TheologyWeb Campus - Glory Seed http://www.theologyweb.com/campus/ Glory Seed devotionals by GPiper. en Sat, 25 May 2013 05:32:20 GMT vBulletin 5 http://www.theologyweb.com/campus/images/misc/rss.png TheologyWeb Campus - Glory Seed http://www.theologyweb.com/campus/ Glory Seed Devotional 05/24/2013 http://www.theologyweb.com/campus/showthread.php?155978-Glory-Seed-Devotional-05-24-2013&goto=newpost Fri, 24 May 2013 12:13:21 GMT Attachment 86514 (http://www.theologyweb.com/campus/attachment.php?attachmentid=86514) A Glory Seed Devotional *There is NO bad time or place to worship God* Who said you needed to be in church sitting in a formal Worship Service to worship God? I didn’t, neither did you! So I spent the first hour of my day worshipping God. And while your day has already begun there’s no better time than right now to spending ten minutes or so worshipping God. I’ve included a couple of songs and a... 483882_420545038024216_2124679691_n.jpg

A Glory Seed Devotional
There is NO bad time or place to worship God

Who said you needed to be in church sitting in a formal Worship Service to worship God? I didn’t, neither did you! So I spent the first hour of my day worshipping God. And while your day has already begun there’s no better time than right now to spending ten minutes or so worshipping God. I’ve included a couple of songs and a scripture to help you.

First a song sung by Josh Turner titled “The Long Black Train”: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=PyRZTAmcW7c

Psalms 146:1-10 MSG: “Hallelujah! O my soul, praise GOD! All my life long I'll praise GOD, singing songs to my God as long as I live. Don't put your life in the hands of experts who know nothing of life, of salvation life. Mere humans don't have what it takes; when they die, their projects die with them. Instead, get help from the God of Jacob, put your hope in GOD and know real blessing! GOD made sky and soil, sea and all the fish in it. He always does what he says-- he defends the wronged, he feeds the hungry. GOD frees prisoners-- he gives sight to the blind, he lifts up the fallen. GOD loves good people, protects strangers, takes the side of orphans and widows, but makes short work of the wicked. GOD's in charge--always. Zion's God is God for good! Hallelujah!”

I’ll leave your worship/praise/thank you prayer up to you.

And finally one more song my Chris Tomlin titled “Lord I need you”: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_rR_Rdb1CTE

……………….………
Grace and PEACE,
Gary

* * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * *
I will give you a new heart, and a new spirit I will put within you.
I will remove the heart of stone from your flesh and give you a heart of flesh.
(Ezekiel 36:26 ESV)

Note: Should you want to go back and review this Glory Seed or if you’d like to subscribe so you can receive them in your email you can do so by clicking on this link: http://gloryseeds.wordpress.com/.

Scripture quotations marked ESV "Are from The Holy Bible, English Standard Version, copyright © 2001 by Crossway Bibles, a division of Good News Publishers. Used by permission. All rights reserved."

“Scriptures marked MSG have been taken from THE MESSAGE. Copyright 1993, 1994, 1995, 1996, 2000, 2001, 2002. Used by permission of NavPress Publishing Group.”
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]]> Glory Seed GPiper http://www.theologyweb.com/campus/showthread.php?155978-Glory-Seed-Devotional-05-24-2013 NSM Evotional 05/23/2013 http://www.theologyweb.com/campus/showthread.php?155963-NSM-Evotional-05-23-2013&goto=newpost Thu, 23 May 2013 12:34:30 GMT FROG.jpg

A Glory Seed Devotional
When what you do is not enough

“The faithful love of the LORD never ends! His mercies never cease. Great is His faithfulness; His mercies begin afresh each morning. I say to myself, "The LORD is my inheritance; therefore, I will hope in Him!" The LORD is good to those who depend on Him, to those who search for Him. So it is good to wait quietly for salvation from the LORD.” (Lamentations 3:22-26 NLT, emphasis mine)

Have you ever did something then afterwards had the “gut wrenching” feeling that it wasn’t enough? Remember the story of the young rich man who walked away from Jesus because he couldn’t do as Jesus had asked him? Remember Peter’s remarks about never forsaking Jesus then denied him three times? Remember Jesus saying that not everyone who did things in his name would get into heaven? In each of these situations is it possible Jesus momentarily considered the possibility he’d not done enough? After all Jesus did for and taught his disciples only to watch them run away when he needed them the most is it possible he momentarily considered the possibility he hadn’t done enough?

Is it possible that in light of Jesus’ prayer in John 17 where he prayed for you and I, “I am praying not only for these disciples but also for all who will ever believe in Me through their message. I pray that they will all be one, just as You and I are one—as You are in Me, Father, and I am in You. And may they be in Us so that the world will believe You sent Me.” (John 17:20-21 NLT) Is it possible when we falter and sin that Jesus considers what he did for us wasn’t enough?

If you don’t mind I would like to answer my own question. I believe because of the depth of his relationship with God and because of his absolute belief, faith, and trust in God’s uncompromising and unconditional love Jesus always depended on God for the results of his interaction people of all ages and especially during the days he walked on the earth.

“The LORD is good to those who depend on Him, to those who search for Him.” In my own life there have been more times than not when I have looked over my shoulder and felt as if what I said, ministered, wrote, or prayed was not enough. The lesson for me this morning is I can no longer depend on myself for the outcome, like Jesus I need to discipline myself to totally depend on God not only for how I minister, write, or pray but for the outcome as well.

Is it possible this lesson is for you as well?

……………….………
Grace and PEACE,
Gary

* * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * *
I will give you a new heart, and a new spirit I will put within you.
I will remove the heart of stone from your flesh and give you a heart of flesh.
(Ezekiel 36:26 ESV)

Note: Should you want to go back and review this Glory Seed or if you’d like to subscribe so you can receive them in your email you can do so by clicking on this link: http://gloryseeds.wordpress.com/.

Scripture quotations marked ESV "Are from The Holy Bible, English Standard Version, copyright © 2001 by Crossway Bibles, a division of Good News Publishers. Used by permission. All rights reserved."

