tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-16597219205315286332024-03-05T17:37:06.044-08:00Sally Bair BlogA seasoned author’s sampler of her entertaining children’s books … inspirational devotionals … instructional tips about writing … nature nuggets … and more.Sally Bairhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13881815330803734015noreply@blogger.comBlogger426125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1659721920531528633.post-64491461853215539302018-12-03T12:58:00.002-08:002018-12-03T12:59:55.815-08:00ATTENTION!<b>Attention</b><br />
Dear Sally Bair Blog Readers,<br />
I will no longer be posting my weekly blog on Blogspot.<br />
You can still read my weekly blog posts on the following link<br />
<a href="http://sallybair.com/category/sallys-blog/">http://sallybair.com/category/sallys-blog/</a><br />
Be sure to read more on my website at <a href="http://www.sallybair.com/">www.sallybair.com</a>Sally Bairhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13881815330803734015noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1659721920531528633.post-89997450186472509652018-11-07T10:18:00.000-08:002018-11-07T10:18:07.317-08:00THE VALUR OF KNOWING OUR ANCESTORS<!--[if gte mso 9]><xml>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgHrHfTOnyqbi_UpYplREL546t_5RuY5jDi-cFSJ7VLF7z2kKSZY6zZTkQWubtat5DA6onTdUXq3oo_rMLeCYnLeTRwBoFr9ypfecYB9PmiSV3H6XiEdmXS0GThW0tusoJS2zJcRsCIznA/s1600/Ancesters.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="357" data-original-width="500" height="285" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgHrHfTOnyqbi_UpYplREL546t_5RuY5jDi-cFSJ7VLF7z2kKSZY6zZTkQWubtat5DA6onTdUXq3oo_rMLeCYnLeTRwBoFr9ypfecYB9PmiSV3H6XiEdmXS0GThW0tusoJS2zJcRsCIznA/s400/Ancesters.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><span>Whether we have
ancestors who were good or bad, we can learn from them. Here’s to looking into
the past to help us discern our future—with God’s help and wisdom.</span></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><b><span>Eternal Perspectives<span> </span></span></b><span>by
Sally Bair</span></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><b><span>Ancestors </span></b></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><span>Years ago my mother
decided to search her parents’ genealogy <span> </span>ancestries. Without internet help such as
Ancestry.com <span> </span>provides, she had to do it
the hard way. She wrote letters, visited cemeteries, searched library records
and read historical accounts. It took her years. She hand-printed three huge
charts filled with her ancestors’ names.</span></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><span>She also shared
family stories with the three of us daughters—about her dad’s ancestors fleeing
England for the United States in the 1600s to avoid persecution for their
Christian faith. She spoke about her mother’s parents hiding slaves during the
Civil War as part of the famed Underground Railroad.</span></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><span>We all have
interesting heritages that tell us who we are. Through genealogy study, we
learn that we are much more than a son or daughter.</span></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><span>God has a family
tree, too, recorded in the Bible. It is important to His chosen people, the
Jews, as well as to us “grafted in” Christians. We can read how God blessed His
people and loved them and forgave them over and over for their sins. God multiplied
them until Egypt enslaved them. Then He sent Moses to lead them across the Red
Sea to freedom.<span> </span></span></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><span>After they began
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<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><span>“These words which I
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your children … talk of them when you sit in your house, when you walk by the
way, when you lie down, and when you rise up … bind them as a sign on your hand
… and write them on the doorposts of your house and on your gates.”
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<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><span>We Christians also
need to remember our spiritual heritage. Through God’s Word we can be reminded
every day of His continual blessings. Like the Jewish people, we can teach them
to our children, talk about them and keep them in our hearts. </span></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><span>For those of us who
believe in Christ’s salvation, our greatest heritage is that of being His
children. </span></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><i><span>Lord<b>, </b>thank
You for the wonderful heritage we have as Your children. Make us ever aware of
its importance as we worship and serve You. In Jesus’ name, amen.</span></i></span></span><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;"></span></b></div>
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Sally Bairhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13881815330803734015noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1659721920531528633.post-44454147266127870502018-10-30T08:49:00.000-07:002018-10-30T08:49:20.622-07:00THERE'S VALUE IN LOOKING BOTH BACKWARD AND FORWARD<!--[if gte mso 9]><xml>
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<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">God would have us keep our eyes on Him, but we also can look
back at His wonderful mercies. Hindsight can be valuable in showing us how to
live more productive lives for Him.</span></span></div>
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</span></span><div class="MsoNormal">
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<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">
</span></span><div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><b>Eternal Perspectives<span> </span></b>by Sally Bair</span></span></div>
<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">
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<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">
</span></span><div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><b>Double vision </b></span></span></div>
<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">
</span></span><div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">
</span></span><div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">The sea horse is an amazing creature, one we don’t see in
our fresh water lakes but may have observed in someone’s aquarium. Unlike most
other fish, they swim in an upright position. Another difference is their
ability to look both ahead and behind at the same time. </span></span></div>
<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">
</span></span><div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">
</span></span><div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Unlike sea horses, human mothers are sometimes accused of
“seeing” their disobedient children with eyes in the back of their heads. We
probably have often wished we could. Perhaps it’s enough that we can look back
with our emotions and memories. Sometimes that can be beneficial and pleasant,
sometimes not.</span></span></div>
<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">
</span></span><div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">
</span></span><div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Looking back on our lives or our history can teach us about
our mistakes and show us how to avoid them in the future. As a journal writer
for many years and a teacher of memoir writing, I see much value in looking
back. Such hindsight can greatly impact our life ahead. Students have shared
the new perspectives they’ve received from writing about the people, places and
events of their past.</span></span></div>
<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">
</span></span><div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">
</span></span><div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Unlike the sea horse with its double vision, we can use our
mental capacities to look at our past in order to see what’s ahead. God’s Word
speaks often about remembering the past blessings He has bestowed on us. Such
memories help keep us focused on life ahead. </span></span></div>
<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">
</span></span><div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">
</span></span><div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">We’re told not to dwell on our past, however. “… forgetting
those things which are behind and reaching forward to those things which are
ahead, I press toward the goal for the prize of the upward call of God in
Christ Jesus.” (Philippians 3:13-14)</span></span></div>
<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">
</span></span><div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">
</span></span><div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Paul’s words tell us he had much to be ashamed of in
persecuting Jesus’ followers, and much to be proud of. His heritage and lofty
position in the Jewish faith gave him bragging rights. For the sake of his
newly-found faith in Christ, however, he chose to forsake his past. God would
have us follow his example. Our eyes, like Paul’s, should be focused on our
Savior and Lord so we can serve Him as He leads. Such vision will bring us
peace and joy, emotional and spiritual health, and wisdom in using our past to
make good decisions in the future.</span></span></div>
<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">
</span></span><div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">
</span></span><div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><i>Lord, thank You for
the ability to look both backward and forward. Keep us from using the past as
ways to become angry, fearful or proud. Help us instead to focus on You so we
can see the future as a blessing for ourselves and for others. In Jesus’ name,
amen.</i></span></span></div>
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<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
Sally Bairhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13881815330803734015noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1659721920531528633.post-84431661995563343192018-10-25T09:25:00.001-07:002018-10-25T09:25:31.773-07:00LET'S NOT GIVE GOD THE CRUMBS OF OUR TIME<!--[if gte mso 9]><xml>
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<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">It’s one thing to write on our daily schedule the hour(s) we
plan to spend with the Lord. It’s another thing to automatically include Him in
every activity of the day. Which will it be for you?</span></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><b>Eternal Perspectives<span> </span></b>by Sally Bair</span></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">I recently spent a long, hectic day signing my books at a
craft fair. After the fair I needed to stop at my daughter’s house before
beginning my 90-minute drive home. Her daughter and three grandchildren were
visiting and I couldn’t wait to see them. But did I have enough energy to
prolong my day? Was I getting too old to do all that I wanted to do? </span></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">During my drive home after such a short visit with my
family, I visualized crumbs and leftovers. As much as I had wanted to visit
longer, I ended up settling for the crumbs of their company. My thoughts
changed to my prayer-and-Bible-study times with God. How often have I given Him
the crumbs and leftovers of my time? </span></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">As beneficial and rewarding it is to be busy, busy-ness can
go too far. It’s always been hard for me to sit still, but that’s a poor excuse
when it comes to spending time with the Lord. After all, He’s my savior and
friend, my confidante and provider. He’s the one I should be looking to
automatically. But my human nature sometimes rebels against sitting still.</span></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">I especially feel guilty when I know that God wants a close
relationship with me. I should be practicing the habit that Daniel, of the Old
Testament, developed—that of praying three times a day, praising God and
thanking Him. Daniel’s routine helped him develop a strong faith that didn’t
waiver when he faced the persecution of a lion’s den and more.</span></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Oh, that we all could
be Daniels! We too should invite God into our day each morning and then praise
Him and speak with Him throughout the day. We can learn to treasure our time
alone with Him, meditating on His faithfulness through our Bible study and
prayer. </span></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">“Your Word I have hidden in my heart, that I might not sin
against You … I will meditate on Your precepts and contemplate Your ways.”
(Psalm 119:11, 15)</span></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">New habits take time to develop. And the habit of spending
certain times of day with God is invaluable in building our faith, learning
where to go and what to do for Him, and bringing us peace and joy in all our
circumstances. God knows the struggles we face in our efforts to please Him.
