tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-86835132361187885392024-03-08T08:32:33.463-08:00Galatians419Daily encouragement in your Christian walk until, as the Apostle Paul writes,"Christ is formed in you" (Galatians 4:19, NIV).Allen Whitehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02813013607341581179noreply@blogger.comBlogger1279125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8683513236118788539.post-82706615077136717002019-10-19T07:31:00.002-07:002019-10-19T07:31:27.329-07:00New Small Group Study from Allen White<h2>
Community: Six Weeks to a Healthy Group</h2>
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<a href="https://el2.convertkit-mail3.com/c/preview/dpheh0hz/aHR0cDovL2FsbGVud2hpdGUub3JnL2NvbW11bml0eS8=" style="font-size: 14px;" target="_blank"><img alt="" height="340" src="https://i1.wp.com/allenwhite.org/wp-content/uploads/2019/08/Community-Cover.png?w=1080&ssl=1" style="height: 340px; max-width: 100%; width: 216px;" width="216" /></a></h3>
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God created people for community. Everyone needs a place to get to know others and to allow themselves to become known. Community is a place to find love and acceptance. But, community is made up of individuals who come from different places and carry different ideas. Not all community is healthy. Not all community is unified. But, it can be.</div>
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This six-week study will tackle the big issues of community — expectations, honesty, serving, growth, conflict, and outreach. This is a place to learn, but more importantly it’s a place to work things out. This resource facilitates a setting where everybody can be heard and where consensus is reached. A group going in one direction is a powerful thing. A group divided into many directions is a chaotic thing. In these six weeks, groups will work on:</div>
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<li><strong>Lesson 1 – Group Expectations</strong></li>
<li><strong>Lesson 2 – Honest Conversations</strong></li>
<li><strong>Lesson 3 – Using Your Gifts</strong></li>
<li><strong>Lesson 4 – Spiritual Growth</strong></li>
<li><strong>Lesson 5 – Conflict Resolution</strong></li>
<li><strong>Lesson 6 – Reaching Others</strong></li>
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<em>This study is a great resource for any new group a church wants to start or for any group that desires to become healthy. This is also a great next step study for groups formed for church-wide campaigns or alignment series. As Allen says, “Don’t take the first step, if you haven’t planned a next step.” The next step study is one of the keys to lasting groups.</em></div>
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<a href="https://allenwhite.org/community">Download a Free Sample and </a><a href="https://el2.convertkit-mail3.com/c/preview/e5uph7h9/aHR0cDovL2FsbGVud2hpdGUub3JnL2NvbW11bml0eS8=" target="_blank">Order Here</a></h2>
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Allen Whitehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02813013607341581179noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8683513236118788539.post-38652993546192935902018-04-02T17:47:00.001-07:002018-04-02T17:47:23.120-07:00Devotionals in a New Format<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-K1Eb33U6ih4/WsLOhLWpfAI/AAAAAAAAGgA/_wOcxuCL8Z0xmF-7naSpJBtJNTU4eS8YwCLcBGAs/s1600/Living%2Ba%2BBalanced%2BLife%2BCover.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="500" data-original-width="314" height="320" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-K1Eb33U6ih4/WsLOhLWpfAI/AAAAAAAAGgA/_wOcxuCL8Z0xmF-7naSpJBtJNTU4eS8YwCLcBGAs/s320/Living%2Ba%2BBalanced%2BLife%2BCover.jpg" width="200" /></a></div>
A few folks have asked me if I was going to start writing devotions again. I have to be honest, with my current schedule working with pastors and churches from around the country, I just don't have time to get to them. So, we are going to offer some devotionals in a different way -- Kindle books. You can read Amazon Kindle books with any electronic device: computer, table, Kindle, or smartphone. You will just need to download a free program to use a non-Kindle device to read Kindle books.<br />
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The first title in the series is 30 daily readings called Living a Balanced Life. These readings will cover your spiritual being, your relationship, your physical being, and gaining wisdom. Most importantly the last five devotionals focus on developing an action plan so you can make lasting change.<br />
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Download this Kindle book for only $2.99 at <a href="https://amzn.to/2H5fJZT">https://amzn.to/2H5fJZT</a><br />
And, of course, you can always go back as far as 2009 in the online devotionals for free.<br />
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God bless,<br />
Allen White<br />
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<br />Allen Whitehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02813013607341581179noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8683513236118788539.post-75403609446960419022018-02-05T11:53:00.002-08:002018-02-05T11:53:57.898-08:00New King's Witness Study GuideHey Folks,<br />
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I know it's been a while since you've heard from me. To be honest, I have been so busy working with churches across the country that I have not been able to keep up with the devotionals. If you don't mind, I will keep you informed about things that might interest you from time to time.<br />
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You might be interested in the latest release: All In: The King's Witness study guide. This is an updated and revised version from the original I put out about 8 years ago (Could that be right?)<a href="https://www.amazon.com/All-Study-Guide-Kings-Witness/dp/0999115847/ref=as_li_ss_il?s=books&ie=UTF8&qid=1517842014&sr=1-1&keywords=all+in+allen+white&dpID=41hxcz7A5wL&preST=_SY291_BO1,204,203,200_QL40_&dpSrc=srch&linkCode=li2&tag=halreaboo-20&linkId=1ed02f6f058d4d202a9781ba763cceec" target="_blank"> It is available on Amazon.com if you are interested.</a> (<a href="https://www.amazon.com/All-Study-Guide-Kings-Witness/dp/0999115847/ref=as_li_ss_il?s=books&ie=UTF8&qid=1517842014&sr=1-1&keywords=all+in+allen+white&dpID=41hxcz7A5wL&preST=_SY291_BO1,204,203,200_QL40_&dpSrc=srch&linkCode=li2&tag=halreaboo-20&linkId=1ed02f6f058d4d202a9781ba763cceec" target="_blank">Click here to get your copy</a>).<br />
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This study guide is great for both individual and group use. Groups can use this to learn a simple method of sharing the Gospel with others. It can also be used with new believers.<br />
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God bless,<br />
<br />
Allen<br />
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<a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-7TPRaobuBwc/Wni1sPjwNEI/AAAAAAAAGdE/2p3_Rw0n4HgxbS04_xpaGZlFHcW6jdOXQCLcBGAs/s1600/All-In-Sample-Book-Cover.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1500" data-original-width="1000" height="320" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-7TPRaobuBwc/Wni1sPjwNEI/AAAAAAAAGdE/2p3_Rw0n4HgxbS04_xpaGZlFHcW6jdOXQCLcBGAs/s320/All-In-Sample-Book-Cover.jpg" width="213" /></a></div>
Allen Whitehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02813013607341581179noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8683513236118788539.post-41239519930286276072017-03-12T06:00:00.000-07:002017-03-12T06:00:03.576-07:00My New Book<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Hey Folks,</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Sorry you haven't heard from me in a while. I just published my first book, Exponential Groups: Unleashing Your Church's Potential with Hendrickson Publishers out of Boston. This is a pastor/church leader kind of a book, so if you are one, buy one. If you're not, then pick one up for your pastor and others. For the whole scoop and where to get a copy: <a href="http://exponentialgroupsbook.com/">exponentialgroupsbook.com</a></span><br />
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From Exponential Groups:</div>
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“Everyone is already in a group.</div>
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“When I saw “group,” something from years of church Bible studies comes to mind. You might protest that there are plenty of people who aren’t in groups like this. But it’s true. Everyone is already in a group, it’s just not the group you have in mind. People are in groups called families, friends, coworkers, neighbors, soccer moms, and many others. If your question is <em style="margin: 0px; padding: 0px;">how are these church groups?</em> I want to suggest you change your question to <em style="margin: 0px; padding: 0px;">what can these groups do intentionally about their spiritual growth</em>?”</div>
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— excerpt from the Introduction</div>
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<a href="http://allenwhite.org/ebook" style="color: #20a3ca; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;" target="_blank"><strong style="margin: 0px; padding: 0px;">Download the Introduction and Chapter One by clicking here.</strong></a></div>
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<a href="https://www.paypal.com/cgi-bin/webscr?cmd=_s-xclick&hosted_button_id=6RBJ5XLUGNSES" style="color: #20a3ca; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;"><img alt="" class="size-full wp-image-25008 alignnone" height="108" src="https://i2.wp.com/allenwhite.org/wp-content/uploads/2016/10/AllenWhite_200x108.png?resize=200%2C108" style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial; border-radius: 4px; border: 1px solid rgb(231, 232, 230); margin: 4px 10px; padding: 3px;" width="200" /></a> <a href="https://www.amazon.com/Exponential-Groups-Unleashing-Churchs-Potential/dp/1619708418/ref=as_li_ss_tl?ie=UTF8&qid=1475504402&sr=8-1&keywords=exponential+groups+allen+white&linkCode=sl1&tag=halreaboo-20&linkId=9483b210f0a05347b677408f37fffc50" style="color: #20a3ca; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;" target="_blank"><img alt="" class="size-full wp-image-25012 alignnone" height="68" src="https://i2.wp.com/allenwhite.org/wp-content/uploads/2016/10/amazon-150x60.jpg?resize=150%2C68" style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial; border-radius: 4px; border: 1px solid rgb(231, 232, 230); margin: 4px 10px; padding: 3px;" width="150" /></a> <a href="http://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/exponential-groups-allen-white/1124257310?ean=9781619708419" style="color: #20a3ca; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;" target="_blank"><img class="wp-image-25010 alignnone" height="49" src="https://i2.wp.com/allenwhite.org/wp-content/uploads/2016/10/barnes-and-noble.jpg?resize=179%2C49" style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial; border-radius: 4px; border: 1px solid rgb(231, 232, 230); margin: 4px 10px; padding: 3px;" width="179" /></a> <a href="https://www.christianbook.com/Christian/Books/product?event=AFF&p=1136352&item_no=708419" style="color: #20a3ca; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;"><img alt="" class="wp-image-25080 alignnone" height="96" src="https://i0.wp.com/allenwhite.org/wp-content/uploads/2016/10/CBD-logo-1.png?resize=137%2C96" style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial; border-radius: 4px; border: 1px solid rgb(231, 232, 230); margin: 4px 10px; padding: 3px;" width="137" /></a> <a href="https://www.cokesbury.com/product/9781619708419/exponential-groups/?rank=0&txtSearchQuery=exponential%20groups" style="color: #20a3ca; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;"><img alt="" class="wp-image-25076 alignnone" height="58" sizes="(max-width: 202px) 100vw, 202px" src="https://i2.wp.com/allenwhite.org/wp-content/uploads/2016/10/Cokesbury-logo.jpg?resize=202%2C58" srcset="https://i2.wp.com/allenwhite.org/wp-content/uploads/2016/10/Cokesbury-logo.jpg?resize=300%2C86 300w, https://i2.wp.com/allenwhite.org/wp-content/uploads/2016/10/Cokesbury-logo.jpg?w=341 341w" style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial; border-radius: 4px; border: 1px solid rgb(231, 232, 230); margin: 4px 10px; padding: 3px;" width="202" /></a></div>
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Podcasts, Blog Posts, and Interviews about Exponential Groups:</h2>
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<a href="http://www.lifeway.com/groupministry/2017/03/01/the-groups-matter-podcast-episode-38-exponential-groups/" style="color: #20a3ca; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;">Lifeway’s Groups Matter Podcast (episode 38) with Brian Daniel and Chris Surratt</a></div>
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<a href="http://www.markhowelllive.com/dont-miss-exponential-groups-new-from-allen-white/" style="color: #20a3ca; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;">Post on Markhowelllive.com</a></div>
