tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-30701413799336392422024-03-08T16:01:58.854-05:00Cleanse.Fill.Pour.Cleanse.Fill.Pour.
Thoughts and words...to encourage women to be in the Word of God and grow in their relationship with Christ.Mandi Cornetthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08311570429533109247noreply@blogger.comBlogger145125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3070141379933639242.post-74307052614376760382016-10-10T13:53:00.001-04:002016-10-10T13:53:57.051-04:00The Resting of Change<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-bidi-font-style: italic;">I love fall. I love the
change of colors, smells and definitely the change of temperature! I love
snuggling into a warm sweater and hearing the leaves crunch under shoes. I can
relate to the squirrels saving up for winter. I’m all about the change of
seasons, but changes in the seasons of life…not so much. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-bidi-font-style: italic;">I hate change. I’m what
some would call boring. I’d rather say I’m stable. I like routine. I like
vanilla ice cream, if I’m feeling particularly daring I’ll add sprinkles. I
take the same route every time I go to the grocery store, church, or my moms. I
like consistency, stability and certainty. Period. Change? </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-bidi-font-style: italic;">Not a fan.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-bidi-font-style: italic;">I just turned
forty-seven. but, I will tell you, on my fortieth birthday, the BIG 4-0, I
struggled. A lot. I knew this would be a decade of enormous change and I
dreaded it. Honestly, I was mad and terrified. At forty, several huge changes
were staring down (or should I say up?) the hill, at me and I wanted to run and
hide.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-bidi-font-style: italic;">These changes included being
a caregiver to my parents. Walking with them through end of life issues,
including my father’s Alzheimer’s, has been rough. Having my “nest” empty and
learning what it means to be a mom to adult children. It’s really hard! Who
knew?! Finally, I knew this decade meant starting to go through “the change”.
Don’t even get me started! Unexpected facial hair and hormone flairs, really?! <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-bidi-font-style: italic;">Well, as you can tell I
panicked at forty. FYI, panicking never helps. As I threw myself down on my
kitchen floor (yes, I actually did) I was reminded and have had to remind myself over and over again.
He never changes. Life was changing in big emotionally exhausting ways all the
time and yet. He doesn’t change. Over the course of the last seven years, still
in the midst of these changes, He speaks in a still quiet voice through His
Word. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-bidi-font-style: italic;">"Mandi, I don’t change."<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: 12pt;">"I don’t get tired"</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-bidi-font-style: italic;">"I don’t get overwhelmed."<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-bidi-font-style: italic;">"I don’t freak out with
hormonal changes."<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-bidi-font-style: italic;">"I don’t grow weary and
deplete."<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-bidi-font-style: italic;">"I don’t change."<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-bidi-font-style: italic;"><br /></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-bidi-font-style: italic;">"I am safe."<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-bidi-font-style: italic;">"I am full."<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-bidi-font-style: italic;">"I am complete."<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-bidi-font-style: italic;">"I am Who you need."<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-bidi-font-style: italic;">"I AM."<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-bidi-font-style: italic;">I have often camped in
Isaiah 40: 28-31 (NASB). Reminding myself of what is true, because it is true. I
remind myself it doesn’t have to feel true to be true. Truth is true.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="background-color: white;"><span class="text"><span style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial; font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">“Do you not know? Have you not heard?</span></span><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><br />
<span class="text"><span style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial;">The</span></span><span class="apple-converted-space"><span style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial;"> </span></span><span class="text"><span style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial;">Everlasting God, the</span></span><span class="apple-converted-space"><span style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial;"> </span></span><span class="small-caps"><span style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial; font-variant-caps: small-caps; font-variant-numeric: normal;">Lord</span></span><span class="text"><span style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial;">, the Creator of the ends of the
earth</span></span><br />
<span class="text"><span style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial;">Does not become weary or tired.</span></span><br />
<span class="text"><span style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial;">His understanding is</span></span><span class="apple-converted-space"><span style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial;"> </span></span><span class="text"><span style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial;">inscrutable.</span></span><br />
<span class="text"><span style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial;">He gives strength to the</span></span><span class="apple-converted-space"><span style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial;"> </span></span><span class="text"><span style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial;">weary,</span></span><br />
<span class="text"><span style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial;">And to</span></span><span class="apple-converted-space"><span style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial;"> </span></span><span class="text"><span style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial;">him who</span></span><span class="apple-converted-space"><span style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial;"> </span></span><span class="text"><span style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial;">lacks might He</span></span><span class="apple-converted-space"><span style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial;"> </span></span><span class="text"><span style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial;">increases power.</span></span><br />
<span class="text"><span style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial;">Though</span></span><span class="apple-converted-space"><span style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial;"> </span></span><span class="text"><span style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial;">youths grow weary and tired,</span></span><br />
<span class="text"><span style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial;">And vigorous</span></span><span class="apple-converted-space"><span style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial;"> </span></span><span class="text"><span style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial;">young men stumble badly,</span></span><br />
<span class="text"><span style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial;">Yet those who</span></span><span class="apple-converted-space"><span style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial;"> </span></span><span class="text"><span style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial;">wait for the</span></span><span class="apple-converted-space"><span style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial;"> </span></span><span class="small-caps"><span style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial; font-variant-caps: small-caps; font-variant-numeric: normal;">Lord</span></span><br />
<span class="text"><span style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial;">Will</span></span><span class="apple-converted-space"><span style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial;"> </span></span><span class="text"><span style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial;">gain new strength;</span></span><br />
<span class="text"><span style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial;">They will</span></span><span class="apple-converted-space"><span style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial;"> </span></span><span class="text"><span style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial;">mount up</span></span><span class="apple-converted-space"><span style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial;"> </span></span><span class="text"><span style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial;">with</span></span><span class="apple-converted-space"><span style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial;"> </span></span><span class="text"><span style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial;">wings like eagles,</span></span><br />
<span class="text"><span style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial;">They will run and not get
tired,</span></span><br />
<span class="text"><span style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial;">They will walk and not become
weary.”<o:p></o:p></span></span></span></span></div>
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<span class="text"><span style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-color: white; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial; font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">He
doesn’t change, seasons change. Seasons of life definitely change. I change.
So, where do I look for my strength? Do I wait on the Lord? Or just wait for
the season to change? Do I look to Him and draw near? <o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<span class="text"><span style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-color: white; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial; font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">In these
changing seasons of life I’m learning…I need to stand, lay and sometimes drop
in a sobbing heap on the bedrock of the Truth, because He is True. Jesus is
True and He doesn’t change. <o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<span class="text"><span style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-color: white; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial; font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><br /></span></span></div>
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<span class="text"><span style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-color: white; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial; font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">As my
faith learns to rest on Him and His finished work alone, I start to rest. I rest
in the midst of the swirling changes. I learn to rest in the midst of unexpected
loss and unmet expectations. </span></span></div>
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<span class="text"><span style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-color: white; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial; font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><br /></span></span></div>
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<span class="text"><span style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-color: white; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial; font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">Learning to rest in the changes, because He does
not change. What about you? Where do you find rest in the midst of chaotic
change? Draw near to Jesus to what is true with me. Rest.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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Mandi Cornetthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08311570429533109247noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3070141379933639242.post-29902490245456825312016-09-11T21:05:00.003-04:002016-09-11T21:27:28.100-04:00Out of the blue....new and exciting things!<div class="MsoNormal">
New <strike>exciting </strike>developments!</div>
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New things are always exciting, right? Well, not all things.
