Category Archives: Blessings

Come with Me…To Lisa and Ariel’s House Blessing and Wedding Vows Renewal Ceremony!

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2 Samuel 7:27-29

Lord Almighty, God of Israel,

You have revealed this to Your servant, saying,

‘I will build a house for you.’

So Your servant has found courage to pray this prayer to You.

Sovereign Lord, You are God!

Your covenant is trustworthy,

and You have promised these good things to Your servant.

Now be pleased to bless the house of Your servant,

that it may continue forever in Your sight;

for You, Sovereign Lord, have spoken,

and with Your blessing

the house of Your servant will be blessed forever.”

Lisa, Ariel, Marisa, and Andre

Since you’ve moved into this new house…today we’re pronouncing blessings on your new home from the very beginning.  It would also be wonderful for you to renew this blessing year after year for as long as you reside there.  Blessing a house is simply taking the authority over it that belongs to you, and dedicating it to the Lord.

It’s inviting the Spirit of God to come, and everything else to leave.  Where God’s presence is, there is blessing and hope. When we bless our homes we make room for God to take up residence in every room and over all our possessions.

Your house blessing will be on the basis of your rightful authority over your own dwelling. When you moved in, someone put keys to the house in your hand.  Physically and Spiritually, you determine who, or what, has access to your home.

Joshua 24:15, says, “But as for me and my house, we will serve the Lord.”

Blessing your home, says your heart is in agreement with that Scripture!!  And, that you want your house to feel safe, peaceful, and be filled with God’s Spirit, so it will be godly place to live, and raise your family.

The authority you now take over your house, determines what the atmosphere will be like in this house from now on, and it is up to you to drive out any negative forces, in Jesus’ Name, in submission to the authority that is over you, the Lord Jesus Christ.

By blessing your house, property and possessions you are consecrating them as holy unto the Lord, and with His Light, you are dispelling any darkness.  Always keep His Light burning brightly in your home!

Pray!!!  Declare that this house belongs to God, and everything ungodly has to leave. Keep yourself holy and pure.  Bringing light to your home means everything else must leave.

Therefore, it is worth your time to take inventory and to rid yourself of spiritual garbage. As you pray in each room, ask the Holy Spirit if there is anything in that room that grieves Him. Take a look at books, magazines, music, videos, DVDs etc., Look at everything. What internet sites are accessed through your home? What television programs are allowed in? What radio stations are listened to?

Is your house set in order? Are relationships healthy? Is sin being permitted in your home? What is the spiritual atmosphere that you’re allowing?

Today, we’ll be anointing your doors and windows with oil representing the Holy Spirit. We’ll walk the parameter of the property, consecrating it, and placing it under the Lordship of Jesus Christ.  We can use the oil to anoint anything you wish out on the property, and on cars, garages, equipment etc.

Lisa and Ariel…

As the owners, you may want to speak out blessings, for us to agree with as we pray over each room, asking God to use this house for His glory. Thanking the Lord for providing you with a place to live, asking for His angels to be posted at all the doors and windows, keeping anything evil from entering in, by the blood of Jesus, and in the authority of His Name!

We will speak peace here in this home, the Name of Jesus. We invite you to come, Holy Spirit, and fill this place…anything ungodly will need to leave!

As you live in your house, fill it with praise and constant thanksgiving. God will be honored, you will love the atmosphere in your home, and everyone who enters will love it too.  Amen!

Based on:  http://www.hannahscupboard.com/pray-walk-house-blessing.html

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Wedding Vows Renewal Ceremony

Matthew 19:4-6

“Haven’t you read,”

he replied, “that at the beginning the Creator ‘made them male and female,’

and said, ‘For this reason a man will leave his father and mother and be united to his wife,

and the two will become one flesh’?

So they are no longer two, but one flesh.

Therefore what God has joined together, let no one separate.”

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The day was cold for Florida…

A high of 58 degrees…

The weather felt colder and breezier at the beach…

And since we’re all Floridians…

We were freezing!

Not your typical day-at-the-beach…

But still,

I was pleased and blessed…

To officiate at my friends’

25th Wedding Anniversary/Wedding Vows Renewal Ceremony!

Lisa and Ariel…

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When you first joined hands and hearts in marriage 25 years ago, you did not know where life would take you.

You promised to love, honor, and cherish one another through all things.

Life has surely brought you both wonderful blessings, and difficult challenges over the years. 

But here you are today, having fulfilled the vows to love, honor, and cherish… that you each made on your wedding day. 

And God is smiling!  

