tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-54061924084357147182024-03-14T00:10:30.037-05:00...Plain Upon TabletsLive. Learn. Love. Repeat. | It's not about the destination, but the journey it takes to reach the destination. This is that journey.Shonell Baconhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04827197354857197637noreply@blogger.comBlogger99125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5406192408435714718.post-39640480884866296422020-11-04T18:03:00.003-06:002020-11-04T18:17:41.390-06:00The Heart of the Matter: Examining the Hearts of Our Potential Leaders<p> </p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEguoGfUIc2zyZpJiY7GG3pz1SwlZKwuL8mVlrUS98DAGTiOeMG8U4jGBBxc_gSANT-HME9V4S6viGqhh5EbgwsRrlH7ajvghotxo8rvRaw5vPuZTvRh49Nh3qKKFl7nsf7cBBjnutxd8Cw/s1080/IMG_20201103_214814_202.jpg" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1080" data-original-width="1080" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEguoGfUIc2zyZpJiY7GG3pz1SwlZKwuL8mVlrUS98DAGTiOeMG8U4jGBBxc_gSANT-HME9V4S6viGqhh5EbgwsRrlH7ajvghotxo8rvRaw5vPuZTvRh49Nh3qKKFl7nsf7cBBjnutxd8Cw/s320/IMG_20201103_214814_202.jpg" /></a></div>American biographer and historian Doris Kearns Goodwin*, through her extensive study of leadership, found that there were common traits and behavioral patterns that existed among distinctively different leaders, among those traits being "humility, empathy, resilience, courage; the ability to replenish energy, listen to diverse opinions, control negative impulses, connect with all manner of people, communicate through stories, and keep one's word."
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As I read through these traits, there is a word that resonates within me--and it's not found within this list but within each trait: LOVE.
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In Matthew 22:37-40, NASB, when Jesus is asked which commandment of the Law is the greatest, Jesus replied with two: "'You shall love the Lord your God with all your heart, and with all your soul, and with all your mind.’ This is the great and foremost commandment. The second is like it, ‘You shall love your neighbor as yourself.’ Upon these two commandments hang the whole Law and the Prophets.”</div><div>
<br />LOVE is the foundation that, when firmly planted and allowed to grow, blossoms into other areas such as humility, empathy, resilience, and communication, so if I am Christian and a believer of these commandments, and I am looking for a leader whom I believe will embody many, if not all, of the above traits, then I am also looking into how this person embodies LOVE.
<br /><br /></div><div><div style="text-align: center;"><b>“A good head and a good heart are always a formidable combination.” ~Nelson Mandela </b></div>
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Knowing a potential leader's policies and what they plan to DO to help the populace is vitally important, but let's be real--even the devil has a plan. What about the heart? Where does the love lie? We all know of at least one person who had great plans but a love of self... or of nothing at all. What if we stripped away the layers of plans and facts and stats and promises and examined a potential leader's heart and what that heart is and how that heart is used within that person? What would it mean to strip away the politics of politics and discern through the lens of a person's heart?
<br /><br /></div><div><div style="text-align: center;"><b>“If you find it in your heart to care for somebody else, you will have succeeded.” ~Maya Angelou </b></div>
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Yes, we might take the route of thinking we understand a person’s heart only to be misled. Anyone who has ever been in a soured relationship can bestow us with stories to illustrate this. However, what does it say of you if you do not take the time to know how a human operates before determining if that human should have any form of control of your livelihood? Some might argue that we’re in the predicament we are in tonight because we didn’t do enough investigation, we didn’t do enough of understanding our own hearts and correcting our wrongs before clinging to a potential leader merely for self-interests or beliefs and values and attitudes that demoralize, subjugate, and erase others’ interests. Most of us need to strip layers off ourselves so that we can reveal our own T-truth before we examine our potential leader’s heart. By examining someone’s heart, we can find what s/he loves, and in the end, that will allow us to at least begin to determine if that person can be an effective leader for us.
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In Galatians 5, which is part of a letter written by the Apostle Paul to the Galatians, we are provided a set of attributes that in many ways echoes the traits that Goodwin extrapolated from her research. This set is known as the fruit of the Spirit. Before we get to this set, however, we are told by Paul that we are “called to freedom, brothers and sisters; only do not turn your freedom into an opportunity for the flesh, but serve one another through love. For the whole Law is fulfilled in one word, in the statement, “You shall love your neighbor as yourself. But if you bite and devour one another, take care that you are not consumed by one another” (Gal. 5:13-15, NASB).
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We are reconnected with the second part of The Great Commandment, to love our neighbor as we would want to be loved. Therefore, one way to examine a potential leader’s heart is through how they love their neighbors. Keep in mind “neighbors” does not mean people who only look like you and think like you. It means ALL people. Make a list of all the potential “types” of people who exist in the world. On top of that list, write your potential leader’s name. Place a check next to each type of people whom your potential leader has shown love for and to. Write concrete, factual evidence to support that check, too.
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Remember, to love others as you want to be loved, you are walking “by the Spirit, and you will not carry out the desire of the flesh. For the desire of the flesh is against the Spirit, and the Spirit against the flesh; for these are in opposition to one another, in order to keep you from doing whatever you want. But if you are led by the Spirit, you are not under the Law. Now the deeds of the flesh are evident, which are: sexual immorality, impurity, indecent behavior, idolatry, witchcraft, hostilities, strife, jealousy, outbursts of anger, selfish ambition, dissensions, factions, envy, drunkenness, carousing, and things like these, of which I forewarn you, just as I have forewarned you, that those who practice such things will not inherit the kingdom of God” (Gal. 5:16-25, NASB).
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When we are walking by the Spirit and loving others as we want to be loved, we are not dueling with desires of the flesh. Yes, we’re human, and we all fall, but there is a difference between falling and getting back up and falling and rolling and just having a good ol’ time in the fleshy muck. When we are doing that Spirit walk and loving on others, we are also keeping ourselves away from deeds of the flesh. For that same potential leader (P.L.), list the deeds and research your P.L. Has s/he committed any of these deeds? More than one? More than once? Was there an askance of forgiveness and work toward overcoming the misdeed(s)? How can we open our hearts and lives for another to rule over if their actions will not permit them to inherit the kingdom of God?
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When we walk by the Spirit, we obtain the fruit of the Spirit: “love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, self-control; against such things there is no law. Now those who belong to Christ Jesus crucified the flesh with its passions and desires. If we live by the Spirit, let’s follow the Spirit as well. Let’s not become boastful, challenging one another, envying one another” (Gal. 5:22-26, NASB).
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The heart of a person who practices love of neighbor and who walks by the Spirit embodies these fruits. We can document moments in which each fruit has been shown in that person’s “walk.” Examine your potential leader for their fruit. When have they shown love and joy? When have they practiced patience? When have they been gentle, kind? When have they practiced self-control? On the other side, have you seen your P.L. being boastful? Do they challenge others as if they are kids on a playground instead of adults making life-changing decisions for millions of people? Do they envy others to the point of being ineffective as a potential leader?
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As a Christian, as a Black Christian, as a Black female Christian, as a bisexual Black female Christian, these things matter to the point of life or death. I want, with my whole heart, to be safe and to feel safe, to feel as if the country I live in counts me as one of its citizens and looks out for my best interests and the interests of all who are like me--and all who are not like me because our country’s leaders are loving us all as they would want to be loved.
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Politics matter in politics.
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But the heart... the love… trumps it for me.
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*Doris Kearns Goodwin, "6 Essential Traits a President Needs." History.com. Oct. 24, 2018. Updated Jan. 31, 2019. <a href="https://www.history.com/topics/doris-kearns-goodwin-on-presidential-leadership" target="_blank">https://www.history.com/topics/doris-kearns-goodwin-on-presidential-leadership</a>.</div>Shonell Baconhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04827197354857197637noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5406192408435714718.post-91394788906471547762020-08-18T00:05:00.074-05:002020-08-18T04:16:55.146-05:00Come Correct with Your Holy Boldness<p>In <a href="http://upontablets.blogspot.com/2020/08/when-your-grandma-and-aunt-whisper-holy.html" style="background-color: #fff2cc;" target="_blank">last week's post</a>, I mentioned the booklet <b><i>Holy Boldness</i></b> that I received from Great Aunt Blanche. This week, I'm focusing on the short (1-1/3 pages) introduction. Despite its brevity, the reader learns quickly that there is no time to be wimpy in your boldness and that you will be doing BIG things with this boldness.</p><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgdqpBXdBnhGAeEmZNMS37m_MIj5QNNuROWfrfNDxt6uTTZnuS_OIc6-BieVaV4oRD_RCxBEphZQjm21VME7gGOV_3jCZzj-xvXoyX5_fe5GAft1voj3-VdTYYroDBdT_GK2x_0zukRLIU/s2048/steve-harvey-SoZ3b8LLOdo-unsplash.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="342" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgdqpBXdBnhGAeEmZNMS37m_MIj5QNNuROWfrfNDxt6uTTZnuS_OIc6-BieVaV4oRD_RCxBEphZQjm21VME7gGOV_3jCZzj-xvXoyX5_fe5GAft1voj3-VdTYYroDBdT_GK2x_0zukRLIU/w512-h342/steve-harvey-SoZ3b8LLOdo-unsplash.jpg" width="512" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Image by Steve Harvey at <a href="https://unsplash.com/photos/SoZ3b8LLOdo" target="_blank">Unsplash</a><br /></td></tr></tbody></table><p>Let me state that this text was created by the American Bible Society and published in 1995. It was prepared for The Baltimore-Washington Conference of the United Methodist Church. Because there is no expiration date on God or the Word, I'm diving into these words 25 years later still expecting to learn a thing or three.</p><p>Now, let's jump in...</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEitlkVm5b8u9bdykPb9rNY5h00mLX48N3VNBi5bTWERydKm9i9uAYGwY9NqJcUExSAqXSrY8wRpKHweplw6q76ATUxdvcKCRgz-xqxPhnDzxdmmZgwlPa7hgbug39fZp3QZij0V0DLjoJo/s1050/1.png" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="293" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEitlkVm5b8u9bdykPb9rNY5h00mLX48N3VNBi5bTWERydKm9i9uAYGwY9NqJcUExSAqXSrY8wRpKHweplw6q76ATUxdvcKCRgz-xqxPhnDzxdmmZgwlPa7hgbug39fZp3QZij0V0DLjoJo/w512-h293/1.png" width="512" /></a></div><p>Essentially, the introduction, written by the late Bishop Felton Edwin May, states that there are two prerequisites to Holy Boldness.</p><p>"First, we need to know what we believe." We need to know and believe that Christ was both crucified and resurrected, and because we know and believe this, our response is to be Holy and Bold in a world where we are often faced with pain, negativity--those things that try to disconnect us from what we know and believe. This Holy Boldness is directly linked to the resurrected Christ's strength, and because of that, our lives become Christ-centered.