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<h1>Be Sure To Visit Our <a href="http://www.facebook.com/home.php?#%21/pages/Kernersville-NC/TogetherInTheGapcom/337120285516?ref=ts&amp;__a=8&amp;ajaxpipe=1">FAN PAGE</a> On Facebook And Become A FAN!</h1></div>
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		<title>Update For April 2012</title>
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		<comments>http://togetherinthegap.com/blog/?p=4060#comments</comments>
		<pubDate>Fri, 04 May 2012 16:11:17 +0000</pubDate>
		<dc:creator>Andrew Schank</dc:creator>
				<category><![CDATA[Lately]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[April Update]]></category>

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		<description><![CDATA[WOW! April was a tremendous month for us here at Great Commission Baptist Church! As we look back over the last 8-10 weeks we have seen how our regular attendance has doubled. Easter Sunday we broke our all time attendance record! We had 42 and 3 to show up late at the wrong time! lol! [...]]]></description>
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			<a href="http://api.tweetmeme.com/share?url=http%3A%2F%2Ftogetherinthegap.com%2Fblog%2F%3Fp%3D4060"><br />
				<img src="http://api.tweetmeme.com/imagebutton.gif?url=http%3A%2F%2Ftogetherinthegap.com%2Fblog%2F%3Fp%3D4060&amp;style=normal&amp;b=2" height="61" width="50" /><br />
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<p><a href="http://togetherinthegap.com/blog/wp-content/uploads/2010/03/Andrew-Profile.jpg"><img class="alignright size-thumbnail wp-image-3044" title="Andrew Profile" src="http://togetherinthegap.com/blog/wp-content/uploads/2010/03/Andrew-Profile-150x150.jpg" alt="" width="150" height="150" /></a>WOW! April was a tremendous month for us here at Great Commission Baptist Church! As we look back over the last 8-10 weeks we have seen how our regular attendance has doubled. Easter Sunday we broke our all time attendance record! We had 42 and 3 to show up late at the wrong time! lol! We have 1st time visitors just about every Sunday!</p>
<p>God has graciously allowed us to purchase a church van and we have already used it on a youth activity! We have had 3 professions of faith and two to come forward for baptism! Hallelujah! I am currently endeavoring to start a van ministry to bring people to church. So far it looks very promising!</p>
<p>Great Commission is currently anticipating the possibility of leasing a building of our own. I will mention more details in a few weeks. If this works out, it should allow us to expand our ministry opportunities a little. <strong>PLEASE MAKE THIS MATTER A PRIORITY IN YOUR PRAYER TIME!</strong> Our church is going  to need money to remodel and make the space appropriate for our use. We are also going to need various building materials and qualified laborers to help us with the renovation.</p>
<p>As you can see, things are going well, but rest assured Satan is working against us. Of course, we expect this, but we ask you to labor with us in prayer that we can stay right with our Lord and serve Him faithfully!</p>
<p>Feel free to <strong>SHARE</strong> this post with your friends in Social Media!</p>
<p>Pastor Schank</p>

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		<title>Our Biggest Day So Far!</title>
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		<comments>http://togetherinthegap.com/blog/?p=4056#comments</comments>
		<pubDate>Mon, 13 Feb 2012 14:12:25 +0000</pubDate>
		<dc:creator>Andrew Schank</dc:creator>
				<category><![CDATA[Daily Brief]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Great Commission Baptist Church]]></category>

