tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-76265309092849992662024-03-14T01:04:26.982-07:00Forging our FaithForging Your Faithhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11719980363185567734noreply@blogger.comBlogger33125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7626530909284999266.post-16066545667092306202021-02-27T10:50:00.006-08:002021-02-27T12:23:58.687-08:00The Biblical Role of a Father<p><span style="font-size: medium;"> <span style="text-align: justify;">By Marianne Mauti</span></span></p><div class="MsoNormal" style="mso-layout-grid-align: none; mso-pagination: none; text-autospace: none;"><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-size: x-large;">The Biblical Role of a Father</span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div></div></div><table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-left: 1em;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiStC25c4d1IgsQkqjgllmIwsb2vy33TnjjFMqEcefgvpSpUdNIuDPNhwYwtvO-gcQjqxlBLI6YYpIjOYXqfTIutZMQNp2Jxj9qV_IQ1eInAm23oe4JRZN_Zi-6h2Wr6i6xOaFVoH1Dcf-O/s1600/Scan+110640035.jpg" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="115" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiStC25c4d1IgsQkqjgllmIwsb2vy33TnjjFMqEcefgvpSpUdNIuDPNhwYwtvO-gcQjqxlBLI6YYpIjOYXqfTIutZMQNp2Jxj9qV_IQ1eInAm23oe4JRZN_Zi-6h2Wr6i6xOaFVoH1Dcf-O/w142-h115/Scan+110640035.jpg" width="142" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Sitting on my daddy's knee.<br />Here with my older sister.<br /><br /><br /></td></tr></tbody></table><blockquote style="border: none; margin: 0px 0px 0px 40px; padding: 0px;"><blockquote style="border: none; margin: 0px 0px 0px 40px; padding: 0px;"><blockquote style="border: none; margin: 0px 0px 0px 40px; padding: 0px;"><blockquote style="border: none; margin: 0px 0px 0px 40px; padding: 0px;"><blockquote style="border: none; margin: 0px 0px 0px 40px; padding: 0px;"><div class="MsoNormal" style="mso-layout-grid-align: none; mso-pagination: none; text-autospace: none;"><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">More than ever before, it is important for men and women to acknowledge and re-affirm the role of 'Father' in the family.</span><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">God created man and made him complete by creating a woman. Together they created </span><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">an earthly family. </span><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">This family unit became a type of God's eternal relationship with mankind. He is our head, we are His Church (the Bride of Christ) and together we are called to produce the family of God. </span><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">God, our 'Heavenly Father' similarly structured our earthly families by placing man at the head.</span><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"> </span><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"> The importance of maintaining this God-ordained family structure cannot be minimized and the headship role of husband and father is at the core of it's success . </span></span></div></div></blockquote></blockquote></blockquote></blockquote></blockquote><div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify; text-justify: inter-ideograph;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><br /></span><span style="font-size: medium;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">Without a proper Biblical understanding and acceptance of a his role in the family, it isn't possible for a man to spiritually and physically lead his family. Without a God ordained head the family structure can't be maintained. According to Gods plan, being a responsible father necessitates being a good husband (1 Cor. 7:1-5). God commands that a husband love, honor, nourish and cherish his wife (Eph. 5:25-30; Col. 3:19; 1 Pet. 3:7), then he will be in the right position to do the same as a good father.</span><br /><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><br /></span><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">When a man effectively leads his family and follows Biblical principles, the result is harmony, peace and fulfillment. It doesn't mean there are never any problems, what it does however provide, is the right formula for success. God promises that families that follow His plan will be blessed. If the man fulfills His God-given role as a husband and father, he ultimately ensures the health and well being of his wife and children. </span></span><br /><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><br /></span><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;">The Role of Fathers in Today's Culture</span><br /><span style="color: #0b5394; font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;"><br /></span><span style="font-size: medium;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">Unfortunately today most men don't understand the importance of God's family structure. Men are sadly relinquishing their headship role in an alarming rate, in pursuit of material success. This has left an undue burdened on wives and results in less time with the children. </span><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">It seems that in today's family formula anything goes. Any relationship role is acceptable, in any manner or form deemed time efficient, culturally acceptable and personally pleasing. As a result, f</span><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">or the last several decades, we have begun to see its effect on the family structure. </span><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">So, how have modern social and economic formulas changed the role of the father? </span><br /><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><br /></span><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">Before the industrial revolution, fathers often worked side by side with their sons and instruct their children in spiritual values. When industrialization took over the American landscape, fathers left their farms and headed to the factories. Fourteen to sixteen hour workdays set the stage for the absentee father. Fatherhood eventually came to be regarded as the breadwinner who fulfilled their parental duties by providing. </span><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">They also led the family in establishing moral values and saw to the religious education of their children. </span><br /><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><br /></span><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">The time spent away from the family began to erode the father's most important role, headship. Children began to relay more on the mother for their physical and spiritual instruction. Conversely, with more time away from their family, men were drawn to and influenced by alternate lifestyles which led to a sharp increase in abandonment, illegitimacy and necessitated the development of welfare programs to assist the women and children affected. </span><br /><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"></span><br /><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"></span><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">In more recent decades, the changing role of women has had the greatest impact on the role of the father. Between 1948-2001, working age women employed or looking for work nearly doubled from less than 33% to more than 60%. The increase in their financial independence made the financial leadership of the father less important. The increase rate of divorce , remarriage and childbirth outside of marriage, have resulted in a transition from the Biblical role of a father to multiple and undefined roles. Today's fathers have been forced to take on roles vastly different than the one God originally designed.</span></span><br /><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: small;"></span><br /><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: small;"></span><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;">The Effect on Your Children</span><br /><span style="color: #0b5394; font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;"></span><br /><span style="color: #0b5394; font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"></span><span style="font-size: medium;"><span style="color: #0b5394; font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><span style="caret-color: rgb(0, 0, 0); color: black;">The increased rate of divorce and re-marriage, and the new multiple, undefined roles for fathers has </span></span><span style="color: #0b5394; font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><span style="caret-color: rgb(0, 0, 0); color: black;">not only </span></span><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">effected the role of husbands and wives, but it has effected and redefined a fathers relationship with his children. One thing is clear , however the family is defined today, the role of the father is still as important as it was when God first instituted it. Recent research on the role of fathers reveals something the Bible has long advocated; the love and influence of a father's love on their child's development is as great as the influence of a mother's love. </span><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">A fathers love and influence have been shown to help their children develop a sense of security, which directly effects their social, emotional and cognitive development and function. Children who receive more love from their fathers are less likely to struggle with behavioral and substance abuse problems.</span><br /><br /><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">If Christian men do not teach their sons how to be a Godly husband and father, by example, we will continue to see decline in the family and an ongoing erosion of Godly principles and values in our society. As a result, w</span><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">e will continue to see tremendous fractures grow between parents and children. The lack of Christ centered love and discipline will continue tear at the framework of the family. Many scholars agree that the heart of a successful civilization is a strong family structure. </span></span><br /><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: small;"></span><br /><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: small;"></span><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;">A Good Father</span><br /><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: small;"></span><br /><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"></span><span style="font-size: medium;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">The Bible is a revelation of mans inability, apart from God, to live a blessed and prosperous life. Wherever there is sin and separation from God there will be problems. Knowing that, God is here to help families live and thrive in an imperfect world, even as we work through the consequences of our own mistakes. God begins by giving men and women defined roles and relationship parameters in which to live. Solomon, considered to be the wisest man to ever live, had his share of family problems. He reminds us in Ecclesiastes that whatever mankind is working through today are the same issues they were working through then. " What has been will be again, whatever has been done, will be done again; there is nothing new under the sun. (Ecc. 1:9). </span><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">If a successful civilization requires a strong family structure it would seem sensible for us to go to the Creator, read what He has to say about it! </span><br /><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"></span><br /><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"></span><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">Most importantly, it is necessary for father's and mother's to understand and accept their God-given roles. When you look at the confusion in male and female roles today, is it any wonder so many children are confused, emotionally disconnected and searching in all the wrong places for love, affection and acceptance. The restoration of a God centered family begins with understanding the proper Biblical role of the father! So how does God's Word define a good father?</span><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"> </span></span><br /><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"></span><br /><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="mso-layout-grid-align: none; mso-pagination: none; text-align: justify; text-autospace: none; text-justify: inter-ideograph;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><span style="font-size: large;"></span></span><br /><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: medium;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><span style="color: #990000;"><span><b>A Good Father...</b></span> </span><span>is one whose priorities in his family match those that Jesus described in Matthew 22: </span></span><i style="font-family: georgia, "times new roman", serif;"><span style="color: #cc0000;">"Teacher, which is the most important commandment in the Law of Moses?" Jesus replied, " You must love the Lord your God with all your heart, all your soul, and all your mind.' This is the first and greatest commandment. A second is equally important: 'Love your neighbor as yourself.' The entire law and all demands of the prophets are based on these two commandments."</span></i><br /><i style="color: #990000; font-family: georgia, "times new roman", serif;"><br /></i></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: medium;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><span>Love is inherent in God's nature, as his children we are called to give God the love that is within us. It is the greatest command because it is the foundation of our relationship with God, our creator. It is also the guiding principle and the foundation of relationship between a father and his children. It is in fact an earthly example given to our earthly children so that they can see and understand the love of God and His role in our eternal life! The Bible does give us a description of the way we should express our love one to </span><span>another. It also shows us the heart of a father towards his children. </span></span><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">God’s love is a selfless love and serves as the example of what a fathers love should also be. There is so much we can learn about the nature of </span><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">fatherhood through our relationship with God: </span><i><span style="color: #990000; font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">"Love is patient and kind. Love is not jealous or boastful or rude. It does not demand its own way. It is not irritable, and it keeps no record of being wronged. It does not rejoice about injustice but rejoices whenever the truth wins out. Love never gives up, never loses faith, is always hopeful and endures through every circumstance." 1 Cor. 13; 4-7</span></i><br /><i><span style="color: #990000; font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><br /></span></i></span></div><span style="font-size: medium;"><span style="color: #990000; font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><span><b>A Good Father….</b></span> </span><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">teaches his children how to live a Godly life, through instruction and discipline. He will treat them with love and dignity so that they understand the reason for the correction and do not become angry. It should always be done in the spirit of love: </span><i style="font-family: georgia, "times new roman", serif;"><span style="color: #781612;">"Fathers, do not provoke your children to anger by the way you treat them. Rather bring them up with the discipline and instruction that comes from the Lord." Eph. 6:4</span></i><br /></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="mso-layout-grid-align: none; mso-pagination: none; text-align: justify; text-autospace: none; text-justify: inter-ideograph;"><i style="font-family: georgia, "times new roman", serif;"><span style="color: #990000; font-size: medium;"><br /></span></i></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="mso-layout-grid-align: none; mso-pagination: none; text-align: justify; text-autospace: none; text-justify: inter-ideograph;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><span><b><span style="color: #990000;">A Good Father ….</span></b> </span><span>is a giving father. He is giving of his time and resources to all of his children because he wants what is best for them. Luke 11:11-13 shows us the heart giving nature of a father: <span style="color: #cc0000;">"</span></span></span><i style="font-family: georgia, "times new roman", serif;"><span style="color: #cc0000;">Which of you fathers, if your son asks for a fish, will give him a snake instead? Or if he asks for an egg, will give him a scorpion? If you then thought you are evil, know how to give good gifts to your children, how much more will your Father in heaven give the Holy Spirit to those who ask Him!"</span></i></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="mso-layout-grid-align: none; mso-pagination: none; text-align: justify; text-autospace: none; text-justify: inter-ideograph;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><span style="color: #990000;"><i><br /></i></span></span><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><span style="color: #990000;"><b>A Good Father…</b> </span><span style="color: #0b5394;">t</span><span>eaches his children how to serve others, to be benevolent and kind: </span></span><span style="color: #cc0000;"><i><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">"Father to the fatherless, defender of widows- this is God, whose dwellings holy." Psalm 68:5</span></i><br /></span><i><span style="color: #990000; font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><br /></span></i></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="mso-layout-grid-align: none; mso-pagination: none; text-align: justify; text-autospace: none; text-justify: inter-ideograph;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><span><span style="color: #990000; font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><b>A Good Father…</b></span><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><span> </span>disciplines those he loves. Our children need to understand that wrong behavior alway leads to consequences, sometimes very painful and life long ones. Far better for them to learn this from you than to find it out in jail someday: </span></span><span style="color: #cc0000;"><i><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">"For the Lord corrects those he loves, just as a father corrects a child in whom he delights." Proverbs 3:12</span></i><br /></span><i><span style="color: #990000; font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><br /></span></i></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="mso-layout-grid-align: none; mso-pagination: none; text-align: justify; text-autospace: none; text-justify: inter-ideograph;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><span><span style="color: #990000; font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><b>A Good Father…</b> </span><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">is</span><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"> compassionate to his children. He tries to understand his children's issues and struggles, from their point of view. He takes into consideration all of the things they have to deal with in the world, and from their peers. He tries to remembers what he went through as a child. It is important to show our children there is mercy and forgiveness for what they have done. By doing this you teach your children the compassion and mercy and forgiveness of God: </span></span><span style="color: #cc0000;"><i><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">"As a father has compassion on his children, so the Lord has compassion on those who fear him." Psalm 103:13</span></i><br /></span><i style="color: #990000;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><br /></span></i></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="mso-layout-grid-align: none; mso-pagination: none; text-align: justify; text-autospace: none; text-justify: inter-ideograph;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><span><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><span style="color: #990000;"><span><b>A Good Father…</b></span><span> </span></span>teaches his children about God their 'Heavenly Father', through His Word. He shows them the way of eternal salvation through His Son Jesus Christ and how to receive the indwelling of His Holy Spirit so they are enable to live in in an imperfect world with God's power and authority. God has is given charge to instruct our children in all the ways of the Lord.</span></span><br /></span><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><br /></span></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="mso-layout-grid-align: none; mso-pagination: none; text-align: justify; text-autospace: none; text-justify: inter-ideograph;"><span style="font-size: 32pt;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;">As For Me and My House</span></span></div><div></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="mso-layout-grid-align: none; mso-pagination: none; text-align: justify; text-autospace: none; text-justify: inter-ideograph;"><div style="text-align: left;"></div><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><br /></span></span><span style="font-size: medium;"><span><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">There is a wonderful example in the Bible of what God intended a father to be. It can be found in the book of Joshua 24:1-15. Joshua was a visible leader in his nation and also spiritual leader in his home. God's plan is that the father be the visible provider, protector, example and teacher to his children. A father must take responsibility for his family! </span></span><br /><span><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><br /></span></span><span><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><span style="color: #990000;"><b>A Responsible Father....</b></span> is one who takes his God given responsibilities with God’s help and carries them out. </span></span><i><span style="color: #cc0000; font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">14 "Now fear the Lord and serve Him with all faithfulness. Throw away the gods your ancestors worshipped beyond the River Euphrates and in Egypt, and serve the Lord. 15 But if serving the Lord seems undesirable to you, then chose for yourselves this day whom you will serve, whether the gods your ancestors served beyond the Euphrates, or the gods of the Amorites, in whose land you are living. But as for my house, we will serve the Lord." Joshua 24:14-15</span></i></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="mso-layout-grid-align: none; mso-pagination: none; text-align: justify; text-autospace: none; text-justify: inter-ideograph;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"></span><br /><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"></span></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="mso-layout-grid-align: none; mso-pagination: none; text-align: justify; text-autospace: none; text-justify: inter-ideograph;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><span><span style="color: #990000;"><b>A Responsible Father….</b></span> </span><span>believes in teaching their children dedication to God and biblical morality. Joshua believed that as a father he needed to make certain commitments to God and God's principles that were given to his people to live by. He was a Godly influence on his family and his nation. Many fathers today spend more time supporting their favorite sports team then spending time with their children. Find something you can all enjoy together. </span><span>Whenever you spend time with your family you promote a healthy </span></span><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">attitude of caring, sharing, giving and serving. All of these are the building blocks of character.</span></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="mso-layout-grid-align: none; mso-pagination: none; text-align: justify; text-autospace: none; text-justify: inter-ideograph;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><span><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"></span></span><br /><span><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"></span></span></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="mso-layout-grid-align: none; mso-pagination: none; text-align: justify; text-autospace: none; text-justify: inter-ideograph;"><span><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: medium;"><span><b><span style="color: #990000;">A Responsible Father…</span></b> </span>never places work above his family. If you feel it is more important for you to provide them money, cars, homes, game systems, vacations, computers etc. to you children than spending time with them, you are teaching them to misplace their values. You are also showing them that what is more important you than them. Giving them the reward of your hard work is never going to replace the importance of the value of your time in their lives.</span></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="mso-layout-grid-align: none; mso-pagination: none; text-align: justify; text-autospace: none; text-justify: inter-ideograph;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"></span></span><br /><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"></span></span></div><div></div><div></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="mso-layout-grid-align: none; mso-pagination: none; text-align: justify; text-autospace: none; text-justify: inter-ideograph;"><table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right; margin-left: 1em;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiNZiNseznu7elqSJFA4Ja6feFX8r2VdtAFuEn_v8OK3BN1RK01vSrcShD9dn3Khj4BrVUbUh-vVLRJHjt4RppY_61v5EfoUvkru2nk99q3wFfp2w_WlFlj7OivsN_6PvKJrlIVU06IOcP7/s1600/10173617_10152368295570449_1281413001843506636_n.jpg" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="119" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiNZiNseznu7elqSJFA4Ja6feFX8r2VdtAFuEn_v8OK3BN1RK01vSrcShD9dn3Khj4BrVUbUh-vVLRJHjt4RppY_61v5EfoUvkru2nk99q3wFfp2w_WlFlj7OivsN_6PvKJrlIVU06IOcP7/w159-h119/10173617_10152368295570449_1281413001843506636_n.jpg" width="159" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small;">My husband with his family!</span></td></tr></tbody></table><span><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: medium;"><b><span style="color: #990000;">A Responsible Father...</span> </b>lives by a set of standards and teaches his family the moral and ethics value of God's Word. Joshua was willing to take a stand that was not popular. “Choose you this day whom you will serve, as for me….". He made his choice based on his confidence, trust and love for God. While others chose to live for their own pleasure and selfish desires Joshua was a man who stood for what is right and he set an example for his family and nation. Joshua chose the road of faithfulness and obedience rather than the popularity and recognition of men. </span></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="mso-layout-grid-align: none; mso-pagination: none; text-align: justify; text-autospace: none; text-justify: inter-ideograph;"><span style="color: #990000; font-size: medium;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><b></b></span><br /><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><b></b></span></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="mso-layout-grid-align: none; mso-pagination: none; text-align: justify; text-autospace: none; text-justify: inter-ideograph;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><span><b style="color: #990000;"><span>Being a Responsible Father...</span> </b>may mean you will have to occasionally make choices that are not popular with your family. It takes conviction to live according to Gods word but it is your responsibility to do so, and if you truly love your children they will be </span><span>more important than what others may think. </span></span><br /></span><span style="color: #990000; font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><span style="font-size: small;"></span></span><br /><span style="color: #990000; font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><span style="font-size: small;"></span></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="mso-layout-grid-align: none; mso-pagination: none; text-align: justify; text-autospace: none; text-justify: inter-ideograph;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><span><b><span style="color: #990000;"><span>A Responsible Father…</span> </span></b>is unselfish; each and every decision includes his family. He puts their need above his own. A mother was not designed to raise the children alone.</span><span> God has delegated the responsibilities for raising children to both parents, and each fills a role that the other cannot perform. </span></span><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">The father’s presence should be felt in his home through its rules, and its worship and with his gentle love, leadership, and example. Training and admonition mean more than simply discipline or punishment for wrongdoing. They imply that a father should spend time instructing and training his children to do what is right. Children need to understand how to do what is good and avoid those things, which are evil. A responsible father will show them the right path and start them out on it. The ultimate goal is to get lead them in their walk with God, so eventually they will submit </span><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">their life to Him. </span><br /><br /></span><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: medium;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">The greatest tragedy of we are experiencing today is the lack of Biblical understanding and the failure of even Christian fathers to accept their leadership role! One out of three children born today are born in a fatherless home. In 40% of the families in America there is no father. In even more homes in our country the father is not a visible part of the family at all. </span><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">God's plan for child training involves two loving parents. </span></span></div><span style="font-size: medium;"><br /><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"></span></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="mso-layout-grid-align: none; mso-pagination: none; text-align: justify; text-autospace: none; text-justify: inter-ideograph;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><span><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">There is an undeniable linkage between fathers and their children and it begins at birth. Infants as young as 6 weeks old can tell the difference between a mother and a father’s voice. It has even been shown that babies can distinguish between their mother and father's care. Babies are born with a need to connect to their mothers and fathers but the connection is different. Children will seek out their father; want to know where he is when he is not around. As they get older children will compete for their fathers attention. They will also confront his values, beliefs and of course his limits. </span></span><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">Children hear what their father has to say and watch how he conducts his life. </span><br /></span><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: medium;"><br /></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="mso-layout-grid-align: none; mso-pagination: none; text-align: justify; text-autospace: none; text-justify: inter-ideograph;"><span style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;">Daddy's and Daughters</span></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="mso-layout-grid-align: none; mso-pagination: none; text-align: justify; text-autospace: none; text-justify: inter-ideograph;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;"><br /></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="mso-layout-grid-align: none; mso-pagination: none; text-align: justify; text-autospace: none; text-justify: inter-ideograph;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: medium;">There has been a recent acknowledgment of the need for boys to have a viable connection to their father. Little is said however, of the enormous importance of fatherhood in the lives of daughters. Because today's culture is becoming increasingly difficult and dangerous for young women, daughters needed to fell the strength and security of a loving father. Our daughters are being daily bombarded with cultural messages meant to define them as sexually viable at a younger age. The peer pressure to preform as adults, even before they reach puberty, is almost impossible to withstand without a strong Godly father. The lack of male leadership has created a culture of verbal, physical, and sexual assault. It has also spawned a huge rise in eating disorders, alcohol addiction, depression and suicide. </span><br /><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: small;"><br /></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="mso-layout-grid-align: none; mso-pagination: none; text-align: justify; text-autospace: none; text-justify: inter-ideograph;"><table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-left: 1em;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjM2aq7o3QczbLH5P7GipUK_CIgm3n4047OE7zbJtLO6jPcmEg-TLP1IPdgFsdM4yLyHIJDPL9I-DwrqOMvSZ1GLFNhPgMC5Imb8LRN9hCF6VviXuT17mneLd2rJ4r3KR_OqbBj6UShTQtC/s1600/1185744_592771827452548_460647667_n.jpg" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="133" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjM2aq7o3QczbLH5P7GipUK_CIgm3n4047OE7zbJtLO6jPcmEg-TLP1IPdgFsdM4yLyHIJDPL9I-DwrqOMvSZ1GLFNhPgMC5Imb8LRN9hCF6VviXuT17mneLd2rJ4r3KR_OqbBj6UShTQtC/w133-h133/1185744_592771827452548_460647667_n.jpg" width="133" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">With our daughter </td></tr></tbody></table><span style="font-size: medium;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">Most psychologists agree that the most important influence in a girl’s life is her father. Dr. Meg Meeker (specialist in pediatric and adolescent medicine) who has 20 years experience in counciling young women and their families had this to say, </span><i style="font-family: georgia, "times new roman", serif;">"The quality of a girl's relationship with her father has a huge impact on the formation of her personality, her level of self-esteem, confidence and happiness and therefore on the choices she makes in life. A father has the potential to give his daughter something that her mother cannot." She went on to say, "Girls today are being pushed to be more independent and autonomous at earlier ages and parents are afraid of being too protective. In our current culture girls are far more vulnerable in many ways that boys are not." </i><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">Dr. Meeker emphasizes the need for fathers to monitor their daughter’s exposure to potentially harmful media and also to be vigilant when they start spending time with young men. Finally she had this distressing statistic to share, </span><i style="font-family: georgia, "times new roman", serif;">"One in eleven middle school girls has been hit, slapped or physically hurt on purpose while out with a male. One out of eleven also say they were forced to have intercourse. An astonishing 96 percent of students report that they have experienced emotional or psychological abuse while out with a male."</i></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="mso-layout-grid-align: none; mso-pagination: none; text-align: justify; text-autospace: none; text-justify: inter-ideograph;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><i><br /></i></span><br /></span><div class="MsoNormal" style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; -webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; orphans: auto; widows: auto;"><div style="margin: 0px;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: medium;">During the teenage years, a daughter needs her father more than ever, and fathers often misinterpret their daughter’s behavior. Dr. Meeker writes," Many fathers complain that their daughters won't talk to them. The truth is that fathers tend to discourage conversation. If a girl believes that every conversation with you is going to be an opportunity to criticize and reprimand them, instead of finding a way to have an uplifting, they will never open up to you! Have an encouraging conversation that will help her to feel good about herself and confident in your unconditional love! Most of all they need you to listen! If a daughter can trust her dad to listen, she will go to him when she faces difficult times or has to make life-altering decisions.<span><o:p></o:p></span></span></div></div></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="mso-layout-grid-align: none; mso-pagination: none; text-align: justify; text-autospace: none; text-justify: inter-ideograph;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><br /></span></div><div></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="mso-layout-grid-align: none; mso-pagination: none; text-align: justify; text-autospace: none; text-justify: inter-ideograph;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: medium;">A girl whose father sets boundaries and curfews, helps to lead and guide his daughter into a Godly relationship with a man when she is old enough to seriously consider getting married. </span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="mso-layout-grid-align: none; mso-pagination: none; text-align: justify; text-autospace: none; text-justify: inter-ideograph;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">Dad's need to spend time with your daughters. You need to engage your daughter on a more verbal and emotional level than your son! While it goes against your male nature you have to try. She needs to know that you can come to her when she need the confidence, validation and reassurance that she is looking for from the opposite sex!</span><br /><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><br /></span><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">Finally, girls need more emotional and physical affection. If they don't feel your love and the love of God through you, </span><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">demonstrated in a healthy form of physical affection, they will look for it somewhere else. If they feel valuable, worthy and loved by you then they will not need validation from someone whose only interest in them is what they can't take from them, leaving them broken, hurt and alone. The impact of a father simply giving his daughter a hug should not be underestimated. Don't withdraw from your daughter during her teen years, that’s when she needs you, the most! </span><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">There is something very special and particular about this relationship. It has the potential to protect a girl emotionally, physically and psychologically, as no other relationship in her life! A young woman's relationship with her father has a significant impact on her life-long view of men, herself and God! </span></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="mso-layout-grid-align: none; mso-pagination: none; text-align: justify; text-autospace: none; text-justify: inter-ideograph;"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="mso-layout-grid-align: none; mso-pagination: none; text-align: justify; text-autospace: none; text-justify: inter-ideograph;"><span style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><span style="font-size: large;">Fathers and Sons</span></span></span></div><table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right; margin-left: 1em;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiA8pgguOHVx18cl_pdYEBgKoejcv1dwQPxe8-eUhR3v9cXK7D9x93Z05-N4xMPYohMK9WuJL4dHoqqkuRVe28o7c0dKOqKCCkaxRyvusF6jtcd_SAMZ2Nocr3Gapp9iGHcp0UVOssgChDe/s1600/4610_104699715118_556900118_3239992_8354583_n.jpg" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="149" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiA8pgguOHVx18cl_pdYEBgKoejcv1dwQPxe8-eUhR3v9cXK7D9x93Z05-N4xMPYohMK9WuJL4dHoqqkuRVe28o7c0dKOqKCCkaxRyvusF6jtcd_SAMZ2Nocr3Gapp9iGHcp0UVOssgChDe/w112-h149/4610_104699715118_556900118_3239992_8354583_n.jpg" width="112" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">With our oldest son!</td></tr></tbody></table><div class="MsoNormal" style="mso-layout-grid-align: none; mso-pagination: none; text-align: justify; text-autospace: none; text-justify: inter-ideograph;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: small;"><br /></span><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: medium;">Boy's genuinely suffer in the absence or non-involvement of a father. Boys without fathers are twice as likely to drop out of school, twice as likely to go to jail and nearly 4 times as likely to need treatment for emotional and behavioral problems as boys with fathers. Research has shown that boys are seriously in trouble and the major reason for it is because dads have become so distracted, overworked, exhausted, uninterested, chemically dependent, divorced and just clueless how to relate. The absence of masculine role models and mentoring is the greatest crisis</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="mso-layout-grid-align: none; mso-pagination: none; text-align: justify; text-autospace: none; text-justify: inter-ideograph;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><br /></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="mso-layout-grid-align: none; mso-pagination: none; text-align: justify; text-autospace: none; text-justify: inter-ideograph;"><div style="text-align: left;"></div><span style="font-size: medium;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">Young men need the reassurance of a good father. Life for a teenage male can seem overwhelming and they need a father's guidance. Why do I feel something raging inside? Why is my body reacting differently to girls, and why are my emotions all over the place? Father's are specially equipped to empathize and explain the predicament that their sons are going through! In single family homes ( with a mother only) it is important to find a Godly man or male Pastor you trust, to spend some time with your son and allow them to share their frustrations and confusion with them.</span><br /><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><br /></span><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">Dad's, you need to be your sons greatest source of encouragement, their biggest cheerleader. You can help put what they are going through into perspective, help them see the end of the tunnel! </span><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">You get to show your son how a Christian man treats women. When you speak kindly to your wife and show her the respect and honor she deserves, you are setting a example that they can continually refer to in their future relationships. The way you treat your daughter will also show them how to treat some one elses daughter! You lead by example.</span><br /></span><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><br /></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="mso-layout-grid-align: none; mso-pagination: none; text-align: justify; text-autospace: none; text-justify: inter-ideograph;"><table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-left: 1em;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg2yajBDNK6aRHCLEh5vXHWuRqtAXfel78c3JqEFtI3N-bu3jQzTyuhp8wHycGnhJTheSNZxYCg4AYn-uq3BZp7lQR_VNXbeXqpyuM6yDjtPBxtUMaAQJ9uenoCufWK_yQ0k3ROi_875sh1/s1600/1044644_544756975582915_1375416820_n.jpg" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="109" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg2yajBDNK6aRHCLEh5vXHWuRqtAXfel78c3JqEFtI3N-bu3jQzTyuhp8wHycGnhJTheSNZxYCg4AYn-uq3BZp7lQR_VNXbeXqpyuM6yDjtPBxtUMaAQJ9uenoCufWK_yQ0k3ROi_875sh1/w145-h109/1044644_544756975582915_1375416820_n.jpg" width="145" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">With our youngest son!</td></tr></tbody></table><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: medium;">It is the fathers responsibility to teach his son how to have a healthy, Biblical understanding of sexuality, not their best friend, the neighbor next door, or the porn site on the internet! Your job requires you to give them a dose of reality when it comes to the consequences of premarital sex, and pregnancy outside of marriage. Your son needs to know it is safe to come to you to get the truth and not be harshly judged. (When discipline is necessary, do it in the sprit of love and reconciliation, not out of anger or disappointment) Be transparent with him, let him see you vulnerably and susceptibility to the needs of flesh. He needs to know he is not the only one who has ever gone through this! Show him God's loving kindness, mercy and grace! Assure them that with every temptation, God always gives you the choice and the ability to walk away!</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="mso-layout-grid-align: none; mso-pagination: none; text-align: justify; text-autospace: none; text-justify: inter-ideograph;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><br /></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="mso-layout-grid-align: none; mso-pagination: none; text-align: justify; text-autospace: none; text-justify: inter-ideograph;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><span style="font-size: medium;">Finally show him the beauty of marriage and the wisdom in waiting for Gods best! God has not put limits on sex inside the bonds of marriage; He has however put limits on sexual immorality. God defines what is good and beneficial for his creation but he has also defined for us what is destructive.</span><o:p></o:p></span><br /><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: small;"><br /></span><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;">Conclusion</span><br /><div class="MsoNormal" style="mso-layout-grid-align: none; mso-pagination: none; text-autospace: none; text-justify: inter-ideograph;"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="mso-layout-grid-align: none; mso-pagination: none; text-autospace: none; text-justify: inter-ideograph;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">One of the greatest lies being perpetuated by the so called child experts is that parents need to give their teenager children room to express themselves as individuals, 'Teens Need Their Space'. Nothing could be further from the truth. In fact, it is completely the opposite. Around the time your teens are stretching their wings, mothers and especially fathers have to be be even more diligent in caring for and protecting their children. There are too many dangerous traps already being laid, and predators just waiting to pluck your child away. Be involved and diligent so you can head off the self-destructive nature of your teenager!</span><br /><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><br /></span><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">Don't be ignorant! The internet plays a huge role in the challenge families face today. There are so many new ways for all of the harmful things you have spent years protecting your family from, to leisurely creep into your home. Sexually explicit sites, private chatroom etc. It is imperative, especially for fathers, to understand and control accessibility to the internet and social media! We can't expect our children to self-govern themselves! </span><br /></span><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: small;"><br /></span><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;">Finally...</span></div></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="mso-layout-grid-align: none; mso-pagination: none; text-align: justify; text-autospace: none; text-justify: inter-ideograph;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: medium;"><span><span style="color: #990000;"><b>Spend Time With God as a Family...</b></span>Take the time to read the Word together and discuss it. Allow them to see that the most important thing you do together as a family is learn about your relationship with God together!</span><span><o:p></o:p></span></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="mso-layout-grid-align: none; mso-pagination: none; text-align: justify; text-autospace: none; text-justify: inter-ideograph;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><br /></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="mso-layout-grid-align: none; mso-pagination: none; text-align: justify; text-autospace: none; text-justify: inter-ideograph;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: medium;"><span style="color: #990000;"><b>Become Involved in a Local Church as a Family...</b></span> While this goes against the grain of our current culture, going to church together as a family is extremely important in establishing a pattern for their lives. Becoming a part of a local church that gives them a community of believers who will be a source of comfort strength. </span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="mso-layout-grid-align: none; mso-pagination: none; text-align: justify; text-autospace: none; text-justify: inter-ideograph;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><br /></span></div><div></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="mso-layout-grid-align: none; mso-pagination: none; text-align: justify; text-autospace: none; text-justify: inter-ideograph;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: medium;"><span style="color: #990000;"><b>Pray For Them Everyday...</b></span> This is one of the most important things you do for them. No one will love and care for your children the way that you do. Your prayer before God have great meaning and value. God will give you insight on how to minister to your children. He will also show how to let go and trust Him. Your time in prayer ,can be a time of comfort and healing for you, especially when you and your child are going through difficult times. </span><br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: "times new roman";"><span style="caret-color: rgb(11, 83, 148);"><div style="caret-color: rgb(0, 0, 0); font-family: -webkit-standard; text-align: right;"><div style="text-align: center;"><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 12pt;"><span><span style="color: #b45f06; font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><div class="MsoNormal" style="color: black; font-family: -webkit-standard; text-align: justify;"><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: "times new roman";"><span style="caret-color: rgb(11, 83, 148);"><i>*******************************************</i></span></span><br /><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 13pt;"><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 13pt;"><div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: start;"><div style="text-align: justify;"><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">FORGING YOUR FAITH</span><br /><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><br /></span><div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">To 'Forge' something, is to mold and shape something for suitable use. We believe that our lives are constantly being shaped and molded by the hand of God for His divine purpose! This publication </span><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">strives to encourage believers who are beginning this process and those who are well into it! We also believe a truly successful life is a Christ-Centered Life! We hope you will join us and become a regular reader! </span></div></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">Thank You and God Bless,</span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">Marianne Mauti</span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><i>Founder and CAO</i></span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><i><br /></i></span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><i>'Forging Your Faith' is the online Christian publication of 'Christ the King Church' in Bellevue, Pa.</i></span><br /><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: small;"><i><br /></i></span><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: small;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjcGRU7SWfV3e-HisjqjjiuNjG-3YuFu_LJZ2VnDWlrMGBLYJksmhVqT1MeuQA0_SQyECQ28J7c0xT-4AW0a0YFli2kCGkjlJITccnt9Vx2rz5_CShL5gM1PiAb3qIsOM2NLMkJleIk6DvH/s1600/6490_109964969289_5150597_n.jpg" style="clear: left; float: left; font-family: -webkit-standard; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="81" data-original-width="69" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjcGRU7SWfV3e-HisjqjjiuNjG-3YuFu_LJZ2VnDWlrMGBLYJksmhVqT1MeuQA0_SQyECQ28J7c0xT-4AW0a0YFli2kCGkjlJITccnt9Vx2rz5_CShL5gM1PiAb3qIsOM2NLMkJleIk6DvH/s1600/6490_109964969289_5150597_n.jpg" /></a><i>About Marianne Mauti: </i>Marianne is a writer and blogger as well as a Pastor at "Christ the King Church" in Bellevue, Pa. She is currently the Dean and Chief Operating Officer of "Christ the King Seminary" a full time Bible Institute. For more information about us please contact us at: crowncntr@aol.com</span></div></div></div></div><div><div style="text-align: justify;"><div style="text-align: center;"><div style="text-align: justify;"><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 13pt;"><div style="text-align: center;"><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /><div><span style="font-family: "georgia"; text-align: center;"><span style="color: #0b5394;"><i> ********</i></span></span><span style="font-family: "georgia"; text-align: center;">***************************************************</span><br /><span style="font-family: "georgia"; text-align: center;"> </span><span style="font-family: "georgia"; text-align: center;"> ARTICLE RESOURCES</span></div><div><span style="font-family: "georgia"; text-align: center;"><div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: -webkit-standard; text-align: justify;"><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div></div></span></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="color: black; font-family: -webkit-standard; text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">* The Bible</span></div></span></span></div><div><div class="MsoNormal"><div class="MsoNormal"><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-right: 3.9pt; text-align: start;"><div class="MsoNormal"><div style="text-align: justify;"><div class="MsoNormal"><div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: start;"><div style="text-align: justify;"><div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;"><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">*Dr. George R. Beninate: Is Bishop of "Christ the King Church" in Pennsylvania, West Virginia and in Phnom Penh, Cambodia. A Doctor of Theology, Biblical Apologist, conference speaker, lecturer and my spiritual father.He is also the Author of several books including,"The Age of Glory", Thank you for your relentless pursuit of truth!</span><br /><div style="text-align: center;"></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div><br /><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 13pt;"><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: "georgia";">* Marianne Mauti</span></div><div><span style="font-family: "georgia";"><br /></span></div></div><i><span style="color: #cc0000; font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;"><br /></span></i></div></div></span></span></div><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: small;"></span><br /><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 13pt; text-align: center;"><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 13pt;"><div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><div style="text-align: justify;"><div style="text-align: center;"></div></div></div></div></div></div>Forging Your Faithhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11719980363185567734noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7626530909284999266.post-67653736974121259062021-02-22T12:39:00.004-08:002021-02-22T12:40:30.996-08:00LOVE... Not Just Another Four Letter Word<p> <span style="font-family: georgia, "times new roman", serif; text-align: justify;">By Marianne Mauti</span></p><p><span style="font-family: georgia, "times new roman", serif; text-align: justify;"><span style="font-size: x-large;">Love...Not Just Another Four Letter Word</span></span></p><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 9pt; text-align: justify;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjrlSfcABmo5TuVlC_5ANXLGc6eg5Q5tE_tnagGTvLQNt2ZEJK400Y-0RRo7s4Mf4NRQK6HEpqTZskALVqmUKWhM4zpOtI35np_jaPzdBWSkFf0uWSLC5t6h7KcrWht5Zx3o2SGLW4AGI3j/s800/iu-4.jpeg" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="622" data-original-width="800" height="120" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjrlSfcABmo5TuVlC_5ANXLGc6eg5Q5tE_tnagGTvLQNt2ZEJK400Y-0RRo7s4Mf4NRQK6HEpqTZskALVqmUKWhM4zpOtI35np_jaPzdBWSkFf0uWSLC5t6h7KcrWht5Zx3o2SGLW4AGI3j/w153-h120/iu-4.jpeg" width="153" /></a></div>Webster's <span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">dictionary defines the word <i>'<span style="color: #cc0000;">Love'</span></i> as an intense feeling of deep affection. </span><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">However, in our present society, we use the word <i>'<span style="color: #cc0000;">Love'</span></i> to cover a vast range of emotions and experiences that don't necessarily evoke the intense feelings of deep emotion that Webster describes. </span><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">We use the word <i><span style="color: red;">"love"</span></i> in ways that tend to describe how we feel about everything from '</span><i style="font-family: georgia, "times new roman", serif;">I love pizza',</i><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"> to the way we express our affection for our spouse, <i>'I love you sweetheart'</i>. Sadly, the word <i><span style="color: #cc0000;">'Love' </span></i>has become a '</span><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">cliche'. Because the english language is so limited in its ability to describe true meaning, thought and emotion, we are left with only a vague and cloudy understanding of the essence of love and no understanding of it's origin. T</span><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">he true essence of love is lost by a secular society that doesn't know where it originates and how it is manifest! True love has</span><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"> a greater, deeper and more profound meaning than human emotions can convey and the definition that Webster's dictionary reveals. </span></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 9pt; text-align: justify;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">If you want to know the true depth and meaning of <i><span style="color: #cc0000;">'Love'</span></i>, you don't have to look any further than who love is: </span></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 9pt; text-align: justify;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><i style="font-family: georgia, "times new roman", serif;"><span style="color: #cc0000;">"For the one who does not love, does not know God, for GOD IS LOVE”</span> </i><i style="font-family: georgia, "times new roman", serif;"><span style="color: #cc0000;">1 John 4:8 </span></i></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 9pt; text-align: justify;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><i style="font-family: georgia, "times new roman", serif;"><span style="color: red;">"</span><span style="color: #cc0000;">We have come to know and have believed the love which God has for us. God is love, and the one who abides in love abides in God, and God abides in Him."</span> </i><span style="font-family: georgia, "times new roman", serif;"> </span><i style="font-family: georgia, "times new roman", serif;"><span style="color: #cc0000;">1 John 4:16</span>.</i></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 9pt; text-align: justify;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><span style="font-family: georgia, "times new roman", serif;">God's Word (the Bible) defines love</span><span style="font-family: georgia, "times new roman", serif;"> in a way that we can easily understand. The Bible declares that God is the embodiment of all there is to ever know or understand about love! </span><i style="font-family: georgia, "times new roman", serif;"> </i><span style="font-family: georgia, "times new roman", serif;">The creat</span><span style="font-family: georgia, "times new roman", serif;">or of the universe wanted us to know what love is and that <span style="color: #cc0000;">HE IS LOVE. </span>O</span><span style="font-family: georgia, "times new roman", serif;">nly through the knowledge of God can we really understand it's meaning and purpose. So what does the Bible reveal to us about God's love?</span></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><span style="font-size: large;">Being Love……..</span></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">The Greek word for love used in the previous scriptures is <i><span style="color: #cc0000;">"A</span><span style="color: #cc0000;">GAPE'</span>.</i> In the original language that word is revealed as a state of , <i>"BEING" </i>and in it's deepest sense, <i>"BELOVED" or "TO BE OF LOVE, BY LOVE"</i>. So what the Bible reveals is that <i><span style="color: #cc0000;">'Love' </span></i>is not just a feeling, it is a 'state of being' and that state of being is the essence of who God is! You cannot understand love unless you understand Him. The Bible tells us that this revelation of love was fully demonstrated<span style="color: #cc0000;"> </span>in the sacrifice of his son.<i><span style="color: #cc0000;">"For God So <u>loved </u></span><span style="color: #cc0000;">(Agape:beloved, being love)</span><span style="color: #cc0000;"> the world that he <u>gave</u> </span><span style="color: #cc0000;">(the demonstration of his being)</span><span style="color: #cc0000;"> his only begotten son, that whosoever believeth in him shall not perish but have everlasting life".</span> <o:p></o:p></i><i><span style="color: #cc0000;">John 3:16</span>. "</i>Agape <span>Love"</span> reveals, in its deepest sense, the true essence of Gods nature that is revealed in every one of his thoughts and actions. What is even more extraordinary is the fact that God wanted to share this divine attribute with us! When we receive His spirit at our salvation (re-birth) God's divine state of <i>'<span style="color: #cc0000;">being love' </span></i>is eternally deposited in us and becomes active through us. We now become that part of God that is <i>'true love' </i>because His divine nature now dwells in us. WE ARE NOW LOVE! Apart from Him, we cannot ever <i>'be love'</i> or share His love with others! </span><br /></span><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: small;"><br /></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;">Giving Love, To Love....</span><br /><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><br /></span><span style="font-size: medium;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">Because God IS love, only through God's nature in us can we ever truly be love. This <i><span style="color: #cc0000;">LOVE</span></i> is then revealed to others through us! Our new state of being is revealed through recreated man all through the New Testament.</span><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"> This aspect of love finds it's explanation in the Greek word </span><i style="font-family: georgia, "times new roman", serif;"><span style="color: #cc0000;">PHILEO</span><span>.</span></i><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"> It means to <i>'demonstrate'</i> being love. It is the ability <i><span style="color: #cc0000;">TO</span></i></span><span style="font-family: georgia, "times new roman", serif;"><span style="color: #cc0000; font-style: italic;"> </span><span>love</span></span><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"> </span><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">or love<span style="color: #cc0000;"> <i>GIVEN</i></span><i> </i>to another. This aspect of love can be expressed by actions that can only come from the spirit of God in us. Because God's love now lives in us we can also share His love through us! We can <span style="color: #cc0000;">BE LOVE </span>(agape) and <span style="color: #cc0000;">GIVE LOVE</span> (phileo) <span style="color: #cc0000;">DEMONSTRATE HIS LOVE.</span> </span></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><span style="color: #cc0000; font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><i><br /></i></span></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><span style="color: #cc0000; font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><i>"A new command I give you: Love (given by demonstration of who you are in Christ) one another. As I have loved you, so you must love one another. By this everyone will know that you are my disciples, if you love one another." John 13:34-35</i></span></span><br /><i style="color: #cc0000;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;"><br /></span></i><span><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;">True Love…….</span></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><br /></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjlAqqgLU2T1e4r-tHCEzLjJbJkaI4zcrMmeC2Rf5fnOqG9DN5Nx5uO93Gxzavb-UJ3birRvJvcZNFfpXOIYzUqBvwh8VcPHP1H6eUnOIvqikXwc5mVSq6I84DhWZAhHHxtJIH9fyGCO1_V/s1600/Unknown.jpeg" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="100" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjlAqqgLU2T1e4r-tHCEzLjJbJkaI4zcrMmeC2Rf5fnOqG9DN5Nx5uO93Gxzavb-UJ3birRvJvcZNFfpXOIYzUqBvwh8VcPHP1H6eUnOIvqikXwc5mVSq6I84DhWZAhHHxtJIH9fyGCO1_V/w100-h100/Unknown.jpeg" width="100" /></a><span style="font-size: medium;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">All we will ever comprehend of God finds its meaning in the word<i> '<span style="color: #cc0000;">Love'</span></i>. God's<span style="color: #cc0000;"> </span>love is demonstrated in his divine nature through Jesus Christ. Because of His love for us, we too have become love. WOW! His love has been re-created in us! It is His love that demonstrated the act of love and reached across time to reclaim us and restore us to himself as his and eternal companion. It is the same demonstration of 'being' love that is referred to in the following scripture,<span style="color: #cc0000;"><i>"Husbands love (be love) your wives, as Christ loved the church and gave himself for it".</i></span> <i>Eph. 5:25 . </i>This verse demonstrates that love is a state of being that produces in us a Christ like action! Because of our Saviors love we can be love and give love, true love! </span><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><span>You and I are now conduits of the divine nature of God. Apart from God, love has no true meaning or value. It can mean whatever you want it to for the moment you feel it. </span></span><br /></span><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><br /></span><span style="color: #990000;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><span style="font-size: large;"><i>True love is not a feeling; it is an eternal state of "being" as He is and "giving" as He gave! </i></span></span><br /></span><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><br /></span><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><span style="font-size: medium;">It is such a little word, but for those who possess His nature. which <span style="color: #cc0000;">'is love'</span><span style="color: #e06666;"> </span>it is a life-changing word. John 15:13 declares,<i style="color: #cc0000;">"Greater love hath no man than this, that a man lay down his life for his friends." </i>Being love results in the demonstration of love,<span style="color: #cc0000;"><i>"Therefore I command you, that ye Love (be and give) one another."</i> </span><span style="font-style: italic;">John 15:17 </span></span></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></span><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><span style="font-size: large;">Love's Response….. </span></span><br /><div><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: medium;">Apart form God we can never truly understand love or the demonstration of it! Without the true understanding of God's love and the power of it's ability to be given and received, we would just be lost in a sea of selfish human passion and fleshly desire that the secular world has mistaken for true love! Most of what the world calls '<i style="color: #cc0000;">LOVE'</i>, is what the Bible refers to as "LUST" (a strong desire for something). Lust is the complete opposite of real love. Lust isn't about giving, it is about getting. It is about self-gratification and not self-sacrifice. For most, love is a word used to express our need for something or someone (emotionally or physically). Lust will drive you to do things no matter what it may cost or who it may hurt. You see it happen everyday, all in the name of love.</span></div><div><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: small;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-size: medium;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">When God's love is released, it is the greatest force and power in the universe! It can change a life. It can bring healing to any situation and bring peace to any circumstance. It is the Revelation of our Creator and at the reason for our creation. Because love is now a part of our redeemed nature we have been given a great ministry to those we come in contact with every day! We are His hands, His feet and most importantly <span style="color: #cc0000;">WE ARE HIS LOVE</span>! </span></span></div><div><span style="font-size: medium;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><br /></span></span></div></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"><div style="text-align: right;"><div style="text-align: center;"><i><span style="color: #990000; font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;">"Love…. is not just another four letter word!"</span></i></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: #990000; font-family: georgia, times new roman, serif; font-size: large;"><span style="caret-color: rgb(153, 0, 0);"><i><br /></i></span></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 12pt;"><span><span style="color: #b45f06; font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><div class="MsoNormal" style="color: black; font-family: -webkit-standard; text-align: justify;"><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: "times new roman";"><span style="caret-color: rgb(11, 83, 148);"><i>*******************************************</i></span></span><br /><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 13pt;"><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 13pt;"><div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: start;"><div style="text-align: justify;"><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">FORGING YOUR FAITH</span><br /><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><br /></span><div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">To 'Forge' something, is to mold and shape something for suitable use. We believe that our lives are constantly being shaped and molded by the hand of God for His divine purpose! This publication </span><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">strives to encourage believers who are beginning this process and those who are well into it! We also believe a truly successful life is a Christ-Centered Life! We hope you will join us and become a regular reader! </span></div></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">Thank You and God Bless,</span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">Marianne Mauti</span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><i>Founder and CAO</i></span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><i><br /></i></span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><i>'Forging Your Faith' is the online Christian publication of 'Christ the King Church' in Bellevue, Pa.</i></span><br /><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: small;"><i><br /></i></span><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: small;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjcGRU7SWfV3e-HisjqjjiuNjG-3YuFu_LJZ2VnDWlrMGBLYJksmhVqT1MeuQA0_SQyECQ28J7c0xT-4AW0a0YFli2kCGkjlJITccnt9Vx2rz5_CShL5gM1PiAb3qIsOM2NLMkJleIk6DvH/s1600/6490_109964969289_5150597_n.jpg" style="clear: left; float: left; font-family: -webkit-standard; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="81" data-original-width="69" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjcGRU7SWfV3e-HisjqjjiuNjG-3YuFu_LJZ2VnDWlrMGBLYJksmhVqT1MeuQA0_SQyECQ28J7c0xT-4AW0a0YFli2kCGkjlJITccnt9Vx2rz5_CShL5gM1PiAb3qIsOM2NLMkJleIk6DvH/s1600/6490_109964969289_5150597_n.jpg" /></a><i>About Marianne Mauti: </i>Marianne is a writer and blogger as well as a Pastor at "Christ the King Church" in Bellevue, Pa. She is currently the Dean and Chief Operating Officer of "Christ the King Seminary" a full time Bible Institute. For more information about us please contact us at: crowncntr@aol.com</span></div></div></div></div><div><div style="text-align: justify;"><div style="text-align: center;"><div style="text-align: justify;"><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 13pt;"><div style="text-align: center;"><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /><div><span style="font-family: "georgia"; text-align: center;"><span style="color: #0b5394;"><i> ********</i></span></span><span style="font-family: "georgia"; text-align: center;">***************************************************</span><br /><span style="font-family: "georgia"; text-align: center;"> </span><span style="font-family: "georgia"; text-align: center;"> ARTICLE RESOURCES</span></div><div><span style="font-family: "georgia"; text-align: center;"><div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: -webkit-standard; text-align: justify;"><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div></div></span></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="color: black; font-family: -webkit-standard; text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">* The Bible</span></div></span></span></div><div><div class="MsoNormal"><div class="MsoNormal"><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-right: 3.9pt; text-align: start;"><div class="MsoNormal"><div style="text-align: justify;"><div class="MsoNormal"><div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: start;"><div style="text-align: justify;"><div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;"><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">*Dr. George R. Beninate: Is Bishop of "Christ the King Church" in Pennsylvania, West Virginia and in Phnom Penh, Cambodia. A Doctor of Theology, Biblical Apologist, conference speaker, lecturer and my spiritual father.He is also the Author of several books including,"The Age of Glory", Thank you for your relentless pursuit of truth!</span><br /><div style="text-align: center;"></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div><br /><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 13pt;"><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: "georgia";">* Marianne Mauti</span></div><div><span style="font-family: "georgia";"><br /></span></div></div><i><span style="color: #cc0000; font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;"><br /></span></i></div></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div></div>Forging Your Faithhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11719980363185567734noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7626530909284999266.post-90475484432123506142021-02-19T08:16:00.004-08:002021-02-27T12:26:26.788-08:00The Biblical Role of the Father<p> <span style="font-size: large;"> </span><span style="text-align: justify;">By Marianne Mauti</span></p><p><span><span style="font-size: x-large; text-align: justify;">The Biblical Role of the Father</span></span></p><table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-left: 1em;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiStC25c4d1IgsQkqjgllmIwsb2vy33TnjjFMqEcefgvpSpUdNIuDPNhwYwtvO-gcQjqxlBLI6YYpIjOYXqfTIutZMQNp2Jxj9qV_IQ1eInAm23oe4JRZN_Zi-6h2Wr6i6xOaFVoH1Dcf-O/s1600/Scan+110640035.jpg" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="115" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiStC25c4d1IgsQkqjgllmIwsb2vy33TnjjFMqEcefgvpSpUdNIuDPNhwYwtvO-gcQjqxlBLI6YYpIjOYXqfTIutZMQNp2Jxj9qV_IQ1eInAm23oe4JRZN_Zi-6h2Wr6i6xOaFVoH1Dcf-O/w142-h115/Scan+110640035.jpg" width="142" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Sitting on my daddy's knee.<br />Here with my older sister.<br /><br /><br /></td></tr></tbody></table><blockquote style="border: none; margin: 0px 0px 0px 40px; padding: 0px;"><blockquote style="border: none; margin: 0px 0px 0px 40px; padding: 0px;"><blockquote style="border: none; margin: 0px 0px 0px 40px; padding: 0px;"><blockquote style="border: none; margin: 0px 0px 0px 40px; padding: 0px;"><blockquote style="border: none; margin: 0px 0px 0px 40px; padding: 0px;"><div class="MsoNormal" style="mso-layout-grid-align: none; mso-pagination: none; text-autospace: none;"><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">More than ever before, it is important for men and women to acknowledge and re-affirm the role of 'Father' in the family.</span><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">God created man and made him complete by creating a woman. Together they created </span><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">an earthly family. </span><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">This family unit became a type of God's eternal relationship with mankind. He is our head, we are His Church (the Bride of Christ) and together we are called to produce the family of God. </span><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">God, our 'Heavenly Father' similarly structured our earthly families by placing man at the head.</span><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"> </span><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"> The importance of maintaining this God-ordained family structure cannot be minimized and the headship role of husband and father is at the core of it's success . </span></span></div></div></blockquote></blockquote></blockquote></blockquote></blockquote><div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify; text-justify: inter-ideograph;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><br /></span><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">Without a proper Biblical understanding and acceptance of a his role in the family, it isn't possible for a man to spiritually and physically lead his family. Without a God ordained head the family structure can't be maintained. According to Gods plan, being a responsible father necessitates being a good husband (1 Cor. 7:1-5). God commands that a husband love, honor, nourish and cherish his wife (Eph. 5:25-30; Col. 3:19; 1 Pet. 3:7), then he will be in the right position to do the same as a good father.