tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-24107431254717160072024-03-13T11:00:36.978-05:00Jesus SavesAllen Skipperhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04862887349423736375noreply@blogger.comBlogger398125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2410743125471716007.post-39777623828503270322012-08-16T14:17:00.002-05:002012-08-16T14:17:41.545-05:00Ready Or Not, Here They Come<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-KiTleiIS9q0/UC1HPt7cKLI/AAAAAAAABD8/AbnVV7eQagU/s1600/dqwqfd.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-KiTleiIS9q0/UC1HPt7cKLI/AAAAAAAABD8/AbnVV7eQagU/s200/dqwqfd.jpg" width="190" /></a><span style="background-color: blue; color: blue;"><span style="background-color: white;">I have just started my 18th year of teaching in public education. I am just as excited and nervous today as I was the very first year. In three days, those kids are going to come rushing into this school eager to </span><span style="background-color: white;">learn, willing to absorb, and itching to please their teachers...or not. One thing is for sure though: ready or not, here they come. The beginning of a new year is not only exciting, but it is also extremely important because it sets routines that will be followed all year. Some teachers say the first 5 minutes of a new year is the most critical time. Although I don't think it is the most critical time, I do agree it is very imporatant. Most kids try to put what happend last year behind them and try to make better grades and have better discipline. Teachers also self-evaluate and correct errors from last year. No matter how bad last year may have been, it's over now, and we must move on to hopefully better things. Isn't that the same with our Lord?</span></span><br />
<br />
<br />
<span style="background-color: white; color: blue;">Why don't we treat this school year like a new beginning, even if we are not a student or teacher. Why don't we just turn everything over from our past to God and make a fresh start. That is the way He works. We may not have had good credit finacially last year and may have a hard time obtaining a loan this year. But our credit with God is always perfect once we ask for forgiveness and accept His Son as our Savior. He does not hold anything against us. He is like that teacher that tells His students, "Welcome to my class. I am so glad you are here. Let's see what all we can learn this year." Are you ready to start a new school year with Jesus? Set your alarm clock for 6 and don't miss the bus! We got to go to school.</span><br />
<br />
<br />
<span style="background-color: white; color: blue;">2 Corinthians 5:17 says, "<strong><span style="color: lime;">Anyone who belongs to Christ is a new person. The past is forgotten, and everything is new."</span></strong></span><br />
<br />
<br />
<span style="background-color: white; color: blue;">Father, thank-you for giving us a new beginning full of hope. Help us to transform our lives into what you would have us to be. In Jesus name, Amen.</span>Allen Skipperhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04862887349423736375noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2410743125471716007.post-16168053217347449882012-07-17T13:08:00.000-05:002012-07-17T13:08:35.659-05:00Over and Over and Over...<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-6lU92OCZdZY/UAWpmhyRpvI/AAAAAAAABDE/grQIR2mPYTs/s1600/935-800.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="264" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-6lU92OCZdZY/UAWpmhyRpvI/AAAAAAAABDE/grQIR2mPYTs/s320/935-800.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<span style="background-color: white; color: blue;">I have learned something very valuable from a young man I am talking to about Jesus. He has a certain sin that he continues to commit over and over and over. After we talk and he asks God for forgiveness, he seems to feel much better and stronger. But within a day or two, he "relapses" and commits the same sin over again. This has been going on for the entire summer. It seems like every time I check my Email, I am going to have one from him saying, "I did it again. What should I do now?" I am not a counselor and have suggested that he may want to seek a professional. But he insists on continuing to ask me for help. What should I tell him? All I know to do is to keep encouraging him to pray and ask God to forgive him and to give him strength to continue his personal battle. To be honest, I am getting a little tired of trying to help him because it just doesn't seem to be working. Then it hit me!</span><br />
<br />
<br />
<span style="background-color: white; color: blue;">God might be using me to help my friend, but I now realize that he is definitely using my friend to help me. You see, I also have an habitual sin; perhaps we all do. What should we do about it? The same thing I suggested that he do about it: don't ever give-up asking for God's help. When we continue to pray for help, we demonstrate that we still have faith in God to actually help us. But if we give-up and stop asking God for help, what does that say about our faith? There is no guarantee that our family, best friend, or even pastor will never give-up on us when we continue to commit the same sin over and over. They may get tired of trying to help us, but God won't! God loves us so much that no matter how many times we sin, even if it is the same sin, He will never give-up on us. We should always trust in the Lord. And what better advice is there to give to others?</span><br />
<br />
<br />
<span style="background-color: white;"><span style="color: blue;">Romans 8:38-39 says, "<span style="color: red;">For I am convinced that neither death nor life, neither angels nor demons, neither the present nor the future, <sup class="crossreference" value="(<a href="#cen-NIV-28155A" title="See cross-reference A">A</a>)"></sup> nor any powers,</span><span class="text Rom-8-39" id="en-NIV-28156"><span style="color: red;"><sup class="versenum"> </sup>neither height nor depth, nor anything else in all creation, will be able to separate us from the love of God <sup class="crossreference" value="(<a href="#cen-NIV-28156C" title="See cross-reference C">C</a>)"></sup> that is in Christ Jesus our Lord</span>." </span></span></span><br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<span class="text Rom-8-39"><span style="background-color: white; color: blue;">Father, thank-you for reminding me that you are still in charge and for never giving up on us. Teach us to also never give-up on others. In Jesus name, Amen.</span></span><br />
Allen Skipperhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04862887349423736375noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2410743125471716007.post-71914823844435412592012-07-01T23:58:00.003-05:002012-07-02T00:00:39.575-05:00Why Me?<span style="color: blue;">I sometimes ask myself why I write devotions. Is it to help me or is it to help others? Who says I am even qualified to write devotions about God? I sin. I ask for forgiveness. I sin even more. Why would anybody want to read my devotions, especially the people who know me and know how broken I am? I can't tell you how many times someone will respond to me after I do something stupid with, "and you write Christian devotions?" How can I even gaze upon this computer screen and hope the words come to my typing fingers? You know what? It helps me to combat these obstacle questions with a clear and simple, "why not me?"</span><br />
<br />
<span style="color: blue;">If we broken sinners didn't write about Jesus, then who will? Who amoung us is qualified? When I read through the characters in the Bible, I realize, although different in many ways, there is one thing that most have in common: They were broken sinners. I can honestly say that I write devotions to help me stay focused on Jesus. If what I write is also helping somebody else, that is great! But it is totally God's business and for me not to worry about. I can't worry about how it is affecting others, nor can I let others derail me from writing simply because I may feel that it is not effective. My only true enemy is me; my only true friend is Jesus. So, broken or not, I will continue to write about God. Have you thought about maybe writing some kind of devotions for God? You may come-up with a thousand excuses not to, but never feel like you are not qualified or that you sin "too much" Don't we all sin too much? Let's stand-up convincingly for Jesus, not because we are perfect, but because we are broken sinners.</span><br />
<br />
<span style="color: blue;">Romans 3:23 says, "<span style="color: red;">for all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God</span>" </span><br />
<br />
<span style="color: blue;">Father, please forgive me of my sins. Help us to remember that you can use us to help others no matter how broken we may be. In Jesus name, Amen.</span>Allen Skipperhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04862887349423736375noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2410743125471716007.post-8336471455381673842012-06-20T03:28:00.001-05:002012-06-20T03:28:38.087-05:00<div>
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-ZN67BysnP3Y/T-GIbsFEeFI/AAAAAAAABCM/zYknkTGyySU/s1600/9481-800.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="213" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-ZN67BysnP3Y/T-GIbsFEeFI/AAAAAAAABCM/zYknkTGyySU/s320/9481-800.jpg" width="320" /></a><span style="color: #3366ff;">As a teacher, I have to be very careful that I
don't use questions on a test that can be considered as "bad". A "bad" question
is a question that can have more than one correct answer or be interpreted in
more than one way. For example, answer these 3 simple
questions:</span></div>
<br />
<br />
<br />
<div>
<span style="color: #3366ff;">1. Who discovered America? 2. What was the
President's name in 1982? 3. How many months have 28 days?</span></div>
<br />
<br />
<br />
<div>
<span style="color: #3366ff;">Typical answers are Columbus, Reagan, and
February. Those are considered correct answers. However, depending on how you
look at the questions, the answer to the first one could be Native Americans
since they were here long before Columbus. For the second question, another
correct answer is Obama, since that has been his name all his life, including in
1982. And the third question, yep, you guessed it, <em>all</em> the months have
28 days. What would be your answer to this simple yes/no question? Did Christ's
death on the Cross give us Eternal Life? </span></div>
<br />
<br />
<br />
<div>
<span style="color: #3366ff;">It is true that Jesus Christ, the Son of God,
did die on the Cross for our sins and to give us Eternal Life. But we are not
<em>automatically</em> saved because of His death and Resurrection. What Christ
did was only an <strong><em>offer</em></strong> for forgiveness and Eternal
Life. When people say that Christ died on the Cross to save us, we must remember
that we are not truly saved until we <em>receive</em> His offer. We MUST accept
Him as our Personal Savior in order to be forgiven for our sins and to receive
Eternal Life. So, did Christ's death on the Cross give us Eternal Life? Only if
we accept it and choose to believe in Him. Have you received Christ into your
heart? If so, you are promised Eternal Life from a God who never lies! But if
you have not accepted Christ as your Personal Savior, the Bible explains that
you are not saved. What Christ did on the Cross was an amazing gift and offer of
true love for each one of us. But we <em>must</em> believe in order to receive. </span></div>
<br />
<br />
<div>
<span style="color: #3366ff;">Romans 10:9 says, "<strong><span style="color: #ff6666;">If you confess with your mouth, 'Jesus is Lord', and
<em><span style="color: red;">believe</span></em> in your heart that God
raised Him from the dead, you will be saved</span></strong>." </span></div>
<br />
<br />
<br />
<div>
<span style="color: #3366ff;">Father, thank you for sending Your precious
Son Jesus to die for me. Also, thank you for stirring my heart at age 13, and
helping me to accept Him. I pray for all those who have not accepted Christ.