</p><p>The second prerequisite constitutes our ACTIONS--that is, what we DO with what we know and believe. And this, for many, is where things start to get real. As Bishop May states, "We need to put ourselves out on the front lines of mission and ministry where Holy Boldness is required." So, this does not mean we just live these quiet holy bold lives and keep this knowledge within. No, we are to look within our families, our communities, our cities and states, our country, our world--and use our Holy Boldness where we are called to.</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEho3KOCveHJD8SdtnqHrg_V8oZFAoe1wnocVwoyTG_78aEnZREPTRMGJ10w0YMgVKLNTz4Vw95U9u8PMCQwG8pYDqZclKhaHi812ymNzhA34ztxpYisD7Y7ALt2Qr7oZPVKtt9H-OXhC3s/s1500/Cream+with+Cassette+Tape+Music+Logo.png" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="410" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEho3KOCveHJD8SdtnqHrg_V8oZFAoe1wnocVwoyTG_78aEnZREPTRMGJ10w0YMgVKLNTz4Vw95U9u8PMCQwG8pYDqZclKhaHi812ymNzhA34ztxpYisD7Y7ALt2Qr7oZPVKtt9H-OXhC3s/w410-h410/Cream+with+Cassette+Tape+Music+Logo.png" width="410" /></a></div><p>Today, we are living in some perilous times. We are half a year into the Coronavirus pandemic, we have witnessed major unrest as we deal with continued deaths of black people by the police, and we are not too far away from a crucial election. These all call us to be more united than we've ever been, but that's hardly been the case. In just considering these three events, however, what might we do to use our Holy Boldness? I'll mention a few quick examples for each below.</p><p><i><b>Coronavirus</b></i>: we can wear our masks, educate others on the importance of wearing masks, practice social distancing, help those in need by picking up prescriptions and or groceries, donate to causes that help frontline workers...</p><p><i><b>#BlackLivesMatter</b></i>: we can, first, open our minds beyond our small little worlds so that we can truly immerse ourselves into learning the history of this issue, what we are truly fighting and striving for, dismantling our own prejudices and ignorance, supporting initiatives to help prevent police brutality and to call out for action (and BE the action) when these tragedies arise, voting...</p><p>...which leads to <i><b>Election Time</b></i>. I'm not going to tell anyone who to vote for. That is your choice. But this is what I will tell you...</p><p style="text-align: center;">In Mark 16:15, we have Christ's Commission to His Church to "Go ye into all the world, and preach the gospel to the whole creation."</p><p style="text-align: center;">To add to that, here is a new commandment we receive from Jesus, stated in John 13:34-35: "...that you love one another. Just as I have loved you, you also should love one another. By this everyone will know that you are my disciples, if you have love for one another."</p><p style="text-align: left;">We are in unprecedented times when loving one another as Christ loves us and preaching the gospel to the WHOLE creation are vital. Think about that love that Christ bestows upon you... think about the gospel. Think about who we are voting for and what they stand for and believe in and how they might be likely to treat ALL of us not just a small pocket of people. Think about how your vote ties into "love of all" and the meaning behind the gospel. Make choices that help all of us prosper--that's using your Holy Boldness.</p><p>I've written a lot, and my mind is churning with so many more thoughts--and this is just the INTRO! Let me move into conclusion mode...</p><p>All of THIS is to say... this is not about the Holy Boldness we have... but about the Holy Boldness that lives in Christ who dwells within us. So this is about us dying away so that Christ's Holy Boldness can make moves and change the world for the better. This is about us getting over ourselves so that we can see BEYOND ourselves and to others who need help.</p><p>Bishop May concludes the introduction with this powerful sentence: "We don't learn the meaning of faith if we never trust God enough to stop playing it safe and taking risks on behalf of the gospel."</p><p></p><ol style="text-align: left;"><li>What do you KNOW and BELIEVE... for real? Do you really believe Christ lived, died, and resurrected? Do you really believe that His Holy Boldness dwells in us?</li><li>What actions will you put forth to illustrate that knowledge and belief?</li><li>What are you willing to do to show God that you trust Him unequivocally?</li></ol><p></p><p> </p><p><b><u>The Holy Boldness Series</u></b></p><p></p><ul style="text-align: left;"><li>Post 1: <a href="http://upontablets.blogspot.com/2020/08/when-your-grandma-and-aunt-whisper-holy.html" target="_blank">When Your Grandma and Aunt Whisper, "Holy Boldness"</a></li></ul><p></p>Shonell Baconhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04827197354857197637noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5406192408435714718.post-70522056155858425522020-08-11T00:05:00.028-05:002020-08-18T03:05:44.239-05:00When Your Grandma and Aunt Whisper, "Holy Boldness"<img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEher6_tQmIjRQzmvjldC9yS6Y__XWwuXtAywxD6PiL3Gq-MjiSyS0wbXMZpJFit7M2vqnwhZhQK1zGQLNWxsnrmvX3Ehde2PXu3GhZYDUnlOniyq6llIGLdYqvBBnke7BkBFRXlNI81xos/w400-h291/PUTpost_1.png" style="display:none;">
<p>I was blessed to have a grandmother with six beautiful sisters--women who were bold, funny, kind, encouraging, and faithful among so many other wonderful things.</p><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEher6_tQmIjRQzmvjldC9yS6Y__XWwuXtAywxD6PiL3Gq-MjiSyS0wbXMZpJFit7M2vqnwhZhQK1zGQLNWxsnrmvX3Ehde2PXu3GhZYDUnlOniyq6llIGLdYqvBBnke7BkBFRXlNI81xos/s550/PUTpost_1.png" style="display: block; padding: 1em 0px; text-align: center;"><img border="0" height="291" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEher6_tQmIjRQzmvjldC9yS6Y__XWwuXtAywxD6PiL3Gq-MjiSyS0wbXMZpJFit7M2vqnwhZhQK1zGQLNWxsnrmvX3Ehde2PXu3GhZYDUnlOniyq6llIGLdYqvBBnke7BkBFRXlNI81xos/w400-h291/PUTpost_1.png" width="400" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Let's get BOLD!<br /></td></tr></tbody></table><span style="font-size: small;"><div style="text-align: center;"><i>In picture: back row l-r: Aunt Caroline, Aunt Lee, Grandma Audrey; front row l-r: Aunt Margie, Aunt Blanche, and Aunt Ethel; missing from pic: Aunt Edna</i></div></span><p></p><p>When my grandmother Audrey passed in 1998, one of these awesome women stepped up to encourage me along my journey: my aunt Blanche.</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjb1Np0yqaUpLSL02V8Ef9sqNCf5F5JzvrdmSDJcat7ZJhplXR57QOHa8aJSxUYb18b8lvspTjYP4WIkUu_yUGMgcHAbEC6qXXeW87Mjs6J0qr_UTNSLwjJ7xIi9gL3nPDgX2W_-1rPf34/s480/PUTpost_2.png" style="display: block; margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; padding: 1em 0px; text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="480" data-original-width="480" height="246" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjb1Np0yqaUpLSL02V8Ef9sqNCf5F5JzvrdmSDJcat7ZJhplXR57QOHa8aJSxUYb18b8lvspTjYP4WIkUu_yUGMgcHAbEC6qXXeW87Mjs6J0qr_UTNSLwjJ7xIi9gL3nPDgX2W_-1rPf34/w246-h246/PUTpost_2.png" width="246" /></a></div><p style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small;"><i>My Grandma Audrey and me at my B.A. graduation</i></span></p><p>My grandmother was a fervent believer of God. Never knew anyone who believed more or loved him more (though my mom is close behind her and Aunt Blanche is tied). She was the one who constantly kept me in the faith, and she was the one left heartbroken when I had my moment of disbelief in God. She wouldn't know that losing her and then my grandfather four months later would only deepen that disbelief.</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgAXZz0l8UHyldiuiV0Bz61kQeTI7mwmKIVL7VOWP3aa0tcquQl_FQ6UevrT8qRJ5QLyBNb7dHc7JWfMY-eWpyxDERKV8APwspG7YAE5sqaY2QWXTuNxp9cfNS4JvVvnFi3LryMzKuWK1c/s531/PUTpost_3.png" style="display: block; margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; padding: 1em 0px; text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="531" data-original-width="441" height="272" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgAXZz0l8UHyldiuiV0Bz61kQeTI7mwmKIVL7VOWP3aa0tcquQl_FQ6UevrT8qRJ5QLyBNb7dHc7JWfMY-eWpyxDERKV8APwspG7YAE5sqaY2QWXTuNxp9cfNS4JvVvnFi3LryMzKuWK1c/w226-h272/PUTpost_3.png" width="226" /></a></div><p style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small;"><i>My great-aunt Blanche</i></span></p><p>About a year after Grandma passed, Aunt Blanche began writing to me. She would write letters that updated me on her goings-on and giving me the inspiration to keep up with my educational pursuits. She would send me pics of her, her dogs, and my cousins. She would also send me faith-based booklets, something my grandmother used to do.</p><p style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEig9PCJ6R_n-td6XNmuymNodfoejKnkmn3zcvj_9m5KBjAE27rdqkj1KsRmWnLw4ZW8hj7FLuF75Rj6j_Wv4McGvS6BmAHtkUoii6fNR0m3ImWze9IONHxJbguK_b52zv9AcOfWpWq9x30/s750/PUTpost_4.png" style="clear: left; display: inline; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em; padding: 1em 0px;"><img border="0" data-original-height="750" data-original-width="563" height="328" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEig9PCJ6R_n-td6XNmuymNodfoejKnkmn3zcvj_9m5KBjAE27rdqkj1KsRmWnLw4ZW8hj7FLuF75Rj6j_Wv4McGvS6BmAHtkUoii6fNR0m3ImWze9IONHxJbguK_b52zv9AcOfWpWq9x30/w246-h328/PUTpost_4.png" width="246" /></a></p><p>Lately, I've been in this major decluttering phase of my life. Any and everything is up for being tossed as I shed things that no longer benefit me. In one of those moments of decluttering, I came across some letters, photos, and booklets from Aunt Blanche--this one, <b><i>Holy Boldness</i></b>, being one of them.</p><p>She sent it to me in April 2001; however, I'm sure she had it since its 1995 publication. I imagine her strong yet delicate fingers flipping the pages as she read through this--more than once.</p><p>It was not a coincidence that I would find this booklet when I did. As I have been in this decluttering stage, I have also been honing in on diving deeper and deeper still into God, and finding this booklet is like Grandma and Aunt Blanche whispering to me, "Use this."</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiodZYXFa2QJf6QoHnWceHjnl8QKfK1UM70Tc0vbGex5oDdyQn95PbUIwLqmgiRvde49gcCDTHODlk_WerHgfFLceys4RZhCmUefFG38qvHpw2baTK_rgFCOCDdVgoqVEsSueXd63nctLs/s750/PUTpost_5.png" style="display: block; margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; padding: 1em 0px; text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="750" data-original-width="563" height="328" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiodZYXFa2QJf6QoHnWceHjnl8QKfK1UM70Tc0vbGex5oDdyQn95PbUIwLqmgiRvde49gcCDTHODlk_WerHgfFLceys4RZhCmUefFG38qvHpw2baTK_rgFCOCDdVgoqVEsSueXd63nctLs/w246-h328/PUTpost_5.png" width="246" /></a></div><p>When I opened the booklet, on the inside of the cover was "A Prayer For Holy Boldness."</p><p>As I read it aloud, it touched me, and I nodded and thought, <i>I'm definitely going to use this</i>.</p><p>More to come here on <i>Plain Upon Tablets</i> as I read through the booklet and blog my thoughts.</p><p>SO ready to <i>boldly go holy</i>.</p><p><br /></p><div alt="0" id="SL_balloon_obj" style="display: block;"><div class="SL_ImTranslatorLogo" id="SL_button" style="background: url("chrome-extension://noaijdpnepcgjemiklgfkcfbkokogabh/content/img/util/imtranslator-s.png"); 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background-clip: initial; background-color: white; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial;"><div id="SL_arrow_down" style="background: url("chrome-extension://noaijdpnepcgjemiklgfkcfbkokogabh/content/img/util/down.png");"></div><table id="SL_tbl_opt" style="width: 100%;"><tbody><tr><td align="center" class="SL_td" width="5%"><input checked="1" id="SL_BBL_locer" title="Show Translator's button 3 second(s)" type="checkbox" /></td><td align="left" class="SL_td" width="5%"><div id="SL_BBL_IMG" style="background: url("chrome-extension://noaijdpnepcgjemiklgfkcfbkokogabh/content/img/util/bbl-logo.png");" title="Show Translator's button 3 second(s)"></div></td><td align="center" class="SL_td" width="70%"><a class="SL_options" href="chrome-extension://noaijdpnepcgjemiklgfkcfbkokogabh/content/html/options/options.html?bbl" target="_blank" title="Show options">Options</a> : <a class="SL_options" href="chrome-extension://noaijdpnepcgjemiklgfkcfbkokogabh/content/html/options/options.html?hist" target="_blank" title="Translation History">History</a> : <a class="SL_options" href="chrome-extension://noaijdpnepcgjemiklgfkcfbkokogabh/content/html/options/options.html?feed" target="_blank" title="ImTranslator Feedback">Feedback</a> : <a class="SL_options" href="https://imtranslator.net/extensions/?tp=chr-ImTranslator&a=0" target="_blank" title="Make a small contribution">Donate</a></td><td align="right" class="SL_td" width="15%"><span class="SL_options" id="SL_Balloon_Close" title="Close">Close</span></td></tr></tbody></table></div></div></div>Shonell Baconhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04827197354857197637noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5406192408435714718.post-55994315035341235742019-11-25T01:15:00.000-06:002020-06-18T01:17:54.582-05:00Be Present to Find Joy [#HUGSlove Series]So often, we struggle, we fight to live just above life's currents so that we are able to, at the very least, breathe as we make it from one day to the next.<br />