</span><br /><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><br /></span><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">When a man effectively leads his family and follows Biblical principles, the result is harmony, peace and fulfillment. It doesn't mean there are never any problems, what it does however provide, is the right formula for success. God promises that families that follow His plan will be blessed. If the man fulfills His God-given role as a husband and father, he ultimately ensures the health and well being of his wife and children. </span></span><br /><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><br /></span><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;">The Role of Fathers in Today's Culture</span><br /><span style="color: #0b5394; font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;"><br /></span><span style="font-size: medium;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">Unfortunately today most men don't understand the importance of God's family structure. Men are sadly relinquishing their headship role in an alarming rate, in pursuit of material success. This has left an undue burdened on wives and results in less time with the children. </span><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">It seems that in today's family formula anything goes. Any relationship role is acceptable, in any manner or form deemed time efficient, culturally acceptable and personally pleasing. As a result, f</span><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">or the last several decades, we have begun to see its effect on the family structure. </span><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">So, how have modern social and economic formulas changed the role of the father? </span><br /><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><br /></span><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">Before the industrial revolution, fathers often worked side by side with their sons and instruct their children in spiritual values. When industrialization took over the American landscape, fathers left their farms and headed to the factories. Fourteen to sixteen hour workdays set the stage for the absentee father. Fatherhood eventually came to be regarded as the breadwinner who fulfilled their parental duties by providing. </span><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">They also led the family in establishing moral values and saw to the religious education of their children. </span><br /><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><br /></span><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">The time spent away from the family began to erode the father's most important role, headship. Children began to relay more on the mother for their physical and spiritual instruction. Conversely, with more time away from their family, men were drawn to and influenced by alternate lifestyles which led to a sharp increase in abandonment, illegitimacy and necessitated the development of welfare programs to assist the women and children affected. </span><br /><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"></span><br /><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"></span><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">In more recent decades, the changing role of women has had the greatest impact on the role of the father. Between 1948-2001, working age women employed or looking for work nearly doubled from less than 33% to more than 60%. The increase in their financial independence made the financial leadership of the father less important. The increase rate of divorce , remarriage and childbirth outside of marriage, have resulted in a transition from the Biblical role of a father to multiple and undefined roles. Today's fathers have been forced to take on roles vastly different than the one God originally designed.</span><br /></span><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: small;"></span><br /><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: small;"></span><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;">The Effect on Your Children</span><br /><span style="color: #0b5394; font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;"></span><br /><span style="color: #0b5394; font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"></span><span style="font-size: medium;"><span style="color: #0b5394; font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><span style="caret-color: rgb(0, 0, 0); color: black;">The increased rate of divorce and re-marriage, and the new multiple, undefined roles for fathers has </span></span><span style="color: #0b5394; font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><span style="caret-color: rgb(0, 0, 0); color: black;">not only </span></span><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">effected the role of husbands and wives, but it has effected and redefined a fathers relationship with his children. One thing is clear , however the family is defined today, the role of the father is still as important as it was when God first instituted it. Recent research on the role of fathers reveals something the Bible has long advocated; the love and influence of a father's love on their child's development is as great as the influence of a mother's love. </span><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">A fathers love and influence have been shown to help their children develop a sense of security, which directly effects their social, emotional and cognitive development and function. Children who receive more love from their fathers are less likely to struggle with behavioral and substance abuse problems.</span><br /><br /><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">If Christian men do not teach their sons how to be a Godly husband and father, by example, we will continue to see decline in the family and an ongoing erosion of Godly principles and values in our society. As a result, w</span><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">e will continue to see tremendous fractures grow between parents and children. The lack of Christ centered love and discipline will continue tear at the framework of the family. Many scholars agree that the heart of a successful civilization is a strong family structure. </span></span><br /><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: small;"></span><br /><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: small;"></span><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;">A Good Father</span><br /><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: small;"></span><br /><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"></span><span style="font-size: medium;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">The Bible is a revelation of mans inability, apart from God, to live a blessed and prosperous life. Wherever there is sin and separation from God there will be problems. Knowing that, God is here to help families live and thrive in an imperfect world, even as we work through the consequences of our own mistakes. God begins by giving men and women defined roles and relationship parameters in which to live. Solomon, considered to be the wisest man to ever live, had his share of family problems. He reminds us in Ecclesiastes that whatever mankind is working through today are the same issues they were working through then. " What has been will be again, whatever has been done, will be done again; there is nothing new under the sun. (Ecc. 1:9). </span><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">If a successful civilization requires a strong family structure it would seem sensible for us to go to the Creator, read what He has to say about it! </span><br /><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"></span><br /><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"></span><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">Most importantly, it is necessary for father's and mother's to understand and accept their God-given roles. When you look at the confusion in male and female roles today, is it any wonder so many children are confused, emotionally disconnected and searching in all the wrong places for love, affection and acceptance. The restoration of a God centered family begins with understanding the proper Biblical role of the father! So how does God's Word define a good father?</span><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"> </span></span><br /><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"></span><br /><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="mso-layout-grid-align: none; mso-pagination: none; text-align: justify; text-autospace: none; text-justify: inter-ideograph;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><span style="font-size: large;"></span></span><br /><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: medium;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><span style="color: #990000;"><span><b>A Good Father...</b></span> </span><span>is one whose priorities in his family match those that Jesus described in Matthew 22: </span></span><i style="color: #990000; font-family: georgia, "times new roman", serif;">"Teacher, which is the most important commandment in the Law of Moses?" Jesus replied, " You must love the Lord your God with all your heart, all your soul, and all your mind.' This is the first and greatest commandment. A second is equally important: 'Love your neighbor as yourself.' The entire law and all demands of the prophets are based on these two commandments."</i><br /><i style="color: #990000; font-family: georgia, "times new roman", serif;"><br /></i></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: medium;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><span>Love is inherent in God's nature, as his children we are called to give God the love that is within us. It is the greatest command because it is the foundation of our relationship with God, our creator. It is also the guiding principle and the foundation of relationship between a father and his children. It is in fact an earthly example given to our earthly children so that they can see and understand the love of God and His role in our eternal life! The Bible does give us a description of the way we should express our love one to </span><span>another. It also shows us the heart of a father towards his children. </span></span><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">God’s love is a selfless love and serves as the example of what a fathers love should also be. There is so much we can learn about the nature of </span><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">fatherhood through our relationship with God: </span><i><span style="color: #990000; font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">"Love is patient and kind. Love is not jealous or boastful or rude. It does not demand its own way. It is not irritable, and it keeps no record of being wronged. It does not rejoice about injustice but rejoices whenever the truth wins out. Love never gives up, never loses faith, is always hopeful and endures through every circumstance." 1 Cor. 13; 4-7</span></i><br /></span><i><span style="color: #990000; font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: small;"><br /></span></i></div><span style="font-size: medium;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><span style="color: #990000;"><b>A Good Father….</b></span> </span><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">teaches his children how to live a Godly life, through instruction and discipline. He will treat them with love and dignity so that they understand the reason for the correction and do not become angry. It should always be done in the spirit of love: </span><i style="font-family: georgia, "times new roman", serif;"><span style="color: #781612;">"Fathers, do not provoke your children to anger by the way you treat them. Rather bring them up with the discipline and instruction that comes from the Lord." Eph. 6:4</span></i><br /></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="mso-layout-grid-align: none; mso-pagination: none; text-align: justify; text-autospace: none; text-justify: inter-ideograph;"><i style="font-family: georgia, "times new roman", serif;"><span style="color: #990000; font-size: medium;"><br /></span></i></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="mso-layout-grid-align: none; mso-pagination: none; text-align: justify; text-autospace: none; text-justify: inter-ideograph;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><span><b><span style="color: #990000;">A Good Father ….</span></b> </span><span>is a giving father. He is giving of his time and resources to all of his children because he wants what is best for them. Luke 11:11-13 shows us the heart giving nature of a father: </span></span><i style="color: #990000; font-family: georgia, "times new roman", serif;">" Which of you fathers, if your son asks for a fish, will give him a snake instead? Or if he asks for an egg, will give him a scorpion? If you then thought you are evil, know how to give good gifts to your children, how much more will your Father in heaven give the Holy Spirit to those who ask Him!"</i></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="mso-layout-grid-align: none; mso-pagination: none; text-align: justify; text-autospace: none; text-justify: inter-ideograph;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><span style="color: #990000;"><i><br /></i></span></span><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><span><b><span style="color: #990000;">A Good Father…</span></b><span style="color: #0b5394;"> </span></span><span style="color: #0b5394;">t</span><span>eaches his children how to serve others, to be benevolent and kind: </span></span><i><span style="color: #990000; font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">"Father to the fatherless, defender of widows- this is God, whose dwellings holy." Psalm 68:5</span></i><br /><i><span style="color: #990000; font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><br /></span></i></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="mso-layout-grid-align: none; mso-pagination: none; text-align: justify; text-autospace: none; text-justify: inter-ideograph;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><span><span style="color: #990000; font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><b>A Good Father…</b></span><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><span> </span>disciplines those he loves. Our children need to understand that wrong behavior alway leads to consequences, sometimes very painful and life long ones. Far better for them to learn this from you than to find it out in jail someday: </span></span><i><span style="color: #990000; font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">"For the Lord corrects those he loves, just as a father corrects a child in whom he delights." Proverbs 3:12</span></i><br /><i><span style="color: #990000; font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><br /></span></i></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="mso-layout-grid-align: none; mso-pagination: none; text-align: justify; text-autospace: none; text-justify: inter-ideograph;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><span><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><b><span style="color: #990000;">A Good Father…</span></b><span style="color: #0b5394;"> </span></span><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">is</span><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"> compassionate to his children. He tries to understand his children's issues and struggles, from their point of view. He takes into consideration all of the things they have to deal with in the world, and from their peers. He tries to remembers what he went through as a child. It is important to show our children there is mercy and forgiveness for what they have done. By doing this you teach your children the compassion and mercy and forgiveness of God: </span></span><i style="color: #990000;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">"As a father has compassion on his children, so the Lord has compassion on those who fear him." Psalm 103:13</span></i><br /><i style="color: #990000;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><br /></span></i></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="mso-layout-grid-align: none; mso-pagination: none; text-align: justify; text-autospace: none; text-justify: inter-ideograph;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><span><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><span style="color: #990000;"><b>A Good Father…</b></span><span> </span>teaches his children about God their 'Heavenly Father', through His Word. He shows them the way of eternal salvation through His Son Jesus Christ and how to receive the indwelling of His Holy Spirit so they are enable to live in in an imperfect world with God's power and authority. God has is given charge to instruct our children in all the ways of the Lord.</span></span><br /><span><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><br /></span></span></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="mso-layout-grid-align: none; mso-pagination: none; text-align: justify; text-autospace: none; text-justify: inter-ideograph;"><span><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;">As For Me and My House</span></span></div><div></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="mso-layout-grid-align: none; mso-pagination: none; text-align: justify; text-autospace: none; text-justify: inter-ideograph;"><div style="text-align: left;"></div><span style="font-size: medium;"><span><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><br /></span></span><span><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">There is a wonderful example in the Bible of what God intended a father to be. It can be found in the book of Joshua 24:1-15. Joshua was a visible leader in his nation and also spiritual leader in his home. God's plan is that the father be the visible provider, protector, example and teacher to his children. A father must take responsibility for his family! </span></span><br /><span><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><br /></span></span><span><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><span style="color: #990000;"><b>A Responsible Father....</b></span> is one who takes his God given responsibilities with God’s help and carries them out. </span></span><i><span style="color: #990000; font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">14 "Now fear the Lord and serve Him with all faithfulness. Throw away the gods your ancestors worshipped beyond the River Euphrates and in Egypt, and serve the Lord. 15 But if serving the Lord seems undesirable to you, then chose for yourselves this day whom you will serve, whether the gods your ancestors served beyond the Euphrates, or the gods of the Amorites, in whose land you are living. But as for my house, we will serve the Lord." Joshua 24:14-15</span></i></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="mso-layout-grid-align: none; mso-pagination: none; text-align: justify; text-autospace: none; text-justify: inter-ideograph;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"></span><br /><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"></span></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="mso-layout-grid-align: none; mso-pagination: none; text-align: justify; text-autospace: none; text-justify: inter-ideograph;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><span><span style="color: #990000;"><b>A Responsible Father….</b></span> </span><span>believes in teaching their children dedication to God and biblical morality. Joshua believed that as a father he needed to make certain commitments to God and God's principles that were given to his people to live by. He was a Godly influence on his family and his nation. Many fathers today spend more time supporting their favorite sports team then spending time with their children. Find something you can all enjoy together. </span><span>Whenever you spend time with your family you promote a healthy </span></span><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">attitude of caring, sharing, giving and serving. All of these are the building blocks of character.</span></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="mso-layout-grid-align: none; mso-pagination: none; text-align: justify; text-autospace: none; text-justify: inter-ideograph;"><span style="color: #990000; font-size: medium;"><span><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"></span></span><br /><span><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"></span></span></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="mso-layout-grid-align: none; mso-pagination: none; text-align: justify; text-autospace: none; text-justify: inter-ideograph;"><span><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: medium;"><span><b><span style="color: #990000;">A Responsible Father…</span></b><span style="color: #0b5394;"> </span></span>never places work above his family. If you feel it is more important for you to provide them money, cars, homes, game systems, vacations, computers etc. to you children than spending time with them, you are teaching them to misplace their values. You are also showing them that what is more important you than them. Giving them the reward of your hard work is never going to replace the importance of the value of your time in their lives.</span></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="mso-layout-grid-align: none; mso-pagination: none; text-align: justify; text-autospace: none; text-justify: inter-ideograph;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"></span></span><br /><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"></span></span></div><div></div><div></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="mso-layout-grid-align: none; mso-pagination: none; text-align: justify; text-autospace: none; text-justify: inter-ideograph;"><table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right; margin-left: 1em;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiNZiNseznu7elqSJFA4Ja6feFX8r2VdtAFuEn_v8OK3BN1RK01vSrcShD9dn3Khj4BrVUbUh-vVLRJHjt4RppY_61v5EfoUvkru2nk99q3wFfp2w_WlFlj7OivsN_6PvKJrlIVU06IOcP7/s1600/10173617_10152368295570449_1281413001843506636_n.jpg" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="119" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiNZiNseznu7elqSJFA4Ja6feFX8r2VdtAFuEn_v8OK3BN1RK01vSrcShD9dn3Khj4BrVUbUh-vVLRJHjt4RppY_61v5EfoUvkru2nk99q3wFfp2w_WlFlj7OivsN_6PvKJrlIVU06IOcP7/w159-h119/10173617_10152368295570449_1281413001843506636_n.jpg" width="159" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small;">My husband with his family!</span></td></tr></tbody></table><span><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: medium;"><b><span style="color: #990000;">A Responsible Father...</span> </b>lives by a set of standards and teaches his family the moral and ethics value of God's Word. Joshua was willing to take a stand that was not popular. “Choose you this day whom you will serve, as for me….". He made his choice based on his confidence, trust and love for God. While others chose to live for their own pleasure and selfish desires Joshua was a man who stood for what is right and he set an example for his family and nation. Joshua chose the road of faithfulness and obedience rather than the popularity and recognition of men. </span></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="mso-layout-grid-align: none; mso-pagination: none; text-align: justify; text-autospace: none; text-justify: inter-ideograph;"><span style="color: #990000;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: medium;"><b></b></span><br /><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: medium;"><b></b></span></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="mso-layout-grid-align: none; mso-pagination: none; text-align: justify; text-autospace: none; text-justify: inter-ideograph;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><span><b><span style="color: #990000;">Being a Responsible Father...</span> </b>may mean you will have to occasionally make choices that are not popular with your family. It takes conviction to live according to Gods word but it is your responsibility to do so, and if you truly love your children they will be </span><span>more important than what others may think. </span></span><br /><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><span></span></span><br /><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><span></span></span></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="mso-layout-grid-align: none; mso-pagination: none; text-align: justify; text-autospace: none; text-justify: inter-ideograph;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><span><b><span style="color: #990000;">A Responsible Father…</span> </b>is unselfish; each and every decision includes his family. He puts their need above his own. A mother was not designed to raise the children alone.</span><span> God has delegated the responsibilities for raising children to both parents, and each fills a role that the other cannot perform. </span></span><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">The father’s presence should be felt in his home through its rules, and its worship and with his gentle love, leadership, and example. Training and admonition mean more than simply discipline or punishment for wrongdoing. They imply that a father should spend time instructing and training his children to do what is right. Children need to understand how to do what is good and avoid those things, which are evil. A responsible father will show them the right path and start them out on it. The ultimate goal is to get lead them in their walk with God, so eventually they will submit </span><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">their life to Him. </span><br /><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"></span><br /><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"></span><br /></span><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: medium;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">The greatest tragedy of we are experiencing today is the lack of Biblical understanding and the failure of even Christian fathers to accept their leadership role! One out of three children born today are born in a fatherless home. In 40% of the families in America there is no father. In even more homes in our country the father is not a visible part of the family at all. </span><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">God's plan for child training involves two loving parents. </span></span></div><span style="font-size: medium;"><br /><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"></span></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="mso-layout-grid-align: none; mso-pagination: none; text-align: justify; text-autospace: none; text-justify: inter-ideograph;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><span><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">There is an undeniable linkage between fathers and their children and it begins at birth. Infants as young as 6 weeks old can tell the difference between a mother and a father’s voice. It has even been shown that babies can distinguish between their mother and father's care. Babies are born with a need to connect to their mothers and fathers but the connection is different. Children will seek out their father; want to know where he is when he is not around. As they get older children will compete for their fathers attention. They will also confront his values, beliefs and of course his limits. </span></span><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">Children hear what their father has to say and watch how he conducts his life. </span><br /></span><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: medium;"><br /></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="mso-layout-grid-align: none; mso-pagination: none; text-align: justify; text-autospace: none; text-justify: inter-ideograph;"><span style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;">Daddy's and Daughters</span></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="mso-layout-grid-align: none; mso-pagination: none; text-align: justify; text-autospace: none; text-justify: inter-ideograph;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;"><br /></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="mso-layout-grid-align: none; mso-pagination: none; text-align: justify; text-autospace: none; text-justify: inter-ideograph;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">There has been a recent acknowledgment of the need for boys to have a viable connection to their father. Little is said however, of the enormous importance of fatherhood in the lives of daughters. Because today's culture is becoming increasingly difficult and dangerous for young women, daughters needed to fell the strength and security of a loving father. Our daughters are being daily bombarded with cultural messages meant to define them as sexually viable at a younger age. The peer pressure to preform as adults, even before they reach puberty, is almost impossible to withstand without a strong Godly father. The lack of male leadership has created a culture of verbal, physical, and sexual assault. It has also spawned a huge rise in eating disorders, alcohol addiction, depression and suicide. </span><br /></span><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: small;"><br /></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="mso-layout-grid-align: none; mso-pagination: none; text-align: justify; text-autospace: none; text-justify: inter-ideograph;"><table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-left: 1em;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjM2aq7o3QczbLH5P7GipUK_CIgm3n4047OE7zbJtLO6jPcmEg-TLP1IPdgFsdM4yLyHIJDPL9I-DwrqOMvSZ1GLFNhPgMC5Imb8LRN9hCF6VviXuT17mneLd2rJ4r3KR_OqbBj6UShTQtC/s1600/1185744_592771827452548_460647667_n.jpg" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="92" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjM2aq7o3QczbLH5P7GipUK_CIgm3n4047OE7zbJtLO6jPcmEg-TLP1IPdgFsdM4yLyHIJDPL9I-DwrqOMvSZ1GLFNhPgMC5Imb8LRN9hCF6VviXuT17mneLd2rJ4r3KR_OqbBj6UShTQtC/w92-h92/1185744_592771827452548_460647667_n.jpg" width="92" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">With our daughter </td></tr></tbody></table><span style="font-size: medium;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">Most psychologists agree that the most important influence in a girl’s life is her father. Dr. Meg Meeker (specialist in pediatric and adolescent medicine) who has 20 years experience in counciling young women and their families had this to say, </span><i style="font-family: georgia, "times new roman", serif;">"The quality of a girl's relationship with her father has a huge impact on the formation of her personality, her level of self-esteem, confidence and happiness and therefore on the choices she makes in life. A father has the potential to give his daughter something that her mother cannot." She went on to say, "Girls today are being pushed to be more independent and autonomous at earlier ages and parents are afraid of being too protective. In our current culture girls are far more vulnerable in many ways that boys are not." </i><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">Dr. Meeker emphasizes the need for fathers to monitor their daughter’s exposure to potentially harmful media and also to be vigilant when they start spending time with young men. Finally she had this distressing statistic to share, </span><i style="font-family: georgia, "times new roman", serif;">"One in eleven middle school girls has been hit, slapped or physically hurt on purpose while out with a male. One out of eleven also say they were forced to have intercourse. An astonishing 96 percent of students report that they have experienced emotional or psychological abuse while out with a male."</i></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="mso-layout-grid-align: none; mso-pagination: none; text-align: justify; text-autospace: none; text-justify: inter-ideograph;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><br /></span><div class="MsoNormal" style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; -webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; orphans: auto; widows: auto;"><div style="margin: 0px;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: medium;">During the teenage years, a daughter needs her father more than ever, and fathers often misinterpret their daughter’s behavior. Dr. Meeker writes," Many fathers complain that their daughters won't talk to them. The truth is that fathers tend to discourage conversation. If a girl believes that every conversation with you is going to be an opportunity to criticize and reprimand them, instead of finding a way to have an uplifting, they will never open up to you! Have an encouraging conversation that will help her to feel good about herself and confident in your unconditional love! Most of all they need you to listen! If a daughter can trust her dad to listen, she will go to him when she faces difficult times or has to make life-altering decisions.<span><o:p></o:p></span></span></div></div></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="mso-layout-grid-align: none; mso-pagination: none; text-align: justify; text-autospace: none; text-justify: inter-ideograph;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><br /></span></div><div></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="mso-layout-grid-align: none; mso-pagination: none; text-align: justify; text-autospace: none; text-justify: inter-ideograph;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: medium;">A girl whose father sets boundaries and curfews, helps to lead and guide his daughter into a Godly relationship with a man when she is old enough to seriously consider getting married. </span><span style="font-family: georgia, "times new roman", serif; font-size: large;">Dad's need to spend time with your daughters. You need to engage your daughter on a more verbal and emotional level than your son! While it goes against your male nature you have to try. She needs to know that you can come to her when she need the confidence, validation and reassurance that she is looking for from the opposite sex!</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="mso-layout-grid-align: none; mso-pagination: none; text-align: justify; text-autospace: none; text-justify: inter-ideograph;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><br /></span><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">Finally, girls need more emotional and physical affection. If they don't feel your love and the love of God through you, </span><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">demonstrated in a healthy form of physical affection, they will look for it somewhere else. If they feel valuable, worthy and loved by you then they will not need validation from someone whose only interest in them is what they can't take from them, leaving them broken, hurt and alone. The impact of a father simply giving his daughter a hug should not be underestimated. Don't withdraw from your daughter during her teen years, that’s when she needs you, the most! </span><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">There is something very special and particular about this relationship. It has the potential to protect a girl emotionally, physically and psychologically, as no other relationship in her life! A young woman's relationship with her father has a significant impact on her life-long view of men, herself and God! </span></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="mso-layout-grid-align: none; mso-pagination: none; text-align: justify; text-autospace: none; text-justify: inter-ideograph;"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="mso-layout-grid-align: none; mso-pagination: none; text-align: justify; text-autospace: none; text-justify: inter-ideograph;"><span style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><span style="font-size: large;">Fathers and Sons</span></span></span></div><table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right; margin-left: 1em;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiA8pgguOHVx18cl_pdYEBgKoejcv1dwQPxe8-eUhR3v9cXK7D9x93Z05-N4xMPYohMK9WuJL4dHoqqkuRVe28o7c0dKOqKCCkaxRyvusF6jtcd_SAMZ2Nocr3Gapp9iGHcp0UVOssgChDe/s1600/4610_104699715118_556900118_3239992_8354583_n.jpg" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="113" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiA8pgguOHVx18cl_pdYEBgKoejcv1dwQPxe8-eUhR3v9cXK7D9x93Z05-N4xMPYohMK9WuJL4dHoqqkuRVe28o7c0dKOqKCCkaxRyvusF6jtcd_SAMZ2Nocr3Gapp9iGHcp0UVOssgChDe/w85-h113/4610_104699715118_556900118_3239992_8354583_n.jpg" width="85" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">With our oldest son!</td></tr></tbody></table><div class="MsoNormal" style="mso-layout-grid-align: none; mso-pagination: none; text-align: justify; text-autospace: none; text-justify: inter-ideograph;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: small;"><br /></span><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: medium;">Boy's genuinely suffer in the absence or non-involvement of a father. Boys without fathers are twice as likely to drop out of school, twice as likely to go to jail and nearly 4 times as likely to need treatment for emotional and behavioral problems as boys with fathers. Research has shown that boys are seriously in trouble and the major reason for it is because dads have become so distracted, overworked, exhausted, uninterested, chemically dependent, divorced and just clueless how to relate. The absence of masculine role models and mentoring is th</span><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: medium;">e greatest crisis</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="mso-layout-grid-align: none; mso-pagination: none; text-align: justify; text-autospace: none; text-justify: inter-ideograph;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><br /></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="mso-layout-grid-align: none; mso-pagination: none; text-align: justify; text-autospace: none; text-justify: inter-ideograph;"><div style="text-align: left;"></div><span style="font-size: medium;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">Young men need the reassurance of a good father. Life for a teenage male can seem overwhelming and they need a father's guidance. Why do I feel something raging inside? Why is my body reacting differently to girls, and why are my emotions all over the place? Father's are specially equipped to empathize and explain the predicament that their sons are going through! In single family homes ( with a mother only) it is important to find a Godly man or male Pastor you trust, to spend some time with your son and allow them to share their frustrations and confusion with them.</span><br /><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><br /></span><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">Dad's, you need to be your sons greatest source of encouragement, their biggest cheerleader. You can help put what they are going through into perspective, help them see the end of the tunnel! </span><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">You get to show your son how a Christian man treats women. When you speak kindly to your wife and show her the respect and honor she deserves, you are setting a example that they can continually refer to in their future relationships. The way you treat your daughter will also show them how to treat some one elses daughter! You lead by example.</span></span><br /><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><br /></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="mso-layout-grid-align: none; mso-pagination: none; text-align: justify; text-autospace: none; text-justify: inter-ideograph;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-left: 1em;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg2yajBDNK6aRHCLEh5vXHWuRqtAXfel78c3JqEFtI3N-bu3jQzTyuhp8wHycGnhJTheSNZxYCg4AYn-uq3BZp7lQR_VNXbeXqpyuM6yDjtPBxtUMaAQJ9uenoCufWK_yQ0k3ROi_875sh1/s1600/1044644_544756975582915_1375416820_n.jpg" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="79" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg2yajBDNK6aRHCLEh5vXHWuRqtAXfel78c3JqEFtI3N-bu3jQzTyuhp8wHycGnhJTheSNZxYCg4AYn-uq3BZp7lQR_VNXbeXqpyuM6yDjtPBxtUMaAQJ9uenoCufWK_yQ0k3ROi_875sh1/w105-h79/1044644_544756975582915_1375416820_n.jpg" width="105" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">With our youngest son!</td></tr></tbody></table><span style="font-size: medium;">It is the fathers responsibility to teach his son how to have a healthy, Biblical understanding of sexuality, not their best friend, the neighbor next door, or the porn site on the internet! Your job requires you to give them a dose of reality when it comes to the consequences of premarital sex, and pregnancy outside of marriage. Your son needs to know it is safe to come to you to get the truth and not be harshly judged. (When discipline is necessary, do it in</span></span></div><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: medium; text-align: justify;"></span><div class="MsoNormal" style="mso-layout-grid-align: none; mso-pagination: none; text-align: justify; text-autospace: none; text-justify: inter-ideograph;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: medium;"> the sprit of love and reconciliation, not out of anger or disappointment) Be transparent with him, let him see you vulnerably and susceptibility to the needs of flesh. He needs to know he is not the only one who has ever gone through this! Show him God's loving kindness, mercy and grace! Assure them that with every temptation, God always gives you the choice and the ability to walk away!</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="mso-layout-grid-align: none; mso-pagination: none; text-align: justify; text-autospace: none; text-justify: inter-ideograph;"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="mso-layout-grid-align: none; mso-pagination: none; text-align: justify; text-autospace: none; text-justify: inter-ideograph;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">Finally show him the beauty of marriage and the wisdom in waiting for Gods best! God has not put limits on sex inside the bonds of marriage; He has however put limits on sexual immorality. God defines what is good and beneficial for his creation but he has also defined for us what is destructive.<o:p></o:p></span><br /></span><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: small;"><br /></span><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;">Conclusion</span><br /><div class="MsoNormal" style="mso-layout-grid-align: none; mso-pagination: none; text-autospace: none; text-justify: inter-ideograph;"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="mso-layout-grid-align: none; mso-pagination: none; text-autospace: none; text-justify: inter-ideograph;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">One of the greatest lies being perpetuated by the so called child experts is that parents need to give their teenager children room to express themselves as individuals, 'Teens Need Their Space'. Nothing could be further from the truth. In fact, it is completely the opposite. Around the time your teens are stretching their wings, mothers and especially fathers have to be be even more diligent in caring for and protecting their children. There are too many dangerous traps already being laid, and predators just waiting to pluck your child away. Be involved and diligent so you can head off the self-destructive nature of your teenager!</span><br /><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><br /></span><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">Don't be ignorant! The internet plays a huge role in the challenge families face today. There are so many new ways for all of the harmful things you have spent years protecting your family from, to leisurely creep into your home. Sexually explicit sites, private chatroom etc. It is imperative, especially for fathers, to understand and control accessibility to the internet and social media! We can't expect our children to self-govern themselves! </span></span><br /><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: small;"><br /></span><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;">Finally...</span></div></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="mso-layout-grid-align: none; mso-pagination: none; text-align: justify; text-autospace: none; text-justify: inter-ideograph;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: medium;"><span><span style="color: #990000;"><b>Spend Time With God as a Family...</b></span>Take the time to read the Word together and discuss it. Allow them to see that the most important thing you do together as a family is learn about your relationship with God together!</span><span><o:p></o:p></span></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="mso-layout-grid-align: none; mso-pagination: none; text-align: justify; text-autospace: none; text-justify: inter-ideograph;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><br /></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="mso-layout-grid-align: none; mso-pagination: none; text-align: justify; text-autospace: none; text-justify: inter-ideograph;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: medium;"><span style="color: #990000;"><b>Become Involved in a Local Church as a Family...</b></span> While this goes against the grain of our current culture, going to church together as a family is extremely important in establishing a pattern for their lives. Becoming a part of a local church that gives them a community of believers who will be a source of comfort strength. </span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="mso-layout-grid-align: none; mso-pagination: none; text-align: justify; text-autospace: none; text-justify: inter-ideograph;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><br /></span></div><div></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="mso-layout-grid-align: none; mso-pagination: none; text-align: justify; text-autospace: none; text-justify: inter-ideograph;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: medium;"><span style="color: #990000;"><b>Pray For Them Everyday...</b></span> This is one of the most important things you do for them. No one will love and care for your children the way that you do. Your prayer before God have great meaning and value. God will give you insight on how to minister to your children. He will also show how to let go and trust Him. Your time in prayer ,can be a time of comfort and healing for you, especially when you and your child are going through difficult times. </span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="mso-layout-grid-align: none; mso-pagination: none; text-align: justify; text-autospace: none; text-justify: inter-ideograph;"><span style="font-family: georgia, times new roman, serif;"><br /></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="mso-layout-grid-align: none; mso-pagination: none; text-align: justify; text-autospace: none; text-justify: inter-ideograph;"><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 12pt; text-align: center;"><span><span style="color: #b45f06; font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><div class="MsoNormal" style="color: black; font-family: -webkit-standard; text-align: justify;"><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: "times new roman";"><span style="caret-color: rgb(11, 83, 148);"><i>*******************************************</i></span></span><br /><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 13pt;"><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 13pt;"><div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: start;"><div style="text-align: justify;"><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">FORGING YOUR FAITH</span><br /><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><br /></span><div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">To 'Forge' something, is to mold and shape something for suitable use. We believe that our lives are constantly being shaped and molded by the hand of God for His divine purpose! This publication </span><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">strives to encourage believers who are beginning this process and those who are well into it! We also believe a truly successful life is a Christ-Centered Life! We hope you will join us and become a regular reader! </span></div></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">Thank You and God Bless,</span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">Marianne Mauti</span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><i>Founder and CAO</i></span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><i><br /></i></span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><i>'Forging Your Faith' is the online Christian publication of 'Christ the King Church' in Bellevue, Pa.</i></span><br /><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: small;"><i><br /></i></span><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: small;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjcGRU7SWfV3e-HisjqjjiuNjG-3YuFu_LJZ2VnDWlrMGBLYJksmhVqT1MeuQA0_SQyECQ28J7c0xT-4AW0a0YFli2kCGkjlJITccnt9Vx2rz5_CShL5gM1PiAb3qIsOM2NLMkJleIk6DvH/s1600/6490_109964969289_5150597_n.jpg" style="clear: left; float: left; font-family: -webkit-standard; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="81" data-original-width="69" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjcGRU7SWfV3e-HisjqjjiuNjG-3YuFu_LJZ2VnDWlrMGBLYJksmhVqT1MeuQA0_SQyECQ28J7c0xT-4AW0a0YFli2kCGkjlJITccnt9Vx2rz5_CShL5gM1PiAb3qIsOM2NLMkJleIk6DvH/s1600/6490_109964969289_5150597_n.jpg" /></a><i>About Marianne Mauti: </i>Marianne is a writer and blogger as well as a Pastor at "Christ the King Church" in Bellevue, Pa. She is currently the Dean and Chief Operating Officer of "Christ the King Seminary" a full time Bible Institute. For more information about us please contact us at: crowncntr@aol.com</span></div></div></div></div><div><div style="text-align: justify;"><div style="text-align: center;"><div style="text-align: justify;"><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 13pt;"><div style="text-align: center;"><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /><div><span style="font-family: "georgia"; text-align: center;"><span style="color: #0b5394;"><i> ********</i></span></span><span style="font-family: "georgia"; text-align: center;">***************************************************</span><br /><span style="font-family: "georgia"; text-align: center;"> </span><span style="font-family: "georgia"; text-align: center;"> ARTICLE RESOURCES</span></div><div><span style="font-family: "georgia"; text-align: center;"><div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: -webkit-standard; text-align: justify;"><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div></div></span></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="color: black; font-family: -webkit-standard; text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">* The Bible</span></div></span></span></div><div><div class="MsoNormal"><div class="MsoNormal"><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-right: 3.9pt; text-align: start;"><div class="MsoNormal"><div style="text-align: justify;"><div class="MsoNormal"><div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: start;"><div style="text-align: justify;"><div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;"><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">*Dr. George R. Beninate: Is Bishop of "Christ the King Church" in Pennsylvania, West Virginia and in Phnom Penh, Cambodia. A Doctor of Theology, Biblical Apologist, conference speaker, lecturer and my spiritual father.He is also the Author of several books including,"The Age of Glory", Thank you for your relentless pursuit of truth!</span><br /><div style="text-align: center;"></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div><br /><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 13pt; text-align: center;"><div style="text-align: justify;"><div><span style="font-family: "georgia";">* Marianne Mauti</span></div><div><span style="font-family: "georgia";"><br /></span></div></div></div></div>Forging Your Faithhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11719980363185567734noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7626530909284999266.post-67141088176515667582021-02-19T07:26:00.005-08:002021-02-27T12:27:13.361-08:00Life After College Part 1: Where Do I Go From Here?<p><span style="font-size: medium;"> <span style="text-align: justify;">By Marianne Mauti</span></span></p><p style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-size: x-large;">Life After College....</span></p><div style="text-align: justify;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div></div><blockquote style="border: none; margin: 0px 0px 0px 40px; padding: 0px;"><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: georgia, "times new roman", serif;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiZ9AlqX0rr_c9pK6jih_66sEzB4Ad60LG6h2QlSEI8TWuKmIM_Ob_bHqwag8VBDAqtccGb576KEA0-F44xJcX5woXi7czDVbSDxffsrpgZc6F01klPSVOz6fSpjqbDGvuKBe_gbGdOfwNa/s800/iu-1.jpeg" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="400" data-original-width="800" height="85" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiZ9AlqX0rr_c9pK6jih_66sEzB4Ad60LG6h2QlSEI8TWuKmIM_Ob_bHqwag8VBDAqtccGb576KEA0-F44xJcX5woXi7czDVbSDxffsrpgZc6F01klPSVOz6fSpjqbDGvuKBe_gbGdOfwNa/w170-h85/iu-1.jpeg" width="170" /></a></div><span style="font-size: medium;">"Now that I am done with college, where do I go from here?" That is the question that every 'College Graduate' will eventually be asking themselves. The answer may not be as simple as it uses to be. An article recently published in Reuters confirmed a growing fear that jobs will be even more elusive for recent college graduates.</span></span></div></blockquote><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: medium;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><span style="color: #222222; font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><span style="line-height: 22px;">The problems facing graduates are further compounded because more students graduate with massive amounts of debt due to spiraling costs for higher education. About 70 percent of U.S. students who graduated in 2012 had student loan debt,with the average borrower owing $29,400, up from $26,000 the previous year.</span></span><br /><span style="color: #222222; font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><span style="line-height: 22px;"><br /></span></span><span style="color: #222222; font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><span style="line-height: 22px;">If you are one of the many graduates finally leaving your educational days behind you and suddenly finding yourself having to navigate a complex job market with a lot of school loan debt , today's article takes a look at what transitioning into the 'real world' involves. We offer some sound career advice from CEO's, veteran professionals and business owners. We take a look at what employers are going to be looking for when deciding whether or not to hire you. And finally I share some practical advice for a successful life after college. </span></span></span><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: medium;"><span style="line-height: 22px;"><br /></span></span></span><br /><div><span style="line-height: 22px;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;">So Where Do Go From Here?</span></span><br /><b><i style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: xx-large; line-height: 22px;"><span style="color: #0b5394;"><br /></span></i></b></div><span style="font-size: medium;"><span style="color: #222222; font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><span style="line-height: 22px;">Exiting College and the 'College Life" is one of the most difficult transitions a young adult will face. Suddenly you go from being a full-time student to becoming a former student, who is expected to understand how to suddenly become self sufficient! The difficulty is, all you have ever been from the time you were in pre-school is a student (why I advocate taking a few years off after high school to get some life experience.) So how do you make the transition from class schedules, school dorms, and homework to finding a job, taking control of your life, finding a place to live, paying your bills, cooking your own food and paying for it all without going into more debt? What do I do now that everyone expects me to get 'serious' about my life and future?</span></span><br /><span style="color: #222222; font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; line-height: 22px;"><br /></span><span style="color: #222222; font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; line-height: 22px;">What can make it even more confusing is that with all of the new technology, there are so many more options, opportunities and directions your degree can take you in. While it is smart for you to have a good working relationship with your school advisor and attend the career days and job seminars, at the end of the day it is up to you to make it happen! No one is at the exit door of the auditorium, waiting to hand you a job!!!! That is why it is extremely important that you understand what employers are 'not looking at' and what they are 'looking for' when hiring new employees.</span></span><br /><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="color: #0b5394; font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;"><span style="line-height: 22px;"><br /></span></span><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;"><span style="line-height: 22px;">What Employers Are Not Looking At</span></span></span><br /><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><span style="font-size: medium;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><span style="line-height: 22px;">A lot of things have changed in the last several decades,especially the "way" that employers hire and "what" they look for when they are hiring. Here are two things that you may think would factor heavily into any job consideration, but in reality they do not: </span></span><br /></span><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;"><span style="color: #990000; font-style: italic; font-weight: bold; line-height: 22px;"><br /></span></span><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><span style="color: #990000; font-size: medium; line-height: 22px;"><b>YOUR ALMA MATER…...</b> </span><span style="color: #990000; font-size: medium; font-weight: bold; line-height: 22px;"> </span><span style="font-size: medium;"><span style="line-height: 22px;">When looking for a good college to attend, many p</span><span style="line-height: 22px;">arents seek out top-tier schools hoping that their name and reputation will make a difference in their post-college career. Unfortunately for those of you who spent a ton of money on a top-tier college, your Alma Mater just isn't that important to employers. </span></span></span><span style="font-size: medium;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><span style="line-height: 22px;">While that may have been true at one time, it isn't anymore. In a recent article for the Wall Street Journal, writer Blue Carreon said, "In today's job market, it all comes down to the individual. Having a degree from a prestigious </span></span><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><span style="line-height: 22px;">school does not </span></span><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><span style="line-height: 22px;">guarantee a job or a certain starting salary or any promise of some sort of expected lifetime earnings. "He went on to report, "There are studies about how top-tier college graduates tend to earn more than their peers, but there are also studies that dispel the notion that these schools give anyone a statistically significant advantage in the marketplace. Many reports indicate that if a student is bright and driven, it doesn't matter which college he or she attends, but what they make of that college experience, engaging professors, using the opportunity to work in a lab, write for a newspaper, explore extracurricular </span><span style="line-height: 22px;">activities, and so forth. Employers are impressed by how people perform in any given situation and by the reputation individuals build for themselves."</span></span></span></div><div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><span style="color: #990000; line-height: 22px;"><b>YOUR GPA</b></span><span style="color: #990000; font-style: italic;"><span style="line-height: 22px;"><b>…</b></span></span><span style="color: #990000; line-height: 22px;"> </span><span><span style="font-size: medium; line-height: 22px;">Your GPA is just not as important as your other qualifications are. While it may bring you great personal satisfaction and award you some tuition benefits it won't be a deal maker or a deal breaker when competing in today's job market. D</span></span></span><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><span style="font-size: medium; line-height: 22px;">espite what professors, advisors and parents may say or think, the grades you make throughout your four years in college have very little to do with the level of success you are capable of achieving in your career. Employers care far more about your experiences, both professional and personal, and the qualities you can bring to the table. It will ultimately be your passion and work ethic that drive you forward, not the numbers on the transcript. </span></span><br /><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: medium;"><span style="line-height: 22px;"><br /></span></span><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; line-height: 22px;">What Employers Are Looking For</span></span><span style="color: #0b5394; font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: x-large; line-height: 22px;"><b><i><br /></i></b></span><br /><span style="font-size: medium;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><span style="line-height: 22px;">When you leave the hallowed doors of your college campus there are things that you are going to need to know and begin to prepare in order to score that first interview. Understanding how to present yourself in the best possible light, to stand out from the rest of the job hunting pack, can and will make a huge difference on whether you get the job or not. Remember you will be competing with thousands of others for the best positions, so it is important to know what employers want to see. Here are the top 4 things that they are looking for:<span> </span></span></span><br /></span><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><span style="color: #990000; font-size: small;"><b><span style="line-height: 22px;">1. GOOD RESUME… </span></b></span></span><span style="font-size: medium;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><span style="line-height: 22px;">In an informativ</span></span><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; line-height: 22px;">e article by Joan Bersoza entitled,<i>"The Importance of Writing a Good Resume," </i>p</span><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><span style="line-height: 22px;">robably one of the most important things you need to do in your college 'afterlife' is build a good resume. This doesn't happen overnight and it sometimes requires you to take on jobs that aren't necessarily your dream come true or even a preference, but these job choices can say a lot to perspective 'dream job' employers about who you are and what you would bring to the job that no one else would. </span></span><br /><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><span><span style="line-height: 22px;"><br /></span></span></span><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><span><span style="line-height: 22px;">A good resume is your 'identification card'. It shows your prospective employer your unique qualifications. 99% of all companies require a resume. Most HR personnel will weed out hundreds, maybe </span></span></span><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><span style="line-height: 22px;">thousands of resumes until they decide on half a dozen to seriously consider for an interview. It is really important to learn how to write a good resume or hire someone with experience to do it for you. The difference between a good resume and a mediocre one is clarity, simplicity and quality of information. Flowery resumes with little information about your actual experience in the field you are wanting to go in to does little to get your foot in the door. </span></span><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; line-height: 22px;">A good resume begins with basic information, continues with education and then job experience. They don't recommend you list hobbies (unless they would give you an advantage for a particular type of job). Finally, a good resume is one that grabs their attention and gives them a good first impression of you on paper so they will be interested to meet the person behind the paper! </span><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; line-height: 22px;">The National Association of Colleges and Employers (NACE) job outlook survey reports that the top 5 personal qualities (that come from experience as seen in a full resume) which employers seek are:</span><br /></span><div><div></div><ol style="text-align: start;"><li><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: medium; line-height: 22px;">Ability to work in a team</span></li><li><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: medium; line-height: 22px;">Verbal communication skills</span></li><li><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: medium; line-height: 22px;">Ability to make decisions and problem solve</span></li><li><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: medium; line-height: 22px;">Ability to obtain and process information</span></li><li><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: medium; line-height: 22px;">Ability to plan, organize and prioritize work</span></li></ol></div><div><span style="font-size: small;"><b><span style="color: #990000; font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><span style="line-height: 22px;">WORK ETHIC… </span></span></b></span><span style="font-size: medium;"><span><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><span style="line-height: 22px;">One of the most important things an employer is interested in is your work ethic. </span></span></span><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><span style="line-height: 22px;">Any graduate that can project a good work ethic and a willingness to be retrained to fit into the prospective company, will have a far greater advantage over the others. </span></span><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><span style="line-height: 22px;">A strong work ethic is one that encompasses a positive and productive approach to work. Because it can be involved and individualistic, it is important that you carefully consider your </span></span><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><span style="line-height: 22px;">philosophy and be able to articulate it when it arises. In order to best answer questions about your work ethic, you must first have a thorough understanding of how you personally relate to work. Since college graduates are perceived as having a weak work ethic, we have compiled a few suggestions for you. Consider the following:</span></span></span></div><div><ul><li><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><span style="font-size: medium; line-height: 22px;"><i>Attitude:</i> How do you approach occupational responsibilities. If you have a strong work ethic you will have a positive and willing attitude when it comes to effort in your job.</span></span></li><li><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><span style="font-size: medium; line-height: 22px;"><i>Feelings: </i>How you feel about work effects your performance and greatly contributes to overall work ethic. It can either make you feel purposeful and satisfied or stressed and obligated.</span></span></li><li><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><span style="font-size: medium; line-height: 22px;"><i>Belief: </i>This pertains to the role you give your job in life. Does it build character, is it central to to a well balanced life? If you believe it is nothing more than a necessity that must be tolerated your work ethic will suffer.</span></span></li></ul><div><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><span style="font-size: medium; line-height: 22px;"> It is also important to be able to express situations you have been in that can exemplify the work ethic you say you possess. When it comes down to it, interviewers are looking to hire someone who has a positive attitude, knows how to be a team player, takes initiative, is adaptable enough to do a multitude of tasks, is good with time management and is dedicated to continual learning!</span></span></div><br /><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><span style="color: #990000; line-height: 22px;"><b>EXPERIENCE</b></span></span><span style="color: #990000; font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: small;"><span style="line-height: 22px;"><b>… </b></span></span><span style="font-size: medium;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; line-height: 22px;">It is important to understand what an employer is looking for as you build your resume over time. </span><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; line-height: 22px;">Very few graduates leave college with all the skills an upper tier job at a major corporation requires. Learning the </span><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><span style="line-height: 22px;">politic's of a job takes time and experience.</span></span><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; line-height: 22px;">Cary Curtis, (MD and founder of "Give A Grad A Go,") had this to say about work experience, "When you are looking for a job, employers won't necessarily place so much value on "who" you have worked with, but rather on "what" you can do with your skills and how quickly you pick new things up. </span><br /><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; line-height: 22px;"><br /></span><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; line-height: 22px;">Working for a company even temporarily will give potential employers the chance to see you in action and may lead to a permanent role if the opportunity arises. "Work experience placements help you build up your resume and make valuable contacts in an industry where you want to work. Having internships also demonstrates that you are eager to learn and are self-motivated, which are in-demand qualities in junior employee's," added Sachin Shah, (International </span><span><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; line-height: 22px;">Director of, </span><i style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif; line-height: 22px;">simplyhires.co.uk.) </i></span><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; line-height: 22px;">Having experience will build confidence and can make you more employable. Learn from those around you, listen and watch those who are in the roles you aspire to and you will be far ahead of others!</span></span><br /><span face=""arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif" style="line-height: 18px;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><b style="color: #990000; font-style: italic; line-height: 22px;"><br /></b></span></span><span face=""arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif" style="line-height: 18px;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><b style="color: #990000; line-height: 22px;">CHARACTER</b></span></span><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; line-height: 18px;"><span style="line-height: 22px;"><b style="color: #990000;">… </b><span style="font-size: medium;">Whether you are looking for a job for the first time or a promotion, character counts! Employers place a very huge importance on an individuals ethical strength because your ethical standards can effect company profits. Having character and integrity fosters a culture of compliance within an organization and enhances it's reputation as a good and ethical company. Unethical employees risk more than just their own job. The bad behavior of just one employee can trigger consequences that endure long after he or she has been fired. </span></span></span><span style="font-size: medium;"><span><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><span style="line-height: 22px;">Because a workplace is a network of people who must rely on and trust each other, it is important that you project good character and integrity when you begin your career. Trustworthy employees who treat others with fairness and respect, who pull their own weight and pitch in to help meet deadlines are going to be valued and </span></span></span><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><span style="line-height: 22px;">perceived as one who exhibit integrity and character. </span></span><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; line-height: 22px;">Character is also important when working with customers, vendors and other outsides who come in contact with a company's employees. </span></span><br /><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; line-height: 22px;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><span style="font-size: medium;">An individual who purposefully lives every aspect of his life with integrity exudes a sense of confidence and self-assurance where ever he goes. When you are guided by a strong moral compass you will exemplify leadership skills and stand out among your peers. This will telegraph your potential to all those who interview you. </span></span></div><div><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: medium; line-height: 22px;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: medium; line-height: 22px;">The most successful professionals and business owners of our time have built their personal brand and name by consistently exhibiting strong character regardless of the situation at hand. They let right thinking, right decisions, and right actions serve as their guide. If you have to manipulate the truth or compromise your values to gain an advantage, the advantage is not worth the perceived gain. Any advantage gained in deceit will surely come at a try high cost….the loss of your character. If you want to be successful in the workplace and in life, character counts!</span></div></div><div><br /></div><div><div style="text-align: start;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; line-height: 22px; text-align: justify;">Some Career Advice From the Experts</span></span><br /></div></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><div></div><span style="font-size: medium;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><span style="line-height: 22px;">Statistics have shown the average person will change careers at least 4 times and less than 50 percent of all college graduates will ever work in the field of their college major and degree. Part of the reason for this is that most graduates enter the work force with little or no understanding of what to really expect, or the many options and obstacles that lie ahead. </span></span><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; line-height: 22px;">If you are going to navigate your path successfully, having the right perspective when starting out on this journey is extremely important! While doing research for today's article, I found some common threads of advice from professionals, whose careers (past or present) include CEO's, corporate managers, </span><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><span style="line-height: 22px;">business owners and entry level professionals, that will help you to start out on your path with a healthy and productive perspective. Here is some of the best advice you will ever get!</span></span><br /></span><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: medium;"><span style="line-height: 22px;"><br /></span></span><span style="color: #990000; font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: small;"><b><span style="line-height: 22px;">CAREERS DON'T HAPPEN THEY ARE MADE… </span></b></span><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><span style="font-size: medium; line-height: 22px;">Career's by definition are something you undertake for a significant period of your life, with the promise of opportunity, progress and promotion. It will take real commitment, direction and an enormous amount of work on your part. Many graduating seniors mistakenly believe that all they have to do is go to school, then when finished, go to a few school sponsored career days and they will find a job waiting for them when they leave college. If you are waiting for someone else to just hand you a job, you are going to be waiting for a long time. Until you are ready to take charge of and 'own' your career, you won't have one. Owning your career takes discipline and commitment. Finding your full time career needs to become your full-time job. If you take control , then you do not become a victim of the job market! If you don't take charge, it won't happen. Your career will be what you decide to make it!</span></span><br /><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: medium;"><span style="line-height: 22px;"><br /></span></span><span style="color: #990000; font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; line-height: 22px;"><b>IT'S NOT ABOUT ENTITLEMENT… </b></span><span style="font-size: medium;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><span style="line-height: 22px;">Most</span></span><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><span style="line-height: 22px;"> college graduates mistakenly believe they are going to graduate and immediately start working for a company making 60 to 70 thousand dollars a year. While there are always exceptions, that is not the rule! Because we have fostered an attitude of entitlement in our current college culture, many graduates simply refuse to even apply for great entry level positions. That kind of attitude will never get you on the right career path and is considered extremely negative by employers! For those that choose to go ahead and begin on that route anyway, they suggest that if you haven't found the job you were hoping for within four months of graduating, its time to begin applying for whatever entry level job you can find. Being able to put something on your resume, gaining some knowledge and experience is an important step into the workplace and should not be ignored just because you feel you are qualified for something better or higher paying. Taking an entry level position tells your employer that no job is beneath you and you are willing to work hard to show them you are qualified to do more. The truth is , after gaining some experience, it shouldn't take you long to climb the company ladder! If you find it isn't what you really like doing, the experience gained will look good on your resume and will be seen in a favorable light in future interviews! We all have to start somewhere,and for most of you that will not be at the top!</span></span><br /></span><div><br /><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><span style="font-size: medium; line-height: 22px;">Here is a reality check to go along with their advice: The National Center of Education Statistics (NCES) projects that 1,606,000 students with a Bachelor's degree will graduate this year. (Their will be a lot of competition for jobs!) They added that about 260,000 people who had a college degree made at or below the federal minimum wage of 7.25 per hour last year. Remember a minimum wage job is better than no job and it could lead to a good management position that requires a degree. You may not want to stay there forever but it will look good on your resume!</span></span></div></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: small;"><span style="line-height: 22px;"><br /></span></span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><span style="line-height: 22px;"><b><span style="color: #990000; font-size: small;">THERE IS NO PERFECT JOB… </span></b><span style="font-size: medium;">If all of the years leading to graduation are designed only as a </span></span></span><span style="font-size: medium;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><span style="line-height: 22px;">preparation for entering the real world, the real world will definitely disappoint. Not because your expectations have been dashed or the world has been misrepresented but suddenly the time has come to look deep within yourself and discover what you want out of life and start to seek it. You will also find that making the transition from a college student to a career professional isn't just about what you do, it is also about how and why you do it! There is no job out there that will bring you complete fulfillment and happiness just because you are doing it, but it can bring fulfillment if you understand "why" it is important for you to do it. It can be a great job if you decide it is. It is all about "attitude."</span></span><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; line-height: 22px;"> You can find fulfillment in every step along your journey if you want to! Attitude and purpose make every job perfect for the season.</span></span><br /><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: small;"><span style="line-height: 22px;"><br /></span></span><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><span style="line-height: 22px;"><span style="color: #990000; font-size: small;"><b>BE ABLE TO DEFINE WHAT SUCCESS MEANS TO YOU…</b></span><span style="font-size: small;"> </span><span style="font-size: medium;">Until you can define what success means to you, success will always feel like it is just out of reach. Success is defined as accomplishing something of purpose, achieving a desired aim. As you move forward in your life and career it is important that you be able to define what is really important for you to personally achieve and not what others expect. Living to fulfill others expectations will only bring a lifetime personal failure and frustration. Over time your plans and priorities will evolve and change and so will your definition of "success". Your definition of personal success needs to be re-defined as your life becomes re-defined. As you get older, life will have deeper meaning, getting married and starting a family will once again, dramatically alter your definition of success. That is good thing! </span></span></span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: georgia, times new roman, serif; font-size: medium;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: georgia, times new roman, serif; font-size: large;">Finally.....