tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-89618575863295193912024-03-05T08:58:33.813-08:00Michael Abbott's MusingsMichael Abbotthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01994073153832532754noreply@blogger.comBlogger85125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8961857586329519391.post-39779207764060079452020-04-18T15:48:00.000-07:002020-04-18T15:48:01.479-07:00God's Promises.<span style="font-family: inherit;">Earlier this week I was working on a log cabin I have for sale. As I was driving over to crawl back under the house for the 3rd day this is what I saw - </span><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgz2Oq87a_6TZigtAgARALODOIYbdjuZZtSH7CktwifIim9WSd6SQn1EErGNb1cYDfqm6DzMj9kBbqwZJCxJuUGSCOgFNayXKdeBdnJprSaRW0GF7CsBVaccCgqgSidkxRlGkFSDsg-rk-d/s1600/Rainbow.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><img border="0" data-original-height="685" data-original-width="1600" height="272" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgz2Oq87a_6TZigtAgARALODOIYbdjuZZtSH7CktwifIim9WSd6SQn1EErGNb1cYDfqm6DzMj9kBbqwZJCxJuUGSCOgFNayXKdeBdnJprSaRW0GF7CsBVaccCgqgSidkxRlGkFSDsg-rk-d/s640/Rainbow.jpg" width="640" /></span></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;">That afternoon I would have my inspection and I was praying that everything would go well. A minute later this rainbow was literally right over my property. The picture really doesn't do it justice. It was one of the most vivid rainbows I've ever seen.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: inherit;"><i>“And God said, “This is the sign of the covenant I am making
between me and you and every living creature with you, a covenant for all
generations to come: I have set my rainbow in the clouds, and it will be the
sign of the covenant between me and the earth.”</i> <b>– Genesis 9:12-13 NIV</b><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;">God's specific promise was that He would never again destroy the earth by a flood. I truly believe that God was saying to me that His plan was to bless me in this season in spite of the Corona virus. We are STILL living in a season of Miracles, Breakthrough and Long-Awaited Harvest. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;"><i>“Now there was a famine in the land—besides the previous
famine in Abraham’s time—and Isaac went to Abimelek king of the Philistines in
Gerar. The Lord appeared to Isaac and said, “Do not go down to Egypt; live in
the land where I tell you to live. Stay in this land for a while, and I will be
with you and will bless you… Isaac planted crops in that land and the same year
reaped a hundredfold, because the Lord blessed him.”</i> <b>- Genesis 26:1-3, 12 NIV</b><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;">When the Realtor sent over the offer he said it was one of the last houses he showed on the last day before the quarantine shut things down. In a season of famine God blessed Isaac. In a season of famine (worldwide pandemic) God was blessing me. And God wants to bless you! So borrow my rainbow today until God gives you one of your own.</span></div>
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<br />Michael Abbotthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01994073153832532754noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8961857586329519391.post-39093300276982353962020-01-16T04:32:00.001-08:002020-01-16T04:32:13.664-08:00Royal Flush.<br />
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As I was cruising down the highway a story came on the radio from across the
pond –</div>
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<o:p></o:p></div>
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MEGXIT.<o:p></o:p></div>
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If you haven't heard Prince Harry and wife Megan Markle have decided to leave the
United Kingdom and step down from their royal duties as the Duke and Duchess of Sussex. <o:p></o:p></div>
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Please hang in with me for just a moment even if you’ve let
your subscription to the National Enquirer lapse. I don’t follow the royals, or
anyone else’s drama for that matter, so I didn’t give it much thought until I
felt a little nudge from the Lord.<o:p></o:p></div>
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‘How many of my kids have renounced their royal identities
and are choosing to live like commoners?’<o:p></o:p></div>
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If you would indulge me go back and read that question one
more time.<o:p></o:p></div>
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It hit me like a ton of bricks. How many of us are living
below our promise and our potential because we aren’t embracing the fullness of
who we really are? I would dare say all of us in one way or another.<o:p></o:p></div>
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<i>“To Him who loved us and washed us from our sins in His own
blood, and has made us kings and priests to His God and Father, to Him be glory
and dominion forever and ever. Amen.”</i> </div>
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<b>– Revelation 1:5b-6 NKJV</b><o:p></o:p></div>
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Here’s another one –<o:p></o:p></div>
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<i>“So you have not received a spirit that makes you fearful
slaves. Instead, you received God’s Spirit when he adopted you as his own
children. Now we call him, “Abba, Father.” For his Spirit joins with our spirit
to affirm that we are God’s children. And since we are his children, we are his
heirs. In fact, together with Christ we are heirs of God’s glory. But if we are
to share his glory, we must also share his suffering.”</i> </div>
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<b>– Romans 8:15-17 NLT</b><o:p></o:p></div>
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Prince Harry is 6<sup>th</sup> in line for the throne. BUT
he still wields a huge amount of influence because of his birthright. He could
accomplish so much good for so many with his royal identity than he even could
as just plain old Harry. And so it is with us. We can accomplish so much more
when we choose to live from our heavenly identity and inheritance than anything
we could do in our own flesh and effort.<o:p></o:p></div>
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My prayer for you today is to see yourself as God sees you
because that is who you really are.<o:p></o:p></div>
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<i>“Only let us live up to what we have already attained.”</i> </div>
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<b>- Philippians
3:16 NIV</b><o:p></o:p></div>
<br />Michael Abbotthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01994073153832532754noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8961857586329519391.post-66608611859458760532019-10-05T09:34:00.000-07:002019-10-05T09:34:20.110-07:00Depression and the Bible.<br />
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Men and women throughout Scripture dealt with real problems
including struggles with mental health. Elijah, king David and Jonah just to
name a few. God cares about your emotional well-being. Here the words recorded
in just one of the Psalms by the sons of Korah -</div>
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<i>"I long to drink of you, O God, drinking deeply from
the streams of pleasure flowing from your presence. My longings overwhelm me
for more of you! My soul thirsts, pants, and longs for the living God. I want
to come and see the face of God. Day and night my tears keep falling and my
heart keeps crying for your help while my enemies mock me over and over,
saying, “Where is this God of yours? Why doesn’t he help you?” So I speak over
my heartbroken soul, “Take courage. Remember when you used to be right out
front leading the procession of praise when the great crowd of worshipers
gathered to go into the presence of the Lord? You shouted with joy as the sound
of passionate celebration filled the air and the joyous multitude of lovers
honored the festival of the Lord!” So then, my soul, why would you be
depressed? Why would you sink into despair? Just keep hoping and waiting on
God, your Savior. For no matter what, I will still sing with praise, for living
before his face is my saving grace! Here I am depressed and downcast. Yet I
will still remember you as I ponder the place where your glory streams down
from the mighty mountaintops, lofty and majestic—the mountains of your awesome
presence. My deep need calls out to the deep kindness of your love. Your
waterfall of weeping sent waves of sorrow over my soul, carrying me away,
cascading over me like a thundering cataract. Yet all day long God’s promises
of love pour over me. Through the night I sing his songs, for my prayer to God
has become my life. I will say to God, “You are my mountain of strength; how
could you forget me? Why must I suffer this vile oppression of my enemies—
these heartless tormentors who are out to kill me?” Their wounding words pierce
my heart over and over while they say, “Where is this God of yours?” So I say
to my soul, “Don’t be discouraged. Don’t be disturbed. For I know my God will
break through for me.” Then I’ll have plenty of reasons to praise him all over
again. Yes, living before his face is my saving grace!"</i></div>
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<b>- Psalm 42:1-11 TPT</b><o:p></o:p></div>
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For the one dealing with depression. For the one battling
suicidal thoughts. Know that you are not alone. As hard as it may be keep
fighting, keep reaching out. Know that God loves you and that He is the light
in this darkness. I am praying for you and He is here for you.<o:p></o:p></div>
<br />Michael Abbotthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01994073153832532754noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8961857586329519391.post-34472588925841261382019-09-28T17:28:00.003-07:002019-09-28T17:36:41.660-07:00Running With Friends.<br />
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My Crossfit coach had been bugging me to run the Mountain
Heritage Day 5K for a couple of weeks. I finally relented and signed up late
last night. So I was up early this morning heading to Western Carolina
