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RE: Did I just think that out loud?... - 10/1/2009 2:51:57 PM
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selahgirl
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Our Lord and Savior was acquainted with our sorrows as he tasted the depths of suffering in every way... if we are to reach a lost world as his ambassadors, how will we ever be affective and relevant if we do not taste of that same suffering... if ur not hurting and scarred as you walk beside ppl in relationship, you're not winning.
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RE: Did I just think that out loud?... - 10/12/2009 10:59:14 AM
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selahgirl
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~ It's not what you make of life cuz there's just too much you have no control over... life just seems to cut your feet right out from under you no matter what... I think it's more what you make of relationships... commitment whether you're abandoned and bleeding, or when they put you on a throne... commitment to Christ...
~ it's all about what you make of Him no matter what hit inevitably comes your way. Grin at the pain thru your tears... knowing that it's not the situation that determines the winner... it's the Relationship. We are our Father's kids, we got some pretty tuff blood flowing thru our veins. Let life happen... we are a family of servant warriors.
~ eat the fear and the pain, and let it drip to the ground in our sweat. We know who we believe, and He will not be mocked. Be strong and full of courage!!!
~ perseverance sometimes requires that we be severe.
Selah
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RE: Did I just think that out loud?... - 10/12/2009 11:06:52 AM
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selahgirl
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~ Amanda (worthy to be loved), Osborn (divinely strong)... live up to the name God has given you... ask him what it means... ask him to change you... or to use you to change the situation...
~ He had specific things in mind when he birthed you into existence, great and amazing and untouchable things that only you can fulfill to perfection... you're not just a number or a blob from the womb... you were wonderfully made with incredible thought by the hands and heart of the God of the Universe. You matter!
selah
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RE: Did I just think that out loud?... - 10/13/2009 1:48:52 PM
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selahgirl
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"You are my Son; today I have become your Father" (Acts 13:33) This was quoted from Psalm 2... so very cool that Jesus was one with the Father, but when a Savior was needed he was asked to become a Son, to be born into that new identity, begotten of the Father, Sent, a son who would marry and create heirs, increase the members of the family... I just can't get my mind completely around that...
selah
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RE: Did I just think that out loud?... - 10/13/2009 3:50:30 PM
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selahgirl
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Dying for those who have sinned against you, the ones that you love, laying down your rights to justice, casting them at the feet of Christ, before the throne of God, dying... daily... so that others might live... that is our calling.
Taking that sin, that injustice, that suffering that results from the evil that birthed it, and holding it in your right hand as though it was yours... wrapping your fingers tightly around it and taking ownership of it... the wounds inflicted upon your heart, upon all that you love, against your God, your Savior, your Lord and Friend...
Possessing what wasn't yours, someone else's sin, their burden placed upon your shoulders, owning it, crying and grieving in torment and agony... but always loving, always willing, always refusing to walk away, to give up, to abandon them in their weakest moment, in their failure, choosing not to go your own way... seeking God's way instead, choosing patient endurance, to persevere rather than to act in haste...
That suffering, that consequence of someone else's sin...
We must take it in our hand, holding it tightly and resolutely, though it burns us and torments us...
We must own it, claim it, possess it, and then...
We take all control and power and authority over that suffering and are able to hand it to our Jesus.
We must possess it, embrace it, intimately knowing all the pain that goes with it, before we are able to give it over to God. In doing that, we take not only ourselves to a place of healing and hope, but all those involved, all whose lives are bound up in the devastation of that sin, chained to it...
That suffering becomes packaged and secure as we give it over to God.
It's like holding sin to your bosom, you know you're gonna get burned. It's not your sin, but another's. And yet, that is what Christ did... that is undeserved favor, that is the suffering we are called to, that is what it is to be in relationship with a fallen creation and a cursed world, to seek and to save.
To be able to cry IT IS FINISHED with our Lord, we must journey to a cross, lay down upon it, bleed and suffer and die, all the while loving and owning the sins of another. It's the only way to end all that evil has planted. It is the ripping of the tare from the good soil. If the soil is alive in Christ, it cannot help but to cry out, to feel the ripping and the suffering that accompanies it. We are not dead soil, we are good soil, broken and made ready to give life as it is poured into us by the Spirit of God. His breath is in us, just like he breathed into Adam in the beginning.
Consequence always accompanies grace, but the favor of God covers the debt and releases us from death (separation from God). There are scars in the hands of our Lord, and yet, the beauty of those scars is so great that the evil that put them there pales to non-existence. We don't forget the sin and evil, or else we would have to forget all that Christ performed as Savior. It's just that evil is seen in Truth, in it's smallness and insignificance as the beauty and power of God steals our heart and attention away to higher places, deeper places, always full of Light.
To free others from suffering, self-inflicted or not, we must choose to wrap our fingers around it and hold it with tenacity no matter how much it stings and burns. We must own it as Christ did, so that we can give it over to our Father completely. It's the only way to truly end it.
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RE: Did I just think that out loud?... - 10/15/2009 10:24:50 AM
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selahgirl
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The Fire - Part 1 by Nate Pfeil
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gZKIA1wecIY
A friend sent me to this video sermonette, and oh my goodness. It has such a flavor and spirit of Ravenhill and a coming Revival. You can feel the stronghold on the church absolutely cracking. I love the part about judging a book by it's cover... so many corrections of truth, bringing things back to center, back to what God truly says in his word, so contrary to catchy phrases that have worked their way into the church, phrases and mindsets that have no basis in the Truth of God.
