tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-78416055842430933132024-03-05T05:04:05.459-05:00Wisdom CallingLuis Torrado San Miguelhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10636134985496341021noreply@blogger.comBlogger49125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7841605584243093313.post-9521570988595841752011-02-08T14:48:00.001-05:002011-02-08T14:51:57.604-05:00That We May Present You Mature In Christ<m:smallfrac m:val="off"> <m:dispdef> <m:lmargin m:val="0"> <m:rmargin m:val="0"> <m:defjc m:val="centerGroup"> <m:wrapindent m:val="1440"> <m:intlim m:val="subSup"> <m:narylim m:val="undOvr"> </m:narylim></m:intlim> </m:wrapindent><span style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: 1pt;"></span></m:defjc></m:rmargin></m:lmargin></m:dispdef></m:smallfrac><br />
<div style="border-color: -moz-use-text-color -moz-use-text-color rgb(79, 129, 189); border-style: none none solid; border-width: medium medium 1pt; font-family: Verdana,sans-serif; padding: 0in 0in 2pt;"><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: small;">Our Congregational Goal this year is live up to this Scripture. Colossians 1:28 “Him [Jesus] we proclaim, warning everyone and teaching everyone with all wisdom, that <b>we may present everyone mature in Christ</b>.”</span></div></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">This past Sunday we defined spiritual maturity as: “Measuring-up to the stature of the fullness of Christ.” No small task, but this is our goal in which we will give all our energy to fulfill.</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">Ephesians 4:13-14 “until we all attain … mature manhood, to <span style="color: #244061;">the measure of the stature of the fullness</span> of Christ, <sup>14 </sup>so that we may no longer be children…” The Word of the Spirit of God is inviting us to leave spiritual infancy and strive for and attain mature manhood. In other words, the Spirit is calling us to “man-up!” and “measure-up!” </span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">As we begin; please don’t excuse or disqualify yourself from maturing in Jesus. If it sounds difficult and painful to measure up to Christ, you are right, it will be. But Jesus will help you, He will be our founder and perfecter (maturer) of our faith. (Hebrews 12:2)</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">It will be good to start by tackling the some of the myths or assumptions that perhaps you have developed in regards to Spiritual Maturity. Here is a list:</span></div><ul style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;"><li><span style="font-size: small;">Myth #1: Spiritual Maturity is a automatic.</span></li>
<li><span style="font-size: small;">Myth #2: Spiritual Maturity is for a select few.</span></li>
<li><span style="font-size: small;">Myth #3: Spiritual Maturity is mystical, abstract… immeasurable.</span></li>
<li><span style="font-size: small;">Myth #4: Spiritual Maturity is being better than others.</span></li>
<li><span style="font-size: small;">Myth#5: Spiritual Maturity is a just personal achievement.</span></li>
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</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">We will deal in depth with each of these myths, on our Wednesday Night Bible Study tomorrow at 7 pm. Hope to see you then.</span></div>Luis Torrado San Miguelhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10636134985496341021noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7841605584243093313.post-11404675741838593792010-12-15T13:57:00.003-05:002010-12-15T14:06:52.155-05:00The Gift of a Wonderful Counselor<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiNjAA8RevLxDF_J_DVRzQDf4hV6fx73HrlxVuz13EAFLC6ue1KznQd1ak8ElwbUIKg7VvbAJ9I_UlVtyLZ7F9Ox_oKHoJwk4APwKhPbi4LRRCZ-YHGe26G7iAHYHDyb7PQsX8V-jqwxGdn/s1600/wonderful+counselor_t.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="150" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiNjAA8RevLxDF_J_DVRzQDf4hV6fx73HrlxVuz13EAFLC6ue1KznQd1ak8ElwbUIKg7VvbAJ9I_UlVtyLZ7F9Ox_oKHoJwk4APwKhPbi4LRRCZ-YHGe26G7iAHYHDyb7PQsX8V-jqwxGdn/s200/wonderful+counselor_t.jpg" width="200" /></a></div><div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;"> The Son was given to be a Wonderful Counselor. We were given a Wonderful Counselor as a gift.</span></div><div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;"><br />
</span></div><div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">Isaiah 9:6 <br />
</span></div><div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;"><b><sup>6</sup></b> For to us a child is born, </span></div><div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;"> to us a son is given; </span></div><div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;"> and the government shall be upon his shoulder, </span></div><div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;"> and <b>his name shall be called</b></span></div><div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;"> <span style="font-variant: small-caps;">Wonderful Counselor</span>, Mighty God, </span></div><div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;"> Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace. </span></div><div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">We Need a Wonderful Counselor.</span></div><div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><br />
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</div><div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">His Name shall be called… not his Name is…</span></div><div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;"> “called – Hebrew – proclaimed as… “</span></div><div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;"> By those who draw near to Jesus, he will be a wonderful counselor.</span></div><div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><br />
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</div><div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif; margin-left: 0.75in; text-indent: -0.5in;"><span style="font-size: small;">I.<span style="font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; line-height: normal;"> </span> Wonderful</span></div><div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif; margin-left: 0.5in; text-indent: -0.25in;"><span style="font-size: small;">A.<span style="font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; line-height: normal;"> </span>Wonderful Definition</span></div><div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">Wonder – actions that cause to think,</span></div><div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;"> And when you think you realize that it is beyond you, So it points to God.</span></div><div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif; margin-left: 0.5in; text-indent: -0.25in;"><span style="font-size: small;">B.<span style="font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; line-height: normal;"> </span>Wonderful Christmas</span></div><div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">Does Christmas make you wonder? Does this narrative still capture your imagination?</span></div><div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"></div><div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif; margin-left: 0.5in; text-indent: -0.25in;"><span style="font-size: small;">1.<span style="font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; line-height: normal;"> </span></span><span style="font-size: small;">The improbable pregnancy of John the Baptist,</span></div><div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif; margin-left: 0.5in; text-indent: -0.25in;"><span style="font-size: small;">2.<span style="font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; line-height: normal;"> </span></span><span style="font-size: small;">The impossible pregnancy – The Virgin Pregnancy</span></div><div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif; margin-left: 0.5in; text-indent: -0.25in;"><span style="font-size: small;">3.<span style="font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; line-height: normal;"> </span></span><span style="font-size: small;">A star appears, draws curious wise men, and moves.</span></div><div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif; margin-left: 0.5in; text-indent: -0.25in;"><span style="font-size: small;">4.<span style="font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; line-height: normal;"> </span></span><span style="font-size: small;">Angels appears to shepherds.</span></div><div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif; margin-left: 0.5in; text-indent: -0.25in;"><span style="font-size: small;">5.<span style="font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; line-height: normal;"> </span></span><span style="font-size: small;">Two elderly people, Simeon and Anna are moved to go to the temple at the same time as his parents were there and spoke about his future.</span></div><div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><br />
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</div><div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">Wonder of Christmas. Does Christmas still make you wonder? Does it still move you? </span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">Wonder is part of God’s plan.</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">Isaiah 29:13-14 (ESV)</span></div><div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;"><b><sup>13 </sup></b> And the Lord said: </span></div><div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">“ Because this people draw near with their mouth </span></div><div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;"> and honor me with their lips, </span></div><div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;"> while their hearts are far from me, </span></div><div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;"> and their fear of me is a commandment taught by men, </span></div><div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;"><b><sup>14 </sup></b> therefore, <b>behold</b>, I will again </span></div><div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;"> <b>do wonderful things with this people</b>, </span></div><div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;"> with <b><u>wonder upon wonder</u></b>; </span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">God, will do wonder upon wonder; Can you see them?</span></div><div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;"> When was the last time you experience wonder?</span></div><div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;"> </span></div><div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">God will do wonderful things with this people.</span></div><div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;"> God will do wonderful things with people who may not experience wonder.</span></div><div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif; margin-left: 0.5in; text-indent: -0.25in;"><span style="font-size: small;">C.<span style="font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; line-height: normal;"> </span>Wonderful Wonder</span></div><div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif; margin-left: 0.5in;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">How do we miss wonder?</span></div><div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="line-height: 115%;"> </span></span></div><div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif; line-height: 115%; margin-left: 0.5in; text-indent: -0.25in;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="line-height: 115%;">1.