tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-89478512027365869562024-02-18T17:36:02.436-08:00Finding Your Way, Anew Each Day!Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01484549442701614337noreply@blogger.comBlogger6125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8947851202736586956.post-62809747985558452642015-01-23T06:44:00.001-08:002015-01-23T06:46:02.815-08:00Why Seek the Living Among the (Walking) Dead?<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiaaZ-4_Vb-xh8tzrG6ex7Q3HO2MqvTJrLNDRMnUWU7f98ho3aSdG1LXNWf0woh2gnTlH4d9605tmwe9oy7GwsUmVcF5LsHOG04bQ-5M4LVfZ98x5lgNWnFdj7YmgLQEkcWLlILQ9LIj7Y4/s1600/Walking-Dead-Season-4-Wallpaper-HD.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiaaZ-4_Vb-xh8tzrG6ex7Q3HO2MqvTJrLNDRMnUWU7f98ho3aSdG1LXNWf0woh2gnTlH4d9605tmwe9oy7GwsUmVcF5LsHOG04bQ-5M4LVfZ98x5lgNWnFdj7YmgLQEkcWLlILQ9LIj7Y4/s1600/Walking-Dead-Season-4-Wallpaper-HD.jpg" height="180" width="320" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Now in its fifth season, The Walking Dead has become a cult phenomenon. Millions of people are looking forward to the new season that begins in early February. It is amazing, how many people set aside one hour every Sunday to watch this very un-scriptural TV program, but find it way too hard to set aside one hour for God. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">From a Christian perspective, it is not really wholesome entertainment. I find it amazing, people will talk about this program, share about this program, and make certain they don't miss the next episode. It is almost like their Sunday's revolve around a science fiction TV program.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">If people that truly live for this program would put even 10% of the same effort into setting one hour on Sunday apart for God, what a different world this would be! If the same people spent 1% of the time they talk about the Walking Dead, and instead, talked about the one that gives us eternal life, what a change they would find in their lives, and in the lives of others they reach for our Lord.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">On that first Easter morning, when the women arrived at the tomb of Jesus, an angel greeted them with these words. "<i>Why seek the living among the dead</i>?" We are truly living in an age where God is marking foreheads. He is separating His sheep from the goats. Where do you choose to be? With the walking dead? Or walking in the light of God's Word?</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">It is time that those that call themselves Christians, to begin to act like Christians in everything they say and do, and sincerely mean it from the depths of their heart. If you agree with this premise, share this with your friends.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">+Bob</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Solo Deo Gloria!</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">To God alone be the glory!</span></div>
Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01484549442701614337noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8947851202736586956.post-72266928421138727062015-01-05T10:53:00.000-08:002015-01-05T10:53:06.019-08:00There's an APP for that!<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh_7stRDnbC59B-_pV3z4c0emuySAyu71gx6m7wQDGHqblQrwNxK15Ea2Ti9Mlw5auFzgDSj-38SEneu3SdH6EUDWEQdmqBesh8AYqjz8I8evxtMVDYiGx_DrXRP9tHu8lOQORDNNElvYLb/s1600/follow-me-no-im-not-talking-about-twitter.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh_7stRDnbC59B-_pV3z4c0emuySAyu71gx6m7wQDGHqblQrwNxK15Ea2Ti9Mlw5auFzgDSj-38SEneu3SdH6EUDWEQdmqBesh8AYqjz8I8evxtMVDYiGx_DrXRP9tHu8lOQORDNNElvYLb/s1600/follow-me-no-im-not-talking-about-twitter.jpg" height="288" width="320" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: "BakerSignet BT","sans-serif";">Since
I was young child, I have always loved electronics and technology. It became my passion, and my life’s ambition. For most of my 44 years of working life, it
has been my mainstay and career, along with communications. I have watched the world go from glowing
vacuum tubes to transistors, from transistors to integrated circuits, and from
integrated circuits to computer microchips and beyond. To think, the computing power in the average
Smartphone is vastly more than all the on-board computers that took man to the
moon and back during the Apollo Space Program.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "BakerSignet BT","sans-serif";">Over
the past 25 years, the advances in technology have moved forward at lightning
speed. For several years it seemed that
if you went out and purchased a new computer, it would be obsolete before you
got it home, and out of the box.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "BakerSignet BT","sans-serif";">The
hard-wired home phone of the 1970’s has been replaced by an electronic marvel
that has progressed from something that required a large leather case, to a
small device that can fit in your pocket, be strapped on your belt, or tucked
in your purse. These devices do so many
things. They can our your snapshot camera
and video camera, they can do your banking, they can book airline tickets, they
can bring you goods and services right to your door, they can provide you the
news, they can deliver your mail, they can give you directions to most anywhere
with vocal turn-by-turn instructions, they can become your personal movie
theater, and they can research almost anything imaginable, and so much more. There are even apps for pizza delivery. Oh,
and I almost forgot, they can even make phone calls.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "BakerSignet BT","sans-serif";">Since
the opening of the Internet to the general public <i>(and to the world)</i> a little over 20 years ago, everything about our
lives has changed. We have come a long
way from dial-up modems and private messaging boards. Services, such as America
On-Line™ along with MSN and Yahoo Messenger™ are now considered “<i>old school</i>” grand-folk stuff. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "BakerSignet BT","sans-serif";">All