Stir their hearts, too, Lord. In Jesus name, Amen. </span></div>Allen Skipperhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04862887349423736375noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2410743125471716007.post-71883709786537369412012-06-18T03:40:00.001-05:002012-06-18T03:40:08.629-05:00Desires of our Hearts<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-x-VL-1nkRO0/T97pS5HS-1I/AAAAAAAABBU/hl4Vh3zQhak/s1600/pic56.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-x-VL-1nkRO0/T97pS5HS-1I/AAAAAAAABBU/hl4Vh3zQhak/s320/pic56.jpg" width="220" /></a><span style="color: blue;">I love Psalm 37, in particular, verse 4. It says, "Delight yourself also in the Lord, and He shall give you the desires of your heart" I guess what I like about it is that it gives me a feeling of hope, especially when things are not going my way. We all want the desires of our hearts. But will God really give us those things that we desire? What if I desire a million dollars? Will God give this to me? No, I don't really think He will do that, so what does His promise <em>really</em> mean? </span><br />
<br />
<span style="color: blue;">When I was in my 30's, I loved to play church-league softball. I mean, I really, really loved to play; I could hardly wait for Tuesday and Thursday nights to arrive. But I also worked 2 nights a week and had a baby to take care of. My wife would really fuss and make me feel guilty, like I was being a bad Daddy or something because I was gone 4 nights a week. Granted, the job was needed, but did I really have to play softball? I finally "agreed" with her one day that I would not play anymore, but after seeing me mope around for a couple weeks like a little kid, she gave-in. I knew I had too much on my plate, but my desire to play softball was almost over-whelming. So I began to pray and ask God to take away my desire to play. I don't really remember how long it was after that, but I do remember how all of a sudden, I didn't desire to play anymore. </span><br />
<br />
<span style="color: blue;">When we decide to delight in God and really put Him first in our lives, the desires of our hearts become more aligned with His. Instead of us wanting things for ourselves, we begin to want things for God. Our hearts undergo an amazing transformation! It is at this point when He keeps His promise and gives us the new desires of our hearts. All we have to do is put Him first in our lives and completely trust in His will. All we have to do is completely immerse ourselves in Him. Are we truly delighting ourselves in the Lord? A quick search of our hearts' desires will help us to answer that question.</span> Allen Skipperhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04862887349423736375noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2410743125471716007.post-90666468166859995982012-05-29T13:04:00.002-05:002012-05-29T13:04:25.882-05:00Graduation<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-nIbnqyIZpec/T8UPk8-cyxI/AAAAAAAABAc/fIMpM0r2Z5M/s1600/thumbnailsdf.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-nIbnqyIZpec/T8UPk8-cyxI/AAAAAAAABAc/fIMpM0r2Z5M/s200/thumbnailsdf.jpg" width="186" /></a><span style="color: blue;">As we approach another graduation at Dothan High School, I can't help but to feel blessed that I get to be a part of kid's lives. It's such an amazing feeling to see these kids grow-up and mature right before my eyes between the 9th-grade and the 12th-grade. Once they walk across the stage and are awarded their diplomas, their world completely changes as they know it. Some are scared but most are excited. With the world at their feet, they literally can do whatever they want to do; the choices are endless.</span><br />
<br />
<span style="color: blue;">Over the past couple years, it has really begun sinking-in how quickly timing is flying by. I have to admit that this aging process is for the birds. Oh, what I would give to be walking across that stage again today with my entire future ahead of me. Ah...to be young again. But you know what? When I think deeper on this subject, I realize that with each passing year, I am one step closer to graduating from this world and stepping into my eternal world. When we are called to heaven by Jesus, it will be like walking across the stage of life and receiving something much greater than a diploma. As good as God has been to us, it's nothing like how good He is going to be when we get to heaven. With Him, our possibilities will be endless. So will our lives. No more growing old. No more sickness. No more death. No more sorrow. What a promotion that will be!! Christians, our "graduation" is almost at hand. </span><br />
<br />
<span style="color: blue;">Philippians 3:14 says, "<span style="color: red;">I press on toward the goal to win the prize for which God has called me
heavenward in Christ Jesus</span>"</span><br />
<br />
<span style="color: blue;">Father, thank-you for being so good to us. We long to be with you at this very hour. Please guide our seniors as they continue their life's journey. In Jesus name, Amen.</span> Allen Skipperhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04862887349423736375noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2410743125471716007.post-72195192736335568682012-05-24T09:42:00.002-05:002012-05-24T09:42:10.945-05:00Quiz Time<div>
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-0RduUKvqsJw/T75In-NHRzI/AAAAAAAABAQ/OfvNMncmtnw/s1600/thumbnailCAGCR8PV.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-0RduUKvqsJw/T75In-NHRzI/AAAAAAAABAQ/OfvNMncmtnw/s200/thumbnailCAGCR8PV.jpg" width="186" /></a><span style="color: #3366ff;">Ok, here's a little quiz. Which of the
following statements is/are true?</span>
</div>
<div>
<span style="color: #3366ff;"></span></div>
<br />
<br />
<div>
<span style="color: #3366ff;"><em>1. TV's Mr. Ed was a
horse.</em></span></div>
<br />
<br />
<div>
<span style="color: #3366ff;"><em>2. Kentucky Fried Chicken changed its name
to KFC to eliminate "fried" from its title.</em></span></div>
<br />
<br />
<div>
<span style="color: #3366ff;"><em>3. Tapping the side of a soda can will
prevent it from spewing when opened.</em></span></div>
<br />
<br />
<div>
<span style="color: #3366ff;"><em>4. Swimming less than 30 minutes after
eating will cause cramps.</em></span></div>
<br />
<br />
<div>
<span style="color: #3366ff;"><em>5. Poinsettia plants are poisonous to
humans.</em></span></div>
<br />
<br />
<div>
<span style="color: #3366ff;"><em>6. The plane in which Buddy Holly died was
named <strong>American Pie</strong>.</em></span></div>
<br />
<br />
<div>
<span style="color: #3366ff;"><em>7. Elephants are afraid of
mice.</em></span></div>
<br />
<br />
<div>
<span style="color: #3366ff;"><em>8. The Great Wall of China is the only
man-made structure visible from the moon.</em></span></div>
<br />
<br />
<div>
<span style="color: #3366ff;"><em>9. German chocolate cake comes from
Germany.</em></span></div>
<br />
<br />
<div>
<span style="color: #3366ff;"><em>10. Eating turkey will make one
sleepy.</em></span></div>
<br />
<br />
<br />
<div>
<span style="color: #3366ff;">So which statements are true? Actually, NONE
of them are true; Each one is just an urban legend (Mr. Ed was in fact a zebra).
