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	<title>Bible Studies Archives - Seeking God with Jaime Wiebel</title>
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	<description>Finding Our Identity in the Heart of God.</description>
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	<title>Bible Studies Archives - Seeking God with Jaime Wiebel</title>
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		<title>5 Ways to Seek God with Hope and Assurance</title>
		<link>https://jaimewiebel.com/seek-god-with-hope-and-assurance/?utm_source=rss&#038;utm_medium=rss&#038;utm_campaign=seek-god-with-hope-and-assurance</link>
					<comments>https://jaimewiebel.com/seek-god-with-hope-and-assurance/#comments</comments>
		
		<dc:creator><![CDATA[Jaime Wiebel]]></dc:creator>
		<pubDate>Wed, 06 Feb 2019 11:00:11 +0000</pubDate>
				<category><![CDATA[Bible Studies]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Devotionals]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Assurance]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Hope]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Hope in Jesus]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Living Hope]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Seek God's Will]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Seeking God]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Sitting Among Friends Blog Party]]></category>
		<guid isPermaLink="false">https://jaimewiebel.com/?p=2275</guid>

					<description><![CDATA[<p>We may go through life uncertain about many things. Uncertain if we are going to land that job we recently applied for. Uncertain that our parenting skills will not fail our children. Even uncertain if we are going to come out of the latest health crisis we are facing. Whatever your current uncertainty is, there [&#8230;]</p>
<p>The post <a href="https://jaimewiebel.com/seek-god-with-hope-and-assurance/">5 Ways to Seek God with Hope and Assurance</a> appeared first on <a href="https://jaimewiebel.com">Seeking God with Jaime Wiebel</a>.</p>
]]></description>
										<content:encoded><![CDATA[<h1><img data-recalc-dims="1" fetchpriority="high" decoding="async" class="aligncenter size-full wp-image-2287" src="https://i0.wp.com/jaimewiebel.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/02/5-Ways-to-Seek-God-with-hope-and-assurance-3.png?resize=940%2C788&#038;ssl=1" alt="We often try to seek so many different gods in our lives. Real peace comes when we seek God with hope and assurance and the hope that is given through Jesus" width="940" height="788" srcset="https://i0.wp.com/jaimewiebel.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/02/5-Ways-to-Seek-God-with-hope-and-assurance-3.png?w=940&amp;ssl=1 940w, https://i0.wp.com/jaimewiebel.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/02/5-Ways-to-Seek-God-with-hope-and-assurance-3.png?resize=300%2C251&amp;ssl=1 300w, https://i0.wp.com/jaimewiebel.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/02/5-Ways-to-Seek-God-with-hope-and-assurance-3.png?resize=768%2C644&amp;ssl=1 768w" sizes="(max-width: 940px) 100vw, 940px" /></h1>
<p>We may go through life uncertain about many things. Uncertain if we are going to land that job we recently applied for.</p>
<p>Uncertain that our parenting skills will not fail our children. Even uncertain if we are going to come out of the latest health crisis we are facing.</p>
<p>Whatever your current uncertainty is, there is one thing that we can be certain of. That is our <a href="https://jaimewiebel.com/2018/02/the-cherished-moments-face-to-face-with-my-salvation/">salvation in Christ</a>. We can be certain to Seek God with hope and assurance.</p>
<p>The story In Acts 17, has to be one of my favorites because it addresses our frailty as humans to want something greater than what we can see.</p>
<hr /><p><em>The Greeks created gods to explain what they could not understand. They grasped at everything and when they were not certain what it was or how to fix it, they created a new god for it.</em><br /><a href='https://twitter.com/intent/tweet?url=https%3A%2F%2Fwp.me%2Fp9igEf-AH&#038;text=The%20Greeks%20created%20gods%20to%20explain%20what%20they%20could%20not%20understand.%20They%20grasped%20at%20everything%20and%20when%20they%20were%20not%20certain%20what%20it%20was%20or%20how%20to%20fix%20it%2C%20they%20created%20a%20new%20god%20for%20it.&#038;via=Jaime_Wiebel&#038;related=Jaime_Wiebel' target='_blank' rel="noopener noreferrer" >Share on X</a><br /><hr />
<p>They had it right in looking to the Heavens, but so far off by seeking everything but the True God.</p>
<p>Bottom line was they were looking for hope. They were looking for assurance in this life and they looked in everything they could think of.</p>
<p>In fact, they even left <em>that</em> open for a possibility, the unknown. They had resorted to every god they could think of to fix something but still were left feeling broken.</p>
<p>In Acts 17, Paul visits Athens. What he notices is their city of full of idols. There is one particular altar, however, that is dedicated, “To An Unknown God”. Paul addresses the people who seem to be seeking everything, even the unknown.</p>
<h2><span style="color: #8b94aa;">Are We Different Today?</span></h2>
<p>Not much is different than today. People are constantly seeking unknown gods. Seeking fulfillment in nearly everything except the source of life.</p>
<p>We try to find it everywhere. In riches, fame, work, hobbies, activities, even family and friends.</p>
<p>Yet, somehow, we are left empty. Seeking more.</p>
<p>There was a time in my life when I lived in complete rebellion against God. I sought fulfillment in everything this world had to offer. When one thing didn&#8217;t satisfy me, I moved onto another.</p>
<p>But every time, I came up feeling less and less satisfied. I had worshipped what this world had to offer. I looked for gods to be made out of a career, lifestyle, and even pleasure.</p>
<p>When those things could no longer fulfill my needs, I found myself in the bottom of a pit with only one way out.</p>
<p>Looking Back to Jesus.</p>
<h2><span style="color: #8b94aa;">Are Christians Exempt?</span></h2>
<p>As Christian people, we can find ourselves doing much of the same things.  We are guilty of filling our time gaps with all of these things in pursuit of this one thing.</p>
<p>Maybe it&#8217;s not as blatant as worshipping the ways of the world. Maybe is it something we so often do; create our own God to worship.</p>
<p>Maybe it&#8217;s the God who only loves or the God of only grace. We create gods out of attending worship service or following the legalistic rules we have created.</p>
<p>Yet, no matter how hard we try and make our own god, the one that may be more palatable to us or to the world, we feel empty.</p>
<p>This purpose, this fulfillment that just can’t seem to be met no matter how hard we try.</p>
<p>In this Seeking God Series, we are going to take in God’s Word. My purpose is this one thing. This thing we seem to be missing. This thing we are in hot pursuit of, only to be left empty-handed.</p>
<h3><span style="color: #8b94aa;">His name is Jesus.</span></h3>
<p>We are going to be learning and living and breathing Him in. We will be seeking His heart so we can find our identity in Him and not in the unknown.</p>
<p>Getting to know God so we can know who we are in Him will be our great reward.</p>
<p>How are we going to do this? Great Question!</p>
<p>God has left us all He wants us to know about Him, about us, in the pages of Scripture. If we are in Christ, He has given us the Holy Spirit to lead us, guide us, convict us, and teach us.</p>
<p>There is one way to know God. We have to dive into His Word! We are going to do just that.</p>
<p>One concept at a time.</p>
<p>Learning and holding tight to scripture to get us through all of our life’s circumstances.</p>
<p>We are going to hide His Word deep in our hearts so when times of uncertainty flow from our lives, we can bathe in the certainty of God’s Word.</p>
<p>We are going to be able to breathe out the truth when we are filled with the unknown and with lies that seem bigger than we are.</p>
<h2><img data-recalc-dims="1" decoding="async" class="aligncenter size-full wp-image-2289" src="https://i0.wp.com/jaimewiebel.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/02/5-Ways-to-Seek-God-with-hope-and-assurance-Pin.png?resize=735%2C1102&#038;ssl=1" alt="We often try to seek so many different gods in our lives. Real peace comes when we seek God with hope and assurance and the hope that is given through Jesus #SeekingGodswill #hope #assuranceinsalvation" width="735" height="1102" srcset="https://i0.wp.com/jaimewiebel.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/02/5-Ways-to-Seek-God-with-hope-and-assurance-Pin.png?w=735&amp;ssl=1 735w, https://i0.wp.com/jaimewiebel.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/02/5-Ways-to-Seek-God-with-hope-and-assurance-Pin.png?resize=200%2C300&amp;ssl=1 200w, https://i0.wp.com/jaimewiebel.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/02/5-Ways-to-Seek-God-with-hope-and-assurance-Pin.png?resize=683%2C1024&amp;ssl=1 683w" sizes="(max-width: 735px) 100vw, 735px" /></h2>
<h2><span style="color: #8b94aa;">5 Ways to Seek God with Hope and Assurance</span></h2>
<p><span style="color: #000000;"><strong>As believers in Christ, we want to know God personally, intimately, and deeply and the great news is… we can!</strong></span></p>
<h3><span style="color: #8b94aa;">     Combat the Lies of the enemy</span></h3>
<p>If your anything like me, you want something tangible you can hold onto. Sometimes, our faith feels alone. Even when we have God, He may feel at a distant or silent. I want to seek God with hope and assurance.</p>
<p>Often times that is the lie of the enemy. Telling us God is not here for us or that He leaves us for another more important assignment.</p>
<blockquote><p>How long must I struggle with anguish in my soul, with sorrow in my heart every day? How long will my enemy have the upper hand? Psalm 13:2 (NLT)</p></blockquote>
<p>Let’s not give the enemy the upper hand. Let’s combat him with the Word just as Christ did!</p>
<p>Our feelings don&#8217;t get to dictate the truth and reality of God&#8217;s Word. To know God is to love His commands and to love His Word and that is exactly where we are going to start.</p>
<p>Being uncertain is okay. We just don&#8217;t want to stay there.</p>
<p>If you are here, I know you are seeking. That’s awesome and completely excites me. I am so glad you&#8217;re here. Let’s Get started!</p>
<p>Ready to have something to hold onto?</p>
<p>Swords in the Air! (Hebrews 4:12)</p>
<p>Take a look at these verses and pray over them. Let God sink His Words into your heart and to a place where you will begin to have full assurance of Him.</p>
<p>You can start with the assurance of this verse.</p>
<h3><span style="color: #8b94aa;">     ASK. SEEK. KNOCK.</span></h3>
<blockquote><p>Matthew 7:7-8 (BSB) Ask and it will be given to you; seek and you will find; knock and the door will be opened to you. For everyone who asks receives; he who seeks finds; and to him who knocks, the door will be opened.</p></blockquote>
<hr /><p><em>God says for everyone who asks receives, who seeks finds, and to him who knows He will open the door for you.</em><br /><a href='https://twitter.com/intent/tweet?url=https%3A%2F%2Fwp.me%2Fp9igEf-AH&#038;text=God%20says%20for%20everyone%20who%20asks%20receives%2C%20who%20seeks%20finds%2C%20and%20to%20him%20who%20knows%20He%20will%20open%20the%20door%20for%20you.&#038;via=Jaime_Wiebel&#038;related=Jaime_Wiebel' target='_blank' rel="noopener noreferrer" >Share on X</a><br /><hr />
<p>One time, I had a guy online get really mad at me, well honestly, he was mad at God. He said, &#8220;I tried to find God and I couldn&#8217;t&#8221; He felt empty after his pursuit. Friends, let me assure you God is not trying to hide from us.</p>
<p>But He will be hesitant to reveal Himself to us when we don&#8217;t really want to find Him. He knows our heart and our motives.</p>
<p>He is not a genie that grants wishes and shows up when it is convenient for us. Honestly seek Him and you will find Him.</p>
<h3><span style="color: #8b94aa;">     RECEIVE. FIND. BE WELCOMED IN.</span></h3>
<blockquote><p>Every work which he began in the service of the house of God in law and in commandment, seeking his God, he did with all his heart and prospered. 2 Chronicles 31:21 (NASB)</p></blockquote>
<p>We want to seek God wholeheartedly, just as Hezekiah did. Then we, too, will prosper in the will of God.</p>
<p>Why do we want to seek God? Why do we want to do His will wholeheartedly by faith?</p>
<p>The author of Hebrews tells us without faith it is impossible to please God. We want to please God because we love Him and there we will find our rewards, His blessings.</p>
<blockquote><p>Hebrews 11:6 (NIV) And without faith it is impossible to please God, because anyone who comes to him must believe that he exists and that he rewards those who earnestly seek him.</p></blockquote>
<p>We will find God and we can rest in His hope when we are earnest seekers of His will, not just our own.</p>
<h3><span style="color: #8b94aa;">     </span><span style="color: #8b94aa;">Face to Face</span></h3>
<p>I love this next verse. It always reminds me of the hope I have in Christ. To See Him face to face.</p>
<blockquote><p>You have said, “Seek my face.” My heart says to you, “Your face, LORD, do I seek.” Psalm 27:8 (ESV)</p></blockquote>
<p>The longing that I have for that glorious day wells up inside of me. It is a fresh spring that quenches my soul when my heart grows faint.</p>
<p>I can look forward to the day where my gaze is no longer on the clouds or a <a href="https://jaimewiebel.com/2018/05/seeking-god-with-kingdom-perspective/">hope in the future</a> but on my Father who will someday return in the clouds just as He left.</p>
<p>Our eyes will meet, just as all eyes will see Him in His glory, and I pray for this day when my knees will bow before my King.</p>
<h3><span style="color: #8b94aa;">     Don&#8217;t put off till tomorrow what needs to be done today</span></h3>
<p>Finally, David, gave instructions to his son Solomon to serve God wholeheartedly and willfully.</p>
<p>I used to believe that spending time in God’s Word was a task. A to-do. Put it on the list and mark it off.</p>
<p>That didn&#8217;t excite me or keep me very dedicated. Especially because I am a procrastinator and my to-do can always wait until to-morrow.</p>
<p>Not my time with God.</p>
<p>Now, I realize this is a relationship I depend so deeply on. This verse reminds me of God’s Authority over my life and King over All.</p>
<p>It puts me in proper placement to Him. It also reminds me that He will be there when I seek Him. I love to know my unchangeable God.</p>
<blockquote><p>&#8220;And you, my son Solomon, acknowledge the God of your father, and serve him with wholehearted devotion and with a willing mind, for the LORD searches every heart and understands every desire and every thought. If you seek him, he will be found by you; but if you forsake him, he will reject you forever. 1 Chronicles 28:9 (NIV)</p></blockquote>
<p>We can use these verses as reminders to Seek God. We are reminded that when we do, we will surely find Him and the hope that He offers through His Son Jesus.</p>
<p>Seeking His ways gives us hope and assurance not only in this life but in our eternal life to come.</p>
<p>Knowing God’s Word is key to having this truth reign in our lives.</p>
<p>Do you have other ways or verses that you hold onto that help you seek God with hope and assurance?</p>
<h3><span style="color: #8b94aa;">Thank you for joining me, stick around for Sitting Among Friends Blog Party.</span></h3>
<p><strong><span style="color: #8b94aa;">I love making new connections! Want to connect on Pinterest? <a href="https://www.pinterest.com/Jaime_Wiebel/">Join Me Here. </a></span></strong></p>
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<h3><span style="color: #8b94aa;">I&#8217;m also new to Linkedin and would love to connect there. <a style="color: #8b94aa;" href="https://www.linkedin.com/in/jaime-wiebel/">Just go here to my profile page and I will follow back</a>!</span></h3>
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<h2><span style="color: #8b94aa;">Linkup with Sitting Among Friends Blog Party </span></h2>
<p><strong><span style="font-size: 14pt; color: #8b94aa;">This linkup will go for two weeks. You can leave up to three posts. Please visit some other bloggers to show them some &lt;3. And be sure to come back on Thursday to check out my link to my latest post at Experience His Freedom Blog as part of the 21 Days of Marriage Series. </span></strong></p>
<p><img data-recalc-dims="1" loading="lazy" decoding="async" class="size-medium wp-image-1463 alignleft" src="https://i0.wp.com/jaimewiebel.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/11/Sitting-Among-Friends2.png?resize=286%2C300&#038;ssl=1" alt="Sitting Among Friend Blog Party at Seeking God with Jaime Wiebel Every Wednesday!" width="286" height="300" /><span style="font-size: 14pt;">Blog Parties are such a great place to meet people and build connections around the web. This is one reason, I love this party. It would be a blessing to visit another friend in the linkup and enjoy their posts.</span></p>
<p><span style="font-size: 14pt;">I would love to sit down face-to-face with you but since we can&#8217;t do that I love to meet you here. I love to hear your stories and see your work.</span></p>
<p><span style="font-size: 14pt;">This is a Christian based website and so is the material that I promote here. Please remember that when linking up. I do reserve the right to remove posts. </span></p>
<p><span style="font-size: 14pt;">You can add up to three of your favorite or new posts. </span></p>
<p><span style="color: #8b94aa;"><strong><span style="font-size: 16pt;">*Please be sure to visit other blogs to comment and share* </span></strong></span></p>
<p><span style="color: #8b94aa;"><strong><span style="font-size: 14pt;">I would appreciate you linking back to Seeking God or #SittingAmongFriends somewhere on your page. (You can also use the SAF picture with a link)</span></strong></span></p>
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<div style="display: none;"><img data-recalc-dims="1" loading="lazy" decoding="async" class="aligncenter size-full wp-image-2292" src="https://i0.wp.com/jaimewiebel.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/02/5-Ways-to-Seek-God-with-hope-and-assurance-5.png?resize=735%2C1102&#038;ssl=1" alt="We often try to seek so many different gods in our lives. Real peace comes when we seek God with hope and assurance and the hope that is given through Jesus #SeekingGodswill #hope #knowGod #studygodsword" width="735" height="1102" srcset="https://i0.wp.com/jaimewiebel.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/02/5-Ways-to-Seek-God-with-hope-and-assurance-5.png?w=735&amp;ssl=1 735w, https://i0.wp.com/jaimewiebel.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/02/5-Ways-to-Seek-God-with-hope-and-assurance-5.png?resize=200%2C300&amp;ssl=1 200w, https://i0.wp.com/jaimewiebel.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/02/5-Ways-to-Seek-God-with-hope-and-assurance-5.png?resize=683%2C1024&amp;ssl=1 683w" sizes="auto, (max-width: 735px) 100vw, 735px" /></p>
<p><img data-recalc-dims="1" loading="lazy" decoding="async" class="aligncenter size-full wp-image-2295" src="https://i0.wp.com/jaimewiebel.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/02/5-Ways-to-Seek-God-with-hope-and-assurance-hope-pin.png?resize=735%2C1102&#038;ssl=1" alt="We often try to seek so many different gods in our lives. Real peace comes when we seek God with hope and assurance and the hope that is given through Jesus #SeekingGodswill #hope #Biblestudy #growwithGod #studygodsword" width="735" height="1102" srcset="https://i0.wp.com/jaimewiebel.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/02/5-Ways-to-Seek-God-with-hope-and-assurance-hope-pin.png?w=735&amp;ssl=1 735w, https://i0.wp.com/jaimewiebel.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/02/5-Ways-to-Seek-God-with-hope-and-assurance-hope-pin.png?resize=200%2C300&amp;ssl=1 200w, https://i0.wp.com/jaimewiebel.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/02/5-Ways-to-Seek-God-with-hope-and-assurance-hope-pin.png?resize=683%2C1024&amp;ssl=1 683w" sizes="auto, (max-width: 735px) 100vw, 735px" /></div>
<p><span style="font-size: 10pt;">Seek God with Hope and Assurance</span></p>
<p>&nbsp;</p>
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		<title>Seeking Glory from the Father</title>
		<link>https://jaimewiebel.com/seeking-glory-from-god/?utm_source=rss&#038;utm_medium=rss&#038;utm_campaign=seeking-glory-from-god</link>
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		<dc:creator><![CDATA[Jaime Wiebel]]></dc:creator>
		<pubDate>Wed, 13 Jun 2018 10:00:17 +0000</pubDate>
				<category><![CDATA[Bible Studies]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Devotionals]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Seeking Glory from the Father]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Seeking God Series]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Sitting Among Friends Blog Party]]></category>
		<guid isPermaLink="false">https://jaimewiebel.com/?p=1968</guid>

					<description><![CDATA[<p>Seeking Glory from the Father “If you find yourself constantly trying to prove your worth to someone, you have already forgotten your value.” &#8211; Unknown We live in a society that is seeking glory from every direction. We want our value to come from our education, wealth, fame, families, house, job, social following, you name [&#8230;]</p>
<p>The post <a href="https://jaimewiebel.com/seeking-glory-from-god/">Seeking Glory from the Father</a> appeared first on <a href="https://jaimewiebel.com">Seeking God with Jaime Wiebel</a>.</p>