As you celebrate here today, and as you reflect back over all the years as husband and wife, do you now wish to reaffirm the vows you took 25 years ago? 

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Answer:  “WE DO!”

Please join hands as I continue with the Vows.

Lisa, will you continue to have Ariel as your husband and continue to live in this marriage? Do you reaffirm your love for him, and will you love him, keep him, and honor him in sickness and in health, and forsaking all others, being faithful to him as long as you shall live?

Ariel, will you continue to have Lisa as your wife and continue to live in this marriage? Do you reaffirm your love for her, and will you love her, keep her, and honor her in sickness and in health, and forsaking all others, being faithful to her as long as you shall live?

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May I have the rings and roses?  In the words of the prophet Isaiah, where relationships create love and compassion, even “the desert shall …bloom, like the rose.”  The rose, born of the tiniest of seeds, is a symbol of the potential and beauty contained in love’s promises.  In the merging of a spirit-filled vessel, and a fragrant rose…we proclaim a new relationship, a new future…one which love has unfolded, and is unfolding, before our very eyes.  As your gifts bring beauty and purpose to each other, may your lives continue to enrich and strengthen one another.

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Lord, I pray a prayer of re-blessing of these rings, and over the givers and receivers of each of the rings.

Ariel, repeat after me:  Lisa, I give you this ring as a symbol of my vow, with all that I am, and all that I have, I honor you, and with this ring I thee wed.

Lisa, repeat after me:  Ariel, I give you this ring as a symbol of my vow, with all that I am, and all that I have, I honor you, and with this ring I thee wed.

Lisa and Ariel, On your wedding day you exchanged rings as a symbol of the never-ending circle that symbolizes the eternal quality of God’s unending strength, and unending love!

Rings serve as a reminder of your wedding vows to each other, and your commitment to live in unity, love, and happiness. At this time, it is appropriate to reconfirm the meaning of the rings you wear.

Please join your left hands together so that Ariel’s hand is on top. Ariel, please repeat after me:

Lisa, I wear this ring you placed on my hand 25 years ago, as a symbol of my love and commitment to you.

Now, with Lisa’s hand on top, Lisa, please repeat after me:

Ariel, I wear this ring you placed on my hand 25 years ago, as a symbol of my love and commitment to you.

God bless these rings and the two who exchanged them in love on their wedding day.  Lord, keep Lisa and Ariel safe in the circle of Your protection and love.  Bless their marriage, which is a commitment to learning to care for one another… a life-long relationship always in the making.

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Marriage deepens and enriches every facet of life.  

Happiness is fuller, memories are fresher, commitment is stronger,

even anger is felt more strongly, and passes away more quickly.

Marriage understands…

and forgives the mistakes, life is unable to avoid.

It encourages and nurtures new life, new experiences,

and new ways of expressing a love that is deeper than life.

When two people pledge their love and care for each other in marriage,

they create a spirit unique unto themselves

which binds them closer than any spoken or written words.

Marriage is a promise made in the hearts of two people who love each other

and the promise requires a lifetime to fulfill.

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1 Corinthians 13:4-8

“Love is patient,

Love is kind.

It does not envy,

It does not boast,

It is not proud.

It does not dishonor others,

It is not self-seeking,

It is not easily angered,

It keeps no record of wrongs.

 Love does not delight in evil,

 But rejoices with the truth.

It always protects,

 Always trusts,

Always hopes,

Always perseveres. 

Love never fails…”

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Lisa & Ariel, as the two of you both now reaffirm you love for each other and the vows you made to each other many years ago, I ask that you each remember to continue to cherish each other as special and unique individuals, and that you each respect the thoughts and ideas of one another. And most of all, be able to forgive each other, and not hold grudges against one another. Live each day in love with each other, always being there to give love, comfort, and support to each other, in good times, and bad.  Amen!

Lisa and Ariel, today you have renewed the promises and vows you made to each other on your wedding day.  You have symbolized the renewal of the marriage union by the joining of hands, the taking of vows, and by the wearing of your wedding rings.

It is with pleasure that I conclude the ceremony of renewing the vows of marriage that joined you, and binds you as husband and wife. Please celebrate this renewal of vows with a kiss!

Since Lisa & Ariel have now exchanged vows and rings, and pledged their love and faithfulness to each other, it is my pleasure and honor to repronounce you Man & Wife. You may kiss the bride!

Based on:  http://www.themarriageman.com/renewal.htm

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1 John 3:16

“We know what love is

because Jesus gave His life for us.

