Yahweh Tsuri - The Lord is My Rock

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This week, we will be looking at what it means to trust in and rely on our immovable Rock. The Lord Jesus Christ who is the foundation of our church and faith, the rock and fortress to whom we can run in times of trouble. He will not be moved nor shaken... He will stand firm and in Him, we are to stand firm. Shall we take a look at what this name means:

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Hebrew Strong's Number: 6697

Translated in the KJV: strength
Hebrew Word: ‏צוּר‎
Transliteration: ṣûr
Phonetic Pronunciation:tsoor
Root: from
Cross Reference: TWOT - 1901a
Part of Speech: n m
Vine's Words: Rock
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Usage Notes:
English Words used in KJV: rock 64 strength 5 sharp 2 God 2 beauty 1 edge 1 stones 1 mighty One 1 strong 1 [Total Count: 78]
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or tsur, tsoor; from (tsuwr); properly a cliff (or sharp rock, as compressed); generally a rock or boulder; figurative a refuge; also an edge (as precipitous) :- edge, × (mighty) God (one), rock, × sharp, stone, × strength, × strong. See also (Beyth Tsuwr).

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The Bible Knowledge Commentary Old Testament, Victor Books, Walvoord and Zuck, p. 895 contains the following commentary on the first four verses of Psalm 144:

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Psalm 144

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After blessing God for glorious deliverances in past battles, and marveling that God took nte of perishing people, King David prayed for diviine intervention in combat. He expressed confidence that because the Lord gives victory the nation would experience peace and prosperity.

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A. Blessing for past victorie (144:1-2)

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144:1-2. David praised the LORD for having subdued people under him. In this praise he used several expressions to portray the fact that the Lord enabled him to win victories. The Lord had taught him how to fight, and God was his Rock (cf. 18:46; also note 18:2), his Fortress (mesûdâh; cf. 18:3; 31:3; 71;3; 91;2), his Stronghold (miśgob; cf. 18:2; 40:17; 70:5; 140:7), and his Shield (cf. comments on 3:3). These all stres the protection and deliverance given David whiel God was solidifying the empire under him.

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B. Prayer for divine intervention (144:3-11)

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144:3-4. Having priased the nature of God. Dvid then voiced his petition for victory in battle (vv. 3-11). the thought that God would subdue anyone under him caused him to marvel at the possibility of God's intervention on man's behalf (cf. comments on 8:4). Since man is like a vapor (hebel; cf. 39:5, 11; 62:9; and comments on Ecc. 1:2) that vanishes away and a shadow that is soon gone (cf. Job 8:9; Ps. 102:11) why would God stoop to help him?

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Vine's Expository Dictionary of Old and New Testament Words contains this definition of Strong's Reference # 6697, Nelson Publishers, Vine and White, p 208:

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sûr (‏צוּר‎, 6697), "rock; rocky wall; cliff; rocky hill; mountain; rocky surface; boulder." Cognates of this word appear in Amorite, Phoenician, Ugaritic, and Aramaic. Other than in names of places and persons, the word appears 70 times in biblical Hebrew and in all periods.

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First, sûr means "rocky wall" or "cliff." This is probably what Moses struck in Exod. 17:6: "Behold, I will stand before thee there upon the rock in Horeb; and thou shalt smite the rock, and there shall come water out of it..." Thus God hid Moses in a cleft of the "rocky cliff" (Exod. 33:21-22).

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Second, the word frequently means "rocky hill" or "mountains." This emphasis clearly emerges in Isa. 2;10, 19: "Enter into the rock, and hide thee in the dust... And [men] shall go into the holes of the rocks, and into the caves of the earth..." Thus rock is an abbreviation for "caves of the rocks." A lookout sees someone "from the top of the rocks [hills]..., from the hills" (Num. 23;9). The "rock" (mountains or hills) flowing with honey and oil figures the abundant overflowing blessing of God (Deut. 32:13). The "rock" (or mountain) serves as a figure of security (Ps. 61:2), firmness (Job 14:18), and something that endures (Job 19:24).

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Third, sûr can mean "rocky ground" or perhaps a large flat "rock": "And Rizpah the daughter of Aiah took sackcloth, and spread it for her upon the rock..." (2 Sam. 21:10; cf. Prov. 30:19).

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Fourth, in some passages the word means "boulder," in the sense of a rock large enough to serve as an altar. "...There rose up fire out of the rock, and consumed the flesh and the unleavened cakes..." (Judg. 6:21).

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"Rock" is frequently used to picture God's support and defense of His people (Deut. 32:15). In some cases this noun is an epthet, or meaningful name, of God (Deut. 32:4), or of heathen gods: "For their rock [god] is not as our Rock [God}..." (Deut. 32:31).

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Finally, Abraham is the source (rock) from which Israel was hewn. (Isa. 51:1).

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Consider for a moment the definitions and commentary we've examined. The high rocky places in battle were places of advantage. A place where assaults of arrows were made, lookouts were placed and they were safe havens. A place to take refuge and run to when being pursued. All of these things represent a saving aspect... The Rock is not only a safe place, but foundational. A strong, solid place to rest and to reside. It lends strength and stability. And, all of Scripture points to Jesus as the Rock, the capstone, the stone that the builders rejected. He is and was and is to come again! He is our solid place of rest, refuge and the stability of our lives. In Psalm 144 David expressed his certainty that the Lord had given Israel the victory and that because of God's favor their nation would experience peace and prosperity. Jesus is our source of protection, victory, peace and prosperity. We can count on Him, rely on Him and trusth in Him in every way. He is our Rock. Now, shall we look to Scripture and give us an opportunity to consider more of who God is to us as Yahweh Tsuri:

David recognized the all encompassing power and ability of God to secure not only the victory but his future as well. He found God to be immovable, indestructable, protective and redemptive, a safe place for retreat and a fortress in battle. He knew God would save Him, deliver the victory and the blessings He had promised in anointing David as King.

