jesus.
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Thorns-

- And lest I should be exalted above measure through the abun dance of revelations, there was given to me a thorn in the flesh, the messenger of Satan to buffet me, lest I should be exalted above all measure. For this thing, i besought the Lord thrice, that it might depart from me. And He said unto me, "My grace is sufficient for thee, for My strength is made perfect in weakness." 2 Cor 12:7-9 A thorn is something that is hurting/humbling you (physically, mentally, spiritually, etc..) that you pray constantly about, but God will not take it away. A thorn is used by God to polish you; as sandpaper on wood. If you learn to control the thorn, you can use it to become great in the Kingdom of God. If you endure the thorn, it will wear you down. If you let the thorn control you, it will destroy you. - A sower went out to sow seed (the seed is the Word of God, Luke 8:11). And as he sowed... some fell among thorns, and the thorns sprang up with it and choked it. Luke 8:5-7
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Vision-

- God is good. It is the quality of God (goodness) in a object which makes (attracts, tempts) you to look at it (focus on it - worship it) - it's beauty. God wants you to acknowledge him and thank him for it. He likes that. Why does good attract? To inspire you to worship God. The mistake lies in worshiping and obeying the object rather than its' Creator. - For I desire mercy (love action), not sacrifice (religion), and acknowledgment (give thanks) of God rather than burnt offerings (tithes). Hosea 6:6 Man, who is dull of perception, can only see and judge by outward appearances. Evil stalks the fool (a man without wisdom). The fool will be deceived by a wolf in sheeps' clothing. Focus speaks of the ability to perceive the heart - to strip away falsities and find out the truth. Therefore, worship (relax the self and focus) is the key to wisdom. And wisdom (the fear of the Lord) is to see sharply and clearly the truth. focus = vision = to see = wisdom = discernment = worship - age after age she enters into holy souls, and makes them friends of God and prophets, for nothing is acceptable to God but the person who makes his home with wisdom. Wisdom 7:27,28 Focus on Jesus is the key to effective prayer. This ability to focus/see/have vision appears to be the key to prophecy. Focusing opens the mind to the unseen world of the Spirit. Be careful only to focus on God-objects (the Word, the Name of Jesus, a crucifix, etc..). - To set the mind on the things of the flesh is death, but to set the mind on the Spirit is life and peace. Romans 8:6
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Life Without Worry-

- So do not worry, saying 'what shall we eat?' or 'what shall we drink?' or 'what shall we wear?'. For the pagans run after all these things, and your Heavenly Father knows that you need them. But seek first His kingdom and His righteousness (He who does what is right is righteous, just as Christ is righteous. 1 John 3:7) and all these things will be given to you as well. Matthew 6:31-33 1. We are essentially pagans (idolaters) if we 'fear' the lack of our needs. Our focus falls off of God and onto our needs. - Do not be anxious (worry) about anything, but in everything, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. Phil 4:6 2. We are allotted an exact number of days to live. - Man's days are determined; God has decreed the number of his months and set limits he cannot exceed. Job 14:5 - All the days ordained for me were written in your book before one of them came to be. Psalm 139:16 During those days, the Lord will provide for our needs. He is in control. The condition of Providence is focus on God and making the right choices. 3. Sin will shorten the allotted days. - The wages of sin is death Romans 6:23 4. What we FEAR controls or dominates us. We must only FEAR God. - Do not be afraid of those who kill the body but cannot kill the soul. Rather, be AFRAID of the One who can destroy both the soul and the body in Hell. Matthew 10:28 - I tell you the truth, anyone who will not receive the kingdom of God like a little child will never enter it. Mark 10:15 5. Children don't work - they play. They love their mother and father. Dad and mom provide for their needs. If they are good children, they listen and obey. Even if the child is not the best, the parents still do their best to provide. 6. If you work for money-man-food-drink-self-clothes-etc..(mam mon) your focus is on them and not God. They become your god(s). 7. Work without fear of mammon is joyful! Work becomes the play of a child. 8. To work under the fear/focus/worship/inspiration of/on God gives you freedom from worry about the burdens of life. - You will know the truth and the truth will set you free. John 8:32 - Cast your cares on the Lord and He will sustain you; He will never let the righteous fall. Psalm 55:22 - God is our Father. God is Love. 1 John 4:8 Heart = Conscience. The love of God in our hearts tell us what is right and what is wrong. The application of heart directed actions is the wisdom of righteous living. - If a person has the love of God in their hearts (conscience) they will accept Jesus as Lord. John 5:42 10. If we do what we feel/sense is the right thing to do, I believe this is God telling us what to do next. - Whatever your hand finds to do, do it with all your might. Eccl 9:10 Worship and obey God, do the right thing, work hard, enjoy your family, and enjoy your life. The secret to enjoying life is to get into it. Learn all you can about the situation you are in. Study it. What you discover will enlighten your time. Participate. Do it for God.
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Mary - The Mother of The Church

Mary- The Help-Mate of the Holy Spirit.