I’ve been battling an itchy spreading rash for the last four months. No worries, it's not contagious!! After several rounds
of high dose steroids...which made me hungry and more cranky, than usual!<br />
<br />
The doctor
had me go “fragrance free” for a month, that was super fun! Talk about lame-o! No good
smelling soaps, hair products or perfumes. You know the drill. So, I endured being
hungry, cranky and smelly for several months to finally be patch tested. Again,
super fun!</div>
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Now, for the <strike>exciting
</strike>news! Drum roll please!<br />
<br />
I’m allergic to the dye dispersed blue number 106, which is evidently in
EVERYTHING!<br />
<br />
Lol, on the upside, I can still look at
blue and even eat it (not that I eat much blue). I simply can’t wear any dark colors, at all- black, blue,
purple, green, turquoise and so on are out, at least for awhile! No shades of blue at all, and anything this
blue dye could be in. Oh, I can wear men's Levi's 501 jeans...now, there is a sporty look for me! </div>
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I absolutely
love and wear blue- all the time! <br />
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SO, my new color is taupe, tan, beige, white
and shall I say…off white. I can where red, orange and yellows! I can wear some
pink, if it is cool pink…not sure what cool pink is?!? Pastels too, I think! We will
see! Yes, fall and winter is coming and I'll be in winter white and taupe! Oh, and possibly hot pink. John says I look like Pepto-Bismol. </div>
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Out of the blue, no pun intended…I’m allergic to blue. Go
figure! It's new. It's lame. It's really not that big of a deal, it's just a pain.<br />
<br />
But, it has made me realize how much I like to do what I want to do. I like my way. I want to wear what I want to wear. It's made me realize how some very petty little things, when taken away, seem more important than they should. This silliness has shown me a bit of a window into my heart. Out of the blue... </div>
Mandi Cornetthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08311570429533109247noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3070141379933639242.post-11345890916514319932016-09-04T18:32:00.001-04:002016-09-04T18:32:34.756-04:00On the Hamster Wheel<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<span style="color: #444444; font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Do you ever feel like you are on the hamster wheel? Me too! Fall is here. The school year is in full swing...fall ministry is starting up and life will soon feel like the hamster wheel. Exhausting. Uggg. </span><br />
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<span style="color: #444444; font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">I was able to get off the wheel this summer. It was great! But life has responsibilities and duties. Life has a calling as a disciple of Jesus Christ. Life is not passive it is active. My question is: how do we stay off the hamster wheel of busyness and get actually moving forward following Christ? </span><br />
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<span style="color: #444444; font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">It is time to sell the hamster wheel! But how? </span><br />
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<span style="color: #444444; font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">No, seriously...how? It is time to sell the hamster wheel mentality. Busyness does not equal godliness.But, it's also not about taking a full-time nap! It's about fruitful running, not duty-filled-exhausting-pointless running. </span></div>
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<span style="background-color: white; color: #444444; font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">I think part of the answer is found in learning how to "abide". In John 15:1-5, Jesus tells us, <span class="text John-15-1" style="-webkit-font-smoothing: antialiased; box-sizing: border-box; line-height: 24px;"><span class="woj" style="-webkit-font-smoothing: antialiased; box-sizing: border-box;">“<span class="crossreference" data-cr="#cen-NASB-26701A" data-link="(<a href="#cen-NASB-26701A" title="See cross-reference A">A</a>)" style="box-sizing: border-box; line-height: 22px; position: relative; top: 0px; vertical-align: top;"></span>I am the true vine, and My Father is the <span class="crossreference" data-cr="#cen-NASB-26701B" data-link="(<a href="#cen-NASB-26701B" title="See cross-reference B">B</a>)" style="box-sizing: border-box; line-height: 22px; position: relative; top: 0px; vertical-align: top;"></span>vinedresser.</span></span><span style="line-height: 24px;"> </span><span class="text John-15-2" id="en-NASB-26702" style="-webkit-font-smoothing: antialiased; box-sizing: border-box; line-height: 24px;"><span class="woj" style="-webkit-font-smoothing: antialiased; box-sizing: border-box;">Every branch in Me that does not bear fruit, He takes away; and every <span style="box-sizing: border-box;">branch</span> that bears fruit, He prunes it so that it may bear more fruit.</span></span><span style="line-height: 24px;"> </span><span class="text John-15-3" id="en-NASB-26703" style="-webkit-font-smoothing: antialiased; box-sizing: border-box; line-height: 24px;"><span class="woj" style="-webkit-font-smoothing: antialiased; box-sizing: border-box;">You are already clean because of the word which I have spoken to you.</span></span><span style="line-height: 24px;"> </span><span class="text John-15-4" id="en-NASB-26704" style="-webkit-font-smoothing: antialiased; box-sizing: border-box; line-height: 24px;"><span class="woj" style="-webkit-font-smoothing: antialiased; box-sizing: border-box;">Abide in Me, and I in you. As the branch cannot bear fruit of itself unless it abides in the vine, so neither <span style="box-sizing: border-box;">can</span> you unless you abide in Me.</span></span><span class="text John-15-5" id="en-NASB-26705" style="-webkit-font-smoothing: antialiased; box-sizing: border-box; line-height: 24px;"><span class="woj" style="-webkit-font-smoothing: antialiased; box-sizing: border-box;"><span class="versenum" style="box-sizing: border-box; font-weight: bold; line-height: 22px; position: relative; top: 0px; vertical-align: top;"> </span>I am the vine, you are the branches; he who abides in Me and I in him, he <span class="crossreference" data-cr="#cen-NASB-26705E" data-link="(<a href="#cen-NASB-26705E" title="See cross-reference E">E</a>)" style="box-sizing: border-box; line-height: 22px; position: relative; top: 0px; vertical-align: top;"></span>bears much fruit, for apart from Me you can do nothing".</span></span><span style="line-height: 24px;"> </span></span></div>
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<span style="color: #444444; font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><span style="background-color: white; line-height: 24px;">I don't want my hamster wheel running to count for nothing! I want the fruit of exercise to last and go somewhere. Abiding, resting, trusting and leaning into the Vine is how we learn to follow Christ and move forward. </span></span></div>
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<span style="color: #444444; font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><span style="background-color: white; line-height: 24px;">I need the reminder to sell the hamster wheel and take up abiding...it starts with recognizing the wheel. Sell the wheel! Trade up for abiding.</span></span></div>
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Mandi Cornetthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08311570429533109247noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3070141379933639242.post-8226587055445160572016-04-26T14:42:00.001-04:002016-04-26T14:42:34.523-04:00Scared Rabbits...<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<span style="font-family: Calibri;">I don’t know about you, but I do not like change. To be fair,
I like certain changes - the change of the seasons- hairstyles, and changing
clothes! BUT, in regards to life changes…not a fan! </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Calibri;">Honestly, my faith can rock, a bit, in the midst of change. How
do I know my faith is rocking? Because my emotions and fear factor get slightly (ok, a whole bunch) out of whack.
I FEEL like a scared rabbit…looking nervously back and forth, ready to bolt- I
just don’t know where! </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Calibri;">When this happens, it needs to become a “red flag” for me. I
need to recognize the “fearful rabbit” posture for what it is…<b>so that</b>, I can
put Truth to those feelings.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Calibri;">I’m reminded of, <i>“Do not fear, for I am with you; Do not
anxiously look about you, for I am your God. I will strengthen you, surely I
will help you, surely I will uphold you with My righteous right hand.” Isaiah
41:10.</i></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Calibri;">It’s not a question
of IF I get fearful and anxious…but WHEN, I do. I've tried the pull up your boot-straps, "I'll just get right on not being afraid" tactic, and it doesn't work! </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Calibri;">Which causes me to ask; what do
I do with the fear and anxiousness? Do I “bolt” emotionally in the fearful
rabbit posture? Or do I look to the One
who holds all things, including me? Do I look to Him, as the One who does not
change? Is my faith in the One who is not freaking out about change? Do I realize HE is safe? </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Calibri;">And Who is seated at the righteous right hand of God? Jesus…our
Jesus! </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Calibri;"><i>“God, after He spoke long ago to the fathers in the
prophets in many portions and in many ways, </i></span><span id="en-NASB-29966"><span style="font-family: Calibri;"><i>in these last days has spoken to us in His Son, whom He appointed heir
of all things, through whom also He made the world.</i></span></span><span style="font-family: Calibri;"><i> </i></span><span id="en-NASB-29967"><span style="font-family: Calibri;"><i>And He is the radiance of His glory and the
exact representation of His nature, and upholds all things by the word of His
power. When He had made purification of sins, He sat down at the right hand of
the Majesty on high.” Hebrews 1:1-3</i></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Calibri;">Jesus the One who never changes…We are
safe, in Him, my fellow anxious rabbit. Now, this does not mean everything always turns out like I hope or dream...no, it doesn't, but it does mean He holds the anxious rabbit. I’m reminding myself of that today… in the midst
of change. </span></div>
<b></b><i></i><u></u><sub></sub><sup></sup><strike></strike>Mandi Cornetthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08311570429533109247noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3070141379933639242.post-56012387195033981922015-07-31T22:32:00.001-04:002015-07-31T22:32:17.014-04:00“Speak Up”…no really, speak up!
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">This was my second year at the “Speak up with confidence”,
hosted by Carol Kent, and it was amazing. Talk about a packed schedule. It is
non-stop. And I love every minute of it...you go home tired, but it is good tired! It’s a time of non-stop opportunities to be poured into and to pour
out into others.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Calibri;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I listened. A lot. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Calibri;">I learned. A lot. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Calibri;">I watched. A lot. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Calibri;">I interacted. A lot. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Calibri;">I can’t tell you how highly I would recommend this conference
to anyone who desires or is currently writing and/or speaking in a ministry
setting. “Speak Up” is a wonderful opportunity to learn, be challenged, be
encouraged, equipped and spend time with other women (and a few men!) who love
the Lord and ministering to others. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Calibri;">As I listened, learned, watched and interacted…I was struck,
again, by the truth in Ephesians 2:10, <em>“For we are His workmanship, created in
Christ Jesus for good works, which God prepared beforehand, that we should walk
in them.”</em> The corporate plural “we” are simply individual “you’s” in the
singular workmanship. We are not many workmanship(s). We are just one.</span></div>
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">Looking over the woman
at “Speak Up”, I was in awe of the fact that we are all individual parts of the
one workmanship of the Lord…one masterpiece, one Bride, one Building, one Body.
