tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-28586451871811901042024-03-05T00:22:16.848-05:00Journey to the Cross:Daily Devotions from the Revised Common Lectionary 2012Unknownnoreply@blogger.comBlogger181125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2858645187181190104.post-33220489541137327332012-12-02T01:31:00.000-05:002012-12-02T01:31:00.577-05:00SUNDAY, DECEMBER 2, 2012<!--[if gte mso 9]><xml>
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<span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">THE PROMISE OF A JUST and RIGHTEOUS
ONE</span></b></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">Jeremiah 33:14 -16</span></i></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt;">This is the first Sunday in Advent.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt;">I love this season, because we developed a family tradition
several years ago, of what we call ‘doing Advent’. What that means, is that
today I pull out the bought Advent wreath, the candles, which may be mix
matched, if I haven’t been able to get the correct advent colors, (have you
ever tried to get the right color advent candles the Saturday before Advent?
Let me tell you it’s nearly impossible), and our homemade advent additions.
These include the artificial leaves we add to fill the wreath out, the last year’s
Christmas cards, a hymnal, a children’s book of Advent stories ( even though
the girls have out grown them), and of course, the candle snuffer.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Each night we ‘do Advent’. We gather at the
table that holds the wreath, light a candle, share our reading, pray for the
family whose Christmas card was chosen that night, sing a carol, and of course,
extinguish the candle. Everyone takes turns sharing a different role each night.
It’s a welcome, microcosmic, foretaste of a time, when ‘swords will be
converted into plowshares’. </span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt;">For a few years we also lit a <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">Peace, Hope and Justice</i> Candle. I think we’ll do it again this
year. This candle, created during the latter years of apartheid, became a
symbol of hope, and a sign of the struggle, against this demonic system.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It remains a symbol of the promise in our
text, <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">“In those days and at that time, I
will</i> <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">cause a righteous Branch to
spring up for David; and he shall execute justice and righteousness in the
land.”</i> V 15. </span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt;">So, today we light the candle of Hope, leaning toward the
future.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Christ has come, and Christ will
come again! He will implement justice and righteousness in our world. Even so,
come Lord Jesus, come!</span></span></div>
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<iframe allowfullscreen='allowfullscreen' webkitallowfullscreen='webkitallowfullscreen' mozallowfullscreen='mozallowfullscreen' width='320' height='266' src='https://www.youtube.com/embed/JEEd0uWnDGs?feature=player_embedded' frameborder='0'></iframe></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt;"><br /></span></i><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt;"></span></i></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt;">PRAYER</span></b></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt;">Lord Jesus
in this Advent season we eagerly await your coming, with power and great
glory.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Fill us with your hope that all
darkness will recede into your marvelous Light! Amen. </span></i></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt;">For more on the <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">Peace,
Hope and Justice</i> Candle see: </span><a href="http://www.kairoscomotion.org/2005march/candle_form.html"><span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt;">http://www.kairoscomotion.org/2005march/candle_form.html</span></a></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt;"><b><span style="color: #0000ee;">THE REVEREND JOANNE BROWNE JENNINGS</span></b> </span></span><span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt;"></span></div>
Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2858645187181190104.post-10035075258949670622012-12-01T01:27:00.002-05:002012-12-01T01:33:32.624-05:00SATURDAY, DECEMBER 1, 2012<!--[if gte mso 9]><xml>
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FOR HELP</span></b></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt;">Psalm 25:
1- 10</span></i></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt;">Today let us meditate on this Psalm. Read it aloud several
times until you have a sense of what verse, or phrase, or word, God wants you
to focus on. Allow that focus to shape your thoughts and prayers. </span></span></div>
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<br /></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt;">I have been captured by the phrase, “<i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">make me to know <b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">your ways</b>, O
Lord</i>”, v 4a.</span><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt;"> </span></i></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt;">Make me to
know <b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">your ways</b>, O Lord … as I
anticipate this Advent season.</span></i></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt;">Make me to know <b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">your ways,</b> O Lord … as I embark on the many tasks of this season</span></i><span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt;">.<i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"> </i></span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt;"><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">Make me to know</i> <b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">your ways</i></b>, <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">O Lord …<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>as I interact with family and friends.</i></span><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt;"> </span></i></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt;">Make me to know <b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">your ways,</b> O Lord, …. in all I say and do.</span></i></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt;">O Lord, make me to<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"> know</b>, your ways!</span></i></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt;">This plea acknowledges our inadequacy, <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>and reflects the deep desires and thirsting,
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Write them out on sticky notes, and post them throughout your place of
meditation. Then walk about your holy space reading this affirmation, </span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>“<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">Good
and upright is the Lord, therefore he instructs sinners in the way.</i></b></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>He leads the humble
in what is right, and teaches the humble his way.” v 8 &9</span></i></b></span></div>
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<br /></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt;">Read it aloud , again and again, <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>until your spirit embraces this hope. </span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt;">The shepherds were lead by a Star, we wait to see how God
will teach us the way. </span></span></div>
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<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<iframe allowfullscreen='allowfullscreen' webkitallowfullscreen='webkitallowfullscreen' mozallowfullscreen='mozallowfullscreen' width='320' height='266' src='https://www.youtube.com/embed/itZRfhuRJKA?feature=player_embedded' frameborder='0'></iframe></div>
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt;">PRAYER</span></b></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt;">“As with
gladness men of old, did the guiding star behold; </span></i></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt;">As with joy
they hailed its light, leading onward, beaming bright, </span></i></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt;">So most
gracious Lord may we, evermore be led by Thee.”<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>William C. Dix</span></i></span></div>
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<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhdhNh1CPz0qNtifbm3KdStn3Hs2HNVPI0g3GRq4hbi2V4-OgtfqIXWMiw3asi9V9vAvjt-ycM3rK01VKGx_441S8VDLmLmUJ3kXJMOOh9B6XUqpvg6cjv9ezahY1G4FK__ZfnwaQA1VeyJ/s1600/JoanneJennings.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="150" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhdhNh1CPz0qNtifbm3KdStn3Hs2HNVPI0g3GRq4hbi2V4-OgtfqIXWMiw3asi9V9vAvjt-ycM3rK01VKGx_441S8VDLmLmUJ3kXJMOOh9B6XUqpvg6cjv9ezahY1G4FK__ZfnwaQA1VeyJ/s200/JoanneJennings.jpg" width="200" /></a></div>
<span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><b>THE REVEREND JOANNE BROWNE JENNINGS</b></span></div>
Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2858645187181190104.post-7947857683765399522012-11-30T21:57:00.000-05:002012-11-30T21:57:00.755-05:00FRIDAY, NOVEMBER 30, 2012<!--[if gte mso 9]><xml>
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<span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt;">1
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<span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt;">A few years ago a good friend asked me what she could give me
for my birthday. It occurred to me that what I desired most was her prayers,
for me. And so we agreed that on the 21<sup>st</sup> of every month in that
year, she would offer me the gift of her intercession. What a generous<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>expression of her love for me.</span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt;">In today’s scripture, the Apostle Paul’s love for the church
he has planted in Thessalonica, overflows in intercession, “<i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">may the Lord make your love increase and
overflow for each other and for everyone else, just as ours does for you. May
he strengthen your hearts so that you will be blameless and holy in the
presence of our God and Father when the Lord Jesus comes with all his holy
ones.” 1Thess. 3: 12-13</i></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt;">There is a lot of buzz about gifts right now. Almost every
store assures us that<i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"> they</i> have the
