Jan Harbuck, Network Manager's Posts - International Cowboy Church Alliance Network - ICCAN
2024-03-28T11:58:59Z
Jan Harbuck, Network Manager
https://iccanlink.ning.com/profile/JanHarbuck
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Jesus is a "Seated Lamb"
tag:iccanlink.ning.com,2024-03-25:6284697:BlogPost:234863
2024-03-25T16:27:29.000Z
Jan Harbuck, Network Manager
https://iccanlink.ning.com/profile/JanHarbuck
<div dir="auto">Jesus is a “Seated Lamb”</div>
<div dir="auto">An Easter Message by Dr. Henry Harbuck /ICCAN President</div>
<div dir="auto">Jesus is seated at the right side of God the Father, interceding for you and me every second, every minute, every hour, and every month of every year. Thus, when we pray, we conclude by saying, “In the Name of Jesus.” The name of Jesus is not a magical name, but represents His authority and power. When Jesus ascended to His Father, He entered into His…</div>
<div dir="auto">Jesus is a “Seated Lamb”</div>
<div dir="auto">An Easter Message by Dr. Henry Harbuck /ICCAN President</div>
<div dir="auto">Jesus is seated at the right side of God the Father, interceding for you and me every second, every minute, every hour, and every month of every year. Thus, when we pray, we conclude by saying, “In the Name of Jesus.” The name of Jesus is not a magical name, but represents His authority and power. When Jesus ascended to His Father, He entered into His rest. Now we, like Jesus, have entered into His rest in a spiritual sense and enjoy the blessings He procured for us. However, this only happens when we have peace with God the Father.</div>
<div dir="auto">Luke 22:29- “From now on, the Son of Man will be seated at the right hand of God.”</div>
<div dir="auto">Ephesians 1:20- Paul, speaking about the marvelous power and strength of God, said: “God raised us up with Christ and seated us with Him in heavenly realms in Christ Jesus.”</div>
<div dir="auto">Revelation 14:14- One day we will look upon Him, the Alpha and Omega. This is probably what John the Revelator experienced when he said, “I looked, and there before me was a white cloud, and seated on the cloud was one like the Son of Man with a crown of gold on His head and a sharp sickle in His hand.”</div>
<div dir="auto">Revelation 20:11- John the Revelator also tells us about Jesus judging the dead, both great and small. All peoples of the earth, those with big names and little names, will come before the Great While Throne Judgment. John said, “Then I saw a great white throne and Him (Jesus) who was seated on it ...”</div>
<div dir="auto">At this time of year we are especially thankful that “Jesus is our Passover.” He is the One who died on the cross for our sins and rose again victoriously. When we confess our sins with our mouths, repent, and turn from our sinful ways, He forgives us and seats us [positionally] alongside Him in heavenly places (Romans 10:9; Eph. 1:3, 20; 2:60). Aren’t you glad that you have a place beside Jesus?</div>
<div dir="auto">If you have strayed from the will of God, or need your sins forgiven, then ask the Lord Jesus Christ to forgive you. Do you want to be SEATED with Jesus in heavenly places? You can be SEATED with Him today and find the peace that surpasses all human understanding.</div>
Hang In There
tag:iccanlink.ning.com,2019-12-09:6284697:BlogPost:180423
2019-12-09T19:23:58.000Z
Jan Harbuck, Network Manager
https://iccanlink.ning.com/profile/JanHarbuck
<p><span>God gives us everything we need to "hang in there"! In Isaiah 41:10 it says "I will strengthen you and help you; I will uphold you with my righteous right hand." He will provide what we need each day, strength, hope for the journey, comfort, assurance, joy, peace...I could go on and on..maybe you would like to add to the list:) blessings, jan</span></p>
<p><span>God gives us everything we need to "hang in there"! In Isaiah 41:10 it says "I will strengthen you and help you; I will uphold you with my righteous right hand." He will provide what we need each day, strength, hope for the journey, comfort, assurance, joy, peace...I could go on and on..maybe you would like to add to the list:) blessings, jan</span></p>
Due Season
tag:iccanlink.ning.com,2017-10-25:6284697:BlogPost:167819
2017-10-25T18:30:50.000Z
Jan Harbuck, Network Manager
https://iccanlink.ning.com/profile/JanHarbuck