“Scripture quotations are taken from the Holy Bible, New Living Translation, copyright © 1996. Used by permission of Tyndale House Publishers, Inc., Wheaton, Illinois 60189. All rights reserved.”
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]]> Glory Seed GPiper http://www.theologyweb.com/campus/showthread.php?155963-NSM-Evotional-05-23-2013 NSM Evotional 05/22/2013 http://www.theologyweb.com/campus/showthread.php?155950-NSM-Evotional-05-22-2013&goto=newpost Wed, 22 May 2013 11:59:20 GMT Attachment 86444 (http://www.theologyweb.com/campus/attachment.php?attachmentid=86444) A Glory Seed Devotional *Moses, you, and the un-consumable burning bush* One day Moses was tending the flock of his father-in-law, Jethro, the priest of Midian. He led the flock far into the wilderness and came to Sinai, the mountain of God. There the angel of the LORD appeared to him in a blazing fire from the middle of a bush. Moses stared in amazement. Though the bush was engulfed in flames, it... 482239_433483196730400_584179241_n.jpg

A Glory Seed Devotional
Moses, you, and the un-consumable burning bush

One day Moses was tending the flock of his father-in-law, Jethro, the priest of Midian. He led the flock far into the wilderness and came to Sinai, the mountain of God. There the angel of the LORD appeared to him in a blazing fire from the middle of a bush. Moses stared in amazement. Though the bush was engulfed in flames, it didn't burn up. "This is amazing," Moses said to himself. "Why isn't that bush burning up? I must go see it." When the LORD saw Moses coming to take a closer look, God called to him from the middle of the bush, "Moses! Moses!" "Here I am!" Moses replied. "Do not come any closer," the LORD warned. "Take off your sandals, for you are standing on holy ground. (Exodus 3:1-5 NLT)

Today you and Moses will share stories of God’s desire to reveal himself to you. You will not witness a burning bush as Moses did but you will witness difficulties and adversities that will try to burn away your hope, joy, love, and peace. However, as brightly as they may burn God’s eternal message of the un-consumable burning bush will be loud and clear, “They will not consume you!”

However, as good as that news is the news is even better! Not only does God prevent the burdens and adversities from consuming you God also invites you into his presence. God desires you to be with him! And in order to accomplish his desires Jesus gave his life for you – Jesus allowed your difficulties, adversities, and sins to consume his earthly life. When the LORD told Moses to remove his sandals he was really telling you to accept Jesus’ sacrifice and remove any barriers separating you from God.

Difficulties and adversities will always attempt to consume you but you have God’s promise as illustrated through Moses’ un-consumable burning bush you will not be consumed no matter how brightly they might burn.

Believe and Trust!

……………….………
Grace and PEACE,
Gary

* * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * *
I will give you a new heart, and a new spirit I will put within you.
I will remove the heart of stone from your flesh and give you a heart of flesh.
(Ezekiel 36:26 ESV)

Note: Should you want to go back and review this Glory Seed or if you’d like to subscribe so you can receive them in your email you can do so by clicking on this link: http://gloryseeds.wordpress.com/.

Scripture quotations marked ESV "Are from The Holy Bible, English Standard Version, copyright © 2001 by Crossway Bibles, a division of Good News Publishers. Used by permission. All rights reserved."

“Scripture quotations are taken from the Holy Bible, New Living Translation, copyright © 1996. Used by permission of Tyndale House Publishers, Inc., Wheaton, Illinois 60189. All rights reserved.”
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]]> Glory Seed GPiper http://www.theologyweb.com/campus/showthread.php?155950-NSM-Evotional-05-22-2013 NSM Evotional 05/21/2013 http://www.theologyweb.com/campus/showthread.php?155937-NSM-Evotional-05-21-2013&goto=newpost Tue, 21 May 2013 12:18:46 GMT Attachment 86401 (http://www.theologyweb.com/campus/attachment.php?attachmentid=86401) A Glory Seed Devotional *A strong and trustworthy anchor for your soul* This morning in my prayer journal I wrote, “LORD, my imagination is filled with junk like that. I am struggling hard against the pull of “powers and principalities of this world” but they are (at least right now) becoming stronger and stronger. I can’t pull myself up and as hard as I try I cannot envision any hope I know the songs... Jesus_anchor_verse_small_graphic.jpg

A Glory Seed Devotional
A strong and trustworthy anchor for your soul

This morning in my prayer journal I wrote, “LORD, my imagination is filled with junk like that. I am struggling hard against the pull of “powers and principalities of this world” but they are (at least right now) becoming stronger and stronger. I can’t pull myself up and as hard as I try I cannot envision any hope I know the songs they are singing are not right but they seem so right. Please Father God drown them out with your songs of HOPE and PEACE. PLEASE!”

I share those words with you not to get your sympathy but to grab your attention not to me or my situation nor to what I wrote I want you to focus on the ever present God who allows NOTHING to get by. I share those words with you because I want to share with you what God did next for me because what God does for me he WILL DO FOR YOU!

After finishing my prayer journal I was drawn to chapter 6 of Hebrews and read these words. “God also bound Himself with an oath, so that those who received the promise could be perfectly sure that He would never change His mind. So God has given both His promise and His oath. These two things are unchangeable because it is impossible for God to lie. Therefore, we who have fled to Him for refuge can have great confidence as we hold to the hope that lies before us. This hope is a strong and trustworthy anchor for our souls. It leads us through the curtain into God's inner sanctuary. Jesus has already gone in there for us. He has become our eternal High Priest in the order of Melchizedek.” (Hebrews 6:17-20 NLT, emphasis mine)

“…as we hold to the hope that lies before us…” The “powers and principalities of this world” will NEVER be able to extinguish the HOPE that resides in the ever presence of the Holy Spirit all they can do is attempt to blind us to it or get us to look at something else, BUT Jesus heals our blindness, Jesus puts the LIGHT of HOPE far above the world and its enticements for all to see. So often we are urged to look down but Jesus tells us to look up!

Jesus tells us, “Do not live your life in the shadows of hopelessness instead look up and live your life in the LIGHT of HOPE of a God who “is a strong and trustworthy anchor for your soul.”