<br /></span><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: medium;"><span style="line-height: 22px;"><br /></span></span><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><span style="line-height: 22px;"><span style="font-size: medium;">There is an old and very true </span></span><span><span style="font-size: medium; line-height: 22px;">saying,"If you spend your life doing what you are passionate about you will never feel like you worked a day in your life." Making your passion your career may not give you the largest paycheck or take you to the top of the corporate ladder, but it could take you to a third world country and give you the opportunity to change the lives of others. This kind of work brings a fulfillment and satisfaction that money can't buy and position can't achieve!</span></span></span><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: medium; line-height: 22px;"> In many ways, by doing what you are passionate about, you will feel that you have fulfilled a greater, higher purpose and that is worth more than all the money in the world! </span><br /></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: medium; line-height: 22px;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; line-height: 22px;"><div><div class="MsoNormal"><div style="text-align: center;"><div style="text-align: justify;"><div style="text-align: center;"><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 12pt;"><span><span style="color: #b45f06; font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><div class="MsoNormal" style="color: black; font-family: -webkit-standard; text-align: justify;"><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: "times new roman";"><span style="caret-color: rgb(11, 83, 148);"><i>*******************************************</i></span></span><br /><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 13pt;"><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 13pt;"><div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: start;"><div style="text-align: justify;"><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">FORGING YOUR FAITH</span><br /><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><br /></span><div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">To 'Forge' something, is to mold and shape something for suitable use. We believe that our lives are constantly being shaped and molded by the hand of God for His divine purpose! This publication </span><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">strives to encourage believers who are beginning this process and those who are well into it! We also believe a truly successful life is a Christ-Centered Life! We hope you will join us and become a regular reader! </span></div></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">Thank You and God Bless,</span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">Marianne Mauti</span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><i>Founder and CAO</i></span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><i><br /></i></span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><i>'Forging Your Faith' is the online Christian publication of 'Christ the King Church' in Bellevue, Pa.</i></span><br /><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: small;"><i><br /></i></span><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: small;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjcGRU7SWfV3e-HisjqjjiuNjG-3YuFu_LJZ2VnDWlrMGBLYJksmhVqT1MeuQA0_SQyECQ28J7c0xT-4AW0a0YFli2kCGkjlJITccnt9Vx2rz5_CShL5gM1PiAb3qIsOM2NLMkJleIk6DvH/s1600/6490_109964969289_5150597_n.jpg" style="clear: left; float: left; font-family: -webkit-standard; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="81" data-original-width="69" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjcGRU7SWfV3e-HisjqjjiuNjG-3YuFu_LJZ2VnDWlrMGBLYJksmhVqT1MeuQA0_SQyECQ28J7c0xT-4AW0a0YFli2kCGkjlJITccnt9Vx2rz5_CShL5gM1PiAb3qIsOM2NLMkJleIk6DvH/s1600/6490_109964969289_5150597_n.jpg" /></a><i>About Marianne Mauti: </i>Marianne is a writer and blogger as well as a Pastor at "Christ the King Church" in Bellevue, Pa. She is currently the Dean and Chief Operating Officer of "Christ the King Seminary" a full time Bible Institute. For more information about us please contact us at: crowncntr@aol.com</span></div></div></div></div><div><div style="text-align: justify;"><div style="text-align: center;"><div style="text-align: justify;"><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 13pt;"><div style="text-align: center;"><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /><div><span style="font-family: "georgia"; text-align: center;"><span style="color: #0b5394;"><i> ********</i></span></span><span style="font-family: "georgia"; text-align: center;">***************************************************</span><br /><span style="font-family: "georgia"; text-align: center;"> </span><span style="font-family: "georgia"; text-align: center;"> ARTICLE RESOURCES</span></div><div><span style="font-family: "georgia"; text-align: center;"><div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: -webkit-standard; text-align: justify;"><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div></div></span></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="color: black; font-family: -webkit-standard; text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">* The Bible</span></div></span></span></div><div><div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"><div class="MsoNormal"><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-right: 3.9pt; text-align: start;"><div class="MsoNormal"><div style="text-align: justify;"><div class="MsoNormal"><div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: start;"><div style="text-align: justify;"><div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;"><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">*Dr. George R. Beninate: Is Bishop of "Christ the King Church" in Pennsylvania, West Virginia and in Phnom Penh, Cambodia. A Doctor of Theology, Biblical Apologist, conference speaker, lecturer and my spiritual father.He is also the Author of several books including,"The Age of Glory", Thank you for your relentless pursuit of truth!</span><br /><div style="text-align: center;"></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div><div style="text-align: center;"><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">* "How to Answer What is your Work Ethic," By Erin Lucy, Nicole Wilson, Joanna Papanikolaou, Tia goroth on wikihow.com</span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">* "Work Experience While Job Hunting," www.theist.org</span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; line-height: 22px;">* A recent article for the Wall Street Journal, By Blue Carreon </span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><span style="line-height: 22px;">* A</span></span><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; line-height: 22px;">rticle by Joan Bersoza,"The Importance of Writing a Good Resume"</span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; line-height: 22px;">* The National Association of Colleges and Employers (NACE) job outlook survey.</span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; line-height: 22px;">* Cary Curtis, (MD and founder of "Give A Grad A Go,")</span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; line-height: 22px;">* Sachin Shah, (International </span><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; line-height: 22px;">Director of, </span><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; line-height: 22px;">simplyhires.co.uk.)</span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; line-height: 22px;">* The National Center of Education Statistics (NCES)</span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><span style="color: #0b5394;"><br /></span></span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><span style="color: #0b5394;"><br /></span></span></div></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><span style="color: #0b5394;"><br /></span></span></div><div style="font-size: large;"><br /></div></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="font-size: large;"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><span style="color: #1c1c1c;"><br /></span></span></div><div style="font-size: large; text-align: start;"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="font-size: large;"><br /></div></div><br /><div style="background-color: white; border: 0px; box-sizing: border-box; direction: ltr; font-size: large; margin-bottom: 15px; padding: 0px; text-rendering: optimizeLegibility; vertical-align: baseline;"><div style="color: #333333; font-family: Georgia, Century, Times, serif; font-size: 15px; line-height: 21px; text-align: left;"><strong style="border: 0px; box-sizing: border-box; line-height: inherit; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;"><br /></strong></div></div></span></div>Forging Your Faithhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11719980363185567734noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7626530909284999266.post-34413473718868303812021-02-19T07:07:00.007-08:002021-02-27T12:29:41.207-08:00Life After College: God Has A Plan For Your Life Part 2<p><span style="font-size: medium;">By Marianne Mauti</span></p><p><span style="font-size: x-large;"> <span style="font-family: georgia, "times new roman", serif; text-align: justify;">God Has A Plan For Your Life</span></span></p><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="clear: right; float: right; font-family: georgia, "times new roman", serif; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh6lENHIKqgubZtRAJ9SeN-2uAo6fAz6gpMa1AFkIp17IU1ADKyLDi6cX-2T3xFCBaqIyXBBs_suQTjqCYX9gP67X9WzjB37XHvCDLHtvYvVJ5udVBDSKCDixaWF1jVa4-wWrNUiMNRNg3T/s470/iu-2.jpeg" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><img border="0" data-original-height="470" data-original-width="388" height="133" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh6lENHIKqgubZtRAJ9SeN-2uAo6fAz6gpMa1AFkIp17IU1ADKyLDi6cX-2T3xFCBaqIyXBBs_suQTjqCYX9gP67X9WzjB37XHvCDLHtvYvVJ5udVBDSKCDixaWF1jVa4-wWrNUiMNRNg3T/w110-h133/iu-2.jpeg" width="110" /></span></a></div><span style="font-size: medium;">Today's article is packed full of really good transitional information and constructive professional advice. Life however is not just about building resumes and finding the perfect job."What you were created for" is far more important than "Where you go from here". It is important that you understand why you are here and what you have been called to do. God does have a perfect plan for each of our lives. </span></span><span style="clear: right; float: right; font-family: georgia, "times new roman", serif; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><i style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif; line-height: 22px;"><span style="color: #cc0000; font-size: medium;">For I know the plans I have for you," declares the Lord," plans to prosper you and not harm you, plans to give you hope and a future." Jeremiah 29:11</span></i></span><span style="clear: right; float: right; font-family: georgia, "times new roman", serif; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><span style="font-size: medium;">God's Word declares that He is intimately aware and involved in the lives of those who desire to know and walk with Him. It is His purpose for every man, woman ever born to experience true fulfillment and relationship with Him. Here is what His Word declares:</span></span><span style="clear: right; float: right; font-family: georgia, "times new roman", serif; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><i style="color: #cc0000;"><span style="font-size: medium;">"For we are His workmanship, created in Christ Jesus unto good works, which God hath before ordained that we should walk in Him." Ephesians 2:10</span></i></span><span style="clear: right; float: right; font-family: georgia, "times new roman", serif; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; line-height: 22px;">When you begin to feel the pressure of life and the burden of debt and expectations closing in on you, remember that you can count on the fact that God gave your life eternal purpose and meaning. He really does have a good plan for your life. Why is that important? Because we all want to have a good life, and we want to believe that while we were here our life had value and meaning! </span><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; line-height: 22px;">The most important "job" you have when you leave college, is to find out how your education fits into Gods plan for your life (Jer. 1:5)! Give God permission to open the doors that are best for you and close the doors that are not. When you do that, it will give you courage to move forward because you know He will be with you every step of the way. Even more importantly, </span><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; line-height: 22px;">you will discover that God will give you a supernatural empowerment to do what He has called you to do (1 John 2:27). When God anoints us to do something, He appoints us to the position and place. </span></span></span></span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><span style="line-height: 22px;"><br /></span></span><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><span style="line-height: 22px;">Remember His plan in your life is constantly unfolding. It won't be all laid out before you the day you graduate, probably because it would not benefit you. If you give your life to God and include Him in all of your decisions as well as seek the council of mature men and women of faith in your life, you will always be able to handle what comes next. The most important decisions you make in life are not about a job , they are decisions that position you for success in every area of your life. Earlier we shared the top 5 personal qualities that employers seek. I would like to suggest those qualities come from 4 more important steps you need to 'decide' to receive into your life: </span></span><br /><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><span style="line-height: 22px;"><br /></span></span><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><span style="line-height: 22px;">1. Develop a personal relationship with Jesus Christ and allow Him to guide your decisions.</span></span><br /><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><span style="line-height: 22px;">2. Develop unconditional love for others (you will suddenly , on a daily basis be around people you hardly know)</span></span><br /><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><span style="line-height: 22px;">3. Grow in your faith and confidence in God. Read His Word daily, study and meditate on it.</span></span><br /><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><span style="line-height: 22px;">4.Be sure your thinking lines up to Gods Word, then your actions will follow.</span></span></span><br /><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;"><span style="line-height: 22px;"><br /></span></span><span style="font-size: medium;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><span style="color: #990000;"><span style="line-height: 22px;"><b>INCLUDE GOD IN THE PROCESS… </b></span></span></span><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><span style="line-height: 22px;">When making a career decision, there are often several options available . It is important to make the best possible decision. Never let other people or outside circumstances talk you out of Gods direction for you. Well meaning individuals may try to get you to take the easier road or the more profitable one when God is wanting you to take a longer, more difficult one. He understands what you really need in your life. What will develop your character and relationship with Him. </span></span><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; line-height: 22px;">While God can lead through circumstances the Bible does show us that God is there to help us in our struggle to make a difficult decision,in fact he is there in partnership with us during the process. Because God wants you to succeed, it makes sense to have a career plan based around your designed purpose!</span><br /><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; line-height: 22px;"><br /></span><b><span style="color: #990000;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">USE YOUR GIFTS AND TALENTS FOR A HIGHER PURPOSE…</span> </span></b><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; line-height: 22px;">God desires for you to use the gifts and talents He has given to you. </span><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; line-height: 22px;">God created each of us with certain skills, abilities and gifts. There is no one else in the whole world exactly like you and there is no one else designed by God to do what you are designed to do. This is an important factor when you are considering what to do with your life. </span><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; line-height: 22px;">Working out of your created design will bring your fulfillment and </span><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; line-height: 22px;">satisfaction. It will enable you to serve others effectively and most importantly bring glory and honor to our Heavenly Father.</span></span><br /><br /><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><span><span style="color: #cc0000; line-height: 22px;"><i>6 "We have different gifts, according to the grace given to each of us. If your gift is prophesying, then prophesy in accordance with your faith; 7 if it is serving, then serve,; if it is teaching, then teach; 8 if it is to encourage, then give encouragement; if it is giving, then give generously; if it is to lead,do it diligently; if it is to show mercy, do it cheerfully." Romans 12:6-8.</i></span></span></span><br /><div><span style="font-size: medium;"><br /></span></div><span style="font-size: medium;"><span style="color: #990000; font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><b><span style="line-height: 22px;"><span>LIVE A L</span><span>IFE PLEASING BEFORE HIM</span></span><span style="line-height: 22px;"><span>…</span></span></b></span><br /><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><span style="line-height: 22px;"><span style="color: #990000;"><b><br /></b></span></span></span><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; line-height: 22px;">If you want to have a successful career and fulfilling life, you have to decide to live a life that is first and foremost pleasing to God. When you do this , your life will always be fruitful. </span><br /></span><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><span style="line-height: 22px;"><span style="color: #990000; font-size: medium;"><i><br /></i></span></span></span><span style="color: #cc0000; font-size: medium;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><span style="line-height: 22px;"><span><i>Colossians 1:10, </i></span></span></span><i style="font-family: georgia, "times new roman", serif;"><span style="line-height: 22px;">"…. that you will walk in a manner worthy of the Lord, to please Him in all respects, bearing fruit in every good work and increasing in the knowledge of God." </span></i></span><br /><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: medium;"><span style="line-height: 22px;"><br /></span></span><span style="font-size: medium;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><span style="line-height: 22px;">There will be times when you will have to set aside your plans. You will find that what God has planned for you is far better than anything you could make happen! Your choice can delay or derail the plan of God and the quality of your life. If you want to please the Lord, then your choices will become His choices and you will reap the fruit of your labor. </span></span><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; line-height: 22px;">The decisions we make on or off the job govern our actions and determine our future. </span><br /><br /><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><span style="line-height: 22px;">Choosing to live a life pleasing to God will protect you from the consequences of your human frailty. There may be times , especially in the workplace, you may be asked to say or do something that is clearly unethical. Your desire to please God with your words and actions will be all the reason you need to resist any pressure to act in an unethical manner! All they can do is fire you! If you have done what is right, God will reward you. </span></span><br /></span><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: small;"><span style="line-height: 22px;"><br /></span></span><span style="font-size: medium;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><span style="line-height: 22px;">Living a life pleasing to the Lord also will help you to keep your priorities in the right place. If your career requires the majority of your time and you have no time for your family or church, than it is not worth continuing to pursue. It could also be a big red flag to get out! If your career leads you away from God rather than leading you closer to Him, that is a clear sign that you are on the wrong path. Nothing is worth harming</span></span><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; line-height: 22px;"> your relationship with God ! </span><br /></span><span style="color: #990000; font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; line-height: 22px;"><i><br /></i></span><span style="color: #cc0000; font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: medium; line-height: 22px;"><i>"What does it benefit a man if he gains the whole world and forfeits his soul?" Matthew 16:26</i></span><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;"><i><span style="color: #990000;"><span style="line-height: 22px;"><br /></span></span></i></span><br /><div style="margin: 0px;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><span style="line-height: 22px;"><b><span style="color: #990000;">LIVE FOR TODAY… </span></b></span><span><span style="line-height: 22px;">You don't have to have to have it all yesterday! One of the biggest mistakes new and young professionals make is working so many hours that they simply have no time to enjoy their life. Being productive is a good quality, but if you spend most of your time trying to have it all right now, you will miss out on what you already have! Planning and strategizing for your "future" is also a good thing, but don't live there. If you do, you will live you in a constant state of frustration. This doesn't mean you can't dream or have a vision for your life, you should, but it should</span></span></span><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><span style="line-height: 22px;"> not rob you of the joy of "today"!</span></span></span></div><div style="margin: 0px;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><span><span style="line-height: 22px;"><br /></span></span></span><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><span><span style="line-height: 22px;">Life isn't something you eventually do, it has to be lived each and every day. If you get up every morning and find that your major compulsion for that day is to work as long and as hard as you can to achieve a 'future goal', you are a 'workaholic'! The need to achieve can cause you, if you are not careful, to lose your grip on what is really important in life. Workaholics do not live in the present, they live in the future. They are never satisfied by what they have accomplished today because they have already mentally moved on. There is always something more, greater, higher and better to attain. While those can be noble aspirations, for the workaholic, they are the source of permanent dissatisfaction with today! Workaholics cannot ever just walk away from their work,it eventually overlaps into every area of their life and filters into every relationship. This is extremely detrimental to your health and well being, no matter how noble or worthy the cause. Everyone needs a Sabbath rest! Living in the future never allows you to enter into a state of mental, emotional or physical rest. You never stop long enough to enjoy what you have achieved because you have already mentally and emotionally moved onto the next thing that is just beyond your reach. </span></span></span></span></div><div style="margin: 0px;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><span><span style="line-height: 22px;"><br /></span></span></span><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><span><span style="line-height: 22px;">Unfortunately the human mind and body were not created to maintain that level or state of "stress". Living in the present will allow you to experience the fruit of your labor and the joy of your accomplishment. It gives you time to reflect on your life, see the big picture, assess where you are going and thoughtfully move forward. You can't do that if you live in the future. </span></span></span><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><span style="line-height: 22px;">Equally important is to not live past failure. If you are just starting out in your career you are starting with a clean slate. Eventually you will make a mistake, either on the job or by a bad career move. The past is only of value to you if you learn from it. If you blew it along the way, forgive yourself, if you have been hurt or maligned, forgive and move forward! Forgiveness is ALWAYS freeing ! </span></span></span></div><div style="margin: 0px;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; line-height: 22px;"><br /></span><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><span style="line-height: 22px;">We all want to taste the fruit of our labor, our hard earned success. That takes time to develop just like fruit left to ripen on the vine. It is cultivated day by day.If it has the proper nutrition and nurturing it will develop to its fullest potential. We all want the ripe fruit that hard work can bring, but in our "instant everything" culture, we don't want to wait for it. Find a sense of satisfaction in what you are presently doing, i</span><span style="line-height: 22px;">f you don't, you will live your life in a constant state if frustration!</span></span><br /></span><div><span style="font-size: medium;"><br /></span></div></div><span style="font-size: medium;"><b><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><span style="color: #990000; line-height: 22px;">YOUR CAREER IS PART OF LIFE, YOUR LIFE IS NOT PART OF YOUR CAREER…</span></span><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; line-height: 22px;"> </span></b><br /></span><div><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><span style="font-size: medium; line-height: 22px;"><br /></span></span></div><div><span style="font-size: medium;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><span style="line-height: 22px;">Life is precious, how you decide to live it will make all the difference in the quality. </span></span><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><span style="line-height: 22px;">No matter how much money you have earned , it will never be enough. No matter how many hours you work, you will never get it all done. No matter how much you hope to achieve there will always be something that seems to be just out of your reach. That is why you have to put it all into perspective!</span></span><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><span style="line-height: 22px;"> </span></span><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; line-height: 22px;">Real happiness comes from: </span><br /><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><span style="line-height: 22px;"><br /></span></span><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><span style="line-height: 22px;">1. Knowing God's plan as He unfolds it.</span></span><br /><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><span style="line-height: 22px;">2. Including Him in the decision making process each step of the way.</span></span><br /><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><span style="line-height: 22px;">3. Using your talent and gifts not just to earn a living.</span></span><br /><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><span style="line-height: 22px;">4. Trying to do it all in a way that will be pleasing to Him.</span></span><br /><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><span style="line-height: 22px;">5. And enjoying the fruit of your labor with you family and friends as you live each day!</span></span><br /></span><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: #990000; font-family: georgia, "times new roman", serif; font-size: large;">If you do those things God promises you will</span></div></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: #990000; font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><span><span style="line-height: 22px;"> experience life to it's fullest! </span></span></span><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><span style="color: #cc0000; font-size: medium;"><span style="line-height: 22px;"><br /></span></span></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><div style="text-align: center;"><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;">Finally...</span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: medium;">More and more college students are starting to the advantage of the few years of freedom post-graduation, choosing to pursue other paths instead of jumping into a full time position. You might consider doing something else until you have a clear vision for you future. There are many other opportunities such as interning, volunteering, or traveling. Many of these opportunities will be quality experiences that you can put on your resume when you do begin your job search. There are plenty of opportunities within the United States and also Internationally.</span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: medium;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><span style="color: #990000;">CONSIDER VOLUNTEERING: </span>While volunteering might not bring in a lot of income, it is a valuable way to use your time, as you will be making positive changes while also building a network of fellow volunteers, co-workers, supervisors and organizations that might be important to your future work.<br /></span><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><br /></span><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">Because of the high cost of a College education today, many graduates find that it is impossible to begin paying back school loans and maintain independent housing and all that goes along with it. While most of you would rather be on your own after college you may want to consider moving back home. Don't let your college debt force you into a career you don't want and doesn't suit your gift's or calling because you need the money to pay your rent. Their is a long history of tradition around the world, of multiple family members (Aunts , Uncles, cousins, etc. ) and multiple generations, living together. America is unique in its idea of single family, single generation structure. You will find that most p</span><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">arents are willing to help, even if it is just for a short while. Your parents want what is best for you and will to continue to bring the emotional </span><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">and physical support you need to help you advance to the next step in life.</span><br /></span><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 12pt;"><span><span style="color: #b45f06; font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><div class="MsoNormal" style="color: black; font-family: -webkit-standard; text-align: justify;"><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: "times new roman";"><span style="caret-color: rgb(11, 83, 148);"><i>*******************************************</i></span></span><br /><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 13pt;"><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 13pt;"><div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: start;"><div style="text-align: justify;"><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">FORGING YOUR FAITH</span><br /><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><br /></span><div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">To 'Forge' something, is to mold and shape something for suitable use. We believe that our lives are constantly being shaped and molded by the hand of God for His divine purpose! This publication </span><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">strives to encourage believers who are beginning this process and those who are well into it! We also believe a truly successful life is a Christ-Centered Life! We hope you will join us and become a regular reader! </span></div></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">Thank You and God Bless,</span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">Marianne Mauti</span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><i>Founder and CAO</i></span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><i><br /></i></span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><i>'Forging Your Faith' is the online Christian publication of 'Christ the King Church' in Bellevue, Pa.</i></span><br /><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: small;"><i><br /></i></span><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: small;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjcGRU7SWfV3e-HisjqjjiuNjG-3YuFu_LJZ2VnDWlrMGBLYJksmhVqT1MeuQA0_SQyECQ28J7c0xT-4AW0a0YFli2kCGkjlJITccnt9Vx2rz5_CShL5gM1PiAb3qIsOM2NLMkJleIk6DvH/s1600/6490_109964969289_5150597_n.jpg" style="clear: left; float: left; font-family: -webkit-standard; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="81" data-original-width="69" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjcGRU7SWfV3e-HisjqjjiuNjG-3YuFu_LJZ2VnDWlrMGBLYJksmhVqT1MeuQA0_SQyECQ28J7c0xT-4AW0a0YFli2kCGkjlJITccnt9Vx2rz5_CShL5gM1PiAb3qIsOM2NLMkJleIk6DvH/s1600/6490_109964969289_5150597_n.jpg" /></a><i>About Marianne Mauti: </i>Marianne is a writer and blogger as well as a Pastor at "Christ the King Church" in Bellevue, Pa. She is currently the Dean and Chief Operating Officer of "Christ the King Seminary" a full time Bible Institute. For more information about us please contact us at: crowncntr@aol.com</span></div></div></div></div><div><div style="text-align: justify;"><div style="text-align: center;"><div style="text-align: justify;"><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 13pt;"><div style="text-align: center;"><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /><div><span style="font-family: "georgia"; text-align: center;"><span style="color: #0b5394;"><i> ********</i></span></span><span style="font-family: "georgia"; text-align: center;">***************************************************</span><br /><span style="font-family: "georgia"; text-align: center;"> </span><span style="font-family: "georgia"; text-align: center;"> ARTICLE RESOURCES</span></div><div><span style="font-family: "georgia"; text-align: center;"><div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: -webkit-standard; text-align: justify;"><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div></div></span></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="color: black; font-family: -webkit-standard; text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">* The Bible</span></div></span></span></div><div><div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"><div class="MsoNormal"><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: 3.9pt; text-align: start;"><div class="MsoNormal"><div style="text-align: justify;"><div class="MsoNormal"><div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: start;"><div style="text-align: justify;"><div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;"><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">*Dr. George R. Beninate: Is Bishop of "Christ the King Church" in Pennsylvania, West Virginia and in Phnom Penh, Cambodia. A Doctor of Theology, Biblical Apologist, conference speaker, lecturer and my spiritual father.He is also the Author of several books including,"The Age of Glory", Thank you for your relentless pursuit of truth!</span><br /><div style="text-align: center;"></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div><div style="text-align: center;"><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">* "How to Answer What is your Work Ethic," By Erin Lucy, Nicole Wilson, Joanna Papanikolaou, Tia goroth on wikihow.com</span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">* "Work Experience While Job Hunting," www.theist.org</span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; line-height: 22px;">* A recent article for the Wall Street Journal, By Blue Carreon </span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><span style="line-height: 22px;">* A</span></span><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; line-height: 22px;">rticle by Joan Bersoza,"The Importance of Writing a Good Resume"</span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; line-height: 22px;">* The National Association of Colleges and Employers (NACE) job outlook survey.</span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; line-height: 22px;">* Cary Curtis, (MD and founder of "Give A Grad A Go,")</span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; line-height: 22px;">* Sachin Shah, (International </span><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; line-height: 22px;">Director of, </span><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; line-height: 22px;">simplyhires.co.uk.)</span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; line-height: 22px;">* The National Center of Education Statistics (NCES)</span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><span style="color: #0b5394;"><br /></span></span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><span style="color: #0b5394;"><br /></span></span></div></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><span style="color: #0b5394; font-size: x-large;"><br /></span></span></div><div><br /></div></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><span style="color: #1c1c1c;"><br /></span></span></div><div style="text-align: start;"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div></div><br /><div style="background-color: white; border: 0px; box-sizing: border-box; direction: ltr; margin-bottom: 15px; padding: 0px; text-rendering: optimizeLegibility; vertical-align: baseline;"><div style="color: #333333; font-family: Georgia, Century, Times, serif; font-size: 15px; line-height: 21px;"><strong style="border: 0px; box-sizing: border-box; line-height: inherit; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;"><br /></strong></div></div>Forging Your Faithhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11719980363185567734noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7626530909284999266.post-72651538390506245112021-02-17T15:40:00.008-08:002021-02-27T12:30:31.295-08:00Why We Celebrate Thanksgiving<p><span style="font-size: medium;"> <span style="font-family: georgia, "times new roman", serif; text-align: justify;">By Marianne Mauti</span></span></p><p><span style="font-family: georgia, "times new roman", serif; text-align: justify;"><span style="font-size: x-large;">Why We Celebrate Thanksgiving</span></span></p><div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiLKTAutYawuaypsyfz1VoAs7TvpqBP2bj8e3PyaOqmmOqEeRN47LJguNsuvDEWemV55Dw-nHtlW1AwyibKu10EwRr15J8smiT6NqBNfvFdA_ebb2VHCgYlXkhpbxSeAqL9YRetkWesLYI4/s1600/First+Thanksgiving.png" style="clear: left; float: left; font-size: medium; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="153" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiLKTAutYawuaypsyfz1VoAs7TvpqBP2bj8e3PyaOqmmOqEeRN47LJguNsuvDEWemV55Dw-nHtlW1AwyibKu10EwRr15J8smiT6NqBNfvFdA_ebb2VHCgYlXkhpbxSeAqL9YRetkWesLYI4/w181-h153/First+Thanksgiving.png" width="181" /></a><span style="font-size: medium;">Americans celebrate two holidays that are ingrained in the historical tradition of our nation. They are the fourth of July and Thanksgiving. The fourth of July is the celebrates the hallmark of our nations civil independence and freedom, while Thanksgiving was declared a National Holiday that acknowledged our faith in God and His sovereignty over our lives. Today, however, Thanksgiving has become more or less a family tradition that includes parades, football and good food! While there is certainly nothing wrong with the festivities of our modern celebration, it is important that we never forget why our nations leaders thought it was important to set aside a special day to show our gratitude and appreciation to God. </span></span><br /><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><br /></span><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: medium;">The first Thanksgiving celebration took place in Plymouth Massachusetts in 1621 after a small group of pilgrims made a harrowing journey across the Atlantic ocean determined to share the Gospel of Jesus Christ! After a hard winter of sickness, death and almost certain starvation God miraculously provided for them! Because of their love and appreciation the survivors gathered to acknowledge and celebrate God's provision. There is probably no American historical account that is as compelling and illuminating, than the journey of those early Christian Pilgrims, who had the courage to fulfill their divine purpose. Their great sacrifice is at the foundation of many of our present blessings! </span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><br /></span></span><span><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">Our Thanksgiving Heritage</span></span></span><br /><span style="font-size: xx-small;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: medium;"><i><br /></i></span></span><span style="font-size: medium;"><span><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">The journey to America for the Pilgrims began in their native country of England where the Pilgrims had been suffering growing persecution. As Puritan-Separatists, they held that their differences with the Church of England were irreconcilable and that their worship should be allowed to be independent of the trappings, traditions and organization of the state church. Under the Act of Uniformity 1559, it was illegal to attend any church service other than the official state sanctioned services. Many Pilgrims were heavily fined, jailed and some were even executed for sedition. They eventually decided they had no other recourse but to leave and find a place where they could worship the way they chose to. They finally found the refuge they were looking for in Holland. If they already found a place where they could worship God the way they wanted to, why did they decide to leave and come to America? </span></span><br /><span><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><br /></span></span><span><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">Here is what historian author Peter Marshall had to say about the Puritan-Pilgrims: </span></span><i style="font-family: georgia, "times new roman", serif;">The Puritans had endured vicious religious persecution in England, having been arrested often by the King’s soldiers and imprisoned by sheriffs for sharing their beliefs. Finally, fleeing for their lives to Holland, they settled in the town of Leyden. There they enjoyed religious freedom for 12 years. But, toward the end of this time, it became increasing clear to them that God was calling them to leave Holland and come to America. Consider the fact that, if their motivation had been primarily about religious liberty, they could have stayed where they were. They already had it. But what compelled them was much deeper than that. They weren’t running away from anything when they came to America — they were obeying the call of Christ on their lives!</i><br /><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><i><br /></i></span><span><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">This is an important distinction to make. Coming to America was going to take great sacrifice and courage. Only a call from God could convince them to do it! He reminds us that they weren't running away from anything to come to America, they were running forward with God's plan! </span><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">The Pilgrims came to America because they believed God divinely called them to be missionaries to the new colonies, preach the Gospel of Jesus Christ and plant churches! William Bradford (their Governor and chronicler of their historic adventure), wrote this about them: </span><i style="font-family: georgia, "times new roman", serif;">"They had great hope and inward zeal of laying a good foundation for propagating the gospel of the Kingdom of Christ in those remotes parts of the world; yea, though they should be but even as stepping-stones unto others for the performing of so great a work."</i></span></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 7pt; text-align: justify;"></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 7pt; text-align: justify;"><br /><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;">The Pilgrims Miraculous Journey!</span><br /><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: medium;"><i><br /></i></span><span style="font-size: medium;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">These courageous </span><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">missionaries not only brought the Gospel to America, they helped lay the moral, spiritual and governmental foundation of our nation (read the Mayflower Compact)! What has almost been completely wiped from the pages of history, are the many amazing ways God miraculously intervened, time and time again, on their behalf. In fact, God was laying the groundwork for their success, years before they got there!</span><br /><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><br /></span><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"> On the journey to America they faced life threatening obstacles. After just a few short weeks on the Mayflower the voyage turned nasty. Because of an initial delay in starting their trip, they found themselves sailing into a stormy fall season. Soon the Mayflower was being battered so badly by a storm, that the crew had to tie themselves to the masts with ropes and the 102 men, women and children passengers were ordered below. </span><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">With people being simultaneously thrown from side to side and violently pitched up and down; with children crying and adults throwing up; with the stench of vomit, animals, and unwashed bodies; and with the sea water leaking through the deck above, the conditions must have been almost unbearable.</span><br /><i style="font-family: georgia, "times new roman", serif;"><br /></i><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">Again, here is what Peter Marshall had to say about the account of the voyage:</span><i style="font-family: georgia, "times new roman", serif;"> "The passengers tried to cope with their fears as best they could by chanting Psalms from the Bible, which welded the Puritans and others aboard into a praying congregation of desperate Pilgrims. They had good cause to be afraid. In the midst of one terrible storm, there was suddenly a loud crack! One of the large beams that held the mainmast in place had snapped, and now was dangerously sagging. Should that beam give way, the mast would fall and the ship would surely founder, with the loss of all passengers and crew. By the grace of God, the Pilgrims had brought with them a large iron screw, which was found and quickly hoisted into place under the beam. Buttressed with other pieces by the ship’s carpenter, young John Alden, the beam thankfully held. In the midst of yet another storm, John Howland, a young twenty-something indentured servant of the Pilgrims’ first governor, John Carver, found himself unable to take the confinement any longer. He lifted the hatch and stepped out on deck. In seconds the next huge wave washed him overboard, and Howland found himself in the icy waters of the North Atlantic. Only minutes away from freezing to death, as he was going under the waves, one of the ropes from the ship’s rigging just “happened” to snake across his wrist. Instinctively, his hand closed on it, and the crew managed to haul him back on board. Just a coincidence? I don’t think so, and neither did the Pilgrims. God’s hand had intervened once again, and John Howland knew it. He became one of the leading elders in the Plymouth colony." </i></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 7pt; text-align: justify;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><br /></span><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">Unbeknownst to them, even before the journey had begun, they brought the exact tools needed to make the repairs and coincidently, the right people on board who knew what do do with them! Many ships during that period of history were lost or destroyed in storms over the ocean. Even more miraculous was the rescue of John Holland. God miraculously guided a rope that found the hand of a future pilgrim leader! As Mr. Marshall put it, <i>"Was this a coincidence?"</i> I don't think so either! God miraculously intervened!</span></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 7pt; text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;">Landing in America</span><br /><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: small;"><br /></span><span style="font-size: medium;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">After enduring storms for 44 out of the 66 days voyage, the weak and sick passengers at last saw land on November 9th, 1620. It was Cape Cod. The Pilgrim leadership prayed and decided that God wanted them to stay there and start a separate colony. They went into the perimeter of Cape Cod Bay to find the right place for them to settle. They </span><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">came ashore at Plymouth to find the ground cleared and recently cultivated, but no Indians were anywhere to be seen. Strangely, the area was littered with human bones, even so, they prayed and believed </span><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">that God had prepared this place for them, and soon afterward they began construction on a common house for shelter until they could build individual homes. </span><br /><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><br /></span><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">The weather was getting bad, it was turning turning cold and the rough voyage had left them in an already weakened condition. Soon they</span><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"> were overcome by "wasting diseases." With no effective medication the deaths reached 2 to 3 a day by January. Many accounts say a</span><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">t one point there were only five people well enough to be on their feet caring for the rest. Toward the end of March, when the worst was over, they had lost 47 of their number. Of the 18 wives who had come, 13 had died. </span><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">Only three families remained unbroken and they were in real trouble, because the food they brought on the Mayflower was almost completely gone. Just as all hope seemed lost, once again God's greatest miracle was on its way!</span><br /><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><br /></span><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"> In March, a lone Indian named Samoset, wearing only in a loincloth, appeared before them and in the english language said: “Welcome, Englishmen!” What a miracle that must have seemed! He had learned some english from fishermen, but his ability to understand was limited so he soon returned bringing a </span><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">Paxuxet Indian by the name of Squanto. William Bradford had this to say about Squanto, </span><i style="font-family: georgia, "times new roman", serif;">"Squanto was a special instrument sent by God for their good, beyond their expectation." </i><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">Squanto's story was an account of just how amazing God's provision was!</span><br /></span><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><br /></span><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><span style="font-size: large;">Squanto's Story</span></span><br /><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><br /></span><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"> <span style="font-size: medium;">When Squanto arrived, t</span></span><span style="font-size: medium;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">hey were amazed at how well he spoke english and understood their culture. </span><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">They soon learned that Squanto's tribe were the ones who had previously lived in Plymouth, but they had suffered a great plague brought by French fur trappers from the north. Sadly it killed every member of his tribe and this was why the ground was covered with bones. </span><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">The plague had raced through the tribe so quickly that they didn't</span><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"> even had time to bury all their dead! They learned that Squanto had survived because he was not there at the time. </span><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">God's intricate plan for their preservation had begun years earlier by assuring that Squanto would survive the plague! In 1605 an English expedition took him captive and sailed for England. This is where he would learn the english language and customs.</span><br /><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><br /></span><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">Squanto lived in England for 9 years in the home of a merchant named John Slain where he learned the European system and value of trade. He was eventually brought back to America under the command of Captain Joseph Smith, of Jamestown, who had by then gotten into the fishing business. Before Smith returned to Jamestown he ordered one of his captains ,Thomas Hunt along with Squanto, to stay behind and trade for beaver pelts. During that time Captain Hunt decided to embark on a side business of his own and abducted some Indians to sell into the slavery market along with Squanto. They were to be auctioned off in Malaga, a slave trading port on the south coast of Spain. </span><br /><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><br /></span><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">When it became Squanto’s turn to be sold, a monk from a nearby monastery just “happened” to pass by at that moment. Looking at this forlorn Indian, he took pity on him, bought him, and took him to the monastery. Squanto lived with the monks for about a year. This is where Squanto would come to have a deeper understanding of the Christian faith, one that involved kindness, compassion, devotion and service to God! After a certain amount of time Squanto obtained his freedom and worked his way up through Spain and France until he could cross the English channel and get back to England. He stayed with the English until 1619, when he signed aboard a ship with Captain Dermer who was sailing for America on a fishing expedition to the New England coast. He agreed to take Squanto back to his native land in exchange for his services as a pilot in American waters. </span><br /><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><br /></span><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">Eventually Squanto was returned to the tip of Cape Cod. He was happy to finally be returning to his people, but when he arrived he found was death and destruction. Imagine the disappointment, despair and pain he felt when he saw that his family, everyone he knew and loved, had all died. Heartbroken, he wandered among the ruins and the bones, eventually making his way 40 miles southwest to the tribal seat of the Wampanoag and Chief Massasoit, who out of compassion for his plight, took him in. </span><br /><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><br /></span><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">Squanto now a member of the tribe, was there the day Samoset returned from Plymouth to tell them that some new English settlers had decided to live there. He told the tribal elders that the pilgrims were in a very bad way, sick and starving. Squanto was dispatched to investigate the matter. Considering the fact that Squanto's whole family had died from disease one might wonder why he was willing to go. Because Squanto had lived for some time in England eating their food and breathing their air, he developed a level of tolerance to their diseases. </span><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">Squanto set out with Samoset, bringing some food and supplies with him. </span><br /><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><br /></span><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">Squanto would eventually teach them how to trap eels in the mud flats of the bay, what berries were edible, what herbs were good for medicine, and how to trap beaver, which would later become a source of income for the Pilgrims. Most important of all, he taught them how to plant corn, and plant it the Indian way — by burying dead fish with the seed, to fertilize the seedlings as they grew. Whether Squanto fully realized it or not, He was God’s instrument for their physical salvation!</span><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"> </span><br /></span><br /><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;">God's Divine Plan</span><br /><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;"><i><br /></i></span><span style="font-size: medium;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">Isn't it amazing to see, no matter how difficult the journey or complicated the plan, when God ordains it, He will bring it to pass! Little did the Pilgrims realize when they embarked on the harrowing journey, they would face so many obstacles. Because </span><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">they believed God, they found their place in our great American Christian Heritage! Below we see just some of the ways God had already intervened on their behalf long before their journey began:</span><br /><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><span><i><br /></i></span></span><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><span style="color: #990000;"><b>Because</b></span> Squanto's was taken to England he was spared from the </span><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">disease that killed all of his people and</span><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"> </span><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">Squanto eventually</span><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"> learned the english language! </span><br /><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><span style="color: #990000;"><span><br /></span></span></span></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 7pt; text-align: justify;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><span style="color: #990000;"><span><b>Because</b></span> </span>Squanto lived in </span><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">England, he understood English food, customs and ways! He also built up a natural tolerance for Europes diseases!</span><br /><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><span style="color: #990000;"><span><br /></span></span></span></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 7pt; text-align: justify;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><span style="color: #990000;"><span><b>Because</b></span> </span>Squanto was sold into slavery, a kind monk bought him and showed him what christian charity and devotion to God's service was!</span><br /><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><span style="color: #990000;"><span><br /></span></span></span></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 7pt; text-align: justify;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><span style="color: #990000;"><span><b>Because</b></span> </span> Squanto was from America originally, he could navigate the American </span><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">waters, which eventually enabled him in God's perfect timing to come back</span><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"> to America!</span></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 7pt; text-align: justify;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"> </span><br /><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><span style="color: #990000;"><span><b>Because</b></span> </span>of his service Captain Dermer agreed to bring him back to Plymouth to return to his people! </span></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 7pt; text-align: justify;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><span style="font-family: georgia, times new roman, serif;"><br /></span><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><span style="color: #990000;"><span><b>Because</b></span> </span></span><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">everyone in his tribe was dead he was able to survive with the help of another tribe, the tribe that eventually came to the help of a little starving community of </span><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">missionaries</span><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"> who believed God told them to come to </span><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">America and proclaim the Gospel of Jesus Christ! </span></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 7pt; text-align: justify;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><span style="font-family: georgia, times new roman, serif;"><br /></span><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><span style="color: #990000;"><span><b>Because</b></span> </span>Squanto was in America when the pilgrims came, he was able to teach them how to survive!</span><br /><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><br /></span><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">What an amazing plan God had to ensure the survival of his anointed vessels! Who can help but acknowledge the mighty hand of God! </span><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">The Pilgrims had all but given up hope until they were met by a man who God had divinely prepared and placed! </span><br /></span><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><br /></span><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;">The First Thanksgiving</span><br /><i style="font-family: georgia, "times new roman", serif;"><br /></i><span style="font-size: medium;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">Squanto saw to it that the pilgrims acquired the knowledge and the seeds they need to begin to plant the crops necessary and w</span><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">hen </span><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">the 20 acres of corn the Pilgrims had planted under Squanto’s tutelage was finally harvested, they decided to hold a celebration in honor of their deliverance by God and their new friends! They invited Massasoit and the Wampanoag, and of course Samoset and Squanto as well, to come and celebrate with them. </span><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">Massasoit came a day early, with 90 braves, plus women and children. The Massasoit brought with them deer strung up on poles, and wild turkeys. There were fish from the bay, berries and other fruits, roasted corn, and the Pilgrim women supplied vegetables from their gardens. The celebration of Gods goodness lasted three days. It was a time of rejoicing. You can also be certain these missionaries were beginning their spiritual work also! </span><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"> </span></span><br /><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><br /></span><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><span style="font-size: large;">Conclusion</span></span><br /><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><i><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></i></span><span style="font-size: medium;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">How many times in the Bible, have we seen God using difficult circumstances to bring about great miracles. We don't have to look any further than the account of Joseph's captivity in Egypt to be reminded that Gods ways are higher than ours and that he knows the beginning from the end! </span><br /><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><br /></span><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">When we recount the struggle and suffering of the pilgrims who celebrated the first thanksgiving feast, we are reminded of the courageous story of a group of people who believed they were called and anointed by God to bring the gospel to America. Because of their conviction, God was able to execute His plan, and they received everything they needed not only to survive, but to flourish!</span><br /><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><br /></span><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">It is so important that we continue to share our great christian heritage, that these reminders of God's hand in the creation of our Christian nation not be vanquished from the history books! </span><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">The first thanksgiving should be a reminder to us all to continually give thanks to God, and recognize that He is just as intimately involved in our lives! </span><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">I hope, as we sit down at our dinner tables this year, we will reflect on all the things we have to be thankful for. </span><br /><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><br /></span><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">When you believe and trust in God, you can be certain nothing that happens in your life is an accident! We serve </span><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">a great and mighty God, who loves and cares for us and He has woven an intricate and beautiful plan for your life. Even when things seem difficult to understand, (like all the years Squanto had to spend in captivity and servitude across a vast ocean), remember that </span><i style="font-family: georgia, "times new roman", serif;">"All things are working together for your good......." Rom. 8:28</i><br /><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><i><br /></i></span><span><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><i>What are you Thankful for?</i></span><br /></span><span style="color: #990000; font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><i><br /></i></span><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><i>Today.....</i></span><br /><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">I am <span><span style="color: #990000;">THANKFUL</span> </span>for God's eternal Love!</span><br /><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">I am <span style="color: #990000;">THANKFUL</span> for Jesus my Savior!</span><br /><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">I am <span style="color: #990000;">THANKFUL</span> for His Holy Spirt who empowers, leads and guides me through this life! </span><br /><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">I am <span style="color: #990000;">THANKFUL</span> for His perfect plan for my life! </span><br /><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">I am <span style="color: #990000;">THANKFUL</span> for my husband, children, family and friends! </span><br /><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">I am <span style="color: #990000;">THANKFUL</span> for my Church body and oversight</span><br /><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">and I am <span style="color: #990000;">THANKFUL</span> for YOU!</span><br /><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><br /></span><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><i>God Bless You and have a Wonderful Thanksgiving! </i></span><br /></span><span style="color: #990000; font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;"><i><br /></i></span><span style="color: #990000; font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: x-small;"><span style="color: #990000; font-style: italic;">Please Note: </span>"Forging Your Faith", is not promoting any ministry we do not acknowledge to be a part of! </span><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: "times new roman";"><span style="caret-color: rgb(11, 83, 148);"><i>*******************************************</i></span></span><br /><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 13pt;"><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 13pt;"><div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: start;"><div style="text-align: justify;"><div style="text-align: center;"><div><span style="font-size: medium;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">FORGING YOUR FAITH</span><br /></span><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><br /></span><div><div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">To 'Forge' something, is to mold and shape something for suitable use. We believe that our lives are constantly being shaped and molded by the hand of God for His divine purpose! This publication </span><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">strives to encourage believers who are beginning this process and those who are well into it! We also believe a truly successful life is a Christ-Centered Life! We hope you will join us and become a regular reader! </span></div></div></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">Thank You and God Bless,</span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">Marianne Mauti</span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><i>Founder and CAO</i></span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><i><br /></i></span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><i>'Forging Your Faith' is the online Christian publication of 'Christ the King Church' in Bellevue, Pa.</i></span><br /><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: small;"><i><br /></i></span><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: small;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjcGRU7SWfV3e-HisjqjjiuNjG-3YuFu_LJZ2VnDWlrMGBLYJksmhVqT1MeuQA0_SQyECQ28J7c0xT-4AW0a0YFli2kCGkjlJITccnt9Vx2rz5_CShL5gM1PiAb3qIsOM2NLMkJleIk6DvH/s1600/6490_109964969289_5150597_n.jpg" style="clear: left; float: left; font-family: -webkit-standard; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="81" data-original-width="69" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjcGRU7SWfV3e-HisjqjjiuNjG-3YuFu_LJZ2VnDWlrMGBLYJksmhVqT1MeuQA0_SQyECQ28J7c0xT-4AW0a0YFli2kCGkjlJITccnt9Vx2rz5_CShL5gM1PiAb3qIsOM2NLMkJleIk6DvH/s1600/6490_109964969289_5150597_n.jpg" /></a><i>About Marianne Mauti: </i>Marianne is a writer and blogger as well as a Pastor at "Christ the King Church" in Bellevue, Pa. She is currently the Dean and Chief Operating Officer of "Christ the King Seminary" a full time Bible Institute. For more information about us please contact us at: crowncntr@aol.com</span></div></div></div></div></div><div><div style="text-align: justify;"><div style="text-align: center;"><div style="text-align: justify;"><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 13pt;"><div><div style="text-align: center;"><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="caret-color: rgb(11, 83, 148); color: #0b5394; font-family: "georgia";"><i>\</i></span><br /><div><span style="font-family: "georgia"; text-align: center;"><span style="color: #0b5394;"><i> ********</i></span></span><span style="font-family: "georgia"; text-align: center;">***************************************************</span><br /><span style="font-family: "georgia"; text-align: center;"> <span style="font-size: medium;"> ARTICLE RESOURCES</span></span></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">* The Bible</span></div><div><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">*Excerpts from an article written by Peter Mar</span><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">shall 2007</span></div><div><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><br /></span></div><span style="color: #b45f06;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><i><br /></i></span></span><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="background-color: white; line-height: 20px;"><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal;"><div style="margin: 0px;"><div class="MsoNormal"><div class="MsoNormal"><div class="MsoNormal"><div style="text-align: start;"><div class="MsoNormal"><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-right: 3.9pt;"><div class="MsoNormal"><div style="text-align: justify;"><div class="MsoNormal"><div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: start;"><div style="text-align: justify;"><div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;"><div style="text-align: justify;"><div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: start;"><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 12pt; text-align: justify;"><div style="margin: 0px;"><div style="margin: 0px;"><div style="margin: 0px;"><div style="text-align: center;"><div style="margin: 0px;"><div style="margin: 0px;"></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div>Forging Your Faithhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11719980363185567734noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7626530909284999266.post-71132544647152328462021-02-17T15:17:00.009-08:002021-02-19T08:35:48.309-08:00Freedom Isn't Free<p><span style="font-size: medium;"> <span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">By Marianne Mauti</span></span></p><p><span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;"><span style="font-size: x-large;">Freedom Isn't Free</span></span></p><div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjqlKpzaSukf6NAbsUG6UPA4O9aksjoukVOCu9dMhgqkiRo2KsqMLJiV3gYEAva-O4Eek5H1-3ypHQSoXjgCBAhYvTKC38xUagBDxBZzWvTbhqpHQ5g19UintcFLOv-JCJYzDk3st1ux1Z3/s1600/images-1.jpeg" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="118" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjqlKpzaSukf6NAbsUG6UPA4O9aksjoukVOCu9dMhgqkiRo2KsqMLJiV3gYEAva-O4Eek5H1-3ypHQSoXjgCBAhYvTKC38xUagBDxBZzWvTbhqpHQ5g19UintcFLOv-JCJYzDk3st1ux1Z3/w179-h118/images-1.jpeg" width="179" /></a><span style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: medium;">As we celebrate our Nation's Independence Day, let us remember the freedom we have as Americans. I spend a lot of time lamenting the coarse our country is on, it’s only because I love her so much. But no lamenting today! I have traveled all over the world and I can still say that America is the greatest Country in the world! The rights afforded to us in the Constitution and the Bill of rights, give us the greatest unprecedented freedom any country has ever afforded her people in the history of mankind! </span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: medium;"><br /></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"></div><div class="MsoNormal"><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: medium;">Thank you God for America, thank you to our forefathers who dreamed the dream and sacrificed everything to bring it to pass, thank you to the thousands who fought to keep her free when the oppression of fascism and communism was threatening to come to her borders! Thank you to the men and women who guard her still! </span><br /><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><br /></span><span style="color: #cc0000; font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;"><i><span>God bless you and God bless America, land of the free and the home of the brave!</span><span><o:p></o:p></span></i></span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: medium;">Happy 4<sup>th</sup> of July to all my followers. Have a safe and Happy Holiday! Don’t forget to say a small prayer of thanks to God for America and for all who willingly gave her, their last full measure of devotion!</span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: medium;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">I thought you might enjoy this poem I ran across not long ago. It was written by a Coast Guard pilot named Kelly Strong as a tribute to his father who served two tours of duty in Vietnam. Thank you for your inspiring words and you and your father’s service!</span><br /></span><div style="text-align: center;"><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div></div></div></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;"><div style="text-align: left;"><span face="Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif" style="font-size: large;"><span><i>FREEDOM ISN’T FREE</i></span><span style="font-weight: bold;"><o:p></o:p></span></span></div></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;"><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: medium;"><i>By Kelly strong</i><o:p></o:p></span></div></div><div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><br /></span></div><div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;"></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;"><div style="text-align: justify;"><i><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: medium;">I watched the flag pass by one day, It fluttered in the breeze;</span></i></div></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;"><div style="text-align: justify;"><i><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: medium;">A young marine saluted it, And then he stood at ease.</span></i></div></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;"><div style="text-align: justify;"><span face="Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif" style="font-size: medium;"><i><br /></i></span></div></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;"><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><i><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">I looked at him in uniform, So young, so tall, so proud; </span></i><br /><i><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">With hair cut square and eyes alert, He’d stand out in a crowd.</span></i></span></div></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;"><div style="text-align: justify;"><i><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: medium;"><br /></span></i></div></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;"></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;"><div style="text-align: justify;"><i><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: medium;"><br /></span></i></div></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;"><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><i><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">I thought, how many men like him, Had fallen through the years; </span></i><br /><i><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">How many died on foreign soil, How many mothers’ tears.</span></i></span></div></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;"><div style="text-align: left;"><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: medium;"><i><br /></i></span></div></div></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;"><div style="text-align: justify;"><i><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: medium;">How many pilots’ planes shot down, How many died at sea;</span></i></div></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;"><div style="text-align: justify;"><i><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: medium;">How many foxholes were solders’ graves, No, Freedom isn’t Free.</span></i></div></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;"><div style="text-align: justify;"><span face="Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif" style="font-size: medium;"><i><br /></i></span></div></div><div align="center" class="MsoNormal"><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><i><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">I heard the sound of taps one night, When everything was still; </span></i><br /><i><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">I listened to the bugler play, And felt a sudden chill.</span></i></span></div></div><div align="center" class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: medium;"><i><br /></i></span></div><div align="center" class="MsoNormal"><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><i><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">I wondered just how many times, That taps had meant, </span></i><i style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;"><span>“Amen”; </span></i><br /><i style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;"><span>When a flag had draped a coffin, Of a brother or a friend.