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That is not the way life is supposed to be.<br />
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj644JpX5oP1MeQzecYJ0UW6Hly8wj4qPuJ9zehjFmeTuOVJvyMYeVtRA5PyFki1KxgYK_T7aoTEc67OF32HekpKF1q07Lro4J53DBeLoiJvL5zenTeeNBQW-D9-GLqOfFbVP4G0Y5aN_I/s1600/joy1.png" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="720" data-original-width="720" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj644JpX5oP1MeQzecYJ0UW6Hly8wj4qPuJ9zehjFmeTuOVJvyMYeVtRA5PyFki1KxgYK_T7aoTEc67OF32HekpKF1q07Lro4J53DBeLoiJvL5zenTeeNBQW-D9-GLqOfFbVP4G0Y5aN_I/s200/joy1.png" width="200" /></a><br />
We are called to be joyful and to find joy even in the most devastating of circumstances.<br />
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Chronic Stress Disorder (CSD) often makes it hard for me to see joy and keep joy near. For me, CSD is like having my nerves constantly on fire while they are pricked by millions of the sharpest needles ever created. This is what it feels like when I'm stressing about things that my mind knows are perceived and not real. This feeling is amplified when dealing with stressors that are tangible, immediate.<br />
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Despite these feelings and the other issues that cower under the CSD umbrella (anxiety, depression), I do realize that there must be consistent intentionality to the pursuit of joy.<br />
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As with anything.<br />
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If you want to lose weight, you have to be consistent, intentional of what you eat and how often you move. If you want to save money, you have to be consistent, intentional of how you spend your money. <br />
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For me, this means digging into the Word to entrench myself on what it means to be "of joy." It means keeping my senses open to my experiences so that I can be a witness to the moments of joy I find myself in and, more importantly, analyze when I find myself falling away from joy or the seeking of it.<br />
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This leads me to a little story I want to tell you of how God allowed me, in the midst of major anxiety and "right now" stress, to be of peace and within His joy.<br />
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Last week, I was thinking about perceived and "right now" stress: the what-ifs of situations that may (and usually don't) happen and the energy I give to those moments and the immediate, real-time situations I face and the energy I give to them. I was thinking about how I seriously needed to be present in my living so that I can differentiate between the two types of stress and handle both better.<br />
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And while thinking on this, two pressing "right now" stressors entered my life. They both needed immediate attention; my anxiety rose greatly, and my stress levels had my entire body on fire. And yet, there was this eerie calm about me. I will admit, I felt so very defeated in the moment and in life in general. Annihilatory thoughts ran rampant, and yet... the eerie calm was there. To me, this calm was that nothingness before a great storm. Even my mother thought so. When she saw me, fear gripped her. She tried to take me outside because it was so bright and cool; she thought it would "wake me." I went out for a minute, but the light, the "everything I love about a great day" tired me, so I returned to my desk where I sat and rocked in my chair.<br />
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A moment later, I looked at the wall before me.<br />
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I saw the word "faith" on a plaque and scoffed. Faith in what?<br />
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I saw a note I wrote about how Jesus was weary, had wept, had "thirst," and was tempted, like me, but that he was different because he didn't fall to temptation--that I, too, can walk away from temptation like Jesus. I shook my head and chuckled.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh-iGhQRHv1zRDC43q18TXw9TH-VwQlR0za3GZ_PVf2UpahPFaZi-ATHRIl-e5zyLfOQqJlx0b0xPlLYg1el3c3j8JPcU9oK4ApKMguZuZBOobk-c2UH_Dq7N2xgcfBlZQ4k1UBjALvFN0/s1600/joy-4.png" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="450" data-original-width="600" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh-iGhQRHv1zRDC43q18TXw9TH-VwQlR0za3GZ_PVf2UpahPFaZi-ATHRIl-e5zyLfOQqJlx0b0xPlLYg1el3c3j8JPcU9oK4ApKMguZuZBOobk-c2UH_Dq7N2xgcfBlZQ4k1UBjALvFN0/s320/joy-4.png" width="320" /></a></div>
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Then, my eyes fell upon something I wrote from a book on the rights I have as a child of God. I read this aloud: I have a right to be free, be healed, to prosper, never fear again, to have peace, to use the name of Jesus, to always triumph, and with each right, my heart stirred, tears collected, and my throat grew tight.<br />
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I FELT these words. I FELT God covering me, hugging me.<br />
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HE was why I was calm despite the negative feelings I had about the situations before me.<br />
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HE was telling me that what I currently felt was not bigger than the truth, the truth that things would be OK...that I would be OK.<br />
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Make no mistake about this story; it has a happy ending, but it was a war: it was a war between my mind and my faith, my mind and my God, my mind and my possible (and probably detrimental) reactions to my mind. I could have, like I have done so many times before, exacerbated the situation and made myself sick--emotionally, mentally, physically, and spiritually, but God was stronger than me (duh!), and this time, I was receptive to God's strength to not fall.<br />
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Being receptive, PRESENT while in the middle of "right now" stress allowed me to see God and His desire for me to be unharmed, thereby letting me be still--in peace and in joy.<br />
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At the end of every #HUGSlove post, you will see previous links to the series. I hope you enjoy them; feel free to share with others!<br />
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<ol>
<li>The Origin of #HUGSlove [<u><b><a href="https://www.thewipitchick.com/post/hugslove_origin" target="_blank">link</a></b></u>]</li>
</ol>
Shonell Baconhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04827197354857197637noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5406192408435714718.post-64521834481752398922019-11-24T00:57:00.000-06:002020-06-18T01:04:56.169-05:00The Origin of #HUGSloveOne thing to know about me: I care about others, I love others, and making people feel cared for and loved is important to me.<br />
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However, I often didn't extend that care, that love to myself.<br />
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A few years ago, I attempted to remedy this by writing daily love notes to myself (#loveaday notes).<br />
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Through these notes, #HUGSlove originated.<br />
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I've been told a time or two that I am one of the best huggers in the world, and I am always in search of a good hug. It's my firm belief that you can gauge a person by their handshake and their hug. I've had hugs that left me feeling cold and detached and hugs that have left me weeping in a stranger's arms. There is a connection that's made with a good hug, an exchange of love. So, to me, HUGS and LOVE go hand in hand.<br />
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#HUGSlove, in a way, has encapsulated my life's mission: to spread that exchange of love and care to myself--and to others, and it taps into every facet of my life.<br />
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Currently, it is seen in the #loveday notes that I write to myself but that others often tell me touch them as well.<br />
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It is seen in my new Etsy shop <u><b><a href="https://www.etsy.com/shop/HUGSloveStudios" target="_blank">HUGSlove Studios</a></b></u>, where I sell digital products such as journals, planners, and stickers and also give 10% of sales to three philanthropic efforts that are close to my heart.<br />
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It is seen in the work I do as an <b><u><a href="http://www.chicklitgurrl.com/editor/" target="_blank">editor at ChickLitGurrl</a></u></b> as my goal is to always help writers develop strong stories and to grow in their writing abilities.<br />
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It is also seen in the quotes and scriptures I post in which I share a bit of myself and find that others needed to read that quote or scripture for something going on in their lives.<br />
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Today, I decided I was going to be intentional in regard to the power of HUGSlove.<br />
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What does that mean?<br />
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Well, we are in a fight, every day of our lives, to be better, stronger than we were the day before. We're in a fight to hold fast to our joy and peace.<br />
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We need to put on the armor and be the joy warriors we are, filling and refilling ourselves with it so that we can offer it to others.<br />
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So, this will be my goal for the rest of 2019--and of course beyond. I have 38 days to build a strong, life-changing habit to usher into a new year.<br />
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And I'm excited about it.<br />
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Let the joy-having commence.Shonell Baconhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04827197354857197637noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5406192408435714718.post-39906501167305488222019-08-27T00:25:00.011-05:002020-06-18T00:56:03.521-05:00#LOVEADAY: Get Up<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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Years ago, I began writing myself daily love notes, which I ended up calling #loveaday notes. It started with me using 7-day pill holders and Post-its and has grown to me using notebooks, planners, and now digital journals to write my daily notes.<br />
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I am of the firm belief that if you don't fill yourself with love, it will be difficult to have the energy and resources to fully and effectively provide needed love to others. These notes often give me great food for thought.<br />
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Today's note really tapped into the heart of how I've been feeling lately, and I wanted to share what the note read and what that note made me think. In doing this, I hope you find something to glean from this sharing.<br />
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This was today's note (to the right): <b>"Get up one more time... ...and then keep getting up!"</b><br />
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This note came from my experiences of the day, which I share with you below.<br />
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When I woke up this morning, one thought blared in my head: "Why do you ever wake up when every time you do so, you're met with irritation, aggravation, and utter disappointment?"<br />
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That thought followed me throughout my day.<br />
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One of my very first #loveaday notes!<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i><span style="font-size: x-small;">One of my very first #loveaday notes!</span></i></td></tr>
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Here's a number for you: 4.<br />