……………….………
Grace and PEACE,
Gary

* * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * *
I will give you a new heart, and a new spirit I will put within you.
I will remove the heart of stone from your flesh and give you a heart of flesh.
(Ezekiel 36:26 ESV)

Note: Should you want to go back and review this Glory Seed or if you’d like to subscribe so you can receive them in your email you can do so by clicking on this link: http://gloryseeds.wordpress.com/.

Scripture quotations marked ESV "Are from The Holy Bible, English Standard Version, copyright © 2001 by Crossway Bibles, a division of Good News Publishers. Used by permission. All rights reserved."

“Scripture quotations are taken from the Holy Bible, New Living Translation, copyright © 1996. Used by permission of Tyndale House Publishers, Inc., Wheaton, Illinois 60189. All rights reserved.”
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]]> Glory Seed GPiper http://www.theologyweb.com/campus/showthread.php?155937-NSM-Evotional-05-21-2013 NSM Evotional 05/20/2013 http://www.theologyweb.com/campus/showthread.php?155926-NSM-Evotional-05-20-2013&goto=newpost Mon, 20 May 2013 12:39:25 GMT Attachment 86365 (http://www.theologyweb.com/campus/attachment.php?attachmentid=86365) A Glory Seed Devotional *Stay Vertical * With my two artificial hips and extremely fragile femurs one of my greatest fears over the winter months is slipping and falling on ice and snow now that there is no more ice and snow I still fear falling in the yard or riding my bike. One of my favorite sayings throughout the year is “Stay Vertical!” In other words don’t fall! However, my fear of falling... 11 - Glory Seeds.jpg

A Glory Seed Devotional
Stay Vertical

With my two artificial hips and extremely fragile femurs one of my greatest fears over the winter months is slipping and falling on ice and snow now that there is no more ice and snow I still fear falling in the yard or riding my bike. One of my favorite sayings throughout the year is “Stay Vertical!” In other words don’t fall!

However, my fear of falling goes beyond physically falling and injuring myself it “falls” into my spiritual life as well. It was Paul who said, “We have all fallen short of the Glory of God.” In his letter to Titus he STRONGLY reminds us to stay “upright” (stay vertical) “in the present age” because just as in his days there are many, many trip hazards including people who try to trip us as well.

“For the grace of God has appeared, bringing salvation for all people, training us to renounce ungodliness and worldly passions, and to live self-controlled, upright, and godly lives in the present age, waiting for our blessed hope, the appearing of the glory of our great God and Savior Jesus Christ, who gave himself for us to redeem us from all lawlessness and to purify for himself a people for his own possession who are zealous for good works.” (Titus 2:11-14 ESV, emphasis mine)

On particularly icy and snowy conditions during winter months before venturing on them and before each bike ride I always say, “Therefore by the Grace of God I go,” knowing that should I fall I will not be harmed. Even though I managed to stay vertical last winter I have managed to do so during other winters but each time I found myself on the ground horizontal the fall has never caused any harm only to my pride. Praise God!

So as you venture out today or you continue venturing out keep reminding yourself to stay vertical and acknowledge the Grace God has ALREADY (because of Jesus’ sacrifice) provided you with.

……………….………
Grace and PEACE,
Gary

* * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * *
I will give you a new heart, and a new spirit I will put within you.
I will remove the heart of stone from your flesh and give you a heart of flesh.
(Ezekiel 36:26 ESV)

Note: Should you want to go back and review this Glory Seed or if you’d like to subscribe so you can receive them in your email you can do so by clicking on this link: http://gloryseeds.wordpress.com/.

Scripture quotations marked ESV "Are from The Holy Bible, English Standard Version, copyright © 2001 by Crossway Bibles, a division of Good News Publishers. Used by permission. All rights reserved."
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]]> Glory Seed GPiper http://www.theologyweb.com/campus/showthread.php?155926-NSM-Evotional-05-20-2013 Glory Seed Devotional 05/17/2013 http://www.theologyweb.com/campus/showthread.php?155894-Glory-Seed-Devotional-05-17-2013&goto=newpost Fri, 17 May 2013 12:37:55 GMT Attachment 86265 (http://www.theologyweb.com/campus/attachment.php?attachmentid=86265) A Glory Seed Devotional *Jesus, Gyroscopes, and You* D.L. Moody in his book “Thoughts for the Quiet Hour” writes, “We need have only one care, that we put the first thing first—faithfulness to God. Then all else we need for both worlds will be supplied. God will never fail us: but we forget, sometimes, in our rejoicing over such an assurance, that we must fulfill our part if we would claim the divine... Gyroscope.jpg

A Glory Seed Devotional
Jesus, Gyroscopes, and You

D.L. Moody in his book “Thoughts for the Quiet Hour” writes, “We need have only one care, that we put the first thing first—faithfulness to God. Then all else we need for both worlds will be supplied. God will never fail us: but we forget, sometimes, in our rejoicing over such an assurance, that we must fulfill our part if we would claim the divine promise. It will not always be easy. To-morrow it may mean a distasteful task, a disagreeable duty, a costly sacrifice for one who does not seem worthy. Life is full of sore testings of our willingness to follow the Good Shepherd. We have not the slightest right to claim this assurance unless we have taken Christ as the guide of our life.” (J.R. Miller)

There is nothing new about this morning’s writing only a gentle reminder that today and every day our greatest need is “that we put the first thing first” and the first chapter of John’s Gospel powerfully remind us of the “first thing”. “The Word was first, the Word present to God, God present to the Word. The Word was God, in readiness for God from day one. Everything was created through him; nothing—not one thing!—came into being without him. What came into existence was Life, and the Life was Light to live by. The Life-Light blazed out of the darkness; the darkness couldn't put it out.” (John 1:1-5 MSG, emphasis mine)

Are you familiar with a Gyroscope? In short Gyroscopes are used as stabilizers in ships and airplanes they are also used in compasses and other objects as well. (They also make impressive toys.) When at the center of our lives Jesus does to us what Gyroscopes do to ships, planes, compasses, and other moving things. With Jesus at the center of your life when turbulences (testing) come we cannot veer off course and will remain on the straight and narrow path God puts before us.

Today as your eyes fall on these words please pause at some point and look heavenward and experience the light of the sun then remind yourself that just as the sun resides in the center of our universe God’s SON MUST reside in the center of not only our being but our lives as well.