God would bring righteous judgment against the wickedness of the people and their suffering would remind them of their need of God. They remembered Him as their refuge, cried out to Him, and sought His deliverence. However, when they were delivered from their affliction they returned to their wickedness and only honored God in their words, but not with their lives. We must be very careful when claiming the promises of God and calling upon Him by name that our hearts are pure before Him, our motives true. We must come in repentance over what our sin and our wickedness costs God - the extremes He has gone to to deliver us from our oppression and the assaults of our enemies. It cost Him His Son, He paid the price and we owe Him more than lip service - we out of gratitude for His mercy should surrender nothing less than our whole lives to Him and His glory. His will be doen.

This is an everlasting covenant - the outline and summary of the Davidic covenant. God's promise to love, protect and endure the line of David eternally. It reflects the personal relationship that David had with God and that all of these promises would endure even if the people disobeyed. This promise, this covenant, was completely and utterly fulfilled in the person and redemption that Christ came to give. He successfully and for all time granted favor on David and bore the Son of God through his royal line. A line, that also was related to the priestly line - making Jesus both Priest and King. (Remember, Mary's cousin Elizabeth was married to Zechariah - a priest who ministered before the Lord in the Holy of Holies.)

A beautiful picture of Christ as the gate by which we enter into the presence of God. The answer to our prayers and need of salvation. He is the stone that the "builders" rejected. They looked at it in its unhewn state and saw only a rock, but God saw the foundation and the strength of His eternal covenant - hewn by promise through Abraham, Moses and David and extended to all nations through His One and Only Son, Jesus Christ. It is the Day of the Lord, in whom we should rejoice and be glad. He has come and is coming again. We look ahead with assurance and hope in our hearts to the Kingdom promised and the Kingdom which is at hand.

Habakkuk makes a complaint - He sees the wickedness around him and God's apparent inactivity. He calls out to The Lord who is the Rock. The immovable, delivering force that can bring justice and righteousness to the land once again.

And, Jesus, Himself confirms this promise, this covenant Rock that God delivered to Israel through Virgin birth and a King who rides in to usher in the covenant of peace - not war. God delivered the victory for Israel and they rejected Him as something other than God.

The Rock, the Capstone of God's Church, Jesus Christ was rejected by the leaders and nation of Israel, but declared His redemption by His apostle, Peter. Who became the rock upon which Christ built His holy church. Peter suffered many trials and persecutions because of his relationship with Christ. But through his relationship with Jesus - a relationship born of suffering and trials - even denial, he found the boldness and the strength to declare Jesus the Messiah, the Capstone prophesied in the Psalms. Peter's assurance and faith grew so that in his epistle, he writes at length of Christ as the Cornerstone - the Living stone. The mark of our faith. As you read today's Weighing the Word passage from 1 Peter Chapter 2 - consider fully the call for us to live on in His remarkable legacy - living stones in the body of Christ.

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1 PETER
Chapter 2

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1 Therefore, rid yourselves of all malice and all deceit,

hypocrisy, envy, and slander of every kind.

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2 Like newborn babies, crave pure spiritual milk,

so that by it you may grow up in your salvation,

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3 now that you have tasted that the Lord is good.
The Living Stone and a Chosen People

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4 As you come to him, the living Stone--

rejected by men but chosen by God and precious to him--

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5 you also, like living stones, are being built into a spiritual house

to be a holy priesthood, offering spiritual sacrifices acceptable

to God through Jesus Christ.

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6 For in Scripture it says:

"See, I lay a stone in Zion, a chosen and precious cornerstone,

and the one who trusts in him will never be put to shame."

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7 Now to you who believe, this stone is precious.

But to those who do not believe,

"The stone the builders rejected has become the capstone,

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8 and, "A stone that causes men to stumble and a rock

that makes them fall." They stumble because they disobey

the message--which is also what they were destined for.

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9 But you are a chosen people, a royal priesthood,

a holy nation, a people belonging to God,

that you may declare the praises of him who called

you out of darkness into his wonderful light.

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10 Once you were not a people, but now you are the people of God;

once you had not received mercy, but now you have received mercy.

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11 Dear friends, I urge you, as aliens and strangers in the world,

to abstain from sinful desires, which war against your soul.

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12 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.
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13 Submit yourselves for the Lord's sake to every

authority instituted among men: whether to the king,

as the supreme authority,

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14 or to governors, who are sent by him to punish

those who do wrong and to commend those who do right.

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15 For it is God's will that by doing good you should

silence the ignorant talk of foolish men.

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16 Live as free men, but do not use your freedom

as a cover-up for evil; live as servants of God.

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17 Show proper respect to everyone:

Love the brotherhood of believers,

fear God, honor the king.

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18 Slaves, submit yourselves to your masters

with all respect, not only to those who are good

and considerate, but also to those who are harsh.

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19 For it is commendable if a man bears up under

the pain of unjust suffering because he is conscious of God.

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20 But how is it to your credit if you receive

a beating for doing wrong and endure it?

But if you suffer for doing good and

you endure it, this is commendable before God.

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21 To this you were called, because Christ suffered for you,

leaving you an example, that you should follow in his steps.

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22 "He committed no sin, and no

deceit was found in his mouth."

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23 When they hurled their insults at him, he did not retaliate;

when he suffered, he made no threats. Instead, he entrusted

himself to him who judges justly.

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24 He himself bore our sins in his body on the tree,

so that we might die to sins and live for righteousness;

by his wounds you have been healed.

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25 For you were like sheep going astray, but now you have

returned to the Shepherd and Overseer of your souls.

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(New International Version)

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BLOGGY GIVE-AWAY Winner

Hey - there were five women who entered to win the My Beloved CD by Gateway Worship!

Here are the results of the random.org drawing:

JULIE - You are my Bloggy Winner!

I'm so excited to send out this wonderful CD to you!

I will be giving away two books in July - so COME BACK AND CHECK IT OUT!

Yaweh Tsebaoth - The Lord of Hosts

"Be still, still and know that I am God!

I am exalted among the nations,

I am exalted in the earth."

The Lord of hosts is with us;

the God of Jacob is our refuge.