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<a href="http://allenwhite.org/2017/01/31/video-announcing-exponential-groups-allen-white/" style="color: #20a3ca; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;">Video Interview for Hendrickson Publishers</a></div>
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<strong style="margin: 0px; padding: 0px;">From the Foreword by Chip Ingram:</strong></h3>
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<em style="margin: 0px; padding: 0px;">“Allen offers practical insights and proven steps to start new groups in your church, whether you’ve been at groups <img alt="" class=" wp-image-25014 alignright" height="200" sizes="(max-width: 200px) 100vw, 200px" src="https://i0.wp.com/allenwhite.org/wp-content/uploads/2016/10/chip-story.png?resize=200%2C200" srcset="https://i0.wp.com/allenwhite.org/wp-content/uploads/2016/10/chip-story.png?w=300 300w, https://i0.wp.com/allenwhite.org/wp-content/uploads/2016/10/chip-story.png?resize=150%2C150 150w" style="border-radius: 4px; border: 1px solid rgb(231, 232, 230); float: right; margin: 4px 0px 4px 10px; padding: 3px;" width="200" />for a long time or are just getting started. These are principles from the trenches, not unproven theories. What Allen has done in his own churches and in our church will work for your church as well. This isn’t a cookie cutter strategy that treats every church exactly the same. No two churches are really the same. The variety and flexibility you will discover in this book will help you make a custom fit for your congregation.”</em></div>
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<strong style="margin: 0px; padding: 0px;">Chip Ingram, Senior Pastor, Venture Church, Los Gatos, CA and Founder and President, Living on the Edge</strong></div>
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What Others are Saying about Exponential Groups:</h3>
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<img alt="" class=" wp-image-25015 alignleft" height="232" sizes="(max-width: 232px) 100vw, 232px" src="https://i0.wp.com/allenwhite.org/wp-content/uploads/2016/10/Greg-Surratt-flip.jpg?resize=232%2C232" srcset="https://i0.wp.com/allenwhite.org/wp-content/uploads/2016/10/Greg-Surratt-flip.jpg?w=260 260w, https://i0.wp.com/allenwhite.org/wp-content/uploads/2016/10/Greg-Surratt-flip.jpg?resize=150%2C150 150w" style="border-radius: 4px; border: 1px solid rgb(231, 232, 230); float: left; margin: 4px 10px 4px 0px; padding: 3px;" width="232" /><em style="margin: 0px; padding: 0px;">“Wouldn’t it be great to have ALL the people in our churches connected to groups in which they can do life together, learn about God, and encourage each other? The problem is that we might be standing in the way of that happening without even knowing it. If you want to learn how to empower your people to step up and serve, and effectively reach those outside of the church, pick up a copy of Exponential Groups by Allen White. Your people have the power to impact the lives of others for God in the long-term, and you can help them discover it.”</em></div>
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<strong style="margin: 0px; padding: 0px;">Greg Surratt, Founding Pastor, Seacoast Church, Mt. Pleasant, SC, President, ARC and Author of <em style="margin: 0px; padding: 0px;">Ir-Rev-Rend </em></strong></div>
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<img alt="" class=" wp-image-25016 alignright" height="163" sizes="(max-width: 163px) 100vw, 163px" src="https://i1.wp.com/allenwhite.org/wp-content/uploads/2016/10/Rick-Rusaw-260x260.jpg?resize=163%2C163" srcset="https://i1.wp.com/allenwhite.org/wp-content/uploads/2016/10/Rick-Rusaw-260x260.jpg?resize=260%2C260 260w, https://i1.wp.com/allenwhite.org/wp-content/uploads/2016/10/Rick-Rusaw-260x260.jpg?resize=150%2C150 150w" style="border-radius: 4px; border: 1px solid rgb(231, 232, 230); float: right; margin: 4px 0px 4px 10px; padding: 3px;" width="163" /></div>
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<em style="margin: 0px; padding: 0px;">“Allen White eats, sleeps and breathes small groups and the strategies that help churches engage and connect their people. His experience is rich, broad and deep, not only will his stories of success inspire you but his stories of what hasn’t worked will give you confidence in his advice. If you are serious about groups this book will give you plenty to chew on and encouragement for the journey. “</em></div>
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<strong style="margin: 0px; padding: 0px;">Rick Rusaw, Lead Pastor, LifeBridge Christian Church, Longmont, CO and</strong><strong style="margin: 0px; padding: 0px;"> </strong><strong style="margin: 0px; padding: 0px;">Author of <em style="margin: 0px; padding: 0px;">The Neighboring Church</em> and <em style="margin: 0px; padding: 0px;">The Externally Focused Church</em></strong></div>
Allen Whitehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02813013607341581179noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8683513236118788539.post-7884150752958327092016-05-19T03:00:00.000-07:002016-05-19T03:00:06.054-07:00Partners in CrimeBy Allen White<br />
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<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-mEZmI142gCM/VzYs7qpGabI/AAAAAAAAFpU/sNdnc1BaDBEI-SRknvXYrUYXmNdKyDuzwCLcB/s1600/prison.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="242" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-mEZmI142gCM/VzYs7qpGabI/AAAAAAAAFpU/sNdnc1BaDBEI-SRknvXYrUYXmNdKyDuzwCLcB/s320/prison.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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My fellow prisoner Aristarchus sends you his greetings, as
does Mark, the cousin of Barnabas. (You have received instructions about him;
if he comes to you, welcome him.) Jesus, who is called Justus, also sends
greetings. These are the only Jews among my fellow workers for the kingdom of
God, and they have proved a comfort to me. Epaphras, who is one of you and a
servant of Christ Jesus, sends greetings. He is always wrestling in prayer for
you, that you may stand firm in all the will of God, mature and fully assured. I
vouch for him that he is working hard for you and for those at Laodicea and
Hierapolis. Our dear friend Luke, the doctor, and Demas send greetings. Colossians 4:10-14<o:p></o:p></div>
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Paul
lists quite a cast of characters here in his closing to this letter to the
Colossian church. Paul’s ministry was always a team effort. While Paul is the
most mentioned in the spread of the Gospel to Asia and Europe, he had many
partners along the way. Paul couldn’t do it alone.<o:p></o:p></div>
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Aristarchus
met Paul in Ephesus. As a result, Aristarchus and Gaius were arrested (Acts
19:28-30). He became Paul’s traveling companion from Troas to Jerusalem and
then Jerusalem to Rome. He shared Paul’s imprisonment in Rome. Aristarchus was
truly a ministry partner to the end.<o:p></o:p></div>
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Mark,
also known as John Mark, was not always on the best of terms with Paul. In
fact, in Acts 15:36-40, we see that Paul chose not to travel with Mark because
Mark had abandoned them on a previous journey. In this letter, however, it
appears that Paul and Mark had reconciled, and that Mark was back on the team.<o:p></o:p></div>
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Jesus
called Justus, his Greek name, looked after Paul during his first imprisonment.
We really don’t know much else about him.<o:p></o:p></div>
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<br /></div>
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Epaphras
was actually the founder of the Colossian church. He had traveled to Rome to
give Paul a report of the work in Colossae. But, during the visit, Epaphras was
arrested and found himself imprisoned with Paul.<o:p></o:p></div>
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<br /></div>
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So,
imagine this: a founding pastor goes on a trip and then
doesn’t ever return. We find out later that he’s in prison. The church would be
in distress. The pastor would be in distress. This was the situation that Epaphrus
found himself in.<o:p></o:p></div>
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<br /></div>
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The
Colossian church had to depend on mature believers to guide it along. Epaphrus’
constant role was to wrestle in prayer for them. Yet, look at how the Colossian
church prospered. Paul began his letter by saying, “We always thank God…when we
pray for you, because we have heard of your faith in Christ Jesus and of the
love you have for all the saints” (Colossians 1:3-4). Christ, indeed, does
build His Church (Matthew 16:18).<o:p></o:p></div>
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<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Dr.
Luke is the author of both the Gospel of Luke and the Acts of the Apostles. He
joined Paul on his second missionary journey and accompanied Paul on the third
journey as well.<o:p></o:p></div>
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<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Demas
was in prison with Paul, but Demas’ story does not have a happy ending.
According to 2 Timothy 4:10, “Demas, because he loved this world, has deserted me
and has gone to Thessalonica.” There is no record that Paul and Demas were ever
reconciled.<o:p></o:p></div>
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<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
It’s
amazing to see all that Paul accomplished despite the fact that He was
imprisoned. Some of us can barely function when we’re having a bad day, let
alone finding ourselves behind bars. Yet, there is much hope in a passage like
this. <o:p></o:p></div>
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<br /></div>
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Outcomes
depend on God. It’s not all up to us. That certainly takes off a lot of
pressure. Now, God expects us to be diligent and to work hard, but God is the one
who produces the result (1 Corinthians 3:6).<o:p></o:p></div>
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<br /></div>
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Through
a very difficult period of Paul’s life, God provided faithful co-workers and
friends to stand by him. They encouraged Paul. They helped to continue the
work. They prayed.<o:p></o:p></div>
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God’s
work will continue. If our attitude is right and our hearts are open, God will
continue to use us despite our situation.<o:p></o:p></div>
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<br /></div>
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What
do you feel like solely depends on you? What do you think would be greatly
handicapped if you weren’t involved? How much do you find yourself depending on
God? How much do you depend on yourself? Who do you need to accomplish what is
in front of you?<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
To make a tax deductible donation to Galatians 4:19
Ministries:
http://joytotheworldfoundation.org/index.php?option=com_crowdfunding&view=details&id=1149-galations-419-ministries&catid=8-operating-projects&Itemid=10</div>
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Allen Whitehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02813013607341581179noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8683513236118788539.post-55297619957160597232016-05-18T03:00:00.000-07:002016-05-18T03:00:14.631-07:00<div class="MsoNormal">
God Doesn’t Just Erase Our Problems</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
By Allen White </div>
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<a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-Vxum8VO4qNo/VzYqicMhgBI/AAAAAAAAFpE/p_AfWuMa5SsMdjVuNqPCr9A221snlUq-gCLcB/s1600/erase.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-Vxum8VO4qNo/VzYqicMhgBI/AAAAAAAAFpE/p_AfWuMa5SsMdjVuNqPCr9A221snlUq-gCLcB/s1600/erase.jpg" /></a></div>
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<a href="https://www.blogger.com/null" name="OLE_LINK2"></a><a href="https://www.blogger.com/null" name="OLE_LINK1">Tychicus will tell you all the news about me. He
is a dear brother, a faithful minister and fellow servant in the Lord. I am
sending him to you for the express purpose that you may know about our circumstances
and that he may encourage your hearts. He is coming with Onesimus, our faithful
and dear brother, who is one of you. They will tell you everything that is
happening here. </a>Colossians
4:7-9<o:p></o:p></div>
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<br /></div>
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Tychicus is only mentioned about five times in Scripture. He
was one of Paul’s companions on the final missionary journey before Paul’s
arrest and imprisonment (Acts 20:1-4). Tychicus was given an important mission.