These myths are spread around so much that after a while, we all start believing
them. There is no telling how many "facts" we have heard over the years that we
believe to be true, but actually are just myths. The only way to know if
something is true or not is to investigate or research it ourselves. I used to
believe some things from the Bible, not because I had read it, but because I had
always heard it. But since I have started studying God's Word, I have realized
that some things I have always believed were in the Bible are actually not
there. To find out what is actually in the Bible, we need to spend time reading
it. A friend of mine likes to say that Bible stands for <strong>B</strong>asic
<strong>I</strong>nstructions <strong>B</strong>efore <strong>L</strong>eaving
<strong>E</strong>arth. God's Word is our instruction manual while we are here.
In order to follow what His Word says, we must read what it says. Have you read
your Bible lately? It will sure help guide your steps. And that, my friend, is
no myth!</span></div>
<br />
<br />
<br />
<div>
<span style="color: #3366ff;">Romans 10 :17 says, "<strong><span style="color: #ff6666;">So faith comes from hearing, and hearing by the Word of
God</span></strong>."</span>
</div>
<div>
<span style="color: #3366ff;"></span></div>
<br />
<br />
<div>
<span style="color: #3366ff;">Father, thank-you for Your Holy Word. Help us
to discern what is really in it. In Jesus name, Amen.</span></div>Allen Skipperhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04862887349423736375noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2410743125471716007.post-32424671658518156212012-05-23T08:24:00.000-05:002012-05-23T08:24:44.270-05:00Duck!<div>
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-J64fU0aKOPc/T7zlDV-D7qI/AAAAAAAABAE/qIyg5K75E2s/s1600/thumbnailCA4PNF2Z.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-J64fU0aKOPc/T7zlDV-D7qI/AAAAAAAABAE/qIyg5K75E2s/s200/thumbnailCA4PNF2Z.jpg" width="186" /></a><span style="color: #3366ff;">I love the 70's sitcom <em>All In The
Family</em>. I recently bought a few DVD's of the 2nd and 3rd seasons. Archie
and Edith Bunker crack me up! They play their parts so well, they almost seem
married in real-life. Archie, the always-mad-at-the-world bigot, and Edith, the
always-happy "Dingbat" make the show all by themselves. I was watching an
episode last night in which Edith got an idea and shared it with Archie. As
usual, the idea was a little lame, so Archie popped off at her. He said, "Edith,
the next time a thought comes your way, DUCK!" </span><br />
</div>
<div>
<span style="color: #3366ff;">That could be good advice for all of us. I
pray and ask God to lead my steps and thoughts everyday. But how can one tell
when a coming-thought is from God or from some place else? We all get thoughts
that we think came from God, but then later, we realize it was only <em>our</em>
thought, and it was a bad one. I guess it takes lots of practice and lots of
praying to get it right all the time. But until then, we really need to size-up
our thoughts and decide if they are truly from God or not. Until we learn the
difference, maybe we should take Archie's advice. Maybe we should "DUCK" from
some of our thoughts.</span></div>
<div>
<span style="color: #3366ff;"></span>
</div>
<div>
<span style="color: #3366ff;">James 1:5 says, "</span><strong><span style="color: #ff6666;">If you need wisdom, ask our generous God, and He will
give it to you."</span></strong></div>
<br />
<div>
<span style="color: #3366ff;">Father, please help us discern those thoughts
You give us from other thoughts that come from somewhere else. The Bible teaches
us that You will give wisdom to all whom ask. Lord, please give me the wisdom to
do Your will. In Jesus name, Amen. </span></div>Allen Skipperhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04862887349423736375noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2410743125471716007.post-89227326365852091602012-05-22T11:15:00.000-05:002012-05-22T11:18:05.663-05:00Summer Vacation<div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-hGZgpu2i7No/T7u75i6kpeI/AAAAAAAAA_4/ZZaSTTryFC8/s1600/dqwqfd.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; cssfloat: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" qba="true" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-hGZgpu2i7No/T7u75i6kpeI/AAAAAAAAA_4/ZZaSTTryFC8/s200/dqwqfd.jpg" width="186" /></a><span style="color: blue;">Oh, the excitement, the thrill, the laughter, the anticipation! They are running up and down the halls, hugging everyone in sight! They are about to bubble-over with happiness! And that is just the teachers...imagine how excited the students are! Summer vacation is just 6 days away. Do you remember the excitement you used to feel when you were in school? This is my 18th year as a teacher, and I am just as excited about summer vacation right now as I was when I was a student. Knowing that vacation is close-by gives everyone a boost of adrenaline. We are friendlier to each other. We smile more. It is an awesome feeling!</span></div>
<div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;">
<span style="color: blue;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;">
<span style="color: blue;">Why can't we all feel this excited everyday, knowing that Heaven is in our future? Why can't we run around hugging everyone and bragging about what all our Jesus has done for us? He has truly blessed every single one of us, and He is preparing a perfect place for us to spend Eternity. The Bible tells us that there are no words available to describe how wonderful heaven will be. There could only be a few more days left here before He calls us to our perfect home. I am so ready to leave this world behind and be with my Jesus! That will be the best "Summer Vacation" ever! </span></div>
<div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;">
<span style="color: blue;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;">
<span style="color: blue;">Jesus said in revelation 22:7, "<span style="color: red;">Look, I am coming soon</span>!"</span></div>
<div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;">
<br /></div>
<span style="color: blue;">Father, we long to be with You in heaven. Help us to spread the Good News about Your coming. In Jesus name, Amen.</span>Allen Skipperhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04862887349423736375noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2410743125471716007.post-15069756972120994632012-05-21T11:37:00.001-05:002012-05-21T11:37:20.387-05:00Funny How...<div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-9n8CyLFWJt8/T7pvL9xJe5I/AAAAAAAAA_s/n2xDufbR8es/s1600/139535298_WSm2Ptl5_edenroadEDITweb.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; cssfloat: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" kba="true" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-9n8CyLFWJt8/T7pvL9xJe5I/AAAAAAAAA_s/n2xDufbR8es/s200/139535298_WSm2Ptl5_edenroadEDITweb.jpg" width="186" /></a><span style="color: blue;">Funny how we set our clocks for 6am to rise for work or school but can't seem to get up by 10am Sunday morning for church.</span></div>
<div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;">
<span style="color: blue;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;">
<span style="color: blue;">Funny how we call God our father and Jesus our Brother but find it hard to introduce them to our family.</span></div>
<div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;">
<span style="color: blue;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;">
<span style="color: blue;">Funny how small "our" sins seem and how big "their" sins are.</span></div>
<div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;">
<span style="color: blue;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;">
<span style="color: blue;">Funny how we demand justice for others but Mercy for ourselves.</span></div>