best selection of gifts. But in this season, as we reflect on God’s generous
gift of love, we can resist the lure of giving only temporal gifts. We can offer
our family, our friends, our neighbors, and our community, <b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">the gift of intercession. </i></b>Andrew
Murray was correct when he wrote, “True love will pray.” </span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt;">Today invite the Holy Spirit to give you a list of people that
you can love through Advent, by praying each day for one of them. Your prayers
of intercession will be an extension of Christ’s<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>intercession work in <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>their lives . This is eternal gift giving.</span></span></div>
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<iframe allowfullscreen='allowfullscreen' webkitallowfullscreen='webkitallowfullscreen' mozallowfullscreen='mozallowfullscreen' width='320' height='266' src='https://www.youtube.com/embed/LUUHPDUsLJ0?feature=player_embedded' frameborder='0'></iframe></div>
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<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt;">PRAYER: </span></b></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt;">“Teach me
to pray Lord, teach me to pray. This is my heart cry day unto day. I long to
know Your will and Your way. Teach me to pray, Lord, teach me to pray</span></i><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt;">.” </span></b><span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt;">Albert<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Reitz</span></span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhdhNh1CPz0qNtifbm3KdStn3Hs2HNVPI0g3GRq4hbi2V4-OgtfqIXWMiw3asi9V9vAvjt-ycM3rK01VKGx_441S8VDLmLmUJ3kXJMOOh9B6XUqpvg6cjv9ezahY1G4FK__ZfnwaQA1VeyJ/s1600/JoanneJennings.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="150" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhdhNh1CPz0qNtifbm3KdStn3Hs2HNVPI0g3GRq4hbi2V4-OgtfqIXWMiw3asi9V9vAvjt-ycM3rK01VKGx_441S8VDLmLmUJ3kXJMOOh9B6XUqpvg6cjv9ezahY1G4FK__ZfnwaQA1VeyJ/s200/JoanneJennings.jpg" width="200" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt;"><b>THE REVEREND JOANNE BROWNE JENNINGS </b></span></span></div>
Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2858645187181190104.post-63934696266899080162012-11-29T12:20:00.000-05:002012-11-29T12:20:02.658-05:00THURSDAY, NOVEMBER 29, 2012<!--[if gte mso 9]><xml>
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SECURITY NEEDED!</span></b></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt;">Luke 21:
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<span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt;">Professional body guards are trained to provide high level
security in order to protect people ‘s lives. They are often instructed, at no
small expense, in advanced weapons disarming, in anti-ambush and in anti-terrorism procedures, and even in some aspects of psychology. Why all of
this<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>preparation? Professionals
understand that inadequate training can put a person’s life at risk. </span></span></div>
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<br /></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt;">Our text today, reminds us that high level security is
needed, <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">for our hearts</i>. This is no
surprise.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>For the heart is the source of
our physical, emotional, intellectual, and volitional power. It is the means by
which we connect with God. It is no wonder that Solomon exhorts us, “<i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">above all else, guard your heart, for it is
the wellspring of life”,</i> Proverbs 4:23. </span></span></div>
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<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>As we await the second
Advent, our hearts need to be guarded, against frivolous living that defies the
reality of an eternal reckoning. Our hearts need protection from anxiety, for
this stands in opposition to God’s complete sufficiency for all of life’s
circumstances. Without this kind of security we are at risk, of being
unprepared for the Son of Man’s return. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></span></span></div>
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<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt;">Fortunately, the Holy Spirit is a well trained body guard,
capable of lovingly searching our hearts, and exposing dangerous intruders. It
is the Holy Spirit who prompts, and shapes, the practice of prayer, that
strengthens us to live with hope, as we await the One who stands at the end of
time.</span></span></div>
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<br /></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt;">Today let us surrender afresh to the protective care of the
‘Divine Body Guard’. </span></span></div>
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<br /></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt;">PRAYER</span></b></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt;">“Search me
, O God, and know my heart;<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>test me and
know my thoughts. See if there is any wicked way in me, and lead me in the way
everlasting.” </span></i><span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Psalm 139: 23 &24</span></span></div>
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<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhdhNh1CPz0qNtifbm3KdStn3Hs2HNVPI0g3GRq4hbi2V4-OgtfqIXWMiw3asi9V9vAvjt-ycM3rK01VKGx_441S8VDLmLmUJ3kXJMOOh9B6XUqpvg6cjv9ezahY1G4FK__ZfnwaQA1VeyJ/s1600/JoanneJennings.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="150" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhdhNh1CPz0qNtifbm3KdStn3Hs2HNVPI0g3GRq4hbi2V4-OgtfqIXWMiw3asi9V9vAvjt-ycM3rK01VKGx_441S8VDLmLmUJ3kXJMOOh9B6XUqpvg6cjv9ezahY1G4FK__ZfnwaQA1VeyJ/s200/JoanneJennings.jpg" width="200" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt;"><b>THE REVEREND JOANNE BROWNE JENNINGS</b> </span></span></div>
Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2858645187181190104.post-11912799514386077052012-11-28T00:00:00.000-05:002012-11-28T00:00:08.102-05:00WEDNESDAY, NOVEMBER 28, 2012<!--[if gte mso 9]><xml>
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<span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt;">The news that a new baby is coming, usually awakens great
excitement in a family. There is a sense of expectancy that reshapes the way
the family lives.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Perhaps a bedroom has
to be redesigned, sometimes clothes have to be purchased, or new plans have to
be made about work, or travel. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The
anticipated birth of a baby brings change. </span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt;">Similarly, the signs that precede Christ’s second coming will
precipitate a response. For some their hearts will be crippled by fear,
“apprehensive of what is coming on the world”. (v 26 NIV). But the text invites
an alternative response, one of expectancy. For the <b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">Son of Man is coming, with power
and great glory.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></i></b>Therefore our
living can be charged with hopeful anticipation. Eugene Peterson says its well,
“…up on your feet. Stand tall with your heads high. Help is on the way! “(Luke
21: 28 -The Message). </span></span></div>
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<br /></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt;">We are encouraged to live into this reality. Jesus <b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">is</i></b>
coming again. This assurance generates confidence in the face of life’s many
trials. Today your heart may be burdened, but may I invite<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>you<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>to
make a few small steps of hope. List those things that are burdening you. Now
stand to your feet, move to a mirror so you can <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>see yourself straighten your shoulders and
lift your head, then read aloud each thing that is troubling you, ending<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>each statement with the affirmation, Jesus<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"> is</i></b>
coming, Help <b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">is</i></b> on the way! Finally breathe in deeply and slowly breathe
out. </span></span></div>
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<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt;">May this classic shape note singing of <b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">Coming Again,</i></b> refuel you with
fresh hope today:</span></span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<iframe allowfullscreen='allowfullscreen' webkitallowfullscreen='webkitallowfullscreen' mozallowfullscreen='mozallowfullscreen' width='320' height='266' src='https://www.youtube.com/embed/Akd03ejdBQA?feature=player_embedded' frameborder='0'></iframe></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt;">Prayer: <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"></span>“</span></b><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt;">May the God of hope, fill us with all joy and peace in
believing, so that we may overflow with hope, by the power of the Holy Spirit.”
<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Amen!<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>(Romans 15: 13 adapted.)</span></i></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt;"></span></i></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt;"></span></i></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt;"></span></i></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt;"></span></i></span></div>
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<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt;"><br style="mso-special-character: line-break;" />
<br style="mso-special-character: line-break;" />
</span></i></span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhdhNh1CPz0qNtifbm3KdStn3Hs2HNVPI0g3GRq4hbi2V4-OgtfqIXWMiw3asi9V9vAvjt-ycM3rK01VKGx_441S8VDLmLmUJ3kXJMOOh9B6XUqpvg6cjv9ezahY1G4FK__ZfnwaQA1VeyJ/s1600/JoanneJennings.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="150" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhdhNh1CPz0qNtifbm3KdStn3Hs2HNVPI0g3GRq4hbi2V4-OgtfqIXWMiw3asi9V9vAvjt-ycM3rK01VKGx_441S8VDLmLmUJ3kXJMOOh9B6XUqpvg6cjv9ezahY1G4FK__ZfnwaQA1VeyJ/s200/JoanneJennings.jpg" width="200" /></a></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt;">THE REVEREND JOANNE BROWNE JENNINGS</span></b></span><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt;"> </span></b></div>
Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2858645187181190104.post-64041095199318210782012-11-27T07:05:00.002-05:002012-11-27T07:05:28.415-05:00TUESDAY, NOVEMBER 27, 2012<!--[if gte mso 9]><xml>
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<span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt;">SIGNS<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></span></b></span></div>
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<br /></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"></span></span></b><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt;">Luke 21: 25-26,
29-31</span></i></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt;">Road signs have been around as long as humans have been navigating
through ancient pathways. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Yet, recently I
found myself stumped by them during a driver's license renewal test. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I had reviewed the various road signs prior
to the test, because I knew that some of them are not so easy to decipher. However,
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see some of the signs that I had studied, as I viewed them through the testing
instrument. I needed stronger glasses to see the signs. </span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt;">Our text seeks to provide the lenses we need to discern <b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">the
signs</i></b> that will precede the coming of the Son of Man, and His kingdom. When
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<span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"></span>Natural disasters
often cause us to pause and wonder, ‘where is God in this’? <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The stronger glasses given to us in this text,
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herald our coming King.</span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt;">And so in this week of preparation, we pray with our eyes
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<span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt;">Prayer :</span></b><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt;"> Lord may
your kingdom come, and may your will be done on earth, in us, as it is in
heaven. And open our eyes to see it. Amen</span></i></span></div>
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhdhNh1CPz0qNtifbm3KdStn3Hs2HNVPI0g3GRq4hbi2V4-OgtfqIXWMiw3asi9V9vAvjt-ycM3rK01VKGx_441S8VDLmLmUJ3kXJMOOh9B6XUqpvg6cjv9ezahY1G4FK__ZfnwaQA1VeyJ/s1600/JoanneJennings.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="150" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhdhNh1CPz0qNtifbm3KdStn3Hs2HNVPI0g3GRq4hbi2V4-OgtfqIXWMiw3asi9V9vAvjt-ycM3rK01VKGx_441S8VDLmLmUJ3kXJMOOh9B6XUqpvg6cjv9ezahY1G4FK__ZfnwaQA1VeyJ/s200/JoanneJennings.jpg" width="200" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><span style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt;"><b>THE REVEREND JOANNE BROWNE JENNINGS</b></span></span><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt;"> </span></i></span></div>
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<br /></div>
Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2858645187181190104.post-30930066806187803922012-11-26T00:00:00.000-05:002012-11-26T00:00:01.119-05:00MONDAY, NOVEMBER 26, 2012<!--[if gte mso 9]><xml>
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<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><b><span style="line-height: 115%;">GUESS WHO’S
COMING?</span></b></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><i><span style="line-height: 115%;">Luke 21:27</span></i></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><span style="line-height: 115%;">Most of us know when a guest is coming to stay. We have
usually had some communication, by phone or by email, about our guest’s
intention to visit. Occasionally, however, the door bell rings, and an
unexpected visitor stands in the doorway. This kind of unanticipated visit may cause
a measure of anxiety, especially if we are not prepared to entertain.</span></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><span style="line-height: 115%;">The scripture today, helps us avoid this kind of anxiety. We
are told to expect a special ‘guest’. “The Son of Man <b><i>is</i></b> coming, ..with power
and great glory. ”</span></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><span style="line-height: 115%;">In six days, many followers of the Christian faith will
celebrate the First Sunday of Advent. The word, ‘Advent’ derived from a Latin
word means ‘coming’. It is the season in the life of the church, when the
people of God both reflect on the first coming of Jesus, the long awaited
Messiah, and, anticipate the second coming of Jesus, <b><i>the Son of Man, coming with power
and great glory.</i></b></span></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><span style="line-height: 115%;">Together, this week, let’s prepare for this season. We can
deliberately slow our pace, pushing back against the hustle and bustle swirling
around us. We can open our hearts for some intimate moments with Jesus, a most
desirable guest. We are fortunate that we do not have to rely on ourselves to
initiate this. The simple cry, <i>O come to
my heart, Lord Jesus</i>, will propel us into His intimate embrace.</span></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><span style="line-height: 115%;">May the words of Emily Elliott’s carol, <i>Thou Didst Leave Thy Throne</i>, give voice to our hearts’ cry today: </span></span></span></div>
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><a href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=PBXpuLT1ilo"><span style="line-height: 115%;"></span></a><span style="line-height: 115%;"></span></span></span>
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<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><iframe allowfullscreen='allowfullscreen' webkitallowfullscreen='webkitallowfullscreen' mozallowfullscreen='mozallowfullscreen' width='320' height='266' src='https://www.youtube.com/embed/PBXpuLT1ilo?feature=player_embedded' frameborder='0'></iframe></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><b><span style="line-height: 115%;">Prayer</span></b><span style="line-height: 115%;">: Come Lord
Jesus! Come and visit us, your people. We joyfully await your coming. Come Lord
Jesus, Come!</span></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhdhNh1CPz0qNtifbm3KdStn3Hs2HNVPI0g3GRq4hbi2V4-OgtfqIXWMiw3asi9V9vAvjt-ycM3rK01VKGx_441S8VDLmLmUJ3kXJMOOh9B6XUqpvg6cjv9ezahY1G4FK__ZfnwaQA1VeyJ/s1600/JoanneJennings.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="150" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhdhNh1CPz0qNtifbm3KdStn3Hs2HNVPI0g3GRq4hbi2V4-OgtfqIXWMiw3asi9V9vAvjt-ycM3rK01VKGx_441S8VDLmLmUJ3kXJMOOh9B6XUqpvg6cjv9ezahY1G4FK__ZfnwaQA1VeyJ/s200/JoanneJennings.jpg" width="200" /></a></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt;"><b><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">THE REVEREND JOANNE BROWNE JENNINGS </span></span></b></span></div>
Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2858645187181190104.post-80469629549856402652012-08-16T08:10:00.004-04:002012-08-16T08:10:56.674-04:00Thursday, August 16, 2012
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<span style="font-size: large;"><b>THE SEEDS WITHIN</b></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;"><b>Scripture</b>:<span> </span><i>And
now, O LORD my God, you have made your servant king in place of my father
David, although I am only a little child; I do not know how to go out or come
in.<span> </span>And your servant is in the midst of
the people whom you have chosen, a great people, so numerous they cannot be
numbered or counted.<span> </span>Give your servant therefore
an understanding mind to govern your people, able to discern between good and
evil; for who can govern this your great people?"—I Kings 3:7-9</i></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">As a mother, it is fascinating to see my children
evolve.<span> </span>While they are still quite
young, there are aspects of their personalities and character which are rather
prevalent.<span> </span>More and more I feel that the
seeds of who are they are have already been established and it is simply my job
to nurture my children as they develop into mature individuals.</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">I would venture to say that in Solomon’s case, even though
he was a “child” when he was appointed to be king of Israel, the seeds of who
he would become were already established within him also.<span> </span>He was a natural leader and there was a kind
of fortitude that he possessed, that I am sure his parents observed and nurtured
from a young child.<span> </span>While no one
imagined him assuming the throne at such an early age, himself included, he had
everything that he needed to reign in Jerusalem.<span> </span>Maybe this is why Yahweh asked Solomon a
question that he likely already knew the answer to.<span> </span>Maybe this was God’s way of validating this
young leader for the people.<span> </span>God knew
Solomon and had affirmed his appointment as the king; however, the people did
not necessary make this choice.<span> </span>There
were even people in Solomon’s family who were not sure about him as the leader.<span> </span>So God offers and invitation and Solomon
accepts the invitation with a request for understanding and discernment so that
he might lead God’s people effectively. <span> </span>How wise of Solomon to answer God in this way…
</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;"><b>Invitation</b>:<span> </span>Do you find yourself in any situation in
which you are asking, “Why me”?<span> </span>May you
have a new opportunity which seems to be beyond your expectations.<span> </span>Maybe you are experiencing some adversity in
which you never imagined.<span> </span>Surrender the
situation and yourself to God.<span> </span>Relinquish
your sense of knowing and understanding and ask God for divine understanding
and discernment regarding your situation.<span>
</span>Discover what happens.</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;"><b>Prayer</b>:<span> </span><i>Holy,
holy, holy, Lord God Almighty, thank you for upholding us when we are
overwhelmed by new opportunities.<span> </span>We
surrender ourselves to you and pray for wisdom as we tread the waters ahead.<span> </span>Thank you for believing in us.<span> </span>We absolutely believe in you.<span> </span>Amen.</i></span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhqGFKWpIX7LayBncojko5rVHfiexheuQyO5B9BTydhOJaqCKJX8oTkOVv1pGGgsLgbomCUuT_KbgWH92Rj4v4M9Qlpo1HnZ-UIlJQ0V8l-VOmkwKegs9StG8FZFsQ9o1cBoBJ09f8Wzddc/s1600/TiffneyWebHeadShotWeb.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhqGFKWpIX7LayBncojko5rVHfiexheuQyO5B9BTydhOJaqCKJX8oTkOVv1pGGgsLgbomCUuT_KbgWH92Rj4v4M9Qlpo1HnZ-UIlJQ0V8l-VOmkwKegs9StG8FZFsQ9o1cBoBJ09f8Wzddc/s200/TiffneyWebHeadShotWeb.jpg" width="185" /></a></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">