He was to deliver the letter to the church, and then deliver a second letter to
Philemon along with a runaway slave, Onesimus.</div>
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<br /></div>
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The evil of slavery is hard to reconcile. Maybe it shouldn’t
be. Onesimus had fled Colossae and ended up in Rome. Somehow he had met Paul
and became a Christian (Philemon 1:10-12). </div>
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<br /></div>
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Now, what we understand from Scripture is that in God’s
economy, all believers are equal: Jew and Gentile, male and female, slave and
free (Galatians 3:28). Even though Onesimus was now a believer, and even though
he was very useful to Paul (Philemon 1:13-14), Onesimus was under obligation to
Philemon. </div>
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<br /></div>
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For those who think that becoming a Christian causes all of
your problems to go away, they just need to take one look at Onesimus to see
that there are no exemptions. His eternity was secure. His temporal situation
was still the same.</div>
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<br /></div>
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Paul’s hope was that Philemon would regard Onesimus
differently. Now, they were brothers in Christ. (Philemon 1:15-21). The other
side is that Onesimus would prove to be more useful to Philemon than he was
previously (Philemon 1:11).</div>
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<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Now that we have a little background, let’s read this
passage again:</div>
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<br /></div>
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Tychicus will tell you all the news about me. He is a dear
brother, a faithful minister and fellow servant in the Lord. I am sending him
to you for the express purpose that you may know about our circumstances and
that he may encourage your hearts. He is coming with Onesimus, our faithful and
dear brother, who is one of you. They will tell you everything that is
happening here. Colossians 4:7-9<o:p></o:p></div>
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<br /></div>
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The outstanding feature of both men is that they were
faithful. They were faithful to the cause of Christ. They were faithful to
Paul.</div>
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<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Faithfulness reflects God’s character (1 Corinthians 1:9).
In fact, it may only be possible through God’s work in our lives.</div>
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<br /></div>
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Who would call you faithful? Why might someone doubt your
faithfulness? Our faithful God can do this work in our lives as we depend on
His faithfulness to us.</div>
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<br /></div>
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<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
To make a tax deductible donation to Galatians 4:19
Ministries:
http://joytotheworldfoundation.org/index.php?option=com_crowdfunding&view=details&id=1149-galations-419-ministries&catid=8-operating-projects&Itemid=10</div>
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Allen Whitehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02813013607341581179noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8683513236118788539.post-6796210578893410502016-05-17T03:00:00.000-07:002016-05-17T03:00:32.381-07:00Before You Add that Jesus Fish…By Allen White<br />
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<a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-PJO0RoZnzms/VzYp8SOy1-I/AAAAAAAAFpA/bn-fqytAX0gj7MdDaI436OtJx-ck5dIqQCLcB/s1600/ikthus.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="128" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-PJO0RoZnzms/VzYp8SOy1-I/AAAAAAAAFpA/bn-fqytAX0gj7MdDaI436OtJx-ck5dIqQCLcB/s320/ikthus.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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Be wise in the way you act toward outsiders; make the most
of every opportunity. Let your conversation be always full of grace, seasoned
with salt, so that you may know how to answer everyone. Colossians 4:5-6<o:p></o:p></div>
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Most
servers in restaurants hate working on Sundays. It’s not so much that work
interferes with their Sabbath. It’s the customers. You know them. You might be
one. Yes, church people.<o:p></o:p></div>
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<br /></div>
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Church
people are pretty obvious. Many are way overdressed to be relaxing on Sunday.
This may be where Brookwood Church and similar churches have the advantage,
since we don’t have a dress code. But, the after church dining time and the
fried chicken orders still give us away.<o:p></o:p></div>
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The
most obvious trait of church people is that they are poor tippers. Some are
even heavy on the gospel tract, heavy on the complaints, and light on the tip.
Ouch! (And, yet they wonder why they have to wait so long for a table…)<o:p></o:p></div>
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<br /></div>
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Over
the years, I have had a number of friends who worked in restaurants. They hated
it every Sunday. They would call in sick. They would feign death. They would
get arrested on Saturday night, just to avoid encountering church people on
Sunday. Okay, maybe they didn’t go that far, but you get the idea.<o:p></o:p></div>
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<br /></div>
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If
we identify ourselves with Christ, then we need to show people what the Christ
life is all about. If you are sporting a Jesus fish or a Brookwood tree on the
back of your car, how’s your driving? Are you a courteous driver? (Please note:
Letting 50 cars turn in front of you while you have traffic backed up for a
mile is not courteous to the cars behind you. I’m just sayin’.) And, if you put
the ICHTHUS on your business card, how would Jesus do business?<o:p></o:p></div>
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<br /></div>
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When
Paul speaks of outsiders in this verse, he is talking about a hostile
environment. Christians were very much the minority in the First Century A.D.
The Romans had not embraced Christ at this point. Their interactions with
outsiders weren’t just a matter of having a good testimony. Potentially, it was
a matter of life and death. Did they act wisely? Did they give a good answer
for their faith?<o:p></o:p></div>
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When
I was much younger, I was afraid of having spiritual conversations with
“outsiders.” I had no problem answering spiritual questions from believers.
There was sort of a safety net. They were already “in,” if my answer wasn’t on
par, then there was no fear of their eternal peril. But, non-believers were
another matter.<o:p></o:p></div>
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If
a non-believer asked me something, then I felt like I needed to fully answer
their question, present the Romans Road, and close the deal before they could
run away. But, what if I didn’t have a good answer? What if some doubt remained
after our conversation? What if they passed into eternity and I hadn’t
thoroughly prepared them? Panic.<o:p></o:p></div>
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Nowadays,
I see things much differently. I understand that no one comes to Jesus unless
the Father draws them (John 6:44). In that process, I am one tool in God’s
toolbox. I am one link in the chain of conversations and events that will bring
them into a relationship with Christ. Outcomes are up to God. They are
certainly not up to me. I’m not that powerful (nor do I want to be).<o:p></o:p></div>
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<br /></div>
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But,
even with the pressure off, we have a responsibility to outsiders. How can God
use you to show His love to servers who wait on you? Do you offer to pray for
your co-workers and neighbors? Do you lend a helping hand when you have the
opportunity?<o:p></o:p></div>
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<br /></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal">
To make a tax deductible donation to Galatians 4:19
Ministries: http://joytotheworldfoundation.org/index.php?option=com_crowdfunding&view=details&id=1149-galations-419-ministries&catid=8-operating-projects&Itemid=10</div>
Allen Whitehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02813013607341581179noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8683513236118788539.post-84626730641455349302016-05-16T03:00:00.000-07:002016-05-16T03:00:02.974-07:00My Brush with the Law By Allen White<br />
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Devote yourselves to prayer, being watchful and thankful. And
pray for us, too, that God may open a door for our message, so that we may
proclaim the mystery of Christ, for which I am in chains. Pray that I may
proclaim it clearly, as I should. Colossians 4:2-4</div>
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Paul amazes me. In this passage, he is asking for prayer for
an open door. Then, he mentions that he’s actually imprisoned. My first thought
is that the open door would be the prison door. But, Paul is more concerned
with proclaiming the message clearly. Of course, his crime was proclaiming the
message, so maybe he should have sought prayers for obscurity. I don’t know
that I would have fared so well. </div>
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<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
My picture appeared in the Greenville News a couple of years ago. Three other pedestrians and I were using a newly decommissioned crosswalk
downtown. Technically, we were jaywalking. There was no big sign reading “Don’t
cross here any more.” They just packed up the crosswalk signs, allowed the
strips on the road to fade, and put up a couple of cones. There is a fine line
between decommissioning and lack of maintenance. How were we to know? The
photographer didn’t take my name, so I suppose that I am currently on the lam. Next
time, I will cross at the corner now that I know it’s not a crosswalk. Whew!
Glad to get that confession out there.</div>
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What I do freely in proclaiming the message of Christ, Paul
did hard time for and with a good attitude. Paul’s secret was simply this:
devote yourself to prayer. To devote, according to dictionary.com, is to apply
oneself entirely to a particular activity. Paul instructed the Thessalonians to
“pray without ceasing” (1
Thessalonians 5:17). How do you do that?<o:p></o:p></div>
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<br /></div>
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There
are several ways. Some people will set alarms on their computer or phone
calendars throughout the day to remind them to stop and pray. Others will
establish short prayer times throughout the day. Some, rather than stop to
think about something, will stop to pray about something. Rather than thinking,
“That person irritates me. I just can’t seem to get my work done when she’s
around,” pray this “Lord, I am having a hard time with this person. Help me to
deal with them and get my work done.” Ask and you will receive (John 16:24).<o:p></o:p></div>
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My
prayer is that Jeanne Brooks, the author of the Greenville News article,
doesn’t read these devotionals. She could turn me in. What is the fine for
jaywalking in ignorance? Besides I'm from Kansas. I wasn't jaywalking. I was Jayhawking!</div>
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<o:p> </o:p> </div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
To make a tax deductible donation to Galatians 4:19
Ministries:
http://joytotheworldfoundation.org/index.php?option=com_crowdfunding&view=details&id=1149-galations-419-ministries&catid=8-operating-projects&Itemid=10</div>
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Allen Whitehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02813013607341581179noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8683513236118788539.post-44426111561235285812016-05-15T03:00:00.000-07:002016-05-15T03:00:11.052-07:00God’s Employee HandbookBy Allen White<br />
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<a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-oxngDsZgJ88/VzYog4WtCfI/AAAAAAAAFo0/J9IJtOcZpb45th6hpkG9D5Ect-_e-sCKgCLcB/s1600/handbook.png" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="162" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-oxngDsZgJ88/VzYog4WtCfI/AAAAAAAAFo0/J9IJtOcZpb45th6hpkG9D5Ect-_e-sCKgCLcB/s320/handbook.png" width="320" /></a></div>
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Slaves, obey your earthly masters in everything; and do it,
not only when their eye is on you and to win their favor, but with sincerity of
heart and reverence for the Lord. Whatever you do, work at it with all your
heart, as working for the Lord, not for men, since you know that you will
receive an inheritance from the Lord as a reward. It is the Lord Christ you are
serving. Anyone who does wrong will be repaid for his wrong, and there is no
favoritism.</div>
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Masters, provide your slaves with what is right and fair,
because you know that you also have a Master in heaven. Colossians 3:22-4:1<o:p></o:p></div>
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Slavery
was a large part of the economy in the Roman Empire. People became slaves for a
variety of reasons: as an obligation of debt, as a punishment for a crime, or
as a prisoner of war. Considering that Paul addresses major categories of the
Colossian church in chapter three: wives, husbands, children, fathers, slaves
and masters, the assumption would be that a large part of this church was
slaves. Paul has more to say to slaves than to anyone else here.<o:p></o:p></div>
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Slavery
seems like such a distant thing to us. We are separated by generations and
cultures from its affects, yet according to the Harvard Gazette Online, there
are 12 million slaves in the world today, including in the United States. (<a href="http://news.harvard.edu/gazette/story/2010/02/slavery-in-2010/">http://news.harvard.edu/gazette/story/2010/02/slavery-in-2010/</a>) To make
this a little more personal, the Bible tells us that if we are in debt, then we
are slaves to the lender (Proverbs 22:7).<o:p></o:p></div>
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<br /></div>
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Yet,
slavery does not touch most of us in any personal way. Let’s turn this
discussion from slaves and masters to employees and employers. This verse would
sound like this:<o:p></o:p></div>
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<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
“Employees
obey your boss in everything. Do it, not just when they are supervising you to
score some points, but sincerely and reverently for the Big Boss, God Himself.