One.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Each individually walking out our
part with good works that God has called us to do. Everyone in that room was
born in this particular time and history of the Church, of the masterpiece. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>We need each other. We need each part. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>So yes…we really need each part, to be their
part, and to “Speak Up!” </span><br />
Mandi Cornetthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08311570429533109247noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3070141379933639242.post-74594606604898818272015-07-10T21:16:00.001-04:002015-07-10T21:19:35.530-04:00Fellowship journeysI just love "Lord of the Rings". Yeah, I'm a geek. I have two friends, dear sisters, traveling down roads they would rather not travel down. Yet, that is their road. Thankfully, they don't travel alone. Yes, the Lord will guide them...but they will also have a fellowship of sisters. Sisters who will walk with them, hold them up, fight alongside them, and remind them; when they can't remember themselves...that the leg of the road they are on, will come to an end. That He is there and His promises are true. <div><br></div><div><a href="http://youtu.be/TrJJ6ncp1fc">http://youtu.be/TrJJ6ncp1fc</a></div>Mandi Cornetthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08311570429533109247noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3070141379933639242.post-91818348427949807452015-07-06T16:21:00.002-04:002015-07-06T16:21:12.862-04:00New WebsiteCheck out our new website...there are a few video clips as well! <a href="http://www.cleansefillpour.com/" target="_blank">www.cleansefillpour.com</a>Mandi Cornetthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08311570429533109247noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3070141379933639242.post-83025520507814404292015-06-26T21:31:00.001-04:002015-06-26T21:38:05.707-04:00It matters where your roots are...I noticed little trees growing in my neighbours gutters today. Actually, I'd hardly call them trees. Sprouts, are more like it, that are destined to die...but not before causing some real problems for my neighbor.<br />
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It reminded me the importance of having seed planted in good soil and the necessity of roots growing deep. They reminded me of Psalm 1:2-3,<em> "but his delight is in the law of the LORD, and in His law he meditates day and night. He will be like a tree firmly planted by streams of water, which yields it's fruit in its season and its leaves does not wither."</em> <br />
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These sprouts will never bear fruit...they will never produce what is intended. They will only cause stoppage and clogs in the gutter system. I wonder if a Christian without strong growing roots could do the same? Cause problems, stunt growth and cause clogs? It matters where we are planted and that our roots grow deep....are we like trees planted by steams of water or in gutters? <br />
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Mandi Cornetthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08311570429533109247noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3070141379933639242.post-54629616026675965172015-03-27T11:15:00.001-04:002015-03-27T11:27:16.375-04:00The Last Adam...<em>" Our Heavenly Father is still carrying out His purpose of making man in His image. Although His original purpose is the same, He is not using the original man to bring it about. All is now centered in the Last Adam, our Lord Jesus Christ." - Miles Stanford, The Green Letters.</em><br />
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The Last Adam, Jesus. The Head of a whole new correct image bearing race....the Body of Christ, sealed by the Spirit. It's a profound thought, image, and mystery....nothing, absolutely nothing of the first creation- of the first Adams image will last. It's utterly and completely corrupted. Our flesh is sold, in every way, to sin....death....and destruction...and it must go. ( 1 Corinthians 15:36-50) Apart from Christ, there is no hope. </div>
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But God. <br />
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<em>" But God, being rich in mercy, because of His great love with which He loved us, even when we were dead in our transgressions, made us alive together with Christ, by grace we have been saved, and raised us up with Him, and seated us with Him in the heavenly places in Christ, so that in the ages to come He might show the surpassing riches of His grace toward us in Christ Jesus." Ephesians 2:4-7</em> </div>
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The Life, death, burial and resurrection of the Last Adam, Jesus....by grace and faith in His finished word secures us into His new creation. We are strategically placed, woven with great intention and purpose into His singular masterpiece- the Church. Sealed and given everything for life and godliness....to be formed and transformed into the correct image of God, as our individual part of His Workmanship. Praise you Jesus!! Yes and Amen!<br />
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Love this song....<a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rWceJIBuPL4" target="_blank">https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rWceJIBuPL4</a></div>
Mandi Cornetthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08311570429533109247noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3070141379933639242.post-68001769610452834302015-01-10T10:44:00.002-05:002015-01-10T10:45:56.805-05:00Praying with Jesus<br />
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<span style="font-family: Calibri;">I've been thinking about prayer lately, I ran across this
excerpt <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>from the book <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">Hidden
in Christ</i> by James Bryan Smith; </span></div>
<i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">"Setting my mind
on the truth that Jesus is praying for me has changed the way I pray. I now
pray with Jesus, not simply to Jesus. Jesus is interceding<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>for me (and you) so I offer prayers for my
family, friends, and myself with Jesus, to our heavenly Father."<o:p></o:p></span></i><br />
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<span style="font-family: Calibri;">How is this possible that I can now pray <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">with</i> Christ, not simply <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">to </i>Him?<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>Think on that, it's powerful!<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I'm
not sure I've ever considered what a privilege and powerful thing it is to pray
<i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">with</i> Jesus...He is not praying with
me, He is praying for me. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Calibri;"><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">Hebrews 7:25,
"Therefore He is able also to save forever those who draw near to God through
Him, since He always lives to make intercession for them." <o:p></o:p></i></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">But as I learn to pray, I pray <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">with </i>Him. As my mind, heart, passions, desires, and kingdom
heart-set is transformed my will aligns more, and more with His, I pray <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">with </i>Him....in accordance to His will.
When I think of a "posture" of praying <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">with </i>Him I see alignment....coming together before the Father.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I see community. I see unity. I see grace-filled
beauty ,and magnificence. I see transformation. I see boldness. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Calibri;">My eyes and faith are so small though, so as I learn to pray
<i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">with </i>Him according to His will...I am
so thankful that the Spirit intercedes, transforms and translates for me. I can
come boldly before the throne of Grace, in faith, knowing that it will be
translated well....by the Spirit and Son. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Calibri;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"></span><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">Romans
8:26-27, " In the same way the Spirit also helps our weakness; for we do
not know how to pray as we should, but the Spirit Himself intercedes for us
with groanings too deep for words; and He who searches the hearts knows what
the mind of the Spirit is, because He intercedes for the saints according to
the will of God." <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></i></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">How do I learn this?<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>How do I practice prayer? Does this have to be all complicated?<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>And formulaic ? A system of prayer? No. I
think it is very organic. Very relational. I'm not saying it should be disrespectful,
<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>impertinent , or too casual...yet prayer
in Christ shouldn't <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>be in whimpering
fear.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I'm learning to pray <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">with </i>Jesus.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Calibri;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"></span></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Calibri;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"></span>I'm reminded of Psalm 37:4, "Delight
yourself in the LORD; and he will give you the desires of your
heart."<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>As we learn who we are in
Christ...as we delight in the LORD, in Christ.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>As we delight in Him...we are changed, transformed, eyes are opened,
hearts softened. Desires changed. Kingdom heart-set altered. I think we learn
to pray <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">with </i>Him...</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Calibri;"></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">Check out the website <a href="http://www.cleansefillpour.com/">www.cleansefillpour.com</a></span></div>
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<o:p><span style="font-family: Calibri;"> </span></o:p></div>
Mandi Cornetthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08311570429533109247noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3070141379933639242.post-6358846041131554232014-12-04T22:04:00.000-05:002014-12-04T22:04:01.485-05:00New website!<a href="http://www.cleansefillpour.com/">www.cleansefillpour.com</a>Mandi Cornetthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08311570429533109247noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3070141379933639242.post-147083721300024152014-08-31T10:12:00.004-04:002014-08-31T10:12:58.379-04:00Wanting "Off", But Not Alone While Staying "On"...