That’s why we must give our lives for each other.”

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John 17:23

“I in them and You in Me—

so that they may be brought to complete unity.

Then the world will know that You sent Me

and have loved them even as You have loved Me.”

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1 John 3:18

“Dear children,

let us not love with words or speech

but with actions and in truth.”

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Ephesians 4:32

“Be kind and compassionate to one another,

forgiving each other,

just as in Christ,

God forgave you.”

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Ephesians 5:25-33

“Husbands, love your wives, just as Christ loved the Church and gave Himself up for her

to make her holy, cleansingher by the washing with water through the Word,

and to present her to Himself as a radiant Church, without stain or wrinkle or any other blemish,

but holy and blameless.

In this same way, husbands ought to love their wives as their own bodies.

He who loves his wife loves himself.

After all, no one ever hated their own body, but they feed and care for their body,

just as Christ does the Church—

for we are members of His Body.

‘For this reason a man will leave his father and mother and be united to his wife,

and the two will become one flesh.’

This is a profound mystery—but I am talking about Christ and the Church.

However, each one of you also must love his wife as he loves himself,

and the wife must respect her husband.”

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Love & Laughter!!!

Thank you, Jesus, for all Your blessings!!

“Tis The Season!!! Oh, I Need A Silent Night! Badly!!

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Luke 2:4-7

“And Joseph also went up from Galilee,

out of the city of Nazareth, into Judaea, unto the city of David,

which is called Bethlehem;

(because he was of the house and lineage of David.)

To be taxed with Mary his espoused wife, being great with child.

And so it was, that, while they were there,

the days were accomplished that she should be delivered.

And she brought forth her firstborn son,

and wrapped him in swaddling clothes, and laid him in a manger;

because there was no room for them in the inn.”

I’ve made the same mistake before
Too many malls, too many stores
December traffic, Christmas rush
It breaks me ’til I push and shove

Children are crying while mothers are trying
To photograph Santa and sleigh
The shopping and buying and standing forever in line
What can I say?

I need a Silent Night, a Holy Night
To hear an angel voice through the chaos and the noise
I need a midnight clear, a little peace right here
To end this crazy day with a Silent Night

December comes then disappears
Faster and faster every year
Did my own mother keep this pace
Or was the world a different place?

Where people stayed home wishing for snow
Watching three channels on their TV
Look at us now rushing around
Trying to buy Christmas peace

I need a Silent night, a Holy Night
To hear an angel voice through the chaos and the noise
I need a midnight clear, a little peace right here
To end this crazy day with a Silent Night

What was it like back there in Bethlehem
With Peace on earth, good will toward men?

“There were shepherds out in the field
Keeping watch over their flock by night
And the glory of the Lord shone around them
And they were so afraid

And the angels said, ‘Fear not, for behold
I bring you Good News of a great joy that shall be for all people
For unto you is born this day, a Savior, who is Christ the Lord.’

…And His Name shall be called, Wonderful Counselor, Prince of Peace.” 

(Luke 2:8-11, Isaiah 9:6)

I need a Silent Night, a Holy Night
To hear an angel voice through the chaos and the noise
I need a midnight clear, a little peace right here
To end this crazy day with a Silent Night
To end this crazy day with a Silent Night

Silent Night

Silent night, holy night,
All is calm, all is bright

Round yon virgin mother and Child.
Holy Infant so tender and mild,

Sleep in heavenly peace,
Sleep in heavenly peace.

“Silent Night” was written by a Catholic priest, Joseph Mohr, pastor in the Austrian Alps in a little town of Oberndorf.

It was Christmas Eve, 1815, when he meditated on the wonderful story of the birth of Christ and wrote the sweet, simple verses of this song.

The next day he took them to the village schoolmaster, an organist, Franz Gruber, who prayerfully put them to music that fits them so quietly and so well.

And that night they had the choir sing it for the first time with only guitar accompaniment, since the organ had broken down .

Through the years this sweet song drifted out to the world and now millions of people rejoice as they sing.

Read the entire post at:

http://www.jesus-is-savior.com/Books,%20Tracts%20&%20Preaching/Printed%20Sermons/Dr%20John%20Rice/silent_night.htm

Call on Jesus…

To find your Silent Night…

This Christmas!!

Amen!

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We’re Italians!!! We Don’t Know Any Different…Or Any Better Way, To Live!

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I received this e-mail recently, I love it! 

(author unknown…)

Here’s The Difference Between Us…

AMERICAN KIDS:  Move out when they’re 18 with the full support of their parents.