This video is harsh, but I think it could possibly be the first solid wave toward true Revival.
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RE: Did I just think that out loud?... - 10/15/2009 11:26:38 AM
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selahgirl
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Isaiah 59...
"1 Surely the arm of the LORD is not too short to save, nor his ear too dull to hear. 2 But your iniquities have separated you from your God; your sins have hidden his face from you,so that he will not hear."
"9 So justice is far from us, and righteousness does not reach us. We look for light, but all is darkness; for brightness, but we walk in deep shadows."
"14 So justice is driven back, and righteousness stands at a distance; truth has stumbled in the streets, honesty cannot enter.'
"17 He put on righteousness as his breastplate, and the helmet of salvation on his head; he put on the garments of vengeance and wrapped himself in zeal as in a cloak."
"18 According to what they have done so he will repay...
19 From the west, men will fear the name of the LORD, and from the rising of the sun they will revere his glory..."
"20 The Redeemer will come to Zion, to those in Jacob who repent of their sins... 21 'As for me, this is my COVENANT with them, says the Lord.' My Spirit that is on you, and my words that I have put in your mouth will not depart from your mouth, or from the mouths of your children, or from the mouths of their descendants from this time on and FOREVER..."
If you as a parent are not raising your children in a church that is emphasizing/teaching/memorizing/instilling/demonstrating the Word of God... if you have left your descendants to Sunday school teachers and programs and denominational forms of godliness that fail to put His Word in their mouths/heart/mind... YOU will be held accountable by God (Is 59).
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RE: Did I just think that out loud?... - 10/20/2009 12:14:41 PM
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selahgirl
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~ True to form... God speaks thru worship... oh how I love Him for loving me so much... despite my failures and all that is my selfish self... He never forgets, never abandons me, always protects me, holds me, tells me He loves me and makes sure that I never doubt... there is no greater love or lover... He heals the broken hearted and embraces us so tenderly in those perfect moments that are so fully... Him ♥
~ When everything hurts inside... bruised... broken beyond explanation... and the pain screams thru your veins and your spirit... where is love... where is relief... how do you walk when you can barely think or even breathe?...
~ How does he manage to make you able... to appear as that shoulder to lean on at just the right moment... to be that healing balm, that thought that allows you to step forward when life is pushing you backward, that breath you couldn't find or even imagine? He amazes me, surprises me, satisfies me, sustains, provides, enables, and holds me every time I feel so alone ... I love Him.
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RE: Did I just think that out loud?... - 10/21/2009 11:05:11 AM
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selahgirl
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http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_C0ZGr9afI4
Jared Anderson featured on the new Integrity Worship cd, LIVE FROM MY CHURCH. Ironic that a recent conversation involved the local church. Here is a prime example of youtube being a tool to offer encouragement and ministry as the local church and missions join to carry the Gospel to places that seem so far removed from the mainstream church.
His version of HOW HE LOVES absolutely broke me in prayer the other day. There is anointing all over this worship album... such things are a tremendous enrichment in a person's prayer closet and personal worship time. I have shared this link with all my friends and family on FB, and thought some of you might enjoy it as well.
My city is full of incredible worship, I cherish such a blessing, but I love when worship presses in from every available source and avenue. God dwells in our worship, as it fills our communities and our hearts He is very present, so very near, dancing over us and speaking so clearly. I want to hear praise to my God flow from my computer, my radio, my tv, my friends, my family, my community, my daughter as she sings at Hot Topic tonite, my heart, my voice, my church... every where on the face of this earth.
Our God is so Great and truly worthy of All Praise <3
(Hot Topic has asked my daughter to come to their store and perform three times now. Allowing her complete freedom to sing worship and even praise our Lord by name. It is an incredible thing and they have been so very gracious. She actually performs this song. Some of our Christian friends won't even come to hear her when she plays there because they are overwhelmed by the atmosphere.... what a missed opportunity for them to love in the name of Christ.)
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RE: Did I just think that out loud?... - 10/22/2009 12:11:19 PM
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selahgirl
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~ Rom 4:7-8, "Blessed are they whose transgressions are forgiven, whose sins are covered. Blessed is the man whose sin the Lord will never count against him." God has not forgotten our sins, but he has separated us from them as far as the east is from the west. He has covered them, sealed them away, out of site, out of mind, never to be associated or connected with us again ♥
~ That covering is the blood of Christ that no power in heaven or in the earth can cross or break through... it is a barrier of separation betwn us and our sins... a hedge of protection that is our confidence... releasing us from the due penalty we all deserve... death, separation from God, condemned to all that is contrary to his goodness and his love...
~ His blood is the seal of all authority, nothing can release that sin and attach it to us again. wow... he has separated you from that sin that you confessed and gave to him... there is no longer a connection betwn you and it when he looks at you. He knows where you've been, but you stand innocent, not associated with the guilt of it in any way... so forgive yourself. He has released you... now release yourself ♥
~ Rom 4:17-18, "...He (Abraham) is our father in the sight of God, in whom he believed -- the God who gives life to the dead and calls things that are not as though they were. Against all hope, Abraham in hope believed..." Oh that we would believe against all hope, and yet in hope, knowing that NO is possible, but believing in YES because we know our God has all authority and that he loves us.