</span></i></span></div></div><div align="center" class="MsoNormal"><span face="Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif" style="font-size: medium;"><i><br /></i></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;"><div style="text-align: justify;"><div style="text-align: left;"><div><i><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: medium;">I thought of all the children, Of the mothers and the wives; </span></i></div><div><i><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: medium;">Of the fathers, sons and husbands, With interrupted lives.</span></i></div></div></div></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;"><div style="text-align: left;"><i><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: medium;"><br /></span></i></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><i><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">I thought about a graveyard, At the bottom of the sea; </span></i><br /><i><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">Of unmarked graves in Arlington, No, Freedom isn’t free.</span></i></span></div></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;"><div style="text-align: justify;"><i><span face="Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif" style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></i></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="background-color: white; color: black; font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><i><span style="color: #cc0000;"><span>Please Note:</span> </span>("Forging Your Faith", does not promote any magazines ,secular publications or ministry we are not a part of . This reprint should not in any way be </i></span><span style="background-color: white; color: black; font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><i>perceived as an endorsement.)</i></span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="background-color: white; color: black; font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><i><br /></i></span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="background-color: white; color: black; font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: -webkit-standard;"><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: "times new roman";"><span style="caret-color: rgb(11, 83, 148);"><i>*******************************************</i></span></span><br /><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 13pt;"><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 13pt;"><div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: start;"><div style="text-align: justify;"><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">FORGING YOUR FAITH</span><br /></span><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><br /></span><div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">To 'Forge' something, is to mold and shape something for suitable use. We believe that our lives are constantly being shaped and molded by the hand of God for His divine purpose! This publication </span><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">strives to encourage believers who are beginning this process and those who are well into it! We also believe a truly successful life is a Christ-Centered Life! We hope you will join us and become a regular reader! </span></div></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">Thank You and God Bless,</span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">Marianne Mauti</span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><i>Founder and CAO</i></span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><i><br /></i></span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><i>'Forging Your Faith' is the online Christian publication of 'Christ the King Church' in Bellevue, Pa.</i></span><br /><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: small;"><i><br /></i></span><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: small;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjcGRU7SWfV3e-HisjqjjiuNjG-3YuFu_LJZ2VnDWlrMGBLYJksmhVqT1MeuQA0_SQyECQ28J7c0xT-4AW0a0YFli2kCGkjlJITccnt9Vx2rz5_CShL5gM1PiAb3qIsOM2NLMkJleIk6DvH/s1600/6490_109964969289_5150597_n.jpg" style="clear: left; float: left; font-family: -webkit-standard; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="81" data-original-width="69" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjcGRU7SWfV3e-HisjqjjiuNjG-3YuFu_LJZ2VnDWlrMGBLYJksmhVqT1MeuQA0_SQyECQ28J7c0xT-4AW0a0YFli2kCGkjlJITccnt9Vx2rz5_CShL5gM1PiAb3qIsOM2NLMkJleIk6DvH/s1600/6490_109964969289_5150597_n.jpg" /></a><i>About Marianne Mauti: </i>Marianne is a writer and blogger as well as a Pastor at "Christ the King Church" in Bellevue, Pa. She is currently the Dean and Chief Operating Officer of "Christ the King Seminary" a full time Bible Institute. For more information about us please contact us at: crowncntr@aol.com</span></div></div></div></div><div><div style="text-align: justify;"><div style="text-align: center;"><div style="text-align: justify;"><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 13pt;"><div style="text-align: center;"><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="caret-color: rgb(11, 83, 148); color: #0b5394; font-family: "georgia";"><i>\</i></span><br /><div><span style="font-family: "georgia"; text-align: center;"><span style="color: #0b5394;"><i> ********</i></span></span><span style="font-family: "georgia"; text-align: center;">***************************************************</span><br /><span style="font-family: "georgia"; text-align: center;"> <span style="font-size: medium;">ARTICLE RESOURCES</span></span></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: -webkit-standard;"><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">* The Bible</span></div></div></span></div></div><div align="center" class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal"><div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"><div class="MsoNormal"><div class="MsoNormal"><div class="MsoNormal"><div class="MsoNormal"><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-right: 3.9pt; text-align: start;"><div class="MsoNormal"><div style="text-align: justify;"><div class="MsoNormal"><div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: start;"><div style="text-align: justify;"><div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;"><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">*Poem: "Freedom Isn't Free" by Kelly Strong</span><br /><br /></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">*Dr. George R. Beninate: Is Bishop of "Christ the King Church" in Pennsylvania, West Virginia and in Phnom Penh, Cambodia. A Doctor of Theology, Biblical Apologist, conference speaker, lecturer and my spiritual father.He is also the Author of several books including,"The Age of Glory", Thank you for your relentless pursuit of truth!</span><br /><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;"><br /></span><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div></div><div style="text-align: center;"><div style="margin: 0px;"><br /></div></div><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><br /></span><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;"><span style="line-height: 16px;"><br /></span></span></div></div><div><br /></div></div></div></div></div></div></div>Forging Your Faithhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11719980363185567734noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7626530909284999266.post-88433995454396150342021-02-17T15:15:00.005-08:002021-02-19T08:39:24.876-08:00Who Changed Things?<p> <span style="font-family: georgia, "times new roman", serif; font-size: medium;">By Pastor Marianne Mauti</span></p><p><span style="font-family: georgia, "times new roman", serif; font-size: large;">Introduction</span></p><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><span><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj1zL6hVUl4ZR-c75eyguaXfjNluuRzYwTCL4ufaBZhswhNRmlYo4trNHVt-LAGzfz1AdwpoucHy4wMdRQ__7QxIA97gg_5D59i8R9IeHLUvaYhDSvRCFrpTHZNP2vqp2mHuQ9fLMNIEhHG/s1600/25160099-the-word-who-in-red-3d-letters-isolated-white.jpg" style="clear: left; float: left; font-size: medium; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="90" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj1zL6hVUl4ZR-c75eyguaXfjNluuRzYwTCL4ufaBZhswhNRmlYo4trNHVt-LAGzfz1AdwpoucHy4wMdRQ__7QxIA97gg_5D59i8R9IeHLUvaYhDSvRCFrpTHZNP2vqp2mHuQ9fLMNIEhHG/w143-h90/25160099-the-word-who-in-red-3d-letters-isolated-white.jpg" width="143" /></a><span style="font-size: medium;">Every once in awhile I come across an article that I find not only thought provoking but one that speaks to many things that I also see happening. The author of the following feature article shares his viewpoint of the modern "American Christian Culture". I believe he sincerely desires to see a </span></span><span style="font-size: medium;">strong, viable, powerful "Body of Christ." I felt that this article was worth sharing and will allow my readers to decide for themselves if they think it has any merit. After the article I have a few closing thoughts ! I am also interested in what you think!</span></span><span style="font-size: medium;"><br /></span><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><br /></span><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><span style="font-size: large;">WHO CHANGED THINGS?</span></span></div></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: medium;"> By Dr. Michael Brown</span><br /><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: medium;"><br /></span><br /><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><span style="color: #cc0000; font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><i>Who changed things? </i></span><span style="color: #333333; font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">From the vibrant, Spirit-empowered “by life or by death” faith of the New Testament to today’s spineless home-and-garden Sunday-morning religion</span><span style="color: #333333; font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">?</span></span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="color: #333333; font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: medium;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><span style="color: #cc0000; font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><i><span>Who changed things?</span><span> </span></i></span><span style="color: #333333; font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">From “Leave everything and follow Me” (see Luke 14:33) to “Pray </span><span style="color: #333333; font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">this little prayer and you’re set for eternity?"</span></span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="color: #333333; font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: medium;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><span style="color: #cc0000; font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><i><span>Who changed things?</span><span> </span></i></span><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">From "All who live Godly lives in Christ Jesus suffer persecution (see Timothy 3:12) to "Ask Jesus into your heart and enjoy a comfortable life?</span></span></div><div><div style="margin: 0px; text-align: justify;"><span style="color: #cc0000; font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: medium;"><br /></span></div><div><div style="margin: 0px; text-align: justify;"><div><span style="font-size: medium;"><span style="color: #333333; font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">From a fearless proclamation of the truth, whatever the cost or consequences, to a watered down, compromised message that is afraid to offend anyone? </span><span style="color: #333333; font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">By what authority, by whose decree, based on what new revelation have we so blatantly departed from the faith of the apostles?</span></span></div><div><div><span style="font-size: medium;"><span style="color: #cc0000; font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><i><br /></i></span><span style="color: #cc0000; font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><span><i><span>Who changed things?</span></i><i> </i></span></span><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">From the New Testament faith, where even the disciples couldn't minister without the Spirit's endowment, to today's version, where whole ministries are run with hardly any evidence of the Spirit's work".</span></span></div><div><span style="font-size: medium;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><br /></span><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"> As A. W. Tozer once said,"If the Holy Spirit was withdrawn from the church today, 95 percent of what we do would go on and no one would know the difference. If the Holy Spirit had been withdrawn from the New Testament church, 95 percent of what they did would stop, and everybody would know the difference."</span></span></div><div><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: medium;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><span style="caret-color: rgb(204, 0, 0); font-size: medium;"><i style="color: #cc0000;"><i><span>Who changed things?</span></i><span> </span></i>From a God-centered faith to a man-centered faith, from, "Take up your cross and deny yourself" to , "Bypass the cross and empower yourself</span></span></div><div><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><span style="caret-color: rgb(204, 0, 0); font-size: medium;"><br /></span></span></div><div><span style="font-size: medium;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><span style="caret-color: rgb(204, 0, 0);"><i style="color: #cc0000;"><span><i><span>Who changed things?</span></i><span> </span></span></i>From holiness being beautiful to holiness being bondage, from the early church being known for its high standards to the present church being known for its scandals?</span></span><br /><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><span style="caret-color: rgb(204, 0, 0);"><br /></span></span></span></div><div><div><span style="font-size: medium;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><span style="caret-color: rgb(204, 0, 0);"><i style="color: #cc0000;"><i><span>Who changed things?</span></i><span> </span></i>From the people of God being a threat to the powers of darkness to the people of God being active participants in darkness? In the early church, Paul </span></span><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><span style="caret-color: rgb(204, 0, 0);">instructed the Corinthians to separate themselves from people who claimed to be believers but were living in outward, unrepentant sin (1 Corinthians 5). Today, some of those people lead our churches and preach from our pulpits. Who changed things?</span></span></span></div><div><span style="font-size: medium;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><span style="caret-color: rgb(204, 0, 0);"><br /></span></span><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><span style="caret-color: rgb(204, 0, 0); color: #cc0000;"><i><span>Who changed things?</span></i><i> </i></span></span><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">From a faith that was so focused on the life of Jesus and so infused with the reality of His death and resurrection that no sacrifice was considered too great and no act of service considered too extreme-to the contrary, suffering for Him was considered a privilege (Mt. 5:10-12; Acts 5:41; Phil. 1:29)- to today's convenience- store Christianity, where we have to "sell" salvation to the sinner by spicing up the deal with perks and benefits?</span><br /></span><div></div><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><span style="caret-color: rgb(204, 0, 0); color: #cc0000; font-size: medium;"><br /></span></span></div><div><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><span style="caret-color: rgb(204, 0, 0); font-size: medium;"><i>When did Jesus stop being enough?</i></span></span></div><div><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><span style="caret-color: rgb(204, 0, 0); font-size: medium;"><i><br /></i></span></span></div><div><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><span style="caret-color: rgb(204, 0, 0); font-size: medium;"><i>When did obedience become an option?</i></span></span></div><div><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><span style="caret-color: rgb(204, 0, 0); color: #cc0000; font-size: medium;"><i><br /></i></span></span></div><div><span style="color: #333333; font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: medium;"><span>When did keeping God’s commandments out of love for Him become “religious” (in the negative sense of the word)? Didn’t Jesus say that if we loved Him, we would keep His commandments (John 14:15, 21)? </span><span>If we belonged to another religion that claimed to have other books that supplemented the Bible or traditions that superseded it, that would be one thing. </span><span>But we don’t. We believe the Scriptures alone are God’s Word and that nothing that comes after the Scriptures—no tradition, no consensus—can undermine or countermand the written Word of God.</span></span></div><div><div><span style="font-size: medium;"><span style="color: #333333; font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><br /></span><span style="color: #333333; font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><span><i style="color: #cc0000;"><span>So, Who changed things?</span><span> </span></i><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">From the biblical version of the Jesus faith to the modern American version? We can debate church history and blame this group or that group, and we can point out what's wrong with this denomination and that denomination. We might even have some great historical and contemporary insight. But unless we get back to believing what is written and acting on what is written, we will continue to perpetuate our merry-go-round Christianity with lots of noise and action and bells and whistles but with little authority, little purity and little effect (if any).</span></span></span></span></div><div><span style="color: #333333; font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><span><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: medium;"><br /></span></span></span></div><span style="font-size: medium;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><span><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><span style="color: #cc0000;"><i>Who changed things? </i></span></span></span></span><span style="color: #333333; font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">I didn't get the memo that God's Word and Spirit were not enough, and that I should be far more concerned with what the latest polls say.Since when did the Lord command us to fashion our preaching and our style of worship and even the way we look based on whats trending? If some leaders choose to trust in </span><span style="color: #333333; font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">worldly business models and carnal consulting firms, that's their choice. I say that we go with the New Testament model, applied with boldness and with compassion to the needs of the day.</span><br /><span style="color: #333333; font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><br /></span><span style="color: #333333; font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">Years ago. Leonard Ravenhill said, "One of these days some simple soul will pick up a Bible, read it, and believe it. Then the rest of us will be embarrassed. "I want to be that simple soul. How about you?</span></span><br /><span style="color: #333333; font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><br /></span><span style="color: #333333; font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><span style="font-size: large;">My Final Thoughts</span></span></div><div><span style="color: #333333; font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-size: medium;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">The spiritual state of fallen mankind is continually being perpetuated by the secular media and promoted by a Godless humanistic culture and it has greatly influenced the Church in the last few decades.</span><span style="color: #333333; font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">The Church must take responsibility for her part in the declining condition of America! </span></span></div><div><span style="color: #333333; font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: medium;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-size: medium;"><span style="color: #333333; font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><span><i style="color: #cc0000;"><span>Things Have Changed:</span></i><i style="color: #cc0000;"> </i></span></span><span style="caret-color: rgb(204, 0, 0); font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">It's time for t</span><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">he Church to take back the authority God gave her! We are the voice of God in the earth, the physical representation of the living God whose spirit dwells in and through us!</span></span></div><div><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: medium;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-size: medium;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">As the boundaries of our Christian faith and culture continue to be </span><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">challenged, we face an ever growing divide between what we are preaching and living, and Biblical truth! Cultural shifts are symptomatic of the spiritual condition of the Church and it is time we wake up, take responsibility for our part! </span></span></div><div><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><br /></span><span style="color: #990000; font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: medium;"><i>It is time for the Church to rise up in all her power, authority, beauty and splendor. It is time to change things! We must preach, teach and live the truth of God's Holy Word!!!</i></span></div><div><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;"><i><br /></i></span><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><i style="color: #cc0000;">Please Note: </i>"Forging Your Faith", does not promote any ministry we are not a part of. We are not associated with Dr. Brown, but find this article thought provoking and worth re-printing.</span></div><div><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: x-small;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: "times new roman";"><span style="caret-color: rgb(11, 83, 148);"><i>*******************************************</i></span></span><br /><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 13pt;"><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 13pt;"><div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: start;"><div style="text-align: justify;"><div style="text-align: center;"><span><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">FORGING YOUR FAITH</span><br /></span><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><br /></span><div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">To 'Forge' something, is to mold and shape something for suitable use. We believe that our lives are constantly being shaped and molded by the hand of God for His divine purpose! This publication </span><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">strives to encourage believers who are beginning this process and those who are well into it! We also believe a truly successful life is a Christ-Centered Life! We hope you will join us and become a regular reader! </span></div></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">Thank You and God Bless,</span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">Marianne Mauti</span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><i>Founder and CAO</i></span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><i><br /></i></span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><i>'Forging Your Faith' is the online Christian publication of 'Christ the King Church' in Bellevue, Pa.</i></span><br /><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: small;"><i><br /></i></span><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: small;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjcGRU7SWfV3e-HisjqjjiuNjG-3YuFu_LJZ2VnDWlrMGBLYJksmhVqT1MeuQA0_SQyECQ28J7c0xT-4AW0a0YFli2kCGkjlJITccnt9Vx2rz5_CShL5gM1PiAb3qIsOM2NLMkJleIk6DvH/s1600/6490_109964969289_5150597_n.jpg" style="clear: left; float: left; font-family: -webkit-standard; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="81" data-original-width="69" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjcGRU7SWfV3e-HisjqjjiuNjG-3YuFu_LJZ2VnDWlrMGBLYJksmhVqT1MeuQA0_SQyECQ28J7c0xT-4AW0a0YFli2kCGkjlJITccnt9Vx2rz5_CShL5gM1PiAb3qIsOM2NLMkJleIk6DvH/s1600/6490_109964969289_5150597_n.jpg" /></a><i>About Marianne Mauti: </i>Marianne is a writer and blogger as well as a Pastor at "Christ the King Church" in Bellevue, Pa. She is currently the Dean and Chief Operating Officer of "Christ the King Seminary" a full time Bible Institute. For more information about us please contact us at: crowncntr@aol.com</span></div></div></div></div><div><div style="text-align: justify;"><div style="text-align: center;"><div style="text-align: justify;"><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 13pt;"><div style="text-align: center;"><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="caret-color: rgb(11, 83, 148); color: #0b5394; font-family: "georgia";"><i>\</i></span><br /><div><span style="font-family: "georgia"; text-align: center;"><span style="color: #0b5394;"><i> ********</i></span></span><span style="font-family: "georgia"; text-align: center;">***************************************************</span><br /><span style="font-family: "georgia"; text-align: center;"> <span>ARTICLE RESOURCES</span></span></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">* The Bible</span></div><div><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><br /></span></div></div></div><div style="text-align: center;"><div><div style="text-align: justify;"><div style="text-align: center;"><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: small;">* Article by: Dr. Micheal Brown, a nationally syndicated talk radio show host of, " The Line of Fire" on the Salem Radio Network. He is President of FIRE School of Ministry and Director of the Coalition of Conscience.</span></div></div></div></div><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><span style="caret-color: rgb(204, 0, 0);"><i><br /></i></span></span><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><span style="caret-color: rgb(204, 0, 0);"></span></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><span style="caret-color: rgb(204, 0, 0);"><i><br /></i></span></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;"><span style="caret-color: rgb(204, 0, 0);"><br /></span></span></div></div></div></div></div></div></div>Forging Your Faithhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11719980363185567734noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7626530909284999266.post-19248840821777515332021-02-17T15:11:00.007-08:002021-02-19T08:42:46.337-08:00Forging Our Faith<p><span style="font-size: medium;"> <span>By Marianne Mauti</span></span></p><p><span><span style="font-size: x-large;">Welcome To Forging Our Faith</span></span></p><div><span style="color: #0b5394; font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large; text-align: justify;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhbNA2MdDX4ZydKyOnTyQzgphiiucy3zXfDIL7rkYGZT7Ymm86vD9rHBB8fst_OsLBamediJ58f7p71PR56OQJxZtkcw8tUX5K8KiYp9T4VPYNsN6-viiM6ERboKWVirg1dbtsQ4t5Nomsi/s256/burning-blacksmith-forge-making-metal-260nw-1124057765.jpg" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="214" data-original-width="256" height="137" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhbNA2MdDX4ZydKyOnTyQzgphiiucy3zXfDIL7rkYGZT7Ymm86vD9rHBB8fst_OsLBamediJ58f7p71PR56OQJxZtkcw8tUX5K8KiYp9T4VPYNsN6-viiM6ERboKWVirg1dbtsQ4t5Nomsi/w164-h137/burning-blacksmith-forge-making-metal-260nw-1124057765.jpg" width="164" /></a></div></span><br /><span style="font-size: medium;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; text-align: justify;"><span>To forge something is to shape it, mold it under extreme pressure, to move it forward gradually or steadily, to achieve a higher purpose or goal. </span></span><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; text-align: justify;">Here at "Forging Your Faith", we believe that faith in Christ, is a decision to submit your life to Him and allow the hand of God to shape and mold you for His divine purpose. He then moves you gradually and steadily in His divine direction for your life! </span><br /></span><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: medium;"><i><br /></i></span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><i><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">When</span><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"> we yield to His shaping we will:</span></i></span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><br /><span><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">1. Walk in the peace and joy of God</span></span><br /><span><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">2, Live in the power and authority of His Word </span></span><br /><span><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">3. See His Nature and Character formed in us! What an awesome prospect!</span></span><br /><br /><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">Every day our morals and values are being challenged by our government institutions, schools, media, social culture, friends </span><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">and peers and </span></span><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">very few Americans today have heard a true and accurate account of our countries Christian Heritage! There are so many faithful men and women of God who were instrumental in forging this great nation! Their stories of faith and sacrifice have been stripped from the History books and re-written to accommodate todays humanistic philosophy. America has been a beacon of light in the world because we have always recognized our dependency on a higher and greater Authority, God and His Word . </span></span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><br /></span><span><span style="color: #990000; font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;"><i>It is the responsibility of those of us who know the truth and walk in that light to let our voice be heard !</i></span><br /></span><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">Future generations face new ethical and moral dilemmas. Social and genetic engineering are on the horizon.These alterations will push the boundaries of humanity! Now more than ever we are obligated as men and women of God to speak words of truth and life to each new generation! </span><br /><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><br /></span><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">We hope you will stop by, subscribe and become a regular reader! We will be featuring a wide variety of thought provoking articles from important apostolic and prophetic leaders along with our great staff of writers</span><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">.</span><br /><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><br /></span><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">God Bless you ,</span><br /><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><i>Marianne Mauti</i></span><br /><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">Founder and Editor in </span><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">Chief</span><br /></span></div><br /><div style="text-align: justify;"><i><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: medium;"><br /></span></i></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><div class="MsoNormal"><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: "times new roman";"><span style="caret-color: rgb(11, 83, 148);"><i>******************************************************</i></span></span><br /><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 13pt;"><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 13pt;"><div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: start;"><div style="text-align: justify;"><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">FORGING YOUR FAITH</span><br /></span><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><br /></span><div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">To 'Forge' something, is to mold and shape something for suitable use. We believe that our lives are constantly being shaped and molded by the hand of God for His divine purpose! This publication </span><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">strives to encourage believers who are beginning this process and those who are well into it! We also believe a truly successful life is a Christ-Centered Life! We hope you will join us and become a regular reader! </span></div></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">Thank You and God Bless,</span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">Marianne Mauti</span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><i>Founder and CAO</i></span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><i><br /></i></span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><i>'Forging Your Faith' is the online Christian publication of 'Christ the King Church' in Bellevue, Pa.</i></span><br /><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: small;"><i><br /></i></span><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: small;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjcGRU7SWfV3e-HisjqjjiuNjG-3YuFu_LJZ2VnDWlrMGBLYJksmhVqT1MeuQA0_SQyECQ28J7c0xT-4AW0a0YFli2kCGkjlJITccnt9Vx2rz5_CShL5gM1PiAb3qIsOM2NLMkJleIk6DvH/s1600/6490_109964969289_5150597_n.jpg" style="clear: left; float: left; font-family: -webkit-standard; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="81" data-original-width="69" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjcGRU7SWfV3e-HisjqjjiuNjG-3YuFu_LJZ2VnDWlrMGBLYJksmhVqT1MeuQA0_SQyECQ28J7c0xT-4AW0a0YFli2kCGkjlJITccnt9Vx2rz5_CShL5gM1PiAb3qIsOM2NLMkJleIk6DvH/s1600/6490_109964969289_5150597_n.jpg" /></a><i>About Marianne Mauti: </i>Marianne is a writer and blogger as well as a Pastor at "Christ the King Church" in Bellevue, Pa. She is currently the Dean and Chief Operating Officer of "Christ the King Seminary" a full time Bible Institute. For more information about us please contact us at: crowncntr@aol.com</span></div></div></div></div><div><div style="text-align: justify;"><div style="text-align: center;"><div style="text-align: justify;"><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 13pt;"><div style="text-align: center;"><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="caret-color: rgb(11, 83, 148); color: #0b5394; font-family: "georgia";"><i>\</i></span><br /><div><span style="font-family: "georgia"; text-align: center;"><span style="color: #0b5394;"><i> </i></span></span></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div><div class="MsoNormal"><div><br /></div></div></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: start;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><br /></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: start;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><br /></span></div></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></div><br /><br /><div style="text-align: justify;"><div style="margin: 0px;"></div></div><br /></div>Forging Your Faithhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11719980363185567734noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7626530909284999266.post-5246841754154814652021-02-17T15:05:00.010-08:002021-02-19T08:46:45.152-08:00Do You Have a Divine Mandate?<p><span style="font-size: medium;"> <span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">By Marianne Mauti</span></span></p><p><span style="font-size: x-large;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">Do You Have A Divine Mandate?</span></span></p><div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgTVP1H2Dc9knHoUNcNlHsDZYJWN-3v8CniY4bSXreuuiL19KSZ2lYkDCmUDbK7lBuYpQbY7XtNCqarQRgi7-4xDKXMteEIbK4DaXfqBlZYDlkH6ReEB0JNlBXQlAYTTjEecYRbnY1XSTDo/s1600/images.jpeg" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="117" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgTVP1H2Dc9knHoUNcNlHsDZYJWN-3v8CniY4bSXreuuiL19KSZ2lYkDCmUDbK7lBuYpQbY7XtNCqarQRgi7-4xDKXMteEIbK4DaXfqBlZYDlkH6ReEB0JNlBXQlAYTTjEecYRbnY1XSTDo/w177-h117/images.jpeg" width="177" /></a></div><span style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: medium;">The account of our Nations Christian Heritage had its beginning in a “Divine Mandate.” Our forefathers had such a strong conviction about their journey to America that they were willing to sacrifice home, family, friends and even their lives. They did it in pursuit of a belief that their time on earth had a higher purpose. They were motivated by a deep obligation to their creator. </span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: medium;"><br /></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: medium;">I think we could all agree that America is struggling to maintain her moral compass and is drifting away from the values that have made our nation great. Many of us are burdened by what has become culturally acceptable and yet I have had to ask myself, “What am I willing to risk for what I believe is truth?" "Would I take a stand in order to see it advanced?” Surely history has shown us (not revisionist history) that when our forefathers were guided by the spirit of God and believed they had a divine mandate, they were willing to lead the way! As a result civilization saw the greatest period of enlightenment and advancement in all of human history, elevating the lives of the entire world! This happened because: </span><br /><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><br /></span><span style="color: #cc0000; font-size: large;"><i><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">They believed that, </span><span style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">God created them to achieve a higher purpose!</span></i></span><br /><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><br /></span><span style="font-size: medium;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">That type of commitment and conviction changed the world they lived in! </span><span style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">I wonder how many of us have asked God at any time in the course of our lives, "Do I have a divine mandate”? If we haven’t, could it be because we didn’t realize we should have one or could it be we really just don’t want to know! As the old saying goes, ”Ignorance is Bliss.” You can’t be accountable for something you don’t understand. I ask myself almost every time I am challenged by God to do something that is uncomfortable and risks offending others for His sake, “Do I really want to step into this river knowing that the currents are tough and navigating can be hard or would it be more convenient to just continue to float in my pond of blessings?”</span></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: medium;"><o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: medium;"><br /></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"> <span>I see nothing wrong with wanting to receive all the blessings of God, but I don’t think that should be the focus of my every day life, or deter me from making a decision that could cause me personal difficulty! Blessings are a RESULT of the fulfillment and satisfaction I SHOULD HAVE because I wake up everyday with a desire to jump into the river of His divine purpose in order to accomplish something that I have been put here to do.</span></span><span><o:p></o:p></span></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><br /></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">Our forefathers had a mindset that connected them to Gods purpose. The result of that for many was persecution, loss of property and life. Their blessing came as a result of their perception of life .I believe their definition of blessing was quite different from ours. I am not saying our purpose has to be earth shattering every day! I believe we just need to have an attitude like there’s of being available to God when he calls, knowing it will more than likely interrupt our plans for the day or create inconvenience in our life!! You see a </span><br /></span><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><br /></span><span style="color: #cc0000; font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;"><i>MANDATE is a commission to do a specific thing; it is something you are entrusted to perform by authorization of a higher power.</i></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"><span style="color: #cc0000; font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;"><i><o:p></o:p></i></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><br /></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"><div><span style="font-size: medium;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">Their sense of higher purpose compelled the Puritans and early Pilgrims to give birth to what our founding fathers called their “Manifest Destiny.” They believed it was their destiny to pioneer freedom for the human race and make it possible for all Nations and peoples to serve God in absolute freedom! This led to the great awakening of the 18<sup>th</sup> century and men like George Whitfield and Charles Wesley who embraced this mandate. It prepared the early American colonists to forge their independence. </span><span style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">J.C. Ryle stated in 1870 this concerning the early Puritans and pilgrims:</span></span></div></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><span style="font-size: x-large;"> </span><span style="color: #cc0000; font-size: large;"><i>“They as a body, have done more to elevate the National character then any class of Englishmen that ever lived.”</i></span></span><br /><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><br /></span><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: medium;">Ian Murray, in his work, “The Puritan Hope,” states, “The source of this influence was there theology which was an ATTITUDE that distinguished them as MEN OF DESTINY and MEN OF HOPE. It affected the spiritual thoughts of the American Colonists and forged their sense of destiny.”</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: medium;"><o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: medium;"><br /></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"> I wonder if that could be said about us today or has this understanding all but disappeared from our mindset. Do we believe that there is a higher purpose then our blessing and comfort as we forge into this new millennium? How many of us believe that we are all called to be a part of something greater than ourselves? I have heard it said that with great risk comes great reward! I imagine that was how our forefathers saw it. Their blessing or reward was in knowing they had accomplished something eternal that would have an effect on the lives of future generations to come. It is my hope that we will all begin to rethink what our life here is truly about and strive to have the attitude of our forefathers that elevated the world around them!</span><br /></span><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"><span><o:p></o:p></span><div class="MsoNormal"><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: "times new roman";"><span style="caret-color: rgb(11, 83, 148);"><i>*******************************************</i></span></span><br /><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 13pt;"><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 13pt;"><div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: start;"><div style="text-align: justify;"><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">FORGING YOUR FAITH</span><br /></span><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><br /></span><div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">To 'Forge' something, is to mold and shape something for suitable use. We believe that our lives are constantly being shaped and molded by the hand of God for His divine purpose! This publication </span><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">strives to encourage believers who are beginning this process and those who are well into it! We also believe a truly successful life is a Christ-Centered Life! We hope you will join us and become a regular reader! </span></div></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">Thank You and God Bless,</span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">Marianne Mauti</span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><i>Founder and CAO</i></span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><i><br /></i></span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><i>'Forging Your Faith' is the online Christian publication of 'Christ the King Church' in Bellevue, Pa.</i></span><br /><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: small;"><i><br /></i></span><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: small;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjcGRU7SWfV3e-HisjqjjiuNjG-3YuFu_LJZ2VnDWlrMGBLYJksmhVqT1MeuQA0_SQyECQ28J7c0xT-4AW0a0YFli2kCGkjlJITccnt9Vx2rz5_CShL5gM1PiAb3qIsOM2NLMkJleIk6DvH/s1600/6490_109964969289_5150597_n.jpg" style="clear: left; float: left; font-family: -webkit-standard; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="81" data-original-width="69" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjcGRU7SWfV3e-HisjqjjiuNjG-3YuFu_LJZ2VnDWlrMGBLYJksmhVqT1MeuQA0_SQyECQ28J7c0xT-4AW0a0YFli2kCGkjlJITccnt9Vx2rz5_CShL5gM1PiAb3qIsOM2NLMkJleIk6DvH/s1600/6490_109964969289_5150597_n.jpg" /></a><i>About Marianne Mauti: </i>Marianne is a writer and blogger as well as a Pastor at "Christ the King Church" in Bellevue, Pa. She is currently the Dean and Chief Operating Officer of "Christ the King Seminary" a full time Bible Institute. For more information about us please contact us at: crowncntr@aol.com</span></div></div></div></div><div><div style="text-align: justify;"><div style="text-align: center;"><div style="text-align: justify;"><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 13pt;"><div style="text-align: center;"><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="caret-color: rgb(11, 83, 148); color: #0b5394; font-family: "georgia";"><i>\</i></span><br /><div><span style="font-family: "georgia"; text-align: center;"><span style="color: #0b5394;"><i> ********</i></span></span><span style="font-family: "georgia"; text-align: center;">***************************************************</span><br /><span style="font-family: "georgia"; text-align: center;"> <span style="font-size: medium;"> ARTICLE RESOURCES</span></span></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div><div class="MsoNormal"><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">* The Bible</span></div></div><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><br /></span><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div></div>Forging Your Faithhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11719980363185567734noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7626530909284999266.post-83657311417000259792021-02-17T15:03:00.008-08:002021-02-19T08:49:34.042-08:00Whatever Happened to Common Sense?<p> <span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif; text-align: justify;"><span style="font-size: medium;">By Marianne Mauti</span></span></p><p><span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif; text-align: justify;"><span style="font-size: x-large;">Whatever Happened to Common Sense?</span></span></p><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 14pt; text-align: justify;"></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 14pt;"><div style="text-align: justify;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgXQMGrG44homCTnvarPyJK8f6kYyveTPqNQCLT43B36nIaOLcGJZtdUcuRuZpeDfrq9akuGnuG1bBJY1sbQyBfLbdgOccAFMStDTS90EI27ml1ZWV5EEIM6W2DIeTdf43xbKYRXrb8gMgN/s1600/images-4.jpeg" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="128" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgXQMGrG44homCTnvarPyJK8f6kYyveTPqNQCLT43B36nIaOLcGJZtdUcuRuZpeDfrq9akuGnuG1bBJY1sbQyBfLbdgOccAFMStDTS90EI27ml1ZWV5EEIM6W2DIeTdf43xbKYRXrb8gMgN/w121-h128/images-4.jpeg" width="121" /></a><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: medium;">A while ago, a friend of mine told me how amazed she was at the amount of information you could access on the internet, we laughed about how much of it was, in our opinion, mindless and useless. Apparently not so to everyone! Fact is, there is very little you cannot find if you Google any word in the English language. Suddenly hundreds if not thousands of sites appear with information relating to that word or on any subject. You can read articles and watch videos about anything, anywhere, anytime at almost any place! We hear it said all the time, “We are living in the Age of Information”.With all this information, how is it possible that there seems to be so little common sense? </span></div></div><div class="MsoNormal"><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">Let me give you a few examples of what I mean: How is it possible that our “well informed” government officials are still battling over a bill that would prevent abortions after the fifth month even though scientific "information” is pretty clear that those babies feel pain? What sensible rationality could possibly convince them that having ones arms and legs ripped off wouldn’t be painful????? How is it that an increasing number of our well informed society is against torture when it comes to terrorists and against the death penalty for criminals who rape and murder but they demand the right to carry out the death penalty on a defenseless, unborn child at any time for any reason. Sadly, I would never have believed that an intellectual and informed society it would decide to make it easier for a 6 year old child to legally obtain the morning after pill than for her to receive an aspirin from her school nurse! Whatever happened to the term "childhood sex abuse"! Do we want the abuser to be able to get rid of any complications as a result of their abuse or do we think 6 year olds are now capable of having an adult sexual relationship! The absurdity of it all! </span><br /></span><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><br /></span><span style="color: #cc0000; font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;"><i>There are days I just feel like pulling my hair out!</i></span><br /><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><br /></span><span style="font-size: medium;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">Finally, please explain to me how,with all the "information" out there about the adverse physical effects that birth control pills have on adult females (not to mention the emotional scars of sexual relationships outside of marriage), it has become more important for a 16 year old to have unrestricted access to those drugs than to have the ability to get a 16 ounce soda or access to a salt shaker in the school cafeteria! I THINK YOU ARE GETTING MY POINT! </span><span style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">It appears that the more information we believe we are getting, the less common sense we appear to have! Here’s what I believe, THE MORE GODLESS INFORMATION WE HAVE AVAILABLE, THE MORE CONFUSED SOCIETY IS BECOMING!</span><span style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"> </span><span style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">Unfortunately this is what happens when society decides it does not need to live by any moral or ethical absolutes! They tell us we need to evolve socially and accept that ,"what is socially acceptable should now socially permissible"(or todays absolute). </span></span></div></div><div class="MsoNormal"><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><br /></span></div></div><div class="MsoNormal"><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><span style="color: #990000; font-size: large;"><i>Heres the truth</i><i>:</i></span><span style="color: #0b5394; font-size: xx-large;"> </span></span><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: medium;">Once upon a time our Nation relied on the absolute truth contained in the Bible. The Word of God was at the heart and foundation of our Republic! It was the source of all TRUE information concerning our moral and ethical behavior and the basis of all rational thinking and common sense! Gods “information” will never change! God’s Word doesn’t need to be edited or rewritten and it definitely won’t evolve over time. God understands what His creation needs to know in order to live to have a happy, successful and fulfilling life! Christians!!!!!!! Lets not buy into the lie that your Godly perspective and principled life doesn’t have a place in the public forum!!!!!Sir Edmund Burke said, ”The only thing necessary for evil to triumph is for good men to do nothing!” I would like to add that in this information age , “The only thing necessary for evil to triumph is for Gods people to SAY nothing!!!!!!! Here is the simple truth,those who stand in opposition don't want Gods truth get in the way of their lifestyle! They don't mind if you want to live according to the Word of God (at least for now), as long as you keep your opinions to yourself! Sadly they just don't understand!</span></div></div><div class="MsoNormal"><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: medium;"><br /></span></div></div><div class="MsoNormal"><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: medium;">In a world that is becoming completely devoid of any common sense it is our responsibility to tell them and show them that their evolving absolutes will hurt them, but Gods everlasting truth can and will heal them! I guess you could say that we are the "common sense"that stands at the crossroad of the mis-information Highway! So how do we bring God's everlasting truth back into the American heart and mindset? Let's start by looking for an opportunity everyday to share Gods life changing Word with those He brings onto our path! Don’t be intimidated by today's World View, let the voice of the Holy Spirit be heard through you, speak truth in love! Lets also ALWAYS vote our Biblical convictions! If every confessing Christian had done that in the last Presidential election we would have a pro-life President in office today! How do you think God feels about those of us who voted for our pocket book over a human life (especially when He has the idea that He is your provider)? Also, ask God and then your Pastor what you can do as a part of your local Church body to help bring awareness to the ethical and moral decay of our society and Country. Prayer is always a good place to start! Maybe God will move on your heart to become involved in the political process or at the very least to sign petitions that build a consensus for righteousness in our Country! </span></div></div><div class="MsoNormal"><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: medium;"><br /></span></div></div><div class="MsoNormal"><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: medium;">Finally, remember this: You and I have access to the one and only Supernatural Highway of information! We are part of "The Eternal Age of Information"! Between the pages of The Bible are all the answers you and I will ever need! That makes perfect sense to me !</span><div style="text-align: center;"><div style="text-align: left;"><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: "times new roman";"><span style="caret-color: rgb(11, 83, 148);"><i>*******************************************</i></span></span><br /><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 13pt;"><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 13pt;"><div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: start;"><div style="text-align: justify;"><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">FORGING YOUR FAITH</span><br /></span><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><br /></span><div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">To 'Forge' something, is to mold and shape something for suitable use. We believe that our lives are constantly being shaped and molded by the hand of God for His divine purpose! This publication </span><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">strives to encourage believers who are beginning this process and those who are well into it! We also believe a truly successful life is a Christ-Centered Life! We hope you will join us and become a regular reader! </span></div></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">Thank You and God Bless,</span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">Marianne Mauti</span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><i>Founder and CAO</i></span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><i><br /></i></span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><i>'Forging Your Faith' is the online Christian publication of 'Christ the King Church' in Bellevue, Pa.</i></span><br /><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: small;"><i><br /></i></span><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: small;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjcGRU7SWfV3e-HisjqjjiuNjG-3YuFu_LJZ2VnDWlrMGBLYJksmhVqT1MeuQA0_SQyECQ28J7c0xT-4AW0a0YFli2kCGkjlJITccnt9Vx2rz5_CShL5gM1PiAb3qIsOM2NLMkJleIk6DvH/s1600/6490_109964969289_5150597_n.jpg" style="clear: left; float: left; font-family: -webkit-standard; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="81" data-original-width="69" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjcGRU7SWfV3e-HisjqjjiuNjG-3YuFu_LJZ2VnDWlrMGBLYJksmhVqT1MeuQA0_SQyECQ28J7c0xT-4AW0a0YFli2kCGkjlJITccnt9Vx2rz5_CShL5gM1PiAb3qIsOM2NLMkJleIk6DvH/s1600/6490_109964969289_5150597_n.jpg" /></a><i>About Marianne Mauti: </i>Marianne is a writer and blogger as well as a Pastor at "Christ the King Church" in Bellevue, Pa. She is currently the Dean and Chief Operating Officer of "Christ the King Seminary" a full time Bible Institute. For more information about us please contact us at: crowncntr@aol.com</span></div></div></div></div><div><div style="text-align: justify;"><div style="text-align: center;"><div style="text-align: justify;"><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 13pt;"><div style="text-align: center;"><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="caret-color: rgb(11, 83, 148); color: #0b5394; font-family: "georgia";"><i>\</i></span><br /><div><span style="font-family: "georgia"; text-align: center;"><span style="color: #0b5394;"><i> ********</i></span></span><span style="font-family: "georgia"; text-align: center;">***************************************************</span><br /><span style="font-family: "georgia"; text-align: center;"> <span style="font-size: medium;"> ARTICLE RESOURCES</span></span></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">* The Bible</span></div></div></div></div></div></div></div><div class="MsoNormal"><div style="text-align: justify;"><div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;"><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">*Dr. George R. Beninate: Is Bishop of "Christ the King Church" in Pennsylvania, West Virginia and in Phnom Penh, Cambodia. A Doctor of Theology, Biblical Apologist, conference speaker, lecturer and my spiritual father.He is also the Author of several books including,"The Age of Glory", Thank you for your relentless pursuit of truth!</span><br /><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><br /></span></span><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div></div><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><br /></span></div></div></div></div>Forging Your Faithhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11719980363185567734noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7626530909284999266.post-4674508503552016532021-02-17T15:02:00.007-08:002021-02-19T08:53:04.101-08:00Regrets, I've Had a Few<p><span style="font-size: medium;"> <span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">By Marianne Mauti</span></span></p><p><span style="font-size: x-large;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">Regrets, Iv'e Had a Few</span></span></p><div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhj5Vx3Q4XO8shNYer0-EN9W2UT8OSEWJiIO_eKN02QKiRC7r8lgk3nbgwUpPCD65IYl1InNh7F0DdY4LFBo0yrVyk2KL3Ox16RR7XEPov_IBCCiEeTo1_f5Sv9DKXI-Qq-Okdouwb3QHpi/s1600/images-10.jpeg" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="112" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhj5Vx3Q4XO8shNYer0-EN9W2UT8OSEWJiIO_eKN02QKiRC7r8lgk3nbgwUpPCD65IYl1InNh7F0DdY4LFBo0yrVyk2KL3Ox16RR7XEPov_IBCCiEeTo1_f5Sv9DKXI-Qq-Okdouwb3QHpi/w123-h112/images-10.jpeg" width="123" /></a><span style="font-size: medium;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">Many years ago my husband and I went to see Frank Sinatra in concert. The last song of the night was the crowd favorite, "My Way.” I remember wondering as I watched him, what the words to this song meant to him now that he was in the twilight of his life and career :</span><br /></span><i style="color: #cc0000; font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif; text-align: left;"><span style="color: #cc0000; font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;"><br /></span></i><span style="font-size: medium;"><i style="color: #cc0000; font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif; text-align: left;"><span style="color: #cc0000; font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><i>Regrets, I've had a few, </i></span></i><span style="color: #cc0000; font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; text-align: left;"><i><i>But then</i></i></span><span style="color: #cc0000; font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; text-align: left;"><i><i> again,</i></i></span><i style="color: #cc0000; font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif; text-align: left;"><i> </i><i>too few to mention. </i></i><i style="color: #cc0000; font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif; text-align: center;">I did what I had to do and saw</i><span style="color: #cc0000; font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; text-align: center;"><i> it </i></span><i style="color: #cc0000; font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif; text-align: center;">through without </i><i style="color: #cc0000; font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif; text-align: center;">exemption. </i><i style="color: #cc0000; font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif; text-align: center;">I planned each charted course, </i><i style="color: #cc0000; font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif; text-align: center;">each careful step along the </i><i style="color: #cc0000; font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif; text-align: center;">byway, a</i><i style="color: #cc0000; font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif; text-align: center;">nd more, much more than this, </i><i style="color: #cc0000; font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif; text-align: center;">I did it MY WAY…………</i></span><br /><span style="color: #262626; font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: large;"><br /></span><span style="font-size: medium;"><span style="color: #262626; font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">How often do we wish we could do parts of our life over or wish our last spoken word to someone could be unsaid? How many of our actions do we wish we hadn’t taken?</span><span style="color: #262626; font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"> </span><span style="color: #262626; font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">How many times do we wish we had another opportunity to say or do something that we didn’t and now it is too late? </span><span style="color: #262626; font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">Maybe it was a bad financial decision, or a severed relationship.</span><span style="color: #262626; font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"> </span><span style="color: #262626; font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">All too often our lives are held captive by the actions or experiences that we eventually regret. I find as I grow older, (those twilight years are coming fast) I am more fully aware and have a greater appreciation for the mistakes I have made and the opportunities I have missed. I do have regrets! For that reason I felt it was important for me to understand what role, if any, regrets should have in the life of a Christian.</span></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-right: 3.9pt;"></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-right: 3.9pt;"><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="color: #262626; font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: medium;"><br /></span></div></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-right: 3.9pt;"></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-right: 3.9pt;"><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><span style="color: #262626; font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">After a lot of study this week and spending time seeking some wisdom from God here are some conclusions I have come to . I would like to suggest to you, what I had often in the past referred to as regret, I believe now was actually remorse and I have discovered there is a difference. While regret and remorse can share similarities on an emotional level, they are different in their intent, their purpose in our lives. I know this appears to be a matter of semantics but the way our mind perceives our words does make a difference in how we react to them and what God intended them to provoke in our lives!</span><br /></span><span style="color: #262626; font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;"><br /></span><span style="color: #990000; font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;"><i>REMORSE…</i></span><span style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"> </span><span style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: medium;"><span style="color: #262626;">is defined as: A deep guilt we carry because of a wrong we have committed. The word “guilt” in the New Testament comes from the Greek Word “enoches”</span><span style="color: #262626;"> and it means: Liable for offending God and thus deserving of punishment. </span><span style="color: #262626;">The guilt we feel</span><span style="color: #262626;"> </span><span style="color: #262626;">is because deep down we realize we have committed an offense against God and we are liable or accountable to answer to him for it!. That deep pain of remorse allows The Holy Spirit to bring conviction, which will hopefully cause you to repent and receive Gods forgiveness! </span><span style="color: #262626;"> </span><span style="color: #262626;">(2 Corinthians 7:10). Remorse is the pathway to forgiveness! The liability you once had for your sin is removed as far as the east is from the west and God remembers that liability no more! All guilt associated with it is also gone, removed forever.</span></span></div></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-right: 3.9pt;"><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="color: #262626;"><br /></span></span></span><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><span style="color: #990000; font-size: large;"><i>REGRET...</i></span></span><span style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: large;"> </span><span style="font-size: medium;"><span style="color: #262626; font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">is defined as</span><span style="color: #373737; font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"> a sadness we experience when reminded of the past or as a result of a missed opportunity, or action:</span><span style="color: #262626; font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"> </span><span style="color: #373737; font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">The Hebrew</span><span style="color: #373737; font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"> for regret in the Old Testament is </span><span style="color: #373737; font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">“nacham”. It means to be sorry, to regret, to console oneself, change minds.</span><span style="color: #373737; font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">What we experience, after the remorse and guilt has been removed through repentance and Gods forgiveness (our forgiveness of ourselves also) is what I now believe is regret. Regret is, even years later, a reminder of the sadness we experienced as a result of our actions or missed opportunities. Whether we like it or not things we say or do have consequences. Some of our consequences are gone in time others are a lasting reminder of the choices we have made. Our regret if understood for its benefit, can be a useful reminder of the consequence of our actions, as well as the sadness over our past situations and missed opportunities .It can be instrumental in changing our mind and bring us some consolation about our past if it keeps us from making the same mistake again!</span></span></div></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-right: 3.9pt;"><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="color: #373737;"><br /></span></span></span><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><span style="font-size: large;">DO NOT DWELL ON THE PAST...</span></span></div></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><br /></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-right: 3.9pt;"><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: medium;"><span style="color: #373737;">I am not suggesting that we are supposed to dwell on our past remorse, the Bible warns us concerning that. Philippians 3:13- </span><b><i><span style="color: #cc0000;">“</span></i></b><i><span style="color: #cc0000;">Brothers, I do not consider that I have made it my own. But one thing I do: forgetting what lies behind and straining forward to what lies ahead” </span><span style="font-family: Arial;">.</span></i><span style="color: #373737;">I do believe that we can look at our past beyond the pain and guilt of our actions, put it in the proper perspective and allow the Holy spirit to give us the strength we need to make right choices in the future. Regretting a past mistake can motivate us to do what God in many cases wanted us to do in the first place.</span></span></div></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-right: 3.9pt;"><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="color: #373737; font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><br /></span><span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;"><span style="font-size: large;">MOTIVATION FOR CHANGE…..</span></span></div></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-right: 3.9pt;"></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-right: 3.9pt;"><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="color: #262626; font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></span><span style="font-size: medium;"><span style="color: #262626; font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><span>Many years ago my husband felt that he was supposed to share salvation with a relative who was very ill and most likely dying. He kept putting it off and had what he felt at the time were legitimate reasons why he couldn’t get to it yet. Unfortunately the individual passed away before they were able to talk. There is no way to determine that it would have made a difference or if they had not already made their peace with God, however, because he felt so strongly that he failed in doing what God had asked him to do, he had great remorse and guilt. That remorse led him to seek Gods forgiveness. That day he promised God that he would never find himself in a similar situation again. He has lived up to his promise and more! He has shared that story with others and I have heard him remark that the regret he felt over not speaking out then reminds him to be certain to say what he needs to now! He doesn’t beat himself up over it or dwell on his past remorse. He has learned an important lesson, one that he doesn’t ever want to repeat, and God has used his lesson to benefit others!</span><span><o:p></o:p></span></span><br /></span><span style="color: #262626; font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></span><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;">NO CONDEMNATION…….</span></div></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-right: 3.9pt;"><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="color: #262626; font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><br /></span></div></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-right: 3.9pt;"></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-right: 3.9pt;"><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: medium;"><span style="color: #262626;">It is important not to allow regret to return us to our old remorse or guilt and empower its partner condemnation. </span><span style="color: #373737;">Condemnation is not from God, in fact the enemy of your victory and your own flesh will continue to hold you accountable for something God does not recognize any more, but only if you allow him to. </span><span style="color: #262626;">You can’t change the past but you can ruin the present and hinder your future. Some of us hold onto the deep and consuming remorse that needlessly burdens our lives. </span></span></div></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-right: 3.9pt;"><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><br /></span></div></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-right: 3.9pt;"><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><span style="color: #cc0000;"><i><span style="font-size: x-large;"> </span><span style="font-size: large;">Therefore, there is now no condemnation for those who are in Christ Jesus. </span></i></span></span><i style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;"><span style="color: #cc0000; font-size: large;">Romans 8:1</span></i></div></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-right: 3.9pt;"><div style="text-align: justify;"><i><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><br /></span></i></div></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-right: 3.9pt;"></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-right: 3.9pt;"><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="color: #373737; font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><span style="font-size: medium;">God wants us to learn valuable lessons from our past. He does not want us to ignore it or fail to move forward because of it. Don’t waste the experience you can gain from it but don’t hold onto the guilt of something you are no longer liable to God for and never allow it to bring condemnation that can keep you from a fulfilling life in Christ Jesus! Use your sorrow over missed opportunities or mistakes to keep you from having any more regret! Strive to live for Gods glory and the honor of his name!</span><span style="font-size: large;"><o:p></o:p></span></span><br /><span style="color: #373737; font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;"><br /></span><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;">IN CONCLUSION...</span></div></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-right: 3.9pt;"><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="color: #373737; font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;"><br /></span></div></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-right: 3.9pt;"></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-right: 3.9pt;"><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><span style="color: #373737;">I realize there are some out there who may disagree with my point of view concerning regret. I believe it is grounded in truth and understanding from Gods Word. I hope I have expressed adequately the difference I believe there is in the remorse, pain and guilt of our actions that I do not believe God wants us to carry from our past into our future, but the value of allowing our past to remind why we must leave those choices behind in the form of our regret .The value of our experience is how it causes us to grow and mature in God and how it can and will befit others! </span><span style="color: #373737;">Finally the Bible tells us that even God felt sorrow, regret over making man in Genesis 6:6:</span></span><span style="color: #373737; font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"> </span><i style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;"><span style="color: #cc0000;">“The Lord regretted (Nacham) that he had made human beings on earth and His heart was deeply troubled.”</span></i></span></div></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-right: 3.9pt;"><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: medium;"><br /></span></div></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-right: 3.9pt;"><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><span style="color: #373737;"> <span> God revealed to us His sadness and regret over creating man , God confessed to being troubled by His decision! Because of this, we should at least acknowledge regret is a part of Gods nature. Our regret should lead us to change our mind about our current coarse and bring us some consolation as we view it for its purpose and intent and allow it to benefit us now and in the future.</span></span><span style="color: #373737;"> </span></span><span style="color: #373737; font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">So, yeah, regrets…. I’ve had a few!</span></span><br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: "times new roman";"><span style="caret-color: rgb(11, 83, 148);"><i>*******************************************</i></span></span><br /><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 13pt;"><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 13pt;"><div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: start;"><div style="text-align: justify;"><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">FORGING YOUR FAITH</span><br /></span><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><br /></span><div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">To 'Forge' something, is to mold and shape something for suitable use. We believe that our lives are constantly being shaped and molded by the hand of God for His divine purpose! This publication </span><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">strives to encourage believers who are beginning this process and those who are well into it! We also believe a truly successful life is a Christ-Centered Life! We hope you will join us and become a regular reader! </span></div></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">Thank You and God Bless,</span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">Marianne Mauti</span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><i>Founder and CAO</i></span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><i><br /></i></span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><i>'Forging Your Faith' is the online Christian publication of 'Christ the King Church' in Bellevue, Pa.</i></span><br /><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: small;"><i><br /></i></span><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: small;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjcGRU7SWfV3e-HisjqjjiuNjG-3YuFu_LJZ2VnDWlrMGBLYJksmhVqT1MeuQA0_SQyECQ28J7c0xT-4AW0a0YFli2kCGkjlJITccnt9Vx2rz5_CShL5gM1PiAb3qIsOM2NLMkJleIk6DvH/s1600/6490_109964969289_5150597_n.jpg" style="clear: left; float: left; font-family: -webkit-standard; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="81" data-original-width="69" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjcGRU7SWfV3e-HisjqjjiuNjG-3YuFu_LJZ2VnDWlrMGBLYJksmhVqT1MeuQA0_SQyECQ28J7c0xT-4AW0a0YFli2kCGkjlJITccnt9Vx2rz5_CShL5gM1PiAb3qIsOM2NLMkJleIk6DvH/s1600/6490_109964969289_5150597_n.jpg" /></a><i>About Marianne Mauti: </i>Marianne is a writer and blogger as well as a Pastor at "Christ the King Church" in Bellevue, Pa. She is currently the Dean and Chief Operating Officer of "Christ the King Seminary" a full time Bible Institute. For more information about us please contact us at: crowncntr@aol.com</span></div></div></div></div><div><div style="text-align: justify;"><div style="text-align: center;"><div style="text-align: justify;"><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 13pt;"><div style="text-align: center;"><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /><div><span style="font-family: "georgia"; text-align: center;"><span style="color: #0b5394;"><i> ********</i></span></span><span style="font-family: "georgia"; text-align: center;">***************************************************</span><br /><span style="font-family: "georgia"; text-align: center;"> <span style="font-size: medium;"> ARTICLE RESOURCES</span></span></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">* The Bible</span></div><div><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><br /></span></div></div></div></div></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-right: 3.9pt;"><div class="MsoNormal"><div style="text-align: justify;"><div class="MsoNormal"><div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: start;"><div style="text-align: justify;"><div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;"><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">* Song: "My Way", written by Paul Anka and recorded by Frank Sinatra among others.