tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-22363466994098625762024-02-07T06:20:36.554-08:00Just Sayin'...Nicole C. Mullenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17357742473236201992noreply@blogger.comBlogger18125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2236346699409862576.post-75258791502092799152012-05-07T20:09:00.000-07:002012-05-07T20:09:01.511-07:00I Samuel Pt 12<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjOPnfCcp7xOxGnyvzjtMgDaBEeJeeOlbOW5up9LtoQ3UwsuT0hDrXi5uMMe-L9CkfikTETEIuB-W8orwHYqmRVpQPXDuMHQ7fqfNCnY_wyCCUeko56C6hh8WvhOzyU7h_ik-EJl0r1GJrZ/s1600/-554.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjOPnfCcp7xOxGnyvzjtMgDaBEeJeeOlbOW5up9LtoQ3UwsuT0hDrXi5uMMe-L9CkfikTETEIuB-W8orwHYqmRVpQPXDuMHQ7fqfNCnY_wyCCUeko56C6hh8WvhOzyU7h_ik-EJl0r1GJrZ/s320/-554.jpg" width="213" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;"> <span style="font-size: large;">Taking care of what belongs to God<br /> </span></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-size: large;">1 Sam 1:21-23<br /> This man
Elkanah went up with all his family to make the yearly sacrifice to the
LORD and to keep his vow </span></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-size: large;"><br />(I wonder what his vow was? Did he pray that
his wife would conceive?) but Hannah did not go up with them. Instead
she told her husband, "Once </span></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-size: large;">the boy is weaned (some sources say that
this could have taken up to 3 years), I will bring him and<span class="text_exposed_show"> appear before the LORD, and he will remain there from then on." -<br />
So her husband Elkanah said to her, "Do what you think best. Stay until
you have weaned him. May the LORD make good your promise." So the woman
stayed and nursed her son until she had weaned him.<br /> <br /> In a
similar fashion to Moses' mother (Jochebed) who nursed and cared for him
in preparation for Pharaoh's house and God's will; So Hannah would
nurse and ready her son Samuel for the House and Calling of God.<br /> <br /> May we be like These women and prepare and encourage the 'young treasures' around us for His purpose as well.<br /> <br /> Grace and peace</span></span></span></div>Nicole C. Mullenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17357742473236201992noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2236346699409862576.post-58589776439286752962012-05-03T20:38:00.000-07:002012-05-03T20:38:32.809-07:00I Samuel pt 11<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjOPnfCcp7xOxGnyvzjtMgDaBEeJeeOlbOW5up9LtoQ3UwsuT0hDrXi5uMMe-L9CkfikTETEIuB-W8orwHYqmRVpQPXDuMHQ7fqfNCnY_wyCCUeko56C6hh8WvhOzyU7h_ik-EJl0r1GJrZ/s1600/-554.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjOPnfCcp7xOxGnyvzjtMgDaBEeJeeOlbOW5up9LtoQ3UwsuT0hDrXi5uMMe-L9CkfikTETEIuB-W8orwHYqmRVpQPXDuMHQ7fqfNCnY_wyCCUeko56C6hh8WvhOzyU7h_ik-EJl0r1GJrZ/s320/-554.jpg" width="213" /></a></div>
Joy will last beyond the moment!<br /> 1 Sam. 1:19<br /> Hannah woke
up early the next morning and worshiped before the Lord, then went back
home to Ramah. She was still not pregnant, but she praised God as if
she was.<br /> Then in vs.19b-20 it says " Elkanah lay with HANNAH his
WIFE, and the LORD remembered her. So in the course of time Hannah
conceived and GAVE BIRTH to a son. She called him Samuel... "What <span class="text_exposed_show">a delight y'all for her to finally have and hold what she had so desperately longed for! She had to have been overjoyed!<br /> </span><br />
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<span class="text_exposed_show"> This is what I see that Hannah has done with her barreness:<br /> - Her brokenness came first<br /> -Then her pouring out her heart to God<br /> - Next came faith which led to worship<br /> - Then Corresponding actions ( she had to do her part :-)<br /> <br /> This is not a formula, but an observation and I believe the principles are still applicable today.<br /> <br />
WITHOUT FAITH it is IMPOSSSiBLE to please God, For he that comes to HIM
must BELIEVE that HE IS (exist), and that HE REWARDS those who
Earnestly (seriously) seek HIM. Heb. 11:6<br /> </span>Nicole C. Mullenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17357742473236201992noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2236346699409862576.post-65693000151869892522012-05-02T20:23:00.003-07:002012-05-02T20:23:44.441-07:00Samuel pt 10<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjOPnfCcp7xOxGnyvzjtMgDaBEeJeeOlbOW5up9LtoQ3UwsuT0hDrXi5uMMe-L9CkfikTETEIuB-W8orwHYqmRVpQPXDuMHQ7fqfNCnY_wyCCUeko56C6hh8WvhOzyU7h_ik-EJl0r1GJrZ/s1600/-554.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjOPnfCcp7xOxGnyvzjtMgDaBEeJeeOlbOW5up9LtoQ3UwsuT0hDrXi5uMMe-L9CkfikTETEIuB-W8orwHYqmRVpQPXDuMHQ7fqfNCnY_wyCCUeko56C6hh8WvhOzyU7h_ik-EJl0r1GJrZ/s320/-554.jpg" width="213" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue",Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"></span><br style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue",Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;" /><span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue",Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"> 1 Sam. 1:</span><br style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue",Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;" /><span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue",Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"> After you have given your burdens to the Lord, do you feel lighter or is the heaviness still there?</span><br style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue",Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;" /><span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue",Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">
At this point in the story, Hannah has gotten as close to God as could.