<span style="font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; line-height: normal;"> </span></span><b><span style="line-height: 115%;">Wonder requires more than faith, wonder <u>requires risk.</u> </span></b></span></div><div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif; line-height: 115%; margin-left: 74.4pt; text-indent: -0.25in;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="line-height: 115%;">·<span style="font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; line-height: normal;"> </span></span><b><u><span style="line-height: 115%;">Wonder is found in the improbable, in the impossible, </span></u></b></span></div><div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif; line-height: 115%; margin-left: 74.4pt; text-indent: -0.25in;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="line-height: 115%;">·<span style="font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; line-height: normal;"> </span></span><b><span style="line-height: 115%;">Wonder moves us towards that which is risky, and unpredictable.</span></b></span></div><div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif; line-height: 115%;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif; line-height: 115%; margin-left: 0.5in; text-indent: -0.25in;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="line-height: 115%;">2.<span style="font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; line-height: normal;"> </span></span><b><span style="line-height: 115%;">Wonder is found more in the future than the past.</span></b></span></div><div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">We forget wonder, we are not amazed by the past.</span></div><div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">He will be called… Wonderful this is moved towards what is ahead for you.</span></div><div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif; margin-left: 0.5in; text-indent: -0.25in;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="color: #740000;">v<span style="font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; line-height: normal;"> </span></span><b><span style="color: #740000;">A child is born, a son is given, so you can experience…wonder.</span></b></span></div><div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><br />
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</div><div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif; margin-left: 0.75in; text-indent: -0.5in;"><span style="font-size: small;"><b>II.<span style="font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; line-height: normal;"> </span></b><b>Counselor </b></span></div><div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif; margin-left: 0.75in;"><span style="font-size: small;"><b>Counselor – side by side, in proximity.</b></span></div><div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif; margin-left: 0.75in;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif; margin-left: 0.75in;"><span style="font-size: small;">Immanuel – God with us.</span></div><div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif; margin-left: 0.75in;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">Isaiah 7:14 (NIV) <sup> </sup>Therefore the Lord himself will give you a sign: The virgin will be with child and will give birth to a son, and will call him Immanuel.</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">Wonderful Sign = God with us.</span></div><div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">The Word became flesh and dwelt among us.</span></div><div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif; margin-left: 0.75in;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif; margin-left: 0.75in;"><span style="font-size: small;">Counselor – Among us, with us.</span></div><div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif; margin-left: 0.75in;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif; margin-left: 0.75in;"><span style="font-size: small;"><b>Wonderful Counselor – Wonders by among us, wonders with us.</b></span></div><div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><br />
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</div><div class="MsoListParagraph" style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif; line-height: 115%; margin-left: 0.75in; text-indent: -0.5in;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="line-height: 115%;">III.<span style="font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; line-height: normal;"> </span></span><span style="line-height: 115%;">We Wear Wonder</span></span></div><div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">Psalm 139:14 (NIV)<br />
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</span></div><div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;"><sup>14</sup> I praise you because I am fearfully and <b>wonderfully made;</b> </span></div><div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">your works <b>are wonderful</b>, </span></div><div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">I know that full well. </span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif; margin-left: 38.4pt; text-indent: -0.25in;"><span style="font-size: small;">·<span style="font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; line-height: normal;"> </span>We even wear his wonder. Wonder is not that far from you… can you see it.</span></div><div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">We need a Wonderful Counselor.</span></div>Luis Torrado San Miguelhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10636134985496341021noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7841605584243093313.post-86895735378676882052010-10-29T11:56:00.000-04:002010-10-29T11:56:01.344-04:00Is Jesus Willing To Heal?<!--[if gte mso 9]><xml> <w:WordDocument> <w:View>Normal</w:View> <w:Zoom>0</w:Zoom> <w:TrackMoves/> <w:TrackFormatting/> <w:PunctuationKerning/> <w:ValidateAgainstSchemas/> <w:SaveIfXMLInvalid>false</w:SaveIfXMLInvalid> <w:IgnoreMixedContent>false</w:IgnoreMixedContent> <w:AlwaysShowPlaceholderText>false</w:AlwaysShowPlaceholderText> <w:DoNotPromoteQF/> <w:LidThemeOther>EN-US</w:LidThemeOther> <w:LidThemeAsian>X-NONE</w:LidThemeAsian> <w:LidThemeComplexScript>X-NONE</w:LidThemeComplexScript> <w:Compatibility> <w:BreakWrappedTables/> <w:SnapToGridInCell/> <w:WrapTextWithPunct/> <w:UseAsianBreakRules/> <w:DontGrowAutofit/> <w:SplitPgBreakAndParaMark/> <w:EnableOpenTypeKerning/> <w:DontFlipMirrorIndents/> <w:OverrideTableStyleHps/> <w:UseFELayout/> </w:Compatibility> <w:DoNotOptimizeForBrowser/> <m:mathPr> <m:mathFont m:val="Cambria Math"/> <m:brkBin m:val="before"/> <m:brkBinSub m:val="--"/> <m:smallFrac m:val="off"/> <m:dispDef/> <m:lMargin m:val="0"/> <m:rMargin m:val="0"/> <m:defJc m:val="centerGroup"/> <m:wrapIndent m:val="1440"/> <m:intLim m:val="subSup"/> <m:naryLim m:val="undOvr"/> </m:mathPr></w:WordDocument> </xml><![endif]--><!--[if gte mso 9]><xml> <w:LatentStyles DefLockedState="false" DefUnhideWhenUsed="true"
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</style> <![endif]--> <div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;"><b>That’s the real question.<span> </span>We normally don’t question his ability to heal, we read the narratives of his life, and they are full with physical and spiritual healing.<span> </span>No, the real question for us whether or not Jesus is willing to heal?</b></span></div><div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;"><b>Thankfully, the narratives of Jesus’ life are not just bursting with accounts of his power over sickness but they also include his willingness to heal.</b></span></div><div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;"><b>In Mark 1:40-42, Jesus is met with that same question.<span> </span>A leper begged him that if he was willing, Jesus could heal him.<span> </span>Jesus responded to him with a heart of compassion, a physical touch and affirmation of his willingness to heal.<span> </span>Don’t you love those words?<span> </span><i>I am willing.</i></b></span></div><div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">In a different occasion, He was asked for his help by someone, not just anyone, but a man who was considered to be enemy and oppressor of his people, a Roman Centurion.<span> </span>When asked for help by an enemy, Jesus’ response was “I will go and heal him.”<span> </span>(Matt. 8:5-8)</span></div><div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">These are just two examples for us.<span> </span>We may be familiar with the stories of healing in the Gospels, but it is more important that we are familiar with His willingness to heal; because that is the real question we struggle with.<span> </span> </span></div><div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">Jesus is not just a Healer, He is also willing!</span></div>Luis Torrado San Miguelhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10636134985496341021noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7841605584243093313.post-31673116536067730862010-10-22T10:04:00.002-04:002010-10-22T10:04:27.244-04:00Life In His Name<!--[if gte mso 9]><xml> <w:WordDocument> <w:View>Normal</w:View> <w:Zoom>0</w:Zoom> <w:TrackMoves/> <w:TrackFormatting/> <w:PunctuationKerning/> <w:ValidateAgainstSchemas/> <w:SaveIfXMLInvalid>false</w:SaveIfXMLInvalid> <w:IgnoreMixedContent>false</w:IgnoreMixedContent> <w:AlwaysShowPlaceholderText>false</w:AlwaysShowPlaceholderText> <w:DoNotPromoteQF/> <w:LidThemeOther>EN-US</w:LidThemeOther> <w:LidThemeAsian>X-NONE</w:LidThemeAsian> <w:LidThemeComplexScript>X-NONE</w:LidThemeComplexScript> <w:Compatibility> <w:BreakWrappedTables/> <w:SnapToGridInCell/> <w:WrapTextWithPunct/> <w:UseAsianBreakRules/> <w:DontGrowAutofit/> <w:SplitPgBreakAndParaMark/> <w:EnableOpenTypeKerning/> <w:DontFlipMirrorIndents/> <w:OverrideTableStyleHps/> <w:UseFELayout/> </w:Compatibility> <w:DoNotOptimizeForBrowser/> <m:mathPr> <m:mathFont m:val="Cambria Math"/> <m:brkBin m:val="before"/> <m:brkBinSub m:val="--"/> <m:smallFrac m:val="off"/> <m:dispDef/> <m:lMargin m:val="0"/> <m:rMargin m:val="0"/> <m:defJc m:val="centerGroup"/> <m:wrapIndent m:val="1440"/> <m:intLim m:val="subSup"/> <m:naryLim m:val="undOvr"/> </m:mathPr></w:WordDocument> </xml><![endif]--><!--[if gte mso 9]><xml> <w:LatentStyles DefLockedState="false" DefUnhideWhenUsed="true"
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<div class="MsoNormal">John The Apostle<span> </span>specifically states the purpose for writing his narrative of the life of Jesus; in John 20:31 he writes: “…but these are <b>written so that you may believe</b> that Jesus is the Christ, the Son of God, and that by <b>believing you may have life in his name</b>.”<span> </span>Apparently, the “abundant life” that Jesus offers is lived in His Name.</div><div class="MsoNormal">Nowhere in the Gospels are given a description of His physical appearance, rather we are supplied with what we was like and who he was. What comes to your mind when you hear the Name of Jesus?<span> </span>A mental picture of what could had looked like, or a description of His character and identity?</div><div class="MsoNormal"><span> </span>We don’t know what He looked like, but we know His Name.<span> </span>That is, we have his character and identity; these are the makeup of His Name.<span> </span>The Name gives us his identity, in fact we are called by “His Name” (Isaiah 43:6-7).<span> </span><span> </span>“Life in His Name” = Abundant, Eternal Life.<span> </span>This abundant life is not one of physical prosperity but rather an abundance of character that flows from the identity as His children who bear his Name.<span> </span>And by His Name… we live.<span> </span></div>Luis Torrado San Miguelhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10636134985496341021noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7841605584243093313.post-78882087839086711672010-05-19T15:04:00.002-04:002010-05-19T15:05:09.817-04:00Sensitize Your Spirit and Desensitize Your Flesh.<span xmlns=""></span><br />