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<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I'm what my
mom would call; "a late in life 'surprise' to the family".<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Back in that day women, with high-school aged
kids, over the age of 40 did not have babies.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>Well, "Surprise!", my mom birthed me at the age of forty.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>My parents were thrilled, but my sisters were
horrified!<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>This interesting new family
mix gave me all kinds of birth-order issues. I've got only-child issues, firstborn
of this new family unit issues, and according to my sisters....baby of the
family issues, all wrapped up into one.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I
guess this gives the Lord a lot to work with.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>I have control issues on all levels.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">I was the only daughter to grow up, and remain near
my folks so that has meant; as they have aged, that I became their primary family
caregiver.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I'm so grateful for the forty
years I had while my dad was healthy, and whole, when I could really lean on my
parents.... I experienced their love for the Lord, example of faith, and I'm so
thankful for that. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">But as they aged, and as the Lord allowed my dad to
go down the path of Alzheimer's, life got very tough for everyone.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>My mom was his full-time caregiver, and it
almost killed her.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>For five years she
loved, cared, and slowly started to waste away herself.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I actively watched. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>During the last year of my dad's life as she
got sicker, and weaker; <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>my job got
harder and much heavier.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">I'll never forget a morning in May- driving my dad
to a VA Hospital appointment.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I'm not a
fan of not knowing where I'm going. I'd never been to this hospital, which was
an hour away from home.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>My mom was so
sick that morning, so I had to take my dad to this appointment alone. We drove
towards an unfamiliar place with no landmarks, and my dad was no help at
all....he just sat in the passenger seat, quietly singing mixed-up songs. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">That morning represented so much more for me than
simply driving to an appointment.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I
wasn't<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">just </i>driving to an unfamiliar place....I was on a unknown path in life,
that I couldn't get off of.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I had no
idea where the road of Alzheimer's was heading, and I hated it.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">All those birth-order fisrtborn, only-child, baby of
the family issues were surfacing...I demanded control- on some level- and cried
out to the Lord..."I'm so scared!<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I
don't know where I'm going, not just today, but on this path... and I want OFF
this road of life!" <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I'll never
forget, driving seventy miles an hour down Hwy 65,<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>how the Holy Spirit dropped a verse that I
had studied right into my troubled heart and mind.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Quietly, gently, but oh so very
securely....God was in control.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">"I
will lead the blind by a way they do not know, in paths they do not know I will
guide them.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I will make darkness into
light before them and rugged places into plains. These are the things I will
do, and I will not leave them undone." <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Isaiah 42:16 (NASB)<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">He was calling me to trust, and follow Him, even on
this path of Alzheimer's.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>God promised,
Jesus promised....those who are His are HIS, and He will never leave us or
forsake us. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">He didn't.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>We
were blind, and He led us,<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>it was rugged,
but we walked sure-footed.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>was a long, tough, dark road with my dad, but
God was faithful, and He didn't leave anything undone,. And now...even now...He
uses it for His purposes.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>He uses all
things, and I'm so thankful for that. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">"Oh
Lord, thank You that nothing is wasted in Your eyes.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Use all things, even the hard things for Your
purposes in our lives and in the lives of others.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>In Your priceless Name, Amen."<o:p></o:p></span></i></div>
Mandi Cornetthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08311570429533109247noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3070141379933639242.post-52130312236651424242014-06-14T09:08:00.001-04:002014-06-14T09:08:35.628-04:00Mentoring MomentsDoing the Bible Study "Influence" by Jan Silvious and Pam Gillaspie this summer....it's really good. This week Pam wrote " Mentoring doesn't always involve long periods of time. Mentoring opportunities can surface in an instant. If we're not paying attention, though, we can miss it."<div><br></div><div>Been thinking on this, what a fantastic thought(s). Two things hit me. First, mentoring doesn't mean BFF (Best Friends Forever). In order to be mentored or to mentor....you don't have to have everything in common, or love shoe shopping and late night chick flicks! For Biblical mentoring to happen, you both need to love Jesus and love what He loves. Do you realize what kind of pressure and expectations this kind of understanding can release?! We can be ourselves and still impact each other....without complete common ground in this earthly realm. We share common ground in the eternal realm and that's what most important. </div><div><br></div><div>I'm not saying it's not important to have girlfriends, but from an eternal perspective what we REALLY need to grow up in discipleship are some sisters in Christ to walk with (and we don't have to be best friends). We need pouring in and pouring out. This can happen in a moment ....in person, by a book, in a class, on Facebook, at church or in a casual conversation that turns to the things of The Lord. Ok. So this brings up a great point....do we look for the things of The Lord around us? To talk, think and express the things of Jesus? </div><div><br></div><div>Second thing that hit me. This kind of mentoring can happen in an instant so I need to be paying attention. See why the understanding is so important....if I'm waiting around for the perfect mentoring relationship where the heavens part and the angels sing ( get the picture in your head!) I might very well be missing a boatload of mentoring moments....to learn, be challenged, stretched and grown in. Because I'm longingly looking off up in sky for the "perfect" mentoring fit for me. </div><div><br></div><div>So. I'm being challenged and sharpened in how I look at mentoring moments in my life,...both in receiving them and offering them. Love it! Think on this with me, it's worth your time!</div>Mandi Cornetthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08311570429533109247noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3070141379933639242.post-74719925932505071472014-06-09T09:40:00.001-04:002014-06-09T10:34:41.276-04:00Trained eye...<br><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">You need a trained eye when caring for flowers. I've never had a green thumb, more like a black one. I kill things that are alive, not human or animal things, don't worry! But green things? Ummmm....they don't last long. I'm pushing myself this year, stretching and growing and trying to keep 3 (yes only 3) potted flower pots alive! It's been 2 weeks now....I feel so accomplished! </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">As I was purchasing my flowers from Walmart, I asked the lady next to me if the plants that I had chosen were easy to kill? Yes, I'm just that inept. I had chosen wisely but she leaned over my cart and started to pull off wilted blooms....while pulling she said, "just water and pull off the dead flowers." Ok, I can handle that, did you know you were supposed to pull off the dead flowers? And if you do, others will come up? </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">No wonder my thumb is black and I always kill plants....I knew they needed water and sunlight but I've always tossed them out when they got all wilted and dead....and come to think of it, many times while the plant itself was still green. Could it be that the plants were still alive and able to flourish and all that was needed was the care of cleaning the dead blooms off and allowing the new growth to come out? </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">Can I just interject, there is a boatload of spiritual principals to glean here! Shocker, I know. How often do I look at areas of my life (or more likely others) and consider it too dead, too useless, too unusable and "toss it out", when fresh blooms are hiding right there....in plain trained eyesight? </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">Well, I was excited to get these flower planted and start caring for them in a much healthier way.....after a few days I inspected and started pulling those dead wilted blooms....but as I looked, I honestly couldn't tell if some of the blooms were dying or just coming to life. They looked the same to me. Obviously, the dead dead ones were easy to see....but there were a lot that looked " mostly dead" and I pulled them out but realized that they were the new growth ones instead....I needed a more trained eye. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">Lessons learned: Trained eye needed, practice needed, careful inspection needed....patience needed. And that's just for plants, what about life?! Yet another spiritual lesson. Oh how I need a "Trained Eye" pruning my life and need my eyes trained as I look around at myself and others. What grace to have a Master Gardener working in the garden of life....and training His Sevants to have a trained eye. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-SdEpfGrlHZk/U5XDjzjmfII/AAAAAAAAAfI/4n29xuNsI00/s640/blogger-image-782655267.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-SdEpfGrlHZk/U5XDjzjmfII/AAAAAAAAAfI/4n29xuNsI00/s640/blogger-image-782655267.jpg"></a></div><br></div>Mandi Cornetthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08311570429533109247noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3070141379933639242.post-54377190512063081002014-05-20T23:24:00.001-04:002014-05-20T23:30:39.044-04:00Free....I don't feel particularly free...free to be how The Lord wired, made and placed me in the Body. I'm just not feeling it. I FEEL displaced. <div><br></div><div> I KNOW a lot of stuff, but what do shows what I truly believe. We act on what we truly believe. In other words, I can talk a good game, but what I think about, feel about and do about all those things testifies to what I actually believe. It's true because it's true. </div><div><br></div><div>So in other words, I don't have a fear problem, I have an unbelief problem. I don't have an anger problem, I have an unbelief problem. I don't have a worry problem, I have an unbelief problem. Again, it's true because It's true. Now my unbelief issues often times work themselves out in fear, anger, worry and so on! So all those things are issues....they just aren't the root issue. </div><div><br></div><div>What does this have to do with my opening remark about feeling free? I've spent a lot of time these last few days under the weight of judgement, fear, anxiety and worry. Life and feelings just get that way sometimes...feel me? My eyes get on me, others and others responses to me and that creates an even bigger mess! Can I get an "Amen!" My feelings start to be my guide and that is never a good idea.....and I always end up getting stuck. Stuck in unbelief. Always. Good feelings are never good enough and they don't last and the bad feelings....well , we don't have to go there! Working over some of these root issues of unbelief....it's worth working over. </div><div><br></div><div>I'm really thankful that The Lord does not have these issues.....He is never low on belief and His belief is never ever misplaced. He never trusts in me. He trusts in Himself in me....He has enough belief. And it is correct belief-always. Pondering on that this evening ....Philippians 1:6 and then Paul's prayer in 1:9-11. </div><br><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/-sXd1FO5kYXg/U3wd3Kuz35I/AAAAAAAAAR8/bJnxcY-tKzA/s640/blogger-image--2133931570.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/-sXd1FO5kYXg/U3wd3Kuz35I/AAAAAAAAAR8/bJnxcY-tKzA/s640/blogger-image--2133931570.jpg"></a></div>Mandi Cornetthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08311570429533109247noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3070141379933639242.post-64683876141193322032014-04-17T11:35:00.001-04:002014-04-17T11:35:05.451-04:00May this Cup...Today is the day that we celebrate, remember the last hours before Christ was betrayed....and the Last Supper. This night that He is in the garden asking the Father if there is any other way. Was there? No.<div><br></div><div> The freedom from sin's penality and sin's power could only be broken and conqoured by the blood and body of the Lamb of God. His blood for the forgiveness of sins....because without the shedding of blood (blood represents life) there can be no forgiveness. His body, pure holy acceptable....nailed to the Cross, cursed of God and becoming sin in order to break the power of sin's hold.