tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-89792862024-03-13T06:33:31.973-04:00James StricklandLife, Liberty, Love, Leadership and The Pursuit of God.James Stricklandhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17622808640064076912noreply@blogger.comBlogger141125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8979286.post-66604981668959764832023-09-26T10:05:00.004-04:002023-09-26T10:05:55.448-04:00Taking Next Steps Means God Sets Our Pace<p> </p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEigHX9Iq8ETeQu4RXJTjh5x7O9akKpqdfN-6OHGqF2-7at45WMkiFEs88I8xprrYPkE4Ygo0ZZGoSLwzlRnK9GNZrhk_lFexkCxG0yoyIm-0epz3xY5uYYxc4zqjv1UcFIpuy9bXzQ0oGWDy7I3qVvfty6HLAY8MruhF_r4SSr6Or_wX1G83hbMPw/s940/Red%20Modern%20Next%20Tuesday%20Facebook%20Post.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="788" data-original-width="940" height="536" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEigHX9Iq8ETeQu4RXJTjh5x7O9akKpqdfN-6OHGqF2-7at45WMkiFEs88I8xprrYPkE4Ygo0ZZGoSLwzlRnK9GNZrhk_lFexkCxG0yoyIm-0epz3xY5uYYxc4zqjv1UcFIpuy9bXzQ0oGWDy7I3qVvfty6HLAY8MruhF_r4SSr6Or_wX1G83hbMPw/w640-h536/Red%20Modern%20Next%20Tuesday%20Facebook%20Post.png" width="640" /></a></div><span style="font-family: verdana;">I was struck with the thought of having to take a "step of faith" like Abraham in (Genesis 12:1-4) that involved leaving family, stability and comfort. The takeaway is God had a better plan for Abraham. Each time God only gave Hm the "next step". Then it hit me, God wants us to move at His pace to develop our trust in Him. Getting a head with too much information moves us to go in our own direction without leadership. Stay the course, trust the information you have at the moment, make a decision, commit to and trust God for the next step.</span><p></p>James Stricklandhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17622808640064076912noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8979286.post-521411500629411882023-08-28T11:22:00.002-04:002023-08-28T11:22:44.871-04:00Focus On What You Can Do and Give To God What You Cannot<p> </p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg-hF2VQYS6cRraqHTRrwQeP4jEfmvUbk8am_E6tyapIjAKN40Y6FG92WdtpFJ-63g6kSDaGVGMB_rU3MEhgqka8kBlZbeHYFC32Ba2zd8y38J-YzkRdASwehW1e51suy1posqSPhSm6DJoxil6KNssoLRakS_HKij3kdisuTeq1k_lDwyh0ErS0A/s1280/anxiety-2902575_1280.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: verdana;"><img border="0" data-original-height="818" data-original-width="1280" height="410" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg-hF2VQYS6cRraqHTRrwQeP4jEfmvUbk8am_E6tyapIjAKN40Y6FG92WdtpFJ-63g6kSDaGVGMB_rU3MEhgqka8kBlZbeHYFC32Ba2zd8y38J-YzkRdASwehW1e51suy1posqSPhSm6DJoxil6KNssoLRakS_HKij3kdisuTeq1k_lDwyh0ErS0A/w640-h410/anxiety-2902575_1280.jpg" width="640" /></span></a></div><h1 style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: verdana;">Focus On What You Can Do and Give To God What You Cannot</span></h1><div style="text-align: left;"><div><span style="font-family: verdana;">Anxiety can come from any number of sources and have various levels of strength. A low level of anxiety for some may be choosing which checkout line to stand in at the grocery store while others would find them the same excruciating. The dirty little secret is that everyone deals with anxiety to some extent. As a Christian, we assume that we should be able to pray away our anxiety like washing the spring pollen off of our car or driveway. When that does not happen guilt sets in. You may feel that your faith is not strong enough to handle what you are going through which then makes you more anxious because you feel like your losing your faith or don't have any at all. Anxiety is a vicious animal isn't it.</span></div><div><span style="font-family: verdana;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-family: verdana;">You may have tried to find a way to cope with your anxiety. You bury it deep and ignore it only to find it expressing itself in unhealthy thoughts or bad habits that are an attempt at self-medication. If you are not careful, you start digging yourself a grave to get in. Unfortunately, some have found themselves there. No one is exempt to anxiety. The apostle Matthew wrote,</span></div></div><blockquote style="border: none; margin: 0px 0px 0px 40px; padding: 0px; text-align: left;"><h3 style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: verdana;"><i>Matthew 5:45 (NLT)</i></span></h3><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: verdana;"><i>"In that way, you will be acting as true children of your Father in heaven. For he gives his sunlight to both the evil and the good, and he sends rain on the just and the unjust alike"</i></span></div></blockquote><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: verdana;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><div><span style="font-family: verdana;">I think of this verse a lot! This verse is saying that life is hard whether you believe in God or not. When it rains, anyone who is out in the rain will get wet, regardless of what they believe.</span></div><div><span style="font-family: verdana;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-family: verdana;">In an attempt at transparency, anxiety has been nipping at my heels for some time. An accumulation of stressors at work, serious fire calls and over all burnout it has been easy to feel overwhelmed, defeated and empty.</span></div><div><span style="font-family: verdana;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-family: verdana;">You would think I am sounding like someone who has lost their faith but in actuality it is quite the opposite. Jesus' half-brother James who was instrumental in starting the first church knew a lot about anxiety. He wrote, </span></div></div><blockquote style="border: none; margin: 0px 0px 0px 40px; padding: 0px; text-align: left;"><h3 style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: verdana;"><i>James 1:2-4 (NLT)</i></span></h3><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: verdana;"><div style="text-align: left;"><i>Faith and Endurance</i></div></span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: verdana;"><div style="text-align: left;"><i>2 Dear brothers and sisters,[a] when troubles of any kind come your way, consider it an opportunity for great joy. 3 For you know that when your faith is tested, your endurance has a chance to grow. 4 So let it grow, for when your endurance is fully developed, you will be perfect and complete, needing nothing.</i></div></span></div></blockquote><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: verdana;"><div><br /></div><div><div>If often thought and said, the greatest revelator of your faith in God will be the tests that you endure. I am still learning everyday more about what I "think" I can handle and what God "knows" I can handle. I do not share this as one who has stepped out of their self-imposed wilderness as someone who has mastered the art of dealing with anxiety. It is a process and some days are better than others. I am grateful to have family and friends that love me who are praying for me. I would welcome you to do the same.</div><div><br /></div><div>Believer, take a moment today to enjoy something for a moment. Maybe it is a deep breath of fresh air, spending time with your loved one or pet but most importantly spending a few moments thanking God for His many blessings. You may think you cannot think of one but I know you can! If you are not a believer in Jesus, He loves you, He died for You and He took the penalty of your sins and shortcomings so you can have hope in a world full of anxiety. If you would like to know that hope of a relationship with Jesus. I would be honored to help.</div><div><br /></div><div>Regardless of where you find yourself while reading this, all I can say is, <b>"Focus On What You Can Do and Give To God What You Cannot"</b></div></div></span></div>James Stricklandhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17622808640064076912noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8979286.post-10605575235349160902023-06-13T11:25:00.005-04:002023-06-13T11:25:54.252-04:00Take Advantage of God Ordained Moments<p><span style="font-family: verdana;"> </span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiZXJCFwiOh-sHTqvD8Q0HIoXkCeCQfuMvz1nPugYCIddyQzk2e2YF1nImbp0M3A3dtNqvFiy0wKgaAanESjQcHU24TOBiwiGln5-vj_-0VMT4HuvN__0TwHV8i2ExtMf_EzbvmhipaBW-qx9q9qrU2vBnzRmqCjdihLas1DKvtWfslOVbEBdM/s4032/PXL_20211016_201326308.