</span><br /><div><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><br /></span></div></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">*Dr. George R. Beninate: Is Bishop of "Christ the King Church" in Pennsylvania, West Virginia and in Phnom Penh, Cambodia. A Doctor of Theology, Biblical Apologist, conference speaker, lecturer and my spiritual father.He is also the Author of several books including,"The Age of Glory", Thank you for your relentless pursuit of truth!</span><br /><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><br /></span></span><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></div></div></div></div></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: start;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;"><br /></span></div></div></div></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;"><span style="line-height: 16px;"><br /></span></span></div></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div><br />Forging Your Faithhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11719980363185567734noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7626530909284999266.post-76882237207484451132021-02-17T15:00:00.005-08:002021-02-19T15:11:35.312-08:00As Long as No One Else Gets Hurt<p> <span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;"><span style="font-size: medium;">By Marianne Mauti</span></span></p><p><span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;"><span style="font-size: x-large;">As Long As No One Else Gets Hurt</span></span></p><div style="text-align: justify;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgY5WJEBPGHkrVQu0gKu2ENeG-VGelW0a4uZTkfG_6x6Dw-x5n9MjJmDBsZ8BuCqC5viT3vfcv9XQHT7HD5GyfduUrL0opUiImemrlct30wmP_jDB4NRiEgYS5ryhtxA61dEmrLpOO0154Q/s1600/images-13.jpeg" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="117" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgY5WJEBPGHkrVQu0gKu2ENeG-VGelW0a4uZTkfG_6x6Dw-x5n9MjJmDBsZ8BuCqC5viT3vfcv9XQHT7HD5GyfduUrL0opUiImemrlct30wmP_jDB4NRiEgYS5ryhtxA61dEmrLpOO0154Q/w117-h117/images-13.jpeg" width="117" /></a><span style="font-size: medium;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">How many of us have ever heard someone say, “There’s no harm in what I am doing as long as no one else gets hurt!” " On the surface that may seem to be alright but I can think of things we'd all agree that are morally acceptable that many of us would avoid if we knew others could be hurt. Some things are obvious. Turning your car off the designated road and into a crowd of people will have immediate and obvious consequences. But there are other things we decide to do that definitely can hurt others that are not quite as obvious. Is it acceptable to do those things that will most likely hurt us as long as we don't think we are hurting others like doing drugs, engaging in "safe" sex apart from marital commitment, cheating on taxes? </span><span style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><span>Is it possible to do anything you want to do and not hurt someone else in the process? </span></span></span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><br /></span><span style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">I would like to suggest that the only way you could do that is if you could predict the outcome of your actions. How can any of us predict with any certainty if others will be hurt or how? Who would even take the time to figure out the effect of their actions on others? Oh, we may give a few moments thought to whether something we say or do will hurt someone at that moment or shortly thereafter but do we really consider how it could affect them in the future? Even more important, who has the authority to determine what is hurtful and what is not? I suppose we need to know what constitutes "hurt" in order to apply the "as long as" principle. If there are no concrete ethical principles, or moral absolutes, it is impossible to know, even more impossible to live!</span></span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><br /></span><span style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">In our ever-changing world, trying to determine what constitutes "hurt" seems to be based more and more on an individual's personal values than the absolute authority of our creator. To make matters even more difficult, individuals are pressured to agree with what the world determines is acceptable behavior. The media is constantly promoting a secular worldview and we have become inundated with their message to the point where principled Christian values have been drowned out. All this does is bring confusion. If you disagree you are a hate monger and if you dare to speak out you are labeled right wing, radical, a religious fanatic, promoting hate speech, etc.! </span></span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><br /></span></span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><i style="color: #cc0000; font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;"><span style="font-size: large;">To say that if you disagree with someone’s viewpoint is hate speech is disingenuous at best and simply not true! </span></i></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: large;"><br /></span><span style="font-size: medium;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">Our cultural evolution has all but taken God out of the equation. At a time when we can’t seem to navigate our values we want to rip from society the only moral compass that exists. God’s truth has from the beginning of time brought order and balance to creation. Who could understand what man needs better than the one who created him? Yet man is continually trying to prove he is smarter and more capable than God in determining what is necessary for him to succeed and we have failed miserably. Solomon who in all of his glory, whose human wisdom can never be matched and whose wealth and material possessions cannot even be calculated by todays measure said this about mans wisdom, wealth and pursuits;</span><span style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"> </span><span><i style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">Ecclesiastes 1:2 <span style="color: #cc0000;">“Meaningless, meaningless says the teacher, its all utterly meaningless ( apart from God you will never find satisfaction in life)….”</span></i><span style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"> i</span></span><span style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">n the end, when reflecting on his life of wealth and power here is what he had to say: </span></span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><br /></span></span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><i><span style="color: #cc0000; font-size: large;">That’s the whole story, here now is my final conclusion; Fear God (Respect Him) and obey His commandments(they are not an option),for this is the duty of all mankind. (This is our responsibility as His creation). </span></i></span><i style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;"><span style="font-size: medium;">Ecclesiastes 12:13</span></i></span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;"><br /></span><span style="font-size: medium;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">If we truly don’t want to hurt others we have to start by acknowledging that God is the creator and sustainer of all things. The fact of the matter is that we would not even be self aware, let alone aware of right and wrong, if God had not created within us a conscience, which gives us the ability to make moral distinctions. We have no reference point for all this discussion about morality except as God has chosen to reveals it! He is the source of all life and therefore the source of all truth. He is the only one who can and should decide what is right or wrong. The problem with <i>“as long as”</i> is that it puts man in the center of the world! It forces him to make decisions he was not created to make! The bible shows us over and over examples of individuals who when left to themselves, started out with good intentions, but without guidance from above and obedient hearts, lost their way. </span><span style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">Professor Alexander Tytler of the University of Edinburgh had this to say about man if left to his own:</span></span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><br /></span></span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><i><span style="color: #cc0000; font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;">From bondage to spiritual faith, from spiritual faith to great courage, from courage to liberty, from liberty to abundance, from abundance to selfishness, from selfishness to complacency, from complacency to apathy, from apathy to dependency, from dependency backs again into bondage.</span></i></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: large;"><br /></span><span style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: medium;">What he is saying is that apart from the supervision of God, mans values will eventually erode. Self-desire begins to take over in determining our actions. No matter how sincerely we believe we are right about a decision we make, it has to align itself with the principles in the word of God. Only then can we be sure our actions will not result in hurting others. People may be offended by your Godly choices but they can never be harmed by them. Righteousness and right thinking, according to Gods Word, brings liberty and freedom to those who apply it to their lives! </span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><br /></span><span style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">Our ethics if grounded in the nature and will of God takes into account our human nature, and promotes a biblical principle to protect others and seek their good, and the divine work of redemption that seeks to save the lost and build people up in the nature and character of Christ. Scripture requires us to put others ahead of ourselves. We are never to cause others harm. More than that, we're to seek others' good. We're given the ultimate example of sacrifice in Christ,</span><span><span style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"> </span><i style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;"><span style="color: #cc0000;">"who, though he was in the form of God did not count equality with God a thing to be grasped, but made himself nothing" for our benefit"</span> (</i></span><i style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">Philippians 2:6-8)<u><span style="color: #0021e0;">.</span></u></i><span style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"> </span><span style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">We are also told to give up things we can legitimately enjoy if they hurt other people. </span></span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><br /></span><span style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">God has spelled out some pretty clear principles on how to treat others. Do we love others as we love ourselves? That is not so easy when everyone around us is living out his or her individual values and the ethics of</span><span style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"> </span><i style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">“as long as.<b>”</b></i><span style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"> </span><span style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">The power of Christianity has always been found in the courage of those who despite persecution live out their faith, who are in the Word of God and who maintain their ethical and moral integrity in a world that is obsessed with promoting a philosophy of self-gratification. So if we must say "as long as" let us say it as one who follows a higher calling, a greater standard of living: </span></span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><br /></span></span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><i style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;"><span style="color: #cc0000; font-size: large;">There is no harm in what I am doing AS LONG AS it is acceptable and pleasing to God</span></i></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: "times new roman";"><span style="caret-color: rgb(11, 83, 148);"><i>*******************************************</i></span></span><br /><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 13pt;"><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 13pt;"><div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: start;"><div style="text-align: justify;"><div style="text-align: center;"><span><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">FORGING YOUR FAITH</span><br /></span><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><br /></span><div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">To 'Forge' something, is to mold and shape something for suitable use. We believe that our lives are constantly being shaped and molded by the hand of God for His divine purpose! This publication </span><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">strives to encourage believers who are beginning this process and those who are well into it! We also believe a truly successful life is a Christ-Centered Life! We hope you will join us and become a regular reader! </span></div></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">Thank You and God Bless,</span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">Marianne Mauti</span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><i>Founder and CAO</i></span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><i><br /></i></span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><i>'Forging Your Faith' is the online Christian publication of 'Christ the King Church' in Bellevue, Pa.</i></span><br /><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: small;"><i><br /></i></span><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: small;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjcGRU7SWfV3e-HisjqjjiuNjG-3YuFu_LJZ2VnDWlrMGBLYJksmhVqT1MeuQA0_SQyECQ28J7c0xT-4AW0a0YFli2kCGkjlJITccnt9Vx2rz5_CShL5gM1PiAb3qIsOM2NLMkJleIk6DvH/s1600/6490_109964969289_5150597_n.jpg" style="clear: left; float: left; font-family: -webkit-standard; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="81" data-original-width="69" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjcGRU7SWfV3e-HisjqjjiuNjG-3YuFu_LJZ2VnDWlrMGBLYJksmhVqT1MeuQA0_SQyECQ28J7c0xT-4AW0a0YFli2kCGkjlJITccnt9Vx2rz5_CShL5gM1PiAb3qIsOM2NLMkJleIk6DvH/s1600/6490_109964969289_5150597_n.jpg" /></a><i>About Marianne Mauti: </i>Marianne is a writer and blogger as well as a Pastor at "Christ the King Church" in Bellevue, Pa. She is currently the Dean and Chief Operating Officer of "Christ the King Seminary" a full time Bible Institute. For more information about us please contact us at: crowncntr@aol.com</span></div></div></div></div><div><div style="text-align: justify;"><div style="text-align: center;"><div style="text-align: justify;"><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 13pt;"><div style="text-align: center;"><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /><div><span style="font-family: "georgia"; text-align: center;"><span style="color: #0b5394;"><i> ********</i></span></span><span style="font-family: "georgia"; text-align: center;">***************************************************</span><br /><span style="font-family: "georgia"; text-align: center;"> <span> ARTICLE RESOURCES</span></span></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">* The Bible</span></div></div></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><br /></span><span style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">*Dr. George R. Beninate: Is Bishop of "Christ the King Church" in Pennsylvania, West Virginia and in Phnom Penh, Cambodia. A Doctor of Theology, Biblical Apologist, conference speaker, lecturer and my spiritual father.He is also the Author of several books including,"The Age of Glory", Thank you for your relentless pursuit of truth!</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm -88.25pt 12pt 0cm; text-align: justify;"><div class="MsoNormal"><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-right: 3.9pt; text-align: start;"><div class="MsoNormal"><div style="text-align: justify;"><div class="MsoNormal"><div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: start;"><div style="text-align: justify;"><div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;"><div style="text-align: justify;"><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div></div></div></div></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: start;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><br /></span></div></div></div></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;"><span style="line-height: 16px;"><br /></span></span></div></div><div><br /></div><div style="text-align: start;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: start;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: start;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: start;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: start;"></div></div></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: large;"><br /></span><span style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: large;"><br /></span><span style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: large;"><br /></span><span style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: large;"><br /></span></div>Forging Your Faithhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11719980363185567734noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7626530909284999266.post-49592052823228514692021-02-17T14:57:00.008-08:002021-02-19T15:15:23.844-08:00From Broken Heart to a Burning Heart<p><span style="font-size: medium;"> <span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif; text-align: justify;">By Marianne Mauti</span></span></p><p><span style="font-size: x-large;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif; text-align: justify;">From A Broken Heart to A Burning Heart</span></span></p><div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"><div><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><br /></span></div><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhY9gvYnlYB84vxrAYlv-evv6EQEuvooH7npe61BvMijaE3Vk77GytCqea1rX0sbemxQbRyGqLNczW6FVekqMznMw_j_g2Hp524LtYRv4yP2eZJz8_f_qsJlOcPPPsHckDfugFl1x6sC1eH/s1600/images-2.jpeg" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="109" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhY9gvYnlYB84vxrAYlv-evv6EQEuvooH7npe61BvMijaE3Vk77GytCqea1rX0sbemxQbRyGqLNczW6FVekqMznMw_j_g2Hp524LtYRv4yP2eZJz8_f_qsJlOcPPPsHckDfugFl1x6sC1eH/w146-h109/images-2.jpeg" width="146" /></a><span style="font-size: medium;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">Many years ago I read this quote from Pastor Rick Warren: </span><i style="color: #cc0000; font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;"><span>“Life is a cycle of events comprised of things we are either getting ready to go through, things we are going through or things we have just gone through.”</span></i><br /><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><br /></span><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"> This was the most simplistic description of the cycle of our life and what it consists of that I had </span><span style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">ever heard</span><span style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">. While the experiences we encounter are as different as our lives, what is the same is majority of things we "go through" are a result of our choices (right or wrong), or the result of others choices (which are usually completely out of our control). Either way it is important to recognize that wherever we find ourselves in the cycle, God is in our midst and if we allow Him, will help us understand and see it from His perspective. What makes a huge difference is our perception of the situation. </span><span style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">Recently while in the,”going through something” cycle of my life, I was reminded of an account in the New Testament about two men were also “going through” something pretty life altering. </span></span><br /><span style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: large;"><br /></span><span style="color: #990000; font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: large;"><i>On the Road to Emmaus...</i></span><br /><span style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: large;"><br /></span><span style="font-size: medium;"><span style="color: #cc0000; font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"> </span><span style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">In the Bible (Luke 24:15-32) we find that t</span><span style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">he Passover feast had ended, two followers of Jesus found themselves on the road to Emmaus trying to make some sense of the events that had just happened. It has been three days since Jesus in whom all of their hopes and expectations were placed had been given over to be crucified by the very people who had proclaimed him to be hosanna not long before. They believed that he was the answer to all their hopes and dreams for the freedom and restoration of Israel and that he would become King over all. Instead he submitted to the cruel beating and death on the cross the reason of which was a complete mystery to them. They were discussing with one another about Jesus failure in their eyes to do what they believed he came to do, they were despondent and in deep despair over all the hopes that were crucified with him. The journey to Emmaus is both a literal and a spiritual journey. On one hand it recounts the story of two disciples who, after the crucifixion and resurrection of our Lord, walk seven miles from Jerusalem to their village of Emmaus. On the other hand, it outlines for us the journey of life that we all walk. There are three things I believe God wanted me to see about this journey.</span></span></div></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; text-indent: -18pt;"><br /></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"><span style="color: #990000; font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;"><span><span style="text-indent: -18pt;">1. </span><span style="text-indent: -18pt;"><i>They viewed the events that had happened from a human perspective</i></span></span><span style="text-indent: -18pt;"> </span></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><span style="font-size: large; text-indent: -18pt;"><br /></span></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><span style="text-indent: -18pt;">On the journey from Jerusalem to Emmaus Jesus meets them (His identity is hidden from them). He sees they are distraught and he asks them what they are discussing. They replied, </span><i style="text-indent: -18pt;"><span style="color: #cc0000;">“Are you the only one visiting Jerusalem who does not know the things that have happened there in these days?” </span></i><span style="text-indent: -18pt;">Jesus then asked them</span><i style="text-indent: -18pt;"> </i><span style="text-indent: -18pt;">what things concerning Jesus they were talking about! They replied again, </span><i style="text-indent: -18pt;"><span style="color: #cc0000;"><span>“The chief priests and our rulers handed him over to be sentenced to death, and they crucified him; but we had hoped that he was the one who was going to redeem Israel. And what is more, it is the third day since all this took place." </span></span></i></span><span style="text-indent: -18pt;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">Obviously Jesus knew what had taken place so why did he ask them what they were discussing. I would like to suggest that Jesus was interested in hearing how they viewed what they were going through. It is clear from their answers that their point of view at the time lacked a spiritual dimension. </span></span><span style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif; text-indent: -18pt;">The ability to see things Gods way is all about PERSPECTIVE!<span style="color: #cc0000; font-style: italic;"> </span></span><br /></span><span style="color: #cc0000; font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><br /></span></span><span style="font-size: medium;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">Perspective is defined as: </span><i style="color: #cc0000; font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">A particular attitude toward or a way of regarding something. It is the true understanding if the relative importance of things! </i></span><br /><span style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><br /></span><i style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;"></i><span style="font-size: medium;"><span><span style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">In other words it isn’t what you see it is how you view what you see!</span><i style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;"> </i><span style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">Do you see what you want to see or do you have a true understanding of its significance? More often than not what we think we understand about our situation and what is really the truth are two different things. The men on the road to Emmaus could only see what they perceived was the truth; Jesus confronted them about how they were seeing the events unfolding in their life! God was right there in the midst of their journey but because of their human perspective they failed to see who he was. I believe that there are things in our walk with God that we do not understand. Things that is uncomfortable and even painful. We view our situation from our perspective instead of seeing what is really happening. We can’t find God in it, he feels distant and removed from out situation and we fail to see the good in it! We need to be careful not to discount what God has done simply because we cannot see it, explain it or understand it. While God often uses natural things to accomplish His will, He also does things we can neither explain nor understand.</span></span><br /></span><span style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: large;"><span style="color: #cc0000;"><br /></span></span><span style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><span style="color: #990000; font-size: large;">2. <i>They had a different agenda than God. Jesus did not live up to their expectations</i></span></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"><span style="color: #0b5394; font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">Their hope was based on there expectations, when that was gone they were lost. Lets face it when our expectations aren’t met we find ourselves feeling disappointed or disillusioned. Disappointment in people, your life and situations can cause you to be consumed by what brought you there, stuck the pain, hurt, and anguish of the past! It can blind you to the wonderful thing God is doing right now in your life! </span><span style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">Their disappointment led to frustration and Jesus said to them in (vs. 25), </span><i style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;"><span style="color: #cc0000;">“How foolish you are, and how slow to believe all that the prophets have spoken!”</span>----</i><span style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">He called them foolish. Your disappointment can lead to frustration that can drive you to do or say something we would never have done or said otherwise. It can also drive us to try accomplishing our agenda in our own strength, believing God somehow needs our help! God is supernaturally working it out and you are still consumed with living in the pain of your disappointment, especially when it pertains to someone you love. You can’t allow the agenda of your expectations to rob you. You have to let go of them!</span></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><br /></span></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 22pt; text-align: justify;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><span style="color: #cc0000;"><i><span style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">Here is something extremely important to understand: Forgiveness and letting go are two different things!</span></i></span><br /></span><span style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><br /></span><span style="font-size: medium;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">There have been situations in my life that I have truly forgiven but have found it difficult to let go of the pain or hurt that accompanied it as if letting go of it meant that what happened on their part wasn’t wrong. Carrying that around with you will eventually consume you and control you and it won't change the situation. What it does do is hinder us from being effective in our life and theirs, and cripples us from moving on in God. It can blind you to what God is doing (church, family, children, friends). It doesn’t mean you have to agree with what happened to you but you have to stop living in the pain of it. God doesn’t want you to remain there! Let it go! See them and the situation the way God sees it. Instead of resurrecting the pain reflect over the power of God to redeem relationships, restore loved ones and bring healing. I once heard someone say, </span><i style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;"><span style="color: #cc0000;">“Our lives are not determined by what happens to you, but by how we react to what happens. Not by what life brings us, but by the attitude we bring to life.” </span></i><span style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">Empower God with your thoughts, words and actions to move on their behalf and bring restoration and healing instead of living in the pain of their previous actions! </span></span><br /><span style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: large;"><span style="color: #cc0000;"><br /></span></span><span style="color: #990000; font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: large;">3. <i>They didn’t believe He was who he said He was and would do what He said He would do</i></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 22pt; text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><span style="font-size: x-large;"> </span><span style="font-size: medium;">On the road to Emmaus they had a preconceived idea of who Jesus was, what He came to do, and how He should do it. But when things did not turn out like they thought they should, they dismissed the whole thing as a mere failure, as misplaced hope and trust. While God always has a plan, we are not always privy to that plan. When things don't turn out like we expect, instead of giving up and or walking away, perhaps we would be wise to see things differently. </span></span><br /><i style="color: #cc0000; font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: x-large;"><br /></i><span style="font-size: medium;"><i style="color: #cc0000; font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;"><span>Is it just possible that God is doing something we simply do not understand?</span></i><br /></span><span style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><br /></span><span style="font-size: medium;"><span><span style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">Jesus knew the two followers understood the content of scripture but did not accept the message as truth! As a result, they failed to see God’s sovereign plan. His question, </span><i style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;"><span style="color: #cc0000;">“Was it not necessary for the Christ to suffer these things and to enter into His glory?”</span></i><span style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"> pointed to the reason for their unbelief (24:26). They had confused their own expectations with the hope God was offering, and they had failed to see God’s ultimate purpose. And unfortunately so do we. If these two followers believed that Jesus had risen from the dead, they would have seen the trials, crucifixion, and burial of Jesus as the fulfillment of all He promised, not as the end of their hopes. Jesus had to speak truth into their crisis: (vs. 26 & 27), </span><span style="color: #cc0000;"><i style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">”</i><i style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">Did not the Messiah have to suffer these things and then enter his glory?” <b>27 </b>And beginning with Moses and all the Prophets, he explained to them what was said in all the Scriptures concerning himself. "</i></span></span><br /><span style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><br /></span><span><span style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">They didn’t believe the truth that stood before them, they had lost confidence and faith in what Jesus said would happen. When we believe God as it pertains to our situation, we begin to see that he has been there on the road with us all along. He meets us WHERE we need him WHEN we need him to will bring truth and understanding. Believe me the last thing the enemy of your soul wants you to do is bring truth into your situation, He doesn’t want you to have confidence that God is working things together for your good! He definitely doesn’t want you to draw your strength from reading His Word and spending time talking to Him in prayer. What he wants you to do is to blame someone else for your unrealized dreams, and unfulfilled expectations. What you need to do is let His word lift you out of your confusion! The disciples had been staring into the face of the risen Jesus, yet they were prevented from seeing Him until they buried their faulty expectations. Then, as Jesus referred them to the Words of the prophets their eyes were opened to the reality of what had really just happened! Jesus then became visible to their physical eyes: (VS. 30-32), </span><span style="color: #cc0000;"><b style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;"><i>30 “ </i></b><i style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">When he was at the table with them, he took bread, gave thanks, broke it and began to give it to them. <b>31 </b>Then their eyes were opened and they recognized him, and he disappeared from their sight.<b>32 </b>they asked each other, “Were not our hearts burning within us while he talked with us on the road and opened the Scriptures to us?”</i></span></span><br /><span><span style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><br /></span><span style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">“Their eye were opened,” comes from the Greek phrase </span><i style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">ophthalmos dianoigo epiginosko</i><span style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">, which literally means </span><i style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">“they came </i><i style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">to fully comprehend</i><i style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;"> Him.”</i><span style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"> When we see things from Gods perspective, let go of our expectations and believe God will do what he promised in our lives regardless of what we are presently experiencing, our eyes will open to the truth of our situation and we will fully comprehend what we are going through! For me, it was a decision to move through my situation as quickly as possible, not live there, pitch a tent and dwell on it!</span><span style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"> </span><span style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">Once again their hearts burned within with a new passion. This happens when you know you have broken through the dryness, emptiness, and darkness of your circumstances. You know that you have come into the flow of spiritual fullness and light when you have left the pain, fear, rejection, loneliness, and failure and you come to the other side having new meaning and purpose in your life! Grace burning within abounds along the road back from Emmaus! <span style="color: #cc0000;">“While they were still talking about this, Jesus himself stood among them and said to them, "Peace is with you”</span> (v. 36). The result is PEACE! HALLELUJAH!</span></span><br /></span><span style="color: #cc0000; font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: large;"><i><br /></i></span><span style="font-size: medium;"><span><span style="color: #cc0000; font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><i>Whatever you may be going through let GOD take you through it and restore in you a new and burning passion AS YOU GO!</i></span><span style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"> </span></span><br /></span><span style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><br /></span><span style="font-size: medium;"><span><span style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">Don’t allow your perspective to be jaded by how you view or perceive the circumstances-but have trust and confidence that God understands the big picture. Let go of the unfulfilled expectations and disappointment your situation presents and everything negative that ties you to it. Let the soothing balm of the Holy Spirit heal the hurt and pain of lost relationships, consequences of past sin and circumstances not in your control. When we let go we make room for God to ignite the flame of our heart. </span><span style="color: #0e0e0e; font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">Realize that even when you don’t see how God is working things out on your behalf, that He is! Stop trying to figure it out and accept that what you may have hoped for didn’t happed because your plans were limited by your understanding. </span></span><span style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">The ability to see things as they really are gives us the courage to wait upon the Lord even when life takes unexpected turns.</span><span style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"> </span><span style="color: #0e0e0e; font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">The account in Luke illustrates this principle beautifully. Wherever you in the cycle of life events, allow </span><span style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">God to take you from a " Broken Heart to a Burning Heart" once again! </span></span><br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: "times new roman";"><span style="caret-color: rgb(11, 83, 148);"><i>*******************************************</i></span></span><br /><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 13pt;"><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 13pt;"><div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: start;"><div style="text-align: justify;"><div style="text-align: center;"><span><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">FORGING YOUR FAITH</span><br /></span><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><br /></span><div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">To 'Forge' something, is to mold and shape something for suitable use. We believe that our lives are constantly being shaped and molded by the hand of God for His divine purpose! This publication </span><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">strives to encourage believers who are beginning this process and those who are well into it! We also believe a truly successful life is a Christ-Centered Life! We hope you will join us and become a regular reader! </span></div></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">Thank You and God Bless,</span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">Marianne Mauti</span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><i>Founder and CAO</i></span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><i><br /></i></span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><i>'Forging Your Faith' is the online Christian publication of 'Christ the King Church' in Bellevue, Pa.</i></span><br /><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><i><br /></i></span><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjcGRU7SWfV3e-HisjqjjiuNjG-3YuFu_LJZ2VnDWlrMGBLYJksmhVqT1MeuQA0_SQyECQ28J7c0xT-4AW0a0YFli2kCGkjlJITccnt9Vx2rz5_CShL5gM1PiAb3qIsOM2NLMkJleIk6DvH/s1600/6490_109964969289_5150597_n.jpg" style="clear: left; float: left; font-family: -webkit-standard; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="81" data-original-width="69" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjcGRU7SWfV3e-HisjqjjiuNjG-3YuFu_LJZ2VnDWlrMGBLYJksmhVqT1MeuQA0_SQyECQ28J7c0xT-4AW0a0YFli2kCGkjlJITccnt9Vx2rz5_CShL5gM1PiAb3qIsOM2NLMkJleIk6DvH/s1600/6490_109964969289_5150597_n.jpg" /></a><i>About Marianne Mauti: </i>Marianne is a writer and blogger as well as a Pastor at "Christ the King Church" in Bellevue, Pa. She is currently the Dean and Chief Operating Officer of "Christ the King Seminary" a full time Bible Institute. For more information about us please contact us at: crowncntr@aol.com</span></div></div></div></div><div><div style="text-align: justify;"><div style="text-align: center;"><div style="text-align: justify;"><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 13pt;"><div style="text-align: center;"><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="caret-color: rgb(11, 83, 148); color: #0b5394; font-family: "georgia";"><i>\</i></span><br /><div><span style="font-family: "georgia"; text-align: center;"><span style="color: #0b5394;"><i> ********</i></span></span><span style="font-family: "georgia"; text-align: center;">***************************************************</span><br /><span style="font-family: "georgia"; text-align: center;"> <span> ARTICLE RESOURCES</span></span></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">* The Bible</span></div><div><span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">*Quote from Pastor Rick Warren: "The Purpose Driven Life"</span></div></div></div></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"><div class="MsoNormal"><div class="MsoNormal"><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-right: 3.9pt; text-align: start;"><div class="MsoNormal"><div style="text-align: justify;"><div class="MsoNormal"><div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: start;"><div style="text-align: justify;"><div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;"><div style="text-align: justify;"><div style="margin: 0px;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">*Dr. George R. Beninate: Is Bishop of "Christ the King Church" in Pennsylvania, West Virginia and in Phnom Penh, Cambodia. A Doctor of Theology, Biblical Apologist, conference speaker, lecturer and my spiritual father.He is also the Author of several books including,"The </span></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div>Forging Your Faithhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11719980363185567734noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7626530909284999266.post-8348538326646457482021-02-17T14:54:00.005-08:002021-02-19T15:22:17.593-08:00The Cultural Captivity of America: Part 3- Morality Without God?<p> <span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif; text-align: justify;"><span style="font-size: medium;">By Marianne Mauti</span></span></p><p><span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif; text-align: justify;"><span style="font-size: x-large;">The Cultural Captivity of America: Morality Without God?</span></span></p><div style="text-align: justify;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhbz98ZkgpJUmYMlY-WyYRKgGZ8bqqCGpWeUgFohKxAlEsj8QURj6JsTubU0vxXCzwUImkOFixz3bYuydqTL5Vpc8-iglCHhS1N02nQx5CL5chEz357T8ggDVuf6k9dBvTpB7IwhNDJWaAK/s1600/images-14.jpeg" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="96" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhbz98ZkgpJUmYMlY-WyYRKgGZ8bqqCGpWeUgFohKxAlEsj8QURj6JsTubU0vxXCzwUImkOFixz3bYuydqTL5Vpc8-iglCHhS1N02nQx5CL5chEz357T8ggDVuf6k9dBvTpB7IwhNDJWaAK/w145-h96/images-14.jpeg" width="145" /></a></div><span style="font-size: medium;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">Today's feature article is the third and final in our series<i>, "The Cultural Captivity of America: Morality Without God, Is it Possible?"</i></span><br /><br /><span style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">The decline of a culture begins with it's system of values. Everyday men are devising different ways to teach values apart from God and His Word. A decade ago they called it, "values clarification." These are "values", which are rooted in the idea of desire (what we decide is important to us.) </span><span style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><span>If "values" are only influenced by a persons feelings or opinions here is the question we need to ask,</span></span><i style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;"><span>"Is it possible for a society to have morality without a belief in God?" </span></i></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><br /></span><span><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">Secularists would like you to believe the answer to that question is, yes! They have been working tirelessly over the last several decades to en-culturate our youth to believe that their values are personal and as such can and should evolve over time! We see the result of that effort everywhere we look especially in social media. It would be hard for anyone growing up in todays ethical system to believe t</span><span style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">here used to be a firm biblical moral consensus in this country and a time when Christian Institution’s commanded respect. When asked today about their view on Christianity, many </span><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"> are of the opinion that anyone who still relies completely on God for their "personal values" is obviously using religion as a "crutch". The number of those who see the need for a personal relationship with God as emotional weakness has greatly increased over the last several decades! </span><span style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">What has become increasingly </span><span style="font-family: Georgia;">alarming to me is the growing moral confusion I see within the Christian community! </span></span><br /><span style="font-family: Georgia;"><br /></span><span style="font-family: Georgia;"> <span>According to a survey by George Barna (The Barna Group), of young adults (20's), indicates that less than one in a hundred has beliefs consistent with a Biblical worldview. The growing evidence is that even adults have abandoned their belief in "absolute truth". </span></span><span><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">Back in 1994, the Barna Research Group conducted a survey of young people who regularly attend church. They found that of these churched youth, 57% could not say that an objective standard of truth exists. They also found that 85% of these same churched youth reason that "just because it's wrong for you doesn't mean its wrong for me." </span><span style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">George Barna says that the younger generation often cut and paste their beliefs and values from a variety of sources, even if they are contradictory. </span><span style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">More to the point, they hold these contradictory ideas because they do not have a firm belief in ABSOLUTE TRUTH. If truth is personal then there is no right decision and each person should do what is right for him or her. </span><span style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">Yet other surveys by The Barna Group show </span><span style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">that only 9% </span><span style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"> of Bible believing teenagers were certain of the existence of absolute moral truth.</span><span style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"> That was almost 20 years ago. I don't think we need to wonder what the result would be now!</span><span style="font-family: Georgia;"> </span><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">One reason so few people act like Christians is because they don’t think like Christians. </span><span style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">Behavior results from our values and beliefs. </span><span style="font-family: Georgia;">If we think from a biblical point of view will live from our biblical point of view! At the core of our view is the matter of ABSOLUTE TRUTH! </span></span></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"><br /><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: Georgia;">So what is</span><span style="font-family: Georgia;"> Absolute Truth? </span></span><br /><span style="font-family: Georgia;"><br /></span><span style="font-size: medium;"><span style="font-family: Georgia;">Every thing we need to live a successful life must be based on truth that never changes! It begins and ends with our belief that God is who He said He is and He will do what He said He will do. HE IS TRUTH, therefore all truth comes from Him! It never wavers it never changes, it is absolute and therefore the standard by which all moral thought and action must be measured. Because He is truth we :</span><br /><span><span style="font-family: Georgia;"><br /></span><span style="font-family: Georgia;">1. Have knowledge of Him and why we were created.</span></span><br /><span><span style="font-family: Georgia;">2.</span><span style="font-family: Georgia;"> Know our life has purpose, meaning and direction .</span></span><br /><span style="font-family: Georgia;">3. Have a clear, absolute, moral and ethical standard by which we can make the right choices.</span></span><br /><br /><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: Georgia;">Here is what Jesus had to say about truth:</span></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"><i style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Georgia;"><span style="color: #cc0000;"><br /></span></span></i></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"><i style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Georgia;"><span style="color: #cc0000;">"I </span></span><span style="color: #cc0000; font-family: Georgia;">am the way , the truth, and the life!" </span><span style="font-family: Georgia;">John 14:6</span></i><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><span style="font-size: medium;"><span style="font-family: Georgia;">JESUS declared that He was the embodiment of Gods truth ! Yet many believers feel this life sustaining TRUTH is antiquated and irrelevant! The small "t" of truth has been replaced with the big "T" of TOLERANCE and Christians have been duped (or pressured by their peers) into accepting tolerance as a reasonable compromise of their biblical faith and values (according to the previous surveys). Individuals now reserve the right to "tolerate" whatever they believe is acceptable and to reject any moral absolute (except right to have no absolutes, which in and of itself is an absolute) . </span><br /></span><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: medium;"><span style="font-family: Georgia;"><br /></span><span style="font-family: Georgia;">I think it is time to stop ignoring the elephant in the room. What we see happening isn't the responsibility of those who don't know the truth, it is the responsibility of those of us who do. This isn't a cultural phase we are going through and it isn't going to eventually go away. God isn't going to send a plague to stop it and he isn't planning to jettison us out of this mess either! For those of you who believe that please read my last Blog, “The Decline of a Nation”. America won’t be the first Nation to fall because of it's apostacy and it wont be the last!</span><span style="font-family: Georgia;"> Whether we continue to be "ONE NATION UNDER GOD" or not is dependent on our willingness to take responsibility for who we are and what we believe. To stand for TRUTH however, wherever and whenever God asks!</span></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: Georgia;"><br /></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><i><span style="color: #cc0000; font-family: Georgia;">"Many are called but few have chosen……" </span></i><span style="font-family: Georgia;">Matthew 22:14</span></span></div><span style="font-family: Georgia;"><br /></span><span style="font-size: medium;"><span><span style="font-family: Georgia;">God wants to lead and guide us in all truth but only those who want to hear Him will respond. Jesus said many times, <span style="color: #cc0000;">" He who has ears to hear, let him hear."</span> (Matthew 11:15, Mark 4:9, Luke 8:8, 14:35 ). What many have been responding to is the lie that we can</span><span style="font-family: Georgia;"> intellectually separate our religious beliefs from our secular life. It is no longer necessary to define our morality solely on the Word of God. We see this happening when s</span><span style="font-family: Georgia;">ocially prominent and beloved TV personalities such as, Oprah Winfrey, (who professes to being a Christian) say publicly about theology, “I took God out of the box . . . I'm a free-thinking Christian who believes in my way, but I don't believe that it's the only way, . . ..” </span><span style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"> A philosophy like Oprah's can only advance when Christians are willing to accept the premise of an evolving relationship with God and we don't challenge that erroneous way of thinking ! Our lack of a meaningful response tells the world that we are willing to </span><span style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">abandon the God of the Bible and create a God who thinks like us! We want to decide which laws of God fit into our personal theology and which ones don't! Heres the problem with that, God has the idea that he gets to decide what is moral and immoral and we don't get to have an opinion or different interpretation! We also don't get to pick and choose! </span></span><br /><span style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><br /></span><span><span style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">So where do our "publicly recognized" Christian leaders stand on this? I often wonder what would happen if the Christian leaders who have been given a television platform would use it more to challenge todays moral and ethical philosophies ! Maybe they wouldn't last too long on television. If they were doing it for the right reason would they care? Perhaps they could better use there media opportunities to address the "Oprahtization" of the world! I remember growing up and watching early TV preachers calling it like it was! I suppose part of my frustration is that I see today's TV ministries more interested in pumping up their viewers self confidence (not that there is anything wrong with being confident in who you are in Christ) then preaching morality,ethics and biblical values to a lost and confused generation! </span><span style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">I want to make it clear,while I may question their use of air time, I don't judge their motives. I will leave that to God! I suppose I just wonder, with such tremendous opportunities to address the problems our world is facing and the convoluted system of values the American culture wrestles with, why we don't spend a little more air time speaking to the real issue! </span></span><br /></span><span style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><br /></span><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhN6xXwA9zA3b3SkkOog4yKcA0jk55PaPLqucHeH9RbRQ3aimNuYgck4HQ7qSBE4eoUEfMBnSmiASA7A0jJ2O39cQaz5R5GUFRU9PK1LWMApbRf3UImAwQFMjowLgcaFDrZ3VMfMT0LKZmI/s1600/1006019_10151832573278417_586043061_n.png" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="137" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhN6xXwA9zA3b3SkkOog4yKcA0jk55PaPLqucHeH9RbRQ3aimNuYgck4HQ7qSBE4eoUEfMBnSmiASA7A0jJ2O39cQaz5R5GUFRU9PK1LWMApbRf3UImAwQFMjowLgcaFDrZ3VMfMT0LKZmI/w137-h137/1006019_10151832573278417_586043061_n.png" width="137" /></a><span style="font-size: medium;"><span><span style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">The real challenge we face, the root of all contention from those who oppose us is, "ABSOLUTE TRUTH". Who gets to determine it, what happens to those who disagree? This is the train that is barreling down the track and it's time we realize it is heading straight for us! The "Alliance for Defending Freedom", recently posted a petition to stop advocates of same sex marriage from trying to have the biblical teaching on marriage criminalized as "Hate Speech ". </span><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">I know there are many of you reading this who will say,"That won't happen ,not in America!" It is that level of naivety</span><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"> that has gotten us here!</span></span><br /></span><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><br /></span></span><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;">IN CONCLUSION.....</span><br /><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><br /></span></span><span style="font-size: medium;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">I want to conclude todays Blog and this series on, "The Cultural Captivity of America," by reminding us that everyday we get up we have an opportunity to let our lives </span><span style="font-family: Georgia;">reveal, to a lost and dying world, the true character and nature of God!</span><span style="font-family: Georgia;"> We are called to be living Epistles of His love, His grace, His mercy, but most importantly His TRUTH. Everything the world will ever see or know of God (HE is truth) will be seen through us!! Christ in us should be the standard that brings conviction and repentance and salvation to others! It almost sounds too simple. I heard someone say recently:</span></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Georgia; font-size: x-large;"><i style="color: #cc0000; font-size: x-large;"><br /></i></span><span style="font-family: Georgia; font-size: medium;"><i style="color: #cc0000;">"Preach the Gospel and when necessary use words!" </i></span></div><br /><span style="font-size: medium;"><span><span style="font-family: Georgia;">What he was saying was, your life can "exemplify" what your words can only "amplify" .What truth there is in that simple statement! </span><span style="font-family: Georgia;">Frances Schaeffer (Author of "The Christian Manifesto", "Whatever Happened to the Human Race, etc.) had this to say about absolutes and truth,</span><span style="font-family: Georgia;">"Today not only in philosophy but in politics, government, and individual morality, our generation sees solutions in terms of synthesis ( an evolutionary process) and not absolutes. When this happens, truth, as people have always believed truth to be, has died." </span><span style="font-family: Georgia;">Schaeffer, in his belief of mans evolving worldview declared that man has now placed himself as the "measure of all things". Schaeffer believed that the Church had forsaken its duty to be the salt of the culture and what we are now seeing is the result. </span></span><br /><span><span style="font-family: Georgia;"><br /></span><span style="font-family: Georgia;">Every revival ,awakening or whatever you want to call it begins when people really see and understand the spiritual condition around them,hear the call of God to repent, ask God to heal their land and then have the courage to live according to Gods moral truth! Each one of us must take inventory of the life we are living in front of others! Are we afraid to be too salty in the saccharin world of tolerance, or are we more concerned about getting along in a world of differing opinions ? I thank God He is so patient and loving toward us! </span></span></span></div></div><div class="MsoNormal"><div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"><br /><i style="color: #cc0000; font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;"><span style="font-size: medium;">Is it possible for a society to have morality without a belief in God? No!</span></i><br /><i style="color: #cc0000; font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: x-large;"><br /></i><i style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">NOTE: I hope you have had a chance to read all three articles in this series,if not please refer to the blog archives! God Bless!</i><span style="color: #0b5394; font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: x-large;"><br /></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"><i style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;"><br /></i></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;"><div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: "times new roman";"><span style="caret-color: rgb(11, 83, 148);"><i>*******************************************</i></span></span><br /><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 13pt;"><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 13pt;"><div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: start;"><div style="text-align: justify;"><div style="text-align: center;"><span><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">FORGING YOUR FAITH</span><br /></span><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><br /></span><div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">To 'Forge' something, is to mold and shape something for suitable use. We believe that our lives are constantly being shaped and molded by the hand of God for His divine purpose! This publication </span><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">strives to encourage believers who are beginning this process and those who are well into it! We also believe a truly successful life is a Christ-Centered Life! We hope you will join us and become a regular reader! </span></div></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">Thank You and God Bless,</span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">Marianne Mauti</span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><i>Founder and CAO</i></span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><i><br /></i></span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><i>'Forging Your Faith' is the online Christian publication of 'Christ the King Church' in Bellevue, Pa.</i></span><br /><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: small;"><i><br /></i></span><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: small;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjcGRU7SWfV3e-HisjqjjiuNjG-3YuFu_LJZ2VnDWlrMGBLYJksmhVqT1MeuQA0_SQyECQ28J7c0xT-4AW0a0YFli2kCGkjlJITccnt9Vx2rz5_CShL5gM1PiAb3qIsOM2NLMkJleIk6DvH/s1600/6490_109964969289_5150597_n.jpg" style="clear: left; float: left; font-family: -webkit-standard; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="81" data-original-width="69" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjcGRU7SWfV3e-HisjqjjiuNjG-3YuFu_LJZ2VnDWlrMGBLYJksmhVqT1MeuQA0_SQyECQ28J7c0xT-4AW0a0YFli2kCGkjlJITccnt9Vx2rz5_CShL5gM1PiAb3qIsOM2NLMkJleIk6DvH/s1600/6490_109964969289_5150597_n.jpg" /></a><i>About Marianne Mauti: </i>Marianne is a writer and blogger as well as a Pastor at "Christ the King Church" in Bellevue, Pa. She is currently the Dean and Chief Operating Officer of "Christ the King Seminary" a full time Bible Institute. For more information about us please contact us at: crowncntr@aol.com</span></div></div></div></div><div><div style="text-align: justify;"><div style="text-align: center;"><div style="text-align: justify;"><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 13pt;"><div style="text-align: center;"><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="caret-color: rgb(11, 83, 148); color: #0b5394; font-family: "georgia";"><i>\</i></span><br /><div><span style="font-family: "georgia"; text-align: center;"><span style="color: #0b5394;"><i> ********</i></span></span><span style="font-family: "georgia"; text-align: center;">***************************************************</span><br /><span style="font-family: "georgia"; text-align: center;"> <span> ARTICLE RESOURCES</span></span></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">* The Bible</span></div></div></div><div class="MsoNormal"><div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"><div style="text-align: start;"><div class="MsoNormal"><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-right: 3.9pt;"><div class="MsoNormal"><div style="text-align: justify;"><div class="MsoNormal"><div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: start;"><div style="text-align: justify;"><div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;"><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">*George Barna: The founder of “The Barna Group”, a market research firm specializing in the study of religious beliefs and behavior of Americans and the intersection of faith and culture.</span><br /><span style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><br /></span><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">* Quotes from Frances Schaeffers book, "The Christian Manifesto" published in 1981</span><br /><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><br /></span><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">* AllianceDefendingFreedom.org</span><br /><div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: start;"><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 12pt; text-align: justify;"><div style="margin: 0px;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><br /></span><span style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">*Dr. George R. Beninate: Is Bishop of "Christ the King Church" in Pennsylvania, West Virginia and in Phnom Penh, Cambodia. A Doctor of Theology, Biblical Apologist, conference speaker, lecturer and my spiritual father.He is also the Author of several books including,"The Age of Glory", Thank you for your relentless pursuit of truth!</span><br /><span><span style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><br /></span></span><br /><div style="text-align: center;"></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div>Forging Your Faithhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11719980363185567734noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7626530909284999266.post-69276080344013389552021-02-17T14:51:00.009-08:002021-02-19T15:28:15.552-08:00The Cultural Captivity of America: Part 2- The Decline of A Nation<p><span style="font-size: medium;"> <span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">By Marianne Mauti</span></span></p><p><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: x-large;">The Cultural Captivity of America: The Decline of A Nation</span></p><div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEglvtryEpiPJUyhZadDOVENdxvnXKXmgcogfPDFXXTEWZDRVXW2ygJPsDmYXrr_kOa6SlcTf6edTs7UQHqyUHLHyJyGcfYmHyYt8-C_lc9c7OIRybXFxD12T3F_4vhCpj7tzFExWUnpfKdt/s1600/images-15.jpeg" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="149" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEglvtryEpiPJUyhZadDOVENdxvnXKXmgcogfPDFXXTEWZDRVXW2ygJPsDmYXrr_kOa6SlcTf6edTs7UQHqyUHLHyJyGcfYmHyYt8-C_lc9c7OIRybXFxD12T3F_4vhCpj7tzFExWUnpfKdt/w110-h149/images-15.jpeg" width="110" /></a><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"></span><span style="font-size: medium;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">Today's feature article is the second and in our series</span><i style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">, "</i><i style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;"><span>The Cultural Captivity of America".</span></i><br /><br /><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><span><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">In preparation for the second Blog of the "Cultural Captivity of America Series" , I was reading an article that was very informative, enlightening but also disturbing. Disturbing</span> because in it the author compares America to the historical decline of great Nations and Kingdoms of the past. He concludes that they all follow distinctive stages which lead to their decline. The stages primarily have to do with the loss of values, the destruction of the family and finally spiritual decline. I was planning to comment on this article in the coarse of other things I wanted to share, but I didn't feel I could do it justice. I believe this article should be required reading for every American , every Christian and most especially taught to our children! We need to open our eyes to the reality of America's condition and not ignore the warning signs. It is never too late to change but that requires an admission of our current state. I pray this article will stir you to pray for our Country with greater fervor than ever before. If we do God promises to hear our prayer: </span></span><i style="color: #cc0000; font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;"><span>"If my people, which are called by my name, shall humble themselves and pray, and seek my face, and turn from their wicked ways ; the I will hear from heaven, and will forgive their sin, and heal their land." </span> <span> </span></i><i style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;"><span>2 Chronicles 7:14</span></i></span></div></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><br /></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"></div><div class="MsoNormal"><div style="text-align: justify;"><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div></div></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;"><span face="Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif"><span style="font-size: large;">THE DECLINE OF A NATION</span><o:p></o:p></span><br /><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><span style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-size: x-small;"> (The following is a portion of the article by )</span></span></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><span style="font-size: medium;">By Kerby Anderson</span><o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><br /></span></div><br /><div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><span><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">Doomsayers for many years have been predicting the decline and fall of this country. And while many of these short-term predictions have proved inaccurate, there is some truth to the prevailing belief that this nation will fall like every great nation before it.</span><span face="Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif"><o:p></o:p></span></span><br /></span><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><br /></span></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"><i><span style="color: #cc0000; font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: medium;">Apart from reformation or a new moral and ethical awakening, this nation is destined to decline.</span></i></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;"><br /></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">The problem with many of these doomsayers is that while their prognosis is right, their diagnosis is wrong. Yes, the future looks bleak. But our problem is not ultimately political, economic, or social, as these doomsayers would have us believe. The decline of this nation (just as the decline of every other nation) is due to spiritual factors. The political, economic, an</span><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">d social problems we encounter are the symptoms of the spiritual deterioration of a nation.</span></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: medium;"><br /></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 12pt; text-align: justify;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">Just as there are spiritual principles that influence the life of an individual, so there are political-spiritual principles that govern the life of a nation. And though we may feel that these are difficult to discern, in reality they are visible to anyone willing to look at the record of history. Our problem is that we don't really learn from history. George Santayana said, "Those who forget the past are condemned to repeat it." The philosopher Hegel said, "What experience and history teach us is this: that people and government never have learned anything from history or acted on principles deduced from it." Or as Winston Churchill said:</span><br /></span><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><i><span style="color: #cc0000;"><br /></span></i><i><span style="color: #cc0000; font-size: medium;">"The one thing we have learned from history is that we don't learn from history." </span></i></span><br /><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><br /><span style="font-size: medium;">The refrains that are often heard are: "It can't happen here," or "Our country is different." But the reality is that nations are born and die just like individuals. Their longevity may exceed the average person's lifespan. But the reality is that nations also die. History has shown that the average age of the great civilizations is around two hundred years. Countries like Great Britain exceed the average while other countries like the United States are just now reaching the average age. Each of the great civilizations in the world passed through a series of stages from their birth to their decline to their death.</span></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;">Historians have listed these in ten stages:</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large; text-indent: -18pt;"><br /></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><span style="text-indent: -18pt;">1.</span><span style="text-indent: -18pt;">The first stage moves from bondage to spiritual faith </span></span><br /><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><span style="text-indent: -18pt;">2. S</span><span style="text-indent: -18pt;">piritual faith to great courage </span></span><br /><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><span style="text-indent: -18pt;">3.G</span><span style="text-indent: -18pt;">reat courage to liberty </span></span><br /><span><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; text-indent: -18pt;">4.Liberty to abundance </span></span><br /><span><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; text-indent: -18pt;">5.Abundance to selfishness </span></span><br /><span><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; text-indent: -18pt;">6. Selfishness to complacency </span></span><br /><span><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; text-indent: -18pt;">7. Complacency to apathy </span></span><br /><span><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; text-indent: -18pt;">8. Apathy to moral decay </span></span><br /><span><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; text-indent: -18pt;">9. Moral decay to dependence </span></span><br /><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><span style="text-indent: -18pt;">1</span><span style="text-indent: -18pt;">0.Dependence to bondage. </span></span></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 12pt;"></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><br /></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: medium;">Notice the progression from bondage to liberty back to bondage. The first generation throws off the shackles of bondage only to have a later generation through apathy and indifference allow itself to once again be enslaved. This is the direction America and every other country are headed. The book of Judges shows that the nation of Israel passed through these same stages. And we will do the same unless the Church begins to reverse the inexorable decline of this nation. Nations rise and nations fall. Every nation has followed this progression from bondage to bondage. The nations of this century will be no different. But let us not accept the Marxist notion that these are fixed and intractable laws of history. Christians can point to unusual times when revival has redirected the inexorable decline of a civilization. In the Old Testament, Jonah saw revival postpone God's judgment of Nineveh. In the sixteenth century, Martin Luther and John Calvin saw a Protestant Reformation transform Europe. And even in the history of the United States the First and Second Great Awakenings changed individuals and our society. </span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"><i style="color: #cc0000;"><span face="Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif" style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></i></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"><i style="color: #cc0000;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: medium;">But apart from God's intervention, nations will decline and eventually pass off the scene. </span></i></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><br /></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: medium;">Much of the Old Testament records the history of the nation of Israel. It passed through these same stages and so will every country in the world. As Christians we must recognize that nations will rise and fall just as individuals will be born and die. Our civilization will not last indefinitely, but will eventually pass off the scene. Only God's Word endures forever. We should not put our trust in the things of this world for they are destined for destruction. Instead, we should put our faith in God and His word. </span><br /><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><br /><span style="font-size: large;">So Why Do Nations Fall:</span></span><br /><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><b><span style="color: #cc0000;"><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></span></b><span style="color: #990000; font-size: medium;"><i>A. The Decline of the Family:<b> </b></i></span></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><br /></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: medium;">Nations most often fall from within, and this fall is usually due to a decline in the moral and spiritual values in the family. As families go, so goes a nation. This has been the main premise of thinkers from British historian J. D. Unwin to Russian sociologist Pitirim Sorokin who have studied civilizations that have collapsed. </span><br /><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;"><br /></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"><span style="color: #990000; font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: medium;"><i>B. The Decline of Values </i></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><br /></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: medium;">There are many factors in the decline of a nation. Certainly a major one is the breakdown of the family. But another potent but less perceptible force is the power of ideas. False ideas are bringing about the decline of western culture. Carl F. H. Henry, in his book <i>Twilight of a Great Civilization</i>, says: There is a new barbarism. This barbarism has embraced a new pagan mentality . . . not simply rejecting the legacy of the West, but embracing a new pagan mentality where there is no fixed truth. Today we live in a world where Biblical absolutes are ignored. Unless we return to these Biblical truths, our nation will continue to decline. To understand how we have arrived at this appalling situation, we need to go back a century and look at the influence of five intellectual leaders who still profoundly affect the modern world: </span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><br /></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><span style="font-size: medium; text-indent: -20pt;"><span style="color: #990000;"><i><span>Charles Darwin:</span></i> </span><span>(1809-1882). In 1859 he published <i>The Origin of Species</i> and later published <i>The Descent of Man</i>. His writings blurred the distinction between humans and animals since he taught that we are merely part of an evolutionary progression from lower forms of life. Darwinism, as it came to be called, not only affected the field of biology, but also became the foundation for the fields of anthropology, sociology, and psychology. </span></span></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><span style="font-size: medium; text-indent: -20pt;"><span><br /></span></span></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><span style="font-size: medium; text-indent: -20pt;"><i><span style="color: #990000;">Karl Marx:</span></i> <span>(1818-1883). He and Friedrich Engels published the <i>Communist Manifesto</i> around 1850, and Marx devoted his life to writing about the demise of capitalism and coming of communism. He understood the importance of ideas. Marx once wrote: "Give me twenty-six lead soldiers and I will conquer the world." The twenty-six lead soldiers are the keys on a typewriter. The pervasive influence of communism in the world today is testimony to the truthfulness of his statement. </span></span></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; text-indent: -20pt;"><br /></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><span style="font-size: medium; text-indent: -20pt;"><span style="color: #990000;"><i><span>Julius Wellhausen:</span></i> </span><span>(1844-1918). Although he may not be as well known as the other two men mentioned, his influence was just as profound. He was a German Bible scholar whose theory on the dating of the Pentateuch completely transformed Old Testament studies. Wellhausen argued that the early books of the Bible were not put together by Moses but were gathered together many centuries later by several different men called redactors who wove various strands together. He and his disciples established an anti-supernatural approach to the scriptures, which is influential in most denominational seminaries today. </span></span></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; text-indent: -20pt;"><br /></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><span style="font-size: medium; text-indent: -20pt;"><i><span style="color: #990000;">Sigmund Freud:</span></i><span><span style="color: #990000;"> </span>(1856-1939). He merely took the logical implications of what Darwin was doing in biology and applied them to what today is known as psychology and psychiatry. Freud argued that humans are basically autonomous and therefore do not need to know God. Instead, we need to know and understand ourselves since our problems stem from those secret things that have evolved in our lives from our past. </span></span></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 12pt;"></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 12pt;"></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 12pt;"></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 12pt; text-align: justify;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><span style="text-indent: -20pt;"><span><i><span style="color: #990000;">John Dewey:</span></i> </span><span>(1859-1952). He is the founder of modern education and published his first work, <i>The School and Society</i>, in 1899. John Dewey was also one of the co-signers of the <i>Humanist Manifesto</i> in 1933. Dewey, like Darwin and Freud, believed that humans are autonomous. They don't need to have an authority above them but can evolve their our own system of education. Thus the very foundation of modern education is anti-supernatural.