University where I met up with several of my friends from the gym. I got
checked in, safety pinned my bid to my shirt, warmed up and waited to start. I
ran with (more like chased behind) these guys for 3.1 miles of up and down
(seemed like mostly up). I didn’t finish 1st or 2nd or even 3rd in our group but
I did cross the finish line with the best 5K time of my life. I did pass a 9
year old in the last 50 meters so take that!<o:p></o:p><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj_Um8tbvJbsUiBqAfsH2qzvi2nedxJ_uqXnbjx4p4uUO86QVxEVHRPLNgrM2yRATQDRApzXWeHM2LtIh9FtzwDeNLDhltDmgyOyiquz08rIKfbtrNI9O6a5sYAlOI-Pd53bn8k6ZxjO6WA/s1600/Screenshot_20190928-122141_Instagram.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1051" data-original-width="1080" height="311" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj_Um8tbvJbsUiBqAfsH2qzvi2nedxJ_uqXnbjx4p4uUO86QVxEVHRPLNgrM2yRATQDRApzXWeHM2LtIh9FtzwDeNLDhltDmgyOyiquz08rIKfbtrNI9O6a5sYAlOI-Pd53bn8k6ZxjO6WA/s320/Screenshot_20190928-122141_Instagram.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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The point is these people push me to be a better version of
myself. When I am ready to give up they are there to encourage and challenge me
to keep pressing on. If you are the fastest/smartest/most successful person in
your circle you need to make some new friends. God’s Word has a lot to say
about our friends - <o:p></o:p></div>
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<i>“The righteous choose their friends carefully, but the way
of the wicked leads them astray.”</i> <b>- Proverbs 12:26</b><o:p></o:p></div>
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<i>“As iron sharpens iron, so a friend sharpens a friend.”</i> <b>- Proverbs
27:17</b><o:p></o:p></div>
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<i>“Walk with the wise and become wise; associate with fools
and get in trouble.”</i> <b>- Proverbs 13:20</b><o:p></o:p></div>
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<i>“One who has unreliable friends soon comes to ruin, but there
is a friend who sticks closer than a brother.“</i> <b>- Proverbs 18:24 </b><o:p></o:p></div>
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<i>“Do not be misled: “Bad company corrupts good character.””</i> <b>-
1 Corinthians 15:33</b><o:p></o:p></div>
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In every area of our life the company that we keep will
determine the heights to which we rise. That my friend is one of the reasons why
we need to be actively engaged in our church. Not as a spectator, or a consumer
but as a connected, contributing participant. <o:p></o:p></div>
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<i>Selah.</i><o:p></o:p></div>
<br />Michael Abbotthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01994073153832532754noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8961857586329519391.post-91185748310299938272019-09-11T18:53:00.000-07:002019-09-11T18:53:11.226-07:00I remember.9.11.2001<br />
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On the anniversary of the terrorist attacks I pause to reflect on that day and it occurs to me what I remember. As I scroll through the posts on social media with pictures and flags and memorials I remember.<br />
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<ul>
<li><i>I remember exactly where I was.</i></li>
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<li><i>I remember hearing the news on the radio.</i></li>
</ul>
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<li><i>I remember seeing the images for the first time.</i></li>
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<li><i>I remember that people gathered together to pray.</i></li>
</ul>
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<li><i>I remember that people set aside their differences to focus on what unites us as Americans.</i></li>
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Today I remember that time is precious, tomorrow is not promised and we should love the people around us as if it were our last day. Or theirs. I remember that prayer is still important and I believe it makes all the difference in the world.<br />
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I also remember that they enemy's ploy is to divide us - racially, economically, politically, generationally and the list goes on and on. From broken families to a broken nation he is sowing his discord every chance he gets. Even in the church.<br />
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The Church is God's plan to share His redemption with all of humanity. Let's fight together - against the enemy and for one another. Let's forgive like we've been forgiven and love like we've been loved. Let's live with faith and not fear. Let's give the world a little glimpse of heaven and live like people's eternities hang in the balance. Let's remember that we matter, and remember that what we do matters.<br />
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<i>“This is why it is said: “Wake up, sleeper, rise from the
dead, and Christ will shine on you.” Be very careful, then, how you live—not as
unwise but as wise, making the most of every opportunity, because the days are
evil. Therefore do not be foolish, but understand what the Lord’s will is.”</i> <b>–
Ephesians 5:14-17 NIV</b><o:p></o:p></div>
<br />Michael Abbotthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01994073153832532754noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8961857586329519391.post-90859416790973301402019-09-07T08:05:00.002-07:002019-09-07T08:05:47.285-07:00What's Your Worldview?<br />
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As a pastor one of the most painful things to watch is when
someone begins to struggle with and question their faith. This is especially
difficult when it is a young person making the transition into adulthood. As a
parent my GREATEST hope for my children isn’t for them to be successful, rich
or even happy. My greatest hope is for them to know and love God.<o:p></o:p></div>
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One of the things that I have noticed over the years is that
there has been a radical shift in perspective. My generation largely viewed ‘truth’
as something existent outside of self. It was absolute, unchanging and not
subject to personal opinion. For instance the ‘truth’ of gravity really doesn’t
care if you believe it or not. It just is.<o:p></o:p></div>
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Today many view ‘truth’ as something personal, internal and malleable.
What is ‘true’ for one may or may not be ‘true’ for another. What is ‘true’
today may not be tomorrow. Herein lies the million dollar question…<o:p></o:p></div>
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<b><i><u>Do we view God through the eyes of our worldview or do we
view the world through God’s eyes? </u></i></b><o:p></o:p></div>
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If God must fit within my worldview then he/she/it is really
no god at all; no bigger than my understanding or imagination and no more
powerful than I am. This was the realization I had at the age of 18. I had an
epiphany that if there was truly a God then He was at the center of everything
and I was not. He was not subject to the whims of my emotions or limited to the
finite capacity of my mind. If there really was an eternal being that held time
and space in His hand then He was the author of ‘Truth’. More accurately He is
TRUTH.<o:p></o:p></div>
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<i>“As the heavens are higher than the earth, so are my ways
higher than your ways and my thoughts than your thoughts.”</i> <b>- Isaiah 55:9 NIV </b><o:p></o:p></div>
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I recently met a young man, newly saved, who had attended
church as a teen. Since God didn’t fit within his worldview he admittedly
embraced a pagan lifestyle to the extent of serving as a pagan priest. In his
desire to break with all things Christian he set up a meeting with a pastor to vent
and share his ‘truth’. In that meeting he found love, and more importantly
found LOVE. When we stop trying to force God into our worldview and make Him
Lord of our lives everything else comes into focus.<o:p></o:p></div>
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I am so thankful that it is not my place to judge God, or
anyone else for that matter. I am grateful that ‘Truth’ is constant, because He
is constant.<o:p></o:p></div>
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<i>“Do not be deceived, my dear friends! Every good gift and
every perfect present comes from heaven; it comes down from God, the Creator of
the heavenly lights, who does not change or cause darkness by turning. By his
own will he brought us into being through the word of truth, so that we should
have first place among all his creatures.”</i> <b>– James 1:16-18 GNT</b><o:p></o:p></div>
<br />Michael Abbotthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01994073153832532754noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8961857586329519391.post-50821976538921029082019-08-17T14:02:00.000-07:002019-08-17T14:02:00.161-07:00Do the Hustle.<br />
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Last year, as a ministry staff, we believed that the Lord was saying
that 2019 would begin a season of Miracles, Breakthrough and Long-Awaited
Harvest. Praise the Lord we are seeing that come to pass. What many of us
failed to realize is that many of answers came with conditions – i.e. hard
work. A good friend of mine pointed out that harvest is one of the busiest
seasons in the life of a farmer. If the crop isn’t gathered in quickly the
harvest can go from ripe to rotten in the blink of an eye.<o:p></o:p></div>
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I guess another way we could say it is that you, ‘got to strike while
the iron is hot.’ Another friend of mine is a blacksmith and I've had the
opportunity to work with him on a few occasions. You have a limited time to
work the metal once it comes out of the fire. Another friend of mine is a successful
business owner. He once told me that his success wasn’t because he was the best
or brightest in the room, but that he would ‘out hustle 99 out of 100 people.’