</div><div><br></div><div> The blood covers, propitiates, satisifes for the purpose of removal all of our sin. The Cross nails in place and renders powerless this old nature of Adam's race. The gospel give life both to the living dead in their sin but also the power of life to live now as new creations....a new race of imagebearers. </div><div><br></div><div>Oh the glory of the Gospel of Jesus Christ! Was there any other way? Any other cup to be consumed? No. Praise Jesus' name, person and work.....HE drank the cup to completion. Oh thank you Jesus for that gift of grace. Now it is a question of faith.....is He and His work enough? Yes! By faith, YES!</div>Mandi Cornetthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08311570429533109247noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3070141379933639242.post-4967487762076828072014-04-14T10:49:00.001-04:002014-04-14T10:49:04.696-04:00Rainy DayYesterday was warm and sunny...75 degrees although windy. Very windy. This morning it's cold and rainy. Winter coat cold and rainy. Just like the weather life can and often times is unpredictable and ever changing. That's why when waking up my mood and disposition can't solely be based on weather conditions .....or life conditions. Hope needs to be based on something....someOne far more stable, secure and unchanging. As hope is placed correctly then my mood and disposition can, should and many times is corrected. Jesus and Him alone is that secure Hope<p style="margin: 0px; font-family: Times; font-size: medium;"><br></p><p style="margin: 0px; font-family: Times; font-size: medium;"><br></p><p style="margin: 0px; font-family: Times; font-size: medium;"><br></p>Mandi Cornetthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08311570429533109247noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3070141379933639242.post-4504948027512799212014-04-04T21:44:00.001-04:002014-04-04T21:51:36.765-04:00Building....<div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">This week is spring break....taking my Mags to South Carolina to visit family. Going to have lots of opportunity to build...or tear down....or do nothing. Thinking about the opportunity to build into the relationships that I have. It takes time, effort, intentionality....work. Praying I take the opportunity to heart and then to action. What are you going to build into this week?</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/-21YLMSDJTMQ/Uz9f5hnSy3I/AAAAAAAAARE/flmh1wQm-8Q/s640/blogger-image-1790410546.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/-21YLMSDJTMQ/Uz9f5hnSy3I/AAAAAAAAARE/flmh1wQm-8Q/s640/blogger-image-1790410546.jpg"></a></div>Mandi Cornetthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08311570429533109247noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3070141379933639242.post-18557460981299494152014-03-29T14:59:00.000-04:002014-03-29T14:59:10.027-04:00Am I as faithful as a donkey?"Listen, O heavens, and hear, O earth; for the LORD speaks, 'Sons I have reared and brought up, but they have revolted against Me. An ox its owner, and a donkey its master's manger, but Israel does not know, My people do not understand.'"
Isaiah 1:2-3<br />
<br />
Oh how I can understand Israel's relationship with The Lord. I have been given so very much, in Christ, I have been given everything. Yet, there is so much I don't know, understand and trust about my Master and Lord. Israel revolted and sometimes I do to. The faithfulness, grace and patience of our God is so clear all throughout the Old Testament because there is always the Promise of Hope and Redemption to come...there is a thread of the promised Seed, Jesus, from the very beginning. <br />
<br />
How's my life looking in regards to this example today though? Do I "know" my owner and master like the ox and donkey? If a dumb non-thinking animal knows its master, how about me? Of course we are much more radically loved than any ox or donkey and we have been given so much more as well! Shouldn't my love and knowledge produce so much more? It should but it doesn't always. <br />
<br />
I am very thankful that I am not tossed out in my revolt....or slaughtered as if I am a rebellious donkey! Instead, The Lord is patient and gracious and faithful as He was to Israel. So He is to me.Mandi Cornetthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08311570429533109247noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3070141379933639242.post-31417886759699990762013-07-07T18:17:00.001-04:002013-07-07T18:17:46.755-04:00God Speaks....
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span class="chapternum"><span style="font-family: Calibri;"><em>Hebrews 1:1-4<o:p></o:p></em></span></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Calibri;"><em><span class="chapternum"><sup><span style="font-size: x-small;">"1</span></sup> </span><span class="text">God, after He spoke long ago
to the fathers in the prophets in many portions and in many ways,</span> <span class="text"><sup><span id="en-NASB-29966"><span style="font-size: x-small;">2 </span></span></sup>in these last days has spoken to us<sup><span style="font-size: x-small;"> </span></sup>in
His Son, whom He appointed heir of all things, through whom also He made the world.</span>
<span class="text"><sup><span id="en-NASB-29967"><span style="font-size: x-small;">3 </span></span></sup>And He is the
radiance of His glory and the exact representation of His nature, and upholds
all things by the word of His power. When He had made purification of sins, He sat
down at the right hand of the Majesty on high,</span> <span class="text"><sup><span id="en-NASB-29968"><span style="font-size: x-small;">4 </span></span></sup>having become as much better than the angels, as
He has inherited a more excellent name than they.</span>"<o:p></o:p></em></span><br />
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span class="text"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">I love the book of Hebrews and I particularly
<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>love these first few verses.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>There is so much to slow down, think about
and ponder.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>God.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>God spoke.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>He spoke the world into existence- now that is some kind of power, infinite
power, just in His Word! <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>But that is not
what causes me to marvel the most; it is the fact that God spoke long ago
" <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">to the fathers in the prophets in
many portions and in many ways"</i>...even after the fall of mankind in
the garden, after the deliberate step of unbelief, disobedience and rebellion
which plunged all of mankind into Adam's sinful spiritually dead likeness
(Genesis 5:1-3)<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>God still spoke, He
initiated, in many portions and ways.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>He
spoke in dreams and visions, by angels and donkeys.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>He spoke in various ways and means....through
signs and wonders, plagues and nature and so much more.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Calibri;"><span class="text">Yet, "<i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">in these last days</i>".<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>Did you catch that...."<i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">in
these last days</i>" He has "<i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">spoken
to us<sup><span style="font-size: x-small;"> </span></sup>in His Son, whom He appointed heir of all things, through whom
also He made the world".</i></span><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>Most of the time when I think (or in the past have thought) of the
"last days" I think of a time in the future and the scary parts of
the book of Revelation.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">THOSE</b> are the "last days",
they are coming somewhere down the road (hopefully not with me here!) <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>but that is not what Hebrews says- that the
"last days" are somewhere far off in the future....."<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">THESE </b>last days" are the days of
then and now, all the days since the finished work of Jesus Christ in the New
Covenant.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>In <b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">THESE</b> last days....God the Father has spoken to us through His
Son.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The culmination of all speaking
done in the Old Covenant; the real message, the most important news since the
beginning of time and the beginning of speech is God the Father speaking
through the person and work of Jesus.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>John
1:1-5; <o:p></o:p></span><br />
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;"><span class="chapternum"><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><sup><span style="font-size: x-small;">"1</span></sup> </i></span><span class="text"><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">In the beginning was the Word,
and the Word was with God, and the Word was God.</i></span><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"> <span class="text"><sup><span id="en-NASB-26047"><span style="font-size: x-small;">2 </span></span></sup>He was in
the beginning with God.</span> <span class="text"><sup><span id="en-NASB-26048"><span style="font-size: x-small;">3 </span></span></sup>All things came into being through Him, and apart
from Him nothing came into being that has come into being.</span> <span class="text"><sup><span id="en-NASB-26049"><span style="font-size: x-small;">4 </span></span></sup>In Him was life, and the
life was the Light of men.</span> <span class="text"><sup><span id="en-NASB-26050"><span style="font-size: x-small;">5 </span></span></sup>The Light shines in the darkness, and the
darkness did not comprehend it.</span>"<o:p></o:p></i></span></div>
<span class="text"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">God had been speaking for centuries in many
different ways, but now was the time...the time for the Word to become flesh, for
God to speak face to face. John 1:14-18;<o:p></o:p></span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Calibri;"><span class="text"><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><sup><span style="font-size: x-small;"></span></sup></i></span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Calibri;"><span class="text"><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><sup><span style="font-size: x-small;">"14 </span></sup>And
the Word became flesh, and dwelt among us, and we saw His glory, glory as of the
only begotten from the Father, full of grace and truth.</i></span><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"> <span class="text"><sup><span id="en-NASB-26060"><span style="font-size: x-small;">15 </span></span></sup>John *testified about Him and cried out, saying,
“This was He of whom I said, ‘He who comes after me has a higher rank than I, for
He existed before me.’”</span> <span class="text"><sup><span id="en-NASB-26061"><span style="font-size: x-small;">16 </span></span></sup>For of His fullness we have all received, and grace
upon grace.</span> <span class="text"><sup><span id="en-NASB-26062"><span style="font-size: x-small;">17 </span></span></sup>For
the Law was given through Moses; grace and truth were realized through Jesus
Christ.</span> <span class="text"><sup><span id="en-NASB-26063"><span style="font-size: x-small;">18 </span></span></sup>No
one has seen God at any time; the only begotten God who is in the bosom of the
Father, He has explained <span style="mso-bidi-font-style: italic;">Him</span>.</span>"<o:p></o:p></i></span><br />
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span class="text"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Did you catch verses 17and 18?<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>God spoke through Moses...through the
Law.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Oh yes, the Law speaks but do we
really understand the message of the Law??<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>It speaks truth but it also speaks more death.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It condemns.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>It is God's perfection marked out and in doing so exposes man's inability
to keep every single part of it.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The
message of Jesus, God speaking....Jesus explaining the Father was He is the Law-keeper
for us.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Jesus; born of a woman and born
under the righteous requirements of the entire Law and living by faith in the
Father to righteously keep the entirety of the Law for us.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Then willingly laying down His life for
us.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>By grace and personal faith in His
Death, burial and resurrection, in our place, we can now live in "these
last day" not only knowing Jesus and the Father but also being in
relationship (on good terms, speaking relationship) with the Triune God!<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Back to Hebrews 1:3-4;<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Calibri;"><span class="text"><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><sup><span style="font-size: x-small;">3 </span></sup>And
He (Christ) <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>is the radiance of His glory
and the exact representation of His nature, and upholds all things by the word
of His power. When He had made purification of sins, He sat down at the right
hand of the Majesty on high,</i></span><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"> <span class="text"><sup><span id="en-NASB-29968"><span style="font-size: x-small;">4 </span></span></sup>having
become as much better than the angels, as He has inherited a more excellent name
than they.</span>"<o:p></o:p></i></span><br />
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span class="text"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Jesus...Word became flesh...God speaking...much
better than any angel or Old Testament messenger.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Jesus has made purification of sins, through
His life-death-burial-resurrection and is now seated at the right hand of the
Father!<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>These are good last days....</span></span></div>
Mandi Cornetthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08311570429533109247noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3070141379933639242.post-73531507116306771112012-12-25T13:06:00.000-05:002012-12-25T13:06:05.665-05:00December 24th & 25th- Good Christian Men, Rejoice!