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: verdana;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiZXJCFwiOh-sHTqvD8Q0HIoXkCeCQfuMvz1nPugYCIddyQzk2e2YF1nImbp0M3A3dtNqvFiy0wKgaAanESjQcHU24TOBiwiGln5-vj_-0VMT4HuvN__0TwHV8i2ExtMf_EzbvmhipaBW-qx9q9qrU2vBnzRmqCjdihLas1DKvtWfslOVbEBdM/w640-h480/PXL_20211016_201326308.jpg" width="640" /></span></a></div><p></p><h1 style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: verdana;">Take Advantage of God Ordained Moments</span></h1><p><span style="font-family: verdana;">God has taught me over the years that His plan is far better than mine. Through different churches, fire departments and family events I have come to the realization that every person we meet and interact with is a privilege. Even the ones that are tough. Yes, God brings people and situations into our lives to act as sandpaper to knock off our rough edges. He also gives us relationships with people that will be with us forever. The kind that can pick up right where you left off even if it has been years since being together. That is a gift.</span></p><p><span style="font-family: verdana;">Also, in pastoring there is the tendency to take ownership of the people that participate in your ministry by thinking they are "yours". The truth is they are God's and sometimes He calls you to minister to them for a long time and others for a season. A church can be a home where people stay forever and sometimes it can be a port/dock where they come for a season to find rest from rough waters. Both are vital, but when the "season" is over, it's hard. Many say, "Don't take it personal" but that is impossible. Shared experiences are the moments that bond people together, however, God is in control. God calls pastors / staff to and from churches and He also does the same with its members.</span></p><p><span style="font-family: verdana;">I try to never take for granted the blessing of having people together at a specific event for a specific time. Whether it be a church event, family event or an emergency response. All we have are the moments that God gives us together. The best thing we can do is honor Him but showing His love to those He places into our life, however long that may be. The rest is up to Him!</span></p><p><span style="font-family: verdana;"><b>Philippians 1:3 (NLT)</b></span></p><p><span style="font-family: verdana;">“Every time I think of you, I give thanks to my God”</span></p><p><span style="font-family: verdana;"><b>Romans 8:28-29 (NLT)</b></span></p><p><span style="font-family: verdana;">“28 And we know that God causes everything to work together[m] for the good of those who love God and are called according to his purpose for them. 29 For God knew his people in advance, and he chose them to become like his Son, so that his Son would be the firstborn[n] among many brothers and sisters.”</span></p><p><span style="font-family: verdana;"><b>Proverbs 16:9 (NLT)</b></span></p><p><span style="font-family: verdana;">“We can make our plans, but the Lord determines our steps.”</span></p><p><br /></p>James Stricklandhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17622808640064076912noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8979286.post-7389378509930507702022-02-19T13:04:00.001-05:002022-02-19T13:04:17.373-05:00Our Corporate Worship Of Jesus Is No Substitute To Personal Obedience To Jesus<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEhjqkAb1-PWwr_B1029VYK9PXvlJ2l-7e0ga1W-0f_tD7GiXctk1BWDxT_B6T4xSsGveMEAe9BZ2ELZxzb0N5IY7D-EptXU3qYhPX-Jkgu4EEnScEBohxFMZ8KJD8iFZ2XwPFFw_zzkEr6e-6HlAPeVAMCGYU3nOHG5FPpaGcXsOPQrha0xunc=s5000" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3333" data-original-width="5000" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEhjqkAb1-PWwr_B1029VYK9PXvlJ2l-7e0ga1W-0f_tD7GiXctk1BWDxT_B6T4xSsGveMEAe9BZ2ELZxzb0N5IY7D-EptXU3qYhPX-Jkgu4EEnScEBohxFMZ8KJD8iFZ2XwPFFw_zzkEr6e-6HlAPeVAMCGYU3nOHG5FPpaGcXsOPQrha0xunc=w640-h426" width="640" /></a></div><h2 style="text-align: left;">While reviewing my notes for tomorrow, God gave me this challenge: </h2><p><i>Our Corporate Worship Of Jesus Is No Substitute To Personal Obedience To Jesus.</i> </p><p>One Powers The Other. We must go to church and worship Him while living in the world showing the difference He has made in our lives. Go to Church and Be The Church!</p><p>I share this in hopes of encouraging those who are looking for power in their lives to seek it in Jesus. Go to a church tomorrow and let His word and spirit move you to obey His good and perfect will for your life. I will preach this not as one who has mastered this, but one who is challenged to do the same.</p><p>Photo Credit:</p><p>Pablo Heimplatz on <a href="http://unsplash.com">unsplash.com</a></p>James Stricklandhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17622808640064076912noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8979286.post-34941378728276671282021-07-22T09:38:00.003-04:002021-07-22T09:43:56.008-04:00Overlooked For Now, Respected Later<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-6yqvLXZZeuI/YPl1nNmZifI/AAAAAAADt8s/O4LMVDKvzWE9BKB0KkznmQRCwuQ00NRCgCLcBGAsYHQ/s1280/handshake-442908_1280.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="905" data-original-width="1280" height="452" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-6yqvLXZZeuI/YPl1nNmZifI/AAAAAAADt8s/O4LMVDKvzWE9BKB0KkznmQRCwuQ00NRCgCLcBGAsYHQ/w640-h452/handshake-442908_1280.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><div><span style="font-family: verdana;">If you are modest, people may not notice you at first, but they will respect you later.</span></div><div><span style="font-family: verdana;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-family: verdana;">"The wise don’t make a show of their knowledge, but fools broadcast their foolishness." - </span><span style="font-family: verdana;"><a href="https://bible.com/bible/116/pro.12.23.NLT" target="_blank">Proverbs 12:23 NLT</a></span></div>James Stricklandhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17622808640064076912noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8979286.post-11468585693011199652021-03-31T11:56:00.004-04:002021-03-31T11:56:28.942-04:00Leadership Principle of Listening To Others From Acts 27<p> </p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-79_jOszQQiU/YGSbS3c_bjI/AAAAAAADqzo/molW-DaIOIUKIlAQjwG1wH4uElqrk5l1ACLcBGAsYHQ/s1280/close-up-18753_1280.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1280" data-original-width="853" height="640" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-79_jOszQQiU/YGSbS3c_bjI/AAAAAAADqzo/molW-DaIOIUKIlAQjwG1wH4uElqrk5l1ACLcBGAsYHQ/w426-h640/close-up-18753_1280.jpg" width="426" /></a></div><p></p><h2 style="text-align: left;">Leadership principle gleaned from Acts 27:10-11 (NLT)</h2><p>"10 “Men,” he said, “I believe there is trouble ahead if we go on—shipwreck, loss of cargo, and danger to our lives as well.” 11 But the officer in charge of the prisoners listened more to the ship’s captain and the owner than to Paul."</p><h2 style="text-align: left;">Principle:</h2><p>Even if you have a title and/or a position, it always helps to listen to people who have experience. Especially when it is different from your own!</p>James Stricklandhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17622808640064076912noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8979286.post-74822962823243226642021-02-16T12:11:00.006-05:002021-02-16T12:11:44.771-05:00Got Sun?<p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-gQnZQ7T9f1M/YCv8nLh_kPI/AAAAAAADp_s/o1JN8fGYJwYQs3k07_YxkwbvPzh-oa-hwCLcBGAsYHQ/s1920/sun-3588618_1920.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1280" data-original-width="1920" height="426" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-gQnZQ7T9f1M/YCv8nLh_kPI/AAAAAAADp_s/o1JN8fGYJwYQs3k07_YxkwbvPzh-oa-hwCLcBGAsYHQ/w640-h426/sun-3588618_1920.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><span style="font-family: helvetica;">We have had quite a run here lately of cold and wet weather. Some parts of our country are getting ravaged with winter storms. Would you take a moment to join me in thanking God for making the sun to shine bright today. If you are like me, too many rainy days play havoc on my outlook. I know it shouldn't but it does.</span><p></p><p><span style="font-family: helvetica;">We all must remember that even the darkest, coldest and rainiest of days usher in brighter ones. We can see it in the shining of the sun and we can trust God due to the sacrifice of His one and only Son, Jesus. Enjoy the sun today. Worship His Son forever!</span></p><p><span style="font-family: helvetica;">"Whoever has the Son has life; whoever does not have God’s Son does not have life."