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Living The Solution – Online Newsletter |
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January 24, 2008 ISSUE |
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Opening Thoughts:
Fear and faith – they often seem locked in constant
battle. Faith in the loving God as revealed to us by Jesus
Christ can drive out fear. How often the message to us
is “Fear not!” So do not be afraid of God.
Our God is not a vindictive god waiting for you to mess
up. God is love.
Still, the struggle is there for those of us who from time to time are trapped
in the grip of fear. Remember love is stronger that fear. Never stop loving.
Peace and joy,
Tom Gilbert
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IN THIS ISSUE
Feature Article: Stranger in a Strange Land
In The Spotlight: Resources for Renewal
Daily Thoughts: Lovingly Patient
Prayer & Sharing Requests
Quotable: Courage and Patience |
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| FEATURED
ARTICLE |
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Stranger in a Strange Land
Song Reflection by Tom Gilbert — © January, 2008
Leon Russell is a colorful character,
but also an amazing musician (piano and guitar) and
songwriter. He has been around for a long time and
still tours and occasionally records. The early 1970’s
put Leon in the spotlight as he toured with Joe Cocker
(Mad Dogs and Englishmen) and played in The Concert
for Bangladesh (benefit concert organized by George
Harrison).
The gospel influences of his Oklahoma roots combined with “get down and
shout it out” rock n’ roll flamboyance was a hit with rock fans.
But underneath the showmanship is a serious songwriter. This song, Stranger in
a Strange Land, has a message – equal parts political, social and spiritual – that
is pertinent today.
The song opens with a few plaintive notes on the piano and Leon soulfully moaning,” whoa,
oh, whoa”. Then the great opening lines, something each of us should ask.
Do you consider how long it’s been since you were born or how much time
before you die? And how are your relationships? Are you making others laugh and/or
cry? We all need some self-inventory from time to time.
The references to a baby, one that shares a bed of hay and also the secrets of
the wise man, brings to mind the Jesus as an infant. God incarnate. How often
did Christ feel like a stranger in a strange land?
Read the entire article here
More articles here.
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| IN THE SPOTLIGHT |
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Resources for Renewal
The New Year brings a fresh start and can
be an excellent time to recommit to spiritual
development. Our Living the Solution store is stocked with
excellent Devotionals, Bible
Studies and Health/Wellness
Books.
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Be sure to visit our Spotlight
Specials page for other special resources and causes.
Our Living the Solution online store
has resources to help you grow spiritually. It’s
secure and extensive with many great gift ideas!
Visit our
online store
There is something for everyone. When you shop with us,
you support our ministry – thank you!
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DAILY THOUGHTS & REFLECTIONS |
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Lovingly Patient
Don't be harsh or impatient with an older
man. Talk to him as you would your own father, and to the younger men
as your brothers. Reverently honor an older woman as you would your mother,
and the younger women as sisters. (1 Timothy 5:1-2 — The Message)
How many of us have found ourselves
getting impatient with “that little old man in the
hat” or the impulsiveness of youth? We have all
at one time or another responded with something less than
love and understanding towards those who do things differently
than we would. We become intolerant of those who get in
our way or annoy us; we are self-centered.
What Paul is speaking about here is love, treating others with love and respect.
It’s the same thing Jesus spoke about, to love others as you love yourself
and as he loves you. Do you think you don’t do things that annoy Jesus
or get in the way of what He wants to do? Of course. We all do. Does Jesus become
impatient with you and write you off? No! Jesus is very patient, full of understanding
and encouragement. He treats you with love and respect. He gave His life for
you, so why would He treat you with anything but love?
These other people Paul is speaking of are also people for whom Jesus died. Just
like you, each and everyone of them were on His mind when He was giving up His
life on the cross. That is why it is said to seek or pursue the “mind of
Christ” in order to see others as He sees them, to see them as they were
created to be, in their full potential.
God loves you dearly and is incredibly patient with you. He asks that you show
the same love and kindness He has shown to you.
Live intentionally, purposely, free and with passion,
Pete Reinbold
Get daily inspiration with a Scripture verse and commentary
at
Daily Thought
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PRAYER REQUESTS & RESULTS |
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Prayer works. It really does.Submit your prayer
requests and we will pray for them.
Of course, we keep your information confidential.
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My thoughts are shared regularly on the pages of
our web site, especially on
the Journal pages.
We welcome and appreciate your feedback. If you would
like to submit an article please see our writer's
guidelines.
It is our hope that the content of Living The Solution will
stimulate you to deepen your faith. That is certainly a result for us in both
our writing and reading. If you would like to see articles on a particular topic
or you have comments please let us know.
Send an email
Quotable: Courage and Patience
“Have courage for the great sorrows of life
and patience for the small ones; and when you have laboriously accomplished
your daily task, go to sleep in peace. God is awake.”
— Victor Hugo
Copyright 2008 Living the Solution, all rights reserved.
Tom Gilbert
Editor/Web-servant
Living The Solution
www.livingthesolution.com
P O Box 25584
Albuquerque, NM 87125-5584
Toll free 1-800-399-2564 (US only) or 505-247-3232
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