~ Psalm 46;10-11 (NRSV)
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This week we are going to be studying the name of God which means "The Lord of hosts." In 2 Kings 6:8-23 we find the story of the kings of Israel and Aram. The king of Aram was plotting against the king of Israel and Elisah the prophet was telling the king of Israel the secret plots of the king of Aram because God was showing Him what to say.

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When the king of Aram learned of Elisha's ability to tell the king of Israel what he was planning - he grew angry and sent his army to slay Elisha and his servant. Elisha's servant panicked when he arose early in the morning to find the city they were in encircled by the warring soldiers of Aram. After reassuring his servant, Elisha declared his concern to ho cried out to God:

Read the following excerpt from this passage:

________ 16 "Don't be afraid," the prophet answered. "Those who are with us are more than __________those who are with them."
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________17 And Elisha prayed, "O LORD, open his eyes so he may see." Then the LORD opened ________ the servant's eyes, and he looked and saw the hills full of horses and chariots of fire ________ all around Elisha.
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Think of it, when we are in the most intense Spiritual Warfare of our lives we will find that God has sent a host of angelic warriors to surround us, to defend us and to empower us. We must ask God for eyes to see His presence when He comes before us as the Lord of hosts.

The Lord of hosts is a combination of two Hebrew words, YHWH or Jehovah (Yahweh) and Tsebaoth..

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Hebrew Strong's Reference Number: 3068

Translated in the KJV - LORD

Hebrew Strong's Reference Number: 3068

Translated in the KJV - LORD
Hebrew Word: ‏יהוה‎
Transliteration: yhwh
Phonetic Pronunciation:yeh-ho-vaw'
Root: from
Cross Reference: TWOT - 484a
Part of Speech: n pr dei
Vine's Words: Lord
Usage Notes:
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English Words used in KJV:
LORD 6510 GOD 4 JEHOVAH 4 variant 1 [Total Count: 6519]
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from (hayah); (the) self-Existent or Eternal; Jehovah, Jewish national name of God :- Jehovah, the Lord. Compare (Yahh), (Yehovih).

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Hebrew Strong's Reference Number: 6635

Translated in the KJV - Tseboath

Hebrew Word: ‏צָבָא‎
Transliteration: ṣābāʾ
Phonetic Pronunciation:tsaw-baw'
Root: from , Greek
Cross Reference: TWOT - 1865a, 1865b
Part of Speech: n m
Vine's Words: None
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Usage Notes:
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English Words used in KJV: host 393, war 41, army 29, battle 5, service 5, appointed time 3, warfare 2, soldiers 1, company 1, misc 5 [Total Count: 485]
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or (feminine) tseba'ah, tseb-aw-aw'; from (tsaba'); a mass of persons (or figurative things), especially reg. organized for war (an army); by implication a campaign, literal or figurative (specifically hardship, worship) :- appointed time, (+) army, (+) battle, company, host, service, soldiers, waiting upon, war (-fare).
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From the Lexical Aids - Complete Word Study Old Testament, AMG Publishers, S. Zodhaites, p. 2357:

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6635. Tsāvā’ or tsevā’āh; this masc. noun is derived from tsāvā ‘ (6633). It is a mass (of persons or things especially for war), a campaign, an army, troops, a host; the host of heaven (meaning angels) or stars [cf. Luke 2:13] for the host of angels which surrounds the throne of God); military service, warfare, heavy service, hardship (i.e., like the miserable condition of warfare, Job 10:17; 14:14; Is. 40:2), calamity; temple service. The basic meaning is service done for a superior, usually military service. the army of Abimelech (Gen. 21:22), the army of Israel (Num. 31:21, 48); and even a non-military host (Ps. 68:11) are mentioned. The "host of heaven" (i.e., stars, visual indicators) were worshiped as pagan gods (Deut. 4:19; Zeph. 1:5). Man had a tendency to worship those created objects (2 Kgs. 17:6), even though doing so was supposed to result in death (Deut. 17:20-7). Unfortunately, both the Northern Kingdom of Israel and the Southern Kingdom of Judah yielded to the temptation at different times (2 Kgs. 21:3; 23:5). This word is used of the sun, the moon, and the stars (Is. 34:4; 40:26; 45;12; Jer. 33:22; Dan. 8:10 [cf. Matt. 24:29]). Everything in creation is included in the term (Gen. 2:1). God created them by His power (Ps. 33:6) and preserves their existence: "The host of heaven" may mean angels in Josh. 5:14, 15; 1 Kgs. 22:19; Dan. 8:10. the Lord (Jehovah/Yahweh) of Hosts is a special name for God. Either Yehōwāh (3068) or 'elōhīm (430) appears to with the pl. form of tsāvā ‘ about 285 times. It occurs sixty-two times in Isaiah, seventy-seven times in Jeremiah, fourteen times in Haggai, fifty-three times in Zechariah, and twenty-four times in Malachi. Interestingly enough, it does not appear in the Pentetuech. This expression depicts Israel. The word became a technical term, a proper noun in the Sept. see sabaóth (4519, NT). Compare Rom. 9:29 and James 5:4. also, see the Greek word panktokrátōr (3841, NT). Although the title of tsāvā ‘ had military overtones, it pointed directly to Jehovah's ruleship over the entire universe. He stands ready to intervene for His people at any moment (Cf. Ps. 80:19; 84:1; Is. 28:5, 6; Amos 4:13; 5:8, 9; 9:5, 6). See the Greek word stratía (4756, NT).

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From the Bible Knowledge Commentary - Old Testament, Victor Books, Walvoord and Zuck, p. 549:

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6:15-17. Since Gehazi had been dismissed as a disobedient servant and "leper" (5:27), the Naaman story must follow this one if Elisha's servant here is Gehazi. Or this servant may be someone who replaced Gehazi. Early the next morning the servant was terrified to see that the whole city was under the Aramean's control, or so he thought. He returned in a frenzy to Elisha and nervously asked, What shall we do? The servant's anxiety reflected his lack of understanding and trust in the Lord which, one would think, Elisha's previous revelations would have changed.

