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<title>Why is the devil interested in the secret of your strength</title>
<link>https://dianasdiaries.com/2019/11/11/why-is-the-devil-interested-in-the-secret-of-your-strength/</link>
<comments>https://dianasdiaries.com/2019/11/11/why-is-the-devil-interested-in-the-secret-of-your-strength/#comments</comments>
<dc:creator><![CDATA[Diana]]></dc:creator>
<pubDate>Mon, 11 Nov 2019 18:17:29 +0000</pubDate>
<category><![CDATA[Chapter/Verse Meditation]]></category>
<category><![CDATA[Christian Living]]></category>
<category><![CDATA[Samson and Delilah]]></category>
<category><![CDATA[secret of your strength]]></category>
<category><![CDATA[source of your strength]]></category>
<guid isPermaLink="false">https://dianasdiaries.com/?p=2861</guid>
<description><![CDATA[<p>Tell me the secret of your strength Judges 16:6   A weak immune system guarantees one to get sick frequently. Therefore, it is important to have a healthy and strong body, mind, and soul. Our weakness, trials, and illness can break us and make us vulnerable. The question remains who is then the secret of […]</p>
<p>The post <a href="https://dianasdiaries.com/2019/11/11/why-is-the-devil-interested-in-the-secret-of-your-strength/">Why is the devil interested in the secret of your strength</a> appeared first on <a href="https://dianasdiaries.com">Diana's Diaries</a>.</p>
]]></description>
<content:encoded><![CDATA[<h3><strong>Tell me the secret of your strength Judges 16:6 </strong></h3>
<p> </p>
<p>A weak immune system guarantees one to get sick frequently. Therefore, it is important to have a healthy and strong body, mind, and soul. Our weakness, trials, and illness can break us and make us vulnerable. The question remains who is then the secret of your strength?</p>
<p> </p>
<p>Is your strength in your ability to speak eloquently, artistic talents, big salaries, magnificent life?</p>
<p> </p>
<div class="tweet-box ctt-box-design-4 ctt-color-1 ">
<a href="http://ctt.ec/0Whrp" target="_blank" >
<p class="ctt-font-original">The Devil is interested to find out about the source and secret of your strength. He will send a Delilah to trap you.</p>
<div class="click-to-tweet"><i></i><span class="cta-pr">Click To Tweet</span></div>
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<p> </p>
<p>My recent study on the life of Samson taught me some valuable lessons. Do read Judges 13-16</p>
<p> </p>
<p>Samson’s parents were given one rule from God to obey and that was to never cut Samson’s hair ever.</p>
<p> </p>
<p>It was God who made the vow that Samson was going to be a man separated for the Lord. Samson was a Nazarite set apart for the Lord and he judged Israel for 30 years</p>
<p> </p>
<p>The Triune God is the one who pursued us as well. His eye is upon His beloved, and He desires fellowship with us. We love Him because Christ loved us first.</p>
<p><a href="https://i0.wp.com/dianasdiaries.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/11/Who-is-the-secret-of-your-strength.png?ssl=1"><img data-recalc-dims="1" fetchpriority="high" decoding="async" data-attachment-id="2863" data-permalink="https://dianasdiaries.com/2019/11/11/why-is-the-devil-interested-in-the-secret-of-your-strength/who-is-the-secret-of-your-strength/" data-orig-file="https://i0.wp.com/dianasdiaries.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/11/Who-is-the-secret-of-your-strength.png?fit=600%2C900&ssl=1" data-orig-size="600,900" data-comments-opened="1" data-image-meta="{"aperture":"0","credit":"","camera":"","caption":"","created_timestamp":"0","copyright":"","focal_length":"0","iso":"0","shutter_speed":"0","title":"","orientation":"0"}" data-image-title="Who is the secret of your strength" data-image-description="" data-image-caption="" data-medium-file="https://i0.wp.com/dianasdiaries.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/11/Who-is-the-secret-of-your-strength.png?fit=200%2C300&ssl=1" data-large-file="https://i0.wp.com/dianasdiaries.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/11/Who-is-the-secret-of-your-strength.png?fit=600%2C900&ssl=1" class="alignnone wp-image-2863 size-full" title="The Source of your strength plays an important factor on whether or not you will run low or high in your Christian race. The Devil wants to now know if you are going to be threat for him or not.#secretofyourstrength #samsonanddelilah #strongtower #lordismystrength #DianasDiaries" src="https://i0.wp.com/dianasdiaries.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/11/Who-is-the-secret-of-your-strength.png?resize=600%2C900&ssl=1" alt="Secret of your strength. " width="600" height="900" srcset="https://i0.wp.com/dianasdiaries.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/11/Who-is-the-secret-of-your-strength.png?w=600&ssl=1 600w, https://i0.wp.com/dianasdiaries.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/11/Who-is-the-secret-of-your-strength.png?resize=200%2C300&ssl=1 200w" sizes="(max-width: 600px) 100vw, 600px" /></a></p>
<h4>Samson’s strength</h4>
<p> </p>
<p>Samson was so strong that he was able to pick up the jawbone of a donkey and slaughtered 1,000 Philistines with it (Judge 15:15).</p>
<p> </p>
<p>The Philistines had long enmity with the Israelites, God’s chosen people and was always warring against them.</p>
<p> </p>
<p>Samson soon became a threat to the enemy because of his strength. His enemy knew about his moral weakness (women ) and decided to use that against Samson.</p>
<p> </p>
<blockquote><p>Judges 16:5 The lords of the Philistines went to her and said, “<strong>Entice</strong> him and find out the source of his great strength and how we can overpower him to tie him up and subdue him. Then each one of us will give you eleven hundred shekels of silver.”</p></blockquote>
<p> </p>
<p> </p>
<blockquote><p>Judges 16:6 So Delilah said to Samson, “<strong>Tell me the secret of your great strength and how you can be tied up and subdued.”</strong></p></blockquote>
<p> </p>
<p>Our eloquent pronunciations, great qualifications, noble birth, perfect body size, excellent health, marriage, number of children, large house, or knowledge of theology cannot be given any credit to be the secret of your strength.</p>
<p> </p>
<p>Samson at his weakest point thought that it was his hair that gave him strength and forgot that the source of his strength came from the Lord.</p>
<p> </p>
<div class="tweet-box ctt-box-design-4 ctt-color-1 ">
<a href="http://ctt.ec/z528_" target="_blank" >
<p class="ctt-font-original">The Source of your strength plays an important factor on whether or not you will run low or high in your Christian race</p>
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<p> </p>
<h4>THE DEVIL IS VERY INTERESTED TO KNOW THE SECRET OF YOUR STRENGTH:</h4>
<p> </p>
<p> </p>
<p>The Devil is more interested in knowing the true secret behind your unwavering faith despite your losses, hurts, failures.</p>
<p> </p>
<p>Satan is bewildered that you are on your knees even after hearing that devastating news.</p>
<p> </p>
<p>He wants to know where she gets her strength from and how is she not fallen to the traps he set at all.</p>
<p> </p>
<blockquote><p>It is exactly what the Devil will then do, try to figure and study you until he can win.</p></blockquote>
<p> </p>
<blockquote><p>He wants to make sure if you are against him or for him</p></blockquote>
<p> </p>
<p>The Devil sees you as a threat now and will send a Delilah your way to inquire about the source of your strength.</p>
<p> </p>
<p> </p>
<p>Some may trust in chariots, Some may trust in horses, but we will trust in the Living God. Psalm 20</p>
<p> </p>
<hr />
<p>Read More :<strong><a style="color: #00ff00;" href="https://dianasdiaries.com/2018/05/21/3-powerful-names-of-god-facing-battles/" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer"><span style="color: #ff1493;"> 3 POWERFUL NAMES OF GOD TO CLAIM BEFORE FACING BATTLES</span></a></strong></p>
<p> </p>
<hr />
<p> </p>
<p> </p>
<h4>These 10 verses are a must to memorize and underline in your heart today.</h4>
<p> </p>
<p>1.Habakkuk 3:19 The Lord God is my strength,and he will make my feet like hinds’ feet,and he will make me to walk upon mine high places.</p>
<p><strong><sup> </sup></strong></p>
<p>2. Isaiah 40:31 But they that wait upon the Lord shall renew their strength; they shall mount up with wings as eagles; they shall run, and not be weary; and they shall walk, and not faint.</p>
<p> </p>
<p>3. Psalm 18:1 I will love thee, O Lord, my strength.</p>
<p> </p>
<p>4. Psalm 46:1 says God <em>is</em> our refuge and strength, a very present help in trouble.</p>
<p> </p>
<p>5. Psalm 73:26 My flesh and my heart faileth; but God is the strength of my heart, and my portion forever.</p>
<p> </p>
<p>6) 2 Timothy 1: 7 For God hath not given us the spirit of fear; but of power, and of love, and of a sound mind.</p>
<p> </p>
<p>7 ) 2 Thessalonians 3:3 But the Lord is faithful, who shall stablish you, and keep you from evil.</p>
<p> </p>
<p>8. Psalm 18:32 <em>It is</em> God that girdeth me with strength, and maketh my way perfect.</p>
<p> </p>
<p>9. Isaiah 45:5 I am the LORD, and there is none else, there is no God beside me: I girded thee, though thou hast not known me:</p>
<p> </p>
<p>10) Luke 10:19 Behold, I give unto you power to tread on serpents and scorpions, and over all the power of the enemy: and nothing shall by any means hurt you.</p>
<p> </p>
<hr />
<p> </p>
<p><strong>Read More : <a style="color: #00ff00;" href="https://dianasdiaries.com/2017/06/26/7-biblical-strategies-vigilant-christian-must-use-satan/" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer"><span style="color: #ff1493;">7 BIBLICAL STRATEGIES A CHRISTIAN MUST USE AGAINST THE DEVIL</span></a></strong></p>
<p> </p>
<hr />
<p> </p>
<p> </p>
<h5>Prayer :</h5>
<p>Heavenly Father, I know that You are forever the source and secret of my strength. In my weakness, be thou my strength. In my brokenness, be thou my help. There is no other God beside You.</p>
<p>Help me to flee from sin and remove every pride from me.</p>
<p>May I claim the power that you have given me to tread on serpents and upon my enemy through prayer and I proclaim that my faith’s strength comes from trusting in the promises of God and who I represent on this earth. Amen!</p>
<p> </p>
<p> </p>
<p><a href="https://i0.wp.com/dianasdiaries.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/11/The-source-and-secret-of-your-strength-Bible.png?ssl=1"><img data-recalc-dims="1" decoding="async" data-attachment-id="2864" data-permalink="https://dianasdiaries.com/2019/11/11/why-is-the-devil-interested-in-the-secret-of-your-strength/the-source-and-secret-of-your-strength-bible/" data-orig-file="https://i0.wp.com/dianasdiaries.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/11/The-source-and-secret-of-your-strength-Bible.png?fit=600%2C900&ssl=1" data-orig-size="600,900" data-comments-opened="1" data-image-meta="{"aperture":"0","credit":"","camera":"","caption":"","created_timestamp":"0","copyright":"","focal_length":"0","iso":"0","shutter_speed":"0","title":"","orientation":"0"}" data-image-title="The source and secret of your strength Bible" data-image-description="" data-image-caption="" data-medium-file="https://i0.wp.com/dianasdiaries.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/11/The-source-and-secret-of-your-strength-Bible.png?fit=200%2C300&ssl=1" data-large-file="https://i0.wp.com/dianasdiaries.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/11/The-source-and-secret-of-your-strength-Bible.png?fit=600%2C900&ssl=1" class="alignnone wp-image-2864 size-full" title="The Devil is threatened by you , my friend. He wants to know who is the secret of your strength today. Here is a verse study from the life of Samson and 10 Bible Verses to memorize. #versesonstrength #lordismystrengthandshield #DianasDiaries #liesofthedevil" src="https://i0.wp.com/dianasdiaries.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/11/The-source-and-secret-of-your-strength-Bible.png?resize=600%2C900&ssl=1" alt="" width="600" height="900" srcset="https://i0.wp.com/dianasdiaries.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/11/The-source-and-secret-of-your-strength-Bible.png?w=600&ssl=1 600w, https://i0.wp.com/dianasdiaries.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/11/The-source-and-secret-of-your-strength-Bible.png?resize=200%2C300&ssl=1 200w" sizes="(max-width: 600px) 100vw, 600px" /></a></p>
<h5></h5>
<h5>Reflection :</h5>
<p> </p>
<p>How does this post encourage you to stay strong in your faith and warn you about the devil?</p>
<p>If you were encouraged, won’t you share it with a loved one and cheer them to win this Christian race?</p>
<p> </p>
<p>Fellow Warrior</p>
<p> </p>
<p>Diana</p>
<p> </p>
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<p>The post <a href="https://dianasdiaries.com/2019/11/11/why-is-the-devil-interested-in-the-secret-of-your-strength/">Why is the devil interested in the secret of your strength</a> appeared first on <a href="https://dianasdiaries.com">Diana's Diaries</a>.</p>
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<post-id xmlns="com-wordpress:feed-additions:1">2861</post-id> </item>
<item>
<title>The beauty and purpose of pain in Christian life</title>
<link>https://dianasdiaries.com/2019/09/29/the-beauty-and-purpose-of-pain-in-christian-life/</link>
<comments>https://dianasdiaries.com/2019/09/29/the-beauty-and-purpose-of-pain-in-christian-life/#comments</comments>
<dc:creator><![CDATA[Diana]]></dc:creator>
<pubDate>Sun, 29 Sep 2019 16:52:32 +0000</pubDate>
<category><![CDATA[Christian Living]]></category>
<category><![CDATA[Sufferings and Pain]]></category>
<category><![CDATA[Christian struggles]]></category>
<category><![CDATA[purpose of pain]]></category>
<category><![CDATA[Suffering as a christian]]></category>
<guid isPermaLink="false">https://dianasdiaries.com/?p=2830</guid>
<description><![CDATA[<p>A certain memory was triggered when one of my triplets came back from school in tears recently (I mention the reason below). There is a question that a lot of people like to ask, “Why does a good God allow pain and suffering to His people?” Have you ever wondered if there is any beauty […]</p>
<p>The post <a href="https://dianasdiaries.com/2019/09/29/the-beauty-and-purpose-of-pain-in-christian-life/">The beauty and purpose of pain in Christian life</a> appeared first on <a href="https://dianasdiaries.com">Diana's Diaries</a>.</p>
]]></description>
<content:encoded><![CDATA[<p>A certain memory was triggered when one of my triplets came back from school in tears recently (I mention the reason below). There is a question that a lot of people like to ask, “Why does a good God allow pain and suffering to His people?” Have you ever wondered if there is any beauty and purpose in pain in Christian life?</p>
<p> </p>
<p>Let me share a true story with you in my post today. When I was around 14 years old, my family and I, took a mission road trip back in India. That trip will always remain to be one of my fondest memories because I learned valuable lessons as a young girl that would shape me later in life.</p>
<p> </p>
<p>We had stopped to rest at a missionary’s home one Saturday morning so that we could worship the Lord the next day with the saints over there. I remember looking around that Sunday morning to take a glance at the people in the Church who were walking in before the worship began.</p>
<p> </p>
<h3 style="text-align: center;">Leprosy and Purpose of pain</h3>
<p>I noticed a group of people were sitting on one side and their faces and hands were disfigured. I later came to know there were believers who had leprosy. Wonderful believers singing and praising the Savior together.</p>
<p> </p>
<blockquote><p>Leprosy is an infectious disease and people who have contacted them suffer because they are stigmatized a lot. <strong>But what caught my attention was that this disease robs you from feeling pain due to nerve damage</strong>. THAT SHOULD BE A GREAT NEWS, RIGHT?</p></blockquote>
<p> </p>
<p>But if a patient with leprosy cannot perceive pain then they cannot take any measure to prevent future injuries or damages. They may lose their fingers, or toes and never feel it.</p>
<p> </p>
<p>Do you now see your pain as a gift or a curse?For a leper, the best gift would be the gift of experiencing pain.</p>
<p> </p>
<p>The definition of pain, “It is an unpleasant feeling that is conveyed to the brain by sensory neurons”</p>
<p> </p>
<p>If you ask me, I don’t want to feel pain because it is unbearable. It took me close to two decades to heal from my childhood trauma. The sting of betrayals, rejections, abuse, brokenness, sicknesses, and violence are too much to handle on this earth.</p>
<p> </p>
<p><a href="https://i0.wp.com/dianasdiaries.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/09/the-purpose-of-pain-in-a-Christians-life.png?ssl=1"><img data-recalc-dims="1" decoding="async" data-attachment-id="3344" data-permalink="https://dianasdiaries.com/2019/09/29/the-beauty-and-purpose-of-pain-in-christian-life/the-purpose-of-pain-in-a-christians-life/" data-orig-file="https://i0.wp.com/dianasdiaries.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/09/the-purpose-of-pain-in-a-Christians-life.png?fit=725%2C1250&ssl=1" data-orig-size="725,1250" data-comments-opened="1" data-image-meta="{"aperture":"0","credit":"","camera":"","caption":"","created_timestamp":"0","copyright":"","focal_length":"0","iso":"0","shutter_speed":"0","title":"","orientation":"0"}" data-image-title="the purpose of pain in a Christian’s life" data-image-description="<p>A leper feels no pain and although it might sound good not to feel pain. Let me tell you that there is a purpose of pain in our lives. Here are 4 reasons that pain teaches us. </p>
" data-image-caption="" data-medium-file="https://i0.wp.com/dianasdiaries.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/09/the-purpose-of-pain-in-a-Christians-life.png?fit=174%2C300&ssl=1" data-large-file="https://i0.wp.com/dianasdiaries.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/09/the-purpose-of-pain-in-a-Christians-life.png?fit=594%2C1024&ssl=1" class="aligncenter wp-image-3344 size-full" title="I once befriended a leper who never felt pain. Although it might sound good not to feel pain, there is a purpose of pain in our lives. Here are 4 reasons that pain teaches us. #heartaches #purposeofpain #christianlife #christianstruggle #dianasdiaries " src="https://i0.wp.com/dianasdiaries.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/09/the-purpose-of-pain-in-a-Christians-life.png?resize=725%2C1250&ssl=1" alt="" width="725" height="1250" srcset="https://i0.wp.com/dianasdiaries.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/09/the-purpose-of-pain-in-a-Christians-life.png?w=725&ssl=1 725w, https://i0.wp.com/dianasdiaries.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/09/the-purpose-of-pain-in-a-Christians-life.png?resize=174%2C300&ssl=1 174w, https://i0.wp.com/dianasdiaries.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/09/the-purpose-of-pain-in-a-Christians-life.png?resize=594%2C1024&ssl=1 594w" sizes="(max-width: 725px) 100vw, 725px" /></a></p>
<p> </p>
<p> </p>
<p> </p>
<p><strong><span style="color: #f7b2b2;">Here are 4 incredible reasons behind the beauty and purpose of pain in Christian life</span></strong></p>
<p> </p>
<p> </p>
<h3>1. PAIN tells us to pay attention</h3>
<p>Imagine losing a hand or another body part and never feeling pain?</p>
<ul>
<li>Have you been living with the guilt of sin and a broken heart?</li>
<li>Have you ignored your symptoms of pain?</li>
</ul>
<p>Pain is our best teacher and points to us the areas we need to act and find our way back to our pain-reliever (GOD)</p>
<p> </p>
<blockquote><p>Psalm 69:29 I am suffering and in pain. Rescue me, O God, by your saving power.</p>
<p>Man, who is born of woman, Is short-lived and full of turmoil. Job 14:1 NASB</p></blockquote>
<p>May your heartaches pull you closer to the ONE who carried your sorrows on that cruel Cross.</p>
<p> </p>
<blockquote><div class="tweet-box ctt-box-design-4 ctt-color-1 ">
<a href="http://ctt.ec/29UX4" target="_blank" >
<p class="ctt-font-original">“God had one son on earth without sin, but never one without suffering.” – Saint Augustine. Do you see pain as a blessing or curse</p>
<div class="click-to-tweet"><i></i><span class="cta-pr">Click To Tweet</span></div>
</a>
</div>
<p> </p></blockquote>
<p> </p>
<h3>2. PAIN reminds us touch the hem of our Savior.</h3>
<p> </p>
<p>The purpose of pain in Christian life be it body aches, heartaches, and broken soul must remind us to make an appointment with our Greatest Physician.</p>
<p> </p>
<p>Just like you would NEVER ignore a lump, a greenish blue bruise all over your body, a fracture, or a concussion, we must never forget to reach out to touch our Savior’s hem.</p>
<p> </p>
<p>Christ Himself wept out aloud on the Cross saying “Eli Eli lama sabachthani” – My GOD, my God , why have you forsaken me” in the Gospels.</p>
<p> </p>
<p>The Son of God cried and reached out to HIS Father in His darkest hour of deep anguish.</p>
<p> </p>
<p>Jesus Christ partakes with us in our hour of pain and suffering and there will come a day when HE will wipe our tears and take us to a place where there will be no more pain.</p>
<p> </p>
<blockquote><p>“A teardrop on earth summons the King of heaven.” Chuck Swindoll</p></blockquote>
<p>Psalm 20:1 May the LORD answer you in the day of trouble; may the name of the God of Jacob protect you.</p>
<p> </p>
<hr />
<p> </p>
<p><strong>Similar Post</strong> : <strong><a style="color: #00ff00;" href="https://dianasdiaries.com/2018/05/21/3-powerful-names-of-god-facing-battles/" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer"><span style="color: #d245a0;">NAMES OF GOD TO CALL UPON BEFORE FACING LIFE BATTLES</span></a></strong></p>
<p> </p>
<hr />
<p> </p>
<h3>3. PAIN teaches us to be compassionate</h3>
<p> </p>
<p>My 5-year-old came running to me in tears after school today and said,” My classmate said he doesn’t like me, so he won’t play with me”. I wanted to erase my little boy’s pain, but this mama knows she cannot protect him all the time. Their stay in the NICU after being born at 26 weeks taught me that as well.</p>
<p>I used that moment to wipe his tears, hug him, and teach him valuable advice that will keep him going in life.</p>
<p> </p>
<p>–Best of the best friends will suddenly block us and stop talking to us.</p>
<p>–Bosses who once praised our work ethic will decide to lay us off.</p>
<p>–Parents will suddenly choose to turn their backs in our time of need.</p>
<p> </p>
<blockquote><p>“The sympathy of Jesus is the next most precious thing to his sacrifice.” Charles Spurgeon</p></blockquote>
<p> </p>
<p>A nameless Jericho man was brutally beaten and robbed of his clothes plus valuables on his way. He was even ignored by the priest and the Levi. This Jericho man’s painful story is our story as well.</p>
<p>How many times we have been also robbed of our joy by the evil surrounding us? But our stories don’t end in pain. Here is the beauty and purpose of pain, my friend.</p>
<p>Suddenly the good Samaritan stops, steps down, cleans our deep wounds and carries us on HIS broad shoulder. God sends compassionate people into our lives and uses us to be a kind Samaritan to others in their pain.</p>
<p> </p>
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<a href="http://ctt.ec/d9XCx" target="_blank" >
<p class="ctt-font-original">How many times we have been also robbed of our joy by the evil surrounding us? But our stories don’t end in pain. Here is the beauty and purpose of pain, my friend.</p>
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<p> </p>
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<h3>4. PAIN strengthens our faith and has an expiration date.</h3>
<p> </p>
<p>Psalm 119:71 It is good for me that I have been afflicted, that I might learn thy statues.</p>
<blockquote><p>Did you know that this great man of God, Charles Spurgeon struggled with a lifelong battle with depression and severe pain? His quotes says it all ” When you go through a trial,the sovereignty of God is the pillow upon which you lay your heart.”</p></blockquote>
<p>Job suffered the loss of his health, wealth, and precious children. Friends and even his own life wanted Job give up on his faith. Yet he chose to say, “Though He slay me, yet will I trust Him” (Job 13:15). Job knew that His Redeemer lives and can restore double of whatever he lost.</p>