<span style="font-size: small;" xmlns="">I heard this quote at a pastor meeting last week: "When you pray in the Spirit you sensitize your spirit and desensitize your flesh." (I wish I could remember the speaker's name, oops) The quote has grabbed my attention ever since I heard it, and it has both led me and guided my prayers ever since.<br />
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<span style="font-size: small;" xmlns="">According to Scripture we are expected to participate in the process of spiritual transformation- we active participants and partakers in the divine nature so that we may escape the corruption of our <i>flesh</i> caused by evil desires (1 Pet 1:4). I substituted the word "world" with "flesh" because I wanted to be more personal. My main problem is not with the world, it's with my flesh.<br />
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<span style="font-size: small;" xmlns="">In His mercy, God has given us his Spirit to help us pray. More specifically, in Jude 20: But you, dear friends, <span style="text-decoration: underline;"><b>build yourselves up</b></span> in your most holy faith and <span style="text-decoration: underline;"><b>pray in the Holy Spirit</b></span>. When we pray in the Spirit, we build ourselves up. We have a hand in our own edification. <br />
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<span xmlns=""><span style="font-size: 14pt;"><span style="font-size: small;">Praying in the Spirit sensitizes my spirit, and desensitizes my flesh. Dear God, I need that. Thank you for your help God. I take responsibility in the role that I play in Transformation.</span><br />
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<span xmlns=""></span>Luis Torrado San Miguelhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10636134985496341021noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7841605584243093313.post-49410921615155182222010-04-20T16:08:00.001-04:002010-04-20T16:08:24.145-04:00E42 – Psalm 51 – Confession’s Song<span xmlns=''><p><span style='font-family:Verdana'>Aren't you glad that the Psalms gives us a song to sing when don't feel like singing? A song for when we sin- a song of confession. Confession's Song is Humanity's song, for we all have a need to sing it- and sing it often. Confession is what restores our relationship with God, and the lyrics of this song chart a course that guides us from a fall back to the heart of God.<br /></span></p><p><span style='font-family:Verdana'>Before the lyrics begin in verse one, the Bible gives an introduction to this song. We are told that David wrote this after he was confronted by the Nathan the prophet, for his adulterous affair with Bathsheba and the murder of her husband to cover it up (2 Samuel 12). The narrative tells that Nathan got there around the time of the birth of the son conceived during the affair, so about nine months have gone by since the sin took place. Nine months have gone by without David confessing his sin. We may be alright living without confession, but God isn't. <br /></span></p><p><span style='font-family:Verdana'>The confrontation of sin and the judgment of God break up the dam of unconfessed sin. The result is a song that even though is painful to sing, it restores our relationship with God (Ps. 51.8). The song establishes a process for all of us to wash and cleanse so we can get a new heart and a renewed spirit that is aware of God's presence. <br /></span></p><p><span style='font-family:Verdana'>The only way to get back to God's presence is to sing the song of confession. No offerings and no sacrifices can make things right, what God desires is a "broken spirit and a contrite heart" (Ps. 51:17). The song is also a promise, that when we sing confession, God hears, God forgives and God cleanses. (1 John 1:9).<br /></span></p><p><span style='font-family:Verdana'>Aren't you glad that God breaks up the dam of denial? Aren't you glad that we are given a song to sing when we don't feel like singing? </span></p></span>Luis Torrado San Miguelhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10636134985496341021noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7841605584243093313.post-40583984826416565182010-04-09T14:43:00.002-04:002010-04-21T09:54:37.728-04:00E29 Judges 13-16 – Samson’s Anticlimactic Story<span xmlns=""></span><br />
<span xmlns="">The account of Samson begins with such promise. The Angel of the Lord [the Lord Himself] appears to his barren parents and promises them to give them a child whom he will use to deliver Israel (Judges 13:5). A childless family who has an appearance and promise from God to have a child is usually a starting point for a story of one of the heroes of the faith- think Abraham with Isaac, Hannah with Samuel. The story of Samson began in such a way, with so much promise of greatness and destiny. <br />
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<span xmlns="">You read the story of Samson and it begins with great expectations. The Lord appears personally to his parents, accepts their sacrifice in an amazing way (Judges 13:19-20) and gives instructions on how the child is to grow up. They fittingly give their promised son a great name, Samson, which means "Sun" or "Brightness." They expected their Samson to shine like the sun, or be as bright as the sacrifice which God accepted. The Lord blessed him and the Spirit of the Lord began to stir him (Judges 13:24). <br />
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<span xmlns="">The story begins with such promise, you are looking forward to a great life, but instead we read about a man who did not live up to his potential. Some narratives in the Bible are there for you and I to aspire to, some are there for us to avoid. Samson's anticlimactic story is a warning to us; don't waste your potential, don't trash your destiny, don't wreck your purpose.<br />
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<span xmlns="">Unique gifts come with specific expectations from the Lord. Samson wandered from his commitments and at the end he was not even aware that the Lord had left him (Judges 16:20). Is that one of the most tragic statements in Scripture? <br />
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<span xmlns=""></span>Luis Torrado San Miguelhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10636134985496341021noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7841605584243093313.post-45343169624876199652010-04-08T14:55:00.001-04:002010-04-08T14:55:59.732-04:00E28 – Judges 6-7 – Calling Out Of Hiding<span xmlns=''><p><span style='font-family:Verdana'>You just got to love how God calls different people. In Gideon's calling he calls him out of hiding into being a mighty warrior (Judges 6:12). <br /></span></p><p><span style='font-family:Verdana'>The circumstances were grim for the Israelites. They were being so oppressed by their enemies that they were living and hiding in caves (Judges 6:2). They were literally living in hiding. I hate it when I regress to the point that I am living and hiding at the same time- how about you?<br /></span></p><p><span style='font-family:Verdana'>I am glad that God calls us out hiding; all the way back to Adam, God has been calling those who are living in hiding (Gen. 3:8-9). At this point of his life Gideon is inside a winepress, hiding so his food is not stolen (Jud 6:11). It was in hiding that the Angel of the Lord appears to him. You got to love the greeting- "The Lord is with you, mighty warrior" (Judge 6:12). Gideon is hiding but the Lord calls out his potential. <br /></span></p><p><span style='font-family:Verdana'>Can you imagine the intrigue in Gideon's mind? "Mighty warrior?" "But I am living in hiding!" Yet, this is no ordinary angel talking to him. Can you imagine what the Angel of the Lord looks like? (By the way, this is a pre-incarnate Jesus) Its one thing for an ordinary person to call you mighty warrior; but, to be called mighty warrior by Warrior-God its got to transform your self-image. Jesus was calling him out of hiding and into his potential. And, you know he wants to the same for us!<br /></span></p><p><span style='font-family:Verdana'>Jesus doesn't stop at calling, once He calls he usually commissions! "Go in the strength you have, and save Israel out your [enemies] hand. Am I not commanding you? (Jud. 6:14)<br /></span></p><p><span style='font-family:Verdana'>Gideon responded to the call and he never hid again, in fact, he indeed became the mighty warrior that God called him out hiding to be.<br /></span></p><p><span style='font-family:Verdana'><em>Dear Jesus, call me out of hiding, reluctance, and hesitance. Thank you that you draw us out of our unproductiveness, meaninglessness, and unfruitfulness. Open my eyes to my potential, let me hear your transformational Voice. Like Gideon, I want to respond and be filled with the strength of your Spirit in me.</em></span></p></span>Luis Torrado San Miguelhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10636134985496341021noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7841605584243093313.post-23361502332997488702010-04-06T21:00:00.001-04:002010-04-06T21:00:39.896-04:00E27 – Judges 4&5 – Deborah: Coolest Woman of The Bible<span xmlns=''><p><span style='font-family:Verdana'>(Disclaimer: Mary is the most honored woman- I don't want to mess with Jesus' mom)<br /></span></p><p><span style='font-family:Verdana'>I love the story of Deborah; true to her name (The Bee), she accomplishes a vast spectrum of endeavors in just two chapters of Scripture. Here are the highlights of her leadership:<br /></span></p><ol><li><span style='font-family:Verdana'> Judge of Israel (Judges 4:4)- In this post she led the whole country of Israel.<br /></span></li><li><span style='font-family:Verdana'>Prophetess (Judges 4:4)- God enables her to speak for Him.<br /></span></li><li><span style='font-family:Verdana'>She was a military commander and strategist (Judges 4:6-7) – and by the way, when her general, Barak refuses to lead the army, she does it herself!<br /></span></li><li><span style='font-family:Verdana'>She was a songwriter and singer (Judges 5:1)- In her song she brings praise to God and mocks her enemies. You got to love a woman who praises God and talks smack to her enemies! (Reminds me of my wife!)<br /></span></li><li><span style='font-family:Verdana'>She was a mother (Judges 5:7) - When Israel was in trouble, God called a mother to arise.<br /></span></li><li><span style='font-family:Verdana'>Effective Leader (Judges 5:31) - The land had peace for forty years while she reigned.<br /></span></li></ol><p><br /> </p><p><span style='font-family:Verdana'>As I write this, now I know why I think Deborah is so cool; I think I married one!</span></p></span>Luis Torrado San Miguelhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10636134985496341021noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7841605584243093313.post-46254743102192689992010-04-05T19:08:00.002-04:002010-04-05T19:11:33.327-04:00E26 Judges 2-3 – Living Like We Drive<span xmlns=""></span><br />
<span xmlns=""><span style="font-family: Verdana;">Don't we are drive differently when we see a cop car? Even if we are not speeding, we still hit the brake just in case. Is this how we live our spiritual lives? What happens in our spiritual lives, when we don't see the cop car? That is what this passage of Scripture is about.<br />