this technology at our fingertips can be a blessing and a curse. It can keep us connected to family and
friends (<i>using social media sites like
Facebook™, Twitter™ and Instagram™</i>), make quicker many of our life’s tasks,
keep us informed during times of crisis, and can be a wealth of information and
increased knowledge. On the other hand it can allow work to creep into our home
life (<i>like the camels’ nose coming into
the tent</i>), it can distort fantasy from reality, it can diminish our
interpersonal skills, and it often can be a gateway to disaster. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "BakerSignet BT","sans-serif";">Criminals
and sexual predators use it to steal our finances and personal information, and
lure our young children into unspeakable sexual exploitation. A number of recent news stories document,
that in any given month, there are more visits to pornography sites than to
Netflix™, Amazon™ and Twitter™ combined. Over a third of all Internet bandwidth
is used for porn, including child porn.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "BakerSignet BT","sans-serif";">The
under-30 generation can easily be identified by seeing groups of them gazing
into the screens of their phones, and communicating with their thumbs, and
never saying a word. They communicate by text, and share their lives on social
media.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "BakerSignet BT","sans-serif";">Social
Media is also another blessing and curse. On one hand parents and grandparents
can see daily pictures of their children and grandchildren, and share their
lives in ways that could never be done just a quarter century ago. Chat Rooms can bring people of common
interest together, or they can tear existing relationships apart. Dating sites are increasingly not being used
for two single people to meet and build a meaningful relationship, but to set
up “<i>hook-ups,</i>” affairs and other adulterous
relationships that break up families and homes. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "BakerSignet BT","sans-serif";">A
recent study done by Michigan State University has found that couples who meet
on-line are far more likely to <b><i><u>not</u></i></b> marry, and those that do
marry are three times more likely to divorce than people who were introduced in
a more conventional way. The study also
showed that many people looking for new relationships on-line were simply
seeking to leave an existing relationship, without really putting any effort in
saving the one they were currently in.
They end up treating the new relationship the same way, with a low level
of commitment.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "BakerSignet BT","sans-serif";">So
what do us as Christians do? First, make
Christ the center of your life, and <b><i><u>NOT</u></i></b> your technology. Recognize that we need to be the master of
our technology and not the slave. Seek
God’s leadership on how this technology can improve our families, lighten our
workload, increase our productivity, share His gospel, and increase our
knowledge and so many other worthy purposes.
Lastly, remember that Jesus Christ is not simply an “APP” that we turn
to when we just need or want something, but rather, He is the Son of God
seeking a 24/7 relationship with each of us.
The best part about our Lord is this; you don’t need technology or a
Smartphone “APP” to find Him. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "BakerSignet BT","sans-serif";">If
your use of technology, or someone you know, has caused damage in your life or
theirs, or has damaged the lives of others, also remember our Lord can help you
or that person through that too. Maybe
you have used this technology for a wrongful purpose, it really doesn’t matter,
<b><i><u>if</u></i></b>
you want to make things right. Maybe you have let this technology interfere
with your spiritual life, your home life, family and other relationships. God can help you through that as well. Many like to think they’re anonymous when
they are on-line, but nothing could be farther from the truth. We read in Luke 12:2 these words: <i>“For there is nothing covered, that shall
not be revealed; neither hid, that shall not be known.”</i> <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "BakerSignet BT","sans-serif";">Let
us pray. “Heavenly Father, we thank you
for all the gifts, including technology, that can enhance our lives. Teach us to be good stewards of all the
things we possess. When we have failed
You in being good stewards, we humbly ask for your forgiveness. Lead us, Lord, to glorify You in all we do in
our lives, and convict our hearts when we don’t. We thank You for Your love for
us, and for sending your Son to redeem the world. Forgive us, and empower us to
be all we should be, for we ask this in Jesus name. Amen.” <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "BakerSignet BT","sans-serif";">If
what you read meant something to you, or would be helpful to others, please
share this with all your friends. You can also find this and other writings at </span><a href="http://bishopbobsblog.blogspot.com/"><span style="font-family: "BakerSignet BT","sans-serif";">http://bishopbobsblog.blogspot.com</span></a><span style="font-family: "BakerSignet BT","sans-serif";">. If you have any comments, share them with me
at: </span><a href="mailto:bishopbob@provinceoftheholyspirit.com"><span style="font-family: "BakerSignet BT","sans-serif";">bishopbob@provinceoftheholyspirit.com</span></a><span style="font-family: "BakerSignet BT","sans-serif";">. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "BakerSignet BT","sans-serif";">Soli Deo Gloria!<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<i><span style="font-family: "BakerSignet BT","sans-serif";">“To
God Alone Be the Glory!”<o:p></o:p></span></i></div>