May we daily strive to keep our relationship with Him strong and steadfast.</span></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><i>Lord, thank You for
Your love and patience despite our failures. Cause us to give You our regular
attention rather than the crumbs and leftovers of our time. In Jesus’ name,
amen.</i></span></span></div>
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Sally Bairhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13881815330803734015noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1659721920531528633.post-56614916082408789532018-10-10T08:29:00.001-07:002018-10-10T08:29:58.396-07:00GOD WOULD HAVE US ALL PRODUCE SPIRITUAL FRUIT IN ABUNDANCE<!--[if gte mso 9]><xml>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgNwRzYZP2fTIxI7Lc1V8PANHc1AoperydFcPDK2MmgewvBG3QII4s3PkYT6trrS9V2eRLVbxjKhgVfKm07uZjMBpRasJU-NjtfGBoQv11SQeL8I0NX_hMk7xljcT6azWnCLZ4OqaSKYtk/s1600/Apples.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="494" data-original-width="500" height="395" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgNwRzYZP2fTIxI7Lc1V8PANHc1AoperydFcPDK2MmgewvBG3QII4s3PkYT6trrS9V2eRLVbxjKhgVfKm07uZjMBpRasJU-NjtfGBoQv11SQeL8I0NX_hMk7xljcT6azWnCLZ4OqaSKYtk/s400/Apples.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><span>Apples, pumpkins,
and a host of other autumn fruit are tempting and delicious. Let’s make our
spiritual fruit of the Holy Spirit tempting and delicious to everyone we meet.</span></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><b><span>ETERNAL PERSPECTIVES<span> </span></span></b><span><span> </span>By Sally Bair</span></span></span></div>
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</span></span><div class="MsoNormal" style="mso-outline-level: 1; page-break-after: avoid;">
<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><b><span>Fruit in Abundance </span></b></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><span>Since moving close
to Lake Superior some years ago, I’ve learned a lot about the flora unique to
the area.<span> </span>One thing I’ve learned is that
apples and other fruit grow in superabundance up here. The local orchards are
located in a sort of mini-climate that offers the perfect conditions for
growing apples.</span></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><span>Summers and fall are
busy times of picking berries and cherries, vegetables and apples. Hundreds of
people pay to pick their own or they buy the luscious produce outright.
Festivals entice customers from all over, the famous, annual apple festival
drawing over 50,000 people. Orchards offer apples to pick and buy, and they
sell tasty apple treats along with a host of other apple-related products. This
year, like so many other years, the orchards have produced a superabundance
of<span> </span>their fruit. </span></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><span>God wants us to have
a superabundance of spiritual fruit, too.<span>
</span>Like apples, we need to grow in conditions that will cause us to bear
much fruit for Him. When we live by faith in and through His Spirit, we will
not want to gratify the desires of our sinful nature.<span> </span>Instead, we will want to be led by the Spirit
and, consequently, produce the fruit of love, joy, peace, patience, kindness,
goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control.<span> </span>(See Galatians 5:22-23.) </span></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><span>“Every good tree
bears good fruit.”<span> </span>(Matthew 7:16)<span> </span>With the help of the Holy Spirit, we will be
like a good tree bearing good fruit for God’s kingdom.<span> </span></span></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><span>Notice that the
first fruit mentioned <span> </span>is love.<span> </span>All the others are founded in love.<span> </span>“And they’ll know we are Christians by our
love,” a song tells us.<span> </span></span></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><span>God’s love dwelling
in our hearts brings about the perfect conditions for producing fruit for Him. Then
we will produce the joy of the Lord.<span> </span>We
will live a peaceful life that spreads to others.<span> </span>We will become patient with those around us
even in the midst of stress and strain.<span>
</span>We will show kindness to all people.<span>
</span>We will show God’s goodness through our own.<span> </span>We will be gentle with our words, rather than
harsh.<span> </span>We will remain faithful to our
Christian faith and others can depend on our word.<span> </span>And we will learn self-control in all things.</span></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><span>Such a list sounds
downright unattainable, doesn’t it?<span> </span>But
we can remember that with the Spirit of God, all things are possible.<span> </span></span></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><i><span>Lord, we ask You
to give us a superabundance of the fruit of Your Holy Spirit.<span> </span>Above all, help us demonstrate Your love to
every person we meet.<span> </span>In Jesus’ name,
amen.</span></i></span></span><span style="mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;"></span></div>
Sally Bairhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13881815330803734015noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1659721920531528633.post-31012524878728156122018-10-01T06:49:00.002-07:002018-10-01T06:49:42.330-07:00TRUST IN GOD DIFFERS FROM INSTINCT<!--[if gte mso 9]><xml>
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjLkgl7OWBGD1K7I8CWEmEG3DwUhzubShyphenhyphen3oF7KuFAkHNYjhReXV1oRwHA8L7EDFJOPYZNryIkPh5DZeDo5VnFyOn0z7WD25aPvU3soAL21c5SBm5kEI_vkYe1qJFb7HDxo6SPB6y7WJPA/s1600/Blue+butterfly+on+greenery.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="396" data-original-width="500" height="316" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjLkgl7OWBGD1K7I8CWEmEG3DwUhzubShyphenhyphen3oF7KuFAkHNYjhReXV1oRwHA8L7EDFJOPYZNryIkPh5DZeDo5VnFyOn0z7WD25aPvU3soAL21c5SBm5kEI_vkYe1qJFb7HDxo6SPB6y7WJPA/s400/Blue+butterfly+on+greenery.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><span>Like geese that are born with
the instinct to fly back home and to their exact feeding-breeding ground, we
are born with the innate knowledge to “fly” to our heavenly Father when we need
shelter or help. He never falls back on His Word about directing us. We need
only believe and obey. Let’s!</span></span></span></div>
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</span></span><div class="MsoNormal">
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<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">
</span></span><div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><b><span>Eternal Perspectives<span> </span></span></b><span>by Sally Bair</span></span></span></div>
<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">
</span></span><div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">
</span></span><div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><b><span>Instinct and Trust </span></b></span></span></div>
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</span></span><div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
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</span></span><div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><span>It’s that time of year when
Canada geese begin to prepare for their long journey south. When a flock is
ready to migrate, the geese use a simple ceremony. They flap their wings and
walk toward their destination for a few steps. They repeatedly toss their
heads, their bills pointed upward, to tell the others they’re ready to fly.</span></span></span></div>
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</span></span><div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">
</span></span><div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><span>Once airborne, a rotating
vortex of air (downwash) rolls off each wingtip, pushing the bird that is behind
downward<span> </span>and the air behind and
alongside it upward (upwash). The lucky goose that flies in either of those
zones gets a free lift, thereby saving energy. Scientists have determined that
geese in the back of the V had lower heart rates and flapped their wings less
often.</span></span></span></div>
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</span></span><div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">
</span></span><div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><span>God has instilled a built-in
knowledge in geese that tells them when to head for shelter and how to get
there. He has done the same for us. His Word tells us over and over that if we
choose His ways, He will direct us. By faith, we can find His love and peace,
His righteousness and joy, His guidance—unerringly. We don’t have to be like
the Canada goose, depending on a ceremony or ritual. We don’t have to wait for
others to begin our faith journey. </span></span></span></div>
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</span></span><div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">
</span></span><div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><span>Before Jesus’ ascension to
heaven, He started His disciples on their new journey to “Go therefore and make
disciples of all the nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of
the Son and of the Holy Spirit, teaching them to observe all things that I have
commanded you …” (Matthew 28:19-20). And He promised them, “ …lo, I am with you
always, even to the end of the age.” </span></span></span></div>
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</span></span><div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">
</span></span><div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><span>Unlike the geese that depend
on the one in front to get a free lift, so to speak, Jesus’ followers received the
strength and power of the Holy Spirit to “fly.” Their faith nourished by Jesus’
teachings, they dispersed to new neighborhoods, cities and countries to fulfill
their destiny for Jesus’ sake. </span></span></span></div>
<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">
</span></span><div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">
</span></span><div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><span>Like Canada geese, we also
have natural instincts regarding our safety and comfort. But to depend solely
on them is to short-change ourselves of God’s total care—of body, soul and
spirit, twenty-four/seven, now and for eternity. He loves us that much. How we
respond will determine our own eternal destiny.<span>
</span></span></span></span></div>
<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">
</span></span><div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">
</span></span><div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><i><span>Lord, thank You for being our guide as we traverse the
path You have set out for us. We depend on You and ask that You strengthen and
empower us to reach others for Your name’s sake. In Jesus’ name, amen.</span></i></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
Sally Bairhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13881815330803734015noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1659721920531528633.post-21529476275556064122018-09-26T10:55:00.000-07:002018-09-26T10:55:58.328-07:00WE SHOULD CLING TO CHRIST RATHER THAN ANYONE ELSE<!--[if gte mso 9]><xml>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg_uvzV5hVLL93dVtnEAd0zZbzXNV2OMqDd0l8QHxIOKXJONK0GsOfYcJ1xrvSv7qlO392XPWijYd_q_YRUe2yw3ldwl3fMK9aHPY2BQBrgvC3-Xxfv81360kHsKUWFW_JzBdNnT3ANxRo/s1600/Fall+Trees.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="500" data-original-width="403" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg_uvzV5hVLL93dVtnEAd0zZbzXNV2OMqDd0l8QHxIOKXJONK0GsOfYcJ1xrvSv7qlO392XPWijYd_q_YRUe2yw3ldwl3fMK9aHPY2BQBrgvC3-Xxfv81360kHsKUWFW_JzBdNnT3ANxRo/s400/Fall+Trees.jpg" width="321" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">No doubt about it, we tend to cling to our “stuff” and
things and people before we remember that Jesus is the only one to whom we
should depend. </span></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><b>Eternal Perspectives<span> </span></b>by Sally Bair</span></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><b>Clinging Vines</b></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Poplar leaves of golden hue / Cling, tenacious, a stubborn
few /<b> </b>Till frost assaults then
life-stems die / Like rain they fall with wind-swept sigh.</span></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">As leaves shower to earth in the slightest breeze, a few
cling to their branches even during hard winds. They spin round and round on
their stems, pummeled by wind and weather. In the calm they hang limply, yet
remain steadfast to their host branch—like a clinging vine.</span></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">We too may cling … to someone such as our mate, children or
parents. We bombard them with questions: Where are you going? Where have you
been? What are you doing? Clinging vines tend to smother the lives and
affections of those to whom they cling.</span></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">We may cling to <i>things</i>,
too. Alcohol, drugs, TV, money, position, even memories or memorabilia. All of
these can be unhealthy ways to fill a perceived void. Clinging can also cause
self-centeredness.</span></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Like the tenacious fall leaves that cling to their branches,
we should cling to Christ. “I am the vine, you are the branches. He who abides
in Me, and I in him, bears much fruit; for without Me you can do nothing.”
