Fluffy

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Be transparent before God, He sees right thru you, anyway!
http://www.likepreciousfaith.org/testimony_val.htm
Please pray for your local emergency responders, daily.

Bondman

Hugs a-comin' right up, sweetie!!!..............







Much, much love!

- BM

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Bondman

Wow, JW, 15+15+15+15=1 hour! I'd have to wonder what percentage of the Western Christian population would spent THAT amount of time? Mostly we're just TOO BUSY, hey! In contrast, pathetically poor but very serious Believers in India who we help support through our Missionary organisation, yep, they would spend an hour a day in prayer. Hmm... maybe we need to shift to India... *smile*

Which reminds me of reading about many of the Christian greats in England a few hundred years ago where they spent time every morning of their lives in their 'prayer closet' - like 1 hour, 2 hours, whatever! - and one of them was quoted as saying something like this: "I've got so much to do today, that I better spend more time in prayer this morning!" Exactly the opposite to what we'd do, I reckon!

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SweetSurrender

Poor Fluffy! I'd give ya some hugs too if I could find those cute little people you and Bondman have. I'll pray for you though.

Here's a little something I found during my Bible studies today. I was reading about Peter and his walking on the water. This very setting of raging wind and sea is the classroom in which the Son of God seeks to perfect his desciples' faith. Jesus did not come to console us but to perfect us! That's a hard thing to learn, but if we could just look at it that way - when hard times come, it might make it easier. He's wanting to refine us. OUCH!

He also knows that the more we are transformed into His image, the less vulnerable we are to the evils of this world. So, what does He do? He compels us toward difficulties, because they compel us toward God and God compels us toward change. It is my tranformed heart that finds the stronghold of God.

Heavenly Father, forgive me for fearing during my storms. For a long time, I did not understand Your commitment to my perfection. I have wanted to be saved without being transformed. I have feared the fullness of becoming Christlike, and some other things you have for me. Bring forth in me Your faith, help me to not misinterpret Your encouragement toward excellence when I fall short. With all of my heart, I want to glorify You with my life. Grant me the grace that, when others see what You have accomplished in me, they too shall glorify You! Amen

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Fluffy

Thank you, thank you, thank you! For the hugs and affirmations! I feel much better today! Rested and refreshed and ready to go!
SweetSurrender, that was a beautiful prayer. I used to be afraid of the "rooting out" of the chaff that was in my heart, but these days, I welcome it, because I know its for my good and growth. It may be painful and uncomfortable, but its so much better in the end! Kind of like having a bad tooth pulled! hee!
I read a book one time that was titled "If You Want to Walk on Water, You Have to Get Out of the Boat!" and isnt that so true? If we want to see great things in our lives, we have to get past our fears and get out there!
What is encouraging to me, is even Jesus rested. He had to take time out and relax and get in the presence of the Father. Which is what I have done and feel so much better! God is the great Physician! Hallelujah!

__________________
Be transparent before God, He sees right thru you, anyway!
http://www.likepreciousfaith.org/testimony_val.htm
Please pray for your local emergency responders, daily.

forgivenWretch

What better to hug than something Fluffy. Here try this on for size and also here is a little something extra for you too. You are worth a

Fluffy

Aw, aint you sweet? Thank you!

__________________
Be transparent before God, He sees right thru you, anyway!
http://www.likepreciousfaith.org/testimony_val.htm
Please pray for your local emergency responders, daily.

forgivenWretch

And this is my bad side!

Fluffy

__________________
Be transparent before God, He sees right thru you, anyway!
http://www.likepreciousfaith.org/testimony_val.htm
Please pray for your local emergency responders, daily.

Bondman

Man, that is all so GOOD!

I suspect that a lot of Believers don't realise that God wants us to be becoming more righteous! He is total righteousness, where we started out total sinfulness. But when we seek to be obedient and to walk in His way, and aim to please Him with all our might - then a wondrous thing starts to happen: some of Jesus' righteousness that is COUNTED as ours cos we're born again starts to become RIGHTEOUSNESS IN US THAT IS OURS!!! Which plumb excites me out of my brain!

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