<p>Great men and women of God like Abraham, Daniel, Job, Paul, Ruth, Elizabeth, and Hannah walked closer with God amidst their pain.</p>
<p>Christ’s pain on that cruel cross led to the salvation of mankind.</p>
<p>God whispers to us in our pleasures, speaks in our conscience, but shouts in our pains: it is His megaphone to rouse a deaf world. C. S.Lewis</p>
<p>Pain and suffering on this earth is inevitable but there is an end for misery and brokenness for a Christian (Read Revelation 21:4) No other religions can promise such a thing.</p>
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<p> </p>
<p><strong>Similar Post : <a style="color: #00ff00;" href="https://dianasdiaries.com/2017/09/27/carrying-broken-heart/" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer"><span style="color: #d245a0;">TO THE ONE CARRYING A BROKEN HEART- A MESSAGE FROM JESUS</span></a> </strong></p>
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<h3>These verses have comforted me to understand the purpose of pain as a Christian woman:</h3>
<p><strong> </strong></p>
<blockquote><p>A ) <strong>James 1: 2-3</strong> NIV Consider it <strong>pure joy</strong>, my brothers and sisters, <strong>whenever you face trials</strong> of many kinds because you know that the testing of your faith produces perseverance.</p></blockquote>
<p> </p>
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<blockquote><p>B) <strong>Romans 8:17,18</strong> Now if we are children, then we are heirs—heirs of God and co-heirs with Christ, if indeed we share in his sufferings in order that we may also share in his glory.</p>
<p>I consider that <strong>our present sufferings are not worth comparing with the glory</strong> that will be revealed in us.</p></blockquote>
<p> </p>
<blockquote><p>C) <strong>Revelation 21:4</strong> He will wipe every tear from their eyes. There will be <strong>no more</strong> death’ or mourning or <strong>crying or pain</strong>, for the old order of things has passed away.”</p></blockquote>
<p> </p>
<blockquote><p>D) <strong>2 Corinthians 1:3-5</strong> Praise be to the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of compassion and the God of all comfort,</p>
<p><strong>who comforts us in all our troubles, so that we can comfort those in any trouble</strong> with the comfort we ourselves receive from God;</p>
<p>For just as we share abundantly in the sufferings of Christ, so also our comfort abounds through Christ.</p></blockquote>
<p> </p>
<blockquote><p>E) <strong>John 16:22</strong> So with you: Now is your time of grief, <strong>but I will see you again and you will rejoice</strong>, and no one will take away your joy.</p></blockquote>
<p> </p>
<h4><strong>REFLECTION:</strong></h4>
<p>Pain simply means you are alive in Christ and that your sufferings will be your greatest ministry.</p>
<p>How do you see the purpose of pain in Christian life?</p>
<p>So, my friend, how did this post comfort you? Won’t you share this with someone who is struggling to understand the purpose of pain ? I would love to hear back from you, drop a comment below <img src="https://s.w.org/images/core/emoji/15.0.3/72x72/1f642.png" alt="🙂" class="wp-smiley" style="height: 1em; max-height: 1em;" /></p>
<p> </p>
<p>Until we meet again</p>
<p>Diana</p>
<p> </p>
<p><a href="https://i0.wp.com/dianasdiaries.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/09/purpose-of-pain-in-Christians-life.png?ssl=1"><img data-recalc-dims="1" loading="lazy" decoding="async" data-attachment-id="2834" data-permalink="https://dianasdiaries.com/2019/09/29/the-beauty-and-purpose-of-pain-in-christian-life/purpose-of-pain-in-christians-life/" data-orig-file="https://i0.wp.com/dianasdiaries.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/09/purpose-of-pain-in-Christians-life.png?fit=600%2C900&ssl=1" data-orig-size="600,900" data-comments-opened="1" data-image-meta="{"aperture":"0","credit":"","camera":"","caption":"","created_timestamp":"0","copyright":"","focal_length":"0","iso":"0","shutter_speed":"0","title":"","orientation":"0"}" data-image-title="purpose of pain in Christian’s life!" data-image-description="<p>Do you find your life filled with thorns and needles? Pressed , persecuted,and pulled from all sides? Do you wonder why there is so much pain in your life? Here are 4 incredible reasons behind the beauty of a pain for a Christian</p>
" data-image-caption="" data-medium-file="https://i0.wp.com/dianasdiaries.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/09/purpose-of-pain-in-Christians-life.png?fit=200%2C300&ssl=1" data-large-file="https://i0.wp.com/dianasdiaries.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/09/purpose-of-pain-in-Christians-life.png?fit=600%2C900&ssl=1" class="alignnone wp-image-2834 size-full" title="Do you find your life filled with thorns and needles? Pressed , persecuted,and pulled from all sides? Do you wonder why there is so much pain in your life? Here are 4 incredible reasons behind the beauty of a pain for a Christian #crownofthorns #purposeofpain #difficulttimes #DianasDiaries" src="https://i0.wp.com/dianasdiaries.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/09/purpose-of-pain-in-Christians-life.png?resize=600%2C900&ssl=1" alt="Purpose of pain -thorn filled life" width="600" height="900" srcset="https://i0.wp.com/dianasdiaries.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/09/purpose-of-pain-in-Christians-life.png?w=600&ssl=1 600w, https://i0.wp.com/dianasdiaries.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/09/purpose-of-pain-in-Christians-life.png?resize=200%2C300&ssl=1 200w" sizes="auto, (max-width: 600px) 100vw, 600px" /></a></p>
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<p>The post <a href="https://dianasdiaries.com/2019/09/29/the-beauty-and-purpose-of-pain-in-christian-life/">The beauty and purpose of pain in Christian life</a> appeared first on <a href="https://dianasdiaries.com">Diana's Diaries</a>.</p>
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<title>10 Biblical Promises to Overcomers in Jesus Christ</title>
<link>https://dianasdiaries.com/2019/04/11/10-promises-to-overcomers-bible/</link>
<comments>https://dianasdiaries.com/2019/04/11/10-promises-to-overcomers-bible/#comments</comments>
<dc:creator><![CDATA[Diana]]></dc:creator>
<pubDate>Thu, 11 Apr 2019 14:40:14 +0000</pubDate>
<category><![CDATA[Christian Living]]></category>
<category><![CDATA[Faith]]></category>
<category><![CDATA[Book of Revelation Promises]]></category>
<category><![CDATA[Overcomers in jesus]]></category>
<category><![CDATA[Promises to overcomes]]></category>
<guid isPermaLink="false">https://dianasdiaries.com/?p=2690</guid>
<description><![CDATA[<p>Today’s post is a GUEST POST by my fellow blogger and Christian friend Misty Phillip who is passionate about helping women be overcomers through the study of God’s Word.   The Bible is filled with many great promises to believers. Through the promises of scripture, we have everything we need to overcome any problem, challenge, […]</p>
<p>The post <a href="https://dianasdiaries.com/2019/04/11/10-promises-to-overcomers-bible/">10 Biblical Promises to Overcomers in Jesus Christ</a> appeared first on <a href="https://dianasdiaries.com">Diana's Diaries</a>.</p>
]]></description>
<content:encoded><![CDATA[<h5>Today’s post is a GUEST POST by my fellow blogger and Christian friend Misty Phillip who is passionate about helping women be overcomers through the study of God’s Word.</h5>
<p> </p>
<p>The Bible is filled with many great promises to believers. Through the promises of scripture, we have everything we need to overcome any problem, challenge, or stressful situation we face in our lives. We see this clearly illustrated in 2 Peter:</p>
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<div>His divine power has granted to us all things that pertain to life and godliness, through the knowledge of him who called us to his own glory and excellence, by which he has granted to us his precious and very great promises, so that through them you may become partakers of the divine nature, having escaped from the corruption that is in the world because of sinful desire. (2 Peter 1:3-5 English Standard Version, emphasis added)</div>
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<div>There are great promises for those who put their faith and trust in Jesus Christ as their Lord and Savior. When we believe in Him, God gives us His divine power through Christ. It is the same power that raised Jesus from the grave! By knowing Him, by spending time reading, studying, and memorizing His word, and through prayer to Him, we have everything we need to live in victory.</div>
<p>There are 10 promises made to overcomers in the book of Revelation. John wrote the book of Revelation to encourage first-century Christians who were experiencing great suffering and intense persecution. Throughout the book of Revelation, John describes a vision he has received that provides a heavenly perspective of the future and of what will soon take place.</p>
<p>The book of Revelation is apocalyptic literature and is the only book of prophecy in the New Testament. Many people think of Revelation as a riddle or a mystery to be deciphered, and oftentimes people look for hidden codes or messages within the chapters, but the word “revelation” means the exact opposite.</p>
<p>In its original format, the word “revelation” comes from the Greek word <i>apokalupsis</i>, (ἀποκάλυψις), and it means an unveiling, uncovering, or revealing.</p>
<p>One of the things that is revealed in the book of Revelation are the promises to overcomers.</p>
<blockquote><p><b>Blessed is the one who reads aloud the words of this prophecy, and blessed are those who hear, and who keep what is written in it, for the time is near. – Revelation 1:3 (ESV)</b></p></blockquote>
<p>God gave John the Revelation of Jesus Christ through an angel, a messenger from God, to show the first-century Christians the things that would soon take place. God promised a special blessing in Revelation 1:3 to those who read the prophecy aloud and those who keep what is written.</p>
<p>John greets the seven churches and writes a letter to each of them. In the book of Revelation there are seven letters written to the seven churches. The churches are listed in an order that traces the route in which a courier would have delivered them.</p>
<p>There we learn about the blessings awaiting those who overcome. The churches were seven actual churches that existed in Asia Minor, but they also represent spiritual principles that are applicable to our lives today. For those who succeed in standing firm in faith to the end, there is a blessing awaiting them in heaven.</p>
<h4><b>The Church of Ephesus</b></h4>
<div>We read about the letter to the church of Ephesus in Revelation 2:1-7. The church of Ephesus had doctrine and duty but no devotion. Man looks at the outward appearance, but God sees right to the heart of things. However, they weren’t doing everything wrong—they were commended for patiently enduring, detesting what is evil, testing the spirits, and their ability to suss out false teachers. We find our first promise to overcomers in Revelation 2:7.</div>
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<div><b>“He who has an ear, let him hear what the Spirit says to the churches. To the one who conquers I will grant to eat of the tree of life, which is in the paradise of God.” – Revelation 2:7 (ESV)</b></div>
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<p>We see the repeated phrase several times <i>He who has an ear, let him hear what the Spirit says to the churches. </i>Anything we repeated in scripture should get our attention. In this verse Jesus is saying listen up, hear what I am saying. To the one who conquers and overcomes you will eat from the tree of life in paradise with God.</p>
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<p><a href="https://dianasdiaries.com/?attachment_id=2692"><img data-recalc-dims="1" loading="lazy" decoding="async" data-attachment-id="2692" data-permalink="https://dianasdiaries.com/2019/04/11/10-promises-to-overcomers-bible/promises-to-overcomers/" data-orig-file="https://i0.wp.com/dianasdiaries.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/04/Promises-to-overcomers-.png?fit=735%2C1102&ssl=1" data-orig-size="735,1102" data-comments-opened="1" data-image-meta="{"aperture":"0","credit":"","camera":"","caption":"","created_timestamp":"0","copyright":"","focal_length":"0","iso":"0","shutter_speed":"0","title":"","orientation":"0"}" data-image-title="Promises to overcomers" data-image-description="<p>There are 10 promises made to overcomers in the book of Revelation. John wrote the book of Revelation to encourage first-century Christians who were experiencing great suffering and intense persecution. Throughout the book of Revelation, John describes a vision he has received that provides a heavenly perspective of the future and of what will soon take place.</p>
" data-image-caption="" data-medium-file="https://i0.wp.com/dianasdiaries.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/04/Promises-to-overcomers-.png?fit=200%2C300&ssl=1" data-large-file="https://i0.wp.com/dianasdiaries.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/04/Promises-to-overcomers-.png?fit=683%2C1024&ssl=1" class="wp-image-2692 aligncenter" title="There are 10 promises made to overcomers in the book of Revelation. John wrote the book of Revelation to encourage first-century Christians who were experiencing great suffering and intense persecution. Throughout the book of Revelation, John describes a vision he has received that provides a heavenly perspective of the future and of what will soon take place. #thestrugglebiblestudy #mistyphillip #promisestoovercomers #DianasDiaries" src="https://i0.wp.com/dianasdiaries.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/04/Promises-to-overcomers-.png?resize=600%2C900&ssl=1" alt="Promises to overcomers" width="600" height="900" srcset="https://i0.wp.com/dianasdiaries.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/04/Promises-to-overcomers-.png?resize=683%2C1024&ssl=1 683w, https://i0.wp.com/dianasdiaries.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/04/Promises-to-overcomers-.png?resize=200%2C300&ssl=1 200w, https://i0.wp.com/dianasdiaries.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/04/Promises-to-overcomers-.png?w=735&ssl=1 735w" sizes="auto, (max-width: 600px) 100vw, 600px" /></a></p>
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<h4><b>10 Blessed Promises to Overcomers in Jesus Christ from the book of Revelation :</b></h4>
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<div>1. Will eat from the tree of life. – Revelation 2:7</div>
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<div>2. Will not be hurt by the second death. – Revelation 2:11</div>
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<div>3. Will be given a white stone. – Revelation 2:17</div>
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<div>4. Will reign with Christ on His throne. – Revelation 2:26-27, 3:21</div>
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<div>5. Will be given the morning star. – Revelation 2:28</div>
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<div>6. Will be clothed in bright garments. – Revelation 3:5</div>
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<div>7. Name will be in the book of life. – Revelation 3:5</div>
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<div>8. Will be made a pillar in God’s temple. – Revelation 3:12</div>
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<div>9. Will participate in the new Jerusalem. – Revelation 3:12</div>
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<div>10. Will have God’s name written on them. – Revelation 3:12</div>
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<h4>Join me for a further in-depth study on biblical promises for overcomers in The Struggle is Real: But so is God Bible Study.</h4>
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<div>Now is the time to know what God says about you and how you can live a victorious life. Discover faith and integrity are the character qualities that are yours as an overcomer. Each in-depth study has thought-provoking questions to journal, so you will be able to see your personal growth.</div>
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<div>The Struggle Is Real, But So Is God is a 6-week journey through the Bible that will:</div>
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<div>–Equip you with empowering wisdom.</div>
<div>–Help you grow spiritually by claiming God’s promises as your own.</div>
<div>–Teach you how to declare scripture over yourself to strengthen your inner being.</div>
<div>–Show you how to conquer challenges by activating God’s Word in your life.</div>
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<div><strong>You may purchase this study book from Amazon – <a style="color: #00ff00;" href="https://www.amazon.com/Struggle-Real-But-So-God/dp/0578493799/ref=sr_1_fkmrnull_1?keywords=misty+phillip+the+struggle+is+real&qid=1554831234&s=gateway&sr=8-1-fkmrnull" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><span style="color: #ff1493;">THE STRUGGLE IS REAL ,BUT SO IS GOD</span></a></strong></div>
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<p class="ctt-font-original">Join Misty Phillip for a 6 week Bible study that will teach you how to declare scripture over yourself to strengthen your inner being . THE STRUGGLE IS REAL,BUT SO IS GOD</p>
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<div><strong>About the Author :</strong></div>
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<div><a href="https://i0.wp.com/dianasdiaries.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/04/Misty-Philip.jpg?ssl=1" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><img data-recalc-dims="1" loading="lazy" decoding="async" data-attachment-id="2691" data-permalink="https://dianasdiaries.com/2019/04/11/10-promises-to-overcomers-bible/misty-philip/" data-orig-file="https://i0.wp.com/dianasdiaries.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/04/Misty-Philip.jpg?fit=2776%2C4164&ssl=1" data-orig-size="2776,4164" data-comments-opened="1" data-image-meta="{"aperture":"2.8","credit":"@Sara Jane Photography","camera":"Canon EOS 5D Mark III","caption":"","created_timestamp":"1498233680","copyright":"","focal_length":"50","iso":"400","shutter_speed":"0.00625","title":"","orientation":"1"}" data-image-title="Misty Philip" data-image-description="" data-image-caption="" data-medium-file="https://i0.wp.com/dianasdiaries.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/04/Misty-Philip.jpg?fit=200%2C300&ssl=1" data-large-file="https://i0.wp.com/dianasdiaries.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/04/Misty-Philip.jpg?fit=683%2C1024&ssl=1" class="alignleft wp-image-2691 size-thumbnail" src="https://i0.wp.com/dianasdiaries.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/04/Misty-Philip.jpg?resize=150%2C150&ssl=1" alt="Misty Philip" width="150" height="150" srcset="https://i0.wp.com/dianasdiaries.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/04/Misty-Philip.jpg?resize=150%2C150&ssl=1 150w, https://i0.wp.com/dianasdiaries.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/04/Misty-Philip.jpg?zoom=2&resize=150%2C150&ssl=1 300w, https://i0.wp.com/dianasdiaries.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/04/Misty-Philip.jpg?zoom=3&resize=150%2C150&ssl=1 450w" sizes="auto, (max-width: 150px) 100vw, 150px" /></a></div>
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<div id="geom_inter_1554988246391_5_64"><span id="geom_inter_1554988246383_36_60">Author Misty Phillip has lived through many difficult seasons of life where all she could do was look to God and His Word for hope. She found biblical solutions and scriptural promises that helped her overcome, and she can’t wait to share with you what she has learned.</span></div>
<div id="geom_inter_1554988246384_86_61"></div>
<div id="geom_inter_1554988246392_60_65"><span id="geom_inter_1554988246384_92_62">Misty Phillip is passionate about helping women overcome challenges in life by seeking Jesus, studying the Word and growing in grace. She is the author of The Struggle is Real: But so is God Bible Study, founder and host of the By His Grace Podcast, sought after speaker and blogger at <a href="http://mistyphillip.com/" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer" data-auth="NotApplicable">MistyPhillip.com</a> and co-author of Dear Wife and contributor to A Wife Like Me.</span></div>
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<p>The post <a href="https://dianasdiaries.com/2019/04/11/10-promises-to-overcomers-bible/">10 Biblical Promises to Overcomers in Jesus Christ</a> appeared first on <a href="https://dianasdiaries.com">Diana's Diaries</a>.</p>
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<title>How to find the perfect peace in the storms of life</title>
<link>https://dianasdiaries.com/2019/04/01/how-to-find-perfect-peace-in-the-storms-of-life/</link>
<comments>https://dianasdiaries.com/2019/04/01/how-to-find-perfect-peace-in-the-storms-of-life/#comments</comments>
<dc:creator><![CDATA[Diana]]></dc:creator>
<pubDate>Mon, 01 Apr 2019 14:44:31 +0000</pubDate>
<category><![CDATA[Battles we face]]></category>
<category><![CDATA[Christian Living]]></category>
<category><![CDATA[Christian peace]]></category>
<category><![CDATA[peace in storms]]></category>
<category><![CDATA[secrets to finding peace]]></category>
<category><![CDATA[storms of life]]></category>
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<description><![CDATA[<p>As I walked into the hospital building anxiously that day, I became more aware of the people walking in and out of the place. Moms with little kids, elderly men and women in wheelchairs, young people, and college kids. Everyone in that building fell into three groups- they worked there, were about to see a […]</p>
<p>The post <a href="https://dianasdiaries.com/2019/04/01/how-to-find-perfect-peace-in-the-storms-of-life/">How to find the perfect peace in the storms of life</a> appeared first on <a href="https://dianasdiaries.com">Diana's Diaries</a>.</p>
]]></description>
<content:encoded><![CDATA[<p><span style="color: #000000; font-family: Calibri;">As I walked into the hospital building anxiously that day, I became more aware of the people walking in and out of the place.</span></p>
<p><span style="color: #000000; font-family: Calibri;">Moms with little kids, elderly men and women in wheelchairs, young people, and college kids.</span></p>
<p><span style="color: #000000; font-family: Calibri;">Everyone in that building fell into three groups- they worked there, were about to see a doctor, or they were accompanying the patient.</span></p>
<p> </p>
<p><span style="color: #000000; font-family: Calibri;">If they were also there to see a doctor like me, I wondered if they were losing their peace over what the lab reports would be, or if the illness had returned, or if they needed a surgery right away.</span></p>
<p><span style="color: #000000; font-family: Calibri;">The absence of peace in the storms is war and fear. </span></p>
<p><span style="color: #000000; font-family: Calibri;"> </span></p>
<p><span style="color: #000000; font-family: Calibri;">Fear can take away our peace with all the ‘what-if’s ‘that come to haunt us?</span></p>
<p> </p>
<p><span style="color: #000000; font-family: Calibri;">What if –</span></p>
<p><span style="color: #000000; font-family: Calibri;">-I won’t be around to see my children graduate?</span></p>
<p><span style="color: #000000; font-family: Calibri;">-this marriage fails?</span></p>
<p><span style="color: #000000; font-family: Calibri;">-my X-ray shows up with an issue?</span></p>
<p><span style="color: #000000; font-family: Calibri;">-I will end up alone in life?</span></p>
<p><span style="color: #000000; font-family: Calibri;">-What if my entire family will be wiped away in front of my eyes?</span></p>
<p><span style="color: #000000; font-family: Calibri;"> </span></p>
<p><span style="color: #000000; font-family: Calibri;"> </span></p>
<h3><span style="color: #000000; font-family: Calibri;">Fear wants to rob us of joy and steal us from our smile.</span></h3>
<p><span style="color: #000000; font-family: Calibri;"> </span></p>
<p><span style="color: #000000; font-family: Calibri;">Peace may look absent right when you lose your balance and fall head on into the bathtub hitting your head (my recent true story). But knowing Jesus is groaning with me in that landing brings comfort.</span></p>