Whatever you do, entering data, sweeping floors, building cars, fixing
computers, engineering tires, serving food, marketing products, selling shoes,
writing devotionals, making music, editing video, caring for children, whatever
you do, work at it with all your heart. <o:p></o:p></div>
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<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Put
your whole self into it. Sing every song like it’s your favorite. Manufacture
or service a product like it’s your own. Prepare and serve food to your honored
guests. Care for children who will be mechanics, politicians, nurses,
attorneys, police officers, teachers, doctors, business people, sales reps,
engineers and computer technicians. Most importantly, give it all you’ve got
because the Lord is your number one customer, patient or client. People don’t
always deserve our best. But, God always deserves our best effort.<o:p></o:p></div>
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If
you do wrong, you will pay for the wrong. It doesn’t matter who you are, no one
will get away with treating others poorly, stealing, taking shortcuts, or being
lazy.<o:p></o:p></div>
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<br /></div>
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If
you’re the boss, treat your employees fairly, because you still have to answer
to the Big Boss, God Himself. Appreciate your employees for their successes.
Encourage them to develop their gifts and skills. Don’t micromanage them to the
point of discouragement. As the leader, raise the morale. You will have happy,
effective employees who produce stellar work.<o:p></o:p></div>
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<br /></div>
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How’s
your attitude at work these days? Whether you work in an office, a factory,
your car, a school or at home, you are working for the Big Boss. <o:p></o:p></div>
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<br /></div>
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<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
To make a tax deductible donation to Galatians 4:19
Ministries:
http://joytotheworldfoundation.org/index.php?option=com_crowdfunding&view=details&id=1149-galations-419-ministries&catid=8-operating-projects&Itemid=10</div>
<span style="font-family: "Calibri","sans-serif"; font-size: 11.0pt; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-language: AR-SA; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-language: EN-US;"><br clear="all" style="mso-special-character: line-break; page-break-before: always;" />
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Allen Whitehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02813013607341581179noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8683513236118788539.post-53398237112387754052016-05-12T03:00:00.000-07:002016-05-12T03:00:23.818-07:00No One Likes ConsequencesBy Allen White<br />
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Children, obey your parents in everything, for this pleases
the Lord. Fathers, do not embitter your children, or they will become
discouraged.</div>
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Colossians
3:20-21<o:p></o:p></div>
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Raising
children is hard work. It can be a lot of fun. It can be a lot of heartache.
Newborns are great, until they learn to tell you “No.” Then, the hard work
begins.<o:p></o:p></div>
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To
treat our children fairly, we need to let them know up front what the
consequence of their action will be. If the child knows that he will lose a
privilege if he chooses to disobey, then it’s not mean old dad taking something
away for no reason. The consequence is the product of the child’s choice.<o:p></o:p></div>
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We
live in a world that would prefer to deny the consequences. People want to do
whatever they want and then complain when they face a negative consequence.
They needed a parent when their parent decided to be their child’s friend
instead. Maybe the parent was treated harshly as a child, so he is lenient with
his children. She doesn’t want to be like her mother, so she becomes her
daughter’s best friend. The problem is that children need boundaries and
consequences. Without them, children don’t feel safe or loved.<o:p></o:p></div>
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Years
ago, I heard a speaker say, “Your children may hate you at times for disciplining
them, but that will keep them from growing up to hate the world.” No discipline
seems pleasant at the time (Hebrews 12:11), but parents owe it to their
children.<o:p></o:p></div>
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Discipline
crosses a line when it’s abusive, inconsistent or heavy handed. If you would like
to learn biblical parenting, check out <a href="https://homeword.com/intentional/" target="_blank">Intentional Parenting</a> by Doug & Cathy Fields.<o:p></o:p></div>
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Allen Whitehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02813013607341581179noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8683513236118788539.post-22781671328542384332016-05-11T03:00:00.000-07:002016-05-11T03:00:01.158-07:00Degrees of Difficulty in MarriageBy Allen White<br />
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Wives, submit to your husbands, as is fitting in the Lord.
Husbands, love your wives and do not be harsh with them. Colossians
3:18-19<o:p></o:p></div>
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No
marriage is easy. In fact, I don’t even think you can choose between easy and
difficult. It’s all levels of difficulty. Like a ski resort, the difficulty
ranges from the bunny slope (the honeymoon) to double diamond (contains cliffs,
50 degree or greater slopes, rocks and other hazards or in other words,
marriage after the honeymoon). It’s not impossible. It’s just difficult. But
remember, the more difficult the slope, the more exhilarating the experience.<o:p></o:p></div>
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The
difficulty in marriage began with the curse after the Fall. “Then he said to
the woman, ‘I will sharpen the pain of your pregnancy, and in pain you will
give birth. And you will desire to control your husband, but he will rule over
you’” (Genesis 3:16, NLT). The implication is that before the Fall, Eve did not
desire to control Adam, but from that point on, she would. (This translation
differs from other translations, but appears to more accurately capture the
original intent. For more <a href="http://net.bible.org/verse.php?book=gen&chapter=3&verse=16">http://net.bible.org/verse.php?book=gen&chapter=3&verse=16</a>).<o:p></o:p></div>
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Now,
what this verse doesn’t say is: “Husbands, do whatever you want and wives put
up with it.” Paul charges husbands with loving their lives. To the Ephesians,
he ups the ante by adding “as Christ loved the church and gave himself for her”
(Ephesians 5:25). Loving your wife is not like loving yourself. Loving your
wife is an adventure. It’s a mystery. Sometimes it keeps you guessing. What
gets in the way is a man’s desire to accomplish loving his wife. It can’t just
be checked off of the list.<o:p></o:p></div>
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Wives,
your husband needs respect, not because he deserves it, but because he needs
it. Men really don’t want to have anything to do with people who disrespect
them. Disrespect from his wife puts a man in a real dilemma.<o:p></o:p></div>
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Many
husbands have said, “I would love my wife more if she would respect me.” Many
wives have said, “I would respect my husband, if he would truly love me.” Many
children have said, “If I can’t have what I want, then I won’t give you what
you want.” It’s time to put away childish things.<o:p></o:p></div>
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Many
people with far more wisdom and success have written many things about
marriage. The bottom line is this: how does your relationship with your husband
or wife measure up to this verse? Wives, how well are you submitting to your
husband and following his lead? Husbands, how well are you loving your wife and
not treating her harshly? The test: ask your spouse how you’re doing. The
solution: pray and ask God to help you love your spouse the way he or she needs
to be loved.<o:p></o:p></div>
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To make a tax deductible donation to Galatians 4:19
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Allen Whitehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02813013607341581179noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8683513236118788539.post-3529625658097323102016-05-10T03:00:00.000-07:002016-05-10T03:00:17.704-07:00Husbands Are Not the Guy from The NotebookBy Allen White<br />
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Therefore, as God's chosen people, holy and dearly loved,
clothe yourselves with compassion, kindness, humility, gentleness and patience.
Bear with each other and forgive whatever grievances you may have against one
another. Forgive as the Lord forgave you. And over all these virtues put on
love, which binds them all together in perfect unity. </div>
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Let the peace of
Christ rule in your hearts, since as members of one body you were called to
peace. And be thankful. Let the word of Christ dwell in you richly as you teach
and admonish one another with all wisdom, and as you sing psalms, hymns and
spiritual songs with gratitude in your hearts to God. And whatever you do,
whether in word or deed, do it all in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks
to God the Father through him. Colossians
3:12-17<o:p></o:p></div>
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In
yesterday’s devotional, we disrobed. Today, we get a look at our new wardrobe:
compassion, kindness, humility, gentleness, patience, forgiveness and love.
Why? Husbands are not the guy from <i>The
Notebook</i>. Wives are not porn stars. It’s much easier to fantasize than to
live in reality. But, you can’t have a relationship with a picture or words on
a page. Your twitter friends only need 140 characters or less. Your real world
friends need more than that.<o:p></o:p></div>
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People
offend us. They sin against us. They can be selfish and thoughtless. They can
be downright mean. Bless our hearts, so can we.<o:p></o:p></div>
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Since
the old self operated in the world of an eye for an eye and a tooth for a tooth
(Matthew 5:38-39), it’s a good thing we have put on the new self. Or else,
there would be a lot of blind, toothless folks walking around.<o:p></o:p></div>
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The
antidote for relational dysfunction is what Christ promises to us in the new
self. We have put off the old self that wants to get even. We put off the old
self that wants to hold a grudge. We put off the old self that wants them to
hurt as much as they hurt us. <o:p></o:p></div>
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By
putting on the new self, we choose to do some unnatural things. We try to
understand others rather than just driving our point home. We offer others the
same compassion that we offer ourselves. “They just hurt me. Well, I mess up. I
hurt people.” We offer a gentle answer
and turn away wrath (Proverbs 15:1).<o:p></o:p></div>
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The
big question is “How?” The answer is not with our own strength. We’re just not
good enough or strong enough to accomplish all of that. But, remember, the
power that raised Christ from the dead lives within all believers (Romans 8:9-11). As we
learn to depend on Christ’s power, He will do this work in us. We must be
willing to allow Him to work and hold back from our typical reactions. Just to
pause and ask Christ to help can bring about needed change.<o:p></o:p></div>
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From
the list in this verse: compassion, kindness, humility, gentleness, patience,
forgiveness and love, which do you need the most right now? Don’t say all of
the above. Choose one and ask God to begin to do that work in you. It won’t be
immediate, but over time you and those around you will notice a difference.