		<guid isPermaLink="false">http://togetherinthegap.com/blog/?p=4056</guid>
		<description><![CDATA[Yesterday, Sunday, February 12, 2012, marked our biggest day at Great Commission Baptist Church thus far. We had a total of 32 in attendance with 11 first time visitors! Hallelujah! 7 of the 11 visitors were folks who came in a direct and specific answer to prayer. Saturday evening, at our Valentine&#8217;s Banquet, we closed [...]]]></description>
			<content:encoded><![CDATA[<!--S-ButtonZ 1.1.5 Start--><!--S-ButtonZ 1.1.5 End--><div class='embaArticle' style='display:inline'><div class="tweetmeme_button" style="float: right; margin-left: 10px;">
			<a href="http://api.tweetmeme.com/share?url=http%3A%2F%2Ftogetherinthegap.com%2Fblog%2F%3Fp%3D4056"><br />
				<img src="http://api.tweetmeme.com/imagebutton.gif?url=http%3A%2F%2Ftogetherinthegap.com%2Fblog%2F%3Fp%3D4056&amp;style=normal&amp;b=2" height="61" width="50" /><br />
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<p><a href="http://togetherinthegap.com/blog/wp-content/uploads/2010/03/Andrew-Profile.jpg"><img class="alignleft size-thumbnail wp-image-3044" style="float: left; margin: 6px;" title="Andrew Profile" src="http://togetherinthegap.com/blog/wp-content/uploads/2010/03/Andrew-Profile-150x150.jpg" alt="" width="150" height="150" /></a>Yesterday, Sunday, February 12, 2012, marked our biggest day at Great Commission Baptist Church thus far. <span id="more-4056"></span>We had a total of 32 in attendance with 11 first time visitors! Hallelujah! 7 of the 11 visitors were folks who came in a direct and specific answer to prayer. Saturday evening, at our Valentine&#8217;s Banquet, we closed our meeting with a concert of prayer. I asked God to send us visitors, whom we did not invite and didn&#8217;t know personally, to our service the following morning. Our Lord answered that prayer request in a spectacular way!</p>
<p>I preached on Blind Bartimaeus from <a class="biblija_link" href="http://www.biblija.net/biblija.cgi?id7=1&amp;pos=0&amp;set=5&amp;m=Mark+10%3A46-52">&#77;&#97;&#114;&#107;&#32;&#49;&#48;&#58;&#52;&#54;&#45;&#53;&#50;</a> in our worship service. God met with us as we considered the fact that Jesus is the one to whom we need to go for help. This is especially true for those who need to be saved. We preached about how Bartimaeus could not see physically and folks who do not know Christ as their Lord and Saviour are blind spiritually. At  the conclusion of the service we had a sweet time of fellowship.</p>
<p>As the day progressed, I paused to reflect upon what the Lord did for our people. There are many tender hearts in our congregation. God is working, but we also need to be on guard as Satan is sure to pop his ugly head up. Keep us in your prayers!</p>

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		<title>Exciting Days Are Ahead!</title>
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		<pubDate>Tue, 31 Jan 2012 12:52:43 +0000</pubDate>
		<dc:creator>Andrew Schank</dc:creator>
				<category><![CDATA[Daily Brief]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Great Commission Baptist Church]]></category>

		<guid isPermaLink="false">http://togetherinthegap.com/blog/?p=4054</guid>
		<description><![CDATA[It is amazing to think about what can happen when a spark ignites a combustible material. Just a little spark can start a campfire, bonfire, forest fire, and even a firestorm. The great lamps of those faithful lighthouses, which dot the treacherous shores of our nation, all derive their origin from a single spark. Massive [...]]]></description>
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<dt class="wp-caption-dt"><a href="http://togetherinthegap.com/blog/wp-content/uploads/2010/03/Excited.jpg"><img class="size-full wp-image-2905 " style="margin: 6px;" title="Excited" src="http://togetherinthegap.com/blog/wp-content/uploads/2010/03/Excited.jpg" alt="" width="95" height="124" /></a></dt>
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<p>It is amazing to think about what can happen when a spark ignites a combustible material. Just a little spark can start a campfire, bonfire, forest fire, and even a firestorm. The great lamps of those faithful lighthouses, which dot the treacherous shores of our nation, all derive their origin from a single spark. Massive engines, which power our automobiles as we travel up and down the road, are dependent upon a spark to keep running. Oh, how a little spark can make a difference!</p>
<p>I feel like God has ignited a flame in our church family recently. As you know, January 19, 2012 marked our one year anniversary! That&#8217;s right! <a title="Great Commission Baptist Church of Blair, Nebraska" href="http://www.greatcommissionbaptist.org" target="_blank">Great Commission Baptist Church</a> of Blair, Nebraska had its first Bible study in the Blair Family YMCA last January 19th! Hallelujah!</p>
<p>In the few days since our 1st Anniversary, God has really shown Himself strong on our behalf. We have had 3 visitors start coming regularly, and last Sunday, we had 3 more first time visitors! Several of our people got a hold of something&#8230; or rather, something got a hold of them. They came up to me and said, &#8220;Pastor, you need to see so-and-so!&#8221; WOW!!!</p>
<p>Now don&#8217;t get me wrong. We have been visiting and praying for people all along the way. Sunday however, God showed up and stirred some hearts! Again, it is a amazing what a little spark can do!</p>
<p>Praise the Lord with us as we endeavor to continue to reach our community for Jesus Christ. Please help us pray for more souls to be saved and lives to be changed. Pray that God will use our church family in such a way so as to make the greatest impact for the gospel&#8217;s sake!</p>