]]></description>
										<content:encoded><![CDATA[<h1><a href="https://i0.wp.com/jaimewiebel.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/06/Whatever-you-do-do-it-for-the-glory-of-God.png?ssl=1"><img data-recalc-dims="1" loading="lazy" decoding="async" class="alignnone size-full wp-image-1988" src="https://i0.wp.com/jaimewiebel.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/06/Whatever-you-do-do-it-for-the-glory-of-God.png?resize=940%2C788&#038;ssl=1" alt="Whatever you do, do it for the Glory of God. You will find your value and worth from God. He will bring you glory!" width="940" height="788" srcset="https://i0.wp.com/jaimewiebel.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/06/Whatever-you-do-do-it-for-the-glory-of-God.png?w=940&amp;ssl=1 940w, https://i0.wp.com/jaimewiebel.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/06/Whatever-you-do-do-it-for-the-glory-of-God.png?resize=300%2C251&amp;ssl=1 300w, https://i0.wp.com/jaimewiebel.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/06/Whatever-you-do-do-it-for-the-glory-of-God.png?resize=768%2C644&amp;ssl=1 768w" sizes="auto, (max-width: 940px) 100vw, 940px" /></a></h1>
<h1><span style="color: #8b94aa;">Seeking Glory from the Father</span></h1>
<p>“If you find yourself constantly trying to prove your worth to someone, you have already forgotten your value.” &#8211; Unknown</p>
<p>We live in a society that is seeking glory from every direction. We want our value to come from our education, wealth, fame, families, house, job, social following, you name it we&#8217;re seeking it.  I don&#8217;t know about you but that has left me, let down.</p>
<p>We are faced with the dilemma of those things going away or not proving reliable.</p>
<p>I want my value to come in something more secure, more constant, and more absolute and I know you do, too!</p>
<p>We are going to look closely at the life of Jesus because He sought His glory from one place and that one place was what truly satisfied Him. As we look at His ministry we will see how He was seeking Glory from God and was seeking to glorify Him in all that He did.</p>
<p><strong><span style="color: #8b94aa;">Believe in yourself? </span></strong>&#8220;Think it and you can achieve it&#8221;. It&#8217;s a mantra that we are taught from a young age. Your mind is so powerful that you can actually make things exist, maybe even if they don&#8217;t, or so we&#8217;re told. Although your mind is powerful in changing your perception in life, it is not always powerful in changing your reality.  In fact, it would be contrary to popular culture to think in opposition to this thinking.</p>
<p>While that mantra sounds legitimate, as believers in Christ Jesus, it is contrary to Biblical truth and should contradict our own Biblical worldview.</p>
<h2><span style="color: #8b94aa;">Live to Bring the Father Glory</span></h2>
<p>While Jesus was working out His earthly ministry, He constantly spoke with people who were finding their value from what others thought of them. What other&#8217;s thought of them was based on their position, their education, their wealth, even their own self-glorification.</p>
<h3><span style="color: #8b94aa;"><strong>Sound Familiar?</strong></span></h3>
<p>Jesus spoke directly to this kind of thinking and these men on more than one occasion.</p>
<blockquote><p>For they loved praise from men more than praise from God. John 12:43</p></blockquote>
<p>They didn&#8217;t quite get Jesus. <a href="https://jaimewiebel.com/2018/05/seeking-will-of-god-like-jesus/">His mission</a> seemed so unlike theirs.</p>
<p>Do you feel that same pressure in your life today?</p>
<p>Maybe now you know people, lots of people that just don&#8217;t quite get you. You are working and serving someone outside of yourself. You have laid down your own desires and the desires of this world for a future place (1 John 2:17).</p>
<p>Does your <a href="https://jaimewiebel.com/2018/05/seeking-god-with-kingdom-perspective/">kingdom perspective</a> have you feeling out of the norm?</p>
<blockquote><p>I do not seek My own glory. There is One who seeks it, and He is the Judge.</p></blockquote>
<p>Jesus knew that God was going to glorify Him through His death and resurrection on the cross. What I love about His ministry was <a href="https://jaimewiebel.com/2018/05/seeking-will-of-god-like-jesus/">He was always mission minded</a>. His focus was on His Father&#8217;s will and bringing glory to His Father.</p>
<p>Jesus&#8217; contradictory message then is still going against the &#8220;norm&#8221; of our day. It leaves us feeling out of place. But Jesus&#8217; response gives us comfort and hope.</p>
<blockquote><p>And though I have no wish to glorify myself, God is going to glorify me. He is the true judge. John 8:50 (NLT)</p></blockquote>
<p>The great news is we are daily being sanctified through Christ. Meaning, He is making us more like Him every day. Our hope rest in knowing one day we are going to meet Him <a href="https://jaimewiebel.com/2018/02/the-cherished-moments-face-to-face-with-my-salvation/">face-to-face</a> and He is going to give us our glorious redeemed bodies. (Philippians 3:21)</p>
<h2><a href="https://i0.wp.com/jaimewiebel.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/06/Whatever-you-do-do-it-for-the-glory-of-God-2.png?ssl=1"><img data-recalc-dims="1" loading="lazy" decoding="async" class=" wp-image-1989 aligncenter" src="https://i0.wp.com/jaimewiebel.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/06/Whatever-you-do-do-it-for-the-glory-of-God-2.png?resize=458%2C687&#038;ssl=1" alt="Do you find yourself looking for glory in all the things around you, only to feel empty? You worth and your glory come from God. #SeekHim #HegivesyouValue #Choseandloved #Chosenandcherished" width="458" height="687" srcset="https://i0.wp.com/jaimewiebel.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/06/Whatever-you-do-do-it-for-the-glory-of-God-2.png?w=735&amp;ssl=1 735w, https://i0.wp.com/jaimewiebel.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/06/Whatever-you-do-do-it-for-the-glory-of-God-2.png?resize=200%2C300&amp;ssl=1 200w, https://i0.wp.com/jaimewiebel.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/06/Whatever-you-do-do-it-for-the-glory-of-God-2.png?resize=683%2C1024&amp;ssl=1 683w" sizes="auto, (max-width: 458px) 100vw, 458px" /></a></h2>
<h2><span style="color: #8b94aa;">Glory from God!</span></h2>
<p>Jesus sought glory from His Father. So often, we find ourselves seeking glory from things that are temporary.</p>
<p>If you have suffered any loss in your life, you know first hand that things, people, and even ourselves will falter.</p>
<p>They go away and we are left feeling empty. <hr /><p><em>Even with all the things that we can amass, we are still left with a hole in our hearts the size of a cross.</em><br /><a href='https://twitter.com/intent/tweet?url=https%3A%2F%2Fwp.me%2Fp9igEf-vK&#038;text=Even%20with%20all%20the%20things%20that%20we%20can%20amass%2C%20we%20are%20still%20left%20with%20a%20hole%20in%20our%20hearts%20the%20size%20of%20a%20cross.&#038;via=Jaime_Wiebel&#038;related=Jaime_Wiebel' target='_blank' rel="noopener noreferrer" >Share on X</a><br /><hr /></p>
<p><span style="color: #000000;">We can continue to search in this life for glory, but in the end, Glory can only come from God!</span></p>
<h2><span style="color: #8b94aa;">Our Worth and Value</span></h2>
<p>Because of Jesus, the One who has received glory by finishing the work of His Father on the cross (John 17:4), you are offered the opportunity to be glorified through Him.</p>
<hr /><p><em>Although, we often feel the pressure to receive our value from others or even from our own accolades, our value is in whose we are and not who others say we are.</em><br /><a href='https://twitter.com/intent/tweet?url=https%3A%2F%2Fwp.me%2Fp9igEf-vK&#038;text=Although%2C%20we%20often%20feel%20the%20pressure%20to%20receive%20our%20value%20from%20others%20or%20even%20from%20our%20own%20accolades%2C%20our%20value%20is%20in%20whose%20we%20are%20and%20not%20who%20others%20say%20we%20are.&#038;via=Jaime_Wiebel&#038;related=Jaime_Wiebel' target='_blank' rel="noopener noreferrer" >Share on X</a><br /><hr />
<p>We have hope because our worth and value are not given to us by other people.</p>
<blockquote><p>But now, this is what the LORD says&#8211; he who created you, Jacob, he who formed you, Israel: &#8220;Do not fear, for I have redeemed you; I have summoned you by name; you are mine. Isaiah 43:1 (NIV)</p>
<p>For I am the LORD your God, the Holy One of Israel, your Savior; I give Egypt for your ransom, Cush, and Seba in your stead. Since you are precious and honored in my sight, and because I love you, I will give people in exchange for you, nations in exchange for your life. Isaiah 43:3-4 (NIV)<span class="p"><br />
</span></p></blockquote>
<p>For such a long time, I went away from the Lord. The truth is there were times, I was in a dead sprint in the opposite direction.</p>
<h3><span style="color: #8b94aa;">Why?</span></h3>
<p>Because I didn&#8217;t realize who I was. More importantly, I didn&#8217;t realize who Jesus was. He is the Lord God Almighty and when He has called you, <strong><span style="color: #8b94aa;">He has called you by name.</span></strong> You are His, and just as He was in hot pursuit of me in my life, He is in hot pursuit of you.</p>
<p>Because of all the wonderful things you have done? Sorry to say, No!</p>
<p>It is better than that. We are pursued by the creator of life because we are precious to Him. We are honored in His sight. Wow!</p>
<p>I hope you got that, dear friend! You are precious to the one who gives you the breath in your lungs. He will honor you, He will redeem you and one day, He will glorify you <span style="color: #8b94aa;"><strong>because He loves YOU! </strong></span><span style="color: #8b94aa;"><strong><hr /><p><em>You are valuable to Christ and that makes you valuable!</em><br /><a href='https://twitter.com/intent/tweet?url=https%3A%2F%2Fwp.me%2Fp9igEf-vK&#038;text=You%20are%20valuable%20to%20Christ%20and%20that%20makes%20you%20valuable%21&#038;via=Jaime_Wiebel&#038;related=Jaime_Wiebel' target='_blank' rel="noopener noreferrer" >Share on X</a><br /><hr /></strong></span></p>
<h2><span style="color: #8b94aa;">Whatever You Do, Do It All for the Glory of God </span></h2>
<p>Are you ready to make a change? Ready to let God determine your worth and value? Are you wondering where to start?</p>
<p>Giving God His glory because it is where all glory is due. Living to bring glory to God will, in turn, one day bring you glory.</p>
<p>So you might be asking yourself, how am I to bring glory to God?</p>
<p>Great Question!</p>
<p>The answer is simple and complex but Paul is pretty clear in his letter to the church. It applies today as much as it did then.</p>
<blockquote><p>So whether you eat or drink or whatever you do, do it all for the glory of God. 1 Corinthians 10:31 (NIV)</p></blockquote>
<p>This is pretty cut and dry. As you journey, keep this reminder at your forefront.</p>
<p><span style="color: #8b94aa;"><strong>Whatever you do, do it for the glory of God! </strong></span></p>
<h2><span style="color: #8b94aa;">Personal Reflections:</span></h2>
<ol>
<li>How often do you catch yourself seeking to be glorified by the people around you?</li>
<li>Do you often find yourself wondering if anyone noticed you or your circumstance?</li>
<li>Are you seeking your value in things or from people?</li>
<li>Do you know that the words God wrote in His word are just as relevant today as they were thousands of years ago?</li>
<li>Have you taken the words that God has given you as truth to become your own when it comes to who you are and what your worth is compared to what you tell yourself or hear others tell you?</li>
</ol>
<p><strong><span style="color: #8b94aa;">I love making connections! What to connect on Pinterest?</span></strong></p>
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<p>&nbsp;</p>
<h2><span style="color: #8b94aa;">Linkup with Sitting Among Friends Blog Party </span></h2>
<p><img data-recalc-dims="1" loading="lazy" decoding="async" class="size-medium wp-image-1463 alignleft" src="https://i0.wp.com/jaimewiebel.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/11/Sitting-Among-Friends2.png?resize=286%2C300&#038;ssl=1" alt="Sitting Among Friend Blog Party at Seeking God with Jaime Wiebel Every Wednesday!" width="286" height="300" /><span style="font-size: 14pt;">Blog Parties are such a great place to meet people and build connections around the web. This is one reason, I love this party. Please make sure to visit another friend in the linkup!</span></p>
<p><span style="font-size: 14pt;">I would love to sit down face-to-face with you but since we can&#8217;t do that I love to meet you here. I love to hear your stories and see your work.</span></p>
<p><span style="font-size: 14pt;">This is a Christian based website and so is the material that I promote here. Please remember that when linking up. I do reserve the right to remove posts.</span></p>
<p><span style="color: #8b94aa;"><strong><span style="font-size: 14pt;">*Please be sure to visit other blogs to comment and share* </span></strong></span></p>
<p><span style="color: #8b94aa;"><strong><span style="font-size: 14pt;">I would appreciate you linking back to Seeking God or #SittingAmongFriends somewhere on your page. (You can also use the SAF picture with a link)</span></strong></span></p>
<p><span style="font-size: 14pt;">Tag Me with Twitter Shares and I will RT them.</span></p>
<p><span style="font-size: 14pt;">I will also be featuring a friend during the week on my FB page!</span></p>
<p><span style="font-size: 14pt;">Join us at our <a href="https://www.pinterest.com/Jaime_Wiebel/sitting-among-friends-blog-party/" rel="noopener">Sitting Among Friends Pinterest Board</a> by following <a href="https://www.pinterest.com/Jaime_Wiebel/" rel="noopener">my profile</a> and then requesting an invite.</span></p>
<h2><span style="color: #00ccff;">This linkup will go for two weeks! Be sure to stop back next week, too, and link up your new posts! You can have up to three posts per linkup! </span></h2>
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<h2><a href="https://i0.wp.com/jaimewiebel.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/08/Seeking-God-Daily-FB-Cover.png?ssl=1"><img data-recalc-dims="1" loading="lazy" decoding="async" class=" wp-image-1786 aligncenter" src="https://i0.wp.com/jaimewiebel.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/08/Seeking-God-Daily-FB-Cover.png?resize=630%2C354&#038;ssl=1" alt="Seeking God Daily is a FB Group that offers encouragement in the Word of God though daily FB posts. You can find us in FB groups." width="630" height="354" srcset="https://i0.wp.com/jaimewiebel.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/08/Seeking-God-Daily-FB-Cover.png?w=1920&amp;ssl=1 1920w, https://i0.wp.com/jaimewiebel.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/08/Seeking-God-Daily-FB-Cover.png?resize=300%2C169&amp;ssl=1 300w, https://i0.wp.com/jaimewiebel.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/08/Seeking-God-Daily-FB-Cover.png?resize=768%2C432&amp;ssl=1 768w, https://i0.wp.com/jaimewiebel.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/08/Seeking-God-Daily-FB-Cover.png?resize=1024%2C576&amp;ssl=1 1024w, https://i0.wp.com/jaimewiebel.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/08/Seeking-God-Daily-FB-Cover.png?resize=750%2C420&amp;ssl=1 750w" sizes="auto, (max-width: 630px) 100vw, 630px" /></a></h2>
<h2><span style="color: #816c69;">Seeking God Daily Facebook Group</span></h2>
<p>This summer we are are going to be doing Word Studies. We are focusing on three words. The first word we are digging deeper into is the word grace. Please feel free to look around and enjoy these Seeking God Daily Resources.</p>
<p>On this page, there are several resources for <strong><a href="https://www.facebook.com/groups/SeekingGodDaily/">Seeking God Daily</a>.</strong> If you are not already a part of this wonderful community, <a href="https://www.facebook.com/groups/SeekingGodDaily/"><strong>join us here</strong> </a>or by <span style="color: #816c69;"><strong>clicking on the &#8220;Yes, I would love to get daily encouragement&#8221; Button Below!</strong></span></p>
<p><span style="color: #816c69;"><strong>Invite your friends</strong></span> so they, too, can be inspired by God&#8217;s Word. Just share this page! We have great conversation and encouragement through daily Bible Devotionals.</p>
<p><a href="https://www.facebook.com/groups/SeekingGodDaily/"><img data-recalc-dims="1" loading="lazy" decoding="async" class="size-full wp-image-1958 aligncenter" src="https://i0.wp.com/jaimewiebel.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/05/Seeking-God-Daily-Join-Button.jpg?resize=728%2C90&#038;ssl=1" alt="Seeking God Daily Join Button" width="728" height="90" srcset="https://i0.wp.com/jaimewiebel.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/05/Seeking-God-Daily-Join-Button.jpg?w=728&amp;ssl=1 728w, https://i0.wp.com/jaimewiebel.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/05/Seeking-God-Daily-Join-Button.jpg?resize=300%2C37&amp;ssl=1 300w" sizes="auto, (max-width: 728px) 100vw, 728px" /></a></p>
<p>Hop over to <a href="https://jaimewiebel.com/seeking-god-daily-resources/">Seeking God Daily Resource Page</a> for more Info and some great free printable resources.</p>
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		<post-id xmlns="com-wordpress:feed-additions:1">1968</post-id>	</item>
		<item>
		<title>Seeking God With a Kingdom Perspective</title>
		<link>https://jaimewiebel.com/seeking-god-with-kingdom-perspective/?utm_source=rss&#038;utm_medium=rss&#038;utm_campaign=seeking-god-with-kingdom-perspective</link>
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		<dc:creator><![CDATA[Jaime Wiebel]]></dc:creator>
		<pubDate>Thu, 31 May 2018 10:00:23 +0000</pubDate>
				<category><![CDATA[Bible Studies]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Devotionals]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Seeking God]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Seeking God with a Kingdom Perspective]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Sitting Among Friends Blog Party]]></category>
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					<description><![CDATA[<p>**Hi Friends. If you joined us last week for this post the linkup is still open so just add your new posts to it. You can link up to 3 posts! So glad you&#8217;re here! Don&#8217;t forget to visit some other friends and share our linkup by using those easy share buttons in the sidebar. [&#8230;]</p>
<p>The post <a href="https://jaimewiebel.com/seeking-god-with-kingdom-perspective/">Seeking God With a Kingdom Perspective</a> appeared first on <a href="https://jaimewiebel.com">Seeking God with Jaime Wiebel</a>.</p>
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										<content:encoded><![CDATA[<h1><a href="https://i0.wp.com/jaimewiebel.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/05/Better-is-One-Day.png?ssl=1"><img data-recalc-dims="1" loading="lazy" decoding="async" class="alignnone size-full wp-image-1971" src="https://i0.wp.com/jaimewiebel.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/05/Better-is-One-Day.png?resize=940%2C788&#038;ssl=1" alt="Seeking God with a Kingdom perspective may seem complicated as we journey through the world. But looking at the life of Jesus we can see exactly what He means by living by truth, how He helps us keep our focus by praying for us and what the results of Seeking God's direction first will be" width="940" height="788" srcset="https://i0.wp.com/jaimewiebel.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/05/Better-is-One-Day.png?w=940&amp;ssl=1 940w, https://i0.wp.com/jaimewiebel.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/05/Better-is-One-Day.png?resize=300%2C251&amp;ssl=1 300w, https://i0.wp.com/jaimewiebel.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/05/Better-is-One-Day.png?resize=768%2C644&amp;ssl=1 768w" sizes="auto, (max-width: 940px) 100vw, 940px" /></a></h1>
<h2><span style="color: #00ccff;">**Hi Friends. If you joined us last week for this post the linkup is still open so just add your new posts to it. You can link up to 3 posts! So glad you&#8217;re here! Don&#8217;t forget to visit some other friends and share our linkup by using those easy share buttons in the sidebar. Have a blessed week!**</span></h2>
<h1 style="text-align: left;"><span style="color: #8b94aa;">Seeking God with a Kingdom Perspective</span></h1>
<p>Do you find that Seeking God is a challenge? Like sometimes you are seeking with no answers. Maybe you feel like you are looking for something that you may never find and because of it, you have &#8220;Christian Shame&#8221;. Shame because it seems like everyone around you is &#8220;getting it right&#8221;.</p>
<p>Today we are going to point you to scripture to encourage you to look to Jesus. Look to His perspective on His Kingdom and receive the peace that He offers. We are going to look at <a href="https://jaimewiebel.com/2018/05/seeking-god-with-a-heart-like-christ/"><em>Seeking God with a Heart Like Christ</em></a> by Seeking God with a Kingdom Perspective.</p>
<p>What exactly does that mean?</p>
<p>In the last post from this series, <a href="https://jaimewiebel.com/2018/05/seeking-will-of-god-like-jesus/"><em>Seeking the Will of God Like Jesus</em></a>, we looked at the life of Jesus and at three things that He did to seek the will of the Father. I know we want to live in His will so living by the example that Jesus gives us is so very important.</p>
<p>Seeking God means we set our sites on the reality of Heaven. We pray to the Father just as Christ does for us and we lose the guilt about having the formula for getting it all right.</p>
<blockquote>