Don’t be surprised if you end up in a situation that provokes the exact
opposite of the quality you desire. You’re going to school. Learn the lessons
well. Try to skip the remedial course.<o:p></o:p></div>
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To subscribe or leave a comment on the galatians419
devotional blog: <a href="http://galatians419.blogspot.com/">http://galatians419.blogspot.com</a></div>
Allen Whitehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02813013607341581179noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8683513236118788539.post-52744424277276287532016-05-09T03:00:00.001-07:002016-05-06T13:46:16.433-07:00Porn, Facebook and Nicolas Sparks, Oh My…By Allen White<br />
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Put to death, therefore, whatever belongs to your earthly
nature: sexual immorality, impurity, lust, evil desires and greed, which is
idolatry. Because of these, the wrath of God is coming. You used to walk in
these ways, in the life you once lived. But now you must rid yourselves of all
such things as these: anger, rage, malice, slander, and filthy language from
your lips. Do not lie to each other, since you have taken off your old self
with its practices and have put on the new self, which is being renewed in
knowledge in the image of its Creator. Here there is no Greek or Jew,
circumcised or uncircumcised, barbarian, Scythian, slave or free, but Christ is
all, and is in all. Colossians
3:5-11<o:p></o:p></div>
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“Greed
is good” according to Gordon Gecko, the quintessential inside trader in Oliver
Stone’s <i>Wall Street</i>. In the end, GG
discovers that greed fueled by illegal activity leads to a good amount of
prison time. In the process, greed, as intoxicating as it is, leaves the
characters with a hangover of emptiness. Why?<o:p></o:p></div>
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When
you take possessions, pleasure or prestige and make them the dominate theme in
your life, you come up short. Material possessions, sex and significance are
not wrong in and of themselves. In fact, they are very good things that God
Himself created.<o:p></o:p></div>
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But,
there’s a point when possessions, pleasure or prestige cross a line and become
the lust of the eyes, the lust of the flesh, and the pride of life (1 John
2:16, KJV). When we take a good thing and make it a “god thing,” it becomes a
bad thing.<o:p></o:p></div>
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If
we depend on material things to satisfy us, we find ourselves only wanting to
acquire more. If we depend on porn, romance novels or Facebook chats for
intimacy, we find ourselves right back in the cycle and coming up empty every
time. If our significance depends on recognition from others, we will always
find ourselves trying to seek validation from others still. Why?<o:p></o:p></div>
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Materialism,
pornography, Nicolas Sparks novels and accolades can’t fulfill our need for God
and our need for others. These things leave us empty and ashamed. We’re no
better than the junkie smoking crack or the wino asking for spare change. If
that puts an ugly face on what you enjoy, then you’re seeing it correctly.<o:p></o:p></div>
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Paul
says that these things are part of the old self. Our relationship with the old
self is to kill it. We are to take it off like an old, ragged shirt headed for
the trash. But, God doesn’t leave us naked. He gives us a new self to wear in
its place.<o:p></o:p></div>
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That
seems easy enough, so why doesn’t it work that easily? It seems easier to grab
the apple from the tree than to depend on God to meet our needs. <o:p></o:p></div>
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Adam
and Eve’s fall is really no different than ours. God would have given them the
Knowledge of Good and Evil. He just didn’t want them to have to bear that burden
yet. But plucking the apple from the tree was easy, it was accessible, it was
within their control. It was as easy as picking the credit card from our wallet
or surfing to a porn site.<o:p></o:p></div>
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If
the centerpiece of our lives is to please ourselves or even to please others
(we call this codependency), then our focus is on apple picking.<o:p></o:p></div>
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Apple
picking reveals a lack of trust in God. God has promised to provide for all of
our needs (Philippians 4:19). God has pledge not to withhold any good thing
from His children (Psalm 84:11). If I trust God, then I can depend on Him to
meet my needs and direct my steps.<o:p></o:p></div>
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Let
me caution you. This devotional has mentioned every category of sin known to
man. If you struggle with something that was mentioned today, don’t be surprised
if you are more tempted than ever today. Stop right now and pray for God to
take these desires from you and ask God to meet your need. Then, phone a friend
and ask them to pray for you.<o:p></o:p></div>
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What
God has in store for you is worth the wait.<o:p></o:p></div>
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Allen Whitehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02813013607341581179noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8683513236118788539.post-59883388400159892542016-05-08T03:00:00.000-07:002016-05-08T03:00:07.437-07:00Boogie Oogie Oogie, You Read It RightBy Allen White<br />
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Since, then, you have been raised with Christ, set your
hearts on things above, where Christ is seated at the right hand of God. Set
your minds on things above, not on earthly things. For you died, and your life
is now hidden with Christ in God. When Christ, who is your life, appears, then
you also will appear with him in glory. Colossians
3:1-4<o:p></o:p></div>
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Have
you ever had your heart set on something? In 1978 my heart was set on having my
own portable 8-track player. So much so that as Christmas approached, I couldn’t
resist the temptation of my presents any longer. I found the box that was about
the size of a portable 8-track player, and I unwrapped it. Sure enough, it was
a portable 8-track player. <o:p></o:p></div>
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I
felt guilty like I had broken one of the Ten Commandments: Thou Shalt Not
Openeth Thy Presents Prior to the Appearance of Saint Nick. I also felt
exhilarated. I was no longer limited to the turntable in my bedroom. Now I
could “Boogie Oogie Oogie” (A Taste of Honey) wherever I could find an
electrical outlet. Although, dancing was a sin...<o:p></o:p></div>
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We
can set our hearts and our minds on silly things. Not long after 1978, I
abandoned my beloved portable 8-track player for a cassette player. My 8-track
player ended up in my dad’s workshop no longer playing Boston and Kansas, it
became sanctified with the Blackwood Brothers.<o:p></o:p></div>
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The
point Paul is making here is that we can actually set our hearts on something.
We can set our minds. Just like we can set our alarm clock or set an
appointment, we can change the focus of our hearts and minds from our sinful
nature to things that are above. <o:p></o:p></div>
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Our
default is our sinful nature. We have to intentionally set our minds on the
things of God. Just like we have to reset our alarm clocks after a power
outage, daily we have refocus our thoughts and desires to the things of God. If
our minds are blinking 12:00, it’s not a good thing.<o:p></o:p></div>
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How
do you intentionally change the channel in your mind from sinful things to
godly things? It’s not a matter of your own effort, but it is a matter of your
will. How often do you willfully focus on what God wants for your life, your
family, your work and your play? God wants you to live a satisfying life for
Him. The temptation is to take shortcuts to the temporary satisfaction that our
sinful nature draws us to. Only God can bring complete fulfillment to our
lives.<o:p></o:p></div>
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Allen Whitehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02813013607341581179noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8683513236118788539.post-82447224787356344622016-05-05T03:00:00.000-07:002016-05-05T03:00:08.667-07:00Why “Just Say No” Doesn’t WorkBy Allen White<br />
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Since you died with Christ to the basic principles of this
world, why, as though you still belonged to it, do you submit to its rules: "Do
not handle! Do not taste! Do not touch!"? These are all destined to perish
with use, because they are based on human commands and teachings. Such
regulations indeed have an appearance of wisdom, with their self-imposed
worship, their false humility and their harsh treatment of the body, but they
lack any value in restraining sensual indulgence.</div>
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Colossians
2:20-23<o:p></o:p></div>
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Nancy
Reagan taught us to “just say no” to drugs. I never had to say “no.” I was
never asked. I never missed out on the experience. I never lost my brain cells.
It just never came up. Does that mean that I’m better than anyone else? No,
other than walking on clouds and enjoying a diet of angel food cake, I’m
exactly like you.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Every
single one of us has a sinful nature. We didn’t cause it. We didn’t want it. We
just came with it. Many people spend their lives indulging their sinful
natures. When asked why, they respond, “Well, this is just how I’m made.”
Others spend their lives denying their sinful nature. The work of holiness to
them is simply to avoid sin. If they deny their sinful nature, then they can
feel secure about their relationship with God. Both have the same problem. One
just tends to enjoy their problem more.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Whether
your issue is false fulfillment or false humility, it comes down to the same
issue: sensual indulgence. Whether your life is out of control or you are in
control, there is no controlling your sinful nature. In fact, the illusion that
you are controlling your sinful nature brings about false humility and pride,
which is one of the seven deadly sins last I checked (Proverbs 6:16-24).<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
The
solution for sin is surrender. Not giving into sin, but fully surrendering
ourselves to our Savior. Only He has conquered sin.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
When
do you find yourself becoming proud about your humility? What about your life
makes you feel like you’re better than other people? Pride is a house of cards.
It’s also a heavy burden. How can you surrender your pride to Christ?<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
To make a tax deductible donation to Galatians 4:19
Ministries: http://joytotheworldfoundation.org/index.php?option=com_crowdfunding&view=details&id=1149-galations-419-ministries&catid=8-operating-projects&Itemid=10</div>
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Allen Whitehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02813013607341581179noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8683513236118788539.post-51541335429550161842016-05-04T03:00:00.000-07:002016-05-04T03:00:05.542-07:00Everything that Happens is Not Your FaultBy Allen White<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-MmS10GGhHXU/VyJustha3kI/AAAAAAAAFnU/tEsu3j3WCXAJmO0EU-p23vt4I-dY6eFWwCLcB/s1600/hong%2Bkong.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="167" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-MmS10GGhHXU/VyJustha3kI/AAAAAAAAFnU/tEsu3j3WCXAJmO0EU-p23vt4I-dY6eFWwCLcB/s320/hong%2Bkong.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal">
Therefore do not let anyone judge you by what you eat or
drink, or with regard to a religious festival, a New Moon celebration or a
Sabbath day. These are a shadow of the things that were to come; the reality,
however, is found in Christ. Do not let anyone who delights in false humility
and the worship of angels disqualify you for the prize. Such a person goes into
great detail about what he has seen, and his unspiritual mind puffs him up with
idle notions. He has lost connection with the Head, from whom the whole body,
supported and held together by its ligaments and sinews, grows as God causes it
to grow. Colossians 2:16-19<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Hong
Kong is an amazing city. I lived there in the summer of 1984 working with a
mission team. I marveled at the architecture and the pace of such a modern,
world-class city. I also marveled at little fires I would see burning in the
gutters of major thoroughfares each evening. The Chinese would bring food,
decorations and various other things as a peace offering to evil spirits. This would
insure their peace and prosperity. If they practiced these rituals to appease
the spirits, they could live their lives in peace.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
What
a contrast. Here among these modern buildings were little piles of burnt trash
from last night’s sacrifices. High rises often had vacant fourteenth floors,
much like our thirteenth floor superstitions. Fourteen was too close to the
Chinese word for death. No one wanted an office on the fourteenth floor. Our
office was on the fourteenth floor. God
is greater than the number fourteen.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
The
design of most of the buildings in Hong Kong relies on Fung Shui. Doors and
windows had to be placed in the correct order and at the correct angles to ward
off evil spirits and to allow good energy to flow. Seriously, how could such a modern
city be subject to so much hocus pocus?<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
But,
before we judge the Hong Kong Chinese, let’s consider the hocus pocus in our
own lives. If good things happen to us, then we must be living right. If bad
things happen to us, it must be because we skipped church last Sunday, didn’t
offer thanks for our food, spent our tithe on ourselves, or missed reading one
of Allen’s devotionals. (If you’re curious, it was the last one.) <o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Let
me debunk this bunk. You can do all of the right things and bad things will still
happen. You can do all of the wrong things and actually have good things
happen. Some things are subject to cause and effect. If we don’t get enough
sleep, we’ll be tired and grouchy in the morning. If we eat too much and don’t
exercise, we will get fat. But, we don’t create the cause of every effect in
our lives.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
All
good things are not necessarily a blessing. All bad things are not necessarily
a curse. Everything that happens is not necessarily our fault.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
How
do we get these funny, oddball, superstitious ideas in our heads? Well,
according to this verse, we are running around like chickens with our heads cut
off. “He has lost connection with the Head.” It’s our connection to Christ,
the Head of the Body (Ephesians 4:15-16), that gives us direction and
assurance. Honoring superstitions or even rituals and holidays in the Bible
don’t bring us “good luck” or blessings. Remaining connected to God Himself is
all we need to assure that we are in the right place with God.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
How’s your connection with God? What are you saying to Him
these days? What is He saying to you?<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
To make a tax deductible donation to Galatians 4:19
Ministries:
http://joytotheworldfoundation.org/index.php?option=com_crowdfunding&view=details&id=1149-galations-419-ministries&catid=8-operating-projects&Itemid=10</div>
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Allen Whitehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02813013607341581179noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8683513236118788539.post-31658632042407210792016-05-03T03:00:00.000-07:002016-05-03T03:00:09.667-07:00Rules Are Safe. Freedom is Risky. By Allen White<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-OM_TSdLvtrc/VyJuEz16YtI/AAAAAAAAFnM/s9EXrbIEVj0j8QINIRqSUt2vdf9lCh8LACLcB/s1600/toy%2Bstory.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-OM_TSdLvtrc/VyJuEz16YtI/AAAAAAAAFnM/s9EXrbIEVj0j8QINIRqSUt2vdf9lCh8LACLcB/s320/toy%2Bstory.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal">
When you were dead in your sins and in the uncircumcision of
your sinful nature, God made you alive with Christ. He forgave us all our sins,
having canceled the written code, with its regulations, that was against us and
that stood opposed to us; he took it away, nailing it to the cross. And having
disarmed the powers and authorities, he made a public spectacle of them,
triumphing over them by the cross. Colossians
2:13-15<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
I
saw Toy Story 3 again with my sons yesterday. I am a little embarrassed that I
would get a little misty eyed at an animated feature. For kids, it’s all about
the action. For parents, it’s a “Cats in the Cradle” sort of thing. Sniff.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
The
previews before the movie were interesting. It’s nothing new, but there seem to
be more than the usual number of movies with ordinary people receiving
extraordinary powers. The Sorcerer’s Apprentice starring Nicholas Cage tells of
an ordinary college student who is selected to learn the skills of plasma balls
and other tricks to ward off the evil forces of the world. The Last Airbender
again shows how people can harness the power of the elements of the universe.