<br /> - 1 John 5:12 (New Living Translation</span></p>James Stricklandhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17622808640064076912noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8979286.post-81873898494623289372020-12-12T17:39:00.002-05:002020-12-12T17:39:25.891-05:00Encouragement For God's Servant from Rev. Ron Dunn<p><span style="font-family: trebuchet;"><span style="background-color: white; color: #050505; font-size: 15px; white-space: pre-wrap;"><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-RowmG9xq-sk/X9VGKz_dS6I/AAAAAAADohw/SKDZsD9aoIoOu_lBiuOUVdLreu_Y-KwdwCLcBGAsYHQ/s325/2020Ron-DunnBW-bsk02.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="325" data-original-width="260" height="200" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-RowmG9xq-sk/X9VGKz_dS6I/AAAAAAADohw/SKDZsD9aoIoOu_lBiuOUVdLreu_Y-KwdwCLcBGAsYHQ/w160-h200/2020Ron-DunnBW-bsk02.jpg" title="Photo from rondunn.com" width="160" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Photo from RonDunn.com</td></tr></tbody></table>Are you a discouraged servant of God today? I know that I have good days and bad days like most, but I find great encouragement from this quote from </span></span></p><span style="font-family: trebuchet;"><div class="nc684nl6" style="display: inline;"><a href="http://rondunn.com/" target="_blank">Rev. Ron Dunn</a><br /></div><span style="background-color: white; color: #050505; font-size: 15px; white-space: pre-wrap;">"Maybe God planted you where you are because He knew a friend in this journey would pass your way. This person is your inescapable responsibility.” </span></span><div class="o9v6fnle cxmmr5t8 oygrvhab hcukyx3x c1et5uql ii04i59q" style="background-color: white; color: #050505; font-size: 15px; margin: 0.5em 0px 0px; overflow-wrap: break-word; white-space: pre-wrap;"><div dir="auto"><span style="font-family: trebuchet;"><a class="oajrlxb2 g5ia77u1 qu0x051f esr5mh6w e9989ue4 r7d6kgcz rq0escxv nhd2j8a9 nc684nl6 p7hjln8o kvgmc6g5 cxmmr5t8 oygrvhab hcukyx3x jb3vyjys rz4wbd8a qt6c0cv9 a8nywdso i1ao9s8h esuyzwwr f1sip0of lzcic4wl q66pz984 gpro0wi8 b1v8xokw" href="https://www.facebook.com/hashtag/perspective?__eep__=6&__cft__[0]=AZV40BTTYUdSdpusLUVbdMaxZ9_MfQICNMLFfCIU3XFe0l-ouUXJTT5ufD-_-XsY7epEBBpJ1yFBrrwe4aTjUorh-M7blD0L-OBW35GVOhYp6ZwkebWUFB2Ql06uj3MvOu6-g2hPXhOPVsRqn7AwbOXBpJ7ZEyXn6z5RL1_v9S9L6RGeDzLTtsRpxPWgS0GwJnE&__tn__=*NK-R" role="link" style="-webkit-tap-highlight-color: transparent; background-color: transparent; border-color: initial; border-style: initial; border-width: 0px; box-sizing: border-box; cursor: pointer; display: inline; list-style: none; margin: 0px; outline: none; padding: 0px; text-align: inherit; text-decoration-line: none; touch-action: manipulation;" tabindex="0">#perspective</a>, <a class="oajrlxb2 g5ia77u1 qu0x051f esr5mh6w e9989ue4 r7d6kgcz rq0escxv nhd2j8a9 nc684nl6 p7hjln8o kvgmc6g5 cxmmr5t8 oygrvhab hcukyx3x jb3vyjys rz4wbd8a qt6c0cv9 a8nywdso i1ao9s8h esuyzwwr f1sip0of lzcic4wl q66pz984 gpro0wi8 b1v8xokw" href="https://www.facebook.com/hashtag/mission?__eep__=6&__cft__[0]=AZV40BTTYUdSdpusLUVbdMaxZ9_MfQICNMLFfCIU3XFe0l-ouUXJTT5ufD-_-XsY7epEBBpJ1yFBrrwe4aTjUorh-M7blD0L-OBW35GVOhYp6ZwkebWUFB2Ql06uj3MvOu6-g2hPXhOPVsRqn7AwbOXBpJ7ZEyXn6z5RL1_v9S9L6RGeDzLTtsRpxPWgS0GwJnE&__tn__=*NK-R" role="link" style="-webkit-tap-highlight-color: transparent; background-color: transparent; border-color: initial; border-style: initial; border-width: 0px; box-sizing: border-box; cursor: pointer; display: inline; list-style: none; margin: 0px; outline: none; padding: 0px; text-align: inherit; text-decoration-line: none; touch-action: manipulation;" tabindex="0">#mission</a>, <a class="oajrlxb2 g5ia77u1 qu0x051f esr5mh6w e9989ue4 r7d6kgcz rq0escxv nhd2j8a9 nc684nl6 p7hjln8o kvgmc6g5 cxmmr5t8 oygrvhab hcukyx3x jb3vyjys rz4wbd8a qt6c0cv9 a8nywdso i1ao9s8h esuyzwwr f1sip0of lzcic4wl q66pz984 gpro0wi8 b1v8xokw" href="https://www.facebook.com/hashtag/gospel?__eep__=6&__cft__[0]=AZV40BTTYUdSdpusLUVbdMaxZ9_MfQICNMLFfCIU3XFe0l-ouUXJTT5ufD-_-XsY7epEBBpJ1yFBrrwe4aTjUorh-M7blD0L-OBW35GVOhYp6ZwkebWUFB2Ql06uj3MvOu6-g2hPXhOPVsRqn7AwbOXBpJ7ZEyXn6z5RL1_v9S9L6RGeDzLTtsRpxPWgS0GwJnE&__tn__=*NK-R" role="link" style="-webkit-tap-highlight-color: transparent; background-color: transparent; border-color: initial; border-style: initial; border-width: 0px; box-sizing: border-box; cursor: pointer; display: inline; list-style: none; margin: 0px; outline: none; padding: 0px; text-align: inherit; text-decoration-line: none; touch-action: manipulation;" tabindex="0">#gospel</a></span></div></div>James Stricklandhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17622808640064076912noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8979286.post-71424217116199408002020-12-03T07:50:00.001-05:002020-12-03T07:50:20.177-05:00He Will Be With You!<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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</div><div><div>This verse has been one of my two "Life Verses" for some time now. It has ran true in every aspect of my life. Yes, there have been and will be times of adversity. Whether it be keeping my head above water when temporary circumstances try to pull me under or the flames of sin try to consume me, God is with me and I am still standing in His strength and His Love! Its not me, it's Him! By His love and grace alone.</div><div><br></div><div>My friend, He is there for you too, even when you don't feel Him or see Him. If you are a child of God He goes through what you go through. Claim the hope found in this verse today. Take one more step, give that person another chance, hold out hope for one more day because God will be with you!</div></div>James Stricklandhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17622808640064076912noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8979286.post-38746240776225118872020-08-06T11:21:00.005-04:002020-08-06T12:35:11.022-04:00God Intended It For Good<div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-QyEMCtYf_Ms/XywaErbx3AI/AAAAAAADllM/Jhps3qXB-SEtk6BBClnDySRMH_8DPi83ACPcBGAYYCw/s1280/Gen5020_forgood.jpg" style="display: block; padding: 1em 0px;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1280" data-original-width="1280" height="640" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-QyEMCtYf_Ms/XywaErbx3AI/AAAAAAADllM/Jhps3qXB-SEtk6BBClnDySRMH_8DPi83ACPcBGAYYCw/s640/Gen5020_forgood.jpg" /></a></div><div>I was reminded today of the way God's goodness works. It's important to remember no matter what we are going through that God has our good at the center of His will for our lives.</div><div>I found this statement in my <a href="Coronavirus and Christ • Devotional https://bible.com/reading-plans/19234/day/8?segment=0">YouVersion devotion</a> that I would like to share with you today. It is based off of God's comforting of Joseph who endured many hardships at the time that proved to be fruitful. God told him, </div><div><br /></div><div><i>"You intended to harm me, but God intended it all for good. He brought me to this position so I could save the lives of many people. (Genesis 50:20 NLT)</i></div><h2 style="text-align: left;">Read What The Commentator Said:</h2><div>Be careful not to water this down. It does not say, “God used it for good” or “God turned it for good.” It says, “God intended (meant) it for good.” Although Satan and evil forces had a bad purpose in mind, God had a good purpose. God didn’t start cleaning up halfway through this sinful affair. He had a purpose, a meaning, from the beginning. From the start, he meant it for good. </div><h2 style="text-align: left;">May Takeaway:</h2><div><ul style="text-align: left;"><li>Whatever you are enjoying or enduring, it is from God.</li><li>The lesson you learn today will lead to blessing of tomorrow.</li><li>God will use your journey to bless others in the future. (Some Family and Some Unknown)</li></ul></div><div>Hang on today and trust just for today! God is with you today and will be with you when you wake up tomorrow. Though this world is spinning out of control, His hand is still upon you! </div>James Stricklandhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17622808640064076912noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8979286.post-86200473523601602162020-06-25T10:17:00.001-04:002020-06-25T10:19:09.702-04:00The Lord Will Guide You Today<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-L0ajwDpIdqM/XvSxfl5WgMI/AAAAAAADkVc/nIRzJx4tdNsQ9TtS1F2Qoo73dHLMYhQhwCK4BGAsYHg/s1280/1593093539788_2135138-1593093475035.