……………….………
Grace and PEACE,
Gary

* * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * *
I will give you a new heart, and a new spirit I will put within you.
I will remove the heart of stone from your flesh and give you a heart of flesh.
(Ezekiel 36:26 ESV)

Note: Should you want to go back and review this Glory Seed or if you’d like to subscribe so you can receive them in your email you can do so by clicking on this link: http://gloryseeds.wordpress.com/.

Scripture quotations marked ESV "Are from The Holy Bible, English Standard Version, copyright © 2001 by Crossway Bibles, a division of Good News Publishers. Used by permission. All rights reserved."

“Scriptures marked MSG have been taken from THE MESSAGE. Copyright 1993, 1994, 1995, 1996, 2000, 2001, 2002. Used by permission of NavPress Publishing Group.”
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]]> Glory Seed GPiper http://www.theologyweb.com/campus/showthread.php?155894-Glory-Seed-Devotional-05-17-2013 NSM Evotional 05/16/2013 http://www.theologyweb.com/campus/showthread.php?155886-NSM-Evotional-05-16-2013&goto=newpost Thu, 16 May 2013 12:26:44 GMT Attachment 86231 (http://www.theologyweb.com/campus/attachment.php?attachmentid=86231) A Glory Seed Devotional *Jesus wants to be the only life between God and you! * When the going gets tough the tough instead of depending on their own abilities surrender their toughness to an unbeatable God who according to Jeremiah (chapter 29) promises us an unbeatable plan for their lives, and according to the writer of Hebrews “God can’t break his word.” “When God wanted to guarantee his... Email - Jesus - Hands.jpg

A Glory Seed Devotional
Jesus wants to be the only life between God and you!

When the going gets tough the tough instead of depending on their own abilities surrender their toughness to an unbeatable God who according to Jeremiah (chapter 29) promises us an unbeatable plan for their lives, and according to the writer of Hebrews “God can’t break his word.”

“When God wanted to guarantee his promises, he gave his word, a rock-solid guarantee—God can't break his word. And because his word cannot change, the promise is likewise unchangeable. We who have run for our very lives to God have every reason to grab the promised hope with both hands and never let go. It's an unbreakable spiritual lifeline, reaching past all appearances right to the very presence of God where Jesus, running on ahead of us, has taken up his permanent post as high priest for us, in the order of Melchizedek.” (Hebrews 6:17-20 MSG, emphasis mine)

“We who have run for our very lives to God…” When I read those words for the first time today I couldn’t help but think about how dependent on God and how many times I do run to him like a small child does when they are afraid. Yet at the same time I couldn’t help thinking about the times when I ran to religion and the stuff of religion rather than running to God directly. I remember a particular experience many years ago where Jesus spoke to me though the Holy Spirit and in essence scolded me for depending on the church rather than depending on him directly.

I know I am on “thin ice” when it comes to referring to the importance of church so please don’t misunderstand me church attendance and participation is vitally important because the church is a very powerful and inspirational way Jesus ministers to us but the church is the “body of Christ” not the Christ. Eugene Peterson in “The Message” has a unique way of wording what the Spirit was telling me not only way by when but every day since, "You have your heads in your Bibles (church) constantly because you think you'll find eternal life there. But you miss the forest for the trees. These Scriptures (church) are all about me! And here I am, standing right before you, and you aren't willing to receive from me the life you say you want.” (John 5:39-40 MSG, words in parentheses are mine)

Jesus waits for you with open arms! Therefore if you set your eyes on Jesus your feet will carry you to him and your hands will reach out him!

……………….………
Grace and PEACE,
Gary

* * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * *
I will give you a new heart, and a new spirit I will put within you.
I will remove the heart of stone from your flesh and give you a heart of flesh.
(Ezekiel 36:26 ESV)

Note: Should you want to go back and review this Glory Seed or if you’d like to subscribe so you can receive them in your email you can do so by clicking on this link: http://gloryseeds.wordpress.com/.

Scripture quotations marked ESV "Are from The Holy Bible, English Standard Version, copyright © 2001 by Crossway Bibles, a division of Good News Publishers. Used by permission. All rights reserved."

“Scriptures marked MSG have been taken from THE MESSAGE. Copyright 1993, 1994, 1995, 1996, 2000, 2001, 2002. Used by permission of NavPress Publishing Group.”
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]]> Glory Seed GPiper http://www.theologyweb.com/campus/showthread.php?155886-NSM-Evotional-05-16-2013 NSM Evotional 05/15/2013 http://www.theologyweb.com/campus/showthread.php?155870-NSM-Evotional-05-15-2013&goto=newpost Wed, 15 May 2013 12:29:06 GMT Attachment 86206 (http://www.theologyweb.com/campus/attachment.php?attachmentid=86206) A Glory Seed Devotional *Living the Christian Life* There are times when living the Christian Life doesn’t make any sense to me. Yesterday I quoted, “Come to me, all who labor and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you, and learn from me, for I am gentle and lowly in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. For my yoke is easy, and my burden is light.” (Matthew 11:28-30... in-me-you-have-everything-300x300.jpg

A Glory Seed Devotional
Living the Christian Life

There are times when living the Christian Life doesn’t make any sense to me. Yesterday I quoted, “Come to me, all who labor and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you, and learn from me, for I am gentle and lowly in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. For my yoke is easy, and my burden is light.” (Matthew 11:28-30 ESV) Yet this morning I find myself embattled by the struggles of living a Christian Life in a Me-Me world.

One of my favorite verses I fall back on in order to make sense of living in this Me-Me world is, “I've told you all this so that trusting me, you will be unshakable and assured, deeply at peace. In this godless world you will continue to experience difficulties. But take heart! I've conquered the world." (John 16:33 MSG) However, this morning I found myself asking the why question, “Jesus, why do I need to experience difficulties when you told me in you I’ll find rest, why?” A few minutes later I opened my computer bible to chapter 5 of Hebrews and received the answer to my question.