<span style="font-size: large;"><b>The Reverend Tiffney Marley</b><i> </i></span></div>
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Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2858645187181190104.post-11973212014098042512012-08-15T07:44:00.000-04:002012-08-15T07:44:41.737-04:00Wednesday, August 15, 2012
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<span style="font-size: large;"><b>ASK</b></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;"><b>Scripture:</b><i><span> </span>At
Gibeon the LORD appeared to Solomon in a dream by night; and God said,
"Ask what I should give you."</i>—<span class="citation"><i> 1 Kings 3:5</i></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">Every year my Mom asks, “What would you like for Christmas,”
and after careful deliberation, I tell her precisely what I want.<span> </span>She in turn gives careful attention to buying
the requested item.<span> </span>Interestingly, she knows my needs,
likes and dislikes quite well; however, she faithfully asks me the question
anyway.</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">Similarly, Yahweh says, “Ask what I should give you,” even
though he is aware of Solomon’s every need and every desire.<span> </span>He needs to hear Solomon articulate his
desire for himself.<span> </span>Solomon’s need
statement serves as a pivotal moment in his conversation with God.</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;"><b>Invitation</b>:<span> </span>What is it that you need from God that you
have not yet formulated into words?<span> </span>God
indeed knows our every need and our every desire; however, something happens
when we say it.<span> </span>In your quiet space
today, retrieve that deep yearning within your soul.<span> </span>Now tell God.</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;"><b>Prayer</b>:<span> </span><i>Jehovah
Jireh, indeed you provide our every need.<span>
</span>Thank you for your love and attentiveness.<span> </span>Also, thank you for allowing safe space for
us to articulate our deepest thoughts and needs to you.<span> </span>You are such a patient and faithful God.<span> </span>Amen.</i></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhqGFKWpIX7LayBncojko5rVHfiexheuQyO5B9BTydhOJaqCKJX8oTkOVv1pGGgsLgbomCUuT_KbgWH92Rj4v4M9Qlpo1HnZ-UIlJQ0V8l-VOmkwKegs9StG8FZFsQ9o1cBoBJ09f8Wzddc/s1600/TiffneyWebHeadShotWeb.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhqGFKWpIX7LayBncojko5rVHfiexheuQyO5B9BTydhOJaqCKJX8oTkOVv1pGGgsLgbomCUuT_KbgWH92Rj4v4M9Qlpo1HnZ-UIlJQ0V8l-VOmkwKegs9StG8FZFsQ9o1cBoBJ09f8Wzddc/s200/TiffneyWebHeadShotWeb.jpg" width="185" /></a></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif; font-size: large;"><b>The Reverend Tiffney Marley</b></span><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif; font-size: large;"> </span></i></div>
Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2858645187181190104.post-84423022183130464362012-08-14T07:56:00.004-04:002012-08-14T07:56:40.457-04:00Tuesday, August 14, 2012
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<span style="font-size: large;"><span class="citation"><b>SUCCESSION
PLAN</b></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;"><b>Scripture</b>:<span> </span><i>So
Solomon sat on the throne of his father David; and his kingdom was firmly
established. Solomon loved the LORD, walking in the statutes of his father
David; only, he sacrificed and offered incense at the high places. --<span class="citation"> 1 Kings 2:12; 3:3</span></i></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">Are you sure I am your choice?<span> </span>This comes as a real surprise.<span> </span>I did not expect to be appointed to this
position in a million years.<span> </span>I am not a
Ph.D.<span> </span>Are you sure that I am the
one?<span> </span>These are the questions I raised
when appointed to a position at a seminary several years ago.<span> </span>Their response was, “Tiffney, you are young,
you are a woman, you are single, you are innovative, and you love the church…when
we look at you we see the future!”<span> </span></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">There were probably many reasons why Solomon would not be a
suitable king, especially given that his father, David was one of the most
notable kings in history.<span> </span>Solomon had
large shoes to fill; however, the very characteristics people used to disqualify
him from being worthy of the appointment, God used as justification for why he
was indeed the right one to succeed David.<span>
</span>The reality is that God’s succession plan was likely not even Solomon’s
plan; however, when the moment arrived, Solomon said yes and fully embraced his
new role as the king of Israel.</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;"><b>Invitation</b>:<span> </span>Is there an unimaginable possibility before
you?<span> </span>Grab hold of it and lay at the
foot of the cross.<span> </span>Discover what happens…</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;"><b>Prayer</b>:<span> </span><i>King of
Kings, thank you for seeing us according to our full potential and calling us
forth do things that we never imagined.<span>
</span>Even when we feel don’t feel qualified to serve, you sustain us and
teach us to stretch beyond our potential.<span>
</span>Thank you.<span> </span>Thank you.<span> </span>Thank you.<span>
</span>Amen. <span> </span></i></span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhqGFKWpIX7LayBncojko5rVHfiexheuQyO5B9BTydhOJaqCKJX8oTkOVv1pGGgsLgbomCUuT_KbgWH92Rj4v4M9Qlpo1HnZ-UIlJQ0V8l-VOmkwKegs9StG8FZFsQ9o1cBoBJ09f8Wzddc/s1600/TiffneyWebHeadShotWeb.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhqGFKWpIX7LayBncojko5rVHfiexheuQyO5B9BTydhOJaqCKJX8oTkOVv1pGGgsLgbomCUuT_KbgWH92Rj4v4M9Qlpo1HnZ-UIlJQ0V8l-VOmkwKegs9StG8FZFsQ9o1cBoBJ09f8Wzddc/s200/TiffneyWebHeadShotWeb.jpg" width="185" /></a></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">
<span style="font-size: large;"><b><span>The Reverend Tiffney Marley</span></b><i><span> </span></i></span></div>
Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2858645187181190104.post-66806202259234572292012-08-13T07:24:00.001-04:002012-08-13T07:24:32.331-04:00Monday, August 13, 2012
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<span style="font-size: large;"><b>SAYING GOODBYE…<br />
<br />
</b></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;"><b>Scripture</b>:<span> </span><i>Then
David slept with his ancestors, and was buried in the city of David.<span> </span>The time that David reigned over Israel was
forty years; he reigned seven years in Hebron, and thirty-three years in
Jerusalem.--<span class="citation"> 1 Kings 2:10-11</span></i></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">One of my dear colleagues and former professors went to
sleep in Abraham’s bosom on last week.<span>
</span>She possessed a quiet warmth and keen discernment.<span> </span>In life she often went unnoticed; however,
her death is glaring and has left an expansive void.<span> </span>She was a woman of small stature; however,
she has massive shoes to fill.<span> </span>Her voice
was soft, yet her message was thundering and prolific.<span> </span>Her gentleness and generosity were
consuming.<span> </span>She was truly a saint!<span> </span>Those of us who knew and loved her are happy
that she has transitioned into celestial existence; however, at the same time our
hearts ache…</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">In contrast to my friend, David was a public figure—an international
icon of his time.<span> </span>I imagine when he
died, Israel and the nations around her stopped.<span> </span>Sack cloth and ashes were likely the attire
of the entire kingdom.<span> </span>Israel too felt a
huge void.<span> </span>What would life be like
without David?<span> </span>How would his shoes ever
be filled?</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;"><b>Prayer</b>:<span> </span><i>Comforter,
as we wrestle with death and reflect on our feelings of loss, please strengthen
us.<span> </span>We rejoice in the lives of those who
have served you so faithfully and have touched our hearts so tenderly.<span> </span>Amen.</i></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhqGFKWpIX7LayBncojko5rVHfiexheuQyO5B9BTydhOJaqCKJX8oTkOVv1pGGgsLgbomCUuT_KbgWH92Rj4v4M9Qlpo1HnZ-UIlJQ0V8l-VOmkwKegs9StG8FZFsQ9o1cBoBJ09f8Wzddc/s1600/TiffneyWebHeadShotWeb.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhqGFKWpIX7LayBncojko5rVHfiexheuQyO5B9BTydhOJaqCKJX8oTkOVv1pGGgsLgbomCUuT_KbgWH92Rj4v4M9Qlpo1HnZ-UIlJQ0V8l-VOmkwKegs9StG8FZFsQ9o1cBoBJ09f8Wzddc/s200/TiffneyWebHeadShotWeb.jpg" width="185" /></a></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;"><b style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">The Reverend Tiffney Marley</b></span><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span style="font-size: large;"><b style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"> </b></span></i></div>
Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2858645187181190104.post-87136879132175838142012-08-12T09:09:00.005-04:002012-08-12T09:10:04.036-04:00Sunday, August 12, 2012<br />
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<b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">Praise on my Lips</span></b></div>
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<br /></div>
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<b>Scripture:</b> <span style="color: windowtext; text-decoration: none; text-underline: none;"><a href="http://bible.oremus.org/?ql=211306481">Psalm 34:1-8</a></span></div>
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<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">
<i>I will bless the Lord at all times; his praise
shall continually be in my mouth. Psalm 34:1</i></div>
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<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
What is praise? How do you praise God? Often we relate
praise to joyful songs and powerful testimonies. But what if praise is more than joyful songs and powerful testimonies but the act of calling out to God in all times and places?</div>
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<br /></div>
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Consider your week. Now make a list of praise. When and
where can you name the Gentle Shepherd’s presence in your life? While it may be
easier to recall the joyful moments and name our Creator’s presence in those
times, I suspect you encountered God under the broom tree as well. Even in the
hard times, especially in the hard times, our Savior is still with us; Emmanuel
holds us close.</div>
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<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