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1280" data-original-width="1280" height="640" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-L0ajwDpIdqM/XvSxfl5WgMI/AAAAAAADkVc/nIRzJx4tdNsQ9TtS1F2Qoo73dHLMYhQhwCK4BGAsYHg/w640-h640/1593093539788_2135138-1593093475035.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><div data-block="true" data-editor="75uop" data-offset-key="47ce2-0-0" style="background-color: white; color: #1c1e21; font-family: helvetica, arial, sans-serif; font-size: 14px; text-align: start; white-space: pre-wrap;"><h1 style="font-family: inherit; position: relative; text-align: left;"><span data-offset-key="47ce2-0-0" style="font-family: inherit;">Routines are big for us aren't they? </span></h1><div class="_1mf _1mj" data-offset-key="47ce2-0-0" style="direction: ltr; font-family: inherit; position: relative; text-align: left;"><span data-offset-key="47ce2-0-0" style="font-family: inherit;">When our schedules get disrupted our anxieties intensify. During these days of a global pandemic and social unrest many people are very anxious and feel like they don't know which way to turn. </span><span style="font-family: inherit;">For example, lately our call volume at the fire department was pretty light. Anyone who has been in the fire service knows that just means a run of calls is on its way. Sure enough the other day we were dispatched to 5 calls in one day. For a metro station that's nothing but for us it was busy.</span></div></div><div data-block="true" data-editor="75uop" data-offset-key="41chm-0-0" style="background-color: white; color: #1c1e21; font-family: helvetica, arial, sans-serif; font-size: 14px; text-align: start; white-space: pre-wrap;"><h2 style="font-family: inherit; position: relative; text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">You do not have to be a firefighter to understand the problem of being too busy. </span></h2></div><div data-block="true" data-editor="75uop" data-offset-key="99lbc-0-0" style="background-color: white; color: #1c1e21; font-family: helvetica, arial, sans-serif; font-size: 14px; text-align: start; white-space: pre-wrap;"><div class="_1mf _1mj" data-offset-key="99lbc-0-0" style="direction: ltr; font-family: inherit; position: relative; text-align: left;"><span data-offset-key="99lbc-0-0" style="font-family: inherit;">The tendency is to become reactionary rather than productive. To let your circumstances guide your path. That my friend can be a dangerous place to be. </span><span style="font-family: inherit;">Just like a firefighter that stays in contact with the hose from the truck in a room filled with heat and blinding smoke, or a hiker looks for trail markers in the wilderness, we all must remember to stay on target. </span></div></div><h2 style="text-align: left;"><span style="background-color: white; color: #1c1e21; font-family: inherit; font-size: 14px; white-space: pre-wrap;">There are many pathways we can take, but God directs us on the "best" ones. </span></h2><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="background-color: white; color: #1c1e21; font-family: inherit; font-size: 14px; white-space: pre-wrap;">They are often not the shortest or easiest paths, but definitely best for us. So whether you are bored to tears today or struggling to catch your breath, remember the word's of the psalmist today, "The Lord says, "I will guide you!"</span> </div></div>James Stricklandhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17622808640064076912noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8979286.post-76546263013860308802020-06-13T11:28:00.001-04:002020-06-13T11:31:10.361-04:00Do You Have A Passion For What You Do?<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-x_qXdIYreyo/XuTwZ5YAbpI/AAAAAAADjPM/wEBsg6sDo9w83uFsRJLsdtRQ782NyisFwCK4BGAsYHg/s1200/Passion%2Bin%2BFirefighting%2Bby%2BRick%2BLasky.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="630" data-original-width="1200" height="336" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-x_qXdIYreyo/XuTwZ5YAbpI/AAAAAAADjPM/wEBsg6sDo9w83uFsRJLsdtRQ782NyisFwCK4BGAsYHg/w640-h336/Passion%2Bin%2BFirefighting%2Bby%2BRick%2BLasky.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><div><br /></div><div>I was watching the SC Virtual Fire Expo and<a href="http://www.prideandownership.com/bio.cfm"> Chief (Ret.) Rick Lasky</a> was giving out gold wisdom!!</div><h1 style="text-align: left;">Challenge Accepted!</h1><div>This goes for anything in life! </div><h2 style="text-align: left;">1 Corinthians 10:31 (New Living Translation)</h2><div>So whether you eat or drink, or whatever you do, do it all for the glory of God.</div>James Stricklandhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17622808640064076912noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8979286.post-18071953550225602272020-06-10T10:16:00.002-04:002020-06-10T10:19:40.632-04:00Free "Facing Your Giants" Online Bible Study by Max Lucado from Bible Gateway<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-c_FYQ1Zh8sw/XuDo43eborI/AAAAAAADjIY/U8gPTrFueD81xYLv_LfPd-TdGWyXwkNEACK4BGAsYHg/s600/fyg_header_1.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="245" data-original-width="600" height="262" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-c_FYQ1Zh8sw/XuDo43eborI/AAAAAAADjIY/U8gPTrFueD81xYLv_LfPd-TdGWyXwkNEACK4BGAsYHg/w640-h262/fyg_header_1.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><div><h2 style="text-align: left;">Free "Facing Your Giants" Online Bible Study</h2><div>I am writing to inform you of the <b>free </b>"Facing Your Giants" Online Bible Study by Max Lucado that Bible Gateway is hosting <b>June 15—July 27</b>. I invite you to sign up for it and join me for this exciting study.</div><div><br /></div><div>In this 6-week online video Bible study about David facing Goliath, Max will share the ways God equips us to face the giants in our lives. As a member of this study, you and your readers will gain free access to video content from Max, a private online study community, and exclusive bonus content!</div><div><br /></div><div>Join this insightful study and let David’s life inspire you anew. The same God who helped him is ready to help us in this time of pandemic crisis.</div><h2 style="text-align: center;">A Word From Author, Max Lucado</h2><div style="text-align: center;"><iframe allow="accelerometer; autoplay; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture" allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="315" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/EyHcYVm6neg" width="560"></iframe></div><h2 style="text-align: center;">To Sign Up Go To Bible Gateway's <a href="https://www.biblegateway.com/landing/facing-your-giants-sign-up/?utm_source=bg&utm_medium=email&utm_campaign=obs_fyg">Registration Page</a> for this event!</h2><div><i>As a #BibleGatewayPartner I am allowed to extend this offer to you for free. Thank you to <a href="https://www.biblegateway.com/">biblegateway.com</a></i></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-tLqHRMcAlvg/XuDogwhJBBI/AAAAAAADjII/kV5edCRLn_ok3ny2rzb_XZKcrSUPOWB3gCK4BGAsYHg/s150/BGBG_150_150.png" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><i><img border="0" data-original-height="150" data-original-width="150" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-tLqHRMcAlvg/XuDogwhJBBI/AAAAAAADjII/kV5edCRLn_ok3ny2rzb_XZKcrSUPOWB3gCK4BGAsYHg/BGBG_150_150.png" /></i></a></div><div><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-tLqHRMcAlvg/XuDogwhJBBI/AAAAAAADjIA/-YdYyJRrI6Ep1wb2_0FzLzzjrhoYpl65gCK4BGAsYHg/s150/BGBG_150_150.png" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"></a></div></div>James Stricklandhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17622808640064076912noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8979286.post-71570604388939751932020-06-10T08:33:00.003-04:002020-06-10T08:33:54.078-04:00Remain - A Word for Today<br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-P1z5sJNYN30/XuDQ-RryzsI/AAAAAAADjFI/Z_pHYBmyYBIyqfY9Le3WC5UquA4JYyi0QCK4BGAsYHg/s1280/remain.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1280" data-original-width="1280" height="640" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-P1z5sJNYN30/XuDQ-RryzsI/AAAAAAADjFI/Z_pHYBmyYBIyqfY9Le3WC5UquA4JYyi0QCK4BGAsYHg/w640-h640/remain.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><h1 style="clear: both; text-align: left;">Remain Is A Great Word for Today!</h1><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">Today there will be many things that seek our time, attention and emotions. Our tendency to handle these things in our own strength and understanding pull us away from our dependence on Christ. Join me in making our word for today "Remain".