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I have never thought of forgiveness as God forgetting that we have sinned or that he has erased our memory and his. I have always seen forgiveness as the removal of guilt... the one who has the right to judge or demand justice, releases that person from their guilt. But it must be a complete work, sometimes it involves a process, sometimes it is instantaneous, but true forgiveness is when we give up our right to justice and vengeance. We give that right to God, trusting in his mercy and wisdom to make all things right. Knowing that he may allow that person to walk away with little or no consequence for the evil they have committed against us or those we love. Being able to look at God and say, I trust you with the wrong committed against me. I trust you to dole out justice and discipline according to what you see in the hearts of everyone involved.
Only God can truly look upon the heart of any person or any situation.
Only God is fit to dole out justice and mercy in a way that is right and good and sure for everyone involved.
Can you look at that person who has wronged you and sincerely pray for God's best in their life? Can you tell God that you trust him to act on your behalf, that he can own all rights to imputing justice since he is actually the one that suffered for their sin and ours?
Can you turn from the vengeance that rises up in your emotions, taking control of your thoughts and crying out to God, to bless that person and not curse them?
It's not a matter of what emotion rises up, it's how do you handle them when they do. Each time you take control of what you are feeling and make a choice contrary to those negative feelings, you discipline your flesh and bring it into agreement with your spirit. And when your spirit is submitted to the will of God... you train yourself to forgive as God forgives, releasing that person from your judgement and giving them over to God's justice and mercy.
Forgiveness is quite often a wrestling within ourselves between doing what is right and what our self demands. No one can hammer you to forgive and it be effective. You can train your flesh to look and act real proper on the outside with a form of godliness... but what's on the inside. Are you full of vengeance, cursings toward that person under your breath and in your heart? Are you full of dead men's bones and rotting on the inside?
Don't look at other ppl and judge their measure of forgiveness, because you can't. You can only judge their outward appearance, which is seldom the truth of the matter. Instead, encourage them in their relationship with Christ with all gentleness, be careful not to heap condemnation on them concerning things you are ignorant of. Let God convict their heart, and let them work out their own salvation. We cannot reach into men's hearts, we can only walk beside them in fellowship whether in their sufferings, their failures, or their joys.
Forgiveness is a choice, sometimes instantaneous, sometimes involving a process.
And such heart choices are face-to-face, one-to-one encounters with Christ.
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RE: Did I just think that out loud?... - 10/22/2009 1:14:24 PM
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selahgirl
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~ Rom 4:25, "He (Jesus) was delivered over to death for our sins, and was raised to life for our justification." ... so the death of Jesus was to release us from the guilt of our sins, and his resurrection was so that we could stand justified, worthy once again to rule and reign with him.
~ His death was to pay our debt and make us free... His Life was to restore us to a position of power and authority. Kinda brings to mind what someone was saying in Bible Study last night about "fellowshipping in suffering" that leads to "sharing in the power."
~ Rom 5:3, "...we also rejoice in our sufferings, because we know that suffering produces perseverance, perseverance, character: and character, hope." It is suffering that leads us to hope...
~ ...just as "Abraham in hope believed (Rm 4:18)" and then God fulfilled every promise and blessing to him because he trusted God and chose to hope and believe all that God said he had done and would do.
~ Luke 11:8-9 "...though he will not get up and give him the bread because he is his friend, yet because of the man's boldness he will get up and give him as much as he needs. So I say to you: Ask and it will be given to you; seek and you will find; knock and the door will be opened to you." Sometimes it requires more than just being a friend of God, sometimes we must press in with boldness as we petition God.
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RE: Did I just think that out loud?... - 10/25/2009 9:38:30 AM
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selahgirl
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~ With all their quirkiness and straight-up bluntness... with all their subtle acts of kindness and hearts that ache for others in pain... with all their imperfections and the things that drive me crazy... with all their jargon that is beyond me and all the times we annoy each other... I love zealously honest ppl that walk in love outside the box ^_^
~ honesty, integrity, faithfulness... what rare commodities these days... we could change that if we were willing to die daily for them.
~ dieing daily isn't just about forgiveness, it isn't about being liked by everyone... it's actually about being hated more than being popular.
~ "22Blessed are you when men hate you, when they exclude you and insult you and reject your name as evil, because of the Son of Man... 26Woe to you when all men speak well of you,for that is how their fathers treated the false prophets." (Lk 6)
~ "27"But I tell you who hear me: Love your enemies, do good to those who hate you, 28bless those who curse you, pray for those who mistreat you. 29If someone strikes you on one cheek, turn to him the other also." (Lk 6) Love them fully, with left and the right, the spirit and the flesh, both cheeks, both sides of your face. Love them completely, whether tough love or soft, as God leads you in it.
~ Offering both cheeks in my opinion is FULL FACED FORGIVENESS, the stuff that consumes you inside and out to bless that other person whatever it looks like, whether discipline or candy, whether grounding them or buying them puppies and sunshine. Forgiving inside your spirit, and outside in your actions.