She went to stand at the doorpost of the Lord's Temple. Eli was sitting
on a chair. There Hannah poured out her heart to God, mixed in with a
river of tears. According to what she knew God could do, she pleads with</span><span class="text_exposed_show"><span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue",Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">
Him to remember her. Then she informs Eli (the priest) of her grief and
her prayer to God. When understanding comes, he blesses her with a word
of PEACE. She takes it to heart. Her response is "May your servant (
Hannah) find favor in your eyes".</span><br style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue",Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;" /><span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue",Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"> Then the next sentence gives us
the proof that she has left her burdens and grief with God. It says in
vs.18b 'Then she went her way and ATE something and her FACE was no
longer downcast.' Hannah was determined not to take back what she had
given to God. The proof of her lighter load and faith that 'God would
handle it' was that her appetite returned and her face was NO Longer
DOWNCAST.</span><br style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue",Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;" /><span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue",Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"> Her faith was expressed in real ways even though what she
was praying for had NOT YET become tangible. It reminds me of the
scripture that says " NOW FAITH is the substance of things HOPED for the
EVIDENCE of things NOT seen". Heb. 11:1</span><br style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue",Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;" /> <br style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue",Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;" /><span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue",Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"> 'Cause sometimes BELIEVING</span> is SEEING! ;-)</span></span></div>
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<span class="fbTimelineFeedbackShares"><a data-hover="tooltip" href="http://www.facebook.com/shares/view?id=10150694077891315" rel="async" title="Show shares">1</a></span><span class="UIActionLinks UIActionLinks_bottom" data-ft="{"tn":"=","type":20}"><button class="like_link stat_elem as_link" data-ft="{"tn":">","type":22}" name="like" title="Like this item" type="submit"><span class="default_message"></span></button></span>Nicole C. Mullenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17357742473236201992noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2236346699409862576.post-33962791660910454702012-05-02T19:40:00.000-07:002012-05-02T19:43:37.698-07:00Notes from I Samuel pt 9<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjOPnfCcp7xOxGnyvzjtMgDaBEeJeeOlbOW5up9LtoQ3UwsuT0hDrXi5uMMe-L9CkfikTETEIuB-W8orwHYqmRVpQPXDuMHQ7fqfNCnY_wyCCUeko56C6hh8WvhOzyU7h_ik-EJl0r1GJrZ/s1600/-554.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjOPnfCcp7xOxGnyvzjtMgDaBEeJeeOlbOW5up9LtoQ3UwsuT0hDrXi5uMMe-L9CkfikTETEIuB-W8orwHYqmRVpQPXDuMHQ7fqfNCnY_wyCCUeko56C6hh8WvhOzyU7h_ik-EJl0r1GJrZ/s320/-554.jpg" width="213" /></a></div>
<span style="font-size: large;"><br />
1 Sam. 1:17<br />
Don't we all hate it when our words or actions are twisted by someone else and we are accused falsely? Yes, None of us like it.<br />
When Eli mistook Hannah's grieving for drunkenness, She responded like a pro. She did not put her hand on her hip, and bobble her head..Lol! She responded with HUMILITY and with TRUTH. </span><br />
<br />
<br />
<span style="font-size: large;">Her words were full of grace. She said "Not so My Lord (to Eli the priest<span class="text_exposed_show">), I am a woman who is Deeply troubled. I have not been DRINKING wine or beer, I was POURING OUT my SOUL to the LORD...<br />
When she spoke, she was believable. Her actions supported her story. With a little bit of clarity he could now see her actions in a different light. He gave up his preconceived notion for the truth she offered.<br />
Because of this, Eli added his blessing to her prayers by saying<br />
"Go in PEACE, and May the God of Israel GRANT you what you have ASKED of HIM."<br />
<br />
If you are humbling standing in<br />
'Truth' then May this apply to you as well..."Go in peace and may the God of Israel GRANT you what YOU have ASKED of HIM.<br />
<br />
Stay tuned :-)<br />
Grace and peace</span></span>Nicole C. Mullenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17357742473236201992noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2236346699409862576.post-12345758770780339692012-04-27T07:26:00.001-07:002012-04-27T07:27:38.692-07:00Notes from I Samuel pt 8<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjOPnfCcp7xOxGnyvzjtMgDaBEeJeeOlbOW5up9LtoQ3UwsuT0hDrXi5uMMe-L9CkfikTETEIuB-W8orwHYqmRVpQPXDuMHQ7fqfNCnY_wyCCUeko56C6hh8WvhOzyU7h_ik-EJl0r1GJrZ/s1600/-554.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjOPnfCcp7xOxGnyvzjtMgDaBEeJeeOlbOW5up9LtoQ3UwsuT0hDrXi5uMMe-L9CkfikTETEIuB-W8orwHYqmRVpQPXDuMHQ7fqfNCnY_wyCCUeko56C6hh8WvhOzyU7h_ik-EJl0r1GJrZ/s320/-554.jpg" width="213" /></a></div><div style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue",Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: large;"> "Misunderstood?"<br />
</span></div><div style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue",Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><br />
</div><div style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue",Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: large;">1 Sam. 1:12-14<br />
"As She kept on praying to the Lord, Eli OBSERVED her MOUTH. Hannah was PRAYING in her HEART, and her lips were moving but her voice was not heard."<br />
</span></div><div style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue",Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: large;">(When we are only looking at things in the natural or at first glance, we too might miss what's truly going on... Only God can see and know the heart, that's why HE is the only ONE qualified to JUDGE it.)<br />
</span></div><div style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue",Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: large;"> Hannah was so distraught that she couldn't audibly get the words out. She prayed in her heart and her lips were moving, but her pain prevented the words from being heard ( by man that is). Eli SAW her and ACCUSED her of being drunk. He MIS-judged because he could not comprehend the full picture of what was going on. He could not see on the inside. But ya'll, GOD COULD and HE DID! .<br />
<br />
The scripture also says in 1 Sam 16:7b "Man looks at the outward appearance but the LORD looks at the heart."</span> <span style="font-size: large;"><br />
<br />
He SEES you and KNOWS the translation of every TEAR.</span> <span style="font-size: large;"><br />
<br />
stay tuned...</span> <span style="font-size: large;"><br />