</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">Whatever we may be called to do today, remember to remain in Him. Apart from Jesus we can do nothing. Don't get me wrong, we can spin our wheels and worry but those things take away from our life. However, everything we do for Jesus goes with us. It's eternal!</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">Live, love, serve and tell others today of what Christ has done in your life.</div><h2 style="clear: both; text-align: left;">Be Resolved To Remain Today!</h2>James Stricklandhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17622808640064076912noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8979286.post-9979426119440143162020-05-12T11:27:00.002-04:002020-05-12T11:31:28.670-04:00Some Great Steps For Approaching God In Times of Crisis<br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-VvIyDTFD15Q/Xrq76hlBt8I/AAAAAAADhW8/TEAoSsqER9Isl64OAUfeS8I7Iova11dcQCK4BGAsYHg/Psalm66.png" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="935" data-original-width="1104" height="542" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-VvIyDTFD15Q/Xrq76hlBt8I/AAAAAAADhW8/TEAoSsqER9Isl64OAUfeS8I7Iova11dcQCK4BGAsYHg/w640-h542/Psalm66.png" width="640" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">God showed me something today, I wanted to share with you. During times of crisis, Satan wants to make us "feel" disconnected, distracted and far away from God. Why is that? God is our source of strength! Many days I do not understand God but I do trust Him. Why? Because I love Him and He first loved me! If you are feeling a disconnect today with God, may this scripture encourage you!</div><h1 style="clear: both; text-align: left;">Here Are The Steps</h1><h2 style="clear: both; text-align: left;">Come and Listen</h2><div>Notice the Psalmist calls all who fear God to come to Him. We fear God because we love Him and we yield to His authority. Approaching God in times of crisis allows us to humble ourselves, realize our situation is bigger than our abilities and depend on Him for instruction! Perfect Instruction!</div><h2 style="text-align: left;">Cry To Him With Praise</h2><div>This jumped out to me because I realize that crying out to God just for the sake of crying is a great emotional release. However; praise redirects our cries. Just as a parent, sibling or close friend relishes it when you come to them with a problem, so does God. Cries apart from praise keep the emphasis on our crisis. Cries accompanied with praise places the emphasis on God who can rescue us!</div><h2 style="text-align: left;">God Listens and Answers</h2><div>Reject the idea that God is too busy for you or that He has no desire to hear your cries. He created you. He sent His son to die for you! If that doesn't prove your importance to Him, what more could He do? Notice verses 19-20 assures us that God does listen and answer prayer. His love is unfailing!</div><h1 style="text-align: left;">Be Encouraged today!</h1><div>God has not left you! God wants to hear from you! He is still in control. He is ready for you and I to come to Him!</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div>James Stricklandhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17622808640064076912noreply@blogger.com0Anderson, SC 29621, USA34.5294947 -82.62673456.2200352454318839 -117.78197062499237 62.838954154568114 -47.471498375007627tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8979286.post-48975870091972586332019-10-02T10:33:00.003-04:002019-10-02T10:33:35.339-04:00You Will Get Up Again<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif; font-size: large;">Dear believer, keep going, keep getting up, and keep depending on God! This will not overtake you!</span>James Stricklandhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17622808640064076912noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8979286.post-33304217154671906802019-09-26T10:25:00.002-04:002019-09-26T10:25:35.493-04:00Are You Seeking Revenge?<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-80oo8AmZ3zQ/XYzJLGUGWSI/AAAAAAADXwk/AQrFklyMVSUs010DfvvGGolieJ-Xqr_SACLcBGAsYHQ/s1600/skull-and-crossbones-2077840_1280.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1006" data-original-width="1280" height="502" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-80oo8AmZ3zQ/XYzJLGUGWSI/AAAAAAADXwk/AQrFklyMVSUs010DfvvGGolieJ-Xqr_SACLcBGAsYHQ/s640/skull-and-crossbones-2077840_1280.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: xx-small;"><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;">Photo by Comfreak @ <a href="https://pixabay.com/images/id-2077840/">Pixabay</a></span></span></td></tr>
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Whether it be in great or small degrees we all have dealt with the desire to seek revenge. There is a deep desire within us to see things be made “right” when we have been “wronged”.<br />
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There was a man who was bitten by a wild dog. It looked as if he may die of rabies, so the doctor told him to consider planning out his will. He took his phone out and began to type out a note. Minutes passed and he was still feverishly typing. Finally the doctor said, “That is surely a long will you’re making.” He replied, “Doctor, who cares about a will I am making a list of all the people I’m going to bite!”<br />
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<i>Why do we have the desire to hurt others when we are hurting? Some call it karma, others call it payback, but in the end, does it really make us feel better?</i><br />
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You may or may not be familiar with the story of David in the Bible. He was the boy who killed the giant, Goliath. He became a hero and very popular among the people of Israel. He became so well liked that King Saul began to feel threatened by Him. The King was so insecure that he used his influence to put a price on David’s head to be killed. David knew this and ran away.<br />
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Later David had the perfect opportunity for revenge, but would he take it?<br />
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<b><span style="font-size: large;">Taking Revenge Is A Decision We Make That Brings Consequences: 1 Samuel 26:7-9)</span></b><br />
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7 So David and Abishai went right into Saul’s camp and found him asleep, with his spear stuck in the ground beside his head. Abner and the soldiers were lying asleep around him. 8 “God has surely handed your enemy over to you this time!” Abishai whispered to David. “Let me pin him to the ground with one thrust of the spear; I won’t need to strike twice!” 9 “No!” David said. “Don’t kill him. For who can remain innocent after attacking the Lord’s anointed one?<br />
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David could have killed the king right there but He feared God more than the threat to His life. Revenge calls you and I to lose control. We think with our emotions and fears, rather than an objective look at the hurting we are causing someone else. Getting revenge does not make what was done to us right, it just makes us wrong, too.<br />
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<b><span style="font-size: large;">Leave The Revenge To God (1 Samuel 26:10-11)</span></b><br />
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10 Surely the Lord will strike Saul down someday, or he will die of old age or in battle. 11 The Lord forbid that I should kill the one he has anointed! But take his spear and that jug of water beside his head, and then let’s get out of here!”<br />
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It was God that caused the men to fall asleep and gave David the idea to take the king's spear and water.<br />
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If we give God our bitterness, anger, rage and desire for revenge, He will take that burden off of us. He will also, in time, take care of the situation, without you having to compromise yourself.<br />
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We must remain loyal to God over seeking revenge for ourselves. In the Bible you see King Saul was not loyal to David, but David was loyal to God, and God was loyal to David.<br />