</span></span><br />
<span xmlns=""><span style="font-family: Verdana;">Israel's leaders who led people into the Promised Land passed away, and now their children were living differently without their leaders. As long as they had a "cop" watching they were obedient to the faith, when there was no more "cop car" they sped towards their wreck (Judges 2:7, 10-11). <br />
</span></span><br />
<span xmlns=""><span style="font-family: Verdana;">This chapter is not just about historical facts, is also a morality story. We read this and ask ourselves, if this narrative describes us as well. Who are we when no one is looking is the definition of character; and also who we truly are. This is the part of us that God cares about the most.<br />
</span></span><br />
<span xmlns=""><span style="font-family: Verdana;">David, discovered that God was always watching, and came to terms with this ever-watching Father. However, he does not describe a monitoring authority figure waiting to "catch us on the act," but rather a loving Father who wants to guide us by His Hand.<br />
</span></span><br />
<span xmlns=""><span style="font-family: Verdana;">Psalm 139:7-12 (NIV)<br />
<br />
</span></span><br />
<div style="margin-left: 72pt; text-align: left;"><span xmlns=""><span style="font-family: Verdana;"><sup>7</sup> Where can I go from your Spirit? <br />
</span></span></div><div style="margin-left: 72pt; text-align: left;"><span xmlns=""><span style="font-family: Verdana;">Where can I flee from your presence? <br />
</span></span></div><div style="margin-left: 72pt; text-align: left;"><span xmlns=""><span style="font-family: Verdana;"><sup>8</sup>If I go up to the heavens, you are there; <br />
</span></span></div><div style="margin-left: 72pt; text-align: left;"><span xmlns=""><span style="font-family: Verdana;">if I make my bed in the depths, you are there. <br />
</span></span></div><div style="margin-left: 72pt; text-align: left;"><span xmlns=""><span style="font-family: Verdana;"><sup>9</sup>If I rise on the wings of the dawn, <br />
</span></span></div><div style="margin-left: 72pt; text-align: left;"><span xmlns=""><span style="font-family: Verdana;">if I settle on the far side of the sea, <br />
</span></span></div><div style="margin-left: 72pt; text-align: left;"><span xmlns=""><span style="font-family: Verdana;"><sup>10</sup>even there your hand will guide me, <br />
</span></span></div><div style="margin-left: 72pt; text-align: left;"><span xmlns=""><span style="font-family: Verdana;">your right hand will hold me fast. <br />
</span></span></div><div style="margin-left: 72pt; text-align: left;"><span xmlns=""><span style="font-family: Verdana;"><sup>11</sup>If I say, "Surely the darkness will hide me <br />
</span></span></div><div style="margin-left: 72pt; text-align: left;"><span xmlns=""><span style="font-family: Verdana;">and the light become night around me," <br />
</span></span></div><div style="margin-left: 72pt; text-align: left;"><span xmlns=""><span style="font-family: Verdana;"><sup>12</sup>even the darkness will not be dark to you; <br />
</span></span></div><div style="margin-left: 72pt; text-align: left;"><span xmlns=""><span style="font-family: Verdana;">the night will shine like the day, <br />
</span></span></div><div style="margin-left: 72pt; text-align: left;"><span xmlns=""><span style="font-family: Verdana;">for darkness is as light to you. <br />
</span></span></div><span xmlns=""><br />
</span><br />
<span xmlns=""></span>Luis Torrado San Miguelhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10636134985496341021noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7841605584243093313.post-73558024178142745302010-03-31T10:28:00.001-04:002010-03-31T10:28:59.143-04:00E25 – Joshua 5 & 6 – Before Walls Fall; We Must Fall<span xmlns=''><p><span style='font-family:Verdana; font-size:12pt'>Before the walls of Jericho fell, Joshua fell facedown before the Lord. Before our walls (strongholds, addictions, struggles); we also must fall face down before the Lord. The true worship and reverence of God is what melts our walls down. <br /></span></p><p><span style='font-family:Verdana; font-size:12pt'>Before the first major battle for possession of the Promised Land was fought, Joshua had an encounter with a sword-drawn man-God (Jos 5:13). We are not specifically told that this is Jesus; however, he was both a "man" and "holy." Only one person fits that category, Jesus, the commander of the army of the Lord. <br /></span></p><p><span style='font-family:Verdana; font-size:12pt'>With strong parallels with Moses burning bush experience; Joshua is told to remove his sandals for he was standing in holy ground. Astutely, Joshua fell facedown as an act of reverence. Reverent worship enhances our ability to obey God; and it is from this position Joshua asks for orders from God (Jos 5:14). <br /></span></p><p><span style='font-family:Verdana; font-size:12pt'>This narrative is here to guide us towards our own victory over the sins and strongholds that we must conquer in order to live the life that God wants for us. But before we fight, we must fall facedown and practice reverent worship. Reverent worship enables us to walk in obedience, and give credit (glory) to God only. He invites us to fight with Him, we must arm ourselves for battle, but it is His sword that is melting walls before us.<br /></span></p></span>Luis Torrado San Miguelhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10636134985496341021noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7841605584243093313.post-72766618881525490732010-03-29T20:31:00.000-04:002010-03-29T20:31:54.402-04:00E24 - Joshua 3, 4 - Things To Do Before Before We Recieve God's Promise<span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">The people of Israel were about to see God do "amazing things among them." (Joshua 3:5) But before God did anything among them, before they possessed the promises that God had for them they needed to heed 3 instructions from God.</span></span> <span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;">They were to: 1. consecrate themselves, 2. move and keep up with God, and 3. Construct a way to remember what they saw. </span></span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;">1. <b>Consecrate Yourselves</b>. (Joshua 3:5) Consecration simply means "to set apart." God requires us to set ourselves aside exclusively for Him. God demands exclusivity; exclusivity is a form of worship.</span></span><br />
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;"> </span></span><br />
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;">2. <b>Move With God</b> (Joshua 3:3-6) "When you see the ark move, move with it." Sounds simple enough, yet God has to remind us several times in Scriputure to move and keep up with Him. "Since we live by the Spirit, let us keep in step with the Spirit!</span></span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;">3. <b>Construct A Way To Remember</b> (Joshua 4:5-7) God command us to remember. There is no doubt, a short-term spiritual memory will wreck your faith. For our sake God instructs us to set reminders, build memorials, and even practice rituals to help us remember the things that He has done for us and said to us. A good memory will both build and protect our faith. Memory seems to be a vital spiritual life-skill.</span></span><br />
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;"> </span></span><br />
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;">Could these 3 expectations from God still apply to us in order for us to receive His promises. God wants to do amazing things among us, are we prepared? </span></span>Luis Torrado San Miguelhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10636134985496341021noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7841605584243093313.post-67191629417448972072010-03-26T11:30:00.002-04:002010-03-26T11:31:20.452-04:00E23 Joshua 1 – The Bridge of Courage<span xmlns=""></span><br />
<span style="font-size: small;" xmlns=""><span style="font-family: Verdana;">We have all helplessly stood there; that chasm between our current reality and our God-given destiny. There is no easy way around it, in order to get to your dreams, callings, and potential we must cross this chasm. And there is but one way to get there: courage. Courage is the bridge to get to the Promised Land. <br />
</span></span><br />
<span style="font-size: small;" xmlns=""><span style="font-family: Verdana;">We are all familiar with the fact that God requires faith (Heb 11:6). But real faith requires courage and risk-taking. So if God requires faith, and faith requires courage: GOD REQUIRES COURAGE! <br />
</span></span><br />
<span style="font-size: small;" xmlns=""><span style="font-family: Verdana;">At this point of Joshua's life he has already demonstrated great acts of faith and courage, yet God still finds it necessary to personally charge and command him 3 times in this chapter to be "strong and courageous." Big promises and dreams demand great courage. <br />
</span></span><br />
<span xmlns=""><span style="font-family: Verdana;"><span style="font-size: small;">Thank God we don't have to build the bridge; we just have to cross it</span>. <br />
</span></span><br />
<span xmlns=""></span>Luis Torrado San Miguelhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10636134985496341021noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7841605584243093313.post-283907524776940092010-03-24T22:21:00.002-04:002010-03-24T22:28:35.137-04:00E22 Exodus 32 - The Bad Art Incident<span class="versetext" id="ex31-1" style="display: inline;"><span class="versenum">Let's put Exodus 32 and the whole "golden calf incident" in perspective" </span></span><br />
<span class="versetext" id="ex31-1" style="display: inline;"><span class="versenum">The Lord has just commissioned Moses up on the mountain to build Him a place so that He can dwell among His people. That is His true desire. To be close to His people....His own special people and treasured possession, those He loves. And what kind of house would a Creator- The Creator- of heaven and earth and everything in it- dwell in? Well, a very well designed place. Divinely designed. This place had major craftsmanship, major design sense and artistry. It makes sense that a God who is a Creator would dwell in a creative atmosphere. So he commissions artists on whom he is gifting with all the wisdom and revelation that they need to bring these plans on paper into a glorious reality. This is what the Lord does in Exodus 31:</span></span><br />
