Winter

a WORD from God's Book
(photo: 45 min. ago - home -1st snow of winter COS) __________________________________________________________________________________________________ It was you who set all the boundaries of the earth; you made both summer and winter.

With your finger you opened up springs and creeks, and dried up the wild floodwaters. You own the day, you own the night; you put stars and sun in place. You laid out the four corners of earth, shaped the seasons of summer and winter.

"As long as the earth endures, seedtime and harvest, cold and heat, summer and winter, day and night will never cease."

So to this day, rural Jews living in remote villages celebrate an annual festival and holiday on the appointed day in late winter, when they rejoice and send gifts of food to each other.

There are four small creatures, wisest of the wise they are— ants—frail as they are, get plenty of food in for the winter;

HAVING SAID these things, Jesus went out with His disciples beyond (across) the winter torrent of the Kidron [in the ravine]. There was a garden there, which He and His disciples entered.

Psalm 74:17 Psalm 74:9 Genesis 8:22 Esther 9:19 Proverbs 30:24 John 18:1

A heart in tune with God can’t help but sing His praise.

LIFEgroups – together experiencing God.

Glenn – 368 Mission Hill Way, Colorado Springs CO 80921

Storm

a WORD from God's Book
(photo: just North of Sedona, AZ)
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The Lord is slow to get angry, but his power is great and...He displays his power in the whirlwind and the storm. The billowing clouds are the dust beneath his feet.

The terrible storm raged for many days, blotting out the sun and the stars, until at last all hope was gone.

The disciples went and woke him up, shouting, “Master, Master, we’re going to drown!” When Jesus woke up, he rebuked the wind and the raging waves. Suddenly the storm stopped and all was calm.

He stilled the storm to a whisper; the waves of the sea were hushed.

Be not afraid of sudden terror and panic, nor of the stormy blast, or the storm and ruin of the wicked when it comes [for you will be guiltless], for the Lord shall be your confidence, firm and strong, and shall keep your foot from being caught [in a trap or some hidden danger].

Nahum 1:3 Acts 27:20 Luke 8:24 Psalm 107:29 Proverbs 3:25

No matter what happens, you can find shelter and peace in the presence of the Lord.

LIFEgroups – together experiencing God

Glenn – 368 Mission Hill Way, Colorado Springs CO 80921

Closer

a WORD from God's Book
(photo: Denver Botanical Gardens )
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I call out at the top of my lungs, "God! Answer! I'll do whatever you say." I called to you, "Save me so I can carry out all your instructions." I was up before sunrise, crying for help, hoping for a word from you. I stayed awake all night, prayerfully pondering your promise. In your love, listen to me; in your justice, God, keep me alive. As those out to get me come closer and closer, they go farther and farther from the truth you reveal; But you're the closest of all to me, God, and all your judgments true. I've known all along from the evidence of your words that you meant them to last forever.

And now, isn't it wonderful all the ways in which this distress has goaded you closer to God? You're more alive, more concerned, more sensitive, more reverent, more human, more passionate, more responsible. Looked at from any angle, you've come out of this with purity of heart. And that is what I was hoping for

SINCE ALL this is true, we ought to pay much closer attention than ever to the truths that we have heard, lest in any way we drift past [them] and slip away.

There are "friends" who destroy each other, but a real friend sticks closer than a brother.

[ Jesus Weeps over Jerusalem ] But as they came closer to Jerusalem and Jesus saw the city ahead, he began to cry.

Psalm 119:145 2 Corinthians 7:11 Hebrews 2:1 Proverbs 18:24 Luke 19:41

The closer you are to God, the bigger your heart for people.

LIFEgroups – together experiencing God.

Glenn – 368 Mission Hill Way, Colorado Springs CO 80921

Test

a WORD from God's Book
(photo: Denver Botanical Gardens)
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No test or temptation that comes your way is beyond the course of what others have had to face. All you need to remember is that God will never let you down; he'll never let you be pushed past your limit; he'll always be there to help you come through it.

Examine yourselves to see whether you are in the faith; test yourselves. Do you not realize that Christ Jesus is in you—unless, of course, you fail the test?