<div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;">
<span style="color: blue;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;">
<span style="color: blue;">Funny how we can't think of anything to say when we pray but how easily we can spread the latest gossip.</span></div>
<div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;">
<span style="color: blue;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;">
<span style="color: blue;">Funny how we are so quick to take directions from a total stranger but hesitate to take God's directions for our lives.</span></div>
<div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;">
<br /></div>
<div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;">
<span style="color: blue;">Funny how churchgoers sing Standing On The Promises but all they do is sit on the premises.</span></div>
<div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;">
<span style="color: blue;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;">
<span style="color: blue;">Funny how we want God to answer our prayers, but we refuse to listen to His counsel. </span></div>
<div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;">
<span style="color: blue;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;">
<span style="color: blue;">Funny how it is alright to blame God for evil and suffering in the world but it is not necessary to thank Him for what is good and pleasant.</span></div>
<div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;">
<span style="color: blue;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;">
<span style="color: blue;">Funny how we believe what the newspaper says but question what the Bible says.</span></div>
<span style="color: blue;"><br /></span><br />
<div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;">
<span style="color: blue;">Funny how lewd, crude, and obscene pass so freely through Cyberspace but God is suppressed in the school and workplace.</span></div>
<div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;">
<br /></div>
<div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;">
<span style="color: blue;">Funny how we can send a thousand jokes through Email but think twice about sending good things about Jesus.</span></div>
<div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;">
<br /></div>
<span style="color: blue;">(Author unknown)</span>Allen Skipperhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04862887349423736375noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2410743125471716007.post-57422293170987585612012-05-15T08:48:00.001-05:002012-05-15T08:48:46.348-05:00Church Signs<div>
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-dgdJ1DYESz8/T7Jeoa-3arI/AAAAAAAAA_g/6MfD4XNIvdA/s1600/thumbnaileeqw.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-dgdJ1DYESz8/T7Jeoa-3arI/AAAAAAAAA_g/6MfD4XNIvdA/s200/thumbnaileeqw.jpg" width="186" /></a><span style="color: #3366ff;">I think the best devotion can sometimes be a
single line. Have you noticed the increase in Christian messages on church
signs? I've decided to share a few that I have seen around town. Feel free to
Email me some that you have seen. I hope you enjoy! </span></div>
<br />
<br />
<div>
<strong><span style="color: red;">When the water gets deep, trust in the
One who walked on it.</span></strong></div>
<br />
<br />
<div>
<strong><span style="color: red;">The tomb is empty so you don't have to
be.</span></strong></div>
<br />
<br />
<div>
<strong><span style="color: red;">Stop, drop, and roll will not work in
Hell.</span></strong></div>
<br />
<br />
<div>
<strong><span style="color: red;">Don't fear tomorrow. God is already
there.</span></strong></div>
<br />
<br />
<div>
<strong><span style="color: red;">God expects spiritual fruit, not
religious nuts.</span></strong></div>
<br />
<br />
<div>
<strong><span style="color: red;">Make your eternal reservations now:
Smoking or Non-Smoking</span></strong></div>
<br />
<br />
<div>
<strong><span style="color: red;">It's hard to stumble when you are on
your knees.</span></strong></div>
<br />
<br />
<div>
<strong><span style="color: red;">Caution: Exposure to the SON may
prevent burning.</span></strong></div>
<br />
<br />
<div>
<strong><span style="color: red;">What is missing from ch ch? u
r.</span></strong></div>
<br />
<br />
<div>
<strong><span style="color: red;">Wal Mart is not the only Saving
place.</span></strong></div>
<br />
<br />
<div>
<strong><span style="color: red;">Don't be so open-minded that your
brains fall out.</span></strong></div>
<br />
<br />
<div>
<strong><span style="color: red;">Read Revelations. It will scare the
HELL out of you.</span></strong></div>
<br />
<br />
<div>
<strong><span style="color: red;">The Rapture: Separation of Church and
State.</span></strong></div>
<br />
<br />
<div>
<strong><span style="color: red;">God answers
knee-mail.</span></strong></div>
<br />
<br />
<div>
<strong><span style="color: red;">The best vitamin for a Christian is
B1.</span></strong></div>
<br />
<br />
<div>
<strong><span style="color: red;">Sign broken. Message
inside.</span></strong></div>
<br />
<br />
<div>
<strong><span style="color: red;">God doesn't call the qualified, He
qualifies the Called.</span></strong></div>
<br />
<br />
<br />
<div>
<span style="color: #3366ff;">Again, I hope you enjoyed these. If you have
some good ones you would like to share, please Email me.</span></div>Allen Skipperhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04862887349423736375noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2410743125471716007.post-36073466597417266712012-05-14T07:49:00.003-05:002012-05-14T07:55:04.502-05:00Don't Let It Grow<div>
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-fg_IVnIpV8A/T7D_MoZIq-I/AAAAAAAAA_U/68bgoNNEDKY/s1600/thumbnaildvb.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-fg_IVnIpV8A/T7D_MoZIq-I/AAAAAAAAA_U/68bgoNNEDKY/s200/thumbnaildvb.jpg" width="186" /></a><span style="color: #3333ff;">I once heard a story about an old tutor and
his young student. They were walking in the woods when suddenly the old tutor
stopped. He pointed out four plants to his student. The first one was barely
visible above the ground, the second one was about 2 inches tall, the third one
was a medium-sized bush, and the fourth one was a tall tree. The tutor told his
student to pull each one out of the ground. The first two plants were easy for
the student to pull out of the ground, but the third one, the bush, was very
difficult. After some fighting with it, he finally managed to pull it out of the
ground as well. But then he attempted to pull up the full-grown tree. He wrapped
his arms around the tree but with all his strength, he was unable to even shake
its leaves. </span><span style="color: #3333ff;">
</span></div>
<div>
<br />
<span style="color: blue;">This lesson is simple. Bad habits are easy to uproot from our lives
when they are new. But the longer they take root, the harder they are to
destroy. I have learned that either you can destroy the bad habit, or it can
destroy you. I had to deal with a couple bad habits this past summer, and with
God's help, I was able to defeat and destroy them. So I am now a witness to
God's enormous strength. Maybe you are fighting some "large trees" in your life.
No matter how hard you try, you can simply not defeat them on your own. But God
sure can! Further, He wants to help you. Consider doing what I did..I let go,
and let God! It made all the difference in the world. With God's help, you can
even uproot a giant Redwood!</span></div>
<div>
<span style="color: blue;">Psalm 72:12 says, "</span><span style="color: red;"><strong>God will deliver
the needy who cry out, the afflicted who have no one to
help."</strong></span></div>
<div>
<br />
<span style="color: blue;">Father, thank-you for all You have done for me, and for what You continue to do.