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If you read the rest of David's story, you will find that God definitely dealt with King Saul and the actions he took against David. He also honored David for his choice to not take revenge into his own hands.<br />
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<i><b>HUMAN REVENGE HURTS US, STAYING LOYAL TO GOD SAVES US AND ALLOWS GOD TO DEAL WITH OTHERS.</b></i></div>
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<b><span style="font-size: large;">So if we are not to take revenge, how are we to respond?</span></b><br />
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Ephesians 4:32<br />
Instead, be kind to each other, tenderhearted, forgiving one another, just as God through Christ has forgiven you.<br />
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Can you imagine your life and this world if forgiveness was offered more than revenge. The truth is you can change the world but it begins with you.<br />
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James Stricklandhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17622808640064076912noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8979286.post-71066584693225927452019-08-26T17:35:00.000-04:002019-08-26T17:35:01.992-04:00Guest Post by Fire Chief David Burnette<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;">I am excited to announce that over time, I have invited some guests to post on this page. These are people that have influenced me over the years. Would you please welcome to the page Fire Chief David Burnette of Broadway FIre Department. David has been in the fire service for 27 years with 15 of those as Chief of Broadway FD of Anderson County. Take a moment and read David’s story in his own words.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">I am a Christian. Have I always been? Well, I am, but at times, I’ve had my doubts. This is why. I was saved and baptized at a very early age. I’ll never forget that feeling I had sitting in my big sister’s bedroom, asking Jesus to come into my heart. Even that early in life I felt as if a burden had been removed from me. Little did I know what that burden was until later in life. You know, the burden of life itself.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">Jesus has always been with me, even during the times that I wasn’t with him. I grew up in a good ol’ Baptist Mill Hill Church. I wouldn’t trade it for anything. I’ve met some amazing people through this church. Then, I grew up. Life kicked in. For a while I tried to keep up and attend church, but I just wasn’t winning the battle with myself. I had a job that had me working a lot of weekends and I begin to feel that the Sundays that I didn’t have to work were my days to rest. Even when I did make it to church, I wasn’t there for the right reason. This went on for a couple of years. Then one day, God woke me up.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">The job that was providing such a wonderful life was gone! I was devastated and couldn’t imagine what to do. I did what I was taught in my youth. I turned to God for guidance. Again, I was going through the motions, because this is what I was taught to do. Then, I was awakened again. Divorce hit me out of the blue. This time, I listened. I found a great church that was different from what I was used to. It was a little out of my Mill Hill church background. There’s nothing wrong with that church and it is still full of some awesome people. I just needed something to grab my attention. And boy did it ever. It was a culture shock. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">The music, the attire, the time, and several other little things. I was used to dressing up, getting to Sunday school at 10 and preaching at 11, ending at 12 on the dot. We sang hymns from a book. Not now. Up tempo modern music, starting at 10 and ending somewhere between 11:00 and 12 (most of the time). I love it. Since that time God has shown me many things and has even given me back some things that were missing in my life. I’ve gone back to school and earned another Associates degree in hopes of finding another good job to help make life a little smoother. Also, I still can’t believe it, he sent this awesome woman to come into my life. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">God is good. Relationships are better when God is in the middle of it. I see now that some things in my past, two of which are mentioned above, just didn’t have God in the middle of them. Heck, He wasn’t even invited. I thank Him for humbling me and showing me that. I had to be broken to be fixed. Now, I’m not the perfect Christian and I know it, but I’m trying. I’m not the best Christian, but is there a such of a thing? Was the late great Billy Graham a better Christian than I am? No, not in God’s eyes. He was better at it, but we’re both convinced in the FACT</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">that Jesus Christ is the Son of God and died on the cross to forgive us for all our sins. That is what counts. If you are going through some things and have hit the wall like I did, take a look around. It might just be God trying to wake you up.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">I’ve been in the position to save a life many times, sometimes I did and sometimes it just wasn’t meant to be. However, that wasn’t really saving anything. I was just preventing someone from going home because God wasn’t finished with them yet. If you feel yourself needing to be saved from your current life, give me a call. I can’t save you, but I know a guy that can. His name is Jesus. He can put you in touch with his Dad and save your eternal life!!! Please don’t wait to</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">long. Time is running out. God is sending His Son back soon to get the rest of His children and bring them home. You don’t want to miss out on that!! Every day is closer to that day!! I’m looking forward to it, and I hope to see you there.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">Thank you David for sharing your story with us. You truly live what you say! We all look forward to more content from you!</span><br />
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James Stricklandhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17622808640064076912noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8979286.post-8605383749551401652019-08-21T16:30:00.001-04:002019-08-21T16:33:08.946-04:00How To Be A Better Friend<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-dHqLk1OhUY8/XV2peHteMaI/AAAAAAADWtE/7yIaPAaDqkomr_UUEE1r9Cq6CUTdO4XXQCLcBGAs/s1600/friend.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="785" data-original-width="1280" height="392" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-dHqLk1OhUY8/XV2peHteMaI/AAAAAAADWtE/7yIaPAaDqkomr_UUEE1r9Cq6CUTdO4XXQCLcBGAs/s640/friend.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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Image by <a href="https://pixabay.com/users/sasint-3639875/?utm_source=link-attribution&utm_medium=referral&utm_campaign=image&utm_content=1807524">Sasin Tipchai</a> from <a href="https://pixabay.com/?utm_source=link-attribution&utm_medium=referral&utm_campaign=image&utm_content=1807524">Pixabay</a> </div>
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<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">My parents always told me to have friends you must be a friend. I am sure they had no idea how that would apply to today and social media. I believe that although it's different today, our basic needs are still the same. If you want a better social media feed with true connections, try these things:</span><br />
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<li><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">Rejoice with someone that has a reason to rejoice.</span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">Laugh when something is funny, better yet find something to make your friend laugh.</span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">Don't take yourself so seriously (You and i will never be as good as we want people to think we are :)</span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">Don't be too proud to cry with someone who is crying.</span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">If you don't know what to say in a tough situation, just be there in the moment and stay quiet.</span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">Don't tell someone if they need you just call or text. They will not do it. Make an effort to help them with whatever you've got.</span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">If you tell someone you will pray for them, do it!</span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">Find something you can add to this list and do it.</span></li>