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif"; font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;">Good Christian Men, Rejoice<o:p></o:p></span></b><br />
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin: 0in 0in 10pt; mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; mso-margin-top-alt: auto; mso-outline-level: 2;">
<span style="font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif"; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-font-weight: bold; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><em>Good Christian men rejoice<br />
With heart and soul and voice!<br />
Give ye heed to what we say<br />
News! News!<br />
Jesus Christ is born today!<br />
Ox and ass before Him bow<br />
And He is in the manger now<br />
Christ is born today!<br />
Christ is born today!<o:p></o:p></em></span></div>
<em>
</em><span style="font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif";"><em>Good
Christian men, rejoice<br />
With heart and soul and voice<br />
Now ye need not fear the grave:<br />
Peace! Peace!<br />
Jesus Christ was born to save<br />
Calls you one and calls you all</em>
<em>To gain His everlasting hall<br />
Christ was born to save<br />
Christ was born to save<o:p></o:p></em></span><br />
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif";">Good Christian
men (and women) rejoice! <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>With heart and soul
and voice….Christ was born to save! <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>As we
close this Advent season with the birth of Christ remember that He came to save.
<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Yes, He came to save us FROM the penalty
of sin and death but He also came to save us TO Himself and His eternal purposes.
<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<span style="font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif";">He came to save us from the fear of the grave but
also to take up residence in our hearts, souls and voices. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Rejoicing with our lives as now, in Him, nothing
can separate us from the love of God which is in Christ Jesus our Lord. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Nothing. There is no great gift.<o:p></o:p></span><br />
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif";">Romans 8:31-39;<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><span class="text"><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><sup><span style="font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif"; font-size: 11pt;">31 </span></sup></i></span><span class="text"><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span style="font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif"; font-size: 11pt;">What then shall we say to these things? If
God <span style="mso-bidi-font-style: italic;">is</span> for us, who <span style="mso-bidi-font-style: italic;">is</span> against us?</span></i></span><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"></i><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span style="font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif"; font-size: 11pt;"> <span class="text"><sup><span id="en-NASB-28149">32 </span></sup>He
who did not spare His own Son, but delivered Him over for us all, how will He
not also with Him freely give us all things?</span></span> <span class="text"><sup><span id="en-NASB-28150">33 </span></sup>Who will bring a charge against God’s elect? God is
the one who justifies;</span> <span class="text"><sup><span id="en-NASB-28151">34 </span></sup>who is the one who condemns? Christ Jesus is He who died,
yes, rather who was raised, who is at the right hand of God, who also intercedes
for us.</span> <span class="text"><sup><span id="en-NASB-28152">35 </span></sup>Who
will separate us from the love of Christ? Will tribulation, or distress, or persecution,
or famine, or nakedness, or peril, or sword?</span> <span class="text"><sup><span id="en-NASB-28153">36 </span></sup>Just as it is written,</span><o:p></o:p></i></span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">
</span><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><span class="text"><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span style="font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif"; font-size: 11pt;">“</span></i></span><span class="small-caps"><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span style="font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif"; font-size: 11pt; font-variant: small-caps;">For Your
sake we are being put to death all day long</span></i></span><span class="text"><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span style="font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif"; font-size: 11pt;">;</span></i></span></span><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span style="font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif"; font-size: 11pt;"><br /><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">
<span class="small-caps"><span style="font-variant: small-caps;">We were considered
as sheep to be slaughtered</span></span><span class="text">.”</span><o:p></o:p></span></span></i><br />
<br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">
</span><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><span id="en-NASB-28154"><span class="text"><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><sup><span style="font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif"; font-size: 11pt;">37 </span></sup></i></span><span class="text"><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span style="font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif"; font-size: 11pt;">But in all these things we overwhelmingly conquer
through Him who loved us.</span></i></span><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"></i></span><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span style="font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif"; font-size: 11pt;"> <span class="text"><sup><span id="en-NASB-28155">38 </span></sup>For I am convinced that neither
death, nor life, nor angels, nor principalities, nor things present, nor things
to come, nor powers,</span></span> <span class="text"><sup><span id="en-NASB-28156">39 </span></sup>nor height, nor depth, nor any other created thing,
will be able to separate us from the love of God, which is in Christ Jesus our
Lord.</span><o:p></o:p></i></span><br />
<span class="text"><span style="font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif"; font-size: 11pt;"></span></span><br />
<span class="text"><span style="font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif"; font-size: 11pt;">Good Christian men and women rejoice….in Christ
we have been made good, we are loved, we are gifted with every spiritual blessing…we
have been given a new heart, soul and voice. No matter what the circumstances or times...we are His! <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Rejoice! Merry Christmas!</span></span><span style="font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif"; font-size: 11pt;"><o:p></o:p></span><br />
Mandi Cornetthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08311570429533109247noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3070141379933639242.post-56995756965312378812012-12-23T22:22:00.003-05:002012-12-23T22:23:18.953-05:00December 23rd- We Three Kings<br />
<div align="center">
<table border="0" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="MsoNormalTable" style="mso-cellspacing: 0in; mso-padding-alt: 0in 0in 0in 0in; mso-yfti-tbllook: 1184; width: 700px;">
<tbody>
<tr style="mso-yfti-firstrow: yes; mso-yfti-irow: 0; mso-yfti-lastrow: yes;">
<td style="background-color: transparent; border: rgb(0, 0, 0); padding: 0in;" valign="bottom"><span style="font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif"; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-font-weight: bold; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><u><strong>We Three Kings</strong></u></span><br />
<strong><u><span style="font-family: Verdana;"></span></u></strong><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin: 0in 0in 10pt; mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; mso-margin-top-alt: auto;">
<em><span style="font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif"; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-font-weight: bold; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">We three kings of Orient are<br />
Bearing gifts we traverse afar<br />
Field and fountain, moor and mountain<br />
Following yonder star</span><span style="font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif"; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><o:p></o:p></span></em></div>
<em>
</em></td><em>
</em></tr>
<em>
</em></tbody></table>
<em>
</em><span style="font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif"; font-size: 11pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-font-weight: bold; mso-bidi-language: AR-SA; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-language: EN-US;"><em>O Star of wonder, star
of night<br />
Star with royal beauty bright<br />
Westward leading, still proceeding<br />
Guide us to thy Perfect Light<br />
<br />
Born a King on Bethlehem's plain<br />
Gold I bring to crown Him again<br />
King forever, ceasing never<br />
Over us all to reign<br />
<br />
O Star of wonder, star of night<br />
Star with royal beauty bright<br />
Westward leading, still proceeding<br />
Guide us to Thy perfect light</em></span></div>
<span style="font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif"; font-size: 11pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-font-weight: bold; mso-bidi-language: AR-SA; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-language: EN-US;"><em></em></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif"; font-size: 11pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-font-weight: bold; mso-bidi-language: AR-SA; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-language: EN-US;"><span style="font-family: Times New Roman; font-size: small;">
</span><span class="chapternum"><span style="font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif"; font-size: 11pt;">The Gentile kings arrived in Jerusalem, a
most logical place to find a king, and they do find a king, King Herod.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Imagine the palace upheaval.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>A new king?<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>A star?<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Foreign kings arrived to
give homage and worship?<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>When the text
says Herod was troubled, I think that is an understatement.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Sent on their way, they find Jesus in
Bethlehem and worship and rejoice there…O Star of wonder guiding them to Thy
perfect light. <o:p></o:p></span></span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman; font-size: small;">
</span><span class="chapternum"><span style="font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif"; font-size: 11pt;"></span></span><br />
<span class="chapternum"><span style="font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif"; font-size: 11pt;"><em>Matthew 2:1-12;<o:p></o:p></em></span></span><br />
<em></em><br />
<em><span style="font-family: Times New Roman; font-size: small;">
</span><span class="chapternum"><span style="font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif"; font-size: 11pt;">1 </span></span><span class="text"><span style="font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif"; font-size: 11pt;">Now after Jesus was