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Elisha was not at all disturbed by the present situation. He encouraged his aide to stop fearing, and assured him that they had behind them a force superior to that of the enemy. Elisha then asked the LORD to enable his servant to see this host and the Lord did so. He gave the servant the ability to see the normally unseen world of invisible spirits (angels) that are constantly ready to do God's bidding (cf. Gen. 28:12). The hills around Dothan were filled with superior horses and chariots. These appeared as fiery agents of God suggesting to the servant their superterrestrial origin (cf. 2 Kings 2:11). The LORD had surrounded the armies of Aram and was in control.

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Can you picture them all around you in the most intense times of your life, when everything seems lost and when you feel the assault of the enemy upon you in every way! Let's read on and discover more ways we can identify the activity of the Lord of hosts in our life.
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This verse reinforces what Scripture promises us: We do not have to be afraid of even giant enemies who attack because if the Lord is for us who can be against, what do we have to fear? (Romans 8:31)

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When we trust in the Lord of Hosts, we are happy, fortunate and envied. What does it look like to trust the Lord of hosts? Leaning in, believing on God, committing all and confidently looking to God, and without fear or misgiving... Let's live like this... Let's live like this... We have to - it is the key to victory!

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This verse paints for us the picture of the Commander of the Armies of the Lord. Joshua met Him face to face... This verse assures us that no matter what our government, politicians, and other world governments cannot threaten us as God's children because His zeal and passion for His creation as the Lord of hosts places the order of this world under the control of His Son, Jesus Christ. (See also Joshua 5:16-17, specifically Joshua Ch. 5 and 6).

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Without the Lord of hosts at our helm, we have no hope, we have no power, God is the source of our strength, our protection and He is our only battle plan.

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Devotion to God is a small price to pay to have the full protection of the legions of angelic warriors who stand ready at His command. I want my name to be in that book of remembrance He keeps. I want to be declared a Jewel, a special possession or treasure of the Lord because I thought on Him, sought Him and devoted myself to Him.

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As a benefactor of the redemption of Christ, we must be prepared to step into our own armor - put it on everyday and do battle with the enemy at the Lord's command. You see not only are the angels the host of which God commands, but He calls us to be soldiers in the Spiritual War that is being waged. When we stand our ground, in His strength it brings glory and honor to our Lord and enables and empowers us to overcome any snare, any plan or scheme of the enemy and to live in Victory all the days of this life. I want live like this - Oh Yes, I do.

As you weigh the Word today, count all the ways in Psalm 46 that God's majesty is revealed in His name, The Lord of Hosts...

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BLOGGY GIVEAWAY!

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Okay... Ladies, I'm at it again! I just can't help it...
Gateway Worship blesses my sox off!

Okay so here is how this is going to work:

1. Listen to the two songs in the playlist on this post. (If the player does not appear to load, select the Pop-Out Player and follow the instructions in the pop-up window to listen to the songs: 1. My Beloved and 2.) The More I Seek You.)

2. Select the song that you like best and post a comment telling why you like it.


Both of these songs are on the My Beloved CD. I will use random integer to select the winner next Monday, June 23rd. So listen, have a great time with it and I will be back to let you know who won in a week!

Happy Blogging and I really hope you WIN!

Momma's Chicken Enchiladas

Hey all - If you want to join us in the Siesta Summer Bible Study Bethie is hosting over at her BLOG! Several places are hosting the Bible Study: Beth and her crew over at LPM, The Siestas over at Siestaville are also putting together a shin dig, and well, I am facilitating a wild ride over at the Lifeway Forums... So take Your Pick! Free homework samples are available at Lifeway - No Other Gods by Kelly Minter scroll down to the bottom of the page and print out the material for the introduction and session one and you are all set. You will need a book for future weeks, but this week you are all set! Books are available for $12.95 at your local Lifeway Christian Store or online at the above link.

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Each time we meet (every other Tuesday starting today) we are to share a common meal.

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Momma's Chicken Enchildas:

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(2) roasted or boiled cornish hens - deboned

(1) 26 oz. can of cream of chicken soup

(1) 14 oz. can of chicken broth

@ 2 c. of shredded Cheddar Cheese

(1) 8 oz. can of Rotel (or 1.2 cup of sliced jalapenos) - optional

20-24 corn tortillas

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Preheat oven at 350 degrees

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Mix together: deboned chicken, cream of chicken soup and rotel tomatoes

Bring 1/4 cup of chicken broth to a boil

Allow the chicken tortillas to soak in boiling broth a few seconds then layer in the bottom of a greased 9x13 in. pan. Pour chicken and soup mixture into the pan and layer top with cheddar cheese, continue to layer chicken soup, cheese and tortilla's until it is the top layer is corn tortillas, cover top with remaining cheddar cheese.

Back for 20-30 minutes until all the cheese is melted and tortillas start to crisp.

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I am serving mine with refried beans and spanish rice. Enjoy!

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Blessings.

Worship With Me...

The New Doxology is on Gateway Worship's new release "Wake Up the World." Thomas Miller who is the primary Worship Pastor at Gateway Church, Southlake, TX shares in the following video the story behind the song. So, listen to how the song came to Thomas and then worship God with the music of Gateway Church with the second video...

Blessings.

Book Review: The Shack

Click on the picture for more information about this book!

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I'm reading The Shack by William P. Young. For those of you grieving the loss of any sort, the questions that arise from that pain and the sometimes disjointed and disconnected feelings we have toward God in the aftermath of a such a loss... I would say, "Read The Shack."
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This quote is from the back cover summary of the story:
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"Mackenzie Allen Phillips' youngest daughter, Missy, has been abducted during a family vacation and evidence that she may have been brutally murdered is found in an abandoned shack deep in the Oregon wilderness. Four years later in the midst of his Great Sadness, Mack receives a suspicious note, apparently from God, inviting him back to that shack for a weekend.Against his beter judgment he arrives at the shack on a wintry afternoon and walks back into his darkest nightmare. What he find there will change Mack's world forever.In a world where religion seems to grow increasingly irrelevant The Shack wrestles with the timeless question, "Where is God in a world so filled with unspeakable pain?" The answers Mack gets will astound you and perhaps transform you as much as it did him. You'll want everyone you know to read this book!"