Grace and peace</span></div>Nicole C. Mullenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17357742473236201992noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2236346699409862576.post-6400189832296739002012-04-26T08:54:00.001-07:002012-04-26T08:58:35.488-07:00Note from I Samuel pt 7<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjOPnfCcp7xOxGnyvzjtMgDaBEeJeeOlbOW5up9LtoQ3UwsuT0hDrXi5uMMe-L9CkfikTETEIuB-W8orwHYqmRVpQPXDuMHQ7fqfNCnY_wyCCUeko56C6hh8WvhOzyU7h_ik-EJl0r1GJrZ/s1600/-554.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjOPnfCcp7xOxGnyvzjtMgDaBEeJeeOlbOW5up9LtoQ3UwsuT0hDrXi5uMMe-L9CkfikTETEIuB-W8orwHYqmRVpQPXDuMHQ7fqfNCnY_wyCCUeko56C6hh8WvhOzyU7h_ik-EJl0r1GJrZ/s320/-554.jpg" width="213" /></a></div><div style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue",Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: large;">7. 1 Sam. 1:11</span></div><div style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue",Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: large;"><br />
</span></div><div style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue",Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: large;">While Hannah was crying and praying to the Lord, she made a vow saying "O LORD Almighty, if you will only look upon your servants misery and remember me and not forget your servant but give her a son, then I will give him to the Lord for all the days of his life, and no razor will ever be used on his head."</span></div><div style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue",Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: large;"><br />
</span></div><div style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue",Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: large;"> So basically she said, Lord I am your servant, if you Remember me and give me 'what I desire most', I will give 'what I desire most' back to you". In essence, "If you give me an 'insurance policy for my future 'or bragging rights to get back at my enemy' I will give it all back to you. '</span></div><div style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue",Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: large;">It would be worth it to know that I have not been forgotten but remembered.' Her prayer alone showed a transfer of trust from man to God.</span></div><div style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue",Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: large;"> She also said that if God gave her a son, she would never cut his hair. This was considered a Nazirite vow. It showed that the boy/man was set apart to God for His purpose. Do you remember another long haired guy in the Bible? Yep, Samson.</span></div><div style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue",Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: large;"> Hannah had undoubtedly heard stories of this hero and his 'once barren mother'. ( Judges 13) The angel told (Samson's mom) that Although she was unable to have children, God was going to give her one anyway. His hair was never to be cut, which was a public sign of a sacred calling; and he would deliver the nation of Israel from their enemies. Y'all, I believe that Hannah was not only praying for a son, but for a deliverer as well.</span></div><div style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue",Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: large;"> She was drawing faith from the stories of old that she had heard. Stories from other women who were once barren and God had not only given them children, but children who did GREAT things! Women like Sarah, who became the mother of nations and kingdoms thru her son Isaac; Rebekah who became the mother of Jacob (Israel, father of the Jewish nation) and Esau (father of nations); and Samson's mother, who's son became famous for his super human strength and deliverance of God's people.</span></div><div style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue",Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: large;"><br />
</span></div><div style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue",Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: large;">In the same way, we draw faith from THEIR stories and put our trust in God, who is the SAME yesterday, TODAY and forever.</span></div><div style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue",Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: large;"><br />
</span></div><div style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue",Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: large;">Stay tuned! Grace and peace</span></div>Nicole C. Mullenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17357742473236201992noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2236346699409862576.post-72484638069175130612012-04-25T07:06:00.003-07:002012-04-25T07:56:47.641-07:00Notes from Samuel pt 6<div style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue",Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjOPnfCcp7xOxGnyvzjtMgDaBEeJeeOlbOW5up9LtoQ3UwsuT0hDrXi5uMMe-L9CkfikTETEIuB-W8orwHYqmRVpQPXDuMHQ7fqfNCnY_wyCCUeko56C6hh8WvhOzyU7h_ik-EJl0r1GJrZ/s1600/-554.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjOPnfCcp7xOxGnyvzjtMgDaBEeJeeOlbOW5up9LtoQ3UwsuT0hDrXi5uMMe-L9CkfikTETEIuB-W8orwHYqmRVpQPXDuMHQ7fqfNCnY_wyCCUeko56C6hh8WvhOzyU7h_ik-EJl0r1GJrZ/s320/-554.jpg" width="213" /></a></div><span style="font-size: large;">6. 1 Sam 1:10 ( another lesson from Hannah)</span></div><div style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue",Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><br />
</div><div style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue",Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><br />
<span style="font-size: large;">Hannah has just STOOD up from the place where they were eating and drinking. Eli the priest was SITTING by the doorpost of the LORD's temple (they were in church). </span><br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<span style="font-size: large;"> Vs 10 "In BITTERNESS of soul Hannah WEPT MUCH and PRAYED to the Lord." y'all I believe that this was step one in Hannah's turn around. </span></div><div style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue",Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: large;">She went from weeping much and losing her appetite to</span><span class="text_exposed_hide" style="font-size: large;">...</span><span class="text_exposed_show" style="font-size: large;"> crying her heart out in PRAYER. It may not have seemed like a big deal or even felt like a 'lightening bolt' experience to Hannah, but this small act had HUGE potential. It was the difference between trying to carry a ton of bricks around in a backpack, or giving those bricks to a brick layer so that he could build a wall, a road or a house with them.<br />
</span></div><div style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue",Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><span class="text_exposed_show" style="font-size: large;">In the same way, We were NOT made to carry our grief and pain alone. 1 Peter 5:6-7 invites and instructs us to : "Humble yourselves under God's MIGHTY hand, that he may LIFT you up in due time. Cast ( throw down) your cares (anxiety) on HIM because HE CARES (pays attention to, and carries those things that makes you anxious) FOR YOU."<br />