born in Bethlehem of Judea in the days of Herod the king, magi from the east
arrived in Jerusalem, saying,</span></span><span style="font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif"; font-size: 11pt;"> <span class="text"><sup>2 </sup>“Where is He
who has been born King of the Jews? For we saw His star in the east and have come
to worship Him.”</span> <span class="text"><sup>3 </sup>When Herod the king heard
this, he was troubled, and all Jerusalem with him.</span> <span class="text"><sup>4 </sup>Gathering together all the chief priests and scribes of
the people, he inquired of them where the Messiah was to be born.</span> <span class="text"><sup>5 </sup>They said to him, “In Bethlehem of Judea; for this is
what has been written by the prophet:</span></span></em><br />
<span style="font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif"; font-size: 11pt;"><em><span class="text"></span><o:p></o:p></em></span><br />
<em><span style="font-family: Times New Roman; font-size: small;">
</span><span class="text"><sup><span style="font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif"; font-size: 11pt;">6 </span></sup></span><span class="text"><span style="font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif"; font-size: 11pt;">‘</span></span><span class="small-caps"><span style="font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif"; font-size: 11pt; font-variant: small-caps;">And you, Bethlehem, land of Judah</span></span><span class="text"><span style="font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif"; font-size: 11pt;">,</span></span></em><span style="font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif"; font-size: 11pt;"><br /><em>
<span class="small-caps"><span style="font-variant: small-caps;">Are by no means
least among the leaders of Judah</span></span><span class="text">;</span><br />
<span class="small-caps"><span style="font-variant: small-caps;">For out of you
shall come forth a Ruler</span></span><br />
<span class="small-caps"><span style="font-variant: small-caps;">Who will</span></span><span class="text"> </span><span class="small-caps"><span style="font-variant: small-caps;">shepherd
My people Israel</span></span><span class="text">.’”</span><o:p></o:p></em></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman; font-size: small;"><em>
</em></span><br />
<em><span class="text"><sup><span style="font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif"; font-size: 11pt;">7
</span></sup></span><span class="text"><span style="font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif"; font-size: 11pt;">Then Herod secretly called the magi and determined from
them the exact time the star appeared.</span></span><span style="font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif"; font-size: 11pt;"> <span class="text"><sup>8 </sup>And
he sent them to Bethlehem and said, “Go and search carefully for the Child; and
when you have found Him, report to me, so that I too may come and
worship Him.”</span> <span class="text"><sup>9 </sup>After hearing the king, they
went their way; and the star, which they had seen in the east, went on before
them until it came and stood over the place where the Child was.</span> <span class="text"><sup>10 </sup>When they saw the star, they rejoiced exceedingly with
great joy.</span> <span class="text"><sup>11 </sup>After coming into the house they
saw the Child with Mary His mother; and they fell to the ground and worshiped
Him. Then, opening their treasures, they presented to Him gifts of gold,
frankincense, and myrrh.</span> <span class="text"><sup>12 </sup>And having been
warned by God in a dream not to return to Herod, the magi left for their
own country by another way.</span></span></em>Mandi Cornetthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08311570429533109247noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3070141379933639242.post-27314336415440626312012-12-22T21:59:00.000-05:002012-12-22T21:59:05.625-05:00December 22nd- O Holy Night (verse 3)
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif"; font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;"><u>O Holy Night<o:p></o:p></u></span></b><br />
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin: 0in 0in 10pt; mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; mso-margin-top-alt: auto; mso-outline-level: 2;">
<span style="font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif"; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-font-weight: bold; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><em>Truly He taught us to love one another, <br />
His law is love and His gospel is peace. <br />
Chains he shall break, for the slave is our brother. <br />
And in his name all oppression shall cease. <br />
Sweet hymns of joy in grateful chorus raise we, <br />
With all our hearts we praise His holy name. <br />
Christ is the Lord! Then ever, ever praise we, <br />
His power and glory ever more proclaim! <br />
His power and glory ever more proclaim!<o:p></o:p></em></span></div>
<span style="font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif"; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-font-weight: bold; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">I really love this last verse. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Jesus was not just a teacher, an example…He was
the Enabler, the Lord over all. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>He came to
do the work of the Cross to give us the power Source to do His work- to be His people.
<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>He did all the work so that the Holy Spirit
can dwell in the lives of His Believers. <o:p></o:p></span><br />
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin: 0in 0in 10pt; mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; mso-margin-top-alt: auto; mso-outline-level: 2;">
<span style="font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif"; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-font-weight: bold; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">The final hours
of Jesus’ life were a “Holy Night” as well, completing the journey that was the Father’s
will. The baby, grown into a man, was willing doing the work that the Father had
given Him to do and He laid out an overview of His plan to His 11 disciples in John
13-17. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Love one another. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<span style="font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif"; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-font-weight: bold; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">The gospel He was about to accomplish was a gospel of
love and peace, that satisfied God’s wrath and justice. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It would
break chains and set brothers (and sisters) free…..oppression would cease for those
who are in Him. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Christ is the Lord! <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>What praise should be on our lips! <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>His power and glory ever more proclaim! <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></span>Mandi Cornetthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08311570429533109247noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3070141379933639242.post-4402884604552291942012-12-21T22:51:00.002-05:002012-12-21T22:51:39.246-05:00December 21st- O Holy Night (verse 2)
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif"; font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;"><u>O Holy Night<o:p></o:p></u></span></b><br />
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif";"><em>Led by the
light of faith serenely beaming, <br />
With glowing hearts by His cradle we stand. <br />
O'er the world a star is sweetly gleaming, <br />
Now come the wisemen from out of the Orient land. <br />
The King of kings lay thus lowly manger; <br />
In all our trials born to be our friends. <br />
He knows our need, our weakness is no stranger, <br />
Behold your King! Before him lowly bend! <br />
Behold your King! Before him lowly bend!</em><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<span style="font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif";">This verse
is talking about the Wisemen….in a few days we’ll look more closely at that
account and the star “sweetly gleaming” showing them the way to the newly born
Messiah.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Men from the east….Gentile
men.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I just love the fact that Gentiles
are a part of the birth story of Jesus!<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>This is so significant it isn’t even funny, so today we'll focus on that!<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></span><br />
<br />
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<span style="font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif";">“He knows
our need, our weakness is no stranger”….our need is the same as any other and
weakness is no stranger.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Sin kills,
destroys and weakens us and as we see this fact we start to see our greatest
need for a Savior!<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Jew-Gentile-slave-free-male-female…all
need and all our weak.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Jesus the Messiah
was born to meet that need and be our strength. Again- I love, love that the
Gentiles were invited to the spectacular opening scene of the birth of Jesus. Take
a look at what the work of Jesus did for the Jew and the Gentile; <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<span style="font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif";">Ephesians 2:11-20<o:p></o:p></span><br />
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<span class="text"><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><sup><span style="font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif";"><span style="font-size: x-small;">"<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">11 </span></span></span></sup></i></span><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><span class="text"><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span style="font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif";">Therefore
remember that formerly you, the Gentiles in the flesh, who are called “Uncircumcision”
by the so-called “Circumcision,” <span style="mso-bidi-font-style: italic;">which
is</span> performed in the flesh by human hands—</span></i></span><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"></i><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span style="font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif";">
<span class="text"><sup><span id="en-NASB-29242"><span style="font-size: x-small;">12 </span></span></sup><span style="mso-bidi-font-style: italic;">remember</span> that you were at that time separate from Christ, <sup value="[<a href="#fen-NASB-29242i" title="See footnote i">i</a>]"><span style="font-size: x-small;">[</span><a href="http://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=ephesians%202&version=NASB#fen-NASB-29242i" title="See footnote i"><span style="color: blue; font-size: x-small;">i</span></a><span style="font-size: x-small;">]</span></sup>excluded from the commonwealth of Israel,
and strangers to the covenants of promise, having no hope and without God in
the world.</span></span> <span class="text"><sup><span id="en-NASB-29243"><span style="font-size: x-small;">13 </span></span></sup>But