(John 15:5)</span></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Abide means to adhere or cling to. When we cling to Christ
rather than other people or things, He will give us strength and nourishment to
grow and to bear much fruit for His kingdom. He will prune us of things that need
to be corrected.</span></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><i>Lord, we recognize You
as the only One who can give us lasting and abundant love, joy and peace. Help
us cling to You as a tenacious leaf clings to its branch, even when we are
pummeled by the winds of life. In Jesus’ name, amen.</i></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">(Reprinted from <i>The
Nature of God: Autumn’s Splendor Daily Devotionals </i>by Sally Bair. She may
be reached at <a href="http://www.sallybair.com/">www.sallybair.com</a>. </span></span></div>
Sally Bairhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13881815330803734015noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1659721920531528633.post-50877714722241009242018-09-18T10:24:00.001-07:002018-09-18T10:24:33.912-07:00WE CAN CHOOSE TO WORRY AND FEAR OR WE CAN TRUST GOD<!--[if gte mso 9]><xml>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjKQxffmM21cfe5vQwJN3vImBHE0LwdIduN0gNaSL7LzAznbQWdO66LrCYT3aft5-m4Gva2831Gl0M2guYqO3A5wY5U4o96eWLHFLy1ZX95q9uBdLZ7khPWXb56M8hLxFIZCEq_Zkrqslc/s1600/Dark+Moon.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="387" data-original-width="500" height="308" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjKQxffmM21cfe5vQwJN3vImBHE0LwdIduN0gNaSL7LzAznbQWdO66LrCYT3aft5-m4Gva2831Gl0M2guYqO3A5wY5U4o96eWLHFLy1ZX95q9uBdLZ7khPWXb56M8hLxFIZCEq_Zkrqslc/s400/Dark+Moon.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Although ways exist for us to avoid worry, the best way is
to trust God through His Word and Spirit.</span></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><b>Eternal Perspectives<span> </span><span>
</span></b>by Sally Bair</span></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><b>Fear and the mind </b></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">I awoke with a start when the house alarm went off at
midnight. Too afraid to turn on the bedroom light, I groped for a flashlight
then tiptoed into the back porch to turn off the alarm. Quietly and with
pounding heart, I checked all the doors and windows but saw and heard nothing.</span></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">The one place I hadn’t checked was the basement. I had grown
up in the house and the basement had been my most feared place. But now I knew
I had to go down there to check the ground-level window. Surely someone had
tried to get into my house.</span></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">The electricity went off so I couldn’t use my phone. Should
I make a dash for my car and go for help? No, afraid as I was, I chose to face
my fear. As it turned out, the alarm was caused by a mouse that had chewed a
wire at the basement sensor. Remember from my last week’s column that a proven
85 percent of our worries come to nothing.</span></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">God has given us brains that have the amazing ability to
quiet our “worry circuit.” For instance, when we take several deep breaths
while counting to ten, we can overcome stressful thoughts. And the more we
practice that one remedy alone, the stronger our brain will become in helping
us avoid worry.</span></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Many of us worry and fret over circumstances. Even
Christians who claim to trust God become fearful. But we don’t have to fear.
Besides using such simple tools as counting to ten, our first defense should be
to trust God at His Word. Over and over, the Bible tells us to be unafraid. And
every day God continues to prove Himself as being trustworthy. The more we
meditate on and memorize His Word, the less fearful we can become of the
problems we might face. It requires diligence and persistence to develop such a
habit, but the rewards are worthwhile.</span></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">One of my favorite verses is 2 Timothy 1:7: “For God has not
given us a spirit of fear, but of power and of love and of a sound mind.” </span></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><i>Lord, thank You for
the spirit of power and love, and the gift of a sound mind. Help us to remember
and speak Your Word, looking to You to help us overcome our fears and worries.
. In Jesus’ name, amen.</i></span></span> </div>
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Sally Bairhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13881815330803734015noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1659721920531528633.post-4501187849641453792018-09-13T08:31:00.000-07:002018-09-13T08:31:30.083-07:00FEAR DOESN'T HAVE TO BE YOUR MASTER<div class="MsoNormal">
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjS3nkmvySWA2Fxhx3dDQyhTI625MYxYaJgAOogQmcWzt00FGpJym3DR1BN2Jut2DxcbAOla3A1gnp6lTrZmKblV6OD8WUHIGUOT6UT1flGSW_0m1Sjej-FwiXs4K0IuQf8F7AgLf99BZM/s1600/Blue+Butterfly1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="377" data-original-width="500" height="301" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjS3nkmvySWA2Fxhx3dDQyhTI625MYxYaJgAOogQmcWzt00FGpJym3DR1BN2Jut2DxcbAOla3A1gnp6lTrZmKblV6OD8WUHIGUOT6UT1flGSW_0m1Sjej-FwiXs4K0IuQf8F7AgLf99BZM/s400/Blue+Butterfly1.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: 11.0pt;">We don’t have to ask “what if
this happens?” Or “What if she doesn’t do what she promised?” It serves no
purpose to ask ourselves the what ifs. Most of them don’t happen. With God’s
help and wisdom, we can learn to give up the control of our fears and worries.
With Him, all things are possible.</span></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-size: 11.0pt;">Eternal Perspectives<span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></span></b><span style="font-size: 11.0pt;">by
Sally Bair</span></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-size: 11.0pt;">Fear </span></b></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: 11.0pt;">When I was a kid, I had many
fears. Some were typical, such as fear of the dark, the bogey man and
strangers. One was atypical—the fear of feathers—which began from a scary event
in my childhood and became a phobia. Like most phobias, it has become such a
comfortable part of my life that I don’t want to change.</span></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: 11.0pt;">Most of us have fears. Many
are so afraid of war and nuclear threats that they hoard water and food for
perceived bad times ahead. Because of the danger of falling, others fear taking
a shower or going outside in the winter. Still others are afraid of people so
they stay at home, trapped in their distrust.</span></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: 11.0pt;">Of course, we know how wise
it is to take precautions about certain things. But to allow our fears,
worries, anxieties or phobias to control our lives is not only unwise, it is
unhealthy. A study has proven that 85% of our worries never happen. In the
study, of the 15% that did happen, 79% of the subjects discovered either they
could handle their difficulties better than expected, or they learned a worthwhile
lesson. The study concludes with the astounding fact that 97 % of our worries
are not much more than a fearful mind punishing us with exaggeration and
misperceptions.</span></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br /></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: 11.0pt;">Other studies have shown that
worry causes shrinking brain mass which can lower IQs. It also can lead to
heart disease, cancer, premature aging and more. But scientists and health
professionals have come up with ways to lessen, or even eliminate, our fears
and worries.</span></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: 11.0pt;">God offers ways, too. In
fact, His Word, the Bible, contains the word “fear” or its equivalent 365
times. That’s a year’s worth of verses to help us overcome our worries and
fears. One typical verse is recorded in the book of Joshua. When Moses died and
Joshua took over the daunting role of leading the Israelites to God’s Promised
Land, God knew how frightened the new leader was. “Be strong and of good
courage; do not be afraid, nor be dismayed, for the Lord your God is with you
wherever you go.” (Joshua 1:9)</span></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: 11.0pt;">God understands our fears. He
would rather have us rely on His strength than walk in our fears, try to talk
our way out of them or follow someone else’s advice. </span></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br /></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span style="font-size: 11.0pt;">Lord, thank You for loving us so much that You offer
Your strength and Your solutions for overcoming our fears. Keep our eyes
focused on You and Your Word so we can remain calm, trusting and in Your peace.
In Jesus’ name, amen.</span></i></span></span></div>
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Sally Bairhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13881815330803734015noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1659721920531528633.post-4216069491752698032018-09-03T10:35:00.000-07:002018-09-03T10:35:10.656-07:00THE GRASS ISN'T ALWAYS GREENER ON THE OTHER SIDE<!--[if gte mso 9]><xml>
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiMJer43fA1Q8X01fSV1TZfKnLOsLBXcj7zTYrihIZFMYNLex4ZEdxwV3r2XDHYKK4wvoNFKP4rlpfis6hIRt-AbAJbvtcl-X0NJ3Rndn3OVcAQ64azfCDGz5zb8BEjAX8cQT7_D3-gqts/s1600/Dandelion2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="325" data-original-width="500" height="208" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiMJer43fA1Q8X01fSV1TZfKnLOsLBXcj7zTYrihIZFMYNLex4ZEdxwV3r2XDHYKK4wvoNFKP4rlpfis6hIRt-AbAJbvtcl-X0NJ3Rndn3OVcAQ64azfCDGz5zb8BEjAX8cQT7_D3-gqts/s320/Dandelion2.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;">
<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><span>Having greener
grass, so to speak, doesn’t always satisfy. We’d do well to be content with all
that the Lord gives us.</span></span></span></div>
<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">
</span></span><div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">
</span></span><div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><b><span>ETERNAL PERSPECTIVES</span></b><span><span> </span><span> </span>by Sally Bair</span></span></span></div>
<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">
</span></span><div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><span><span> </span></span></span></span></div>
<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">
</span></span><div class="MsoNormal" style="mso-outline-level: 1; page-break-after: avoid;">
<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><b><span>Greener Grass </span></b></span></span></div>
<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">
</span></span><div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">
</span></span><div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><span>When</span><span> I lived in the
country, my lawn was full of dandelions, some quack grass, and even thistles.
Some of the grassy areas were greener than others, especially during one summer
of drought. Others were flat-out anemic in color. Most of the time, I was quite
content with my country lawn. But at times when I’d drive by other people's
lawns, I wished mine were as lush </span></span></span></div>
<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">
</span></span><div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><span>and uniform as
theirs. </span></span></span></div>
<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">
</span></span><div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">
</span></span><div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><span>Some lawns could
compete easily with those pictured in popular lawn and garden magazines.
They're that perfect and beautiful, as are many other things we see. My
friend's little girl once told her mother she wanted something their neighbor
had. "Theirs is beautifuller than ours," she said. Let's get one like
theirs."</span></span></span></div>
<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">
</span></span><div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">
</span></span><div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><span>It's easy to become
discontent with our own lawns or belongings. That's probably the reason some of
us try to "keep up with the Joneses." We want something bigger,
better, beautifuller. There's nothing wrong in wanting a "beautifuller”
lawn, as long as our motive does not come from envious discontent. </span></span></span></div>
<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">
</span></span><div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">
</span></span><div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><span>When I moved to
another place, I did so not out of discontent or envy. This time, in fact, it was
because I wanted a <i>smaller </i>house and
yard. Something easier to keep up. Perhaps as we grow older, we realize the
futility of living with something bigger, better, and yes, even beautifuller. I
know I do.</span></span></span></div>
<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">
</span></span><div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">
</span></span><div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><span>Feelings of
discontent can stem from the need to be accepted, especially if we have been
deprived or rejected in the past. The key to contentment is to change our
source of dependency from the things around us to Christ, the only One who can
fulfill all our needs. </span></span></span></div>
<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">
</span></span><div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">
</span></span><div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><span>In His Sermon on the
Mount, Jesus tells us not to store up for ourselves treasures on earth, which
are eventually destroyed or stolen. Rather, we are to "store up … treasures
in heaven, where moth and rust do not destroy, and where thieves do not break
in and steal. For where your treasure is, there your heart will be also."