<p><span style="color: #000000; font-family: Calibri;">Peace doesn’t come when you are in control of these circumstances, instead peace is attained when you can release your control to the ONE who is in control.</span></p>
<p><span style="color: #000000; font-family: Calibri;">Although the English dictionary defines “Peace” to be the absence of strife, the Biblical concept of peace comes from the Hebrew root slm – “to be complete, whole”</span></p>
<p><span style="color: #000000; font-family: Calibri;"> </span></p>
<p><span style="color: #000000; font-family: Calibri;">Greater is He in me than the goliath in front of me was the promise verse I wrote on my <a style="color: #00ff00;" href="https://www.facebook.com/mydevotionaldiaries/photos/a.1525760527437812/3026929917320858/" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer"><span style="color: #ffc0cb;">Facebook blog page</span></a> in the month of March. This verse has been my strength because I saw how close I was to being broken into a million pieces with fear.</span></p>
<p> </p>
<p><span style="color: #000000; font-family: Calibri;"> <a href="https://i0.wp.com/dianasdiaries.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/04/peace-in-the-storms-of-life.png?ssl=1"><img data-recalc-dims="1" loading="lazy" decoding="async" data-attachment-id="2656" data-permalink="https://dianasdiaries.com/2019/04/01/how-to-find-perfect-peace-in-the-storms-of-life/peace-in-the-storms-of-life/" data-orig-file="https://i0.wp.com/dianasdiaries.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/04/peace-in-the-storms-of-life.png?fit=735%2C1102&ssl=1" data-orig-size="735,1102" data-comments-opened="1" data-image-meta="{"aperture":"0","credit":"","camera":"","caption":"","created_timestamp":"0","copyright":"","focal_length":"0","iso":"0","shutter_speed":"0","title":"","orientation":"0"}" data-image-title="peace in the storms of life" data-image-description="<p>Can we truly find peace in the storms? How does Hope in Jesus help us ?</p>
" data-image-caption="" data-medium-file="https://i0.wp.com/dianasdiaries.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/04/peace-in-the-storms-of-life.png?fit=200%2C300&ssl=1" data-large-file="https://i0.wp.com/dianasdiaries.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/04/peace-in-the-storms-of-life.png?fit=683%2C1024&ssl=1" class="alignnone wp-image-2656" title="What does Peace mean in the Bible? Can one find perfect peace in this world? As our world crumbes , let us hold on to these 5 key ways to finding peace in the storms of life #peaceofGodverses #peacebestill #scripturesforpeace" src="https://i0.wp.com/dianasdiaries.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/04/peace-in-the-storms-of-life.png?resize=600%2C900&ssl=1" alt="peace in the storms" width="600" height="900" srcset="https://i0.wp.com/dianasdiaries.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/04/peace-in-the-storms-of-life.png?w=735&ssl=1 735w, https://i0.wp.com/dianasdiaries.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/04/peace-in-the-storms-of-life.png?resize=200%2C300&ssl=1 200w, https://i0.wp.com/dianasdiaries.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/04/peace-in-the-storms-of-life.png?resize=683%2C1024&ssl=1 683w" sizes="auto, (max-width: 600px) 100vw, 600px" /></a></span></p>
<p> </p>
<p><span style="color: #000000; font-family: Calibri;">F -alse</span></p>
<p><span style="color: #000000; font-family: Calibri;">E -vidence</span></p>
<p><span style="color: #000000; font-family: Calibri;">A-ppearing</span></p>
<p><span style="color: #000000; font-family: Calibri;">R-eal</span></p>
<p><span style="color: #000000; font-family: Calibri;"> </span></p>
<p><span style="color: #000000; font-family: Calibri;">Christ is in the storm. He is in the cemetery weeping with you.</span></p>
<p><span style="font-family: Calibri;">God is in your fiery trials. He is in the Prison cells.</span></p>
<p><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Jesus knows your Gethsemane. He is with you in the hills and valleys.</span></p>
<p><span style="color: #000000; font-family: Calibri;"> </span></p>
<p><em><strong><span style="color: #000000; font-family: Calibri;">Here are 5 key ways to finding peace in the storms of life.</span></strong></em></p>
<p><span style="color: #000000; font-family: Calibri;"> </span></p>
<p> </p>
<h3><strong><span style="color: #000000; font-family: Calibri;">1.Peace prevails on those who persevere in prayer</span></strong></h3>
<p>The peace of God will keep us from sinking in the middle of troubles and tune our hearts to be calm through Christ Jesus. Daniel prayed in the middle of the trial, and Samuel set up a War Room to worship God.</p>
<p><span style="color: #000000; font-family: Calibri;">Those who kneel in prayer during heated warfare will walk in peace</span></p>
<p><span style="color: #000000; font-family: Calibri;">As we pour our bitterness, God pours in His peace – F.B.Meyers</span></p>
<p><span style="color: #000000; font-family: Calibri;"> </span></p>
<blockquote><p>Be careful about nothing; but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known unto God<span style="color: #000000; font-family: Calibri;"> Phiippians 4:6, KJV</span></p></blockquote>
<p> </p>
<p>Now when Daniel learned that the document had been signed, he went into his house, where the windows of his upper room opened toward Jerusalem, and three times a day he got down on his knees, prayed, and gave thanks to his God, just as he had done before.<span style="color: #000000; font-family: Calibri;"> Daniel 6:10</span></p>
<p> </p>
<blockquote><p>Then Samuel took a stone, and set <span style="font-family: Calibri;"><span style="color: #000000;"><i>it</i> between Mizpeh and Shen, and called it Ebenezer, saying, Hitherto hath the LORD helped us. 1 Samuel 7:12. </span></span></p></blockquote>
<p> </p>
<p>——————————————————————————————</p>
<p><span style="color: #000000; font-family: Calibri;"> Related Post : <strong><a style="color: #00ff00;" href="https://dianasdiaries.com/2018/11/12/ebenezer-build-memorial-warroom/" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer"><span style="color: #b99100;">How to build a war room memorial for God</span></a></strong></span></p>
<p> </p>
<p>——————————————————————————————</p>
<h3></h3>
<h3><span style="color: #000000; font-family: Calibri;">2.Peace transcends earthly matters</span></h3>
<p>The peace of God goes beyond a human thought or even a counsel of man. It rejoices even during chains, praises even when the reports seem bad.</p>
<blockquote><p>Then you will experience God’s peace, which exceeds anything we can understand. His peace will guard your hearts and minds as you live in Christ Jesus.<span style="color: #000000; font-family: Calibri;"> Philippians 4:7, NLT</span></p>
<p> </p></blockquote>
<p>HOW?</p>
<p>By casting /throwing the burden with all our might (like a fisherman who throws his heavy net onto the deepest sea) upon Jesus who will sustain us.</p>
<blockquote><p>Great peace have those who love your law; nothing can make them stumble. Psalm 119:165 ,NLT</p></blockquote>
<p>Remember Bible says that IN THIS WORLD we will have trials. Praise God, there is a special place for believers where we shall dwell in peace forever.</p>
<p> </p>
<p> </p>
<h3> 3.Christ is the only source of peace in the storms</h3>
<p> </p>
<p>A sense of perfect peace and rest belongs to those who love and keep God’s Law. His name shall be called PRINCE OF PEACE.</p>
<blockquote><p>For unto us a child is born, unto us a son is given..And He will be called Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace. Isaiah 9:6</p>
<p> </p></blockquote>
<p>Peace doesn’t mean life is going to be easy because Jesus, Himself was wounded and was hung on the cross. But it means that the Prince of Peace will rule our hearts.</p>
<blockquote><p>Let the peace of Christ rule in your hearts, Colossians 1:15</p></blockquote>
<p> </p>
<blockquote><p>Peace I leave with you; MY PEACE I give you. I do not give to you as the world gives. Do not let your hearts be troubled and do not be afraid. John 14:27</p></blockquote>
<p> </p>
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<p class="ctt-font-original">God cannot give us a happiness and peace apart from Himself, because it is not there. There is no such thing . C.S.Lewis</p>
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<p> </p>
<h3>4. Being spiritually minded begets peace.</h3>
<blockquote><p>You keep him in perfect peace whose mind is stayed on you, because he trusts in you. Isaiah 26:3</p>
<p>For to be carnally minded <em>is</em> death; but to be spiritually minded <em>is</em> life and peace. Romans 8:6, KJV</p></blockquote>
<p> </p>
<p>Having a mind set on Christ brings peace and eternal life and it starts by placing our trust in Jesus.</p>
<p>A carnal mind can only beget death but those who have are in Christ is set free from the law of sin and death (Romans 8:2)</p>
<p>——————————————————-</p>
<p>Similar Post :<strong> <a style="color: #00ff00;" href="https://dianasdiaries.com/2017/10/17/choosing-one-thing/" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer"><span style="color: #ffd700;">The Power of choosing that ONE THING for Jesus</span></a></strong><br />
———————————————————–</p>
<h3></h3>
<h3>5.Peace is a fruit and reward from the Lord</h3>
<p>You and I cannot bear this amazing fruit apart from Christ. We bear this fruit when we surrender our desires, our worries, our heartaches into the hands of the ONE who is Peace, Himself.</p>
<p> </p>
<p>No one else can speak peace in the storms except Jesus, our Peace Giver.</p>
<blockquote><p>I will hear what God the LORD will speak: for HE WILL SPEAK PEACE unto his people, and to his saints Psalm 85:8, KJV</p></blockquote>
<p> </p>
<blockquote><p>Remain in me, as I also remain in you. No branch can bear fruit by itself; it must remain in the vine. Neither can you bear fruit unless you remain in me. John 15:4</p></blockquote>
<p> </p>
<blockquote><p>And I will give peace to the land, and you will lie down with nothing to fear. Leviticus 26:6</p></blockquote>
<p>Peace under the Divine protection is a reward for those who obey and remain in God.</p>
<p> </p>
<p><a href="https://i0.wp.com/dianasdiaries.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/04/finding-peace-in-the-midst-of-storms-1.png?ssl=1"><img data-recalc-dims="1" loading="lazy" decoding="async" data-attachment-id="2658" data-permalink="https://dianasdiaries.com/2019/04/01/how-to-find-perfect-peace-in-the-storms-of-life/finding-peace-in-the-midst-of-storms-1/" data-orig-file="https://i0.wp.com/dianasdiaries.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/04/finding-peace-in-the-midst-of-storms-1.png?fit=735%2C1102&ssl=1" data-orig-size="735,1102" data-comments-opened="1" data-image-meta="{"aperture":"0","credit":"","camera":"","caption":"","created_timestamp":"0","copyright":"","focal_length":"0","iso":"0","shutter_speed":"0","title":"","orientation":"0"}" data-image-title="finding peace in the midst of storms (1)" data-image-description="" data-image-caption="" data-medium-file="https://i0.wp.com/dianasdiaries.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/04/finding-peace-in-the-midst-of-storms-1.png?fit=200%2C300&ssl=1" data-large-file="https://i0.wp.com/dianasdiaries.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/04/finding-peace-in-the-midst-of-storms-1.png?fit=683%2C1024&ssl=1" class="alignnone wp-image-2658" title="Can a Christian experience peace in the midst of storms? How can one still rise above and not drown? Here are 5 key ways to finding peace no matter what life throws at us. #peaceinstorms #peaceofgod #versesonpeace" src="https://i0.wp.com/dianasdiaries.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/04/finding-peace-in-the-midst-of-storms-1.png?resize=600%2C900&ssl=1" alt="Finding peace in the storms of life" width="600" height="900" srcset="https://i0.wp.com/dianasdiaries.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/04/finding-peace-in-the-midst-of-storms-1.png?w=735&ssl=1 735w, https://i0.wp.com/dianasdiaries.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/04/finding-peace-in-the-midst-of-storms-1.png?resize=200%2C300&ssl=1 200w, https://i0.wp.com/dianasdiaries.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/04/finding-peace-in-the-midst-of-storms-1.png?resize=683%2C1024&ssl=1 683w" sizes="auto, (max-width: 600px) 100vw, 600px" /></a></p>
<p> </p>
<p><strong>S</strong><strong>AY THIS OUT LOUD:</strong></p>
<p> </p>
<blockquote><p>For you shall go out with joy, and be led forth with peace: the mountains and the hills shall break forth before you into singing, and all the trees of the field shall clap <em>their</em> hands. Isaiah 55:12, KJV</p></blockquote>
<p> </p>
<h4>Reflection :</h4>
<p>Did you experience a growth in your Christian life before or after the storm?</p>
<p>Do you think peace in the storms can be found on this earth?</p>
<p> </p>
<p>Peace upon you and your household.</p>
<p> </p>
<p>Diana</p>
<p> </p>
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<p>The post <a href="https://dianasdiaries.com/2019/04/01/how-to-find-perfect-peace-in-the-storms-of-life/">How to find the perfect peace in the storms of life</a> appeared first on <a href="https://dianasdiaries.com">Diana's Diaries</a>.</p>
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<title>Should Christians practice Yoga for their body and mind</title>
<link>https://dianasdiaries.com/2019/03/22/should-christians-practice-yoga/</link>
<comments>https://dianasdiaries.com/2019/03/22/should-christians-practice-yoga/#comments</comments>
<dc:creator><![CDATA[Diana]]></dc:creator>
<pubDate>Fri, 22 Mar 2019 18:58:17 +0000</pubDate>
<category><![CDATA[Battles we face]]></category>
<category><![CDATA[Christian Living]]></category>
<category><![CDATA[Exercise and yoga]]></category>
<category><![CDATA[Hinduism and Christianity]]></category>
<category><![CDATA[Moksha and Christian salvation]]></category>
<category><![CDATA[Yoga and Christian]]></category>
<guid isPermaLink="false">https://dianasdiaries.com/?p=2642</guid>
<description><![CDATA[<p>Should Christians practice yoga and rename it as Christian yoga? Here is my perspective as an Indian. I am an Indian Christian by birth and was raised in the Northern part of India. My great grandparents were also Christians and Indians by birth . My parents are Christian Missionaries and have been serving the Lord […]</p>
<p>The post <a href="https://dianasdiaries.com/2019/03/22/should-christians-practice-yoga/">Should Christians practice Yoga for their body and mind</a> appeared first on <a href="https://dianasdiaries.com">Diana's Diaries</a>.</p>
]]></description>
<content:encoded><![CDATA[<h4>Should Christians practice yoga and rename it as Christian yoga? Here is my perspective as an Indian.</h4>
<p>I am an Indian Christian by birth and was raised in the Northern part of India. My great grandparents were also Christians and Indians by birth . My parents are Christian Missionaries and have been serving the Lord for the past 30 plus years.</p>
<p><span style="display: inline !important; float: none; background-color: transparent; color: #333333; cursor: text; font-family: -apple-system,BlinkMacSystemFont,'Segoe UI',Roboto,Oxygen-Sans,Ubuntu,Cantarell,'Helvetica Neue',sans-serif; font-size: 16px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; letter-spacing: normal; orphans: 2; text-align: left; text-decoration: none; text-indent: 0px; text-transform: none; -webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; white-space: normal; word-spacing: 0px;">I can speak, and write three of the Indian languages fluently.</span><br />
<span style="display: inline !important; float: none; background-color: transparent; color: #333333; cursor: text; font-family: -apple-system,BlinkMacSystemFont,'Segoe UI',Roboto,Oxygen-Sans,Ubuntu,Cantarell,'Helvetica Neue',sans-serif; font-size: 16px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; letter-spacing: normal; orphans: 2; text-align: left; text-decoration: none; text-indent: 0px; text-transform: none; -webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; white-space: normal; word-spacing: 0px;">I am even very familiar with the names of hindu gods, festivals, and cuisines.</span></p>
<p>Growing up, I have had many Hindu friends with whom I played with and went to school with together. My entire neighborhood was filled with Hindus and we always lived in harmony with them.</p>
<p> </p>
<blockquote><p><span style="display: inline !important; float: none; background-color: transparent; color: #333333; cursor: text; font-family: -apple-system,BlinkMacSystemFont,'Segoe UI',Roboto,Oxygen-Sans,Ubuntu,Cantarell,'Helvetica Neue',sans-serif; font-size: 16px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; letter-spacing: normal; orphans: 2; text-align: left; text-decoration: none; text-indent: 0px; text-transform: none; -webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; white-space: normal; word-spacing: 0px;"><strong>NOTE</strong> : I mean no disrespect to the people from my birth country in my post right here and has no intention of putting down a group. It is merely to help understand how yoga should be viewed by a believer.</span></p></blockquote>
<p><span style="display: inline !important; float: none; background-color: transparent; color: #333333; cursor: text; font-family: -apple-system,BlinkMacSystemFont,'Segoe UI',Roboto,Oxygen-Sans,Ubuntu,Cantarell,'Helvetica Neue',sans-serif; font-size: 16px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; letter-spacing: normal; orphans: 2; text-align: left; text-decoration: none; text-indent: 0px; text-transform: none; -webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; white-space: normal; word-spacing: 0px;">I hope you will stay and read till the end of this post.</span></p>
<p> </p>
<h4 style="text-align: center;">Alienated Indian</h4>
<p>While growing up in India, we, the Christians were always seen ,alienated, and labelled as WESTERNERS, and Jesus was referred to as some foreign God by the Hindus.</p>
<p>It is an irony because it is said that the first original Indians natives were thought to be the African and Native Australoid race. Many migrated to North and South India from different parts of the world including Persia.</p>
<blockquote><p><strong>My point is that every human is at some point a migrating traveler on this earth. </strong></p>
<p><strong>No one has the right to break the harmony of any citizen living in a land by any sort of discrimination or use of violence.</strong></p></blockquote>
<p>Sharing Gospel tract in India is always condemned and cause of severe attack by the Hindu fanatics.</p>
<blockquote><p>Note : The Bible does not mention to forcibly convert any soul and no Christian are to bribe a non Christian to convert. We are only to share the GOOD NEWS of hope , redemption and eternal life through Jesus Christ.</p></blockquote>
<p> </p>
<p>Before we answer the question of “Should Christians practice yoga for their mind” Let learn few things about Yoga.</p>
<p> </p>
<h3 style="text-align: center;">The Origin of Yoga</h3>
<p>Yoga lies at the heart of Hinduism, and yoga can never be separated ever from the religion. No matter how modernized Yoga is seen today.</p>
<p>The yogi is striving to become one with Brahm, the Hindu godhead.</p>
<p>Hindus believe that the Westerners have commercialized Yoga as merely a form of exercise.</p>
<blockquote><p>Yoga was introduced in the US in the 1800’s by Swami Vivekananda. This Swami(teacher) was known to have carried “the Imitation of Christ by Thomas Kempis and studied the teachings of Jesus.</p></blockquote>
<p>Yoga in Sanskrit means to “unite” as a practice to control one’s body and ultimately one’s mind. In their Book, yoga is to achieve <strong>MOKSHA</strong> – salvation from the cycle of birth and rebirth.</p>
<p> </p>
<p>“”There, having the mind actively focused upon a single point, with thought and sense activity controlled, Sitting on a seat, one should practice yoga forpurification of the self.</p>
<p>With an aligned body, head, and neck – keeping these steady, without movement; Focusing the vision toward the tip of one’s nose without looking about in any direction.”- Bhagavad Gita 6.12 – 13</p>
<p> </p>
<p>The other day I received an email from the govt of India “My Life My yoga contest ” . My eyes caught up on the quote by the Prime Minister of India , Mr. Narendra Modi . This is what he says about yoga.</p>
<p>“Yoga is not merely an exercise but a way to attain peace through physical, mental, and spiritual well-being”</p>
<h4></h4>
<h4 style="text-align: center;"><strong>What is Moksha?</strong></h4>
<p style="text-align: left;">Moksha means salvation. The ultimate goal of yoga is the attainment of liberation (Moksha) from worldly suffering and the cycle of birth and death (Samsara).</p>
<p> </p>
<p> </p>
<p> </p>
<p style="text-align: center;"><strong>SALVATION FOR A CHRISTIAN:</strong></p>
<blockquote><p>Romans 10: 9 “if you declare with your mouth, “Jesus is LORD,” and believe in your heart that God raised him from the dead, you will be saved.” There can be no other way.</p></blockquote>
<p> </p>
<p> </p>
<h3 style="text-align: center;">Christian Yoga & Exercise</h3>
<p> </p>
<p>“There is no Christian Yoga” Yogi Baba Prem said one of the articles I read.</p>
<p> </p>
<p>“Efforts to separate yoga from its spiritual center reveal ignorance of the goal of yoga,” said Subhas Tiwari, Professor of Yoga Philosophy( A hindu)</p>
<p>Hatha-yoga is ‘one of the six recognized systems of orthodox Hinduism’ and is at its roots religious and mystical. It is one of the secularized version used today in the Western culture.</p>
<p>What the practice of hatha-yoga is designed to do is suppress the flow of psychic energies through these channels thereby forcing the ‘<strong>serpent power’ or the kundalini force</strong> to rise through the central psychic channel in the spine and up through the chakras.</p>
<p>Kundalini means energy that is coiled like a snake at the base of the spine. It is one of the most popular form of exercise Yoga brought by a man from India in 1968 to make everyone healthy , happy, and holy.</p>
<p> </p>
<p>Yoga was never intended to be an exercise for Hindus, it is a posture of worship to the Hindu gods, and incarnation of their Divine power.( B.K.S. Iyengar – a hindu Yogi).</p>
<p> </p>
<p>While a snake is revered in India, serpent is not seen in a good light in the Bible.</p>
<blockquote><p>Genesis 3: 1 Now the serpent was more crafty than any beast of the field which the LORD God had made. And he said to the woman, “Indeed, has God said, ‘You shall not eat from any tree of the garden’?</p>
<p> </p>
<p><strong>1 Timothy 4:8, NIV Physical training is good, but training for godliness is much better, promising benefits in this life and in the life to come.”</strong></p></blockquote>
<p> </p>
<h3 style="text-align: center;">Yoga and Christianity</h3>
<p>The other day I received an email from the govt of India “My Life My yoga contest ” . My eyes caught up on the quote by the Prime Minister of India , Mr. Narendra Modi . This is what he says about yoga.</p>
<p>“Yoga is not merely an exercise but a way to attain peace through physical, mental, and spiritual well-being”</p>
<p> </p>
<p>Yoga is the physical, mental and spiritual practices or disciplines that aim to transform body and mind.”</p>
<p> </p>
<p style="text-align: center;"><strong>What does Christ say about transforming our minds?</strong></p>
<blockquote><p>Romans 12:1 Do not conform to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind</p></blockquote>
<p>The syllable OM also pronounced as AUM stands for the names of three gods in Hinduism. It fills one with tranquility, peace, and calmness.</p>
<p>Yoga teaches one to find peace within themselves.</p>
<p> </p>
<p><a href="https://i0.wp.com/dianasdiaries.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/03/Healthy-bodymind-soul-.png?ssl=1"><img data-recalc-dims="1" loading="lazy" decoding="async" data-attachment-id="2647" data-permalink="https://dianasdiaries.com/2019/03/22/should-christians-practice-yoga/healthy-bodymind-soul/" data-orig-file="https://i0.wp.com/dianasdiaries.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/03/Healthy-bodymind-soul-.png?fit=1080%2C1080&ssl=1" data-orig-size="1080,1080" data-comments-opened="1" data-image-meta="{"aperture":"0","credit":"","camera":"","caption":"","created_timestamp":"0","copyright":"","focal_length":"0","iso":"0","shutter_speed":"0","title":"","orientation":"0"}" data-image-title="Healthy body,mind, soul" data-image-description="<p>Bodily exercise is important but should it replace spiritual exercise?</p>