Part of me understands the appeal. I certainly could have used a few plasma
balls in junior high.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
I
teach my sons that Jesus has the greatest power in the universe. More than an
avatar or airbender, more than a sorcerer, more than evil Dr. Porkchop.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Paul
shows Jesus’ power in this passage. From our vantage point, we might assume
that the powerful forces are the “powers and authorities,” they are certainly
more powerful than we are. Jesus has defeated them. We have no reason to fear.
But, this isn’t the greatest demonstration of Jesus’ power.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Paul
talks about the power of the law. If we believe that by our own effort we can
please God, then legalism is probably a more powerful force than the “powers
and authorities.” But legalism is a heavy burden that most either give up on or
just carefully disguise their vices. No one can live up to God’s standard. But,
Jesus is greater than the power of legalism.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
The
greatest demonstration of Jesus’ power is this: “He forgave us all our
sins” (Colossians 2:13). Unconditionally. With no strings attached. We are
forgiven. Not only does He not hold our sins against us (2 Corinthians 5:19),
He remembers them no more (Psalm 103:12).</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
But, here’s the interesting thing: what was nailed to the
cross? Well, certainly Jesus was nailed to the cross and with Him our sins.
But, Paul says that the written code, the regulations, the law, the rules were
nailed to the cross. And, from my understanding, nothing ever came off of the
cross alive.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
The rules are dead. They no longer have power over us.
That’s great news. We’re free.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
But, to some a life without rules is a life without
certainty. Have you ever worked for someone and you were never sure of what was
expected of you? Things would be much easier if it was all written down, if it
was all spelled out. Then, you would know what you were responsible for.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Rules are safe. Freedom is risky. The only way to be assured
that we are in the right place with God is to remain in constant contact with
Him. But, it’s only when we fully surrender ourselves to God that we find we
are truly free.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
What rules are you tempted to keep? Why? How might the
freedom of God’s grace threaten you? How does it exhilarate you?</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
To make a tax deductible donation to Galatians 4:19
Ministries: http://joytotheworldfoundation.org/index.php?option=com_crowdfunding&view=details&id=1149-galations-419-ministries&catid=8-operating-projects&Itemid=10<o:p></o:p></div>
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Allen Whitehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02813013607341581179noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8683513236118788539.post-230624254398959442016-05-02T03:00:00.000-07:002016-05-02T03:00:24.668-07:00Ugh, Circumcision Again?By Allen White<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-_XEXUNCpD4E/VyJtDT5uQgI/AAAAAAAAFnA/mxJBmx4vFq0_zcWoRJyguYX7A62B0J4FACLcB/s1600/baptism.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="154" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-_XEXUNCpD4E/VyJtDT5uQgI/AAAAAAAAFnA/mxJBmx4vFq0_zcWoRJyguYX7A62B0J4FACLcB/s320/baptism.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal">
In him you were also circumcised, in the putting off of the
sinful nature, not with a circumcision done by the hands of men but with the
circumcision done by Christ, having been buried with him in baptism and raised
with him through your faith in the power of God, who raised him from the dead. Colossians 2:11-12<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Circumcision
is a sensitive issue all of the way around. God gave the covenant of
circumcision to Abraham in Genesis 17. It was highly personal. It was highly
painful. Yet something so personal, painful and private became the assurance of
belonging to God. …until Jesus changed the game.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
The
work that Jesus does involves altering our nature rather than just a part of
our anatomy. It wasn’t enough to look like you belonged to God. Jesus made
things even more personal. The new requirement was to act like you belonged to
God. <o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
At
this point, you might be thinking, “Great. Now what is that going to cost me?”
It really doesn’t cost us. Christ took care of the cost. It’s Jesus’ work, not
ours, that guarantees our assurance.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
The
symbol for Christ’s work is baptism. Note that baptism is a symbol, not the
work itself. Just like a wedding ring is a symbol of marriage, baptism is a
symbol of salvation. If you lost your wedding ring, it doesn’t mean that you
lost your marriage.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
The
symbol is that when a believer goes down into the water, they are buried in
Christ. Their old self, their sinful nature is dead to them. Then, when they
are raised up, it symbolizes how spiritually they are raised from the dead “through
[their] faith in the power of God.” it’s pretty amazing to think that the power
that raised Christ from the dead is coursing through the believer’s veins.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Our security with God is not held in a membership card, a
baptismal certificate, regular church attendance or the forsaking of all fun.
Our security is in Christ. Belonging to Christ is all we need to please God and
to enjoy the life we were meant to live.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
To make a tax deductible donation to Galatians 4:19
Ministries:
http://joytotheworldfoundation.org/index.php?option=com_crowdfunding&view=details&id=1149-galations-419-ministries&catid=8-operating-projects&Itemid=10</div>
<span style="font-family: "Calibri","sans-serif"; font-size: 11.0pt; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-language: AR-SA; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-language: EN-US;"><br clear="all" style="mso-special-character: line-break; page-break-before: always;" />
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Allen Whitehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02813013607341581179noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8683513236118788539.post-868667999727044622016-05-01T03:00:00.000-07:002016-05-01T03:00:06.120-07:00A Christian’s Goal is Not to Live Like JesusBy Allen White<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-SlMh43_vrKY/VyJsSa0MTrI/AAAAAAAAFm4/Y5SOIfEbuS0IAxrdQOHyABGj3eUZlii0gCLcB/s1600/121-2157_IMG.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-SlMh43_vrKY/VyJsSa0MTrI/AAAAAAAAFm4/Y5SOIfEbuS0IAxrdQOHyABGj3eUZlii0gCLcB/s320/121-2157_IMG.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal">
For in Christ all the fullness of the Deity lives in bodily
form, and you have been given fullness in Christ, who is the head over every
power and authority. Colossians
2:9-10<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
We
attended church with my parents a couple of weeks ago in Topeka, Kansas. Our
family has been a part of this church since 1969. I stayed after to catch up with
a few people that I’ve known forever and a few that I had just met. As I was
walking out to the car, a man that I never met stopped me and asked, “Are you
Rudy White’s son?” I told him that I was. He said, “I could tell by the way you
walk. You walk just like your dad.”<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
I
walk just like my dad? My dad is 75-years-old. I walk like a 75-year-old man?
I’ve got to get into shape.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
I
asked my dad about our obviously peculiar gait. He said that he had never
noticed. I guess you really don’t notice how you walk. It’s a little difficult
to walk and watch yourself walking at the same time. I suppose as long as my
dad and I can avoid walking with canes, we’re doing okay.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Jesus
didn’t just resemble His Father. All of the fullness of God was and is in
Jesus. If you want to know what God is like, you don’t need to go any further
than Jesus. Read the Gospels and see what God thinks about us, about the lost,
about the poor, and about the self-righteous. In Jesus we see what God does
about broken people and broken lives. We see how God empowers His followers to
serve others. We see how much God loves us in Jesus’ death on the cross.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Once
the relationship between people and God was marred by sin, we just didn’t get
it from that point forward. God gave kings and judges who were met with mixed
reviews. He sent other nations to conquer His people, but they didn’t always
get the message. God sent prophets that His people persecuted. Then, God sent
His Son.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
What
we didn’t understand from reading God’s instructions or listening to God’s
Word, we could see in the person of Jesus. He was the Word made flesh (John
1:14). If we want to know what a human being, full of God, looks like. We can
look at Jesus.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
If
we want to be a human being filled with God, then we need to depend on Jesus.
Paul writes, “you have been given fullness in Christ” (Colossians 2:10).
To be the child of God that you long to be, you only need to depend on Jesus.