In Jesus name, Amen.</span></div>
<div>
</div>Allen Skipperhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04862887349423736375noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2410743125471716007.post-74839655057354803742012-05-09T11:22:00.003-05:002012-05-09T11:22:49.590-05:00Pencil Erasers<div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-PvxvOhXIczw/T6qZrZ1GkII/AAAAAAAAA_I/MPRrBHBYeAE/s1600/thumbnailgh.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; cssfloat: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><span style="color: blue;"><img border="0" dba="true" height="200" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-PvxvOhXIczw/T6qZrZ1GkII/AAAAAAAAA_I/MPRrBHBYeAE/s200/thumbnailgh.jpg" width="186" /></span></a><span style="color: blue;">If you have ever taken a math class, you know why there are erasers on pencils. The people who make pencils sure do put a lot of confidence in us. They give us a long piece of lead with a little, tiny eraser. Now that is positive thinking! But erasers are not just for correcting mistakes; they can also be used for changing plans. How many times have we heard the phrase, "pencil me in for this week?" We use this phrase because we have learned just how quickly our best-made plans can cave-in. Let's face it: plans change all the time.</span></div>
<span style="color: blue;">Everyday, I am making my schedule in pencil instead of pen because I know things can change in a fraction of a second. As a teacher, I make plans every week but seldom am I able to stick to those plans to the letter. Something always seems to crop up and derail them. So I have learned to be flexible. I've decided to start making all my plans in pencil instead of pen but giving God control of the eraser. He knows what is best for me. If one of my plans gets changed, I will just assume that the Lord used the eraser because He had a better plan. I am putting forth more effort in seeking His will for my life. I don't always know where His will take me from day to day, but I do know it will take me to places that I otherwise couldn't go. God's will is perfect! That is why I am letting Him control the eraser.</span><br />
<br />
<span style="color: blue;">Proverbs 16: 9 says, "<strong><span style="color: magenta;">A man's heart plans his way, but the Lord directs his steps</span></strong>."</span><br />
<span style="color: blue;"><br /></span><br />
<span style="color: blue;">Father, thank you for Your perfect erasers. I am willing to alter all my plans based on Your perfect will. In You, I have placed my total trust. In Jesus name, Amen.</span>Allen Skipperhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04862887349423736375noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2410743125471716007.post-23999338937934464792012-05-08T10:42:00.000-05:002012-05-08T10:42:05.449-05:00Faith and Fish<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-NJWRQMtp2Ps/T6k-t-UqU-I/AAAAAAAAA-8/hJSiMud2NnA/s1600/thumbnailCAHV4CA5.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-NJWRQMtp2Ps/T6k-t-UqU-I/AAAAAAAAA-8/hJSiMud2NnA/s200/thumbnailCAHV4CA5.jpg" width="186" /></a></div>
<div>
<span style="color: #3333ff;">It was sometime around dawn on the sea of
Galilee. Some of the disciples had been fishing all night but had caught
nothing. As they were about to row back to shore, they saw Jesus standing on the
bank. He asked them if they had caught anything, but they told him no. So Jesus
suggested that they cast their nets on the right-side of the boat and they would
catch some. They did what He said, and the nets were barely able to hold the
multitude of fish! How do you think they felt? These guys were professional
fisherman, and they must have thought this man on the shore was crazy. You see,
according to the Book of John, the disciples did not know that the man on the
shore was Jesus...not until they had caught all the fish. They could not
recognize him from their boat. What does this suggest?<br /><br />If they had known
it was Jesus from the start and followed His advice, then it would show that
faith in Jesus is a very powerful thing. But how could it be considered faith in
Jesus if they did not even know it was Jesus? This is the way I like to
interpret it: Many times, Jesus leads us through someone else. When we ask Jesus
for help, we shouldn't expect that help to come to us with ringing bells and
flashing lights. Sometimes Jesus helps us in more simple, quiet ways...like a
stranger on a shore. I think the key is that we need to remain full of faith and
hope and stay open to the various ways Jesus may choose to reach us. God has used
some pretty unique ways in the past to help His people. Maybe He is trying to
help you today in an equally unusual way. Look around and see if you can spot
Him.<br /><br />2 Corinthians 5:7 says, "<strong><span style="color: #ff6666;">For we
walk by faith, not by sight."<br /></span></strong>Father, please help us to
remember that You answer all our prayers. Sometimes it is not in a loud way.
Help us to remember that sometimes You simply whisper. In Jesus name,
Amen.</span></div>Allen Skipperhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04862887349423736375noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2410743125471716007.post-32010147918777332392012-05-06T14:26:00.001-05:002012-05-06T14:26:27.330-05:00Two Judgments<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-GV9ZON3AnE4/T6bQE0WFLVI/AAAAAAAAA-w/yABOcUAqNDU/s1600/9481-800.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="133" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-GV9ZON3AnE4/T6bQE0WFLVI/AAAAAAAAA-w/yABOcUAqNDU/s200/9481-800.jpg" width="200" /></a><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="color: blue; font-family: Calibri;">One of the questions that was presented to me this weekend
from </span><a href="http://www.gotquestions.org/"><span style="color: blue; font-family: Calibri;">www.gotquestions.org</span></a><span style="font-family: Calibri;"><span style="color: blue;"> was about
the interpretation of 1Corinthians 3:12-15. After researching it a great deal,
this was my response.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I thought it would
also make a good devotion too,<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Let me
know if you like it.</span></span><o:p><span style="color: blue; font-family: Calibri;"> </span></o:p></div>
<span style="color: blue;">
</span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;"><span style="color: blue;">There will be two main judgments that God will pass on every
human being:<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The Great White Throne Judgment
(Revelation 20:12-15) and The Judgment Seat of Christ (2 Corinthians 5:10). <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>These are two very different judgments, as the
first one listed will be for nonbelievers and the second one listed will be for
Christians.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>We who have accepted Christ
will not go through a judgment based on sin, but instead, based on reward.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Jesus already paid the price for our sin at
Calvary.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>That debt was “paid in full”
and will never be placed back onto our “accounts” again.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>As Christians, we don’t have to worry about
working to make it to heaven because Christ already did all the work necessary
for us to go.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>There is nothing we can do to add to His
amazing and complete work (Galatians 3:1-5).<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>Instead, we should use all our time and energy trying to further God’s
Kingdom and trying to earn heavenly rewards (Matthew 6:19-34).<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>This
is the kind of judgment Paul is talking about in the verses you asked
about.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>He describes God as using a
fire-test of discernment (also see 1 Peter 1:17-18 and Revelations 3:18).<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Paul contrasts gold, silver, and precious
stones with wood, hay, and straw.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Those
quality materials represent Christians who have given dedicated spiritual
service to the church while the inferior materials imply shallow activity with
no eternal value.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<span style="color: blue;">
</span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;"><span style="color: blue;">Put another way, once we have accepted Christ, we are
promised eternal life (John 10:28).<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>Depending on how well we used the talents God gave us here on earth though
will dictate our levels of reward in heaven.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>I may see Billy Graham in heaven driving a Cadillac, but I’m sure in comparison
to my Christian work, I will be on a skateboard.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Skateboard or Cadillac, we will both be
there.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Again, it is very important to
remember that this is not a judgment of sin.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>Those who have not accepted Christ will be judged for sin in the Great
White Throne Judgment.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I am so thankful God
led me to Christ, and I will not have to be judged for sin.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I pray that through His Power, I can use the
talents he gave me to His satisfaction.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Notice
that verse 15 says that if we have been saved by Christ, even if our works don’t
stand up to his test, we will still make it to heaven, “yet so as through fire”<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<span style="color: blue;">
</span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;"><span style="color: blue;">In conclusion, Christians will never, ever be judged for their
sins.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Instead, our works will be judged
for degrees of reward.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Nonbelievers will
be judged for sin, and the only thing they will receive from God is eternal
punishment.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>One of my favorite bible
verses is Romans 6:23.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It puts the two
topics in perspective: “For the wages of sin is death, but the gift of God is eternal
life through Jesus Christ our Lord.”<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I