<p style="text-align: left;">But seek first his kingdom and his righteousness, and all these things will be given to you as well. Matthew 6:33 (NIV)</p>
</blockquote>
<p>It is about getting to really know the Father and letting Him know you. It&#8217;s about getting to know His Son and living by <em>Their</em> examples. They gave us a wonderful instruction manual &#8212; The Bible &#8212; and in it, we are told to seek His kingdom first. Simply put, it means to look to God for everything.</p>
<h2><span style="color: #8b94aa;">Set Your Sites on the Realities of Heaven</span></h2>
<p>Since you have been raised to new life with Christ, set your sights on the realities of heaven, where Christ sits in the place of honor at God&#8217;s right hand. Think about the things of heaven, not the things of earth. Colossians 3:1-2 (NLT)</p>
<p><hr /><p><em>When I was a kid, I remember thinking I don&#039;t want to die. I believed that I was a Christian going to Heaven but quite honestly, I didn&#039;t want to go. It was beyond my grasp of reality.</em><br /><a href='https://twitter.com/intent/tweet?url=https%3A%2F%2Fwp.me%2Fp9igEf-vJ&#038;text=When%20I%20was%20a%20kid%2C%20I%20remember%20thinking%20I%20don%27t%20want%20to%20die.%20I%20believed%20that%20I%20was%20a%20Christian%20going%20to%20Heaven%20but%20quite%20honestly%2C%20I%20didn%27t%20want%20to%20go.%20It%20was%20beyond%20my%20grasp%20of%20reality.&#038;via=Jaime_Wiebel&#038;related=Jaime_Wiebel' target='_blank' rel="noopener noreferrer" >Share on X</a><br /><hr /> I felt like Heaven was unknown and a far off place while my life was &#8220;known&#8221; and I was afraid of losing <em>my life</em>. (Luke 17:33)</p>
<p>The fear of death overwhelmed me to the point that I didn&#8217;t want to know about Heaven or dying or anything of a future life. Fear had its grip on me and wouldn&#8217;t let go. I would even have nightmares of dying. This thinking went into my adult life.</p>
<h3><span style="color: #8b94aa;">Perspective Shift</span></h3>
<p>God changed my perspective. He put in my path a pastor. He was an amazing beautiful soul. His years of life and study were reflected in his humility under the authority of God.</p>
<p>He spoke fluently about all things Jesus. He could speak and read both Hebrew and Greek and knew his Bible front to back and knew this verse and how it went with that verse.</p>
<p>But knowing all of that, He was a humble servant and barely took a compliment. He was someone I wanted to be around for hours soaking up all there was to know about Jesus.</p>
<p>I took a Bible study class with Him for over two years and every time the class would meet when our two hours were up, I didn&#8217;t want it to end. He seemed to have the secrets of God I only dreamed of knowing. I wanted to sit all day and listen to him talk about Jesus.</p>
<h3><span style="color: #8b94aa;">Better is One Day</span></h3>
<p>And then Jesus revealed the most precious thing to my heart. If I could sit and listen to the pastor talk about Jesus for hours, what an amazing day it will be to sit at the feet of Jesus Himself! There I will be able to hear all that I have ever dreamed of hearing. I will be in the presence of the One person my heart longs for.</p>
<hr /><p><em>And my perspective of Heaven changed. I didn&#039;t need a new reality. I needed my gaze and focus to be shifted on Heaven&#039;s reality and to be focused on things above. </em><br /><a href='https://twitter.com/intent/tweet?url=https%3A%2F%2Fwp.me%2Fp9igEf-vJ&#038;text=And%20my%20perspective%20of%20Heaven%20changed.%20I%20didn%27t%20need%20a%20new%20reality.%20I%20needed%20my%20gaze%20and%20focus%20to%20be%20shifted%20on%20Heaven%27s%20reality%20and%20to%20be%20focused%20on%20things%20above.%20&#038;via=Jaime_Wiebel&#038;related=Jaime_Wiebel' target='_blank' rel="noopener noreferrer" >Share on X</a><br /><hr />
<p>The reality of Heaven is that we will physically be in the presence of God. Able to sit and worship at the feet of Jesus. (2 Corinthians 5:8) And there is nothing on this earth that is more glorious than that. The things of this earth will pass but He will remain forever.</p>
<p>My current reality of this earth is the Lord is not in some far off place. The Holy Spirit dwells in me and the presence of God is already sealed in me. (Ephesians 4:30).</p>
<blockquote>
<p style="text-align: left;">The LORD is close to all who call on him, yes, to all who call on him in truth. Psalm 145:18 (NLT)</p>
</blockquote>
<p>I am reminded of the <a href="https://youtu.be/QRqu4yBoXE0"><em>Praise Baby</em></a> album we listened to night after night when my son was a baby. The song that gives me such peace and comfort is <a href="https://youtu.be/QRqu4yBoXE0"><em>Better Is One Day</em></a>. Better is one day in your house (Lord) than thousands elsewhere.</p>
<h2><a href="https://i0.wp.com/jaimewiebel.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/05/The-Lord-is-Close-to-all-who-call-on-Him.png?ssl=1"><img data-recalc-dims="1" loading="lazy" decoding="async" class="alignnone size-full wp-image-1976" src="https://i0.wp.com/jaimewiebel.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/05/The-Lord-is-Close-to-all-who-call-on-Him.png?resize=940%2C788&#038;ssl=1" alt="The Lord is Close to all who call on Him Seeking God with a Kingdom perspective may seem complicated as we journey through the world. But looking at the life of Jesus we can see exactly what He means by living by truth, how He helps us keep our focus by praying for us and what the results of Seeking God's direction first will be" width="940" height="788" srcset="https://i0.wp.com/jaimewiebel.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/05/The-Lord-is-Close-to-all-who-call-on-Him.png?w=940&amp;ssl=1 940w, https://i0.wp.com/jaimewiebel.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/05/The-Lord-is-Close-to-all-who-call-on-Him.png?resize=300%2C251&amp;ssl=1 300w, https://i0.wp.com/jaimewiebel.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/05/The-Lord-is-Close-to-all-who-call-on-Him.png?resize=768%2C644&amp;ssl=1 768w" sizes="auto, (max-width: 940px) 100vw, 940px" /></a></h2>
<h2 style="text-align: left;"><span style="color: #8b94aa;">Jesus Prays to His Father</span></h2>
<p>Have you ever thought about Christ praying for you? Even while on earth, He looked to His Father and prayed for you.</p>
<p>There is a beautiful prayer in John 17. Christ is praying to God. He prays for Himself, for His disciples and for all believers. I love the fact that Christ prays for us. Romans 8:34 reminds us of the fact that Christ is seated at the right hand of the Father pleading for us. Let me tell you, I need to be pleaded for. He is Amazing!</p>
<blockquote>
<p style="text-align: left;">After Jesus said this, he looked toward heaven and prayed John 17:1(NIV)</p>
</blockquote>
<p>What is Christ&#8217;s prayer? His prayer is that He will be made known. That the Father in Heaven will be made known through Him and through us. He prays that the world will recognize Him through the love that we share in His Name.</p>
<h3><span style="color: #8b94aa;">And right in the middle of His prayer, He prays this</span></h3>
<blockquote>
<p style="text-align: left;">They do not belong to this world any more than I do. Make them holy by your truth; teach them your word, which is truth. John 17:16-17 (NLT)</p>
</blockquote>
<p>My grandpa used to walk around singing these lyrics. This world is not my home, I am just passing through.</p>
<p>Jesus wants us to remember this so much that He prayed this for us. He wanted us to know the fact that we have a home and it is with Him. There we can find great comfort and peace.</p>
<p>Even though our home is with Him, John goes on to record that Jesus says He put us on this earth to reveal Himself through our love to others. We have a <a href="https://jaimewiebel.com/2018/05/seeking-will-of-god-like-jesus/">Mission</a> while we are passing through.</p>
<p>In a world that is conflicted by truth, you can be certain to hold onto to this truth. The Word of God is truth and through it, you are to be sanctified or made to be holy until the day you reach Him in Glory.</p>
<h2><span style="color: #8b94aa;">Get Rid of the Guilt and Shame</span></h2>
<p>Maybe you think you have to get this Christian Life &#8220;just right&#8221; or it needs to look like the lady across the aisle at church and so you are discouraged from keeping a kingdom perspective. Christ alone was perfect. We just have to keep our focus on Him.</p>
<p>Truth comes from Scripture and knowing what God says about our reality. The reality is that one day in the presence of God is going to be better than a thousand years anywhere else. Just when we think we had our best day in Heaven, God is going to make it better.</p>
<p>The best part of Heaven is going to be the fact that we are in the presence of the Lord and He will reveal Himself to us.</p>
<p>The reality is God showed mercy on us, while we were sinners. Getting this all right is only going to be the reality in Heaven. Until then we will praise God for His grace as He continues to make us more like Him. (Romans 8:30)</p>
<p>Don&#8217;t feel shame or guilt for what you feel. Ask God to give you a new set of eyes. Ask Him to shift your focus to things above so that you can see things in this life a whole lot clearer.</p>
<p style="text-align: center;">Glory in His holy name; Let the heart of those who seek the LORD be glad. Psalm 105:3 (NASB)</p>
<h2><span style="color: #8b94aa;">Personal Reflections:</span></h2>
<ol>
<li>Have you been able to give yourself grace about those feelings of doubt and shame when it comes having negative thoughts about Heaven?</li>
<li>Have you prayed for God to correct and align your thinking with His Word?</li>
<li><hr /><p><em>Do you have a Kingdom Perspective? Do you look forward to sitting at the feet of Jesus or is that something you still struggle with?</em><br /><a href='https://twitter.com/intent/tweet?url=https%3A%2F%2Fwp.me%2Fp9igEf-vJ&#038;text=Do%20you%20have%20a%20Kingdom%20Perspective%3F%20Do%20you%20look%20forward%20to%20sitting%20at%20the%20feet%20of%20Jesus%20or%20is%20that%20something%20you%20still%20struggle%20with%3F&#038;via=Jaime_Wiebel&#038;related=Jaime_Wiebel' target='_blank' rel="noopener noreferrer" >Share on X</a><br /><hr /></li>
<li>If you struggle, ask God today to send someone in your like that makes you see Him in a clearer way or ask God to help you crave Him more?</li>
<li>Do you feel like this world is your home or are you just passing through?</li>
</ol>
<p><strong><span style="color: #8b94aa;">For great looking Pins use the Pin Share Button in the Sidebar!</span></strong></p>
<h2><span style="color: #8b94aa;">Linkup with Sitting Among Friends Blog Party </span></h2>
<p><img data-recalc-dims="1" loading="lazy" decoding="async" class="size-medium wp-image-1463 alignleft" src="https://i0.wp.com/jaimewiebel.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/11/Sitting-Among-Friends2.png?resize=286%2C300&#038;ssl=1" alt="Sitting Among Friend Blog Party at Seeking God with Jaime Wiebel Every Wednesday!" width="286" height="300" /><span style="font-size: 14pt;">Blog Parties are such a great place to meet people and build connections around the web. This is one reason, I love this party. Please make sure to visit another friend in the linkup!</span></p>
<p><span style="font-size: 14pt;">I would love to sit down face-to-face with you but since we can&#8217;t do that I love to meet you here. I love to hear your stories and see your work.</span></p>
<p><span style="font-size: 14pt;">This is a Christian based website and so is the material that I promote here. Please remember that when linking up. I do reserve the right to remove posts.</span></p>
<p><span style="color: #8b94aa;"><strong><span style="font-size: 14pt;">*Please be sure to visit other blogs to comment and share* </span></strong></span></p>
<p><span style="color: #8b94aa;"><strong><span style="font-size: 14pt;">I would appreciate you linking back to Seeking God or #SittingAmongFriends somewhere on your page. (You can also use the SAF picture with a link)</span></strong></span></p>
<p><span style="font-size: 14pt;">Tag Me with Twitter Shares and I will RT them.</span></p>
<p><span style="font-size: 14pt;">I will also be featuring a friend during the week on my FB page!</span></p>
<p><span style="font-size: 14pt;">Join us at our <a href="https://www.pinterest.com/Jaime_Wiebel/sitting-among-friends-blog-party/" rel="noopener">Sitting Among Friends Pinterest Board</a> by following <a href="https://www.pinterest.com/Jaime_Wiebel/" rel="noopener">my profile</a> and then requesting an invite.</span></p>
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<p><a href="https://i0.wp.com/jaimewiebel.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/05/Better-is-One-Day-1.png?ssl=1"><img data-recalc-dims="1" loading="lazy" decoding="async" class="alignnone size-full wp-image-1973" src="https://i0.wp.com/jaimewiebel.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/05/Better-is-One-Day-1.png?resize=735%2C1102&#038;ssl=1" alt="Seeking God with a Kingdom perspective may seem complicated as we journey through the world. But looking at the life of Jesus we can see exactly what He means by living by truth, how He helps us keep our focus by praying for us and what the results of Seeking God's direction first will be #SeekGodFirst #SeekingGodDirection #SeekingGodDaily #KingdomPerspective" width="735" height="1102" srcset="https://i0.wp.com/jaimewiebel.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/05/Better-is-One-Day-1.png?w=735&amp;ssl=1 735w, https://i0.wp.com/jaimewiebel.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/05/Better-is-One-Day-1.png?resize=200%2C300&amp;ssl=1 200w, https://i0.wp.com/jaimewiebel.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/05/Better-is-One-Day-1.png?resize=683%2C1024&amp;ssl=1 683w" sizes="auto, (max-width: 735px) 100vw, 735px" /></a></p>
<p><a href="https://i0.wp.com/jaimewiebel.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/05/The-Lord-is-Close-to-all-who-call-on-Him-2.png?ssl=1"><img data-recalc-dims="1" loading="lazy" decoding="async" class="alignnone size-full wp-image-1974" src="https://i0.wp.com/jaimewiebel.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/05/The-Lord-is-Close-to-all-who-call-on-Him-2.png?resize=735%2C1102&#038;ssl=1" alt="The Lord is Close to all who call on Him Seeking God with a Kingdom perspective may seem complicated as we journey through the world. But looking at the life of Jesus we can see exactly what He means by living by truth, how He helps us keep our focus by praying for us and what the results of Seeking God's direction first will be #KingdomPerspective #SeekingGodDaily #ChristianWomen #SeekingGodBibleStudies" width="735" height="1102" srcset="https://i0.wp.com/jaimewiebel.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/05/The-Lord-is-Close-to-all-who-call-on-Him-2.png?w=735&amp;ssl=1 735w, https://i0.wp.com/jaimewiebel.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/05/The-Lord-is-Close-to-all-who-call-on-Him-2.png?resize=200%2C300&amp;ssl=1 200w, https://i0.wp.com/jaimewiebel.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/05/The-Lord-is-Close-to-all-who-call-on-Him-2.png?resize=683%2C1024&amp;ssl=1 683w" sizes="auto, (max-width: 735px) 100vw, 735px" /></a></p>
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		<post-id xmlns="com-wordpress:feed-additions:1">1967</post-id>	</item>
		<item>
		<title>Seeking The Will Of God Like Jesus</title>
		<link>https://jaimewiebel.com/seeking-will-of-god-like-jesus/?utm_source=rss&#038;utm_medium=rss&#038;utm_campaign=seeking-will-of-god-like-jesus</link>
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		<dc:creator><![CDATA[Jaime Wiebel]]></dc:creator>
		<pubDate>Wed, 23 May 2018 10:00:03 +0000</pubDate>
				<category><![CDATA[Bible Studies]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Devotionals]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Seeking God]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Sitting Among Friends Blog Party]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Will of God]]></category>
		<guid isPermaLink="false">https://jaimewiebel.com/?p=1933</guid>

					<description><![CDATA[<p>Seeking the Will of God like Jesus I am super excited that you are joining us for this series. We are Seeking God and digging deep. In the post,  Seeking God with a Heart Like Christ, we went through an overview of what Seeking God looks like. Beginning with seeking the will of God, we will look closely [&#8230;]</p>
<p>The post <a href="https://jaimewiebel.com/seeking-will-of-god-like-jesus/">Seeking The Will Of God Like Jesus</a> appeared first on <a href="https://jaimewiebel.com">Seeking God with Jaime Wiebel</a>.</p>
]]></description>
										<content:encoded><![CDATA[<h1><img data-recalc-dims="1" loading="lazy" decoding="async" class="alignnone size-full wp-image-1938" src="https://i0.wp.com/jaimewiebel.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/05/Glory-in-His-holy-name-Let-the-heart-of-those-who-seek-the-LORD-be-glad..png?resize=940%2C788&#038;ssl=1" alt="I want to live in the will of God, but how do I know God's will for my life? Find 3 Ways to live out God's will for your life by digging into the life of Jesus. Learn how Jesus stayed on mission, was obedient and was submissive to His Father's will through prayer and scripture. " width="940" height="788" srcset="https://i0.wp.com/jaimewiebel.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/05/Glory-in-His-holy-name-Let-the-heart-of-those-who-seek-the-LORD-be-glad..png?w=940&amp;ssl=1 940w, https://i0.wp.com/jaimewiebel.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/05/Glory-in-His-holy-name-Let-the-heart-of-those-who-seek-the-LORD-be-glad..png?resize=300%2C251&amp;ssl=1 300w, https://i0.wp.com/jaimewiebel.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/05/Glory-in-His-holy-name-Let-the-heart-of-those-who-seek-the-LORD-be-glad..png?resize=768%2C644&amp;ssl=1 768w" sizes="auto, (max-width: 940px) 100vw, 940px" /></h1>
<h1><span style="color: #8b94aa;">Seeking the Will of God like Jesus</span></h1>
<p>I am super excited that you are joining us for this series. We are Seeking God and digging deep. In the post,  <em><a href="https://jaimewiebel.com/2018/05/seeking-god-with-a-heart-like-christ/">Seeking God with a Heart Like Christ, </a></em>we went through an overview of what Seeking God looks like. Beginning with seeking the will of God, we will look closely at the life of Jesus.</p>
<p>There is nothing more I want than a heart like Christ. Most Christians would say they want to have a better prayer life and be more like Christ. I am so grateful He is in the business of transforming our lives to be more like Him.</p>
<p>Change from the inside out is available and inevitable when we are truly in Christ.</p>
<p>Have you ever said to yourself, I just want to do the right thing. I just want to do what God wants me to do. I just want to do His will.</p>
<p>But.</p>
<p>I don&#8217;t know what it is. I don&#8217;t know what God wants me to do.</p>
<p>You may find many good answers to this.</p>
<ul>
<li>If the Bible doesn&#8217;t explicitly say anything about your specific situation, seek wise and godly counsel. (Great Answer.)</li>
<li>Pray and when you receive peace about the situation, that is the route you should take. (Another good thing to do.)</li>
<li>Pray for God to open doors and shut the ones to which He doesn&#8217;t want you to walk through. (God is great at leading the way.)</li>
</ul>
<h3><span style="color: #8b94aa;">In the Father&#8217;s Will</span></h3>
<p>Those are all great solutions, but what does it mean to be in the Father&#8217;s will. We see when <a href="https://jaimewiebel.com/2018/01/the-most-remarkable-journey-who-jesus-is/">Jesus talks to the woman at the well</a>, that pointing her to Christ was the Father&#8217;s will. We also see what feeds or drives Jesus to do His Father&#8217;s will, which is to glorify Him.</p>
<blockquote><p>Jesus explained, &#8220;My food is to do the will of Him who sent Me and to finish His work. John 4:34 (BSB)</p></blockquote>
<p>There is no one to better to look at then the Son of the Father, Jesus. Jesus was walking in the will of His Father. He was talking in the will of His Father. Praying in the will of His Father. He was moving and navigating His life, in the will of His Father.</p>
<p>Seeking the will of God is what we must do as Christians. But what does that look like?</p>
<p>We are going to look at three things Jesus did that we can do that are in His Father&#8217;s will.</p>
<h2><span style="color: #8b94aa;">On Mission</span></h2>
<p>What I love about studying Jesus is that He is always on mission. The attempts to distract Him or persuade Him to be or do something else were very real. The temptation in the desert by Satan to try and get Jesus to fall for his schemes is battled with Scripture.</p>
<p>With all the power and wealth Satan could offer, The Word spoke and the battle was won. It kept Him close to His Father&#8217;s will and sent Satan running for the hills.</p>
<p>We also see Jesus constantly under barrage from the Pharisee&#8217;s to be anybody but who He truly is. The final nail in the cross was due to Him continuing to do the work of His Father.</p>
<p>Jesus knew when His time had come. In His life, He brought Glory to His Father. Through His death, He redeemed us to Himself. Through His resurrection, He made all things new including the opportunity for us to live eternally with Him.</p>
<blockquote><p>When Jesus had spoken these things, He lifted up His eyes to heaven and said, <span class="red">“Father, the hour has come. Glorify Your Son, that Your Son may glorify You. For You granted Him authority over all humanity, so that He may give eternal life to all those You have given Him. John 17:1-2 (BSB)</span></p>