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RE: Did I just think that out loud?... - 10/25/2009 9:56:17 AM
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selahgirl
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~ "15 O Lord, open my lips, and my mouth will declare your praise. 16 You do not delight in sacrifice, or I would bring it; you do not take pleasure in burnt offerings. 17 The sacrifices of God are a broken spirit; a broken and contrite heart, O God, you will not despise." Psalm 51
~ "4And so John came, baptizing in the desert region and preaching a baptism of repentance for the forgiveness of sins. 5The whole Judean countryside and all the people of Jerusalem went out to him. Confessing their sins, they were baptized by him in the Jordan River." Mark 1
~ "10For it is with your heart that you believe and are justified, and it is with your mouth that you confess and are saved. 11As the Scripture says, "Anyone who trusts in him will never be put to shame." 12For there is no difference between Jew and Gentile—the same Lord is Lord of all and richly blesses all who call on him, 13for, "Everyone who calls on the name of the Lord will be saved." Romans 10
~ Committing sin is something to be ashamed of... but confessing our sins is nothing to be ashamed of... there in no condemnation in taking a bath... it makes you clean and makes you smell nicer... we could all use a little more of that with our stinky selfish selves. haha
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RE: Did I just think that out loud?... - 10/26/2009 11:38:17 AM
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selahgirl
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~ To certain pastors in his day: "You snakes! You brood of vipers! How will you escape being condemned to hell? Therefore I am sending you prophets and wise men and teachers. Some of them you will kill and crucify; others you will flog in your synagogues (churches) and pursue from town to town," Jesus. (Mt 23)
~ "If your brother (pastor or a Christian friend) sins against you, go and show him his fault, just between the two of you. If he listens to you, you have won your brother over.. if he refuses to listen even to the church, treat him as you would a pagan or a tax collector." (Mt 18) What does forgiveness look like in such cases?...
~ "My command is this: Love each other as I have loved you. Greater love has no one than this, that he lay down his life for his friends." (Jn 15) When you find a pastor or a Christian friend that reflects Christ like this, you should value them greatly and Give God thanks for such a blessing in your life. I know alot of bad Christians, but I also know some TRULY GOOD ppl of God ♥
~ I challenge you today to consider a pastor or fellow believer in your life that has reflected (John 15:12-13) in some way... and bless them with a love offering of some kind whether financial or thru service. Buy them a card, enclose a check or a coupon of service offering to help them with something they need you to do, or both. Value them in the spiritual (thru prayer) and in the physical (service)
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RE: Did I just think that out loud?... - 10/26/2009 12:02:47 PM
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selahgirl
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What if it's your husband or a family member? Ppl you are tied to, ppl you work with, ppl you have children with, or that you share parents with?
What does forgiveness look like when it gets real? When it gets personal? It's so easy to make suggestions about alternate endings to a story or a movie... but what happens when it is real and face-butting you, as it spits out evil with a vengeance?
Not so easy and dreamy and perfect then, is it?...
Sometimes ppl just need you to walk beside them, to be a shoulder, to be a sounding board, to let them cry in the midst of their pain, to let them scream in their grief and their anger, to help them pick up every little piece of their heart without saying a word or that you know exactly how they feel...
Sometimes ppl just need a friend to say, "I am so sorry you are going thru this. It hurts me to see you hurt like this." And then just be still a while, interceding as you make yourself available, and let God bring the words and the conviction needed to restore health and wholeness in His timing.
Sometimes ppl can have the best intentions... but their attempt is still in haste.
Don't handle someone's pain as tho you have some quick fix recipe. Yes, God gives instruction in his word about how to handle every situation in life... but there is a tact and a timing involved in how we go about allowing God to manifest it thru our actions and our words... and our silence.
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RE: Did I just think that out loud?... - 10/26/2009 12:31:11 PM
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selahgirl
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~ I have friends and pastors that God has reached thru to manifest his presence and love like a healing balm. They say the right thing at the right time with the right heart and the right motives. They lay down their own life going out of their way and their comfort zone... challenging and inspiring me to do the same. I ♥ you guys, and I thank my God each day for blessing me with you.
~ It's ppl like that that have the right and the door and the calling to speak into the life of their friends... a word of rebuke, a word of discipline, a word of correction... cuz you know they do it in love, it oozes from their character with a consistency that is so like Christ... despite their imperfections, their heart is set on Goodness, always disciplining themselves first becuz they strive to keep God first.
~ I believe where sin abounds, grace abounds to a much greater measure to cover it and separate us from it. I believe in Mercy to Extremes and Foolishness... but I also believe that God is serious about the boundaries he has set and the measure of patience he administers tho it is great. The age of Grace has an end. The consequences to sin manifest in this life just like he said. Sometimes beautiful things seem ugly.
~ It's always easier to make the case for ugly... but beauty is actually measured by Truth.
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RE: Did I just think that out loud?... - 10/27/2009 10:42:55 AM
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selahgirl
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BEAUTIFUL IN THE PUREST SENSE of the word. It really speaks to that spirit of unity that the Spirit of God is calling the Church to. Clean yourself up and stand by your family in Christ. With all our imperfections and failures... choose to be strong, choose to stand in the gap, choose to say no to sin, choose to not let go of Christ or your brother or those who have fallen and seem lost ♥
Everyone needs someone to stand by them.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7g7QTr1rzBk
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RE: Did I just think that out loud?... - 11/11/2009 12:33:12 PM
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selahgirl
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~ are we as believers ever fit for ministry... are we ever not? Live where you're planted, keep moving forward, always being brought more and more into the image of Christ... always ready to give testimony and witness to the goodness of God, holy Lord, merciful Savior.
~ We fall down, but he helps us up again... perfection is a goal, but there is none perfect, save One. We all have those moments that we stand naked before God in our sin and our failure... whether we want to admit it or not. The real challenge is taking that first step in the right direction when we find ourself there.
~ It's so much easier to put my imperfections out on the table than to try to hide behind a mask of perfection and holy right reverence... being fake is so smothering and a bondage, I am so thankful that Jesus has set me free. He doesn't hammer me into perfection, he shapes me and presses me with nail scarred hands that are gentle and firm and caring.