</span></div><div style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue",Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><span class="text_exposed_show" style="font-size: large;">May we all accept the invitation and follow the instructions.<br />
<br />
Grace and peace y'all</span></div>Nicole C. Mullenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17357742473236201992noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2236346699409862576.post-18269242270233912822012-04-25T07:05:00.003-07:002012-04-25T07:55:16.457-07:00Notes from I Samuel pt 5<div style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue",Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjOPnfCcp7xOxGnyvzjtMgDaBEeJeeOlbOW5up9LtoQ3UwsuT0hDrXi5uMMe-L9CkfikTETEIuB-W8orwHYqmRVpQPXDuMHQ7fqfNCnY_wyCCUeko56C6hh8WvhOzyU7h_ik-EJl0r1GJrZ/s1600/-554.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjOPnfCcp7xOxGnyvzjtMgDaBEeJeeOlbOW5up9LtoQ3UwsuT0hDrXi5uMMe-L9CkfikTETEIuB-W8orwHYqmRVpQPXDuMHQ7fqfNCnY_wyCCUeko56C6hh8WvhOzyU7h_ik-EJl0r1GJrZ/s320/-554.jpg" width="213" /></a></div><span style="font-size: large;">5. 1 Sam 1:8-9</span></div><div style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue",Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><br />
</div><div style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue",Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: large;">Fed up?...Cheer up! Stand up! :-)</span></div><div style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue",Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: large;">Elkanah ( Hannah's husband) would see his wife stressed out in this manner every year. He would respond (most likely at different times by saying: "Hannah, why are you weeping? Why don't you eat? Why are you downhearted? Don't I mean more to you than 10 sons?" </span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-size: large;">So basically, He's saying haven't I been good to you? Aren't I better than 10 insurance p</span><span class="text_exposed_hide" style="font-size: large;">...</span><span class="text_exposed_show" style="font-size: large;">olicies?...Girl, I got you! ;-)<br />
</span></div><div style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue",Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><span class="text_exposed_show" style="font-size: large;">Ok remember, Hannah went thru this YEAR after YEAR. The same routine. The failure, the ridicule, the depression, the attempt at cheering up... The same cycle... Then in vs 9 it says "ONCE when they had finished eating and drinking in Shiloh, Hannah STOOD UP."<br />
Y'all now things are about to change! That day could have been like all the others, BUT HANNAH did something DIFFERENT. She stood up for a CHANGE, not for Peninnah </span></div><div style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue",Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><span class="text_exposed_show" style="font-size: large;">(her rival), but for herself.<br />
<br />
She got FED UP! So she STOOD UP! NOW her world is about to CHEER UP! ... I will pray that the same will happen for you!<br />
<br />
Stay tuned y'all...grace and peace</span></div>Nicole C. Mullenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17357742473236201992noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2236346699409862576.post-80837819664189588882012-04-25T07:04:00.003-07:002012-04-25T07:53:51.897-07:00Notes from I Samuel pt 4<div style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue",Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjOPnfCcp7xOxGnyvzjtMgDaBEeJeeOlbOW5up9LtoQ3UwsuT0hDrXi5uMMe-L9CkfikTETEIuB-W8orwHYqmRVpQPXDuMHQ7fqfNCnY_wyCCUeko56C6hh8WvhOzyU7h_ik-EJl0r1GJrZ/s1600/-554.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjOPnfCcp7xOxGnyvzjtMgDaBEeJeeOlbOW5up9LtoQ3UwsuT0hDrXi5uMMe-L9CkfikTETEIuB-W8orwHYqmRVpQPXDuMHQ7fqfNCnY_wyCCUeko56C6hh8WvhOzyU7h_ik-EJl0r1GJrZ/s320/-554.jpg" width="213" /></a></div><span style="font-size: large;">4. 1 Sam </span></div><div style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue",Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><br />
</div><div style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue",Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><br />
<br />
<span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue",Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif; font-size: large;">Ok without the proverbial "beating a dead horse" thing. :--) I still have been chewing on Peninnah's reasons for irritating Hannah. According to the rules of that day, she had already won.</span></div><br />
<br />
<br />
<span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue",Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif; font-size: large;">Could it have been that she mistakenly thought that a gift from God was the same as His approval of her? Could she have thought that her accumulation of children (or fill in the blank---gifts, talents</span><span class="text_exposed_hide" style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue",Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif; font-size: large;">...</span><span class="text_exposed_show"><span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue",Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif; font-size: large;">, wealth, skills), meant that she was better than. In her mind, she had kids= she was something. Hannah had none= she was nothing...and she was going to "rub it in". But y'all this train of thought isn't TRUE and we must be careful of this kind of Stinkin' thinkin'! Prosperity or wealth is not always a sign of God's blessings, sometimes it's God's test. Just like poverty is not always a sign of God's displeasure (ask Job), sometimes it too can be a test.<br />
<br />
I also believe that Peninnah was jealous of Hannah. No matter how many children she had, she could never earn something that Hannah had been given for free... 1ST PLACE in the heart of Elkanah, accentuated with double portions.<br />
<br />
The same is true for us, no matter how hard we work or strive to be good or do the right things, we can never EARN a place in God's heart... But be encouraged! It is a FREE GIFT that HIS SON has paid for. We do not have to strive for it, but only receive it!<br />
<br />
That's called GRACE and it brings PEACE!</span> <br />
</span>Nicole C. Mullenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17357742473236201992noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2236346699409862576.post-34559844263318501062012-04-25T07:01:00.004-07:002012-04-25T07:52:23.258-07:00Notes from I Samuel pt 3<div style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue",Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjOPnfCcp7xOxGnyvzjtMgDaBEeJeeOlbOW5up9LtoQ3UwsuT0hDrXi5uMMe-L9CkfikTETEIuB-W8orwHYqmRVpQPXDuMHQ7fqfNCnY_wyCCUeko56C6hh8WvhOzyU7h_ik-EJl0r1GJrZ/s1600/-554.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjOPnfCcp7xOxGnyvzjtMgDaBEeJeeOlbOW5up9LtoQ3UwsuT0hDrXi5uMMe-L9CkfikTETEIuB-W8orwHYqmRVpQPXDuMHQ7fqfNCnY_wyCCUeko56C6hh8WvhOzyU7h_ik-EJl0r1GJrZ/s320/-554.jpg" width="213" /></a></div><span style="font-size: large;">3. 1 Sam 1:5-7 Notes</span></div><div style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue",Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><br />