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<span style="font-family: "BakerSignet BT","sans-serif";">+Bob<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01484549442701614337noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8947851202736586956.post-34577821949560659702014-12-31T06:08:00.001-08:002014-12-31T06:08:08.999-08:00Be Resolved!<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgIXmLgqlmuXa_kAAeQDfn5DWP4EShoWn_ZhN3323OkL2OhUC92edNTIjvdMgcsG50fbzLralssoNG6dFRF6olN5Yg1K5fmBxnZE4jJZkO7fxlK1JSlnvReg6hL7uj0vlqHDEe5Ri94aVWf/s1600/Failed+resolutions-resized-600.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgIXmLgqlmuXa_kAAeQDfn5DWP4EShoWn_ZhN3323OkL2OhUC92edNTIjvdMgcsG50fbzLralssoNG6dFRF6olN5Yg1K5fmBxnZE4jJZkO7fxlK1JSlnvReg6hL7uj0vlqHDEe5Ri94aVWf/s1600/Failed+resolutions-resized-600.jpg" height="218" width="320" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: "BakerSignet BT","sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;">Today's writing is going to cover
both New Years Eve, and New Years Day. As I start to write this, I want to take
a moment to wish my brother, David Biermann, a happy birthday on December 31st.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "BakerSignet BT","sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;">I could not help but think, as I
woke up this morning, what a huge increase there is going to be in new gym
memberships, diet programs, as well as the sale of nicotine patches and
nicotine gum, and E-cigarettes. It is that time of the year when we "<i>ritualistically</i>" make our New
Year's resolutions. However, as in times past (<i>and even from my own personal experience</i>), how many of those gym
memberships will still be active by the end of March? If those gym
memberships are for a year, how many months will they not be used in 2015?<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "BakerSignet BT","sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;">The bottom line is this, many people
will have good intentions, to which they have no power to follow through.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "BakerSignet BT","sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;">As we end a year, and look forward
to the clean slate of a new, we often try to find ways to better ourselves. It
seems, at this time of the year, we look over the past year, and we see our
accomplishments, but we also see our many failings. We make a vow that this New
Year will be different.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "BakerSignet BT","sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;">If we are honest with ourselves, on
New Year's Eve, smokers, that say they want to quit, will still be smoking.
People that want to be on a diet, will still be eating unhealthy food.
The list goes on.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "BakerSignet BT","sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;">The good part, about this annual
ritual, is we take a moment to see our shortcomings. In our minds, we envision
we can correct all our problems, if we simply resolve to do so. We then take a
personal pledge to fix those shortcomings. Statistically though, only a small
percentage will ever succeed in keeping their New Year's resolutions.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "BakerSignet BT","sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;">Most New Year's resolutions are
based on fixing things with our human body. Some resolutions attempt to fix
shortcomings in ourselves and our personality, and even relationships. In
the final analysis, many men and women will seek to drop a clothing size or two.
A small number will succeed, perhaps for
a while, most will end up being the same, or perhaps a size larger by year’s
end. Many a bathroom scale will be
challenged in the process.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "BakerSignet BT","sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;">The desire to improve ourselves is a
good thing. After all, at this time of
the year we look back and ponder what we accomplished and where we failed. We think about what needs to be different for
the coming year, to make it a far better year than the one past. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "BakerSignet BT","sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;">Whenever you buy a new vehicle, it
comes with an owner’s manual. If you go by the owner’s manual, the vehicle will
last many years longer, and be far more trouble free. The problem is, many
people never look at the owner's manual, and cause severe damage to the vehicle
by simply ignoring routine maintenance. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "BakerSignet BT","sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;">The same is true with people. When
we were created by God, there is an owner’s manual that needs to be followed.
That owner's manual is called the Bible. Sadly, far too few of us ever read that
owner’s manual, and then we wonder why things can go so wrong. Many also skip the “routine maintenance,”
which is finding a fellowship and worshiping God in a local church. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "BakerSignet BT","sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;">Real and lasting change, right down
to our clothing size and the elimination of bad habits, starts with having a
solid relationship with the one that made us.
He, alone, can do far more to change us, than we could ever do to change
ourselves. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "BakerSignet BT","sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;">In 1945, Warner Brother released a
film entitled “God is My Co-Pilot.” That
film is based on the autobiography of the same name by Robert Lee
Scott, Jr. The film tells the story of Scott's association with
the Flying Tigers and the United States Army Air
Forces in China and Burma during World War II. The film has a sentimental theme, God with us
to help us, and often to this day you will find many bumper stickers on cars
that proclaim that God is my Co-Pilot. For many it sounds like a great concept, however,
there is one problem with that frame of mind.
God as nothing more than a Co-Pilot implies we are always in charge, and
only let God “help,” but we still keep our hands firmly on the controls. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "BakerSignet BT","sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;">In 2005 Carrie Underwood released a
song that probably should be our frame of mind.