<p><span>JUST THINKING..."Due Season"...David writes in the Bible.."I trust in You, O Lord; I say, 'You are my God.' My times are in Your hand." I interpret that to mean to me that I must enjoy every day and trust Him for tomorrow. blessings, jan</span></p>
<p><span>JUST THINKING..."Due Season"...David writes in the Bible.."I trust in You, O Lord; I say, 'You are my God.' My times are in Your hand." I interpret that to mean to me that I must enjoy every day and trust Him for tomorrow. blessings, jan</span></p>
OUR GREATEST PROGRESS
tag:iccanlink.ning.com,2017-10-13:6284697:BlogPost:167475
2017-10-13T17:00:50.000Z
Jan Harbuck, Network Manager
https://iccanlink.ning.com/profile/JanHarbuck
<p><span>Our greatest progress comes from our greatest pain; so the Lord doesn't save us from it but strengthens us in it. It's when we pass God's test that He fills us with His joy. Remember pain is inevitable....misery is optional! Blessings! jan</span></p>
<p><span>Our greatest progress comes from our greatest pain; so the Lord doesn't save us from it but strengthens us in it. It's when we pass God's test that He fills us with His joy. Remember pain is inevitable....misery is optional! Blessings! jan</span></p>
Christian Country Diamond Awards 2016
tag:iccanlink.ning.com,2016-02-03:6284697:BlogPost:157520
2016-02-03T20:42:10.000Z
Jan Harbuck, Network Manager
https://iccanlink.ning.com/profile/JanHarbuck
<div class="wp-caption alignleft" id="attachment_26173"><p class="wp-caption-text">Christian Country Diamond Awards</p>
</div>
<p>Pigeon Forge, TN – SGN Scoops has just announced that this year at Christian Country Expo, for the first time, the Christian Country Diamond Awards will be presented! Coastal Media is excited to see the growth of this genre and due to the explosion of artists and fans, we are thrilled to be able to celebrate these award recipients separately from the Southern Gospel…</p>
<div id="attachment_26173" class="wp-caption alignleft"><p class="wp-caption-text">Christian Country Diamond Awards</p>
</div>
<p>Pigeon Forge, TN – SGN Scoops has just announced that this year at Christian Country Expo, for the first time, the Christian Country Diamond Awards will be presented! Coastal Media is excited to see the growth of this genre and due to the explosion of artists and fans, we are thrilled to be able to celebrate these award recipients separately from the Southern Gospel Diamond Award presentation at Creekside Gospel Music Convention. The nominations are now open so vote today at this link:<a href="https://www.surveymonkey.com/r/HPMRWN8" target="_blank">HERE</a><br/>Everyone is invited to the website to enter the Nominations area and list their top three favorite picks for each Christian Country Diamond Award category. Vote <a href="https://www.surveymonkey.com/r/HPMRWN8" target="_blank">HERE</a>.<br/>The Christian Country Diamond Awards are completely voter-driven, starting with nominations, from which the Top Ten lists are posted, allowing voters to select their three favorites in each category.<br/>That will bring us to the Top Five lists, allowing voters to select their three choices to bring us one winner of the 2016 Christian Country Diamond Award in each category.<br/>Artists and industry personnel are also invited to vote and to encourage their friends and fans to vote as well!<br/>Vote today <a href="https://www.surveymonkey.com/r/HPMRWN8" target="_blank">HERE</a><br/>Be sure to make your plans to attend the Christian Country Expo 2016 at Pigeon Forge TN,<span class="aBn">August 15th through 18th</span>.<br/>Ticket information at <a href="http://www.christiancountryexpo.com/" target="_blank">http://www.christiancountryexpo.com/</a> VIP tickets are also available. Call Rob Patz at <a target="_blank">360-933-0741</a> to reserve your VIP spot. Christian Country artists that would like to be involved, please contact Vonda Easley at <a target="_blank">256-310-7892</a>. Contact Salina Clay for hotel reservations at <a href="mailto:hotels@sgnscoops.com" target="_blank">hotels@sgnscoops.com</a> or call her at <a target="_blank">256-239-7716</a>. Like us on Facebook and be sure to check there for all the information! <a href="https://www.facebook.com/christiancountryexpo/" target="_blank">https://www.facebook.com/christiancountryexpo/</a></p>
Christian Country Expo 2016