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Four times this afternoon, I sat here at my laptop, attempting to be productive, only to crawl back to my bed, wishing to dissolve into my bedding. After a few minutes, or an hour, my #depression and #anxiety would become too big for my head, my bed, and I would trudge back to my laptop and try to be the me I truly want to be.<br />
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The fourth time I crawled into my bed, my entire being was both electrified with mental anguish and numbed by my feelings. I truly felt defeated and depleted.<br />
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And my morning thought banged against the back of my eyes; back of my head, forehead; where back of head connects with neck.<br />
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And even with all of that, "Get up" could be heard within the cacophony.<br />
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Another earlier #loveaday note.<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i>A week's worth of notes!</i></td></tr>
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It wasn't me because Shonell just didn't give a shit.<br />
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It was #God, as always, taking my hand, helping me to my feet to hold me in his arms and whisper in my ear, "Get up and try again."<br />
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So, here I am, trying, and thanking God that He loves me enough to care that I not give up.<br />
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I won't lie; as I sit here, I am in severe pain; it feels like I'm having a heart attack, like my brain is going to burst through my head and eyes, like love is being squeezed out of my heart.<br />
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But I'm here.<br />
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Trying.<br />
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And I pray you continue to try, too.Shonell Baconhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04827197354857197637noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5406192408435714718.post-43092884809209445992013-09-06T00:05:00.001-05:002020-08-18T03:42:23.292-05:00Walk into Your Breakthrough<img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiM2jILpK_b_jqSLYhKwyX2z3O3dTbanu-MzaBZ_sHPHhSzPPw9bmkCgGILiGJFY2mZSZQnkpqUlFod2X9TOwWclr1cf0bJL9wF7-Obg3v_Ib54j6UBXslllk9cJmwFLWCJKNtTt88jXgI/s640/door-1781733_1280.jpg" style="display:none;">
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">One of my favorite singers is contemporary gospel vocalist and evangelist Beverly Crawford. When she sings, she ministers. When she sings, you can feel through her words, her voice. One of my favorite performances of hers is "Breakthrough." When I heard it a few years ago, it moved me.</div>
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It still moves me, and several times a month, I make sure I get in a quiet space and listen to it. <br />
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Let the words minister to you. It's a song that reminds us of God's promises and our need to hold onto faith, believe God's word, and wait until we see those words come to fruition in our BREAKTHROUGHS.<br />
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They are coming.<br />
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Shonell Baconhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04827197354857197637noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5406192408435714718.post-77152895889353518822013-09-05T00:05:00.001-05:002020-08-18T03:44:48.814-05:00Start Your Morning with a Hallelujah<img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiP5RB9PYGZ7mzukhv3Lxacg2btA3HA2mOyx0cj2aEiSldavay9gLhGsLV74aCTyPvDVOMACsetfxXlhoxxISomrQu3a05Oap-YfKR10dEFkqCHZXfJHcs9FjwRGbHeBe5SEZ2blr4Di30/s640/choir-303302_1280.png" style="display:none;">
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="text-align: left;">Tuesday, I talked about Karen Clark Sheard's "</span><a href="http://upontablets.blogspot.com/2013/09/god-has-given-us-authority.html" style="text-align: left;" target="_blank">Authority</a><span style="text-align: left;">." Another song that I listen to in the morning is KCS's "Hallelujah." If you need a spark, if you need to be shaken, if you need that holy ghost dance... this is the song for you.</span></div>
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In this video below, KCS gives a good preach and delivers a rousing performance of "Hallelujah."<br />
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For me (and I know for others), it is so important to wake up and say... and declare positives for the day. To thank the Father for allowing us to live to see another day, to thank him for giving us another opportunity to shine in our lives for his benefit and our testimony.<br />
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This song will usher you into those moments of thankfulness. <br />
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Hallelujah!<br />
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Shonell Baconhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04827197354857197637noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5406192408435714718.post-63096606311579740052013-09-04T00:05:00.001-05:002020-08-18T03:46:41.897-05:00You're Next in Line for a Miracle<img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEggPey-ZM3Ifd6dhfarQOycjnTEsQ-0eP_iQUi4ZFq10WYNCho6KoegUm0a2BBlEUGNhPTInNCLEMnkW0UcmEEyLfz968VTA0jsmkSdAHeRR1I9gW1Ss6DlK2R0-knkVdDoYD8a1zZovnI/s640/flower-887443_1280.jpg" style="display:none;">
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">Sometimes, it sure doesn't feel like it, right? Bills stacked to the ceiling. Everywhere you turn, it seems a mishap, mistake, or missed opportunity presents itself. It's easy to fall into a space where you can't see the light, can't see that a miracle can even happen to us. Believe me, I know. I fight this, too.</div>
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One song that makes me smile, keeps my heart and mind focused when negativity threatens to overtake them is Mama Shirley Caesar's "You're Next in Line for a Miracle."<br />
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Take a listen...<br />
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Shonell Baconhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04827197354857197637noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5406192408435714718.post-46597109442841081102013-09-03T00:05:00.001-05:002020-08-18T03:48:22.352-05:00God Has Given Us Authority<img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgKz62LLtV-D4WBtmjrnGbGm8q4rjYCwV2Ht5CEL1wpaAw3Jyz08Fanvpst5Gq3rSwz718F5CImB-hIG2vyAV5hs5GLiuY6dbmu7l3ng9NTjbAhqRTkN79gCJXZpjG4ZjjByTqen74OoyY/s640/gavel-2492011_1280.jpg" style="display:none;">
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">Music often saves me. Even when I'm dead-center into some depression, anxiety, and fearful thoughts... even when I say that I'm mad at God or feel my faith waning, it is often music that helps to release those toxins.</div>
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When I'm in those periods stated above, I can often be heard walking around humming.<br />
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What am I humming?<br />
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Gospel music. Christian music.<br />
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When this happens, and I catch myself, I often laugh, shake my head, look up to the heavens, and say, "You surely got jokes, Father."<br />
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Because he does. Even in the middle of the crazy here on earth, there is still -- even if we don't feel it, see it, or believe it -- a still small voice within us, there is still the Father that's providing our push, giving us our strength, filling us with faith so that we can be mended, righted, and placed back on our path to move forward.<br />
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One song that I find myself humming every day (and one that I play just about every morning as I get ready for work) is Karen Clark Sheard's "Authority." It's a simple message, but the message is SO powerful. When I'm listening to it and moments after, I can feel the power surging in me. If only I could find a way to embed it into my DNA so that it never stops playing during those times of doubt.<br />
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Have a listen. Let it rejuvenate you today!<br />
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Shonell Baconhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04827197354857197637noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5406192408435714718.post-68316286956727276992013-08-05T00:05:00.001-05:002020-08-18T03:50:53.400-05:00Day 12 - God's Will and Ours<img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhO116sGI2LXAyy360tkKlPrDKm_AjwHuwEhppYoZwmrgbloiEodCsKxav6w2-cYE01nMkr0XADVRHXYo5ALSUV3QgKCH1fB96acEHfx2uPhB1O7FM3f2Ly7ymNG7eht7cMgCozT25YPBo/s640/688492_1_ftc_dp.jpg" style="display:none;">
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">Day 12 of Andrew Murray's <a href="http://www.amazon.com/Secret-Intercession-MURRAY-ANDREW/dp/0883688492/ref=sr_1_1?s=books&ie=UTF8&qid=1370819301&sr=1-1&keywords=the+secret+of+intercession" target="_blank"><i>The Secret of Intercession</i></a> poses the following question: <i>Why must all our prayers of intercession be based on Christ's prayer, "Thy will be done in earth, as it is in heaven" (Matt. 6:10)?</i></div>
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Murray lays out the answer to this in a few short pages, but we get the answer in the first paragraph: "When He made man in His image, it was, above all, that man's desires were to be in perfect accord with the desires of God" .... "in the human flesh man was to be the embodiment and fulfillment of God's desires" (48).<br />
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In short order, Murray tells us that man's fall set God in doing "the great work of winning man back to make the desires of God his own" so that man could once again <i>be in perfect accord</i> with God (48).<br />
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Through Christ, that opportunity for perfect accord is at hand. "The Son, as man, said in agony and blood, '<i>Thy will be done</i>,' and made the surrender even to the point of being forsaken by God. He did this so that the power that had deceived man might be conquered and deliverance procured" (49). <br />
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As followers... and as intercessors... "the great work of appropriating that redemption is this: that believers have to say, first of all for themselves and then in lives devoted to intercession for others, '<i>Thy will be done in earth, as it is in heaven</i>' (Matt 6:10)" (49).<br />
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What some of us often find... and I'll be truthful... what <b><i>I</i></b> often find is that it's not hard to say <i>Thy will be done</i> for others. We pray for healing. We pray for increase for others, but we know that in the end, it is God's will that will be done. Now, when we move that will onto us, it can get a little scary because we truly have to realize that it's not about us. It's not our will that does anything. We surrender ourselves, we petition for ourselves and others, and God's will shall be done. For some, there is much peace, rest, and comfort found in that. For others, the fear of <b>what will God's will be?</b> lingers.<br />
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I think it's important that we step back to the beginning, seeing that 1) God made us in his image (and he is perfect -- shouldn't we be absolutely thrilled to be made in his image!?) and 2) because we are made in his image, we have a responsibility to set our desires right with him and his will.<br />
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Other Posts in <i>The Secret of Intercession</i> series<br />
<ol>
<li>"<a href="http://upontablets.blogspot.com/2012/04/kickstarting-intercession.html" target="_blank">Kickstarting Intercession</a>"</li>
<li>"<a href="http://upontablets.blogspot.com/2012/04/day-one-intercession.html" target="_blank">Day 1 - Intercession</a>"</li>
<li>"<a href="http://upontablets.blogspot.com/2012/04/day-two-opening-of-eyes.html" target="_blank">Day 2 - The Opening of the Eyes</a>"</li>
<li>"<a href="http://upontablets.blogspot.com/2012/07/day-3-mans-place-in-gods-plan.html" target="_blank">Day 3 - Man's Place in God's Plan</a>"</li>
<li>"<a href="http://upontablets.blogspot.com/2012/07/day-4-intercession-in-plan-of.html" target="_blank">Day 4 - Intercession in the Plan of Redemption</a>"</li>