pray that you have accepted Christ.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>If
you have, then “endure” with the talents He has given you, and tell as many
people as you can about 1Corinthians 3:12-15. <o:p></o:p></span></span></div>Allen Skipperhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04862887349423736375noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2410743125471716007.post-60783987512161338842012-05-02T10:51:00.001-05:002012-05-02T10:51:17.298-05:00Take My Daughter<div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;">
<span style="color: blue;">As I was praying last night, thanking God for sending His only Son to die in my place, it hit home just how incredible of an act of love He showed me. My mind shifted to my daughter, Bailey Boo. Think about your child as you read this devotion today. I know we are not supposed to hate anybody, but think of a person you dislike a lot. Imagine that dirty, filthy person bringing unspeakable harm to say, your Mom and Dad. As hard as it is, try to imagine that person actually torturing your parents over and over again, while all you can do is helplessly watch. Now imagine that awful criminal is finally caught by the police and sentenced to death. But then, you become filled with tons of compassion for this evil person that just ruined your life. You decide to do something that nobody in the world would ever consider doing. You decide to ask the police to execute your innocent child in the place of this "evil slime".</span></div>
<div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;">
<span style="color: blue;"></span></div>
<br />
<div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;">
<span style="color: blue;"><br /></span></div>
<span style="color: blue;"><br /></span><br />
<div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;">
<span style="color: blue;">As you stand by, watching your very own baby being beaten, and having to listen to her cries of sheer pain and agony, you notice that the person you just pardoned is standing around laughing and mocking your child. As your baby hangs there on a cross, bleeding from head to toe, that evil person does not even want your pardon! Your act of sympathy towards his crime is neither deserved nor appreciated. But instead of getting angry at the person, you choose to forgive him. Wow! There is NO way I could ever love another person that much. I know that may be a sin to feel that way, but I just don't see how I could do it. But God did it! When we sin against Him, it is even more painful to Him than it would be for us to watch the torture of someone very close to us. We may think of ourselves as being a good person, but in God's eyes, we are far worse than the worst criminal. But God loves us anyway. He chose to send His only Son Jesus to die in our place. Isn't that absolutely incredible? Have you truly thanked Him for that act of love? I mean, have you truly thanked Him?<br /></span></div>
<div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;">
<span style="color: blue;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;">
<span style="color: blue;">Romans 5:8 says, "</span><span style="color: red;"><strong>But God commendeth His love toward us, in that, while we were yet sinners, Christ died for us."</strong></span></div>
<div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;">
<br /></div>
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<span style="color: blue;">Father, how do I thank you for what You have done for me? I promise to always keep You first in my life. In Jesus name, Amen. </span></div>
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<br />Allen Skipperhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04862887349423736375noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2410743125471716007.post-59578832032101376422012-05-01T13:13:00.000-05:002012-05-01T13:13:13.592-05:00Lord, Help me Make An "A"<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-D7ri3l5RmdI/T6AnltOmtEI/AAAAAAAAA-I/WcVeu7_9VUs/s1600/a_1437415i.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="128" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-D7ri3l5RmdI/T6AnltOmtEI/AAAAAAAAA-I/WcVeu7_9VUs/s200/a_1437415i.jpg" width="200" /></a></div>
<div>
<span style="color: #3333ff;">My students crack me up sometimes. As some of
them walk up to me to turn<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_fH0LFp4KRVY/Sj_NBzIRjtI/AAAAAAAAAag/ZhvMU-Xf-hk/s1600-h/In%2520The%2520Beginning_1.jpg"></a>
in a test, I will hear them say, "God, please help me to make an A". I want to
ask them if they also prayed <em>before</em> they took the test. Although I know
God can do anything He wants to do, changing the answers on a test is probably
not one of them. Now He could help them <em>during</em> the test. He could
divinely lead them to the right answer. But after the test is turned in, I
believe that is that. Sometimes I will ask them if they studied for the test.
Surprisingly, some say no. And those are the very ones who prayed for God's
help.</span><br /><br />
<div>
<div>
<span style="color: #3333ff;">I think there is a lesson here for all of us.
We should pray <em>before</em> things happen and not just <em>after</em> they
happen. Prayer should be the very first thing we do when we wake...before the
day even gets started. Again, I know God can fix many things after they are
seemingly broken. But heading off disaster before it even happens is wise. And
just praying for things to happen may not always be enough. We also need to
prepare for those things to happen. Praying for an A on a test is a good idea.
But unless we study for the test, I doubt the Good Lord is going to simply give
us an A. He did give us a brain, and He expects us to use it. Depending on God
does not just mean blindly praying to Him for things to happen. God gave all of
us smarts, talents, and creativity. By using what He gave us, that is also a way
to depend on Him.</span></div>
<div>
<span style="color: #3333ff;">Psalm 16:2 says, "</span><span style="color: #ff6666;"><strong>You are my Lord. Apart from You, I have no good
thing."</strong></span></div>
<div>
<span style="color: #3333ff;">Father, thank you for wanting to help us
everyday. Teach us to depend on You and everything You have given us. In Jesus
name, Amen.</span></div>
</div>
</div>Allen Skipperhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04862887349423736375noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2410743125471716007.post-35298488381070181732012-04-30T11:21:00.000-05:002012-04-30T11:21:06.287-05:00Bank Account<div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-3om3sQ4lCiQ/T567UJsuo8I/AAAAAAAAA9k/MIpmk2pLo60/s1600/thumbnailCAOWRQ77.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; cssfloat: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" oda="true" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-3om3sQ4lCiQ/T567UJsuo8I/AAAAAAAAA9k/MIpmk2pLo60/s200/thumbnailCAOWRQ77.jpg" width="170" /></a><span style="color: blue;">Suppose I deposited 1440 dollars into your bank account every single day with only one requirement: You are free to spend every penny of it, but whatever you don't spend today can't be carried over to tomorrow; You would just lose it. What would you do? Well I am pretty sure you would spend every bit of it and not waste a single cent. Well God gives each of us 1440 minutes in every single day. We can choose to "spend" those minutes wisely or we can choose to waste them. Whatever is wasted, though, is gone forever. The definition of "wasting" time varies from person to person. But I would think anything that we do that doesn't glorify God would be wasting time. That does not mean that we need to spend all our time only praying, going to church, or reading the Bible. We can Glorify God with everything we do. We can Glorify Him while we are doing our jobs, while we are driving in traffic, and even while we are shopping at the grocery store. Today, let's ask God to help us find some additional ways we can Glorify Him. After all, our 1440 minutes are ticking away.</span></div>
<span style="color: blue;"><br /></span><br />
<span style="color: blue;"><br /></span><br />
<span style="color: blue;">Colossians 3:23 says, "</span><span style="color: red;">Work willingly at whatever you do, as though you were working for the Lord rather than for people."</span><br />
<span style="color: blue;"><br /></span><br />
<span style="color: blue;"><br /></span><br />
<span style="color: blue;">Father, please help us to not waste anytime and to learn how to spend every minute Glorifying You. In Jesus name, Amen. </span>Allen Skipperhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04862887349423736375noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2410743125471716007.post-18231906208070749372012-04-27T08:48:00.001-05:002012-04-27T08:48:22.905-05:00Philly Firsts<div>
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-IYEK-AGRiqs/T5qjii87FfI/AAAAAAAAA9Y/YPPH5O3_ZwM/s1600/JAWS%2520shark%2520attacks%2520plane.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="130" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-IYEK-AGRiqs/T5qjii87FfI/AAAAAAAAA9Y/YPPH5O3_ZwM/s200/JAWS%2520shark%2520attacks%2520plane.jpg" width="200" /></a><span style="color: #3366ff;">Philadelphia. It is an amazing city with an
unparalleled history, richer than any other American city. Philly is a city of
firsts. It served as our nation's first capital. It opened the first public
school. It bought the first fire engine. It erected the first brick house,
printed the first almanac, created the first botanical garden, opened the first
zoo, started the first newspaper, opened the first hospital, and at least 100
other firsts. It was also the home of Charles Vansant, the first documented
shark victim on American record. It happened along the Jersey Shore in the
summer of 1916, and was the real-life inspiration for the 1975 movie
<em>Jaws</em> by Steven Spielberg. In a span of less than two weeks, a rogue
shark attacked 5 victims in New Jersey, four of which died from their injuries.
What makes that year so unique is that only one person since then has died from
a shark attack on the Jersey coast. Up until that summer, "experts" never even
suspected that a shark could kill a man. Today, it seems nothing unusual to hear
about a shark attack, although the chances of one dying from an attack is less
than one's chance of being killed by a falling coconut! The summer of 1916
brought a strong heat wave to the N.E., and that also resulted in many more
people venturing out into the water. Where is God at times like
these?</span></div>
<br />
<br />
<div>
<span style="color: #3366ff;">That is a very hard question of which I feel
nobody has an adequate answer. It is true that God performs miracles everyday.