When we cry
out to our Maker, we proclaim the Holy Trinity as one who cares, who hears, who
responds even when we may doubt or get discouraged. Our continual seeking of the
Prince of Peace reminds us and the world that God is here. </div>
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<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
We feed on the Bread of Life as we cry out in pain and joy, in
sorrow and thanksgiving. With the Bread of Life on our lips and in our stomachs,
the Spirit nourishes us for the facing of each day. And for this we give thanks.</div>
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<br /></div>
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<o:p><br /></o:p></div>
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<b>Prayer:</b> <i>Lamb of God, you walk with us in the valley and on the
mountaintop. You hear us when we cry out with our voices and thoughts. May our entire
lives be acts of praise which proclaim who you are to the world. Amen. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></i></div>
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<i><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"><br /></span></i></div>
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<i><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"><br /></span></i></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhbWRkuOR9uY8yuuZMrgjDJIrbRFHYA8yALzx__2RhrniSqFXwTxe8EFuceM2JcMFU6ZNtP31HuNCTDfRYFga-tuL7qdD-9gAHhIxrnBxApcW9IvXa5_Zrc2wgwgxhKeSKEFGWkmUGyyEU/s1600/Headshot_JManis.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhbWRkuOR9uY8yuuZMrgjDJIrbRFHYA8yALzx__2RhrniSqFXwTxe8EFuceM2JcMFU6ZNtP31HuNCTDfRYFga-tuL7qdD-9gAHhIxrnBxApcW9IvXa5_Zrc2wgwgxhKeSKEFGWkmUGyyEU/s200/Headshot_JManis.jpg" width="190" /></a></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b>Jennifer M. Manis</b></div>
<br />
<div id="wrc-float-icon" style="background-image: url(safari-extension://com.avast.wrc-6H4HRTU5E3/973f7ec/images/float/green-3.png); display: none; height: 42px; left: 15px; position: fixed; top: 15px; width: 42px; z-index: 2147483646;">
</div>Jennifer M. Manishttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16801645109846268157noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2858645187181190104.post-74510988251362383932012-08-11T09:09:00.001-04:002012-08-11T09:09:49.332-04:00Saturday, August 11, 2012<br />
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<b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">Wedding Feast</span></b></div>
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<br /></div>
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<b>Scripture:</b> <a href="http://bible.oremus.org/?ql=211197086"><span style="color: windowtext; text-decoration: none; text-underline: none;">1 Kings
19:4-8</span></a><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span></div>
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<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">
<span style="color: #010000;"><i>The angel of the <span class="sc"><span style="font-variant: small-caps;">Lord</span></span><span class="apple-converted-space"> </span>came a second time, touched him, and
said, </i></span></div>
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<span style="color: #010000;"><i>“Get up and eat, otherwise the journey will be too much for you.” </i></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">
<span style="color: #010000;"><i>1 Kings
19:7</i><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #010000;"><br /></span></div>
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<span style="color: #010000;">Whether the rain trickles down
from gray clouds or the sun rays dance on the tall grass, two of my friends
will commit their lives to each other this afternoon. With each “I do,” their
journey together will continue. I do not know if the way ahead will take them
up steep cliffs, through rivers, or across sandy shores, but I do know that
they will go together, supported by a community of family and friends.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="color: #010000;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="color: #010000;">No one will have to say, “Get up
and eat” today, but as the days go by and their journey changes course, from
time to time someone might need to say, “Get up and eat, otherwise the journey
will be too much for you.”<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The bountiful
feast shared today will provide the couple and the community who supports them
energy for the initial journey, but it will not be enough for a lifetime
together. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="color: #010000;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="color: #010000;">All our relationships are
nurtured and sustained by what we consume. Take a look at your plate.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="color: #010000;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"><br /></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="color: #010000;">What are you eating? <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="color: #010000;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="color: #010000;">Is your plate filled with the
protein of love, the rich greens of grace, the fortifying grains of mercy? Or
are you having more than the daily recommended allowance of fatty despair and
salty negativity?<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="color: #010000;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="color: #010000;">It is no coincidence that in our
economic market we, the purchasers, are called consumers. We eat everything we
take in: television ads, people’s opinions, song lyrics. We feed on these daily
without much thought. But do they sustain us for the journey? Are they nutritious
for our body and soul?<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="color: #010000;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="color: #010000;">As you go through your day, pay attention
to what you consume. Which relationships help you grow as a person? Which relationships
eat away at you? Which activities build you up and which activities leave you feeling
drained and abused?<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="color: #010000;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="color: #010000;">Fill your plate with the bounty of
the wedding feast each day so that wherever your journey may take you, you will
be nourished.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="color: #010000;"><br /></span></div>
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<span style="color: #010000;"><b>Prayer:</b> <i>Holy Bridegroom, you invite
us to the banquet table. Make us yearn for you and the fruits of the wedding feast.
Sustain us with a wedding party who cares for our whole being and keeps us nourished
by your love. Amen.</i><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="color: #010000;"><b>Jennifer M. Manis</b></span></div>
<br />
<div id="wrc-float-icon" style="background-image: url(safari-extension://com.avast.wrc-6H4HRTU5E3/bb996966/images/float/green-3.png); display: none; height: 42px; left: 15px; position: fixed; top: 15px; width: 42px; z-index: 2147483646;">
</div>Jennifer M. Manishttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16801645109846268157noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2858645187181190104.post-86790233267732514922012-08-10T00:00:00.000-04:002012-08-10T00:00:02.006-04:00Friday, August 10, 2012<br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><b>The Thorny Truth</b></span></div>
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<br /></div>
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<b>Scripture:</b> <a href="http://bible.oremus.org/?ql=211564966" target="_blank">Ephesians 4:25-5:2</a><span style="mso-tab-count: 2;"> </span></div>
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<br /></div>
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<span style="color: #010000;"><i>So then, putting
away falsehood, let all of us speak the truth to our neighbors, </i></span></div>
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<span style="color: #010000;"><i>for we are
members of one another.<span class="apple-converted-space"> </span>Ephesians
4:25</i><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="color: #010000;"><br /></span></div>
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<span style="color: #010000;">The truth is a thorny rose. I
heard this statement time and again from my pastor growing up. As a tween, I
couldn’t fully grasp the meaning of this statement. Yet, in the past few days, these
words resounded in my head as I witnessed conflicts in two different
environments. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="color: #010000;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="color: #010000;">The truth is a thorny rose.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="color: #010000;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="color: #010000;">In each instance, two people
presented their opinion/perspective on a topic. The conversation escalated to
conflict when the people involved shifted from making a statement to hearing
the other person’s viewpoint as a challenge to their own. A simple opinion
morphs into a defense; not just a defense of an idea, but a defense of the
person’s being.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="color: #010000;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="color: #010000;">But what does this mean if we
hold fast to the reality that we are members of one another?<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="color: #010000;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="color: #010000;">How does it alter the way we speak
truth to our neighbors?<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="color: #010000;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="color: #010000;">Often, in our attempts to speak
truth to another, we engage them as an “other,” as a person distinct from ourselves.
Yet as people of the Risen Lord, we are members of the body of Christ. To speak
truth to another is to speak truth to ourselves. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="color: #010000;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="color: #010000;">Like holding a rose, encountering
truth and beauty often stems from pain. But if we remember the person we speak to
is part of who we are in Christ Jesus it just may alter how we hold a thorny rose
with them.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="color: #010000;"><br /></span></div>
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<span style="color: #010000;"><br /></span></div>
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<span style="color: #010000;"><b>Prayer:</b><i> Eternal Truth, you immerse
us in the pain and beauty of life together. Guide our interactions with one another.