</div><div style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue",Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><br />
<span style="font-size: large;">Y'all, I have seen a trend in the scriptures. Barren seasons </span></div><div style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue",Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: large;">(times of lack, and not being able get things to grow) are not always what they appear to be. Often times they are the breeding ground FOR and precursor TO something REALLY GREAT! (ask Sarah, Rebekah, Manoah, Elizabeth)...the </span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-size: large;">NIGHT always comes before the DAY...Darkness before the LIGHT Gen1. Remember that! Ok, I'</span><span class="text_exposed_hide" style="font-size: large;">...</span><span class="text_exposed_show" style="font-size: large;">m getting excited! Let me not get ahead of myself :-)<br />
<br />
In vs. 5 We see that in Hannah's barren season Elkanah LOVED her, preferred her and extended grace. (I like him; he's not so bad after all.:-) lol<br />
On the other hand the scripture says vs6 "And because the Lord had closed her womb, her rival (Peninnah) kept provoking her in order to irritate her. (Can I just say that ' I really DON'T like Peninnah!?.. Just sayin' I mean if you are going to get your name put in the Bible, this is NOT what you want to be remembered for? :-) lol!<br />
</span></div><div style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue",Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><span class="text_exposed_show" style="font-size: large;">Vs7. </span></div><div style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue",Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><span class="text_exposed_show" style="font-size: large;">This went on year after year. Whenever Hannah went up to the house of the Lord, her rival provoked her till she WEPT and would not eat."<br />
<br />
Y'all sorrow and barreness of any kind, can affect our appetite. Sometimes it can dull it, or even create a craving for the wrong things and the wrong amounts of them.<br />
<br />
We must all ask ourselves, How do we respond to barren seasons? We will ALL have them.<br />
Will YOU LOVE, MOCK, or be Broken? (y'all 2 out of 3 aren't bad)<br />
<br />
Stay tuned! <br />
Grace and peace</span></div>Nicole C. Mullenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17357742473236201992noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2236346699409862576.post-58980635120723051892012-04-25T06:59:00.005-07:002012-04-25T07:50:47.946-07:00Note from I Samuel pt 2<div style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue",Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjOPnfCcp7xOxGnyvzjtMgDaBEeJeeOlbOW5up9LtoQ3UwsuT0hDrXi5uMMe-L9CkfikTETEIuB-W8orwHYqmRVpQPXDuMHQ7fqfNCnY_wyCCUeko56C6hh8WvhOzyU7h_ik-EJl0r1GJrZ/s1600/-554.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjOPnfCcp7xOxGnyvzjtMgDaBEeJeeOlbOW5up9LtoQ3UwsuT0hDrXi5uMMe-L9CkfikTETEIuB-W8orwHYqmRVpQPXDuMHQ7fqfNCnY_wyCCUeko56C6hh8WvhOzyU7h_ik-EJl0r1GJrZ/s320/-554.jpg" width="213" /></a></div><span style="font-size: large;">Notes from 1 Sam 1:3-5</span></div><div style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue",Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><br />
</div><div style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue",Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><br />
<span style="font-size: large;">Year after year, this man (Elkanah) would take his two wives and the children (sons and daughters he had through Peninah) up to Shiloh to worship and sacrifice to the LORD Almighty. (I like the fact that he was leading the family to worship, setting a good example :-).</span></div><div style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue",Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><br />
</div><div style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue",Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><br />
<span style="font-size: large;">When the day came to sacrifice, he would give portions of the meat to Peninnah and all her kids. But to </span><span class="text_exposed_hide" style="font-size: large;">...</span><span class="text_exposed_show" style="font-size: large;">HANNAH he gave a DOUBLE portion because he LOVED her and the LORD had CLOSED her womb. It would have been easy in that culture for Elkanah to have treated Hannah like a failure or accuse her of some sin. But that was not the case. Instead he LOVED her, and every year he would give her a DOUBLE portion! <br />
</span></div><div style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue",Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><span class="text_exposed_show" style="font-size: large;">Ya'll, That's what Grace does... It gives you what you have NOT or could NOT earn. He recognized that GOD had closed her womb. <br />
After years of trying to achieve success in this area, Elkanah acknowledged that it was out of his hands, and so he chose to still love his wife, and to continue in sacrifice and worship to God.<br />
<br />
Perhaps God was setting them up to be desperate for HIS will in the situation...stay tuned!<br />
<br />
Grace and peace</span></div>Nicole C. Mullenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17357742473236201992noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2236346699409862576.post-63693921109597020602012-04-23T09:37:00.004-07:002012-04-25T07:49:28.755-07:00Notes from I Samuel pt 1<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjOPnfCcp7xOxGnyvzjtMgDaBEeJeeOlbOW5up9LtoQ3UwsuT0hDrXi5uMMe-L9CkfikTETEIuB-W8orwHYqmRVpQPXDuMHQ7fqfNCnY_wyCCUeko56C6hh8WvhOzyU7h_ik-EJl0r1GJrZ/s1600/-554.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjOPnfCcp7xOxGnyvzjtMgDaBEeJeeOlbOW5up9LtoQ3UwsuT0hDrXi5uMMe-L9CkfikTETEIuB-W8orwHYqmRVpQPXDuMHQ7fqfNCnY_wyCCUeko56C6hh8WvhOzyU7h_ik-EJl0r1GJrZ/s320/-554.jpg" width="213" /></a></div><br />
<br />
<br />
<span style="font-size: large;">I just came across some of my past notes from the book of Samuel (one of my FAvs), and found myself "Amen-ing"... Do you mind if I share? Ok, it might take several days and I welcome your thoughts and insight. I will also have to back up from my Samuel post last week to fill in some blanks.<br />
</span><br />
<div style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue",Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><br />
<span style="font-size: large;">1st let me start by saying, 'All Scripture is God breathe and is USEFUL for TEACHING (we can always learn so<span class="text_exposed_hide">...</span><span class="text_exposed_show">......mething), REBUKING (confronting w/the truth), CORRECTING (putting us on the right path, straightening), TRAINING (learning certain actions and behavior) IN RIGHTEOUSNESS (the right way to go), so that the MAN (both genders are included) of GOD maybe THROUGHLY equip (completely ready) for EVERY GOOD WORK ( it's time to get prepared for what He wants YOU to DO :-) 1 Tim 3:16<br />