ITALIAN KIDS:  Move out when they’re 28, having saved enough money for a house,and are two weeks away from getting married….. unless there’s room in the basement for the newlyweds.

AMERICAN KIDS:  When their Mom visits them, she brings a Bundt cake, you have coffee, and chat.
ITALIAN KIDS:  When their Mom visits them, she brings 3 days worth of food, begins to tidy up, dust, do the laundry, and rearrange the furniture.

AMERICAN KIDS:  Their dads always call before they come over to visit them, and it’s usually only on special occasions.

ITALIAN KIDS:  Are not at all fazed when their dads show up, unannounced, on a Saturday morning at 8:00 am, and start pruning the fruit trees. If there are no fruit trees, he’ll plant some.

AMERICAN KIDS:  Always pay retail, and look in the Yellow Pages when they need to have something done.

ITALIAN KIDS:  Call their dad or uncle, and ask for another dad’s, or uncle’s, phone number to get it done.

AMERICAN KIDS:  Will come over for cake and coffee, and get only cake and coffee. No more.
ITALIAN KIDS:  Will come over for cake and coffee, and get antipasto, a pasta dish, a choice of two meats, salad, bread, a cannoli, fruit, and espresso.

AMERICAN KIDS:  Will greet you with “Hello” or “Hi.”
ITALIAN KIDS:  Will give you a big hug, a kiss on your cheek, and a pat on your back.

AMERICAN KIDS:  Have never seen you cry.
ITALIAN KIDS:  Cry with you.

AMERICAN KIDS:  Eat peanut butter and jelly sandwiches on soft mushy white bread.
ITALIAN KIDS:  Eat Genoa Salami and Provolone sandwiches on crusty Italian bread (for breakfast).

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 Ya Gotta Love Us!!!

Don’t miss out…

Go visit an Italian today!!

Once we meet…

You’ll never  be a stranger…

You’re part of our family now, and…

Forever!!

God Bless!

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“A family is a place where principles are hammered and honed

on the anvil of everyday living.”  ~ Chuck Swindoll

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Ephesians 1:5

“God decided in advance

to adopt us into His own family

by bringing us to Himself

through Jesus Christ.

This is what He wanted to do,

and it gave Him great pleasure.”

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Deuteronomy 6:6-7, 18 

“These commandments that I give you today

are to be on your hearts.

Impress them on your children.

Talk about them when you sit at home

and when you walk along the road,

when you lie down

and when you get up.

Do what is right and good in the Lord’s sight,

so that it may go well with you

and you may go in

and take over the good land

the Lord promised on oath to your ancestors,

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Happy Birthday…Ya Little Rascal!

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“Happy Birthday, Mr. Hood!

Happy Birthday to you!

To make your Birthday turn out good!

I give this present to you!!

-Little Rascals-

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Hon,

I appreciate you because…

You pray to God for us!

You’re true-blue!

You gave me a beautiful son!

You love us!

You do all the yard work!

You take care of all the cars!

You call to complain to everyone who tries to rip us off!

You do all the grocery shopping!

You do all the cooking!

You take care of all the garbage/recycling!

You play golf with our son!

You take him to the shooting range!

You care about our safety!

You handle our cash outflow!

You lost weight for your health!

You love Siberian Huskies, even crazy ones like ours!

You’re independent enough to pack your own luggage!

You take charge in a crisis!

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Hey, Yo!

What more can we ask for???

We’re blessed!!

 We couldn’t live without you!!

All God’s Blessings for a Happy Birthday!!

And many, many more!!

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Love, your Gang!!

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Lets’ Eat!!!

Thank God, we finally found a good pizza place in Florida!!

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And mussels with good sauce!!

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Our prayer for you…

Numbers 6:24-26

“The Lord bless you    

and keep you;

the Lord make His Face shine on you    

and be gracious to you; 

the Lord turn His Face toward you    

and give you peace.”

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3 John 1:2

“…I pray that you may enjoy good health

and that all may go well with you,

even as your soul is getting along well.”

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Psalm 21:3

“You came to greet him with rich blessings   

and placed a crown of pure gold on his head.”

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                         (Hand to Hand training-US Army-Ft Dix, NJ!  Ha!)

Psalm 21:6

“Surely You have granted him unending blessings   

and made him glad with the joy of Your Presence.”

Amen!

Lord, What Am I Missing??? Give Me Your Eyes!!

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What’s Wrong With Seeing With My Own Eyes ???

Isaiah 5:21

“Woe to those who are wise in their own eyes   

and clever in their own sight.”

