A Life Style Worth Living

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A Lifestyle Worth Living

1.Calvin Coolidge 1925: "As we have grown and prospered in material things, so also should we progress in moral and spiritual things. We are a God-fearing people who should set ourselves against evil and strive for righteousness in living, and observing the Golden Rule we should from our abundance help and serve those less fortunately placed. We should bow in gratitude to God for His many favors." 
CPU.S. 7 Great Presidential Quotes on Thanksgiving data:image/gif;base64,R0lGODlhAQABAAD/ACwAAAAAAQABAAACADs%3DShare on facebook data:image/gif;base64,R0lGODlhAQABAAD/ACwAAAAAAQABAAACADs%3DShare on twitter Sharedata:image/gif;base64,R0lGODlhAQABAAD/ACwAAAAAAQABAAACADs%3DEmailPrintdata:image/gif;base64,R0lGODlhAQABAAD/ACwAAAAAAQABAAACADs%3DSharedata:image/gif;base64,R0lGODlhAQABAAD/ACwAAAAAAQABAAACADs%3DTweetdata:image/gif;base64,R0lGODlhAQABAAD/ACwAAAAAAQABAAACADs%3DPindata:image/gif;base64,R0lGODlhAQABAAD/ACwAAAAAAQABAAACADs%3DLinkedindata:image/gif;base64,R0lGODlhAQABAAD/ACwAAAAAAQABAAACADs%3DGoogle+data:image/gif;base64,R0lGODlhAQABAAD/ACwAAAAAAQABAAACADs%3DRedditFree sign up cp newsletter! Sign up var addthis_config = {"data_track_addressbar":false}; (function(){ var forceLoadTimeout; var delayLoad = true; var forceLoadFunc = function () { docReadyCompFunc(true); }; var docReadyCompFunc = function (forceLoad) { if (delayLoad && document.readyState !== 'complete' && forceLoad !== true) {return;} if (delayLoad) { document.removeEventListener('readystatechange', docReadyCompFunc); clearTimeout(forceLoadTimeout); } var jstag = document.createElement("script"); jstag.src = "//s7.addthis.com/js/300/addthis_widget.js#pubid=ephraimju"; document.body.appendChild(jstag); }; if (delayLoad) { document.addEventListener('readystatechange', docReadyCompFunc); forceLoadTimeout = setTimeout(forceLoadFunc, 3000); } if (!delayLoad) { docReadyCompFunc(); } })(); By Ray Nothstine , Christian Post Reporter | Nov 26, 2015 11:27 AM Video Player x Play VideoPlay Mute Current Time 0:05 / Duration Time 0:27 Loaded: 0% Progress: 0% Stream TypeLIVE Remaining Time -0:22 Playback Rate1 Chapters Chapters descriptions off, selected Descriptions subtitles off, selected Subtitles captions settings, opens captions settings dialogcaptions off, selected Captions en, selected Fullscreen This is a modal window. Foreground--- White Black Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan --- Opaque Semi-Opaque Background--- White Black Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan --- Opaque Semi-Transparent Transparent Window--- White Black Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan --- Opaque Semi-Transparent Transparent Font Size50% 75% 100% 125% 150% 175% 200% 300% 400% Text Edge StyleNone Raised Depressed Uniform Dropshadow Font FamilyDefault Monospace Serif Proportional Serif Monospace Sans-Serif Proportional Sans-Serif Casual Script Small Caps Defaults Done Police: California shooting gunman was 'paranoid' Advertisement https://cdn6-thechristianpost.netdna-ssl.com/full/67081/640-400/img.jpg (Photo: Reuters/Joe Marquette/FILE SV)Former U.S. President Ronald Reagan, who forged a conservative revolution that transformed American politics, died on June 5, 2004 after a decade-long battle with Alzheimer's disease, U.S. media reported. Reagan is pictured waving to well-wishers on the south lawn of the White House on April 25, 1986, before departing for a summit in Tokyo.Presidential Thanksgiving proclamations and speeches have been popular throughout American history. Within the federal government, the tradition pre-dates the U.S. Constitution adopted in 1789, and was observed by the Continental Congress.President George Washington issued the first presidential Thanksgiving proclamation but that was not officially observed as a concurrent tradition by every president until Abraham Lincoln proclaimed a national day of Thanksgiving to be observed on Thursday, November 26, 1863. Before Lincoln, Thanksgiving was generally promoted in government at the state level.President Franklin Delano Roosevelt officially made the holiday the fourth Thursday in November in 1942.President Barack Obama has already released his Thanksgiving Presidential Proclamation for 2015.Below are seven great spiritual quotes from American presidents about one of America's most observed holidays:1.Calvin Coolidge 1925: "As we have grown and prospered in material things, so also should we progress in moral and spiritual things. We are a God-fearing people who should set ourselves against evil and strive for righteousness in living, and observing the Golden Rule we should from our abundance help and serve those less fortunately placed. We should bow in gratitude to God for His many favors." 