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So, with that said, lay down all your preconcieved, religious notions about God, pain and the way tragedy occurs and read The Shack. A novel filled with thought provoking situations faced in the human realm everyday, and an offer to challenge those of us who would put God inside a box, framed only by the statement of faith in our denomination of choice without a relationship born of our faith and His Word. Is The Shack a book to base your doctrine and theology on? Not hardly. Nor would I venture to guess that its writer would want anyone to examine the book and base their faith solely on what he writes. I cannot even readily say that I agree 100% with the premise presented in the story - but it does make me think, search an ask of God what it is I have wrong about Him. And that makes the read much more worth it...

I believe the book presents the proposition of what would happen if we took our questions to God, and in the process stopped viewing Him in purely human terms. It is not for the faint of heart, and perhaps it is not for the unseasoned sojourner in the stream of this life we walk with God. In my heart, this book has provoked me to ask God what is a truth to take to heart and to comparitively place this book against the Scriptures for evidence of truth. It is something I always do.

When reading the book, "Hinds Feet On High Places," I discovered that the writer later turned to New Age relativism and left the roots of her faith founded in her as a child on the mission field. Does this insight make her allegory less of a story?

There are those who argue that Lewis' "Narnia" fiction or Tolkien's "Lord of the Rings" bear the same striking marks of fantasy and absurdism where God is concerned. But that makes them no less valuable to us in the Christian world because we are required to dig in and learn more about God as a result of our perusal. These again are not foundations of doctrine, but highlights and pointers that reveal to us a God worthy of being searched out, worshipped, respected and believed in. All of it must be submitted by standard to His Word and His Work to be marked as valid and pointing to God.

Any student of God's Word must examine the claims and the truths as they are presented by anyone - human teachings and writings about God are always subject to human interpretation and error. There are a number of arguments that have been raised based on this book - which I do not have the time or the intention to entertain. I see a lot of merit in the story about Faith, Forgiveness, Healing, Redemption, Reconciliation and Relationship that makes it a worthwhile read. Read it with the heart and the eyes of someone reading Fiction - just the way you would read John Grisham or Danielle Steele - then balance that with your study of God's Word, your involvement in the local church and by asking God through prayer to reveal Himself to you in more intimate and real ways as you make this journey.

I am sure that when we surrender ourselves to the Holy Spirit and His teaching through God's Word - we will find Him in a blade of grass, a secular or a worship song, any place where Creation exists - after all, Creation cries out that He exists. The truth is eternity and salvation come through a relationship with God through our faith and by His grace in the redemptive sacrifice of Jesus Christ. Our faith is born and brought to maturity by the hearing and applying of God's Word on an individual basis. In light of that truth, I can still recommend this book as a fiction novel that will challenge us to ask God where we have put Him into a box. Read on.

Fireproof - the Movie

If you were a fan of Sherwood Baptist Church's "Facing the Giants" movie, you will not want to miss "Fireproof" starring Kirk Cameron. I am including the "teaser trailer" here and you can read Pam's Review over at the Lifeway All Access Blog (featuring our very own Boomama and Big Mama).

For more from Sherwood Baptist Church, you may want to check out "Flywheel."

Cardboard Testimonies

I love this song. I love the message of this video. Be Blessed!

Yahweh Shalom - He is my Peace!

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This week we will look at the name Yahweh Shalom - the Lord is Peace. In her book, "Praying the Name of God," Ann Spangler writes: "Shalom is a Hebrew word, so much richer in its range of meanings than the English word "peace," which usually refers to the absence of outward conflict or a state of inner calm. The concept of shalom includes these ideas but goes beyond them, meaning "wholeness," "completeness," "finished word," "perfection," "safety," or "wellness." Shalom comes from living in harmony with God. The fruit of that harmony is harmony with others, prosperity, health, satisfaction, soundness, wholeness, and well-being. When you pray to Yahweh Shalom, you are praying to the source of all peace. No wonder his Son is called the Prince of Peace."

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Hebrew Strong's Reference Number: 3073
Translated in the KJV - Jehovahshalom

Hebrew Word: ‏יהוה שָׁלוֹם‎

Transliteration: yhwh shālôm

Phonetic Pronunciation:yeh-ho-vaw' shaw-lome'
Root: from and

Cross Reference:

Part of Speech: n pr loc

Vine's Words: None

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Usage Notes: English Words used in KJV: Jehovahshalom 1 [Total Count: 1] from (Yehovah) and (shalowm); Jehovah (is) peace; Jehovah-Shalom, a symbolical name of an altar in Palestine :- Jehovah-shalom.

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From the Lexical Aids, Complete Word Study Old Testament, AMG Publishers, Zodhaites,

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3068. Yehōwāh; the covenant name of God most prominently known in connection with His relationship with the nation of Israel; also known as the Tetragrammaton. It was never pronounced by Jews, who generally substituted syn. such as ‘adhōnāy (136). The name is found with reference to God's dealings with men before the flood (Gen. 2:4, 5; 6:3), during the patriarchal period (Gen. 15:1; 27:7; 49:18), as well as during the period of the Law (Ex. 20:2; Deut. 6:4).