I believe it. Someone once said that, ‘good things come to those who wait.’ I
agree, but when it’s time for action patience will cause you to miss your
opportunity.<o:p></o:p></div>
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<i>“The reason most people do not recognize an opportunity when they meet
it is because it usually goes around wearing overalls and looking like Hard
Work.”</i> <b>– Anonymous</b><o:p></o:p></div>
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The apostle Paul understood,<o:p></o:p></div>
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<i>“There’s an amazing door of opportunity standing wide open for me to
minister here, even though there are many who oppose and stand against me.”</i> <b>– 1
Corinthians 16:9 TPT</b><o:p></o:p></div>
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When God provides an opportunity we have to seize the moment. That’s
not the time to be patient, that’s when it’s time to hustle.<o:p></o:p></div>
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<i>“Be very careful, then, how you live—not as unwise but as wise, making
the most of every opportunity, because the days are evil. Therefore do not be
foolish, but understand what the Lord’s will is.”</i> <b>– Ephesians 5:15-17 NIV</b><o:p></o:p></div>
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Every day is a gift from the Lord, what you choose to do with it is
your gift to Him. I believe God has GREAT things in store for you!<o:p></o:p></div>
<br />Michael Abbotthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01994073153832532754noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8961857586329519391.post-36948158555032798262019-07-06T16:04:00.000-07:002019-07-06T16:04:28.422-07:00When bad things happen to good people.<br />
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When I was eight years old my parents went through a bitter
divorce. I was clueless and had never even seen them speak a cross word to one
another. My little world came crashing down overnight. My mom moved from
southern to northern California so I only got to see her on holidays and
summers. In the seventh grade I decided to move in with her and my step dad and
go to school there. It was a tiny school out in the country with less than 10
people in my class. It was so small in fact that they joined classes to save
money on staff and so we were in the same room as the eighth graders. One of
those students happened to be the girl that is now my wife.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
I would never wish divorce on any couple or family. But I
also wouldn’t change my situation in a million years because God brought
something beautiful out of the brokenness. <o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
My wife and I had been married for only nine months when her
mother, 47 at the time, was diagnosed with cancer. Two weeks after getting the
news that she was sick my wife and I packed up our little apartment on campus
in Reno, NV and headed east for North Carolina. She finished her race less than
a year later and went home to be with the Lord. People aren’t supposed to die
at 48 and our girls never had the chance to meet their Grandma Linda. But in
that time of caring for her family we found a church that forever changed our
lives. What we thought would be a short intermission became a life calling. <o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
It seems everyone has been touched by cancer’s curse at some
point in their life. It’s an ugly disease and it’s just not fair. Let me be
clear that I DO NOT BELIEVE that God gave my wife’s mother cancer. But in the
midst of the tragedy he was at work guiding our path toward yours.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
See if my parents never divorced then I wouldn’t have met my
wife. If my wife’s mother hadn’t become sick we never would have moved to
Western North Carolina, went into ministry and started writing this blog.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
He is the God of meaning in meaningless situations. He is
the God of hope in hopeless circumstances. He is the God of purpose in the
middle of life’s messes. He is the great redeemer and we can trust that He is
bigger than whatever it is we are dealing with. We can trust Him.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<i>“And we know that in all things God works for the good of
those who love him, who have been called according to his purpose.”</i><b> – Romans 8:28
NIV</b><o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Jesus is proof of the lengths that God will go to, lovingly working
for your good because you are called according to his purpose. If you have made
it through and can see God’s hand praise him for what he’s already done. If you
are in the middle then trust that he is in control, he loves you forever and he
IS taking care of you whether you can see it or not.</div>
Michael Abbotthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01994073153832532754noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8961857586329519391.post-2630981278725645642019-06-29T05:29:00.000-07:002019-06-29T05:29:06.730-07:00My favorite person's favorite verse.<br />
<div class="MsoNormal">
My wife is my favorite person in the world. One of her
favorite verses from the Bible is Philippians 4:8. Therefore this in one of my
favorite verses.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<i>“Finally, brothers and sisters, whatever is true, whatever
is noble, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is
admirable--if anything is excellent or praiseworthy--think about such things.”</i> <b>–
Philippians 4:8 NIV</b><o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
When Paul says “finally” he is saving the best for last. I
was recently chatting with a friend and he said that life is about 10 percent
what happens to you and 90 percent your attitude about it. I believe he is
correct. There is always a reason to be negative, critical, frustrated, discouraged.
But there is always a reason to be thankful, hopeful, appreciative, encouraged.
Both are true in every area of our lives – our careers, our relationships, our
finances, our church…<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
I think for most of us it is easy to dwell on the bad. Most
of our time spent on ‘what ifs’ don’t lean toward the good. But the Apostle
Paul continues his instructions –<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<i>“Whatever you have learned or received or heard from me, or
seen in me—put it into practice. And the God of peace will be with you.”</i> <b>–
Philippians 4:9 NIV</b><o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
He uses the word ‘practice’. People who want to become better
at something practice. People who want to become great at something practice
and practice and practice. Some of us have practiced worry for years. We have
become quite exceptional at it. God is willing and able to help us renew our
minds, after all He is the ‘God of peace’.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
There is always a reason to be positive because there is
always GOD. In every situation He is always in control, He always has a purpose
and He always loves you. Will you purpose in your heart today to join me on a
journey of practicing a positive life? Let’s take our negative thoughts
captive, make them obedient to Christ and choose to focus on good and Godly
things! It may not be easy, especially at first, but I promise it will be worth
it. <o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<i>“The weapons we fight with are not the weapons of the world.
On the contrary, they have divine power to demolish strongholds. We demolish
arguments and every pretension that sets itself up against the knowledge of
God, and we take captive every thought to make it obedient to Christ.”</i><b> – 2 Corinthians
10:4-5 NIV</b><o:p></o:p></div>
<br />Michael Abbotthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01994073153832532754noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8961857586329519391.post-82969911044395294132019-06-21T17:22:00.000-07:002019-06-21T17:22:34.950-07:00THRIVE!<br />
<div class="MsoNormal">
<i>“Beloved, I pray that in every way you may succeed and
prosper and be in good health [physically], just as [I know] your soul prospers
[spiritually].”</i> <b>– 3 John 1:2 AMP</b><o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
What an amazing passage of Scripture. I believe that God
wants to touch EVERY area of our lives. He is not just a spiritual Savior that
will one day deliver us at death into glory. He cares about our physical,
emotional, relational, financial AND spiritual well-being today. <o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
So why are so many of us walking around sick and tired of
being sick and tired? Well some of it has to do with the impact of sin on our
world, but some of it might have to do with our lifestyle choices. Here are
four areas that can cause us to live beneath our God given potential -<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
</div>
<ol>
<li>Exercise – Most of us don’t get near the amount of movement
that our bodies were created for. Think of how much our lives have changed in
the last couple hundred years. We built our own houses from trees we cut down
by hand and ate food that we hunted, gathered or grew. Every day required hours
of physical activity just to live. I’m not advocating that we go off the grid
but we do need to find ways to move more. I’ve heard people tell me that they
walk 5 miles a day at work. That is certainly better than sitting behind a desk
but just to put that into perspective the average turtle walks at just over 1
mph and can ‘run’ at 3-4 mph. So in an 8 hours shift the turtle is leaving you
in the dust. My suggestion is that you find something you enjoy doing and sweat
for at least 30 minutes a day.</li>
<li>Food – Much of what we eat isn’t actually food. It’s highly
processed frankenfood that is basically devoid of any nutritional value. You
can’t put garbage in the magnificent machine that God created and expect it to
perform at peak levels. Drink more water, eat more vegetables, fruits, whole
grains and lean proteins. Shop primarily from the perimeter of the supermarket.
Plan your meals ahead of time and avoid the dreaded drive thru. Full disclosure
– This is one of the areas I am working on to do better! </li>
<li>Rest – Did you know that many pro athletes sleep 10+ hours
per day when training? They know that sleep is necessary for optimum health. We
are chronically sleep deprived and it affects us more than just physically. If
you wake up tired on a regular basis and need coffee/energy drinks to keep you
going throughout the day you need more sleep. Now God may not sleep but even he
set aside a day a week to rest! Make it a priority. Try setting an alarm to go
to bed, monitor your caffeine intake and how it affects you, limit screen use
in the evenings and turn your phone off at night! </li>
<li>Stress – Speaking of phones I have a love/hate relationship
with mine. It allows us to stay connected with family and friends and increases
productivity but it also makes it really easy to take work home with you.
People expect to be able to get a hold of you 24/7/365. That isn’t reasonable.