<p>Jesus knew that his mission was now finished, and to fulfill Scripture he said, &#8220;I am thirsty.&#8221; John 19:28. (NLT)</p></blockquote>
<hr /><p><em>Jesus&#039; mission to come to earth, die on the cross, be raised again, to eventually be seated at the right hand of His Father spoke loudly throughout His ministry. He knew what He had to do and He was faithful to complete it. #SeekingGod</em><br /><a href='https://twitter.com/intent/tweet?url=https%3A%2F%2Fwp.me%2Fp9igEf-vb&#038;text=Jesus%27%20mission%20to%20come%20to%20earth%2C%20die%20on%20the%20cross%2C%20be%20raised%20again%2C%20to%20eventually%20be%20seated%20at%20the%20right%20hand%20of%20His%20Father%20spoke%20loudly%20throughout%20His%20ministry.%20He%20knew%20what%20He%20had%20to%20do%20and%20He%20was%20faithful%20to%20complete%20it.%20%23SeekingGod&#038;via=Jaime_Wiebel&#038;related=Jaime_Wiebel' target='_blank' rel="noopener noreferrer" >Share on X</a><br /><hr />
<h3><span style="color: #8b94aa;">What does this mean for us?</span></h3>
<p>It seems simple enough, but the reality is we are bombarded in this world to be anything but on mission. With us, the devil is trying His tactics to get us to wander in the wilderness with Him.</p>
<p>Why? Because our mission is also to bring Glory to the Father. How do we do that? By telling others about Him and pointing at His One and Only Son.</p>
<p>He offers us hope, freedom, peace, a future in His Glorious presence and that hope is what we are to share with others (1 Peter 3:15). It should be the fuel that drives us.</p>
<h2><span style="color: #8b94aa;">Obedience</span></h2>
<p>I love the story of the time when Jesus went with His parent to Jerusalem for Passover. Maybe because it makes me feel better to know that even the parents of the Son of God, have panicked about losing a child and it helps me to not feel alone in this parenting journey.</p>
<p>Jesus was 12 years old and His parents had left the Passover festival and Jesus stayed at the temple. By the time His parents had realized He was gone, they were beside themselves and a day away. Shouldn&#8217;t they have known He would be about His Father&#8217;s business, even at a young age?</p>
<p>They were needless to say, a bit frantic. When they found their son, He obediently went home with them.</p>
<p>I don&#8217;t think it is a coincidence the Bible refers to children being obedient to their parents many times. Not because it is easy. Not because we want to but because we learn what it means to be obedient to the Father.  We learn what it means to be pleasing to someone outside of ourselves.</p>
<p>I can&#8217;t imagine raising a perfect child. I can&#8217;t imagine being a perfect child.</p>
<p>But Jesus was without sin. Tempted in every way just as we are &#8212; but without sin. (Hebrews 4:15)</p>
<h3><span style="color: #8b94aa;">What does this mean for us?</span></h3>
<p>You may be wondering to what extent are you to be obedient. Philippians 2:8 says</p>
<blockquote><p>And being found in appearance as a man, he humbled himself by becoming obedient to death&#8211; even death on a cross! (NIV)</p></blockquote>
<p>That was the extent of Jesus obedience. Does He call us to do that? We don&#8217;t have to die for our sins, but there are people every day that are obedient to Christ, even to death. That puts obedience in a whole new light, doesn&#8217;t it?</p>
<p>Obedience even in suffering makes us more like Christ.</p>
<p>Has He called us to that kind of life? I don&#8217;t know.</p>
<p>Our obedience means we follow Him. Jesus was talking to Peter and Jesus was explaining to Peter what kind of death he was going to have to glorify Him. He was telling Peter the cost of following Him meant death. Peter turned to Jesus and said what about Him? Referring to John, who was following them. Jesus&#8217; reply was, What is that to you? You follow me.&#8221; (John 21:21)</p>
<p>We don&#8217;t know what obedience will lead to. We do know that it is up to God what the reward is and how it will turn out and that He rewards those who earnestly seek Him. (Hebrews 11:6)</p>
<h2><img data-recalc-dims="1" loading="lazy" decoding="async" class="alignnone size-full wp-image-1939" src="https://i0.wp.com/jaimewiebel.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/05/ways-to-know-you-are-walking-in-the-will-of-God.png?resize=940%2C788&#038;ssl=1" alt="# Ways to Know you are walking in the will of God - Submitting to God means I am free from the bonds of sin that so heavily entangled me. It means I am free to have hope about my present and my future because it has been bought with the blood of Jesus." width="940" height="788" srcset="https://i0.wp.com/jaimewiebel.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/05/ways-to-know-you-are-walking-in-the-will-of-God.png?w=940&amp;ssl=1 940w, https://i0.wp.com/jaimewiebel.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/05/ways-to-know-you-are-walking-in-the-will-of-God.png?resize=300%2C251&amp;ssl=1 300w, https://i0.wp.com/jaimewiebel.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/05/ways-to-know-you-are-walking-in-the-will-of-God.png?resize=768%2C644&amp;ssl=1 768w" sizes="auto, (max-width: 940px) 100vw, 940px" /></h2>
<h2><span style="color: #8b94aa;">Submission</span></h2>
<p>I left the best for last. I know this for me by far has been the hardest.</p>
<hr /><p><em>For anyone who has made the decision to follow Christ has had to go from being prideful and full of themselves to humbly submitting to the Lord.</em><br /><a href='https://twitter.com/intent/tweet?url=https%3A%2F%2Fwp.me%2Fp9igEf-vb&#038;text=For%20anyone%20who%20has%20made%20the%20decision%20to%20follow%20Christ%20has%20had%20to%20go%20from%20being%20prideful%20and%20full%20of%20themselves%20to%20humbly%20submitting%20to%20the%20Lord.&#038;via=Jaime_Wiebel&#038;related=Jaime_Wiebel' target='_blank' rel="noopener noreferrer" >Share on X</a><br /><hr />
<blockquote>
<p class="indent1stline">“God opposes the proud, but gives grace to the humble.” Humble yourselves, therefore, under God’s mighty hand, so that in due time He may exalt you. 1 Peter 5:5-6 (BSB)</p>
</blockquote>
<p>For me, this was the hardest part because I prided myself on being independent. I didn&#8217;t need anyone telling me what to do or say or how to talk or walk or live.</p>
<p>Submitting to God doesn&#8217;t just mean someone is telling you what to do, although, being obedient is essential.</p>
<hr /><p><em>Submitting to God means I am free from the bonds of sin that so heavily entangled me. It means I am free to have hope about my present and my future because it has been bought with the blood of Jesus. </em><br /><a href='https://twitter.com/intent/tweet?url=https%3A%2F%2Fwp.me%2Fp9igEf-vb&#038;text=Submitting%20to%20God%20means%20I%20am%20free%20from%20the%20bonds%20of%20sin%20that%20so%20heavily%20entangled%20me.%20It%20means%20I%20am%20free%20to%20have%20hope%20about%20my%20present%20and%20my%20future%20because%20it%20has%20been%20bought%20with%20the%20blood%20of%20Jesus.%20&#038;via=Jaime_Wiebel&#038;related=Jaime_Wiebel' target='_blank' rel="noopener noreferrer" >Share on X</a><br /><hr />
<p>It means peace in the chaos of life. The kind of peace I have found in nowhere and in nothing else. In submitting to God, He has room to make me more like Him.</p>
<p>We see such an amazing example of Jesus submitting to the will of His Father the night He was taken to the cross. If there was any other way, but Jesus knew this was the plan. Once again, His obedience and submission led to His death and glorifying God.</p>
<blockquote><p>&#8220;Father, if you are willing, take this cup from me; yet not my will, but yours be done.&#8221; Luke 22:42 (NIV)<span class="p"><br />
</span></p></blockquote>
<h3><span style="color: #8b94aa;">What does that mean for us?</span></h3>
<p>This may be your biggest stumbling block to a closer relationship with Christ or a relationship at all.</p>
<p>May we be the person that is able to rejoice in the freedom that is offered only through Christ.</p>
<p>It is not God&#8217;s desire that anyone remain lost. Because of our sin nature, pride being part of that, we are not able to come to a Holy God. That is what He is.</p>
<p>The separation that is between us can only be brought to a place of peace when we decide to submit to His authority over our lives.</p>
<p>If you have made a decision to follow Christ and you feel your relationship is strained. Ask Him to reveal to you what in your life is getting in the way. Ask Him to reveal to you what you need to submit and turn over to Him. Maybe it is pride, greed, envy, jealousy. We have to completely submit to Him as the Authority and Ruler of our lives.</p>
<p>If you have never submitted to Christ. Don&#8217;t waste another moment. He alone can offer peace in this life that surpasses our understanding of any situation. If you need to talk further, please contact me.</p>
<h2><span style="color: #8b94aa;">Personal Reflections: </span></h2>
<ol>
<li>We were created for worship. Does this change your idea of submission and living on mission for the Lord?</li>
<li>What do you struggle the most with, living in the Father&#8217;s will?</li>
<li>Are you currently battling any of these? Are you ready to give them up and trade them for peace?</li>
<li>What do you find, in your current season of life to be most difficult to live on mission?</li>
<li>If you have not submitted your life to Christ, what are you struggling to give Him?</li>
</ol>
<h2><span style="color: #8b94aa;">Linkup with Sitting Among Friends Blog Party </span></h2>
<p><img data-recalc-dims="1" loading="lazy" decoding="async" class="size-medium wp-image-1463 alignleft" src="https://i0.wp.com/jaimewiebel.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/11/Sitting-Among-Friends2.png?resize=286%2C300&#038;ssl=1" alt="Sitting Among Friend Blog Party at Seeking God with Jaime Wiebel Every Wednesday!" width="286" height="300" /><span style="font-size: 14pt;">Blog Parties are such a great place to meet people and build connections around the web. This is one reason, I love this party. Please make sure to visit another friend in the linkup!</span></p>
<p><span style="font-size: 14pt;">I would love to sit down face-to-face with you but since we can&#8217;t do that I love to meet you here. I love to hear your stories and see your work.</span></p>
<p><span style="font-size: 14pt;">This is a Christian based website and so is the material that I promote here. Please remember that when linking up. I do reserve the right to remove posts.</span></p>
<p><span style="color: #8b94aa;"><strong><span style="font-size: 14pt;">*Please be sure to visit other blogs to comment and share* </span></strong></span></p>
<p><span style="color: #8b94aa;"><strong><span style="font-size: 14pt;">I would appreciate you linking back to Seeking God or #SittingAmongFriends somewhere on your page. (You can also use the SAF picture with a link)</span></strong></span></p>
<p><span style="font-size: 14pt;">Tag Me with Twitter Shares and I will RT them.</span></p>
<p><span style="font-size: 14pt;">I will also be featuring a friend during the week on my FB page!</span></p>
<p><span style="font-size: 14pt;">Join us at our <a href="https://www.pinterest.com/Jaime_Wiebel/sitting-among-friends-blog-party/" rel="noopener">Sitting Among Friends Pinterest Board</a> by following <a href="https://www.pinterest.com/Jaime_Wiebel/" rel="noopener">my profile</a> and then requesting an invite.</span></p>
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		<title>The Cherished Moments: Face to Face With My Lord</title>
		<link>https://jaimewiebel.com/the-cherished-moments-face-to-face-with-my-lord/?utm_source=rss&#038;utm_medium=rss&#038;utm_campaign=the-cherished-moments-face-to-face-with-my-lord</link>
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		<dc:creator><![CDATA[Jaime Wiebel]]></dc:creator>
		<pubDate>Wed, 28 Mar 2018 10:00:19 +0000</pubDate>
				<category><![CDATA[Bible Studies]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Face to Face with My Lord]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Paul and the Road to Damascus]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Sitting Among Friends Blog Party]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[The Cherished Moments]]></category>
		<guid isPermaLink="false">https://jaimewiebel.com/?p=1812</guid>

					<description><![CDATA[<p>Face to Face With My Lord And I said, ‘What shall I do, Lord?’ Acts 22:10 (ESV) After the days when Jesus was crucified and ascended into Heaven, there was great persecution against the early Christians. Saul was leading the charge. Saul was the son of a Pharisee and had a resume a mile long. [&#8230;]</p>
<p>The post <a href="https://jaimewiebel.com/the-cherished-moments-face-to-face-with-my-lord/">The Cherished Moments: Face to Face With My Lord</a> appeared first on <a href="https://jaimewiebel.com">Seeking God with Jaime Wiebel</a>.</p>
]]></description>
										<content:encoded><![CDATA[<h1><img data-recalc-dims="1" loading="lazy" decoding="async" class="alignnone size-full wp-image-1678" src="https://i0.wp.com/jaimewiebel.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/02/The-Cherished-Moments.png?resize=1024%2C512&#038;ssl=1" alt="The Cherished Moments that we have with Jesus are world changing. Join us as we journey to meet Him face to face through His Holy Word. There we will grow in our intimate relationship with Him." width="1024" height="512" srcset="https://i0.wp.com/jaimewiebel.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/02/The-Cherished-Moments.png?w=1024&amp;ssl=1 1024w, https://i0.wp.com/jaimewiebel.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/02/The-Cherished-Moments.png?resize=300%2C150&amp;ssl=1 300w, https://i0.wp.com/jaimewiebel.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/02/The-Cherished-Moments.png?resize=768%2C384&amp;ssl=1 768w" sizes="auto, (max-width: 1000px) 100vw, 1000px" /></h1>
<h1><span style="color: #8b94aa;">Face to Face With My Lord</span></h1>
<p>And I said, ‘What shall I do, Lord?’ Acts 22:10 (ESV)</p>
<p>After the days when Jesus was crucified and ascended into Heaven, there was great persecution against the early Christians. Saul was leading the charge.</p>
<p>Saul was the son of a Pharisee and had a resume a mile long. He had been trained a Pharisee by <em>the</em> teacher of his day, Gamaliel. Saul was an expert in the law and the knowledge of the old testament prophets ran through his veins. He was advanced far beyond those of his age.</p>
<p>Saul was so sure of himself and what he held to be true of his ancestors&#8217; religion that he would stop at nothing to make sure that it remained as sacred as he held it to be.</p>
<p>Saul was so zealous for his religion that he spent his time doing what he had to do to keep it from being brought down by any outside thinking. This included hunting down, arresting, and even bringing people to their death over what he thought he knew to be true of Jesus of Nazareth.</p>
<p>The persecution was so great against the church in Jerusalem, all except the apostles dispersed throughout Judea and Samaria.</p>
<p>Saul was known in the early church as a great persecutor. He was at the scene when Stephen was being stoned for sharing the good news of the resurrection of Jesus. Saul stood by and approved of their killing him. He even held the cloaks of those willing to throw the stones.</p>
<p>Saul was so zealous that he asked for papers to hunt down the Jews that had dispersed from Jerusalem to Damascus to &#8220;bring them back&#8221; to keep them as prisoners.</p>
<h2><span style="color: #8b94aa;">Stopped in His Tracks</span></h2>
<hr /><p><em>On route to Damascus Saul&#039;s life took a dramatic turn. A turn that not only affected Saul but has affected every generation of Christians since.</em><br /><a href='https://twitter.com/intent/tweet?url=https%3A%2F%2Fwp.me%2Fp9igEf-te&#038;text=On%20route%20to%20Damascus%20Saul%27s%20life%20took%20a%20dramatic%20turn.%20A%20turn%20that%20not%20only%20affected%20Saul%20but%20has%20affected%20every%20generation%20of%20Christians%20since.&#038;via=Jaime_Wiebel&#038;related=Jaime_Wiebel' target='_blank' rel="noopener noreferrer" >Share on X</a><br /><hr />
<p>While traveling Saul was suddenly thrown from his horse when a bright light from heaven shown all around him and his crew.</p>
<blockquote><p>I fell to the ground and heard a voice say to me, ‘Saul, Saul, why do you persecute Me?’ ‘Who are You, Lord?’ I asked. ‘I am Jesus of Nazareth, whom you are persecuting,’ He replied. Acts 22:7-8 (BSB)</p></blockquote>
<p>Jesus.</p>
<p>I just love this part of the story because even if you have never been on horseback on the road to Damascus, if you are a believer in Christ, this <em>is</em> your story.</p>
<p>You were going through life just minding your own business or like Saul, you were not and Jesus stopped you in your tracks.</p>
<p>The early Christians were known as followers of the Way.</p>
<blockquote><p>Jesus answered, &#8220;I am the way and the truth and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me. John 14:6 (NIV)</p></blockquote>
<p>During Jesus&#8217; ministry, He didn&#8217;t shy away from the fact that there was only one way to the Father in heaven and that was through Him.</p>
<p>Jesus said He is the way. The way to truth and life not only now but for all of eternity. If you have believed God&#8217;s words to be true, and have decided to take the step to turn from your way and follow Him, you have been stopped in your tracks.</p>
<blockquote><p>For you were like sheep going astray, but now you have returned to the Shepherd and Overseer of your souls. 1 Peter 2:25 (BSB)</p></blockquote>
<p>Saul was prepared to take down followers of the Way at any cost but Jesus had different plans for Saul.</p>
<h2><img data-recalc-dims="1" loading="lazy" decoding="async" class="alignnone size-full wp-image-1813" src="https://i0.wp.com/jaimewiebel.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/03/face-to-face-with-my-Lord-FB.png?resize=940%2C788&#038;ssl=1" alt="Saul came face to face with the Living God. The Author and Perfector of His faith. His encounter on the road to Damascus changed everything when he realized the Jesus he had been persecuting was alive and had called him by name. From that moment on Saul became Paul and called Him, My Lord." width="940" height="788" srcset="https://i0.wp.com/jaimewiebel.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/03/face-to-face-with-my-Lord-FB.png?w=940&amp;ssl=1 940w, https://i0.wp.com/jaimewiebel.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/03/face-to-face-with-my-Lord-FB.png?resize=300%2C251&amp;ssl=1 300w, https://i0.wp.com/jaimewiebel.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/03/face-to-face-with-my-Lord-FB.png?resize=768%2C644&amp;ssl=1 768w" sizes="auto, (max-width: 940px) 100vw, 940px" /></h2>
<h2><span style="color: #8b94aa;">Saul&#8217;s Bright Encounter</span></h2>
<p>The bright light, the glory that surrounded Jesus, caused Saul to become blind. Seeing Jesus face to face made Saul realize that this Jesus people were talking about was not just some crazed movement, but He was real and <a href="https://jaimewiebel.com/2017/03/a-living-hope-a-new-hope/">He was ALIVE</a>!</p>
<p>Jesus wanted to know why Saul was persecuting Him? At this moment I bet Saul was thinking the same thing.</p>
<p>This is such a great encounter because in these split moments, Saul saw Jesus, it changed everything for him.</p>
<p>Saul&#8217;s response to Jesus tells us Saul&#8217;s whole perspective, everything he thought he knew and treasured so deeply, changed.</p>
<p>His response was, &#8220;What shall I do, Lord?&#8221;</p>
<p>When Saul called him Lord it changed everything.</p>
<h2><span style="color: #8b94aa;">Saul Becomes Paul</span></h2>
<p>Saul was told by Jesus to get up and go into Damascus. There he would be told what his assignment would be.</p>
<p>He went from persecuting others to submission in obedience. Paul was obedient to Jesus.</p>
<p>He went to Damascus and waited and prayed. I can imagine that his time in the room waiting for his next thing was a whirlwind of emotions. Peace, confusion, shame, remorse, repentance, <a href="https://wp.me/p9igEf-sR">freedom</a>, just to name a few.</p>
<p>His life was about to be changed forever and he didn&#8217;t even know if he would be facing it with his sight or blindly. Nonetheless, he was obedient to Christ&#8217;s call on his life.</p>
<h2><span style="color: #8b94aa;">What Can We Learn</span></h2>
<p>There are so many things that we can learn from Paul and his encounter with Christ. What did these things not only mean for Paul but for you and I and our walk with Christ?</p>
<ul>
<li><hr /><p><em>In order to be saved by faith, we must call Jesus Lord. Not just Lord of All but Lord over our lives.</em><br /><a href='https://twitter.com/intent/tweet?url=https%3A%2F%2Fwp.me%2Fp9igEf-te&#038;text=In%20order%20to%20be%20saved%20by%20faith%2C%20we%20must%20call%20Jesus%20Lord.%20Not%20just%20Lord%20of%20All%20but%20Lord%20over%20our%20lives.&#038;via=Jaime_Wiebel&#038;related=Jaime_Wiebel' target='_blank' rel="noopener noreferrer" >Share on X</a><br /><hr /></li>
</ul>
<blockquote><p>For &#8220;Everyone who calls on the name of the LORD will be saved.&#8221; Romans 10:13 (NLT)</p></blockquote>
<ul>
<li>When we put our trust and faith in Christ we have to turn from our old ways to follow Him.</li>
</ul>
<blockquote><p>&#8220;Turn to me and be saved, all you ends of the earth; for I am God, and there is no other.&#8221; Isaiah 45:22 (NIV)</p></blockquote>
<ul>
<li>God has plans for us and calls us out by name.</li>
</ul>
<blockquote><p>For I know the plans I have for you,&#8221; declares the LORD, &#8220;plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future.</p></blockquote>
<ul>
<li>When God calls on us it is best to answer with obedience. Go and do the thing Jesus calls you to do.</li>
</ul>