2. Franklin Delano Roosevelt 1942:Free sign up cp newsletter! Sign up $( "#msgForm" ).submit(function( event ){ event.preventDefault();var $form = $( this ),url = $form.attr("action");var posting = $.post(url, { email: $("#mce-EMAIL").val() });posting.done(function(data) { $( ".msg_close" ).after(data);});}); Relatedhttps://cdn6-thechristianpost.netdna-ssl.com/full/90017/80-44/img.pngWhat to Do About 'Drunk Uncle' at Thanksgiving?https://cdn6-thechristianpost.netdna-ssl.com/full/90564/80-44/img.pngTurkey Seeks Sanctuary in Florida Church to Avoid Thanksgiving Fatehttps://cdn6-thechristianpost.netdna-ssl.com/full/63401/80-44/img.jpgChurches Should Celebrate the Lord's Supper Every Weekhttps://cdn6-thechristianpost.netdna-ssl.com/full/78769/80-44/img.jpg5 Bible Verses to Read on Thanksgivinghttps://cdn6-thechristianpost.netdna-ssl.com/full/85561/80-44/img.jpgPope Francis to Gift Rare Bible to Library of Congress During US Visit "It is a good thing to give thanks unto the Lord." Across the uncertain ways of space and time our hearts echo those words, for the days are with us again when, at the gathering of the harvest, we solemnly express our dependence upon Almighty God.The final months of this year, now almost spent, find our Republic and the Nations joined with it waging a battle on many fronts for the preservation of liberty.In giving thanks for the greatest harvest in the history of our Nation, we who plant and reap can well resolve that in the year to come we will do all in our power to pass that milestone; for by our labors in the fields we can share some part of the sacrifice with our brothers and sons who wear the uniform of the United States.It is fitting that we recall now the reverent words of George Washington, "Almighty God, we make our earnest prayer that Thou wilt keep the United States in Thy holy Protection," and that every American in his own way lift his voice to heaven."3. Grover Cleveland 1885:"And let us by no means forget while we give thanks and enjoy the comforts which have crowned our lives that truly grateful hearts are inclined to deeds of charity, and that a kind and thoughtful remembrance of the poor will double the pleasures of our condition and render our praise and thanksgiving more acceptable in the sight of the Lord."4. Ronald Reagan 1981:"In this spirit, Thanksgiving has become a day when Americans extend a helping hand to the less fortunate. Long before there was a government welfare program, this spirit of voluntary giving was ingrained in the American character. Americans have always understood that, truly, one must give in order to receive. This should be a day of giving as well as a day of thanks."5. Bill Clinton 1999:"As we acknowledge the past, we do so knowing that the individual blessings for which we give thanks may have changed, but our gratitude to God and our commitment to our fe6. Abraham Lincoln 1863:"They are the gracious gifts of the Most High God, who, while dealing with us in anger for our sins, hath nevertheless remembered mercy
2. Franklin Delano Roosevelt 1942: "It is a good thing to give thanks unto the Lord." Across the uncertain ways of space and time our hearts echo those words, for the days are with us again when, at the gathering of the harvest, we solemnly express our dependence upon Almighty God.The final months of this year, now almost spent, find our Republic and the Nations joined with it waging a battle on many fronts for the preservation of liberty.In giving thanks for the greatest harvest in the history of our Nation, we who plant and reap can well resolve that in the year to come we will do all in our power to pass that milestone; for by our labors in the fields we can share some part of the sacrifice with our brothers and sons who wear the uniform of the United States.It is fitting that we recall now the reverent words of George Washington, "Almighty God, we make our earnest prayer that Thou wilt keep the United States in Thy holy Protection," and that every American in his own way lift his voice to heaven."