Temper our anger and enable us to speak the truth with your grace and mercy. Amen.</i><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="color: #010000;"><i><br /></i></span></div>
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<span style="color: #010000;"><i><br /></i></span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjx5_DCbHOxqsF_K-aqMFacwcxGkyj1rTF4REnAmiwsgZ7z00_VaPwSncZqDtZ1jI4wJEEP9jcyttngH_nqrVJFZhF8bvNZb0QU3GVQUL7ls_1PHHuTP_N1HsP0ztXiLfWg39ZLWiVZz3Q/s1600/Headshot_JManis.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjx5_DCbHOxqsF_K-aqMFacwcxGkyj1rTF4REnAmiwsgZ7z00_VaPwSncZqDtZ1jI4wJEEP9jcyttngH_nqrVJFZhF8bvNZb0QU3GVQUL7ls_1PHHuTP_N1HsP0ztXiLfWg39ZLWiVZz3Q/s200/Headshot_JManis.jpg" width="190" /></a></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="color: #010000;"><b>Jennifer M. Manis</b></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<br />
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</div>Jennifer M. Manishttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16801645109846268157noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2858645187181190104.post-57110573737528158802012-08-09T00:20:00.000-04:002012-08-09T00:20:39.158-04:00Thursday, August 9, 2012<br />
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<b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">Haters Gonna Hate</span></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b>Scripture:</b> <a href="http://bible.oremus.org/?ql=211392775"><span style="color: windowtext; text-decoration: none; text-underline: none;">John 6:35,
41-51</span></a></div>
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<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">
<i><span style="color: #010000;">They were saying, “Is
not this Jesus, the son of Joseph, whose father and mother we know? </span></i><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #010000;">How can he
now say, ‘I have come down from heaven’?”<span class="apple-converted-space"> </span> </span></i></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">
<i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #010000;">John 6:35</span></i></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="color: #010000;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="color: #010000;">My friend and I have written a
few new Proverbs. The one most cited is Proverbs 32:1: Haters gonna hate. It’s
easy for people who don’t know us well to talk smack about us based on the few
details they do know about our lives.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #010000;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #010000;">“Is this not Casey, the son of
John, the local drunk? He’ll never amount to much.”</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="color: #010000;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="color: #010000;">“Is this not Sharonda, the
daughter of Mary, who can’t hold down a job? She’ll be just like her mama.”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="color: #010000;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="color: #010000;">“Is this not Jesse, the foster
child whose parents disowned him? He won’t amount to much.”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="color: #010000;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="color: #010000;">While my friend has taught me
that “haters gonna hate,” for many years I internalized negative messages like
these and lived as a captive to the shame induced by statements such as these.
Jesus knows who he is and whose he is and does not listen to the negativity.
Instead, he lives into the boldness of our Creator’s love. Trusting he is loved
unconditionally, Jesus lives boldly. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="color: #010000;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="color: #010000;">Who are the negative voices in
your head? Who are the negative voices around you? <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="color: #010000;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="color: #010000;">Do the voices ever morph into
your own voice?<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="color: #010000;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="color: #010000;">Addressing and naming shame is
not an easy process. But once you begin the journey, healing emerges and the
beauty of God’s grace enfolds you in ways never before imagined.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="color: #010000;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="color: #010000;">I encourage you to pause today and
<a href="http://www.ted.com/talks/brene_brown_listening_to_shame.html" target="_blank">watch this video</a>. Brene Brown’s message may help you or someone you know to live
more vulnerably and deal with the shame that lives within.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="color: #010000;"><br /></span></div>
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<span style="color: #010000;"><br /></span></div>
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<span style="color: #010000;"><b>Prayer: </b><i>Healing Lord, you love us
regardless of who are parents are and where we are from. Enable us to see ourselves
as you see us. Empower us to heal the pain that resides deep within us. Amen.</i><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="color: #010000;"><i><br /></i></span></div>
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<span style="color: #010000;"><i><br /></i></span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<span style="color: #010000;"><b>Jennifer M. Manis</b></span></div>
<br />
<div id="wrc-float-icon" style="background-image: url(safari-extension://com.avast.wrc-6H4HRTU5E3/36c3645d/images/float/green-3.png); display: none; height: 42px; left: 15px; position: fixed; top: 15px; width: 42px; z-index: 2147483646;">
</div>Jennifer M. Manishttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16801645109846268157noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2858645187181190104.post-88624206360341967922012-08-08T00:13:00.000-04:002012-08-08T00:13:31.705-04:00Wednesday, August 8, 2012<br />
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<b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">Hungry for Bread</span></b></div>
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<br /></div>
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<b>Scripture:</b> <a href="http://bible.oremus.org/?ql=211392775"><span style="color: windowtext; text-decoration: none; text-underline: none;">John 6:35, 41-51</span></a></div>
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<span style="color: #010000;"><i>Jesus said to them,
“I am the bread of life. Whoever comes to me will never be hungry, and whoever
believes in me will never be thirsty.” John 6:35</i><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="color: #010000;"><i><br /></i></span></div>
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<span style="color: #010000;">I struggle with Jesus’s words here.
Never be hungry? Really Jesus?<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="color: #010000;"><br /></span></div>
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<span style="color: #010000;">As I serve at local food pantries
and soup kitchens, I hear repeatedly the stories of neighbors who are hungry. Chronic
illness, lay-offs, car repairs – it only takes a minor incident to make putting
bread on the table a challenge. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="color: #010000;"><br /></span></div>
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<span style="color: #010000;">At some soup kitchens, the practice
is to preach to the crowd before they are allowed to eat. Each time I hear this
passage I can’t help but wonder, how would I receive the gospel story if I were
hungry, if I did not know when I would eat again?<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="color: #010000;"><br /></span></div>
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<span style="color: #010000;">Perhaps some of the people following
Jesus grumbled about his message because they were hungry. “Who does this guy think
he is? Bread of life? I need some bread in my stomach.”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="color: #010000;"><br /></span></div>
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<span style="color: #010000;">In this moment Jesus speaks to both
our physical and spiritual need for food. The two are never separate. Consider these
words from Archbishop Desmond Tutu: </span></div>
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<span style="color: #010000;"><br /></span></div>
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<span style="color: #010000;"><i>"I don't preach a social gospel; I preach the Gospel, period. The gospel of our Lord Jesus Christ is concerned for the whole person. When people were hungry, Jesus didn't say, 'Now is that political or social?' He said, 'I feed you.' Because the good news to a hungry person is bread."</i><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="color: #010000;"><br /></span></div>
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<span style="color: #010000;"><b>Prayer:</b> <i>Bread of Life, feed us each
day. Give us our daily bread. Make us slow to speak and eager to listen to the stories
of our neighbors. May our desire to preach the gospel be tempered may your call
to feed the hungry. Amen.</i><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="color: #010000;"><i><br /></i></span></div>
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<span style="color: #010000;"><i><br /></i></span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiXSkad43ybAKqW3mi1QLL1ZWTmNzxqCRlDlNWL-CgziGktGlLnDoSgwjfNNG-ueuCXdf1jk-KujREJNuTqeXMvVYjDj1V5lfIFMPQPhS-VD8-H-txdOSkb-UTHvhTjfngXUpznZyj9WH4/s1600/Headshot_JManis.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiXSkad43ybAKqW3mi1QLL1ZWTmNzxqCRlDlNWL-CgziGktGlLnDoSgwjfNNG-ueuCXdf1jk-KujREJNuTqeXMvVYjDj1V5lfIFMPQPhS-VD8-H-txdOSkb-UTHvhTjfngXUpznZyj9WH4/s200/Headshot_JManis.jpg" width="190" /></a></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="color: #010000;"><b>Jennifer M. Manis</b></span></div>
<br />
<br />
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</div>Jennifer M. Manishttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16801645109846268157noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2858645187181190104.post-11847545009133088152012-08-07T00:13:00.004-04:002012-08-07T00:15:53.023-04:00Tuesday, August 7, 2012<br />
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<b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">Waiting for Peace</span></b></div>
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<b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></b></div>
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<b>Scripture:</b> <a href="http://bible.oremus.org/?ql=211197086"><span style="color: windowtext;">1 Kings
19:4-8</span></a> and <a href="http://bible.oremus.org/?ql=211306481"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: black;">Psalm 34:1-8</span></a></div>
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<br /></div>
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<i>I sought the Lord, and he answered me, and
delivered me from all my fears…</i></div>
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<i>This poor soul cried, and was heard by the Lord, </i></div>
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<i>and was saved from every trouble. </i></div>
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<i>Psalm 34:4&6</i></div>
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<br /></div>
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She resides at the intersection of Fear and Pain. Each day
people walk by and do not notice her. Recently diagnosed with HIV, she
struggles with how to tell her friends and confront her lover.</div>
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<br /></div>
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He waits alone in the room. A loosely tied hospital gown
drapes over his diminished frame. The television crackles in the background and
he waits.</div>
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<br /></div>
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Barbara continues to search for meaning in her life.
Eighteen years of marriage ended when her partner lost control of the car and
hydroplaned into an ancient oak tree.</div>
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<br /></div>
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Each cries out to God and waits for peace. They wait for
courage and as they wait, they question.</div>
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<br /></div>
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Why did God do this? How could God let this happen? When
will God take the pain away?</div>
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<br /></div>
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While the Psalmist boldly proclaims how “the Lord…delivered
me from all my fears” (v. 4) and “saved [me] from every trouble” (v. 6), I
wonder what he muttered in the moment. Did he cry out like Elijah for death? How
long did he beg our Creator for release from the pain?</div>
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<br /></div>
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As people of faith, we know that the Gentle Shepherd accompanies
us in the valleys of our lives. Yet, we may struggle with feeling the Holy
One’s presence and peace in times of great stress. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Our experience of pain and heartache may prevent
us from experiencing the steadfastness of God.</div>
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<br /></div>
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What habits or practices enable you to connect with God in the
midst of distress and uncertainty?</div>
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<br /></div>
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Who waits with you under the broom tree?</div>
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<b>Prayer:</b><i> Eternal Lord, you accompany us in times of pain and sorrow.