Here's how you test for the genuine Spirit of God. Everyone who confesses openly his faith in Jesus Christ—the Son of God, who came as an actual flesh-and-blood person—comes from God and belongs to God. And everyone who refuses to confess faith in Jesus has nothing in common with God.

Test everything. Hold on to the good.

By faith Abraham, when he was put to the test [while the testing of his faith was still in progress], had already brought Isaac for an offering; he who had gladly received and welcomed [God's] promises was ready to sacrifice his only son, of whom it was said, Through Isaac shall your descendants be reckoned.

These trials are only to test your faith, to show that it is strong and pure. It is being tested as fire tests and purifies gold--and your faith is far more precious to God than mere gold. So if your faith remains strong after being tried by fiery trials, it will bring you much praise and glory and honor on the day when Jesus Christ is revealed to the whole world.

1 Corinthians 10:13 2 Corinthians 13:5 1 John 4:2 1 Thessalonians 5:21 Hebrews 11:17 1 Peter 1:7

Study the Bible to be wise believe it to be safe; practice it to be holy.

LIFEgroups – together experiencing God.

Glenn – 368 Mission Hill Way, Colorado Springs, CO 80921

Firm

a WORD from God's Book
(photo: Gleneagle, CO)
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Your words have held firm him who was falling, and you have strengthened the feeble knees.

"If I were in your shoes, I'd go straight to God, I'd throw myself on the mercy of God. After all, he's famous for great and unexpected acts; there's no end to his surprises. He gives rain, for instance, across the wide earth, sends water to irrigate the fields. He raises up the down-and-out, gives firm footing to those sinking in grief.

[ Reach Out to God ] "Still, if you set your heart on God and reach out to him, If you scrub your hands of sin and refuse to entertain evil in your home, You'll be able to face the world unashamed and keep a firm grip on life, guiltless and fearless. You'll forget your troubles; they'll be like old, faded photographs.

"But principled people hold tight, keep a firm grip on life

Be alert and on your guard; stand firm in your faith ( your conviction respecting man's relationship to God and divine things, keeping the trust and holy fervor born of faith and a part of it). Act like men and be courageous; grow in strength!

Therefore, my dear brothers, stand firm. Let nothing move you. Always give yourselves fully to the work of the Lord, because you know that your labor in the Lord is not in vain.

Job 4:4 Job 5:8 Job 11:13 Job 17:9 1 Corinthians 16:13 1 Corinthians 15:58

To avoid being drawn into error, keep a firm grip on the truth.

LIFEgroups – together experiencing God

Glenn – 368 Mission Hill Way, Colorado Springs CO 80921

Wonder

a WORD from God's Book
(photo: Denver Botanical Gardens )
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I look up at your macro-skies, dark and enormous, your handmade sky-jewelry, Moon and stars mounted in their settings. Then I look at my micro-self and wonder, Why do you bother with us? Why take a second look our way?

Show the wonder of your great love, you who save by your right hand those who take refuge in you.

Yes, you have been with me from birth; from my mother's womb you have cared for me. No wonder I am always praising you!

I know the LORD is always with me. I will not be shaken, for he is right beside me. No wonder my heart is filled with joy, and my mouth shouts his praises!

For he said to God, "I will declare the wonder of your name to my brothers and sisters. I will praise you among all your people."

Blessed God, Israel's God, the one and only wonder-working God! Blessed always his blazing glory! All earth brims with his glory.

Psalm 8:3 Psalm 17:7 Psalm 71:6 Psalm 16:9 Hebrews 2:12 Psalm 72:18

You can never praise God too much!

LIFEgroups – together experiencing God

Glenn – 368 Mission Hill Way, Colorado Springs CO 80921

Depend

a WORD from God's Book
(photo: Maui)
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Those heretical teachers go to great lengths to flatter you, but their motives are rotten. They want to shut you out of the free world of God's grace so that you will always depend on them for approval and direction, making them feel important.

Jesus replied, "You're right that you only have my word. But you can depend on it being true. I know where I've come from and where I go next. You don't know where I'm from or where I'm headed. You decide according to what you can see and touch. I don't make judgments like that. But even if I did, my judgment would be true because I wouldn't make it out of the narrowness of my experience but in the largeness of the One who sent me, the Father.