<li>"<a href="http://upontablets.blogspot.com/2012/07/day-5-god-seeks-intercessors.html" target="_blank">Day 5 - God Seeks Intercessors</a>"</li>
<li>"<a href="http://upontablets.blogspot.com/2013/06/day-6-christ-as-intercessor.html" target="_blank">Day 6 - Christ as Intercessor</a>"</li>
<li>"<a href="http://upontablets.blogspot.com/2013/06/day-7-intercessors-god-seeks.html" target="_blank">Day 7 - The Intercessors God Seeks</a>"</li>
<li>"<a href="http://upontablets.blogspot.com/2013/06/day-8-school-of-intercession.html" target="_blank">Day 8 - The School of Intercession</a>"</li>
<li>"<a href="http://upontablets.blogspot.com/2013/07/day-9-power-in-name-of-jesus.html" target="_blank">Day 9 - The Power in the Name of Jesus</a>"</li>
<li>"<a href="http://upontablets.blogspot.com/2013/07/day-10-prayer-work-of-spirit.html" target="_blank">Day 10 - Prayer, the Work of the Spirit</a>"</li>
<li>"<a href="http://upontablets.blogspot.com/2013/07/day-11-christ-our-example-in.html" target="_blank">Day 11 - Christ, Our Example in Intercession</a>"</li>
</ol>
Shonell Baconhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04827197354857197637noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5406192408435714718.post-52847861113133605642013-07-29T00:05:00.001-05:002020-08-18T03:52:01.378-05:00Day 11 - Christ, Our Example in Intercession<img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhO116sGI2LXAyy360tkKlPrDKm_AjwHuwEhppYoZwmrgbloiEodCsKxav6w2-cYE01nMkr0XADVRHXYo5ALSUV3QgKCH1fB96acEHfx2uPhB1O7FM3f2Ly7ymNG7eht7cMgCozT25YPBo/s640/688492_1_ftc_dp.jpg" style="display:none;">
I have to say that I come to Day 11 of Andrew Murray's <a href="http://www.amazon.com/Secret-Intercession-MURRAY-ANDREW/dp/0883688492/ref=sr_1_1?s=books&ie=UTF8&qid=1370819301&sr=1-1&keywords=the+secret+of+intercession" target="_blank"><i>The Secret of Intercession</i></a> with some major trepidation.<br />
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And it's all for <i>fleshy</i> reasons. With some of the heartbreaking goings on in the world these days, it's been hard for me to think Christlike. It's been hard for me to pray for some transgressors.<br />
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And that's unfortunate considering this is a vital staple of being an intercessor. It's easy to pray for those we love, those who aim to do right and walk good, giving, loving paths.<br />
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It's not so easy to do that for those who commit heinous crimes, those who might do any number of things we deem <i>wrong</i>.<br />
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A few months ago, a major altercation presented itself directly where I live, and it left me shaken, scared, angry, and full of rage. After the tears washed away some of the fear, what was left was this vigilante that wanted to rip and run the streets, find the person that had shaken my world terribly, and take. him. down.<br />
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Sometimes, even now, when my mind chooses to flash back to that, those violent, angry thoughts come rushing back, too.<br />
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It wasn't until I talked with a pastor friend of mine that I found myself somewhat humbled by my previous thoughts.<br />
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After she let me get all my feelings out, all the snot and tears, she said, "May I pray..."<br />
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"Yes," I interrupted.<br />
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"...for him?" she finished.<br />
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Now, knowing this strong prayer warrior and lover of God, I was not shocked by her question. The situation I was in, the mind frame I was in, made me shocked by what she asked.<br />
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"Yes," I muttered, not really wanting to hear her prayer.<br />
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But I listened.<br />
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Her act of prayer showed what it means for us when we choose to pray for the transgressors.<br />
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<blockquote class="tr_bq">
That we, too, yield ourselves wholly to the glory of the holiness and the love of the Father. Therefore, we can also say, "Your will be done, cost what it may, that we, too, will sacrifice ourselves, even to the pouring out of our souls unto death". (Murray 45) </blockquote>
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With intercession, we are in a partnership with Christ. As such, our minds here on earth as intercessors must be in one accord with Christ in heaven.<br />
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<blockquote class="tr_bq">
We must have only one aim in life: that we should love the Father and the lost by consecrating our lives to intercession for God's blessing. The burning desire of Father and Son for the salvation of souls must be the burning desire of our hearts, too. (45)</blockquote>
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Murray concludes this chapter by asking, <i>In Christ's ultimate sacrifice of Himself, He demonstrated His great love for sinners. How can we, as His followers, show our love for those who are lost in this world?</i><br />
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I think the previous paragraph does a great in answering this question.<br />
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Being God-focused and Christ-focused is essential. If we can stay rooted in them, we can be walking, talking embodiments of them here on earth. With them within us, we are more likely to pray for those who are lost, more likely to listen to those who are lost, more likely to comfort those who are lost, and more likely to walk, talk, and live in a way that shines God and Jesus to all we come in contact with. And sometimes, even just that is enough. It's not about beating people into submission and making them fall in line. Our words and our actions to live a good Godly life can move others to want to follow Jesus and work on their lives in a way so that they are in accord with him.<br />
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While on Facebook, a short message from Joel Osteen came across my newsfeed; I don't find it coincidental considering I was working on this post at the time. I think it does a good job in succinctly stating what we are to do:<br />
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<i>Your job is not to judge. Your job is not to figure out if someone deserves something. Your job is to lift the fallen, to restore the broken, and to heal the hurting.</i></div>
<br />
<br />
Other Posts in <i>The Secret of Intercession</i> series<br />
<ol>
<li>"<a href="http://upontablets.blogspot.com/2012/04/kickstarting-intercession.html" target="_blank">Kickstarting Intercession</a>"</li>
<li>"<a href="http://upontablets.blogspot.com/2012/04/day-one-intercession.html" target="_blank">Day 1 - Intercession</a>"</li>
<li>"<a href="http://upontablets.blogspot.com/2012/04/day-two-opening-of-eyes.html" target="_blank">Day 2 - The Opening of the Eyes</a>"</li>
<li>"<a href="http://upontablets.blogspot.com/2012/07/day-3-mans-place-in-gods-plan.html" target="_blank">Day 3 - Man's Place in God's Plan</a>"</li>
<li>"<a href="http://upontablets.blogspot.com/2012/07/day-4-intercession-in-plan-of.html" target="_blank">Day 4 - Intercession in the Plan of Redemption</a>"</li>
<li>"<a href="http://upontablets.blogspot.com/2012/07/day-5-god-seeks-intercessors.html" target="_blank">Day 5 - God Seeks Intercessors</a>"</li>
<li>"<a href="http://upontablets.blogspot.com/2013/06/day-6-christ-as-intercessor.html" target="_blank">Day 6 - Christ as Intercessor</a>"</li>
<li>"<a href="http://upontablets.blogspot.com/2013/06/day-7-intercessors-god-seeks.html" target="_blank">Day 7 - The Intercessors God Seeks</a>"</li>
<li>"<a href="http://upontablets.blogspot.com/2013/06/day-8-school-of-intercession.html" target="_blank">Day 8 - The School of Intercession</a>"</li>
<li>"<a href="http://upontablets.blogspot.com/2013/07/day-9-power-in-name-of-jesus.html" target="_blank">Day 9 - The Power in the Name of Jesus</a>"</li>
<li>"<a href="http://upontablets.blogspot.com/2013/07/day-10-prayer-work-of-spirit.html" target="_blank">Day 10 - Prayer, the Work of the Spirit</a>"</li>
</ol>
Shonell Baconhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04827197354857197637noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5406192408435714718.post-5736749451689201312013-07-22T00:05:00.001-05:002020-08-18T03:52:10.990-05:00Day 10 - Prayer, the Work of the Spirit<img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhO116sGI2LXAyy360tkKlPrDKm_AjwHuwEhppYoZwmrgbloiEodCsKxav6w2-cYE01nMkr0XADVRHXYo5ALSUV3QgKCH1fB96acEHfx2uPhB1O7FM3f2Ly7ymNG7eht7cMgCozT25YPBo/s640/688492_1_ftc_dp.jpg" style="display:none;">
In day 10 of Andrew Murray's book, <a href="http://www.amazon.com/Secret-Intercession-MURRAY-ANDREW/dp/0883688492/ref=sr_1_1?s=books&ie=UTF8&qid=1370819301&sr=1-1&keywords=the+secret+of+intercession" target="_blank"><i>The Secret of Intercession</i></a>, he concludes with the following question: <i>Why is it essential to be filled with the Holy Spirit before you can be an intercessor?</i><br />
<br />
Day 10 speaks specifically about this question. <br />
<br />
Murray starts the day with the words "Abba, Father," using them to tell us what the words meant when coming from Christ's mouth while in Gethsemane: "it was the entire surrender of Himself, even to death, so that the holy will of God's love in redemption of sinners might be accomplished" (40). Through his total surrender, through this short, yet poignant prayer, Christ "exercises the wonderful power of intercession and the power to pour down the Holy Spirit" (40). So, from the start, we see that "The Holy Spirit has been bestowed by the Father to breathe the very spirit of His Son into our hearts" (40).<br />
<br />
Christ surrendered his all, even his life, for our lives, our souls.<br />
<br />
And, as intercessors, this is what we are to do, too: surrender our all.<br />
<br />
Some may see all that Christ had to endure and all that he gave and sacrificed and think, <i>How am I supposed to do that? I'm not Christ.</i><br />
<br />
This is where the answer to the above question is revealed as "the Holy Spirit is actually given into our hearts so that we may pray as Jesus did in His power and in His name" (41).<br />
<br />
Murray continues with<br />
<br />
<blockquote class="tr_bq">
It is the man who yields himself wholly to the leading of the Holy Spirit who will feel urged, by the compulsion of a divine love, toward undivided surrender to a life of continual intercession because he knows that it is God who is working in him. (41)</blockquote>
<br />
And he concludes with<br />
<br />
<blockquote class="tr_bq">
Now we understand how God can give such a high place to intercession in the fulfillment of His purpose of redemption: it is the Holy Spirit who breathes God's own desire into us and enables us to intercede for souls. (41)</blockquote>
<br />
As I read this chapter of Murray's book, I had to chuckle because it is so timely, especially with the goings on of my life.<br />
<br />
I've been in a bad bout of depression over the last several weeks (months, if I'm being honest), and over the last week or two, I have found myself closed in within myself, not doing a lot of praying, talking to God, feeling the Spirit... nothing. Just today, I began thinking about how much I need it, how much it all does matter to me in body, mind, and spirit, and I asked aloud, to no one in particular, "How do I stay girded up through life's situations and difficulties so that I can continue to be that prayer warrior I need to be?"<br />
<br />
This chapter didn't answer that for me, but it does make me realize that there is a lot of work and a lot expected from us to be these prayer warriors. When we shut down, when we're depressed, when we're unfocused, when we're not keeping the lines between us and above open; we clog up our prayer line and our ability to see and to feel what we are to do: be watchmen and pray for others' souls.<br />
<br />
I'm still in the midst of the depression, and I'm fighting hard to scratch and climb out of it, and I know this because I asked that question about how to stay girded up against those things that threaten to overthrow me.<br />
<br />
Music often soothes me and helps to alleviate the worries and fears that block me. Reading (and sometimes forcing self to read when the depression tries to lock down on me) scripture helps. Actually standing up, walking about a room and talking (and sometimes yelling and screaming and shrieking and crying) to God aloud is usually the most effective way for me to, as they say, lay those burdens down so that I can be that prayer warrior I need to be. Another thing I do is remember. <br />