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		<title>God IS Faithful To Deliver!</title>
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		<pubDate>Sun, 29 Jan 2012 14:43:25 +0000</pubDate>
		<dc:creator>Andrew Schank</dc:creator>
				<category><![CDATA[Devotion]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Temptations]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Trials and Tests]]></category>

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		<description><![CDATA[Life is full of trials and tests. Even the pagan and unregenerate sinner understands this great truth. As followers of Jesus Christ, we have an awesome promise from God concerning our temptations of life. Consider &#49;&#32;&#67;&#111;&#114;&#105;&#110;&#116;&#104;&#105;&#97;&#110;&#115;&#32;&#49;&#48;&#58;&#49;&#51;&#8230; (&#49;&#32;&#67;&#111;&#114;&#105;&#110;&#116;&#104;&#105;&#97;&#110;&#115;&#32;&#49;&#48;&#58;&#49;&#51;) &#8220;There hath no temptation taken you but such as is common to man: but God is faithful, who [...]]]></description>
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<p><a href="http://togetherinthegap.com/blog/wp-content/uploads/2010/04/1-1-2008-42.jpg"><img class="alignleft size-thumbnail wp-image-3591" style="margin: 6px; float: left;" title="1-1-2008-42" src="http://togetherinthegap.com/blog/wp-content/uploads/2010/04/1-1-2008-42-150x150.jpg" alt="Andrew and Shilo Schank" width="150" height="150" /></a>Life is full of trials and tests. Even the pagan and unregenerate sinner understands this great truth. As followers of Jesus Christ, we have an awesome promise from God concerning our temptations of life. Consider <a class="biblija_link" href="http://www.biblija.net/biblija.cgi?id7=1&amp;pos=0&amp;set=5&amp;m=1+Corinthians+10%3A13">&#49;&#32;&#67;&#111;&#114;&#105;&#110;&#116;&#104;&#105;&#97;&#110;&#115;&#32;&#49;&#48;&#58;&#49;&#51;</a>&#8230;</p>
<blockquote><p><em>(<a class="biblija_link" href="http://www.biblija.net/biblija.cgi?id7=1&amp;pos=0&amp;set=5&amp;m=1+Corinthians+10%3A13">&#49;&#32;&#67;&#111;&#114;&#105;&#110;&#116;&#104;&#105;&#97;&#110;&#115;&#32;&#49;&#48;&#58;&#49;&#51;</a>) &#8220;There hath no temptation taken you but such as is common to man: but God is faithful, who will not suffer you to be tempted above that ye are able; but will with the temptation also make a way to escape, that ye may be able to bear it.&#8221;  (KJV)</em></p></blockquote>
<p>Our Heavenly Father is not up in Heaven looking for ways to punish and pick on us. No, in fact, His all-seeing eye is fixed upon us and He is looking for ways to show Himself strong on our behalf (<a class="biblija_link" href="http://www.biblija.net/biblija.cgi?id7=1&amp;pos=0&amp;set=5&amp;m=2+Chronicles+16%3A9">&#50;&#32;&#67;&#104;&#114;&#111;&#110;&#105;&#99;&#108;&#101;&#115;&#32;&#49;&#54;&#58;&#57;</a>). God <strong>IS</strong> faithful to us and for us!</p>
<p>The immediate context of our text speaks about how one should be careful to examine the Old Testament record for examples of those who endured trials and tests. Some failed, while others pass with flying colors. Lest one should think of himself too highly he had better heed the admonishment of the very accurate, scriptural evidence that proves God is the One who makes the difference in success or failure in our temptations.</p>
<p>The plain truth is that God is faithful to provide a way for us to endure life&#8217;s trials and to escape the sinful temptations that find their way into our setting. It is great to know that God not only can forgive and save us from sins, but He is faithful to provide an escape hatch when our Enemy tries to entice us! Hallelujah!</p>