“While he lived on earth, anticipating death, Jesus cried out in pain and wept in sorrow as he offered up priestly prayers to God. Because he honored God, God answered him. Though he was God's Son, he learned trusting-obedience by what he suffered, just as we do. Then, having arrived at the full stature of his maturity and having been announced by God as high priest in the order of Melchizedek, he became the source of eternal salvation to all who believingly obey him.” (Hebrews 5:7-10 MSG, emphasis mine)

“…he learned trusting-obedience by what he suffered, just as we do.” As powerful and thought provoking as those words are to me I struggle to understand the word suffered and while the word suffer has multiple meanings I choose to lean on two: to suffer is to allow, and to suffer is to endure. Therefore the quote now reads, “He learned trusting-obedience by what he allowed and what he endured, just as we do.” It is my contention that Jesus always had a choice when he stood facing his 40 day wilderness trek he could have refused to go, when he felt the draw of Jerusalem and his impending death he could have turned the other way but he didn’t instead he journeyed to Jerusalem and carried us into eternity.

While I now have a better understanding of the difficulty of living the Christian Life and its ultimate destination I still think God has the power to make it easier but then……………………………………………….!

……………….………
Grace and PEACE,
Gary

* * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * *
I will give you a new heart, and a new spirit I will put within you.
I will remove the heart of stone from your flesh and give you a heart of flesh.
(Ezekiel 36:26 ESV)

Note: Should you want to go back and review this Glory Seed or if you’d like to subscribe so you can receive them in your email you can do so by clicking on this link: http://gloryseeds.wordpress.com/.

Scripture quotations marked ESV "Are from The Holy Bible, English Standard Version, copyright © 2001 by Crossway Bibles, a division of Good News Publishers. Used by permission. All rights reserved."
Attached Images
]]> Glory Seed GPiper http://www.theologyweb.com/campus/showthread.php?155870-NSM-Evotional-05-15-2013 NSM Evotional 05/14/2013 http://www.theologyweb.com/campus/showthread.php?155855-NSM-Evotional-05-14-2013&goto=newpost Tue, 14 May 2013 12:13:47 GMT Attachment 86188 (http://www.theologyweb.com/campus/attachment.php?attachmentid=86188) A Glory Seed Devotional *The Rat Race, God, you, and the rats* The rats are still winning the Rat Race! Several times I’ve considered dropping out and there have been brief periods of time when I have gone on vacation but the gravitational pull of the race always snags me and brings me back. I really thought once I retired I could graciously resign but no I was mistaken and as the rats continued to... 012__RunninRat_Akins.jpg

A Glory Seed Devotional
The Rat Race, God, you, and the rats

The rats are still winning the Rat Race!

Several times I’ve considered dropping out and there have been brief periods of time when I have gone on vacation but the gravitational pull of the race always snags me and brings me back. I really thought once I retired I could graciously resign but no I was mistaken and as the rats continued to race past me I could hear them snickering. One time I did have a chance to talk to one and I asked him what the Rat Race was all about in response to my question he said to me, “Oh, you think we’re in it to win but that’s not our goal, our goal is to beat you into submission. See later loser,” and off he sped.

Little do the rats know we have a Super Hero on our side! And our Super Hero is so good we can run the Rat Race and rest while we are running! Our Super Hero is none other than God! While the Rat Race was started by humans God is in it not for God but for you and I, but the news is even greater. God is not just in the Rat Race with us God is in every aspect of our lives.

Take not just a sip but a BIG GULP after BIG GULP of this Energy Drink, “The promise of "arrival" and "rest" is still there for God's people. God himself is at rest. And at the end of the journey we'll surely rest with God. So let's keep at it and eventually arrive at the place of rest, not drop out through some sort of disobedience. God means what he says. What he says goes. His powerful Word is sharp as a surgeon's scalpel, cutting through everything, whether doubt or defense, laying us open to listen and obey. Nothing and no one is impervious to God's Word. We can't get away from it—no matter what. (Hebrews 4:9-13 MSG)

And if you think “And at the end of the journey we'll surely rest with God” is good news try taking another BIG GULP after BIG GULP of this, “Come to me, all who labor and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you, and learn from me, for I am gentle and lowly in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. For my yoke is easy, and my burden is light.” (Matthew 11:28-30 ESV)

Just in case you haven’t figured out why Jesus could say his yoke is easy and his burden was light Jesus simply rested in God, Jesus knew the only thing he could count on was God’s word and Jesus knew “God means what he says!” And now you can rest in Jesus knowing he joins God in meaning what he says!

The rats may be winning the Rat Race but when it comes time to cross the finish line we’ll be miles ahead of them!

……………….………
Grace and PEACE,
Gary

* * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * *
I will give you a new heart, and a new spirit I will put within you.
I will remove the heart of stone from your flesh and give you a heart of flesh.
(Ezekiel 36:26 ESV)

Note: Should you want to go back and review this Glory Seed or if you’d like to subscribe so you can receive them in your email you can do so by clicking on this link: http://gloryseeds.wordpress.com/.

Scripture quotations marked ESV "Are from The Holy Bible, English Standard Version, copyright © 2001 by Crossway Bibles, a division of Good News Publishers. Used by permission. All rights reserved."

“Scriptures marked MSG have been taken from THE MESSAGE. Copyright 1993, 1994, 1995, 1996, 2000, 2001, 2002. Used by permission of NavPress Publishing Group.”
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]]> Glory Seed GPiper http://www.theologyweb.com/campus/showthread.php?155855-NSM-Evotional-05-14-2013 Glory Seed Devotional 05/13/2013 http://www.theologyweb.com/campus/showthread.php?155841-Glory-Seed-Devotional-05-13-2013&goto=newpost Mon, 13 May 2013 12:10:35 GMT Attachment 86175 (http://www.theologyweb.com/campus/attachment.php?attachmentid=86175) A Glory Seed Devotional *The Gift of Today* In the scheme of world history today is just a speck; in fact you might even say it is as small as an atom. Yet as small as it is, today is by far the most powerful day there has ever been! Our minds reflect on our yesterday’s – our bodies experience our today’s – our spirits reach out to experience our tomorrow’s! Today is the junction where yesterday... Today.jpg

A Glory Seed Devotional
The Gift of Today

In the scheme of world history today is just a speck; in fact you might even say it is as small as an atom. Yet as small as it is, today is by far the most powerful day there has ever been!