<span class="versetext" id="ex31-1" style="display: inline;"><span class="versenum">1</span> <a href="http://www.blogger.com/post-edit.g?blogID=7841605584243093313&postID=28390752477694009" name="1"></a>Now the <span class="strongs" sn="03068">LORD</span> <span class="strongs" sn="01696">spoke</span> to <span class="strongs" sn="04872">Moses</span>, <span class="strongs" sn="0559">saying</span>, </span> <span class="versetext" id="ex31-2" style="display: inline;"><span class="versenum">2</span> <span class="strongs" sn="07200">"See</span>, I have <span class="strongs" sn="07121">called</span> by <span class="strongs" sn="08034">name</span> <span class="strongs" sn="01212">Bezalel</span>, the <a href="http://www.blogger.com/post-edit.g?blogID=7841605584243093313&postID=28390752477694009" name="2"></a><span class="strongs" sn="01121">son</span> of <span class="strongs" sn="0221">Uri</span>, the <span class="strongs" sn="01121">son</span> of <span class="strongs" sn="02354">Hur</span>, of the <span class="strongs" sn="04294">tribe</span> of <span class="strongs" sn="03063">Judah</span>. </span> <span class="versetext" id="ex31-3" style="display: inline;"><span class="versenum">3</span> "I have <a href="http://www.blogger.com/post-edit.g?blogID=7841605584243093313&postID=28390752477694009" name="3"></a><span class="strongs" sn="04390">filled</span> him with the <span class="strongs" sn="07307">Spirit</span> of <span class="strongs" sn="0430">God</span> in <span class="strongs" sn="02451">wisdom</span>, in <span class="strongs" sn="08394">understanding</span>, in <span class="strongs" sn="01847">knowledge</span>, and in <span class="strongs" sn="03605">all</span> kinds of <a href="http://www.blogger.com/post-edit.g?blogID=7841605584243093313&postID=28390752477694009" name="a"></a><span class="strongs" sn="04399">craftsmanship</span>, </span> <span class="versetext" id="ex31-4" style="display: inline;"><span class="versenum">4</span> to <a href="http://www.blogger.com/post-edit.g?blogID=7841605584243093313&postID=28390752477694009" name="b"></a><span class="strongs" sn="02803">make</span> artistic <span class="strongs" sn="04284">designs</span> for <span class="strongs" sn="06213">work</span> in <span class="strongs" sn="02091">gold</span>, in <span class="strongs" sn="03701">silver</span>, and in <a href="http://www.blogger.com/post-edit.g?blogID=7841605584243093313&postID=28390752477694009" name="c"></a><span class="strongs" sn="05178">bronze</span>, </span> <span class="versetext" id="ex31-5" style="display: inline;"><span class="versenum">5</span> and in the <span class="strongs" sn="02799">cutting</span> of <span class="strongs" sn="068">stones</span> <a href="http://www.blogger.com/post-edit.g?blogID=7841605584243093313&postID=28390752477694009" name="d"></a>for <span class="strongs" sn="04390">settings</span>, and in the <span class="strongs" sn="02799">carving</span> of <span class="strongs" sn="06086">wood</span>, that he may <span class="strongs" sn="06213">work</span> in <span class="strongs" sn="03605">all</span> kinds of <a href="http://www.blogger.com/post-edit.g?blogID=7841605584243093313&postID=28390752477694009" name="e"></a><span class="strongs" sn="04399">craftsmanship</span>. </span> <span class="versetext" id="ex31-6" style="display: inline;"><span class="versenum">6</span> "And <span class="strongs" sn="02009">behold</span>, I <span class="strongs" sn="0589">Myself</span> have <a href="http://www.blogger.com/post-edit.g?blogID=7841605584243093313&postID=28390752477694009" name="f"></a><span class="strongs" sn="05414">appointed</span> with him <a href="http://www.blogger.com/post-edit.g?blogID=7841605584243093313&postID=28390752477694009" name="4"></a><span class="strongs" sn="0171">Oholiab</span>, the <span class="strongs" sn="01121">son</span> of <span class="strongs" sn="0294">Ahisamach</span>, of the <span class="strongs" sn="04294">tribe</span> of <span class="strongs" sn="01835">Dan</span> ; and in the <span class="strongs" sn="03820">hearts</span> of <span class="strongs" sn="03605">all</span> <span class="strongs" sn="02450">who</span> are <a href="http://www.blogger.com/post-edit.g?blogID=7841605584243093313&postID=28390752477694009" name="g"></a><span class="strongs" sn="02450">skillful</span> <span class="strongs" sn="03820"></span> I have <span class="strongs" sn="05414">put</span> <a href="http://www.blogger.com/post-edit.g?blogID=7841605584243093313&postID=28390752477694009" name="h"></a><span class="strongs" sn="02451">skill</span>, that they may <span class="strongs" sn="06213">make</span> <span class="strongs" sn="03605">all</span> that I have <span class="strongs" sn="06680">commanded</span> you: </span> <span class="versetext" id="ex31-7" style="display: inline;"><span class="versenum">7</span> <a href="http://www.blogger.com/post-edit.g?blogID=7841605584243093313&postID=28390752477694009" name="5"></a>the <span class="strongs" sn="0168">tent</span> of <span class="strongs" sn="04150">meeting</span>, and <a href="http://www.blogger.com/post-edit.g?blogID=7841605584243093313&postID=28390752477694009" name="6"></a>the <span class="strongs" sn="0727">ark</span> of <span class="strongs" sn="05715">testimony</span>, and <a href="http://www.blogger.com/post-edit.g?blogID=7841605584243093313&postID=28390752477694009" name="7"></a>the <a href="http://www.blogger.com/post-edit.g?blogID=7841605584243093313&postID=28390752477694009" name="i"></a><span class="strongs" sn="03727">mercy</span> <span class="strongs" sn="03727">seat</span> upon it, and <span class="strongs" sn="03605">all</span> the <span class="strongs" sn="03627">furniture</span> of the <span class="strongs" sn="0168">tent</span>, </span> <span class="versetext" id="ex31-8" style="display: inline;"><span class="versenum">8</span> <a href="http://www.blogger.com/post-edit.g?blogID=7841605584243093313&postID=28390752477694009" name="8"></a>the <span class="strongs" sn="07979">table</span> also and its <a href="http://www.blogger.com/post-edit.g?blogID=7841605584243093313&postID=28390752477694009" name="j"></a><span class="strongs" sn="03627">utensils</span>, and the <a href="http://www.blogger.com/post-edit.g?blogID=7841605584243093313&postID=28390752477694009" name="9"></a><span class="strongs" sn="02889">pure</span> gold <span class="strongs" sn="04501">lampstand</span> with <span class="strongs" sn="03605">all</span> its <a href="http://www.blogger.com/post-edit.g?blogID=7841605584243093313&postID=28390752477694009" name="k"></a><span class="strongs" sn="03627">utensils</span>, and <a href="http://www.blogger.com/post-edit.g?blogID=7841605584243093313&postID=28390752477694009" name="10"></a>the <span class="strongs" sn="04196">altar</span> of <span class="strongs" sn="07004">incense</span>, </span> <span class="versetext" id="ex31-9" style="display: inline;"><span class="versenum">9</span> <a href="http://www.blogger.com/post-edit.g?blogID=7841605584243093313&postID=28390752477694009" name="11"></a>the <span class="strongs" sn="04196">altar</span> of <span class="strongs" sn="05930">burnt</span> <span class="strongs" sn="05930">offering</span> also with <span class="strongs" sn="03605">all</span> its <a href="http://www.blogger.com/post-edit.g?blogID=7841605584243093313&postID=28390752477694009" name="l"></a><span class="strongs" sn="03627">utensils</span>, and <a href="http://www.blogger.com/post-edit.g?blogID=7841605584243093313&postID=28390752477694009" name="12"></a>the <span class="strongs" sn="03595">laver</span> and its <span class="strongs" sn="03653">stand</span>, </span> <span class="versetext" id="ex31-10" style="display: inline;"><span class="versenum">10</span> the <a href="http://www.blogger.com/post-edit.g?blogID=7841605584243093313&postID=28390752477694009" name="m"></a><a href="http://www.blogger.com/post-edit.g?blogID=7841605584243093313&postID=28390752477694009" name="13"></a><span class="strongs" sn="08278">woven</span> <span class="strongs" sn="0899">garments</span> as well, and the <span class="strongs" sn="06944">holy</span> <span class="strongs" sn="0899">garments</span> for <span class="strongs" sn="0175">Aaron</span> the <span class="strongs" sn="03548">priest</span>, and the <span class="strongs" sn="0899">garments</span> of his <span class="strongs" sn="01121">sons</span>, with which to <a href="http://www.blogger.com/post-edit.g?blogID=7841605584243093313&postID=28390752477694009" name="n"></a><span class="strongs" sn="03547">carry</span> on their <span class="strongs" sn="03547">priesthood</span> ; </span> <span class="versetext" id="ex31-11" style="display: inline;"><span class="versenum">11</span> <a href="http://www.blogger.com/post-edit.g?blogID=7841605584243093313&postID=28390752477694009" name="14"></a>the <span class="strongs" sn="04888">anointing</span> <span class="strongs" sn="08081">oil</span> also, and the <a href="http://www.blogger.com/post-edit.g?blogID=7841605584243093313&postID=28390752477694009" name="15"></a><span class="strongs" sn="05561">fragrant</span> <span class="strongs" sn="07004">incense</span> for the <span class="strongs" sn="06944">holy</span> place, they are to <span class="strongs" sn="06213">make</span> them according to <span class="strongs" sn="03605">all</span> that I have <span class="strongs" sn="06680">commanded</span> you." </span><br />
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<span class="versetext" id="ex31-11" style="display: inline;">There you have it. Every piece of furniture, every piece of thread, every utensil, oil, and metal. They were all the product of artistry and beautiful in every way. I would have loved to have seen that house. </span><br />
<span class="versetext" id="ex31-11" style="display: inline;">And here in Exodus 32 after calling and commissioning the people of God to create an environment of beauty and creativity for Him to dwell in, He stops to warn Moses, that these very people have defiled themselves. </span><br />
<span class="versetext" id="ex31-11" style="display: inline;">You see we think that it's all about the calf and we want to harp on about idols. But, I think that God's disappointment and Moses anger, were very much about the use of their gift. You see we've all been gifted by God. Both in the natural and in the spirit with gifts of the Spirit. But, it is completely within our own decision how we will use the gift God has anointed us for. What will we do with the abilities that He has called and commissioned our lives with? Will we use them for our own purposes? for instant gratification, selfish gain? When the wait is too long, and we don't see God's plans for our lives materializing in the way we expected or when we expected them to, do we take the thing that He has anointed us for and use it our own way? We sound somewhat like spoiled children, like the Israelites did in this chapter of Exodus: "Thanks God for the gift of artistry, but, now your way is just taking way too long, I've got stuff to do with this talent." Moses had been on the mountain for 40 days and nights and for all they knew he could have been dead. But, instead of believing the voice that first called them, they returned to their own devices. I think the real measure of a woman or a man is not what you do when God is speaking, but, what you do when He is silent. Let us say as Moses did "we will not go from here unless You go with us." That all of our decisions would not be made out of frustration or out of our own human logic. Moses had given the Israelites instructions to "wait here." Maybe that is part of the lesson to learn in this chapter. Not take what God is giving us and run. Let our prayer be, "Lord help us to wait on You, and not turn to our own devices or our own logic, even when Your plan seems unclear. Help us to stay committed to Your plans for our lives, knowing that everything You have gifted us with is for a purpose, Your purpose." </span>Luis Torrado San Miguelhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10636134985496341021noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7841605584243093313.post-719166987658694372010-03-23T08:40:00.001-04:002010-03-23T08:40:17.247-04:00E21 Exodus 19,20 – God’s Intention For The 10 Commandments<span xmlns=''><p><span style='font-family:Verdana'>What did God want when He gave The Ten? What was His desired outcome? I guess the best question is, why did He give them out in the first place.<br /></span></p><p><span style='font-family:Verdana'>The good thing is that God reveals his intention for the law before he spelled it out. To God it was important for us to know why He was doing this. So before assembling the people of Israel to literally hear the Law with their own ears, God himself gives the reason for establishing the Law. God desires us to be His "<em>treasure possession…a kingdom of priests and a holy nation</em>." (Ex 19:5-6) God wants us to be his treasured possession, and for us to want him to be our treasure. Ultimately, God desires to be desired. <br /></span></p><p><span style='font-family:Verdana'>The Ten is how this God-desire is lived out in our lives. And in fact, with the help of the Holy Spirit this God-desire is we are becoming together (1Pet 2:5). God wants us to truly be His, not just simply try to behave like it. Doesn't the First Commandment sound like, "I desire that your desire me more than anything!" <br /></span></p><p><span style='font-family:Verdana'>We are told what God is looking for; us wanting to be what God is looking for, that the essence of worship! David summed it up this way: "I desire to do your will, Oh my God; your Law is within my heart" (Ps 40:8). David was bringing more than obedience, he was bringing his desire. <br /></span></p><p><span style='font-family:Verdana'>God desires us to desire him! Jesus, I desire you. Holy Spirit help me to desire you.</span></p></span>Luis Torrado San Miguelhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10636134985496341021noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7841605584243093313.post-22286275648327946812010-03-23T00:36:00.002-04:002010-03-23T00:38:05.467-04:00E20 Exodus 13-14 - Born Into Battle<span xmlns=""></span><br />