~ "Be perfect..." is not a command, it is an encouragement. He knows and has said that none of us can be perfect like Christ... but he wants us to seek to be like him more and more each day. To always be moving forward, to always be dying to the old man and putting on the new, to imitate our human nature less and less and to choose to imitate Christ. Our perfection is in him, his grace.
~ Every person you know is gonna disappoint you at some point if you have a real and relevant relationship... it's inevitable, because we all have some sin in our life somewhere. It's the ones that try to deal with that disappointment and sin in a way that is pleasing to God that are truly worth committing to in relationship. The ones that refuse to own up are cowards and have a rough road ahead.
~ Who can find a good and loyal friend or leader or brother or sister... when you do it is a treasure beyond words or explanation. I have known only a few in my 44 long years of life... but they are stars that shine so bright in this dark world ♥
~ There are good ppl and leaders in this world... and it honestly makes me cry when I consider the hope that floods my heart and my life because of them. The darkness is so loud and obnoxious that we sometimes forget that God has reserved a chosen few to defend the faith and the faithful. He has not forsaken us.
~ When a man or woman cheats on a spouse, there are few voices in the church that are willing to call them out as adulterers and their actions as filthy, perhaps because over half the church has cheated, is cheating, or is lusting. The reaction is to cover it and minimize it and put it in the past as tho that's forgiveness, but that usually only nurtures infection. God offers mercy, but he also ensures justice.
~ God has made a way to salvation. Jesus died for us while we were still sinners *period* But an if/then choice remains... IF you confess/repent/stop (coming clean before God and the ppl you have wronged)... THEN you will be forgiven/restored/free from death and shame. IF you receive what God paid for, THEN you get to own the gift. The modern day mercy mongers are rotting the insides of men.
~ since when is a broken and contrite spirit... asking for forgiveness from God and the ppl we have wronged... groveling? We want it easy, we want to be petted when our sin finds us out even tho God warned us it would, we want to think there are no consequences if ppl truly forgive... but Nathan was pretty harsh in confronting David, and the consequences of his adultery were far reaching.
~ How long will God put up with us? How long will good ol boys clubs be allowed to sweep the lust of men and women under the rug? There are lumps in the carpet of the church so large now that few can enter. Have we allowed Ichabod to be written over our doors just so we can continue in our lust and adulteries? Do we really believe that God is winking at such filth under the guise of forgiveness?
~ Those thoughts, that person that breezes in and out of your life stirring your lust... did you not hear God say to cut that thing off? You look on that fruit and think about it and you follow in Adam and Eve's rebellion... touching it, thinking it, you die and you kill everyone you love. It's not a story in the Bible... it is just as real as Christ dying on a cross. What are you thinking?
~ There is always a reason, an explanation, an excuse, someone to blame... whether they are evil like the serpent... sharing in your sin like Eve... or innocent like God who brought those ppl into your life... it didn't hold water in Genesis and it doesn't hold water today. We are guilty of our own sin no matter what anyone else does or doesn't do. If we don't cut it off, if we choose to entertain lust, it's all us.
~ The church is full of cowards... not because we fall and stumble and sin at times, but because we constantly make excuse when we do... as tho we can justify our selfishness and arrogance in the aftermath of the mess we have made... where are the Warriors of God like David in Psalm 51 "... I acknowledge my transgressions and my sin is ever before me..." that groveling powerful fool!
~ "Why do you boast of evil, you mighty man?... you who are a disgrace in the eyes of God? ...Here now is the man that did not make God his stronghold but trusted in his great wealth and strengthened himself in his wickedness." Psalm 52
~ Porn and lust and cleavage and Victoria's Secret are everywhere... but is that an excuse to entertain sin, to make excuse for the lack of holiness in your thoughts and your heart? Your sin is already found out... God sees all... he will not wink as lightly at it as many in the church lead you to believe. But when we confess and come clean and seek to be holy before God... we become a conquering force.
~ "Come now and let us reason together, saith the Lord: though your sins be as scarlet, they shall be as white as snow; though they be red like crimson, they shall be as wool. IF you will be willing and obedient, THEN you shall eat the good of the land. But IF you refuse and rebel, THEN you shall be devoured... the mouth of the Lord has spoken it. " Isaiah 1
~ Psalm 32 "Blessed is he whose transgressions are forgiven, whose sins are covered. Blessed is the man whose sin the Lord does not count against him and in whose spirit is no deceit." Are you coming clean before God and your spouse? You are accountable to both. She/he is connected to your spirit, part of you, you sin against yourself when you sin against them. If they are not healed, you can't be.
~ Yep, the clean up is gonna take a while... you knew the depth of destruction that your choice would birth, now you gotta own it. In guy terms, somewhat abrasive but several men have used it recently... "you gotta nut up."
~ Ppl can't walk away from the messes they make and ever be free of it... it is in you, in your spirit, in who you are before God... sooner or later... married or divorced... in another state or country or not... with a different person, different job, new situation, fresh clean appearance... you gotta own up to it eventually. The longer you wait the more damage it does to you and anyone you touch.
~ God never says to be a sepulchre (grave) like the Pharisee, he says the opposite, he says to not be like them... obey the word of God they teach from but don't present yourself as painted up and reverent on the outside while you're full of dead and rotting flesh inside. Forgiveness isn't digging a hole and burying stuff out of site... it's scrubbing out the wound as painful as that is. It's restoring health.