Our minds reflect on our yesterday’s – our bodies experience our today’s – our spirits reach out to experience our tomorrow’s!

Today is the junction where yesterday and tomorrow meet – where yesterday ends and tomorrow begins. Yesterday is my gift to today – tomorrow is God's gift to today!

God created us with eyes in the front of our head so we can see what lies ahead of us. As important as what God has done for us yesterday what HE IS DOING is by far more important. We cannot be the person we were therefore we must look ahead and become the person God is calling us to be.

Our greatest need is to simply embrace today and not allow our yesterday’s to overshadow our tomorrows. We must with the spiritual kinetic energy of Jesus Christ embrace the Divine possibilities and promises of tomorrow he envisioned us with today! Until we embrace and are embraced by the Holy Spirit tomorrow will simply be another yesterday, and another yesterday, and another yesterday, and another yesterday, and you get the picture.

Without today tomorrow will never be therefore today is not just another day today is the prelude to eternity!

Even though God exists outside the medium of time today is HIS day a day that he has created as the Psalmist said, “let us be glad and rejoice in it!”

……………….………
Grace and PEACE,
Gary

* * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * *
I will give you a new heart, and a new spirit I will put within you.
I will remove the heart of stone from your flesh and give you a heart of flesh.
(Ezekiel 36:26 ESV)

Note: Should you want to go back and review this Glory Seed or if you’d like to subscribe so you can receive them in your email you can do so by clicking on this link: http://gloryseeds.wordpress.com/.

Scripture quotations marked ESV "Are from The Holy Bible, English Standard Version, copyright © 2001 by Crossway Bibles, a division of Good News Publishers. Used by permission. All rights reserved."
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]]> Glory Seed GPiper http://www.theologyweb.com/campus/showthread.php?155841-Glory-Seed-Devotional-05-13-2013 NSM Evotional 05/10/2013 http://www.theologyweb.com/campus/showthread.php?155806-NSM-Evotional-05-10-2013&goto=newpost Fri, 10 May 2013 12:47:51 GMT Attachment 86106 (http://www.theologyweb.com/campus/attachment.php?attachmentid=86106) A Glory Seed Devotional *Pray, pray, pray, and pray on* D.L. Moody in his book Prevailing Prayer writes, “Those who have left the deepest impression on this sin cursed earth have been men and women of prayer. You will find that Prayer has been the mighty power that has moved not only God, but man.” Most of us have a foundational concept of prayer. And ALL of us prayer not just once a day but many... believe_in_the_power_of_prayer_xlarge.jpg

A Glory Seed Devotional
Pray, pray, pray, and pray on

D.L. Moody in his book Prevailing Prayer writes, “Those who have left the deepest impression on this sin cursed earth have been men and women of prayer. You will find that Prayer has been the mighty power that has moved not only God, but man.”

Most of us have a foundational concept of prayer. And ALL of us prayer not just once a day but many times in a day, we even pray without thinking about praying. One of my favorite hymns is Sweet Hour of Prayer written by William W. Walford somewhere around 1845 and whenever we sing it in church or I hear it, or even attempt to sing it when I am by myself brings “relief” to my troubled life.

Verse One…
Sweet hour of prayer! sweet hour of prayer!
That calls me from a world of care,
And bids me at my Father’s throne
Make all my wants and wishes known.
In seasons of distress and grief,
My soul has often found relief,
And oft escaped the tempter’s snare,
By thy return, sweet hour of prayer!

This morning as I was praying I found myself questioning, “Am I just uttering words or am I truly communicating with God?” So many times it seems as if my prayers are bouncing off the ceiling or I have been tuned out because God doesn’t act on my prayers the way I think he should. Speaking only for myself there are times when I pray from my own agenda, “This is what I want you to do for me God _______________________.” And when God says (through his silence), “Gary, it’s my way or the highway.”

One of my not so favorite things about the Holy Spirit is when all of a sudden I am confronted with one of those, “You’re doing it wrong Gary,” messages. Please don’t misunderstand me most of the time I experience God’s acceptance of my prayers but there are those rare occasions when I think I know what’s best more than what God thinks is best. As I write of this morning experience I can’t help but wonder if I am the only one who has had or is having a similar confrontational experience with prayer.

D.L. Moody goes on to write, “Abraham was a man of prayer, and angels came down from heaven to converse with him. Jacob's prayer was answered in the wonderful interview at Peniel, that resulted in his having such a mighty blessing, and in softening the heart of his brother Esau; the child Samuel was given in answer to Hannah's prayer; Elijah's prayer closed up the heavens for three years and six months, and he prayed again and the heavens gave rain.” Our prayers may never have the impact as those prayers but I KNOW our prayers have had a lasting impact on at least one person (me for one) and in all probability on many.

Sidebar… I am not really sure I like telling on myself. Yet on the other hand we must never forget vulnerability is one road we Christians need to walk every day of our lives because what better way to learn than from each other.

Let us pray _________________________________________. Amen

……………….………
Grace and PEACE,
Gary

* * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * *
I will give you a new heart, and a new spirit I will put within you.
I will remove the heart of stone from your flesh and give you a heart of flesh.
(Ezekiel 36:26 ESV)

Note: Should you want to go back and review this Glory Seed or if you’d like to subscribe so you can receive them in your email you can do so by clicking on this link: http://gloryseeds.wordpress.com/.

Scripture quotations marked ESV "Are from The Holy Bible, English Standard Version, copyright © 2001 by Crossway Bibles, a division of Good News Publishers. Used by permission. All rights reserved."
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]]> Glory Seed GPiper http://www.theologyweb.com/campus/showthread.php?155806-NSM-Evotional-05-10-2013 NSM Evotional 05/09/2013 http://www.theologyweb.com/campus/showthread.php?155792-NSM-Evotional-05-09-2013&goto=newpost Thu, 09 May 2013 11:48:56 GMT Zions Road.jpg

A Glory Seed Devotional
Reflections and anticipation of Divine Love

It's crucial that we keep a firm grip on what we've heard so that we don't drift off. If the old message delivered by the angels was valid and nobody got away with anything, do you think we can risk neglecting this latest message, this magnificent salvation? First of all, it was delivered in person by the Master, then accurately passed on to us by those who heard it from him. All the while God was validating it with gifts through the Holy Spirit, all sorts of signs and miracles, as he saw fit. (Hebrews 2:1-4 MSG)

The message of today’s scripture reading is LOUD and CLEAR…

GOD LOVES YOU!
JESUS LOVES YOU!