That song, “<b>Jesus Take the Wheel</b>”
(<a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lydBPm2KRaU">https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lydBPm2KRaU</a>)
is the story of a person that has lived a life of troubles, mistakes and broken
relationships. She comes to the point when all hope seems gone, and driving a
car that goes out of control on an icy road, she cries out “<i>Jesus, take the wheel!”</i> Instead
of trying to keep control of something that is out of control, she gives it
100% to her Lord. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "BakerSignet BT","sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;">As we end one year, and begin
another, maybe you have some areas of your life that are “out of control,” and
you find there is nothing you can do to make it better. Maybe you see things that need change in your
life, that though you have tried (<i>and
failed</i>) before, they still need to be addressed. May I suggest, instead of making a list of
New Year’s resolutions you may not have the power to keep, just make one. Let that resolution be to resolve yourself to
be more like Christ in everything you do. Let Him work the needed changes in your life,
as only He can do. I think if we make
that one resolution, 2015 could be your best year ever. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "BakerSignet BT","sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;">2<sup>nd</sup> Corinthians 5:17 “Therefore
if any man be in Christ, he is a new creature: old things are passed away;
behold, all things are become new.”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<b><span style="font-family: "BakerSignet BT","sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;">HAPPY NEW YEAR & AND A BLESSED 2015!<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
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<i><span style="color: #a6a6a6; font-family: "BakerSignet BT","sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-themecolor: background1; mso-themeshade: 166;">About the author: The
Rt. Rev. Robert S. Biermann is a Bishop in the </span></i><span style="font-family: "BakerSignet BT","sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;"><a href="http://provinceoftheholyspirit.com/"><i><span style="color: #a6a6a6; mso-themecolor: background1; mso-themeshade: 166;">Province of
the Holy Spirit-Anglican Rite</span></i></a><i><span style="color: #a6a6a6; mso-themecolor: background1; mso-themeshade: 166;">. He has been a Church pastor, and church
planter. In his earlier career (and to
this day) is in the broadcast industry, both in on-air and engineering, working
in both medium and major markets. He has
built a number of radio stations, and for a many years was a talk show host. <o:p></o:p></span></i></span></div>
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<i><span style="color: #a6a6a6; font-family: "BakerSignet BT","sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-themecolor: background1; mso-themeshade: 166;">Bishop Biermann
now resides in Vero Beach, Florida where he works with a syndicated radio
network, and is developing broadcast programming materials for sharing the good
news of the gospel for both a domestic and international audience. ©2014, Bishop Bob’s Blog <o:p></o:p></span></i></div>
Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01484549442701614337noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8947851202736586956.post-85206958881098090472014-12-30T04:39:00.002-08:002014-12-30T04:39:57.674-08:00Lessons Learned from an Ostrich<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjL_SGufyVT6AQpBu6s6oovzZZfrrCXmgidf7H98CDujPSw-iqGekM1uMiSTcDLLP1cutme-lX7GcZX734GDw15g_kUX3FYKSW_AVxKGnHuNFNecSJ3cOIXRqvBFVt0Z178cdekztqRyxDE/s1600/cartoon-ostrich-clipart-imge-2.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjL_SGufyVT6AQpBu6s6oovzZZfrrCXmgidf7H98CDujPSw-iqGekM1uMiSTcDLLP1cutme-lX7GcZX734GDw15g_kUX3FYKSW_AVxKGnHuNFNecSJ3cOIXRqvBFVt0Z178cdekztqRyxDE/s1600/cartoon-ostrich-clipart-imge-2.png" height="320" width="320" /></a></div>
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<b><span style="background: white; font-family: "BakerSignet BT","sans-serif"; font-size: 18.0pt;">Lessons Learned from an Ostrich<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
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<span style="background: white; font-family: "BakerSignet BT","sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;">The old saying that
someone is "<i>burying their head in
the sand</i>," when they refuse to acknowledge a problem, stems from the
popular belief that ostriches do just that when they're frightened or facing
danger. The truth is, they really don’t. </span><span style="font-family: "BakerSignet BT","sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;">The common belief that ostriches
stick their head into holes might stem from the sight of an ostrich "<i>laying low</i>" to the ground when it
is unable to run away from a predator or some other threat. When attempting to
hide in plain sight, an ostrich lies as close as possible to the ground in
order to make itself less noticeable. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="background: white; font-family: "BakerSignet BT","sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;">Ostriches are
large, flightless birds that have long legs and a long neck that protrudes from
a round body.</span><span class="apple-converted-space"><span style="background: white; color: #666666; font-family: "BakerSignet BT","sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial;"> </span></span><span style="background: white; font-family: "BakerSignet BT","sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;">Ostriches are bigger than any other bird in the world. They can grow up
to 9 feet tall and can weigh up to 320 lbs., They are also fast on their legs,
and generally can outrun any predator. If an ostrich really buried its head in
the sand, thinking that they are safe from danger when doing so <i>(out of sight—out of mind)</i>, they would
become an easy “lunch” for a predator without ever knowing what happened. It appears that the ostrich is far smarter
than that.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="background: white; font-family: "BakerSignet BT","sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;">The truth is, the
only living creatures on earth that “<i>buries
their head in the sand</i>” are people.