3. Grover Cleveland 1885:"And let us by no means forget while we give thanks and enjoy the comforts which have crowned our lives that truly grateful hearts are inclined to deeds of charity, and that a kind and thoughtful remembrance of the poor will double the pleasures of our condition and render our praise and thanksgiving more acceptable in the sight of the Lord."
4. Ronald Reagan 1981:"In this spirit, Thanksgiving has become a day when Americans extend a helping hand to the less fortunate. Long before there was a government welfare program, this spirit of voluntary giving was ingrained in the American character. Americans have always understood that, truly, one must give in order to receive. This should be a day of giving as well as a day of thanks."
6. Abraham Lincoln 1863:"They are the gracious gifts of the Most High God, who, while dealing with us in anger for our sins, hath nevertheless remembered mercy.
Philippians 4:4-9
Rejoice in the Lord always and again i say rejoice! These are the words of the apostle Paul. I wonder, what right does he have to give us advice about such matters? Has Paul been a sufferer? Has Paul seen the treachery of life, the disdain, the weak, the poor, the helpless? Has Paul suffered? Has he had tyranny rule? Has the weight of the world rested on his shoulders as it does some days on yours and mine; we might ask. Has Paul tried to meet the dead line? Get the kids to soccer, band, track, dance, church choir practice and their homework completed, all in one night?
We all feel overwhelmed at times. Once in a while we are more than overwhelmed, we are the curse of all humanity. Like bad life only happens to me. I am the one with a burden so great. I am hurting, I am sad, I am spent. It is hard for us to see others as having the same condition, or a worse condition when we are looking down.
Who is Paul?
Pharisee by trade. Taught by the best teachers, went to the best schools. His mentor was Gamaliel the great scholar, leader of the Sanhedrin. He was zealous for God with his whole career before him. No doubt, if he stayed on course, he would have taken Gamaliel’s position as the head of the Sanhedrin.
He was so zealous for God, he stood up when the new church down the street opened and began to win converts that he went after them, attacked them, stood by as one of their people were stoned to death. Alpha male, pure bred Jewish, ready to take the high seat in the high place.
Gentleness, self control, patience; these are for the weak. We will lead God’s temple, we will do has God has instructed our forefathers, and nothing will stop us. (except Rome)
Are you ready?! Charge!
Down the Damascus road they went, he and his band of church stoppers. When suddenly, a voice, blindness, a conversation he wasn’t prepared for; Jesus is that you? Why, what, how?
Go, I will teach you the way.
Paul was baptized and filled with the Holy Spirit, the scriptures say he immediately preached Christ as the Son of God. He taught, he preached, he revisited the passages of old. He memorized the words of Jesus at the teaching of the Apostles. He knew his mission. It was clear as the midnight sky. I am to go to my brethren, the Jews and preach the Christ, He has come as the prophets told, as the scriptures teach.
The Jews plotted to kill him. He went to the Hellenists, and they plotted to kill him. So he left, he went to Pisidia, Antioch, Iconium, Derbe, and he preached in the synagogue, and the scripture tells us, the Jews from these cities came together and persuaded the multitude they stoned him and drug him out of the city, supposing him to be dead.