And my favorite part – it was delivered in person by the Master – however, even though “it was delivered” they CONTINUE TO reveal and deliver their love for you through the Holy Spirit!

“It's crucial that we keep a firm grip on what we've heard so that we don't drift off,” because unfortunately there are voices from both the living and the dead that tell you God doesn’t love you, that Jesus doesn’t love you. In most cases their message will be very subtle but the message will always be the same, “you don’t count.”

Every one of us at one point in our life (most of us at multiple points) when the message “You don’t count” also has been LOUD and CLEAR. It may be trying to impress itself on you now. If that is the case in your imagination step into the Living Sanctuary of Jesus’ Life and allow the Holy Spirit to indelibly impress on the pages of your autobiography, “All the while God was validating it (their unmatched Love for you) with gifts through the Holy Spirit, all sorts of signs and miracles, as he saw fit.”

You are loved by God and by Jesus not because of words alone but because what they have done for you and with you. And the GOOD NEWS is they have no intention of ever stopping in spite of what others may be trying to tell you!

I don’t think Jesus will mind me playing with the wording of John 3:16: “For God so loved YOU, that he gave his only Son, that whoever believes in him should not perish but have eternal life. (John 3:16 ESV)

……………….………
Grace and PEACE,
Gary

* * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * *
I will give you a new heart, and a new spirit I will put within you.
I will remove the heart of stone from your flesh and give you a heart of flesh.
(Ezekiel 36:26 ESV)

Note: Should you want to go back and review this Glory Seed or if you’d like to subscribe so you can receive them in your email you can do so by clicking on this link: http://gloryseeds.wordpress.com/.

Scripture quotations marked ESV "Are from The Holy Bible, English Standard Version, copyright © 2001 by Crossway Bibles, a division of Good News Publishers. Used by permission. All rights reserved."

“Scriptures marked MSG have been taken from THE MESSAGE. Copyright 1993, 1994, 1995, 1996, 2000, 2001, 2002. Used by permission of NavPress Publishing Group.”
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]]> Glory Seed GPiper http://www.theologyweb.com/campus/showthread.php?155792-NSM-Evotional-05-09-2013 NSM Evotional 05/08/2013 http://www.theologyweb.com/campus/showthread.php?155784-NSM-Evotional-05-08-2013&goto=newpost Wed, 08 May 2013 12:55:04 GMT Attachment 86054 (http://www.theologyweb.com/campus/attachment.php?attachmentid=86054) A Glory Seed Devotional *God, Jesus, the Holy Spirit, and tuning your SRD* “Long ago, at many times and in many ways, God spoke to our fathers by the prophets, but in these last days he has spoken to us by his Son, whom he appointed the heir of all things, through whom also he created the world. He is the radiance of the glory of God and the exact imprint of his nature, and he upholds the universe by... radio.jpg

A Glory Seed Devotional
God, Jesus, the Holy Spirit, and tuning your SRD

“Long ago, at many times and in many ways, God spoke to our fathers by the prophets, but in these last days he has spoken to us by his Son, whom he appointed the heir of all things, through whom also he created the world. He is the radiance of the glory of God and the exact imprint of his nature, and he upholds the universe by the word of his power…” (Hebrews 1:1-3 ESV)

“…but in these last days he has spoken to us by his Son…” I realize that “has spoken” is past tense and with all due respect to the writer of the New Testament book of Hebrews I cannot believe in a God or in a Jesus who has spoken! Instead I choose to believe in THESE last days God continues to speak to US by his Son through the power and ministry of the Holy Spirit!

I believe God continues to reveal himself to us through the Holy Spirit in multiple ways. There are those who can testify of hearing what they believe to be the auditable voice of Jesus I cannot say that but I will testify the Holy Spirit has revealed Jesus to me in my imagination. And while I’ve never heard an auditable voice I have on many occasions been blessed with a Light illuminating the dark portions of my life.

I believe and anchor my life to Jesus’ self revelation, “…I am the light of the world. Whoever follows me will not walk in darkness, but will have the light of life.” John 8:12 (ESV) In chapter 1 the Apostle John connects Jesus as The Word and Jesus as The Light. “In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God. He was in the beginning with God. All things were made through him, and without him was not anything made that was made. In him was life, and the life was the light of men. The light shines in the darkness, and the darkness has not overcome it.” (John 1:1-5 ESV)

There are those who think themselves outside of God’s desire to speak to them. Being one of them I know how frightening that can be. You are surprised to see me say that after what I just wrote? While it’s true we are never out of God’s presence there are times when we are out of his presence. One way of understanding what I am trying to say is to understand God communicating with us on 107.1 SF (spiritual frequency) yet we have a SRD (Spiritual Receiving Device) turned to 101.7 SF where all we might hear is static or even a voice telling us to ignore 107.1 SF.

God and Jesus REALLY wants to bring a little Light to your life if you are not receiving their Light might I suggest you begin tuning your built in SRD perhaps they are broadcasting on another frequency to you.

Happy tuning!

……………….………
Grace and PEACE,
Gary

* * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * *
I will give you a new heart, and a new spirit I will put within you.
I will remove the heart of stone from your flesh and give you a heart of flesh.
(Ezekiel 36:26 ESV)

Note: Should you want to go back and review this Glory Seed or if you’d like to subscribe so you can receive them in your email you can do so by clicking on this link: http://gloryseeds.wordpress.com/.