" data-image-caption="" data-medium-file="https://i0.wp.com/dianasdiaries.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/03/Healthy-bodymind-soul-.png?fit=300%2C300&ssl=1" data-large-file="https://i0.wp.com/dianasdiaries.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/03/Healthy-bodymind-soul-.png?fit=1024%2C1024&ssl=1" class="alignnone wp-image-2647 " title="Should bodily exercise replace spiritual execise? Should Yoga be compromised as exercise for a born again believer? What remains is a disciplined life in Christ and a resurrected body #1timothy48 #DianasDiaries #christianyoga" src="https://i0.wp.com/dianasdiaries.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/03/Healthy-bodymind-soul-.png?resize=601%2C601&ssl=1" alt="healthy body, mind, soul" width="601" height="601" srcset="https://i0.wp.com/dianasdiaries.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/03/Healthy-bodymind-soul-.png?w=1080&ssl=1 1080w, https://i0.wp.com/dianasdiaries.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/03/Healthy-bodymind-soul-.png?resize=150%2C150&ssl=1 150w, https://i0.wp.com/dianasdiaries.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/03/Healthy-bodymind-soul-.png?resize=300%2C300&ssl=1 300w, https://i0.wp.com/dianasdiaries.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/03/Healthy-bodymind-soul-.png?resize=768%2C768&ssl=1 768w, https://i0.wp.com/dianasdiaries.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/03/Healthy-bodymind-soul-.png?resize=1024%2C1024&ssl=1 1024w" sizes="auto, (max-width: 601px) 100vw, 601px" /></a></p>
<p> </p>
<p> </p>
<h3 style="text-align: center;">What does the Bible say about peace?</h3>
<p> </p>
<blockquote><p>Psalm 94: 19 When my anxious thoughts multiply within me, Your consolations delight my soul</p>
<p>Philippians 4:7 And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.</p>
<p><span style="display: inline !important; float: none; background-color: transparent; border-collapse: collapse; border-spacing: 0px 0px; color: #111111; font-family: 'Segoe UI',Arial,Helvetica,Sans-Serif; font-size: 16px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; letter-spacing: normal; list-style-image: none; list-style-position: outside; list-style-type: disc; orphans: 2; text-align: left; text-decoration: none; text-indent: 0px; text-transform: none; -webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; white-space: normal; word-spacing: 0px;">Isaiah 26:3. 3 You will keep in perfect peace all who trust in you,…</span></p>
<p>John 14: 27 Peace I leave with you; My peace I give to you. I do not give to you as the world gives. Do not let your hearts be troubled; do not be afraid.</p>
<p>2 Thessalonians 3:16 Now may the Lord of peace Himself continually grant you peace in every circumstance. The Lord be with you all!</p>
<p> </p></blockquote>
<p>So should Christians practice yoga for peace?</p>
<p>2 Corinthians 10: 5 We destroy every proud obstacle that keeps people from knowing God. We capture their rebellious thoughts and teach them to obey Christ.</p>
<p> </p>
<p>Every 84 something poses that Yoga has is a posture of worship of Hindu gods</p>
<p>Everyone is considered gods for Hindus even a human is worshipped. They believe that they are divine themselves. Snakes, Elephants ,tiger, Cows, Monkey are also seen as revered as god.</p>
<p> </p>
<blockquote><p><strong>We will be perfectly healthy — body, soul, and mind — in the new heavens and the new earth after resurrection, and that is our glory — that is our hope. John Piper</strong></p></blockquote>
<p> </p>
<p style="text-align: center;">Should Christians practice yoga and treat the postures of gods simply as an exercise?</p>
<blockquote><p> </p>
<p>There is a way which seemeth right unto a man, but the end thereof are the ways of death.” (Proverbs 14:12)</p>
<p> </p></blockquote>
<p><a href="https://i0.wp.com/dianasdiaries.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/03/Christian-and-Yoga-1.png?ssl=1"><img data-recalc-dims="1" loading="lazy" decoding="async" data-attachment-id="2645" data-permalink="https://dianasdiaries.com/2019/03/22/should-christians-practice-yoga/christian-and-yoga-1/" data-orig-file="https://i0.wp.com/dianasdiaries.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/03/Christian-and-Yoga-1.png?fit=735%2C1102&ssl=1" data-orig-size="735,1102" data-comments-opened="1" data-image-meta="{"aperture":"0","credit":"","camera":"","caption":"","created_timestamp":"0","copyright":"","focal_length":"0","iso":"0","shutter_speed":"0","title":"","orientation":"0"}" data-image-title="Christian and Yoga" data-image-description="<p>Can Yoga be secularized or isolated from its Hindu roots?</p>
<p>Would that mean we can take other religious practices and make them Christ like? </p>
" data-image-caption="" data-medium-file="https://i0.wp.com/dianasdiaries.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/03/Christian-and-Yoga-1.png?fit=200%2C300&ssl=1" data-large-file="https://i0.wp.com/dianasdiaries.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/03/Christian-and-Yoga-1.png?fit=683%2C1024&ssl=1" class="alignnone wp-image-2645" title="Can Yoga be isolated to fit into the Christian prayer routines away from its Hindu roots? What do Hindu teachers say about Christian Yoga? Can OM, Postures, and mantras be replaced with Bible verses and meditations? #DianasDiaries #Yogaandchristianity #christianyoga " src="https://i0.wp.com/dianasdiaries.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/03/Christian-and-Yoga-1.png?resize=600%2C900&ssl=1" alt="Christian Yoga" width="600" height="900" srcset="https://i0.wp.com/dianasdiaries.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/03/Christian-and-Yoga-1.png?w=735&ssl=1 735w, https://i0.wp.com/dianasdiaries.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/03/Christian-and-Yoga-1.png?resize=200%2C300&ssl=1 200w, https://i0.wp.com/dianasdiaries.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/03/Christian-and-Yoga-1.png?resize=683%2C1024&ssl=1 683w" sizes="auto, (max-width: 600px) 100vw, 600px" /></a></p>
<h3></h3>
<h3 style="text-align: center;">CAN CHRISTIANITY COEXIST WITH A Hindu PRACTICE</h3>
<p> </p>
<p>Hindus will never compromise on their beliefs and use a Bible verse that has Jesus and put the names of their gods in it.</p>
<p>They will never call their gathering a Hindu Lord supper or Hindu Psalm fellowship.</p>
<p> </p>
<blockquote><p><strong>Imagine Hindus or anyone who isn’t a Christian lifting up a huge Cross and using it as part of a bicep exercises.</strong></p>
<p><span style="color: #808080;">Even if someone who doesn’t believe in Jesus will use Cross as an exercise, Cross will always be a remembrance of the sacrifice Jesus Christ made on behalf of His creation.</span></p>
<p> </p>
<p><strong>Christians are hated in India and other parts of the words. There are many who gave their life because of the persecution by the extremists. </strong></p></blockquote>
<p> </p>
<p>Swami Sivasiva Palani in his January 1991 “Open Letter to Evangelicals” in Hinduism Today said <strong>Yoga instructors are Yoga missionaries</strong>. He continues, “They may not call themselves Hindu, but Hindus know where yoga came from and where it goes,”</p>
<p> </p>
<blockquote><p>2 Corinthians 6:14-17: For what do righteousness and wickedness have in common? Or what fellowship can light have with darkness? . . . What agreement is there between the temple of God and idols? For we are the temple of the living God. As God has said: “I will live with them and walk among them, and I will be their God, and they will be my people. <span style="color: #ff6600;">Therefore come out from them and be separate</span>, says the Lord.”</p>
<p>Deuteronomy 13:30: . . . be careful not to be ensnared by inquiring about their gods, saying, “How will these nations serve their gods, we will do the same.”</p></blockquote>
<p> </p>
<p>So, the question remains</p>
<p>– Is it okay to take these particular posture exercises and call them “CHRISTIAN YOGA”?</p>
<p>-Should Christians practice yoga for health reasons when Christians are persecuted and killed?</p>
<p> </p>
<div class="tweet-box ctt-box-design-4 ctt-color-1 ">
<a href="http://ctt.ec/4P34T" target="_blank" >
<p class="ctt-font-original">Can Christianity co-exist peacefully with Yoga? Can Yoga be secularized from its Hindu roots and adapt into Christian practices? An Indian born Christian’s perspective</p>
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<p> </p>
<p> </p>
<h4 style="text-align: center;">How Hindu Extremists view Christians in INDIA. My reason behind this post.</h4>
<p> </p>
<p>One Sunday morning two women walked into the Church where my parents and other believers were worshipping , and claimed(they lied) to be Christians from the state of U.P., India.</p>
<p> </p>
<p>They asked my dad for some tracts which my dad readily gave. They walked out 10 minutes later. After the worship was over ,my parents noticed couple of pictures of Hindu gods and goddesses outside the church gate. They let it be there without making a fuss.</p>
<p>The next morning, a mob of 300 Hindu fanatics and a group of news reporter gathered outside the Church ready to beat my dad up.</p>
<p>Their FALSE accusations? They claim that my parents threw out their gods pictures on the ground and are forcefully converting Hindus into Christianity.</p>
<p> </p>
<p>They were told that they will demolish the Church and convert it in a temple.</p>
<p> </p>
<p>The Police commissioner and other authorities found the claims of the fanatics to be false upon investigation.</p>
<p> </p>
<p>It has become increasingly difficult for even Indian born Missionaries to live peaceably and many are being persecuted and even martyred for Christ.</p>
<p> </p>
<p>Good Fridays are not recognized as a holiday anymore. Anti-conversion laws have been decided.</p>
<p>There are radical groups on Twitter and Facebook trying to find Christians to persecute them.</p>
<p> </p>
<h4 style="text-align: center;">Conversion of Christians?</h4>
<p>Exactly three days later after the incident with my parents, my kids came back from school and told me their teacher let them watch YOGA exercise and taught them to do “Namaste” and “OM” .</p>
<p> </p>
<p><span style="display: inline !important; float: none; background-color: transparent; color: #333333; cursor: text; font-family: -apple-system,BlinkMacSystemFont,'Segoe UI',Roboto,Oxygen-Sans,Ubuntu,Cantarell,'Helvetica Neue',sans-serif; font-size: 16px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; letter-spacing: normal; orphans: 2; text-align: left; text-decoration: none; text-indent: 0px; text-transform: none; -webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; white-space: normal; word-spacing: 0px;">(</span>Namaste means I bow down to the god in you. This is an affirmation of pantheism.<span style="display: inline !important; float: none; background-color: transparent; color: #333333; cursor: text; font-family: -apple-system,BlinkMacSystemFont,'Segoe UI',Roboto,Oxygen-Sans,Ubuntu,Cantarell,'Helvetica Neue',sans-serif; font-size: 16px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; letter-spacing: normal; orphans: 2; text-align: left; text-decoration: none; text-indent: 0px; text-transform: none; -webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; white-space: normal; word-spacing: 0px;">) </span></p>
<p> </p>
<p>An Entire continent away from India, my American born toddlers who have no clue about Hinduism is now taught Yoga in the form of EXERCISE. They came home and repeated them.</p>
<p> </p>
<blockquote><p><strong>Now shouldn’t the use of videos, mantras, yoga mat be also labelled as “forcible conversion” of the Christians?</strong></p></blockquote>
<p> </p>
<p>Just days ago , their grandparents was falsely harassed by a specific Hindu extremists because they are Indian Christian missionaries.</p>
<p>Can a daughter’s heart grieve?</p>
<p> </p>
<blockquote><p>-Why do American schools then refuse to include TobyMac , Casting Crowns ,or Mandisa’s song as part of a dance exercise ?</p></blockquote>
<p> </p>
<p>Persecution Relief has recorded over 477 persecution incidents in the year 2018 against Christians and 110 incidents in 2019 ( and it is only March) n India.</p>
<p> </p>
<blockquote><p>Graham Staines ,an Australian missionary along with his 10 and 8 year old sons where burnt alive while they were sleeping in their vehicle on January 23rd ,1999 in India. His wife Gladys and daughter Esther survived. What about their sacrifices?</p></blockquote>
<p> </p>
<p><a href="https://i0.wp.com/dianasdiaries.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/03/should-Christian-practice-yoga.png?ssl=1"><img data-recalc-dims="1" loading="lazy" decoding="async" data-attachment-id="2644" data-permalink="https://dianasdiaries.com/2019/03/22/should-christians-practice-yoga/should-christian-practice-yoga/" data-orig-file="https://i0.wp.com/dianasdiaries.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/03/should-Christian-practice-yoga.png?fit=735%2C1102&ssl=1" data-orig-size="735,1102" data-comments-opened="1" data-image-meta="{"aperture":"0","credit":"","camera":"","caption":"","created_timestamp":"0","copyright":"","focal_length":"0","iso":"0","shutter_speed":"0","title":"","orientation":"0"}" data-image-title="should Christian practice yoga" data-image-description="<p>It is an important whether Yoga should be practiced by Christians as an exercise</p>
" data-image-caption="" data-medium-file="https://i0.wp.com/dianasdiaries.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/03/should-Christian-practice-yoga.png?fit=200%2C300&ssl=1" data-large-file="https://i0.wp.com/dianasdiaries.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/03/should-Christian-practice-yoga.png?fit=683%2C1024&ssl=1" class="wp-image-2644 aligncenter" title="Yoga is said to help the yogi to have a healthy body ,mind, and soul. It is deep rooted and part of the Hindu religion. It is said to aid against anxiety and bring healing. What does the Bible say about healing, Salvation, and exercise? Can Christian yoga co exist peacefully with Christianity. Here is an Indian born Christian's perspective about Yoga.#aboutyoga #christianityandyoga #DianasDiaries #bodymindandsoulhealing " src="https://i0.wp.com/dianasdiaries.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/03/should-Christian-practice-yoga.png?resize=600%2C900&ssl=1" alt="Should Christian practice Yoga" width="600" height="900" srcset="https://i0.wp.com/dianasdiaries.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/03/should-Christian-practice-yoga.png?w=735&ssl=1 735w, https://i0.wp.com/dianasdiaries.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/03/should-Christian-practice-yoga.png?resize=200%2C300&ssl=1 200w, https://i0.wp.com/dianasdiaries.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/03/should-Christian-practice-yoga.png?resize=683%2C1024&ssl=1 683w" sizes="auto, (max-width: 600px) 100vw, 600px" /></a></p>
<p> </p>
<div class="tweet-box ctt-box-design-4 ctt-color-1 ">
<a href="http://ctt.ec/y8Xj6" target="_blank" >
<p class="ctt-font-original">Should we still entertain a watered down form of a heavily Hindu-rooted Yoga exercise while our fellow believers are being persecuted / executed and Bibles are being burnt all over the world?</p>
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<p> </p>
<p> </p>
<h5 style="text-align: center;"><strong><span style="color: #003366;">FINAL REFLECTION :</span></strong></h5>
<p>-Should we still entertain a watered down form of a heavily Hindu-rooted Yoga exercise while our fellow believers are being persecuted / executed and Bibles are being burnt all over the world?</p>
<p> </p>
<p>– Should the term ‘yoga’ be still used in a Christian’s life when Christianity is seen as an intolerable group of people ? Are we then supposed to only follow certain commandments from the Bible and not the WHOLE?</p>
<p> </p>
<p>-If this is indeed a controversial and intolerable topic then why are we not including Muslim Salat(prayer) and positions into our Christian prayer routines?</p>
<p> </p>
<p><strong>-Can we be physically fit or mentally peaceful ONLY by replacing OM for Jesus, Mantras for Christian prayers, and regular gym exercises for Yoga?</strong></p>
<p> </p>
<p>– How can one exercise their freedom in Christ without being a stumbling block to a new Christian who left their pagan beliefs for Jesus?</p>
<p> </p>
<p>I leave it up-to you to ponder and learn for yourself from the Word for discernment.</p>
<p> </p>
<p>In Christ</p>
<p> </p>
<p>Diana.</p>
<p> </p>
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<p>The post <a href="https://dianasdiaries.com/2019/03/22/should-christians-practice-yoga/">Should Christians practice Yoga for their body and mind</a> appeared first on <a href="https://dianasdiaries.com">Diana's Diaries</a>.</p>
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<title>How to walk in the Promises of the Good Shepherd:Psalm 23</title>
<link>https://dianasdiaries.com/2019/02/24/abundant-promises-the-good-shepherd-psalm-23/</link>
<comments>https://dianasdiaries.com/2019/02/24/abundant-promises-the-good-shepherd-psalm-23/#comments</comments>
<dc:creator><![CDATA[Diana]]></dc:creator>
<pubDate>Mon, 25 Feb 2019 03:15:40 +0000</pubDate>
<category><![CDATA[Chapter/Verse Meditation]]></category>
<category><![CDATA[Christian Living]]></category>
<category><![CDATA[Promises to walk from psalm 23]]></category>
<category><![CDATA[Psalm 23]]></category>
<category><![CDATA[The Good Shepherd]]></category>
<guid isPermaLink="false">https://dianasdiaries.com/?p=2603</guid>
<description><![CDATA[<p>Promises of the Good Shepherd for His sheep One of my favorite childhood memories was watching a shepherd man in his fifties walking with almost 100 sheep through the streets where I grew up in India. I saw the man almost every evening as he returned home with them. I still remember the distinct whistle […]</p>
<p>The post <a href="https://dianasdiaries.com/2019/02/24/abundant-promises-the-good-shepherd-psalm-23/">How to walk in the Promises of the Good Shepherd:Psalm 23</a> appeared first on <a href="https://dianasdiaries.com">Diana's Diaries</a>.</p>
]]></description>
<content:encoded><![CDATA[<h4><span style="color: #000000; font-family: Calibri;">Promises of the Good Shepherd for His sheep</span></h4>
<p><span style="color: #000000; font-family: Calibri;">One of my favorite childhood memories was watching a shepherd man in his fifties walking with almost 100 sheep through the streets where I grew up in India. I saw the man almost every evening as he returned home with them. I still remember the distinct whistle he made for his sheep frequently. Growing up I was able to relate the promises of the Good Shepherd with the man I met as a young girl. </span></p>
<p><span style="color: #000000; font-family: Calibri;">The gentle voice of the shepherd kept the sheep calm. His rod was used to pull down leaves from the tall trees and also to keep the sheep together.Every one of those animals walked together no matter how crowded they felt in the narrow road. The sheep were never startled even when the vehicles passed by near them. Occasionally, the shepherd allowed me and our neighborhood kids to hold the little lamb off from his shoulder.</span></p>
<p><span style="color: #000000; font-family: Calibri;">As a mom of triplets, I often find myself praying to the Good Shepherd to help me raise my little lambs in this wicked world. Dangers lurk around and weariness can often take the center of our lives if we do not rest in the promises of our Good Shepherd.</span></p>
<p><span style="color: #000000; font-family: Calibri;"> </span></p>
<h4><span style="color: #000000; font-family: Calibri;">Understanding Psalm 22 before Psalm 23</span></h4>
<p><span style="color: #000000; font-family: Calibri;">Notice this Psalm comes right after Psalm 22 which is about the agonizing pain our Savior went through on the Cross. “<strong>My God My God why have you forsaken me”.</strong> Our Lord became the Lamb of God for wandering and sinful sheep like you and I. </span></p>
<p><span style="color: #000000; font-family: Calibri;">Jesus died for His Sheep and now it is our call to walk in the abundant promises the Good Shepherd wants to bestow to us.</span></p>
<p><span style="color: #000000; font-family: Calibri;">Once you meditate on Psalm 22, you will realize how important the next Psalm truly is. God is our Good Shepherd and wants to lead His Sheep to safety and rest. </span></p>
<p><span style="color: #000000; font-family: Calibri;">David himself was a shepherd and he knew how it was to take care of his father’s sheep. God asked Samuel the Prophet to anoint this young boy to be the King over Israel. </span></p>
<p><span style="color: #000000; font-family: Calibri;">Picturize the God of this Universe as our Shepherd. It is a unique relationship that only a sheep of His pasture can have with her Shepherd. He knows my name and your name; we are not just a crowd for Jesus.</span></p>
<p> </p>
<p><strong><span style="color: #000000; font-family: Calibri;">Here are the 6 abundant promises of the Good Shepherd Psalm 23</span></strong></p>
<p><span style="color: #000000; font-family: Calibri;"> <a href="https://i0.wp.com/dianasdiaries.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/02/Good-Shepherd-Psalm-23-3.png?ssl=1"><img data-recalc-dims="1" loading="lazy" decoding="async" data-attachment-id="2607" data-permalink="https://dianasdiaries.com/2019/02/24/abundant-promises-the-good-shepherd-psalm-23/good-shepherd-psalm-23-3/" data-orig-file="https://i0.wp.com/dianasdiaries.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/02/Good-Shepherd-Psalm-23-3.png?fit=735%2C1102&ssl=1" data-orig-size="735,1102" data-comments-opened="1" data-image-meta="{"aperture":"0","credit":"","camera":"","caption":"","created_timestamp":"0","copyright":"","focal_length":"0","iso":"0","shutter_speed":"0","title":"","orientation":"0"}" data-image-title="Good Shepherd Psalm 23 (3)" data-image-description="<p>Have you ever watched a shepherd with his sheep? I have and it has helped me understand Psalm 23 in a very personal way. Here is a verse by verse study and 6 promises to claim for ourselves. </p>
" data-image-caption="" data-medium-file="https://i0.wp.com/dianasdiaries.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/02/Good-Shepherd-Psalm-23-3.png?fit=200%2C300&ssl=1" data-large-file="https://i0.wp.com/dianasdiaries.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/02/Good-Shepherd-Psalm-23-3.png?fit=683%2C1024&ssl=1" class="alignnone wp-image-2607" title="Have you ever watched a shepherd with his sheep? I have a personal experience and it has helped me understand Psalm 23 in a very personal way. Here is a verse by verse study and 6 promises to claim for ourselves. #Psalm23 #thelordismyshepherd #DianasDiaries #promisesofgod" src="https://i0.wp.com/dianasdiaries.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/02/Good-Shepherd-Psalm-23-3.png?resize=600%2C900&ssl=1" alt="Good Shepherd Psalm 23 Promises" width="600" height="900" srcset="https://i0.wp.com/dianasdiaries.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/02/Good-Shepherd-Psalm-23-3.png?w=735&ssl=1 735w, https://i0.wp.com/dianasdiaries.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/02/Good-Shepherd-Psalm-23-3.png?resize=200%2C300&ssl=1 200w, https://i0.wp.com/dianasdiaries.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/02/Good-Shepherd-Psalm-23-3.png?resize=683%2C1024&ssl=1 683w" sizes="auto, (max-width: 600px) 100vw, 600px" /></a></span></p>
<h4></h4>
<h4><span style="color: #000000; font-family: Calibri;">1} I/ We will lack no thing:</span></h4>
<p><span style="color: #000000; font-family: Calibri;">If Jesus is the Shepherd, then we know for sure that He has the best interests of our lives. He will teach us to be content. Just like the earthly shepherd I mentioned above, our heavenly Shepherd is our provider and sustainer.</span></p>
<blockquote><p>Young lions go lacking and hungry, but those who seek the LORD lack no good thing.<span style="color: #000000; font-family: Calibri;"> Psalm 34:10</span></p></blockquote>
<p> </p>