In Wisdom is a Spirit intelligent and Holy... Wisdom 7:22 For Wisdom moves more easily than motion itself; she is so pure she pervades and permeates all things. Like a fine mist she rises from the power of God, a clear effluence from the Glory of the Almighty; so nothing defiled can enter into her by stealth. She is the radiance that streams from the everlasting light, the flawless mirror of the active Power of God, the image of his goodness. Wisdom 7:27 She spans the world in power from end to end, and gently orders all things. Wisdom 8:1 HOW ARE THEY UNITED AS ONE? You surely know that he who unites himself with a prostitute is one with her in body? For it is said, "the two will become one flesh" Gen 2:24, but he who unites himself with the Lord is one with Him in Spirit. 1 Cor 6:16-17 ...so they are no longer two, but one. Therefore what god has joined together, let man not separate. Mark 10:8-9 ...Mary...the Lord is with you. Luke 1:28 The Holy Spirit will come upon you, and the Power of the Most High will overshadow you...I am the Lord's servant...may it be to me as you have said. Luke 1:38 ...yet Wisdom is justified by her deeds (children). Mat 11:19 HOW CAN SHE INTERCEDE FOR US? ...the Spirit intercedes for the saints according to the will of God. Rom 8:27 Mary is one with the Holy Spirit and can be identified with Wisdom. By divine law (the two will become one flesh Gen 2:24) she has been ordained as the help-mate of the Holy Spirit. John 2:1-10 gives a clear example of asking Mary to intercede for specific needs. Before time began He created me. Eccl 24:9 Eternity has no beginning and no end. A person in Heaven will have full access to the full span of linear time. You can ask Mary to pray for you because she is present now in eternity (our eternal spirits are there also). You can ask anyone alive in Christ to pray or intercede for you. In fact, the Lord desires that we pray for each other constantly. I am the word spoken by the Most High. Eccl 24:3 In the above passage, Mary is identified with Jesus Christ - the eternal Word of God (John 1:1-4). The dragon was enraged at the woman and went off to make war against the rest of her (Mary's) offspring - those who obey God's commandments and hold to the testimony of Jesus (the church). Rev 12:17 The above passage clearly identifies Mary as the mother of the church. The book of 2 John is provocative in that it reads as a letter to Mary. A person not holding to the testimony of Jesus should not be allowed into the church. IF AN OBJECT OF STUDY LEADS TO GOD - IT IS BLESSED OF GOD. From now on all generations will call me blessed. Luke 1:47 But we proclaim Christ nailed to the cross;...yet to those who are called, jews and greeks alike, He is the Power of God and the Wisdom of God. 1 Cor 1:23 Jesus is the head of the body of Christ. Believers are one in the Spirit/family/church of God. In the Spirit we should intercede for each other. It is right and humble to ask another member of the body to pray for you.
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The Virgin Mary- Mother of God