Scripture quotations marked ESV "Are from The Holy Bible, English Standard Version, copyright © 2001 by Crossway Bibles, a division of Good News Publishers. Used by permission. All rights reserved."
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]]> Glory Seed GPiper http://www.theologyweb.com/campus/showthread.php?155784-NSM-Evotional-05-08-2013 NSM Evotional 05/07/2013 http://www.theologyweb.com/campus/showthread.php?155772-NSM-Evotional-05-07-2013&goto=newpost Tue, 07 May 2013 11:12:06 GMT Attachment 86031 (http://www.theologyweb.com/campus/attachment.php?attachmentid=86031) A Glory Seed Devotional *You are God’s Greatest Creation – You are Loved Ultimately!* “When I look at your heavens, the work of your fingers, the moon and the stars, which you have set in place, what is man that you are mindful of him, and the son of man that you care for him? Yet you have made him a little lower than the heavenly beings and crowned him with glory and honor. You have given him dominion... 11 - Glory Seeds.jpg

A Glory Seed Devotional
You are God’s Greatest Creation – You are Loved Ultimately!

“When I look at your heavens, the work of your fingers, the moon and the stars, which you have set in place, what is man that you are mindful of him, and the son of man that you care for him? Yet you have made him a little lower than the heavenly beings and crowned him with glory and honor. You have given him dominion over the works of your hands; you have put all things under his feet, all sheep and oxen, and also the beasts of the field, the birds of the heavens, and the fish of the sea, whatever passes along the paths of the seas. O LORD, our Lord, how majestic is your name in all the earth!” (Psalms 8:3–8:9 ESV)

In the big picture, we humans are small potatoes. In the big picture, we humans are infinitesimal. In the big picture, we humans are like a single drop of water in the Pacific Ocean. As small and infinitesimal as we seem to be in the big picture but in importance, we humans are second only to the angels!

The most important message you need to tell yourself over and over is I am God’s Greatest Creation – I am God’s Greatest Creation. But you need not only repeat it but more importantly, you need to believe it.

But there’s more! You and trust that with God there’s always more so long as we leave the door open for him. What more is there? I am Loved By God – God Is My Ultimate Lover. But you need not only repeat it but more importantly you need to believe it.

No matter what transpires in 2009 there are two absolutes (there’s really more) you can base your life on – You are God’s Greatest Miracle and You are Loved By God Ultimately!

I therefore, a prisoner for the Lord, urge you to walk in a manner worthy of the calling to which you have been called, with all humility and gentleness, with patience, bearing with one another in love, eager to maintain the unity of the Spirit in the bond of peace. There is one body and one Spirit—just as you were called to the one hope that belongs to your call— one Lord, one faith, one baptism, one God and Father of all, who is over all and through all and in all. But grace was given to each one of us according to the measure of Christ’s gift. Therefore it says, “When he ascended on high he led a host of captives, and he gave gifts to men.” (Ephesians 4:1-8 ESV)

……………….………
Grace and PEACE,
Gary

* * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * *
I will give you a new heart, and a new spirit I will put within you.
I will remove the heart of stone from your flesh and give you a heart of flesh.
(Ezekiel 36:26 ESV)

Note: Should you want to go back and review this Glory Seed or if you’d like to subscribe so you can receive them in your email you can do so by clicking on this link: http://gloryseeds.wordpress.com/.

Scripture quotations marked ESV "Are from The Holy Bible, English Standard Version, copyright © 2001 by Crossway Bibles, a division of Good News Publishers. Used by permission. All rights reserved."
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]]> Glory Seed GPiper http://www.theologyweb.com/campus/showthread.php?155772-NSM-Evotional-05-07-2013 NSM Evotional 05/06/2013 http://www.theologyweb.com/campus/showthread.php?155763-NSM-Evotional-05-06-2013&goto=newpost Mon, 06 May 2013 11:47:25 GMT Attachment 85970 (http://www.theologyweb.com/campus/attachment.php?attachmentid=85970) A Glory Seed Devotional *Hope begets Hope…* There are times when it seems as if all we have is hope. Hope that our upside down situation will right itself. Hope that the rays of sunshine will awaken us from our financial nightmare. Hope that the day will come when our aches and pains will be an un-fond memory. Hope that our broken relationship will somehow find the superglue to mend it. Hope that when... God's Golden Nugget.jpg

A Glory Seed Devotional
Hope begets Hope…

There are times when it seems as if all we have is hope. Hope that our upside down situation will right itself. Hope that the rays of sunshine will awaken us from our financial nightmare. Hope that the day will come when our aches and pains will be an un-fond memory. Hope that our broken relationship will somehow find the superglue to mend it. Hope that when the health and wellbeing of our loved ones begins to fail we will have the wisdom and the strength to not only care for them but care for ourselves as well. Hope that day will come when we will once again be able to love ourselves. Hope the day will come when we will be able to smile and laugh again. Hope that the day will come when God will no longer be a memory but will be an ever present reality in the nitty-gritty, dust and ashes of our every minute life.

There are times when it takes every ounce of “intestinal fortitude” to keep HOPE ALIVE as my friend and brother Robert Campbell says. Throughout the scriptures are God’s Golden Nuggets and when we go panning for them the Holy Spirit will see to it we discover them in our pans. This morning I went panning for God’s Golden Nuggets and there was not just one but several in my pan.

I will sprinkle clean water on you, and you shall be clean from all your uncleanness, and from all your idols I will cleanse you. And I will give you a new heart, and a new spirit I will put within you. And I will remove the heart of stone from your flesh and give you a heart of flesh. And I will put my Spirit within you, and cause you to walk in my statutes and be careful to obey my rules. (Ezekiel 36:25-27 ESV)

How many Golden Nuggets did you find?

The Holy Spirit not only gives life as stated by Jesus in John 6:63 the Holy Spirit also maintains life and enlivens Hope!

You’ve been tagged by hope and you’re it so now pass it on!

……………….………
Grace and PEACE,
Gary

* * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * *
“And I am sure of this, that he who began a good work in you
will bring it to completion at the day of Jesus Christ.
(Philippians 1:6 ESV)

Note: Should you want to go back and review this Glory Seed or if you’d like to subscribe so you can receive them in your email you can do so by clicking on this link: http://gloryseeds.wordpress.com/.

Scripture quotations marked ESV "Are from The Holy Bible, English Standard Version, copyright © 2001 by Crossway Bibles, a division of Good News Publishers. Used by permission. All rights reserved."
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]]> Glory Seed GPiper http://www.theologyweb.com/campus/showthread.php?155763-NSM-Evotional-05-06-2013