First, there's the matter of being put in charge of writing down and caring for God's revelation, these Holy Scriptures. So, what if, in the course of doing that, some of those Jews abandoned their post? God didn't abandon them. Do you think their faithlessness cancels out his faithfulness? Not on your life! Depend on it: God keeps his word even when the whole world is lying through its teeth. Scripture says the same: Your words stand fast and true;

Those who fear God get God's attention; they can depend on his strength.

Trust in the LORD with all your heart; do not depend on your own understanding.

Those who trust in God are like Zion Mountain: Nothing can move it, a rock-solid mountain you can always depend on.

Galatians 4:17 John 8:14 Romans 3:2 Psalm 147:7 Proverbs 3:5 Psalm 125:1

To survive the storms of life, be anchored to the Rock of Ages.

LIFEgroups – together experiencing God

Glenn – 368 Mission Hill Way, Colorado Springs CO 80921

Made

a WORD from God's Book
(photo: Denver Botanical Gardens)
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Although the world was made through him, the world didn't recognize him when he came.

From the time the world was created, people have seen the earth and sky and all that God made. They can clearly see his invisible qualities--his eternal power and divine nature. So they have no excuse whatsoever for not knowing God.

Instead of believing what they knew was the truth about God, they deliberately chose to believe lies. So they worshiped the things God made but not the Creator himself, who is to be praised forever. Amen.

We are made right in God's sight when we trust in Jesus Christ to take away our sins. And we all can be saved in this same way, no matter who we are or what we have done.

He made no distinction between us and them, for he also cleansed their hearts through faith.

For this is as the Lord commanded us when he said, `I have made you a light to the Gentiles, to bring salvation to the farthest corners of the earth.' "

John 1:10 Romans 1:20 Romans 1:25 Romans 3:22 Acts 15:9 Acts 13:47

There are many ways to worship God, but only one God to worship.

LIFEgroups - together experiencing God.

Glenn - 368 Mission Hill Way, Colorado Springs CO 80921

Hurt / hurting

a WORD from God's Book
(photo: Denver Botanical Gardens)
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Who is weak, and I do not feel [his] weakness? Who is made to stumble and fall and have his faith hurt, and I am not on fire [with sorrow or indignation]?

Now who is there to hurt you if you are zealous followers of that which is good?

Jabez cried to the God of Israel, saying, Oh, that You would bless me and enlarge my border, and that Your hand might be with me, and You would keep me from evil so it might not hurt me! And God granted his request.

Are you hurting? Pray. Do you feel great? Sing. Are you sick? Call the church leaders together to pray and anoint you with oil in the name of the Master. Believing-prayer will heal you, and Jesus will put you on your feet. And if you've sinned, you'll be forgiven—healed inside and out.

The way God designed our bodies is a model for understanding our lives together as a church: every part dependent on every other part, the parts we mention and the parts we don't, the parts we see and the parts we don't. If one part hurts, every other part is involved in the hurt, and in the healing. If one part flourishes, every other part enters into the exuberance.

"Confront me with the truth and I'll shut up, show me where I've gone off the track. Honest words never hurt anyone…

2 Corinthians 11:29 1 Peter 3:13 1 Chronicles 4:10 James 5:13 1 Corinthians 12:25 Job 6:24

No tragedy is beyond God’s sovereignty.

LIFEgroups – together experiencing God

Glenn – 368 Mission Hill Way, Colorado Springs CO 80921

Open

a WORD from God's Book
(photo: Denver Botanical Gardens)
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The eyes of the LORD watch over those who do right; his ears are open to their cries for help.

O my people, listen to my teaching. Open your ears to what I am saying

For it was I, the LORD your God, who rescued you from the land of Egypt. Open your mouth wide, and I will fill it with good things.

Open my eyes to see the wonderful truths in your law.

[ Jesus Heals in Response to Faith ] On the other side of the lake the crowds received Jesus with open arms because they had been waiting for him.

And the people of Berea were more open-minded than those in Thessalonica, and they listened eagerly to Paul's message. They searched the Scriptures day after day to check up on Paul and Silas, to see if they were really teaching the truth.