~ Psalm 32 continued... "When I kept silent my bones wasted away thru my groaning all day long. For day and night your hand was heavy upon me; my strength was sapped as in the heat of summer. Then I acknowledged my sin to you and did not cover up my iniquity."
~ "I said I WILL CONFESS MY TRANSGRESSIONS TO THE LORD, and you forgave the guilt of my sin.
Therefore let eveyone who is godly pray to you while you may be found.
surly when the mighty waters rise they will not reach him.
You are my hiding place; you will protect me from trouble and surround me with songs of deliverance..."
~ How do you get past your sin, how do you receive forgiveness from God and those that love you? by allowing God to be your hiding place instead of a hole in your heart. Take your sin out in front of everyone and anyone and give it to God not caring how ppl judge it or you. According to Psalm 32, only then will you live in a place of safety and separation from it. You gotta reveal it to get away from it.
~ I never said it was easy... it's like any challenge or task that truly matters or that involves a life/death decision... IF you will only make up your mind to do it God's way, no turning back, whatever the cost... THEN God will give you the strength, the direction, the hope and the promise that step by step you will climb up out of that thing until it is merely dirt under your feet that you walk on.
~ Selah
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RE: Did I just think that out loud?... - 11/24/2009 9:28:19 AM
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selahgirl
Posts: 630
Joined: 5/20/2005
From: God is with you, never forget that <3
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Thoughts from Mon 11-16-2009
~ Started reading in Joshua this morning... interesting. Bought back some of the gnat and the camel thoughts from the other day. Rahab lied for the Israelite spies to save their lives and in fear of the Living God... where's the line in that. So can you join a church in membership without agreeing to all the guidelines that you must sign your name to? Does anyone actually obey all those guidelines?
~ I once joined a church that said I couldn't attend movie theaters... I asked the pastor about it, telling him we attend movies, but he said just sign it anyway, didn't really matter. Then why make me sign my name to a contract? I either have to stop attending movies and be truthful in all things, or as a member I must sign it knowing I'm not going to obey it. It just seems like lying to me... do the gnats not matter?
~ I love that pastor, I love that church, I just find it difficult when I feel I must lack truth in some area of my life if I want to be a member of a church. Membership shouldn't hinge on a winking at truth... or it becomes a form of godliness it would seem. Basically, I have three choices: lie to be a member, abstain from things that the majority of the other members do freely, or never be a member of the church.
~ I'm not real emotional about all of this, just trying to find some peace. I miss being a member of a church, I just have a hard time signing that contract for membership if I know that I'm not going to be truthful about obeying what it says I must do and not do... I miss having a church home and being part of a church family.
~ During the prelude to the Great Awakening, there was controversy in the church that no guidelines were being set and there were many ppl attending church who were completely separated from the teachings of Christ and had no motivation to read and obey Scripture. They were attending church cuz it was a community/social thing.
~ There is a need for rules and guidelines to keep order and a foundation of truth and holy living... but it was preaching the word of God and the POWER OF A CHALLENGE that brought change as the Spirit of God moved upon men's hearts. Personal conviction moved ppl to commitment and obedience and holy living as they heard the word of God and tens of thousands were converted.
~ I really need to look up Mike Cantrell's message on the POWER OF A CHALLENGE to listen to online. Missed it sunday, but there is just some kind of anointing on that title alone.
~ "Be strong and very courageous. Be careful to obey all the law my servant Moses gave you; do not turn from it to the right or to the left, that you may be successful wherever you go. Do not let this Book of the Law depart from your mouth; meditate on it day and night, so that you may be careful to do everything written in it. Then you will be prosperous and successful." Joshua 1
~ Everything points to truth being a thing of the past, Life just seems to turn the whitest white to an ever increasing gray, ppl are giving up on truth by the scores and throwing up their hands, ppl are letting go of hope and faithfulness in the face of so much disappointment and sin that is pressing in... but there is a Truth that remains... oh man! and that is why we are told to remain strong and courageous
~ This life is a hard walk but God promises that the yoke put upon us will not be too heavy for us to wear. That yoke keeps us in line, keeps us joined to the Spirit of our God and his family. It is a challenge to remain in step, to buckle and wobble from time to time as we come into agreement and alignment as we walk this stuff out. We stumble but the yoke is a support. We fall and yet it lifts us up right again.
~ It is a sad thing when you see ppl shedding that yoke to sneak off to the pond. Looking across the field, they litter the rows and the good soil dries up from neglect... it just seems like the Lord is calling his ppl to return to him, to get back to work, to embrace that yoke and walk this life out with a determination to see a great harvest. There will be a time to play but not without giving it all you got first.
~ Hey... this is pretty incredibly cool... power of a challenge isn't posted yet, so I'm listening to the POWER OF GODLINESS by Pastor Fikri... first time I have heard him preach and already I love this man ^_^ He says he doesn't really like to reference things as "from the greek/hebrew" cuz it entails alot of research that the avg person isn't gonna dig into. So he simply references some research his wife did. haha
~ Here is the link to POWER OF GODLINESS
http://www.bethelclarksville.com/scmedia.php?type=mediaplayer&loc=www.bethelclarksville.com/media/media/mediaplayer.php&id=2009110805114165C1D7
~ Godliness is practicing what you believe in... as Christians we need to know the Bible in order to practice what we believe (Fikri)
~ "His divine power HAS GIVEN US EVERYTHING WE NEED FOR LIFE AND GODLINESS through our knowledge of him who called us by his own glory and goodness. Through these he has given us his very great and precious promises, so that through them you may participate in the divine nature and escape the corruption in the world caused by evil desires." 2 Peter 1
~ God is the one who transforms us, he gives us godliness... Godliness is not something we learn in school, not something that we naturally have, we are not Godly by nature... the only way God gives us godliness is when we spend time with him. You cannot receive something from someone unless you spend time with them. (Fikri)
~ God will not barge in... he will wait for you to ask him for it... ask God to transform you, allow him to transform you. Just know that when we ask him to do it, he will. Sometimes if we want a greater patience hardships will come because that is how we learn patience by overcoming such things.