(Matthew 6:20-21)</span></span></span></div>
<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">
</span></span><div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">
</span></span><div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><i><span>Lord, teach us
how to be content. Give us the desire to depend on You alone, rather than on
the things around us. Help us to seek after and rely on the treasures You have
in store for us. In Jesus' name, amen.</span></i></span></span><span style="mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;"></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
Sally Bairhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13881815330803734015noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1659721920531528633.post-82584832268130160582018-08-28T10:01:00.000-07:002018-08-28T10:01:14.768-07:00INTERRUPTIONS: BANE OR BLESSING?<!--[if gte mso 9]><xml>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjTOMg7Mw9FRN9AVrQArN4pVsh5Okmvxwm60FWfFBWgB5HOFXwJkoFuw_YKIdjbHKl9lehnrGI8qZW7KfOA6JK2bWjrB9hkAQfIet3jgNHNoc0a1Fv-qWFpky-_TFSm09yLwA0mTUql-hI/s1600/Jess+and+kids+Selfie.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="500" data-original-width="297" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjTOMg7Mw9FRN9AVrQArN4pVsh5Okmvxwm60FWfFBWgB5HOFXwJkoFuw_YKIdjbHKl9lehnrGI8qZW7KfOA6JK2bWjrB9hkAQfIet3jgNHNoc0a1Fv-qWFpky-_TFSm09yLwA0mTUql-hI/s400/Jess+and+kids+Selfie.jpg" width="237" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Interruptions can overload our lives. We can ignore them,
become anxious about them, or … look at them as opportunities. Which will it
be?</span></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><b>ETERNAL PERSPECTIVES</b>
<span> </span><span> </span>by Sally Bair</span></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><b>Interruptions </b></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Recently someone asked me if I’m becoming more impatient as
I grow older. I said that, on the contrary, I seem to show more patience than
ever before. Rethinking my answer, I must add an exception. I show less
patience when interrupted by someone or something, perhaps realizing I must
make the most of the time I have left.</span></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Interruptions can distract us. As a young mother, I often
told my kids, “Don’t interrupt me now.” Even today, I feel stressed when the
phone rings during a crucial part of my editing. Sometimes I cringe, frustrated
when someone interrupts me while I’m trying to say something.</span></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Can you relate? Or are you like some who let interruptions
wash over them like warm water and keep on smiling? Oh, to be like such
super-humans!</span></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">“Interruptions never distracted Jesus,” quoted G.H.Morling
in <i>Quest for Serenity. </i>“He accepted
them as opportunities of a richer service. Interruptions were the occasion of
some of His most gracious deeds and revealing words.”</span></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">There are many instances from the Gospels that prove
Morling’s words. Jesus beckoned little children rather than turn them away as
His disciples thought He should. He took time to heal Peter’s mother-in-law
while at Peter’s house for dinner. He repeatedly stopped preaching and teaching
to heal someone in need or to minister to them in other ways. He delayed His
trip to bring a government ruler’s daughter back to life so He could heal a
desperate, sick woman. He even took time out of worship in a synogogue to heal
a man’s withered hand. And when His disciples wanted to send a multitude of
people home, He instead fed them with a mere five loaves of bread and two fish.</span></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">How can we use interruptions as Jesus did—opportunities to
serve others? Jesus’ actions are the best example we have. He spent much time
in prayer and worship with His Father away from the crowds, a time of
refreshing for His soul, strengthening of His resolve, and listening to His
counsel.</span></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Not much is said about Jesus’ time spent with His Father.
But sprinkled throughout the Gospel accounts are words such as these: “He went
up on the mountain by Himself to pray.” Notice that He went to a quiet place
alone. When we spend time alone in a quiet place with the Lord, He refreshes
our soul, too. He strengthens our resolve to rightly and lovingly deal with
interruptions. And we can more easily hear His voice for direction in our life.</span></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><i>Lord, help us use
interruptions as opportunities to serve others in love. In Jesus’ name, amen.</i></span></span></div>
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Sally Bairhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13881815330803734015noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1659721920531528633.post-2488098346366587312018-08-22T10:15:00.000-07:002018-08-22T10:15:03.101-07:00HAPPINESS AND JOY ARE NOT THE SAME<!--[if gte mso 9]><xml>
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhGksdVkLxUtwaPuvfdLi4-MiAycL7PTaDrAwFKjzB5axG8MtIAvYJ0etCzcXHyIOcJ3pYH1vGH39xl-B6oztgmcEgFRZEq9SXrxlmMJmeR2UcpXVWbzrjdYKHI-GM8TIWOuq8wfmv5770/s1600/Road+to+Sunset.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="385" data-original-width="500" height="307" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhGksdVkLxUtwaPuvfdLi4-MiAycL7PTaDrAwFKjzB5axG8MtIAvYJ0etCzcXHyIOcJ3pYH1vGH39xl-B6oztgmcEgFRZEq9SXrxlmMJmeR2UcpXVWbzrjdYKHI-GM8TIWOuq8wfmv5770/s400/Road+to+Sunset.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
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<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Happiness is a temporary feeling. Joy can be permanent.</span></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">
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<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><b>Eternal Perspectives<span> </span></b>by Sally Bair</span></span></div>
<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">
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<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">
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<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">A friend recently lost a loved one and is also going through
a difficult family situation. We often witness, hear about or experience losses
and difficulties. After all, we live in an imperfect world. To offset our
unhappiness, we search for ways to make us smile and laugh and feel better
emotionally. We read jokes and “happy” books and attend humorous or
spirit-lifting events—anything to offer us a temporary reprieve from our
sorrows.</span></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">However, the solutions we choose are not long-lasting. Our
problems don’t always disappear and we face new ones every day. We grumble and
show our unhappiness even for the little things that go wrong, including the
weather, don’t we?</span></span></div>
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</span></span><div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">On the other hand, we’re happy when we get a good night’s
sleep. When our kids come home with good report cards. During lunch with a
friend. At weddings. When the rain holds off until we get home. After a bumper
crop of veggies … or apples … or alfalfa.</span></span></div>
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</span></span><div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
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</span></span><div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">All these occasions for happiness come from outside
circumstances. They depend on what “happens”—perhaps that’s why it’s called
“happiness.” And when we put our trust in happiness, we become controlled by
our circumstances, which can change from hour to hour.</span></span></div>
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</span></span><div class="MsoNormal">
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</span></span><div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Happiness meets our surface needs. We can compare happiness
to a thermometer which <i>registers</i>
conditions. Joy, on the other hand, is more like a thermostat, <i>regulated</i> by conditions. It comes from
within and meets our deepest needs. During times of suffering and angst,
happiness can act like a bandaid that will eventually disintegrate. Joy,
however, often intensifies during such times. I can testify to that truth
firsthand. When my husband was killed, it was not an occasion for happiness by
any means. But my grief was diminished by my faith in God.</span></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">The apostle Paul went through many extreme hardships, yet
was joyous throughout—so much so that he advised us also to “rejoice in the
Lord always; and again I say, rejoice.” (Philippians 4:4) Please note that this
verse doesn’t tell us to rejoice in circumstances, which change continually,
but in God who never changes.</span></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><i>Lord, thank You for
joy. Though w</i>e </span></span><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">may have tragedy,
sorrow, heartache or pain, we take joy in Your salvation, hope and strength.
May our joy in You be a magnet to others so they, too, can know You. In Jesus’
name we pray, amen.</span></span><br />
</i><span style="mso-tab-count: 2;"> </span><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></div>
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<br /></div>
Sally Bairhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13881815330803734015noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1659721920531528633.post-27263844672540422302018-08-16T05:51:00.003-07:002018-08-16T05:51:52.170-07:00WE CAN BE SAFE IN CHRIST<!--[if gte mso 9]><xml>
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhoYCrJmRXAyMvUKoxkrmPI86B6eQBqcse4n3J74r5blNLQQ8PCAqsfR0O94wNC6l4e6B4C1zdqQ9rgeJSyx7qgCbQlI301VcjCyuPthm-R8dzuxUXR027ZEb2Vsb9XaZWsOxGfSnwLp20/s1600/Baby+in+Pouch+Jess+and+Vivienne.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="500" data-original-width="295" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhoYCrJmRXAyMvUKoxkrmPI86B6eQBqcse4n3J74r5blNLQQ8PCAqsfR0O94wNC6l4e6B4C1zdqQ9rgeJSyx7qgCbQlI301VcjCyuPthm-R8dzuxUXR027ZEb2Vsb9XaZWsOxGfSnwLp20/s400/Baby+in+Pouch+Jess+and+Vivienne.jpg" width="235" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Like the joey secure in its mother’s pouch, we can be safe
in the loving arms of our Father in heaven, knowing He will see to all our
needs. Hallelujah!</span></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">
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<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><b>Eternal Perspectives<span> </span>by Sally Bair</b></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">
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<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><b>Safety in Christ </b></span></span></div>
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</span></span><div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">
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<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">I enjoy watching shows about nature and once saw a
documentary about kangaroos. The Australian marsupials give birth to “joeys,”
babies that weigh less than an ounce, are an inch long and are born blind. Yet
they crawl on their own to their mother’s pouch to live for several months,
where they are fed, sheltered and kept warm.</span></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">I picture us, like helpless joeys, who once made the journey
from our cold world of sin into the warmth of Jesus’ love. No one can make the
trip for us. And once we enter the fold of Christ, we begin to feed on His
Word, growing each day like the joey.</span></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Kangaroos live in groups called pods so they can protect
each other from danger. As Christians, we too are encouraged to remain close to
other believers. Through our church or fellowship, we find encouragement,
support and companionship. We also are wise to go to fellow Christians when we
face problems or persecution, knowing they will pray for and with us.</span></span></div>
<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">
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<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">As we grow in our spirituality with Christ through His Word
and our fellowship with other Christians, we can be assured of their love and
protection and their help toward our Christian maturity. The saying, “No man is
an island,” holds true of Christ-followers. We need each other just as a
biological family needs each other. And as joeys grow into adults that can jump
and run and leap, we can, with God’s helping hand, learn to move quickly from
sin and toward opportunities of service for our Father.</span></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">As with most baby animals, joeys are eventually kicked out
of their mothers’ pouches. We don’t have to worry about that happening to us
believers. We can praise our heavenly Father that He never severs us from His
love and care, as He has promised in His Word.</span></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">“Therefore remember that … at [one] time you were without
Christ … having no hope and without God in the world. But now in Christ Jesus
you who once were far off have been brought near by the blood of Christ.”