Psalm 34:15 Psalm 78:1 Psalm 81:10 Psalm 119:18 Luke 8:40 Acts 17:11

Many who have been blind to the truth have found that reading the bible is a real eye-opener.

LIFEgroups – together experiencing God

Glenn – 368 Mission Hill Way, Colorado Springs CO 80921

Great

a WORD from God's Book
(photo: Denver Botanical Gardens)
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"God is so great--higher than the heavens, higher than the farthest stars.

He doesn't care how great a person may be, and he doesn't pay any more attention to the rich than to the poor. He made them all.

For he does great works too marvelous to understand. He performs miracles without number.

Your goodness is so great! You have stored up great blessings for those who honor you. You have done so much for those who come to you for protection, blessing them before the watching world.

But give great joy to those who have stood with me in my defense. Let them continually say, "Great is the LORD, who enjoys helping his servant."

But may all who search for you be filled with joy and gladness. May those who love your salvation repeatedly shout, "The LORD is great!"

Job 22:12 Job 34:19 Job 5:9 Psalm 31:19 Psalm 35:27 Psalm 40:16

One taste of God’s grace can make us lose our hunger for the world.

LIFEgroups – together experiencing God

Glenn – 368 Mission Hill Way, Colorado Springs CO 80921

Think

a WORD from God's Book
(photo: Denver Botanical Gardens)

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Just think! Though I did nothing to deserve it, and though I am the least deserving Christian there is, I was chosen for this special joy of telling the Gentiles about the endless treasures available to them in Christ.

That's why, when I heard of the solid trust you have in the Master Jesus and your outpouring of love to all the followers of Jesus, I couldn't stop thanking God for you—every time I prayed, I'd think of you and give thanks. But I do more than thank. I ask—ask the God of our Master, Jesus Christ, the God of glory—to make you intelligent and discerning in knowing him personally, your eyes focused and clear, so that you can see exactly what it is he is calling you to do, grasp the immensity of this glorious way of life he has for his followers, oh, the utter extravagance of his work in us who trust him—endless energy, boundless strength!

Now to Him Who, by (in consequence of) the [action of His] power that is at work within us, is able to [carry out His purpose and] do superabundantly, far over and above all that we [dare] ask or think [infinitely beyond our highest prayers, desires, thoughts, hopes, or dreams]--

And now, dear brothers and sisters, let me say one more thing as I close this letter. Fix your thoughts on what is true and honorable and right. Think about things that are pure and lovely and admirable. Think about things that are excellent and worthy of praise.

Ephesians 3:8 Ephesians 1:15 Ephesians 3:20 Philippians 4:8

The more we think about God’s Word, the less we’ll think about our worries.

LIFEgroups – together experiencing God

Glenn – 368 Mission Hill Way, Colorado Springs CO 80921

Salt

a WORD from God's Book
(photo: Steamboat Springs,CO)
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"Salt is good for seasoning. But if it loses its flavor, how do you make it salty again?

Can both fresh water and salt water flow from the same spring?

Flavorless salt is good neither for the soil nor for fertilizer. It is thrown away.

Let your conversation be always full of grace, seasoned with salt, so that you may know how to answer everyone.

[ Salt and Light ] "Let me tell you why you are here. You're here to be salt-seasoning that brings out the God-flavors of this earth. If you lose your saltiness, how will people taste godliness? You've lost your usefulness and will end up in the garbage.

Luke 14:34 James 3:11 Luke 14:35 Colossians 4:6 Matthew 5:13

A little encouragement can spark a great accomplishment.

LIFEgroups – together experiencing God

Glenn – 368 Mission Hill Way, Colorado Springs CO 80921

Pursue

a WORD from God's Book
(photo: above Steamboat Springs,CO)
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For those who are according to the flesh and are controlled by its unholy desires set their minds on and pursue those things which gratify the flesh, but those who are according to the Spirit and are controlled by the desires of the Spirit set their minds on and seek those things which gratify the [Holy] Spirit.