~ "Therefore, I urge you, brothers, in view of God's mercy, to offer your bodies as living sacrifices, holy and pleasing to God—this is your spiritual act of worship.2Do not conform any longer to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind. Then you will be able to test and approve what God's will is—his good, pleasing and perfect will." (Romans 12)
~ Nothing compares to your personal time with God... if you don't spend time with God, you're not gonna change. It you don't pray on your own you're not gonna change. Ultimately you must become a Christian on your own. The ppl of God are there to help you, but most of the time you are alone in the world. You must live it when no one is watching. (Fikri)
~ There is a personal aspect, but you must also belong to a healthy church... and the key to that is HEALTHY. It will lead you into balancing worship, the word and all things Godly. It will lead you into practicing godliness, and it will help you to avoid ungodliness. It is difficult to sin when you belong to the church. (Fikri)
~ Being in a healthy church will also help you to engage in Godly activities. It's hard to find pure thoughts, good thoughts, when you are alone in the world. You will see Godly activities when you walk with the ppl of God. Not just church activities, but social activities that are Godly. Not just attending but belonging and serving and being involved as in membership. (Fikri)
~ "22But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, 23gentleness and self-control. Against such things there is no law. 24Those who belong to Christ Jesus have crucified the sinful nature with its passions and desires. 25Since we live by the Spirit, let us keep in step with the Spirit. 26Let us not become conceited, provoking and envying each other." Gal 5
~ Take your spiritual temperature (Galatians 5:22-23)
~ As for me... I am a sick puppy!
~ As a mature Christian, the challenge is to disciple others. Disciple others into maturity. Someone of more experience teaching others how to acquire such fruit in their life. There is always someone newer than you. There is always someone that you can disciple. (Fikri)
~ Discipleship is not just teaching. It's walking beside each other in life, learning how to react together. It does not always happen in a classroom. True discipleship happens in life events. "Imitate me, as I imitate Christ," Paul. Everything that is good that I am imitating Christ in, follow my example. Therefore we need to be consistent in imitating Christ, cuz ppl are learning from our example. (Fikri)
~ Selah <3
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RE: Did I just think that out loud?... - 11/24/2009 9:42:18 AM
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selahgirl
Posts: 630
Joined: 5/20/2005
From: God is with you, never forget that <3
Status: offline
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Thoughts from Tuesday, 11-17-2009
~ Score Titans! ...but the Chargers are still going to the Superbowl ^_^
~ "Holy God, I thank you for the simple, challenging and enduring truth of Jesus' Lordship. Through you Spirit, I pray that you will conform my life to more closely reflect his lordship in my work, my family, and daily influence. Through the Lord Jesus I pray. Amen." Heartlight Daily Devotional
~ "Just as you received Christ Jesus as Lord, continue to live in him, rooted and built up in him, strengthened in the faith as you were taught, and overflowing with thankfulness." Colossians 2. So many are being blasted by hurricane force storms, losing all, bearing witness to the heartache of Katrina victims. The enemy's time is short and he is desperately vicious, but he can't uproot those that love Christ ♥
~ The Spirit of God keeps whispering... "hold on." Which tells me, something's coming... help is on the way. Before the attack, before we cried out, God knew the enemy's approach and devices, our weakness and our heart. The Lord told his ministering spirits to GO in his wisdom and his mercy, and there is no shadow of doubt that his perfect timing will prevail... hold on ♥
~ Why do you think everything in you wants to throw your hands up and quit? Why do you think the voices in the world around you, in that country song, on that night time drama, are telling you to walk out? Because the enemy wants you to take the easy road, knowing that it will lead to destruction. Yes, you may walk out, yes God may say let it go, but don't get ahead of him. It's not the easy way but... hold on ♥
~ Tired of responsibility, afraid of aging and that life is passing you by, wanting to trade your current life for something, anything, different, to trade your current relationship for something new and hopefully more exciting... choices. You can gamble with life, but it may just leave you bankrupt. God lays a standard and a plan to prosper us, but he won't force us to walk in it. Choices, I pray we all make good ones
~ Nothing is truly good... unless it is Godly.
~ Selah
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RE: Did I just think that out loud?... - 12/13/2009 10:52:37 AM
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the1Sackett
Posts: 15
Joined: 11/17/2009
Status: offline
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Dear Fellow-Soldier,
Aye, SELAH...
...ah, thank ye. Thank ye, indeed. I needed that.
Through Him Who Mends Our Brokenness, and Makes Us Fit For Service;
CM Sackett
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The Cost Of Liberty Tends To Run Very High.
The Cost Of APATHY... Incalculable.