<blockquote><p>For the Lamb in the center of the throne will be their shepherd. He will lead them to springs of living water, and God will wipe away every tear from their eyes.’ Revelation 7:17</p></blockquote>
<p><span style="color: #000000; font-family: Calibri;"> </span></p>
<h4><span style="color: #000000; font-family: Calibri;">2} My/ Our state of mind will be peaceful:</span></h4>
<p><span style="color: #000000; font-family: Calibri;">Green pasture is a picture of abundance, but a desert can only be grass filled if the Shepherd went before the sheep arrived and planted the seeds. The seeds had to be watered, and the rocks had to be moved out of the way as well. </span></p>
<p><span style="color: #000000; font-family: Calibri;"> </span></p>
<p><span style="color: #000000; font-family: Calibri;">Breathe in dear friend for this Good Shepherd has gone before you and prepared a place of rest for you. Maybe you don’t want to refresh, but the Lord will make you to lie down in His comforting promises. </span></p>
<p> </p>
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<p class="ctt-font-original">Breathe in dear friend for this Good Shepherd has gone before you and prepared a place of rest for you. Maybe you don’t want to refresh, but the Lord will make you to lie down in His comforting promises.</p>
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<blockquote><p>Peace I leave with you; my peace I give you. I do not give to you as the world gives. Do not let your hearts be troubled and do not be afraid.<span style="font-family: Calibri;"> John 14:27, NIV</span></p></blockquote>
<p><span style="color: #000000; font-family: Calibri;"> </span></p>
<h4><span style="color: #000000; font-family: Calibri;">3} My/Our exhausted souls will be revived</span></h4>
<p><span style="color: #000000; font-family: Calibri;">This life on this earth is filled with disappointments, hardships, betrayals, and brokenness. Only Christ can renew and restore our lives. God is not indebted to any of His creation for He will restore our health, heal our wounds, and give us back everything that the locusts have eaten. Jeremiah 30:17; Psalm 51 :12</span></p>
<p><span style="color: #000000; font-family: Calibri;"> </span></p>
<h4><span style="color: #000000; font-family: Calibri;">4 } I/ We will be fearless even in the dark valleys:</span></h4>
<p><span style="color: #000000; font-family: Calibri;">The Bible doesn’t say “IF” we ever walk, but EVEN when we walk in the darkest valleys, near death experiences, and deep wounds. GOD is with me. God is with you. Our Faithful God is greater and mightier than all our fears, and our unknowns. </span></p>
<p><span style="color: #000000; font-family: Calibri;">His rod will gently nudge us to come back to the fold and not stray away from His promises. Here is a poem by Annie Johnson Flint that I absolutely love: </span></p>
<p><span style="color: #000000; font-family: Calibri;"> </span></p>
<p> </p>
<h4>5<span style="color: #000000; font-family: Calibri;">} I/ We will enjoy the anointed blessings at the banqueting table with God in the presence of those who hate us.</span></h4>
<p><span style="font-family: Calibri;"><span style="color: #000000;">Picture the Good Shepherd as our best host preparing a table of abundance and joy in the presence of those who hate us. Christ longs to dine with us and enjoy our fellowship daily just as HE walked and dined with His disciples. </span></span></p>
<p><span style="color: #000000; font-family: Calibri;">The Shepherd pours oil on the sheep to prevent the lice from entering its ears, just like that we have been anointed with the oil of the Holy Spirit and oil of gladness. We are sealed, called a chosen generation and put a hedge to remind the Enemy of this World that we belong to Jesus. </span></p>
<p><span style="color: #000000; font-family: Calibri;"> </span></p>
<p><span style="color: #000000; font-family: Calibri;"> </span></p>
<h4><span style="color: #000000; font-family: Calibri;">6} I / We will look forward to dwell in God’s permanent home:</span></h4>
<p><span style="font-family: Calibri;"><span style="color: #000000;">David yearned to dwell closely with the King of Kings even though he, himself had built a castle and a good amount of fortune. May our souls yearn to enter His gates with thanksgiving and His courts with Praise. </span></span></p>
<p><span style="color: #000000; font-family: Calibri;">May our heart be where our Home is! </span></p>
<p><span style="color: #000000; font-family: Calibri;">God has set eternity in the hearts of men (Ecclesiastes 4:11). It simply means we do not belong to this world, and our longings must be to connect with the Eternal Father.</span></p>
<p><span style="color: #b00000; font-family: Calibri;"><a href="https://i0.wp.com/dianasdiaries.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/02/Good-Shepherd-psalm-23-2.png?ssl=1"><img data-recalc-dims="1" loading="lazy" decoding="async" data-attachment-id="2606" data-permalink="https://dianasdiaries.com/2019/02/24/abundant-promises-the-good-shepherd-psalm-23/good-shepherd-psalm-23-2/" data-orig-file="https://i0.wp.com/dianasdiaries.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/02/Good-Shepherd-psalm-23-2.png?fit=735%2C1102&ssl=1" data-orig-size="735,1102" data-comments-opened="1" data-image-meta="{"aperture":"0","credit":"","camera":"","caption":"","created_timestamp":"0","copyright":"","focal_length":"0","iso":"0","shutter_speed":"0","title":"","orientation":"0"}" data-image-title="Good Shepherd psalm 23 (2)" data-image-description="" data-image-caption="" data-medium-file="https://i0.wp.com/dianasdiaries.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/02/Good-Shepherd-psalm-23-2.png?fit=200%2C300&ssl=1" data-large-file="https://i0.wp.com/dianasdiaries.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/02/Good-Shepherd-psalm-23-2.png?fit=683%2C1024&ssl=1" class="alignnone wp-image-2606" title="I have how the sheep walks carefree unaware of the traps ahead just because her shepherd is right beside her. Here are 6 abundant promises to rest from psalm 23 by the Good Shepherd #promisesofGod #thelordismyshepherd #DianasDiaries #iwillfearnoevil" src="https://i0.wp.com/dianasdiaries.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/02/Good-Shepherd-psalm-23-2.png?resize=600%2C900&ssl=1" alt="Abundant promises by the Good Shepherd Psalm 23" width="600" height="900" srcset="https://i0.wp.com/dianasdiaries.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/02/Good-Shepherd-psalm-23-2.png?w=735&ssl=1 735w, https://i0.wp.com/dianasdiaries.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/02/Good-Shepherd-psalm-23-2.png?resize=200%2C300&ssl=1 200w, https://i0.wp.com/dianasdiaries.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/02/Good-Shepherd-psalm-23-2.png?resize=683%2C1024&ssl=1 683w" sizes="auto, (max-width: 600px) 100vw, 600px" /></a></span></p>
<p><span style="color: #000000; font-family: Calibri;"> </span></p>
<h3><span style="color: #000000; font-family: Calibri;">So how do we begin to Walk in the joyful promises of the Good Shepherd?</span></h3>
<p><span style="color: #000000; font-family: Calibri;"> </span></p>
<p><span style="color: #000000; font-family: Calibri;">a] Believe that He is your Shepherd and you are His chosen generation.</span></p>
<p><span style="color: #000000; font-family: Calibri;">b] Write on it on your heart and all over the walls of our home.</span></p>
<p><span style="color: #000000; font-family: Calibri;">c] Memorize it so that you won’t forget it (Sheep tend to forget their path)</span></p>
<p><span style="color: #000000; font-family: Calibri;">d] Speak it out loud in your valleys. (Echoes are louder in the valleys so say the name of Jesus aloud) </span></p>
<p><span style="color: #000000; font-family: Calibri;">e] Allow the oil of healing and gladness to flow from you towards everyone else you come in touch with. </span></p>
<p><span style="color: #000000; font-family: Calibri;">f] Rest and abide in His Promises for you and your household. </span></p>
<p><span style="color: #000000; font-family: Calibri;"> </span></p>
<p><span style="color: #000000; font-family: Calibri;">Here is a prayer that I personalize from Psalm 23 . I have added it in my Subscriber library to print it out as well. </span></p>
<p><span style="color: #000000; font-family: Calibri;">Let me know how this prayer and post helped you in your valleys.</span></p>
<p> </p>
<p> </p>
<h5><span style="font-family: Calibri;"><span style="color: #000000;">Reflection:</span></span></h5>
<p><span style="color: #000000; font-family: Calibri;">What is it about these Promises of the Good Shepherd Psalm 23 that makes it so endearing to every Christian? </span></p>
<p><span style="color: #000000; font-family: Calibri;">Do you have a fond memory associated with this Psalm like me?</span></p>
<p> </p>
<p><span style="color: #000000; font-family: Calibri;"> <a href="https://i0.wp.com/dianasdiaries.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/02/Psalm-23-Personalized-Prayer.png?ssl=1"><img data-recalc-dims="1" loading="lazy" decoding="async" data-attachment-id="2611" data-permalink="https://dianasdiaries.com/2019/02/24/abundant-promises-the-good-shepherd-psalm-23/psalm-23-personalized-prayer/" data-orig-file="https://i0.wp.com/dianasdiaries.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/02/Psalm-23-Personalized-Prayer.png?fit=735%2C1102&ssl=1" data-orig-size="735,1102" data-comments-opened="1" data-image-meta="{"aperture":"0","credit":"","camera":"","caption":"","created_timestamp":"0","copyright":"","focal_length":"0","iso":"0","shutter_speed":"0","title":"","orientation":"0"}" data-image-title="Psalm 23 Personalized Prayer" data-image-description="<p>Here is a personalized prayer from Psalm 23</p>
" data-image-caption="" data-medium-file="https://i0.wp.com/dianasdiaries.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/02/Psalm-23-Personalized-Prayer.png?fit=200%2C300&ssl=1" data-large-file="https://i0.wp.com/dianasdiaries.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/02/Psalm-23-Personalized-Prayer.png?fit=683%2C1024&ssl=1" class="alignnone wp-image-2611" title="Prayer is a simple conversation with the Creator and in this case with the Shepherd of our souls. A personalized prayer that you can utter any time as you journey in this world or face the storms. #Psalm23prayer #DianasDiaries " src="https://i0.wp.com/dianasdiaries.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/02/Psalm-23-Personalized-Prayer.png?resize=600%2C900&ssl=1" alt="Psalm 23 Personalized prayer" width="600" height="900" srcset="https://i0.wp.com/dianasdiaries.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/02/Psalm-23-Personalized-Prayer.png?w=735&ssl=1 735w, https://i0.wp.com/dianasdiaries.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/02/Psalm-23-Personalized-Prayer.png?resize=200%2C300&ssl=1 200w, https://i0.wp.com/dianasdiaries.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/02/Psalm-23-Personalized-Prayer.png?resize=683%2C1024&ssl=1 683w" sizes="auto, (max-width: 600px) 100vw, 600px" /></a></span></p>
<p><span style="color: #000000; font-family: Calibri;"> </span></p>
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<p>The post <a href="https://dianasdiaries.com/2019/02/24/abundant-promises-the-good-shepherd-psalm-23/">How to walk in the Promises of the Good Shepherd:Psalm 23</a> appeared first on <a href="https://dianasdiaries.com">Diana's Diaries</a>.</p>
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<title>4 encouraging characteristics of God Psalm 121</title>
<link>https://dianasdiaries.com/2019/02/04/finding-encouragement-in-characteristics-of-god-psalm-121/</link>
<comments>https://dianasdiaries.com/2019/02/04/finding-encouragement-in-characteristics-of-god-psalm-121/#comments</comments>
<dc:creator><![CDATA[Diana]]></dc:creator>
<pubDate>Mon, 04 Feb 2019 12:12:59 +0000</pubDate>
<category><![CDATA[Chapter/Verse Meditation]]></category>
<category><![CDATA[Christian Living]]></category>
<category><![CDATA[Names of God]]></category>
<category><![CDATA[attributes of god]]></category>
<category><![CDATA[characteristics of god]]></category>
<category><![CDATA[names of God]]></category>
<category><![CDATA[Psalm121]]></category>
<guid isPermaLink="false">https://dianasdiaries.com/?p=2569</guid>
<description><![CDATA[<p>The Pilgrim’s Song and the 4 encouraging characteristics of God . One of my favorite Psalm that I memorized as a young girl was Psalm 121. Over the years, this Psalm has comforted me and helped me understand the character of God in a personal way. I want to call Psalm 121 the Pilgrim’s song […]</p>
<p>The post <a href="https://dianasdiaries.com/2019/02/04/finding-encouragement-in-characteristics-of-god-psalm-121/">4 encouraging characteristics of God Psalm 121</a> appeared first on <a href="https://dianasdiaries.com">Diana's Diaries</a>.</p>
]]></description>
<content:encoded><![CDATA[<h4 style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: #000000; font-family: Calibri;"><span style="color: #800000;">The Pilgrim’s Song and the 4 encouraging characteristics of God .</span></span></h4>
<p><span style="color: #000000; font-family: Calibri;">One of my favorite Psalm that I memorized as a young girl was Psalm 121. Over the years, this Psalm has comforted me and helped me understand the character of God in a personal way. </span></p>
<p><span style="color: #000000; font-family: Calibri;">I want to call Psalm 121 the Pilgrim’s song because as travelers in this world we must realize that we are Pilgrims and not residents here. There were songs that the children of Israel sang as they made their way up to the hills of Jerusalem during the pilgrimage.</span></p>
<p><span style="color: #000000; font-family: Calibri;"> </span></p>
<p><span style="color: #000000; font-family: Calibri;">A pilgrim is a traveler who has set her eyes to the Most sacred Person to whom she belongs. </span></p>
<p><span style="color: #000000; font-family: Calibri;"> </span></p>
<h4 style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: #000000; font-family: Calibri;"><span style="color: #800000;">Why can’t we be earth bound?</span> </span></h4>
<p><span style="color: #000000; font-family: Calibri;"> </span></p>
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<a href="http://ctt.ec/c4FV9" target="_blank" >
<p class="ctt-font-original">Earthbound makes us restricted to this world, while Heaven bound helps us realize our worth in the eternal.</p>
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<p><span style="color: #000000; font-family: Calibri;">Heaven bound is where Jesus is and therefore our eyes are fixed on the Author of our faith.</span></p>
<p>Our birth in Christ makes us citizens of the City which has foundations, whose Builder and Maker is God.</p>
<p><span style="color: #000000; font-family: Calibri;"> </span></p>
<p><span style="color: #000000; font-family: Calibri;"> </span></p>
<p><span style="color: #000000; font-family: Calibri;">When we remove our eyes from the idols of this earth, can we then lift our EYES look up to Holy Hill where Christ is.</span></p>
<p><span style="color: #000000; font-family: Calibri;"> </span></p>
<p><span style="font-family: Calibri;"><span style="color: #000000;"> In times of trouble and despair, if our eyes wander around the circumstances then we can easily quit for life.</span></span></p>
<p><span style="color: #000000; font-family: Calibri;"> </span></p>
<p><span style="color: #000000; font-family: Calibri;">Our help doesn’t come from our qualifications, wealth, or health or even power. It comes from the Lord!</span></p>
<p><span style="color: #000000; font-family: Calibri;"> </span></p>
<p><span style="color: #000000; font-family: Calibri;">Here the Psalmist reminds us that our help comes from above and not around. </span></p>
<p><a href="https://i0.wp.com/dianasdiaries.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/02/characteristics-of-God-Psalm-121-1.png?ssl=1"><img data-recalc-dims="1" loading="lazy" decoding="async" data-attachment-id="2572" data-permalink="https://dianasdiaries.com/2019/02/04/finding-encouragement-in-characteristics-of-god-psalm-121/characteristics-of-god-psalm-121-1/" data-orig-file="https://i0.wp.com/dianasdiaries.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/02/characteristics-of-God-Psalm-121-1.png?fit=735%2C1102&ssl=1" data-orig-size="735,1102" data-comments-opened="1" data-image-meta="{"aperture":"0","credit":"","camera":"","caption":"","created_timestamp":"0","copyright":"","focal_length":"0","iso":"0","shutter_speed":"0","title":"","orientation":"0"}" data-image-title="characteristics of God Psalm 121 (1)" data-image-description="" data-image-caption="" data-medium-file="https://i0.wp.com/dianasdiaries.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/02/characteristics-of-God-Psalm-121-1.png?fit=200%2C300&ssl=1" data-large-file="https://i0.wp.com/dianasdiaries.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/02/characteristics-of-God-Psalm-121-1.png?fit=683%2C1024&ssl=1" class="alignnone wp-image-2572" title="Do you look above in your times of troubles or around? Here is a Psalm which i would like to call as a Pilgrim's song reminding us the 4 characteristics of God to call upon in troubled times. #DianasDiaries #psalm121" src="https://i0.wp.com/dianasdiaries.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/02/characteristics-of-God-Psalm-121-1.png?resize=600%2C900&ssl=1" alt="characteristics of God Psalm 121" width="600" height="900" srcset="https://i0.wp.com/dianasdiaries.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/02/characteristics-of-God-Psalm-121-1.png?resize=683%2C1024&ssl=1 683w, https://i0.wp.com/dianasdiaries.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/02/characteristics-of-God-Psalm-121-1.png?resize=200%2C300&ssl=1 200w, https://i0.wp.com/dianasdiaries.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/02/characteristics-of-God-Psalm-121-1.png?w=735&ssl=1 735w" sizes="auto, (max-width: 600px) 100vw, 600px" /></a></p>
<p><span style="color: #000000;"><strong><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Here are the 4 exemplary characteristics of God from Psalm 121 </span></strong></span></p>
<p><span style="color: #000000; font-family: Calibri;"> </span></p>
<h4 style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: #000000; font-family: Calibri;">1.The Lord who is the maker of Heaven and Earth is our HELPER. Verses 1-2</span></h4>
<p><span style="color: #000000; font-family: Calibri;">HILL – Place</span></p>
<p><span style="color: #000000; font-family: Calibri;">EYES – Position</span></p>
<p><span style="color: #000000; font-family: Calibri;">HELP – Person</span></p>
<p><span style="color: #000000; font-family: Calibri;"> </span></p>
<p><span style="color: #000000; font-family: Calibri;">Jerusalem was built on a hilltop. Two reasons why the Psalmist mentions about lifting his eyes could be (a) There were many false idols in the pagan temples, and he knew only GOD was the true HELPER; (b) The Psalmist wanted to remind himself that help can only come from above and not below.</span></p>
<p><span style="color: #000000; font-family: Calibri;"> </span></p>
<p><span style="color: #000000; font-family: Calibri;"> </span></p>
<blockquote><p>“people fainting from fear and expectation of the things coming on the world; for the powers of the heavens will be shaken.<b><sup> </sup></b>Then they will see the Son of Man coming in a cloud with power and with great glory. Now when these things begin to occur, stand tall and lift up your heads [in joy], because [suffering ends as] your redemption is drawing near. Luke 21 : 26-28 (AMP)</p></blockquote>
<p><span style="color: #000000; font-family: Calibri;"> </span></p>
<p><span style="color: #000000; font-family: Calibri;">Christ is our constant Person in times of trouble. He is God in three Persons. Omniscient and Helper in every step of our way. Look up and rejoice my friend. This characteristic of God as Our Helper allows us to lift our eyes to heaven for help.</span></p>
<p><span style="color: #000000; font-family: Calibri;"> </span></p>
<p><span style="color: #000000; font-family: Calibri;"> </span></p>
<h4 style="text-align: center;"><strong><span style="color: #000000; font-family: Calibri;">2. The Lord who will not allow our foot to be moved is our PROTECTOR. verses 3-4</span></strong></h4>
<p> </p>
<p><span style="color: #000000; font-family: Calibri;">It is important to know that God orders our steps and our stops. </span></p>
<p><span style="color: #000000; font-family: Calibri;">A woman who is diligently walking in the Lord will not be allowed to fall and one who is standing for the truth will move for the Gospel. This characteristic of God reminds us that God will protect us from every evil as we pilgrim on this earth.</span></p>
<p><span style="color: #000000; font-family: Calibri;"> </span></p>
<p style="text-align: left;"><span style="color: #000000; font-family: Calibri;"> <a href="https://dianasdiaries.com/2017/01/10/10-areas-life-god-promises-protect-us/" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">Here are 10 AREAS GOD PROMISES TO PROTECT US</a> </span></p>
<p> </p>
<h4></h4>
<h4 style="text-align: center;"><strong><span style="color: #000000; font-family: Calibri;">3. The Lord is our KEEPER, verses 5-6</span></strong></h4>
<p><span style="color: #000000; font-family: Calibri;">Shomer Ishrael means “One who keeps”. God exercises great care and love towards His people and HE is our keeper.</span></p>
<p><span style="color: #000000; font-family: Calibri;">Picture the Keeper of Israel preserving the apple of His eye (you and I ) under His watch!! What a beautiful characteristics of God indeed!</span></p>
<p><span style="color: #000000; font-family: Calibri;"> </span></p>
<p><span style="color: #000000; font-family: Calibri;">Jacob was fleeing from the wrath of his brother Esau whom he cunningly cheated of their father’s blessing. He stops for the night at a certain place and places a stone for a pillow as he drifts to sleep. It is there that Jacob sees a dream of angels ascending and descending.</span></p>
<blockquote><p><span style="color: #000000; font-family: Calibri;">The Lord promises the following “ </span>I am the Lord, the God of Abraham your father and the God of Isaac; the land on which you lie I will give to you and to your offspring; Know that I am with you and will keep you wherever you go, and will bring you back to this land; for I will not leave you until I have done what I have promised you<span style="font-family: Calibri;">.” </span>Genesis 28 : 10-18</p></blockquote>
<p><span style="color: #000000; font-family: Calibri;">My friend, You and I will sleep, but our Lord God will keep us and our home from the Enemy who is out to kill and steal.</span></p>
<p> </p>
<p><span style="color: #000000; font-family: Calibri;"> </span></p>
<p><span style="color: #000000; font-family: Calibri;"> <a href="https://i0.wp.com/dianasdiaries.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/02/characteristics-of-God-Psalm-121.png?ssl=1"><img data-recalc-dims="1" loading="lazy" decoding="async" data-attachment-id="2573" data-permalink="https://dianasdiaries.com/2019/02/04/finding-encouragement-in-characteristics-of-god-psalm-121/characteristics-of-god-psalm-121-2/" data-orig-file="https://i0.wp.com/dianasdiaries.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/02/characteristics-of-God-Psalm-121.png?fit=735%2C1102&ssl=1" data-orig-size="735,1102" data-comments-opened="1" data-image-meta="{"aperture":"0","credit":"","camera":"","caption":"","created_timestamp":"0","copyright":"","focal_length":"0","iso":"0","shutter_speed":"0","title":"","orientation":"0"}" data-image-title="characteristics of God , Psalm 121" data-image-description="<p>Psalm 121 teaches us about the 4 characteristics of God that any child of Christ can relate to during hard times. It is also known as a traveler’s song sung while on the way to the mountain.</p>