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7965. Shālōm; this masc. noun originates from shālām (7999). It means health, security, tranquility (Job 21:9), welfare (e.r., asking about the welfare of someone in a greeting, Gen. 37:14; 1 Sam. 17:18; 2 Sam. 11:7, 2 Kgs. 10:13; Esth. 2:11), good condition, success, comfort; peace (the opposite of war, Lev. 26;6; Judg. 4:17; 1 Kgs. 2:5), offering terms of peace (Deut. 20:11), making peace with someone (Josh. 9:15; Is. 27:5), a peaceful man (Ps. 37:37), words of peace (Deut. 2:26), salvation; salutation (of departure, 1 Sam. 1:17, 20:42; 2 Sam. 15:9 [cf. Mark 5:34; Luke 7:50]); (as an adj.) well, peaceful, whole secure, safe, happy, friendly (cf. Ps. 55:20), healthy, sound (used of the body, Gen. 43:27; 1 Sam. 25;6; 2 Sam. 17:3; 20:9; Job 5:24; Ps. 38:3; Is. 26:3); (as a part.) wholeness (Ps. 69:22), safety, soundness, helath (1 Kgs. 5:21; 9:11, 17, 22), concord, friendship (Ps. 41:9; Jer. 20:10; 38:22; Obad. 1:7), those who speak in a friendly way (Ps. 28:3 [cf. Esth. 9:30]), those who seek peace in full number (when used mathematically, Jer. 13:19); to encourage one who is fearful, to reassure him that everything is all right (Gen. 43:23; Judg 6:23; 19:20; Dan. 10:19). Shālōm is clearly depicted as a satisfied condition, an unconcerned state of peacefulness, on the part of Abraham's ancestors (Gen. 15:15). It is a sense of well being. In Gen. 26:29 it means to be unharmed or unhurt. the "friend of my peace" (KJV) of Ps. 41:9 denoted a very close, trusted, familiar friend. Judas Iscariot, whom Jesus chose to be an apostle, treacherously fulfilled prophecy. As so, shālōm is a harmonious state of sould and mind, both externally and internally (Ps. 4:8). Deut. 20:11; Judg. 4:17; and Jer. 9:8 demonstrate that it is a prosperous relationship between two parties or more. The "Prince of Peace" (Is. 9:6) is the Messiah. He was destined to usher ina government of peace (Is. 9:7). The new covenant would be one of shālōm (Ezek. 37:26). The Sept. used eirénē (1515, NT), eirēnikos (1516, NT), sōtēría (4991, NT), and hugiaínō (5198, NT). Though shālōm can mean the absence of strife, it usually is much more. It expresses completeness, harmony, and fulfillment. to wish one shālōm implies a blessing (2 Sam. 15:27), but to withhold it implies a curse (1 Kgs. 2;6). In modern Israel the greeting is "Māh shlomkha?" ("What is your peace?" or "How are your doing?"). Jesus said, "My peace I give unto you; not as the world giveth give I unto you" (John 14:27). Here Jesus was defining to radically different conceptions of peace. The only true source of peace is God. (Ps. 85:8 [cf. 1Chr. 22:9, 10]). To the believer, Christ is his peace (Eph. 2:14).
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From the Bible Knowledge Commentary, Old Testament, Victor Books, Walvoord and Zuck, 1985. p. 223.
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5. THE LAW OF THE PRIESTLY BLESSING

(6:22-27)
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____6:22-27. In pronouncing God's favor on the people, the priest was to use a formula for blessing. This beautiful blessing may be only a model, as the so-called "Lord's Prayer" is a model for prayer, but its purpose is clear: it communicates the desire of the LORD to invest His people with His name. The name of the Lord is tantamount to the Lord Himself so that this blessing becomes a petition that God might live among His people and meet all their needs. He alone can bless His people, keep them, look on them with favor (make His face shine and turn His face toward them), be gracious to them, and give them peace.

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From these definitions we find some very interesting truths presented:
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First of all, the covenant we exist under is a covenant of Peace. Not one of physical peace necessarily, but one of Spiritual peace. The kind of peace that brings wholeness, fulfillment and calm to any circumstance - no peace by the world's standards, but peace in an absolute sense.

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In August, 2005, my cousin gave me my birthday gift. She said she had been looking for the right gift for me since my birthday in June and had not found it, but then at church the previous week she had hear the song about "sippin' from the saucer." Later that same week she saw the tea cup in a store and knew that it was for me. Sherry explained that I should always remember to sip from the saucer of my cup rather than drink directly from the cup because I could run the risk of drinking it dry. She was talking about the Holy Spirit, about not quenching the Spirit with my insatiable desire to do more and more for the Lord. She said by sipping from the saucer, I would always drink from the overflow of the Spirit in my life and never run the risk of drinking the cup dry.
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This gift and translation drove me headlong into the Bible searching out every Scripture and every word that could be used to explain "overflow." I looked up much: abundance, overflow, and much more. The one thread of common truth that resonated in all the Old and New Testament passages, as well as the Greek and Hebrew words I studied was "super abundance."
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Now I don't know about you, but when I had previously thought about abundance as a concept... The picture was a life full of prosperity looking things. Good family, lots of "stuff," and money... Things that make us look good to others but not necessarily to God. As I asked God to show me what this term "super abundance" meant to Him one single phrase began to resonate - it started in the definitions I studied, in the commentaries I perused and became a resounding voice in my head. "Super Abundance is living in a place where whatever God provides is enough to sustain me, no matter what that looks like."
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This is how I see this peace. A peace in spite of rather than connected to the circumstances of my life. A few weeks after this gift and study of "super abundance" came into my life, I faced the single most difficult challenge I have ever encountered. My son would be involved in an auto accident that would leave him a coma clinging to his life by a thread. And, after 8 days we would have to surrender him to God in Heaven as his body succumbed to the injuries he suffered.
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On the way to the hospital that hot August afternoon all I could think was: "Lord, You promised to be my strength and my peace, and You are going to have to be because I can't do this without you." The prevailing comment I received back from others was: "We can't believe you are holding together as well as you are." I was a living, breathing testimony of the power of Jehovahshalom to deliver me in spite of my circumstances.
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Having peace with God is not about peaceful circumstances, it is about peace in spite of our circumstances - God is our peace, and a truly peaceful existence born of our faith and relationship in God alone.