That bears repeating. It is not reasonable to work 7 days a week. You need
downtime. Find something that helps you de-stress. Exercise, sew, read, fish,
whatever helps you relax and schedule time to do it. Caring for your soul isn’t
selfish. It’s hard to effectively help others if your life is a wreck. Listen
to what Jesus said –</li>
</ol>
<o:p></o:p><br />
<div class="MsoNormal">
<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<i>“Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will
give you rest. Take my yoke upon you and learn from me, for I am gentle and
humble in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. For my yoke is easy and
my burden is light.”</i> <b>– Matthew 11:28-30 NIV</b><o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Is it possible that we are carrying and caring about burdens
that God hasn’t called us to?<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<i>“So do not worry, saying, ‘What shall we eat?’ or ‘What
shall we drink?’ or ‘What shall we wear?’ For the pagans run after all these
things, and your heavenly Father knows that you need them. But seek first his
kingdom and his righteousness, and all these things will be given to you as
well.” <b>- </b></i><b>Matthew 6:31-33 NIV</b><o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
One last passage I want to share with you to lighten your
load.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<i>“For physical training is of some value, but godliness has
value for all things, holding promise for both the present life and the life to
come.”</i> <b>– 1 Timothy 4:8 NIV</b><o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
So if you are sick and tired of being sick and tired don’t
despair. There is ALWAYS hope in Jesus. My suggestion is that you find one
small thing in each of these areas to change and start there. Don’t sign up to
run a 5K this weekend, go vegan, turn off the internet and throw your phone
away. My guess is the wheels would come off that bus in less than a week. Maybe
park farther away when you shop, pack a salad for lunch two days a week, go to
sleep 30 minutes earlier, do something you enjoy and spend some time with God
each day. You’ll be amazed at how little changes can make a big difference. <o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
I love you, God loves you and we both want to see you
THRIVE.<o:p></o:p></div>
<br />Michael Abbotthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01994073153832532754noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8961857586329519391.post-49815849215581145562019-06-14T08:12:00.000-07:002019-06-14T08:12:26.833-07:00Distressed or De-stressed?<br />
<div class="MsoNormal">
My oldest daughter has been on a mission trip for the past
month to Greece and this morning left for her next assignment in France. She
had to catch an early morning flight from Athens so she got everything ready
the night before. She grabbed her bags, left her key to the apartment on the
desk, locked the door behind her and headed downstairs to meet her ride. Except
her ride was late – 15 minutes, 30 minutes, she started making phone calls,
knocking on the door, downloading a taxi app. Here mom and I started reaching
out to everyone we could think of through Messenger, Skype, texting, carrier
pigeon… 45 minutes late and no word.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Now mind you it is the middle of the night in Greece and
everyone is fast asleep. We were all becoming increasingly concerned that she
is going to miss her flight. With each passing minute and every failed attempt
to contact someone the stress level was swelling. So with our daughter on
speaker phone the three of us stopped to pray. I reminded my girl, my wife and
myself that God was in control when we weren’t and that the worst case
scenario, missing her flight, wasn’t really that big of a deal. We could buy
another ticket for later today or tomorrow for less than a hundred bucks. That
brought everything into perspective and we were able to collectively exhale. We
shot out a quick message to our friends asking them to join us in prayer.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Within a minute or two the phone rang, my friend in Greece
was making calls and her ride was 5 minutes away. We started checking travel
times, boarding times and when the gate closed and she had JUST enough time to
make her flight. Then we checked the flight. Wouldn’t you know that it was
delayed by about 30 minutes and she had plenty of time?<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
God is in control of all things, well almost all things. <o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
See he has given us control of our own perspective and that
makes all the difference in the world. We can’t always control what is
happening around us but we can control whether we react or respond. In the
chaos of life we have the choice to become distressed or de-stressed. <o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<i>“The heart is deceitful above all things and beyond cure. Who
can understand it?”</i> <b>– Jeremiah 17:9 NIV</b><o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Sometimes things don’t go according to our plan, but rest
assured they always go according to God’s.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<i>“I know what it is to be in need, and I know what it is to
have plenty. I have learned the secret of being content in any and every
situation, whether well fed or hungry, whether living in plenty or in want. I
can do all this through him who gives me strength.”</i> <b>– Philippians 4:12-13 NIV</b><o:p></o:p></div>
<br />Michael Abbotthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01994073153832532754noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8961857586329519391.post-83547455552656752652019-05-31T18:39:00.000-07:002019-05-31T18:43:18.633-07:00The Joys of Confrontation.<br />
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b><span style="font-size: large;">CONFRONTATION.</span></b><o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Most people will do just about <u>ANYTHING</u> to avoid it. Years
ago my friend Brian Cagle preached a message and made this statement –<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<i>“Love is not the absence of confrontation.”</i><o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Now I’ve forgot more sermons than I can count, but there
have been a few like that one that stuck in my heart like an arrow. Healthy
confrontation has the potential to free us from the chains of living beneath
our Spirit filled life. When we take a look at Scripture we see that God is a
confrontational God –<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
</div>
<ul>
<li>He confronted nothing with creation.</li>
<li>He confronted darkness with light.</li>
<li>He confronted the devil with Job.</li>
<li>He confronted Jericho with Joshua.</li>
<li>He confronted Jonah with a storm and a fish (definitely a Megalodon).</li>
<li>He confronted Goliath with David.</li>
<li>He confronted David with Nathan.</li>
<li>He confronted Peter with the truth.</li>
<li>He confronted sin with the cross.</li>
<li>He confronted Paul with blindness.</li>
</ul>
Now God is love, and God uses confrontation therefore Godly
confrontation is an expression of love. Jesus perfectly represented His Father
while on earth and He confronted people on a fairly regular basis when it was in <u>their</u> best interest.<o:p></o:p><br />
<div class="MsoNormal">
<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Here are some quick thoughts about Godly confrontation.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
</div>
<ol>
<li>The key word is Godly. Have his heart for the person and the
situation. </li>
<li>Make sure it’s a two-way street. If you can’t receive it
then you probably aren’t ready to share it. Remember Jesus said something about
a log and a speck. (Matthew 7:5)</li>
<li>Focus more on their potential than the problem. This is not
about getting something off of your chest but rather helping to lift someone
else up.</li>
<li>Pray, pray and pray some more. It takes the right timing,
tone and touch to effect lasting change. If the Holy Spirit isn’t convicting
there is a good chance you will only bring condemnation. After all where the
Spirit of the Lord is there is FREEDOM! (2 Corinthians 3:17)</li>
</ol>
<i>“An open rebuke is better than hidden love! Wounds from a
sincere friend are better than many kisses from an enemy.”</i> <b>- Proverbs 27:5-6
NLT</b><o:p></o:p><br />
<div class="MsoNormal">
<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<br />Michael Abbotthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01994073153832532754noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8961857586329519391.post-86387362642873658912019-02-06T12:24:00.000-08:002019-02-06T12:24:03.290-08:00Teaching Old Dogs New Tricks.<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
I want to brag on one of my best good friends Danny. He is part of our Pastoral staff here at LifeWay and we are so fortunate to have he and his sweet wife Ronda on our team. One of the things that most impresses me about Danny is his willingness to try new things. Here is a perfect example -</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<iframe allowfullscreen='allowfullscreen' webkitallowfullscreen='webkitallowfullscreen' mozallowfullscreen='mozallowfullscreen' width='320' height='266' src='https://www.blogger.com/video.g?token=AD6v5dz95U_7AgOPIu-MG1wS1ah3ZRJtyUjUaH8DmFFaEA6mooyV0CIfUJK9vJNYxAKe4ZS07UZ4ItE0ALzAIXpdhQ' class='b-hbp-video b-uploaded' frameborder='0'></iframe></div>
<br />
<br />
<br />
As we age we tend to take fewer risks. A friend of mine who is a Christian Counselor recently said, 'We view our tomorrow through the lens of our yesterday.' In other words we have a habit of projecting yesterday's failures and pain onto tomorrow's possibilities. The end result is we miss out on the adventure of life. Danny has started and sold businesses, traveled around the world sharing the love of Jesus and just last year jumped out of an airplane just for fun.<br />
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<o:p></o:p></div>
<i>“Forget the former things; do not dwell on the past. See, I am doing a
new thing! Now it springs up; do you not perceive it? I am making a way in the
wilderness and streams in the wasteland.”</i><br />
<div style="text-align: right;">
<b>- Isaiah 43:18-19 NIV</b></div>
<br />