But I say to you who are listening now to me: [in order to heed, make it a practice to] love your enemies, treat well (do good to, act nobly toward) those who detest you and pursue you with hatred,

I'm no longer going to be visible in the world; they'll continue in the world while I return to you. Holy Father, guard them as they pursue this life that you conferred as a gift through me, so they can be one heart and mind as we are one heart and mind

So let us then definitely aim for and eagerly pursue what makes for harmony and for mutual upbuilding (edification and development) of one another.

Strive to live in peace with everybody and pursue that consecration and holiness without which no one will [ever] see the Lord

Surely your goodness and unfailing love will pursue me all the days of my life, and I will live in the house of the LORD forever.

Romans 8:5 Luke 6:27 John 17:6 Romans 14:19 Hebrews 12:14 Psalm 23:6

Spiritual growth depends on the water of God's Word and the sunshine of His love.

LIFEgroups - together experiencing God

Glenn - 368 Mission Hill Way, Colorado Springs CO 80921

Image

a WORD from God's Book
(photo: Gleneagle - a lone flower in Evie's back yard)
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Christ is the visible image of the invisible God.

For those whom He foreknew [of whom He was aware and loved beforehand], He also destined from the beginning [foreordaining them] to be molded into the image of His Son [and share inwardly His likeness], that He might become the firstborn among many brethren.

Put on the new nature (the regenerate self) created in God's image, [Godlike] in true righteousness and holiness.

Do not lie to one another, for you have stripped off the old (unregenerate) self with its evil practices, and have clothed yourselves with the new [spiritual self], which is [ever in the process of being] renewed and remolded into [fuller and more perfect knowledge upon] knowledge after the image (the likeness) of Him Who created it.

And all of us, as with unveiled face, [because we] continued to behold [in the Word of God] as in a mirror the glory of the Lord, are constantly being transfigured into His very own image in ever increasing splendor and from one degree of glory to another; [for this comes] from the Lord [Who is] the Spirit.

O GOD, my heart is fixed (steadfast, in the confidence of faith); I will sing, yes, I will sing praises, even with my glory [all the faculties and powers of one created in Your image]!

Colossians 1:15 Romans 8:29 Ephesians 4:24 Colossians 3:10 2 Corinthians 3:18 Psalm 108:1

The Spirit develops in us the clear image of Christ.

LIFEgroups – together experiencing God

Glenn – 368 Mission Hill Way, Colorado Springs CO 80921

Provide

a WORD from God's Book
(photo: just outside our lower patio.)
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Let my cry come right into your presence, God; provide me with the insight that comes only from your Word. Give my request your personal attention, rescue me on the terms of your promise.

"'Obey what I tell you. Do exactly what I command you. Your obedience will close the deal. You'll be mine and I'll be yours. This will provide the conditions in which I will be able to do what I promised your ancestors: to give them a fertile and lush land. And, as you know, that's what I did.'" "Yes, God," I replied. "That's true."

You take care of the earth and water it, making it rich and fertile. The rivers of God will not run dry; they provide a bountiful harvest of grain, for you have ordered it so.

And don't worry about food--what to eat and drink. Don't worry whether God will provide it for you.

And God will generously provide all you need. Then you will always have everything you need and plenty left over to share with others.

[ Christs Sacrifice Once for All ] The old system in the law of Moses was only a shadow of the things to come, not the reality of the good things Christ has done for us. The sacrifices under the old system were repeated again and again, year after year, but they were never able to provide perfect cleansing for those who came to worship.

Psalm 119:169 Jeremiah 11:4 Psalm 65:9 Luke 12:29 2 Corinthians 9:8 Hebrews 10:1

Parents can provide their sons with an inheritance of houses and wealth, but only the LORD can give an understanding wife. Proverbs 19:14

LIFEgroups – together experiencing God

Glenn – 368 Mission Hill Way, Colorado Springs CO 80921

Joyful

a WORD from God's Book
(photo: Marv & Evies's yard, CO)
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Where is that joyful spirit we felt together then (when you first believed the Good News)?

Because of our faith, Christ has brought us into this place of highest privilege where we now stand, and we confidently and joyfully look forward to sharing God's glory.

Happy are those who hear the joyful call to worship, for they will walk in the light of your presence, LORD.

I long, yes, I faint with longing to enter the courts of the LORD. With my whole being, body and soul, I will shout joyfully to the living God.