But most of the time, He chooses not to violate the very Laws of nature that He
created. He put sharks in the water, and apparently, made them the kings of the
water. They are perfect killing machines. Despite this fact, thousands and
thousands of swimmers hit the beaches everyday, never to even be threatened by a
shark. But we know it happens. And we know it can happen at any time man and
shark mix in the shark's very habitat. Atheists use these incidences of shark
attacks and other tragedies to argue that there is no God. How could a loving
God allow such awful things to happen? I, just as you, have probably wondered
that same thing many times. Why doesn't God help us in those times? My mentor
explained to me that if God helped us all the time, so we could avoid danger,
then we would <em>expect</em> Him to help us no matter what situation we got
ourselves into. I have faith in God, but if I walk out in front of a car, I
still expect to be seriously injured, if not even killed. We <em>should</em>
have faith in God. But God also gave us a brain. Many tragedies could probably
be avoided if people used the brain He gave them. Yes, it is very good to depend
on Him completely for every single need that we have. But we should never
<em>expect</em> Him to help us all the time, especially when we do foolish
things that may increase our chances of being in a tragedy. We should use our
faith. But we also must use our brains and the good sense God gave all of
us.</span></div>
<br />
<br />
<div>
<span style="color: #3366ff;">Proverbs 15:33 says, "</span><span style="color: #ff6666;"><strong>The fear of the Lord teaches a man wisdom, and
humility comes before honor."</strong></span><br />
</div>
<div>
<span style="color: #3366ff;">Father, please help us to not only have faith
in You, but also help us to make the right choices in life. In Jesus name, Amen.
</span></div>Allen Skipperhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04862887349423736375noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2410743125471716007.post-11895261881177693722012-04-26T12:53:00.003-05:002012-04-26T12:53:56.630-05:00Peter or Judas?<div>
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-cBRKHGrwO5Y/T5mLoGeEsJI/AAAAAAAAA9M/VZo4XlJGieI/s1600/Cloud-Hosting-Questions.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="150" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-cBRKHGrwO5Y/T5mLoGeEsJI/AAAAAAAAA9M/VZo4XlJGieI/s200/Cloud-Hosting-Questions.jpg" width="200" /></a><span style="color: #3366ff;">We all make mistakes. We go through stages of
strengths and weaknesses. I guess that is what it means to be human. Like a
football or baseball team that plays in a game, there will be some winning and
some losing. The key is not if you win or lose, it is what you do <em>after</em>
the game that matters. When you lose a game, it most definitely hurts. I have
played sports my whole life and have been on more losing teams than winning
ones. I know the feeling of getting beaten badly. But each time I had to make a
choice. I could either give up, or I could move on to the next game. It is
impossible to do both. One must make a decision, and then put their whole heart
and soul into that decision.</span></div>
<br />
<br />
<div>
<span style="color: #3366ff;">In the New Testament, we learn a little about
Judas and Peter. Both were disciples of our Lord Jesus Christ. Both were eager
to learn all about Jesus. But both also made a terrible mistake. Judas betrayed
the Lord, and Peter denied Him, even after he said he would never deny Him. The
difference, though, was in what they did after their mistake. After both men
realized they failed the Lord miserably, they took different paths. Judas gave
up and committed suicide. But Peter decided to learn from his mistake, and as a
result, he became an even stronger follower of Jesus. We, too, are faced with
two options when we fail miserably. We can either learn from the experience like
Peter, or we can wallow in our sin and never grow spiritually like Judas. Which
one will you choose?</span></div>
<br />
<br />
<div>
<span style="color: #3366ff;">Revelation 21:7 says, "<strong><span style="color: #ff6666;">He that overcometh shall inherit all
things</span></strong>."</span></div>
<br />
<br />
<div>
<span style="color: #3366ff;">Father, teach us to be like Peter. We can't
avoid mistakes. But through Your perfect Power, we can overcome our mistakes. In
Jesus name, Amen. </span></div>Allen Skipperhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04862887349423736375noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2410743125471716007.post-8240753138984552702012-04-25T08:20:00.003-05:002012-04-25T08:20:52.041-05:00Popcorn<div>
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-2Ea5YqZcqDc/T5f6HkUGu8I/AAAAAAAAA9A/iPaqDjFHrIA/s1600/adfsaffew.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="124" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-2Ea5YqZcqDc/T5f6HkUGu8I/AAAAAAAAA9A/iPaqDjFHrIA/s200/adfsaffew.jpg" width="200" /></a><span style="color: #3366ff;">There's nothing like a big bowl of popcorn
while watching a good movie! The best kind of popcorn is that stuff at the movie
theaters...yum! Because it is not always convenient to go out to the movies, we
sometimes have to just settle for the store-bought kind. It is pretty cool how
heat can make those small, hard kernels transform into big, soft popcorn. But
why do some of those kernels just refuse to pop? It seems that in every bag of
popcorn I have ever bought, there's always a few stubborn little
kernels.</span></div>
<br />
<div>
<span style="color: #3366ff;">When we accept Jesus and turn our lives over
to Him, He transforms our hard hearts into soft ones. He can do things with our
hearts that simply defy logic. I have found that through Jesus, I have more
compassion and understanding for others. He took my hard heart and transformed
it into soft popcorn. He wants to change all of our hearts. But He can not do it
all by Himself. We must want to be changed, and we must ask Him to come into our
hearts and take up residence. Don't be one of those stubborn kernels that just
refuse to be popped. Open the door to Him, and feel Him transform your life like
he transformed mine. I can tell you that opening my heart's door to Jesus was
the best decision I have ever made in my entire life! Have you made that
decision? God can do more with our hearts than even Orville Redenbacher can do
to a pile of kernels.</span></div>
<br />
<br />
<div>
<span style="color: #3366ff;">Proverbs 17:22 says, "<strong><span style="color: #ff6666;">A merry heart doeth good like a
medicine.</span></strong>"</span></div>
<br />
<br />
<div>
<span style="color: #3366ff;">Father, thank you for transforming my heart
and life. I pray for those who may not have accepted You, yet. I ask You to give
them strength to step out in faith, and into Your loving arms. In Jesus name,
Amen.</span></div>Allen Skipperhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04862887349423736375noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2410743125471716007.post-43276186316560974912012-04-24T11:29:00.002-05:002012-04-24T11:29:22.522-05:00Ooops<div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-E_m2TEFT1C8/T5bUyyMLPcI/AAAAAAAAA84/yj1IVbJ_loE/s1600/untitled.bmp" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; cssfloat: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" oda="true" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-E_m2TEFT1C8/T5bUyyMLPcI/AAAAAAAAA84/yj1IVbJ_loE/s200/untitled.bmp" width="200" /></a><span style="color: blue;">It was during this week back in 1985 that Coca-Cola made the biggest mistake in its history: The powers-that-be decided to change the 99-year formula to something different. It was something different, all right. Did you ever try the New Coke? Saying it was horrible would be an under-statement. In fact, it was so bad that the Coca-Cola Company was forced to change back to its original formula just 79 days later. This was the biggest marketing blunder in history.</span></div>
<div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;">
<span style="color: blue;"></span></div>
<div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;">
<span style="color: blue;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;">
<span style="color: blue;">We all make real dumb mistakes. Once we realize our mistake, it can be very hard to admit it and go back to the way we were doing things before the mistake. We can use Coke as an example to help us when we make a dumb mistake. They made the biggest mistake of all time. But they recognized the mistake, took accountability for it, and then restored the original formula. Since those dark days in the spring of 1985, Coca-Cola once again thrives as the leading soft drink maker in the world. I doubt very seriously, though, that they will ever experiment with their formula again.</span></div>
<div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;">
<span style="color: blue;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;">