" data-image-caption="" data-medium-file="https://i0.wp.com/dianasdiaries.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/02/characteristics-of-God-Psalm-121.png?fit=200%2C300&ssl=1" data-large-file="https://i0.wp.com/dianasdiaries.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/02/characteristics-of-God-Psalm-121.png?fit=683%2C1024&ssl=1" class="alignnone wp-image-2573 " title="Psalm 121 teaches us about the 4 characteristics of God that any child of Christ can relate to during hard times. It is also known as a traveler's song sung while on the way to the mountain. #DianasDiaries #Psalm121 #characteristicsofGod" src="https://i0.wp.com/dianasdiaries.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/02/characteristics-of-God-Psalm-121.png?resize=600%2C900&ssl=1" alt="characteristics of God" width="600" height="900" srcset="https://i0.wp.com/dianasdiaries.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/02/characteristics-of-God-Psalm-121.png?resize=683%2C1024&ssl=1 683w, https://i0.wp.com/dianasdiaries.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/02/characteristics-of-God-Psalm-121.png?resize=200%2C300&ssl=1 200w, https://i0.wp.com/dianasdiaries.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/02/characteristics-of-God-Psalm-121.png?w=735&ssl=1 735w" sizes="auto, (max-width: 600px) 100vw, 600px" /></a></span></p>
<p><span style="color: #000000; font-family: Calibri;"> </span></p>
<h4></h4>
<h4 style="text-align: center;"><strong><span style="color: #000000; font-family: Calibri;">4. The Lord is our PRESERVER , verses 7-8</span></strong></h4>
<p><span style="color: #000000; font-family: Calibri;"> </span></p>
<p><span style="color: #000000; font-family: Calibri;">It is the Lord who alone can preserve us Whether it’s a newborn or a young man and woman beginning a new phase of life. </span></p>
<p><span style="color: #000000; font-family: Calibri;">Even if it is returning home after a tired and stressful day, or when the grey hairs begin to show up as we age.</span></p>
<p><span style="color: #000000; font-family: Calibri;"> </span></p>
<p><span style="color: #000000; font-family: Calibri;">Where we go and when we come back will always change but the Preserver of our lives remains unchanging. </span></p>
<p><span style="color: #000000; font-family: Calibri;"> </span></p>
<p><strong><span style="color: #000000; font-family: Calibri;">Note : By day…..by night . God promises an unlimited time for His protection over us -EVERMORE.</span></strong></p>
<p><span style="color: #000000; font-family: Calibri;"> </span></p>
<h4 style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: #800000;">Personalizing the characteristics of God Psalm 121 as a prayer in my own words </span></h4>
<p><span style="color: #000000; font-family: Calibri;"> </span></p>
<p><span style="color: #000000; font-family: Calibri;">Father God, I am opening the windows of my eyes and lifting them towards Thy Holy Hill. For my help comes from the Creator of the Heaven and Earth.</span></p>
<p><span style="color: #000000; font-family: Calibri;">My foot will not trip nor slip for my Guardian never sleeps. </span></p>
<p><span style="color: #000000; font-family: Calibri;">The Keeper of Israel is ever wakeful and watches over me.</span></p>
<p><span style="color: #000000; font-family: Calibri;">God, You are my right Hand comrade in every battles that I am facing. A shield and a shade on my right side.</span></p>
<p><span style="color: #000000; font-family: Calibri;">The heat of the sun nor the interference of the moonlight will not harm me as I pilgrim here. For You are my Protector.</span></p>
<p><span style="color: #000000; font-family: Calibri;">Preserver of my soul guard me from every evil, every fear, and afflictions that will come near me.</span></p>
<p><span style="color: #000000; font-family: Calibri;">Keep me near in life and in death; in the beginning of my days, in the mornings when I step out to labor till the evenings when I return to rest, and even until my old age</span></p>
<p><span style="color: #000000; font-family: Calibri;"> <a href="https://i0.wp.com/dianasdiaries.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/02/psalm-121-by-Diana-A..png?ssl=1"><img data-recalc-dims="1" loading="lazy" decoding="async" data-attachment-id="2577" data-permalink="https://dianasdiaries.com/2019/02/04/finding-encouragement-in-characteristics-of-god-psalm-121/psalm-121-by-diana-a/" data-orig-file="https://i0.wp.com/dianasdiaries.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/02/psalm-121-by-Diana-A..png?fit=800%2C2000&ssl=1" data-orig-size="800,2000" data-comments-opened="1" data-image-meta="{"aperture":"0","credit":"","camera":"","caption":"","created_timestamp":"0","copyright":"","focal_length":"0","iso":"0","shutter_speed":"0","title":"","orientation":"0"}" data-image-title="psalm 121 by Diana A." data-image-description="<p>This is a pilgrim’s song , my song each and every day of my life.</p>
" data-image-caption="" data-medium-file="https://i0.wp.com/dianasdiaries.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/02/psalm-121-by-Diana-A..png?fit=120%2C300&ssl=1" data-large-file="https://i0.wp.com/dianasdiaries.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/02/psalm-121-by-Diana-A..png?fit=410%2C1024&ssl=1" class="alignnone wp-image-2577" title="Psalm 121 inspired me to write down this prayer in my own version. It is every pilgrim's prayersong as you travel in this earth knowing your destination is Christ in Heaven. May this prayer lift you and help you understand God in a more intimate way. #psalm121 #christianprayer #DianasDiaries" src="https://i0.wp.com/dianasdiaries.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/02/psalm-121-by-Diana-A..png?resize=600%2C1500&ssl=1" alt="Psalm 121" width="600" height="1500" srcset="https://i0.wp.com/dianasdiaries.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/02/psalm-121-by-Diana-A..png?w=800&ssl=1 800w, https://i0.wp.com/dianasdiaries.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/02/psalm-121-by-Diana-A..png?resize=120%2C300&ssl=1 120w, https://i0.wp.com/dianasdiaries.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/02/psalm-121-by-Diana-A..png?resize=768%2C1920&ssl=1 768w, https://i0.wp.com/dianasdiaries.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/02/psalm-121-by-Diana-A..png?resize=410%2C1024&ssl=1 410w" sizes="auto, (max-width: 600px) 100vw, 600px" /></a></span></p>
<p><span style="color: #000000; font-family: Calibri;"> </span></p>
<p> </p>
<p><span style="color: #000000; font-family: Calibri;">REFLECTION :</span></p>
<p><span style="color: #000000; font-family: Calibri;">1. What kind of difference would it make if you believed that you will never be released from the protection of the SHADOW of the ALMIGHTY no matter what the situation?</span></p>
<p>2. The truth that God does not sleep , yet He does not rescue you exactly the wanted you wanted . How do you interpret God’s time versus your time?</p>
<p> </p>
<p> </p>
<p>Until Christ comes back, let us focus on the characteristics of God Psalm 121 together</p>
<p> </p>
<p>Diana</p>
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<p>The post <a href="https://dianasdiaries.com/2019/02/04/finding-encouragement-in-characteristics-of-god-psalm-121/">4 encouraging characteristics of God Psalm 121</a> appeared first on <a href="https://dianasdiaries.com">Diana's Diaries</a>.</p>
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<title>9 Promising Bible verses on God’s Thoughts towards us</title>
<link>https://dianasdiaries.com/2018/12/21/bible-verses-gods-thoughts-towards-us/</link>
<comments>https://dianasdiaries.com/2018/12/21/bible-verses-gods-thoughts-towards-us/#comments</comments>
<dc:creator><![CDATA[Diana]]></dc:creator>
<pubDate>Fri, 21 Dec 2018 15:52:35 +0000</pubDate>
<category><![CDATA[Chapter/Verse Meditation]]></category>
<category><![CDATA[Christian Living]]></category>
<category><![CDATA[God's Thoughts]]></category>
<category><![CDATA[God's ways]]></category>
<category><![CDATA[innumerable thoughts of God]]></category>
<guid isPermaLink="false">https://dianasdiaries.com/?p=2513</guid>
<description><![CDATA[<p>Our thoughts can go on a rampage if we leave them unattended. I know mine can travel to those traumatic moments from my past and turn into panic attacks. I must consciously make sure to align my thoughts with God’s thoughts towards me every single day. Have you ever wondered in the middle of your […]</p>
<p>The post <a href="https://dianasdiaries.com/2018/12/21/bible-verses-gods-thoughts-towards-us/">9 Promising Bible verses on God’s Thoughts towards us</a> appeared first on <a href="https://dianasdiaries.com">Diana's Diaries</a>.</p>
]]></description>
<content:encoded><![CDATA[<p>Our thoughts can go on a rampage if we leave them unattended. I know mine can travel to those traumatic moments from my past and turn into panic attacks. I must consciously make sure to align my thoughts with God’s thoughts towards me every single day.</p>
<blockquote><p>Have you ever wondered in the middle of your messy thoughts, what are God’s thoughts towards you?</p></blockquote>
<p> </p>
<p>It is very important for us to remember that we are created in God’s Image and therefore our thoughts must be aligned with God’s thoughts. If they run in opposite direction of His ways, then we cannot be in good fellowship with the Lord.</p>
<blockquote><p>Do <strong>two</strong> <strong>walk</strong> <strong>together</strong> <strong>unless</strong> <strong>they </strong>have agreed to do so? Amos 3 :3</p></blockquote>
<p>We read in the Bible that God instructed Abraham to walk before HIM and be perfect. He promised to bless Abraham and his seed, even though Abraham was childless at that point. (Genesis 12:2).</p>
<p>Abraham’s faith in God’s plan and thoughts towards him made Abraham a great nation.</p>
<p> </p>
<p>Enoch walked with God until the Lord took him. (Genesis 5:24)</p>
<p> </p>
<div class="tweet-box ctt-box-design-4 ctt-color-1 ">
<a href="http://ctt.ec/cKr4c" target="_blank" >
<p class="ctt-font-original">When our walks go parallel with God’s ways, then our thoughts will be aligned with His.</p>
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</a>
</div>
<p> </p>
<h3 style="text-align: center;">Our thoughts versus God’s thoughts</h3>
<blockquote><p>You know when I sit and when I rise; you perceive my thoughts from afar.<br />
Psalm 139: 2</p></blockquote>
<p>Our thoughts are often negative, irrational, filled with anxieties, and narrowminded.</p>
<p>Restless, doubtful thoughts fill my heart and I allow the Devil to whisper more lies.</p>
<p>God’s thoughts for me and for you are pure, filled with peace, and enlarged. Jesus wants to whisper unchangeable truths that I am forever His in my soul. In the middle of our broken heart, He stands in the furnace with us.</p>
<p> </p>
<h3 style="text-align: center;">God’s Ways versus my ways</h3>
<p> </p>
<p>I demand things to go my way. I want it done now or else I am angry like Jonah. My ways often lead me to sadness, loneliness, and darkness. Like a sheep we tend to wander away. Our ways can only see the nows and not the tomorrows.</p>
<p> </p>
<p>God’s ways for me and you are higher. They lead to everlasting and joy filled life. God can see our future and He holds them in His Hand.</p>
<blockquote><p>Jesus answered, “I am the way and the truth and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me. John 14:6, NIV</p></blockquote>
<p>JESUS is the ONLY WAY, the ONLY TRUTH, and the ONLY LIFE for the wayward, for the ones believing the Devil’s lies, and for the ones who don’t want to live anymore.</p>
<p> </p>
<div class="tweet-box ctt-box-design-4 ctt-color-1 ">
<a href="http://ctt.ec/_4j82" target="_blank" >
<p class="ctt-font-original">JESUS is the ONLY WAY, the ONLY TRUTH, and the ONLY LIFE for the wayward, for the ones believing the Devil’s lies, and for the ones who don’t want to live anymore.</p>
<div class="click-to-tweet"><i></i><span class="cta-pr">Click To Tweet</span></div>
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<p> </p>
<p> </p>
<p> </p>
<p><a href="https://i0.wp.com/dianasdiaries.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/12/Gods-thoughts-towards-us.png?ssl=1"><img data-recalc-dims="1" loading="lazy" decoding="async" data-attachment-id="2517" data-permalink="https://dianasdiaries.com/2018/12/21/bible-verses-gods-thoughts-towards-us/gods-thoughts-towards-us/" data-orig-file="https://i0.wp.com/dianasdiaries.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/12/Gods-thoughts-towards-us.png?fit=735%2C1102&ssl=1" data-orig-size="735,1102" data-comments-opened="1" data-image-meta="{"aperture":"0","credit":"","camera":"","caption":"","created_timestamp":"0","copyright":"","focal_length":"0","iso":"0","shutter_speed":"0","title":"","orientation":"0"}" data-image-title="God’s thoughts towards us" data-image-description="<p>How often we think bad thoughts towards ourselves and others? We think negative and worry about our future. Here are 9 Promising verses on God’s thoughts towards us.</p>
" data-image-caption="" data-medium-file="https://i0.wp.com/dianasdiaries.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/12/Gods-thoughts-towards-us.png?fit=200%2C300&ssl=1" data-large-file="https://i0.wp.com/dianasdiaries.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/12/Gods-thoughts-towards-us.png?fit=683%2C1024&ssl=1" class="alignnone wp-image-2517" title="How often we think bad thoughts towards ourselves and others? We think negative and worry about our future. Here are 9 Promising verses on God's thoughts towards us. #promisingverses #Godsthoughtstowardsus #isaiah55 #DianasDiaries" src="https://i0.wp.com/dianasdiaries.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/12/Gods-thoughts-towards-us.png?resize=600%2C900&ssl=1" alt="God's thoughts towards us" width="600" height="900" srcset="https://i0.wp.com/dianasdiaries.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/12/Gods-thoughts-towards-us.png?resize=683%2C1024&ssl=1 683w, https://i0.wp.com/dianasdiaries.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/12/Gods-thoughts-towards-us.png?resize=200%2C300&ssl=1 200w, https://i0.wp.com/dianasdiaries.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/12/Gods-thoughts-towards-us.png?w=735&ssl=1 735w" sizes="auto, (max-width: 600px) 100vw, 600px" /></a></p>
<p> </p>
<p><strong>Here are 9 timeless verses to remind you about God’s thoughts towards us –</strong></p>
<p> </p>
<h4 style="text-align: center;"><strong>1. God’s thoughts are deep</strong></h4>
<p>How great are Your works, O LORD! Your thoughts are very deep. Psalm 92:5</p>
<p> </p>
<p style="text-align: center;"><strong>2. God’s thoughts are higher</strong></p>
<p>For as the heavens are higher than the earth, So are My ways higher than your ways And My thoughts than your thoughts. Isaiah 55:9</p>
<p> </p>
<p style="text-align: center;"><strong><span style="color: #000000; font-family: Calibri;">3. His thoughts are precious towards you</span></strong></p>
<p>Your eyes saw my unformed body; all the days ordained for me were written in your book before one of them came to be.</p>
<p>How precious also are Your thoughts to me, O God! How vast is the sum of them!<span style="color: #000000; font-family: Calibri;"> Psalm 139: 17</span></p>
<blockquote><p> </p></blockquote>
<h4 style="text-align: center;"><strong><span style="color: #000000; font-family: Calibri;">4. God’s thoughts are innumerable</span></strong></h4>
<p>Many, O LORD my God, are the wonders which You have done, And Your thoughts toward us; There is none to compare with You If I would declare and speak of them, They would be too numerous to count.<span style="color: #000000; font-family: Calibri;"> Psalm 40:5</span></p>
<p><span style="color: #000000; font-family: Calibri;"> </span></p>
<p style="text-align: center;"><strong><span style="color: #000000; font-family: Calibri;">5. His thoughts are good and merciful</span></strong></p>
<p>O LORD, what is man, that You take knowledge of him? Or the son of man, that You think of him?<span style="color: #000000; font-family: Calibri;"> Psalm 144:3</span></p>
<p> </p>
<p style="text-align: center;"><strong><span style="color: #000000; font-family: Calibri;">6. His thoughts are to give and speak life.</span></strong></p>
<p>The thief cometh not, but for to steal, and to kill, and to destroy: I am come that they might have life, and that they might have <span style="font-family: Calibri;"><span style="color: #000000;"><i>it</i> more abundantly. John 10: 10</span></span></p>
<p>The Devil sure wants us to believe that God wants to kill but Jesus came to give life- eternal.</p>
<p> </p>
<p> </p>
<h4 style="text-align: center;"><strong>7. Eternal thoughts even towards our children</strong></h4>
<blockquote><p>The counsel of the LORD standeth for ever, the thoughts of his heart to all generations.<span style="color: #000000; font-family: Calibri;"> Psalm 33 :11</span></p>
<p> </p></blockquote>
<p><span style="color: #000000; font-family: Calibri;"> </span></p>
<p style="text-align: center;"><strong><span style="color: #000000; font-family: Calibri;">8. Lord’s thoughts towards us are personal and thoughtful</span></strong></p>
<blockquote><p>Are not two sparrows sold for a penny? Yet not one of them will fall to the ground outside your Father’s care.<span style="font-family: Calibri;"><span style="color: #000000;"> And even the very hairs of your head are all numbered Matthew 10:29,30</span></span></p></blockquote>
<p> </p>
<p style="text-align: center;"><strong>9. God’s thoughts towards us are Prosperous and Peaceful </strong></p>
<blockquote><p>For I know the plans I have for you,” declares the LORD, “plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future.<span style="color: #000000; font-family: Calibri;"> Jeremiah 29:11.</span></p></blockquote>
<p><span style="color: #000000; font-family: Calibri;"> </span></p>
<p><span style="color: #000000; font-family: Calibri;">God has many thoughts (Plural) towards us and is not limited to any one random thought.</span></p>
<p> </p>
<p> </p>
<blockquote><p><span style="color: #000000; font-family: Calibri;"><strong>They are not past thoughts but Present.</strong> Right now, Jesus is thinking of you. He wants to walk with you and trust in His abundant, life giving promises.</span></p></blockquote>
<p> </p>
<p><span style="color: #000000; font-family: Calibri;">Can we rest assured in HIS vast thoughts for us today? </span></p>
<p> </p>
<p><span style="color: #000000; font-family: Calibri;"> <a href="https://i0.wp.com/dianasdiaries.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/12/prayer-when-filled-with-worries-2.png?ssl=1"><img data-recalc-dims="1" loading="lazy" decoding="async" data-attachment-id="2521" data-permalink="https://dianasdiaries.com/2018/12/21/bible-verses-gods-thoughts-towards-us/prayer-when-filled-with-worries-2/" data-orig-file="https://i0.wp.com/dianasdiaries.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/12/prayer-when-filled-with-worries-2.png?fit=800%2C2000&ssl=1" data-orig-size="800,2000" data-comments-opened="1" data-image-meta="{"aperture":"0","credit":"","camera":"","caption":"","created_timestamp":"0","copyright":"","focal_length":"0","iso":"0","shutter_speed":"0","title":"","orientation":"0"}" data-image-title="prayer when filled with worries (2)" data-image-description="<p>Worry and anxiety can creep us unawares. Our thoughts can go on a rampage trying to break us. Unless we do not fully trust in God’s thoughts toward us we cannot claim victory over our enemy.</p>
" data-image-caption="" data-medium-file="https://i0.wp.com/dianasdiaries.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/12/prayer-when-filled-with-worries-2.png?fit=120%2C300&ssl=1" data-large-file="https://i0.wp.com/dianasdiaries.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/12/prayer-when-filled-with-worries-2.png?fit=410%2C1024&ssl=1" class="alignnone wp-image-2521 size-large" title="Worry and anxiety can creep us unawares. Our thoughts can go on a rampage trying to break us. Unless we do not fully trust in God's thoughts toward us we cannot claim victory over our enemy. #Prayerwhenworried #Godsthoughts #DianasDiaries" src="https://i0.wp.com/dianasdiaries.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/12/prayer-when-filled-with-worries-2.png?resize=410%2C1024&ssl=1" alt="Prayer on God's thoughts when worried" width="410" height="1024" srcset="https://i0.wp.com/dianasdiaries.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/12/prayer-when-filled-with-worries-2.png?resize=410%2C1024&ssl=1 410w, https://i0.wp.com/dianasdiaries.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/12/prayer-when-filled-with-worries-2.png?resize=120%2C300&ssl=1 120w, https://i0.wp.com/dianasdiaries.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/12/prayer-when-filled-with-worries-2.png?resize=768%2C1920&ssl=1 768w, https://i0.wp.com/dianasdiaries.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/12/prayer-when-filled-with-worries-2.png?w=800&ssl=1 800w" sizes="auto, (max-width: 410px) 100vw, 410px" /></a></span></p>
<h3></h3>
<p>***What are some of your favorite verses on God’s Thoughts towards you in your season right now?</p>
<p> </p>
<p> </p>
<h4 style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: #000000; font-family: Calibri;">Let’s pray :</span></h4>
<p><span style="color: #000000; font-family: Calibri;">Lord Jesus, fill my thoughts with what is lovely, pure, right, honorable, and peaceful. In the middle of my trials may I always remember that your ways and plans for me are higher and better than my own. I can only picture my todays with my limited vision. But you have great plans for my future. </span></p>
<p><span style="color: #000000; font-family: Calibri;">Your thoughts towards me are innumerable like the stars. Oh, I can barely count them for Your thoughts are so much precious towards me.</span></p>
<p><span style="color: #000000; font-family: Calibri;">Your thumbprint is on my life. I submit all my desires, my plans to your ways and your thoughts. AMEN.</span></p>
<p> </p>
<p><span style="color: #000000; font-family: Calibri;"> </span></p>
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<p>The post <a href="https://dianasdiaries.com/2018/12/21/bible-verses-gods-thoughts-towards-us/">9 Promising Bible verses on God’s Thoughts towards us</a> appeared first on <a href="https://dianasdiaries.com">Diana's Diaries</a>.</p>
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<title>How to build an Ebenezer stone of help in our prayer life</title>
<link>https://dianasdiaries.com/2018/11/12/ebenezer-build-memorial-warroom/</link>
<comments>https://dianasdiaries.com/2018/11/12/ebenezer-build-memorial-warroom/#comments</comments>
<dc:creator><![CDATA[Diana]]></dc:creator>
<pubDate>Mon, 12 Nov 2018 19:11:27 +0000</pubDate>
<category><![CDATA[Chapter/Verse Meditation]]></category>
<category><![CDATA[Christian Living]]></category>
<category><![CDATA[Christ the Rock]]></category>
<category><![CDATA[Raise my Ebenezer]]></category>
<category><![CDATA[the battle belongs to the Lord]]></category>
<guid isPermaLink="false">https://dianasdiaries.com/?p=2465</guid>
<description><![CDATA[<p>Every evening before I switch off the kitchen lights and bid goodbye to the day that the Lord gave me as a gift. I make sure to lift my eyes to the beautiful wooden cravings verse on my wall. t says, “Ebenezer. Thus far has the Lord helped me.” Ebenezer a stone of help in […]</p>
<p>The post <a href="https://dianasdiaries.com/2018/11/12/ebenezer-build-memorial-warroom/">How to build an Ebenezer stone of help in our prayer life</a> appeared first on <a href="https://dianasdiaries.com">Diana's Diaries</a>.</p>
]]></description>
<content:encoded><![CDATA[<p><span style="color: #000000; font-family: Calibri;">Every evening before I switch off the kitchen lights and bid goodbye to the day that the Lord gave me as a gift. I make sure to lift my eyes to the beautiful wooden cravings verse on my wall. </span><span style="color: #000000; font-family: Calibri;"><strong>t says, “Ebenezer. Thus far has the Lord helped me.” Ebenezer a stone of help in our prayer life.</strong></span></p>
<h4 style="text-align: center;"><strong><span style="font-family: Calibri;">The origin of EBENEZER</span></strong></h4>
<p><span style="color: #000000; font-family: Calibri;">The Israelites had suffered a huge defeat in the hands of the enemy , the Philistines. About 4000 men of the army were killed. So, the Israelites decide to bring the Ark of the Lord from Shiloh thinking of the Ark as a symbol of good luck. the Israelites are defeated again, the Ark of the Lord is captured, and Eli and his sons are killed. It is a period of deep sorrow and mourning. </span></p>
<p> </p>
<p><span style="color: #000000; font-family: Calibri;"> In Chapter 7 of 1 Samuel, the Ark is sent back by the Philistines who fear this God of Israel, and Samuel asks the house of Israel to repent of their sins and put away every idols (Baal and Ashtoreths) from their lives.</span></p>