</span></span></span><br /></span><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="color: #cc0000;"><i><br /></i></span></span><span style="font-size: medium;"><span style="color: #cc0000;"><i>The theories of these five men are having devastating consequences in our nation and world. Unless we return to biblical absolutes, our nation will continue its decline. </i></span><i><span style="color: #cc0000;">Ideas have consequences, and false ideas can bring down a nation.</span></i></span></span><span style="font-size: medium;"><br /></span><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><span style="color: #cc0000; font-size: large;"><br /></span><span style="color: #990000; font-size: medium;"><i>C. Spiritual Decline</i></span></span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: medium;">The decline and fall of nations is usually due to internal factors rather than external threats. Even though some may have fallen to barbarians, their demise ultimately came because of moral and spiritual weakness, which manifested itself as military weakness. Historians have listed the stages in the decline of a nation. These should not be too surprising to any student of the Old Testament. The stages of decline parallel the stages through which the nation of Israel passed. But neither should they surprise a student of the New Testament. In the opening chapter of the Apostle Paul's letter to the church in Rome, he traces a similar progression. In fact, Romans 1 shows the decline of a civilization from a societal perspective. Looking at the Hellenistic world of his time, he reflects on the progression of sin in a nation:</span></div><div></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: medium;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: medium;">1. W<span style="text-indent: -21pt;">hen people turn from God to idolatry. Although God has revealed Himself in nature to all men so that they are without excuse, they nevertheless worship the creation instead of the Creator. This is idolatry. In the past, this took the form of actual idol worship. In our day, it takes the form of the worship of money or the worship of self. In either case, it is idolatry. And when they are no longer looking to God for wisdom and guidance, they become vain and futile and empty in their imaginations. They no longer honor God, so their foolish hearts become darkened. In professing to be wise, they have become fools.</span></span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: medium; text-indent: -21pt;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: medium;"><span style="text-indent: -21pt;">2. W</span><span style="text-indent: -21pt;">hen men and women exchange their natural use of sex for unnatural uses. Here the Apostle Paul says those four sobering words, "God gave them over." In a society where lust- driven sensuality and sexual perversion dominate, God gives them over to their passions and unnatural desires.</span></span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="text-indent: -21pt;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: medium;"><br /></span></span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: medium;"><span style="text-indent: -21pt;">3. When there is moral and social an</span><span style="text-indent: -21pt;">archy. Once a society has rejected God's revelation, it is on its own. Moral and social anarchy is the natural result. At this point God has given the sinners over to a depraved mind and so they do things, which are not proper. This results in a society, which is without understanding, untrustworthy, unloving, and unmerciful.</span></span></div><div><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: medium; text-indent: -21pt;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: medium;"><span style="text-indent: -21pt;">4. </span><span style="text-indent: -21pt;">The final stage is judgment. God's judgment rightly falls upon those who practice idolatry and immorality. Certainly an eternal judgment awaits those who are guilty. </span>This progression is not unique to the Hellenistic world the Apostle Paul was living in. The progression from idolatry to sexual perversion to anarchy to judgment is found throughout history. In the times of Noah and Lot, there was the idolatry of greed, there was sexual perversion and promiscuity, there was anarchy and violence, and finally there was judgment. Throughout the history of the nation of Israel there was idolatry, sexual perversion, anarchy (in which each person did what was right in his own eyes), and finally judgment. This progression happened throughout the Bible and to Greece, to Persia, to Babylon, and to Rome. And if it happened to these nations, then it can happen to America.</span></div><div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 12pt;"></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 12pt; text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><span style="font-size: x-large;"> </span><span style="font-size: medium;"><i><span style="color: #cc0000;">Social judgment occurs when God gives a nation over to its sinful practices. </span></i><i><span style="color: #cc0000;">Unless we return to God's principles, decline is inevitable.</span></i></span></span><span style="font-size: medium;"><br /></span><span style="background-color: white; color: black; font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><i><span style="color: #cc0000;"><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></span></i></span><span style="background-color: white; color: black; font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><i><span style="color: #cc0000;"><span>Please Note:</span> </span>("Forging Your Faith", does not promote any ministry we are not a part of . While finding this particular article interesting and thought provoking, we are not now or ever have been associated with Kerby Anderson or his ministry. This posting should not in any way be </i></span><span style="background-color: white; color: black; font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><i>perceived as an endorsement. )</i></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 12pt; text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;">IN CONCLUSION...</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 12pt; text-align: justify;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"> I believe the information from a historical and theological point was informative and insightful! We need to have a genuine discourse on what is really happening in our country and that requires an honest look at our nations "spiritual condition". Just as important is the need to explain it to our children. We cannot let them be ignorant of the situation they are facing . We can't pretend it doesn't exist or wish it away. They need to be equipped to answer the call of their generation, this country's future depends on it!</span><br /><span><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><br /></span><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"> Finally, while sobering, this article does give me hope. There is still time to fight for the very soul of America! It begins with an acknowledgment of where we are, recognizing we are helpless in ourselves to do anything about it. What we can do is come before God, seek his face and ask him to forgive us, and turn as a nation from unrighteousness. It begins with us.......</span></span><br /></span><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><br /></span></span><div class="MsoNormal"><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: "times new roman";"><span style="caret-color: rgb(11, 83, 148);"><i>*******************************************</i></span></span><br /><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 13pt;"><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 13pt;"><div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: start;"><div style="text-align: justify;"><div style="text-align: center;"><span><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">FORGING YOUR FAITH</span><br /></span><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><br /></span><div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">To 'Forge' something, is to mold and shape something for suitable use. We believe that our lives are constantly being shaped and molded by the hand of God for His divine purpose! This publication </span><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">strives to encourage believers who are beginning this process and those who are well into it! We also believe a truly successful life is a Christ-Centered Life! We hope you will join us and become a regular reader! </span></div></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">Thank You and God Bless,</span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">Marianne Mauti</span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><i>Founder and CAO</i></span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><i><br /></i></span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><i>'Forging Your Faith' is the online Christian publication of 'Christ the King Church' in Bellevue, Pa.</i></span><br /><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><i><br /></i></span><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjcGRU7SWfV3e-HisjqjjiuNjG-3YuFu_LJZ2VnDWlrMGBLYJksmhVqT1MeuQA0_SQyECQ28J7c0xT-4AW0a0YFli2kCGkjlJITccnt9Vx2rz5_CShL5gM1PiAb3qIsOM2NLMkJleIk6DvH/s1600/6490_109964969289_5150597_n.jpg" style="clear: left; float: left; font-family: -webkit-standard; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="81" data-original-width="69" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjcGRU7SWfV3e-HisjqjjiuNjG-3YuFu_LJZ2VnDWlrMGBLYJksmhVqT1MeuQA0_SQyECQ28J7c0xT-4AW0a0YFli2kCGkjlJITccnt9Vx2rz5_CShL5gM1PiAb3qIsOM2NLMkJleIk6DvH/s1600/6490_109964969289_5150597_n.jpg" /></a><i>About Marianne Mauti: </i>Marianne is a writer and blogger as well as a Pastor at "Christ the King Church" in Bellevue, Pa. She is currently the Dean and Chief Operating Officer of "Christ the King Seminary" a full time Bible Institute. For more information about us please contact us at: crowncntr@aol.com</span></div></div></div></div><div><div style="text-align: justify;"><div style="text-align: center;"><div style="text-align: justify;"><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 13pt;"><div style="text-align: center;"><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="caret-color: rgb(11, 83, 148); color: #0b5394; font-family: "georgia";"><i>\</i></span><br /><div><span style="font-family: "georgia"; text-align: center;"><span style="color: #0b5394;"><i> ********</i></span></span><span style="font-family: "georgia"; text-align: center;">***************************************************</span><br /><span style="font-family: "georgia"; text-align: center;"> <span> ARTICLE RESOURCES</span></span></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div><div class="MsoNormal"><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">* The Bible</span></div></div></div><div class="MsoNormal"><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-right: 3.9pt;"><div class="MsoNormal"><div style="text-align: justify;"><div class="MsoNormal"><div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: start;"><div style="text-align: justify;"><div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;"><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: Georgia;">* Kerby Anderson: </span><span style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"> </span><span style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">Has a B.S., Oregon State University (Zoology) M.F.S., Yale University (Science) M.A., Georgetown University (Government) Kennedy Institute of Bioethics (Washington, D.C). He is the author of several books including:</span><span style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif; text-indent: -48px;"> </span><i style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif; text-indent: -48px;">Signs of Warning, Signs of Hope</i><span style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif; text-indent: -48px;"> (1994),</span><i style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif; text-indent: -48px;">Moral Dilemmas</i><span style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif; text-indent: -48px;"> (1998), </span><span style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif; text-indent: -48px;"> </span><i style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif; text-indent: -48px;">A Biblical Point of View on Intelligent Design</i><span style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif; text-indent: -48px;"> (2008) and many others. </span><span style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">He is also a frequent Lecturer on the issues of: Apologetics, Medical Ethics, Modern Philosophy, Science, Political History, and Family and Society.</span><br /><div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: start;"><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 12pt;"><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 12pt;"></div></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 12pt; text-align: justify;"><div style="margin: 0px;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">He is a contributor to the <i>Encyclopedia of Biblical and Christian Ethics</i> (1987, updated 1992), <i>Integrity of Heart, Skillfulness of Hands</i> (1994), <i>Vital Contemporary Issues</i> (1994), <i>Vanity and Meaning</i> (1995), and <i>Christian Educator's Handbook on Family Life Education</i> (1996). His articles have appeared in <i>Moody Monthly, Eternity, Kindred Spirit</i>, and <i>Bibliotheca Sacra</i>.</span></div><div><div style="margin: 0px;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><br /></span><span style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">*Dr. George R. Beninate: Is Bishop of "Christ the King Church" in Pennsylvania, West Virginia and in Phnom Penh, Cambodia. A Doctor of Theology, Biblical Apologist, conference speaker, lecturer and my spiritual father.He is also the Author of several books including,"The Age of Glory", Thank you for your relentless pursuit of truth!</span><br /></div></div><div><span style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><br /></span></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div>Forging Your Faithhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11719980363185567734noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7626530909284999266.post-41837120956932519962021-02-17T14:49:00.009-08:002021-02-19T15:50:56.364-08:00The Cultural Captivity of America: Part 1- The Sacred and the Secular<p> <span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: medium;">By Marianne Mauti</span></p><p><span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: x-large;">The Cultural Captivity of America</span></p><div style="text-align: justify;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiLBfDK4PskumAG8z8CCKvbfw6vEAV6tYnvFTmbZplIuU11Jwp_ldIBXHeW4l-7ixC1ChMEBZcScxtrrU4TuQlbNCSHdtwnbd6j65HrvSMZ6nBDAaL-JpesMjLQRuhL-tQKPLIrsYJycqlp/s1600/936772_10151453471419290_56086990_n.jpg" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="102" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiLBfDK4PskumAG8z8CCKvbfw6vEAV6tYnvFTmbZplIuU11Jwp_ldIBXHeW4l-7ixC1ChMEBZcScxtrrU4TuQlbNCSHdtwnbd6j65HrvSMZ6nBDAaL-JpesMjLQRuhL-tQKPLIrsYJycqlp/w137-h102/936772_10151453471419290_56086990_n.jpg" width="137" /></a><span style="font-size: medium;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><span>Today's Article is the beginning of a 3 Part Series on the "Cultural Captivity of America". I hope you will follow along as we begin this discussion.</span></span><br /><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><span><br /></span></span><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><span>Over the last few decades it has beco</span></span><span style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">me obvious that we are witnessing an increasing moral and ethical decline in our Nation! It appears that those of us who believe in the Ten Commandments, the right to life and the sacred union of a man and woman in marriage are now culturally in the minority. How is it possible when the majority of people in the country still say they are Christians? The truth is it can only happen if "Christians" choose to separate their secular life from their religious beliefs! What does that mean? </span><br /><span style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><br /></span><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><span>When individuals (who profess to be Christian) no longer live by a definite set of absolute values and choose to accept the gray area of individual preference in their every day life then it is not difficult to understand why we see such a rapid decline of morals and ethics in our Country today! Not only have many "Christians" become accepting of our current social behavior, that is condemned by scripture, they are even insisting those of us who want to live by Biblical values keep our views behind the doors of the church because it does not belong in the public (secular) forum! For the most part we have remained silent. We seem to be more worried about offending the world than offending God! The result is that t</span></span><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">he truth is now subjective, there are no clear, moral and ethical absolutes and we now see the “Cultural Captivity of America !!!!!</span></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: medium;"><br /></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><o:p><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: medium;"></span></o:p></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">This scripture from Colossians is at the heart of what I believe is happening. </span><i><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><span style="color: #cc0000;">“See to it that no one takes you captive through philosophy and empty deception, according to the tradition of men, according to the elementary principles of the world, rather than according to Christ.”</span></span></i><span style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"> Col. 2:8-9</span></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: medium;"><br /></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"><span><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">Paul is not talking about physical bars or chains. He is warning us about chains constraining our minds to think like the world. Whenever we assume that the perspective of the world is more viable it overrides the truth of Christ in every aspect of life. We are then allowing ourselves to be taken captive. <o:p></o:p>Paul also says, </span><span style="color: #cc0000; font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><i>“In Christ are hidden all the treasures of wisdom and knowledge" </i></span><i style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">Col. 2:3. </i><span style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">Since that is true, we need to filter all claims of truth through the Biblical understanding of the nature of God, man and the universe. </span><span style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">It is time we stop ignoring the cultural worldview that is barreling down our hill and crashing into the structural foundation of our Country, our homes, and our children!! Lets look at the heart of the problem as described in Colossians. The world today (and even most Christians) have a divided view. </span></span><br /><span style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: large;"><br /></span><span style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: large;">We divide our lives into two categories:</span></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 12pt; text-align: justify;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><span style="color: #cc0000; font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><span style="text-indent: -18pt;"><br /></span></span><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><span style="text-indent: -18pt;">1. </span><i style="text-indent: -18pt;">Science and reason (public truth)</i></span></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 12pt;"><i style="text-indent: -18pt;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: medium;">2. Religion and morality (private truth). In other words keep it to yourself!</span></i></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 12pt;"></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 12pt; text-align: justify;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">This division of truth has brought confusion to our children and has greatly served to marginalize Christianity. When Christians even attempt to speak to the morality of todays issues we are dismissed and told our opinion has no place in the public forum, it is (private truth). When we do try to speak on subjects like ethics, science and public policy, our comments are seen as subjecting our values onto others and placing them where they do not belong! The sad part is that we have for the most part accepted this! </span><span style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">We fall for the lie that science deals with facts and religion deals with values! We have unknowingly taught our children that the two can exist together and apart from one another.</span></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 12pt; text-align: justify;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><span><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"> </span><span style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">A good illustration of this can be found in a recent article I read which described a students experience on the first day of theology class at her Christian school: </span><span style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"> </span><span style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">“My theology teacher drew a heart on one side of the blackboard and a brain on the other side. He informed us that the two are as divided as the two sides of the blackboard—the </span><i style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">heart</i><span style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"> is what we use for religion, and the </span><i style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">brain</i><span style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"> is what we use for science.” </span><span style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">This is an example of how we are “preparing” young people for college, life and society. What we are doing is failing to equip them for the absolute hostility they will face because of their Christian beliefs as soon as they leave our homes! We need to teach a single</span><span style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"> </span><span style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">“heart: and “brain” Christian world view that will help them to understand life! </span><span style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"> </span><span style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">Sadly </span><span style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">more and more Christians have, in one way </span></span><span style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><span>or another, begun to reason out the conflicting and confusing facts of the secular world this way! Truth that places science and reason in one place and morality in another isn’t real truth it is the absence of Biblical absolutes! If we don’t address this problem, we will turn out a new generation of Christians who are Christian in their private life (we hope!!!!) but essentially secular in their public life. Ultimately, their brains win out over their hearts so they end up living and thinking like non-Christians.</span></span></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">Well I think I will leave it here for today! I want to say in conclusion, there are many really great Pastors and Churches out there (I know many) who are preaching and teaching sound Biblical doctrine.I know my Church is. </span><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">We all have had to take a step back and try to understand the cultural shift we are in. We need to </span><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">ask God to give us wisdom on how to minister to this quickly changing world in which we live . </span><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">The message never changes but the messenger must be wise in His or her delivery, and parents must be informed so they know how to prepare their children for the world they will face! There are many different facets about this I want to share in the next several blogs! I hope the information I will share will help you be more informed as Christians and parents! </span><span style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">I hope you will follow along! </span></span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><br /></span></span></div></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 12pt; text-align: center;"><span><span style="color: #b45f06; font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><div class="MsoNormal" style="caret-color: rgb(0, 0, 0); color: black; font-family: -webkit-standard; text-align: justify;"><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: "times new roman";"><span style="caret-color: rgb(11, 83, 148);"><i>*******************************************</i></span></span><br /><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 13pt;"><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 13pt;"><div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: start;"><div style="text-align: justify;"><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">FORGING YOUR FAITH</span><br /><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><br /></span><div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">To 'Forge' something, is to mold and shape something for suitable use. We believe that our lives are constantly being shaped and molded by the hand of God for His divine purpose! This publication </span><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">strives to encourage believers who are beginning this process and those who are well into it! We also believe a truly successful life is a Christ-Centered Life! We hope you will join us and become a regular reader! </span></div></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">Thank You and God Bless,</span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">Marianne Mauti</span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><i>Founder and CAO</i></span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><i><br /></i></span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><i>'Forging Your Faith' is the online Christian publication of 'Christ the King Church' in Bellevue, Pa.</i></span><br /><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: small;"><i><br /></i></span><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: small;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjcGRU7SWfV3e-HisjqjjiuNjG-3YuFu_LJZ2VnDWlrMGBLYJksmhVqT1MeuQA0_SQyECQ28J7c0xT-4AW0a0YFli2kCGkjlJITccnt9Vx2rz5_CShL5gM1PiAb3qIsOM2NLMkJleIk6DvH/s1600/6490_109964969289_5150597_n.jpg" style="clear: left; float: left; font-family: -webkit-standard; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="81" data-original-width="69" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjcGRU7SWfV3e-HisjqjjiuNjG-3YuFu_LJZ2VnDWlrMGBLYJksmhVqT1MeuQA0_SQyECQ28J7c0xT-4AW0a0YFli2kCGkjlJITccnt9Vx2rz5_CShL5gM1PiAb3qIsOM2NLMkJleIk6DvH/s1600/6490_109964969289_5150597_n.jpg" /></a><i>About Marianne Mauti: </i>Marianne is a writer and blogger as well as a Pastor at "Christ the King Church" in Bellevue, Pa. She is currently the Dean and Chief Operating Officer of "Christ the King Seminary" a full time Bible Institute. For more information about us please contact us at: crowncntr@aol.com</span></div></div></div></div><div><div style="text-align: justify;"><div style="text-align: center;"><div style="text-align: justify;"><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 13pt;"><div style="text-align: center;"><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /><div><span style="font-family: "georgia"; text-align: center;"><span style="color: #0b5394;"><i> ********</i></span></span><span style="font-family: "georgia"; text-align: center;">***************************************************</span><br /><span style="font-family: "georgia"; text-align: center;"> </span><span style="font-family: "georgia"; text-align: center;"> <span> ARTICLE RESOURCES</span></span></div><div><span style="font-family: "georgia"; text-align: center;"><div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: -webkit-standard; text-align: justify;"><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div></div></span></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="caret-color: rgb(0, 0, 0); color: black; font-family: -webkit-standard; text-align: justify;"><div><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">* The Bible</span></div></div></span></span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><div class="MsoNormal"><div class="MsoNormal"><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-right: 3.9pt; text-align: start;"><div class="MsoNormal"><div style="text-align: justify;"><div class="MsoNormal"><div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: start;"><div style="text-align: justify;"><div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;"><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">* Kirby Anderson: "Truth Decay, "Worldview and Truth"</span><br /><div><br /></div></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">*Dr. George R. Beninate: Is Bishop of "Christ the King Church" in Pennsylvania, West Virginia and in Phnom Penh, Cambodia. A Doctor of Theology, Biblical Apologist, conference speaker, lecturer and my spiritual father.He is also the Author of several books including,"The Age of Glory", Thank you for your relentless pursuit of truth!</span><br /><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><br /></span><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div><div style="text-align: start;"><br /></div><br /><div style="text-align: start;"></div><br /><div style="text-align: start;"><div style="margin: 0px;"><br /></div></div></div><span face="Verdana, sans-serif"><br /></span><span style="font-family: Georgia;"><br /></span><br /><div><span style="color: #b45f06; font-size: 14pt;"><br /></span></div></div></div>Forging Your Faithhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11719980363185567734noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7626530909284999266.post-6101929403378181412021-02-17T14:36:00.012-08:002021-02-19T15:58:30.785-08:00The Only Thing You Can't Do Is the Thing You Refuse To Try<p><span style="font-size: medium;"> <span style="font-family: georgia, "times new roman", serif;">By Marianne Mauti</span></span></p><p><span><span style="font-family: georgia, "times new roman", serif; font-size: large;">The Only Thing You Can't Do Is the Thing You Refuse To Try</span></span></p><div class="MsoNormal"><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: medium;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhrLziAW5jIqfGTNt0GyGM7OXCZ8DIf0uTgGir8RGvfOCArmfJn7Z1C-HnV1-jWj9qeyI6fuarCMSsB-1e5ePe3eieEBQriQ-ttJ4z1VuEHXSiqeACxZ3A_VtJAUKWvHj-r88tbe9Up0CT8/s363/iu-4.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="363" data-original-width="304" height="133" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhrLziAW5jIqfGTNt0GyGM7OXCZ8DIf0uTgGir8RGvfOCArmfJn7Z1C-HnV1-jWj9qeyI6fuarCMSsB-1e5ePe3eieEBQriQ-ttJ4z1VuEHXSiqeACxZ3A_VtJAUKWvHj-r88tbe9Up0CT8/w112-h133/iu-4.jpg" width="112" /></a></div>The Bible is full of accounts of men and women who had the courage and conviction to do things that seemed impossible. They had the same insecurities and questions that all of us have and yet they believed so deeply in their corse of action that they were able to overcome their natural fear and concerns and do great and mighty things. Obviously God was a great determining factor in their decision making but often times like the case of Daniel there was a need to step out in faith first, to begin the process and then see God move on His behalf in a miraculous way!</span><br /><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: small;"><br /></span><span style="font-size: medium;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"> We feel inadequate and incapable of doing something , even if it is something we passionately want to do. Many of us dream about doing or being something but we just need get up the courage or find the will to try.mTHeir is a natural created instinct in all of us to strive to accomplish something great than us and et many go through life never trying, never feeling the satisfaction of accomplishing anything. </span><br /><br /><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">Some people are great at starting things but very bad at finishing (thats a whole other article). Then there are those of us who are so filled with fear and self doubt that we never even try! I have to admit I have been guilty of not finishing several things that I have started. But I have never been afraid to try. I was very blessed as a small child to have a father who was a self made individual. With only a 6th grade education he was never afraid to try whatever he thought would help him to provide for his family. Maybe it was because he grew up during the depression and he saw the devastating effect of no prospect of work but I believe he had a strong values instilled in him as he was growing up. His father was a first generation american and had a strong work ethic. He knew that in order to succeed in America he was going to have to make it happen! He taught my father and his brothers a very important principle that made its way to my brother and I. It was this,</span><br /></span><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: #990000; font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;"><i>The only thing you cannot do is the thing you refuse to try.</i></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: #990000; font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;"><i><br /></i></span></div><div><span style="color: #990000; font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><span style="caret-color: rgb(0, 0, 0); color: black; font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: medium;">What my father wanted me to understand was trying something doesn’t require you to be the best there ever was at it and it may not be something you will ever want to do again, but at least you will have the satisfaction of knowing you tried and benefit of your experience! He believed success was measured by what you had the courage to try and not in what you accomplished. The only failure was the failure to try! Over his lifetime he owned three businesses, Uranium mine in Canada (that’s a whole other story) and lived a short but inspiring life! (He passed away at 56).</span></span></div><br /><span style="font-size: medium;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">What a simple but life changing philosophy. In todays feature article I want to explore that profound and even Biblical philosophy. </span><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">The truth is you can't ever accomplish anything if you never begin. Beginning is sometimes the hardest part because it means several things.</span><br /><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><br /></span><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">1. Getting started</span><br /><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">2. Putting yourself out there</span><br /><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">3. Having to own the results</span><br /><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">4. Fear of Failure</span><br /><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">5. What will others think</span></span><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: small;"><br /></span></div><span style="color: #0b5394;"><br /></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"></div><div class="MsoNormal"><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="color: #0b5394; font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><i><span style="color: #cc0000; font-size: large;">“God doesn't require us to succeed, he only requires that you try."</span><span style="color: #cc0000; font-size: medium;"> </span></i></span><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: medium;">Mother Theresa</span><br /><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;"><br /></span></div></div><div class="MsoNormal"><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><span style="font-size: large;">If God Be for You....</span></span><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><br /></span></span><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><br /></span></span><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><span style="font-size: medium;">For the christian it is even more important to not fear what God has called or asked you to do. If God is in the plan it is impossible to fail!</span></span></div></div><br /><span style="font-size: medium;"><i><span style="color: #cc0000;">I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me.</span></i><br /></span><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><br /></span></div><span><i style="text-align: justify;"><i><span style="color: #cc0000; font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">“I can do things you cannot, you can do things I cannot; together we can do great things.”</span></i></i></span><span style="font-family: georgia, "times new roman", serif; text-align: justify;">Mother Theresa</span><div class="MsoNormal"><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: medium;"><br /></span></div></div><div class="MsoNormal"><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">Your not supposed to do what God has given me to do any more than I can do what he has given you to do. Quite frankly at 54 I am really not interested in wasting time trying to be someone I am not and do something I haven’t been given the grace to do! Let God say and do what he wants through you! Maybe you aren’t going to write a blog or publish a gazette. But you have something to offer to others that only you can give!</span></span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><br /></span></span></div></div><div class="MsoNormal"><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><span style="font-size: large;">Conclusion</span></span><br /><br /><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">How many of us have had a passion to do something for God but for whatever reason we bury it deep insid</span><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">e, afraid to let it grow in the light of understanding and Gods purpose. All God expects you and I to do is have the courage to try! God isn’t looking at your success rate He is interested in your obedience. You don’t see the big picture anyway, so it is impossible for you to determine.</span><br /></div></div><div class="MsoNormal"><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: "georgia";"><br /></span></div></div><div class="MsoNormal"></div><div class="MsoNormal"><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><i><span style="font-size: medium;"><span style="color: #cc0000;">“Expect great things from God! Attempt great things for God!” </span></span></i></span><span style="font-family: georgia, "times new roman", serif;">William Carey</span></div></div><div class="MsoNormal"><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><span><span style="font-size: medium;"><br /></span></span></span></div></div><div class="MsoNormal"><div class="MsoNormal"><div class="MsoNormal"><div class="MsoNormal"><div class="MsoNormal"><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-right: 3.9pt;"><div class="MsoNormal"><div style="text-align: justify;"><div class="MsoNormal"><div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: start;"><div style="text-align: justify;"><div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;"><div style="text-align: justify;"><div style="margin: 0px;"><span style="font-family: georgia, times new roman, serif;"><br /></span></div><div style="margin: 0px;"><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 12pt; text-align: center;"><span><span style="color: #b45f06; font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><div class="MsoNormal" style="caret-color: rgb(0, 0, 0); color: black; font-family: -webkit-standard; text-align: justify;"><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: "times new roman";"><span style="caret-color: rgb(11, 83, 148);"><i>*******************************************</i></span></span><br /><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 13pt;"><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 13pt;"><div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: start;"><div style="text-align: justify;"><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">FORGING YOUR FAITH</span><br /><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><br /></span><div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">To 'Forge' something, is to mold and shape something for suitable use. We believe that our lives are constantly being shaped and molded by the hand of God for His divine purpose! This publication </span><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">strives to encourage believers who are beginning this process and those who are well into it! We also believe a truly successful life is a Christ-Centered Life! We hope you will join us and become a regular reader! </span></div></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">Thank You and God Bless,</span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">Marianne Mauti</span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><i>Founder and CAO</i></span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><i><br /></i></span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><i>'Forging Your Faith' is the online Christian publication of 'Christ the King Church' in Bellevue, Pa.</i></span><br /><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: small;"><i><br /></i></span><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: small;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjcGRU7SWfV3e-HisjqjjiuNjG-3YuFu_LJZ2VnDWlrMGBLYJksmhVqT1MeuQA0_SQyECQ28J7c0xT-4AW0a0YFli2kCGkjlJITccnt9Vx2rz5_CShL5gM1PiAb3qIsOM2NLMkJleIk6DvH/s1600/6490_109964969289_5150597_n.jpg" style="clear: left; float: left; font-family: -webkit-standard; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="81" data-original-width="69" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjcGRU7SWfV3e-HisjqjjiuNjG-3YuFu_LJZ2VnDWlrMGBLYJksmhVqT1MeuQA0_SQyECQ28J7c0xT-4AW0a0YFli2kCGkjlJITccnt9Vx2rz5_CShL5gM1PiAb3qIsOM2NLMkJleIk6DvH/s1600/6490_109964969289_5150597_n.jpg" /></a><i>About Marianne Mauti: </i>Marianne is a writer and blogger as well as a Pastor at "Christ the King Church" in Bellevue, Pa. She is currently the Dean and Chief Operating Officer of "Christ the King Seminary" a full time Bible Institute. For more information about us please contact us at: crowncntr@aol.com</span></div></div></div></div><div><div style="text-align: justify;"><div style="text-align: center;"><div style="text-align: justify;"><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 13pt;"><div style="text-align: center;"><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /><div><span style="font-family: "georgia"; text-align: center;"><span style="color: #0b5394;"><i> ********</i></span></span><span style="font-family: "georgia"; text-align: center;">***************************************************</span><br /><span style="font-family: "georgia"; text-align: center;"> </span><span style="font-family: "georgia"; text-align: center;"> ARTICLE RESOURCES</span></div><div><span style="font-family: "georgia"; text-align: center;"><div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: -webkit-standard; text-align: justify;"><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div></div></span></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="caret-color: rgb(0, 0, 0); color: black; font-family: -webkit-standard; text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">* The Bible</span></div></span></span></div><div><div class="MsoNormal"><div class="MsoNormal"><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-right: 3.9pt; text-align: start;"><div class="MsoNormal"><div style="text-align: justify;"><div class="MsoNormal"><div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: start;"><div style="text-align: justify;"><div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;"><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">*Dr. George R. Beninate: Is Bishop of "Christ the King Church" in Pennsylvania, West Virginia and in Phnom Penh, Cambodia. A Doctor of Theology, Biblical Apologist, conference speaker, lecturer and my spiritual father.He is also the Author of several books including,"The Age of Glory", Thank you for your relentless pursuit of truth!</span><br /><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><br /></span><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div><div style="text-align: start;"><br /></div></div></div></div><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div>Forging Your Faithhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11719980363185567734noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7626530909284999266.post-85884369223779752302021-02-17T14:30:00.006-08:002021-02-19T16:09:03.657-08:00Is College Worth It?<p><span style="font-size: medium;"> <span style="font-family: georgia, "times new roman", serif; text-align: justify;">By Marianne Mauti</span></span></p><p><span style="font-size: x-large;"><span style="font-family: georgia, "times new roman", serif; text-align: justify;">Is College Worth It?</span></span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjOKhwfxOgpljK-RGnRgc4UJZ_RxxWpDiJY5itCVxpRNUvrpL48qO8EJQieKdzcCfFgcDYpwGRMSKmu0jVxj1DxIQeTGKu8bG18jlSxn_Yr1HKlJGld9Ts3vWczvi96PUmS5Zi0BNNNMA05/s450/iu.jpeg" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="357" data-original-width="450" height="125" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjOKhwfxOgpljK-RGnRgc4UJZ_RxxWpDiJY5itCVxpRNUvrpL48qO8EJQieKdzcCfFgcDYpwGRMSKmu0jVxj1DxIQeTGKu8bG18jlSxn_Yr1HKlJGld9Ts3vWczvi96PUmS5Zi0BNNNMA05/w157-h125/iu.jpeg" width="157" /></a></div><span style="font-size: medium;"> Well its that time of year again and many of your kids are heading off to College for the first time! With college tuition</span></span><span><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: medium;"> and expenses increasing at an enormous rate above inflation, many parents and students are looking for different ways in which can get the best education for their money. They also want to help their children and choose a path that won't take them the rest of their life to pay off. Apart from college savings, grants and scholarships, most students will be looking for college loans to finance the next 4 to 8 years.</span></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;"><span><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: medium;"><br /></span></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">For those of you who are going to enter this life altering financial commitment I have put practical advice for you! </span><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">I also recently came across a great article written from the viewpoint of 'Return on Investment' or ROI. What the article highlighted were the 8 best and 8 worst college degrees for your financial consideration. </span><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">Because the majority of graduates have no idea of what they really want to when they want to when they first get out of high school, I thought this article could would really be beneficial. While a college degree should not be based </span><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">solely on its monetary benefit it should definitely be a major consideration.</span></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><br /></span></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><span> </span><span>Some of you (or your children) may know from the time they are small that they want to be a Doctor, and that definitely requires a medical education. Others genuinely have a deep passion for pursuing a career that pays little to nothing monetarily but it will give them a great sense of purpose and fulfillment. Of course you should always follow your God given passion, but those type of careers often don't require an Ivy League college degree and the astronomical expenses associated with it. Finally, with the advent of the internet, many new business opportunities are now available on the internet that were never possible in the past (such as a retail). These careers require no college degree only a computer and a cell phone! </span></span><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">However, for those of you who are about ready to take that big financial plunge and commit anywhere from 50 to 150 thousand dollars per child, I would like to start with some personal advice born from personal experience: </span></span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="color: #cc0000; font-size: large;">1. <i>Wait a year or two after High School to go to College....</i></span><span style="font-size: x-large;"> </span></span></span><br /><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><br /></span></span><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: medium;">Spend a few years out in the working world, volunteer, travel , allow God to help you navigate your future before heading to college! Find your passion and you will find your God created purpose! Some of you have known your whole life what you want to do , but most really don't have clear direction right out of high school . The majority of students spend the first few years of college changing majors, which extends their college experience and ends up costing a lot more money than was necessary. A few years off can bring the time and maturity that you really need to discover what you want to do next. Remember the debt you incur going to College stays with you for life! Many people learn the hard way that it does not get excused in bankruptcy and if let go long enough will at some point be attached to your wages! This is serious debt!</span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;"><span style="color: #cc0000; font-size: large;">2. <i>Find a school that lines up with your families Spiritual Beliefs....</i></span><i> </i></span><br /><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></span><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: medium;">Most of the subjects my two college graduates were required to take the first couple years of college had very little to do if anything with their major! Most of those courses were subjects that centered on social re-education and were in direct contradiction to the Biblical truth and the Christian values they were raised with. Its important to understand there are institutions of higher learning that are just as intent on imposing their ethics and morals on your children as they are giving them what they need for their chosen career! If you don't think it is happening to your kids, all you have to do is look at the sharp decline of church attendance especially in the college age group. The Barna Group survey revealed that 73% of students that grew up in a spiritual home where christian ethic and values were enforced left the church after attending college. The survey goes on to say that less than fifty percent of those ever return! I can also tell you as a Pastor I know this to be true because I have personally talked to many and have witnessed the transformation! </span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><span style="color: #cc0000; font-size: large;"><i>3. Don't feel pressured to go to College, it isn't for Everyone.... </i></span></span><br /><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></span><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: medium;">Don't allow peer pressure steer you into wasting time and money by going to college when you hated school and couldn't wait to get out! Many graduates go to school because they feel a responsibility to live up to others expectations. There was a time when a college degree was a guarantee for a good job and a higher income potential. That just simply isn't true anymore. There are many high skilled technical and labor intensive jobs that are more rewarding and satisfying to some individuals! By the time you factor the cost of your education into your <b>R</b>eturn <b>O</b>n <b>I</b>nvestment, it may be more practical to go to a vocational-technical school and do something you really enjoy! There is nothing worse than spending 4 years of your life getting a degree so you can find a job to simply earn a paycheck! Believe it or not, you should get up everyday finding satisfaction in what you do! I am grateful to the plumbers, electricians and carpenters out there who make my life easier and better because of their skill and training! Who doesn't appreciate their Hair Stylist or the wonderful men and women who miraculously can make you feel like a new woman after a day at the Spa! Who do we love more than terrific cooks who work diligently perfecting their skill and strive for culinary expertise! Try to build a house with only a college degree! I think you get my point! You are the one who has to do the job, so why not do something you really want to!</span><br /><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><br /></span><span style="color: #cc0000; font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;"><i>If college is the way you want to go, it's a good idea to know what you are looking at financially. </i></span><br /><span style="color: #cc0000; font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;"><i><br /></i></span><span style="font-size: medium;"><span style="color: #cc0000; font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">In the recent article <i>"College, Is It Worth It?" </i>by Dawn Dugan (Salary.com), she asks this simple question , <i>"What is more expensive than going to College?". </i>She goes on to add,<i> " </i></span><i><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">It used to be that any college degree was a guarantee at a good life. Not any more. </span></i><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">Because of all the new variables there are in the working world, the article goes on to give you a longterm look at the financial potential of degree choice. </span><br /><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><br /></span><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">In order to calculate the return on investment (ROI) for a specific degrees, she first determines the overall cost of the 4 year degree." </span><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">Using data from a recent College Board Study, she assigned a figure of $37,343 as an average cost of a four year public liberal arts degree, and a figure of $121,930 for degrees earned at a four year private college. The total cost included tuition, room and board, and books, and did not factor in scholarships or grants. She then determined the median cash compensation over the course of 30 years of typical jobs requiring that degree using salary.com data, but added 4.3 % per year to account for inflation and cost of living increases. To determine ROI, she subtracted the cost of the degree from the gains over 30 years, then divided that figure by cost. Here are the results of the study; the 8 best and worst degrees for your money: </span></span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;">8 Worst Degrees For Return on Investment: </span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><b>8. Sociology </b></span></span><br /><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></span><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: medium;">People who enter the field of sociology are generally interested in helping the fellow man. Unfortunately, that kind of benevolence does not translate to wealth. Here are three jobs commonly held by sociology majors:</span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="color: #990000; font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: medium;">Social Worker</span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="color: #990000; font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: medium;">Corrections Officer</span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="color: #990000; font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: medium;">Chemical Dependency Counselor</span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="color: #990000;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span face=""helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: medium;"><b><span>7. Fine Arts:</span><span> </span></b></span><br /><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></span><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: medium;">Artists are respected,revered and celebrated. The trick is achieving that status while you are still alive. After all the term, "starvng artist" didn't come from nowhere. Here are three jobs commonly held by those who have a fine arts degree:</span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: medium;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="color: #990000; font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: medium;">Museum Research Worker</span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="color: #990000; font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: medium;">Graphic Designer</span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><span style="color: #990000; font-size: medium;">Painter / Illustrator</span></span><br /><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><br /><span style="font-size: medium;"><b><span>6. Education:</span><span style="color: #cc0000;"> </span></b></span></span><br /><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></span><span style="font-size: medium;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">Ah teaching! One of the noblest professions. And while it stands to reason should pay great sums to the chosen few who shape the minds of future generations, it doesn't quite work out that way. Here are three commonly held jobs in education:</span><br /><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><br /><span style="color: #990000;">Day Care Center Teacher</span></span><span style="color: #990000;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><span><br /></span><span>Elementary School Teacher</span></span><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><span><br /></span><span>High School Teacher</span></span></span></span><br /><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><span style="color: #3d85c6;"><br /></span><span style="font-size: medium;"><b>5. Religious Studies:</b></span></span><br /><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></span><span style="font-size: medium;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">While devoting your life to a Ministry calling and dedicating your life to the service of others is laudable, it is not one of the best degrees to choose (apart from a calling) if you want to see a good ROI. There are a lot more eternal ROI's however(wink)?</span><br /><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><span style="color: #cc0000;"><br /></span><span style="color: #990000;">Religious Educator</span></span></span><span style="color: #990000; font-size: medium;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><br /><span>Chaplain-Health Care</span></span><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><span><br /></span><span>Pastoral/ Associate Pastoral</span></span><br /></span><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><span style="color: #3d85c6; font-size: x-large;"><br /></span><span style="font-size: medium;"><b><span>4. Hospitality/Tourism:</span><span style="color: #cc0000;"> </span></b></span></span><span style="font-size: medium;"><b><br /></b></span><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></span><span style="font-size: medium;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">You are the one who is working like a dog to make it all happen, while everyone else is enjoying the fruits of your labor! Unfortunately there isn't always a lot of financial benefit after earning your degree. Here are three commonly held positions:</span><br /><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><br /><span style="color: #990000;">Meeting/Event Planner</span></span><span style="color: #990000;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><br /><span>Hotel Resident Manager</span></span><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><br /><span>Catering Manager</span></span></span></span><br /><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><span style="color: #3d85c6;"><br /></span><span style="font-size: medium;"><b>3. Nutrition:</b></span></span><br /><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></span><span style="font-size: medium;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">It's not east to make sure everyone else eats right,preparing nutritious meals and/or checking to make sure the nations food supply is good.But all the hard work and education necessary to land this job might not turn a huge profit. Here are three job fields this degree take you into:</span><br /><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><br /><span style="color: #990000;">Dietician</span></span><span style="color: #990000;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><br /><span>Food Service Manager</span></span><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><span><br /></span><span>Food Scientist</span></span></span></span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><span><span style="color: #0b5394; font-size: large;"><span style="caret-color: rgb(11, 83, 148);"><br /></span></span></span><span style="font-size: medium;"><b>2. Psychology: </b></span></span><br /><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></span><span style="font-size: medium;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">Psychology is a noble profession with a great many branching careers, however, we're starting to notice an unfortunate trend regarding doing work for others with minimum pay. Here are three of them:</span><br /><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><br /><span style="color: #990000;">Human Services Worker</span></span><span style="color: #990000;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><span><br /></span><span>Career Counselor/Higher Education</span></span><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><br /><span>Bereavement Coordinator</span></span></span></span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><span style="color: #0b5394; font-size: large;"><span style="caret-color: rgb(11, 83, 148);"><br /></span></span><span style="font-size: medium;"><b>1. Communications:<span style="color: #cc0000;"> </span></b></span></span><br /><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></span><span style="font-size: medium;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">You would think the ink-stained newsrooms and TV studios are full of wealthy and famous journalists. Not quite. Although these skills require lots of education and training, they buried the lead regarding the lack of payoff. Check out these communications jobs:</span><br /><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><span style="color: #cc0000;"><br /></span><span style="color: #990000;">Copywriter</span></span></span><span style="color: #990000; font-size: medium;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><br /><span>News Reporter</span></span><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><br /><span>Marketing Coordinator</span></span><br /></span><span face=""helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif" style="color: #3d85c6;"><br /></span><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;">8 College Degrees With the Highest Return</span><br /><div><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><br /><span style="font-size: medium;"><b><span>8. Math:</span><span><span style="color: #cc0000;"> </span></span></b></span></span><br /><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></span><span style="font-size: medium;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">If you love crunching numbers and solving complex problems, there are lots of career options for math majors with a great ROI. But of course you don't need me to do the math! Here are three jobs commonly held by math majors:</span><br /><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><br /><span style="color: #990000;">Actuary</span></span><span style="color: #990000;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><span><br /></span><span>Operations Research Analysis Manager</span></span><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><br /><span>Accounts Payable/Receivable Manager</span></span></span><br /></span><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><br /><span style="font-size: medium;"><b>7. Information Technology: </b></span></span><span style="font-size: medium;"><b><br /></b></span><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></span><span style="font-size: medium;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">While the rest of us are happy when we find the computer's "on" switch, IT majors actually know what's going on inside. Here are three jobs commonly held:</span><br /><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><span style="color: #cc0000;"><br /></span><span style="color: #990000;">Web Developer</span></span><span style="color: #990000;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><br /><span>Business Intelligence Specialist</span></span><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><br /><span>Information Technology Manager</span></span></span></span><br /><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><br /><span style="font-size: medium;"><b><span>6. Human Resources:</span> </b></span></span><br /><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></span><span style="font-size: medium;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">Human resource managers serve as the gatekeepers to organizations,reviewing resumes, managing the hiring and firing processes and developing policies that ensure employees are happy, healthy, and productive. Here are three jobs commonly held by human resources majors:</span><br /><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><span style="color: #cc0000;"><br /></span><span style="color: #990000;">Compensation and Benefits Manager</span></span><span style="color: #990000;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><br /><span>Recruiting Manager</span></span><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><br /><span>Human Resources Manager</span></span></span><br /></span><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><br /><span style="font-size: medium;"><b><span>5. Economics:</span> </b></span></span><span style="font-size: medium;"><b><br /></b></span><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></span><span style="font-size: medium;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><span>If you are interested in how things are produced, distributed, and consumed, consider a major in economics. Three jobs held by economics majors include:</span><span> </span></span><br /><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><br /><span style="color: #990000;">Economist</span></span><span style="color: #990000;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><br /><span>Financial Associate</span></span><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><span><br /></span><span>Investment Operations Manager</span></span></span></span><br /><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><br /><span style="font-size: medium;"><b><span>4. Biology:</span> </b></span></span><span style="font-size: medium;"><b><br /></b></span><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></span><span style="font-size: medium;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">If you're fascinated with the natural world, you can use that passion to make a good living by choosing to study biology.Three jobs held by biology majors include:</span><br /><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><br /><span style="color: #990000;">Laboratory Manager</span></span><span style="color: #990000; font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><span><br /></span><span>Clinical Research Associate</span></span></span><br /><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><br /><span><span style="font-size: medium;"><b>3. Engineering:</b></span></span></span></div><div><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></span><span style="font-size: medium;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">Were you the kid who drove your parents crazy taking the toasters apart and putting them back together? Engineering majors have excellent problem solving skills and a knack for developing products, devices, and systems. Three jobs held by engineering majors include:</span><br /><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><br /><span style="color: #990000;">Chemical Engineer</span></span><span style="color: #990000;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><br /><span>Mechanical Engineer</span></span><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><span><br /></span><span>Electrical Engineering Supervisor</span></span></span><br /></span><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><br /><span style="font-size: medium;"><b><span>2. Marketing:</span><span style="color: #cc0000;"> </span></b></span></span><br /><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></span><span style="font-size: medium;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">If you are interested in why people make the decisions they do, have excellent leadership qualities and the ability to persuade, and could sell ice to Eskimos, then consider majoring in marketing. Three jobs held by marketing majors include:</span><br /><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><br /><span style="color: #990000;">Marketing Manager</span></span><span style="color: #990000;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><span><br /></span><span>Product/Brand Manager</span></span><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><span><br /></span><span>Public Relations Manager</span></span></span></span></div><div><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><span style="color: #0b5394; font-size: large;"><span style="caret-color: rgb(11, 83, 148);"><br /></span></span><span style="font-size: medium;"><b><span>1. English:</span> </b></span></span><br /><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></span><span style="font-size: medium;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">What could be better? For four years you do lots of writing and reading,you talk about writing and reading and then follow up with more writing and reading. Then, the sky's the limit. Common jobs held by English majors include:</span><br /><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><br /><span style="color: #990000;">Speech Writer</span></span><span style="color: #990000;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><br /><span>Communications Manager</span></span><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><span><br /></span><span>Content Manager-Web</span></span></span><br /><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><br /><span>When all is said and done, the best way to get the the biggest bang for your education buck is to truly love what you do. Few things contribute to your ultimate earning power like passion and excelling at what you do. It doesn't hurt to know you'll be able to pay off those collage loans a little sooner!</span></span><br /></span><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><br /></span></span><span><span style="background-color: white; color: black; font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><i><span style="color: #cc0000;"><span>Please Note:</span> </span>("Forging Your Faith", does not promote any publication we are not a part of . </i></span><i style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">While finding this particular article interesting and informative, we are not now or ever have been </i><span style="background-color: white; color: black; font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><i>associated with</i></span><span face=""helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif" style="text-align: center;"> </span><span style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><i>Dawn Dugan (w</i></span></span><span style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><i>riter for Salary.com) </i></span></span><span style="background-color: white; color: black; font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><i>This posting should not be </i></span><span style="background-color: white; color: black; font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><i>perceived as an endorsement . )</i></span></span><br /><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><br /></span><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><span style="font-size: large;">IN CONCLUSION...</span></span><br /><span><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;"><br /></span><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: medium;">I come from a long family history of entrepreneurs and self-made men and women. So I want to conclude todays blog by re-emphsizing the need to really be sure college is the way you should go! Our culture continues to place a huge premium on a degree. Parents and teachers can seldom imagine other possibilities. I would like to point out that many of the most successful men and women in the world did so without an expensive college education. If you don't believe me here are a few people you might have heard of :</span></span><span style="font-size: medium;"><br /><span><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><br /></span><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><span style="color: #990000;">Mark Zuckerberg:</span><span> </span>Dropped out of Harvard shortly after starting, as a result of some little Social Network site he started for his classmates. You may have heard about it, "Facebook." Oh by the way his net value is now listed at over 1 billion dollars.</span></span></span><br /><span><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;"><br /></span><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: medium;"><span style="color: #990000;"><span>Ralph Lauren:</span><span> </span></span>He studied business for two years before dropping out. He founded Polo Ralph Lauren.He is why you have a pony on your shirt!</span></span><span style="font-size: medium;"><br /><span><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><br /></span><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><span style="color: #990000;">Steve Jobs:</span><span style="color: #cc0000;"> </span>Attended College for only one semester. He was the founder and CEO of Apple and one of the most successful businessmen of his era,transforming the way we all do business!</span></span><br /><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><br /></span><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><span style="color: #990000;">Micheal Dell:</span> </span><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">He started a computer company while attending the University of Texas. He left school to operate it. Last year dell reported revenues of over 64 billion!</span></span></div><div><span style="font-family: georgia, times new roman, serif;"><br /></span><span><span style="color: blue;"><div class="MsoNormal" style="caret-color: rgb(0, 0, 0); color: black; margin-bottom: 12pt; text-align: center;"><span><span style="color: #b45f06; font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><div class="MsoNormal" style="color: black; font-family: -webkit-standard; text-align: justify;"><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: "times new roman";"><span style="caret-color: rgb(11, 83, 148);"><i>*******************************************</i></span></span><br /><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 13pt;"><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 13pt;"><div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: start;"><div style="text-align: justify;"><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">FORGING YOUR FAITH</span><br /><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><br /></span><div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">To 'Forge' something, is to mold and shape something for suitable use. We believe that our lives are constantly being shaped and molded by the hand of God for His divine purpose! This publication </span><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">strives to encourage believers who are beginning this process and those who are well into it! We also believe a truly successful life is a Christ-Centered Life! We hope you will join us and become a regular reader! </span></div></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">Thank You and God Bless,</span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">Marianne Mauti</span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><i>Founder and CAO</i></span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><i><br /></i></span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><i>'Forging Your Faith' is the online Christian publication of 'Christ the King Church' in Bellevue, Pa.