<span xmlns=""><span style="font-family: Verdana;">Are we born-again into a paradise or into an epic struggle for humanity? We are told that the Israelites left the land of captivity armed for battle (Ex. 13:18b). If the pillar of cloud and fire was leading them out (Ex 13:21,22); why the need for weapons? <br />
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<span xmlns=""><span style="font-family: Verdana;">The exodus from Egypt parallels our own exodus and deliverance from the captivity and slavery of our sin. We can educate ourselves on own deliverance by studying their exodus. We are not born into paradise. This is not heaven; this is earth, and while we are here we have an adversary who will oppose our progress. More importantly, while we are here, God expects to fight (1 Tim. 6:12)<br />
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<span xmlns=""><span style="font-family: Verdana;">We are born-again into a great struggle for the souls of humanity. When we walk with God, we march with the Spirit (Gal 5:25). We are provided battle-armor and we are expected to wear it (Eph. 6:11-17). Where we live, there is no demilitarized zone. <br />
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<span xmlns=""><span style="font-family: Verdana;">The exodus began and ended with battle. From the deliverance from captivity to the possession of the Promised Land there was battle and struggle. Should we expect our spiritual lives to be any different?<br />
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<span xmlns=""><span style="font-family: Verdana;">Stay alert, fellow soldiers. </span></span><br />
<span xmlns=""></span>Luis Torrado San Miguelhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10636134985496341021noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7841605584243093313.post-82903941747510158612010-03-19T13:53:00.001-04:002010-03-19T13:53:43.328-04:00E19 Exodus 12 – The Transcendence of Remembrance<span xmlns=''><p><span style='font-family:Verdana'>Why does God place such an emphasis on remembrance? God even establishes remembrance as a form of worship.<br /></span></p><p><span style='font-family:Verdana'>Before the Lord led the Israelites out of Egypt, He gave them instructions to remember. God placed a higher priority in remembering the deliverance than on the deliverance itself. He even gave more instructions and commands on the remembrance itself rather than the deliverance.<br /></span></p><p><span style='font-family:Verdana'>The repeated words on this passage are: commemorate, celebrate, observe. <br /></span></p><p><span style='font-family:Verdana'><strong>Commemorate.</strong> To commemorate means to remember together, Passover was not for individuals it was for the community. Nothing sticks to memory banks like communal experiences. To God is important that we celebrate faith as a group than as an individual (its better for us, too!). <br /></span></p><p><span style='font-family:Verdana'><strong>Celebrate.</strong> Do you find it interesting that God has to command us to celebrate? You would think that would come naturally to us. But, we have been commanded by God to: enjoy and delight ourselves in our faith. To God is important that we celebrate in the things He wants us to do. Make no mistake, Passover was a feast!<br /></span></p><p><span style='font-family:Verdana'><strong>Observe.</strong> Our man-made holidays usually celebrate past events [Independence Day, Memorial Day, etc.] We don't have any holidays about the future! But you know God is doing more than pointing at the past. I love the transcendence of the Scriptures; the Israelites were not just being thought to observe the past, they were being prepared for the future! In preparing the lambs for Passover they were being prepared for the Lamb of God (John 1:29, Rev 15:3). By observing the past, we can see the future!<br /></span></p><p><span style='font-family:Verdana'>At Passover Jesus brought both fulfillment and promise. After during the Passover meal Jesus instituted another standing ordinance for us, the Lord's Supper. In breaking the bread, we remember and experience his broken body. In drinking the cup we celebrate the new covenant in His blood. In the whole experience we are not just observing and remembering his death, but more importantly we are proclaiming his future return! <br /></span></p><p><span style='font-family:Verdana'>Its important to note that once again, the command to remember the cross came before the deliverance itself. Jesus commands us all to: "Remember Me." </span></p></span>Luis Torrado San Miguelhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10636134985496341021noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7841605584243093313.post-26723753012534384712010-03-18T17:15:00.003-04:002010-03-18T17:22:42.517-04:00E18 Exodus 6-11 – Humility or Humiliation: Its Our Choice<span xmlns=""></span><br />
<span xmlns="">The struggle of Moses and Pharaoh is an epic confrontation in the Bible between humility vs. arrogance. Moses was the most humble man on the face earth (Numbers 12:3). And, his nemesis Pharaoh, was the personification of arrogance.<br />
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<span xmlns="">Ten times Moses confronted Pharaoh, ten times Pharaoh "hardened" his heart; and suffered the consequences. Eventually, The most humble man, confronted the most arrogant man with one question from God: "This is what the Lord, the God of the Hebrews, says: 'How long will you <span style="text-decoration: underline;">refuse to humble yourself</span> before me? (Ex. 10:3) <br />
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<span xmlns="">That question cuts right to us. How long will we refuse to humble ourselves? From the story we deduct that Pharaoh's biggest problem was not sin or immorality; His biggest problem was arrogance. God can work with a sinner, He cant work with the arrogant.<br />
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<span xmlns="">What if our biggest problem is not sin? We can become so focused in managing our sin that we neglect its root cause, arrogance. Ask yourself, do you spend more time in confession (and guilt) than on intentional humility?<br />
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<span xmlns="">The story is the ten plagues is not just a story of God leading out the Israelites out of Egypt; its also a story of God reaching out to an arrogant man. Before the plagues began God declares their purpose: that "the Egyptians will know than I am the LORD (Ex 7:5, 9:16) God was reaching out to Pharaoh. <br />
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<span xmlns="">When we refuse to humble ourselves (1Pet 5:6), we force God to humble us. When we do it it's called humility; when God has to do it its called humiliation. Its our choice! <br />
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<span xmlns=""></span>Luis Torrado San Miguelhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10636134985496341021noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7841605584243093313.post-72594865806834387982010-03-17T23:22:00.003-04:002010-03-17T23:33:41.860-04:00E17 Exodus 3,4 – How God Calls The Hesitant<span xmlns=""></span><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiQuHAhtMU8CcsjQ0GQ5r7B8U4izJI5u7_mHxvz42Gkw-3kK_3RQINnBlFdH5Ts-a5jM403RMYD53YGVavsTNAb1rP-Pp4XFuzl49H3Wsdw2984gnCgStkgNA6fR7jfpen5YMBsU7rsZGAS/s1600-h/burning_bush.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiQuHAhtMU8CcsjQ0GQ5r7B8U4izJI5u7_mHxvz42Gkw-3kK_3RQINnBlFdH5Ts-a5jM403RMYD53YGVavsTNAb1rP-Pp4XFuzl49H3Wsdw2984gnCgStkgNA6fR7jfpen5YMBsU7rsZGAS/s200/burning_bush.jpg" width="138" /></a></div><span xmlns="">How can use me? Isn't this the first thought that crosses our mind when we hear God calling? <br />
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<span xmlns="">I don't know about you, but I am sure glad that the heroes of the Bible also struggled with that question. It's good to know that I am not the first person (and I won't the last) who asked God to send someone else. It means that God doesn't call the skilled and qualified but rather those who are aware of their limitations, the hesitant. And from this story can glean how God calls, trains, and sends those who are hesitant.<br />
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<span xmlns="">The Calling. Moses was hesitant; but at least he was able to notice that the bush did not burn up, which had to take some time. God cant call you if you not paying attention. God begins with those are awake, we can do that! Paul encourages this like this: "<i>Wake up, O sleeper, rise from the dead, and Christ will shine on you</i>. (Eph. 5:14)" <br />
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<span xmlns="">The Training. This is made up of God answering Moses' who, what and how questions. Through the answers God reveals His name and some of His attributes. One interaction stands out though. On Ex. 4:2, God asks the eighty year old Moses, "what is in your hand?" God was directing Moses attention to his shepherd's staff, to reassure that this training is nothing new, God has been training Moses for forty years in the desert (Acts 7:23, 30). God is also revealing that He is going to use Moses' natural talents and the things that he is used already. Did you now that God has been training you all your life and that he will use the things that in your hand already?<br />
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<span xmlns="">The Failed Launch. The story is been building up, God has answered every question and displayed miracles, you expect Moses raise up like a hero…when he anticlimactically asks God to send someone else. God is patient, but there is a limit, the Bible says that the Lord's anger burned against Moses (Ex 4:13-14). Dear God, help me not be like this!<br />
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<span xmlns="">God is merciful with us, his mercy endured and allowed Moses the help of his brother Aaron, and sent him with this charge: "But take up this staff in your hand so you can perform miraculous signs with it!" (Ex 4:17). <br />