tag:iccanlink.ning.com,2016-02-03:6284697:BlogPost:157433
2016-02-03T20:36:31.000Z
Jan Harbuck, Network Manager
https://iccanlink.ning.com/profile/JanHarbuck
<p>ICCAN will be partnering again this year with the Christian Country Expo in Pigeon Forge, TN! We had a great event last year and looking for even more things going on this year. If you plan to attend be sure to tell them you are with ICCAN so we can get credit for you attending. All artist are encourage to come and showcase your ministry. </p>
<p>Be sure to make your plans to attend the Christian Country Expo 2016 at Pigeon Forge TN,<span class="aBn">August 15th through…</span></p>
<p>ICCAN will be partnering again this year with the Christian Country Expo in Pigeon Forge, TN! We had a great event last year and looking for even more things going on this year. If you plan to attend be sure to tell them you are with ICCAN so we can get credit for you attending. All artist are encourage to come and showcase your ministry. </p>
<p>Be sure to make your plans to attend the Christian Country Expo 2016 at Pigeon Forge TN,<span class="aBn">August 15th through 18th</span>.</p>
<p>Christian Country artists that would like to be involved, please contact Vonda Easley at <a target="_blank">256-310-7892</a>.</p>
<p><br/>Ticket information at <a href="http://www.christiancountryexpo.com/" target="_blank">http://www.christiancountryexpo.com/</a> VIP tickets are also available. Call Rob Patz at <a target="_blank">360-933-0741</a> to reserve your VIP spot.</p>
<p></p>
<p>Contact Salina Clay for hotel reservations at <a href="mailto:hotels@sgnscoops.com" target="_blank">hotels@sgnscoops.com</a> or call her at <a target="_blank">256-239-7716</a>. Like us on Facebook and be sure to check there for all the information! <a href="https://www.facebook.com/christiancountryexpo/" target="_blank">https://www.facebook.com/christiancountryexpo/</a></p>
<p>Happy Trails!</p>
<p>Jan Harbuck</p>
Leftovers
tag:iccanlink.ning.com,2013-08-06:6284697:BlogPost:132772
2013-08-06T22:19:42.000Z
Jan Harbuck, Network Manager
https://iccanlink.ning.com/profile/JanHarbuck
<p><span class="userContent">Had a great devotional today...thought I would share: It was talking about "leftovers" and how mom can reinvent your dinner to make it new again. The Spiritual nugget was that sometimes we need to step back far enough to let God work without hindrance...when we do, the promise that "All things work together for good..." suddenly becomes a reality in our lives. Blessings!!! jan</span></p>
<p><span class="userContent">Had a great devotional today...thought I would share: It was talking about "leftovers" and how mom can reinvent your dinner to make it new again. The Spiritual nugget was that sometimes we need to step back far enough to let God work without hindrance...when we do, the promise that "All things work together for good..." suddenly becomes a reality in our lives. Blessings!!! jan</span></p>
Roy Roger's Prayer
tag:iccanlink.ning.com,2013-06-13:6284697:BlogPost:128840
2013-06-13T14:40:26.000Z
Jan Harbuck, Network Manager
https://iccanlink.ning.com/profile/JanHarbuck
<p>Roy Rogers and his wife, Dale Evans, were devoted Christians. Below is a prayer written by Roy.</p>
<p>Lord, I reckon I'm not much just by myself, I fail to do a lot of things I ought to do. But Lord, when trails are steep and passes high, Help me ride it straight the whole way through.</p>
<p>And when in the falling dusk I get that final call, I do not care how many flowers they send, Above all else, the happiest trail would be, For YOU to say to me, "Let's ride, My Friend." Roy Rogers…</p>
<p>Roy Rogers and his wife, Dale Evans, were devoted Christians. Below is a prayer written by Roy.</p>
<p>Lord, I reckon I'm not much just by myself, I fail to do a lot of things I ought to do. But Lord, when trails are steep and passes high, Help me ride it straight the whole way through.</p>
<p>And when in the falling dusk I get that final call, I do not care how many flowers they send, Above all else, the happiest trail would be, For YOU to say to me, "Let's ride, My Friend." Roy Rogers<a href="http://storage.ning.com/topology/rest/1.0/file/get/2687050162?profile=original" target="_self"><img class="align-full" src="http://storage.ning.com/topology/rest/1.0/file/get/2687050162?profile=original" width="336"/></a></p>
ICCAN in Top Five!