<p> </p>
<p><span style="color: #000000; font-family: Calibri;">During the time of true repentance and renewal, the Philistines planned the attack on the Israelites. The Lord thundered with a loud thunder upon the Philistines that day, a supernatural help. Israelites who faced defeat after defeat finally experienced victory from the enemies when they put away that which defiled GOD.</span></p>
<p>To commemorate the divine victory<span style="font-family: Calibri;"><span style="color: #000000;"> in 1 Samuel 7:12 ,NIV we find the verse :</span></span></p>
<blockquote><p><span style="color: #333333;"><strong>Then Samuel took a stone and set it up between Mizpah and Shen. He named it Ebenezer, saying, “Thus far the LORD has helped us.”</strong></span></p></blockquote>
<p> </p>
<p> </p>
<h4 style="text-align: center;"><strong>Who is our EBENEZER? </strong></h4>
<p><span style="font-family: Calibri;"><span style="color: #000000;">Mizpah means the watch tower. It is in the city of Benjamin. God is our witness and watches over us when we face the battles of life day in and day out. </span></span></p>
<blockquote><p>Unless the LORD builds the house, those who build it labor in vain. Unless the LORD watches over the city, the watchman stays awake in vain.<br />
<span style="color: #000000; font-family: Calibri;">Psalm 127:1 , ESV</span></p></blockquote>
<p> </p>
<div class="tweet-box ctt-box-design-4 ctt-color-1 ">
<a href="http://ctt.ec/9ucpE" target="_blank" >
<p class="ctt-font-original">Human watching is of no use unless we allow the WatchMaN of our lives to be our Ebenezer-stone of help.</p>
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<p><span style="color: #000000; font-family: Calibri;"> </span></p>
<p><span style="font-family: Calibri;"><span style="color: #000000;">Shen occurs only once in the Bible and that is in this verse. It means sharp tooth from the verb “Shanan” means to sharpen, also a steep pointed rock. </span></span></p>
<p><span style="color: #000000; font-family: Calibri;">Christ is our Rock and our deliverer in times of troubles and wars that rage within our homes and our hearts.</span></p>
<blockquote><p><strong><span style="margin: 0px; color: black; line-height: 107%; font-family: 'Calibri',sans-serif; font-size: 14pt;">The Rock</span></strong>! His work is perfect, for all His ways are just; a God of faithfulness and without injustice, righteous and upright is He.” Deuteronomy 32:4</p>
<p> </p>
<p><strong><span style="color: #333333;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">In Ebenezer, God brought victory to His people and in our battles our Lord will do the same. We are His chosen generations.</span> </span></strong></p></blockquote>
<p> </p>
<p> </p>
<p><span style="color: #000000; font-family: Calibri;">The enemy wants to destroy us and defeat us , and he wants us to believe that we are all alone in our battles.</span></p>
<p><span style="color: #000000; font-family: Calibri;">Do we live a fully repentant life in our war room? </span></p>
<p> </p>
<p><span style="color: #b00000; font-family: Calibri;">Let us erect Ebenezer stone of help and praise in our prayer life daily</span></p>
<p><span style="color: #000000; font-family: Calibri;">– Hitherto, thus far, up to this point, and until now God has been there for me.</span></p>
<p><span style="color: #000000; font-family: Calibri;">-Thus far has the Lord helped us through the chemo treatment, financial difficulties, and turmoil</span></p>
<p><span style="color: #000000; font-family: Calibri;">-Thus far has the Lord helped me/you through my depression, anxiety and fear</span></p>
<p><span style="font-family: Calibri;"><span style="color: #000000;"> -Thus far has the Lord helped us/me through the losses, miscarriages, and misfortunes.</span></span></p>
<p><span style="color: #000000; font-family: Calibri;"> </span></p>
<p><span style="color: #000000; font-family: Calibri;"> </span></p>
<h4 style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;"><strong>Meaning of EBENEZER?</strong> </span></h4>
<p><span style="color: #000000; font-family: Calibri;"> </span><span style="color: #000000; font-family: Calibri;">Ebenezer means Stone of Help. </span><span style="color: #000000; font-family: Calibri;"><strong>LORD JESUS is our Stone of Help</strong>.</span></p>
<p> </p>
<p><span style="color: #000000; font-family: Calibri;"> The Stone which the builders rejected but became a Chief Corner stone for you and I. Mark 12 :10</span></p>
<p><span style="color: #000000; font-family: Calibri;"> </span></p>
<p><span style="color: #000000; font-family: Calibri;">–Have we lifted HIM high above everything else in our life.</span></p>
<p><span style="color: #000000; font-family: Calibri;">–Have we erected Ebenezer Memorial of praise and victory because Jesus has walked with us thus far, to this point? </span></p>
<p><span style="color: #000000; font-family: Calibri;">The Lord promises to fight for us, but we must also be ready to fight the battles against our mutual enemy.</span></p>
<p> </p>
<blockquote><p><span style="color: #000000; font-family: Calibri;">“</span>Be strong and courageous. Do not be afraid or terrified because of them, for the LORD your God goes with you; he will never leave you nor forsake you.”<span style="color: #000000; font-family: Calibri;"> Deuteronomy 31:6</span></p>
<p> </p></blockquote>
<p><span style="color: #000000; font-family: Calibri;">For when a man gets up to a certain mark and writes “Hitherto”, he looks back upon much that is past, but “hitherto” is not the end, there is yet a distance to be traversed – C. H. Spurgeon.</span></p>
<blockquote><p> </p></blockquote>
<h3 style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;"><strong>There are three reasons why we must have erect EBENEZER stone of help as a memorial of praise</strong></span></h3>
<p> </p>
<p><span style="color: #000000; font-family: Calibri;"><strong>1.Look back</strong> and see how the Lord led us through the wilderness thus far. Deuteronomy 8:2</span></p>
<p> </p>
<p><span style="color: #000000; font-family: Calibri;"><strong>2.Look now</strong> and see How the Lord is fighting for our marriages, for our children, for our country that wants God to be erased. Exodus 14: 14</span></p>
<p> </p>
<p><span style="color: #000000; font-family: Calibri;"><strong>3.Look </strong>to that glorious day when we shall all see Jesus, the King of Kings waiting to take us HOME ABOVE.</span></p>
<p> </p>
<blockquote><p><span style="color: #000000; font-family: Calibri;">Let us raise Christ our Rock, our Ebenezer for He promises to help us in this journey home bound.</span></p></blockquote>
<p> </p>
<p><span style="color: #000000; font-family: Calibri;">Let us shout praises and worship our Savior who defeated our enemy on the Cross. Why? The Enemy may look real, but our Lord promises to help us supernaturally. We must lift our Jesus so that every other name will bow down before HIM.</span></p>
<p> </p>
<p>Eli , the priest never ask God’s people to repent but Samuel, the Judge stepped up to bring victory by being the God’s own leader.</p>
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<p class="ctt-font-original">Step into God’s calling to be a warrior by stepping into the war room with a clear Biblical strategy</p>
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<p> </p>
<h4 style="text-align: center;">War Room</h4>
<p><span style="color: #000000; font-family: Calibri;">Satan will try to fight us while are praying, but the WATCHMAN of our Lives will roar a thunder and defeat the enemy. No weapon that is formed against us will prosper, my friend.</span></p>
<p> </p>
<p> </p>
<p><a href="https://i0.wp.com/dianasdiaries.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/11/Ebennezer-warroom-1.png?ssl=1"><img data-recalc-dims="1" loading="lazy" decoding="async" data-attachment-id="2469" data-permalink="https://dianasdiaries.com/2018/11/12/ebenezer-build-memorial-warroom/ebennezer-warroom-1/" data-orig-file="https://i0.wp.com/dianasdiaries.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/11/Ebennezer-warroom-1.png?fit=735%2C1102&ssl=1" data-orig-size="735,1102" data-comments-opened="1" data-image-meta="{"aperture":"0","credit":"","camera":"","caption":"","created_timestamp":"0","copyright":"","focal_length":"0","iso":"0","shutter_speed":"0","title":"","orientation":"0"}" data-image-title="Ebenezer- warroom" data-image-description="<p>As warriors of the King of Kings we must never forgeet to build a memorial after every battles we face and win. Who is our Ebenezer and what valuable lessons can we draw from Samuel and the Israelites who set up a stone of memorial</p>
" data-image-caption="" data-medium-file="https://i0.wp.com/dianasdiaries.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/11/Ebennezer-warroom-1.png?fit=200%2C300&ssl=1" data-large-file="https://i0.wp.com/dianasdiaries.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/11/Ebennezer-warroom-1.png?fit=683%2C1024&ssl=1" class="alignnone wp-image-2469 size-large" title="As warriors of the King of Kings we must never forget to build a memorial after every battles we face and win. Who is our Ebenezer and what valuable lessons can we draw from Samuel and the Israelites who set up a stone of memorial #Ebenezer #WarroomScriptures #DianasDiaries" src="https://i0.wp.com/dianasdiaries.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/11/Ebennezer-warroom-1.png?resize=683%2C1024&ssl=1" alt="Ebenezer Jesus Warroom" width="683" height="1024" srcset="https://i0.wp.com/dianasdiaries.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/11/Ebennezer-warroom-1.png?resize=683%2C1024&ssl=1 683w, https://i0.wp.com/dianasdiaries.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/11/Ebennezer-warroom-1.png?resize=200%2C300&ssl=1 200w, https://i0.wp.com/dianasdiaries.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/11/Ebennezer-warroom-1.png?w=735&ssl=1 735w" sizes="auto, (max-width: 683px) 100vw, 683px" /></a></p>
<p> </p>
<p> </p>
<p><span style="color: #000000; font-family: Calibri;">Mark a place- a WARROOM in your homes so that our children and grandchildren will glorify the Commander-in-chief under whose auspices the battles were fought and won. </span></p>
<p> </p>
<p>—<span style="color: #000000; font-family: Calibri;">Do we take time to pause and reflect on all the victories we have experienced through Christ Jesus? </span></p>
<blockquote><p><strong><span style="font-family: Calibri;">–Have we removed idols from our lives completely, fasted and prayed today?</span></strong></p>
<p><span style="color: #000000; font-family: Calibri;">Hebrews 7:25 T</span>herefore He is also <span style="font-family: Calibri;"><span style="color: #000000;">able to save to the uttermost those who come to God through Him, since He always lives to make intercession for them.</span></span></p></blockquote>
<p><span style="color: #000000; font-family: Calibri;"> <div class="tweet-box ctt-box-design-4 ctt-color-1 ">
<a href="http://ctt.ec/AE6jv" target="_blank" >
<p class="ctt-font-original">EBENEZER is where the war room begins in our homes. A place of worship and prayer for our loved ones because thus far the Lord helped us in defeating every battle.</p>
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<p><span style="color: #000000; font-family: Calibri;"> </span></p>
<h5><span style="color: #333300;"><strong><span style="font-family: Calibri;">REFLECTION –</span></strong></span></h5>
<p><span style="color: #000000; font-family: Calibri;">-How has the Lord helped you THUS FAR in your life?</span></p>
<p><span style="color: #000000; font-family: Calibri;">-What are some of the ways you have commemorated an EBENEZER for the Lord?</span></p>
<p> </p>
<p>Until next time,</p>
<p> </p>
<p><span style="margin: 0px; line-height: 107%; font-family: 'Lucida Calligraphy'; font-size: 14pt;"><span style="color: #000000;">Diana</span></span></p>
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<p><span style="color: #000000; font-family: Calibri;"> </span></p>
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<p> </p>
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<post-id xmlns="com-wordpress:feed-additions:1">2465</post-id> </item>
<item>
<title>5 Essential Steps to being a Confident Christian woman</title>
<link>https://dianasdiaries.com/2018/06/25/being-a-confident-christian-woman/</link>
<comments>https://dianasdiaries.com/2018/06/25/being-a-confident-christian-woman/#comments</comments>
<dc:creator><![CDATA[Diana]]></dc:creator>
<pubDate>Mon, 25 Jun 2018 16:40:04 +0000</pubDate>
<category><![CDATA[Christian Living]]></category>
<category><![CDATA[Relationship]]></category>
<category><![CDATA[Summer Sizzle Series]]></category>
<category><![CDATA[Confidence in Christ]]></category>
<category><![CDATA[Confident Christian woman]]></category>
<category><![CDATA[Confident woman]]></category>
<guid isPermaLink="false">https://dianasdiaries.com/?p=2234</guid>
<description><![CDATA[<p>  Welcome to Week 4 of our exciting Summer Sizzle Series. This series is a collection of the top posts shared by Eight amazing blogger friends here. Each of these ladies are transparent in their writings about their love for Christ , and their vulnerabilities. In case you missed the last three weeks of reading […]</p>
<p>The post <a href="https://dianasdiaries.com/2018/06/25/being-a-confident-christian-woman/">5 Essential Steps to being a Confident Christian woman</a> appeared first on <a href="https://dianasdiaries.com">Diana's Diaries</a>.</p>
]]></description>
<content:encoded><![CDATA[<p> </p>
<p><span style="margin: 0px; line-height: 107%; font-family: 'Bodoni MT',serif; font-size: 16pt;"><span style="color: #000000;">Welcome to Week 4 of our exciting Summer Sizzle Series. This series is a collection of the top posts shared by Eight amazing blogger friends here. Each of these ladies are transparent in their writings about their love for Christ , and their vulnerabilities. </span></span></p>
<p><span style="margin: 0px; line-height: 107%; font-family: 'Bodoni MT',serif; font-size: 16pt;"><span style="color: #000000;">In case you missed the last three weeks of reading – </span></span></p>
<p> </p>
<p><span style="margin: 0px; line-height: 107%; font-family: 'Bodoni MT',serif; font-size: 16pt;"><span style="color: #000000;">Week 1 by Deb Wolf : <a style="color: #00ff00;" href="https://dianasdiaries.com/2018/06/03/5-verses-when-you-cannot-pray/" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer"><span style="color: #ff1493;">When you don’t have words to pray</span></a></span></span></p>
<p><span style="margin: 0px; line-height: 107%; font-family: 'Bodoni MT',serif; font-size: 16pt;"><span style="color: #000000;">Week 2 by Dawn Klinge : <a style="color: #00ff00;" href="https://dianasdiaries.com/2018/06/10/gods-abounding-grace-in-the-deepest-waters/" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer"><span style="color: #ff1493;">Trusting God’s Grace in deepest waters</span></a></span></span></p>
<p><span style="margin: 0px; line-height: 107%; font-family: 'Bodoni MT',serif; font-size: 16pt;"><span style="color: #000000;">Week 3 by Carmen Brown : <a style="color: #00ff00;" href="https://dianasdiaries.com/2018/06/17/teaching-our-children-about-spiritual-warfare/" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer"><span style="color: #ff1493;">Should you teach your children about spiritual warfare?</span></a> </span></span></p>
<p> </p>
<p><span style="margin: 0px; line-height: 107%; font-family: 'Bodoni MT',serif; font-size: 16pt;"><span style="color: #000000;">Today , I would love to introduce the beautiful Valerie Murray who is a wife, mom of 4 , and someone who has braved fear in different areas of her life.</span></span></p>
<p> </p>
<p><span style="margin: 0px; padding: 0in; border: 1pt windowtext; color: #444444; font-family: 'Bodoni MT',serif; font-size: 16pt;">Do you want to be confident in who God made you to be? </span></p>
<p style="margin: 0in; margin-bottom: .0001pt; text-align: justify; vertical-align: baseline; background-clip: border-box; background-origin: padding-box; background-position-x: 0px; background-position-y: 0px; background-size: auto; border-image-outset: 0; border-image-repeat: stretch; border-image-slice: 100%; border-image-source: none; border-image-width: 1; box-sizing: border-box; orphans: 2; outline-color: invert; outline-style: none; outline-width: 0px; -webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; background-attachment: scroll; word-spacing: 0px;"><span style="margin: 0px; padding: 0in; border: 1pt windowtext; color: #444444; font-family: 'Bodoni MT',serif; font-size: 16pt;">Do feelings of insecurity hold you back from moving forward with something God has put on your heart to pursue?</span></p>
<p><span style="margin: 0px; color: #444444; font-family: 'Bodoni MT',serif; font-size: 16pt;"> </span></p>
<blockquote><p><strong><span style="margin: 0px; padding: 0in; border: 1pt windowtext; color: #444444; font-family: 'Bodoni MT',serif; font-size: 16pt; font-weight: normal;">But blessed is the one who trusts in the LORD, whose confidence is in him.</span></strong><span style="margin: 0px; padding: 0in; border: 1pt windowtext; color: #444444; font-family: 'Bodoni MT',serif; font-size: 16pt;"> </span><span style="margin: 0px; padding: 0in; border: 1pt windowtext; color: #444444; font-family: 'Bodoni MT',serif; font-size: 16pt;">Jeremiah 17:7</span></p></blockquote>
<p style="margin: 0in; margin-bottom: .0001pt; text-align: justify; vertical-align: baseline; background-clip: border-box; background-origin: padding-box; background-position-x: 0px; background-position-y: 0px; background-size: auto; border-image-outset: 0; border-image-repeat: stretch; border-image-slice: 100%; border-image-source: none; border-image-width: 1; box-sizing: border-box; orphans: 2; outline-color: invert; outline-style: none; outline-width: 0px; -webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; background-attachment: scroll; word-spacing: 0px;"><span style="margin: 0px; padding: 0in; border: 1pt windowtext; color: #444444; font-family: 'Bodoni MT',serif; font-size: 16pt;">Through this post, I want to share some more specific ways you can stand with assurance when God calls you to live out your purpose and calling.</span></p>
<p> </p>
<p><strong><span style="margin: 0px; color: #444444; font-family: 'Bodoni MT',serif; font-size: 16pt;"> Here are 5 Essential steps to being a Confident Christian Woman ;</span></strong></p>
<p> </p>
<h5><span style="color: #993300;"><strong><span style="margin: 0px; padding: 0in; border: 1pt windowtext; line-height: 107%; font-family: 'Bodoni MT',serif; font-size: 22pt; font-weight: normal;">Appreciate the Gifts and Abilities God Has Given You</span></strong></span></h5>
<p><span style="margin: 0px; padding: 0in; border: 1pt windowtext; color: #444444; font-family: 'Bodoni MT',serif; font-size: 16pt;">Just as our confidence comes “in him,” our gifts and abilities also come from the Lord. They are given to us by his grace and put to use by his grace. Knowing God gives me the grace to use my gifts, makes me bold so I can step out in faith when I feel God prompting me to do something.</span></p>
<blockquote><p><em><span style="margin: 0px; padding: 0in; border: 1pt windowtext; color: #444444; font-family: 'Bodoni MT',serif; font-size: 16pt; font-style: normal;">We have different gifts, according to the grace given to each of us.</span></em> <span style="margin: 0px; padding: 0in; border: 1pt windowtext; color: #444444; font-family: 'Bodoni MT',serif; font-size: 16pt;">Romans: 12:6 NIV</span></p>
<p><strong><span style="margin: 0px; padding: 0in; border: 1pt windowtext; color: #444444; font-family: 'Bodoni MT',serif; font-size: 16pt; font-weight: normal;">And God is able to make all grace abound to you, so that having all sufficiency in all things at all times, you may abound in every good work</span></strong><em><span style="margin: 0px; padding: 0in; border: 1pt windowtext; color: #444444; font-family: 'Bodoni MT',serif; font-size: 16pt; font-style: normal;">.</span></em><span style="margin: 0px; padding: 0in; border: 1pt windowtext; color: #444444; font-family: 'Bodoni MT',serif; font-size: 16pt;"> </span><span style="color: #000000; font-family: Times New Roman;">2 Corinthians 9:8 ESV</span></p></blockquote>
<h5><span style="margin: 0px; padding: 0in; border: 1pt windowtext; color: #993300; font-family: 'Bodoni MT',serif; font-size: 22pt;">Remember God Makes You Adequate</span></h5>
<p style="margin: 0in; margin-bottom: .0001pt; text-align: justify; vertical-align: baseline; background-clip: border-box; background-origin: padding-box; background-position-x: 0px; background-position-y: 0px; background-size: auto; border-image-outset: 0; border-image-repeat: stretch; border-image-slice: 100%; border-image-source: none; border-image-width: 1; box-sizing: border-box; orphans: 2; outline-color: invert; outline-style: none; outline-width: 0px; -webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; background-attachment: scroll; word-spacing: 0px;"><span style="margin: 0px; padding: 0in; border: 1pt windowtext; color: #444444; font-family: 'Bodoni MT',serif; font-size: 16pt;">Sometimes God calls us to do things that are out of our comfort zone–maybe even minister in a way we don’t feel gifted or qualified in. He may want us to fill a need that doesn’t align with our “gifts” or that we just don’t really feel like doing.</span></p>
<p> </p>
<p style="margin: 0in; margin-bottom: .0001pt; text-align: justify; vertical-align: baseline; background-clip: border-box; background-origin: padding-box; background-position-x: 0px; background-position-y: 0px; background-size: auto; border-image-outset: 0; border-image-repeat: stretch; border-image-slice: 100%; border-image-source: none; border-image-width: 1; box-sizing: border-box; orphans: 2; outline-color: invert; outline-style: none; outline-width: 0px; -webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; background-attachment: scroll; word-spacing: 0px;"><span style="margin: 0px; padding: 0in; border: 1pt windowtext; color: #444444; font-family: 'Bodoni MT',serif; font-size: 16pt;">If God is calling you to serve in or out of your ability level, He will make you an adequate servant.</span></p>
<p style="margin: 0in; margin-bottom: .0001pt; text-align: justify; vertical-align: baseline; background-clip: border-box; background-origin: padding-box; background-position-x: 0px; background-position-y: 0px; background-size: auto; border-image-outset: 0; border-image-repeat: stretch; border-image-slice: 100%; border-image-source: none; border-image-width: 1; box-sizing: border-box; orphans: 2; outline-color: invert; outline-style: none; outline-width: 0px; -webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; background-attachment: scroll; word-spacing: 0px;"><span style="margin: 0px; padding: 0in; border: 1pt windowtext; color: #444444; font-family: 'Bodoni MT',serif; font-size: 16pt;">I was in a traveling church choir in high school, even though I’m not gifted with a great singing voice. I’m scared to death to speak in front of groups, but I’ve shared my testimony in MOPS, women’s Bible studies, and church.</span></p>
<p> </p>
<blockquote><p><strong><span style="margin: 0px; padding: 0in; border: 1pt windowtext; color: #444444; font-family: 'Bodoni MT',serif; font-size: 16pt; font-weight: normal;">Such confidence we have through Christ toward God. Not that we are adequate in ourselves to consider anything as coming from ourselves, but our adequacy is from God, who also made us adequate servants of the new covenant. 2 Corinthians 3:4</span></strong></p></blockquote>
<p><strong><i><span style="margin: 0px; padding: 0in; border: 1pt windowtext; color: #444444; font-family: 'Bodoni MT',serif; font-size: 16pt; font-weight: normal;"> </span></i></strong></p>
<p><a href="https://dianasdiaries.com/2018/06/25/being-a-confident-christian-woman/confidence-is-christ/" rel="attachment wp-att-2243"><img data-recalc-dims="1" loading="lazy" decoding="async" data-attachment-id="2243" data-permalink="https://dianasdiaries.com/2018/06/25/being-a-confident-christian-woman/confidence-is-christ/" data-orig-file="https://i0.wp.com/dianasdiaries.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/06/Confidence-is-Christ.png?fit=1080%2C1080&ssl=1" data-orig-size="1080,1080" data-comments-opened="1" data-image-meta="{"aperture":"0","credit":"","camera":"","caption":"","created_timestamp":"0","copyright":"","focal_length":"0","iso":"0","shutter_speed":"0","title":"","orientation":"0"}" data-image-title="Confidence is Christ" data-image-description="<p>Do you want to be confident in who God made you to be?<br />