<br />
Remember what?<br />
<br />
All the times I've prayed for others (or for self) and answers were received. I think this one is extremely important. When we're caught up in drama and fog and pain, sometimes, it's hard to look behind us and see the bright spots in our path. But they are there, and we have to document them because if we believe that God is the same yesterday, today, and tomorrow, then we have to also believe that if he answered a prayer once, he'll do it again.<br />
<br />
<br />
Other Posts in <i>The Secret of Intercession</i> series<br />
<ol>
<li>"<a href="http://upontablets.blogspot.com/2012/04/kickstarting-intercession.html" target="_blank">Kickstarting Intercession</a>"</li>
<li>"<a href="http://upontablets.blogspot.com/2012/04/day-one-intercession.html" target="_blank">Day 1 - Intercession</a>"</li>
<li>"<a href="http://upontablets.blogspot.com/2012/04/day-two-opening-of-eyes.html" target="_blank">Day 2 - The Opening of the Eyes</a>"</li>
<li>"<a href="http://upontablets.blogspot.com/2012/07/day-3-mans-place-in-gods-plan.html" target="_blank">Day 3 - Man's Place in God's Plan</a>"</li>
<li>"<a href="http://upontablets.blogspot.com/2012/07/day-4-intercession-in-plan-of.html" target="_blank">Day 4 - Intercession in the Plan of Redemption</a>"</li>
<li>"<a href="http://upontablets.blogspot.com/2012/07/day-5-god-seeks-intercessors.html" target="_blank">Day 5 - God Seeks Intercessors</a>"</li>
<li>"<a href="http://upontablets.blogspot.com/2013/06/day-6-christ-as-intercessor.html" target="_blank">Day 6 - Christ as Intercessor</a>"</li>
<li>"<a href="http://upontablets.blogspot.com/2013/06/day-7-intercessors-god-seeks.html" target="_blank">Day 7 - The Intercessors God Seeks</a>"</li>
<li>"<a href="http://upontablets.blogspot.com/2013/06/day-8-school-of-intercession.html" target="_blank">Day 8 - The School of Intercession</a>"</li>
<li>"<a href="http://upontablets.blogspot.com/2013/07/day-9-power-in-name-of-jesus.html" target="_blank">Day 9 - The Power in the Name of Jesus</a>"</li>
</ol>
Shonell Baconhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04827197354857197637noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5406192408435714718.post-70093544517017642902013-07-01T18:18:00.001-05:002020-08-18T03:52:19.062-05:00Day 9 - The Power in the Name of Jesus<img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhO116sGI2LXAyy360tkKlPrDKm_AjwHuwEhppYoZwmrgbloiEodCsKxav6w2-cYE01nMkr0XADVRHXYo5ALSUV3QgKCH1fB96acEHfx2uPhB1O7FM3f2Ly7ymNG7eht7cMgCozT25YPBo/s640/688492_1_ftc_dp.jpg" style="display:none;">
<div style="text-align: center;">
<i>Hitherto have ye asked nothing in my name: ask, and ye shall receive, that your joy may be full....At that day ye shall ask in my name.</i> - John 16:24, 26</div>
<br />
<br />
Day 9 of Murray's book, <a href="http://www.amazon.com/Secret-Intercession-MURRAY-ANDREW/dp/0883688492/ref=sr_1_1?s=books&ie=UTF8&qid=1370819301&sr=1-1&keywords=the+secret+of+intercession" target="_blank"><i>The Secret of Intercession</i></a>, focuses on the importance of our connection to Jesus Christ and the power that resides in that connection.<br />
<br />
Murray asserts that many Christians do not see the full understanding of what Christ says in the passage above:<br />
<br />
<blockquote class="tr_bq">
... there is such a lack of knowledge of their oneness with Christ Jesus, and of the Holy Spirit as the Spirit of prayer, that they do not even attempt to claim the wonderful promises Christ gives here. (36-37)</blockquote>
<br />
But what brings that understanding is FAITH, "faith in the power of Jesus' name and in our right to use it that will give us the courage to follow on when God invites us to the holy office of intercessor" (37).<br />
<br />
In this short chapter, Murray concludes by saying that when Christians have this faith and understanding, when they know Jesus' name has power, and they know they have the right to use it, and they know that using it in prayers will bring answers, then they will be in the midst of living a healthy spiritual life:<br />
<br />
<blockquote class="tr_bq">
Oh, if Christians but knew what it is to yield themselves wholly and absolutely to Jesus Christ and His service, how their eyes would be opened to see that intense and unceasing prayerfulness is the essential mark of the healthy spiritual life. (37)</blockquote>
<br />
At the end of Day 9, Murray poses the question: <i>How is being an intercessor indicative of having a healthy spiritual life?</i><br />
<br />
Murray defines intercession as essentially <a href="http://upontablets.blogspot.com/2012/04/day-one-intercession.html" target="_blank">when a man is bold and asks from God what he desires for others</a>. As intercessors, we are to pour out our souls, give of ourselves, <a href="http://upontablets.blogspot.com/2013/06/day-8-school-of-intercession.html" target="_blank">which is the divine meaning of intercession</a>. Intercession is, if you will, a <i>lifestyle</i>. It is not a hobby. It is a way of being that is ingrained in you and becomes as important as the air you breathe. Intercession also, as Day 9 suggests, requires you to have faith in Jesus' power, in your ability to use that power, and in the belief that answers will be given to what you ask for. Important to these last points comes our abiding in Jesus, our yielding "wholly and absolutely to Jesus Christ and His service."<br />
<br />
With our chief position on earth as intercessors, which <a href="http://upontablets.blogspot.com/2012/07/day-4-intercession-in-plan-of.html" target="_blank">God sees as the strongest power of man</a> according to Murray, we are living a life in which day or night, we are ever vigilant to God's causes and his children. We cry out for others. We give of ourselves in order for God's mercy and grace to fall upon his children. When our lives are aligned with the most powerful work we can do for the "church," when we become the intercessors for one another through the power of Jesus Christ just as Jesus is The Intercessor for us, it's not difficult to see how we move toward having healthy spiritual lives.<br />
<br />
<br />
Other Posts in <i>The Secret of Intercession</i> series<br />
<ol>
<li>"<a href="http://upontablets.blogspot.com/2012/04/kickstarting-intercession.html" target="_blank">Kickstarting Intercession</a>"</li>
<li>"<a href="http://upontablets.blogspot.com/2012/04/day-one-intercession.html" target="_blank">Day 1 - Intercession</a>"</li>
<li>"<a href="http://upontablets.blogspot.com/2012/04/day-two-opening-of-eyes.html" target="_blank">Day 2 - The Opening of the Eyes</a>"</li>
<li>"<a href="http://upontablets.blogspot.com/2012/07/day-3-mans-place-in-gods-plan.html" target="_blank">Day 3 - Man's Place in God's Plan</a>"</li>
<li>"<a href="http://upontablets.blogspot.com/2012/07/day-4-intercession-in-plan-of.html" target="_blank">Day 4 - Intercession in the Plan of Redemption</a>"</li>
<li>"<a href="http://upontablets.blogspot.com/2012/07/day-5-god-seeks-intercessors.html" target="_blank">Day 5 - God Seeks Intercessors</a>"</li>
<li>"<a href="http://upontablets.blogspot.com/2013/06/day-6-christ-as-intercessor.html" target="_blank">Day 6 - Christ as Intercessor</a>"</li>
<li>"<a href="http://upontablets.blogspot.com/2013/06/day-7-intercessors-god-seeks.html" target="_blank">Day 7 - The Intercessors God Seeks</a>"</li>
<li>"<a href="http://upontablets.blogspot.com/2013/06/day-8-school-of-intercession.html" target="_blank">Day 8 - The School of Intercession</a>"</li>
</ol>
Shonell Baconhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04827197354857197637noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5406192408435714718.post-18111514603226709802013-06-25T00:30:00.001-05:002020-08-18T04:04:08.908-05:00Turning Bad News into a Positive Move for Change<img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgKllMQ6W-LEeh2Imb-WpPc7O9GyX5AVwAnjD2jOP4E78sLj46Pcs5cw4FRoBf3bVSilXO26XbPa6t7ciZ9X74Y6ogWdge9-vEEw5arnbN5fDZt6ccYA8lbFgHBb4rOLIj6kW8PuJQeWKw/s640/landscape-4684217_1280.jpg" style="display:none;">
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">I received some news today.</div>
<br />
The stage was set for it three weeks ago, and today confirmed it.<br />
<br />
I have diabetes.<br />
<br />
Out of all illnesses you can get, diabetes has been #1 on my <i>Please, Dear God, not that</i> list my whole life. I've had great aunts and uncles that had it and saw some of the more extreme effects of it, and wanted nothing to do with it, ever.<br />
<br />
Three weeks ago, blood work results came back. Sugar was pretty high. My doctor decided to schedule more blood work within a two to three-week span of time.<br />
<br />
I had that done this past Friday.<br />
<br />
Today, after smiling and talking with my bestie about my good talk with my dissertation chair, after declaring the completion of my dissertation, after excitedly telling bestie of new writing project; the call came.<br />
<br />
About the norm in a roller coaster life in which at 1:59 you can be on Cloudy Infinity and at 1:59:10, you can hear the thud and the crack of bones as you fall back to earth.<br />
<br />
Doctor told me the number was lower, but that didn't negate the fact that I had diabetes. She told me she was putting in a prescription... and that I would need to start monitoring my blood sugar and we'd talk more about that this week.<br />
<br />
Three weeks ago, when I learned my sugar was high, as soon as the doctor informed me and then stepped out the room to get something, I cried and got depressed. I've been lamenting over this ever since. So, I've had my time for the pity party.<br />
<br />
Today, I wasn't crying. I wasn't depressed. After telling my mom, then venting and laughing with her, I told her, "You know, I think this is the last argument for change." When she asked me what I meant, I told her that for <i>years</i> God has told me I needed to change. I needed a Change Overhaul, if you will. I'd been wanting to focus on my own writing for the longest, but never made the change. I had wanted to add a component to the work I do as editor, but never made the change. I had wanted to exercise more, but never fully made the change. I had wanted to eat less, but I'm an emotional eater and found food, my entire life, to be my #1 comfort, so I never made the change. I could keep going; there is a list of things I should have <i>been</i> changed, but for whatever reasons I managed to fashion in this head of mine, I never did them.<br />
<br />
And now... this news has given me a wake-up call.<br />
<br />
So many necessary changes will come, hell, have started already, and all of them will lead to a better, healthier, happier me.<br />
<br />
Instead of focusing on the illness and having weekly pity parties about it, I choose to roll up my sleeves and dig in to this thing I call my life and restructure, restrengthen, and renew it so that I'm here for the <i>very</i> long haul.Shonell Baconhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04827197354857197637noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5406192408435714718.post-56338861812586284742013-06-25T00:05:00.001-05:002020-08-18T03:52:26.772-05:00Day 8 - The School of Intercession<img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhO116sGI2LXAyy360tkKlPrDKm_AjwHuwEhppYoZwmrgbloiEodCsKxav6w2-cYE01nMkr0XADVRHXYo5ALSUV3QgKCH1fB96acEHfx2uPhB1O7FM3f2Ly7ymNG7eht7cMgCozT25YPBo/s640/688492_1_ftc_dp.jpg" style="display:none;">
In Day 8 of Murray's book, <u style="font-style: italic;"><a href="http://www.amazon.com/Secret-Intercession-MURRAY-ANDREW/dp/0883688492/ref=sr_1_1?s=books&ie=UTF8&qid=1370819301&sr=1-1&keywords=the+secret+of+intercession" target="_blank">The Secret of Intercession</a></u>, he seems ready to take us to school on what we need to give if we are to be the partners of Christ on earth in intercession.<br />
<br />
What are we to give? He shows us what Jesus gave up by quoting Isaiah 53:10-12: "When thou shalt make his soul an offering for sin, he shall see his seed....He shall see of the travail of his soul....Therefore will I divide him a portion with the great...because he hath poured out his soul unto death."<br />
<br />
In this passage, we see <i>soul</i> mentioned three times. This is important to note because for Murray, "the pouring out of the soul -- that is the divine meaning of intercession" (33), and because Jesus gave "Himself over to live and die that He might save the perishing was a revelation of the spirit that has power to prevail with God" (34).<br />
<br />
Because Jesus is <i>the</i> example for us, and he poured out his soul, gave of himself for others, as intercessors, this is what we are to do as well.<br />
<br />
<blockquote class="tr_bq">