While an ostrich will generally respond to God given instinct to flee
danger, human beings often attempt to rely on their own intellect.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="background: white; font-family: "BakerSignet BT","sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;">Let me give you an
actual true example of “<i>burying your head
in the sand</i>.” A little over a year ago I was driving in a vehicle with
someone I know. I noticed that the red
airbag warning light was constantly on.
I pointed that out (<i>and knew from
owning an almost identical vehicle</i>) that meant in an accident that one or
both airbags would <b><i><u>NOT</u></i></b> deploy. That
warning light indicated a real and potential danger that needed immediate attention.
I strongly advised getting that checked, as that individual was racking up many
miles on the Interstate and other driving, increasing the potential of exposure
to an accident. Without the airbags, the
chances of suffering serious injury or death dramatically increase. Any
passenger that would travel in that vehicle would also be at a higher risk. Now,
over a year later, that light is <b><i><u>STILL ON</u></i></b> and has never been
checked! The irony is that same individual
is far more concerned with repairing a dent on the driver’s door. From my point of view, that person is <i>burying their head in the sand</i> to a real
danger, while showing a poor choice of priorities in dealing with something
that is only cosmetic.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="background: white; font-family: "BakerSignet BT","sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;">Often people live
their lives believing if they simply stick their head in the sand, the problem
will go away. People believe that
everything will always go on as it has, and take no time to prepare for the
things that might happen in life, or take the corrective action to fix things
in their life that need to be addressed.
When faced with a crisis, they fail to take action, in other words sticking
their head in the sand.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="background: white; font-family: "BakerSignet BT","sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;">The same can be
true in our spiritual lives. When we
live our lives doing things that (<i>deep
inside</i>) we know are not pleasing to God, and/or openly and without
repentance continue in sin, we place ourselves in real danger. In the real world an ostrich will see danger,
and find a rapid path of escape. Far too often people will bury their head in
the sand, and falsely believe that God does not see them, or notice their sin
before Him. The reality is the only one they’re
fooling is themselves, and the danger is still very real and present. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="background: white; font-family: "BakerSignet BT","sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;">In Proverbs 1:7 we
find these words: “<i>The fear of the LORD
is the beginning of knowledge: but fools despise wisdom and instruction.</i>” If we truly love and desire to serve our Lord,
we would always be wise (wisdom) to strive to keep ourselves out of harm’s way. However, when we do find ourselves in danger,
whether physical or spiritual, our first response should be, like the ostrich, get
out of that situation without delay, and not bury our head in the sand. The good news is this, at those times that we
find ourselves in a situation where there seems no escape, we still have the
hope that can be found in Jesus Christ. God
can deliver people from problems that no one else can solve. When our situation
seems hopeless and helpless, when we are powerless to save ourselves that is
when we need a Savior. God is the ultimate Savior. Only He has the solution to
our greatest needs. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="background: white; font-family: "BakerSignet BT","sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;">Yes, there is a lot
we can learn from the ostrich, that in any type of trouble or danger, we should
flee to a safe refuge. Psalm 46:1-3: “God is our refuge and strength, A very
present help in trouble. Therefore we will not fear, though the earth should
change And though the mountains slip into the heart of the sea; Though its
waters roar and foam, Though the mountains quake at its swelling pride.” <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="background: white; font-family: "BakerSignet BT","sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;">Heavenly Father, help us to learn from You how to face the challenges,
dangers and shortcomings of our lives. Teach us not to look to our own
understanding, but to flee to you for refuge, strength and wisdom. Show us the
way to come to you and turn away from our sins and cleanse us from all unrighteousness. Forgive us, and restore us. For this we ask in your Son’s name, Jesus
Christ. Amen.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<i><span style="color: #a6a6a6; font-family: "BakerSignet BT","sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-themecolor: background1; mso-themeshade: 166;">The Rt. Rev.