<span style="color: blue;">God understands that we are only human, and that we are going to make some real dumb mistakes sometimes. The worst thing we could do is to be stubborn about it. Instead, we too must be willing to admit our mistakes and then go through the necessary steps in which to correct those mistakes. But God is ready to help us. His Word promises He will never abandon us no matter what mistakes we make...small, medium, or even big, dumb ones. </span></div>
<div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;">
<span style="color: blue;"><br /></span></div>
<span style="color: blue;">Hebrews 8:12 says, “</span><span style="color: red;">For I will be merciful to their unrighteousness, and their sins and their iniquities will I remember no more.”</span><br />
<span style="color: blue;"><br /></span><br />
<span style="color: blue;">Father, thank-you so much for your precious Son, Jesus. Thank-you for forgiving our sins and for giving us such a great role-model. </span><br />
<span style="color: blue;"><br /></span><br />Allen Skipperhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04862887349423736375noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2410743125471716007.post-27386704191417836962012-04-23T12:50:00.000-05:002012-04-23T12:50:07.243-05:00Two-For-One Deal<div>
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-O6ylYkm3vgM/T5WWL-fN04I/AAAAAAAAA8w/Xl1e4apnd30/s1600/Lighthouse.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="150" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-O6ylYkm3vgM/T5WWL-fN04I/AAAAAAAAA8w/Xl1e4apnd30/s200/Lighthouse.jpg" width="200" /></a><span style="color: #3333ff;">I love those buy-one-get-one-free deals! It is
awesome feeling to get something for free. But this day and time, one must be
careful about two-for-one offers. If you notice the new things on TV ads, most
will give you a second product absolutely free..."just pay shipping and
handling". Ah! That's where they get you. That extra shipping and handling
charge is expensive. And guess what? You can't tell them you don't want the
extra "free" item. I tried! You must take the "free" item with your purchase. So
although the extra item itself may be free, the extra money you will pay for
that "free" item is expensive. Beware of two-for-one deals! </span></div>
<br />
<br />
<div>
<span style="color: #3333ff;">But the Bible promises us a two-for-One deal
that has no "catch" to it! In 1John, we are told that if we deny the Son, we
also deny the Father. But, the opposite is also true. If we accept the Son, we
get the Father automatically! Isn't that awesome? In other words, when we accept
Jesus Christ as our Savior, we also get God, His Father, at "no additional
charge". That's not just <em>a </em>god. That is THE God!! God Almighty! As
wonderful as this is, there is the other side of it that is tragic. Some people
believe in God, but they don't believe in His Son, Jesus. Then according to this
truth in 1John, they really don't have the Father at all. As Christians, we must
let people know that simply "believing" in God will get them absolutely nowhere.
It is only through accepting His Son Jesus that we will truly have Salvation and
Eternal Life. Do you want God? Then there is only one way: Accept His Son Jesus.
What an amazing two-for-One deal!</span></div>
<br />
<br />
<div>
<span style="color: #3333ff;">1John 2:23 says, "<strong><span style="color: #ff6666;">Whoever denies the Son does not have the Father either;
he who acknowledges the Son has the Father
also</span></strong>."</span></div>
<br />
<br />
<div>
<span style="color: #3333ff;">Lord, again, thank you for sending your Son
Jesus! I accept Him totally by faith. Teach me to explain to others that in
order to gain You, we must first accept Him. In Jesus name, Amen.</span></div>Allen Skipperhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04862887349423736375noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2410743125471716007.post-53580843047626580222012-04-19T18:29:00.000-05:002012-04-19T18:29:07.884-05:00Bible Contradictions<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-A3hcsjdxN_w/T5CfmFRfOtI/AAAAAAAAA8o/Galh2Z13S88/s1600/pic56.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-A3hcsjdxN_w/T5CfmFRfOtI/AAAAAAAAA8o/Galh2Z13S88/s200/pic56.jpg" width="138" /></a></div>
<span style="color: blue;">One of my favorite topics to talk and write about is apparent contradictions in the Bible. I don't believe there are any, though I admit, it can sometimes be hard to reconcile certain verses. Without knowing Hebrew or Greek, many times the anomaly can be directly attributed to translation errors. If you have trouble reading an ordinary King James version, I would like to recommend a newer translation. The New International Version (NIV) or the New American Standard Bible (NASB) might help when studying God's Word. These versions, and some others like it, do a good job of clarifying passages by using our modern-day dialect while still preserving the main idea from the original manuscripts. The kind I have is a parallel Bible. It contains the King James version on one side of the page and the NASB version on the other. By using this type of Bible, I have been able to settle in my mind what I once believed were contradictions.</span><br />
<br />
<span style="color: blue;">"Contradictions" can also be perpetuated, not because of translation errors, but because some people mis-interpret the definition of the word. What exactly is a contradiction? Logically speaking, a contradiction consists of a logical incompatibility or discrepancy between 2 or more statements. Put another way, a thing can not be both "a" and "non-a" at the same time. For example, it can't be both day and night (non-day) at the same time and place. As another example, suppose two witnesses to a bank robbery are testifying in court. One witness said he saw one man in the bank while the other witness claimed he saw two men. Is this a contradiction? No, not at all. The two statements differ but are not contradictory. In fact, both statements are complementary. There may have been 2 men in the bank, but our first witness only saw one. This is very similar to an event in the Bible that some people believe is a contradiction. Matthew 20:29-34 says that Jesus healed one blind man near Jericho, yet Mark 10:46-52 and Luke 18:35-43 say there were two blind men healed by Jesus. For whatever reason, Matthew chose to only mention one man. Again, this is not a contradiction.</span><br />
<br />
<span style="color: blue;">As I stated earlier, I love to debate and debunk what some believe are Bible contradictions. If you have one and can't reconcile it in your mind, please Email me. I would love the opportunity to research your question or topic. By doing this, I am able to grow and understand more about our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ. I want to know all I can about Him.</span>Allen Skipperhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04862887349423736375noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2410743125471716007.post-39620517580242250222012-04-18T13:16:00.003-05:002012-04-18T13:16:45.103-05:00Can Jesus Do That?<div>
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-BOTk0lVdzbA/T48E6TzLIaI/AAAAAAAAA8g/HAOykPKH4Ac/s1600/4156-800.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="212" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-BOTk0lVdzbA/T48E6TzLIaI/AAAAAAAAA8g/HAOykPKH4Ac/s320/4156-800.jpg" width="320" /></a><span style="color: #3333ff;">Can Jesus mend your broken heart? Can Jesus
turn your financial situation around? Can Jesus take away your aches and pains?
Can Jesus change your negative attitude? Can Jesus help you or your children in
school? Can Jesus give you wisdom? Can Jesus help you find a better job? Can
Jesus take away your addictions? Can Jesus transform you into a better person?
Can Jesus _______________________________ ( you fill-in the
blank)</span></div>
<br />
<br />
<div>
<span style="color: #3333ff;">In the 9th chapter of Mark, a man brought his
demon-possessed son to Jesus for healing. The demon spirit in the boy forced him
to writhe uncontrollably on the ground. The father explained that sometimes the
spirit would throw the boy into the water in an attempt to drown him. The father
cried out to Jesus, "Have mercy on us, and help us if you can." Jesus replied
with one of the most-quoted verses in all of Scripture. Jesus said, "What do you
mean <strong>if</strong> I can? Anything is possible if a person believes."
Jesus has healed the blind, the sick, the lame, the possessed, and has even
resurrected the dead. There is absolutely nothing facing you or me today that
Jesus can't swing in our favor. The key is that we must believe. Do you believe
this?</span></div>
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<span style="color: #3333ff;">Hebrews 11:6 says, "<strong><span style="color: #ff6666;">Without faith it is impossible to please God, because
anyone who comes to Him must believe that He exists and that He rewards those
who earnestly seek Him</span></strong>."</span>
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<span style="color: #3333ff;">Father, I believe in You. I know there is
nothing that You are unable to accomplish. Help me to be the best that I can be.
In Jesus name, Amen.</span></div>Allen Skipperhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04862887349423736375noreply@blogger.com0