tag:iccanlink.ning.com,2013-02-01:6284697:BlogPost:122634
2013-02-01T06:07:45.000Z
Jan Harbuck, Network Manager
https://iccanlink.ning.com/profile/JanHarbuck
<p><span>Many talented artists have made it into the Top Five including ICCAN in the category of "Promoter" The FINAL VOTE is now under way at </span><a href="http://www.kingcountryagapefest.com/" target="_blank" rel="nofollow nofollow">http://www.kingcountryagapefest.com/</a><span> we are so greatful the Lord is using ICCAN to promote Christian Country Music and minisitries. Appreciate you love and support of this ministry. Vote today for all your favorites.</span></p>
<p><span>Many talented artists have made it into the Top Five including ICCAN in the category of "Promoter" The FINAL VOTE is now under way at </span><a href="http://www.kingcountryagapefest.com/" target="_blank" rel="nofollow nofollow">http://www.kingcountryagapefest.com/</a><span> we are so greatful the Lord is using ICCAN to promote Christian Country Music and minisitries. Appreciate you love and support of this ministry. Vote today for all your favorites.</span></p>
LET'S WALK
tag:iccanlink.ning.com,2012-11-27:6284697:BlogPost:118977
2012-11-27T23:57:03.000Z
Jan Harbuck, Network Manager
https://iccanlink.ning.com/profile/JanHarbuck
<p><span class="userContent">What is "walking"? Pauls says, "We walk by faith and not by sight." Walking requires we get up and move. We can't just sit around waiting for the rapture. Walking involves: Motivation - you're moved by a purpose....Direction - you've chosen a destination, a goal to reach...Motion - you've committed to mobilizing your energy and resources in the pursuit of your God-given destination and purpose....SO LET'S WALK....Blessings, Jan</span></p>
<p><span class="userContent">What is "walking"? Pauls says, "We walk by faith and not by sight." Walking requires we get up and move. We can't just sit around waiting for the rapture. Walking involves: Motivation - you're moved by a purpose....Direction - you've chosen a destination, a goal to reach...Motion - you've committed to mobilizing your energy and resources in the pursuit of your God-given destination and purpose....SO LET'S WALK....Blessings, Jan</span></p>
A WALL OF PROTECTION
tag:iccanlink.ning.com,2012-07-18:6284697:BlogPost:109126
2012-07-18T22:35:18.000Z
Jan Harbuck, Network Manager
https://iccanlink.ning.com/profile/JanHarbuck
<p>Hello Everyone...the Lord reminded me of something today and would like to share with you..."God has provided a refuge that's higher than our circumstances, a place where you're under divine protection and the ememy has no jurisdiction." So if you are going through struggles...remember you have a WALL OF PROTECTION AROUND YOU... BE ENCOURAGED AND LIFT YOUR EYES TO HIM!! blessings! jan</p>
<p>Hello Everyone...the Lord reminded me of something today and would like to share with you..."God has provided a refuge that's higher than our circumstances, a place where you're under divine protection and the ememy has no jurisdiction." So if you are going through struggles...remember you have a WALL OF PROTECTION AROUND YOU... BE ENCOURAGED AND LIFT YOUR EYES TO HIM!! blessings! jan</p>
Why Should We Be Thankful for God’s Goodness to America?