You have turned my mourning into joyful dancing. You have taken away my clothes of mourning and clothed me with joy

Come, everyone, and clap your hands for joy! Shout to God with joyful praise!

Galatians 4:15 Romans 5:2 Psalm 89:15 Psalm 84:2 Psalm 30:11 Psalm 47:1

Joy is the result of a right relationship with God.

LIFEgroups – together experiencing God

Glenn – 368 Mission Hill Way, Colorado Springs CO 80921

Eternal life

a WORD from God's Book
(photo: Emerald Bay, CA)
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And this is what God has testified: He has given us eternal life, and this life is in his Son.

God showed how much he loved us by sending his only Son into the world so that we might have eternal life through him.

And this is the way to have eternal life--to know you, the only true God, and Jesus Christ, the one you sent to earth.

I write this to you who believe in the Son of God, so that you may know you have eternal life.

So just as sin ruled over all people and brought them to death, now God's wonderful kindness rules instead, giving us right standing with God and resulting in eternal life through Jesus Christ our Lord.

And we know that the Son of God has come, and he has given us understanding so that we can know the true God. And now we are in God because we are in his Son, Jesus Christ. He is the only true God, and he is eternal life.

1 John 5:11 1 John 4:9 John 17:3 1 John 5:13 Romans 5:21 1 John 5:20

Death is the last chapter in time but the first chapter in eternity.

LIFEgroups – together experiencing God!

Glenn – 368 Mission Hill Way, Colorado Springs CO 80921

Prayer

a WORD from God's Book
(photo: Home, Colorado Springs)
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They joined with the other believers and devoted themselves to the apostles' teaching and fellowship, sharing in the Lord's Supper and in prayer.

[ Paul’s Prayer for Spiritual Empowering ] When I think of the wisdom and scope of God's plan, I fall to my knees and pray to the Father,

[ An Encouragement for Prayer ] Devote yourselves to prayer with an alert mind and a thankful heart.

God knows how often I pray for you. Day and night I bring you and your needs in prayer to God, whom I serve with all my heart by telling others the Good News about his Son.

4 Since everything God created is good, we should not reject any of it. We may receive it gladly, with thankful hearts. For we know it is made holy by the word of God and prayer.

[ The Power of Prayer ] Are any among you suffering? They should keep on praying about it. And those who have reason to be thankful should continually sing praises to the Lord.

Acts 2:42 Ephesians 3:14 Colossians 4:2 Romans 1:9 1 Timothy 4:5 James 5:13

When it comes to prayer, don’t hang up – hang on!

LIFEgroups – together experiencing God

Glenn – 368 Mission Hill Way, Colorado Springs CO 80921

Satisfied

a WORD from God's Book
(photo: Mary's homemade baklava)
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You're addicted to thrills? What an empty life! The pursuit of pleasure is never satisfied.

Stay away from the love of money; be satisfied with what you have. For God has said, "I will never fail you. I will never forsake you."

The generous prosper and are satisfied; those who refresh others will themselves be refreshed.

God blesses you who are hungry now, for you will be satisfied. God blesses you who weep now, for the time will come when you will laugh with joy.

The poor will eat and be satisfied. All who seek the LORD will praise him. Their hearts will rejoice with everlasting joy.

Because you have satisfied me, God, I promise to do everything you say. I beg you from the bottom of my heart: smile, be gracious to me just as you promised. … I get up in the middle of the night to thank you; your decisions are so right, so true …Your love, God, fills the earth! Train me to live by your counsel.

Proverbs 21:17 Hebrews 13:5 Proverbs 11:25 Luke 6:21 Psalm 22:26 Psalm 119:57

Contentment comes when we want God’s will more than our own way.

LIFEgroups – together experiencing God

Glenn – 368 Mission Hill Way, Colorado Springs CO 80921

Set Free

a WORD from God's Book
(photo: Grover City, CA)
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"And so the Sovereign LORD says: I am against all your magic charms, which you use to ensnare my people like birds. I will tear them from your arms, setting my people free like birds set free from a cage.

You will know the truth, and the truth will set you free." "But we are descendants of Abraham," they said. "We have never been slaves to anyone on earth. What do you mean, `set free'?" Jesus replied, "I assure you that everyone who sins is a slave of sin.