(Ephesians 2:11-13)</span></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><i>Lord, we thank You for
Your love and care in helping us grow into mature Christians. As we were once
blind to Your goodness, like joeys born blind, You have opened our eyes to Your
salvation. Keep us in Your fold with other believers, not only for our safety
and maturity but for the opportunity to help others in need. In Jesus’ name,
amen. </i></span></span></div>
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Sally Bairhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13881815330803734015noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1659721920531528633.post-41463911040947668592018-08-07T09:32:00.000-07:002018-08-07T09:32:20.363-07:00DYING TO SELF BRINGS US CLOSER TO GOD<!--[if gte mso 9]><xml>
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi6D4dhxa65NK1aNvtarrMDl9Rgvm1OenBhbx8VMzF2cTdXt5dGkl29c4fgrriQE_p1_hgo7pKGRlguagdjyzyeOhf4qqmlJtSA1QLXdotl7_-u4FSv2TPQo3wn0N7fEhE1LuHbNQSQH7E/s1600/Oriana+Art+Grave+RIP.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="500" data-original-width="376" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi6D4dhxa65NK1aNvtarrMDl9Rgvm1OenBhbx8VMzF2cTdXt5dGkl29c4fgrriQE_p1_hgo7pKGRlguagdjyzyeOhf4qqmlJtSA1QLXdotl7_-u4FSv2TPQo3wn0N7fEhE1LuHbNQSQH7E/s400/Oriana+Art+Grave+RIP.jpg" width="300" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Living for ourselves is not what God is asking us. He wants
us to follow His Son, Jesus’ example by living for Him. That means putting
ourselves last in all our endeavors. Those are hard words to follow, but
through His power and love, it will draw us closer to Him. </span></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">
</span></span><div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><b>Eternal Perspectives<span> </span><span>
</span></b>by Sally Bair</span></span></div>
<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">
</span></span><div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">
</span></span><div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><b>Dying to self </b></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">
</span></span><div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">The word dying is used flippantly among both teens and
adults these days. “I’m dying to go out with so-and-so.” “Didn’t you just die
of embarrassment when the principal called you out of class?” “We’re dying to
see that movie” or “… to get this problem over with.” Yet when we speak about
actually dying, we Americans often avoid the word. Even our obituaries
side-step the word “died” with the more palatable phrase, “passed away.”</span></span></div>
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</span></span><div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Let’s face it; none of us want to die yet. We spend millions
to prolong our lives through medical care, diets and exercise. We even ask the
Lord to lengthen our life so we can finish raising our children, pay off the
mortgage or make a last will and testament. Only when we face the possibility
of our imminent death or that of a loved one do we give it much thought. </span></span></div>
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</span></span><div class="MsoNormal">
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</span></span><div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Imagine living in the day of Jesus under harsh Roman rule
when death lurked around each corner. Imagine knowing, as Jesus did, that He
would die a terrible death. Yet He also knew His death would take Him back to
the loving arms of His Father in heaven. Such a promise He offered to His
followers. They need not fear death of their bodies, knowing their spirits
would live forever with their beloved teacher, Jesus.</span></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Jesus promises us that when we are willing to die to our
sinful, selfish nature in order to love and obey Him and place others ahead of
ourselves, we will ultimately live with Him once our bodies have died. We may
not have to face the danger that some missionaries do to serve the Lord. We do,
however, need to be willing to give up everything in this life for His sake.</span></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">“For none of us lives to himself, and no one dies to
himself. For if we live, we live to the Lord; and if we die, we die to the
Lord. … For to this end Christ died and rose and lived again, that He might be
Lord of both the dead and the living.” (Romans 14:7-9)</span></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">A famous evangelist of the early 1900s, John G. Lake, wrote:
“If I were pledging men and women to the gospel of the Son of God, as I am
endeavoring to do now, it would not be to have a nice church and harmonious
surroundings, and a sweet do-nothing time. I would invite them to be ready to
die.” </span></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><i>Lord, by Your Spirit
make us willing to die to our sinful, selfish desires so we can live for You.
In Jesus’ name, amen.</i></span></span></div>
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Sally Bairhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13881815330803734015noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1659721920531528633.post-20076309917719119812018-07-31T09:27:00.002-07:002018-07-31T09:27:56.519-07:00TOO MUCH BUSY-- NESS CAN HARM OUR RELATIONSHIP WITH GOD<!--[if gte mso 9]><xml>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh1LZi5uXz2ZNI1Db-_8ZIhc-g88Pqrko-5tzan3r6uG6PrnoSTAsJd24IPZTF3WhNMXB7h4JKrNhkKi4cORGYJQZLEaS1odw7RpTATQjZtNe3v_snn9bD2_UDL55TKkFHRC-O2POPDWgA/s1600/Book+Run+Sally+Run+2018.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="500" data-original-width="341" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh1LZi5uXz2ZNI1Db-_8ZIhc-g88Pqrko-5tzan3r6uG6PrnoSTAsJd24IPZTF3WhNMXB7h4JKrNhkKi4cORGYJQZLEaS1odw7RpTATQjZtNe3v_snn9bD2_UDL55TKkFHRC-O2POPDWgA/s400/Book+Run+Sally+Run+2018.jpg" width="272" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><span>God would have us
remain in a tight relationship with Him, not one that meanders back and forth
without purpose and discipline. He loves us far more than an earthly father
loves his own children. How can we—why do we—resist Him?</span></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><b><span>ETERNAL PERSPECTIVES</span></b><span><span> </span><span> </span>by Sally Bair</span></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><b><span>Busy-ness</span></b></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><span>I don’t garden
anymore except for a couple patio tomato plants. I don’t entertain company as much
as I used to either, and I quit watching TV a couple years ago. With less to
do, you’d think I led a boring, sedate life, the kind expected from most
octogenarians. Not so. I’m busier than ever and seem to live up to the title of
my new memoir, “Run Sally Run.”</span></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><span>The trouble is, some
days I keep so busy that I seem to hear only the sounds of my frantic activity.
Not that there’s anything wrong in working hard and keeping busy. But some days
I find myself too busy for God. When I go too long without even thinking about Him,
it ends up being a spiritual loss for me. A casual “thank You, Lord,” or a
ten-word “arrow prayer” sent to God for a quick blessing or a need fulfilled
are not enough to sustain my Christian spirit. I regret my lack of attention to
God’s Word and His presence. </span></span></span></div>
<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">
</span></span><div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
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</span></span><div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><span>From past experience,
however, I know that nothing compares with getting to know Christ better and
hearing His voice while in a quiet, private place. Christ commands His
followers to have an intentional relationship with Him. Sort of like a married
couple making time together without distractions so they can share their most
intimate thoughts and concerns. </span></span></span></div>
<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">
</span></span><div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">
</span></span><div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><span>If we were to say to
a friend, “Let’s get together sometime,” it wouldn’t happen unless a specific
time were set. Psalm 1 speaks about the man who is blessed because “his delight
is in the law of the Lord, and on His law he meditates day and night.” Good,
two-way communication includes both prayer and listening. We can thank Him,
praise Him, confess our sins and pray for our needs and the needs of others. We
can even grouse and complain to God, as David did in the psalms. But we also
need to listen—meditate—chew on His Word—hear His still, quiet voice. </span></span></span></div>
<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">
</span></span><div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">
</span></span><div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><span>The Bible urges us
to “Let the Word of Christ dwell in you richly.” (Colossians 3:16) When we
truly desire to hear from God, we will be drawn to his Word and presence every
day, no matter how busy we are.</span></span></span></div>
<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">
</span></span><div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">
</span></span><div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><i><span>Lord, thank You
for promising to never leave us or forsake us. Forgive us the times we let ourselves
get too busy for Your Word and presence. Make us so hungry for You that we will
be compelled to spend time with You alone each day. In Jesus’ name, amen.</span></i><span><span> </span></span></span></span></div>
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<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
Sally Bairhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13881815330803734015noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1659721920531528633.post-71089253159120680512018-07-24T11:15:00.002-07:002018-07-24T11:15:53.794-07:00THE LOWLY ANT CAN TEACH US LESSONS ABOUT OUR PURPOSE<!--[if gte mso 9]><xml>
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<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Isn’t it amazing how God sends us living creatures from His
creation to teach us how to be better followers of Him? And nature gives us
many insights into His character. Hallelujah!</span></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">
</span></span><div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><b>Eternal perspectives<span> </span></b>by Sally Bair</span></span></div>
<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">
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<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">
</span></span><div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><b>The ant </b></span></span></div>
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<br /></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Most of nature intrigues me, including the lowly ant. I
enjoy watching ants carry sticks and other items along the ground to their
nests. Many of the items are larger than they are. Like bees, they seem to be
hard-working and busy all the time.</span></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">We humans, however, sometimes see them as pests. Sugar ants
leave trails in our kitchens. Carpenter ants chew the wood in and around our
houses. The red fire ants of the south are known to kill weak, newborn calves.