tag:iccanlink.ning.com,2011-11-21:6284697:BlogPost:86619
2011-11-21T21:41:36.000Z
Jan Harbuck, Network Manager
https://iccanlink.ning.com/profile/JanHarbuck
<p align="center"><b>Why Should We Be Thankful for God’s Goodness to America?</b></p>
<p> </p>
<p align="center"><b><i> (2 Corinthians 9:11)</i></b></p>
<p align="center"><b> </b></p>
<p><b>11: Being enriched in everything to all bountifulness, which causeth through us thanksgiving to God</b> (King James Version – KJV)<b>.</b></p>
<p>11: You will be made rich in every respect so you may be able to give generously [†when a need arises]. And your generosity, as administered through us [to the…</p>
<p align="center"><b>Why Should We Be Thankful for God’s Goodness to America?</b></p>
<p> </p>
<p align="center"><b><i> (2 Corinthians 9:11)</i></b></p>
<p align="center"><b> </b></p>
<p><b>11: Being enriched in everything to all bountifulness, which causeth through us thanksgiving to God</b> (King James Version – KJV)<b>.</b></p>
<p>11: You will be made rich in every respect so you may be able to give generously [†when a need arises]. And your generosity, as administered through us [to the Jerusalem saints], will cause those who receive the gifts to thank <i>and</i> praise God (New Millennia In-depth Bible - NMIB). </p>
<p> </p>
<p align="center"> ______________________________________________</p>
<p> </p>
<p>In 2 Corinthians 9:11 the apostle Paul is specifically telling the Corinthian saints that God will give them ample riches so they may help those who are needy. Though Paul was asking for money from the Corinthians to take to the starving saints in Jerusalem, we, in America, must interpret this in a broader sense. America still leads the world in charitable giving, though we are now in a financial crisis ourselves. But God has given us an ample supply so we may have enough to give those who have nothing so they will praise God (v.11). Ancient Judaism understood this concept of caring for the poor which was taught by Jesus and is still followed today by Jews and Christians alike. Many of the poor who received alms (generous gifts/offerings) during the time of Christ gave God praise though it came indirectly from the hands of people. These were people who were moved by compassion when they saw the pitiful condition of the poor — the beggars, lepers, etc.</p>
<p> </p>
<p>I have visited many countries outside the United States where there is abject poverty. I have seen people living in cardboard boxes in India, Vietnam and the Philippines. I have seen lepers and children begging on the streets, and said to myself, <i>“The poorest person in American is richer than any of these people.”</i> Returning from such trips, I am always filled with joy as my plane touches down on the runway in America. I am happy to be back in the land of the free and the brave. But with such vivid memories of the poverty and pain I’ve witnessed, I am compelled by the love of God to reach out and help through any means possible. </p>
<p> </p>
<p>There is no doubt that God has blessed us financially. However, Americans today have become vain and self-centered, and are giving less to the needy. It’s important for us to remember that God blesses us when we bless others who are less fortunate. True believers realize we have nothing which we have not received from Him. Therefore, we should always give God the credit, because it is His abundant supply that makes it possible for us to help others. When a believer gives something of value to others, he/she should do so without taking personal credit. \</p>
<p> </p>
<p>Each year at this time we celebrate “Thanksgiving.” Unfortunately, most young Americans do not know what “Thanksgiving” is all about. Many have never heard how the Pilgrims and Native Americans shared a meal together, thus initiating the “first” thanksgiving. They are no longer taught how the Pilgrims gave thanks for God’s goodness. And because they don’t understand the significance of “Thanksgiving,” it has become just another day when the schools close and parents are off work. </p>
<p> </p>
<p>As believers in the Lord Jesus Christ we must never forget the legacy of our great country, and the privilege of living in a free country — the United States of America. Though I cannot quote the statistics regarding how many Christians are currently fighting the war against terror in Afghanistan and Iraq, it is likely that there are many. And while every combat solider deserves a “Thank-You” for investing his or her time fighting terrorism, it is seldom mentioned that a large number of these are Christians. They have always been on the front-lines when it comes to defending the country they so dearly love.</p>
<p> </p>
<p>It is my prayer that you remember the true reason for Thanksgiving this year. Offer a prayer of special thanks to the Lord for His plentiful blessings to America and to you and your family. And let Christ continually reign in your midst and in your heart as you follow the course He has set before you in ministry. </p>
<p> </p>
<p> </p>
<p> </p>
Are you FEARFUL or FAITHFUL?