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<span xmlns="">A word to the hesitant, yes God is calling us, yes he will encourage and empower you, don't stay hesitant forever!<br />
What is in your hand? </span><br />
<span xmlns=""></span>Luis Torrado San Miguelhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10636134985496341021noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7841605584243093313.post-89743370995419376162010-03-16T17:36:00.003-04:002010-03-16T17:43:50.425-04:00E16 Exodus 2 – Floating In Providence vs. Flowing With Providence<span xmlns=""></span><br />
<span xmlns=""><span style="font-family: Verdana;">Can you imagine what Moses' mom was feeling as released her baby boy to the flow of the Nile? What a captivating picture, a newborn baby floating in a basket down a river with the end result undetermined. What does God want us to learn from this narrative? Could this be a metaphor of our lives? Are we helplessly simply floating on God's will and whatever happens, happens? Or are expected to participate with the "Flow of God?"<br />
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<span xmlns=""><span style="font-family: Verdana;">After Pharaoh gave the mandated that every male baby be thrown into the Nile; Moses family refused to be reduced to an uninvolved bystanders. For three months they valiantly defied the law and hid the boy they saw providence in him (Heb 11:23). His mom made sure that the baby's big sister, Miriam, observed what would happen, but Miriam did more than observe, she intervened. <br />
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<span xmlns=""><span style="font-family: Verdana;">A princess sees the baby boy and as she is experiencing pity over the child, Miriam tactically asks her if she wanted her to get a Hebrew woman to nurse the baby for "you?" She brings her mom to the princess and Moses' mom receives the order to nurse her own son! Yeah, she got paid to take care of her own son! (sweet) Minutes earlier mom was not sure if her son will live or die, now her son is part of the royal family. <br />
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<span xmlns=""><span style="font-family: Verdana;">Don't you just love how all the details come together? In addition to all this, the baby will providently be given the name, Moses- "Drawn from the water." Moses whole life will be impacted by water. God will have Moses lead people though the Red Sea. He will through a stick to undrinkable water and it would become drinkable (Ex 15:25). Even his life's biggest blunder will have to do with water. He is instructed by God to go a speak to a rock and water would come out from it. Instead in anger he struck the rock twice (Num 20:9-12). The Rock that he struck was Christ- not good! (1 Cor. 10:4). <br />
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<span xmlns=""><span style="font-family: Verdana;">God's Providence. Was Moses just simply floating in it? Or were him and his family flowing with it? What about us? Are we just supposed to sit back and enjoy all the good stuff does for us? (if you do, you'll be waiting a long time) Or are we to participate and flow with God's providence. It appears that not only are we involved but that those close to us are involved as well. <br />
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<span xmlns=""><span style="font-family: Verdana;">Don't float alone. Flow with the Flow of God!<br />
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<span xmlns=""></span>Luis Torrado San Miguelhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10636134985496341021noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7841605584243093313.post-74811289771716905172010-03-15T12:59:00.002-04:002010-03-15T13:10:44.658-04:00E15 Gen 45 – When Our Suffering Converges With God’s Will<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgY8aq9pGeTfTeFjKJJ6INE7XMn_37-wiXv0NFTeOBJWmKfmBzeilBShhTB5-5gHssN54mAefyIIy6pasf6yVykod9XoYRKfpnfJ-r8zwW9SR9hhMwvcOa_j-s1HTwhyqnQms5nupq_rBxk/s1600-h/Joseph-bro.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="160" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgY8aq9pGeTfTeFjKJJ6INE7XMn_37-wiXv0NFTeOBJWmKfmBzeilBShhTB5-5gHssN54mAefyIIy6pasf6yVykod9XoYRKfpnfJ-r8zwW9SR9hhMwvcOa_j-s1HTwhyqnQms5nupq_rBxk/s200/Joseph-bro.jpg" width="200" /></a></div><span xmlns=""></span><br />
<span xmlns=""><span style="font-family: Verdana;">Isn't this the moment we never think we will witness? That moment when witness the convergence of God's purposes with our painful past experiences. As God redeems our suffering He not provides healing from the pain, but more amazingly He also ordains blessings and fruitfulness to flow because of it (Rom 8:28). <br />
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<span xmlns=""><span style="font-family: Verdana;">Joseph personifies this converging of pain and purpose. A victim of major injustices becomes the source of healing and rescue for his offenders. At the same time that Joseph reveals his identity he reassures his brothers "not to be distressed and do not be angry with yourselves... God sent me … to save your lives by a great deliverance." (Gen 45:5, 7) Joseph even concludes that it was God who sent him to Egypt, not his brothers! (Gen 45:8) <br />
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<span xmlns=""><span style="font-family: Verdana;">What moment, when Joseph is able to kiss all his brothers and weep over them (Gen 45:15). He is even able to talk to those who years ago could not say a kind for to him (Gen. 37:4). </span></span><br />
<span xmlns=""><span style="font-family: Verdana;">In kissing, weeping and talking with them Joseph is sharing his healing with them. He is hoping that they too have a convergence. Their convergence will be different but just as important; a place where the pain they caused meets God's purpose. Joseph even encourages them not to argue about this matter anymore (Gen 45:25). <br />
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<span xmlns=""><span style="font-family: Verdana;">Thank God, that he not only redeems the pain that has been done to us, but also the pain that we inflict on others. I must admit, I tend to wait for God to heal the pain done to me, more than the pain I cause. <i>Lord, forgive me for this.</i></span></span><br />
<span xmlns=""><span style="font-family: Verdana;"><i>Dear Jesus, give the patience I need to see this convergence in my life. Help me to not only seek redemption for my pain but also for the pain that I have caused. </i><br />
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<span xmlns=""></span>Luis Torrado San Miguelhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10636134985496341021noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7841605584243093313.post-18216130357572308052010-03-12T15:33:00.002-05:002010-03-12T15:34:41.236-05:00E14 Gen 43-44 – Allowing Your God-Dreams To Unfold<span xmlns=""></span><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEheEtJ4ImoutUQlSGZKMu4quxCZWMR8EqZFukUGF7YOwVC2T3ZLI1K5n7PxVinbJh-wNB3NvENamTE9-v-ywTEa7VwvfkAuHC5lRMBmtXlIw8cEI6K07usVhAdu2U0kPGZtDkCi1t9hOphE/s1600-h/17_joseph_dream.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="167" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEheEtJ4ImoutUQlSGZKMu4quxCZWMR8EqZFukUGF7YOwVC2T3ZLI1K5n7PxVinbJh-wNB3NvENamTE9-v-ywTEa7VwvfkAuHC5lRMBmtXlIw8cEI6K07usVhAdu2U0kPGZtDkCi1t9hOphE/s200/17_joseph_dream.jpg" width="200" /></a></div><span style="font-size: small;" xmlns=""><span style="font-family: Verdana;">Are our God-Dreams an inedibility or a glimpse of divine possibilities? Are the dreams that God gives affected by our actions and reactions? Can we get on the way and prevent God's will from unfolding? Do we have some responsibility in their fulfillment?<br />
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<span style="font-size: small;" xmlns=""><span style="font-family: Verdana;">Frankly, I am still figuring those answers. The free-will vs. God's sovereignty discussion will continue until we meet Jesus. Until then we can rely on God and His Word for pointers. <br />
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<span style="font-size: small;" xmlns=""><span style="font-family: Verdana;">We can get some guidance from this narrative. About twenty years earlier Joseph had a dream/vision of his brothers bowing down to him in honor (Gen 37:6-7). This dream becomes a reality twice in this passage (Gen 43:26,28). But what if Joseph would had lash out in anger the first time he saw his brothers, would the dream still come true? Did Joseph patience allow this dream to be fulfilled?<br />
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<span style="font-size: small;" xmlns=""><span style="font-family: Verdana;">What about our dreams- have we messed them up already? Can God redeem and restore them? Maybe I am making the mistake of thinking that dreams and promises of God are about me instead of God. <br />
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<span style="font-size: small;" xmlns=""><span style="font-family: Verdana;">Think about it. <b>Was Joseph's dream a foretelling about the brothers that hated him one day bowing down to honor him, or was the dream about one day Joseph being able to forgive his brothers?</b> Was the dream for just for Joseph, or was it for his brothers? <br />
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<span style="font-size: small;" xmlns=""><span style="font-family: Verdana;">All dreams and their interpretations are from God and belong to Him (Gen 40:8). Maybe we err calling them "our" dreams and destiny. Our goal should not be to know the future, but to do our part and allow God to do His.<br />
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<span style="font-size: small;" xmlns=""><span style="font-family: Verdana;">Questions For Reflection:<br />
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<li><span style="font-family: Verdana;">Joseph dreams took more than 20 years to be fulfilled, have you put an expiration date on your God-dreams?<br />
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<li><span style="font-family: Verdana;">Do you think the dream was fulfilled the way Joseph thought it would? </span></li>
</span></ol><span xmlns=""></span>Luis Torrado San Miguelhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10636134985496341021noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7841605584243093313.post-89448352673039137622010-03-11T18:22:00.003-05:002010-03-11T18:25:38.809-05:00E13 Gen 42 – Leaving Room For God To Be Our Avenger<span xmlns=""></span><br />
<span style="font-size: small;" xmlns=""><span style="font-family: Verdana;">Is there anything that stirs anger in our hearts more than injustice? It's evident that the human heart was made in the image of a God of Justice; just look at the strong, immediate reactions that we have whenever we perceive injustice. Ironically, even people who do not believe in "moral absolutes" are absolutely sure that injustice is wrong and not to be tolerated. Deep within our hearts there is written code against injustice.<br />
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<span style="font-size: small;" xmlns=""><span style="font-family: Verdana;">The story of Joseph early life is made up of injustice followed by more and more injustice: sold into slavery by his brothers, thrown in jail for doing the right thing, and once there forgotten by the people whom he helped. If anyone had the right to be an angry, vengeful person in the Bible it was Joseph. <br />
