A Deeper Relationship through prayer

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The time is near when all things will end. So think clearly and control yourselves so you will be able to pray. Most importantly, love each other deeply, because love will cause many sins to be forgiven. (1 Pet 4:7-8 NCV)

Seek the conclusion

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I denied myself nothing my eyes desired; I refused my heart no pleasure. My heart took delight in all my work, and this was the reward for all my labor. Yet when I surveyed all that my hands had done and what I had toiled to achieve, everything was meaningless, a chasing after the wind; nothing was gained under the sun. (Eccl 2:10-11 NIV)

Prove it!

prove: 1. demonstrate the truth or existence of (something) by evidence or argument.

Evidence or argument. Hmmm. Which do you think is more compelling? Put another way: Which would better convince you of something?

IMHO, it's another way of saying, "Actions speak louder than words.", as it should be regarding our relationship with God.

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If you claim to be religious but don't control your tongue, you are just fooling yourself, and your religion is worthless. Pure and lasting religion in the sight of God our Father means that we must care for orphans and widows in their troubles, and refuse to let the world corrupt us. (James 1:26-27 NLT)

Being Human

• Whether intentional or not, as long as we are breathing, we have to deal with failure. Admitting it is seldom easy--but absolutely necessary--if we are going to have a healthy relationship with God.
  
  So, regardless of who, what, when, where, or how, if you have failed God, admit it, accept His pardon, and receive the freedom from condemnation that He is ready to give. I believe this to be true:
  
  "The only thing that can prevent you from receiving it is you."

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My soul is overwhelmed with sorrow to the point of death," he said to them. "Stay here and keep watch." Going a little farther, he fell to the ground and prayed that if possible the hour might pass from him. "Abba, Father," he said, "everything is possible for you. Take this cup from me. Yet not what I will, but what you will." Then he returned to his disciples and found them sleeping. "Simon," he said to Peter, "are you asleep? Could you not keep watch for one hour? Watch and pray so that you will not fall into temptation. The spirit is willing, but the body is weak." (Mark 14:34-38 NIV)

God is our Judge

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It is true that some preach Christ out of envy and rivalry, but others out of goodwill. The latter do so in love, knowing that I am put here for the defense of the gospel. The former preach Christ out of selfish ambition, not sincerely, supposing that they can stir up trouble for me while I am in chains. But what does it matter? The important thing is that in every way, whether from false motives or true, Christ is preached. And because of this I rejoice. Yes, and I will continue to rejoice, (Phil 1:15-18 NIV)

Prayer and meditation

• 
  You can use Scripture as a template or guide for a statement of faith. Today's prayer is an example. After all, that's exactly what David was doing in this Psalm. If he could then, so can we today.

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Even when I walk through the dark valley of death, I will not be afraid, for you are close beside me. Your rod and your staff protect and comfort me. You prepare a feast for me in the presence of my enemies. You welcome me as a guest, anointing my head with oil. My cup overflows with blessings. Surely your goodness and unfailing love will pursue me all the days of my life, and I will live in the house of the LORD forever. (Psa 23:4-6 NLT)

Prayer: LORD, even in the darkest times or most difficult circumstances, You are with me. Your direction, protection, and provision will not fail, and You are able to turn difficulties into opportunities as I trust in You. No matter how things appear around me, help me never doubt Your unfailing love for me. In Jesus' name. Amen.

Some fear what they don't understand

They came to Jesus and saw the man who had been possessed by the legion of demons. The man was sitting there dressed and in his right mind. The people were frightened. Those who saw this told what had happened to the demon-possessed man and the pigs. Then the people began to beg Jesus to leave their territory. (Mar 5:15-17GW)

Stop fooling yourself

9 He that saith he is in the light, and hateth his brother, is indarkness even until now. 10 He that loveth his brother abideth in the light, and there is none occasion of stumbling in him. 11 But he that hateth his brother is in darkness, and walketh in darkness, and knoweth not whither he goeth ,because that darkness hath blinded his eyes

A attribute of Love

1 Peter 4:8 Above all, love each other deeply, because love covers over a multitude of sins. (I pray our love will always go deep for each other.) it's the

Christ like way. 

Grace!

• "The most powerful idea that's entered the world in the last few thousand years--the idea of grace--is the reason I would like to be a Christian." - Bono
  
  I am grateful that I do not know life without God's grace. I am grateful that I will never have to.