tag:iccanlink.ning.com,2011-08-12:6284697:BlogPost:65237
2011-08-12T22:00:00.000Z
Jan Harbuck, Network Manager
https://iccanlink.ning.com/profile/JanHarbuck
<p><b>Are you fearful or faithful...Are you withholding from being faithful with what God has given you? Are you afraid of the bad economy?</b></p>
<p><b> </b></p>
<p><b>CONSIDER THIS...</b></p>
<p><b>God doesn’t need a healthy, normal womb for a woman to conceive and bear a child.</b> In Judges 13:2-3 (conception and birth of Samson) the scripture says<i>, “And there was a certain man of Zorah, of the family of the Danites, whose name was Manoah; and his wife was barren, and bare not. And the…</i></p>
<p><b>Are you fearful or faithful...Are you withholding from being faithful with what God has given you? Are you afraid of the bad economy?</b></p>
<p><b> </b></p>
<p><b>CONSIDER THIS...</b></p>
<p><b>God doesn’t need a healthy, normal womb for a woman to conceive and bear a child.</b> In Judges 13:2-3 (conception and birth of Samson) the scripture says<i>, “And there was a certain man of Zorah, of the family of the Danites, whose name was Manoah; and his wife was barren, and bare not. And the angel of the LORD appeared unto the woman, and said unto her, Behold now, thou art barren, and bearest not: but thou shalt conceive, and bear a son.” <br/></i><br/>Not convinced? In Psalm 113.9 the scripture says <i>“He maketh the barren woman to keep house, and to be a joyful mother of children. Praise ye the LORD.”</i> And in Luke 1:5-37 the scripture tells us that <i>Elizabeth was barren and well advanced in years, but God brought forth a child out of a barren womb. <br/></i><br/><b>So what is my point? God doesn’t need a healthy economy to supply our needs!</b> At this time in history our country seems to be slipping away from us, and the future is very uncertain. But we must remember that most of the time God provides “just enough” at “just the right time”. <b>So what must we do?</b> We must not fear … but remain faithful in all areas of our Christian life. And yes, that most assuredly includes our giving, as well as keeping our commitments to whomever! <i>This is called integrity, and it reflects Christian character.</i></p>
<p> </p>
<p>God can make the bitter water sweet … He can bring water out of the rock … <b>God wants daily trust in Him, not trust in our economy. Remember the Lord’s Prayer ...</b> “Give us this day our daily bread” (not weekly, monthly or yearly). <b>I’m not saying we should not plan for the future, but we must trust God with the future!</b> In fact, it is unwise not to invest for the future. However, when times get tough is not the time to withhold our faithful giving to the work of God.</p>
<p> </p>
<p>God can supply our needs even in a bad economy, just as easily as He can in a prosperous one. Since the “great depression” we Americans have lived a relatively prosperous and comfortable lifestyle. Unlike many countries in which my husband and I have traveled, the U.S. (regardless of our many faults) has enjoyed the blessings of God — many of which are due to our Godly principles and unselfish giving to those in need. That’s why all foreign people desire to come to this great land of the FREE. Many say that in the future Social Security may not exist, <b>but God’s <i>security</i> is inexhaustible and limitless!</b></p>
<p> </p>
<p><b>So don’t <i>fear</i>, but BE FAITHFUL</b> … <b>God still specializes in miracles which are not dependent on our economy.</b></p>
<p><b> </b></p>
<p align="center"><b>THE KINGDOM OF GOD IS NOT IN RECESSION!</b></p>
<p> </p>
<p> </p>
<p> </p>
CARROTS not STICKS
tag:iccanlink.ning.com,2011-04-06:6284697:BlogPost:26339
2011-04-06T04:51:45.000Z
Jan Harbuck, Network Manager
https://iccanlink.ning.com/profile/JanHarbuck
<p>Found this in my Bible study the other day...thought it was worth sharing.</p>
<p> </p>
<p>CONSIDER THIS</p>
<p> </p>