There are a thousand reasons why you can't <u> (fill in the blank) </u>. But you only need one reason why you can - <b>Because God said so</b>. If you have a dream that He placed in your heart then go chase it down and don't let anyone stop you. Especially YOU! God's plans for your tomorrow aren't held captive by your yesterday. We have to be willing to do something different, to welcome change and embrace the unknown if we are going to grow, to live, to flourish. When we try something new and step into unfamiliar territory it may feel a little scary, a little unnatural, perhaps like riding a hoverboard for the very first time. But with a little practice we'll be flying around like an old pro in no time at all.Michael Abbotthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01994073153832532754noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8961857586329519391.post-6633945175736771352019-01-10T08:29:00.000-08:002019-01-10T08:29:26.724-08:00A Word Please.<br />
<div class="MsoNormal">
One Word from God can change everything.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<i>“In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God,
and the Word was God. He was with God in the beginning. Through him all things
were made; without him nothing was made that has been made. In him was life,
and that life was the light of all mankind. The light shines in the darkness,
and the darkness has not overcome it.”</i> <b>- John 1:1-5 NIV</b><o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
It can create the heavens and the earth. It can calm the
fiercest storm. It can even bring the dead to life. <o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<i>“… and the darkness has not overcome it.”</i><o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Last year I asked God for a word for 2019 and He spoke 3
things. The Holy Spirit said that 2019 would be a year of miracles, breakthrough
and long awaited harvest. I know it was a word for me, my family and our
church. I also believe that if you are reading this then it is a word for you
as well. I am not a believer in coincidence, but I am trust absolutely in God’s
sovereign guidance.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<i>“For with God nothing is ever impossible and no word from
God shall be without power or impossible of fulfillment.”</i><b> - Luke 1:37 AMPC</b><o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
So now begins the journey of asking God what that means
specifically for each of us and for all of us. If we are willing to ask I know
that God is ready to speak.<o:p></o:p></div>
<br />Michael Abbotthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01994073153832532754noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8961857586329519391.post-39881678029428836662019-01-01T18:44:00.000-08:002019-01-01T18:44:06.644-08:00New Year's Resolutions.<br />
<div class="MsoNormal">
The first day of the New Year.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
A gogillion people are going to make a resolution. Read
more, eat healthier, exercise regularly, start school, stop smoking and the
list goes on and on and on… By the end of January the vast majority of those
people will have slipped back into the same old habits. The only difference is
the disappointment and guilt. It eventually subsides until we start the whole process
over again next year. Wash, rinse, repeat.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
It reminds me of a story from the Bible. The Ninevites were
supremely wicked and God’s judgment was imminent. In His grace he sent the
prophet Jonah to warn them and give them a chance to change. Now most of the
time we focus on Jonah, who fled from God, got tossed into the ocean, eaten by
a fish, puked up on shore and finally did what God requested. But I want to
look at the people from Nineveh today. To put it mildly they definitely had
room for personal improvement. When confronted with their shortcomings there
were a couple of things that they did AND a couple of things they didn’t do.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Here is what they didn’t do –</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
</div>
<ol>
<li>They didn’t make excuses and justify their actions.</li>
<li>They didn’t pass the buck and blame others.</li>
</ol>
<o:p></o:p><br />
<div class="MsoNormal">
<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Here is what they did do –</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
</div>
<ol>
<li>They accepted responsibility for themselves.</li>
<li>They enacted a plan to make lasting changes.</li>
</ol>
<o:p></o:p><br />
<div class="MsoNormal">
<o:p></o:p></div>
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<i>“Jonah obeyed the word of the Lord and went to Nineveh. Now
Nineveh was a very large city; it took three days to go through it. Jonah began
by going a day’s journey into the city, proclaiming, “Forty more days and
Nineveh will be overthrown.” The Ninevites believed God. A fast was proclaimed,
and all of them, from the greatest to the least, put on sackcloth. When Jonah’s
warning reached the king of Nineveh, he rose from his throne, took off his
royal robes, covered himself with sackcloth and sat down in the dust. This is
the proclamation he issued in Nineveh: “By the decree of the king and his
nobles: “Do not let people or animals, herds or flocks, taste anything; do not
let them eat or drink. But let people and animals be covered with sackcloth.
Let everyone call urgently on God. Let them give up their evil ways and their
violence. Who knows? God may yet relent and with compassion turn from his
fierce anger so that we will not perish.””</i> <b>– Jonah 3:3-9 NIV</b></div>
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<o:p></o:p></div>
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<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
The Ninevites didn’t start well but they sure did finish
well which brings me to my point –<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<i>“The end of a matter
is better than its beginning, and patience is better than pride.”</i> <b>–
Ecclesiastes 7:8 NIV</b><o:p></o:p></div>
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<br /></div>
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I want to encourage you to be the best possible you that you
can be. God has put so much inside of you and has great plans for your life. Look
for an area to improve, set a goal, make a plan and gather some people around
you to make it happen. Starting is important, but it’s how we finish that
really matters.<o:p></o:p></div>
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<br /></div>
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2019 IS YOUR YEAR!!!<o:p></o:p></div>
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<br /></div>
<br />Michael Abbotthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01994073153832532754noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8961857586329519391.post-30902806499991281752018-11-09T12:48:00.000-08:002018-11-09T12:48:01.552-08:00Pushing Limits<br />
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Last week we did a ‘Hero’ workout at the gym. A ‘Hero’ workout is
something we do to honor someone who gave their life in service to others and
they are typically ridiculously challenging. Just for some perspective here is
what it looked like –<o:p></o:p></div>
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<br /></div>
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100 Burpees<br />
200 Pushups<o:p></o:p></div>
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300 Walking Lunges<o:p></o:p></div>
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200 Squats<o:p></o:p></div>
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Run 2400 Meters (1.5 miles)<o:p></o:p></div>
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<br /></div>
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The goal was to do it as fast as possible. I did a scaled down version
of about 80% and it still took me 56 minutes and change. I was spent by the end
but it wasn’t until the next day that I felt the full effect. I could barely
get out of bed. I can’t remember the last time I was that sore and I have been
going to the gym consistently for YEARS. So of course I did what any rational
person would do and went back the next day for more. Sore muscles mean that you
are making progress. You are challenging yourself and that leads to growth. There
have been times in the past where I my workout routine has become a rut. The
things that used to challenge me no longer did.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>There is nothing wrong with a routine as long as it is still moving us towards
our goals. <o:p></o:p></div>
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<br /></div>
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<i>“Brothers and sisters, I do not consider myself yet to have taken hold
of it. But one thing I do: Forgetting what is behind and straining toward what
is ahead, I press on toward the goal to win the prize for which God has called
me heavenward in Christ Jesus.”</i> <b>– Philippians 3:13-14 NIV</b><o:p></o:p></div>
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<br /></div>
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We were talking about it at our Men’s LifeGroup and we realized that our
spiritual life is much the same. We go to church on Sunday, pray before we eat,
give in the offering and read our Bible with some regularity. Wash, rinse,
repeat. Nothing wrong with any of those things but we can’t just keep doing the
same thing over and over and expect to get a different result. We have to push
ourselves outside of our comfort zones and step out in faith.<o:p></o:p></div>
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<br /></div>
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Just for fun let’s say you woke up even 15 minutes earlier tomorrow
than you have to. First things first you greet God with a big ‘Good Morning’
and ask Him for an adventure that day. Maybe ask Him for someone to pray for,
to share your testimony or to bless financially. You could even ask Him to let
the Gifts of the Holy Spirit work through you as you interact with someone that
day. There is so much more inside of you than you have ever realized. That isn’t
a criticism, it’s a call to action.<o:p></o:p></div>
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<br /></div>
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<i>“I can do all things [which He has called me to do] through Him who
strengthens and empowers me [to fulfill His purpose—I am self-sufficient in
Christ’s sufficiency; I am ready for anything and equal to anything through Him
who infuses me with inner strength and confident peace.]”</i> <b>– Philippians 4:13