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<span style="font-size: small;" xmlns=""><span style="font-family: Verdana;">I wonder how much did Joseph sulk in anger towards his brothers? Did he plan his revenge against them someday? Did he pray to God that he could someday pay them back? The Bible story doesn't say, but it does say what he did when he met again some 20 years later.<br />
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<span style="font-size: small;" xmlns=""><span style="font-family: Verdana;">Joseph decided to observe his brothers before deciding what do. He had the advantages of the brothers not recognizing him, and pretending not to understand their language by using an interpreter. After three days the brothers acknowledged among themselves they were reaping the consequences of their sin against Joseph and that they were giving an accounting of his blood (Gen 42:21-22). Joseph was able to observe their sorrow and grief over what they had done to him. Their anguish moved Joseph to go away and weep (Gen. 42:24). <br />
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<span style="font-size: small;" xmlns=""><span style="font-family: Verdana;">God had done for Joseph what he could never do himself. He changed the hearts of his offenders, and in doing so also changed his. Joseph discovered that God is our avenger and defender. God also instructs us to allow Him the room He needs to defend us. <br />
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<span style="font-size: small;" xmlns=""><span style="font-family: Verdana;">Romans 12:19 Do not take revenge, my friends, but leave room for God's wrath, for it is written: "It is mine to avenge; I will repay," says the Lord. When we seek our revenge we get on God's way to display his perfect wrath and vengeance. <br />
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<span style="font-size: small;" xmlns=""><span style="font-family: Verdana;">Vengeance belongs to God and not us. If not careful we can prevent God from establishing his Justice, and helping us. <br />
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<span style="font-size: small;" xmlns=""><span style="font-family: Verdana;">How I wish this wasn't true. How difficult it is for me to get out of God's way. Vengeance has the appearance of being easier when done by ourselves. But when I seek my own defense and vengeance, I make matters worse than they were before. </span></span><br />
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<span style="font-size: small;" xmlns=""><span style="font-family: Verdana;"><i>Lord, how I need to learn to make room for you. You can defend me better than I can.</i><br />
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<span style="font-size: small;" xmlns=""><span style="font-family: Verdana;">Questions For Reflection:<br />
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<li><span style="font-size: small;"><br />
</span> <div><span style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: 12pt;"><span style="font-size: small;">Am I my own protector or is God my protector and defender?</span><br />
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<span xmlns=""><span xmlns=""></span></span>Luis Torrado San Miguelhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10636134985496341021noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7841605584243093313.post-68019988242153034622010-03-09T18:16:00.005-05:002010-03-11T15:58:38.239-05:00E12 Gen 39-41 – The Maturation of A Biblical Hero<span xmlns=''><p><span style='font-family:Verdana; font-size:14pt'>What a difference 13 years, some adversity and most importantly the favor of God make. At the end of chapter 41 Joseph is 30 years old and second only to Pharaoh in the land of Egypt (Gen 41:46). A whole different specimen from what we were introduced to when he was 17. (Remember when you were 17?)<br /></span></p><p><br /> </p><p><span style='font-family:Verdana; font-size:14pt'>Gen 39-41 displays the transformation of Joseph into a Biblical hero. The most important ingredient in this transformation is given to us early and often. The author of Genesis makes it difficult for the reader to miss this piece of the story, God's presence. Chapter 39, the account of Joseph in Egypt, opens not with a hopeless victim, but rather an admirable and capable young man who clearly displayed the presence of favor of God to the people around him (Gen 39:2-3).<br /></span></p><p><br /> </p><p><span style='font-family:Verdana; font-size:14pt'>"The Lord was with Joseph…" I love that phrase, and we read it at least 3 times in this chapter. (Gen 39:2,20-21, 23) We are not told that Joseph felt the presence of God, but instead we are told that everyone that came in contact with Joseph attested to the fact that God was with Him. I wonder if Joseph felt, what everyone else saw in him? Could it be that we have the presence and favor of God not for us to feel it, but for others to see God displayed in us?<br /></span></p><p><span style='font-family:Verdana; font-size:14pt'>Joseph also displays some other signs of maturity. First, he maintains his sexual purity in spite of constant pressure (Gen. 39:10). Thus becoming an example for every would-be-hero for God; when our sexual purity is attacked, we are to run like Joseph. The Apostle Paul version of this in the New Testament is to "flee from sexual immorality" (1 Cor 6:18)<br /></span></p><p><span style='font-family:Verdana; font-size:14pt'>Secondly, Joseph begins to display humility in the using of the gift that God gave him. The gift of dream interpretation is a rarity in the Bible. Those who are used dream interpretation usually display the gifts of wisdom and knowledge in a very developed manner. In earlier chapters Joseph displayed childishness in using this gift; he now uses this gift with the confidence and propriety that comes only when a person fully knows that is not them doing the work but rather God (See Gen 40:8; 41:16).<br /></span></p><p><span style='font-family:Verdana; font-size:14pt'>And lastly, Joseph masters the vital skill of everyone Bible hero; learning and gaining from painful circumstances. Joseph was able to turn his physical and emotional suffering into spiritual fruit. And he named his children appropriately, so he will never forget. Genesis 41:51-52: <em><sup><br /> </sup>Joseph named his firstborn <strong>Manasseh</strong> and said, "It is because God has made me forget all my trouble and all my father's household." <sup>52 </sup>The second son he named <strong>Ephraim</strong> and said, "It is because God has made me fruitful in the land of my suffering." </em><br /> </span></p><p><span style='font-family:Verdana; font-size:14pt'>Manasseh literally means "made me forget." Ephraim means "twice fruitful." By not allowing himself to be controlled by past circumstances Joseph aced his final exam from hero school. Joseph is now ready to make an impact for God!<br /></span></p><p><br /> </p><p><span style='font-family:Verdana; font-size:14pt'>Questions for Reflection:<br /></span></p><ol><li><span style='font-family:Verdana; font-size:14pt'>The transformation begins with God's constant presence. Do you see God present in your life? </span><br /> </li><li><span style='font-family:Verdana; font-size:14pt'>When you call on the Name of God, do call on the name of Yahweh Shammah, The Lord is Present?</span><br /> </li><li><span style='font-family:Verdana; font-size:14pt'>Are you protecting your integrity like a hero/heroine?</span><br /> </li><li><span style='font-family:Verdana; font-size:14pt'>Are you able to point to the place in your life when or where your past pain or circumstances no longer had mastery over you? </span><br /> </li></ol><p><span style='font-family:Verdana; font-size:14pt'><br /> </span> </p></span>Luis Torrado San Miguelhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10636134985496341021noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7841605584243093313.post-16844675456488962502010-03-08T18:50:00.002-05:002010-03-08T18:51:55.436-05:00E11 Gen 37 – The Early Stages of A Bible Hero<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhDz5okeJ7M5Vc_eScF3CaMG0AS1gnI_E_ExnMCKpawHDckVgzAccVkse-5va3tmFwUFsKB9IQFcI-1QpantANtj5S6KYgnQ6H5NzznNtpDLDpczFBYxSR_R_4FQxORCPdTqYuOI4S7Faz5/s1600-h/joseph_dreams.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhDz5okeJ7M5Vc_eScF3CaMG0AS1gnI_E_ExnMCKpawHDckVgzAccVkse-5va3tmFwUFsKB9IQFcI-1QpantANtj5S6KYgnQ6H5NzznNtpDLDpczFBYxSR_R_4FQxORCPdTqYuOI4S7Faz5/s200/joseph_dreams.jpg" width="151" /></a></div><span xmlns=""></span><br />
<span xmlns=""><span style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: 12pt;">Most great hero epics have an important parallel: the development of the hero. The complelling beauty of many stories is not that the hero was born into greatness; but instead the hero had to overcome unsual circumstances before deafeating his/her nemesis. The development and growth of the hero what makes the stories so uplifting. Bible and Literary heroes often share this quality.<br />
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<span xmlns=""><span style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: 12pt;">When we are intorduced to Joseph, there is not much promise there. The Bible reader is introduced to a 17 year-old kid snitching out his older brothers, who by the way, are grown men much older than him. To complicate matters, these brothers we born not to his mother, Rachel, or his step-mother Leah, but rather to their comcubines. Needless, to say their was more going one than just a "bad report." (Gen 37)<br />
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<span xmlns=""><span style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: 12pt;">To complicate things even more, the Bible says that his father Jacob, loved him more than the other brothers. Joseph was Jacob's favorite son, born from his favorite wife (Gen 29:31). Jacob even made Joseph a special robe, an annoing reminder to all his brothers that he has his father's preferred son. I am not an expert, but publicly loving one son more than the others has to be the quickest way to create a dysfunctional family.<br />
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<span xmlns=""><span style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: 12pt;">But the story still gets worse for the young man. In addition to all the above, Joseph lacks the critical life-skill of being tactfull. After having some dreams that seem to foretell his supremacy over all his family; the boy decides it a good idea to put his decorative robe on and tell these dreams to eleven grown men who hated him and could not speak a kind word to him. Even his father had to rebuke him for his lack of common sense.<br />
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<span xmlns=""><span style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: 12pt;">So we witness the introduction of a Bible hero. God obviously had a lot of work to do in Joseph's heart. So in His providence, God allowed the brothers to sell Joseph to some merchants on their way to Egypt. Joseph is about to go to hero school.<br />
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<span xmlns=""><span style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: 12pt;">Questions For Reflection:<br />
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<li><br />
<div><span style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: 12pt;">Are there any immature qualities in your life that are keeping you from becoming the hero or heroine God needs you to be?<br />
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<span xmlns=""></span>Luis Torrado San Miguelhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10636134985496341021noreply@blogger.com3