<p>As believers, we are called to proclaim the message of Christ to unbelievers in the best way we know how, being faithful to the truth. That’s really all that Peter did at Pentecost (Acts 2:14-36), but his speech produced dramatic results: the small band of Christ’s followers added 3,000 believers that day. (Acts 2:41)</p>
<p>In the same way, each of us needs to speak up as…</p>
<p>Found this in my Bible study the other day...thought it was worth sharing.</p>
<p> </p>
<p>CONSIDER THIS</p>
<p> </p>
<p>As believers, we are called to proclaim the message of Christ to unbelievers in the best way we know how, being faithful to the truth. That’s really all that Peter did at Pentecost (Acts 2:14-36), but his speech produced dramatic results: the small band of Christ’s followers added 3,000 believers that day. (Acts 2:41)</p>
<p>In the same way, each of us needs to speak up as best we can when the opportunity presents itself. What we say will reflect our understanding of the faith at the time. We may not sound as impressive as Peter, or a minister, or some other believer. But at least our message will be authentic.</p>
<p>Notice that Peter did not call for an immediate response. Only after God’s Spirit had “cut to the heart” those in the audience and they asked for ask for help (Acts 2:37) did he explain what they ought to do (Acts 2:38).</p>
<p>In the same way we need to offer the “carrot” of truth to others—the facts of the gospel and our experience of it—and let the Holy Spirit wield the “stick” of conviction. We should strive for impact and understanding before pressing for a decision. That might take weeks or years, or just moments. But we need the sensitive timing of a midwife as we assist in the spiritual birthing process.</p>
<p>(From the Word in Life Study Bible, copyright © 1993 by Thomas Nelson, Inc. Used by Permission)</p>
<p> </p>
WHAT CONTROLS YOU?
tag:iccanlink.ning.com,2011-03-02:6284697:BlogPost:9662
2011-03-02T23:53:21.000Z
Jan Harbuck, Network Manager
https://iccanlink.ning.com/profile/JanHarbuck
<p>What Controls You?</p>
<p> </p>
<p>As Christians we live under grace, not law. We enjoy a certain freedom of choice and commitment. But Paul reminds us that our choices and commitments, while freely made, do not always bring freedom (1 Cor. 6:12). Often they overpower us: we no longer possess our possessions—they possess us. We can be consumed by our jobs, our wealth, our houses, our hobbies, even our churches.</p>
<p> </p>
<p>Are there any ways to manager this problem? Here are a few…</p>
<p>What Controls You?</p>
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<p>As Christians we live under grace, not law. We enjoy a certain freedom of choice and commitment. But Paul reminds us that our choices and commitments, while freely made, do not always bring freedom (1 Cor. 6:12). Often they overpower us: we no longer possess our possessions—they possess us. We can be consumed by our jobs, our wealth, our houses, our hobbies, even our churches.</p>
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<p>Are there any ways to manager this problem? Here are a few suggestions:</p>
<p>1. Determine your limits. What can you actually handle? What is realistic.</p>
<p>2. Let time go by before making decisions and commitments. Sooner or later you need to decide, but very few choices are better made sooner than later.</p>
<p>3. Pay attention to agreement or disagreement with your spouse and/or a close friend or associate. There is wisdom in mutual decision making.</p>
<p>4. To manage the commitment you are taking on, what are you willing to give up? Taking on new responsibilities means trading one set of problems for another. Are you prepared for that?</p>
<p>5. Commit to giving away as well as taking on. That declares your freedom from the tyranny of things and responsibilities.</p>
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<p>(From the Word in Life Study Bible, copyright © 1993 by Thomas Nelson, Inc. Used by Permission)</p>
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