<blockquote><p>If you obey the commands of the LORD your God and walk in his ways, the LORD will establish you as his holy people as he swore he would do. Deuteronomy 28:9 (NLT)</p></blockquote>
<ul>
<li>Chosen and called does not exclude us from suffering but does come with the promise of hope and peace.</li>
</ul>
<blockquote><p>&#8220;I have told you all this so that you may have peace in me. Here on earth, you will have many trials and sorrows. But take heart, because I have overcome the world.&#8221; John 16:33 (NLT)</p></blockquote>
<h2><span style="color: #8b94aa;">Personal Reflections:</span></h2>
<ol>
<li>Have you asked Jesus to be the Lord of your life?  What does that mean to you?</li>
<li>Do you struggle with what Jesus has called you to go and do? What to you do to work through that struggle? What action stpes can you take?</li>
<li>When you feel the overwhelm of the world do you take the time to remeber the moment or moments that God stopped you in your tracks? It is a great time to reflect on His faithfulness to you!</li>
</ol>
<p>&nbsp;</p>
<h2><span style="color: #8b94aa;">Linkup with Sitting Among Friends Blog Party </span></h2>
<p><img data-recalc-dims="1" loading="lazy" decoding="async" class="size-medium wp-image-1463 alignleft" src="https://i0.wp.com/jaimewiebel.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/11/Sitting-Among-Friends2.png?resize=286%2C300&#038;ssl=1" alt="Sitting Among Friend Blog Party at Seeking God with Jaime Wiebel Every Wednesday!" width="286" height="300" /><span style="font-size: 14pt;">Blog Parties are such a great place to meet people and build connections around the web. This is one reason, I love this party. Please make sure to visit another friend in the linkup!</span></p>
<p><span style="font-size: 14pt;">I would love to sit down face-to-face with you but since we can&#8217;t do that I love to meet you here. I love to hear your stories and see your work.</span></p>
<p><span style="font-size: 14pt;">This is a Christian based website and so is the material that I promote here. Please remember that when linking up. I do reserve the right to remove posts.</span></p>
<p><span style="color: #8b94aa;"><strong><span style="font-size: 14pt;">*Please be sure to visit other blogs to comment and share* </span></strong></span></p>
<p><span style="color: #8b94aa;"><strong><span style="font-size: 14pt;">I would appreciate you linking back to Seeking God or #SittingAmongFriends somewhere on your page. (You can also use the SAF picture with a link)</span></strong></span></p>
<p><span style="font-size: 14pt;">Tag Me with Twitter Shares and I will RT them.</span></p>
<p><span style="font-size: 14pt;">I will also be featuring a friend during the week on my FB page!</span></p>
<p><span style="font-size: 14pt;">Join us at our <a href="https://www.pinterest.com/Jaime_Wiebel/sitting-among-friends-blog-party/" rel="noopener">Sitting Among Friends Pinterest Board</a> by following <a href="https://www.pinterest.com/Jaime_Wiebel/" rel="noopener">my profile</a> and then requesting an invite.</span></p>
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		<title>The Cherished Moments: Face to Face with My Freedom</title>
		<link>https://jaimewiebel.com/the-cherished-moments-face-to-face-with-my-freedom/?utm_source=rss&#038;utm_medium=rss&#038;utm_campaign=the-cherished-moments-face-to-face-with-my-freedom</link>
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		<dc:creator><![CDATA[Jaime Wiebel]]></dc:creator>
		<pubDate>Wed, 21 Mar 2018 10:00:02 +0000</pubDate>
				<category><![CDATA[Bible Studies]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Devotionals]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Bible Study]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Face to Face with My Freedom]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[The Cherished Moments]]></category>
		<guid isPermaLink="false">https://jaimewiebel.com/?p=1789</guid>

					<description><![CDATA[<p>Face to Face with My Freedom For most of my teenage years and much of my twenties, I had chained myself back to the chains of sin that Christ had set me free from.  Being saved as a young girl I didn&#8217;t realize the importance of a personal relationship. My freedom from sin had nothing [&#8230;]</p>
<p>The post <a href="https://jaimewiebel.com/the-cherished-moments-face-to-face-with-my-freedom/">The Cherished Moments: Face to Face with My Freedom</a> appeared first on <a href="https://jaimewiebel.com">Seeking God with Jaime Wiebel</a>.</p>
]]></description>
										<content:encoded><![CDATA[<h1><img data-recalc-dims="1" loading="lazy" decoding="async" class="alignnone size-full wp-image-1678" src="https://i0.wp.com/jaimewiebel.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/02/The-Cherished-Moments.png?resize=1024%2C512&#038;ssl=1" alt="The Cherished Moments that we have with Jesus are world changing. Join us as we journey to meet Him face to face through His Holy Word. There we will grow in our intimate relationship with Him." width="1024" height="512" srcset="https://i0.wp.com/jaimewiebel.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/02/The-Cherished-Moments.png?w=1024&amp;ssl=1 1024w, https://i0.wp.com/jaimewiebel.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/02/The-Cherished-Moments.png?resize=300%2C150&amp;ssl=1 300w, https://i0.wp.com/jaimewiebel.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/02/The-Cherished-Moments.png?resize=768%2C384&amp;ssl=1 768w" sizes="auto, (max-width: 1000px) 100vw, 1000px" /></h1>
<h1><span style="color: #8b94aa;">Face to Face with My Freedom</span></h1>
<p>For most of my teenage years and much of my twenties, I had chained myself back to the chains of sin that Christ had set me free from.  Being saved as a young girl I didn&#8217;t realize the importance of a personal relationship. My freedom from sin had nothing on my desire to be my own person.</p>
<p>What I had done was taken my freedom and used it as an opportunity for the flesh (Galatians 5:13). I knew that I was saved and firmly believe in that being something that is secure. But living for Christ was an entirely different story.</p>
<p>I began to get into a spiral of sin and living for my fleshy desires. I stopped recognizing the girl I thought I was becoming. That is a trail that seems to start out pretty harmless and can quickly spin into returning to my slave days of being trapped in my sin.</p>
<blockquote><p>It is for freedom that Christ has set us free. Stand firm, then, and do not let yourselves be burdened again by a yoke of slavery. Galatians 5:1 (NIV)</p></blockquote>
<h2><span style="color: #8b94aa;">The Yoke of Bondage</span></h2>
<p>The of bondage was something I wore. I had begun to think that there was no turning back, no space for redemption and no need for reconciliation.</p>
<p>I was sorely mistaken. You may have heard this a thousand times, what I wouldn&#8217;t say to my younger self.</p>
<p>Looking back now, I would have let her know that she was free indeed, not to continue living for the flesh but free to walk in the graces of Christ. And the entangling back into the yoke of sin doesn&#8217;t have to become a permanent fixture. In Christ, there is no condemnation. You are free indeed.</p>
<p>For me personally, I thought I had messed up too badly. I knew I was too far away from Christ that there was no chance I could or He would accept someone of my nature.</p>
<p>I was afraid to come home. Afraid I would be greeted with the harshness I deserved and not the mercy Jesus is so often willing to give.</p>
<h2><span style="color: #8b94aa;">Years of Freedom Lost</span></h2>
<p>The problem was this bottom line, I didn&#8217;t know Him. I didn&#8217;t know of His great love for His children even the ones so desperately far away. Especially the ones so desperately far away.</p>
<p>I had become an infant only living on the milk that I was provided as a child. Never willing to taste and see the Lord&#8217;s true goodness. I never doubted it but at the same time never made Him my own.</p>
<p>I didn&#8217;t know of His true redemption and His plan to set me free. At that time, I only understood His plan to take me one day to Heaven.</p>
<p>So I went on <a href="https://jaimewiebel.com/2017/03/the-testimony-tour-prodigal-daughter-returns/">living the way I wanted to live</a> leaving Christ and any relationship with Him on the back burner.</p>
<p>Years of freedom lost in the pursuit of my own self. Pride and self-sufficiency had become my mantra. I remember my deepest pit. Curled up on the bathroom floor in the midst of a mildly abusive relationship on both our parts and nowhere to turn.</p>
<p>I would love to say that was my turning point but sadly it was not. So I began hiding my self in this person I had become. I look back now and feel so sad for her. The answer, her Savior, Her Father waiting for her return.</p>
<h2><span style="color: #8b94aa;">The Decision at the Foot of the Cross</span></h2>
<p>As we approach the cross, we are forced to make a decision. To follow Jesus or walk away. There is no opportunity for gawking because He is no longer there, He has Risen!</p>
<p>I had made that decision to follow Christ, but my decision stopped there. I never knew Him and never allowed myself to be known by Him. Although His presence I could always feel, I pushed it away.</p>
<p><hr /><p><em>My freedom was not free. It was paid for by the precious blood of Jesus Christ.</em><br /><a href='https://twitter.com/intent/tweet?url=https%3A%2F%2Fwp.me%2Fp9igEf-sR&#038;text=My%20freedom%20was%20not%20free.%20It%20was%20paid%20for%20by%20the%20precious%20blood%20of%20Jesus%20Christ.&#038;via=Jaime_Wiebel&#038;related=Jaime_Wiebel' target='_blank' rel="noopener noreferrer" >Share on X</a><br /><hr /> It meant my Savior was placed on the cross and shamed for all the wretched things I had done, while His Father turned His face from Him. He took my name and nailed it to the cross and left it there, yet I kept trying to rip it down and wear it as my scarlet A.</p>
<h2><img data-recalc-dims="1" loading="lazy" decoding="async" class="alignnone size-full wp-image-1790" src="https://i0.wp.com/jaimewiebel.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/03/face-to-face-with-my-Freedom-FB-1.png?resize=940%2C788&#038;ssl=1" alt="My freedom was not free. It meant my Savior was placed on the cross and shamed for all the wretched things I had done, while His Father turned His face from Him. " width="940" height="788" srcset="https://i0.wp.com/jaimewiebel.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/03/face-to-face-with-my-Freedom-FB-1.png?w=940&amp;ssl=1 940w, https://i0.wp.com/jaimewiebel.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/03/face-to-face-with-my-Freedom-FB-1.png?resize=300%2C251&amp;ssl=1 300w, https://i0.wp.com/jaimewiebel.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/03/face-to-face-with-my-Freedom-FB-1.png?resize=768%2C644&amp;ssl=1 768w" sizes="auto, (max-width: 940px) 100vw, 940px" /></h2>
<h2><span style="color: #8b94aa;">The Lost Sheep</span></h2>
<p>Jesus often times talked in Parables &#8212; stories with a lesson. This particular day, In Luke 15, He was talking with tax collectors and sinners. The Pharisees were highly offended and began muttering about Jesus dining with sinners.</p>
<p>Jesus tells this amazing story.</p>
<blockquote><p><span class="red">Suppose one of you has a hundred sheep and loses one of them. Doesn’t he leave the ninety-nine in the open country and go after the lost sheep until he finds it? </span><span class="red">And when he finds it, he joyfully puts it on his shoulders</span> <span class="red">and goes home. Then he calls his friends and neighbors together and says, ‘Rejoice with me; I have found my lost sheep.’</span> <span class="red">I tell you that in the same way there will be more rejoicing in heaven over one sinner who repents than over ninety-nine righteous persons who do not need to repent. uke 15:4-7 (NIV)</span></p></blockquote>
<p>Isn&#8217;t that story just precious? I am sure that these sinners and tax collectors were outcasts. Yet, Jesus points out to the very people that probably made sure they stayed that way that He will go out and get just one.</p>
<h2><span style="color: #8b94aa;">Just One</span></h2>
<p>Do you ever wonder if Jesus would have died for just you? If you were the only one in all of existance and were such a desperate mess, would he have died for just you?</p>
<p>I believe these verses point to Jesus, who found it necessary to go out of His way for only one sometimes.</p>
<p>I can confidently say yes, I know He pursued me. He saw a lost sheep, and while He can care for the others, He still came after me, I know that He did. I know that He stayed there until I returned.</p>
<p>And today, I can celebrate because as He picked me up, put the full weight of my sinful rebellion on His shoulders, He carried me home, rejoicing all the way that He was bringing back home His lost sheep.</p>
<h2><span style="color: #8b94aa;">Christ Celebrates His Lost Sheep</span></h2>
<p>You can be assured that Christ celebrates you. He and His angels rejoice at the return of His rebellious child.</p>
<p>I remember the day my husband, who was my fiance at the time, accepted Christ into His life. Our pastor said, today, the angels are rejoicing. One of Jesus&#8217; lost children had decided to come home. As He hoists us up onto His shoulders He takes us home and celebrates.</p>
<p>Friend, you are greatly loved by a good God. If you are at a point where you feel like there is no safe passage, no way to return or get redemption, know that you are God&#8217;s treasure. He wants you to come to Him. Repent and turn from your ways. Let Him free you from the bonds of sin that so desperately entangle you.</p>
<p>On the cross, Christ died for our sins. He was buried and on the third day rose again and today He is Alive. One day He is going to return to this earth to gather up His children. The decision to follow Him is today. We do not know the day the shepherd will return for His sheep and so we have to be ready.</p>
<h2><span style="color: #8b94aa;">The Decision at the Cross</span></h2>
<p>For some this may mean for the first time accepting Christ as your personal Savior and the Ruler of your Life, Repenting and turning from your sinful ways. And For others, it may mean that you repent and turn back to Him. Turning from your sin that you have buried yourself under. For others, it may be a deeper more sincere relationship where we keep watch and all the more as the day of His return approaches.</p>
<p><hr /><p><em>Real freedom has no other name than Jesus.</em><br /><a href='https://twitter.com/intent/tweet?url=https%3A%2F%2Fwp.me%2Fp9igEf-sR&#038;text=Real%20freedom%20has%20no%20other%20name%20than%20Jesus.&#038;via=Jaime_Wiebel&#038;related=Jaime_Wiebel' target='_blank' rel="noopener noreferrer" >Share on X</a><br /><hr /> This world that offers us the freedom to be ourselves, is not freedom. It is bondage. We were born into this bondage and need to be set free. Jesus came and didn&#8217;t mince words, He said, I am the way, the truth, and the life. That means when we seek His way, we will find the truth and His truth will set us free to live in His freedom.</p>
<p>&nbsp;</p>
<h2><span style="color: #8b94aa;">Personal Reflections:</span></h2>
<ol>
<li>Do you believe that God is a good God? What does that mean to you?</li>
<li>Do you believe that He would have died for just you?</li>
<li>Do you need to make a decision of change in your life so that you can capture Christ&#8217;s freedom?</li>
</ol>
<p>&nbsp;</p>
<h2><span style="color: #8b94aa;">Linkup with Sitting Among Friends Blog Party </span></h2>
<p><img data-recalc-dims="1" loading="lazy" decoding="async" class="size-medium wp-image-1463 alignleft" src="https://i0.wp.com/jaimewiebel.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/11/Sitting-Among-Friends2.png?resize=286%2C300&#038;ssl=1" alt="Sitting Among Friend Blog Party at Seeking God with Jaime Wiebel Every Wednesday!" width="286" height="300" /><span style="font-size: 14pt;">Blog Parties are such a great place to meet people and build connections around the web. This is one reason, I love this party. Please make sure to visit another friend in the linkup!</span></p>
<p><span style="font-size: 14pt;">I would love to sit down face-to-face with you but since we can&#8217;t do that I love to meet you here. I love to hear your stories and see your work.</span></p>
<p><span style="font-size: 14pt;">This is a Christian based website and so is the material that I promote here. Please remember that when linking up. I do reserve the right to remove posts.</span></p>
<p><span style="color: #8b94aa;"><strong><span style="font-size: 14pt;">*Please be sure to visit other blogs to comment and share* </span></strong></span></p>
<p><span style="color: #8b94aa;"><strong><span style="font-size: 14pt;">I would appreciate you linking back to Seeking God or #SittingAmongFriends somewhere on your page. (You can also use the SAF picture with a link)</span></strong></span></p>
<p><span style="font-size: 14pt;">Tag Me with Twitter Shares and I will RT them.</span></p>
<p><span style="font-size: 14pt;">I will also be featuring a friend during the week on my FB page!</span></p>
<p><span style="font-size: 14pt;">Join us at our <a href="https://www.pinterest.com/Jaime_Wiebel/sitting-among-friends-blog-party/" rel="noopener">Sitting Among Friends Pinterest Board</a> by following <a href="https://www.pinterest.com/Jaime_Wiebel/" rel="noopener">my profile</a> and then requesting an invite.</span></p>
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		<title>The Cherished Moments: Face to Face with True Worship</title>
		<link>https://jaimewiebel.com/cherished-moments-face-to-face-with-true-worship/?utm_source=rss&#038;utm_medium=rss&#038;utm_campaign=cherished-moments-face-to-face-with-true-worship</link>
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		<dc:creator><![CDATA[Jaime Wiebel]]></dc:creator>
		<pubDate>Wed, 14 Mar 2018 10:00:34 +0000</pubDate>
				<category><![CDATA[Bible Studies]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Devotionals]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Bible Study]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Face to Face with My Worship]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Mary and Martha]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Sitting Among Friend Blog Party]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[The Cherished Moments]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[True Worship]]></category>
		<guid isPermaLink="false">https://jaimewiebel.com/?p=1773</guid>

					<description><![CDATA[<p>Face to Face with True Worship Recently while at Bible Study I heard Jesus whisper in my heart. Go home and bow down. It sounded like such a strange request. I thought God, I love you, do I really need to do this? The reply. Yes, go home with your face to the ground, bow [&#8230;]</p>
<p>The post <a href="https://jaimewiebel.com/cherished-moments-face-to-face-with-true-worship/">The Cherished Moments: Face to Face with True Worship</a> appeared first on <a href="https://jaimewiebel.com">Seeking God with Jaime Wiebel</a>.</p>
]]></description>
										<content:encoded><![CDATA[<h1><img data-recalc-dims="1" loading="lazy" decoding="async" class="alignnone size-full wp-image-1678" src="https://i0.wp.com/jaimewiebel.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/02/The-Cherished-Moments.png?resize=1024%2C512&#038;ssl=1" alt="The Cherished Moments that we have with Jesus are world changing. Join us as we journey to meet Him face to face through His Holy Word. There we will grow in our intimate relationship with Him." width="1024" height="512" srcset="https://i0.wp.com/jaimewiebel.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/02/The-Cherished-Moments.png?w=1024&amp;ssl=1 1024w, https://i0.wp.com/jaimewiebel.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/02/The-Cherished-Moments.png?resize=300%2C150&amp;ssl=1 300w, https://i0.wp.com/jaimewiebel.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/02/The-Cherished-Moments.png?resize=768%2C384&amp;ssl=1 768w" sizes="auto, (max-width: 1000px) 100vw, 1000px" /></h1>
<h1><span style="color: #8b94aa;">Face to Face with True Worship</span></h1>
<p>Recently while at Bible Study I heard Jesus whisper in my heart. Go home and bow down. It sounded like such a strange request. I thought God, I love you, do I really need to do this? The reply. Yes, go home with your face to the ground, bow down.</p>
<p>Now I can see how this may sound crazy, but when you have spent time in the word, God will teach you, rebuke you, correct you and train you up in righteousness. (2 Timothy 3:16) Sometimes, this comes from the Holy Spirit whispering to your soul. This day, this spirit led worship was clearly teaching me what it meant to bow before The King.</p>
<p>So I did. I have to be honest, at first, it was awkward. But I wanted to be obedient. So I went home. Got down on my living room floor and as I brought my face to the ground the tears began to pour down my face.  I bowed there. In silence. Being still before God.</p>
<p>It has been so long since I just bowed before Jesus with nothing to say. Just obedience to the whispers in my heart. Recognizing Him as my King and object of true worship. I laid there and the tears just kept coming. And I stayed that way until He lifted me off the floor.</p>
<p>Today in our story we are going to be traveling to the other side of the Mount of Olives to a town called Bethany. There we are going to witness the story of two sisters, Mary and Martha.</p>
<h2><span style="color: #8b94aa;">A Welcoming Home</span></h2>
<blockquote><p>As they traveled along, Jesus entered a village where a woman named Martha welcomed Him into her home. Luke 10:38 (BSB)</p></blockquote>