Do feelings of insecurity hold you back from moving forward with something God has put on your heart to pursue?</p>
" data-image-caption="" data-medium-file="https://i0.wp.com/dianasdiaries.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/06/Confidence-is-Christ.png?fit=300%2C300&ssl=1" data-large-file="https://i0.wp.com/dianasdiaries.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/06/Confidence-is-Christ.png?fit=1024%2C1024&ssl=1" class="alignnone wp-image-2243 size-full" title="Do you want to be confident in who God made you to be? Do feelings of insecurity hold you back from moving forward with something God has put on your heart to pursue? #confidenceinJesus #DianasDiaries #Cordof6 #Jeremiah17" src="https://i0.wp.com/dianasdiaries.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/06/Confidence-is-Christ.png?resize=1080%2C1080&ssl=1" alt="Confidence in Christ" width="1080" height="1080" srcset="https://i0.wp.com/dianasdiaries.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/06/Confidence-is-Christ.png?w=1080&ssl=1 1080w, https://i0.wp.com/dianasdiaries.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/06/Confidence-is-Christ.png?resize=150%2C150&ssl=1 150w, https://i0.wp.com/dianasdiaries.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/06/Confidence-is-Christ.png?resize=300%2C300&ssl=1 300w, https://i0.wp.com/dianasdiaries.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/06/Confidence-is-Christ.png?resize=768%2C768&ssl=1 768w, https://i0.wp.com/dianasdiaries.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/06/Confidence-is-Christ.png?resize=1024%2C1024&ssl=1 1024w, https://i0.wp.com/dianasdiaries.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/06/Confidence-is-Christ.png?resize=50%2C50&ssl=1 50w" sizes="auto, (max-width: 1080px) 100vw, 1080px" /></a></p>
<h5><span style="margin: 0px; padding: 0in; border: 1pt windowtext; color: #993300; font-family: 'Bodoni MT',serif; font-size: 22pt;">Don’t Compare Yourself to Others</span></h5>
<p style="margin: 0in; margin-bottom: .0001pt; text-align: justify; vertical-align: baseline; background-clip: border-box; background-origin: padding-box; background-position-x: 0px; background-position-y: 0px; background-size: auto; border-image-outset: 0; border-image-repeat: stretch; border-image-slice: 100%; border-image-source: none; border-image-width: 1; box-sizing: border-box; orphans: 2; outline-color: invert; outline-style: none; outline-width: 0px; -webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; background-attachment: scroll; word-spacing: 0px;"><span style="margin: 0px; padding: 0in; border: 1pt windowtext; color: #444444; font-family: 'Bodoni MT',serif; font-size: 16pt;">I wish I could add the following to my blog bio description: Speaker. I admire women who speak because they just seem so confident in who God made them to be.</span></p>
<p><span style="margin: 0px; padding: 0in; border: 1pt windowtext; color: #444444; font-family: 'Bodoni MT',serif; font-size: 16pt;">But I just don’t feel called to be a public speaker—at least not yet. <em>Lord, Please Don’t Send Me to Africa</em>, that song from the 90’s comes to mind. (I know, I’m dating myself.)</span></p>
<p><span style="margin: 0px; color: #444444; font-family: 'Bodoni MT',serif; font-size: 16pt;"> </span></p>
<p style="margin: 0in; margin-bottom: .0001pt; text-align: justify; vertical-align: baseline; background-clip: border-box; background-origin: padding-box; background-position-x: 0px; background-position-y: 0px; background-size: auto; border-image-outset: 0; border-image-repeat: stretch; border-image-slice: 100%; border-image-source: none; border-image-width: 1; box-sizing: border-box; orphans: 2; outline-color: invert; outline-style: none; outline-width: 0px; -webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; background-attachment: scroll; word-spacing: 0px;"><span style="margin: 0px; padding: 0in; border: 1pt windowtext; color: #444444; font-family: 'Bodoni MT',serif; font-size: 16pt;">I love writing because I don’t feel like I communicate well verbally. In my very first blog post I wrote:</span></p>
<p> </p>
<p style="margin: 0in; margin-bottom: .0001pt; text-align: justify; vertical-align: baseline; background-clip: border-box; background-origin: padding-box; background-position-x: 0px; background-position-y: 0px; background-size: auto; border-image-outset: 0; border-image-repeat: stretch; border-image-slice: 100%; border-image-source: none; border-image-width: 1; box-sizing: border-box; orphans: 2; outline-color: invert; outline-style: none; outline-width: 0px; -webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; background-attachment: scroll; word-spacing: 0px;"><span style="margin: 0px; padding: 0in; border: 1pt windowtext; color: #444444; font-family: 'Bodoni MT',serif; font-size: 16pt;">“I have always had a passion for writing and feel like I speak two languages and am only fluent in one. I cannot speak the thoughts I’m able to write down. The person who I really am is the one hidden behind the words that are stirring in my heart and mind. These words are not capable of expressing themselves verbally. They are only expressed when they flow from my mind to my fingers.” </span></p>
<blockquote><p><em><span style="margin: 0px; padding: 0in; border: 1pt windowtext; color: #444444; font-family: 'Bodoni MT',serif; font-size: 16pt; font-style: normal;">There are different kinds of gifts, but the same Spirit distributes them. There are different kinds of service, but the same Lord. There are different kinds of working, but in all of them and in everyone it is the same God at work. 1 Corinthians 12: 4-6</span></em></p></blockquote>
<p><span style="margin: 0px; color: #444444; font-family: 'Bodoni MT',serif; font-size: 16pt;"> </span></p>
<p style="margin: 0in; margin-bottom: .0001pt; text-align: justify; vertical-align: baseline; background-clip: border-box; background-origin: padding-box; background-position-x: 0px; background-position-y: 0px; background-size: auto; border-image-outset: 0; border-image-repeat: stretch; border-image-slice: 100%; border-image-source: none; border-image-width: 1; box-sizing: border-box; orphans: 2; outline-color: invert; outline-style: none; outline-width: 0px; -webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; background-attachment: scroll; word-spacing: 0px;"><span style="margin: 0px; padding: 0in; border: 1pt windowtext; color: #444444; font-family: 'Bodoni MT',serif; font-size: 16pt;">Wishing to be gifted like someone else is silly. </span></p>
<p><span style="margin: 0px; padding: 0in; border: 1pt windowtext; color: #444444; font-family: 'Bodoni MT',serif; font-size: 16pt;"> </span></p>
<p><span style="margin: 0px; padding: 0in; border: 1pt windowtext; color: #444444; font-family: 'Bodoni MT',serif; font-size: 16pt;">Just check out this verse:</span></p>
<blockquote><p><em><span style="margin: 0px; padding: 0in; border: 1pt windowtext; color: #444444; font-family: 'Bodoni MT',serif; font-size: 16pt; font-style: normal;">Now if the foot should say, “Because I am not a hand, I do not belong to the body,” it would not for that reason stop being part of the body. And if the ear should say, “Because I am not an eye, I do not belong to the body,” it would not for that reason stop being part of the body. If the whole body were an eye, where would the sense of hearing be? </span></em></p>
<p><em><span style="margin: 0px; padding: 0in; border: 1pt windowtext; color: #444444; font-family: 'Bodoni MT',serif; font-size: 16pt; font-style: normal;">If the whole body were an ear, where would the sense of smell be? But in fact God has placed the parts in the body, every one of them, just as he wanted them to be. If they were all one part, where would the body be? As it is, there are many parts, but one body. 1 Corinthians 12:15-20 NIV </span></em></p></blockquote>
<p><span style="margin: 0px; padding: 0in; border: 1pt windowtext; color: #444444; font-family: 'Bodoni MT',serif; font-size: 16pt;">Our abilities and gifts may be different, but our purpose is the same—to live out His calling in our lives. </span></p>
<blockquote><p><strong><span style="margin: 0px; padding: 0in; border: 1pt windowtext; color: #444444; font-family: 'Bodoni MT',serif; font-size: 16pt; font-weight: normal;">So Christ himself gave the apostles, the prophets, the evangelists, the pastors and teachers, to equip his people for works of service, so that the body of Christ may be built up until we all reach unity in the faith and in the knowledge of the Son of God and become mature, attaining to the whole measure of the fullness of Christ. </span></strong><strong><span style="margin: 0px; padding: 0in; border: 1pt windowtext; color: #444444; font-family: 'Bodoni MT',serif; font-size: 16pt; font-weight: normal;">Ephesians 4: 11-13 NIV </span></strong></p></blockquote>
<h5><span style="color: #993300;"><span style="margin: 0px; font-family: 'Bodoni MT',serif; font-size: 16pt;"> <span style="margin: 0px; padding: 0in; border: 1pt windowtext; line-height: 107%; font-family: 'Bodoni MT',serif; font-size: 22pt; font-weight: normal;">Let </span></span><strong><span style="margin: 0px; padding: 0in; border: 1pt windowtext; font-family: 'Bodoni MT',serif; font-size: 22pt; font-weight: normal;">God Use Your Weakness to Show His Strength </span></strong></span></h5>
<blockquote><p><span style="margin: 0px; padding: 0in; border: 1pt windowtext; color: #444444; line-height: 107%; font-family: 'Bodoni MT',serif; font-size: 16pt; font-style: normal;">But he said to me</span>, <span style="margin: 0px; padding: 0in; border: 1pt windowtext; color: #444444; line-height: 107%; font-family: 'Bodoni MT',serif; font-size: 16pt; font-style: normal;">“My grace is sufficient for you</span>, <em>, for my power is made perfect in weakness.” Therefore I will boast all the more gladly about my weaknesses, so that Christ’s power may rest on me. 2 Corinthians 12:9 NIV</em></p></blockquote>
<p><span style="margin: 0px; padding: 0in; border: 1pt windowtext; color: #444444; font-family: 'Bodoni MT',serif; font-size: 16pt;">I experienced intense anxiety before those public speaking engagements. But every single time, as soon as I began speaking, God’s peace overcame me. The power of the Holy Spirit took over my nerves and even my shaking hands.</span></p>
<p><span style="margin: 0px; color: #444444; font-family: 'Bodoni MT',serif; font-size: 16pt;"> </span></p>
<p style="margin: 0in; margin-bottom: .0001pt; text-align: justify; vertical-align: baseline; background-clip: border-box; background-origin: padding-box; background-position-x: 0px; background-position-y: 0px; background-size: auto; border-image-outset: 0; border-image-repeat: stretch; border-image-slice: 100%; border-image-source: none; border-image-width: 1; box-sizing: border-box; orphans: 2; outline-color: invert; outline-style: none; outline-width: 0px; -webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; background-attachment: scroll; word-spacing: 0px;"><span style="margin: 0px; padding: 0in; border: 1pt windowtext; color: #444444; font-family: 'Bodoni MT',serif; font-size: 16pt;">Even in our areas of giftedness, we may doubt our capability. I just read a FB thread in my writing group from authors who have secured book contracts after years of pursuing a message God laid on their heart. But suddenly they feel paralyzed by the expectation of their gift, and fear suddenly blocks the flow of words.</span></p>
<p> </p>
<p><span style="margin: 0px; padding: 0in; border: 1pt windowtext; color: #444444; font-family: 'Bodoni MT',serif; font-size: 16pt;">God will often stop us in our tracks to show us where the power comes from. He will use draft after draft and effort after effort to perfect His strength in us so that we might feel God’s power working through us as we rest in His strength and not our own.</span></p>
<p> </p>
<h5 align="center"><span style="margin: 0px; padding: 0in; border: 1pt windowtext; color: #993300; font-family: 'Bodoni MT',serif; font-size: 22pt;">Be Brave and Say Yes to the Next Step </span></h5>
<p><span style="margin: 0px; padding: 0in; border: 1pt windowtext; color: #444444; font-family: 'Bodoni MT',serif; font-size: 16pt;">Each time I take the next step and do the next thing I build up my confidence in Christ and experience God’s grace and power firsthand. </span></p>
<p style="margin: 0in; margin-bottom: .0001pt; vertical-align: baseline; background-clip: border-box; background-origin: padding-box; background-position-x: 0px; background-position-y: 0px; background-size: auto; border-image-outset: 0; border-image-repeat: stretch; border-image-slice: 100%; border-image-source: none; border-image-width: 1; box-sizing: border-box; orphans: 2; outline-color: invert; outline-style: none; outline-width: 0px; -webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; background-attachment: scroll; word-spacing: 0px;"><span style="margin: 0px; padding: 0in; border: 1pt windowtext; color: #444444; font-family: 'Bodoni MT',serif; font-size: 16pt;"> </span></p>
<p><span style="margin: 0px; padding: 0in; border: 1pt windowtext; color: #444444; font-family: 'Bodoni MT',serif; font-size: 16pt;">In 100 Days to Brave, Annie F. Downs says, </span></p>
<p><strong><span style="margin: 0px; padding: 0in; border: 1pt windowtext; color: #444444; font-family: 'Bodoni MT',serif; font-size: 16pt; font-weight: normal;">I never felt brave. But day after day, I just did the next thing, took the next step, said the next yes.</span></strong></p>
<p style="margin: 0in; margin-bottom: .0001pt; vertical-align: baseline; background-clip: border-box; background-origin: padding-box; background-position-x: 0px; background-position-y: 0px; background-size: auto; border-image-outset: 0; border-image-repeat: stretch; border-image-slice: 100%; border-image-source: none; border-image-width: 1; box-sizing: border-box; orphans: 2; outline-color: invert; outline-style: none; outline-width: 0px; -webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; background-attachment: scroll; word-spacing: 0px;"><span style="margin: 0px; padding: 0in; border: 1pt windowtext; color: #444444; font-family: 'Bodoni MT',serif; font-size: 16pt;">Now I find myself lifting my foot for the next step with a little less fear and a little more confidence–because I know when my foot lands on the ground, God is already there. He’s my sure foundation. The solid rock upon which I stand.</span></p>
<p><span style="margin: 0px; color: #444444; font-family: 'Bodoni MT',serif; font-size: 16pt;"> </span></p>
<blockquote><p><strong><i><span style="margin: 0px; padding: 0in; border: 1pt windowtext; color: #444444; font-family: 'Bodoni MT',serif; font-size: 16pt; font-weight: normal;">Truly he is my rock and my salvation; he is my fortress, I will not be shaken. Psalm 62:6 NIV</span></i></strong></p></blockquote>
<p><a href="https://dianasdiaries.com/2018/06/25/being-a-confident-christian-woman/confident-christian-woman-2/" rel="attachment wp-att-2237"><br />
<img data-recalc-dims="1" loading="lazy" decoding="async" data-attachment-id="2237" data-permalink="https://dianasdiaries.com/2018/06/25/being-a-confident-christian-woman/confident-christian-woman-2/" data-orig-file="https://i0.wp.com/dianasdiaries.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/06/Confident-Christian-Woman.png?fit=735%2C1102&ssl=1" data-orig-size="735,1102" data-comments-opened="1" data-image-meta="{"aperture":"0","credit":"","camera":"","caption":"","created_timestamp":"0","copyright":"","focal_length":"0","iso":"0","shutter_speed":"0","title":"","orientation":"0"}" data-image-title="Confident Christian Woman" data-image-description="<p>Do you want to be confident in who God made you to be?<br />
Do feelings of insecurity hold you back from moving forward with something God has put on your heart to pursue? 5 important steps to being a confident christian woman</p>
" data-image-caption="" data-medium-file="https://i0.wp.com/dianasdiaries.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/06/Confident-Christian-Woman.png?fit=200%2C300&ssl=1" data-large-file="https://i0.wp.com/dianasdiaries.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/06/Confident-Christian-Woman.png?fit=683%2C1024&ssl=1" class="alignnone wp-image-2237 size-large" title="Do you want to be confident in who God made you to be? Do feelings of insecurity hold you back from moving forward with something God has put on your heart to pursue? Who and where does your confidence come from? #DianasDiaries #SummerSizzleBlogHop #Confidentwoman " src="https://i0.wp.com/dianasdiaries.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/06/Confident-Christian-Woman.png?resize=683%2C1024&ssl=1" alt="Confident Christian Woman" width="683" height="1024" srcset="https://i0.wp.com/dianasdiaries.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/06/Confident-Christian-Woman.png?resize=683%2C1024&ssl=1 683w, https://i0.wp.com/dianasdiaries.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/06/Confident-Christian-Woman.png?resize=200%2C300&ssl=1 200w, https://i0.wp.com/dianasdiaries.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/06/Confident-Christian-Woman.png?w=735&ssl=1 735w" sizes="auto, (max-width: 683px) 100vw, 683px" /></a></p>
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<p style="margin: 0in; margin-bottom: .0001pt; vertical-align: baseline; background-clip: border-box; background-origin: padding-box; background-position-x: 0px; background-position-y: 0px; background-size: auto; border-image-outset: 0; border-image-repeat: stretch; border-image-slice: 100%; border-image-source: none; border-image-width: 1; box-sizing: border-box; orphans: 2; outline-color: invert; outline-style: none; outline-width: 0px; -webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; background-attachment: scroll; word-spacing: 0px;"><span style="margin: 0px; padding: 0in; border: 1pt windowtext; color: #993366; font-family: 'Bodoni MT',serif; font-size: 18pt;"><strong>Reflection</strong> :</span></p>
<p><span style="margin: 0px; padding: 0in; border: 1pt windowtext; color: #444444; font-family: 'Bodoni MT',serif; font-size: 16pt;">–What changes do you see making for yourself to be confident in Christ? </span></p>
<p><span style="margin: 0px; padding: 0in; border: 1pt windowtext; color: #444444; font-family: 'Bodoni MT',serif; font-size: 16pt;">–How do you see yourself as a Confident Christian woman this year? I would love for you to share in the comments below.</span></p>
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<p><span style="margin: 0px; line-height: 107%; font-family: 'Bodoni MT',serif; font-size: 18pt;"><span style="color: #000000;">About Valerie </span></span></p>
<p><img data-recalc-dims="1" loading="lazy" decoding="async" data-attachment-id="2238" data-permalink="https://dianasdiaries.com/2018/06/25/being-a-confident-christian-woman/valerie-murray/" data-orig-file="https://i0.wp.com/dianasdiaries.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/06/valerie-murray.jpg?fit=256%2C340&ssl=1" data-orig-size="256,340" data-comments-opened="1" data-image-meta="{"aperture":"0","credit":"","camera":"","caption":"","created_timestamp":"0","copyright":"","focal_length":"0","iso":"0","shutter_speed":"0","title":"","orientation":"0"}" data-image-title="valerie murray" data-image-description="" data-image-caption="" data-medium-file="https://i0.wp.com/dianasdiaries.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/06/valerie-murray.jpg?fit=226%2C300&ssl=1" data-large-file="https://i0.wp.com/dianasdiaries.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/06/valerie-murray.jpg?fit=256%2C340&ssl=1" class="alignright wp-image-2238 size-medium" src="https://i0.wp.com/dianasdiaries.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/06/valerie-murray.jpg?resize=226%2C300&ssl=1" alt="" width="226" height="300" srcset="https://i0.wp.com/dianasdiaries.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/06/valerie-murray.jpg?resize=226%2C300&ssl=1 226w, https://i0.wp.com/dianasdiaries.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/06/valerie-murray.jpg?w=256&ssl=1 256w" sizes="auto, (max-width: 226px) 100vw, 226px" /></p>
<p><span style="margin: 0px; color: black; line-height: 107%; font-family: 'Bodoni MT',serif; font-size: 14pt;">Valerie Murray is a wife of 21 years and a busy mom to 4 energetic children. She writes at </span><span style="margin: 0px; line-height: 107%; font-family: 'Bodoni MT',serif; font-size: 14pt;"><a style="color: #00ff00;" href="http://valeriemurray.com/"><span style="color: #080080;">ValerieMurray.com</span></a> about keeping faith and family strong through Christ. Her heart’s desire is to offer hope to others and declare the glory of God in her life through her writing. Her mission is to offer encouragement to struggling marriages, overwhelmed moms and people striving to face their fears and know their worth. Coffee, chocolate and a good movie always make her happy! You can find her on <a style="border-image-outset: 0; border-image-repeat: stretch; border-image-slice: 100%; border-image-source: none; border-image-width: 1; box-sizing: border-box; outline-color: invert; outline-style: none; outline-width: 0px; transition-delay: 0s; transition-duration: 0.15s; transition-property: all; transition-timing-function: cubic-bezier(0.42, 0, 1, 1); -webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; word-spacing: 0px;" href="https://www.pinterest.com/cordof6/">Pinterest</a>, <a style="border-image-outset: 0; border-image-repeat: stretch; border-image-slice: 100%; border-image-source: none; border-image-width: 1; box-sizing: border-box; outline-color: invert; outline-style: none; outline-width: 0px; transition-delay: 0s; transition-duration: 0.15s; transition-property: all; transition-timing-function: cubic-bezier(0.42, 0, 1, 1); -webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; word-spacing: 0px;" href="https://www.facebook.com/ValerieMurrayWriter//">Facebook</a>, <a style="border-image-outset: 0; border-image-repeat: stretch; border-image-slice: 100%; border-image-source: none; border-image-width: 1; box-sizing: border-box; outline-color: invert; outline-style: none; outline-width: 0px; transition-delay: 0s; transition-duration: 0.15s; transition-property: all; transition-timing-function: cubic-bezier(0.42, 0, 1, 1); -webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; word-spacing: 0px;" href="https://www.pinterest.com/cordof6/">Twitter</a>, <a style="border-image-outset: 0; border-image-repeat: stretch; border-image-slice: 100%; border-image-source: none; border-image-width: 1; box-sizing: border-box; outline-color: invert; outline-style: none; outline-width: 0px; transition-delay: 0s; transition-duration: 0.15s; transition-property: all; transition-timing-function: cubic-bezier(0.42, 0, 1, 1); -webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; word-spacing: 0px;" href="http://www.stumbleupon.com/stumbler/Cordof6/lists">StumbleUpon</a>,<a style="border-image-outset: 0; border-image-repeat: stretch; border-image-slice: 100%; border-image-source: none; border-image-width: 1; box-sizing: border-box; outline-color: invert; outline-style: none; outline-width: 0px; transition-delay: 0s; transition-duration: 0.15s; transition-property: all; transition-timing-function: cubic-bezier(0.42, 0, 1, 1); -webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; word-spacing: 0px;" href="https://www.instagram.com/cordof6/"> Instagram</a> & <a style="border-image-outset: 0; border-image-repeat: stretch; border-image-slice: 100%; border-image-source: none; border-image-width: 1; box-sizing: border-box; outline-color: invert; outline-style: none; outline-width: 0px; transition-delay: 0s; transition-duration: 0.15s; transition-property: all; transition-timing-function: cubic-bezier(0.42, 0, 1, 1); -webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; word-spacing: 0px;" href="https://plus.google.com/110187563744953586387/posts">Google+</a>.</span></p>
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<p>The post <a href="https://dianasdiaries.com/2018/06/25/being-a-confident-christian-woman/">5 Essential Steps to being a Confident Christian woman</a> appeared first on <a href="https://dianasdiaries.com">Diana's Diaries</a>.</p>
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