This must be true, since one ant colony can house up to twenty million
individual ants. And when we consider the world is populated with over 12,000
species of ants, no wonder we take notice of them.</span></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">God has given the ant a purpose on earth. Actually, ants
serve four purposes. They aerate the soil and improve its drainage, improve the
chemistry of the soil, disperse seeds—usually to their nests where the seeds
take root in more fertile soil—and prey on pests such as ticks and termites.</span></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">If we accidentally step on their ant hill, they scurry to
attack our feet. They rush to rebuild their home. They remain constantly on the
go.</span></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">It’s no wonder King Solomon chose to use the lowly ant as a
life lesson. “Go to the ant, you sluggard! Consider her ways and be wise,
which, having no captain, overseer or ruler, provides her supplies in the
summer, and gathers her food in the harvest.” (Proverbs 6:6)</span></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">As I grow older, I consider more than ever how to use my own
time wisely. I like to think that God would have us all be a little like the busy
ant. We can work for Him through the gifts He has given us, whether they
include helping others, teaching His Word, praying for those in need or
befriending someone who needs encouragement and a listening ear. </span></span></div>
<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">
</span></span><div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
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</span></span><div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><span> </span>Though we all need
down-time to restore our energy, God would have us use the time He’s given us
wisely. Every kingdom has its workers. Unlike ants, which “have no captain,
overseer or ruler,” we can rely on and work for our heavenly King, Jesus
Christ. We can allow Him to guide us in His purposes which include loving Him
above all others and loving our fellow man. Like ants, we can be diligent
workers who aerate the soil of human hearts and disperse the seeds of God’s
love and salvation. </span></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><i>Lord, thank You for
the gift of time. Help us control our use of it and forgive us when we fritter
away our time on things that have no eternal value. In Jesus’ name, amen.</i></span></span> </div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
Sally Bairhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13881815330803734015noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1659721920531528633.post-16650550151070354922018-07-17T08:38:00.001-07:002018-07-17T08:38:23.850-07:00THE NAME OF JESUS HAS GREAT AUTHORITY AND POWER<!--[if gte mso 9]><xml>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj2Uy4sfjtp5yBVCWNvQhz6pxb2KGpP7X_reIM-oJJJMxherkyZhUx7RZnCFk-U6bn1HMn2bF3LQcXWZauEZFDI_0pPucmmqTqnjVBfyF9ulNEmSwyXv7ZkXdz44B4codxIeJrwuE_pUaA/s1600/Child+back+and+chalk.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="414" data-original-width="500" height="330" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj2Uy4sfjtp5yBVCWNvQhz6pxb2KGpP7X_reIM-oJJJMxherkyZhUx7RZnCFk-U6bn1HMn2bF3LQcXWZauEZFDI_0pPucmmqTqnjVBfyF9ulNEmSwyXv7ZkXdz44B4codxIeJrwuE_pUaA/s400/Child+back+and+chalk.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><b><span>Eternal Perspectives<span> </span></span></b><span>by
Sally Bair</span></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><b><span>The name of Jesus</span></b></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><span>In my childhood
whenever I disobeyed, I knew the exact time my mom had had enough of my wrong
behavior or sass. Her name alone, “Mom,” had enough authority and power to make
me obey, but also to bring me happiness and fulfillment. </span></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><span>The words of Jesus
have even greater power. Of all the stories and words contained in the Bible, I
know none would have any meaning without the words He spoke. If I had to choose
among the 66 books of Scripture, the Gospels would be my first choice because
they contain all the words I need for my salvation and growth in the Christian
faith.</span></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><span>The other books also
hold great meaning. I especially enjoy the Psalms and love the Old Testament
stories about the patriarchs. But nothing compares to Jesus’ words. “It is the
Spirit who gives life; the flesh profits nothing. The words that I speak to you
are spirit, and they are life.” (John 6:63)</span></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><span>Throughout history,
people have avoided the name of Jesus. Many even today deny that He rose bodily
from the dead, that He is God’s only Son, that He has power to forgive sins and
heal diseases and cast out demons and raise the dead. But the Gospels
authenticate Jesus’ supernatural power. They contain irrefutable truths about
Him.</span></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><span>When Peter used
Jesus’ name to bring healing to a crippled man, it happened. “In the name of
Jesus Christ of Nazareth, rise up and walk. …And His name, through faith in His
name, has made this man strong …” (Acts 3:16)</span></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><span>“Therefore God also
has highly exalted Him and given Him the name which is above every name, that
at the name of Jesus every knee should bow, of those in heaven, and of those on
earth, and of those under the earth, and that every tongue should confess that
Jesus Christ is Lord, to the glory of God the Father.” (Philippians 2:9-11)</span></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><span>We’re all reminded
to use the name of Jesus in all instances. Paul wrote in Colossians 3:17, “And
whatever you do in word or deed, do all in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks
to God the Father through Him.”</span></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><i><span>Thank You, Lord God, for Your Son, Jesus, and
the power of His name. Remind us daily to use that power for our healing and
help and for that of those around us. Because we believe in that power, we ask
this in Jesus’ name, amen.</span></i></span></span><span style="mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"> </span></span> </span></span></div>
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Sally Bairhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13881815330803734015noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1659721920531528633.post-43204443055866428452018-07-10T07:57:00.002-07:002018-07-10T07:57:52.408-07:00OUR WORDS HAVE POWER<!--[if gte mso 9]><xml>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh4YETV6HHCmKQzLG9urYh3h7YQt-VYCwE7wf14WkzwSV844gTRZp0wxHuQXknBFyCYmsamEg69h3J2Rng4i8ANTEgH0aMTS5pyzfGAUkpaTQF9JpuJtqXyxijKQWLCLdT770JDN_RDdGY/s1600/Romans+4++12.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="130" data-original-width="500" height="83" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh4YETV6HHCmKQzLG9urYh3h7YQt-VYCwE7wf14WkzwSV844gTRZp0wxHuQXknBFyCYmsamEg69h3J2Rng4i8ANTEgH0aMTS5pyzfGAUkpaTQF9JpuJtqXyxijKQWLCLdT770JDN_RDdGY/s320/Romans+4++12.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><span>The words we speak
have the power to lift up or to tear down. Which shall your words be today?</span></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><b><span>Eternal Perspectives<span> </span></span></b><span>by
Sally Bair</span></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><b><span>Our words </span></b></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><span>Ever since I learned
how to read the Dick and Jane books as a child, words have captivated me. I
determined to learn their correct spelling and usage, and how to string them
into sentences that made sense. In so doing, I became an editor of sorts. Early
on, however, I learned that it’s okay to correct youngsters for their incorrect
spelling and grammar, but not for all adults. That’s why today I try to be a
closet editor—correcting others’ errors in my mind only.</span></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><span>Because of my
internal editing, I cringe at every error I see on Facebook. It’s not the
spelling errors but the content of Facebook posts that disturb me the most. I
read words that are vulgar, negative and hurtful, sometimes by nice, good,
church-going folks. And because God is who He says He is, I’m sure He also is
saddened by their written content. </span></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><span>God, in fact, has
much to say about our spoken—and written—words. Jesus once took to task some
Pharisees for following their strict traditions but disobeying the pivotal
commandment of loving God above all else and their neighbor as themselves. He
said, “Hear and understand: not what goes into the mouth defiles a man; but
what comes out of the mouth, this defiles a man.” (Matthew 15:10)</span></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><span>Jesus also taught
that we are known by the fruit we bear. “Out of the abundance of the heart the
mouth speaks,” He said. “For every idle word men may speak, they will give
account of it in the day of judgment. For by your words you will be justified,
and by your words you will be condemned.” (Matthew 12:34-36) Our words contain
the power to either tear down or lift up.</span></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><span>Scary words, to be
sure. Scary enough that we should all heed them by searching our hearts and our
habits. Our thoughts usually determine the words we speak or write. If our
thoughts center on positive, encouraging and life-giving ways to communicate
with others, not only will they be blessed, but we will too. And our hearts
will rejoice.</span></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><span>One of the best ways
to keep our thoughts and words, whether spoken or written, on the right
track—God’s track—is to learn from His Word. Jesus is all about the good, the
positive, and the life-giving way. In fact, Hebrews 4:12 says “the word of God
is … sharper than any two-edged sword …” </span></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><i><span>Lord, thank You for Your powerful words of
life. Fill our hearts, minds and lips with only the words that bring joy,
peace, love and life to others. In Jesus’ name, amen.</span></i></span></span></div>
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Sally Bairhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13881815330803734015noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1659721920531528633.post-48462739054773268822018-07-03T09:59:00.000-07:002018-07-03T09:59:58.855-07:00HEARING GOD OVER THE NOISY STORMS OF LIFE<!--[if gte mso 9]><xml>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjzjQwKZW6yQLz7nrL1NGWp44cJOpQvVffFLQPNFKircA9QEauh1YX8y-XD7WeJ4c3SH7wW_YwzETXalEUU5LQY2v7qJxCGstzm8po9OXyjk1qD73JTX3XxlqMUvkTgguai5HdMPaAwAuc/s1600/Storrmy+Sky.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="324" data-original-width="500" height="258" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjzjQwKZW6yQLz7nrL1NGWp44cJOpQvVffFLQPNFKircA9QEauh1YX8y-XD7WeJ4c3SH7wW_YwzETXalEUU5LQY2v7qJxCGstzm8po9OXyjk1qD73JTX3XxlqMUvkTgguai5HdMPaAwAuc/s400/Storrmy+Sky.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">The recent storms we’ve encountered may have been noisy, but
God can quiet the storms of our lives through our abiding faith in His promises
and power. </span></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><b>Eternal Perspectives<span> </span></b>by Sally Bair</span></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><b>Noisy storms </b></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">In light of the severe storms we’ve experienced recently, I
was reminded of a column I wrote several years ago, one I included in my book, <i>The Nature of God: Daily Devotionals
Celebrating Summer. </i>I include it here, hoping you too are reminded to
remain faithful to God’s promises in the midst of the severest of life’s
storms.<b> </b></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Nature can be noisy. During a heavy rainstorm, we must shout
to be heard. In the 1800s when grasshoppers invaded the prairies, the noise of
their wings and chirring made it impossible for homesteaders to hear anything
else. Tornadoes are as noisy as freight trains.</span></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">But some outwardly quiet things such as the death of a loved
one, a divorce, disease, or other losses, can be just as noisy to our internal
ear as a loud storm.</span></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">The Old Testament prophet Job faced a life-changing storm
when God allowed Satan to take everything away from him. Although he never
cursed God, his inner voice screamed doubt and anguish. “Oh, that I knew where
I might find Him,” Job said. “I go forward, but He is not there, and backward,
but I cannot perceive Him … But He knows the way that I take; when He has
tested me, I shall come forth as gold.” (Job 23:8-10 in part)</span></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Although unsure, Job still clung to his weakened faith. If
we had faced the same situation, would we have clung to our faith? Or would we
have asked God, “How can You do this to me, Lord? I’m a good person. Aren’t You
a God of love? Where are You, Lord? I can’t hear You. Where’s the justice?”</span></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Like Job, sometimes we struggle with doubt during trials.