Robert S. Biermann is a Bishop in the <a href="http://provinceoftheholyspirit.com/"><span style="color: #a6a6a6; mso-themecolor: background1; mso-themeshade: 166;">Province of the Holy Spirit-Anglican
Rite</span></a>. He has been a Church
pastor, and church planter. In his earlier
career he was in the broadcast industry, both in on-air and engineering, working
in both medium and major markets. He has
built a number of radio stations, and for a many years was a talk show host. <o:p></o:p></span></i></div>
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<i><span style="color: #a6a6a6; font-family: "BakerSignet BT","sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-themecolor: background1; mso-themeshade: 166;">Bishop Biermann
now resides in Vero Beach, Florida where he works with a syndicated radio
network, and is developing broadcast programming materials for sharing the good
news of the gospel for both a domestic and international audience. ©2014, Bishop Bob’s Blog <o:p></o:p></span></i></div>
Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01484549442701614337noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8947851202736586956.post-58159358201742134892014-12-29T05:49:00.003-08:002014-12-29T05:49:32.727-08:00What’s Your Priority?<h2 style="text-align: center;">
<b><span style="font-family: 'BakerSignet BT', sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: x-large;">What’s Your Priority?</span></span></b></h2>
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<b><span style="font-family: 'BakerSignet BT', sans-serif; font-size: 14pt;"><br /></span></b></div>
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<span style="font-family: "BakerSignet BT","sans-serif"; font-size: 14.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial;">A number
of years ago I had the opportunity to meet a man who had finally gotten
everything he could ever desire in life. From the time he hit 40, he had this goal of
retiring by the age of 55. For approximately
15 years he worked long hours, plus weekends, and piled up as much money as he
could into various accounts and investments.
His work kept him from virtually all family activities, and he was seldom
at home. He missed his children’s many
accomplishments, and almost never had any time for his wife and family. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "BakerSignet BT","sans-serif"; font-size: 14.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial;">As the
years went on, his bank account grew larger.
In fact, they even scaled back on their living to be able to even save
even more. Shortly before his 55<sup>th</sup>
birthday, he announced he would soon be retiring, and it was time to put their current
house up for sale. When the house sold,
they took a trip to Florida, and he quickly located the perfect condo near the
Gulf of Mexico that was close to a Golf Course.
A few months later he retired, and he and his wife made the move.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "BakerSignet BT","sans-serif"; font-size: 14.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial;">For all
these years he had worked toward this single minded goal, and though he had
paid a huge price by being distant from his family, and even estranged, he
could always find a way to justify it to himself, that “he” deserved it for all
his hard work. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "BakerSignet BT","sans-serif"; font-size: 14.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial;">A few
days after the move, and while still unpacking, the man started developing some
severe abdominal pains. For a couple of
days he dismissed it to having just moved, but finally, when it got too bad, he
went to the Emergency Room. Shortly thereafter
he was given the diagnosis of advanced pancreatic cancer. At the time I was a Hospice Chaplain, and
the wife had requested the services of a Chaplain. I
assumed I was there to provide her, their now adult children and her husband
comfort, but that proved not to be the case. When I arrived, she let me know that this man
had no use for God, and he considered anyone that did “weak.” While she had been a believer before she
married, she had not been active in years, and neither had her children.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "BakerSignet BT","sans-serif"; font-size: 14.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial;">The
reason she wanted to see a Chaplain was she was worried that she was not
feeling any remorse or sadness that her husband would soon be gone, in fact,
she was happy, relieved, and content. It
was obvious that her children despised their father, and were only there to
help their mother. I spent time with
them, listening to how hurt and angry they were for all those years, as he
abandoned them to seek his early retirement. I did my best to assure them not to feel
guilt, as they had been the victims of a single minded selfishness, to which
they had no control. Before I left, I
did enter the bedroom to talk to the husband.
His only words to me were “If there is a god, and after all my hard
work, why would he let this happen?” He indicated he did not want an answer. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "BakerSignet BT","sans-serif"; font-size: 14.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial;">We live
in a day and age where more times than not, so many families priorities are out
of order. We have a generation that has
forsaken the message of Christ, and acquiring “things,” advancing our careers,
or achieving certain goals becomes dominate. While there is nothing wrong with careers and
goals, and the rewards they offer, we must have solid priorities, and those priorities
need to be grounded on the solid foundation found in our Lord Jesus Christ. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "BakerSignet BT","sans-serif"; font-size: 14.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial;">We live
in a connected world of technology, which can be a double edged sword. On one hand it can connect us to those we
love, or become an intrusion into our family life, and even our time with God. It can connect us, or split us apart. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span class="versetext"><span style="background: white; color: #333333; font-family: "BakerSignet BT","sans-serif"; font-size: 14.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial;">In Luke Chapter 12, beginning at verse 16