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<b style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;">John 15:12-14 New Living Translation (NLT)</b></div>
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<span style="color: #cc0000; font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">12 This is my commandment: Love each other in the same way I have loved you. 13 There is no greater love than to lay down one’s life for one’s friends. 14 You are my friends if you do what I command.</span></div>
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James Stricklandhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17622808640064076912noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8979286.post-56012929312182404942019-08-20T08:00:00.000-04:002019-08-21T10:44:18.468-04:00Why Did I Become A Firefighter?<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">I have only shared this story with those in the fire service and those closest to me. For too long I felt guilty for having this double life. Some in churches I served would say, “We don’t pay you to be a firefighter.” People would always ask, “Will you leave a church event to go fight a fire?” to which I would respond, “Only if it is my house!” I have tried to keep the “ministry” life and “Firefighting” life separate, but God has shown me how dumb and exhausting that is. There are a lot of similarities between the two I can share at a later date. I post this not for my glory, only to tell the story of what God has done. I hope you enjoy it.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif; font-size: x-large;"><b>Why did I become a firefighter? </b></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">That’s a pretty good question that could take a book length post to answer. I will try to make it as simple as possible. Short answer, “God led me to it”. I never thought when I took a tour of a fire station in elementary school that I would one day become a firefighter. I remember my wife and parents were not excited about it. Why are you going to run towards something everyone else runs from? That was a good question to which I could only answer, “What if it was you that needed help?” I would want someone trained to help you and I wanted to do that for others.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">Fast-forward to when I am in my late 20’s. A friend at the church I was serving was in a fire department. I thought it would be cool to see the station, trucks, equipment etc never knowing I was about to get bit!</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">One night I was invited to ride along on a call. It was a nasty car wreck. I can still see the firemen using the Jaws of Life to cut that person out of the car. They moved in sequence like a well oiled machine. The trucks lit up the dark night with light towers and their warning lights. As I mentioned a moment ago, I was bit hard by the desire to be a part of such an amazing experience. I began to hang around the station more, got to know the crew and finally got up the nerve to get my certifications to do what God was calling me to do. I was very blessed to have a Pastor and church that let me adjust my schedule for a few weeks to get the training I needed.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">Once I received my certifications I began volunteering at the fire station across the street from my church in my down time. I laugh now when I think about how I thought I was ready to take on the world because I had my certifications. I found that veteran fire crews have a way of knocking you down a notch and I was grateful because I needed it. Those men that showed me the trade and gave me the tools necessary to fulfill this calling will always be heroes to me. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">A move to NC led me to another department. I thought they were very “lucky’ to have a person of my experience and knowledge. Again fire crews have a way of humbling the proud. I was told fairly quickly that this is not SC so quit telling us how you used to do it. When the county decided to phase out the volunteer departments in lieu of all paid staffing, it was like a death. I remember riding the last call on the back of Tower 383. The thought in the back of my mind was, “This is it!” There were many great years of service there, memories and friendships on both sides of the paycheck I still have to this day. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">After moving to SC I thought my volunteering was over. I would pray to God, “Why do I have all this knowledge and experience about the fire service yet I am not using it.” Let me tell you something, “God is only finished with you, when He decides He is finished with you!” In 2016 I endured a bus wreck with my church, the passing of my father in Dec and the passing of my mother in May 2017. I am not going to lie, those days were a living Hell, that God was walking me through each day. During the bus wreck there was a calmness and expectation to help those in need because of the training and experience I received. As I spent much time in hospitals caring for my parents, it stoked the fires of my time as an EMT. I knew deep down inside God wasn’t done with me yet.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">Our local fire department had a fundraiser picture drive, so Donna and I went to get our pictures made. As I walked in to that fire station it had that “smell” that every firefighter knows, (Part smoke, part diesel fumes, and part gear.) It was intoxicating. There were some members staffing the table for the photographer and I simply asked them if they needed any help. Little did I know I was talking to the Chief and two officers. I went through the application process and after some time it was official, I was in a fire department again.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">This time I came in humbled knowing nothing. You see, just because you have credentials and experience, every department does things differently. I see everyday I get to do this as a gift from God. To go from thinking I would never be able to do this again to being given a platform to fight fire again overwhelms me with God’s grace and mercy. It is an extension of my ministry, It is my outlet, it is part of my calling. There is so much more to say but for the purpose of this post I will end it here. If it were not for God, my wife, my church and my friends, this would be impossible. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">Stop telling God what He can and cannot do in and through you. Everything you go through will lead you to Him, if you only make yourself available.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><b>Romans 8:28 New Living Translation (NLT)</b></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">28 And we know that God causes everything to work together[a] for the good of those who love God and are called according to his purpose for them.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">Thanks for Reading,</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">James</span><br />
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James Stricklandhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17622808640064076912noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8979286.post-85347409131411825552019-07-30T14:01:00.000-04:002019-07-30T14:02:37.545-04:00God Is Our Refuge<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-0-uIuhT9xH0/XUCE5JSWsrI/AAAAAAADWAU/6ylwlFe-GScUS_BUgsVRH1fZY08VjzN2wCLcBGAs/s1600/GodIsOurRefuge.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1280" data-original-width="1280" height="640" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-0-uIuhT9xH0/XUCE5JSWsrI/AAAAAAADWAU/6ylwlFe-GScUS_BUgsVRH1fZY08VjzN2wCLcBGAs/s640/GodIsOurRefuge.jpg" width="640" /></span></a></div>