<p>Jesus had been <a href="https://jaimewiebel.com/2018/02/the-cherished-moments-face-to-face-with-a-friend/">friends</a> with Martha, Mary, and their brother Lazarus.  We know this from the interactions we see in John that they were dear friends of one another (John 11:5). It is also quite possible that when Jesus retreated to Bethany that he found rest at their house (Matthew 21:17).</p>
<p>This day, Martha welcomes Jesus into her home as she may have done before, and as any good hostess would do she begins the preparations for her beloved guest.</p>
<blockquote><p>She had a sister named Mary, who sat at the Lord’s feet, listening to His message. Luke 10:39 (BSB)</p></blockquote>
<p>Mary welcomed Jesus in a very different way. She<a href="https://jaimewiebel.com/2017/02/worship-at-feet-of-jesus/"> sat at His feet</a> and took in all that He was teaching.</p>
<p>Jesus had to of taught Mary and Martha that He was the Messiah, the Son of God because they believed that deep in their heart (John 11:27).</p>
<h3><span style="color: #8b94aa;">What does it mean to sit at the feet of Jesus?</span></h3>
<p>Mary was at quite a preferential advantage to this type of view. Hearing the words of the Son of God straight from The Word Himself while reclining at His feet. At times, I am envious of Mary&#8217;s view and seated place. I can&#8217;t imagine sitting with Jesus on more than one occasion and being able to show my love to Him <a href="https://jaimewiebel.com/2018/02/the-cherished-moments-face-to-face-with-jesus/">face to face</a>.</p>
<p>Mary wasn&#8217;t just an admirer of Jesus, she loved Him and she was loved by Him and called His friend. While Jesus was traveling from town to town He met many along the way but these friends had a special place in Jesus&#8217; heart.</p>
<p>It could have something to do with them opening their doors to Him when He needed a quiet retreat. Even more importantly they opened their hearts to Him as true worshippers.</p>
<p>Sitting at Jesus&#8217; feet meant Mary could hear first hand as He described His mission as Son of God. He disclosed this to His disciples and to Mary and Martha as well. (John 11:24)</p>
<p>Although we can feel like our <a href="https://jaimewiebel.com/2017/12/family-gathering-saf-linkup/">seating</a> is on the outside looking in as we read these Bible stories. Our vantage point is quite different from Mary and Martha&#8217;s.</p>
<p><hr /><p><em>This side of the cross we can have the Holy Spirit living and dwelling inside us. As he leads and guides us we are more than sitting at His feet, we are the dwelling place, the tabernacle of the Living God.</em><br /><a href='https://twitter.com/intent/tweet?url=https%3A%2F%2Fwp.me%2Fp9igEf-sB&#038;text=This%20side%20of%20the%20cross%20we%20can%20have%20the%20Holy%20Spirit%20living%20and%20dwelling%20inside%20us.%20As%20he%20leads%20and%20guides%20us%20we%20are%20more%20than%20sitting%20at%20His%20feet%2C%20we%20are%20the%20dwelling%20place%2C%20the%20tabernacle%20of%20the%20Living%20God.&#038;via=Jaime_Wiebel&#038;related=Jaime_Wiebel' target='_blank' rel="noopener noreferrer" >Share on X</a><br /><hr /> <strong>Now that is pretty amazing!</strong></p>
<h2> <img data-recalc-dims="1" loading="lazy" decoding="async" class="alignnone size-full wp-image-1774" src="https://i0.wp.com/jaimewiebel.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/03/The-Cherished-Moments-Face-to-Face-with-True-Worship-FB.png?resize=940%2C788&#038;ssl=1" alt="This side of the cross we have the Holy Spirit living and dwelling inside us. As he leads and guides us we are more than sitting at His feet, we are the dwelling place, the tabernacle of the Living God. Now that is pretty amazing! Go to God with Sincere hearts for true worship. #BibleStudy #MaryandMartha #TrueWorship #Jesus" width="940" height="788" srcset="https://i0.wp.com/jaimewiebel.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/03/The-Cherished-Moments-Face-to-Face-with-True-Worship-FB.png?w=940&amp;ssl=1 940w, https://i0.wp.com/jaimewiebel.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/03/The-Cherished-Moments-Face-to-Face-with-True-Worship-FB.png?resize=300%2C251&amp;ssl=1 300w, https://i0.wp.com/jaimewiebel.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/03/The-Cherished-Moments-Face-to-Face-with-True-Worship-FB.png?resize=768%2C644&amp;ssl=1 768w" sizes="auto, (max-width: 940px) 100vw, 940px" /></h2>
<h2><span style="color: #8b94aa;">The Many Distractions</span></h2>
<blockquote><p>But Martha was distracted by all the preparations to be made. She came to Jesus and said, “Lord, do You not care that my sister has left me to serve alone? Tell her to help me!” Luke 10:40 (BSB)</p></blockquote>
<p>There are so many things that can distract us from worship and the moment they distract us they hinder our true worship. They keep us from worshiping in spirit and in truth.</p>
<p>This classic story of two sisters seems interwoven with the conflicting sisters. What I believe the true conflict is our heart for pure worship. Coming to Christ with our distractions, our to-do lists, our daddy-do lists, our pride, our self-centeredness, and our self-righteousness &#8211;just to name a few&#8211; breaks the line worship. True worship starts with a repentant sincere heart.</p>
<p>We come with our presuppositions about what is going to occur and we miss the very thing God is really trying to teach us. We come to worship with our worries, our gripes, our greed and our busy schedules and we want that really good thing to be a really quick thing.</p>
<h2><span style="color: #8b94aa;">The Worried Worship</span></h2>
<blockquote><p><span class="red">“Martha, Martha,”</span> the Lord replied, <span class="red">“you are worried and upset about many things. Luke 10:41 (BSB)</span></p></blockquote>
<p>Martha was not able to focus on who was in her house because she was more worried about the proper placement of the things in her house, including her sister. Instead of <a href="https://jaimewiebel.com/2017/08/verses-to-calm-an-anxious-hear/">worrying about</a> setting the table she should have been setting her heart right.</p>
<p>I just love her interjection, don&#8217;t you? Isn&#8217;t it so like us. We assume that someone else is doing something so wrong that we just go right in for the correction.</p>
<p>I am sure if Martha is anything like I am, she was just a stewing. Stewing up new worries and maybe even ones that were not there. Rolling over in her thoughts the thing she might say to get her sister&#8217;s attention to help. Her heart is so blurred by her inaccurate perception of her situation and what her sister is doing she says to Jesus, &#8220;Don&#8217;t you care?&#8221;</p>
<hr /><p><em>We can be most assured that Jesus does care. He cares so much that He sent His Son to die to show us how much He cares.</em><br /><a href='https://twitter.com/intent/tweet?url=https%3A%2F%2Fwp.me%2Fp9igEf-sB&#038;text=We%20can%20be%20most%20assured%20that%20Jesus%20does%20care.%20He%20cares%20so%20much%20that%20He%20sent%20His%20Son%20to%20die%20to%20show%20us%20how%20much%20He%20cares.&#038;via=Jaime_Wiebel&#038;related=Jaime_Wiebel' target='_blank' rel="noopener noreferrer" >Share on X</a><br /><hr />
<p>Before she allows Jesus to answer, assuming she knows what He is going to say, she tells Him how to correct Mary.</p>
<p>I don&#8217;t know about you, but when I try and tell God how things are going to go down, it doesn&#8217;t end pretty for me.</p>
<p>I love that Jesus&#8217; rebuke to Martha is gentle and mild. &#8220;Martha, Martha. You are upset.&#8221;</p>
<h2><span style="color: #8b94aa;">The Only One Thing</span></h2>
<blockquote>
<p class="reg"><span class="red"> But only one thing is necessary. Mary has chosen the good portion, and it will not be taken away from her.” Luke 10:42 (BSB)</span></p>
</blockquote>
<p>Jesus tells Martha. Martha, there is one thing that is necessary. Mary has chosen it. AND what she has chosen and learned while sitting at My feet, will not be taken away from her.</p>
<p><a href="https://jaimewiebel.com/2018/01/the-most-remarkable-journey-who-jesus-is/">While at the well</a>, Jesus tells the Samaritan woman</p>
<blockquote><p><span class="red">Yet a time is coming and has now come when the true worshipers will worship the Father in the Spirit and in truth, for they are the kind of worshipers the Father seeks.</span> <span class="red">God is spirit, and his worshipers must worship in the Spirit and in truth.”John 4:23-24 (NIV)</span></p></blockquote>
<p>The Father is seeking true worshipers. He is seeking ones who will worship Him in both the spirit they have inside, which is connected to Him by the Holy Spirit and with sincere hearts.</p>
<p>It&#8217;s not about posture, placement, or even servanthood. It&#8217;s about the Lord who created the Heavens and the Earth. The one who knit your very soul in His image. The one who moved heaven and earth to <a href="https://jaimewiebel.com/2017/12/remarkable-journey-jesus-among-us/">walk among His people</a>.</p>
<p>Mary was commended for her true worship. Her heart was not distracted by the day but enveloped in the One Good Thing she was supposed to be worshiping.</p>
<h3><span style="color: #8b94aa;">Why is this so amazing for us?</span></h3>
<p>Friends, I am so encouraged by Jesus&#8217; response today. Put yourself in this story. Where it says Martha, insert your name like this and let Jesus whisper into your heart&#8230;</p>
<p>Jaime Jaime, you are worried about so many things. Let them go. Chose the only one thing that is necessary and take the time to truly worship me. Put down your to-do lists and the worries that are weighing down your heart. Lay them all down right here at my feet. Come and sit and let me teach you. I will be your good portion each day.  You have so many things distracting you and fighting for your attention. I know you are needed by so many people and I know you want to get it just right. Remember what I give you each day will not be taken away from you. Come. Sit. Just Be.</p>
<h2><span style="color: #8b94aa;">Personal Reflections:</span></h2>
<ol>
<li>How do you feel when you worship with a distracted worried heart? How can you change that?</li>
<li>What do you do to allow yourself to worship the Only One thing that is necessary?</li>
<li>What can you do in your day to free up some time for worship?</li>
<li>Can you relate more to Martha than Mary? What is one step you can take today to be more like Mary?</li>
<li><hr /><p><em>This week as you come face to face with your worship, do you have anything you can repent so that your time spent with Jesus is with a pure heart?</em><br /><a href='https://twitter.com/intent/tweet?url=https%3A%2F%2Fwp.me%2Fp9igEf-sB&#038;text=This%20week%20as%20you%20come%20face%20to%20face%20with%20your%20worship%2C%20do%20you%20have%20anything%20you%20can%20repent%20so%20that%20your%20time%20spent%20with%20Jesus%20is%20with%20a%20pure%20heart%3F&#038;via=Jaime_Wiebel&#038;related=Jaime_Wiebel' target='_blank' rel="noopener noreferrer" >Share on X</a><br /><hr /></li>
</ol>
<p><img data-recalc-dims="1" loading="lazy" decoding="async" class="alignnone size-full wp-image-1717" src="https://i0.wp.com/jaimewiebel.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/02/BlessingsJaime.png?resize=150%2C150&#038;ssl=1" alt="" width="150" height="150" srcset="https://i0.wp.com/jaimewiebel.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/02/BlessingsJaime.png?w=150&amp;ssl=1 150w, https://i0.wp.com/jaimewiebel.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/02/BlessingsJaime.png?resize=100%2C100&amp;ssl=1 100w" sizes="auto, (max-width: 150px) 100vw, 150px" /></p>
<h2><span style="color: #8b94aa;">Linkup with Sitting Among Friends Blog Party </span></h2>
<p><img data-recalc-dims="1" loading="lazy" decoding="async" class="size-medium wp-image-1463 alignleft" src="https://i0.wp.com/jaimewiebel.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/11/Sitting-Among-Friends2.png?resize=286%2C300&#038;ssl=1" alt="Sitting Among Friend Blog Party at Seeking God with Jaime Wiebel Every Wednesday!" width="286" height="300" /><span style="font-size: 14pt;">Blog Parties are such a great place to meet people and build connections around the web. This is one reason, I love this party. Please make sure to visit another friend in the linkup!</span></p>
<p><span style="font-size: 14pt;">I would love to sit down face-to-face with you but since we can&#8217;t do that I love to meet you here. I love to hear your stories and see your work.</span></p>
<p><span style="font-size: 14pt;">This is a Christian based website and so is the material that I promote here. Please remember that when linking up. I do reserve the right to remove posts.</span></p>
<p><span style="color: #8b94aa;"><strong><span style="font-size: 14pt;">*Please be sure to visit other blogs to comment and share* </span></strong></span></p>
<p><span style="color: #8b94aa;"><strong><span style="font-size: 14pt;">I would appreciate you linking back to Seeking God or #SittingAmongFriends somewhere on your page. (You can also use the SAF picture with a link)</span></strong></span></p>
<p><span style="font-size: 14pt;">Tag Me with Twitter Shares and I will RT them.</span></p>
<p><span style="font-size: 14pt;">I will also be featuring a friend during the week on my FB page!</span></p>
<p><span style="font-size: 14pt;">Join us at our <a href="https://www.pinterest.com/Jaime_Wiebel/sitting-among-friends-blog-party/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Sitting Among Friends Pinterest Board</a> by following <a href="https://www.pinterest.com/Jaime_Wiebel/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">my profile</a> and then requesting an invite.</span></p>
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		<title>The Cherished Moments: Face to Face with New Life</title>
		<link>https://jaimewiebel.com/cherished-moments-face-to-face-with-new-life/?utm_source=rss&#038;utm_medium=rss&#038;utm_campaign=cherished-moments-face-to-face-with-new-life</link>
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		<dc:creator><![CDATA[Jaime Wiebel]]></dc:creator>
		<pubDate>Wed, 07 Mar 2018 11:00:11 +0000</pubDate>
				<category><![CDATA[Bible Studies]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Devotionals]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Bible Study]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Face to Face with New Life]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[I am not ashamed]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Salvation]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Sitting Among Friend Blog Party]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[The Cherished Moments]]></category>
		<guid isPermaLink="false">https://jaimewiebel.com/?p=1740</guid>

					<description><![CDATA[<p>Face to Face with New Life Much of my life was not spent in living an abundant life in Christ. Sure, I thought that I had a life. Sure, I thought it was eternal. But I had never really sat face to face with Jesus. In fact, I had spent much of my time running in [&#8230;]</p>
<p>The post <a href="https://jaimewiebel.com/cherished-moments-face-to-face-with-new-life/">The Cherished Moments: Face to Face with New Life</a> appeared first on <a href="https://jaimewiebel.com">Seeking God with Jaime Wiebel</a>.</p>
]]></description>
										<content:encoded><![CDATA[<p><img data-recalc-dims="1" loading="lazy" decoding="async" class="alignnone size-full wp-image-1678" src="https://i0.wp.com/jaimewiebel.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/02/The-Cherished-Moments.png?resize=1024%2C512&#038;ssl=1" alt="The Cherished Moments that we have with Jesus are world changing. Join us as we journey to meet Him face to face through His Holy Word. There we will grow in our intimate relationship with Him." width="1024" height="512" srcset="https://i0.wp.com/jaimewiebel.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/02/The-Cherished-Moments.png?w=1024&amp;ssl=1 1024w, https://i0.wp.com/jaimewiebel.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/02/The-Cherished-Moments.png?resize=300%2C150&amp;ssl=1 300w, https://i0.wp.com/jaimewiebel.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/02/The-Cherished-Moments.png?resize=768%2C384&amp;ssl=1 768w" sizes="auto, (max-width: 1000px) 100vw, 1000px" /></p>
<h1><span style="color: #8b94aa;">Face to Face with New Life</span></h1>
<p>Much of my life was not spent in living an abundant life in Christ. Sure, I thought that I had a life. Sure, I thought it was eternal. But I had never really sat <a href="https://jaimewiebel.com/2018/02/cherished-moments-face-face-redeemer/">face to face</a> with Jesus. In fact, I had spent much of my time running in the opposite direction. New life wasn&#8217;t something I grasped.</p>
<p>The most well-known verse in the Bible, John 3:16, was something I could rattle off of my tongue in my sleep. But like the man Jesus was talking to in these verses, I didn&#8217;t quite grasp the love, the <a href="https://jaimewiebel.com/2018/02/the-cherished-moments-face-to-face-with-my-salvation/">life eternal</a>, and the new life that is offered by Jesus.</p>
<h2><span style="color: #8b94aa;">So There Was a Man</span></h2>
<blockquote><p>And there was a man of the Pharisees, named Nicodemus, a ruler of the Jews. John 3:1 (BLB)</p></blockquote>
<p>This man was not just any man of the synagogue, he was a ruler He was a Pharisee and a lawyer. If disputes are to be made among the rulers, these are the men that are gathered. We see Nicodemus appear later in requesting Jesus get due process of the law in John 7.</p>
<blockquote><p>He came to Jesus at night and said, &#8220;Rabbi, we know that You are a teacher who has come from God. For no one could perform the signs You are doing if God were not with him.&#8221; John 3:2 (BSB)</p></blockquote>
<p>I can completely relate to Nicodemus in the verses. Sadly, I lived much of my life ashamed to come out in the light of day to know Jesus. I think if we are honest, as believers, we often struggle with the people around us knowing we want to know Jesus more or even that we know Him at all.</p>
<h2><span style="color: #8b94aa;">Jesus is Personal</span></h2>
<p>What I love about this interaction between Jesus and Nicodemus is that I can picture, Jesus, sitting right up close with someone who has to come in the cloak of darkness to Him more. Jesus seeks a personal intimate relationship with each of us and this man was no different.</p>
<p>Jesus got personal with Nicodemus. Nicodemus was not condemned for his late night covert operation. Jesus welcomed him into a conversation about who He truly is.</p>
<p>Nicodemus had one understanding of God at this point in his life. He knew access to God was limited through the vail. He most certainly would have known that God had not been present behind that vail for hundreds of years. To be up close and personal with someone who he believed was with God had to be astonishing.</p>
<p>Jesus&#8217; signs and miracles were evidence of who He was. Nicodemus knew these signs pointed Him in the direction he wanted to understand more. Although Nicodemus came in the dark of the night, he had a purpose to understand his own soul. And without hesitation, he jumps right into this subject.</p>
<h2><span style="color: #8b94aa;">Born Again</span></h2>
<blockquote><p>Jesus replied, &#8220;I tell you the truth, unless you are born again, you cannot see the Kingdom of God.&#8221; John 3:3 (NLT)</p></blockquote>
<p>This is a very interesting statement. It baffles Nicodemus. What is Jesus talking about? Born again? How could he go back into his mother&#8217;s womb?</p>
<blockquote><p>Jesus replied, &#8220;I assure you, no one can enter the Kingdom of God without being born of water and the Spirit. John  3:5 (NLT)</p></blockquote>
<p>Jesus gives us all hope in this one phrase. He tells Nicodemus, &#8220;I assure you&#8221;. <hr /><p><em>If you have ever questioned your faith, questioned if God is who He says, questioned Jesus and His authority. You can take ahold of verses such as this. </em><br /><a href='https://twitter.com/intent/tweet?url=https%3A%2F%2Fwp.me%2Fp9igEf-s4&#038;text=If%20you%20have%20ever%20questioned%20your%20faith%2C%20questioned%20if%20God%20is%20who%20He%20says%2C%20questioned%20Jesus%20and%20His%20authority.%20You%20can%20take%20ahold%20of%20verses%20such%20as%20this.%20&#038;via=Jaime_Wiebel&#038;related=Jaime_Wiebel' target='_blank' rel="noopener noreferrer" >Share on X</a><br /><hr />Christ assures us. We can know whether we can enter the kingdom of God or not. Without believing in Christ and putting our trust in Him, repenting, and accepting his gift of salvation, we cannot enter heaven.</p>
<p>Born again does not mean we go back to being an infant in our mother&#8217;s womb. We know that is not happening. Jesus tells Nicodemus if you don&#8217;t understand earthly things (going back to your mother&#8217;s womb) how are you going to understand things of heaven.</p>
<p>Heavenly things &#8212; because Christ died for us on the cross, we can be born into new life with Him. <a href="https://jaimewiebel.com/2017/03/a-living-hope/">the new life</a> or new beginning is of the Spirit.</p>
<h2><img data-recalc-dims="1" loading="lazy" decoding="async" class="alignnone size-full wp-image-1743" src="https://i0.wp.com/jaimewiebel.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/03/face-to-face-with-new-life-FB.png?resize=940%2C788&#038;ssl=1" alt="I can be assured of my Salvation as a result of Him breathing new life into me. And I can be assured that one day, I will get to see Jesus face to face." width="940" height="788" srcset="https://i0.wp.com/jaimewiebel.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/03/face-to-face-with-new-life-FB.png?w=940&amp;ssl=1 940w, https://i0.wp.com/jaimewiebel.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/03/face-to-face-with-new-life-FB.png?resize=300%2C251&amp;ssl=1 300w, https://i0.wp.com/jaimewiebel.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/03/face-to-face-with-new-life-FB.png?resize=768%2C644&amp;ssl=1 768w" sizes="auto, (max-width: 940px) 100vw, 940px" /></h2>