we find this parable that Jesus shares with His disciples: <i>“And he spake a parable unto them, saying,</i></span></span><span class="apple-converted-space"><i><span style="background: white; color: #333333; font-family: "BakerSignet BT","sans-serif"; font-size: 14.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial;"> ‘</span></i></span><span class="wordsofchrist"><i><span style="background: white; color: #333333; font-family: "BakerSignet BT","sans-serif"; font-size: 14.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial;">The ground of a certain rich man brought
forth plentifully:</span></i></span><span class="apple-converted-space"><i><span style="background: white; color: #333333; font-family: "BakerSignet BT","sans-serif"; font-size: 14.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial;"> </span><span id="lu12-17" style="text-align: start;"> </span></i></span><span class="wordsofchrist"><i><span style="background: white; color: #333333; font-family: "BakerSignet BT","sans-serif"; font-size: 14.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial;">and he reasoned within himself, saying,
What shall I do, because I have not where to bestow my fruits?</span></i></span><span class="apple-converted-space"><i><span style="background: white; color: #333333; font-family: "BakerSignet BT","sans-serif"; font-size: 14.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial;"> </span><span id="lu12-18" style="text-align: start;"> </span></i></span><span class="wordsofchrist"><i><span style="background: white; color: #333333; font-family: "BakerSignet BT","sans-serif"; font-size: 14.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial;">And he said, This
will I do: I will pull down my barns, and build greater; and there will I
bestow all my grain and my goods.</span></i></span><span class="apple-converted-space"><i><span style="background: white; color: #333333; font-family: "BakerSignet BT","sans-serif"; font-size: 14.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial;"> </span></i></span><span class="wordsofchrist"></span><i><span style="background: white; color: #333333; font-family: "BakerSignet BT","sans-serif"; font-size: 14.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial;"><span style="text-align: start;"><span id="lu12-19">And I will say to my soul, Soul, thou hast much
goods laid up for many years; take thine ease, eat, drink, be merry.</span></span></span></i><span class="apple-converted-space"><i><span style="background: white; color: #333333; font-family: "BakerSignet BT","sans-serif"; font-size: 14.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial;"> </span></i></span><span class="wordsofchrist"></span><i><span style="background: white; color: #333333; font-family: "BakerSignet BT","sans-serif"; font-size: 14.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial;"><span style="text-align: start;"><span id="lu12-20">But God said unto him, Thou foolish one, this
night is thy soul required of thee; and the things which thou hast prepared,
whose shall they be?</span></span></span></i><span class="apple-converted-space"><i><span style="background: white; color: #333333; font-family: "BakerSignet BT","sans-serif"; font-size: 14.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial;"> </span></i></span><span class="wordsofchrist"></span><i><span style="background: white; color: #333333; font-family: "BakerSignet BT","sans-serif"; font-size: 14.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial;"><span style="text-align: start;"><span id="lu12-21">So is he that layeth up treasure for himself, and
is not rich toward God’.</span>”</span></span></i><span class="wordsofchrist"><span style="background: white; color: #333333; font-family: "BakerSignet BT","sans-serif"; font-size: 14.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial;"> </span><span style="background: white; color: #333333; font-family: 'BakerSignet BT', sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: x-small;">(Luke 12: 16-21, New American Version)</span><span style="font-size: medium;"><o:p></o:p></span></span></span></div>
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<span class="wordsofchrist"><span style="background: white; color: #333333; font-family: "BakerSignet BT","sans-serif"; font-size: 14.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial;">It was so sad that this man had only laid
up his treasures on earth, without fully counting the real cost, not just to
his family, but even himself. In all my years in ministry, I never saw a hearse
pulling a U-Haul. <o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<span class="wordsofchrist"><span style="background: white; color: #333333; font-family: "BakerSignet BT","sans-serif"; font-size: 14.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial;">About a month later I had a phone call
from the wife, indicating her husband had passed away a few days before. I offered to do the service, but she said <i>(that in keeping with her husband’s wishes)</i>
there would be no service of any kind. In fact, that was fine by her. I asked how she was doing, and she said she was
doing very well. She was planning to
sell the new condo, move back home, and be closely connected to her family,
though she did say she would return to Florida in a few years. She was determined to get her priorities
right, and make the best of the time she would have in this life. I wished her God’s blessings and best, and
took some time to share a prayer. <o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<br /></div>
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<span class="wordsofchrist"><span style="background: white; color: #333333; font-family: "BakerSignet BT","sans-serif"; font-size: 14.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial;">I never heard from that woman again, but
something deep inside says that God made a major change in her life. She was determined to make up for all her
family lost, and I’m sure, in doing so, she found genuine peace and happiness.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<br /></div>
<div align="center" class="MsoNoSpacing" style="text-align: center;">
<span class="wordsofchrist"><span style="background: white; color: #333333; font-family: "BakerSignet BT","sans-serif"; font-size: 14.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial;">Heavenly Father</span></span><span style="font-family: 'BakerSignet BT', sans-serif; font-size: 14pt;">, help us to get our