<br />
1 Sam. 1:1- There was a man name Elkanah from the town of Ramah.<br />
<br />
1:2 He had 2 wives...<br />
Ok stop!<br />
:-) You already know there's gonna be drama. (the lesson so far is, this is NOT what you wanna do ;-).., it would have been bad enough if he had 2 girlfriends, but this man had two wives both with legal dibs on him.<br />
<br />
...One was called Hannah, the other Penninah. Peninnah had children (for him) but Hannah had none. In their culture, having sons was everything for a woman. It was her bragging rights and her insurance policy for the future. Sons would take care of her if anything happened to the husband. Can u feel the tension already?<br />
<br />
For Hannah, What must it have been like to have been constantly reminded of your failures... By the other woman? Maybe even by the neighbors. The constant competition... The way that girls brag with their faces even when their mouths aren't saying a word... TWO women, wanting FIRST place, in the heart of the SAME man... Exhausting!<br />
<br />
Y'all ONLY GOD could ( and can) save the day...:-) Don't lose Heart!<br />
Stay tuned...<br />
Grace and peace</span></span></div>Nicole C. Mullenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17357742473236201992noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2236346699409862576.post-35066705554958581682012-02-14T12:14:00.000-08:002012-02-14T12:14:34.008-08:00Love<h6 class="uiStreamMessage" data-ft="{"type":1}"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjk5h8H1LtPrOVbI8IuvY2t9YPvcxYcaQlvn24znSeWbS77lzM9lrdtF1aYhLnEKMjmsszDzgVAg1RlapC4cVrwQNIMefur0tFTOibvRHOElQR2PpIdqO4A6mP9RLQnYitEH97gOj5Rluzv/s1600/love-book.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="147" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjk5h8H1LtPrOVbI8IuvY2t9YPvcxYcaQlvn24znSeWbS77lzM9lrdtF1aYhLnEKMjmsszDzgVAg1RlapC4cVrwQNIMefur0tFTOibvRHOElQR2PpIdqO4A6mP9RLQnYitEH97gOj5Rluzv/s200/love-book.jpg" width="200" /></a><span style="font-size: small;"><span class="messageBody" data-ft="{"type":3}"> I don't know what your Love status is today. <br />
Whether you are single, married, divorced,widowed,abandoned, heartbroken, newly wed, wounded, or betrayed, let me remind you, that YOU are LOVED, and valued by the very ONE who DEFINES the Word. He thinks of you as a masterpiece, creatively designed and He is passionate about winning your heart. </span></span></h6><h6 class="uiStreamMessage" data-ft="{"type":1}"><span style="font-size: small;"><span class="messageBody" data-ft="{"type":3}">HE is Jealous for your LOVE and wants to be first on your Love list. No need to pretend or clean up first, He will receive you just as you are. Still because HE loves you so much, HE is committed to molding YOU into what you should be. <br />
</span></span></h6><h6 class="uiStreamMessage" data-ft="{"type":1}"><span style="font-size: small;"><span class="messageBody" data-ft="{"type":3}">He is Patient, He is Kind, He suffers long, He does not envy, neither is He arrogant, He is self sacrificing and forgiving. He is POWERFUL, HE is MAGNIFICENT, HE is COMPASSIONATE, HE Is STRONG, HE is WEALTHY beyond our imaginations, and BEAUTIFUL beyond description. HE is GOD, HE is LORD, HE is JESUS the Christ and HE LOVES YOU!! </span></span></h6><h6 class="uiStreamMessage" data-ft="{"type":1}"><span style="font-size: small;"><span class="messageBody" data-ft="{"type":3}">Just thought you should know, grace and peace</span></span></h6><h6 class="uiStreamMessage" data-ft="{"type":1}"><span style="font-size: small;"><span class="messageBody" data-ft="{"type":3}">NcM </span></span></h6>Nicole C. Mullenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17357742473236201992noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2236346699409862576.post-86414953084902622832012-01-12T12:24:00.000-08:002012-01-12T12:25:37.471-08:00<div style="font: normal normal normal 16px/normal 'Lucida Grande'; line-height: 14px; margin-bottom: 7px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; text-align: center;"><span style="letter-spacing: 0px;"><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #0b5394;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">The Fear (reverential awe, to be afraid) of the LORD is the beginning ( step one) of wisdom; ( Prov. 111:10)... And ..." wisdom is proved RIGHT by her actions ( what it does ;-) Matthew 11:19b ( words of Jesus)</span></span></span></i></span></div><div style="font: 16.0px 'Lucida Grande'; line-height: 14.0px; margin: 0.0px 0.0px 7.0px 0.0px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><br />
</span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"> </span></div><div style="font: 16.0px 'Lucida Grande'; line-height: 14.0px; margin: 0.0px 0.0px 7.0px 0.0px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><span style="letter-spacing: 0px;"></span></span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">How do you feel in the presence of someone that you think is really great or talented? Nervous? Afraid? How about someone super famous or a person of Royalty fully decked out? Doesn't these kinds of encounters cause our knees to shake a bit, give honor where honor is due, make us stand a little straighter, choose our words a little more carefully? Why? Because we have a healthy fear of them, one that entails honor and respect; and while we are in their presence we adjust ourselves to their protocol.</span></span></div><div style="font: 16.0px 'Lucida Grande'; line-height: 14.0px; margin: 0.0px 0.0px 7.0px 0.0px; min-height: 18.0px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><span style="letter-spacing: 0px;"></span></span></span></div><div style="font: 16.0px 'Lucida Grande'; line-height: 14.0px; margin: 0.0px 0.0px 7.0px 0.0px;"><span style="letter-spacing: 0px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">So ya'll, how much more should we fear the God of the universe? He speaks and things become. He hurls lighting bolts, they report back to Him, He takes dirt and creates man, He blows His breath into Him and he comes to life, He established the laws of nature, the boundaries of the seas, and keeps the earth, the sun, stars and other planets at their proper distance. As God, He cannot be seen with the human eye, because He dwells in unapproachable light</span></span></span></div><div style="font: 16.0px 'Lucida Grande'; line-height: 14.0px; margin: 0.0px 0.0px 7.0px 0.0px; min-height: 18.0px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><span style="letter-spacing: 0px;"></span></span></span></div><div style="font: 16.0px 'Lucida Grande'; line-height: 14.0px; margin: 0.0px 0.0px 7.0px 0.0px;"><span style="letter-spacing: 0px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">Still He humbled himself, came to earth, took on the form of man, conquered the darkness, in order to become the light in every man who receives Him. He is timeless, always was, always will be. He is the creator of Heaven and Hell. He is both Lamb and Lion. He is meek and fierce...He is not made in my image, but I/we are made in His... He is not a God to be taken lightly or disregarded. He is always on the side of the broken, the humble and is ever against the arrogant and proud. He defines LOVE</span></span></span></div><div style="font: 16.0px 'Lucida Grande'; line-height: 14.0px; margin: 0.0px 0.0px 7.0px 0.0px; min-height: 18.0px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><br />