Proverbs 23:26

“My son, give Me your heart   

and let your eyes delight in My ways,”

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What Does God See Through His Eyes???

Job 28:24

“…for He views the ends of the earth   

and sees everything under the heavens.”

Job 34:21

“His eyes are on the ways of mortals;   

He sees their every step.”

Psalm 33:13-15

“From Heaven the Lord looks down   

and sees all mankind;

from His dwelling place He watches   

all who live on earth—

He who forms the hearts of all,   

who considers everything they do.”

Matthew 6:4-6

“…so that your giving may be in secret.

Then your Father,

who sees what is done in secret,

will reward you.”

2 Chronicles 16:9

“For the eyes of the Lord

range throughout the earth

to strengthen those whose hearts

are fully committed to Him…”

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How Does God See Us Through His Eyes???

Zechariah 2:8

“For this is what the Lord Almighty says:

‘After the Glorious One has sent me

against the nations that have plundered you—

for whoever touches you touches the apple of His eye—'”

Psalm 33:18

“But the eyes of the Lord are on those who fear Him,   

on those whose hope is in His unfailing love,”

Mark 8:18

“Do you have eyes but fail to see,

and ears but fail to hear?

And don’t you remember?”

Matthew 6: 22-23

“The eye is the lamp of the body.

If your eyes are healthy,

your whole body will be full of light.

But if your eyes are unhealthy,

your whole body will be full of darkness.

If then the light within you is darkness,

how great is that darkness!”

Looked down from a broken sky
Traced out by the city lights
My world from a mile high
Best seat in the house tonight

Touched down on the cold black tar
Hold on for the sudden stop
Breathe in the familiar shock
Of confusion and chaos

All those people going somewhere
Why have I never cared?

Give me Your eyes for just one second
Give me Your eyes so I can see
Everything that I keep missing
Give me Your love for humanity

Give me Your arms for the broken-hearted
The ones that are far beyond my reach
Give me Your heart for the ones forgotten
Give me Your eyes so I can see

Step out on a busy street
See a girl and our eyes meet
Does her best to smile at me
To hide what’s underneath

There’s a man just to her right
Black suit and a bright red tie
Too ashamed to tell his wife
He’s out of work, he’s buying time

All those people going somewhere
Why have I never cared?

Give me Your eyes for just one second
Give me Your eyes so I can see
Everything that I keep missing
Give me Your love for humanity

Give me Your arms for the broken-hearted
The ones that are far beyond my reach
Give me Your heart for the ones forgotten
Give me Your eyes so I can see

I’ve been there a million times
A couple of million eyes just moving passed me by
I swear I never thought that I was wrong

Well, I want a second glance
So give me a second chance
To see the way You see the people all alone

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What Does It Mean To Have God’s Eyes???

Matthew 7:1-5

“Do not judge,

or you too will be judged.

For in the same way you judge others,

you will be judged,

and with the measure you use,

it will be measured to you.

Why do you look at the speck of sawdust in your brother’s eye

and pay no attention to the plank in your own eye?

How can you say to your brother,

‘Let me take the speck out of your eye,’

when all the time there is a plank in your own eye? 

You hypocrite, first take the plank out of your own eye,

and then you will see clearly to remove the speck from your brother’s eye.”

Psalm 19:8

“The precepts of the Lord are right,   

giving joy to the heart.

The commands of the Lord are radiant,  

giving light to the eyes.”

Matthew 13:13-16

“This is why I speak to them in parables:

‘Though seeing, they do not see;   

though hearing, they do not hear or understand.

In them is fulfilled the prophecy of Isaiah:

‘You will be ever hearing but never understanding;   

you will be ever seeing but never perceiving.

For this people’s heart has become calloused;   

they hardly hear with their ears,   

and they have closed their eyes.

Otherwise they might see with their eyes,   

hear with their ears,   

understand with their hearts

and turn, and I would heal them.’

But blessed are your eyes because they see

and your ears because they hear.”

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When You Pray…

“Lord, Give Me Your Eyes!!”

Be Prepared To See What You’re Missing…

To Really See What God Sees!!

Are You Ready???

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“Yes, Lord…

I don’t want to see…

With my eyes…

They see nothing beyond myself in the mirror…

With my heart…

  It feels nothing beyond my own little safe world…

My arms…

  They touch nothing for eternity…

And only reach for pleasures in this life…

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I NEED…

Your Eyes, Lord…

They see lost and hurting people everywhere…

Direct me to them…

So I can minister through Your Holy Spirit!