priorities right - Your priorities. May our lives be more centered on <b><i><u>You</u></i></b>
and less centered on ourselves. Amen.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
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<br /></div>
Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01484549442701614337noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8947851202736586956.post-36005680427258408562014-12-28T10:00:00.000-08:002014-12-28T10:00:35.317-08:00Seeking Him, or seeking yourself. <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgr-h2JpOSp6hPYrf_-zbW-SoXg5vgalI-lvYDqr7l_YJMg8c2hOCVFSKXH7_bchgEzikwRBNpd1YogsJkLVz9aQdB-b_-1IY4CWcTaWUTVHvHGGVBe_2QVmhH2mFC7gZnDMshop3MYZmTR/s1600/wisemen-5x7-card-600x428.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgr-h2JpOSp6hPYrf_-zbW-SoXg5vgalI-lvYDqr7l_YJMg8c2hOCVFSKXH7_bchgEzikwRBNpd1YogsJkLVz9aQdB-b_-1IY4CWcTaWUTVHvHGGVBe_2QVmhH2mFC7gZnDMshop3MYZmTR/s1600/wisemen-5x7-card-600x428.jpg" height="228" width="320" /></a></div>
<div style="background: white; line-height: 19.3pt; margin: 0in 0in 6pt; text-align: justify;">
<span style="color: #141823; font-family: "Helvetica","sans-serif"; font-size: 14.0pt;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="background: white; line-height: 19.3pt; margin: 0in 0in 6pt; text-align: justify;">
<span style="color: #141823; font-family: "Helvetica","sans-serif"; font-size: 14.0pt;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="background: white; line-height: 19.3pt; margin: 0in 0in 6pt; text-align: justify;">
<span style="color: #141823; font-family: "Helvetica","sans-serif"; font-size: 14.0pt;">For most people Christmas 2014 is now
history. I am sure that many have taken their Christmas trees down, or will so
shortly. This morning, I thought to myself how many Christmas cards did we see
that showed the wise men at the manger scene in Bethlehem? While it makes a
great Christmas card, it is historically very inaccurate.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div style="background: white; line-height: 19.3pt; margin: 6pt 0in; text-align: justify;">
<span style="color: #141823; font-family: "Helvetica","sans-serif"; font-size: 14.0pt;">In our modern celebration of our Savior's Nativity, we lose
sight of some very important events that occurred at Jesus birth, events that
should be important to each and every one of us. Biblical scholars figure the
wise men traveled for a lengthy period of time, after seeing the appearance of
the star that guided them to where Jesus was. Historians assume that Jesus,
Mary, and Joseph stayed in Bethlehem for a period of up to two years. When the
wise men arrive in the area Jesus is living, they go first and see king Herod.
They tell the king that they have deduced the star indicates the birth of a
great king, and give him the timeline of when that star first appeared. The
king, who is an evil man at heart, request that when the wise men find this
"great king," they let him know where he can be found, so he too can
worship Him.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div style="background: white; line-height: 19.3pt; margin: 6pt 0in; text-align: justify;">
<span style="color: #141823; font-family: "Helvetica","sans-serif"; font-size: 14.0pt;">The wise men ultimately find Jesus, and bring their very
prophetic gifts to him. As the wise men leave, God speaks to their hearts not
to visit King Herod, and the Bible indicates they went home another way. God
warns Joseph in a dream to leave Bethlehem immediately. He, Jesus and Mary flee
to Egypt. When King Herod realizes the wise men are not returning, he orders
the death of all male children in the region under the age of 2, in an effort to
kill this great king.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div style="background: white; line-height: 19.3pt; margin: 6pt 0in; text-align: justify;">
<span style="color: #141823; font-family: "Helvetica","sans-serif"; font-size: 14.0pt;">The church remembers this day as Holy Innocents, though many
that celebrated this Christmas have no idea of how important it is. Think for a
moment how selfish King Herod was, ordering the death of children to protect
his own personal interest. How often do we do things, for our own personal
interest, that run contrary to what God has called us to do? How many times do
we willingly violate God's commandments, and try to justify our selves?<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div style="background: white; line-height: 19.3pt; margin: 6pt 0in; text-align: justify;">
<span style="color: #141823; font-family: "Helvetica","sans-serif"; font-size: 14.0pt;">St Paul reminds us that the wages of sin is death. Our only
chance for life, is found in Jesus Christ. That requires more than just lip
service, it requires true repentance, which means turning away from our sin.
Repentance truly means a change. If you were a thief before you found Christ,
you no longer desire to be a thief. You stop stealing, and even the thought of
doing so is repugnant. That is evidence of the change that can be found in
Jesus Christ. Look at any of the other Ten Commandments, if you truly love God,
and you have repented, you will desire to keep each and everyone of His
commandments. Without true repentance, and truly giving yourself to your Lord,
there is no health, there is no life. We, as the Bible says, deceive ourselves,
and the truth is not in us.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div style="background: white; line-height: 19.3pt; margin: 6pt 0in; text-align: justify;">
<span style="color: #141823; font-family: "Helvetica","sans-serif"; font-size: 14.0pt;">Remembering those children, that were killed for King Herod's
self interest, should remind us of the damage we do ourselves with our own self
interest, and the damage we often do to others. Sin never has a happy ending.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div style="background: white; line-height: 19.3pt; margin: 6pt 0in 0.0001pt; text-align: justify;">
<span style="color: #141823; font-family: "Helvetica","sans-serif"; font-size: 14.0pt;">As
we prepare to enter the year of 2015, let us fully seek the repentance of God,
and strive to follow His commandments.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01484549442701614337noreply@blogger.com0