</span></span></div><div style="font: 16.0px 'Lucida Grande'; line-height: 14.0px; margin: 0.0px 0.0px 7.0px 0.0px;"><span style="letter-spacing: 0px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">These are a few things I know about Him. LOL :-) Because I am always in HIS presence, I bow my life to Him. I want to live and walk in a way that pleases Him. When I mess up, I confess it, turn my back on it and come to Him to clean me up. He is my Dad and He is the King. Before I run to my Father in HIS throne room, where I find mercy and grace, I stop and bow first, acknowledging that He is still the King...He is Captivating and I am filled with awe and wonder</span></span></span></div><div style="font: 16.0px 'Lucida Grande'; line-height: 14.0px; margin: 0.0px 0.0px 7.0px 0.0px; min-height: 18.0px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><span style="letter-spacing: 0px;"></span></span></span></div><div style="font: 16.0px 'Lucida Grande'; line-height: 14.0px; margin: 0.0px 0.0px 7.0px 0.0px;"><span style="letter-spacing: 0px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">grace and peace y'all</span></span></span></div>Nicole C. Mullenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17357742473236201992noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2236346699409862576.post-57886660446293954572011-03-20T17:05:00.000-07:002011-03-20T17:05:14.913-07:00Good and Evil<div class="mbl notesBlogText clearfix"><div>...In the middle of the Garden, there were two special trees mentioned. The tree of LIFE and the tree of knowledge (knowing) of Good and Evil (the ONLY forbidden tree). It's interesting, that it was not just the tree of Evil, but it was mingled with Good. The fruit was good looking and good tasting, still it was full of sin and rebellion against God. I explained it to my 8yr old son in this way. It was like eating some delicious chocolate chip cookies, still warm from the oven; Pleasing to the eyes, the nose and to the taste buds. Oh yeah, but I forgot to say that the good ingredients are laced with doggy poop, which can never be removed from the system. That poop would effect everything you touched and everyone you gave birth to. Now forever you would stink and so would they.<br />
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So Adam and Eve ate. The fruit of Good and EVIL and it's effect got into their BLOOD stream and was passed down thru out the entire human race. It also changed everything they touched. Leaving us all in need of a BLOOD transfusion, a "Do Over", a 'Clean out'! This sin was the introduction to death as we know it.<br />
In that moment, Our Fall from all that was GOOD, put us in need of a Savior to rescue us from all that was Evil. Gen.2,3<br />
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Because of the cross, death and resurrection of Jesus, there is a cure! We can be born AGAIN, free from the domination of sin that leads to death. Because of Him, we now have access to LIFE that lasts forever! This Life taste good, Looks good and Smells good, to those who are looking for the same.<br />
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. ... Oh the Blood of Jesus, it washes white as snow!</div></div>Nicole C. Mullenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17357742473236201992noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2236346699409862576.post-34237765628679583852011-03-16T20:40:00.000-07:002011-03-16T20:40:53.592-07:00Temptation?... RUN!<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;">I find it funny (well not in the comical sense), how the Bible commands us to Pray about everything. Resist the Devil and He will flee. Stand up when you would rather retreat. But when it comes to the cravings of the flesh, temptations...It tells us to Flee! Meaning run in the other direction as fast as you can!</span></span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;">That's exactly what I had to do just a minute ago. You see, like most women, I love Chocolate! :-) But Chocolate does not always love me back. For the past few days, I have been fighting the "seasonal change allergy attack". Dairy products are the enemy when I am trying to rid the body of the "junk in my throat and sinuses" that milk products produce. So, what was I handed as a gift right before I was about to wind down for the night? 3 warm and soft Chocolate chip (with pecans) cookies...my favorites! Oh My Goodness! I have to sing tomorrow...but I </span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;">soooo</span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;"> want those cookies. It was like they were calling me. As soon as I received them in my hands I took a bite. WOW! My "will power" was losing the match. I stated that I was not going to eat anymore until after I had sung the next day...yeah right! </span></span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;"> Knowing how much I wanted those cookies and How much I shouldn't have them, I decided to 'flee temptation' by turning them over to my sister girl. I asked her to babysit them for me until after the singing. Because she was embracing the "call of the cookies"herself, I reminded her that I did not want them adopted! They needed to be returned to sender after the songs were over :-).</span></span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;">Y'all, I find that's how it is with other cravings of the flesh. We can't play around with them...or him...or her...or it. We have got to take the 'way of escape' that God promises us in every temptation. In that way, we are able to bear it. We can't flirt with it, negotiate with it, sweet talk it or even sing pretty songs to it. We must be obedient to the Word and run from it...really fast! And if the time is right and the Lord wills, what was once a temptation, may soon become a blessing.