Your Heart, Lord…

Which feels deep love for everyone of Your children…

So I can learn to love like You do!

Your Arms, Lord…

That reach around the world…

Embracing all humanity…

With your magnificent and abundant love…

For eternity!

Use me, Lord…

To see, love, and reach!!”

Amen!

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Speak Up! God Can’t Bare Your Silence!!

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Come Closer!!

You’re Too Far Away!!

Break your silence!

Talk to God…

About what you’re experiencing…

Let His Holy Spirit guide you through your life…

When you feel far from Him…

Whisper His Name!

Find a quiet place…

Away from the noise of this world…

Where you can be alone with God!

Speak Up!

Speak to Jesus in Love-tones!

Reach Out!

To have a relationship with Him!

Prepare to receive His Love!

It flows eternally from the Cross!

Seek His Face!

Then, listen!

Hear His Voice!

He’ll hear yours!

He’s delighted that you opened your heart…

To His Presence!

Take His Hand!

He’s already bridged the distance!

By running to you!

By sending His Son to die for you…

Go the distance!

He came to hear you cry out for Him!

He wants to commune with you!

“His eyes search to and fro throughout the earth…

Looking for one whose heart is seeking Him…”  (2 Chronicles 16:9)

Genesis 28:15

 “I Am with you

and will watch over you wherever you go,

and I will bring you back to this land.

I will not leave you

until I have done what I have promised you.”

And when you meet Him???

Ahhhh..

JOY!!!

Mutual JOY!!

(Read Jesus Calling by Sarah Young

April 4th Devotional-Pg. 99

and April 8th-Pg.103)

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“God shows His love

in spanning the canyon between mankind and Himself

with the humble cross.”

-Shawn Craig –

of

Phillips, Craig & Dean

You could’ve waited…

But You couldn’t stand the distance…

You wouldn’t bare the silence anymore

Love broke the fall…

Bridged across to reach us…

You opened Heaven’s door…

‘Cause You couldn’t stand the distance!

You saw the love I needed… 

You ran to where I was waiting…

Your love crossed the canyon between us…

You came to save me!

In Your mercy…

You ran to me…

Your forgiveness embraced me…

It called me by name…

Hallelujah!

You couldn’t stand the distance…

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1 John 4:19

“We love because He first loved us.”

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1 John 4:10

“This is love:

not that we loved God,

but that He loved us

and sent His Son

as an atoning sacrifice for our sins.”

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Genesis 5:1

“…When God created mankind,

He made them in the likeness of God.”

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Leviticus 26:12

“I will walk among you

and be your God,

and you will be My people.”

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Revelation 3:20

“Here I am!

I stand at the door and knock.

If anyone hears My Voice and opens the door,

I will come in and eat with that person,

and they with Me.”

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John 15:14-15

“You are My friends

if you do what I command. 

I no longer call you servants,

because a servant does not know his master’s business.

Instead, I have called you friends,

for everything that I learned from My Father

I have made known to you.”

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Ephesians 2:13

“But now in Christ Jesus

you who once were far away

have been brought near

by the blood of Christ.”

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God could never stand the distance between us…

Or my silence…

And when I no longer could stand it either…

He sent Jesus to bridge the gap…

And we connected!

Amen!

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Window Shopping????

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While window shopping in Old Naples over the summer….

This was by-far my favorite window!!!

The Frog…

So dapper!

So welcoming!

“Come on in!”

He beckoned…

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Wind In The Willows – Beth Boutique, 793 5th Ave., Naples, FL 34102, (239) 643-0663

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I adored the bright, whimsical colors and patterns…

 I wanted to:

Try on the fashionable clothing,…

Read the Dare To Be Whacky book,…

Buy the beautiful hand-painted furniture …

Walk on the gorgeous carpet…

And, of course…

Cuddle with the perfectly groomed stuffed cat!

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Suddenly, I saw the cute little cat move!!

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I was mesmerized!

It’s alive!!

It’s breathing!

It’s not one of the mannequins, after all!

It’s not a prop…

It’s not just a display in the window!

It’s real!!

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I took so many photos of that beautiful cat…

From every angle…

While I watched it roaming around in that shop window…

No longer thinking about the other items…

The non-living items…

I focused only on the cat!!

I couldn’t get enough of it’s precious face…

It’s awesome lion-like tail…

It’s fluffy, white fur…

It’s four fuzzy feet!!

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And then the cat was gone!

The display was still nice…

But without the live cat in it …

It was now just an ordinary…

Empty-of-life…

Shop window!