Surround us with a community that radiates with your patience and grace. Hold us
in the dark places of our lives and continue to shine your light in the world. Amen.</i></div>
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<i><br /></i></div>
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<div class="MsoNormal">
<b>Jennifer M. Manis</b></div>
<br />
<div id="wrc-float-icon" style="background-image: url(safari-extension://com.avast.wrc-6H4HRTU5E3/bfa1b899/images/float/green-3.png); display: none; height: 42px; left: 15px; position: fixed; top: 15px; width: 42px; z-index: 2147483646;">
</div>Jennifer M. Manishttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16801645109846268157noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2858645187181190104.post-46340273875136208552012-08-06T00:00:00.000-04:002012-08-06T00:02:07.961-04:00Monday, August 6, 2012<br />
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<b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">Death Cries</span></b></div>
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<b>Scripture:</b> <a href="http://bible.oremus.org/?ql=211197086"><span style="color: windowtext;">1 Kings
19:4-8</span></a></div>
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<br /></div>
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<i>Then [Elijah] lay down under the broom tree and
fell asleep. </i></div>
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<i>Suddenly an angel touched him and said to him, “Get up and eat.” </i></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">
<i>1
Kings 19:5</i></div>
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<br /></div>
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“Kill me Lord,” Elijah cries out. Sore muscles and jittery
nerves overcome him as he stops at the broom tree. Surely Elijah completed his
mission; surely the Holy One is done with him. Or maybe he is done with the
Holy One. </div>
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<br /></div>
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Perhaps Elijah’s cry to the Lord is yours. “I can’t do this
any longer God. Just end my life so I don’t have to suffer, so my family doesn’t
have to suffer.” </div>
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<br /></div>
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Perhaps your cry echoes the Israelites: “<span class="apple-style-span"><span style="color: #010000;">If only we had died by the
hand of the Lord</span></span><span class="apple-converted-space"><span style="color: #010000;"> </span></span><span class="apple-style-span"><span style="color: #010000;">in the land of Egypt, when we sat by the fleshpots and
ate our fill of bread; for you have brought us out into this wilderness to kill
this whole assembly with hunger” (Exodus 16:3).<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<span class="apple-style-span"><span style="color: #010000;"><br /></span></span></div>
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<span class="apple-style-span"><span style="color: #010000;">Why
God? Why did you bring me here? I thought I was following you. I thought you
would provide for my every need. I am hungry. I am tired. I am scared. Kill me
Lord, for I can take no more.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<br /></div>
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I imagine by the time Elijah rested his head that night
exhaustion overcame all emotion and he slept. Last night as you fell asleep, what
hopes and fears crossed your mind? Did you cry out for death? Did you question
our Creator’s presence in your life?</div>
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<br /></div>
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Elijah cries out in his pain and the Great I Am hears him.
Not only does God hear Elijah, God acts.</div>
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<br /></div>
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An angel touches Elijah and says, “Get up and eat” (1 Kings
19:5). A call to life answers a cry for death. Get up and eat. </div>
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<br /></div>
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In times when death seems better than life, who calls you to
eat? </div>
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<br /></div>
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In times when you cry out for death, who answers with life?</div>
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What angel beckons you to come and eat?</div>
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<b>Prayer:</b> <i>Living God, you hear our cries for death and answer with
life. Open us to experience your life-giving power in times of death and
sorrow. Send angels bold to declare, “Get up and eat.” Amen.</i></div>
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<i><br /></i></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjBugC8aaRs4LH5IDZOpGXRg3t0KWe2TyhTqnvAbRkKZm-DCDrcl7BVNALrvO5MxEC3TEixmIzOTZEXmW4Gdib0SDFBDCSFQCOu4a98Lg2JVHpxJG8PYFsy-wSFr3B6-wLl-wEpgTvP2_Y/s1600/Headshot_JManis.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjBugC8aaRs4LH5IDZOpGXRg3t0KWe2TyhTqnvAbRkKZm-DCDrcl7BVNALrvO5MxEC3TEixmIzOTZEXmW4Gdib0SDFBDCSFQCOu4a98Lg2JVHpxJG8PYFsy-wSFr3B6-wLl-wEpgTvP2_Y/s200/Headshot_JManis.jpg" width="190" /></a></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<i> </i><b>Jennifer M. Manis</b></div>
<br />
<div id="wrc-float-icon" style="background-image: url(safari-extension://com.avast.wrc-6H4HRTU5E3/5ac52637/images/float/green-3.png); display: none; height: 42px; left: 15px; position: fixed; top: 15px; width: 42px; z-index: 2147483646;">
</div>Jennifer M. Manishttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16801645109846268157noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2858645187181190104.post-51695324143746042312012-08-05T00:00:00.000-04:002012-08-05T00:00:00.345-04:00Sunday, August 5, 2012<strong><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;">"IF IT WERE A SNAKE IT WOULD HAVE BITTEN YOU!"</span></strong><br />
<br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><strong>Scripture</strong>: John 6:24-25</span></span><br />
<br />
<blockquote class="tr_bq">
<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><em>What
sign are you going to give us then, so that we may see it and believe you? What
work are you performing? Our ancestors ate the manna in the wilderness; as it
is written, He gave them bread from heaven to eat.</em>
</span></span></blockquote>
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;">
As a child, my mother frequently sent me to find things for her, and when I
went to the spot she told me to look, I did a quick glance over and called
out,” Momma! I can’t find it!” My short attention span, impatience, and
tendency to overlook details caused me to glaze over the item I was looking
for. My mother would come behind me, look for a second, find the item, and say, “girl if it were a snake it would have jumped up and bit you!”</span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;">
As opposed to the synoptic gospels, the gospel of John Jesus states explicitly
who he is, He is the bread of life, He is the door, he is the way the truth and
the life. He repeats these phrases throughout the book, so it should be no
surprise to the people when he doesn’t perform signs and wonders, because his
very presence is the sign and the wonder. The
people wanted signs, something external, something
tangible, like the manna from heaven--not realizing the gift of God in front of them.</span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><strong>Prayer</strong>: <em>God in our human sensibilities, open up our hearts to the super natural. Allow us to see both the tangible and intangible signs that you give us, and show us how to respond. God give us the vision and sight to see you when you are right in front of us. Remove the blocks and clouds that have us searching for everything except for what you have put right in front of us. When you call to us, we will answer.</em></span></span><br />
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<strong><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;">The Reverend Emma Akpan</span></strong>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2858645187181190104.post-49800699001044035362012-08-04T00:00:00.000-04:002012-08-04T22:58:59.424-04:00Saturday, August 4, 2012<div style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">
<b><span style="font-size: large;">WHAT ARE YOU GOING TO DO NOW?</span></b></div>
<div style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">
<span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">
<span style="font-size: large;"><b>Scripture:</b> Ephesians 4: 1- 16</span></div>
<blockquote class="tr_bq" style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">
<span style="font-size: large;"><i>The gifts he gave were that some would be apostles, some prophets, some evangelists, some pastors and teachers, to equip the saints for the work of the ministry for building up the body of Christ.</i></span></blockquote>
<div style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">
<span style="font-size: large;">I was recently ordained, and as a result, nearly everyone asked, what are you going to do now? That question made me so nervous that I avoided talking about my pending ordination to many. Will you be a pastor now? Some pressed. Will you have a church? What’s the plan? These questions both frustrated and frightened me. I didn’t fit into whatever plans they had imagined in their heads. I had no clear answer. </span></div>
<div style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">
<span style="font-size: large;"><br />As far as ministry goes, most people are familiar with the pastor or the preacher, so when one imagines a “Reverend” one thinks of a pastor with a congregation. When I initially received the call to ministry, I found myself not in a church, but in a women’s homeless shelter where I taught Bible study. The women energized me and I loved talking and interacting with them. I knew from the beginning that ministry does not mean that we fling open the church doors and ask people to come, we walk outside of the church and go to the people.</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;"><br />Today’s passage reminds us to be true to ourselves and our gifts, talents and interests. Those questions and my frustration have only driven me to slow down and reflect on what God has given me, not what others think God has given me. </span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;"><b>Prayer</b>: <i>God thank you for the gifts and talents you have entrusted in all of us. Give us the eyes to see our uniqueness, and give us hearts to use it. Amen.</i></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif; font-size: large;"><b>The Reverend Emma Akpan</b></span>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2858645187181190104.post-78597473747064414402012-08-03T20:42:00.000-04:002012-08-03T20:42:00.344-04:00Friday, August 3, 2012<div style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">
<span style="font-size: large;"><b>MISSING</b></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;"><b>Scripture</b>: Psalm 78:23-29</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;"><i>And they ate until they were filled, for he gave them what they craved.</i></span></blockquote>