When we died with Christ we were set free from the power of sin.

But now that you have been set free from sin and have become slaves to God, the benefit you reap leads to holiness, and the result is eternal life.

God sent his Son, born among us of a woman, born under the conditions of the law so that he might redeem those of us who have been kidnapped by the law. Thus we have been set free to experience our rightful heritage… Doesn't that privilege of intimate conversation with God make it plain that you are not a slave, but a child? And if you are a child, you're also an heir, with complete access to the inheritance.

Oh, thank God—he's so good! His love never runs out. All of you set free by God, tell the world! Tell how he freed you from oppression…

Ezekiel 13:20 John 8:33 (32-34) Romans 6:7 Romans 6:22 Galatians 4:4 Psalm 107:1

If you know Christ, you always have a reason to celebrate.

LIFEgroups – together experiencing God!

Glenn – 368 Mission Hill Way, Colorado Springs CO 80921

Fit

a WORD from God's Book
(photo: Naples- Long Beach, CA))
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Examine me, God, from head to foot, order your battery of tests. Make sure I'm fit inside and out

Close the book on Evil, God, but publish your mandate for us. You get us ready for life: you probe for our soft spots, you knock off our rough edges. And I'm feeling so fit, so safe: made right, kept right. God in solemn honor does things right, but his nerves are sandpapered raw.

Dear friend, guard Clear Thinking and Common Sense with your life; don't for a minute lose sight of them. They'll keep your soul alive and well, they'll keep you fit and attractive.

A twinkle in the eye means joy in the heart, and good news makes you feel fit as a fiddle.

Don't grieve God. Don't break his heart. His Holy Spirit, moving and breathing in you, is the most intimate part of your life, making you fit for himself. Don't take such a gift for granted.

May God himself, the God who makes everything holy and whole, make you holy and whole, put you together—spirit, soul, and body—and keep you fit for the coming of our Master, Jesus Christ. The One who called you is completely dependable. If he said it, he'll do it!

Psalm 26:2 Psalm 7:9 Proverbs 3:21 Proverbs 15:30 Ephesians 4:30 1 Thessalonians 5:23

Spiritual fitness comes from “working out” your faith.

LIFEgroups – together experiencing God

Glenn – 368 Mission Hill Way, Colorado Springs CO 80921

Everything

a WORD from God's Book
(photo: Maui, HI)
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The earth is the LORD's, and everything in it. The world and all its people belong to him.

You put us in charge of everything you made, giving us authority over all things—

But the LORD is in his holy Temple; the LORD still rules from heaven. He watches everything closely, examining everyone on earth.

"For God carefully watches the way people live; he sees everything they do.

Commit everything you do to the LORD. Trust him, and he will help you.

[ Living in the Light ] Follow God's example in everything you do, because you are his dear children.

Psalm 24:1 Psalm 8:6 Psalm 11:4 Job 34:21 Psalm 37:5 Ephesians 5:1

Godliness is true greatness.

LIFEgroups – together experiencing God!

Glenn – 368 Mission Hill Way, Colorado Springs CO 80921

Adoration

a WORD from God's Book
(photo: Maui, HI)
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Oh yes, you shaped me first inside, then out; you formed me in my mother's womb. I thank you, High God—you're breathtaking! Body and soul, I am marvelously made! I worship in adoration—what a creation! You know me inside and out, you know every bone in my body; You know exactly how I was made, bit by bit, how I was sculpted from nothing into something. Like an open book, you watched me grow from conception to birth; all the stages of my life were spread out before you, The days of my life all prepared before I'd even lived one day.

"It's who you are and the way you live that count before God. Your worship must engage your spirit in the pursuit of truth. That's the kind of people the Father is out looking for: those who are simply and honestly themselves before him in their worship. God is sheer being itself—Spirit. Those who worship him must do it out of their very being, their spirits, their true selves, in adoration."

"You can't worship two gods at once. Loving one god, you'll end up hating the other. Adoration of one feeds contempt for the other. You can't worship God and Money both.