<h2><span style="color: #8b94aa;">I Just Don&#8217;t Know</span></h2>
<p>I have to be honest, there are somethings in my faith that I just don&#8217;t know and understand. That does not make them any less credible or believable. It just makes my trust in Christ stretch farther.</p>
<p>Although we would like a clear explanation of how the moving of the Spirit works, Jesus continues on in verse 8.</p>
<blockquote><p> &#8220;The wind blows wherever it pleases. You hear its sound, but you cannot tell where it comes from or where it is going. So it is with everyone born of the Spirit.&#8221; John 3:8 (NIV)</p></blockquote>
<p>I cannot explain about the day I received Christ as Savior. Having come to the realization that I was a sinner in need of a Savior and to be with Jesus in heaven I needed to admit my sin, ask for forgiveness, and ask Jesus to come and live inside me.</p>
<p>I cannot explain the things that the Spirit was doing in me to make this decision. I don&#8217;t know how the Spirit operates in this manner. But I can be confident that He does. I can be assured of my Salvation as a result of Him breathing new life into me. And I can have blessed assurance that one day, I will get to <a href="https://jaimewiebel.com/2018/02/the-cherished-moments-face-to-face-with-jesus/">see Jesus face to face</a>.</p>
<h2><span style="color: #8b94aa;">Great Love</span></h2>
<blockquote><p>For God so loved the world that he gave his one and only Son, that whoever believes in him shall not perish but have eternal life. John 3:16 (NIV)</p></blockquote>
<p>This verse is a cornerstone in the Christian faith. Yet, it&#8217;s so drastic, that it seems unreal.</p>
<p>This is not a love that we know by any other name. Sacrificial, never-ending, unfailing love. That God would send His one and only Son, to save an undeserving sinful wretched soul such as myself. To take the punishment that I deserve and lay it on His Son so I can breath new life.</p>
<p>I can see why the Christian faith seems so unbelievable. This kind of love has its own name. It is the name Jesus.</p>
<p><hr /><p><em>Jesus went to the cross for my sins and yours. He was placed on heaven&#039;s alter and sacrificed in our place. </em><br /><a href='https://twitter.com/intent/tweet?url=https%3A%2F%2Fwp.me%2Fp9igEf-s4&#038;text=Jesus%20went%20to%20the%20cross%20for%20my%20sins%20and%20yours.%20He%20was%20placed%20on%20heaven%27s%20alter%20and%20sacrificed%20in%20our%20place.%20&#038;via=Jaime_Wiebel&#038;related=Jaime_Wiebel' target='_blank' rel="noopener noreferrer" >Share on X</a><br /><hr />I have to admit, I don&#8217;t know many people that I would take a punch for, let alone willingly lay down my life.</p>
<p>Yet some 2000 years ago, Jesus did exactly that.</p>
<blockquote><p>But he was pierced for our transgressions, he was crushed for our iniquities; the punishment that brought us peace was on him, and by his wounds we are healed. Isaiah 53:5</p></blockquote>
<p>For my sins, He allowed Himself to be beaten, slapped in the face, and spit upon. A crown of glory that was meant to mock Him will one day bring me into glory. He was speared, nailed, and hung to die on a tree on Calvary&#8217;s Hill.</p>
<p>For me.</p>
<p>For you.</p>
<p>No, I can&#8217;t explain it but I can claim it. Christ assures us it is for us to take and when we do, we may enter the kingdom of God.</p>
<h2><span style="color: #8b94aa;">Choose New Life</span></h2>
<p>Dear Friends, if you have not made the decision to accept Christ as your personal Savior, don&#8217;t hesitate. The Bible says one day, every knee will bow and every tongue will confess Jesus Christ as Lord. The decision is not if but when. The decision has both immediate and eternal impact.</p>
<p>If you have not made that decision, I would love to talk with you further. I don&#8217;t want you to miss the breath of new life that can penetrate your soul. Life of the Spirit. One that can not be obtained by any human effort or achievement. One ordained only by God Himself.</p>
<p>If you would like to further learn how you can make a decision to accept Christ, here is a great resource. <a href="https://peacewithgod.net/">PeaceWithGod.net</a></p>
<h2><span style="color: #8b94aa;">Linkup with Sitting Among Friends Blog Party </span></h2>
<p><img data-recalc-dims="1" loading="lazy" decoding="async" class="size-medium wp-image-1463 alignleft" src="https://i0.wp.com/jaimewiebel.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/11/Sitting-Among-Friends2.png?resize=286%2C300&#038;ssl=1" alt="Sitting Among Friend Blog Party at Seeking God with Jaime Wiebel Every Wednesday!" width="286" height="300" /><span style="font-size: 14pt;">Blog Parties are such a great place to meet people and build connections around the web. This is one reason, I love this party. Please make sure to visit another friend in the linkup!</span></p>
<p><span style="font-size: 14pt;">I would love to sit down face-to-face with you but since we can&#8217;t do that I love to meet you here. I love to hear your stories and see your work.</span></p>
<p><span style="font-size: 14pt;">This is a Christian based website and so is the material that I promote here. Please remember that when linking up. I do reserve the right to remove posts.</span></p>
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		<title>The Cherished Moments: Face to Face with My Salvation</title>
		<link>https://jaimewiebel.com/the-cherished-moments-face-to-face-with-my-salvation/?utm_source=rss&#038;utm_medium=rss&#038;utm_campaign=the-cherished-moments-face-to-face-with-my-salvation</link>
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		<dc:creator><![CDATA[Jaime Wiebel]]></dc:creator>
		<pubDate>Wed, 28 Feb 2018 11:00:18 +0000</pubDate>
				<category><![CDATA[Bible Studies]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Devotionals]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Face to Face with My Salvation]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Sitting Among Friends Blog Party]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[The Cherished Moments]]></category>
		<guid isPermaLink="false">https://jaimewiebel.com/?p=1727</guid>

					<description><![CDATA[<p>Face to Face with My Salvation I accepted Christ as my Savior when I was a preteen. Growing up in the church the message was clear on what I needed to do to have him live in my heart. I knew that I was a sinner and that the only way to have a relationship [&#8230;]</p>
<p>The post <a href="https://jaimewiebel.com/the-cherished-moments-face-to-face-with-my-salvation/">The Cherished Moments: Face to Face with My Salvation</a> appeared first on <a href="https://jaimewiebel.com">Seeking God with Jaime Wiebel</a>.</p>
]]></description>
										<content:encoded><![CDATA[<p><img data-recalc-dims="1" loading="lazy" decoding="async" class="alignnone size-full wp-image-1678" src="https://i0.wp.com/jaimewiebel.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/02/The-Cherished-Moments.png?resize=1024%2C512&#038;ssl=1" alt="The Cherished Moments that we have with Jesus are world changing. Join us as we journey to meet Him face to face through His Holy Word. There we will grow in our intimate relationship with Him." width="1024" height="512" srcset="https://i0.wp.com/jaimewiebel.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/02/The-Cherished-Moments.png?w=1024&amp;ssl=1 1024w, https://i0.wp.com/jaimewiebel.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/02/The-Cherished-Moments.png?resize=300%2C150&amp;ssl=1 300w, https://i0.wp.com/jaimewiebel.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/02/The-Cherished-Moments.png?resize=768%2C384&amp;ssl=1 768w" sizes="auto, (max-width: 1000px) 100vw, 1000px" /></p>
<h1><span style="color: #8b94aa;">Face to Face with My Salvation</span></h1>
<p><a href="https://jaimewiebel.com/2017/03/the-testimony-tour-prodigal-daughter-returns/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">I accepted Christ as my Savior</a> when I was a preteen. Growing up in the church the message was clear on what I needed to do to have him live in my heart. I knew that I was a sinner and that the only way to have a relationship with Him was to ask Him to ask for forgiveness and ask Him to come into my heart. What I didn&#8217;t know at the time was what it meant to come face to face with my Salvation.</p>
<blockquote><p>He entered Jericho and was passing through. And behold, there was a man named Zacchaeus. He was a chief tax collector and was rich. And he was seeking to see who Jesus was, but on account of the crowd, he could not, because he was small in stature. So he ran on ahead and climbed up into a sycamore tree to see him, for he was about to pass that way. Luke 19:1-4 (ESV)</p></blockquote>
<p>Hearing this story played out in a children&#8217;s may make this story feel very familiar to us. I pray you are able to get a new perspective on Jesus and His visit with Zaccheaus as we further our study.</p>
<h2><span style="color: #8b94aa;">A Divine Appointment</span></h2>
<p>Jesus was passing through Jericho. As we have just learned on our journey with Jesus He had just healed <a href="https://jaimewiebel.com/2018/01/remarkable-journey-lord-mercy/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">blind Bartimaeus.</a> He was on His way to Jerusalem for the final time. Jesus, however, <a href="https://jaimewiebel.com/2018/01/the-most-remarkable-journey-who-jesus-is/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">never misses an appointment</a>. This one was with an unexpected man of wee stature, who was waiting in the branches of a Sycamore tree.</p>
<p>Jericho was a center for trade at this time. It was a bustling city. A man by the name of Zaccheus was a chief tax collector. A tax collector was considered a defiled man because of His great deal of unlawful behavior.</p>
<p>A chief tax collector would have been at the top of the chain. He would have gotten part of the taxes collected from the other collectors. It was a trickle up system. The top got a piece of all the action. Everyone had to pay taxes but what they had to pay was determined in part by how much the tax collectors could &#8220;shake&#8221; out of them.</p>
<blockquote><p>And when Jesus came to the place, he looked up and said to him, <span class="woc">“Zacchaeus, hurry and come down, for I must stay at your house today.” Luke 19:5 (ESV)</span></p></blockquote>
<h2><span style="color: #8b94aa;">Jesus Calls us by Name</span></h2>
<p>As Jesus was walking by He looked up in the tree. It was no surprise that the man He was passing through to meet was perched in the branches along His very route. Not only does Jesus notice Him, He calls Him by name.</p>
<p>You may think of Zacchaeus as having a lot of wealth and associate that with popularity. This, however, was not the case. Tax collectors acquired wealth but not friendships. They were hated outcasts. Often times they did many horrific things to get the taxes from people. They were considered to be traders to their people.</p>
<p>Although Zaccheaus was a hated man, I wonder how many times he heard His name. Zacchaeus was Jewish, we know from his name, which coincidentally means pure. This meeting with Jesus is about to change everything to make his name suit him.</p>
<p>Jesus called Zaccheus to come down from that place for He <em>must </em>go to his house. To come down from that tree meant He had to come face to face with Jesus.</p>
<p>Zacchaeus had to hear about Jesus. We see from verse two that he had to see Jesus. He had to see who this man was that was able to change the condition of a man&#8217;s life. I would imagine that loneliness has to be one of the hardest places to be. Not just hours or days, but years. Not just from having someone but from having anyone.</p>
<p>Could this Jesus, who had called Him by name change his place in this world.</p>
<blockquote><p>So he hurried and came down and received him joyfully. And when they saw it, they all grumbled, “He has gone in to be the guest of a man who is a sinner.”Luke 19:6-7 (ESV)</p></blockquote>
<h2><span style="color: #8b94aa;">Met with Great Joy</span></h2>
<p>Jesus was met by Zacchaeus with great joy.</p>
<p>I don&#8217;t want to like Zacchaeus. I want to, like everyone else, think he got just what he deserved. What did he have to complain about? He had all that money could buy and a plethora more.</p>
<p>Yet, when Jesus called him out of the tree, it is as if for the first time in a long time, he found joy. Not because the man that had this huge following was coming to his house. He recognizes that Jesus was coming to <em>his</em> house.</p>
<p><hr /><p><em>This was the day that the Lord had made, he noticed and was joyfully going to live in it. </em><br /><a href='https://twitter.com/intent/tweet?url=https%3A%2F%2Fwp.me%2Fp9igEf-rR&#038;text=This%20was%20the%20day%20that%20the%20Lord%20had%20made%2C%20he%20noticed%20and%20was%20joyfully%20going%20to%20live%20in%20it.%20&#038;via=Jaime_Wiebel&#038;related=Jaime_Wiebel' target='_blank' rel="noopener noreferrer" >Share on X</a><br /><hr />He was not going to let the cry of the naysayers get in the way of his opportunity to be restored to live life.</p>
<p>I am excited for him. Being released from the guilt of our sin and the power that it has over us, is something to celebrate.</p>
<blockquote><p>And Zacchaeus stood and said to the Lord, “Behold, Lord, the half of my goods I give to the poor. And if I have defrauded anyone of anything, I restore it fourfold.”Luke 19:8 (ESV)</p></blockquote>
<h2><img data-recalc-dims="1" loading="lazy" decoding="async" class="alignnone size-full wp-image-1731" src="https://i0.wp.com/jaimewiebel.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/02/The-Cherished-Moments-Face-to-Face-with-My-Salvation.png?resize=940%2C788&#038;ssl=1" alt="I got the first part of my salvation right when I was young but it wasn't until I was much older, that I realized that meeting my Salvation face to face meant turning from my ways and following Jesus wholeheartedly. It means I get a personal relationship with the Living God." width="940" height="788" srcset="https://i0.wp.com/jaimewiebel.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/02/The-Cherished-Moments-Face-to-Face-with-My-Salvation.png?w=940&amp;ssl=1 940w, https://i0.wp.com/jaimewiebel.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/02/The-Cherished-Moments-Face-to-Face-with-My-Salvation.png?resize=300%2C251&amp;ssl=1 300w, https://i0.wp.com/jaimewiebel.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/02/The-Cherished-Moments-Face-to-Face-with-My-Salvation.png?resize=768%2C644&amp;ssl=1 768w" sizes="auto, (max-width: 940px) 100vw, 940px" /></h2>
<h2><span style="color: #8b94aa;">Repent and Turn From Your Ways</span></h2>
<p>Zaccheus was face to face that day for the first time with his real salvation and immediately it changed him. We don&#8217;t see any indication of the conversation between them. What we see is when Jesus comes to your house He comes to clean it out.</p>
<p>Zacchaeus stands, shows signs of repentance and is ready to make it right. According to Jewish law, they were to give restitution for their wrongdoing by offering a guilt offering.</p>
<p style="text-align: left;">If you have sinned in any of these ways, you are guilty. You must give back whatever you stole, or the money you took by extortion, or the security deposit, or the lost property you found, or anything obtained by swearing falsely. You must make restitution by paying the full price plus an additional 20 percent to the person you have harmed. On the same day you must present a guilt offering. Leviticus 6:4-5 (NLT)<span class="p"><br />
</span></p>
<p>Zacchaeus was going beyond that. Jesus had impacted him so much that he was going to give half of his possessions to the poor and pay back anyone he had defrauded fourfold. This was beyond the law. This was the power of Jesus.</p>
<p>That is not just a sign of a new man. That is a sign of a free man. His possessions and all the things he had acquired had to have laid on him heavy. So heavy he desperately needed to unload the burden of it.</p>
<blockquote><p>And Jesus said to him, <span class="woc">“Today salvation has come to this house, since he also is a son of Abraham. Luke 19:9 (ESV)</span></p></blockquote>
<h2><span style="color: #8b94aa;">Salvation Has Come</span></h2>
<p>This day, in Zacchaeus&#8217; house, salvation had arrived. I love thinking of Jesus posture in this verse. The joy that must have been on His face. The straight back, as He proudly calls him His son.</p>
<p>Today, in this house. Jesus was not just talking about Himself coming to the physical house of Zacchaeus. He was saying, Salvation has come and taken up residence in Zacchaeus. Salvation came for His appointment to meet a man who needed a new a new heart. A man who needed a new life. Zacchaeus recognized his need, repented, and turned his heart to Jesus.</p>
<p>Jesus replied, &#8220;If anyone loves Me, he will keep My word. My Father will love him, and we will come to him and make Our home with him. John 14:23 (BSB)</p>
<p>Our heart, heaven&#8217;s home. What a glorious day!</p>
<blockquote><p><span class="p"><hr /><p><em>For the Son of Man came to seek and to save the lost.” Luke 19:10 (ESV)</em><br /><a href='https://twitter.com/intent/tweet?url=https%3A%2F%2Fwp.me%2Fp9igEf-rR&#038;text=For%20the%20Son%20of%20Man%20came%20to%20seek%20and%20to%20save%20the%20lost.%E2%80%9D%20Luke%2019%3A10%20%28ESV%29&#038;via=Jaime_Wiebel&#038;related=Jaime_Wiebel' target='_blank' rel="noopener noreferrer" >Share on X</a><br /><hr /></span></p></blockquote>
<h2><span style="color: #8b94aa;">Seek and Save the Lost</span></h2>
<p>This sums up what the old testament revealed and the new testament declares. Christ came with a mission.</p>
<p>Jesus&#8217; mission was not just to be a good man. It wasn&#8217;t to be a teacher. It wasn&#8217;t to be a prophet or a healer or a friend. I believe we see all of these things because Jesus just couldn&#8217;t help Himself. He couldn&#8217;t stop being who He was.</p>
<p>But Jesus had a higher mission. There are times throughout His ministry that we see Jesus walk away from healing. We see Him walk away from the masses of people trying to get a quick fix. The ones that could only see Jesus for who they wanted Him to be.</p>
<p>Jesus reveals to us in this verse His mission. The Son of Man came to Seek and Save the Lost.</p>
<p>He sought out this day a man that was despised by all. Jesus wanted to show that the sinners, the lost, were the ones that needed found.</p>
<h2><span style="color: #8b94aa;">Coming Face to Face with Salvation</span></h2>
<p>Coming face to face with Salvation means that we not only see the need for Jesus, but we repent. We turn from our own ways and follow Him.</p>
<p>I got the first part of my salvation right when I was young but it wasn&#8217;t until I was much older, that I realized that meeting my Salvation face to face meant turning from my ways and following Jesus wholeheartedly.  It means believing that what He has for me when I trust Him, is for my best. It means I get a personal relationship with the <a href="https://jaimewiebel.com/2017/03/a-living-hope-a-new-hope/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Living God.</a></p>
<hr /><p><em>Knowing that He who lives in me is greater than he who lives in the world, I can walk with confidence that today Salvation has come to this house. </em><br /><a href='https://twitter.com/intent/tweet?url=https%3A%2F%2Fwp.me%2Fp9igEf-rR&#038;text=Knowing%20that%20He%20who%20lives%20in%20me%20is%20greater%20than%20he%20who%20lives%20in%20the%20world%2C%20I%20can%20walk%20with%20confidence%20that%20today%20Salvation%20has%20come%20to%20this%20house.%20&#038;via=Jaime_Wiebel&#038;related=Jaime_Wiebel' target='_blank' rel="noopener noreferrer" >Share on X</a><br /><hr />
<h2><span style="color: #8b94aa;">What are some ways to know Salvation has come to Your House?</span></h2>
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>God will seek you out. He will make a divine appointment. (Make sure you don&#8217;t miss it!)</li>
<li>He will call you by name.</li>
<li>Meet Him with great joy because He has come with open arms.</li>
<li>Repent. Surrender your old ways. Turn away from them and Follow Jesus.</li>
<li>Ask Jesus to take up residence and He will come and <a href="https://jaimewiebel.com/2017/03/a-living-hope-a-new-hear/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">make your heart new.</a></li>
<li><a href="https://jaimewiebel.com/2016/11/and-you-will-be-saved-and-sitting-among-friends/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Saved.</a> That is a word that we all want to hear. <a href="https://jaimewiebel.com/2016/11/and-you-will-be-saved-and-sitting-among-friends/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Saved</a> from what. Not having Christ is our lives means that we are going to spend eternity away from Him in Hell. It is a message that most don&#8217;t want to hear but I love you enough to be honest.  I don&#8217;t the day to come when you stand before Jesus and say, &#8220;No one ever told me.&#8221; The gift of salvation is available. It is a free gift that was made available to us through Jesus&#8217; death on the cross. The next step is in your hands.</li>
</ul>
<h2><span style="color: #8b94aa;">Personal Reflections:</span></h2>
<ol>
<li>Have you asked Jesus Christ to be your personal Lord and Savior? If so, I would love to hear your story. Encourage us in the comments below. If not, I would love to further this conversation with you. Please email me at youresewtrendy@gmail.com</li>
<li>Do you meet Jesus with great joy?</li>