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Now to the Scriptures:
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God's peace brings peace to our homes and our land. We do not ever have to be afraid. He removes the threats and keeps the destroyer from our families, our homes and our lands. He reveals to us that numbers do not matter, that might does not bring victory, but instead it is God who brings both victory and peace to us. The Battle belongs to Him and so does our peace.
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We have peace and confidence because our God is completely trustworthy, we dwell safely in the shelter of His presence and our relationship with Him is a refuge for our lives. We will lie down and sleep in peace with the Lord at the helm of our lives. He alone brings peace.
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Those who belong to the Lord have the promise of unyeilding and impenetrable strength and peace. It is a blessing of God that we live in a peace brought about by the strength and power of God. It is a benefit that belongs to the children of God, His people. In the book of James, we find that often times we don't have what we need, what even God has promised because we have not asked to receive it. Think of that, God makes promises throughout the Bible for His children and His people. But, how often in life do we take Him at His Word, believe Him and His promises for us as His people. Do we honestly believe the Lord will provide us with a peace, a true peace that passes all understanding? Or, do we just believe that we will have relative peace dependent on our feelings and circumstances in the moment? Miraculous peace is what God calls us to, not just the peace of the moment - but a spiritual rest that brings a physical rest and peace to our bodies, our spirits and our souls. PEACE, Be Still.
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Sometimes we find ourselves in a state of unrest or without peace because we are living in disobedience. God is working something out in our lives that He needs for us to deal with, creating in us a desire for not only peace, but also for obedience. It spurs us to ask for peace, to crave it, pursue it and go after it with everything we have. Seek peace and pursue it through obedience.
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When we love God's Word, and it becomes a part of who we are, how we think and how we live - nothing can shake us or pull us away from the God of our peace. He becomes the source of everything, the steadfast calm in the midst of great storms and the stabilizing force that keeps our lives righted and on the right path. It brings us a great and abiding peace.
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Not only does God take the pain and anguish in the lives of His people seriously, but He also takes the overlooking of those wounds seriously. He is not pleased when those who are called to minister overlook the wounds of His people and instead tell them they should be at peace when there is indeed no peace to be had. We should be the kind of ministers who not only care for and treat the wounds of others spiritually, physically and emotionally as well as be ministers of peace - peacemakers not just peace-sayers.
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For the believer in Christ we do not find peace apart from the Holy Spirit, whom the Father sends in Christ's name who brings to us everything that Christ promised in His ministry here on earth. Peace indeed is an attribute of the fruit of the Spirit. Jesus said that He leaves us a peace not of this world, but a peace that transcends this world and its troubles. We are not to fear or to fret away our lives without peace. We have the assurance of Christ and the comfort of the Holy Spirit to bring us Peace in this life and to prepare us for the life to come. Our God is greater than anything we face. We just have to be still and know that He is God. (Psalm 46:11)
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As you weight the word in Philippians 4 this week, note everything in this passage that is a key to living in PEACE. Hope your week is blesssed and you experience the peace of God that transcends our understanding and comprehension. His Peace be with YOU! Blessings.

Philippians (NIV) .
Chapter 4

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1 Therefore, my beloved and longed-for brethren,

my joy and crown, so stand fast in the Lord, beloved.

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2 I implore Euodia and I implore Syntyche to be

of the same mind in the Lord.

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3 And I urge you also, true companion, help these

women who labored with me in the gospel, with Clement also,

and the rest of my fellow workers, whose names are in

the Book of Life.

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4 Rejoice in the Lord always. Again I will say, rejoice!

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5 Let your gentleness be known to all men.

The Lord is at hand.

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6 Be anxious for nothing, but in everything by prayer

and supplication, with thanksgiving, let your requests

be made known to God;

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7 and the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding,

will guard your hearts and minds through Christ Jesus.

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8 Finally, brethren, whatever things are true,

whatever things are noble, whatever things are just,

whatever things are pure, whatever things are lovely,

whatever things are of good report, if there is any virtue

and if there is anything praiseworthy--meditate on these things.

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9 The things which you learned and received and

heard and saw in me, these do, and the God of peace will be with you.

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10 But I rejoiced in the Lord greatly that now at

last your care for me has flourished again; though you

surely did care, but you lacked opportunity.

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11 Not that I speak in regard to need, for I have learned

in whatever state I am, to be content:

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12 I know how to be abased, and I know how to abound.

Everywhere and in all things I have learned both to be

full and to be hungry, both to abound and to suffer need.

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13 I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me.

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14 Nevertheless you have done well that you shared in my distress.

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15 Now you Philippians know also that in the

beginning of the gospel, when I departed from Macedonia,

no church shared with me concerning giving and

receiving but you only.

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16 For even in Thessalonica you sent aid

once and again for my necessities.

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17 Not that I seek the gift, but I seek the fruit

that abounds to your account.

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18 Indeed I have all and abound. I am full, having

received from Epaphroditus the things sent from you,

a sweet-smelling aroma, an acceptable sacrifice,

well pleasing to God.

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19 And my God shall supply all your need according

to His riches in glory by Christ Jesus.

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20 Now to our God and Father be glory forever and ever. Amen.

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21 Greet every saint in Christ Jesus.

The brethren who are with me greet you.

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22 All the saints greet you, but especially

those who are of Caesar's household.

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23 The grace of our Lord Jesus Christ be with you all. Amen.

Graduation: Came and Went... A New Day Dawns.

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"Since you are precious and honored in my sight, and because I love you, I will give men in exchange for you, and people in exchange for your life. ~ Isaiah 43:4 (NIV)

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Since I learned that praying Scripture was a powerful weapon and tool in Spiritual Warfare, I've had select verses that I have prayed over my children, my husband and my family over the past five or six years.

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In the last couple of years, my daughters have informed me that I have "ruined" them with conceit because I have told them all their life how valuable, how precious and how beautiful they are. These lessons hardly came without a solid dose of grace, because each time they were required to return a polite and a gracious "Thank you." Such compliments became the trademark of our relationships. One I wanted to instill deeply in them so they never felt insecure about who they were or what their value would be. This even before I discovered the love and value of God in my own life.

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About a year before Justin went home to Heaven, I began to seriously consider Scriptures that would have "life" meaning for my precious children. Brittany's soon became Isaiah 43:4, included at the top of this post. I wanted my shy, beautiful wall flower who was often called "palm tree" by other children (related to her long, leggy frame and the sprig of ponytail that often lofted atop her precious, cheeky head), to feel and sense the confidence that comes from being precious, loved and valued by God. And, I believe that the Scripture has manifested great blessings as she is quite the confident young woman, sure in who she is, whose she is and how she is to live her life based on that identity.