AMP</b><o:p></o:p></div>
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<br /></div>
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<i>“But in all these things we overwhelmingly conquer through Him who
loved us.”</i> <b>– Romans 8:37 NASB</b><o:p></o:p></div>
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<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">
You, my friend, are destined for greatness!<o:p></o:p></div>
<br />Michael Abbotthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01994073153832532754noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8961857586329519391.post-43966790162941501242018-09-14T13:25:00.001-07:002018-09-14T13:31:56.919-07:00Are you ready for a LEAP of faith?<br />
<div class="MsoNormal">
I’ve always been a bit of an adrenaline junkie. I was
usually the first of my friends to see if we could clear a jump with our bikes,
scale a rock face or literally jump off a cliff. I started my first legit
business at 16 (not like incorporated but I had for real business cards so that
counts). Anyways I’ve never been one to shy away from a challenge or cave in to
my fear. I’ve had some really amazing adventures in life and I definitely have
some scars to prove it. Now in my mid-forties I’ve realized that I’m a little
more cautious, a bit more hesitant. Some might call it wisdom but if I’m being
honest I don’t think that’s the real reason. <o:p></o:p></div>
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<br /></div>
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I don’t want to play it safe - especially when it comes to my
faith. I want to take risks, push boundaries, take chances. I don’t want to
pray weak prayers I want to ask BIG things from God and see Him move in
miraculous ways. I was recently talking with a friend who was on a ministry
trip to Mexico when he watched God heal a guy’s crippled, disfigured hands
right before his eyes. That’s what I’m talking about! Mountain moving, prison
shaking, grave robbing faith is what I want to have!<o:p></o:p></div>
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<br /></div>
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<i>“Now faith is confidence in what we hope for and assurance
about what we do not see. This is what the ancients were commended for.”</i> <b>–
Hebrews 11:1-2 NIV</b><o:p></o:p></div>
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<br /></div>
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<i>If you really want to be inspired read the rest of Hebrews 11. Those guys and gals had guts!</i><br />
<i><br /></i>
It seems to me like the older we become the less inclined we
are to take big risks. But it doesn’t have to be that way. We have to fight
against the tide if we are going to live on the edge and not get sucked under
by life’s current. It makes those unwilling to go (read religious) uncomfortable
but I’m not looking for their approval because I already have His. I’m ready
for the next adventure. Who’s ready to take a LEAP of faith with me?</div>
Michael Abbotthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01994073153832532754noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8961857586329519391.post-78709604800620524132018-08-15T16:56:00.002-07:002018-08-15T16:56:27.992-07:00Who loves 80's music?!<br />
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In 1984 Deniece Williams released the song "Let's Hear It For The
Boy" featured on the soundtrack to the movie "Footloose". For
some of us just the thought of that song transports us right back to the time
of neon shirts, pegged pants and leg warmers. It was an instant hit and rose to
#1 on the Billboard Hot 100 music chart. It was a catchy tune but when you
stopped to actually listen to the lyrics... Let's take a quick look -</div>
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</div>
<ul>
<li>He can’t express his emotions verbally.</li>
<li>He has poor taste in clothes.</li>
<li>He isn't romantic.</li>
<li>He's broke.</li>
<li>And he can't sing.</li>
</ul>
<o:p>That about sums it up. </o:p>When we jump to the chorus we're told to – <o:p></o:p><br />
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</div>
<ul>
<li>"Let's hear it for the boy" <i>because apparently he isn't a
man.</i></li>
<li>"Let's give the boy a hand" <i>he obviously needs help.</i></li>
<li>"Let's hear it for my baby" <i>again not a man.</i></li>
<li>You know you gotta understand" <i>because clearly he doesn't!</i></li>
</ul>
That leaves us with only one rational conclusion... GIRL DUMP THAT CHILD,
YOU CAN DO SO MUCH BETTER!!!<o:p></o:p><br />
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<o:p></o:p></div>
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<br /></div>
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So what's my point? This poor girl has deceived herself into believing
that she has found something special when in fact she has settled for so much
less than what she deserves. The questions is I wonder where we have done the same?<o:p></o:p></div>
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<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<i>"This is what the LORD says: “Those who survive the coming
destruction will find blessings even in the barren land, for I will give rest
to the people of Israel.” Long ago the LORD said to Israel: “I have loved you,
my people, with an everlasting love. With unfailing love I have drawn you to
myself.””</i> <b>- Jeremiah 31:2-3 NLT</b><o:p></o:p></div>
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<br /></div>
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The 3rd chapter of Galatians teaches us that our faith in Jesus makes us God’s children
and heirs of ALL of His blessings. That doesn’t mean that we don’t periodically walk through
challenges but it absolutely means that our loving Father has purposed in His
heart to bless us. We should expect favor, open doors and opportunity. <u>Always</u>. Not with
arrogance but with confidence. When we do encounter an obstacle we should do it
knowing that God is with us and He is for us and nothing can stand in the way
of His <u>everlasting love</u>.<o:p></o:p></div>
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<br /></div>
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So let’s not settle for anything less than his best in our lives. Let's grab on to <b>EVERY SINGLE THING</b> that God has for us!<o:p></o:p></div>
<br />Michael Abbotthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01994073153832532754noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8961857586329519391.post-33254127724866005992018-06-14T06:19:00.000-07:002018-06-14T06:19:52.933-07:00$5 Oakleys<br />
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There is a market in Managua, Nicaragua where you can get Oakley
sunglasses for about 5 bucks. We’ve sent several teams down there over the
years and our teens affectionately refer to them as FOakleys (Fake Oakleys). From
10 feet away they look pretty good but when you get up close it’s a different
story. In your hand they just don’t feel right and of course when one of the
lenses pops out they don’t look right either!<o:p></o:p></div>
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<br /></div>
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The devil is a master of the counterfeit. Just like the guy on the
street corner in New York selling knockoff Rolaxes he peddles his merchandise
claiming it’s the real deal. It’s not. He tried it with Jesus in the wilderness
and he’ll try it with you. Here are just a few of his forgeries –</div>
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</div>
<ul>
<li>Arrogance vs. Confidence.</li>
<li>Tolerance vs. Love.</li>
<li>Psychics vs. Prophecy.</li>
<li>Happiness vs. Joy.</li>
<li>Security vs. Peace.</li>
<li>Being Right vs. Being Righteous.</li>
<li>Success vs. Significance.</li>
<li>Religion vs. Relationship.</li>
</ul>
<o:p></o:p><br />
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<o:p></o:p></div>
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<o:p></o:p></div>
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<o:p></o:p></div>
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<o:p></o:p></div>
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<o:p></o:p></div>
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<o:p></o:p></div>
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<o:p></o:p></div>
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I'm sure you can think of a few more examples. From a distance they look pretty good but upon
closer inspection you begin to see the not so subtle differences.<o:p></o:p></div>
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<br /></div>
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<i>“Therefore everyone who hears these words of mine and puts them into
practice is like a wise man who built his house on the rock. The rain came
down, the streams rose, and the winds blew and beat against that house; yet it
did not fall, because it had its foundation on the rock. But everyone who hears
these words of mine and does not put them into practice is like a foolish man who
built his house on sand. The rain came down, the streams rose, and the winds
blew and beat against that house, and it fell with a great crash.”</i> <b>– Matthew 7:24-27
NIV</b><o:p></o:p></div>
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<br /></div>
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Other than the foundation both houses were identical. The walls, the
roof, the tile, the countertops, the furniture – right up until the storm came
and revealed what was underneath. The fake stuff just doesn’t hold up. We all
want the nice stuff but sometimes we’re not willing to pay the price. You can’t
touch real Oakleys for under $100. You can’t get a real Rolex for $15 (or 2 for
$20). Here’s the deal though… Jesus covers the cost. All we have to do is let
go of the counterfeits and trust Him for the goods. Let’s commit to trading our
trash for God’s treasures today.<o:p></o:p></div>
<br />Michael Abbotthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01994073153832532754noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8961857586329519391.post-49395611177562168222018-05-18T05:31:00.000-07:002018-05-18T05:31:05.619-07:00A beautiful setting, a family reunion and a pair of brand new white shoes. <div dir="ltr">
</div>
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A couple of weeks ago we had some family visiting from out of town and
so we took a trip to our favorite BBQ place. How can I describe this place?
Well I guess I would have to say that it’s on the edge of the middle of nowhere.