You can’t attain this for yourself. No amount of human effort will get you
there. The goal is not to live like Jesus. The goal is to allow Jesus to live
His life through us. There’s a difference.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
How much are you trying to live like Jesus? How much is
Jesus living through you? Ask Him to help you experience the fullness of God.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Eugene
Peterson paraphrases this passage: <i>Everything
of God gets expressed in him, so you can see and hear him clearly. You don't
need a telescope, a microscope, or a horoscope to realize the fullness of
Christ, and the emptiness of the universe without him. When you come to him,
that fullness comes together for you, too. His power extends over everything.</i>
Colossians 2:9-10 (Msg)<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
To make a tax deductible donation to Galatians 4:19
Ministries:
http://joytotheworldfoundation.org/index.php?option=com_crowdfunding&view=details&id=1149-galations-419-ministries&catid=8-operating-projects&Itemid=10</div>
<span style="font-family: "Calibri","sans-serif"; font-size: 11.0pt; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-language: AR-SA; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-language: EN-US;"><br clear="all" style="mso-special-character: line-break; page-break-before: always;" />
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<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
Allen Whitehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02813013607341581179noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8683513236118788539.post-63044728642816165952016-04-28T03:00:00.000-07:002016-04-28T03:00:18.736-07:00The Old, Old Story is Not New or ShinyBy Allen White<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-A-hpPpJep1w/VxEbQxMxtAI/AAAAAAAAFlw/29GFq_Xt-2YTstW2_xtaScGyd1yF3NVtACLcB/s1600/shiny.png" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-A-hpPpJep1w/VxEbQxMxtAI/AAAAAAAAFlw/29GFq_Xt-2YTstW2_xtaScGyd1yF3NVtACLcB/s1600/shiny.png" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal">
Don’t let anyone capture you with empty philosophies and
high-sounding nonsense that come from human thinking and from the spiritual
powers of this world, rather than from Christ. Colossians 2:8 (NLT)<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Our
attention spans are growing shorter by the day. Right now, the oil spill in the
Gulf of Mexico is getting old. We have been bombarded with 24 hour news
coverage. Our television screens are filled with commentators commenting,
experts expounding, oil gushing and no clear answer in sight. While, yes, this
is one of the worst ecological disasters in history, it has been over 80 days
now, and to be honest, we’re ready to move on to something else. We care. We’re
just tired of hearing about it.<o:p></o:p></div>
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<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Are
we jaded? Are we uncaring? No, we’re just oversaturated. Considering that we
can’t actually do anything about the spill, it’s just too much to keep thinking
about every day. Today, we can change the channel about 500 times and watch
something else.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
We’ve
come a long way. I remember in the summer of 1973 sitting at the babysitter’s
house with nothing to watch on all three channels (yes three) except the
Watergate Hearings. No Price is Right. No Matchgame ’73. No Sesame Street. Just
all Watergate all of the time. The nation was captivated by the downfall of a
president. There was nothing else worth watching.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
But,
today, while every other nation in the world closes shop for the World Cup, we
pause to consider purchasing a vuvuzela, then surf to the next channel.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
In
a society with a short attention span, it’s easy to be distracted by the new
and shiny things. How do we center our lives on the Old, Old Story? It’s not
new or shiny.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Everything
new is not bad. It’s just too much. Once upon a time, news traveled slowly by
horseback or by telegraph wire which would appear in the next day’s paper.
Today, if the news channels don’t update election results quickly enough, then
we can surf over to the Secretary of State’s website. More often than not, we read
the breaking news on Twitter before we ever see it on TV or even CNN’s website.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
The
nature of our news has changed as well. We’re not just told what happen, we’re
also told what to think about it. We don’t really have to think for ourselves
anymore. The news commentators tell us what it means and why it’s right or
wrong. We used to call this “yellow journalism” when opinion would bleed over
into the news report. Today, we just call it journalism.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Who
are we allowing to think for us? We certainly can’t think about all of the things
that are thrown at us constantly. What used to be given as “food for thought”
has in a large part become our thoughts. But, how much of it would be
categorized as “empty philosophies and high-sounding nonsense”? </div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
No wonder it’s difficult to hear from God at times. We have
so many inputs into our lives than we don’t need to hear from anyone else,
including Him. </div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
So, here’s a challenge: unplug. Probably not for the rest of
your life, but for a week. If you’re headed out for vacation, leave your TV off
and your laptop at home. Rather than listening to the “Great American Panel,”
go for a walk and listen to our Deliverer.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
It’s easy to get caught up in the thinking of this world.
It’s also easy to become overwhelmed by everything that’s going on. Why not make
your morning newspaper, news show, new site or twitter feed your prayer list?
God can handle everything that’s thrown at us.<o:p></o:p></div>
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<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
To make a tax deductible donation to Galatians 4:19
Ministries: http://joytotheworldfoundation.org/index.php?option=com_crowdfunding&view=details&id=1149-galations-419-ministries&catid=8-operating-projects&Itemid=10</div>
<span style="font-family: "Calibri","sans-serif"; font-size: 11.0pt; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-language: AR-SA; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-language: EN-US;"><br clear="all" style="mso-special-character: line-break; page-break-before: always;" />
</span>
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<br /></div>
Allen Whitehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02813013607341581179noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8683513236118788539.post-26920929903055777822016-04-27T03:00:00.000-07:002016-04-27T03:00:01.691-07:00The Geek Squad or the Genius Bar?By Allen White<br />
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<a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-OaxSw4nHwDg/VxEa3EkT79I/AAAAAAAAFlk/Nl1vPdu_UtEBXTl96oGgBzXvdptceROnwCLcB/s1600/geek%2Bsquad.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="192" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-OaxSw4nHwDg/VxEa3EkT79I/AAAAAAAAFlk/Nl1vPdu_UtEBXTl96oGgBzXvdptceROnwCLcB/s320/geek%2Bsquad.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal">
I want you to know how much I have agonized for you and for
the church at Laodicea, and for many other believers who have never met me
personally. I want them to be encouraged and knit together by strong ties of
love. I want them to have complete confidence that they understand God’s
mysterious plan, which is Christ himself. In him lie hidden all the treasures
of wisdom and knowledge. I am telling you this so no one will deceive you with
well-crafted arguments. For though I am far away from you, my heart is with
you. And I rejoice that you are living as you should and that your faith in
Christ is strong. And now, just as you accepted Christ Jesus as your Lord, you
must continue to follow him. Let your roots grow down into him, and let your
lives be built on him. Then your faith will grow strong in the truth you were
taught, and you will overflow with thankfulness. Colossians 2:1-7 (NLT)<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Who
is the wisest person you know? What makes them wise? Have they studied well?
Have they been kicked around the block a few times? Have they produced a string
of successes?<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
The
wisest person you know only possesses a small segment of wisdom and knowledge
compared to Christ. All of the treasures of wisdom and knowledge lie hidden in
Christ. But, why are they hidden?<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Wisdom
and knowledge are only hidden from those who don’t belong to Christ. Once they
belong to Christ, it’s no longer hidden. Unspiritual people can’t understand
spiritual things (1 Corinthians 2:14). The Bible also teaches us that fear or
respect for the Lord is the beginning of wisdom (Psalm 111:10).<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
God’s
Word doesn’t tell us everything that we want to know, but it does give us
everything that we need to know. Life confronts us with some big questions. Why
do bad things happen to good people? (Hint: Bad things happen to everybody). If
God is all-powerful and is good, why does evil exist? Good question. (You’ll
need to sign up for The Truth Project at BrookwoodU for that one.) Did Adam
have a belly button? We have a lot of serious questions.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Roots that grow down into Christ become mighty oaks. Lives
built on the foundation of Christ prove to be unshakeable. Decisions based on
God’s Word in a relationship with Christ help us succeed in developing godly
character and building God’s Kingdom. But, don’t get me wrong, every decision
that we pray about won’t automatically become a success. God is more concerned
about Christ being formed in us than whether we turn a profit (Romans 8:28).</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Where do we find ourselves turning for answers? If we have a
headache, we head to the medicine cabinet. If we have a computer problem, we
call the Geek Squad or head to the Genius Bar. If we’re short on funds, we rely
on our credit cards. If we need a job, we surf over to monster.com. There’s
nothing wrong with any of these things in and of themselves. But, when do we
turn to God?</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
But seek first his kingdom and his righteousness, and all
these things will be given to you as well. Matthew 6:33</div>
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<br /></div>
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<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal">
To make a tax deductible donation to Galatians 4:19
Ministries:
http://joytotheworldfoundation.org/index.php?option=com_crowdfunding&view=details&id=1149-galations-419-ministries&catid=8-operating-projects&Itemid=10</div>
Allen Whitehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02813013607341581179noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8683513236118788539.post-58203055108070499952016-04-26T03:00:00.000-07:002016-04-26T03:00:14.047-07:00Will You Sweat for God?By Allen White<br />
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<a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-p9XtqeSC2MA/VxEaaDrFSPI/AAAAAAAAFlc/ZiLJlnIK-10Z1orZvPeIm8uPwWmi1komQCLcB/s1600/pay%2Bthe%2Bprice.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="125" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-p9XtqeSC2MA/VxEaaDrFSPI/AAAAAAAAFlc/ZiLJlnIK-10Z1orZvPeIm8uPwWmi1komQCLcB/s320/pay%2Bthe%2Bprice.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal">
Now I rejoice in what was suffered for you, and I fill up in
my flesh what is still lacking in regard to Christ's afflictions, for the sake
of his body, which is the church. I have become its servant by the commission
God gave me to present to you the word of God in its fullness— the mystery that
has been kept hidden for ages and generations, but is now disclosed to the
saints. To them God has chosen to make known among the Gentiles the glorious
riches of this mystery, which is Christ in you, the hope of glory. We proclaim
him, admonishing and teaching everyone with all wisdom, so that we may present
everyone perfect in Christ. To this end I labor, struggling with all his
energy, which so powerfully works in me.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Colossians 1:24-29<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Is there a cause that you would die for? Paul went to great
lengths to proclaim the mystery of the Gospel, and He suffered for it greatly.
What would our commitment to Christ look like if we truly had to suffer for it?
Now, I know that some believe that we are suffering under the Obama administration,
but our current situation pales in comparison to the Roman government. The
Romans weren’t Paul’s only concern. The Jewish leaders also caused a great deal
of trouble for him. <o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
We can sit back now and read Paul’s eloquent words and follow his
journeys on the maps in the back of our Bibles, but the memory of the personal
price he paid has been diluted over time. He recounts his beatings, arrests and
other punishments in his letter to the Corinthians (2 Corinthians 11:23-28),
yet his constant ambition was to present the Gospel where no one had heard the
message (Romans 15:20). Nothing deterred Paul. In fact, the persecution he
faced helped him identify more closely with Christ.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
How would we do under Paul’s circumstances? Would we face
persecution for our faith? Honestly, most of us would debate whether to sweat
for our faith let alone die for it. And, there’s a very good reason for our
attitude: we’ve forgotten what it’s like to see someone cross from death over
to life.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
We go to church, yes. Some go to worship. Many go out of
obligation. The rest are somewhere in between. But, have we forgotten that this
mystery of the Gospel that the prophets longed to see is the greatest power in
the universe? Have we become so accepting of others seeking their own path and
going their own way that we’re comfortable with their personal preference to
head straight to Hell?<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
I’m not an evangelist. I never liked knocking on doors or standing
on street corners. I’d rather have a root canal. But, a couple of weeks ago I
had the privilege of praying with someone to receive Christ. Even though we
prayed over the phone, to witness someone going from confusion and distress to
overwhelming joy was something to behold. That next Sunday everyone from Guest
Services to the Safety Team was searching for me. The gal I prayed with just
had to meet me. It didn’t take much coaxing for her to cross the line of faith.
She just needed to be invited.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
What did that cost me? Well, a week of telephone tag, but that’s
all. What did it give me? It gave me a glimpse at what I experienced long ago.