If we as helps and fellow laborers with the Lord Jesus are to share His power of intercession, there will need to be with us as well the travail of soul that there was with Him, the giving up of our lives and their pleasures for the one supreme work of interceding for our fellowmen. (34)</blockquote>
For Murray, those that come to intercession should not do so if they see it as a hobby, as a mere interest. There needs to be an <i>intense desire</i>, above all other things, to live this way: "it is a life of consecration and self-sacrifice that will indeed give power for intercession" (34).<br />
<br />
Murray concludes the day with the following question: <i>What is the cost of being an intercessor, and what are its rewards?</i><br />
<i><br />
</i> The cost, as Murray points out and repeats in this short section, is our souls, our burning desire to intercede for others. It costs our time. It costs our hearts. It costs our minds. It costs our breaths. And I list these things, and it's unnecessary to do so because just to say "we give up our souls" is more than enough.<br />
<br />
Intercession becomes almost a habit to us because it is so ingrained into who we are. We see hurt, we see trouble, we see the warnings... as those watchmen from <a href="http://upontablets.blogspot.com/2013/06/day-7-intercessors-god-seeks.html" target="_blank">Day 7's post</a>... and we are called into action to intercede. We don't sit and think about why we're doing it or if we really want to do it; we just do it.<br />
<br />
I think about times in the past when I would be in bed in a deep sleep and out of nowhere, a call to pray would be dropped into my spirit, and I would wake up, crusty eyes and all, and kneel beside my bed and pray, with the words needed to pray coming out my mouth. There'd be times where I would be sitting, reading or studying or writing and an overwhelming feeling would touch my heart in such a way that I felt the trouble and or pain or another, and I would have to stop what I was doing and pray. Sometimes, I'd be made aware of who I was praying for, but many times, I wasn't. In the last couple of years, these moments have waned, and I'm working hard in my prayer life, in my talks with Daddy, to get myself back aligned to be that prayer warrior.<br />
<br />
Why? I think this is where the <i>rewards</i> come in. Some might see "the giving up of our lives and their pleasures" as a "Whoa, hold on just one minute" issue. After all, why am I giving up me and my pleasures for others? Murray calls interceding for others "the one supreme work." Supreme means superior to all others. For me, one reward is knowing that I'm standing right alongside my Lord and Savior in doing the most important work I can do. Jesus gave up his life for me, and through him, I can do all things. Not only did he give up his life for me, but he gave me <i>more</i> than just my life? He gave me the ability to do all things through him because he strengthens me. How could I <i>not</i> want to follow him and do as he does, too? So, part of the reward for me is giving back because so much was giving to me through Jesus.<br />
<br />
Another reward is that by interceding and seeing those prayers fulfilled, we strengthen the body of the church, we strengthen our communities, states, countries, the entire world.<br />
<br />
Another reward for me derives from Galatians 6:7: "Do not be deceived, God is not mocked; for whatever a man sows, that he will also reap." If we sow petitions to God for our fellowmen in the hope that these prayers are fulfilled, then won't we reap fulfilled prayers as well. When someone's in need, and I pray or I give, I'm not thinking, <i>Ooh, I can't wait to get a reward from God</i>, but it's not a coincidence that when we help someone in despair, when we fervently pray for others, when we give despite that meaning we might not have enough for ourselves, God always comes through to make sure we have more than enough.<br />
<br />
For me, intercession feels like a win-megawin situation. I win because I get to partner with Jesus for my fellow men and women, and I megawin because through my work, my life is sustained and my blessings overflow.<br />
<br />
Other Posts in <i>The Secret of Intercession</i> series<br />
<ol>
<li>"<a href="http://upontablets.blogspot.com/2012/04/kickstarting-intercession.html" target="_blank">Kickstarting Intercession</a>"</li>
<li>"<a href="http://upontablets.blogspot.com/2012/04/day-one-intercession.html" target="_blank">Day 1 - Intercession</a>"</li>
<li>"<a href="http://upontablets.blogspot.com/2012/04/day-two-opening-of-eyes.html" target="_blank">Day 2 - The Opening of the Eyes</a>"</li>
<li>"<a href="http://upontablets.blogspot.com/2012/07/day-3-mans-place-in-gods-plan.html" target="_blank">Day 3 - Man's Place in God's Plan</a>"</li>
<li>"<a href="http://upontablets.blogspot.com/2012/07/day-4-intercession-in-plan-of.html" target="_blank">Day 4 - Intercession in the Plan of Redemption</a>"</li>
<li>"<a href="http://upontablets.blogspot.com/2012/07/day-5-god-seeks-intercessors.html" target="_blank">Day 5 - God Seeks Intercessors</a>"</li>
<li>"<a href="http://upontablets.blogspot.com/2013/06/day-6-christ-as-intercessor.html" target="_blank">Day 6 - Christ as Intercessor</a>"</li>
<li><a href="http://upontablets.blogspot.com/2013/06/day-7-intercessors-god-seeks.html" target="_blank">Day 7 - The Intercessors God Seeks</a></li>
</ol>
Shonell Baconhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04827197354857197637noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5406192408435714718.post-27720792511222563322013-06-18T14:26:00.001-05:002020-08-18T03:52:34.279-05:00Day 7 - The Intercessors God Seeks<img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhO116sGI2LXAyy360tkKlPrDKm_AjwHuwEhppYoZwmrgbloiEodCsKxav6w2-cYE01nMkr0XADVRHXYo5ALSUV3QgKCH1fB96acEHfx2uPhB1O7FM3f2Ly7ymNG7eht7cMgCozT25YPBo/s640/688492_1_ftc_dp.jpg" style="display:none;">
In Day 7 of Murray's book, <a href="http://www.amazon.com/Secret-Intercession-MURRAY-ANDREW/dp/0883688492/ref=sr_1_1?s=books&ie=UTF8&qid=1370819301&sr=1-1&keywords=the+secret+of+intercession" target="_blank"><i>The Secret of Intercession</i></a>, he compares watchmen to intercessors.<br />
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The watchmen warn men of impending danger... <i>and</i> call to God when they need his help with a threatening enemy. In tying the watchmen to the intercessor, he says, "The great mark of the intercessors is that they are not to hold their peace day or night, are to take no rest, and are to give God no rest, until the deliverance comes" (29).<br />
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<i>"Shall not God avenge his own elect, which cry day and night unto him" (Luke 18:7).</i></center>
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After a short commentary about the need for more intercessors, the need to have a united, fervent community of intercessors to ignite the power of the Holy Spirit, Murray asks, "Will you not, dear reader, offer yourself to God for this blessed work of intercession and learn to count it as the highest privilege of your life to be a channel through whose prayers God's blessing can be brought down to earth?" (30)<br />
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With every "day," Murray concludes with a question to journal on. This day's question is <i>How is being an intercessor similar to being a watchman?</i><br />
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Watchmen, day and night, watch over their appointed city and warn of danger and seek God's help when danger approaches.<br />
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Intercessors do the same. They are forever diligent and on watch to warn others of dangers and to seek God when danger approaches. Murray states, "Watchmen are ordinarily placed on the walls of a city to give notice to the rulers of coming danger" (29). Notice, it doesn't say these watchmen are placed outside their own homes. No, they are at the walls of the city, a city occupied by many people, so they are not only looking out for their own welfare but also the welfare of the city's people.<br />
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This is how intercessory works, too. Intercessors are on the lookout for danger that affects people, not just self. They lift their voices to God to aid in helping people when danger approaches them. They do this without ceasing. They do this with the same passion, conviction that they would do if the danger was approaching them.<br />
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And in a way, the danger <i>is</i> approaching them: their blood, the blood of one of God's children, one of their brothers... or sisters.<br />
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They say it takes a village to raise a child. I believe it takes a village of fervent, dedicated prayer warriors, staunched in their faith, to raise ALL OF US to the supernatural blessings and gifts that the Father has for us.<br />
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And these are the types of intercessors God seeks.<br />
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Other Posts in <i>The Secret of Intercession</i> series<br />
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<ol>
<li>"<a href="http://upontablets.blogspot.com/2012/04/kickstarting-intercession.html" target="_blank">Kickstarting Intercession</a>"</li>
<li>"<a href="http://upontablets.blogspot.com/2012/04/day-one-intercession.html" target="_blank">Day 1 - Intercession</a>"</li>
<li>"<a href="http://upontablets.blogspot.com/2012/04/day-two-opening-of-eyes.html" target="_blank">Day 2 - The Opening of the Eyes</a>"</li>
<li>"<a href="http://upontablets.blogspot.com/2012/07/day-3-mans-place-in-gods-plan.html" target="_blank">Day 3 - Man's Place in God's Plan</a>"</li>
<li>"<a href="http://upontablets.blogspot.com/2012/07/day-4-intercession-in-plan-of.html" target="_blank">Day 4 - Intercession in the Plan of Redemption</a>"</li>
<li>"<a href="http://upontablets.blogspot.com/2012/07/day-5-god-seeks-intercessors.html" target="_blank">Day 5 - God Seeks Intercessors</a>"</li>
<li>"<a href="http://upontablets.blogspot.com/2013/06/day-6-christ-as-intercessor.html" target="_blank">Day 6 - Christ as Intercessor</a>"</li>
</ol>
Shonell Baconhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04827197354857197637noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5406192408435714718.post-61705372689165556212013-06-13T17:42:00.008-05:002020-08-18T03:55:01.180-05:00Day 6 - Christ as Intercessor<img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhO116sGI2LXAyy360tkKlPrDKm_AjwHuwEhppYoZwmrgbloiEodCsKxav6w2-cYE01nMkr0XADVRHXYo5ALSUV3QgKCH1fB96acEHfx2uPhB1O7FM3f2Ly7ymNG7eht7cMgCozT25YPBo/s640/688492_1_ftc_dp.jpg" style="display:none;">
Some time ago, I began posting on Andrew Murray's book, <i><u><a href="http://www.amazon.com/Secret-Intercession-MURRAY-ANDREW/dp/0883688492/ref=sr_1_1?s=books&amp;ie=UTF8&amp;qid=1370819301&amp;sr=1-1&amp;keywords=the+secret+of+intercession%22" target="_blank">The Secret of Intercession</a></u></i>.<div>
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The book contains 31 chapters, each chapter constituting a "day." In each day, Murray highlights a facet of intercession: what it is, why it's important, and how we are to come to it, among others. I posted on days one through five previously, and those links are below.<br />
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Today, I'm talking on Day 6, "Christ as Intercessor."<br />
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In this short chapter, Christ is called the true Intercessor as "God Himself would provide the true Intercessor, in Christ His Son, of whom it had already been said, '<i>He bare the sin of many, and made intercession for the transgressors</i>'" (Isa. 53:12; Murray 25).<br />
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Murray provides other places in the bible where Jesus intercedes for man (John 17; Luke 22:32) before concluding with the most poignant prayer from Jesus to God - "Father, forgive them" (Luke 23:34) as Jesus was on the cross (Murray 26).<br />
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With Jesus "seated at God's right hand," Murray states that Jesus is still the true Intercessor and still prays without ceasing. Now, however, we are invited to do so with him. We have that power to do the work of intercession. <br />
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They [People] would learn in faith to pray in His name. He would present their petition to the Father, and through His and their united intercession, the church would be clothed with the power of the Spirit. (26)</blockquote>
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In all of the chapters in <i>The Secret of Intercession</i>, Murray concludes with a question and some space for you to journal your thoughts. He concludes Day 6 with the following question: <i>How did Jesus model the life of an intercessor while He was here on earth?</i><br />