</i></span><br /><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: small;"><i><br /></i></span><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: small;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjcGRU7SWfV3e-HisjqjjiuNjG-3YuFu_LJZ2VnDWlrMGBLYJksmhVqT1MeuQA0_SQyECQ28J7c0xT-4AW0a0YFli2kCGkjlJITccnt9Vx2rz5_CShL5gM1PiAb3qIsOM2NLMkJleIk6DvH/s1600/6490_109964969289_5150597_n.jpg" style="clear: left; float: left; font-family: -webkit-standard; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="81" data-original-width="69" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjcGRU7SWfV3e-HisjqjjiuNjG-3YuFu_LJZ2VnDWlrMGBLYJksmhVqT1MeuQA0_SQyECQ28J7c0xT-4AW0a0YFli2kCGkjlJITccnt9Vx2rz5_CShL5gM1PiAb3qIsOM2NLMkJleIk6DvH/s1600/6490_109964969289_5150597_n.jpg" /></a><i>About Marianne Mauti: </i>Marianne is a writer and blogger as well as a Pastor at "Christ the King Church" in Bellevue, Pa. She is currently the Dean and Chief Operating Officer of "Christ the King Seminary" a full time Bible Institute. For more information about us please contact us at: crowncntr@aol.com</span></div></div></div></div><div><div style="text-align: justify;"><div style="text-align: center;"><div style="text-align: justify;"><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 13pt;"><div style="text-align: center;"><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /><div><span style="font-family: "georgia"; text-align: center;"><span style="color: #0b5394;"><i> ********</i></span></span><span style="font-family: "georgia"; text-align: center;">***************************************************</span><br /><span style="font-family: "georgia"; text-align: center;"> </span><span style="font-family: "georgia"; text-align: center;"> ARTICLE RESOURCES</span></div><div><span style="font-family: "georgia"; text-align: center;"><div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: -webkit-standard; text-align: justify;"><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div></div></span></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="color: black; font-family: -webkit-standard; text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">* The Bible</span></div></span></span></div><div style="caret-color: rgb(0, 0, 0); color: black;"><div class="MsoNormal"><div class="MsoNormal"><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-right: 3.9pt; text-align: start;"><div class="MsoNormal"><div style="text-align: justify;"><div class="MsoNormal"><div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: start;"><div style="text-align: justify;"><div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;"><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">*Dr. George R. Beninate: Is Bishop of "Christ the King Church" in Pennsylvania, West Virginia and in Phnom Penh, Cambodia. A Doctor of Theology, Biblical Apologist, conference speaker, lecturer and my spiritual father.He is also the Author of several books including,"The Age of Glory", Thank you for your relentless pursuit of truth!</span><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></span></span></div></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><div class="MsoNormal"><div class="MsoNormal"><div class="MsoNormal"><div style="text-align: start;"><div class="MsoNormal"><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-right: 3.9pt;"><div class="MsoNormal"><div style="text-align: justify;"><div class="MsoNormal"><div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: start;"><div style="text-align: justify;"><div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;"><div style="text-align: justify;"><div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: start;"><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 12pt; text-align: justify;"><div style="margin: 0px;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">* Salary.com: Article by Dawn Dugan</span><br /><br /></div></div></div></div><div style="text-align: justify;"></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div>Forging Your Faithhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11719980363185567734noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7626530909284999266.post-23869680770787894832021-02-17T14:21:00.009-08:002021-02-19T16:17:05.017-08:00Celebrating the Resurrection<p><span style="font-size: medium;"> <span style="text-align: justify;">By Marianne Mauti</span></span></p><p style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-size: x-large;">Celebrating the Resurrection</span></p><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">When I was a little girl</span><span style="font-family: "times";">, </span><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgRptSM8TpAFxYKaVpvLSzkW_UYd6Q9QAiCBzqIX2FirMpSbGGkqovCejp6Dhpe16z8p8wpRuwJs_TMlDrzxTchSeYCO5L1yntKL3e7z9WAkZTU9NsT2ZL7fCIVqrzs6jYlIOuEgaUnBBj3/s1600/images-3.jpeg" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="225" data-original-width="224" height="140" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgRptSM8TpAFxYKaVpvLSzkW_UYd6Q9QAiCBzqIX2FirMpSbGGkqovCejp6Dhpe16z8p8wpRuwJs_TMlDrzxTchSeYCO5L1yntKL3e7z9WAkZTU9NsT2ZL7fCIVqrzs6jYlIOuEgaUnBBj3/w139-h140/images-3.jpeg" width="139" /></a>America was still a very faith conscious nation. Religion<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"></span></span></span><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"> was an important part of the social culture and </span><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">stores were closed on Sunday's, to observe the sabbath. If you wanted milk or bread, you had better get it Saturday evening! Somehow, life just seemed a whole lot less complicated. We had fewer modern convenances but we seemed to have more time to get things done. Family life on the was also very different . Very few women worked outside of the home. Taking care of the children, keeping a clean and orderly home, caring for elderly and homebound family members was an important and noble vocation. </span></span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: georgia, times new roman, serif; font-size: medium;"><br /></span><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><span style="font-size: medium;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">Prayer, reading the bible and celebrating Christian holidays were a part of public school activities! Religious holiday's were an important part of the American mindset. We had all the festive trimming of today's holiday experience, but their was a greater emphasis placed on 'why ' we were celebrating, instead of 'how' we were celebrating! When I think about the religious celebrations of my youth, I realize what an important role they played</span><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"> in forming my spiritual desire to know more about God. </span></span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><br /></span><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">As spring rolls around the corner, I am reminded of all the</span><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"> wonderful childhood memories of the Easter celebration. When I was a little girl, the week before Easter, my father would </span><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">take me to one of the department stores to pick out a new outfit (it was a daddy, daughter thing). I would get a pretty spring dress with a matching coat, a new pair of white patent Leather shoes , a purse and hat to match. I felt like a real princess!</span><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"> Then a few days before Easter we would color eggs, and decorate the house. </span><br /></span><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><br /></span></div><span style="font-size: medium;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">I remember waking up in the morning and running down the stairs to see what the Easter bunny had left me. There was usually a large stuffed bunny or chick, lots of candy and even sometimes money!</span><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"> Then I would rush up the stairs and get ready to go to church, (I loved getting all dressed up in my new clothes)! My mother would put the ham in the oven and off to church we would go. We weren't regular church goers when I was little, so getting to go to Easter service was especially memorable to me! I remember feeling a sense of awe when I walked through the church doors. I could smell the the Easter Lilies that lined the platform as I </span><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">listened intently to the minister share the moving account of the resurrection of Jesus. The service would always end with a traditional Easter hymn. My favorite one was, "He Arose."</span><br /><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><br /></span></span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgWI6a9xjqArEL8qVPOMbPW_YrzTFafz9X5tH6HK4jhQnd43dTZCKcGGR7WuSdjeXq-NoJsQpt4Jbm9Y4UFJTYtnaWLN_a884-at2DqCBAAr0AhJYtWQNdlVm8rXCjR3UfOshf2IIXF-Kvq/s1600/images-8.jpeg" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><img border="0" height="108" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgWI6a9xjqArEL8qVPOMbPW_YrzTFafz9X5tH6HK4jhQnd43dTZCKcGGR7WuSdjeXq-NoJsQpt4Jbm9Y4UFJTYtnaWLN_a884-at2DqCBAAr0AhJYtWQNdlVm8rXCjR3UfOshf2IIXF-Kvq/w114-h108/images-8.jpeg" width="114" /></span></a></div><span style="font-size: medium;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">When we arrived home, we were immediately greeted with all the smells of a home cooked holiday meal. Soon, all the wonderful dishes came out and we would spend all afternoon, eating, talking and visiting (my Aunt and Uncle usually made the trip over to have dinner with us). </span><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">I can still taste my mom's potato salad!</span><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"> </span><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">There is just something about the holidays and their traditions that are engraved on our heart and in our minds. T</span><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">he new outfit, coloring the eggs, the good food and candy were a memorable part of the day, but what I remember the most was the deep sense of love and gratitude that I felt toward Jesus on that day and a growing desire to know Him more! </span><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: medium;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">Holiday's became even more special when I had my own family. By the time we had children, my husband and I were regular members of a church. Our relationship with Christ deepened and so did our love for the Christmas and Easter celebrations. The candy and the food were still part of our tradition but we made a decision very early on in our children's lives, not to focus our celebration on the Easter bunny and everything that went with it. We believed we could and should maintain family traditions (which are important) but not compromise truth. We also made one other important distinction. We stopped calling it our 'Easter' celebration and started calling it 'Resurrection Sunday' because it represents one of the most important events in the Christian faith. We recognized the need to make a clear distinction between our Holy observance of Christ's Resurrection and the celebration of Easter which had its roots in a pagan festival. </span><br /></span><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;"><br /></span><span style="font-size: medium;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">The choice to re-define the holiday for our family, was an important decision to make and we have never regretted it. </span><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">As the holiday continues to becomes less about the traditional Christian celebration of the Resurrection of Christ and more about the secular celebration of the Easter Bunny , it is easier to look back now and know we made the right decision! </span><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">The American way of life and thinking have drastically changed since I was a child and I </span><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">have witnessed a great divide taking place between the sacred and the secular ! </span><br /><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><br /></span><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">The decision to side with the Biblical stand on creation, abortion, alternative lifestyles and how we practice our traditional holidays, has never been more important than it is today! </span><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">We teach our children how to define their Christian walk, by the values we have, by the moral choices we make, by the commitments we honor and by the conviction we live in front of them very single day! </span><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">An ever growing secular worldview has forced us to look deep inside, to clearly define for ourselves and our families what our beliefs, morals and values mean to us and what we are willing to sacrifice for them. </span><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">We are being challenged every day to make a greater distinction between the world we live in and who we are as Christians. </span><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">I will always cherish my childhood memories but I don't regret the decision we made! How about you?</span></span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: georgia, times new roman, serif; font-size: large;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 12pt; text-align: center;"><span><span style="color: #b45f06; font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><div class="MsoNormal" style="color: black; font-family: -webkit-standard; text-align: justify;"><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: "times new roman";"><span style="caret-color: rgb(11, 83, 148);"><i>*******************************************</i></span></span><br /><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 13pt;"><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 13pt;"><div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: start;"><div style="text-align: justify;"><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">FORGING YOUR FAITH</span><br /><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><br /></span><div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">To 'Forge' something, is to mold and shape something for suitable use. We believe that our lives are constantly being shaped and molded by the hand of God for His divine purpose! This publication </span><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">strives to encourage believers who are beginning this process and those who are well into it! We also believe a truly successful life is a Christ-Centered Life! We hope you will join us and become a regular reader! </span></div></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">Thank You and God Bless,</span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">Marianne Mauti</span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><i>Founder and CAO</i></span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><i><br /></i></span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><i>'Forging Your Faith' is the online Christian publication of 'Christ the King Church' in Bellevue, Pa.</i></span><br /><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: small;"><i><br /></i></span><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: small;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjcGRU7SWfV3e-HisjqjjiuNjG-3YuFu_LJZ2VnDWlrMGBLYJksmhVqT1MeuQA0_SQyECQ28J7c0xT-4AW0a0YFli2kCGkjlJITccnt9Vx2rz5_CShL5gM1PiAb3qIsOM2NLMkJleIk6DvH/s1600/6490_109964969289_5150597_n.jpg" style="clear: left; float: left; font-family: -webkit-standard; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="81" data-original-width="69" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjcGRU7SWfV3e-HisjqjjiuNjG-3YuFu_LJZ2VnDWlrMGBLYJksmhVqT1MeuQA0_SQyECQ28J7c0xT-4AW0a0YFli2kCGkjlJITccnt9Vx2rz5_CShL5gM1PiAb3qIsOM2NLMkJleIk6DvH/s1600/6490_109964969289_5150597_n.jpg" /></a><i>About Marianne Mauti: </i>Marianne is a writer and blogger as well as a Pastor at "Christ the King Church" in Bellevue, Pa. She is currently the Dean and Chief Operating Officer of "Christ the King Seminary" a full time Bible Institute. For more information about us please contact us at: crowncntr@aol.com</span></div></div></div></div><div><div style="text-align: justify;"><div style="text-align: center;"><div style="text-align: justify;"><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 13pt;"><div style="text-align: center;"><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /><div><span style="font-family: "georgia"; text-align: center;"><span style="color: #0b5394;"><i> ********</i></span></span><span style="font-family: "georgia"; text-align: center;">***************************************************</span><br /><span style="font-family: "georgia"; text-align: center;"> </span><span style="font-family: "georgia"; text-align: center;"> ARTICLE RESOURCES</span></div><div><span style="font-family: "georgia"; text-align: center;"><div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: -webkit-standard; text-align: justify;"><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div></div></span></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="color: black; font-family: -webkit-standard; text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">* The Bible</span></div></span></span></div><div><div class="MsoNormal"><div class="MsoNormal"><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-right: 3.9pt; text-align: start;"><div class="MsoNormal"><div style="text-align: justify;"><div class="MsoNormal"><div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: start;"><div style="text-align: justify;"><div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;"><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div><br /><br /><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;"><br /></span></div>Forging Your Faithhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11719980363185567734noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7626530909284999266.post-43789525117669210782021-02-16T12:20:00.008-08:002021-03-09T08:49:40.296-08:00The HEART of Every Matter: Part 5: "Guard Your Heart"<p> <span style="font-family: georgia, "times new roman", serif; font-size: medium;">By Marianne Mauti</span></p><p><span style="font-family: georgia, "times new roman", serif; font-size: medium;"></span></p><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="color: #073763;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: x-large;">Guard Your Heart</span></span></div><div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: small;"><br /></span><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhac7cF-XOntfE71FONjYlM1usd2C6uBmjv-aBoQlDSZ6LK0IDB3_RNtp_izq-26LUNeCnfA20PJYfPQ8igiZa31l3qH1w2H4u_nAmJwqUCCqohVknASucgmvyJIpvvpZX3aUnUQXMOzhqq/s1600/Unknown.jpeg" style="clear: left; float: left; font-size: medium; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="88" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhac7cF-XOntfE71FONjYlM1usd2C6uBmjv-aBoQlDSZ6LK0IDB3_RNtp_izq-26LUNeCnfA20PJYfPQ8igiZa31l3qH1w2H4u_nAmJwqUCCqohVknASucgmvyJIpvvpZX3aUnUQXMOzhqq/w136-h88/Unknown.jpeg" width="136" /></a><span style="font-size: medium;">Today's article is the final in our series called, "The Heart of the Matter." In our last installment we discovered that in order to maintain </span></span><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: medium;">our spiritual heart health we must be diligent in examining our heart health. If we see our heart straying from God we have to immediately repent, turn from our sin and re-turn, turn back to God. When we do that, God is faithful to forgive us! Once we have turned our heart back to God we have to work at guarding our heart! This is an ongoing process!</span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: medium;"><br /></span><span style="font-size: medium;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">Our effort to protect our heart is one of the most important things we do! If you effectively protect your car from theft, your home from burglary, your property from damage, your financial interests from failure and your body from personal illness and injury and fail to protect your heart (the most important one), that singular failure will effect every other area of your life! More personal ruin and eternal loss has been caused by a failure to protect this one thing than all failures to protect material matters combined and yet we give very little thought to 'keeping our Heart'.</span><br /></span><div><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: medium;"><br /></span></div><span style="font-size: medium;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">The heart needs guarding because we do not naturally think and look at life the way God does. The Bible says our heart can easily be deceived and we cannot trust it because it is naturally bent toward ourselves and not God. Our heart can easily be deceived through human rationalization and human solutions. <span style="color: #cc0000;"><i>'We l</i></span></span><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><i><span style="color: #cc0000;">ike sheep, are prone to wander from God in our hearts' </span>(Isaiah 53:6).</i></span></span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="color: #990000; font-size: medium;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><i><br /></i></span></span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="color: #990000; font-size: medium;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><i>The natural man lives independently of God and controls and directs his life. The spirit filled man completely follows God's plan which requires us to trust God with our future.</i></span><br /></span><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: medium;"><br /></span><span style="font-size: medium;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">As long as we live in this flesh we still possess the ability to fall prey to our old nature. The capacity for believers to fall into selfish pursuits or desires and choose a life apart from the knowledge of God is one that is all too familiar to the writers of the old and New Testament: </span><i><span style="color: #cc0000;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">"Above all else, guard your heart…" </span></span></i><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">Proverbs 4:23:</span><br /><i><span style="color: #cc0000;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><br /></span></span></i><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">In the preceding scripture, Solomon begins with a command to watch over (you are responsible) our heart. </span><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">This scripture reveals the importance God places on guarding our heart. He declares to us that this must be our highest priority, "above everything else." That is quite a command! Obviously if the 'heart' is at the center of all our thoughts and actions, it would make perfect sense for it to be the most highly guarded part of our being! </span><br /><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><br /></span><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">So what does it mean to 'guard' our heart? </span><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">The hebrew word for guard is <span style="color: #990000;">'</span></span><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><span style="color: #990000;"><span style="font-style: italic;">pas'</span><span style="font-style: italic;"> </span></span>which means: <span style="color: #990000;">to<i> watch, a person who stayed on watch at a guard post, as in guarding a possessions, watching as one would something precious, observing attentively, calling for us to make it a habit, or a continual practice.</i></span></span><br /></span><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhScmylc_fkk1ZX2WxSYguWzJtlRxZB-R6MFJ0KzBUmoTRFQU1Zqza86l8OozqVJ38MC8grtwix4BHFbJbkm5qyNv9B0KNJMkwIe-MeJVzzOmFW-DeCLfkhegpu36wbuw4W8-SwyzkiYV2w/s1600/images-13.jpeg" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="99" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhScmylc_fkk1ZX2WxSYguWzJtlRxZB-R6MFJ0KzBUmoTRFQU1Zqza86l8OozqVJ38MC8grtwix4BHFbJbkm5qyNv9B0KNJMkwIe-MeJVzzOmFW-DeCLfkhegpu36wbuw4W8-SwyzkiYV2w/w152-h99/images-13.jpeg" width="152" /></a></div><span style="font-size: medium;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">If our heart controls our life, serving as the wellspring of all of our actions, and the seat of all the principles, then it is foundational to our behavior and essential to our well being. </span><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">We need to be on guard because this is where the adversary is continually looking for a chink in our armor. Because our heart is easily deceived, </span><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">Solomon gives us one of the most important practical responsibilities of the Christian life. It is to be…..</span></span><br /><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: medium;"><br /></span><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;">Properly Prepared</span></span><br /><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;"><br /></span><span style="font-size: medium;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">Just as the human heart needs preparation through proper diet and exercise in order to handle strenuous activity and be healthy in general, so one's spiritual heart must be properly prepared if it is going to be able to effectively respond to God in the varied situations of life. </span><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">This is important to understand if we are to effectively 'guard our heart! </span></span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><span><span><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><span><br /></span></span></span></span><span style="color: #990000;"><i><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">Preparation through the Biblical disciplines of repentance, prayer, study of the Word, scripture memorization, fellowship with believers, being a part of a local church, will help us to </span><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">respond positively to God when we face the situations and circumstances of life.</span></i></span></span><br /><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;"><br /></span><span style="font-size: medium;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">The temptation to sin will always be there. The consequences of yielding to the temptation will translate into every area of your life and will cause a rippling effect that can give the enemy of your peace, joy and happiness, the opportunity to regain a foothold. What we cannot do is yield to it, be governed by it and be deceived by it. The Bible tells us that with every temptation God has already prepared a way for us to deal with it and be victorious over it! All we need to do is prepare our heart, follow His instruction and we can overcome every assault that comes our way! If we choose not to do what the Word of God tell us, then we will not be able to withstand the temptation. Temptation is not sin, we are all tempted. Giving in to the temptation is sin! When you are negligent or willfully refuse to prepare yourselves for "temptation", you are setting yourself up for failure. The real enemy of your success is you! We don't ever have had to live in the pain or consequences of our transgressions, it is a choice. Their is no power great enough to overcome a born again believer. The only way anything can overtake you is by ignoring the possibility and not properly preparing your heart for the assault. </span><span style="color: #cc0000; font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-style: italic;">"And not be like their fathers, A stubborn and rebellious generation, A generation that did not PREPARE its heart, and whose spirit was not faithful to God."</span><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"> Psalm 78:8</span></span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: small;"><i style="color: #cc0000;"><br /></i></span><span style="font-size: medium;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><i style="color: #cc0000;">"My heart is steadfast, O God; I will sing, I will sing praises, even with my soul." </i>Psalm 108:1. </span><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">The Hebrew word for "prepare" and "steadfast" (in the scripture's above) is <span style="color: #cc0000;">'</span><i><span style="color: #cc0000;">kuwn'.</span> </i>It's basic meaning is to be ; <i> <span style="color: #cc0000;">firm, established, stable. </span></i>It is used in the Old Testament to describe a house fixed on a foundation, of the establishment of a throne or a Kingdom, and of persons being established, secure and enduring. I</span><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">t was also used in terms of preparing words for wise speech, preparing the foundation for Solomon's temple, set in order before God, preparing the sacrifice, preparing the heart. </span><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">In psalm 112:7-8 it translates as </span><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">preparing the heart to be firm, focused, and fixed on the Lord in the sense of trust. </span><i style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;"><span style="color: #cc0000;">"They will have no fear of bad news; their hearts are steadfast, trusting in the Lord.Their hearts are secure, they will have no fear." </span></i><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">(PS. 112:7-8).</span></span><br /><span style="color: #0b5394;"><br /></span><span style="color: #990000; font-size: medium;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><i>The point is that the heart can only become steadfast, stable, when it has been properly prepared in a Biblical sense. </i></span><br /></span><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;"><br /></span><span style="font-size: medium;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">The same word used in Psalm 108:1 for preparing the heart to worship the Lord, the KJV translates this as <span style="color: #cc0000;">"My heart is fixed- steadfast."</span> We have the idea here, that it is steadfast because it has been spiritually prepared. Remember,<i><span style="color: #cc0000;">"faith comes by hearing and hearing by the word of God."</span></i> Romans 10:17. </span><br /></span><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;"><br /></span><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">The Spiritual Blueprint</span><br /></span><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><span style="font-size: medium;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">As the heavens were prepared, fixed and established by God's understanding, so our hearts are made stable by the wisdom, knowledge and understanding of the mysteries of Christ which are found in His Word. God's Word </span><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">is the <i>BLUEPRINT</i> for life!!!!</span><br /></span><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiXSq7LJA8gSNactzTKqqDOEX2wXm2_Uq9B1VrONpF7aOCZ6bP3ZrSD9WAE8xvyXHfws34XZCrwrcxtkXjdJOfhn9UV5qnWOEDtpbczNNz2tNolbTxwa0sTmudu9sUuEbMRCxU3k6eGCZHK/s1600/illustration-heart-like-blueprint-drawing-25063419.jpg" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><img border="0" height="122" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiXSq7LJA8gSNactzTKqqDOEX2wXm2_Uq9B1VrONpF7aOCZ6bP3ZrSD9WAE8xvyXHfws34XZCrwrcxtkXjdJOfhn9UV5qnWOEDtpbczNNz2tNolbTxwa0sTmudu9sUuEbMRCxU3k6eGCZHK/w93-h122/illustration-heart-like-blueprint-drawing-25063419.jpg" width="93" /></span></a><span><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;"><br /></span><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><i><span style="color: #cc0000;"><span style="font-size: medium;">"I want you to know how much I am struggling for you and for all who have not met me personally. My purpose is that they may be encouraged in heart and united in love, so that they may have the full riches of complete understanding in order that they may know the mystery od God, namely, Christ in whom are hidden all the treasures of wisdom and knowledge. I tell you this so that no one may deceive you by fine-sounding arguments. For though I am absent from you in body, I am present with you in spirit and delight to see how orderly you are and how firm your faith in Christ is." </span></span></i><span style="font-size: medium;">(Col. 2:1-6)</span></span><span style="font-size: medium;"><br /></span></span><br /><span style="font-size: medium;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">The Church in Colossae had begun to listen to false teachers and Paul was worried that the Christians would be influenced. Paul wrote to them to remind them about Jesus and His true message. </span><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">The apostle was praying that the Colossians would be filled with the knowledge of the will of God in all wisdom and spiritual understanding, which is necessary for the preparation of a steadfast heart.</span><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"> </span><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">Paul wanted them to grow and walk in maturity. He praised them because their heart had united them in love and this love would be strengthened and remain steadfast through the knowledge and wisdom of God. He encouraged them to continue to trust in Christ.</span><br /></span><div><div class="Body" style="margin: 3pt 0cm;"><div><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><br /></span></span></div><div><span style="font-size: medium;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">In Colossians, the apostle reminds them that when we are united in love (with God and others) the full riches, complete understanding and the mystery of God through Christ are there for us to freely access! It will prepare you and keep you from falling into error. You will not be deceived by false teachers, false doctrines and a false direction. When the heart is properly prepared it will keep you in spiritual unity with Gods mind, will and purpose for your life! </span><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">You will then recognize lies and anything that is false. </span><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">As believers, we</span><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"> have full access to the wisdom and knowledge of God! It is the '</span><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">inheritance' of redeemed man and integral to the health and well being of our heart. It is also part of our daily communion with God while we are on the earth. </span></span></div></div></div><div><span face=""arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif" style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></div><span style="font-size: medium;"><i><span style="color: #990000;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">The best place to begin accessing that wisdom and knowledge is through the Word of God. </span><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><span>The knowledge that comes from His word and the wisdom that comes by His spirit, forms the 'Character of God' in you! Your life then becomes a source that His power and authority can flow through!</span> </span></span></i><br /></span><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;"><br /></span><span style="font-size: medium;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">Our heart will want to, at times, wander and veer off onto a path we think is good or inciting. </span><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">We can draw strength from Him through His Word. It will prepare us for every temptation and keep our heart steadfast through every test. </span><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">The strength of God , wisdom of God and knowledge of His Word, are all there to help you get back on the right course!</span></span><br /><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;"><br /></span><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><span style="font-size: large;">With All Of My Heart</span></span><br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEikGhVRA1F2FRZ0ae5w5lnLjqfXB4TrkUB2MUtJ9vOh5nIaJidiNNdK6aAYddWWEgJMlUmlPqFRoChPO4iKcfwZNRvC-gnyyp8csLA91-sprgMiP2x_bA_6j0vS6ZI81N656Xvt8MFTDjCk/s1600/images-6.jpeg" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="127" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEikGhVRA1F2FRZ0ae5w5lnLjqfXB4TrkUB2MUtJ9vOh5nIaJidiNNdK6aAYddWWEgJMlUmlPqFRoChPO4iKcfwZNRvC-gnyyp8csLA91-sprgMiP2x_bA_6j0vS6ZI81N656Xvt8MFTDjCk/w130-h127/images-6.jpeg" width="130" /></a></div><span style="font-size: medium;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">As we learned in the first installment of our series,'The Healthy Spiritual Heart', there are steps we are responsible to take to 'keep our heart' soft and pliable before God. We guard our heart by our total involvement with God, that includes the mind, emotions and the will. Here again are a few of the most important things we do to insure that our heart is safely guarded:</span><br /></span><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;"><br /></span><span style="font-size: medium;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><i>Love with all your heart:</i></span><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><span> </span><i style="color: #cc0000;">"Love The Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your strength."</i></span><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">Duet. 6:5</span><br /><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><br /></span><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><i>Seek with all your heart:</i></span><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><span> </span><i style="color: #cc0000;">"You will seek me and find me when you seek me with all of your heart." </i>Jer. 29:13</span><br /><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><br /></span><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><span><i>Give thanks,with all your heart:<span style="color: #0b5394;"> </span></i></span><span><i style="color: #cc0000;"> I will give thanks to you, Lord, with all my heart, I will tell of all your wonderful deeds." </i>Psalm 9:1 </span></span><br /><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><br /></span><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><i>Believe God and His Word with all your heart:</i></span><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><span> </span><i><span style="color: #cc0000;">"And Phillip said, 'If you believe with all of your heart,you may.' and He </span></i></span><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><i style="color: #cc0000;">answered and said,'Believe that Jesus Christ is the Son of God.' " </i>Acts 8:37</span><br /></span><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;"><br /></span><span style="font-size: medium;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">If your heart is centered around God you can be sure that your spiritual armor will be strong and your heart will be safe!</span><br /></span><br /><br /><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;">Series Conclusion</span><br /><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;"><br /></span><span style="font-size: medium;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">If we are steadfast and faithful to nurture and tend to the key areas of our life , so many of the issues we face can be resolved without devastating and sometimes life long consequences ! </span><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">Adversity is a part of the fallen world we live in. The quality of our time here depends greatly on understanding what is, </span><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><span style="color: #cc0000;">At the "Heart" of the Matter</span> </span></span><br /><span style="font-size: medium;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><br /></span></span><span><span style="font-size: medium;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;">So here is a brief re-cap of our series:</span></span><br /></span><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;"><br /></span><span style="font-size: medium;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><span style="color: #990000;"><b>* </b></span><b style="font-style: italic;"><span style="color: #990000;">A Healthy Spiritual Heart..<span>.</span></span><span style="color: #0b5394;"> </span></b>Is Gods Biblical prescription for a Healthy Spiritual Heart! We are responsible to 'keep our heart' soft and pliable before Him. If we do, we won't ever have to worry about hardening! </span><br /><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><br /></span><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><span style="color: #990000;"><b>* </b><i><b>The Hardening Heart…</b> </i></span>Hardening in our heart can only take place if we don't properly care for it and keep our heart toward God. Spiritual seeds of rebellion can work their way into our hearts until it begins to harden against God. God warns us to hear His voice and 'DO NOT HARDEN YOUR HEART'!</span><br /><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><br /></span><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><i><span style="color: #990000;"><b>* The Repentant Heart…</b></span></i> </span><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">God is patient and merciful. He is always drawing us to Repentance. God is wanting us to confess our sin, turn away from it and turn ( re-turn) back toward Him. When we do, He is faithful to forgive us and remove the penalty of our sin from us 'just as if we never did it.' </span><br /><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><br /></span><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><b><i><span style="color: #990000;">* Guard Your Heart…</span></i></b> </span><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">Preparing your heart, being steadfast in the wisdom and knowledge of God will put a fortress of power and strength around your heart! Don't think you are 'to smart' or 'to mature' in the things of God to fall prey to earthly or evil enticement, meant to lead you from the path God has established for you! </span><br /></span><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;"><br /></span><span style="color: #990000; font-size: medium;"><span><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><i>The well being of our spiritual heart finds it's health and well being in the culmination of all of these!</i></span><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"> </span></span><br /></span><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;"><br /></span><span><span style="color: #990000; font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;"><i>Be willing to keep your heart soft and pliable before Him to prevent a hardening from taking place. If your heart has become hardened repent and be restored to God! Keep watch over your heart it is the well spring, the source of your life! </i></span><br /><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;"><i><span><br /></span></i></span><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><i><span style="color: #0b5394;">THANK YOU…</span><span style="color: #0b5394;">.</span><span> </span><span>for following this journey with us!</span><span style="color: #0b5394;"> </span></i></span><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">We hope this series on the spiritual condition of the heart has been informative, beneficial and above all, life changing to you! </span><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><span>If you missed any of this 4 part series, please go to….. </span><i><span style="color: #cc0000;">fyfaith.</span></i></span><span style="color: #cc0000; font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><i>bolgspot.com</i></span><br /></span><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 12pt; text-align: center;"><span><span style="color: #b45f06; font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><div class="MsoNormal" style="color: black; font-family: -webkit-standard; text-align: justify;"><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: "times new roman";"><span style="caret-color: rgb(11, 83, 148);"><i>*******************************************</i></span></span><br /><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 13pt;"><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 13pt;"><div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: start;"><div style="text-align: justify;"><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">FORGING YOUR FAITH</span><br /><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><br /></span><div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">To 'Forge' something, is to mold and shape something for suitable use. We believe that our lives are constantly being shaped and molded by the hand of God for His divine purpose! This publication </span><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">strives to encourage believers who are beginning this process and those who are well into it! We also believe a truly successful life is a Christ-Centered Life! We hope you will join us and become a regular reader! </span></div></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">Thank You and God Bless,</span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">Marianne Mauti</span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><i>Founder and CAO</i></span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><i><br /></i></span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><i>'Forging Your Faith' is the online Christian publication of 'Christ the King Church' in Bellevue, Pa.</i></span><br /><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: small;"><i><br /></i></span><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: small;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjcGRU7SWfV3e-HisjqjjiuNjG-3YuFu_LJZ2VnDWlrMGBLYJksmhVqT1MeuQA0_SQyECQ28J7c0xT-4AW0a0YFli2kCGkjlJITccnt9Vx2rz5_CShL5gM1PiAb3qIsOM2NLMkJleIk6DvH/s1600/6490_109964969289_5150597_n.jpg" style="clear: left; float: left; font-family: -webkit-standard; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="81" data-original-width="69" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjcGRU7SWfV3e-HisjqjjiuNjG-3YuFu_LJZ2VnDWlrMGBLYJksmhVqT1MeuQA0_SQyECQ28J7c0xT-4AW0a0YFli2kCGkjlJITccnt9Vx2rz5_CShL5gM1PiAb3qIsOM2NLMkJleIk6DvH/s1600/6490_109964969289_5150597_n.jpg" /></a><i>About Marianne Mauti: </i>Marianne is a writer and blogger as well as a Pastor at "Christ the King Church" in Bellevue, Pa. She is currently the Dean and Chief Operating Officer of "Christ the King Seminary" a full time Bible Institute. For more information about us please contact us at: crowncntr@aol.com</span></div></div></div></div><div><div style="text-align: justify;"><div style="text-align: center;"><div style="text-align: justify;"><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 13pt;"><div style="text-align: center;"><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /><div><span style="font-family: "georgia"; text-align: center;"><span style="color: #0b5394;"><i> ********</i></span></span><span style="font-family: "georgia"; text-align: center;">***************************************************</span><br /><span style="font-family: "georgia"; text-align: center;"> </span><span style="font-family: "georgia"; text-align: center;"> ARTICLE RESOURCES</span></div><div><span style="font-family: "georgia"; text-align: center;"><div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: -webkit-standard; text-align: justify;"><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div></div></span></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></span></span></div><div><div class="MsoNormal"><div class="MsoNormal"><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-right: 3.9pt; text-align: start;"><div class="MsoNormal"><div style="text-align: justify;"><div class="MsoNormal"><div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: start;"><div style="text-align: justify;"><div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;"><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">*Dr. George R. Beninate: Is Bishop of "Christ the King Church" in Pennsylvania, West Virginia and in Phnom Penh, Cambodia. A Doctor of Theology, Biblical Apologist, conference speaker, lecturer and my spiritual father.He is also the Author of several books including,"The Age of Glory", Thank you for your relentless pursuit of truth!</span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="background-color: white; font-family: georgia, "times new roman", serif;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="background-color: white; font-family: georgia, "times new roman", serif;">*The Bible</span></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div><div style="text-align: center;"><div style="background-color: white;"><div style="text-align: start;"><div style="color: #333333; line-height: 20px;"><div style="text-align: justify;"><div class="MsoNormal"><div style="text-align: start;"><div style="color: black; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; text-align: justify;"><div style="color: #333333; line-height: 20px; text-align: start;"><div style="color: black; text-align: justify;"><div style="color: #333333; text-align: start;"><div style="color: black; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; text-align: justify;"><div class="MsoNormal"><div style="line-height: 20px;"><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal;"><div style="margin: 0px;"><div class="MsoNormal"><div class="MsoNormal"><div class="MsoNormal"><div style="text-align: start;"><div class="MsoNormal"><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-right: 3.9pt;"><div class="MsoNormal"><div style="text-align: justify;"><div class="MsoNormal"><div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: start;"><div style="text-align: justify;"><div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;"><div style="text-align: justify;"><div style="text-align: center;"><div style="text-align: justify;"><div style="margin: 0px;"><div style="margin: 0px;"><div><div style="margin: 0px;"><div style="margin: 0px;"><br /></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: start;"><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 12pt; text-align: justify;"><div style="margin: 0px;"><div style="margin: 0px;"><div style="margin: 0px;"><div style="margin: 0px;"><div style="margin: 0px;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">*Dr. George R. Beninate</span></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: start;"><div style="margin: 0px;"><div style="margin: 0px;"><div style="margin: 0px;"></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div><div style="line-height: 20px;"><div style="margin: 0px;"><br /></div></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><div style="margin: 0px;"></div></div></div></div><br /><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: start;"><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 12pt; text-align: justify;"><div style="margin: 0px;"><div style="background-color: white; margin: 0px;"><div style="margin: 0px;"><div style="margin: 0px;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><br /></span></div></div></div></div></div></div></div><span style="color: #0b5394; font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;"></span></div></div></div>Forging Your Faithhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11719980363185567734noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7626530909284999266.post-44912375702399304082021-02-16T12:17:00.008-08:002021-02-28T15:24:20.717-08:00The HEART of Every Matter: Part 4 "The Repentant Heart"<p><span style="font-size: medium;"> <span style="text-align: justify;">By Marianne Mauti</span></span></p><p><span><span style="font-size: x-large; text-align: justify;">The Repentant Heart</span></span></p><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjyXktAeCKabSsYOWPCy-FqX20nFrJtkd3ohfhQz3tlG1negWftKiFVVokWVMsr5kv_oT6p_uN4xgcS-GLcuSxNQfEa2EZWRfWEn2HYN9Zw1XAlpxAShirlI8m3dh3CooLuuH5iMad6-5DV/s1600/repentance.jpg" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="88" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjyXktAeCKabSsYOWPCy-FqX20nFrJtkd3ohfhQz3tlG1negWftKiFVVokWVMsr5kv_oT6p_uN4xgcS-GLcuSxNQfEa2EZWRfWEn2HYN9Zw1XAlpxAShirlI8m3dh3CooLuuH5iMad6-5DV/w133-h88/repentance.jpg" width="133" /></a>In part three of our series on, 'The Heart of the Matter' we discovered how the process of a hardening heart can effect the spiritual life of the believer.</span><span><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"> The Bible tells us it is the responsibility of the believer to set their heart on the right path: </span></span><i style="text-indent: -18pt;"><span style="color: #ab1f1a; font-family: "georgia";">" Listen, my son, and be wise, and set your heart on the right path" </span></i><i style="text-indent: -18pt;"><span style="font-family: "georgia";">Proverbs 23:19. </span></i><span style="font-family: "georgia";">If you have ever come to a crossroad and been tempted lead your heart down the wrong path, or you are already on the wrong spiritual path, it is never too late to change your direction! </span><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">Today's article takes a look at what we need to do to reverse the hardening process and change our direction! Join us now for the fourth installment in this important series entitled: </span><i style="font-family: georgia, "times new roman", serif;"><span>"The Repentant Heart"</span></i></span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="color: #0b5394; font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;"><br /></span><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;">A Heart of Repentance</span><br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><span style="font-size: medium;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">From the moment I was born, I had an intuitive awareness that something was missing (we all do). At an early age I felt the spirit of God began to draw me to him. I can still remember the day I heard Billy Graham preach the message of the Gospel on my little black and white TV. I was 13 years old when the message of repentance and salvation pierced my heart. I realized for the first time in my life that I had been born into sin, that all men had sinned and fallen short of the glory of God. But then I heard him speak of love, hope and restoration to God through His son Jesus Christ. I understood in that moment I was a sinner in need of His salvation. I learned that only Jesus He could atone for my sin and I was overcome with gratitude. I finally understood what I had been missing in my life, it was Jesus in my heart! When I asked Jesus to forgive me of my sin, to come into my heart and be the Lord of my life, something deep inside of me changed. God gave me a new, clean heart! </span><br /><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><br /></span><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">I remember, after that experience, </span><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">the sorrow I felt the first time I did something that I knew was wrong. A</span><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"> deep remorse came over my heart. I knew in my spirit that I had created a it problem between God and I and I did not want that! I felt a conviction for my actions and wanted God's forgiveness. </span><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">My heart was never more sensitive to the voice of God than it was when I was first saved. I will confess that over the last 40 years it has been a daily process of acceptance and repentance, in order to maintain a healthy spiritual heart and mind. 'Accepting' the fact that I would always have to check my heart for any seed of spiritual rebellion and 'repenting' for the times I failed and needed to make things right with God! </span><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">I have experienced many things in my Christian walk, and I know this for certain; </span><br /></span><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;"><br /></span><span><span style="color: #990000; font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;"><i>The only person or thing that can destroy my relationship with God….is ME!</i></span><br /></span><br /><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;">True Repentance Begins in the Heart</span><br /><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><br /></span><span style="font-size: medium;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">The Bible tells me, if I keep my heart soft and pliable before God, </span><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">he will be faithful to show me the areas in my life where I need to repent and then promises to give me the strength to do it! This sounds like it should be a relatively easy process, doesn't it? Actually it is when we commit to doing it on a daily basis. If however, we allow our mistakes to begin to create a division between us and God, it can cause our heart to begin to harden toward God. T</span><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">he longer we go without dealing with it, the harder it gets. If you are anything like me, when I have failed God often in certain areas, I feel guilty asking Him over and over to forgive me. That is very dangerous place to be and we must always be on guard for that! </span><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">The truth is we all fall short. That is why God's forgiveness is new every morning! We will make mistakes, sometimes we will make the same mistake over and over, maybe even for a long time, but if our heart remains tender before God and we repent, God is faithful to forgive. The struggle lies in keeping a tender heart before God, in the midst of our failure. </span><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">When we get saved we are a new creation in Christ, but we come into this new birth with all of our past memories and experiences. As we let God's Word teach us and we renew our mind daily we will begin to look less and less like the old man and more and more like Him.</span><br /><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">This is a life long process. </span><br /><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><br /></span><span><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">Just like small children fall and get bumps and bruises, we spiritually get bumped and bruised! God our heavenly father, who loves us far more than our earthly father, doesn't throw His spiritual children out of His house when they make a mistake, any more that an earthly one does. What God does want, is for us to recognize our sin and seek His forgiveness, which He willingly gives.There has to be a constant willingness and a desire in our heart to remain obedient to God. It requires an attitude of repentance that comes from a yielded heart! We don't ever have to fear God, He will always lead us in the direction of forgiveness. As long as our heart attitude is to do what is right, we will hear His voice and receive His forgiveness. </span></span><i style="font-family: georgia, "times new roman", serif;"><span style="color: #990000;">"Don't you realize that God's kindness is meant to lead you to repentance?" </span></i><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><i>Romans 2:4</i></span><br /><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><br /></span><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">True repentance begins in a heart that desires more than anything, to be in right relationship with God. True repentance is an acknowledgment of sin and our sincere desire to turn away from it. God uses His Holy Spirit to bring our sin before us, not to bring condemnation on us, but to help us to see what is is that we need to change. The Holy Spirit's conviction is a good thing! </span><br /></span><br /><span style="font-size: medium;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">Repentance is not an outward action (although there will be an outward evidence of repentance), nor is it a process of trying to reform yourself. It is a heart attitude change. If you heart is not repentant, any lifestyle change you make will only be temporary or inadequate. It isn't something that applies to only certain sins, but to the overall sin nature from which individual sin come (a rebellious spirit). </span><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">The individual sins are just the symptom of an underlying condition in the heart of a believer. </span><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">A heart that has been </span><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">poisoned or plugged up because of unrepentant sin cannot continue to pump the life giving spirit of God through the soul and spirit of a believer. Sin becomes a heavy weight, a burden on the heart of a believer who does not repent! </span><span style="color: #990000; font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><i>"…… Neither is there any rest in my bones because of my sin. For my iniquities are gone over my head; as a heavy burden they are too heavy for me. "</i> </span><span style="color: #990000; font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">Pr 28:3</span><br /></span><div><i><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: medium;"><br /></span></i></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><span style="font-size: medium;"><span><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">In the New Testament, the greek word for repent is </span></span><i style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;"><span style="color: #990000;">metanoeo</span> </i><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">which means to; "</span><span><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><i style="color: #cc0000;"><span style="color: #990000;">turn from or change your mind about something, </span></i></span><i style="font-family: georgia, "times new roman", serif;"><span style="color: #990000;">to think differently or afterwards, that is, reconsider</span></i><i style="color: #cc0000; font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">."</i><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><i style="color: #cc0000;"> </i></span></span><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><span>In or</span><span>der to repent </span><span>we must turn away from the thing that separates us from God. W</span></span><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">hen we truly repent, He promises that He is just and faithful to forgive us. Regardless of what you have done, if you will repent you will receive Gods forgiveness. </span><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">But if we try to cover our sin nothing in our life will prosper! </span><span style="color: #990000; font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">"</span><span style="color: #990000; font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><span style="font-style: italic;"><span>He that covers his sins shall not prosper; but whoever confesses and forsakes them shall have mercy."</span></span><span><i> </i>Pr. 28:13. </span></span><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">We all need to search our hearts and be certain that no sin is being hidden or covered. True repentance brings sin to the surface. </span><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">King David understood the importance of a clean heart; He asked the Lord to search his heart and see if there was anything that he needed to change (turn from). <i style="color: #990000;">"Search me, O God and know my heart; try me and know my thoughts; see if there be any wicked way in me and lead me in the way everlasting"</i> </span><span style="color: #990000;"><i style="font-family: georgia, "times new roman", serif;">Ps 139:23-24</i></span></span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><i><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><span style="color: #990000; font-size: medium;"><span style="caret-color: rgb(153, 0, 0);"><br /></span></span></span></i><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;">Confess Your Sin</span><br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjdfg20jJYhydQ6gqScgsHPg9kF0AxMJkqD6PB-cnDSh7Cki3FplwdXq7JWUo_-FbqR6eeTqPNWhyphenhyphenBXs1By4GxkSOK_Y07XZ_HPlBtmMzB6yw14MLlofevx6wy2bhLMeS5rAHyoeEpwc1BU/s1600/images-10+copy+2.jpeg" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="125" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjdfg20jJYhydQ6gqScgsHPg9kF0AxMJkqD6PB-cnDSh7Cki3FplwdXq7JWUo_-FbqR6eeTqPNWhyphenhyphenBXs1By4GxkSOK_Y07XZ_HPlBtmMzB6yw14MLlofevx6wy2bhLMeS5rAHyoeEpwc1BU/w167-h125/images-10+copy+2.jpeg" width="167" /></a></div><span style="font-size: medium;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">At the heart of every sin is mans r</span><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">ebellious nature. The transgressions we commit as believers are a symptomatic warning that we have a spiritual 'Heart Condition' that needs tending to. Acknowledging to God we have a problem, confessing to Him with a humble heart, is the beginning of receiving His forgiveness. </span><i style="font-family: georgia, "times new roman", serif;"><span style="color: #990000;"><span>"If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just to forgive us our sins, and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness." </span>1 John 1:</span></i><br /></span><div><i style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><br /></span></i></div><span style="font-size: medium;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">There cannot be forgiveness without a recognition on our part that we are heading down the wrong path and our heart is straying from God. When we confess our sin it is an admission that we really do have a problem, verbalizing our heart condition releases the burden of our guilt and shame. </span><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">It also cleanses our heart. The new heart we got when we were saved has become pure and clean once more before God! There is no moving forward without confession. </span><span style="color: #990000; font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-style: italic;">"When I refused to confess my sin, I was weak and miserable, and I groaned all day long."</span><span style="color: #cc0000; font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-style: italic;"> </span><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">Ps 32:3. </span><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">When we have confessed it to Him, God promises He will removed our sin, as far as the east is from the west, as if we had never done it. <span style="color: #990000;"><i>"As far as the east is from the west, so far has He removed our transgressions from us."</i></span> </span><i style="font-family: georgia, "times new roman", serif;"><span style="color: #990000;"><span style="color: #cc0000;"> </span>P</span></i><i style="color: #990000; font-family: georgia, "times new roman", serif;">s 103:12</i></span><br /><div><br /></div><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-size: large;"> </span><span style="font-size: large;">Turning Away/ Turning Toward </span></span></span><br /><span style="font-size: medium;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><br /></span><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">Confessing our sin is the first step in true repentance. Turning away from the desire and the action of our sin is the next step. </span><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">The greek word for 'turn' is <span style="color: #990000;">epitrepsate,</span></span><i style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;"> </i><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">it means: <span style="color: #990000;"><i>to turn away from, but it </i><span><i>also means a turning toward! </i></span></span><span style="color: #990000;">It is a </span><i><span style="color: #990000;">'whole turning "to" </span>God.'</i> WOW! </span><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">Turning, is a conscience decision to take a new direction. Not only is it a turning away from, but it is a 'turning toward' (returning to) God. When we hear His voice in our heart calling us to repent, we must respond by turning from our sin and move once again toward Him! </span><i style="color: #990000; font-family: georgia, "times new roman", serif;">"Therefore repent and turn, so that your sins may be wiped away, in order that the time of refreshing may come from the presence of the Lord." Acts 3:19 </i><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">When our heart re-turns to God the sin is wiped away, just as if it never happened. As a result of our re-turn to Him, we get to experience a new time of refreshing in the presence of the Lord. How wonderful !</span></span><br /><br /><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><span style="font-size: large;">Just As If I never Sinned</span></span></span><br /><br /><span style="font-size: medium;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">The Bible tells us that when we confess our sin , turn away from it and back toward God, we are cleansed from our unrighteous act, and we stand before God 'just as if we had never sinned'. </span><span><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">The greek word for justified is<span style="color: #cc0000;"> </span></span><i style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;"><span style="color: #990000;">dikaloo</span></i><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"> which means; <span style="color: #990000;"><i>to render or to regard as innocent, free, right standing, righteous. </i></span></span><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">Justification means </span><i style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;"><span style="color: #990000;">'to declare righteous'.</span> </i></span><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">The new testament writers, specifically Paul, use the term in a judicial sense. Declaring to the believer that because of what Jesus has done on your behalf, you are now righteous! All things between you and God are now made right! </span><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">Romans 3:23-25 speaks of being justified by the grace of God, </span><i style="color: #990000; font-family: georgia, "times new roman", serif;">"For all have sinned and fallen short of the glory of God, being justified as a gift by His grace through the redemption which is in Christ Jesus; whom God displayed publicly as a propitiation (appeasement, satisfying a debt) in His blood through faith." </i><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">It is just as if you never sinned, how wonderful is the mercy and forgiveness of God! </span><span style="color: #990000; font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-style: italic;">" Being justified freely by His grace </span><span style="color: #990000; font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-style: italic;">through the redemption that is in Christ Jesus." </span><span><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">What an amazing promise God has made to us! We are justified through His grace because of the redemption we </span></span><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">receive through our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ!</span></span><br /><br /><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;">Renewing Your Mind</span><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg-qf5gH7CfZkBzwMdb71NtpQg7AsYSH2eWOZWOnT7mLiuPSoUsBpxrlYtFdjRbEy4q3MLg4lSM-MVZkHwuUp51eBPKVmjJU47Yd9FBWCTf0WfJdaYzxOVL46avDb_rQuSbgu0aSYBFpEpH/s1600/images-3.jpeg" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="113" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg-qf5gH7CfZkBzwMdb71NtpQg7AsYSH2eWOZWOnT7mLiuPSoUsBpxrlYtFdjRbEy4q3MLg4lSM-MVZkHwuUp51eBPKVmjJU47Yd9FBWCTf0WfJdaYzxOVL46avDb_rQuSbgu0aSYBFpEpH/w113-h113/images-3.jpeg" width="113" /></a></div><br /><span style="font-size: medium;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">The heart and the mind are eternally connected. Repentance requires they both be in agreement, heading in the same direction. It isn't enough to want to do what is right in your heart if your mind doesn't follow. </span><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">The word of God is our manual for righteous living ( being in right relationship with God) and it tells us that part of the process of repentance is turning away from the sin and renewing of our mind (it is an action that must be prompted by our will). He assures us that if we follow His instructions, we can depend on the grace (His divine enablement) of the Holy Spirit. All we have to do is ask!</span><br /><br /><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">A change of heart is always connected to a change in our mind! </span><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">You must be willing to mentally let go of the thinking that you associate with your transgression. You have to keep your mind stayed on God to keep your heart in check with God. The Word of God tells us that our thinking is something we can and need to take responsibility for. Our thoughts aren't going to miraculously change because we are sorry for our actions , but the Bible offers us a prescription for renewing our mind, <span style="color: #990000;"><i>"Finally brothers, whatever is true, whatever is honorable, whatever is just, whatever pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is commendable, if there is any excellence, if there is anything worthy of praise, think about these things." Phillipians 4:8</i></span></span><br /><br /><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">When we fill our minds with what is true (not the lie of the enemy), honorable (not indecent) , pure (not unrighteous), lovely (not gross and twisted), commendable (not critical), looking at what is right (not always focusing on what is wrong), what is commendable ( not our faults or failings), then a transformational process in our thinking can occur! </span><i style="font-family: georgia, "times new roman", serif;"><span style="color: #990000;">"Do nor conform to this world, but be transformed by the renewal of your mind, that by testing you may discern what is the will of God, what is god and acceptable and perfect." Romans 12:2</span></i><br /></span><div><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><i><span style="color: #cc0000; font-size: medium;"><br /></span></i></span></div><div><span style="font-size: medium;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">We no longer think like the world and as a result we no longer act like the world. When you are tested, the condition or state of your mind will be revealed. </span><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">Our mindset is often a pretty good barometer or indication of where the heart is. If we conform our mind to the worlds way of thinking our heart will follow, but if we allow the transforming power of His Word to continually saturate our mind we can protect our mind and thus our heart! </span><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">Understanding what is good and acceptable to God, according to His Word, will enable you to maintain a righteous relationship with God! </span></span></div><div><br /></div><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;">The Fruit of the Spirit</span><br /><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;"><br /></span><span style="font-size: medium;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">Spiritual fruit is the outward evidence of an inward change! True repentance is always accompanied by a change in our behavior. </span><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">John the Baptist urged the Pharisees and Sadducees saying, <span style="color: #990000;"><i>"Therefore bring forth fruit that is consistent with repentance."</i></span>,</span><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"> </span><span style="color: #990000; font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"> Matthew 3:8. </span><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">While the fruit of your repentance may not immediately be visible to others it should be visible to you! I believe you know in our heart if there has been true change and soon your daily life will begin to reflect that change! Your life will become more consistent with God's Word until it becomes a way of life!</span><br /><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><br /></span><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">Spiritual Fruit is also grown in our life when we take responsibility for our actions and accept the consequences. There are always consequences for a rebellious heart. What we choose to do or not to do, not only has an effect on our relationship with God, it also has an effect on those we love and care about. While God does completely forgive or sin and transgressions, it isn't always possible to undo the consequences they created. God does promise that He will use everything in our life for good. We learn and grow from our mistakes and we can help others not to make the same ones! </span></span><br /><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;"><br /></span><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><span style="font-size: large;">Conclusion</span></span><br /><br /><span style="font-size: medium;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">A repentant heart is a healthy heart! We have all fallen short of the perfect character of God. We are all a work in progress. Over time the type of sin we fall into and transgressions we make change. They become less about the physical outward sins and more about the motives and intentions of our heart. Those are the ones we can get pretty good at hiding from others, but not God! It is in the secret workings of our heart and mind that we must pay close attention to. The way we do that is to have a repentant heart ! </span><br /></span><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;"><br /></span><span style="color: #990000; font-size: large;"><span><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><span><span><i>Next in this series </i>Part 5: "Guarding Your Heart"...the key to protecting your heart</span></span></span></span><br /></span><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 12pt;"><div style="text-align: center;"><div style="text-align: justify;"><div style="text-align: center;"><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 12pt;"><span><span style="color: #b45f06; font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><div class="MsoNormal" style="color: black; font-family: -webkit-standard; text-align: justify;"><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: "times new roman";"><span style="caret-color: rgb(11, 83, 148);"><i>*******************************************</i></span></span><br /><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 13pt;"><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 13pt;"><div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: start;"><div style="text-align: justify;"><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">FORGING YOUR FAITH</span><br /><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><br /></span><div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">To 'Forge' something, is to mold and shape something for suitable use. We believe that our lives are constantly being shaped and molded by the hand of God for His divine purpose! This publication </span><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">strives to encourage believers who are beginning this process and those who are well into it! We also believe a truly successful life is a Christ-Centered Life! We hope you will join us and become a regular reader! </span></div></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">Thank You and God Bless,</span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">Marianne Mauti</span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><i>Founder and CAO</i></span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><i><br /></i></span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><i>'Forging Your Faith' is the online Christian publication of 'Christ the King Church' in Bellevue, Pa.