It showed me what serving Christ is all about.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Your phone may not be ringing off the hook with sinners seeking
sainthood. But, you can experience the miracle of new life at a baptism service
(you might have to sweat outdoors though). <o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Beyond that, my challenge to you is to invite God to use you. When
you are available to God, He will use you. When you’re not open, He won’t. Once
you’ve made yourself available, pay attention to who God brings into your path.
Their salvation is not up to you. That’s Jesus’ job. You don’t need to be the
closer: “What do I need to do to give you a Savior today?” You answer their
questions. You help them. You offer to pray for their needs. You let Jesus live
in you and through you. Then, see what happens.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
To make a tax deductible donation to Galatians 4:19
Ministries:
http://joytotheworldfoundation.org/index.php?option=com_crowdfunding&view=details&id=1149-galations-419-ministries&catid=8-operating-projects&Itemid=10</div>
<span style="font-family: "Calibri","sans-serif"; font-size: 11.0pt; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-language: AR-SA; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-language: EN-US;"><br clear="all" style="mso-special-character: line-break; page-break-before: always;" />
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<br /></div>
Allen Whitehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02813013607341581179noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8683513236118788539.post-57259619322075565612016-04-25T03:00:00.000-07:002016-04-25T03:00:07.129-07:00Don’t Rock the BoatBy Allen White<br />
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<br />
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[Martha] had a sister called Mary, who sat at the Lord's
feet listening to what he said. Luke
10:39 </div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
After he had said this, Jesus was troubled in spirit and
testified, "I tell you the truth, one of you is going to betray me." </div>
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<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
His disciples stared
at one another, at a loss to know which of them he meant. One of them, the
disciple whom Jesus loved, was reclining next to him. Simon Peter motioned to
this disciple and said, "Ask him which one he means." John 13:21-24</div>
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<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
John was the disciple “whom Jesus loved,” but John never
refers to himself by name in his Gospel. The similarity between John and Mary
is that they both just wanted to be with Jesus. They were both reclining next
to Jesus. They’re not in a hurry. They’re not worried about everything else
that’s going on. The impression is that they are pretty easy to be with. Not
questioning. Not demanding. Just there.</div>
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<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
I call this personality the Peacekeeper. I didn’t say
peacemaker, you have to take pretty serious action to make peace. The
peacekeepers motto is “Don’t rock the boat.” They are concerned about how
everybody is doing. They don’t want to upset other people unnecessarily, which
usually means that they don’t want to upset anyone at all.</div>
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<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
I have a friend in California who is a wonderful
Peacekeeper. She is well beyond retirement age, but just can’t retire. When we
were planning a trip for our senior adults up to the gold country, I mentioned
a certain Italian restaurant that I wanted to try. She recommended another
restaurant. She won.</div>
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<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
As about 30 of us sat around a big table, I heard my friend
remarked, “Isn’t this nice? Everyone found something that they liked.” That’s
the heart of a Peacekeeper. They want to make sure that everyone is included
and that no one is left out.</div>
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<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Now Peacekeepers might have trouble making decisions because
if they decide against someone, then they might hurt their feelings.
Peacekeepers also need deadlines. Their relaxed, laid back personalities are
prone to take their time.</div>
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<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Now don’t get me wrong on any of these personalities. No one
is purely made up of any one personality type. In fact all of us have some
combination of all four that I’ve mentioned this week. Attila the Hun can be
kind because there is a little Promoter and a little Peacekeeper even in him.
He might have to go lay down afterward, but he can do it.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Peacekeepers are wonderful listeners. But, we must be
careful not to overload them. While they are very peaceful and easy to talk to,
it’s also easy to overwhelm them with our problems and rock their boats
internally. It’s important for Peacekeepers, just like everybody else, to
maintain their boundaries and not take on everybody’s problems.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Who’s the Peacekeeper in your life? Are you rocking their
boat? Are you listening to them? The Peacekeeper in a family or organization
has a better grasp of how everyone else is doing. They know the temperature of
the environment. Check in with them.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
To make a tax deductible donation to Galatians 4:19
Ministries:
http://joytotheworldfoundation.org/index.php?option=com_crowdfunding&view=details&id=1149-galations-419-ministries&catid=8-operating-projects&Itemid=10</div>
<span style="font-family: "Calibri","sans-serif"; font-size: 11.0pt; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-language: AR-SA; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-language: EN-US;"><br clear="all" style="mso-special-character: line-break; page-break-before: always;" />
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<br /></div>
Allen Whitehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02813013607341581179noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8683513236118788539.post-80830133399905447782016-04-24T03:00:00.000-07:002016-04-24T03:00:10.768-07:00Are you Martha, Martha, Martha?By Allen White<br />
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<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Y-qYW195KD4/VxEZMpBjPaI/AAAAAAAAFlE/5sml1uKRUJ8fjUrjD6IpUkrAwtAjyuJPQCLcB/s1600/mmm.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Y-qYW195KD4/VxEZMpBjPaI/AAAAAAAAFlE/5sml1uKRUJ8fjUrjD6IpUkrAwtAjyuJPQCLcB/s1600/mmm.jpg" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal">
Many have undertaken to draw up an account of the things
that have been fulfilled among us, just as they were handed down to us by those
who from the first were eyewitnesses and servants of the word. Therefore, since
I myself have carefully investigated everything from the beginning, it seemed
good also to me to write an orderly account for you, most excellent Theophilus,
so that you may know the certainty of the things you have been taught. Luke 1:1-4</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
But Martha was distracted by all the preparations that had
to be made. She came to him and asked, "Lord, don't you care that my
sister has left me to do the work by myself? Tell her to help me!" </div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
"Martha,
Martha," the Lord answered, "you are worried and upset about many
things.” Luke 10:40-41</div>
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<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Martha, Martha, Martha wanted to make sure that everything
was done just right. She was so busy with the preparations, she couldn’t focus
on spending time with Jesus. Now, my suspicion is that Martha wanted to be in
the room with Jesus, but she couldn’t let herself sit down until all of the
work was done. If Mary would just come in and help, the work would be done,
then Martha could relax.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Luke was a physician. Even though Mark and Matthew had
already written their Gospels, Luke set out to research everything for himself
to “write an orderly account.” He also wrote The Acts of the Apostles as volume
two.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
I refer to this personality as the Planner. The Planner’s
motto is “a place for everything and everything in its place.” If your garage is immaculate or you have
labels on drawers and cabinets describing what’s in them, you are a Planner. </div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Planners thrive on details. Where the Producer can say,
“It’s good enough” and the Promoter can say, “Whatever, let’s have fun,” the
Planner makes sure everything is done with excellence. </div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
To encourage a Planner, mention specific things about what
they’ve accomplished. Rather than saying “good job.” Say something like “I
really like the way that you took special care in making sure that the colors
matched or everything was organized so well down to the alphabetized name tags.”
</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
The downside of the Planner personality is that they can
tend to be negative and critical. Since they are striving for excellence,
things that are less than excellent stick out like a sore thumb to them. This
doesn’t give them permission to exercise some spiritual gift of criticism
(there’s no such thing). Planners need to be cautious in looking at the world
as if it’s a glass half empty.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Planners like a great deal of detail. While Promoters want
stories and Producers want the bottom line, Planners want all of the
information. In fact, when I teach about personality types, I usually have a
packet of information that I give out at the end of the class to all of the
Planners because I know that I didn’t cover things thoroughly enough for them.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
If you have a Planner in your life, be eager to build them
up. Be very cautious about criticizing them. They are critical enough of
themselves already.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Who’s the Planner in your life? Take notice of the special
care that they have put into what they have accomplished. Appreciate them
specifically.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
To make a tax deductible donation to Galatians 4:19
Ministries:
http://joytotheworldfoundation.org/index.php?option=com_crowdfunding&view=details&id=1149-galations-419-ministries&catid=8-operating-projects&Itemid=10</div>
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Allen Whitehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02813013607341581179noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8683513236118788539.post-30824189021245416552016-04-21T03:00:00.000-07:002016-04-21T03:00:02.842-07:00Are You the Driver?By Allen White<br />
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It has always been my ambition to preach the gospel where
Christ was not known, so that I would not be building on someone else's
foundation.</div>
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Romans 15:20</div>
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The Apostle Paul was a take no prisoners kind of guy. He
zealously persecuted the church (Acts 22:3-5), and he zealously proclaimed the
Gospel. Paul’s ambition was to break new ground. While he sent letters back to
churches to address their problems, Paul didn’t visit many places more than
once. There was too much to accomplish. In fact, if Paul had never been in
prison, I somehow doubt that much of the New Testament would have even been
written.</div>
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People like Paul are what I call Producers. When they say,
“Lead, follow or get out of the way,” they really just want you to get out of
the way. Paul had no patience for John Mark when JM waffled on his commitment (Acts
15:36-41). Producers want action. “Fish or cut bait.” (What does that even
mean?) “Get to the bottom line.” </div>
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Producers are concerned about results. Now in the pursuit of
results they also can steamroll over everyone else without even thinking about
it. Producers will say that they would rather be respected than liked. But,
it’s actually good to be respected AND liked.</div>
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I am mostly a Producer personality. So, here’s the funny
thing: God took someone with the personality of Attila the Hun and gave him the
spiritual gift of pastor. It’s unusual. It’s ironic. But, here’s the beauty of
it—when God uses me to direct or encourage another person, I know for certain
that it’s God working in me and through me. It doesn’t come naturally, that’s
for sure.</div>
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While Producers can be driven and often impatient, our
natural personality is not an excuse for bad behavior. As we allow God to work
in us, then verses like Ephesians 4:32, “Be kind and compassionate to one
another, forgiving each other, just as in Christ God forgave you,” don’t seem
so impossible.</div>
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If you have a Producer in your life, do your best to get to
the point. They want the straight stuff. You don’t need to beat around the
bush. If you do take a circular path, they will spend the whole conversation
trying to figure out what you’re getting at or just stop listening altogether
and start thinking about something else until your done. </div>
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When I was in seminary, I worked as a front desk clerk at
Howard Johnson. I still crave those clam strips every once in a while. One
Christmas we did a gift exchange with the staff. A bellman had my name. He gave
me a mug that said, “If you’ll state your business and walk away quietly, then
no one will get hurt.” That was a Producer’s mug if I ever saw one.</div>
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Please don’t misunderstand Producers. They want to help.
They want to work for the good of other people. Sometimes other people just get
in their way. Don’t allow them to get away with bad behavior, but also don’t
frustrate them.</div>
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Who’s the Producer in your life? What do you understand
about them now that you might not have understood about them before?</div>
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For more information on this personality type and how God
can use you to serve others, I would encourage you to check out our P.L.A.C.E.
class: http://www.brookwoodchurch.org/place.</div>
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To make a tax deductible donation to Galatians 4:19
Ministries:
http://joytotheworldfoundation.org/index.php?option=com_crowdfunding&view=details&id=1149-galations-419-ministries&catid=8-operating-projects&Itemid=10</div>
<span style="font-family: "Calibri","sans-serif"; font-size: 11.0pt; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-language: AR-SA; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-language: EN-US;"><br clear="all" style="mso-special-character: line-break; page-break-before: always;" />
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Allen Whitehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02813013607341581179noreply@blogger.com0