now in Christ Jesus you who formerly were far off have been brought near by the
blood of Christ.</span> <span class="text"><sup><span id="en-NASB-29244"><span style="font-size: x-small;">14 </span></span></sup>For
He Himself is our peace, who made both <span style="mso-bidi-font-style: italic;">groups
into</span> one and broke down the barrier of the dividing wall,</span> <span class="text"><sup><span id="en-NASB-29245"><span style="font-size: x-small;">15 </span></span></sup>by abolishing in His flesh the
enmity, <span style="mso-bidi-font-style: italic;">which is</span> the Law of
commandments <span style="mso-bidi-font-style: italic;">contained</span> in
ordinances, so that in Himself He might make the two into one new man, <span style="mso-bidi-font-style: italic;">thus</span> establishing peace,</span>
<span class="text"><sup><span id="en-NASB-29246"><span style="font-size: x-small;">16 </span></span></sup>and might reconcile them
both in one body to God through the cross, by it having put to death the enmity.</span>
<span class="text"><sup><span id="en-NASB-29247"><span style="font-size: x-small;">17 </span></span></sup></span><span class="small-caps"><span style="font-variant: small-caps;">And</span></span><span class="text"> </span><span class="small-caps"><span style="font-variant: small-caps;">He
came and preached</span></span><span class="text"> </span><span class="small-caps"><span style="font-variant: small-caps;">peace to you who were</span></span><span class="text"> </span><span class="small-caps"><span style="font-variant: small-caps;">far
away, and peace to those who were</span></span><span class="text"> </span><span class="small-caps"><span style="font-variant: small-caps;">near</span></span><span class="text">;</span> <span class="text"><sup><span id="en-NASB-29248"><span style="font-size: x-small;">18 </span></span></sup>for
through Him we both have our access in one Spirit to the Father.</span> <span class="text"><sup><span id="en-NASB-29249"><span style="font-size: x-small;">19 </span></span></sup>So then you are no longer strangers
and aliens, but you are fellow citizens with the saints, and are of God’s
household,</span> <span class="text"><sup><span id="en-NASB-29250"><span style="font-size: x-small;">20 </span></span></sup>having
been built on the foundation of the apostles and prophets, Christ Jesus Himself
being the corner <span style="mso-bidi-font-style: italic;">stone</span>,</span>
<span class="text"><sup><span id="en-NASB-29251"><span style="font-size: x-small;">21 </span></span></sup>in whom the whole
building, being fitted together, is growing into a holy temple in the Lord,</span>
<span class="text"><sup><span id="en-NASB-29252"><span style="font-size: x-small;">22 </span></span></sup>in whom you also are
being built together into a dwelling of God in the Spirit."</span><o:p></o:p></i></span></div>
<span style="font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif";">Let us remember
that “O Holy night” and “Behold your King! Before him lowly bend!”….He is our King,
our Head, our Husband, our Lord….for the Jew and the Gentile....anyone who trusts in Him, may He be praised! <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></span><br />
Mandi Cornetthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08311570429533109247noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3070141379933639242.post-62044978619372258932012-12-20T22:51:00.001-05:002012-12-20T22:51:24.150-05:00December 20th- O Holy Night (Verse 1)
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif"; font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;"><u>O Holy Night<o:p></o:p></u></span></b><br />
<br />
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<span style="font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif";"><em>O Holy
Night! The stars are brightly shining, <br />
It is the night of the dear Saviour's birth. <br />
Long lay the world in sin and error pining. <br />
Till He appeared and the Spirit felt its worth. <br />
A thrill of hope the weary world rejoices, <br />
For yonder breaks a new and glorious morn. <br />
Fall on your knees! Oh, hear the angel voices! <br />
O night divine, the night when Christ was born; <br />
O night, O Holy Night , O night divine! <br />
O night, O Holy Night , O night divine!<o:p></o:p></em></span></div>
<span style="font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif";">The World had
laid in sin and error for absolute ages….thousands of years. God had been speaking
in many different ways but at the right time, after 400 years of silence, God spoke
through His Son and His birth was announced by His messengers, angels. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It truly was a Holy night. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Jesus is much better than the angels and He came
to redeem not the angels but mankind…image bearers marred by sin. God spoke; <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></span><br />
<br />
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<span style="font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif";">Hebrews 1:1-4
<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><span class="chapternum"><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span style="font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif";">1 </span></i></span><span class="text"><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span style="font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif";">God,
after He spoke long ago to the fathers in the prophets in many portions and in
many ways,</span></i></span><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span style="font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif";"> <span class="text"><sup><span id="en-NASB-29966"><span style="font-size: x-small;">2</span></span></sup>in these last days has spoken to us in His Son, whom He
appointed heir of all things, through whom also He made the world.</span></span>
<span class="text"><sup><span id="en-NASB-29967"><span style="font-size: x-small;">3 </span></span></sup>And He is the radiance of
His glory and the exact representation of His nature, and upholds all things by
the word of His power. When He had made purification of sins, He sat down at
the right hand of the Majesty on high,</span> <span class="text"><sup><span id="en-NASB-29968"><span style="font-size: x-small;">4 </span></span></sup>having become as much better than the angels, as He
has inherited a more excellent name than they.</span><o:p></o:p></i></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif";"></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif";">Imagine the
thrill of hope that the shepherds felt as they saw sky and heard the angels. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Imagine the thrill of hope and the rejoicing as
the angels message was confirmed when they saw Jesus but this message was not just
for them it was for the weary world…..let’s fall on our knees as the shepherds did!
<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif";">Luke 2:8-20<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><span class="text"><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><sup><span style="font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif"; font-size: 11pt;">8 </span></sup></i></span><span class="text"><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span style="font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif"; font-size: 11pt;">In the same region there were <span style="mso-bidi-font-style: italic;">some</span> shepherds staying out in the
fields and keeping watch over their flock by night.</span></i></span><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"></i><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span style="font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif"; font-size: 11pt;"> <span class="text"><sup><span id="en-NASB-24983">9 </span></sup>And
an angel of the Lord suddenly stood before them, and the glory of the Lord
shone around them; and they were terribly frightened.</span></span> <span class="text"><sup><span id="en-NASB-24984">10 </span></sup>But the angel said to them, “Do
not be afraid; for behold, I bring you good news of great joy which will be for
all the people;</span> <span class="text"><sup><span id="en-NASB-24985">11 </span></sup>for
today in the city of David there has been born for you a Savior, who is Christ the
Lord.</span> <span class="text"><sup><span id="en-NASB-24986">12 </span></sup>This <span style="mso-bidi-font-style: italic;">will be</span> a sign for you: you will find
a baby wrapped in cloths and lying in a manger.”</span> <span class="text"><sup><span id="en-NASB-24987">13 </span></sup>And suddenly there appeared
with the angel a multitude of the heavenly host praising God and saying,</span><o:p></o:p></i></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">
</span><span id="en-NASB-24988"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><span class="text"><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><sup><span style="font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif"; font-size: 11pt;">14
</span></sup></i></span><span class="text"><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span style="font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif"; font-size: 11pt;">“Glory to God in
the highest,</span></i></span><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"></i></span></span><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span style="font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif"; font-size: 11pt;"><br /><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">
<span class="text">And on earth peace among men with whom He is pleased.”</span><o:p></o:p></span></span></i><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><span id="en-NASB-24989"><span class="text"><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><sup><span style="font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif"; font-size: 11pt;">15 </span></sup></i></span><span class="text"><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span style="font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif"; font-size: 11pt;">When the angels had gone away from them
into heaven, the shepherds <span style="mso-bidi-font-style: italic;">began</span>
saying to one another, “Let us go straight to Bethlehem then, and see this
thing that has happened which the Lord has made known to us.”</span></i></span><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"></i></span><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span style="font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif"; font-size: 11pt;"> <span class="text"><sup><span id="en-NASB-24990">16 </span></sup>So
they came in a hurry and found their way to Mary and Joseph, and the baby as He
lay in the manger.</span></span> <span class="text"><sup><span id="en-NASB-24991">17
</span></sup>When they had seen this, they made known the statement which had been
told them about this Child.</span> <span class="text"><sup><span id="en-NASB-24992">18 </span></sup>And all who heard it wondered at the things which
were told them by the shepherds.</span> <span class="text"><sup><span id="en-NASB-24993">19 </span></sup>But Mary treasured all these things, pondering them
in her heart.</span> <span class="text"><sup><span id="en-NASB-24994">20 </span></sup>The
shepherds went back, glorifying and praising God for all that they had heard
and seen, just as had been told them.</span><o:p></o:p></i></span><br />
Mandi Cornetthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08311570429533109247noreply@blogger.com0