Not all gods are alike!

Do you want to:

Try them on for size?

Read about them?

Buy into their theology?

Walk with them through life?

Cuddle with them in the time of need?

Find the God that’s Alive!

The One who Lives and Breathes!

I Have!

I can forget about non-essential items…

Non-living items…

And focus only on Jesus!!

I can’t get enough of His Precious Face…

The awesome strength of the Lion of Judah…

His Pure, White Robe of Righteousness…

His nail-scarred hands and feet!!

Not all religions are alike…

Is it alive?

Is it breathing?

Is it dead?

Is it just a display?

Is it real??

Not all churches are alike…

Some are so welcoming!

Putting on a “dapper” front…

“Come on in!”

They beckon…

But, has God left the building????

Remember, while window shopping…

Nothing’s the same without Him!!

Acts 17:28

“‘In Him we live

and move

and have our being;’

as even some of your own poets have said,

‘For we are indeed His offspring.’”

1 John 5:12

“Whoever has the Son has life;

whoever does not have the Son of God

does not have life.”

Revelation 1:18

“I am the Living One;

I was dead,

and now look,

I am alive for ever and ever!

And I hold the keys of death and Hades.”

1 Peter 6:6

“For this is the reason the Gospel was preached

even to those who are now dead,

so that they might be judged according to human standards

in regard to the body,

but live according to God in regard to the spirit.”

Hebrews 4:12

“For the Word of God

is alive and active.

Sharper than any double-edged sword,

it penetrates even to dividing soul and spirit,

joints and marrow;

it judges the thoughts and attitudes of the heart.”

Acts 1:11

“’Men of Galilee,’

they said,

‘why do you stand here looking into the sky?

This same Jesus,

who has been taken from you into Heaven,

will come back in the same way

you have seen Him go into Heaven.”

Amen!

Jesus, You’re My BFF! My Best Friend…Forever!!

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James 2:23

“And the scripture was fulfilled that says,

‘Abraham believed God,

and it was credited to him as righteousness,

and he was called God’s friend.”

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John 15:14

“You are my friends

if you do what I command.”

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John 15:15

“I no longer call you servants,

because a servant does not know his master’s business.

Instead, I have called you friends,

for everything that I learned from My Father

I have made known to you.”

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This song is a Kids Church favorite!!!!!

Have you heard of the one called Savior?

Have you heard of His perfect love?

Have you heard of the One in Heaven?

Have you heard how He gave His Son?

‘Cause I found this Love!

I believe in the Son!

Show me Your way!

I believe in the One called Savior!

I believe He’s the Risen One!

I believe I’ll live forever!

I believe that my King will come!

‘Cause I found this Love!

I believe in the Son!

Show me Your way!

Jesus!

You are my best friend!

And you will always be!

And nothing will ever change that!

Nothing will ever change that!!

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Proverbs 18:24

“One who has unreliable friends soon comes to ruin,   

but there is a friend who sticks closer than a brother.”

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John 15:13

“Greater love has no one than this:

to lay down one’s life for one’s friends.”

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Hebrews 13:5

“…God has said,

‘Never will I leave you;   

never will I forsake you.’”

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Have you heard???

Have you found???

Do you believe???

Have you met my best friend???

Jesus!

Forever!

Nothing will ever change that!

Amen!

Need A Revelation? Sing A New Song!

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Worthy is the, Lamb who was slain
Holy, Holy, is He
Sing a new song, to Him who sits on
Heaven’s mercy seat

Holy, Holy, Holy
Is the Lord God Almighty
Who was, and is, and is to come
With all creation I sing
Praise to the King of Kings
You are my everything
And I will adore You

Clothed in rainbows, of living color
Flashes of lightning, rolls of thunder
Blessing and honor, strength and glory and power be
to You the only wise King

Filled with wonder, awestruck wonder
At the mention of Your Name
Jesus Your Name is power
Breath, and living water
Such a marvelous mystery

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2 Corinthians 5:21

“God made Him

who had no sin

to be sin for us,

so that in Him

we might become

the righteousness of God.”

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Revelation 4:8

“Each of the four living creatures

had six wings

and was covered with eyes all around,

even under his wings.

Day and night they never stop saying:

‘Holy, Holy, Holy is the Lord God Almighty,

who was,

and is,

and is to come.'”

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Revelation 22:1-21

Eden Restored

“Then the angel showed me the river of the water of life,

as clear as crystal,

flowing from the throne of God and of the Lamb

down the middle of the great street of the city.