</span></span>Nicole C. Mullenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17357742473236201992noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2236346699409862576.post-23913064034521141742011-02-17T15:54:00.000-08:002012-07-23T11:49:01.053-07:00Beginning or The End<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia,'Times New Roman',serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">I am often amazed at how many times you work so hard to finish something. You lose sleep, miss meals, skip entertaining events, all to reach your goal. And right when you feel like you are just about to touch that rainbow with it's pot of gold... it all disappears, and a big neon sign obstructs your view. Now all you can see are flashing lights, spelling out two beautiful words: "The Beginning". Nevermind that it's gonna take a nap to appreciate them. "The Beginning"... What? "You must be kidding?" is your initial response. But this is <span class="Apple-style-span" style="text-decoration: underline;"><b><i>not</i></b></span> "The Beginning", as in the start of the same thing you just finished, but 'the beginning' of something really new. It's a road you have never ventured down before. It's an invitation. I mean at this point, it can't be ignored, but it can be denied. </span></span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia,'Times New Roman',serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">I find this to be the case in every area of life. Kids finish one school year, only to start a new one... or eventually a new life. <span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #333233; font-family: 'Trebuchet MS'; font-size: 13px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia,'Times New Roman',serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">We work on projects and as soon as they are done, either we are offered a season of rest or that 'project' has now opened the doors to more opportunity.</span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: black; font-family: Georgia,'Times New Roman',serif; font-size: large;">... and thus more busyness. The same is true when someone is sick and passes away, or someone who was once close to you is now far away. Either way, something new is about to begin.</span></span></span></span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia,'Times New Roman',serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">Not only is this true in our everyday lives, but this is how 'The Kingdom' works as well. When we come to Christ with our pain, our shame and our sin, it is the end of those things reigning in our lives. A New Day has dawned! Jesus' Lordship, occupation and dominion of that territory begins. </span></span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia,'Times New Roman',serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">It's the Cross and the Empty Tomb! </span></span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia,'Times New Roman',serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">It's the end of "void and darkness", but it's the beginning of "Let there be light". </span></span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia,'Times New Roman',serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">It's the end of a long, hard, pregnancy, but the beginning of a new life. </span></span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia,'Times New Roman',serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">And yes, it is even that which ends in death, only to be followed by the beginning of Eternal Life. </span></span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia,'Times New Roman',serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">Like a great baton exchange in a relay race, it's a wonderful crossing of the finish line. It's called transition... where the End always precedes the Beginning.</span></span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia,'Times New Roman',serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><a href="http://www.blogger.com/goog_1452106915">If any man be in Christ, He is a New Creation! Old things are passed away and behold (Look with wonder!) all things are become New!</a></span></span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia,'Times New Roman',serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><a href="http://niv.scripturetext.com/2_corinthians/5.htm">2 Cor. 5:17</a></span></span><br />
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</span></span>Nicole C. Mullenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17357742473236201992noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2236346699409862576.post-30787231263364155272011-02-15T15:37:00.001-08:002011-02-15T15:41:03.696-08:00A Walk in the LightI took a walk this morning somewhere in the 5 o clock hour. It was still dark. I decided to take a venture around our little farm and pray. When I looked up into the sky, I could still see faint sprinkles of stars and the moon shining brightly on one side of me; on the other side the sky was showing off hues of burnt orange and the likes announcing that ‘the sun was coming’. So underneath it all, between the two, I walked. It was as if I were in a shadow land. I could make out what was before me, but i could not see it clearly. The depth of the path beneath me was unknown until it was already under my feet. I felt compelled and invited to walk to the top of one of the hills, but soon found myself in high grass and mushy earth. I started praying aloud that the Lord wouldn’t let me step on a snake, or come across frightened dear that would want to scratch my eyes out. Because of what I couldn’t see, my eyes and imagination were playing tricks on me. Still, I sensed an inner voice encouraging me to trust, to continue on. So after my occasional pause, due to questionable sounds, I did continued my walk of faith. From time to time, i’d stumble (although not literally) across a path that had already been beaten down to short grass. “Awe!” my wet shoes and ankles would say, and then again because of my lack of vision, I’d be right back in the high, wet and mushy.Several times I looked back, and began to notice the beauty of the sunrise. “Wow! Look at what God is doing again.” I so wanted to stop. The thoughts of “you’ve come far enough,” “you’re almost to the top, why risk going any further?“ , ”who knows what’s up ahead?“, and the temptation of being transfixed on the beauty of the created, instead of the Magnificence of the Creator, all called to me. Then from deep inside, strong and gentle, again I heard the invitation to ‘come’ by trusting. And so once more, I turned my back on the beauty I had seen, the success of my accomplishments thus far and made my way to the top of the hill. When I had finally made it, I wanted to go further...and enter the woods. I wanted the journey to continue. But had a sense that it would have to be for another day.<br />
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I pulled out my iphone and checked the clock. It reminded me that it was now time to return to the ‘walk of faith’ in my home. By this time the light had dawned and I could now see clearly. The right paths to take were so obvious, so clear, It was no longer a mystery. With sure steps and a more steady gait, again I walked the same piece of land in a totally different way...why? Because of the Light.<br />
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<ul><li><em><strong>Matthew 4:16the people living in darkness have seen a great light; on those living in the land of the shadow of death a light has dawned."</strong></em></li>
<li><em><strong>John 8:12[ The Validity of Jesus' Testimony ] When Jesus spoke again to the people, he said, "I am the light of the world. Whoever follows me will never walk in darkness, but will have the light of life."</strong></em></li>
</ul>Nicole C. Mullenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17357742473236201992noreply@blogger.com1