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On Valentine's Day this year I purchased two cards for daughters, one for each girl. I had not really considered which I would give to whom, but I knew that each sentiment was perfect for either of my girls and I would pray and decided based on how the Lord led me to fill out each one. When I got them home, the one I had selected for Brittany turned out to look more like a Taylor card. So, I filled out the cards according to this new realization. Later, as we read through them together, I found Isaiah 43:4 printed at the bottom of the card I had originally thought I might give to Taylor. Beautifully appropriate - that day I would give Britt a card with her life verse in it.

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She is precious and loved and beautifully valued by both God and everyone who knows her. She is quite secure in this knowledge. A month or so ago I assigned myself the task of praying an "adult" Scripture over her, one with wisdom in it for her future choices. Though I think she is already incredibly wise... I know she is not finished hardly with the difficult choices of life, in fact they are just beginning... So, I want this to be the calling of her life.

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As I have spent these last three or four weeks preparing myself for this week of Graduation activities, I had no idea the impact it would have one me. I busily tried to have a hurried and rushed Garage Sale on Friday before hosting a party for around 50 people on Saturday that was held in two locations. Plus, we had to make sure the last of the invitations got out the first of last week and make sure we had all the necessary food and decorations for the fabulous Pink and Black Grad Party we had planned together.

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I hurricaned my house some time between Monday and Thursday readying it for a Garage Sale. Completely beside the point is I had much to prepare since the last half of the party was a great family dinner to be served at none other than our house. Nothing like last minute spontaneity to really make a plan go off the track!

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So, by Friday evening, I was sore, severely behind and weary with all the Garage Sale Hoopla, and remarkably determined to accomplish everything on my week-long "To Do" list all by myself in less than 12 hours. I had to completely restore order to my house, plus give it a good cleaning, I had to assemble and display all sorts of graduation paraphernalia to decorate our house and I had to bake two Sopapilla Cheesecakes and a pasta salad and a cheesy sauce called "Chicken Chalupa" while preparing a tribute to my daughter's 18 years of life to music by way of Windows DVD maker... which I still have not figured out how to upload that booger to the Internet... And, maybe that is for good reason, but who knows!

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By 6:30 AM, my husband was crawling out of bed, my youngest daughter was within a 1/2 hour of getting up to ready herself for Saturday School and work and my oldest daughter was somewhere between sleep and home after a sleep over at a friend's house. I on the other hand was working steadily at my computer finishing off the DVD masterpiece to show at the family party some 10 or so hours away. (Might I add, my head had not hit the pillow... I was a woman with a mission and a desire to complete every last detail of the vision for this party.)

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After previewing the picture slides with Martina McBride singing "In My Daughter's Eyes," followed by Steven Curtis Chapman's "Cinderella," and another Martina tune, "She's a Butterfly" with my rested hubby by my side, I gave him a few nominal instructions for last minute things to do for the party and toddled myself off to bed. He had specific instructions not to allow me to sleep past ten, but I would not have anyway.

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Sometime after my girl came home, she set about her responsibilities of cleaning her room and getting her end of the house in order while I cut a few Z's in the bedroom. I awoke around 9:30 and called for her to bring me the DVD. She brought it to my room and put it in the DVD player and we laythere and cried sweet Mother-Daughter tears. A nostalgic moment as the pictures of my girl with her brother and sister and a few other family members and friends marked out her years in a poignant tribute to the accomplishment of life that High School graduation is.

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The party was a smashing success, she had a fabulous time with water balloons, water guns and many friends at the park before coming home and enjoying a family meal cooked by grandmothers with her family and a few close friends all around. The last of our family left around 9:30 PM and we were all completely exhausted, but completely blessed by the entire day.

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On Sunday we went to church and received an anointed word about how our relationship with God is our only safe refuge, stopped by Target for a pair of shoes for the graduation ceremony and returned home to nap throughout the day. Baccalaureate was at 2 PM but we decided to forgo the formal event for an afternoon lazing around the house. A little later in the afternoon she went to another friend's grad party and returned a few hours later to a house replete with tired parents, leftover food and quiet rest.

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Which leads into Monday... Hubby went off to work while the girls and I slept in - 'til almost noon I think. We went to Wal-Mart and had a little Bar-B-Que (such a Texas thing to do) to go and returned home to dye her hair sparky auburn red and ready ourselves for the trip to downtown Fort Worth for the ceremony. Hubby returned home and his kiddo's plus our Megan's boyfriend arrived shortly before five. We took pictures, got ourselves completely decked out and off we went to the Convention Center for all the "Pomp and Circumstance" our hearts could stand.

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It was such a joy to see my "little" (nearly 6' tall) girl beaming up at me with pride, while I beamed right back. She was graduating... The day was finally here, the moment we were waiting for. My hubby spotted her first in the little alcove under all the seating at the far end of the arena... She stood head and shoulders above most of the girls in her class and I could barely stand it when she walked out onto the floor. She looked all grace and beauty and quite stunning in her blue cap and gown.

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She had not great academic achievement, no drapes, sashes or colors around her neck. She had simply and successfully completed all the course requirements to achieve High School Graduation with a "B" average. It was a very proud moment for us both - since school lost all its appeal after her brother died. Not to mention that the T. A. K. S. test for Math had thrown her for a loop threatening to rob her of the graduation success. (That, however, is a story for another day.)

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But, Graduate she did, walked right up as they pronounced her long and Polish name perfectly to receive her diploma and congratulatory certificate from the Texas House of Representatives. While I snapped photos, our whole family whooped, hollered and applauded with great joy. She smiled as she passed by and we waved and hollered again. Then the Alma Mater played and the signal was given to change the tassel from left to right before a great cacophony of hoo-rah's resounded through the auditorium and hats went flying... Hats off to all the Grads of 2008 - we are very proud of you.

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As a final note, during my all night session scanning and applying pictures to the DVD of her life, I discovered the new verse I would be praying over her as she ascends the halls of college and into the realm of adulthood.

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" For wisdom will enter your heart, and knowledge will be pleasant to your soul." Proverbs 2:10 (NIV)

A Graduation indeed: My hat is off to you my baby girl, and I am looking forward to all the things you will do as you navigate life with God at the helm... A New Beginning just around the bend. May God bless you and keep you, make His face to shine upon you and give you peace. (Numbers 6) I love you.