On each side of the river stood the tree of life,

bearing twelve crops of fruit,

yielding its fruit every month.

And the leaves of the tree are for the healing of the nations. 

No longer will there be any curse.

The throne of God and of the Lamb will be in the city,

and his servants will serve Him.

They will see His face,

and His name will be on their foreheads.

There will be no more night.

They will not need the light of a lamp or the light of the sun,

for the Lord God will give them light.

And they will reign for ever and ever.”

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John and the Angel

“The angel said to me,

‘These words are trustworthy and true.

The Lord, the God who inspires the prophets,

sent His angel to show His servants

the things that must soon take place.’

‘Look, I am coming soon!

Blessed is the one who keeps the words of the prophecy written in this scroll.’

I, John,

am the one who heard and saw these things.

And when I had heard and seen them,

I fell down to worship at the feet of the angel

who had been showing them to me.

But he said to me,

‘Don’t do that!

I am a fellow servant with you

and with your fellow prophets

and with all who keep the words of this scroll.

Worship God!’

Then he told me,

‘Do not seal up the words of the prophecy of this scroll,

because the time is near.

Let the one who does wrong continue to do wrong;

let the vile person continue to be vile;

let the one who does right continue to do right;

and let the holy person continue to be holy.’

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Epilogue: Invitation and Warning

‘Look, I am coming soon!

My reward is with Me,

and I will give to each person

according to what they have done.

I am the Alpha and the Omega,

the First and the Last,

the Beginning and the End. 

Blessed are those who wash their robes,

that they may have the right to the tree of life

and may go through the gates into the city.

Outside are the dogs,

those who practice magic arts,

the sexually immoral,

the murderers,

the idolaters

and everyone who loves and practices falsehood.

 I, Jesus,

have sent My angel to give you this testimony for the churches.

I Am the Root

and the Offspring of David,

and the bright Morning Star.”

The Spirit and the bride say,

‘Come!’

And let the one who hears say,

‘Come!’

Let the one who is thirsty come;

and let the one who wishes take the free gift of the water of life.

I warn everyone who hears the words of the prophecy of this scroll:

If anyone adds anything to them,

God will add to that person the plagues described in this scroll.

And if anyone takes words away from this scroll of prophecy,

God will take away from that person

any share in the tree of life

and in the Holy City,

which are described in this scroll.

He who testifies to these things says,

‘Yes, I Am coming soon.

Amen.

Come, Lord Jesus.

The grace of the Lord Jesus

be with God’s people.

Amen.'”

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So, Give It To Me Straight!!

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I want the truth, and nothing but the truth…

Do you like your news candy-coated…

Sugar-coated???

Rose-tinted???

Are you seeing through a glass darkly???

Or do you prefer the truth???

Telling me I’m  a “good” person…

That God loves me…

Without telling me…

What He hates…

What displeases Him…

Is only telling me a half-truth…

There’s a Hell to avoid…

And a Heaven to help populate…

I need to know that…

How can I avoid going to Hell???

How can I get to Heaven???

The truth will set me free!

I’d rather a kid say, “I want a cookie.”

Than steal a cookie!

Honesty!!!

Believe that Jesus is the One Way…

He’s the Voice of Truth!

Forget a sugar-coated Gospel…

Give me…POW…the Truth!

Encourage me to ask God the tough questions!

“God…

What do you want from me???”

He’ll answer…

“I want your heart…

Your love…

Your time…

Your life…

Your everything!”

Telling me I have to give up too much to give that to God, is nonsense…

Telling me there’s no joy in this journey is a lie!

Telling me God is not a jealous God is ridiculous…

He wants all of me!

Telling me a Holy God doesn’t care about Holiness…

Is going to send me straight to Hell!

Whose voice are you listening to?

A voice of lies???

Or…

The Voice of Truth!

1 Corinthians 13:12  MSG

“We don’t yet see things clearly.

We’re squinting in a fog,

peering through a mist.

But it won’t be long before the weather clears

and the sun shines bright!

We’ll see it all then,

see it all as clearly

as God sees us,

knowing Him directly

just as He knows us!”

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Psalm 40:11  AMP

“Withhold not Your tender mercy from me,

O Lord;

let Your loving-kindness

and Your truth

continually preserve me!”

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Romans 2:6-8  NIV

“God

‘will repay each person according to what they have done.’

To those who by persistence in doing good

seek glory, honor and immortality,

He will give eternal life.

But for those who are self-seeking

and who reject the truth and follow evil,

there will be wrath and anger.”

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Amen!