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<span style="font-size: large;">Very recently I reconnected with a college friend. We hadn’t spoken in years. As soon as we decided to become friends once more, I felt as if whatever was missing was in my life returned. I didn’t understand the magnitude of the loss until our relationship was restored.<br /> <br />When the Israelites were wandering through the desert, they were hungry, so God fed them. The Israelites suffered from hunger, but what they really needed was the awareness of God's presence. As a result of their hunger, they acted irrationally and wanted to return to Egypt where they were enslaved. Once they were filled with manna, they realized what they had in the desert. In the desert, there was freedom and hope for their existence. The manna was reassurance that God was with them. </span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;"><b>Invitation</b>: Sit quietly and search within yourself for that which has been lost. Maybe it is an old memory, maybe it is a friend, maybe it is a state of being. Allow your soul to search, take note of what re-emerges. Lay it at the foot of the cross and allow the risen Christ to transform/re-purpose what you have reclaimed. </span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;"><b>Prayer: </b> <i>Restoring God, thank you for providing us with the things we need even when we may not know what we were missing. Fill us with your love, fill us with your spirit, fill us with your grace. Let us fill your presence when we are lacking. Amen.</i></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif; font-size: large;"><b>Emma Akpan</b></span>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2858645187181190104.post-70021758748089794182012-08-02T00:00:00.000-04:002012-08-02T00:00:05.777-04:00Thursday, August 2, 2012<div style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">
<b><span style="font-size: large;">THE MEDIUM IS THE MESSAGE</span></b></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">2 Samuel 11:26 – 12:13</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;"><i>But the thing that David had done displeased the Lord, and the Lord sent Nathan to David…Nathan said to David, ‘You are the man!</i></span></blockquote>
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<span style="font-size: large;"><br />It’s interesting how stories and parables give us a stronger understanding of our realities than the realities themselves. The best writers highlight our own realities through the stories of their characters. James Baldwin does this for me. Through his characters, I recognize myself and it either affirms my decisions and actions or calls my behavior into question. I remember when I dealing with grief, I was reading James Baldwin’s Go Tell it on the Mountain. Gabriel, one of the main characters was coming to Christ. As he walked and reflected on his past sins, he began to weep. Baldwin writes, “’I wept,' he said later, ‘like a little child.’ But no child had ever wept such tears as he wept that morning on his face before Heaven under the mighty tree. They came from deeps no child discovers, and shook him with an auge no child endures.’”<br /><br />Whenever I cried, I felt like a child. But my tears were not a child’s tears. It was this passage that revealed to me what tears mean and initiated my own healing process. Similarly, Nathan uses a story so David can begin his healing process. Initially, David is unable to see the pain he has caused. To David, the rich man in Nathan’s parable has clearly hurt the poor man with no right to do so. And with that parable, David’s eyes are opened to his own sin. </span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;"><b>Invitation</b>: As you meditate quietly, ask God for a keen awareness of yourself. As you open your mind, spirit and body to this awareness yield yourself to where it takes you. Ask God to speak to you through your sense of elevated consciousness. Are there any surprises? Place those surprises at the foot of the cross.</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;"><b>Prayer</b>: <i>God sometimes you send us stories and people to enlighten us of our own realities. Thank you for these messengers because when we are clouded with our own sin, we cannot see. Continue to manifest yourself with messengers and signs so the truth will never leave us. Amen.</i></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;"><b>Emma Akpan </b></span></div>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2858645187181190104.post-7201781120660849662012-08-01T00:00:00.000-04:002012-08-01T00:00:03.616-04:00Wednesday, August 1, 2012<div style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">
<span style="font-size: large;"><b>STRIPPED</b></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;"><b>Scripture</b>: <i>Psalm 51: 1-12</i></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;"><i>Have mercy on me, o God, </i></span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><i>according to your steadfast love; </i></span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><i>according to your abundant mercy </i></span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><i>blot out my transgressions…</i></span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><i>create in me a clean heart, O God,</i></span> </blockquote>
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<span style="font-size: large;"><i>and put a new and right spirit within me.</i></span></blockquote>
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<span style="font-size: large;"><br />When I am around new people, out of fear, I try my best to hide my faults. As I feel more comfortable, the layers slowly come off. It’s difficult to expose my complete self because I cannot be sure if people are going to hurt me or love me. I often ask myself, "Will they judge me?" </span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">The good news is when I call out to God in the way that David does in Psalm 51, he already knows everything about me. His love is purely unconditional. Even if God is annoyed with me, he will not forsake me. Even if he is ashamed of my behavior, his mercy overtakes my sin.</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;"><b>Invitation</b>: David offered this Psalm after intentionally taking Uriah's wife and then causing him to be killed. This was a terrible act; however, it was forgivable. What actions or attitudes from your past or present have you been holding on to in fear that God would reject you? Denounce your sins, forsake your imperfections and pray this Psalm: </span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;"><i>Have mercy on me, o God, </i></span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><i>according to your steadfast love; </i></span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><i>according to your abundant mercy </i></span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><i>blot out my transgressions…</i></span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><i>create in me a clean heart, O God, </i><i>and put a new and right spirit within me.</i></span></blockquote>
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<span style="font-size: large;">In the name of Jesus Christ, you are forgiven. Glory to God.<br /><br /><b>Prayer</b>: <i>Cleansing God, thank you for stripping our layers so that we can be purified. Thank you for your abundant mercy and love which covers the multitude of my sin. Most of all, thank you for placing your Holy Spirit within me. Amen.</i></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif; font-size: large;"><b>Emma Akpan</b></span>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2858645187181190104.post-5155373977108898182012-07-31T00:00:00.000-04:002012-07-31T00:00:00.067-04:00Tuesday, July 31, 2012<div style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">
<span style="font-size: large;"><b>HUNGER</b></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;"><b>Scripture</b>: <i>Draw near to the Lord, for he has heard your complaining.</i>--Exodus 16: 2 - 4, 9 -15</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;"><br />While reading this passage, it can be easy to criticize the Israelites for complaining after Moses has freed them from bondage in Egypt. They were tired, hungry, and wandering with no end in sight. They were free, but after suffering from hunger, for them, captivity was preferred. Can we blame them? I know I can be quite irrational when I’m hungry. </span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;"><br />One would hope the Israelites would be grateful to Moses for their freedom, but they were grumbling and complaining. Their freedom from slavery wasn’t sign enough that God took notice of them. Their bellies too had to be filled. God decided to honor their physical needs so they could remember liberation from the desert and Egypt. God knew they were being irrational, he cleared their cloudy thinking with quail and manna from heaven. They were filled and thanked their sovereign God.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif; font-size: large;"><b>Prayer</b>: <i>God, we know that hunger can distort our reality, but continue to feed us so that we can see your great power. Prevent our physical hunger from overshadowing our spiritual hunger for you. Amen.</i></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif; font-size: large;">Emma Akpan</span><br />
<br />Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2858645187181190104.post-46659033570825329742012-07-30T00:05:00.001-04:002012-07-30T00:07:33.620-04:00Monday, July 30, 2012<div style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">
<span style="font-size: large;"><b>WHAT ARE YOU LOOKING FOR?</b></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;"><b>Scripture</b>: Very truly I tell you, you are looking for me not because you saw signs, but because you ate your fill of your loaves.--John 6:26</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;"><br />After Jesus fed the 5000 and walked on water, the people look to him as a source for signs. Jesus could do amazing things like feed thousands of people with meager resources and defy the laws of physics by walking on top of water; surely he had the answers to all of their questions. So when they ran out of bread, they looked for no one but Jesus. They wanted bread, but Jesus offered them the truth, and everlasting life. He was the source for not only physical needs, but spiritual. </span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;"><br />This week I am focusing on the source of our provision, our miracles, our healing, and our truth. When we run out of supplies, our human instinct, like the disciples and others in the crowd, is to look for the source. Children cry to their mothers when they are hungry. Students seek out mentors in professors when they are wondering about the next move. And as Christians, we seek out God for the source of our spiritual longings. When we are confused, even wayward, or downtrodden, we can seek God. When we reach out to him, we are fed, watered, and filled with spiritual joy. God is indeed the source of our life.</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;"><b>Prayer:</b> <i>God, you are our source of life, breath, and truth. Thank you for sending your son to be the living and physical source of our strength. When without bread or water, rest or joy, draw to us, and we will draw to you. Amen.</i></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif; font-size: large;"><b>Emma Akpan</b></span>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0