A key document for understanding this issue is the Protoevangelium of James, written no later than A.D. 120, less than sixty years after the conclusion of Mary's earthly life and when memories of that life were still vivid in the minds of many. According to world-renowned patristics scholar, Johannes Quasten: "The principal aim of the whole writing is to prove the perpetual and inviolate virginity of Mary before, in, and after the birth of Christ" (Patrology, 1:120-1). The Protoevangelium of James "And behold, an angel of the Lord stood by [St. Anne], saying, 'Anne! Anne! The Lord has heard your prayer, and you shall conceive and shall bring forth, and your seed shall be spoken of in all the world.' And Anne said, 'As the Lord my God lives, if I beget either male or female, I will bring it as a gift to the Lord my God, and it shall minister to him in the holy things all the days of its life.' . . . And [from the time she was three] Mary was in the temple of the Lord as if she were a dove that dwelt there" (Protoevangelium of James 4, 7 [A.D. 120]). The Protoevangelium of James "And when she was twelve years old there was held a council of priests, saying, 'Behold, Mary has reached the age of twelve years in the temple of the Lord. What then shall we do with her, lest perchance she defile the sanctuary of the Lord?' And they said to the high priest, 'You stand by the altar of the Lord; go in and pray concerning her, and whatever the Lord shall manifest to you, that also will we do.' . . . [A]nd he prayed concerning her, and behold, an angel of the Lord stood by him saying, 'Zechariah! Zechariah! Go out and assemble the widowers of the people and let them bring each his rod, and to whomsoever the Lord shall show a sign, his wife shall she be. . . . And Joseph [was chosen] . . . And the priest said to Joseph, 'You have been chosen by lot to take into your keeping the Virgin of the Lord.' But Joseph refused, saying, 'I have children, and I am an old man, and she is a young girl'" (ibid., 8-9). The Protoevangelium of James "And Annas the scribe came to him [Joseph] . . . and saw that Mary was with child. And he ran away to the priest and said to him, 'Joseph, whom you did vouch for, has committed a grievous crime.' And the priest said, 'How so?' And he said, 'He has defiled the virgin whom he received out of the temple of the Lord and has married her by stealth'" (ibid., 15). The Protoevangelium of James "And the priest said, 'Mary, why have you done this? And why have you brought your soul low and forgotten the Lord your God?' . . . And she wept bitterly saying, 'As the Lord my God lives, I am pure before him, and know not man'" (ibid.) Origin "The Book [the Protoevangelium] of James [records] that the brethren of Jesus were sons of Joseph by a former wife, whom he married before Mary. Now those who say so wish to preserve the honor of Mary in virginity to the end, so that body of hers which was appointed to minister to the Word . . . might not know intercourse with a man after that the Holy Spirit came into her and the power from on high overshadowed her. And I think it in harmony with reason that Jesus was the firstfruit among men of the purity which consists in [perpetual] chastity, and Mary was among women. For it were not pious to ascribe to any other than to her the first-fruit of virginity" (Commentary on Matthew 2:17 [A.D. 248]).
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The Memory of God-

In the mind of God exists the memory of what the universe is made of, its design, and the design of every detail within it. - But the very hairs of your head are all numbered. Matthew 10:30 Over time we gather memories of events. It is a matter of sur vival that we supress bad memories. We are in the memory of God. When God thinks of us, he takes delight in our smiles, our love, our obediance to his Word. These are good memories for God. He cherishes them. He has pictures of your good times in his family album and he likes to look at them from time to time and smile. He saves that which is good. But then there are the bad things, the evil days. You might say that the memory of God is akin to the will of God. When a person is out of the will of God, all the events of the life are record ed - good or bad. If a person is in the will and love and memory of God, God throws out the bad and evil pictures. - Hatred stirs up strife, but love covers all trangressions. Proverbs 10:12 The Lord is a refining fire. If a man's works are built on the Lord, there will always be something good left even if all his works are burnt up in the fire. If a man's works are built on anything other than faith in God, and he is put through the fire (and everyone is required to go through the fire), because there is no foundation to his work, it will all collapse and be burnt up completly. Thus, he and his works will exist in an eternity of Hell fire. (1 Cor 3:11-15) A bad man is a bad memory. God turns away from bad memories. Thus, a person in Hell will exist outside the will and the memory of God. There are no pictures.
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The Mirror-

As water reflects a face, so a man's heart reflects a man. Prov 27:19 Anyone who listens to the word but does not do what it says is like a man who looks at his face in a mirror and, after looking at himself, goes away and immediately forgets what he looks like. But the man who looks intently into the perfect law that gives freedom, and continues to do this, not forgetting what he has heard, but doing it - he will be blessed in what he does. James 1:23-25 Do to others as you would have them do to you. Luke 6:31 This is a mirror statement. We must do our best to conform to the image of goodness scripture presents. Our freedom is calculated by the amount of freedom we give to others; forgiving them in our hearts. Though I am free to do anything, I am moti vated to do what is right because that is what God (who I love) wants me to do. If the Word of God is truly planted in my heart (conscience), and I do what God asks me to do, then I will be an image of God. As God created us in the garden. What I see in the mirror is the true me. The Word of God is a MIRROR. Evaluate what you see honestly. Honesty says, I am not perfect. Accept the truth - that I am a sinner. She (wisdom) is the radiance that streams from everlasting light, the flawless mirror of the active power of God, and the image of his goodness. Wisdom 7:26 The truth is what I see, not what I think (my self-body-mind-soul that is corrupted by sin) I see. If I had cherished sin in my heart, the Lord would not have listened; Psalm 66:18 There they cry out, but he does not answer, because of the pride of evil men. Surely God does not hear an empty cry, nor does the Almighty regard it. Job 35:12
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I hope my writings have helped you! God bless you!!

All Glory and Honor are yours Almighty One, forever and ever, Amen!

The Open Door To Wisdom

Notes on St. Augustine