Our questions and complaints may become such an internal roar we can’t hear
God’s voice. We can unstop our ears from the noisy din of suffering and anguish
by choosing in faith, however, weak, to submit to God’s sovereignty. His plans
are good, though during life’s storms we can’t always see them completed. We
can only trust.</span></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><i>Lord, keep our
internal ears free from the noise of our complaints, doubts, and anguish that
come from life’s storms. We want and need to hear Your clear voice through Your
Word and Spirit. in Jesus’ name, amen.</i></span></span></div>
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Sally Bairhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13881815330803734015noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1659721920531528633.post-82299017149062595582018-06-27T07:37:00.000-07:002018-06-27T07:37:00.244-07:00AVOID DETOURS BY STAYING ON GOD'S PATH<!--[if gte mso 9]><xml>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi7aq2pWjNQ-ii8mrXqOyLVcsSvGI-bvtqIEz_ScGeDEEFUXj6kztGSMU6d3b-acDfQ16n2cCxukcoK2w6CNSZMU1c7b6ubjG_R4OKWo-19TBeuA5ujKju8Jm_1NTqyyWt31dLqFssFu_s/s1600/Caution+Sign.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="455" data-original-width="500" height="363" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi7aq2pWjNQ-ii8mrXqOyLVcsSvGI-bvtqIEz_ScGeDEEFUXj6kztGSMU6d3b-acDfQ16n2cCxukcoK2w6CNSZMU1c7b6ubjG_R4OKWo-19TBeuA5ujKju8Jm_1NTqyyWt31dLqFssFu_s/s400/Caution+Sign.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Certainly some detours are meant to keep us safe from harm.
But many of them we choose to take to fulfill our selfish desires. They can
pull us away from God’s perfect path in the blink of an eye. Only through His
Word and power will we remain where He wants us to be. The rewards are much
greater than our fleeting, and perhaps unfulfilling pleasure.</span></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><b>Eternal Perspectives<span> </span></b>by Sally Bair</span></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><b>Detours and straight
paths </b></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">A widespread, three-day storm in northern Wisconsin recently
left thousands without electrical power. Houses were flooded. People lost their
pets. Some farmers lost their crops. Many roads, if not entirely washed out,
have weakened in structure. And several people have lost their lives. </span></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Besides the more drastic results of the storm, many of us
are having to change our travel plans around road conditions. As I’m scheduling
a few day trips to market my new book, I find myself studying maps, checking
online for road detour updates and asking for advice from friends. Some
closures won’t last long since there was little or no road damage. Others,
however, may affect travelers for weeks and perhaps even months. </span></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Finding the best detours can be challenging. They all
require more miles driven, more gasoline used and more time taken from our
regular schedules—all for the sake of avoiding something unpleasant or
dangerous. Detours taken to check out new and interesting places or to visit
someone along the way, however, can be fun and relaxing. </span></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Fun and relaxation can be important, especially when we must
face difficulties and hard-to-solve problems. But sometimes I find myself
taking other kinds of detours from God’s straight path. I spend too much time
and effort trying to do things on my own strength. Or I focus on non-essentials
and frivolous, time-wasting pursuits. If I’m not careful, my detours can become
bad habits. Only through God’s Word, prayer and the power of His Holy Spirit am
I able to find my way back to His path.</span></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">His Word tells all of us how to avoid detours. “Therefore
strengthen the hands which hang down, and the feeble knees, and make straight
paths for your feet …” (Hebrews 12:13) It takes persistence and Godly wisdom to
stay on the right path. </span></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Besides availing ourselves of God’s Word and power, we can
pray whenever we find ourselves faced with detours. “Lead me, O Lord, in Your
righteousness … make Your way straight before my face.” (Psalm 5:8) </span></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><i>Lord, thank You for
Your faithfulness, Your power and Your love. Help us stay on Your perfect path.
Guide our steps and keep us focused on You alone so we will avoid the detours
that can cause us to step out of fellowship with You. In Jesus’ name, amen.</i></span></span></div>
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Sally Bairhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13881815330803734015noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1659721920531528633.post-19674762591440823412018-06-19T12:03:00.001-07:002018-06-19T12:03:35.992-07:00COME TO THE LORD AND GO OUT FOR HIM<!--[if gte mso 9]><xml>
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiQRBG6ozLqktxeael5ZvhH9_7Nml2mKBEsidp5SIxyrXXyDK65NvrJLCwv8EoAh-FqeeCZx7y_SIJ3-xjzxyXtH5YMIgnpj3GIBlOgcJBDVPz9FWxY_qjVEXDUrNIYtN3_CU36kNJz1Zc/s1600/Squirl+in+Tree.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="500" data-original-width="445" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiQRBG6ozLqktxeael5ZvhH9_7Nml2mKBEsidp5SIxyrXXyDK65NvrJLCwv8EoAh-FqeeCZx7y_SIJ3-xjzxyXtH5YMIgnpj3GIBlOgcJBDVPz9FWxY_qjVEXDUrNIYtN3_CU36kNJz1Zc/s400/Squirl+in+Tree.jpg" width="355" /></a></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><span>Coming to the Lord for
salvation is just the beginning. We must then be willing to go out for Him,
obeying His will to reach others with His love and mercies. Through His Word,
prayer, and fellowship with other believers, He will guide us in so doing.
Blessings as you come and go for Him.</span></span></span></div>
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</span></span><div class="MsoNormal">
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<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">
</span></span><div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><b><span>Eternal Perspectives<span> </span></span></b><span>By Sally Bair</span></span></span></div>
<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">
</span></span><div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">
</span></span><div class="MsoNormal" style="mso-outline-level: 1; page-break-after: avoid;">
<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><b><span>Comings and Goings </span></b></span></span></div>
<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">
</span></span><div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><b><span><span> </span></span></b></span></span></div>
<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">
</span></span><div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><span>The squirrels and chipmunks are
everywhere, it seems. They hurry and scurry from one backyard tree to another. They
run across the patio and climb the bird feeders to steal food from them. It’s
fun to watch their endless comings and goings.</span></span></span></div>
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</span></span><div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">
</span></span><div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><span>Watching the critters, I’m
reminded of my own comings and goings. Some days it seems that’s all I do—come
and go, with nothing of value to show for my hurry-scurry.</span></span></span></div>
<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">
</span></span><div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">
</span></span><div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><span>Jesus, on the other hand, had
a special coming, to earth, and a special going, to the cross. Since we
believers are to follow His example, our comings and goings should have value
as His did.</span></span></span></div>
<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">
</span></span><div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">
</span></span><div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><span>Jesus invites every one of us
to come to Him—for healing, deliverance, and salvation. “Come to me, all you
who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you and
learn from me, for I am gentle and humble in heart, and you will find rest for
your souls. For My yoke is easy and My burden is light.” (Matthew 11:28-30)</span></span></span></div>
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</span></span><div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">
</span></span><div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><span>The best way we can come to Him
for rest and sustenance is through daily, intentional, committed prayer and
Bible reading. Once we <i>come</i> to
Christ, we are told to <i>go</i> for Him. In
fact, He commands us to “follow” Him. That going means we must be willing to go
to the cross—that is, humble ourselves as He did, and deny ourselves so we will
be holy, sacrificial servants of His love. Jesus means that we should make our
love, devotion and service to Him our highest priority, even to the point of
being willing to give up our physical lives for His sake. Followers of Him
throughout the world have died and are still dying for their faith in Christ.
Can we be willing to do less for His sake? </span></span></span></div>
<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">
</span></span><div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">
</span></span><div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><span>Jesus said, “If anyone would
come after Me, he must deny himself and take up his cross and follow Me. For
whoever wants to save his life will lose it, but whoever loses his life for Me
will find it. What good will it be for a man if he gains the whole world, yet
forfeits his soul? <span> </span>Or what can a man
give in exchange for his soul?” (Matthew 16:24-26)</span></span></span></div>
<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">
</span></span><div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">
</span></span><div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><i><span>Lord, forgive us for our
frantic comings and goings. Give us the will and strength to take up Your cross
and follow Your will, not our own. Help us remember to spend special time with You
daily. In Jesus’ name, amen.</span></i></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
Sally Bairhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13881815330803734015noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1659721920531528633.post-64958697419484324112018-06-12T08:05:00.001-07:002018-06-12T08:05:22.379-07:00MEMORIES ABOUT GOD ARE THE BEST<!--[if gte mso 9]><xml>
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgdgCX1Ax7dHBUDw7nmdAB4H0PukeqbLGRIhdvLprC2yIvxhkzYf3lda9iHniz001eeMdW8O0o8thXlYb7gnPAH1i5FeKQ-eIF9iUzRyX6D8T0T7yoTycWFkeXtKIOj5j_VBbGATwanFSI/s1600/Journals.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="500" data-original-width="373" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgdgCX1Ax7dHBUDw7nmdAB4H0PukeqbLGRIhdvLprC2yIvxhkzYf3lda9iHniz001eeMdW8O0o8thXlYb7gnPAH1i5FeKQ-eIF9iUzRyX6D8T0T7yoTycWFkeXtKIOj5j_VBbGATwanFSI/s400/Journals.jpg" width="297" /></a></div>
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<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">Eternal Perspectives<span style="mso-tab-count: 2;"> </span></b>by Sally Bair</div>
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<br /></div>
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I recently spent time with my sister to edit our life
stories. We’re each writing a memoir about our childhood spent as identical
twins. Along with her husband, who also grew up in the same area, we reminisced
about the past. Many events and details that we thought we’d forgotten came
back to mind.</div>
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<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Memories are like that. We recall them through our journals
and diaries, and we share them during family get-togethers. As we remember a
few, we recall others, and others, until they fill our minds like a tapestry
waiting to be finished. </div>
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<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Memories can help us understand our present circumstances.
As I write my memoir, I’m surprised how many of my remembrances show me a
different perspective about my life. And they also remind me that I have the
choice of which memories I want to keep and which I need to erase. When we keep
the negative ones alive, we may tend to view our world as dark and dangerous.
Positive memories, however—the ones that bring a laugh or a smile—can bring
healing, health and joy. Others who hear us share good memories, and even bad
memories that we can laugh about now, can’t help but rejoice with us.</div>
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God shows us the value of good memories through His Word.
After He led His people across the Red Sea into freedom, He told them through
Moses to “remember this day in which you went out of Egypt, out of the house of
bondage; for by strength of hand the Lord brought you out of this place ….”