</i></span><br /><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: small;"><i><br /></i></span><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: small;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjcGRU7SWfV3e-HisjqjjiuNjG-3YuFu_LJZ2VnDWlrMGBLYJksmhVqT1MeuQA0_SQyECQ28J7c0xT-4AW0a0YFli2kCGkjlJITccnt9Vx2rz5_CShL5gM1PiAb3qIsOM2NLMkJleIk6DvH/s1600/6490_109964969289_5150597_n.jpg" style="clear: left; float: left; font-family: -webkit-standard; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="81" data-original-width="69" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjcGRU7SWfV3e-HisjqjjiuNjG-3YuFu_LJZ2VnDWlrMGBLYJksmhVqT1MeuQA0_SQyECQ28J7c0xT-4AW0a0YFli2kCGkjlJITccnt9Vx2rz5_CShL5gM1PiAb3qIsOM2NLMkJleIk6DvH/s1600/6490_109964969289_5150597_n.jpg" /></a><i>About Marianne Mauti: </i>Marianne is a writer and blogger as well as a Pastor at "Christ the King Church" in Bellevue, Pa. She is currently the Dean and Chief Operating Officer of "Christ the King Seminary" a full time Bible Institute. For more information about us please contact us at: crowncntr@aol.com</span></div></div></div></div><div><div style="text-align: justify;"><div style="text-align: center;"><div style="text-align: justify;"><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 13pt;"><div style="text-align: center;"><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /><div><span style="font-family: "georgia"; text-align: center;"><span style="color: #0b5394;"><i> ********</i></span></span><span style="font-family: "georgia"; text-align: center;">***************************************************</span><br /><span style="font-family: "georgia"; text-align: center;"> </span><span style="font-family: "georgia"; text-align: center;"> ARTICLE RESOURCES</span></div><div><span style="font-family: "georgia"; text-align: center;"><div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: -webkit-standard; text-align: justify;"><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div></div></span></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="color: black; font-family: -webkit-standard; text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">* The Bible</span></div></span></span></div><div><div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"><div class="MsoNormal"><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-right: 3.9pt; text-align: start;"><div class="MsoNormal"><div style="text-align: justify;"><div class="MsoNormal"><div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: start;"><div style="text-align: justify;"><div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;"><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">*Dr. George R. Beninate: Is Bishop of "Christ the King Church" in Pennsylvania, West Virginia and in Phnom Penh, Cambodia. A Doctor of Theology, Biblical Apologist, conference speaker, lecturer and my spiritual father.He is also the Author of several books including,"The Age of Glory", Thank you for your relentless pursuit of truth!</span><br /><div style="text-align: center;"></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 13pt; text-align: center;"><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 13pt;"><div style="text-align: justify;"><div style="text-align: center;"></div></div></div></div></div><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;"><br /></span><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /><div style="background-color: white; font-family: serif; font-weight: bold; text-align: start;"><br /></div></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: #0b5394; font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: x-large;"><i><br /></i></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><br /></span></div></div>Forging Your Faithhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11719980363185567734noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7626530909284999266.post-90312950167984269712021-02-16T12:14:00.006-08:002021-02-28T15:25:08.190-08:00The HEART of Every Matter: Part 3 "The Hardened Heart"<p> <span style="font-family: georgia, "times new roman", serif; font-size: medium; text-align: justify;">By Marianne Mauti</span><span style="color: #0b5394; font-family: georgia, "times new roman", serif; font-size: large; text-align: justify;"> </span></p><p><span style="font-family: georgia, "times new roman", serif; font-size: x-large; text-align: justify;">The Hardened Heart </span></p><div style="text-align: justify;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="color: #0b5394; font-size: large;"><i style="font-size: xx-large;"></i></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg7iu_hav6RhXG5OD5oNoArjL9_XP08AVle7cZmLSAPZWUvaMFZq2cQ3v-DFh2MtnHMzQ-l7Zx8prJ_XvUt3kBc3KA9URKL45NINcaONo_TOlEQcRr2EZAiW0pVAoya7P-soY4ugLrGBG99/s1600/hard-heart%255B1%255D.png" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="101" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg7iu_hav6RhXG5OD5oNoArjL9_XP08AVle7cZmLSAPZWUvaMFZq2cQ3v-DFh2MtnHMzQ-l7Zx8prJ_XvUt3kBc3KA9URKL45NINcaONo_TOlEQcRr2EZAiW0pVAoya7P-soY4ugLrGBG99/w125-h101/hard-heart%255B1%255D.png" width="125" /></a></div><span style="font-size: medium;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">In part two of our series, The Healthy Spiritual Heart, </span><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">we looked at the Biblical prescription for a healthy 'inner man'. </span><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">Today's article takes a look at what happens when we allow an un-healthy invasion or a spiritual </span><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">disease to find its way into our heart! </span><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">Join us now, for the third installment of this important series entitled: '<i>The Hardening Heart'.</i></span></span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><i><br /></i></span></span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">Several years ago I was ministering to a family member who had a severe heart condition. I remember the day he shared with me what the doctor told him about his condition. A series of infections had entered his blood stream and spread to his heart, causing it to harden. Pumping blood through it was getting more and more difficult and his condition </span><span style="font-family: georgia, "times new roman", serif;">was worsening. Even with antibiotics, the Dr. explained that as the heart continued to harden over time, it would only be a matter of time before his heart would eventually stop.</span><span style="font-family: georgia, "times new roman", serif;"> </span><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"> It was just a few weeks later when another infection occurred that did indeed</span><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"> cause it to stop beating and sadly he passed away. During this experience God began to show me a spiritual truth. As the physical hardening of the heart is a death sentence to the human body, the hardening of the spiritual heart of a man is also a death sentence. </span><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">When we allow a spiritual virus to enter our bloodstream and infect our heart it will certainly begin to harden. If left alone, the infection will continue the process until our once soft and pliable heart becomes so hard toward God that we can no longer hear His voice drawing us to repentance. </span></span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><br /></span><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">Over time Our <i>heart</i> will eventually get to the place where God's spiritual life-sustaining pump is unable to sustain it. In a way only God could illustrate, the physical life of the human heart and the spiritual condition of the "inner man" follow a similar path. If we ignore the warning signs and fail to act in time, in both instances, it can and </span><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">will eventually lead to the destruction of both.</span></span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: georgia, "times new roman", serif; font-size: medium;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><span style="font-family: georgia, "times new roman", serif;">In the beginning, the detrimental effect it is having on our life may not be obvious, but eventually small signals will begin to appear indicating that something just isn't right. Physically and spiritually we become lethargic, we feel discomfort and painful distress (spiritually becoming uncomfortable with God, his word, church, christian friends ). Spiritually</span><span style="font-family: georgia, times new roman, serif;">, this progression happens slowly over time. A little transgression here and a little spiritual neglect there, until you find yourself in a critical spiritual condition. Our once soft , pliable heart becomes thick and hard, effecting everything in our life. If there is no spiritual reversal, God's life giving stream of truth stops flowing, </span><span style="font-family: georgia, "times new roman", serif;">eventually resulting in a heart that no longer </span><span style="font-family: georgia, "times new roman", serif;">beats for God! </span></span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><div><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: small;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: start;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;">The Spiritual Source</span></div><div><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: medium;"><br /></span></div><span style="font-size: medium;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">Every believer who's life has been saved, begins their new life in Christ completely transformed by God. We are a new creation into His kingdom, desiring to be in spiritual relationship with Him! If we keep our new heart responsive to God's voice and direction, we will see the issues of life (that we all continue to face) with a different perspective and as we grow in our walk, begin to apply the biblical solutions God provided for our spiritual health and continued well being. </span><span style="font-family: georgia, times new roman, serif;">When we are faced with the trials and temptations of life, it is important to maintain our spiritual dialog with God. We have to hear God's voice to remain spiritually strong enough to fight! The Bible shows us the degree of God's concern and the consequences if we don't: </span></span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><br /></span><span style="color: #cc0000; font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><i>"7 So as the Holy Spirit says, "Today, if you hear His voice, 8 do not "harden your heart", as in the (rebellion) provocation, in that day of temptation in the wilderness." 9 "Where your fathers tested me and for forty years saw what I did. 10 That is why I was angry with that generation, and I said, " Their hearts were always going astray, and they have not known my ways 11 So I declared an oath in my anger, 'they shall never enter my rest 12 see to it BROTHERS (speaking to believers), that none of you has a sinful, unbelieving heart that turns away from the living God. Hebrews 3:7-12</i></span><br /><br /><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">The <i>HOLY SPIRIT </i>is saying, </span><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><i>IF YOU CAN STILL HEAR MY VOICE! </i>What an alarming statement to make to the believers he is addressing (vs 12: brothers in the faith)! This clearly reveals 4 things:</span></span><br /></span><div class="MsoNormal"><ol><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgJCKFclKPMyJewGFGh3IBA2IaSHms8YpivdyKl-Z_GvCDKJhYfoVfgcKuWK1Ol8i3E_n4IOZU0PcEmvHgNuoYkQrMsW0k1DfPWrnUg4wOvZLxXdBFRBvdVQDstVpVOVXNDd2CMGAcTn0GO/s1600/images-6.jpeg" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="101" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgJCKFclKPMyJewGFGh3IBA2IaSHms8YpivdyKl-Z_GvCDKJhYfoVfgcKuWK1Ol8i3E_n4IOZU0PcEmvHgNuoYkQrMsW0k1DfPWrnUg4wOvZLxXdBFRBvdVQDstVpVOVXNDd2CMGAcTn0GO/w136-h101/images-6.jpeg" width="136" /></a><li><span style="font-size: medium;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">T</span><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">hat this condition is so serious that He will continually try and warn you of the danger you are in!</span></span></li><li><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">If you do not listen to God's warning , </span><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">hardening will make it impossible to hear God at all! </span></span></span></li><li><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: medium;">If you can hear His voice there is still hope for change.</span></li><li><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: medium;"> If you can't He is helpless to intervene on your behalf!</span></li></ol><div><span style="font-size: medium;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">The original Greek word used in Hebrews for the </span><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">word, <i>HARDEN</i>, is <i><span style="color: #990000;">(skieruno)</span> </i>and it means:<i> <span style="color: #990000;">to become stubborn, tough, severe, calloused.</span> </i></span><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">God tries to emphasize the severity of the heart whose condition is, stubborn, calloused and toughening, by reminding them (vs. 9-12),of what happened to the Children of Israel. </span><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">God clearly wants them to understand that the source of all spiritual disease is a rebellious spirit, that always results in separation from Him! </span><br /></span><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="color: #0b5394; font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><br /></span></span><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">The Spiritual Pattern</span></span><br /><br /><span style="font-size: medium;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">I</span><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">n the time of Israel's temptation, they chose to go against Gods commands. As a result, they began to drift away from God and His ways. In Hebrews chapter 3, the author of Hebrews goes on to lament that they did it over and over again, even though He still cared and provided for them for 40 years. </span></span></div><div><span style="font-size: medium;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><br /></span><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">God delivered them from Egypt, through miraculous divine plagues, provided food and shelter, they saw the Red Sea opened before, crossed over on to dry land and then </span><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">watched their enemy destroyed, and even as they trudged around the desert for forty years (as a result of their </span><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">disobedience) the Lord still took care of them. In spite of all that God had done for them they complained about Moses and Aaron, but mostly against God. </span><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">God was to blame! Even when He brought them out of the wilderness they said, <span style="color: #e06666;"><i>“If only we had died in the wilderness.” “Why has the Lord brought us to this land to fall by the sword?” </i>then they said had the arrogance to say, <i>“It would have been better to never leave Egypt.” </i></span></span></span><br /></span><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;"><i><br /></i></span></span><span><i style="font-family: georgia, "times new roman", serif;"><span style="color: #990000; font-size: large;">The 'process' or 'hardening', begins with temptation, that leads to disobedience, that evolves into complaining, that causes us to question, that then forms itself into disagreement, that ultimately ends in unbelief! </span></i><br /></span><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;"><br /></span></span><span style="font-size: medium;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">Hebrews</span><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"> clearly reveals that no matter what God does and continues to try and do for us, if we are given over to a rebellious infection and we choose not to hear His voice , our heart will become hard and it will end in unbelief. </span><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">Simply put, we no longer believe that God is who He says He is or will do what He said He will do in our lives! </span><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">To live in this state, is to be at continual odds with God, separated from him, unable to enter into His earthly rest. This, without question, is the worst and most life altering consequence of a deeply hardened heart! </span><br /></span><span style="color: #0b5394; font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></span><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><span style="font-size: large;">The Consequences</span></span><br /><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: small;"><br /></span><span style="font-size: medium;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">The onset of a diseased spiritual heart condition will eventually produce telltale symptoms such as spiritual apathy, lack of interest in prayer, </span><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">a deepening spirit of distrust, fault-finding, complaining, </span><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">murmuring, lack of </span><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">worship, disinterest in God's Word, a lack of commitment to Church, and a greater interest in secular pursuits or their former lifestyle. One of the greatest dangers of a hardening heart</span><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">, is that it can be masked with plausible excuses for quite a while. We can become very good at hiding what is truly in our heart! It isn't until some major confrontation or lifestyle change occurs, that what is truly in the heart is revealed! A diseased, hardening heart develops an outward attitude, that leads to harmful consequences, that ALWAYS have a rippling effect! The consequences of a hardening heart are serious, they touch every area of our spiritual, emotional, mental and physical well being!</span></span></div></div></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: medium;"></span><br /><br /><span style="font-size: medium;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">While t</span><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">he forgiveness of God is always available, it gradually stops being sought after. That eventually results in a conscious choice to walk away from the </span><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">protection and provision of God and take</span><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"> complete control of every area of our life. Some how we deceive ourselves into believing we are smarter than God and no longer require His input in our lives. When we stop</span><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"> seeking God's guidance or direction,</span><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"> </span><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"> the consequences of living outside of the peace and comfort of God's spirit soon become very apparent. </span></span><br /><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><br /></span><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">Things may seem fine at first, we may even convince ourselves we feel liberated. But outside of the will of God, we are defenseless against deception and vulnerable to temptation. The Bible has this to say </span><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">about the consequences of a once tender heart now turned from God :</span><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"> </span><span style="color: #e06666;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><span>"</span></span><span><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><i>For if after they have escaped the pollutions of the world through the knowledge of the….Savior Jesus Christ, they are again entangled in them and overcome, the latter end is worse for them than the beginning. For it would have been better for them not to have known the way of righteousness, than having known it, to turn from the holy commandment delivered to them. But it has happened to them according to the true proverb: 'A dog returns to his own vomit' and the 'sow, having washed, to her wallowing in the mire" (2 Peter 2:20-22; Pro. 26:11). </i></span></span></span><br /><span style="color: #990000;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><i><br /></i></span></span><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">Peter tells us that to know (experience) the way of righteousness and then choose to become entangled in your former life's destructive behavior, is so awful and will be so much worse, that it would have been better for you to remain in the ignorance of your sinful condition,rather than having turned from it only to go back! The Bible likens this state of depravity to that of a dog who returns to it's own vomit and is wallowing (to indulge in an unrestrained way) </span><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">in it's mire (mire is defined as a situation or state of difficulty, distress, or embarrassment from which it is hard to extricate oneself)</span><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">! </span><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">That is quite a powerful warning!</span></span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: georgia, times new roman, serif;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large; text-align: start;">The Spiritual Journey</span></span><br /><div style="text-align: start;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-size: medium;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">The spirit filled life in Christ is a journey and when we make mistakes and wrong choices along the way, if we desire to maintain a soft and pliable heart before God, we will hear l listen to God's voice bringing direction and correction. As a result, no spiritual hardening can begin to set in and God's life giving blood will continue to flow through our spiritual being. </span><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">There is no limit to the mercy and forgiveness of God! We are all a work in progress! He promises us that He will be faithful to complete that work in us if we allow Him access to our heart .</span></span></div><div style="text-align: start;"><br /></div><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjSynwNuOFsNt4qcFcdpA37gXp4n3fwwqBWpG53HkAZRTuHf5OiTEG4OfdnEA9JnF_2mk-q5cjdlnO-vHIh2RX1EfR7UrWLPUuwYQCyzTyv7qy58L6P2mmINZSO24S3ze8dsqtP3XrMlvd-/s1600/images-17.jpeg" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="122" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjSynwNuOFsNt4qcFcdpA37gXp4n3fwwqBWpG53HkAZRTuHf5OiTEG4OfdnEA9JnF_2mk-q5cjdlnO-vHIh2RX1EfR7UrWLPUuwYQCyzTyv7qy58L6P2mmINZSO24S3ze8dsqtP3XrMlvd-/w122-h122/images-17.jpeg" width="122" /></a><span style="font-size: medium;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">The process of <i>HARDENING</i> begins when a spiritual disease (sin) begins to flow through the spiritual body (mind, soul) and flows into the heart of the believer. Eventually it corrupts the system of spiritual communication and the spiritual warning signals are ignored. Soon the spiritual signals become visible, a lethargic response to God's voice, discomfort with the people of God and the pain of broken relationships and lives. </span><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">I</span><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">nstead of allowing God to show us the problem, we close to allow the infection to grow until it manifests itself itself in our attitude and actions. </span></span></span></div><div><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: medium;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-size: medium;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">If </span><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">left unchecked, the result on our spiritual well being will always be the same. </span></span><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"> </span><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">A hardening spiritual heart condition weakens our entire spiritual health that leads us back to the </span><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">destructive pattern and behavior that were a part of our life before Christ. </span></span></div><div><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal"><div><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><span style="font-size: large;">Conclusion</span></span></div><div><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;"><br /></span></span></div><div><span style="font-size: medium;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">Every one of us will face situations and circumstances that challenge us! We either choose to reflect on the goodness of God in our life and His ability to guide and direct us in the right way, or we choose to expose our heart to a rebellious infection, ready to harden our spiritual heart and destroy our relationship with God!</span><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"> The choice is ours! </span><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">If we are smart we will heed the Holy Spirit's warning: </span><i style="color: #cc0000; font-family: georgia, "times new roman", serif;"><span style="color: #990000;">Today, if you hear His voice, do not harden your heart!</span></i><br /></span><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><span style="color: #cc0000; font-size: large;"><i><span style="color: #990000; font-size: large;"><br /></span></i></span></span><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-size: large;">One Final Note</span></span></span><br /><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><span style="color: #0b5394; font-size: large; font-weight: bold;"><br /></span></span><span style="font-size: medium;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">Today's article is</span><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"> about the choices that lead to destructive behavior and are designed to separate you from God's love, power, protection and will for your life. This battle has been going on since the fall of man and it will destroy the quality of your life, render you spiritually impotent, ineffective, incapable, and at spiritual odds with God. God is the only one who can truly give you an abundant life, filled with grace, peace, happiness and rest. </span><br /></span><br /><div><span style="font-size: medium;"><span><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><span style="color: #990000;"><span><i>Next in this series </i>Part 4: </span><span>A Heart of Repentance</span></span></span></span><br /></span><span><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><span><span style="color: #0b5394;"><div class="MsoNormal" style="caret-color: rgb(0, 0, 0); color: black; margin-bottom: 12pt; text-align: center;"><span><span style="color: #b45f06; font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><div class="MsoNormal" style="color: black; font-family: -webkit-standard; text-align: justify;"><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: "times new roman";"><span style="caret-color: rgb(11, 83, 148);"><i><br /></i></span></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: "times new roman";"><span style="caret-color: rgb(11, 83, 148);"><i>*******************************************</i></span></span><br /><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 13pt;"><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 13pt;"><div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: start;"><div style="text-align: justify;"><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">FORGING YOUR FAITH</span><br /><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><br /></span><div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">To 'Forge' something, is to mold and shape something for suitable use. We believe that our lives are constantly being shaped and molded by the hand of God for His divine purpose! This publication </span><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">strives to encourage believers who are beginning this process and those who are well into it! We also believe a truly successful life is a Christ-Centered Life! We hope you will join us and become a regular reader! </span></div></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">Thank You and God Bless,</span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">Marianne Mauti</span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><i>Founder and CAO</i></span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><i><br /></i></span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><i>'Forging Your Faith' is the online Christian publication of 'Christ the King Church' in Bellevue, Pa.</i></span><br /><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: small;"><i><br /></i></span><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: small;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjcGRU7SWfV3e-HisjqjjiuNjG-3YuFu_LJZ2VnDWlrMGBLYJksmhVqT1MeuQA0_SQyECQ28J7c0xT-4AW0a0YFli2kCGkjlJITccnt9Vx2rz5_CShL5gM1PiAb3qIsOM2NLMkJleIk6DvH/s1600/6490_109964969289_5150597_n.jpg" style="clear: left; float: left; font-family: -webkit-standard; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="81" data-original-width="69" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjcGRU7SWfV3e-HisjqjjiuNjG-3YuFu_LJZ2VnDWlrMGBLYJksmhVqT1MeuQA0_SQyECQ28J7c0xT-4AW0a0YFli2kCGkjlJITccnt9Vx2rz5_CShL5gM1PiAb3qIsOM2NLMkJleIk6DvH/s1600/6490_109964969289_5150597_n.jpg" /></a><i>About Marianne Mauti: </i>Marianne is a writer and blogger as well as a Pastor at "Christ the King Church" in Bellevue, Pa. She is currently the Dean and Chief Operating Officer of "Christ the King Seminary" a full time Bible Institute. For more information about us please contact us at: crowncntr@aol.com</span></div></div></div></div><div><div style="text-align: justify;"><div style="text-align: center;"><div style="text-align: justify;"><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 13pt;"><div style="text-align: center;"><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /><div><span style="font-family: "georgia"; text-align: center;"><span style="color: #0b5394;"><i> ********</i></span></span><span style="font-family: "georgia"; text-align: center;">***************************************************</span><br /><span style="font-family: "georgia"; text-align: center;"> </span><span style="font-family: "georgia"; text-align: center;"> ARTICLE RESOURCES</span></div><div><span style="font-family: "georgia"; text-align: center;"><div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: -webkit-standard; text-align: justify;"><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div></div></span></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="color: black; font-family: -webkit-standard; text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">* The Bible</span></div></span></span></div><div style="caret-color: rgb(0, 0, 0); color: black;"><div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: -webkit-standard;"><div class="MsoNormal"><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-right: 3.9pt; text-align: start;"><div class="MsoNormal"><div style="text-align: justify;"><div class="MsoNormal"><div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: start;"><div style="text-align: justify;"><div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;"><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">*Dr. George R. Beninate: Is Bishop of "Christ the King Church" in Pennsylvania, West Virginia and in Phnom Penh, Cambodia. A Doctor of Theology, Biblical Apologist, conference speaker, lecturer and my spiritual father.He is also the Author of several books including,"The Age of Glory", Thank you for your relentless pursuit of truth!</span><br /><div style="text-align: center;"></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></span></span></span></span></div><div style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; -webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; orphans: auto; widows: auto;"><div style="margin: 0px;"><span style="color: #cc0000; font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; line-height: 20px;"><i><br /></i></span></div></div><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><br /></span><br /></div></div></div>Forging Your Faithhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11719980363185567734noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7626530909284999266.post-47551694009206005162021-02-16T12:10:00.007-08:002021-02-28T15:25:47.572-08:00At the HEART of Every Matter:Part 2 "The Healthy Heart"<p><span style="font-size: medium;"> <span style="text-align: justify;">By Marianne Mauti</span></span></p><p><span><span style="font-size: x-large; text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: georgia, "times new roman", serif;">The Spiritually Healthy Heart</span></span></span></p><div style="text-align: center;"><div style="text-align: left;"><div style="text-align: justify;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi-DgHUHtvb_VGrjnPKYJgGTnxYnVOOe77Fah152N76qBZjVQeYLNXa10746M4BJeO0FIMC28Wnj47YZ78WyHYAzgp9gr0c3psDgp3rKS4D-7UxUeoO5qKpR2UAujM08TsoPHXz1x98z4DZ/s1600/healthy-heart.jpg" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="116" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi-DgHUHtvb_VGrjnPKYJgGTnxYnVOOe77Fah152N76qBZjVQeYLNXa10746M4BJeO0FIMC28Wnj47YZ78WyHYAzgp9gr0c3psDgp3rKS4D-7UxUeoO5qKpR2UAujM08TsoPHXz1x98z4DZ/w137-h116/healthy-heart.jpg" width="137" /></a><span style="font-size: medium;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; text-indent: -24px;">Welcome to part two of our series on the spiritual heart condition of the inner man entitled, "the Heart of the Matter". </span><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">In this article we are going to look at what the Bible has to say about a heart that is healthy and in good spiritual condition. To begin with, the Word of God is the standard of truth, the measure of all things in our life and everything that concerns our physical, mental and emotional health and well being can be found in its pages. The Bible tells us that a healthy spiritual heart is just as important to the well-being of the inner man as the human heart is to the life of the physical man. Just as our physical bodies could not function without blood, neither can our spiritual man survive without the life giving nutrients of the spirit of God. The condition of our spiritual heart dictates the quality of our entire life!</span><br /></span><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: xx-small;"><br /></span></span></div></div></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /><span><span style="color: #990000; font-size: large;"><i><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">The ability to live a healthy life is not dependent on our circumstances, it comes from within!</span><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"> </span></i></span><br /></span><span style="color: #990000; font-size: large;"><i><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><br /></span></i></span><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;">What Makes a Spiritual Heart Healthy?</span><br /><br /><span style="font-size: medium;"><span><span style="text-indent: -18pt;"><span style="color: #ab1f1a; font-family: "georgia";">The Bible has this to say about directing our heart,</span><span style="color: #ab1f1a; font-family: "georgia"; font-style: italic;">" Listen, my son, and be wise, and set your heart on the right path" </span></span><i style="text-indent: -18pt;"><span style="font-family: "georgia";">Proverbs 23:19 </span></i></span><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; text-indent: -24px;">If God wants you to set your heart on the path, clearly God has one in mind. Because God has given us the right of self-determination, it is the responsibility of every believer to do what is necessary to 'keep our heart' soft and pliable before the Lord. The Bible tells us that a healthy spiritual heart is something we can maintain! When our inner man is healthy so is our relationship with God. Here are some scriptures that show us what God requires. They are an important spiritual guideline, a path :</span><br /></span><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;"><span><span style="color: #990000;">A Healthy Spiritual Heart</span><span style="font-style: italic;"><span style="color: #990000;">…</span> </span></span><span><i><span>Loves the Lord above all</span></i></span></span><br /><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><span style="font-size: large;"><i><span style="font-size: large;"></span></i><span style="font-size: large;"> </span></span></span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><span style="color: #e06666;"><i><span>"Hear, O Israel: The Lord is our God, the Lord alone. You shall love the Lord you God with all your heart and with all your soul, and with all your might."</span></i><i> </i></span>Duet. 6:405…. The depth of love that God desires from us, is an all consuming love, that includes our spirit, our soul (the seat of our thoughts and emotions) and our might (an impressive force,forcefully). It is not a weak, lukewarm, halfhearted love! A healthy love relationship with God will also translate to all the other relationships in your life! </span></span><br /><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></span><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><span style="color: #990000; font-size: large;">A Healthy Spiritual Heart…</span><span style="font-size: large;"> </span><span style="font-size: large;"><i>Is a heart that knows His Word and His ways</i></span></span><br /><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></span><span style="font-size: medium;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><span>Knowing God's word is not only vital for spiritual health, but for spiritual life as well. We must be able to discern truth. Knowing God's word will help you to identify when the truth is being twisted. Even the Berean's didn't take Paul's teaching at face value. They wanted to know for themselves themselves whether what he had to say was true. Acts 17:11. Psalms 27:11 tells us, <i><span style="color: #e06666;">"Teach me your way, O Lord, and lead me in a level </span><span style="color: #e06666;">path because of my foes."</span><span style="color: #990000;"> </span></i></span></span><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">It is important that we know God's ways, </span><span style="color: #e06666;"><i style="font-family: georgia, "times new roman", serif;">"Now therefore, I pray you, if I have found favor in your sight, let me know your ways that I may know you, so that O may find favor in your sight consider too, that this nation is your people." </i><i style="font-family: georgia, "times new roman", serif;">Exodus 33:13</i></span><br /></span><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><span style="color: #0b5394; font-size: large; font-style: italic;"><br /></span></span><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><span style="color: #990000;"><span>A HEALTHY SPIRITUAL HEART…</span><span style="font-style: italic;"> </span></span><span><i>Places all it's value in a relationship with God</i></span></span></span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><i style="color: #cc0000;"><br /></i></span></span><span style="font-size: medium;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><i><span style="color: #e06666;">" For where your treasure is, there your heart will be also"</span></i><i style="color: #cc0000;"> </i>Matthew 6:21.If you treasure your relationship with God, than it becomes more precious to you than anything else! Your heart will guide your thoughts and emotions to completely invest in God! </span><br /></span><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;"><br /></span><span style="color: #990000; font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><span style="font-size: large;">A HEALTHY SPIRITUAL HEART…</span><span style="font-size: x-large; font-style: italic;"> </span></span><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-size: large;"><i>Is loyal, faithful true to him </i></span></span></span><br /><i style="color: #cc0000; font-family: georgia, "times new roman", serif;"><br /></i><span style="font-size: medium;"><span style="color: #e06666;"><span><i style="font-family: georgia, "times new roman", serif;">"For the eyes of the Lord run to and fro throughout the whole earth, to show Himself strong on behalf of those whose heart is loyal to Him."</i></span><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"> </span></span><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">2 Chronicles 16:9. God requires a heart that is loyal to him. He promises to respond to us in kind. He is a loyal, faithful, true and strong friend, to those that love him. What a wonderful thing to know that God wants to prove himself to those that remain steadfast and faithful to Him. Devotion is a true test of love! </span><br /></span><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;"><br /></span><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><span style="color: #990000; font-size: large;">A HEALTHY SPIRITUAL HEART…</span><span style="color: #0b5394; font-size: large; font-style: italic;"> I</span><span style="font-size: large;"><i><span style="font-size: large;">s transparent before God</span><span style="font-size: x-large;"> </span></i></span></span><br /><span style="color: #e06666; font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-style: italic;"><br /></span><span style="font-size: medium;"><span style="color: #e06666; font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-style: italic;">"Search me, O God, and know my heart; try me, and know my thoughts."</span><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><span style="color: #e06666;"> </span>Psalm 139:23…. Keeping your heart transparent before God is an important part of maintaining a healthy heart. Giving God permission to examine our heart and show us if there is anything that we need to change in our life, in our way of thinking, is essential to our well being! </span><br /></span><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;"><br /></span><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;"><span style="color: #990000; font-size: large;">A HEALTHY SPIRITUAL HEART...</span><span style="color: #0b5394; font-size: large; font-style: italic;"> </span><span style="font-size: large; font-style: italic;"><i>Is patient and courageous</i></span><span style="font-style: italic;"> </span></span><br /><span style="color: #e06666; font-size: medium;"><i style="font-family: georgia, "times new roman", serif;"><br /></i></span><span style="font-size: medium;"><span><i style="font-family: georgia, "times new roman", serif;"><span style="color: #e06666;">"Wait on the Lord; be of good courage, and He shall strengthen thine heart."</span><span style="color: #990000;"> </span></i><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">Psalm 27:14…In today's instant everything world, it is hard to wait on what is best for us. A patient heart is one that has confidence in God's ability to do what He said He would do for us and the courage to wait for that to happen. Patience and courage strengthens our heart, just </span></span><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">as exercise strengthens our body! Getting ahead of God's plan, because we are impatient, is always a bad decision! </span><br /></span><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><br /></span></span><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><span style="color: #990000; font-size: large;">A HEALTHY SPIRITUAL HEART… </span></span><span style="font-size: large;"><i><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">Is a heart that trusts God</span><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"> </span></i></span></span><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;"> </span><br /><span style="color: #e06666; font-size: medium;"><i style="font-family: georgia, "times new roman", serif;"><br /></i></span><span style="font-size: medium;"><span><span style="color: #e06666;"><i style="font-family: georgia, "times new roman", serif;">"The Lord is my strength and my shield: my heart trusted in Him</i><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><i>,</i></span><i style="font-family: georgia, "times new roman", serif;"> and I am helped: therefore my heart greatly rejoices; and with my song will I praise him."</i></span><i style="color: #cc0000; font-family: georgia, "times new roman", serif;"> </i><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">Psalm 28:7….Many of us have invested our trust in </span></span><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">others, only to find out that they were not trustworthy. We become hesitant to trust again. God is the only one you can trust completely. He will never betray you! Knowing that can give you the confidence you need to move in the direction God wants you to go. It gives you cause to rejoice, with a grateful heart, knowing that you can trust and fully depend on Him !</span><br /></span><br /><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="color: #990000;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">A HEALTHY SPIRITUAL HEART</span><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">…</span></span><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: medium;"> </span><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;"><i>Pours his heart out to God</i></span></span><br /><span style="color: #e06666; font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-style: italic;"><br /></span><span style="font-size: medium;"><span style="color: #e06666; font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-style: italic;">"Trust in Him at all times, you people; pour out your heart before Him" </span><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">Psalm 62:8….. How many of us just need someone to talk to! Perhaps we are going through something difficult and we need a shoulder to cry on. Maybe it is something very deep and personal and we would be embarrassed to share it with anyone else. God wants to be the one you share your deepest thoughts, struggles, heartache and pain with!</span><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"> There isn't anything you can not bring to him. You can always trust that He not only hears, </span><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">but He will comfort and guide you, in whatever you are going through, especially the difficult times in your life!</span><br /></span><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;"><br /></span><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;"><span style="color: #990000;">A HEALTHY SPIRITUAL HEART…</span><i><span style="font-size: large;">Is repentant before God</span></i></span><br /><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><span style="color: #e06666; font-size: medium;"><i><br /></i></span></span><span style="font-size: medium;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><i><span style="color: #e06666;">"If my people, who are called by my name will humble themselves, and pray, seek my face and turn from their wicked ways, then I will hear from heaven and will forgive their sin and heal their land."</span><span style="color: #990000;"> </span></i>2 Chronicles 7:14, <i><span style="color: #e06666;">"The Lord is not slow to fulfill his promise as some count slowness, but is patient toward you, not wishing that any should perish, but that all should reach repentance." </span></i>2 Peter 3:9. A healthy spiritual heart seeks </span><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">forgiveness when sin has been com</span><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">mitted. It is a heart that is correctable, teachable. God is patient with us, willing to wait for us to confess our sin, then willing and eager to forgive! When we call to Him, He will hear our cry. When we turn from our sin, He brings healing to our life. Even to a Nation!</span></span><br /><div style="margin: 0px;"><br /><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="color: #990000; font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;"><i>A HEALTHY SPIRITUAL HEART…</i></span><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;"><i>Is one that acknowledges the wisdom and authority of God! </i></span></span><br /><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: medium;"><span style="color: #e06666;"><i><br /></i></span></span><span style="font-size: medium;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><span style="color: #e06666;"><i>"Trust in the Lord with all thine heart; lean not to thine own </i></span></span><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><span style="color: #e06666;"><i><span>understanding. In all thy ways acknowledge Him, and He shall direct thy path."</span></i><i> </i></span>Proverbs 3:5,6…Giving God sovereignty over your life is a choice ! If you make Him the Lord of your life, it means that He has the right to expect you follow His commands, obey His Word, adopt His wisdom and seek His direction in every area of your life. Lordship is giving complete authority to God, it is a sacred trust. </span><br /></span><br /></div><div style="margin: 0px;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="color: #990000; font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">A HEALTHY SPIRITUAL HEART…</span><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;"><i>Worships God with all that is within Him! </i></span></span><br /><span style="color: #e06666; font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large; font-style: italic;"><br /></span><span style="font-size: medium;"><span style="color: #e06666; font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-style: italic;">"I will praise you. O Lord, with all my heart; I will tell of all of your wonders." </span><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">Psalm 9:1. </span><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">Human beings cannot </span><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">exist without worship. It is inherent in our nature. Worshipping beings need someone or something to worship. If we choose not to worship God, we will worship wealth, beauty, even other people. Our worship of God is a complete surrender of the heart! </span><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">Being in the presence of God, acknowledging who He is to us, this is the 'heart' of our spiritual well being. A heart that chooses to worship God will find total, </span><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">absolute and complete fulfillment in Him!</span><br /></span><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><span style="color: #990000; font-size: large;">A HEALTHY SPIRITUAL HEART…</span><span style="color: #0b5394; font-size: large; font-style: italic;"> </span><span style="font-size: large;"><i>Is a merry heart!</i></span></span><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: medium;"> </span></span><br /><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;"><i><span style="color: #e06666;"><br /></span></i></span><span style="font-size: medium;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><i><span style="color: #e06666;">"A merry heart makes a cheerful countenance: but by sorrow of the heart the spirit is broken....But he that is of a merry heart hath a continual feast" </span></i>Proverbs 15:13-15. <span style="color: #e06666;"><span style="font-style: italic;">"A cheerful heart is good medicine, but a crushed spirit dries up the bones." </span>Proverbs 17:22.</span><span style="color: #990000;"> </span></span><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">Doctors tell us that laughter is emotionally and physically good for us. It releases endorphins (a type of hormone) which causes a calming effect on the body, mind and emotions. Isn't it wonderful that when we allow joy and laughter flow from our heart , it is healthy for our whole being!</span><br /></span><br /></div></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="color: #0b5394; font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;">The Prescription</span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="color: #0b5394; font-family: georgia, times new roman, serif; font-size: large;"><span style="caret-color: rgb(11, 83, 148);"><br /></span></span><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhhitV50VF-aXAP7d0QspJuwHiCt25IqdlDLeNPO-timJ0yVzpnDNPwHt8hMERppzfjrphPRx6NLzWR6JSPJOnLMrxg3jt-bL4NSG6hhWFh2Qu15goQMvJSv5F3Xuj4rdmSySoRHyVlaSSy/s1600/images-7+copy.jpeg" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="122" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhhitV50VF-aXAP7d0QspJuwHiCt25IqdlDLeNPO-timJ0yVzpnDNPwHt8hMERppzfjrphPRx6NLzWR6JSPJOnLMrxg3jt-bL4NSG6hhWFh2Qu15goQMvJSv5F3Xuj4rdmSySoRHyVlaSSy/w105-h122/images-7+copy.jpeg" width="105" /></a></div><span style="color: #990000; font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;"><i>If you want to have an abundant life you have to do what God prescribes! </i></span><br /><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;"><br /></span><span style="font-size: medium;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">The Word of God gives us a the prescription for a healthy spiritual heart! When we take it, all kinds of good things to begin to flow from it! Kindness, goodness, graciousness, hospitality, patience, joy, faithfulness, loyalty, giving, caring, serving, love, peace and so many more. They are all the overflow of an abundantly, healthy heart. It begins with our relationship with God and flows out from us ,spilling over on to every other relationship! </span><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"> </span><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">In Matthew 12:33-35 Jesus likened our heart to a tree, saying a good tree puts forth good fruit and a bad tree puts forth bad fruit. He also said</span></span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><span style="color: #e06666; font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><i><br /></i></span><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><i><span style="color: #e06666;">"those things which process out of the mouth come from the heart, and they defile a man." </span></i>Matthew 15:18-19</span><br /><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><br /></span><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">We must be careful what we allow to go in it and what we allow to come out of it!</span><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"> We are commanded by God to keep our emotions from governing our will and causing our heart to stray from God and the path he has for our life. Allowing God to be the center of our being, keeping His word fresh in our heart, is the perfect prescription for a healthy spiritual heart !</span><br /></span><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: medium;"><br /></span><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;">Conclusion</span><br /><span style="color: #0b5394; font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><span><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">God is intimately involved in the matters of our heart! The Bible challenges us to be equipped to live a life for God with a heart that is committed and prepared to trust Him in our daily life! God's prescription for healthy living is the one we need to take every day of our life! Unless we pay attention to the condition of our heart, we risk finding ourselves subject to spiritual damage and disease. The degeneration of our spiritual heart will eventually effect every area of our life. When we begin to stray in our relationship with God, it isn't very difficult to discern where the problem originated. </span></span><span><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">Jeremiah warns us of the deceitfulness of the heart and declares that apart from the redemptive power of God it is incurably evil! <i><span style="color: #e06666;">"The heart is deceitful above all things, and desperately wicked; who can understand it?" </span></i>Jeremiah 17:9</span></span><br /></span><br /><span style="color: #990000; font-size: medium;"><span><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><span><span><i>Next in this series </i>Part 3: </span></span></span><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">The Hardening Heart </span></span><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><span><i><span> </span></i></span></span></span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="color: #990000; font-family: georgia, times new roman, serif; font-size: medium;"><span style="caret-color: rgb(153, 0, 0);"><i><br /></i></span></span><div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 13pt; text-align: center;"><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 13pt;"><div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: start;"><div style="text-align: justify;"><div style="text-align: center;"><div style="text-align: justify;"><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 12pt; text-align: center;"><span><span style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: -webkit-standard; text-align: justify;"><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: "times new roman";"><span style="caret-color: rgb(11, 83, 148);"><i>*******************************************</i></span></span><br /><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 13pt;"><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 13pt;"><div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: start;"><div style="text-align: justify;"><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">FORGING YOUR FAITH</span><br /><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><br /></span><div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">To 'Forge' something, is to mold and shape something for suitable use. We believe that our lives are constantly being shaped and molded by the hand of God for His divine purpose! This publication </span><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">strives to encourage believers who are beginning this process and those who are well into it! We also believe a truly successful life is a Christ-Centered Life! We hope you will join us and become a regular reader! </span></div></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">Thank You and God Bless,</span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">Marianne Mauti</span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><i>Founder and CAO</i></span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><i><br /></i></span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><i>'Forging Your Faith' is the online Christian publication of 'Christ the King Church' in Bellevue, Pa.</i></span><br /><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: small;"><i><br /></i></span><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: small;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjcGRU7SWfV3e-HisjqjjiuNjG-3YuFu_LJZ2VnDWlrMGBLYJksmhVqT1MeuQA0_SQyECQ28J7c0xT-4AW0a0YFli2kCGkjlJITccnt9Vx2rz5_CShL5gM1PiAb3qIsOM2NLMkJleIk6DvH/s1600/6490_109964969289_5150597_n.jpg" style="clear: left; float: left; font-family: -webkit-standard; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="81" data-original-width="69" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjcGRU7SWfV3e-HisjqjjiuNjG-3YuFu_LJZ2VnDWlrMGBLYJksmhVqT1MeuQA0_SQyECQ28J7c0xT-4AW0a0YFli2kCGkjlJITccnt9Vx2rz5_CShL5gM1PiAb3qIsOM2NLMkJleIk6DvH/s1600/6490_109964969289_5150597_n.jpg" /></a><i>About Marianne Mauti: </i>Marianne is a writer and blogger as well as a Pastor at "Christ the King Church" in Bellevue, Pa. She is currently the Dean and Chief Operating Officer of "Christ the King Seminary" a full time Bible Institute. For more information about us please contact us at: crowncntr@aol.com</span></div></div></div></div><div><div style="text-align: justify;"><div style="text-align: center;"><div style="text-align: justify;"><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 13pt;"><div style="text-align: center;"><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /><div><span style="font-family: "georgia"; text-align: center;"><span style="color: #0b5394;"><i> ********</i></span></span><span style="font-family: "georgia"; text-align: center;">***************************************************</span><br /><span style="font-family: "georgia"; text-align: center;"> </span><span style="font-family: "georgia"; text-align: center;"> ARTICLE RESOURCES</span></div><div><span style="font-family: "georgia"; text-align: center;"><div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: -webkit-standard; text-align: justify;"><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div></div></span></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="color: black; font-family: -webkit-standard; text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">* The Bible</span></div></span></span></div><div><div class="MsoNormal"><div class="MsoNormal"><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-right: 3.9pt; text-align: start;"><div class="MsoNormal"><div style="text-align: justify;"><div class="MsoNormal"><div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: start;"><div style="text-align: justify;"><div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;"><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">*Dr. George R. Beninate: Is Bishop of "Christ the King Church" in Pennsylvania, West Virginia and in Phnom Penh, Cambodia. A Doctor of Theology, Biblical Apologist, conference speaker, lecturer and my spiritual father.He is also the Author of several books including,"The Age of Glory", Thank you for your relentless pursuit of truth!</span><br /><div style="text-align: center;"></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 13pt;"><div style="text-align: justify;"><div><span style="font-family: "georgia";">* webbed.com: for heart health tips</span></div></div></div></div></div><div style="background-color: white;"><div style="text-align: start;"><div style="color: #333333; line-height: 20px;"><div style="text-align: justify;"><div class="MsoNormal"><div style="text-align: start;"><div style="color: black; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; text-align: justify;"><div style="color: #333333; line-height: 20px; text-align: start;"><div style="color: black; text-align: justify;"><div style="color: #333333; text-align: start;"><div style="color: black; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; text-align: justify;"><div class="MsoNormal"><div style="line-height: 20px;"><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal;"><div style="margin: 0px;"><div class="MsoNormal"><div class="MsoNormal"><div class="MsoNormal"><div style="text-align: start;"><div class="MsoNormal"><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-right: 3.9pt;"><div class="MsoNormal"><div style="text-align: justify;"><div class="MsoNormal"><div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: start;"><div style="text-align: justify;"><div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;"><div style="text-align: justify;"><div style="text-align: center;"><div style="text-align: justify;"><div style="margin: 0px;"><div style="margin: 0px;"><div style="margin: 0px;"><br /></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div style="line-height: 20px;"></div></div></div></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="color: #cc0000; font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large; line-height: 20px;"><i><br /></i></span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="color: #cc0000; font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large; line-height: 20px;"><i><br /></i></span></div><br /><div style="color: #333333; line-height: 20px; text-align: justify;"></div><br /><div style="-webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; font-family: Times; font-variant-caps: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-variant: normal; line-height: normal; orphans: auto; text-align: justify; widows: auto;"></div>Forging Your Faithhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11719980363185567734noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7626530909284999266.post-28142643790814917902021-02-16T12:07:00.009-08:002021-03-09T08:35:49.150-08:00At the HEART of Every Matter: Part 1 "Introduction"<p><span style="font-size: medium;"> <span style="font-family: georgia, "times new roman", serif; text-align: justify;">By Marianne Mauti</span></span></p><p><span><i style="font-family: georgia, "times new roman", serif; text-align: justify;"><i style="caret-color: rgb(11, 83, 148); color: #0b5394;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: x-large; font-style: normal;">Part 1: Introduction</span></i></i></span></p><div style="text-align: justify;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhadDveJY3dMQQWD9irTtzVtxoCayHteOyvN0P71Q1oCbIqVfPhUCFrw2NcN30yUSEIJ2j2vXovMYVMONFPbBl5A_12a6UoZDGGSasjghPUlnaTPykgFsdm8DdsL1XL_r1wdJxnOUNzgEqH/s1600/sunset-hands-love-woman.jpg" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="350" data-original-width="524" height="108" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhadDveJY3dMQQWD9irTtzVtxoCayHteOyvN0P71Q1oCbIqVfPhUCFrw2NcN30yUSEIJ2j2vXovMYVMONFPbBl5A_12a6UoZDGGSasjghPUlnaTPykgFsdm8DdsL1XL_r1wdJxnOUNzgEqH/w162-h108/sunset-hands-love-woman.jpg" width="162" /></a></div><blockquote style="border: none; margin: 0px 0px 0px 40px; padding: 0px;"><blockquote style="border: none; margin: 0px 0px 0px 40px; padding: 0px;"><blockquote style="border: none; margin: 0px 0px 0px 40px; padding: 0px;"><blockquote style="border: none; margin: 0px 0px 0px 40px; padding: 0px;"><blockquote style="border: none; margin: 0px 0px 0px 40px; padding: 0px;"><blockquote style="border: none; margin: 0px 0px 0px 40px; padding: 0px;"><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div></blockquote></blockquote></blockquote></blockquote></blockquote><blockquote style="border: none; margin: 0px 0px 0px 40px; padding: 0px;"><blockquote style="border: none; margin: 0px 0px 0px 40px; padding: 0px;"><blockquote style="border: none; margin: 0px 0px 0px 40px; padding: 0px;"><blockquote style="border: none; margin: 0px 0px 0px 40px; padding: 0px;"><blockquote style="border: none; margin: 0px 0px 0px 40px; padding: 0px;"><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div></blockquote></blockquote></blockquote></blockquote></blockquote></blockquote><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><span style="color: #0b5394; font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><i><span style="color: black; font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-style: normal;">The human heart is essential to sustain life. Consider how hard this little muscle works over a lifetime. It beats an average of seventy beats per minute, four thousand times per hour, one hundred thousand times per day. The amount of work the heart must do over our lifetime is incredible! It filters and oxygenates our blood and then it pushes it out to every organ in our body (most importantly the brain) feeding it with the nutrients and oxygen necessary for life. As long as our heart beats we live, when it stops, we die! As important as the heart is to our physical well being, so the </span></i></span><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">spiritual heart is to the well being of the "inner man". Physically, the heart is the central organ of the body . Spiritually, it is the seat of our affections and the center of our moral conscience. From this moral center flows the "issues" of life. The currents of our moral life take their rise in and flow from it, just as the heart propels the blood and it pushes it into the arterial system, it flows to every every organ and vessel in the body. </span></span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><br /></span><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">As the body's health depends on the healthy action of the heart, so does our spiritual and moral health. The word 'HEART' is metaphorically used in God's Word (depending on the context) to describe the mind, emotions, will, nature (sinful or redeemed), or the persons as a whole. This could be the reason that it is found so many times in the Bible. The English Word 'HEART' is is used 830 times in the King James version of the Bible but the Hebrew words translated 'HEART' are found 840 times in the Old Testament alone! When the Bible speaks about the heart it isn't referring to the physical function of the human heart, it is speaking about the center of the spiritual inner man, the seat of our emotions and desire.</span><br /><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><br /></span><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">Everything originates in the heart, what you believe, what you say and what you do! The heart is where the love of God (that is God in you) flows from you, back to Him and to others. It effects how you live, the relationships you have and the choices that you make! If our spiritual heart is healthy it will pump emotional health and well being into every area of life. We are who is in our heart! It is very clear that God is deeply concerned about the condition of our 'inner man'.</span><br /><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><br /></span><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><i><span style="color: #e06666;">"Do not look at his appearance or at the height of his stature, because I have rejected him; for God sees not as a man sees, for man looks at the outward appearance, but the Lord looks at the heart." Sam. 16:7.</span></i><i style="color: #990000;"> </i>The Lord looks at the heart of the inner man, why is that important? because it is where our choices are made and our relationships are developed. Every thought, every word and every action proceeds from our heart! </span><br /><span style="color: #e06666;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><span><i><br /></i></span></span><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><span><i>"The heart is more </i></span></span></span><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><span style="caret-color: rgb(153, 0, 0);"><i><span style="color: #e06666;">deceitful than all else and is desperately sick; Who can understand it? I the Lord, search the heart, I test the mind, even to give to each man according to his ways, according to the result of his deeds." Her. 17: 9-10. </span></i>The Bible reminds us that a heart not given to Godis full of deceit. The moral conduct and actions of our life are all determined by the condition of the heart. If the heart is pure, life will be pure, if the heart is corrupt, life will be corrupted. God searches our heart because He knows the heart of a man will effect the way he lives.</span></span><br /></span><div><div style="margin: 0px;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;"><br /></span></div></div><div style="text-align: start;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; text-align: justify;"><span style="font-size: large;">At The 'Heart' of Every Matter</span></span><br /><span style="color: #0b5394; font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; text-align: justify;"><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></span></div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiC-TPEUFbmiA2Bgk8WbnJtW2snAX2oQy5VcNnLKbnOivDF_WKo3KSuh_aRKHDMfF0GDXbS2_V3eDaVOvLPCPJ3X_hNukS9kb5k6g8gL4tKsRAEesH_29EB-3QQHcoWZZKhVUlMDFc_RcI1/s1600/images-2.jpeg" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="111" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiC-TPEUFbmiA2Bgk8WbnJtW2snAX2oQy5VcNnLKbnOivDF_WKo3KSuh_aRKHDMfF0GDXbS2_V3eDaVOvLPCPJ3X_hNukS9kb5k6g8gL4tKsRAEesH_29EB-3QQHcoWZZKhVUlMDFc_RcI1/w134-h111/images-2.jpeg" width="134" /></a><span style="font-size: medium;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">The Bible tells us that the Heart is the "WELLSPRING OF LIFE". What is a well-spring? It is the place of origin that provides the life giving force that is necessary for someone or something (Webster). The Bible describes it this way: </span><span><span style="color: #cc0000; font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-style: italic;">"22) For they are life to those who find them and health to all their body. 23) Watch over your heart with all diligence, for it is the well-spring of life. " </span><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">Proverbs 4:22-23. The</span></span><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">re are millions of natural springs all over the world where water flows to the surface of the earth from deep underground rivers. It then accumulates in pools or run offs into creeks and streams. If you plug up a spring, you stop the flow of water. If you poison the water, the flow becomes toxic. In either situation, you threaten life downstream. Everything depends on the condition of the stream. Everything in your life is affected by the condition of your heart which is the well-spring of your life. If it is plugged up, the life giving flow of God's spirit will stop. If we allow it to get poisoned everything that flows from our spiritual heart will be affected. The condition of our spiritual well-spring also depends on the condition of the streams or our relationship with God who is the stream of living water!</span><br /></span><br /></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><span>Conclusion</span></span><br /></span><span style="color: #0b5394; font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><span style="font-size: x-large;"><br /></span></span><span style="font-size: medium;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">The Bible shares a journey of the 'spiritual heart' of God and mankind. It reveals that the heart is at everyone of God's thoughts, for He desires to "be" love (God is love) and loved in return by His creation. There isn't anything that is familiar to man that doesn't eventually reveal itself in the heart!</span><span> </span><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">Our warfare is not of the flesh it is a spiritual one that begins in the heart!</span><br /></span><div><span><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: medium;"><br /></span></span></div><div><span><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><div style="font-family: -webkit-standard;"><span style="color: #cc0000; font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: medium;"><i>"Listen, my son, and be wise, and set your heart on the right path" Pr. 23:19</i></span></div><div><br /></div></span></span><span><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><span><span style="color: #990000; font-size: large;"><span><i>Next in this series: </i>Part #2:</span><span> </span></span></span></span></span><br /><span style="font-size: medium;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;"><br /></span></span><span style="font-size: medium;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><span style="color: #990000;">'THE HEALTHY SPIRITUAL HEART': </span>In part two we will continue to examine the spiritual heart condition of the believer. We hope you will continue to follow along. </span></span></div><div><span style="font-family: georgia, times new roman, serif; font-size: large;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-family: georgia, times new roman, serif;"><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 12pt; text-align: center;"><span><span style="color: #b45f06; font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><div class="MsoNormal" style="color: black; font-family: -webkit-standard; text-align: justify;"><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: "times new roman";"><span style="caret-color: rgb(11, 83, 148);"><i>*******************************************</i></span></span><br /><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 13pt;"><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 13pt;"><div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: start;"><div style="text-align: justify;"><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">FORGING YOUR FAITH</span><br /><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><br /></span><div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">To 'Forge' something, is to mold and shape something for suitable use. We believe that our lives are constantly being shaped and molded by the hand of God for His divine purpose! This publication </span><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">strives to encourage believers who are beginning this process and those who are well into it! We also believe a truly successful life is a Christ-Centered Life! We hope you will join us and become a regular reader! </span></div></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">Thank You and God Bless,</span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">Marianne Mauti</span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><i>Founder and CAO</i></span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><i><br /></i></span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><i>'Forging Your Faith' is the online Christian publication of 'Christ the King Church' in Bellevue, Pa.</i></span><br /><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: small;"><i><br /></i></span><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: small;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjcGRU7SWfV3e-HisjqjjiuNjG-3YuFu_LJZ2VnDWlrMGBLYJksmhVqT1MeuQA0_SQyECQ28J7c0xT-4AW0a0YFli2kCGkjlJITccnt9Vx2rz5_CShL5gM1PiAb3qIsOM2NLMkJleIk6DvH/s1600/6490_109964969289_5150597_n.jpg" style="clear: left; float: left; font-family: -webkit-standard; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="81" data-original-width="69" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjcGRU7SWfV3e-HisjqjjiuNjG-3YuFu_LJZ2VnDWlrMGBLYJksmhVqT1MeuQA0_SQyECQ28J7c0xT-4AW0a0YFli2kCGkjlJITccnt9Vx2rz5_CShL5gM1PiAb3qIsOM2NLMkJleIk6DvH/s1600/6490_109964969289_5150597_n.jpg" /></a><i>About Marianne Mauti: </i>Marianne is a writer and blogger as well as a Pastor at "Christ the King Church" in Bellevue, Pa. She is currently the Dean and Chief Operating Officer of "Christ the King Seminary" a full time Bible Institute. For more information about us please contact us at: crowncntr@aol.com</span></div></div></div></div><div><div style="text-align: justify;"><div style="text-align: center;"><div style="text-align: justify;"><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 13pt;"><div style="text-align: center;"><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /><div><span style="font-family: "georgia"; text-align: center;"><span style="color: #0b5394;"><i> ********</i></span></span><span style="font-family: "georgia"; text-align: center;">***************************************************</span><br /><span style="font-family: "georgia"; text-align: center;"> </span><span style="font-family: "georgia"; text-align: center;"> ARTICLE RESOURCES</span></div><div><span style="font-family: "georgia"; text-align: center;"><div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: -webkit-standard; text-align: justify;"><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div></div></span></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="color: black; font-family: -webkit-standard; text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">* The Bible</span></div></span></span></div><div><div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: -webkit-standard;"><div class="MsoNormal"><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-right: 3.9pt; text-align: start;"><div class="MsoNormal"><div style="text-align: justify;"><div class="MsoNormal"><div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: start;"><div style="text-align: justify;"><div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;"><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">*Dr. George R. Beninate: Is Bishop of "Christ the King Church" in Pennsylvania, West Virginia and in Phnom Penh, Cambodia. A Doctor of Theology, Biblical Apologist, conference speaker, lecturer and my spiritual father.He is also the Author of several books including,"The Age of Glory", Thank you for your relentless pursuit of truth!</span><br /><div style="text-align: center;"></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></span><div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: start;"><div style="text-align: justify;"><div style="text-align: center;"><br /><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div><br /></div></div></div></div><div style="text-align: center;"><div style="text-align: justify;"><div style="text-align: center;"><div style="text-align: justify;"><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 13pt;"><div><div style="text-align: center;"><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: "georgia"; font-size: x-large;"> </span></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div>Forging Your Faithhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11719980363185567734noreply@blogger.com