<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">Hey friends, I just shared this verse on my <a href="https://www.facebook.com/jamesbstricklandministries/" target="_blank">facebook ministry page</a>. Stop by and take a look. Like it, share it or leave a comment if you have time. How is God moving in your life today?One friend had a prayer answered and another is in need of prayer. #Godismoving</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">'God is our refuge and strength, always ready to help in times of trouble. So we will not fear when earthquakes come and the mountains crumble into the sea. Let the oceans roar and foam. Let the mountains tremble as the waters surge! Interlude'</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><b>Psalms 46:1-3</b></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><a href="https://my.bible.com/bible/116/PSA.46.1-3">https://my.bible.com/bible/116/PSA.46.1-3</a></span>James Stricklandhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17622808640064076912noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8979286.post-32642676538992231832019-07-23T10:10:00.003-04:002019-07-23T10:10:39.204-04:00Your Worth Is Found In God<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">God reminded me of something this morning. Worth is not found in what others think about us, but solely in the value He places on us. Too often it is easy to get sidetracked and sidelined by the desire to fit in and be like everyone else. I speak as someone who often deals with wanting to be liked, or pleasing other people. Too often through no fault of theirs, comparison becomes a noose that attempts to choke out my faith. This has been a life long journey for me. Am I getting better? Yes.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">I remember my father-in-law who has preached for many years told me long ago, "James, your gonna have to toughen up your skin if you are going to be in ministry". That is a realization I have grown into. You must toughen your skin not to keep people out but to be able to remain true to who God has created you to be.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">Do not let the opinions of others define you because they change daily. God is unchanging. He is the same yesterday, today and forever. Your value is found in the gospel of Jesus. You are worth dying for!</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">God cares for you. Even the most minuscule details of your day are orchestrated and ordained by Him. Today, fear God, not man. Live in the value that God has placed upon you, not what others try to place on you!</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><i>'And the very hairs on your head are all numbered. So don’t be afraid; you are more valuable to God than a whole flock of sparrows.' - Luke 12:7</i></span>James Stricklandhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17622808640064076912noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8979286.post-65086717698371567082019-07-20T17:00:00.000-04:002019-07-22T12:26:43.688-04:00Seeing The Face of God Through Special Children and A Fire Truck<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-stWvuyfL2Ps/XTXi8_rbdOI/AAAAAAADVqI/XI-81E4xImMfYv7ez3NNEP6sqGUr2OWdwCKgBGAs/s1600/MVIMG_20190719_195204.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1011" data-original-width="1600" height="404" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-stWvuyfL2Ps/XTXi8_rbdOI/AAAAAAADVqI/XI-81E4xImMfYv7ez3NNEP6sqGUr2OWdwCKgBGAs/s640/MVIMG_20190719_195204.jpg" width="640" /></span></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">I had the privilege of helping Erik Aiken and Jesse McElrath with <a href="https://www.facebook.com/broadwayfire8/" target="_blank">Broadway Fire Department</a> in doing a Firetruck "Display and Spray' for a group of children with special needs yesterday. The was an event sponsored by an organization called <a href="https://www.facebook.com/ANightToRememberSC/" target="_blank">A Night To Remember</a>.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">I have done many of these presentations over the years to kids who could care less, but these kiddos thought it was the coolest thing ever. We don't claim to be a heroes but these children, parents and leaders made us feel like one. I truly saw another aspect of the face of God in the eyes and faces of those precious children.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif; font-size: large;"><b>Here's what Jesus says . . .</b></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><b>(Luke 9:1-3 NLT)</b> As Jesus was walking along, he saw a man who had been blind from birth. 2 “Rabbi,” his disciples asked him, “why was this man born blind? Was it because of his own sins or his parents’ sins?” 3 “It was not because of his sins or his parents’ sins,” Jesus answered. “This happened so the power of God could be seen in him.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">Children with special disabilities do not want our pity, they want our attention and love. They are children who do not let their situation define them. They live their lives and love like anyone else and those who care for them are the true heroes!!!!!!!!!</span>James Stricklandhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17622808640064076912noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8979286.post-8645013472009602092019-07-20T12:20:00.000-04:002019-07-22T12:21:34.837-04:00I Am Starting A Facebook Page<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-wjGNtMZxEjA/XTXhs6iO1gI/AAAAAAADVqA/MTRqMO9Cop4sZsOXniVAz-t31-xirq2BACLcBGAs/s1600/jbsfbheader.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><img border="0" data-original-height="312" data-original-width="820" height="242" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-wjGNtMZxEjA/XTXhs6iO1gI/AAAAAAADVqA/MTRqMO9Cop4sZsOXniVAz-t31-xirq2BACLcBGAs/s640/jbsfbheader.jpg" width="640" /></span></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif; font-size: x-large;">I'm starting something new today.. . </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">It's something I have been praying about for some time. I am starting a Facebook page to begin posting my thoughts on life, ministry, faith and fire. I wanted to start a FB page to go in tandem with this website. I will be moving most of my public type posts to this page. I do not seek the limelight, but believe this is God's prompting. I will say more about this soon. There will be at least one post a week. I would be honored if you would like, follow and share it. I look forward to your ideas, comments and journey as I begin to "step up" this part of my life and ministry. God Bless</span><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><br /></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><a href="http://www.facebook.com/jamesbstricklandministries/" target="_blank"><span style="font-size: large;">www.facebook.com/jamesbstricklandministries/</span></a></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><br /></span>James Stricklandhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17622808640064076912noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8979286.post-4979058888002582772019-07-17T11:17:00.004-04:002019-07-17T11:17:59.251-04:00Move Those Mountains<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">This post is more for me than anyone I guess but today has been crazy and It isn't even noon. I have had to opportunity to fight a fire a large with my brothers and sisters of the ACFD, get relieved to go home, clean up and get ready to send off a dear friend of our church that passed away this week. Later tonight at 6:30pm I will lead our Wednesday night prayer meeting and bible study.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">I am not posting this for attention or replies. I just want to thank God for revealing to me that for much of my life I have been waiting on God for the next thing rather than fully living in all He has provided in the now. I can't believe I get to do what I do and know the people I know.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">Also, many may think that conducting a funeral comes easy to a Pastor but truthfully it is not. I am fortunate enough today to know this sweet lady lived her eulogy. She lived Jesus in front of all and walked humbly. Thanks for taking a minute to read this and whatever you do today, thank God for providing it.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">If you think you don't have the faith to make it, take heart! Jesus said in Luke 17:6, that if you have the faith the size of a mustard seed you can move mountains! That's the funny thing about faith. It is always stronger than you think and like a muscle only hurts when you use it :)</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">Be blessed today and move those mountains!</span>James Stricklandhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17622808640064076912noreply@blogger.com0