You turn off a two lane road out in the country. This place is so rural that
they didn’t even bother to paint lines on the road. Just before the pavement
turns to dirt you turn off into a gravel driveway between a couple of small
farms. You can eat inside or sit under the covered porch next to the stream
behind the restaurant. <o:p></o:p></div>
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<br /></div>
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Here is where my story begins - a beautiful setting, a family reunion
and a pair of brand new white shoes. My niece was so proud of her newest
purchase and wanted to show them off. But the moms were in full force with
their cameras determined to get everyone huddled together for a barrage of ‘candid’
photos. As people jockeyed for position you can guess what happened. Someone
stepped on the shoes. The perfectly white shoes. Someone who had recently been
wading in the creek. Oh snap!<o:p></o:p></div>
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<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">
In the New Testament we have an account of Jesus sending out disciples
on a ministry trip. He gives them some specific instructions on what to do,
what to bring and how to act. He also said this –<o:p></o:p></div>
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<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">
“If people do not welcome you, leave their town and shake the dust off
your feet as a testimony against them.” – Luke 9:5 NIV<o:p></o:p></div>
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<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">
The original word that was translated into English as ‘against’ could
also be translated ‘before’. Let me explain. This world has a way of messing up
your new shoes but we have to choose how we will respond. You could see the
look on my niece’s face. She was not happy but fortunately she is a gracious
young lady. They were after all just a pair of shoes and the perpetrator was
her cousin that she loved and rarely gets to see. She chose what was most
important. <o:p></o:p></div>
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<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">
I think the lesson here is to not let other people’s mistakes, offense and
sin transfer to you. Dust it off. Right away. If we aren’t careful dirt on our
shoes can quickly become a smudge on our heart.<o:p></o:p></div>
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<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">
“Who may ascend the mountain of the Lord? Who may stand in His Holy
place? The one who has clean hands and a pure heart…” – Psalm 24:3-4b NIV<o:p></o:p></div>
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<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">
… and white shoes.<o:p></o:p></div>
<br />Michael Abbotthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01994073153832532754noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8961857586329519391.post-77683922103681466002018-05-02T13:26:00.000-07:002018-05-02T13:26:57.206-07:00Re-Charged!<br />
<div class="MsoNormal">
I have a car for sale. I spent a weekend detailing it so I
have it stored away and only take it out every once in a while to keep the
battery charged or to show it to prospective buyers. Evidently I don’t take it
out enough because I got in it today and click, click, click… Not enough juice
to fire it up. <o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
See when a vehicle is operating properly it recharges the
battery while it is running. Over time if the car just sits the battery slowly
loses it charge until there isn’t enough left to crank the engine. The truth is
that there are many areas of our lives that are very similar to a car’s battery
- our health, our relationships, our faith, etc. Any of these neglected over
time drains the life out of them.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
I’d like to focus on a specific area today in my post – the Gifts
of the Holy Spirit.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
“For this reason I remind you to fan into flame the gift of
God, which is in you through the laying on of my hands.” – 2 Timothy 1:6 NIV<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Paul understood this concept and so he encouraged his
spiritual son Timothy to be diligent in the care of his spiritual gift(s). I
guess another way to say it is, ‘practice makes perfect.’ The more we operate
in the gifts of the Holy Spirit the more natural the supernatural becomes. So I
want to encourage you today to use your gifts. If you don’t know what your
spiritual gifts are then you are in for an adventure! You can find a list of
the gifts of the Holy Spirit in 1 Corinthians 12 & Romans 12:3-8. Find some
other believers who are operating in the gifts of the Holy Spirit and ask them
to pray for you to receive your gift(s). Not unlike the guy I had to have help my jump start my car!<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Let’s recharge and get fired up Church!</div>
Michael Abbotthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01994073153832532754noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8961857586329519391.post-19947861855382806662018-04-25T14:33:00.002-07:002018-04-25T14:33:52.329-07:00Rivers and Reservoirs<br />
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I am fortunate enough to live in beautiful Western North
Carolina right outside the Great Smoky Mountains National Park. It’s a land
full of rivers, streams and lakes where the water flows right out of the
ground. It’s very different from the high desert where I grew up in Southern
California. As a matter of fact the water at my home comes from a pristine
mountain spring where it is collected and piped into a reservoir. We usually
don’t give it much thought until something goes wrong which is usually at the
least opportune time.<o:p></o:p></div>
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Over the years a few things have happened to stop the flow
of water. Periodically our friendly neighborhood bear decides he wants a drink
and tips over the collection box. Other times smaller animals have nibbled
holes into the pipe. Even though they are small enough of them start to make a
big difference. Once our neighbor adjusted the valves and inadvertently bypassed
our tank. Oops. And there was the time when we were in an extended drought and
the spring just couldn’t keep up with the demand. That was exciting!<o:p></o:p></div>
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But I want to focus on one specific time where we lost
water. The spring was fine, the pipe intact and the reservoir was full but we
still had no water. What happened was roots had clogged the line between the
tank and the house. It was an ordeal to fix. See water is life –<o:p></o:p></div>
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<i>“He that believeth on me, as the scripture hath said, out of
his belly shall flow rivers of living water.” </i><b>- John 7:38 KJV</b><o:p></o:p></div>
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So what happens when the living water stops flowing in our
life? Well I promise nothing good. Just look at the difference between the Sea
of Galilee and the Dead Sea in Israel. Both have water flowing into them but
only Galilee has water flowing out. The Sea of Galilee is teeming with life,
the Dead Sea well, is named appropriately. Where water is stagnant bad things
begin to happen. See God wants our lives to be rivers not reservoirs. He wants
to fill us with life so that we can share it with other.<o:p></o:p></div>
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I love that Jesus said ‘streams’, as in more than one. I
believe that He has living water for us spiritually, relationally, physically,
emotionally, financially… You get the picture. But when that life flows in and
stops it’s not good for us or anyone else around us. We are supposed to be
conduits not consumers. We have to release the flow!<o:p></o:p></div>
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As best as I can tell there are 3 things that can stop the
flow through our lives. God. The enemy. Us. Let me explain.<o:p></o:p></div>
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God parted the Red Sea and stopped the Jordan River. He also
dried up the brook Elijah was drinking from. When God stops the flow it is because
we are in transition. We need to recognize the season we are in and be
sensitive to the Holy Spirit as we move forward. Sometimes God must create some
discomfort for us to leave what has become familiar. <o:p></o:p></div>
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Sometime the enemy stops the flow. In Genesis 26:15-22 we
see the Philistines stop up the wells that Abraham dug. Isaac had to re-dig 3
wells before he was successful. He named the last well Rehoboth which
translates as ‘spaciousness’. Spiritual Warfare is work but if we want to walk
in victory we have to engage in the battle.<o:p></o:p></div>
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And at times we are responsible for the blockage. Sin, greed,
selfishness, misplaced priorities, unforgiveness and pride are just a few of
the dams in our lives. See we stop the flow when we get full! When we are full
of ourselves or any of these other things there isn’t room left for God to pour
into us. We have to get empty which means getting rid of all the things that
don’t belong. It also means allowing what does belong to flow freely out of us
and into other people. We must recognize that the living water comes from Jesus and
is the Holy Spirit. In John 4 Jesus floods the life of a Samaritan woman who immediately begins to pour into others. The result was that many from her town put their faith in Jesus too. Let’s trust Him today to tear down the dams and to get life
flowing once again!</div>
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<o:p></o:p></div>
<br />Michael Abbotthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01994073153832532754noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8961857586329519391.post-33818742083058390492018-03-14T12:44:00.000-07:002018-03-14T12:44:40.629-07:00How I Sprained My Brain.<br />
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Four weeks ago I had an ‘Exertion Headache’ while working out. If you
don’t know what that is it’s okay because neither did I. The affects are
similar to a concussion and it’s caused by a spike in blood pressure in your
brain. Basically I stretched the blood vessels in my head beyond their normal
operating capacity. I was on my last rep when what felt like a grenade went off
in my head so I dumped the bar and collapsed on the ground. Honestly I thought
I blew a gasket in my brain and was seriously considered having someone call
911. After a few minutes the intense pain subsided and left me with a dull,
persistent pain in my temples, a stiff neck, sore jaw and an aversion to loud
noises. I’m still dealing with the residual effects.<o:p></o:p></div>
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So I did what any normal person would do and diagnosed myself with the
medical degree I got from GU (Google University). There were 6 factors listed
that can contribute to an Exertion Headache. I think I had 7 of them. The list included Dehydration, Big Movements, Heavy Weight, High Reps, Compromised