The young disciple was unwanted, unwelcome, by the people of the tabernacle, but he was also learning a great lesson: he was unworthy of the grace of God afforded to him.
Paul moved on, he went to Macedonia (Philippi), Asia, Troas. In Philippi or Macedonia, he healed a girl of her divination and for that he was put in prison, and that night he preached Christ to the jailer and he and his household were saved.
He went to Thessalonica, and Athens, Corinth, back to Antioch and then to Ephesus, always preaching, always proclaiming the gospel of Christ, and always with a band of Jews that stirred the crowd everywhere he went and caused trouble for him with the Romans and the people of the tabernacle.
He was summoned to Rome. Along the way he was beaten, he was shipwrecked, he was bitten by a snake. He was imprisoned again.
Alone in a bad place, barely the means to survive, he looks back on it all. Was it worth it, should I have done it, where would I be today of none of this happened to me?
Cold, rotten, no food unless someone cared enough to bring you some, no blanket unless a friend gave you one, alone accept for the visitor that must travel a distance to see you, Paul rests in prison.
He thinks, how can i continue to mentor the ones in Christ i have called? I will write to them, from this prison I will write to them. Colossians, Philemon, Episians, yes that’s what i’ll do. Paul and Timothy, bondservants of Jesus Christ, to all the saints in Christ Jesus, who are in Philippi, those Philippians, he remarks to another prisoner, those were my first converts in Macedonia, in Europe, when the Lord directed me that way. I was glad to meet them. They have provided me so much.
I’ll writ to them. They are good people. I’ll remind them what it means to serve Christ.
Philippians 4:4–9 NKJV
Rejoice in the Lord always. Again I will say, rejoice! Let your gentleness be known to all men. The Lord is at hand. Be anxious for nothing, but in everything by prayer and supplication, with thanksgiving, let your requests be made known to God; and the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and minds through Christ Jesus. Finally, brethren, whatever things are true, whatever things are noble, whatever things are just, whatever things are pure, whatever things are lovely, whatever things are of good report, if there is any virtue and if there is anything praiseworthy—meditate on these things. The things which you learned and received and heard and saw in me, these do, and the God of peace will be with you.
Philippians 4:4-9
I. Gaze on Christ
II. You are a citizen of the New Jerusalem
III. Be humble in all circumstances
IV. Make your priority others
V. Be content and celebrate with Joy in all circumstances
Paul expected Jesus. Paul expected Jesus to return any time. Paul was preparing to receive Him, and say to Jesus, see my scars, see my back, see the chains. I did it for you, and yet I am so unworthy of what you have done for me.
We are people preparing for Advent. The beginning of the church year. The first Sunday in December is the real start of our Christian Calendar. We eagerly await the coming of Christ. We look back at the first coming, and eagerly await the second.
Scott Daniels, in the opening remarks of our book Long Expected Jesus, says this in his introduction; Advent forms a people who can be patient with God’s gracious redemption of all things…Advent invites the people of God to endure. It invites them to pray expectantly. It forms people who know that justice and righteousness will not come fully through any human institution or plan but will only break out completely when Christ comes to renew all things.
Rejoice: be gentle: The Lord is at hand: Pray, supplicate, be anxious for nothing but with thanksgiving let your requests be made known to God.
Prepare your heart for His return. Prepare your heart for transformation.
Have you read the Oscar Wilde book Dorian Gray? He makes a deal and has beauty and youth his whole life. Yet on the inside his true colors are coming out. there is a painting of him on the wall and the painting turns as his character churns with lies and deceit.
Paul, you, me, we are called to be the opposite. We had hate, lies and deceit on the inside, but Christ is renewing us day by day. Will you be transformed by the grace of God through Christ Jesus? Would you use this advent season to reflect, seek God, ask Him to shape you and intentionally pray with the expectation that He will bring this good work to completion?
Phil, 4:10-13, 18-20
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