(Exodus 13:3)</div>
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<br /></div>
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King David, who faced many hardships and threats, took
refuge in his memories of the Lord’s past help. “I will remember the works of
the Lord; surely I will remember Your wonders of old. I will also meditate on
all Your work, and talk of Your deeds.” (Psalm 77:11)</div>
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<br /></div>
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The more time we spend in God’s Word and in remembering the
good things, the more we will remember His mercies. In doing so, we will keep a
positive outlook regardless what is going on around us. And when we do tend to
forget, God sends help. “But the Helper, the Holy Spirit, whom the Father will
send in My name [Jesus], will … bring to your remembrance all things that I
said to you.” (John 14:26)</div>
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<br /></div>
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<i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">Lord, thank You for
memories. Show us by Your Holy Spirit how best to use them for Your glory and
our spiritual, mental and physical health. In Jesus’ name, amen.</i></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
Sally Bairhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13881815330803734015noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1659721920531528633.post-84699524219486827622018-06-02T10:39:00.000-07:002018-06-02T10:39:28.159-07:00DO YOU KNOW JESUS?<!--[if gte mso 9]><xml>
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjkEGxb70a4aihHL3tBjmaiOwSZYGcDOJY73jdkIpeCNlRR6YAVmxZzm0ddHg3VSJmDGoeNOYAOlaqAjN2ZQ2jM_NmtanAWklLyvFStO6Or9Cyf19Pm1NTUVjuGnw3-A-MrzeQ19sBPRsk/s1600/Rainbow+over+Washburn+2010.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="347" data-original-width="500" height="277" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjkEGxb70a4aihHL3tBjmaiOwSZYGcDOJY73jdkIpeCNlRR6YAVmxZzm0ddHg3VSJmDGoeNOYAOlaqAjN2ZQ2jM_NmtanAWklLyvFStO6Or9Cyf19Pm1NTUVjuGnw3-A-MrzeQ19sBPRsk/s400/Rainbow+over+Washburn+2010.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">To know Him is to love Him above all others.</span></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><b>Eternal Perspectives<span> </span></b>by Sally Bair</span></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">I met a woman whom I admired so much that I wanted to get to
know her better. But circumstances prevented me from further exchanges. Others
admired her, too. They shared their good thoughts about the woman and then
asked, “Do you know her?” My answer always was, “No, I don’t know her
personally, but I hear all about the good things she’s doing so I feel like I
know her.”</span></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Sometimes we may feel like we know God, too, through the
beauty of nature or the peaceful music of a symphony. But can we trust our
feelings? They come and go and are undependable. What brings us up one moment
can cause us to plummet the next. The question therefore begs, do we really know
God and His Son, Jesus? If so, how do we know Him?</span></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">“Now by this we know that we know Him, if we keep His
commandments. He who says, ‘I know Him,’ and does not keep His commandments is
a liar and the truth is not in him. But whoever keeps His Word, truly the love
of God is in him.” (1 John 2:3-4)</span></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">As humans, we’re unable to keep God’s commandments. To love
God with our whole heart, soul and mind, and our neighbor as ourselves, we need
His help. And as the psalmist says, our help comes from the Lord. We can
overcome our human desires, such as putting ourselves before God and others, through
His Word and the power of the Holy Spirit.</span></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">The value of<b> </b>knowing
Jesus surpasses all else. Paul writes: “I count all things loss for the
excellence of the knowledge of Christ Jesus my Lord, for whom I have suffered
the loss of all things, and count them as rubbish, that I may … know Him and
the power of His resurrection.” (Philippians 3:8-9)</span></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">We would be wise to take daily inventory of our lives—those
things we hang onto and consider too important to lose—so that we too can begin
to count all things as rubbish compared to the greatness of God’s mercies. </span></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><span> </span><i>Lord, thank You for showing us, through Your Word and Spirit, the
knowledge of Jesus. Give us a hunger to know You better, to know You personally
and to surrender our selfish will to Yours. Renew our minds so our every
thought will be to know You, to worship You and to glorify You. In Jesus’ name,
amen.</i></span></span></div>
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Sally Bairhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13881815330803734015noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1659721920531528633.post-52383146390809410512018-05-28T08:15:00.000-07:002018-05-28T08:15:29.287-07:00BE TRANSFORMED INTO GOD'S IMAGE<!--[if gte mso 9]><xml>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg2nUD4O-lChi54FgtyhKTYDeAOAmVB3JipMzJnKeqiU1HnE1uCmO-d-jks-Ml-Myp0zD1Tb-7FBd-zuQPEki0JVAfzcLxBUpMyj5jhztAHpgf8k0ZqSOfKiDGbatZyLrJf49WWW5etGLA/s1600/Blue+butterfly+on+greenery.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="396" data-original-width="500" height="316" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg2nUD4O-lChi54FgtyhKTYDeAOAmVB3JipMzJnKeqiU1HnE1uCmO-d-jks-Ml-Myp0zD1Tb-7FBd-zuQPEki0JVAfzcLxBUpMyj5jhztAHpgf8k0ZqSOfKiDGbatZyLrJf49WWW5etGLA/s400/Blue+butterfly+on+greenery.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">We can try all we want to change into a better Christian,
but only by God’s Holy Spirit can we be transformed into what He would want us
to be.</span></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><b>Eternal Perspectives<span> </span></b>by Sally Bair</span></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><b>Transformers </b></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Before the days of buried cables, an electric line ran from
a pole by our road to one in our yard. The roadside pole held a transformer
that changed electric power from high voltage, enough to serve the
neighborhood, to low voltage for our house and barn.</span></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">To transform means to change in nature, form, or appearance.
Transformation also means metamorphosis, as a caterpillar changes into a
butterfly. By our own efforts, we can cause transformations, too. We can turn a
run-down house into a castle, a rock into a polished gem, a piece of wood into
a table. Overweight people can transform their bodies, by diet and exercise,
into ones of health and beauty. Struggling students can become successful
through hard work and determination.</span></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">The Bible speaks of transformation, too. “Do not be conformed
to this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind, that you may
prove what is that good and acceptable and perfect will of God.” (Romans 12:2)
The words conform and transform given here are opposites. Instead of being
conformed, or molded, by the world’s values, Paul wants us to be transformed.</span></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">If our mind is dedicated to worldly concerns, it will not
line up with God’s perfect will. When we choose to believe the truth of God’s
Word, however, and consistently meditate on it, the Holy Spirit will guide and
shape our thoughts and behaviors. Such action will renew our mind until “we
have the mind of Christ.” (1 Corinthians 2:16)</span></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><i>Lord, thank You for
Your Spirit, who gives us the strength, encouragement, and power to resist
worldly pursuits and to transform our minds into the mind of Christ. In Jesus’
name, amen.</i></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">(Reprinted from <i>The
Nature of God: Daily Devotionals Celebrating Summer, </i>by Sally Bair</span></span></div>
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Sally Bairhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13881815330803734015noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1659721920531528633.post-90563213258982240802018-05-23T04:32:00.001-07:002018-05-23T04:32:22.777-07:00HOW THICK OR THIN IS YOUR FAITH?<!--[if gte mso 9]><xml>
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiPn7eMk2nHTPyuMaNPuYg1HNnEOfx5OU4uh3Utd5NXOXnOn8JUuaDw5qhnPDBkkujTJqtay58oYZgBcySJHNC-Btsfjodm4jfhzwJCVFZ3maBnZmGlkuUWt-NW0_3f8ZqI1iZ2xMHH71g/s1600/Bare+Grass.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="332" data-original-width="500" height="265" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiPn7eMk2nHTPyuMaNPuYg1HNnEOfx5OU4uh3Utd5NXOXnOn8JUuaDw5qhnPDBkkujTJqtay58oYZgBcySJHNC-Btsfjodm4jfhzwJCVFZ3maBnZmGlkuUWt-NW0_3f8ZqI1iZ2xMHH71g/s400/Bare+Grass.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Like grass that grows thicker in some spots and thin in
others, our life with Christ can compare to its healthiness. How is yours
growing?</span></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><b>ETERNAL PERSPECTIVES</b><span> </span><span> </span>by
Sally Bair</span></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><b>Blades of grass </b></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">While mowing the lawn for the first time one year, I zipped
through some sparse areas of grass. In other areas, the grass grew thick, causing
me to push for all I was worth with my battery-operated mower that was not
self-propelled. The sparse area looked like it hadn’t even been mowed.
Conversely, the thick grass looked luxurious and inviting.</span></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Our lives may work that way, too. When we work hard at
something, it brings us a deep sense of satisfaction for having done a job
well. When we fly through a task, the result is often boredom or the sense of
being unfulfilled. Think of intelligent school children who are not challenged
to learn new and more lessons. Often, boredom brings the desire to start
trouble, refuse to follow rules, or skip school. Some even drop out of school.
Some take the initiative, however, to strive for excellence and growth by doing
extra credit work or seeking new, independent ways of learning.</span></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Of course, many children <i>and</i>
adults would rather do the minimum amount of work. Like the sparse lawn, they
barely get by in many areas of their life.</span></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">We can apply this analogy to our spiritual life. Many
Christians are content to attend church once a week, depending on their
spiritual leader to spoon feed them with a short dose of the Word. Some may
throw a handful of change in the Christmas kettle, believing they’ve done their
Christian duty. </span></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Such a sparse life, like the thin grass, will be prone to
dis-ease when drought or flood come. Its shallow roots can easily allow weeds
to take over.</span></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">“I am the vine, you are the branches. He who abides in Me,
and I in him, bears much fruit; for without Me you can do nothing.” (John 15:
5) </span></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">God, our spiritual gardener, can cause our immature, thin
roots to grow. All we have to do is become willing to follow His instructions.
A daily dose of His Word is full of the growth-enhancing minerals we need to
become flourishing plants. A constant attitude of praise, thanksgiving, and
humility as well as a desire to learn more about His works and wonders will
bring richness to our mind and spirit.</span></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><i>Lord, we don’t want to
languish like sparse patches of grass, content to take the easy way out. We
want to flourish with the fruit of Your Holy Spirit, unafraid of the effort it
may involve. Help us to abide in You, to desire nothing so much as to depend on
Your grace and love for our growth. In Jesus’ name, amen.</i></span></span></div>
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Sally Bairhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13881815330803734015noreply@blogger.com0