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RE: Did I just think that out loud?... - 12/28/2009 3:58:08 PM
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selahgirl
Posts: 630
Joined: 5/20/2005
From: God is with you, never forget that <3
Status: offline
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~ K, I'm sticking to my prediction... Chargers are going to the Superbowl, but they aren't gonna win it. haha, strictly based on the fact that I love the Chevy Charger and their uniforms are pretty. But they continue to wind their way up the brackets, so vee shall see my friend. haha =)
~ Most Christians are disappointments at best, with few exceptions... but Jesus Christ is faithful and true. Despite our imperfections, our purpose is still accomplished for we are not called to perfection, rather to lead others to the LIGHT. If we say we have no sin, we lie. Our righteousness is as filthy rags, and tho we are to seek to be perfect, there is none perfect save ONE.
~ When we allow ourselves to be discontent with the blessings in our life, we are only a glance away from coveting our neighbors possessions and spouse... and we sin. Death and Murder and Destruction lie at the door no more, because we have invited them into our heart and our home and the lives of all we love... we must not allow our ambition to become selfish and corrupt. Be strong. Be thankful.
~ Life is merely prophecy fulfilled... all that Scripture warns will happen and all that God has promised. There is no mystery to it. There is only obedience to the Word and Will of God... or disobedience. Our choices make us master of our own future amidst the web of choices made by those whose lives touch our own. Personal accountability, bottom line. Wind and waves, but he makes us able to stay the course.
~ God can reach thru any life that touches yours to empower, enable and encourage you. If he can reach thru the contact of a donkey on a roadside... he can reach thru anyone and anything to answer a prayer or to protect and provide. Ppl may fail us, but it is God who never forsakes us nor brings us to harm. He never changes, he never gives up, he is not cowardly. Yes, he is man, but he is God and Savior and Lord.
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RE: Did I just think that out loud?... - 1/4/2010 8:57:41 AM
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selahgirl
Posts: 630
Joined: 5/20/2005
From: God is with you, never forget that <3
Status: offline
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El Roi - "The God Who Sees Me," one of the names for God in Genesis when Hagar suffered affliction in the desert (Gen 16:13). It is one of my favorite names for God, and came to mind so clearly when I was watching AVATAR. That is what ppl are searching for... someone that truly sees them, someone that cares and stands ready to listen and to hear and to act, someone on their side.
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RE: Did I just think that out loud?... - 1/4/2010 9:53:47 AM
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selahgirl
Posts: 630
Joined: 5/20/2005
From: God is with you, never forget that <3
Status: offline
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Sometimes the right thing to do is not one strict path you must follow to the letter of some law... rather it is a set of options that God sets before you and says, "choose, I give you that freedom."
I think perhaps freedom is not all it's cracked up to be sometimes, sometimes having to choose or make a choice between several right answers can be difficult. The outcomes are all different, they all end in blessing, but deciding what we want, what is best, what we feel will bring the greatest happiness to our hearts is not so easy.
Does any of us truly now what we want or what is best or what will keep us content and satisfied? How wonderful that God is always present to counsel and guide us in our choices. How wonderful that he makes truth plain, as well as righteousness. How incredible that his mercy can cover every bad decision and act that we offer up to him with true repentance and regret...
And yet, sometimes, tho his counsel and presence and voice is very near, he still says that we must make a choice. When he allows us to choose our hearts desire, what we think we want or need, what will be lasting and stand the flames of trial and tribulation... when he allows us such control and power and choice, it is a frightening and heavy and sobering thing.
It brings to mind the sword of Damocles.
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RE: Did I just think that out loud?... - 1/7/2010 10:00:05 AM
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selahgirl
Posts: 630
Joined: 5/20/2005
From: God is with you, never forget that <3
Status: offline
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~ Sometimes hurts just can't be fixed, they just have to be felt no matter how deep and tormenting they are. The only relief is TIME... you can't fix it for them, you can only love them as you wait it out by their side. That is the LOVE IS PATIENT side of love... you can't get angry and rush them thru it so you can get away from the negative side of life. Job waited on God, but he wasn't fun to be around.
~ It's easy to love someone when the sun is shining, or when there is a sudden brief downpour... but when a season of storms and flooding seems endless and exhausting, you are given every excuse and reason to throw up your hands and leave them. But Christ has promised to NEVER leave us or forsake us... even in the storms of life. He walks on the waves, we do not wait out the storm alone.
~ Crazy week, crazy phone calls, crazy dreams, crazy weather... no wonder everyone is talking crazy. I think perhaps that crazy is the new normal. haha
~ When Job was under attack, God saw everything. He was present even tho Job couldn't see him, even tho the storm raged on in his life for a lengthy season. Timing. It takes a great skill to time things just right so that the greatest good or greatest victory can be the end result. Ask any athlete or person of skill. You can't rush in, but you can't drag your feet. You gotta put forth some effort and time things right.
~ Jumping Double Dutch, you gotta watch both ppl spinning that rope and get yourself in the right rhythm. You gotta hear the voices of the ppl singing that rhyme around you in unison, and you gotta watch for that moment to transform everything inside into action. You gotta jump at the right time. Wait on God, don't give up, work thru the chaos and disorder and choose to fall into rhythm with the Spirit of God.
~ Life isn't funny.... Life is mean. But the kindness of God leads us to repentance and makes us able to laugh despite our tears. Christ lived a lifetime on this earth, walking beside us, waiting with us thru our pain, sharing in it, taking it upon himself, timing all things so that he could take action to free us from it. God seems so far removed, but he truly understands. He truly cares about you.
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