Blood Flow and Not Breathing. So I was fasting and hadn’t had anything to drink
before class, we were doing a bunch of front squats with as much weight as
possible, the bar was pushing up against my throat cutting off circulation and
I held my breathe on the last two reps. I will say that our coaches stress the
importance of hydration and breathing ALL the time. I knew<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>better. <o:p></o:p></div>
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I’ve worked out this hard before, even harder and been perfectly fine. It was
just the combination that pushed me and my blood pressure over the edge. It got
me thinking that these ‘factors’ might apply to areas of our lives beyond
our physical health. Like maybe our marriages, our money, our emotional well-being,
our walk with the Lord, etc.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></div>
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<i>“For physical training is of some value, but godliness has value for
all things, holding promise for both the present life and the life to come.”</i> <b>–
1 Timothy 4:8 NIV</b><o:p></o:p></div>
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Let’s take a look at those 6 factors from a different point of view –</div>
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<ol>
<li><b>Dehydration</b> – We need to be constantly pouring into our lives because
we are constantly pouring out of them. God has called us to be rivers not
reservoirs of His grace and life.</li>
<li><b>Big Movements</b> – Life ebbs and flows and so do our priorities. If we are
not putting the right amount of effort into the right places at the right time
we won’t get the right results.</li>
<li><b>Heavy Weight</b> – When we are dealing with a crisis in our life we often
see things only from that perspective. Some people seem to live in crisis,
going from one to the next. If they don’t have one of their own at the moment
they will attach to somebody else’s. Not a healthy way to live. We need to
remember this is just a season and God has brought us here for a reason.</li>
<li><b>High Reps</b> – Sometime we don’t appreciate the wear and tear of the daily
grind. If we’re not careful our routine becomes a rut and we’re crazy busy but
not making any headway. If something isn’t working more of it might not be the
answer.</li>
<li><b>Compromised Blood Flow</b> – Blood flows from the heart, carrying life
giving oxygen and food to every cell of our body and carrying away all the junk
that needs to go. When we lose heart it’s not long before we lose hope.</li>
<li><b>Not Breathing</b> – Speaking of hope sometimes we hold our breath hoping
that something will pass. Hope should produce faith and faith should move us to
action. Ultimately action is what will get us to our goal.</li>
</ol>
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Very rarely do we make one decision that’s so bad it causes
catastrophic results. Usually it’s a combination of things, over a period of
time that is our undoing. My advice is to listen to your coaches (people that are winning), watch for
warning signs along the way and take preventative measures so you don’t end up
sidelined with a Marriage/Money/Anything Else Exertion Headache.</div>
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<o:p></o:p></div>
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<i>“I have fought the good fight, I have finished the race, I have kept
the faith. Now there is in store for me the crown of righteousness, which the
Lord, the righteous Judge, will award to me on that day—and not only to me, but
also to all who have longed for his appearing.”</i> <b>– 2 Timothy 4:7-8 NIV</b><o:p></o:p></div>
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Michael Abbotthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01994073153832532754noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8961857586329519391.post-69840719523953570702018-02-28T10:55:00.000-08:002018-02-28T10:55:08.378-08:00Hunger and Thirst.<br />
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<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;">Have
you ever been really hungry or thirsty? I’m not talking about a meeting ran a
little long and you’re late for lunch hungry. I’m talking about the kind where
you’re weak in the knees and have the shakes kind of hungry. Or where your
tongue is stuck to the roof of your mouth and you have a splitting headache
from dehydration. The type of hunger and thirst that pushes everything else
aside. Last month the Oxford English Dictionary added ‘Hangry’ as a newly
recognized word. Here is their definition –<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;"><i>"Bad-tempered or irritable as a result of hunger."</i></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;">You
know who you are! Hunger and thirst will cause you to do things that you
normally wouldn’t do. </span><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: 16px;">Often when we are starved (overly hungry due to excessive need in some area of our life) it makes us prone to temptation. It’s no wonder that the enemy tempted Jesus after He had fasted for 40 days and nights.</span><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: 12pt;"> This is one of the reasons that fasting is such a
powerful experience for believers because it reveals and redirects what’s driving you.</span></div>
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<ul>
<li>Esau
sold his birthright for a stinking bowl of stew (Genesis 25).</li>
<li>The
Israelites complained against Moses and God in the wilderness REPEATEDLY (Exodus
16, 17, Numbers 11, 20, 21).</li>
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<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: 12pt;"> We often think of hunger and thirst as a
negative thing resulting from a place of great need. But it can be a great
motivating factor in our lives. Maybe a different way to think about it is a craving
or strong desire - I’m not hungry right now but I sure could destroy a piece of
cheesecake!</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;"><i>“The
appetite of laborers works for them; their hunger drives them on.”</i> <b>– Proverbs 16:26
NIV</b><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;">There
are people at my gym that are hungry. They are there every day and show up
early, they work up a sweat before class even starts and they stay after
to run an extra mile before they leave. They’re the ones making the big gains –
losing weight, adding muscle, hitting new personal records each week. They want
more. The people who show up a couple times a week, 5 minutes late and exercise
their jaws during the warmup – not so much. But we have to want the right
things in order to get the right results.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;"><i>“Blessed
[joyful, nourished by God’s goodness] are those who hunger and thirst for
righteousness [those who actively seek right standing with God], for they will
be [completely] satisfied.”</i> <b>– Matthew 5:6 AMP</b><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;">Just
like when God satisfied the Israelites with water from the rock and manna from
heaven He is looking to fill His children who are hungry and thirsty today. The
question is do YOU want more?<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />Michael Abbotthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01994073153832532754noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8961857586329519391.post-81296520381667635192018-02-21T13:09:00.000-08:002018-02-21T13:09:15.383-08:00The legacy of a country boy from North Carolina.<br />
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The Reverend William Franklin Graham Jr., known to the world
as Billy, finished his race today. He was 99. He was often referred to as ‘America’s
Pastor’ and his ministry reached untold millions of people. As we remember the
legacy that he left I can’t help but reflect on what made him who he was.<o:p></o:p></div>
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<b><u>He was humble</u>.</b> Born on a dairy farm in North Carolina he
never forgot his roots. In a day and age where Pastors and Evangelists have
become their own ‘brand’ and market themselves like a Fortune 500 company the
only brand Billy was pushing was Jesus.<o:p></o:p></div>
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<b><u>He was persistent</u>.</b> His ministry spanned 7 decades. It took
him around the world, brought him before kings and queens, presidents and prime
ministers. Long after others would have settled down he pressed on.<o:p></o:p></div>
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<i>“Brothers and sisters, I do not consider myself yet to have
taken hold of it. But one thing I do: Forgetting what is behind and straining
toward what is ahead, I press on toward the goal to win the prize for which God
has called me heavenward in Christ Jesus.”</i> <b>– Philippians 3:13-14 NIV</b><o:p></o:p></div>
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<b><u>His message was simple</u>.</b> Jesus died for your sin. Faith in Him
is the foundation of forgiveness. More than political influence, fame or
fortune Billy wanted people to know that God loved them and Jesus came to save
them. That straightforward message allowed him to cross cultures, denominations
and political aisles.<o:p></o:p></div>
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<i>“For I resolved to know nothing while I was with you except
Jesus Christ and him crucified.”</i> <b>– 1 Corinthians 2:2 NIV</b><o:p></o:p></div>
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<b><u>His character was uncompromising</u>.</b> I’ve never heard anyone
criticize Billy Graham’s character. He conducted himself with honor and integrity.
He successfully navigated the pitfalls of lust and greed that so many ‘superstars’
have found themselves in. He was known for taking extreme measures to ensure
that he wasn’t disqualified along the way.<o:p></o:p></div>
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<i>“Dear friends, I urge you, as foreigners and exiles, to
abstain from sinful desires, which wage war against your soul. Live such good
lives among the pagans that, though they accuse you of doing wrong, they may
see your good deeds and glorify God on the day he visits us.”</i> <b>- 1 Peter 2:11-12
NIV</b><o:p></o:p></div>
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A great man went home to be with the Lord today. But I can’t
help but think that the things that made him great are all things within our
grasp. We can be humble. We can persist. We can share the Good News of Jesus.
We can live with honor and integrity. See I think we estimate his worth by the
multitudes that he reached when God esteemed him for the man that he was. God
saw a man who was faithful with little so He entrusted him with much. God
chooses which doors to open. It is up to us to be ready and willing to walk
through them when He does.<o:p></o:p></div>
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*Biographical information was found at <a href="http://www.billygraham.org/about/biographies/billy-graham/">www.billygraham.org/about/biographies/billy-graham/</a><o:p></o:p></div>
<br />Michael Abbotthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01994073153832532754noreply@blogger.com0