And all the inhabitants of the earth will fall down in adoration and pay him homage, everyone whose name has not been recorded in the Book of Life of the Lamb that was slain [in sacrifice] from the foundation of the world.

If with heart and soul you're doing good, do you think you can be stopped? Even if you suffer for it, you're still better off. Don't give the opposition a second thought. Through thick and thin, keep your hearts at attention, in adoration before Christ, your Master. Be ready to speak up and tell anyone who asks why you're living the way you are, and always with the utmost courtesy.

Psalm 139:13 John 4:23 Matthew 6:24 Revelation 13:8 1 Peter 3:13

God hears more than words – He listens to the heart.

LIFEgroups – together experiencing God

Glenn – 368 Mission Hill Way, Colorado Springs CO 80921

Rely

a WORD from God's Book
(photo: Easy Yoke Ranch, Beulah,CO)
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But the LORD watches over those who fear him, those who rely on his unfailing love.

I will say of the Lord, He is my Refuge and my Fortress, my God; on Him I lean and rely, and in Him I [confidently] trust!

Then shall I have an answer for those who taunt and reproach me, for I lean on, rely on, and trust in Your word.

The Spirit, not content to flit around on the surface, dives into the depths of God, and brings out what God planned all along. Who ever knows what you're thinking and planning except you yourself? The same with God—except that he not only knows what he's thinking, but he lets us in on it. God offers a full report on the gifts of life and salvation that he is giving us. We don't have to rely on the world's guesses and opinions. We didn't learn this by reading books or going to school; we learned it from God, who taught us person-to-person through Jesus, and we're passing it on to you in the same firsthand, personal way.

Commit your way to the Lord [roll and repose each care of your load on Him]; trust (lean on, rely on, and be confident) also in Him and He will bring it to pass.

Trust in, lean on, rely on, and have confidence in Him at all times, you people; pour out your hearts before Him. God is a refuge for us (a fortress and a high tower).

Psalm 33:18 Psalm 91:2 Psalm 119:42 1 Corinthians 2:10 Psalm 37:5 Psalm 62:8

You can’t go wrong if you follow God’s lead.

LIFEgroups – together experiencing God!

Glenn – 368 Mission Hill Way, Colorado Springs CO 80921

Fellowship

a WORD from God's Book
(photo: Colorado neighbor)
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We are telling you about what we ourselves have actually seen and heard, so that you may have fellowship with us. And our fellowship is with the Father and with his Son, Jesus Christ.

If we are living in the light of God's presence, just as Christ is, then we have fellowship with each other, and the blood of Jesus, his Son, cleanses us from every sin.

If you wander beyond the teaching of Christ, you will not have fellowship with God. But if you continue in the teaching of Christ, you will have fellowship with both the Father and the Son.

You veterans know the One who started it all; and you newcomers--such vitality and strength! God's word is so steady in you. Your fellowship with God enables you to gain a victory over the Evil One.

You must remain faithful to what you have been taught from the beginning. If you do, you will continue to live in fellowship with the Son and with the Father. And in this fellowship we enjoy the eternal life he promised us.

1 John 1:3 1 John 1:7 2 John 1:9 1 John 2:14 1 John 2:25 (24)

Love is the door through which we pass from selfishness to service.

LIFEgroups – together experiencing God

Glenn – 368 Mission Hill Way, Colorado Springs CO 80921

Cares

a WORD from God's Book
(photo: Colorado)
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For he … cares for the helpless. He does not ignore those who cry to him for help.

Though the LORD is great, he cares for the humble, but he keeps his distance from the proud.

But the person who loves God is the one God knows and cares for.

“I am the one who looks after you and cares for you. I am like a tree that is always green, giving my fruit to you all through the year."

Now he cares for you more than ever when he remembers the way you listened to him and welcomed him with such respect and deep concern.

Therefore humble yourselves under the mighty hand of God, that He may exalt you at the proper time, casting all your anxiety on Him, because He cares for you.

Psalm 9:12 Psalm 138:6 1 Corinthians 8:3 Hosea 14:8 2 Corinthians 7:15 1 Peter 5:7

Our intercession may be the key to God’s intervention.

LIFEgroups – together experiencing God

Glenn – 368 Mission Hill Way, Colorado Springs CO 80921