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But if you are clean and not on a trip and yet don't bother to celebrate the Passover, you must be excluded from the people. You didn't bring your offering to the LORD at the right time. You must suffer the consequences for your sin. (Num 9:13 GW)

Everyone has a duty

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"Count the Merarites by their clans and families. This is their duty as they perform service at the Tent of Meeting: to carry the frames of the tabernacle, its crossbars, posts and bases, as well as the posts of the surrounding courtyard with their bases, tent pegs, ropes, all their equipment and everything related to their use. Assign to each man the specific things he is to carry. (Num 4:29, 31-32 NIV)

Think on this

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  Something to considerBeing truly and radically different is seldom comfortable. But for some, even their individuality becomes a conformity: they have to be different in the same way everyone else is different. Therefore, their "difference" is a self-deception. Hmmmmm..  The LORD had spoken to Moses. He had said, "You must not count the men from the tribe of Levi. Do not include them when you list the other men of Israel. "Instead, put the Levites in charge of the holy tent. That is where the tablets of the covenant are kept. The Levites will be in charge of everything that belongs to the holy tent. They must carry the tent and everything that belongs to it. They must take care of it. They must set up camp around it. (Num 1:48-50 NIrV)

You are never alone!

These are the names of the men who will stand with you and help you: from the tribe of Reuben--Elizur son of Shedeur; from the tribe of Simeon--Shelumiel son of Zurishaddai; from the tribe of Judah--Nahshon son of Amminadab; (Num 1:5-7 ERV)

Hang in there!

One who was there had been an invalid for thirty-eight years. When Jesus saw him lying there and learned that he had been in this condition for a long time, he asked him, "Do you want to get well?" "Sir," the invalid replied, "I have no one to help me into the pool when the water is stirred. While I am trying to get in, someone else goes down ahead of me." Then Jesus said to him, "Get up! Pick up your mat and walk." (John 5:5-8 NIV)

Trust is key

Trust in the LORD with all your heart. Never rely on what you think you know. Remember the LORD in everything you do, and he will show you the right way. (Pro 3:5-6 GNB)

Promises

• Has someone you trusted, respected, or loved ever broke a promise, betrayed a confidence, or failed to keep their word? It hurts, doesn't it? The disappointment can feel more than you can bear.
  
  At times, I thought God failed me. (Yes, I did. Have you been there too?) I now know that it was when God didn't meet my expectations or fulfill my desires--which is not the same as a failed promise.
  
  I have learned to more carefully discern His Word to recognize the difference between the two. And that has transformed our relationship.

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Then he said: "Praise be to the LORD, the God of Israel, who with his hands has fulfilled what he promised with his mouth to my father David. (2 Chr 6:4 NIV)

The whole truth

Jesus answered, "Even if I testify on my own behalf, my testimony is valid, for I know where I came from and where I am going. But you have no idea where I come from or where I am going. You judge by human standards; I pass judgment on no one. (John 8:14-15 NIV)

Do you need a rock right now?

My salvation and my honor come from God alone. He is my refuge, a rock where no enemy can reach me. O my people, trust in him at all times. Pour out your heart to him, for God is our refuge. (Psa 62:7-8 NLT)

Controlling lying people (why)

As soon as the chief priests and their officials saw him, they shouted, "Crucify! Crucify!" But Pilate answered, "You take him and crucify him. As for me, I find no basis for a charge against him." From then on, Pilate tried to set Jesus free, but the Jews kept shouting, "If you let this man go, you are no friend of Caesar. Anyone who claims to be a king opposes Caesar." Finally Pilate handed him over to them to be crucified. So the soldiers took charge of Jesus. (John 19:6,12,16 NIV)

Restoration

This is what the LORD says: "'I will restore the fortunes of Jacob's tents and have compassion on his dwellings; the city will be rebuilt on her ruins, and the palace will stand in its proper place. From them will come songs of thanksgiving and the sound of rejoicing. I will add to their numbers, and they will not be decreased; I will bring them honor, and they will not be disdained. (Jer 30:18-19 NIV)

A New Year

• Ever wondered why Jan. 1 feels different than Dec. 31? It is just another day, but...  it gives us a reference point to regroup, to reevaluate, and to put the past behind us and make changes that will move us forward in our lives.
  
  "It is all in our minds", sure, but then, that is where decisions are made. It is sort of a "mind game", but an appropriate one.
  
  I hope you will join me in the decision to do whatever is necessary to grow to a new level of relationship with God in this new year.

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That same day two of them were walking to the village Emmaus, about seven miles out of Jerusalem. They were deep in conversation, going over all these things that had happened. In the middle of their talk and questions, Jesus came up and walked along with them. But they were not able to recognize who he was. He asked, "What's this you're discussing so intently as you walk along?" They just stood there, long-faced, like they had lost their best friend. (Luk 24:13-17 MSG)

Happy New Years