<li>If Salvation has come to your house, what do you do to live your life, knowing you are the Holy Temple of the Living God? Does that affect the decisions you make? How you treat people? How you treat yourself?</li>
<li>Are there any housekeeping items that you need to take care of today?</li>
<li>If you have been sought by Christ and called by name, what do you do to continue to seek Him?</li>
</ol>
<h2><span style="color: #8b94aa;">Linkup with Sitting Among Friends Blog Party </span></h2>
<p><img data-recalc-dims="1" loading="lazy" decoding="async" class="size-medium wp-image-1463 alignleft" src="https://i0.wp.com/jaimewiebel.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/11/Sitting-Among-Friends2.png?resize=286%2C300&#038;ssl=1" alt="Sitting Among Friend Blog Party at Seeking God with Jaime Wiebel Every Wednesday!" width="286" height="300" /><span style="font-size: 14pt;">Blog Parties are such a great place to meet people and build connections around the web. This is one reason, I love this party. Please make sure to visit another friend in the linkup!</span></p>
<p><span style="font-size: 14pt;">I would love to sit down face-to-face with you but since we can&#8217;t do that I love to meet you here. I love to hear your stories and see your work.</span></p>
<p><span style="font-size: 14pt;">This is a Christian based website and so is the material that I promote here. Please remember that when linking up. I do reserve the right to remove posts.</span></p>
<p><span style="color: #8b94aa;"><strong><span style="font-size: 14pt;">*Please be sure to visit other blogs to comment and share* </span></strong></span></p>
<p><span style="color: #8b94aa;"><strong><span style="font-size: 14pt;">I would appreciate you linking back to Seeking God or #SittingAmongFriends somewhere on your page. (You can also use the SAF picture with a link)</span></strong></span></p>
<p><span style="font-size: 14pt;">Tag Me with Twitter Shares and I will RT them.</span></p>
<p><span style="font-size: 14pt;">I will also be featuring a friend during the week on my FB page!</span></p>
<p><span style="font-size: 14pt;">Join us at our <a href="https://www.pinterest.com/Jaime_Wiebel/sitting-among-friends-blog-party/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Sitting Among Friends Pinterest Board</a> by following <a href="https://www.pinterest.com/Jaime_Wiebel/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">my profile</a> and then requesting an invite.</span></p>
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		<title>The Cherished Moments: Face to Face with My Redeemer</title>
		<link>https://jaimewiebel.com/cherished-moments-face-face-redeemer/?utm_source=rss&#038;utm_medium=rss&#038;utm_campaign=cherished-moments-face-face-redeemer</link>
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		<dc:creator><![CDATA[Jaime Wiebel]]></dc:creator>
		<pubDate>Wed, 21 Feb 2018 11:00:08 +0000</pubDate>
				<category><![CDATA[Bible Studies]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Devotionals]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Bible Study]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Face to Face with My Redeemer]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Jesus Sees us]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[The Cherished Moments]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Wiped Her tears with her hair]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Woman at Simon's House]]></category>
		<guid isPermaLink="false">https://jaimewiebel.com/?p=1701</guid>

					<description><![CDATA[<p>Face to Face with My Redeemer There she stood. Eyes welling up with tears. She was so close. Just inches from Him. He had healed the sick and raised the dead. Certainly, there was hope for a woman like her. Making it into this room this close, she couldn&#8217;t contain her emotion. Just like a [&#8230;]</p>
<p>The post <a href="https://jaimewiebel.com/cherished-moments-face-face-redeemer/">The Cherished Moments: Face to Face with My Redeemer</a> appeared first on <a href="https://jaimewiebel.com">Seeking God with Jaime Wiebel</a>.</p>
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										<content:encoded><![CDATA[<h1><img data-recalc-dims="1" loading="lazy" decoding="async" class="alignnone size-full wp-image-1678" src="https://i0.wp.com/jaimewiebel.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/02/The-Cherished-Moments.png?resize=1024%2C512&#038;ssl=1" alt="The Cherished Moments that we have with Jesus are world changing. Join us as we journey to meet Him face to face through His Holy Word. There we will grow in our intimate relationship with Him." width="1024" height="512" srcset="https://i0.wp.com/jaimewiebel.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/02/The-Cherished-Moments.png?w=1024&amp;ssl=1 1024w, https://i0.wp.com/jaimewiebel.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/02/The-Cherished-Moments.png?resize=300%2C150&amp;ssl=1 300w, https://i0.wp.com/jaimewiebel.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/02/The-Cherished-Moments.png?resize=768%2C384&amp;ssl=1 768w" sizes="auto, (max-width: 1000px) 100vw, 1000px" /></h1>
<h1><span style="color: #8b94aa;">Face to Face with My Redeemer</span></h1>
<p>There she stood. Eyes welling up with tears. She was so close. Just inches from Him. He had healed the sick and raised the dead. Certainly, there was hope for a woman like her.</p>
<p>Making it into this room this close, she couldn&#8217;t contain her emotion. Just like a fresh spring shower, the tears poured out of her. Onto His feet. To the feet of her Redeemer.</p>
<p>Jesus would dine with many along His journey. He was even accused of dining with sinners and being a glutton and drunkard. (Luke 7:34) Gasp. But this day, He was dining with a Pharisee.</p>
<blockquote>
<p class="reg">When one of the Pharisees invited Jesus to have dinner with him, he went to the Pharisee’s house and reclined at the table. A woman in that town who lived a sinful life learned that Jesus was eating at the Pharisee’s house, so she came there with an alabaster jar of perfume. As she stood behind him at his feet weeping, she began to wet his feet with her tears. Then she wiped them with her hair, kissed them and poured perfume on them. Luke 7:36-38 (NIV)</p>
</blockquote>
<h2><span style="color: #8b94aa;">Intentional Worship</span></h2>
<p>When this sinful woman came to the Pharisee&#8217;s house, she knew the scrutiny that she was facing. A woman of ill repute couldn&#8217;t go anywhere without being noticed. He tears flowed so freely that they began wetting the feet of Jesus.</p>
<p>With her face to the ground, at the feet of Jesus, she began wiping the tears from His feet with her hair. She kissed His feet and poured perfume on them.</p>
<p>I love that being in the presence of Jesus when our guard is really let down allows us to see ourselves for who we really are in the presence of a perfect King.</p>
<p>Personally, when I am feeling convicted, my tendency is to keep my distance from my offender. Maybe that looks like less time in prayer or in the Bible.</p>
<p>Feeling guilty for something we have done or maybe a way we behaved, lends to keeping our distance so we don&#8217;t have to <a href="https://jaimewiebel.com/2018/02/the-cherished-moments-face-to-face-with-jesus/">face Jesus</a> or our sins.</p>
<p>This woman came to <a href="https://jaimewiebel.com/2017/02/worship-at-feet-of-jesus/">worship</a> with her jar of perfume. Sins and all. She had intent. Having most likely heard about what He was doing for others, I can imagine her hope. Maybe just maybe, there was a chance for her.</p>
<h2><span style="color: #8b94aa;">A Sinful Woman</span></h2>
<hr /><p><em>For much of my life, I lived the way I wanted to live. I professed to be a Christian but there were no signs of it except maybe a weekly trip to church which only really made me a church attendee. </em><br /><a href='https://twitter.com/intent/tweet?url=https%3A%2F%2Fwp.me%2Fp9igEf-rr&#038;text=For%20much%20of%20my%20life%2C%20I%20lived%20the%20way%20I%20wanted%20to%20live.%20I%20professed%20to%20be%20a%20Christian%20but%20there%20were%20no%20signs%20of%20it%20except%20maybe%20a%20weekly%20trip%20to%20church%20which%20only%20really%20made%20me%20a%20church%20attendee.%20&#038;via=Jaime_Wiebel&#038;related=Jaime_Wiebel' target='_blank' rel="noopener noreferrer" >Share on X</a><br /><hr />
<p>Honestly, I remember thinking if I don&#8217;t look over my shoulder, I don&#8217;t have to face Jesus. I knew He was there (not physically but in my heart). I knew He was watching, but if I didn&#8217;t have to come face to face with Him, I didn&#8217;t have to come face to face with my sin. This meant eyes forward on the world, I could continue to live the sinful life I was so deeply entangled in.</p>
<p>That is not true by the way. A sinner&#8217;s life has a way of catching up with itself. Living for yourself never really brings satisfaction. The pit that you find yourself so deep in has only one way out. You can continue to dig the hole deeper or you can look up and reach to God to pull out.</p>
<p>I feel deeply for this woman. Maybe because I , too, was in a broken place and for far too long had lost my way. I know when I was finally so overcome with shame and ready to crawl out of the pit, I was face to face with the <a href="https://jaimewiebel.com/2017/01/at-the-feet-of-jesus/">feet of Jesus</a>. It is there I repented and my many sins were forgiven.</p>
<h2><span style="color: #8b94aa;">If This Man</span></h2>
<blockquote><p>When the Pharisee who had invited him saw this, he said to himself, “If this man were a prophet, he would know who is touching him and what kind of woman she is—that she is a sinner.” Luke 7:39 (NIV)</p></blockquote>
<p>If this man were a prophet. What Simon didn&#8217;t know or realize was that Jesus was not just a prophet. He wasn&#8217;t just a man. He was God in the flesh. Jesus knew all there was to know about this woman. Most importantly He knew He was what she needed.</p>
<p>His response to Simon was this brief story that put His thoughts of this woman on the stand.</p>
<blockquote><p><span class="red">&#8220;Two people owed money to a certain moneylender. One owed him five hundred denarii, and the other fifty.</span> <span class="red">Neither of them had the money to pay him back, so he forgave the debts of both. Now which of them will love him more?” Luke 7:41-42 (NIV)</span></p></blockquote>
<h2><img data-recalc-dims="1" loading="lazy" decoding="async" class="alignnone size-full wp-image-1706" src="https://i0.wp.com/jaimewiebel.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/02/The-Cherished-Moments_-Face-to-Face-with-My-Redeemer-FB.png?resize=940%2C788&#038;ssl=1" alt="He had healed the sick and raised the dead. Certainly, there was hope for a woman like her.Making it into this room this close, she couldn't contain her emotion. Just like a fresh spring shower, the tears poured out of her. Onto His feet. To the feet of her Redeemer." width="940" height="788" srcset="https://i0.wp.com/jaimewiebel.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/02/The-Cherished-Moments_-Face-to-Face-with-My-Redeemer-FB.png?w=940&amp;ssl=1 940w, https://i0.wp.com/jaimewiebel.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/02/The-Cherished-Moments_-Face-to-Face-with-My-Redeemer-FB.png?resize=300%2C251&amp;ssl=1 300w, https://i0.wp.com/jaimewiebel.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/02/The-Cherished-Moments_-Face-to-Face-with-My-Redeemer-FB.png?resize=768%2C644&amp;ssl=1 768w" sizes="auto, (max-width: 940px) 100vw, 940px" /></h2>
<h2><span style="color: #8b94aa;">Which of Them Will Love Him More</span></h2>
<p>I believe we would answer the same as Simon did. The one whose debt was greatly forgiven would love Him more.</p>
<p>This woman didn&#8217;t come to Jesus because she loved Him more. Her love didn&#8217;t save her more. She took a chance when she came of not even seeing Jesus.</p>
<p>Jesus was not telling Simon that greater love will forgive greater sins.  A great debt was paid on her behalf and the result was great love toward the one who forgave it.</p>
<p>You have judged correctly. Jesus told Simon. Simon hadn&#8217;t actually said anything. These thoughts were to himself.</p>
<p>If only Jesus knew&#8230; He was casting judgment out on not only the woman but also on Jesus.</p>
<p>Jesus knew who was seeking forgiveness and He knew whose debt would result in greater love.</p>
<h2><span style="color: #8b94aa;">Not Just for the Elite</span></h2>
<p>Jesus didn&#8217;t just come to earth for the elite. He didn&#8217;t just dine with those who would have been considered the top of the social order.</p>
<p>So when Simon, a Pharisee, asked Him to have dinner, He obliged. Jesus was always on mission. To seek and save the lost (Luke 19:10). And although the Pharisees saw themselves far from lost, Jesus took every opportunity to point them toward the right path. And this time was no different.</p>
<p>Jesus didn&#8217;t show favoritism to the elite over the poor. Jesus knew who He had come for.</p>
<blockquote><p>On hearing this, Jesus said to them, &#8220;It is not the healthy who need a doctor, but the sick. I have not come to call the righteous, but sinners.&#8221; Mark 2:17 (NIV)</p></blockquote>
<p>The Pharisees thought so highly of themselves that they imagined when the true Messiah came, He would surely come for them.</p>
<p>They were sorely mistaken. We could be sorely mistaken as well if we believe that we in anyway contribute to our sins being forgiven.</p>
<p>Maybe we think, we have done pretty well, certainly, we should make it to heaven. Maybe we think our good outweighs our bad and that is our ticket to our heavenly home.</p>
<h2><span style="color: #8b94aa;">He is the Way</span></h2>
<blockquote><p>&#8220;Jesus answered, &#8220;I am the way and the truth and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me.&#8221; John 14:6 (NIV)</p></blockquote>
<p>There is only ONE way to the Father. This Pharisee thought he had it or had already earned it. What I love about this verse is you can substitute any word or thing you hold dear in the place of I AM and it doesn&#8217;t work.</p>
<p>Jesus said, &#8220;Being good is the way&#8221;&#8230; No. He said, &#8220;Getting baptized is the way&#8221;&#8230; No. Jesus answered, &#8220;Going to church is the way&#8221;&#8230; Doesn&#8217;t work. He said, &#8220;Reading your Bible every day is the way&#8221;&#8230; Nope.</p>
<p>I think you get the point. While all of these things are good. They are not the way.</p>
<p>Jesus said I AM the way. He is the way. There is one way. I know that is quite hard for people to digest but Jesus is THE way. In our world where we would prefer a buffet of options and many roads that lead to the same glorious place, we want there to be ways. But that is not the case.</p>
<p>Jesus is THE way.</p>
<h2><span style="color: #8b94aa;">You Are Seen</span></h2>
<blockquote>
<p class="reg">And turning to the woman, He said to Simon, “Do you see this woman? When I entered your house, you did not give Me water for My feet, but she wet My feet with her tears and wiped them with her hair. You did not greet Me with a kiss, but she has not stopped kissing My feet since I arrived. You did not anoint My head with oil, but she has anointed My feet with perfume. Therefore I tell you, because her many sins have been forgiven, she has loved much. But he who has been forgiven little loves little.” Luke 7:44-47 (BSB)</p>
</blockquote>
<p>Simon, do you see this woman? I can read those sweet words over and over.</p>
<p>Jesus saw that woman. He noticed her wiping the tears from His feet. He noticed her pouring the perfume on His feet. She hadn&#8217;t stopped kissing His feet and He was the center of her worship and He noticed. Because He noticed, her many sins were forgiven.</p>
<p>Face to Face with her Redeemer that day changed everything.</p>
<blockquote>
<p class="reg">Jesus said to the woman, <span class="red">“Your faith has saved you; go in peace.” Luke 7:50 (NIV)</span></p>
</blockquote>
<p><a href="https://jaimewiebel.com/2017/03/a-living-hope-a-new-hope/">Her hope</a> was placed in Jesus. He forgave her sins and her faith, even if it was the off chance for a new beginning got her noticed and she was saved.</p>
<p>Her desperation and shame now had a new name and it is peace. She was now free to walk in the sweet grace and mercy of Jesus&#8217; forgiveness.</p>
<h2><span style="color: #8b94aa;">Personal Reflections</span></h2>
<p>Please share your thoughts with us in the comments. Also, feel free to journal your responses as we go through this study.</p>
<ol>
<li>Do you ever feel like Jesus doesn&#8217;t notice you? Or maybe He has so many people to notice that you may have been overlooked?</li>
<li>Do you feel the depth of your forgiven sins? Have you praised God lately for the opportunity to come face to face with your redeemer?</li>
<li><hr /><p><em>When is the last time you were physically on your face at the feet of Jesus?</em><br /><a href='https://twitter.com/intent/tweet?url=https%3A%2F%2Fwp.me%2Fp9igEf-rr&#038;text=When%20is%20the%20last%20time%20you%20were%20physically%20on%20your%20face%20at%20the%20feet%20of%20Jesus%3F&#038;via=Jaime_Wiebel&#038;related=Jaime_Wiebel' target='_blank' rel="noopener noreferrer" >Share on X</a><br /><hr /></li>
<li>Staying down and living in shame is not where Jesus wants you. Just like this woman, He told her to go in peace. Have you been able to grasp the Peace that only God offers in the face of forgiveness?</li>
<li>If you have lived your life with trying the many roads that don&#8217;t lead to Jesus are you ready for Him to guide you on the right path?</li>
</ol>
<h2><span style="color: #8b94aa;">Linkup with Sitting Among Friends Blog Party </span></h2>
<p><img data-recalc-dims="1" loading="lazy" decoding="async" class="size-medium wp-image-1463 alignleft" src="https://i0.wp.com/jaimewiebel.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/11/Sitting-Among-Friends2.png?resize=286%2C300&#038;ssl=1" alt="Sitting Among Friend Blog Party at Seeking God with Jaime Wiebel Every Wednesday!" width="286" height="300" /><span style="font-size: 14pt;">Blog Parties are such a great place to meet people and build connections around the web. This is one reason, I love this party. Please make sure to visit another friend in the linkup!</span></p>
<p><span style="font-size: 14pt;">I would love to sit down face-to-face with you but since we can&#8217;t do that I love to meet you here. I love to hear your stories and see your work.</span></p>
<p><span style="font-size: 14pt;">This is a Christian based website and so is the material that I promote here. Please remember that when linking up. I do reserve the right to remove posts.</span></p>
<p><span style="color: #8b94aa;"><strong><span style="font-size: 14pt;">*Please take the time to visit other blogs to comment and share* </span></strong></span></p>
<p><span style="color: #8b94aa;"><strong><span style="font-size: 14pt;">I would appreciate you linking back to Seeking God or #SittingAmongFriends somewhere on your page. </span></strong></span></p>
<p><span style="font-size: 14pt;">Tag Me with Twitter Shares and I will RT them.</span></p>
<p><span style="font-size: 14pt;">I will be featuring a friend during the week on my FB page!</span></p>
<p><span style="font-size: 14pt;">Join us at our <a href="https://www.pinterest.com/Jaime_Wiebel/sitting-among-friends-blog-party/">Sitting Among Friends Pinterest Board</a> by following <a href="https://www.pinterest.com/Jaime_Wiebel/">my profile</a> and then requesting an invite.</span></p>
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<p><img data-recalc-dims="1" loading="lazy" decoding="async" class="alignnone size-full wp-image-1676" src="https://i0.wp.com/jaimewiebel.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/02/The-Cherished-Moments-3.png?resize=735%2C1102&#038;ssl=1" alt="The Cherished Moments that we have with Jesus are world changing. Join us as we journey to meet Him face to face through His Holy Word. There we will grow in our intimate relationship with Him. #Biblestudy #Jesus #IntimateRelationship" width="735" height="1102" srcset="https://i0.wp.com/jaimewiebel.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/02/The-Cherished-Moments-3.png?w=735&amp;ssl=1 735w, https://i0.wp.com/jaimewiebel.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/02/The-Cherished-Moments-3.png?resize=200%2C300&amp;ssl=1 200w, https://i0.wp.com/jaimewiebel.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/02/The-Cherished-Moments-3.png?resize=683%2C1024&amp;ssl=1 683w" sizes="auto, (max-width: 735px) 100vw, 735px" /></p>
<p><img data-recalc-dims="1" loading="lazy" decoding="async" class="alignnone size-full wp-image-1705" src="https://i0.wp.com/jaimewiebel.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/02/The-Cherished-Moments_-Face-to-Face-with-My-Redeemer-Pin.png?resize=735%2C1102&#038;ssl=1" alt="He had healed the sick and raised the dead. Certainly, there was hope for a woman like her.Making it into this room this close, she couldn't contain her emotion. Just like a fresh spring shower, the tears poured out of her. Onto His feet. To the feet of her Redeemer. #BibleStudy #Redeemer @FacetoFacewithJesus" width="735" height="1102" srcset="https://i0.wp.com/jaimewiebel.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/02/The-Cherished-Moments_-Face-to-Face-with-My-Redeemer-Pin.png?w=735&amp;ssl=1 735w, https://i0.wp.com/jaimewiebel.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/02/The-Cherished-Moments_-Face-to-Face-with-My-Redeemer-Pin.png?resize=200%2C300&amp;ssl=1 200w, https://i0.wp.com/jaimewiebel.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/02/The-Cherished-Moments_-Face-to-Face-with-My-Redeemer-Pin.png?resize=683%2C1024&amp;ssl=1 683w" sizes="auto, (max-width: 735px) 100vw, 735px" /></p>
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