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Murray says a few things about intercession in Day 1:<br />
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"But the glory of intercession is so much greater--when a man is bold and asks from God what he desires for others" (7).</blockquote>
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"It is the power of being used by God as instruments for His great work of making men His habitation and showing forth His glory" (8).</blockquote>
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It is when Christians cease from looking for help in external union and aim at being bound together to the throne of God by an unceasing devotion to Jesus Christ, and an unceasing continuance in supplication for the power of God's Spirit, that the church will put on her beautiful garments and put on her strength, too, and overcome the world. (9)</blockquote>
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So, for me, in answering the above question, I reply, as Murray states, that Jesus is the true Intercessor. In his short time on earth, he was the ultimate mediator, prayer warrior for God, petitioning to God to give us mercy and lovingkindness. Even on the cross, he prayed for God to forgive man, for "they know not what they do" (Luke 23:34).<br />
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When Shadrach, Meshach, and Abed-Nego were sent to burn because they refused to worship a gold image that Nebuchadnezzar had created, the trio did not burn. The trio showed no fear in their beliefs and convictions, and their faith in God kept them from believing that God would allow them to perish. In Daniel 3:25, it reads: "Look!" he [Nebuchadnezzar] answered, "I see four men, too, walking in the middle of the fire; and they are not hurt, and the fourth is like the Son of God." Every time I read this story and read these words, I get excited, happy, and feel blessed because this story illustrates to me God's love for us through his son. Jesus is our mediator. He petitions for our forgiveness, our mercy, our grace, our favor, our blessings.<br />
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He is not one-sided in these actions; his love transcends hate. He prays of forgiveness for the very men who killed him illustrates this.<br />
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As I look more into intercession and its importance in my life, these reflections of Jesus' works tell me that this is what us intercessors are to do, too. We are to be equal-opportunity prayer warriors, not handpicking who to pray for, but praying for all, fervently, continuously, with our full hearts.<br />
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Other Posts in <i>The Secret of Intercession</i> series<br /><br />
<ol>
<li>"<a href="http://upontablets.blogspot.com/2012/04/kickstarting-intercession.html" target="_blank">Kickstarting Intercession</a>"</li>
<li>"<a href="http://upontablets.blogspot.com/2012/04/day-one-intercession.html" target="_blank">Day 1 - Intercession</a>"</li>
<li>"<a href="http://upontablets.blogspot.com/2012/04/day-two-opening-of-eyes.html" target="_blank">Day 2 - The Opening of the Eyes</a>"</li>
<li>"<a href="http://upontablets.blogspot.com/2012/07/day-3-mans-place-in-gods-plan.html" target="_blank">Day 3 - Man's Place in God's Plan</a>"</li>
<li>"<a href="http://upontablets.blogspot.com/2012/07/day-4-intercession-in-plan-of.html" target="_blank">Day 4 - Intercession in the Plan of Redemption</a>"</li>
<li>"<a href="http://upontablets.blogspot.com/2012/07/day-5-god-seeks-intercessors.html" target="_blank">Day 5 - God Seeks Intercessors</a>"</li>
</ol>
</div>Shonell Baconhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04827197354857197637noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5406192408435714718.post-1157232410430876602013-06-09T16:32:00.001-05:002020-08-18T03:57:08.504-05:00Prayer: Pruning<img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiTe15zbEI1ZiPxAMq6YS8seHf-YWIt97Z3UhyphenhyphenTuf1QRAVaTFtLJ1h168pCct8YeX-iIx0R-KwKCcMc8KkQVZ8nC58bUDj4fSKfccWV45k3aubbo39tk-Qcrion7kV1dNDc54y4_F_swZ8/s640/tea-lights-3612508_1280.jpg" style="display:none;">
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">Dear Lord, continue to prune me so that I can continue to grow stronger, so that I can bear sweeter fruits.</div>
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<i>“I am the true vine, and My Father is the vinedresser. 2 Every branch in Me that does not bear fruit He takes away;[a] and every branch that bears fruit He prunes, that it may bear more fruit. 3 You are already clean because of the word which I have spoken to you. 4 Abide in Me, and I in you. As the branch cannot bear fruit of itself, unless it abides in the vine, neither can you, unless you abide in Me.</i><br />
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<i>5 “I am the vine, you are the branches. He who abides in Me, and I in him, bears much fruit; for without Me you can do nothing. 6 If anyone does not abide in Me, he is cast out as a branch and is withered; and they gather them and throw them into the fire, and they are burned. 7 If you abide in Me, and My words abide in you, you will[b] ask what you desire, and it shall be done for you. 8 By this My Father is glorified, that you bear much fruit; so you will be My disciples</i> (John 15:1-8, NKJV).Shonell Baconhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04827197354857197637noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5406192408435714718.post-19628409444939059992013-06-05T06:00:00.001-05:002020-08-18T04:06:12.032-05:00A Good Word: Temporary Provisions<img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhYrmQL2rXReqpnddKwrx-dlC3eaWaIrIYLqgrWjB3Rm1kM8i40PXkf_xmo6onKf7rkd2x8ghfNrgXDume6K-WQVC6hnXJIqRAi-oLerqfSVU-OSHfMAZwsif19t3lmKasVkjV4M0Fjd3o/s640/bible-1149924_1280.jpg" style="display:none;">
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">From Joel Osteen: <i>Don't live off temporary provision. ... Continually be willing to make adjustments.</i></div>Shonell Baconhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04827197354857197637noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5406192408435714718.post-75948851898731896592013-05-31T06:00:00.001-05:002020-08-18T04:06:23.707-05:00A Good Word: Vision & Provision<img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhYrmQL2rXReqpnddKwrx-dlC3eaWaIrIYLqgrWjB3Rm1kM8i40PXkf_xmo6onKf7rkd2x8ghfNrgXDume6K-WQVC6hnXJIqRAi-oLerqfSVU-OSHfMAZwsif19t3lmKasVkjV4M0Fjd3o/s640/bible-1149924_1280.jpg" style="display:none;">
From Joel Osteen: <i>God never gives a vision without making provision</i>.Shonell Baconhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04827197354857197637noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5406192408435714718.post-40141026806078388792013-05-30T06:00:00.001-05:002020-08-18T03:57:23.371-05:00A Prayer: Not My Battle<img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiTe15zbEI1ZiPxAMq6YS8seHf-YWIt97Z3UhyphenhyphenTuf1QRAVaTFtLJ1h168pCct8YeX-iIx0R-KwKCcMc8KkQVZ8nC58bUDj4fSKfccWV45k3aubbo39tk-Qcrion7kV1dNDc54y4_F_swZ8/s640/tea-lights-3612508_1280.jpg" style="display:none;">
Lord God, I will remember that the battle is not mine; it belongs to you. I will have faith in all your ways and what you will do in my life, and as troubles arise, I will look to you for guidance, give you the troubles, and continue to move forward in the path you set before me.Shonell Baconhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04827197354857197637noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5406192408435714718.post-56418059341997702932013-05-29T11:00:00.001-05:002020-08-18T03:57:37.975-05:00A Prayer: Your Ways<img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiTe15zbEI1ZiPxAMq6YS8seHf-YWIt97Z3UhyphenhyphenTuf1QRAVaTFtLJ1h168pCct8YeX-iIx0R-KwKCcMc8KkQVZ8nC58bUDj4fSKfccWV45k3aubbo39tk-Qcrion7kV1dNDc54y4_F_swZ8/s640/tea-lights-3612508_1280.jpg" style="display:none;">
Lord God, I will not put you in a box. I trust your ways and know that they are not my ways.<br />
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From Joel Osteen's "Finished with Fear" Collection: <i>If the only way you're going to be happy is if it happens your way, you're setting yourself up for disappointment</i>.Shonell Baconhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04827197354857197637noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5406192408435714718.post-85911426122455127052013-05-28T06:00:00.000-05:002013-06-09T17:14:22.903-05:00Tell What the Lord Has Done for You<div style="text-align: center;">
<i>"Death and life are in the power of the tongue"</i> (Prov. 18:21).</div>
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If this is so, then it would seem we'd want to say all things life-affirming, right? Yet, we often do more complaining and lamenting than praising and speaking of positive things.</div>
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People often tell me to be careful with what I say because "You'll speak things into existence."</div>
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Well, I want to speak things into existence; I want to speak all the wonderful things that God has done for me and all the things he <i>will</i> do for me. We should want to do this, right? NEED to do this if our words have power.</div>
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If we talk about all the great things the Lord has done for us, then more great things will occur.</div>
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Peter and John, in Acts 4, refused to stop saying all the wonderful things that the Lord had done for them and was arrested for it. But that didn't deter them; they continued speaking of the Lord, his wonderful blessings and goodness. </div>
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<i>18 So they called them and commanded them not to speak at all nor teach in the name of Jesus. 19 But Peter and John answered and said to them, “Whether it is right in the sight of God to listen to you more than to God, you judge. 20 For we cannot but speak the things which we have seen and heard.” 21 So when they had further threatened them, they let them go, finding no way of punishing them, because of the people, since they all glorified God for what had been done</i> (Acts 4:18-21).<br />
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Opposition will always occur, but it will be the strength of our convictions -- what we believe, how we act out this belief, and how we speak of this belief -- that will keep us close to the Lord and keep him showing us his mercy, grace, and lovingkindness.</div>
Shonell Baconhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04827197354857197637noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5406192408435714718.post-830578516556153902013-05-27T11:00:00.000-05:002013-06-09T17:01:19.295-05:00In the Fire with the Son of GodI know what it's like to be in the fire, to be in those harrowing situations where you just know that nothing will ever be right again, and for a long time, I continued to believe that nothing would ever be right.<br />
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But the Lord meets us in the fire. He's always with us, so why wouldn't he be in the fire, too? Nothing's too hot for him.<br />
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Some of our most fiery moments come when we hold fast to our faith and our beliefs and find ourselves condemned for it.<br />
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Shadrach, Meshach, and Abed-Nego are great examples of how the Lord not only comforts but also rewards those who stay steadfast to their faith.<br />
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When they refused to worship a gold image that Nebuchadnezzar created, they were put in a fire seven times hotter than any fires created to burn those who refused to worship.<br />
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But they did not burn. No.<br />
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"Look!" he [Nebuchadnezzar] answered, "I see four men, too, walking in the midst of the fire; and they are not hurt, and the fourth is like the Son of God" (Daniel 3:25).<br />
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Not long after calling the trio out of the fire, the king promoted the men.<br />
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When you keep the truth, that God is always in control, close to your heart and mind and live by it, you will be saved by the Lord... and promoted for being a good, faithful servant.Shonell Baconhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04827197354857197637noreply@blogger.com0