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		<title>God Is Working In Blair, Nebraska</title>
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		<pubDate>Thu, 26 Jan 2012 14:22:30 +0000</pubDate>
		<dc:creator>Andrew Schank</dc:creator>
				<category><![CDATA[Daily Brief]]></category>
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		<description><![CDATA[It has been a while since I have been able to post anything on this blog. I want to praise the Lord for allowing me to get it running again. In recent days, we have seen more visitors come to church and people we have been praying for are more receptive to us. It is [...]]]></description>
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<p><a href="http://togetherinthegap.com/blog/wp-content/uploads/2010/03/conference-GA-0701.JPG"><img class="size-thumbnail wp-image-2870 alignleft" style="margin: 6px;" title="Andrew Lee Schank" src="http://togetherinthegap.com/blog/wp-content/uploads/2010/03/conference-GA-0701-150x150.jpg" alt="Pastoral Church Planter to Blair, Nebraska" width="150" height="150" /></a></p>
<p>It has been a while since I have been able to post anything on this blog. I want to praise the Lord for allowing me to get it running again. In recent days, we have seen more visitors come to church and people we have been praying for are more receptive to us. It is exciting to see what lay ahead of us.</p>
<p>Our church family is praying about getting our own building/storefront. I am exploring an option now that will work. I ask that you please remember us in your prayers as we try to move forward and take that next step!</p>
<p>I will post again real soon!</p>

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		<title>3 Fold Evidence Of Godly Wisdom!</title>
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		<pubDate>Thu, 19 Aug 2010 04:01:42 +0000</pubDate>
		<dc:creator>Andrew Schank</dc:creator>
				<category><![CDATA[Axiom To Acquire]]></category>
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		<description><![CDATA[Every solid Christian leader wants to exercise and godly discretion when making any decision, but especially the tough ones. We would be obliged to call this the implementation of wisdom. The unfortunate consequence of making any kind of decision is the reality of knowing you are being judged. This may or may not be helpful. [...]]]></description>
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<p>Every solid Christian leader wants to exercise <a href="http://togetherinthegap.com/blog/?p=3964">discernment</a> and godly discretion when making any decision, but especially the tough ones. We would be obliged to call this the implementation of wisdom. The unfortunate consequence of making any kind of decision is the reality of knowing you are being judged. This <a href="http://togetherinthegap.com/blog/?p=3765">criticism</a> may or may not be helpful. It may even come from those not directly affected by your decree. One thing is for certain, unsolicited commentary will come our way as the waves roll upon the seashore!</p>
<blockquote><p><span style="font-size: medium">&#8220;Sometimes Satan tries to exploit our tender conscience after a major decision so as to discourage us.&#8221;</span></p></blockquote>
<p>Much of the time, comments from others is distracting. Sometimes Satan tries to exploit our <a href="http://togetherinthegap.com/blog/?p=3576">tender conscience</a>, after a major decision, so as to discourage us. Statements from our critics can help us, whether they are completely true or not. However, it can burdensome to absorb them regardless of their merit. Jesus faced <a href="http://togetherinthegap.com/blog/?p=3736">criticism</a> just about everywhere He traveled. On one occasion we find Jesus addressing those of supposed higher intelligence and exposed a great principle for us to consider.</p>
<p><span style="font-size: large"><strong>&#8220;&#8230;Wisdom Is Justified Of All Her Children&#8221;!</strong></span></p>
<p>In the Gospel of <a class="biblija_link" href="http://www.biblija.net/biblija.cgi?id7=1&amp;pos=0&amp;set=5&amp;m=Luke+7%3A24-35">&#76;&#117;&#107;&#101;&#32;&#55;&#58;&#50;&#52;&#45;&#51;&#53;</a> we find the complete story of where Jesus develops this great truth for us to consider. John the Baptist is imprisoned for his ministry. He sends a few people to Jesus inquiring as to whether or not Jesus is indeed the very One whom the Scriptures prophesied would come. Jesus takes the opportunity, after he sends His forerunner&#8217;s messengers away with the proof asked for, to ask those around Him about the great prophet. As He begins to give authentication of John&#8217;s ministry He remarks about those who falsely accused him. Not only that, but He brings out the fact that many accused him unjustly as well. He makes a striking statement when He said, &#8220;But wisdom is justified of all her children&#8221; in verse 35. Let&#8217;s examine this principle statement&#8230;</p>
<p><span style="font-size: large"><strong>Exhibit A&#8230; Godly Wisdom Will Produce A Godly Effect!</strong></span></p>
<p>Wisdom personified, of course, is Jesus Christ! He did right <strong>ALL</strong> of the time. We should seek to emulate this in our decision making too. When God&#8217;s people exercise God&#8217;s way in things they will produce a godly effect. For instance, when you hunger and thirst after righteousness, you will certainly be filled. John the Baptist was preaching God&#8217;s Word faithfully and it had a profound impact on those who heard the great, messianic message of repentance. Further still, because John preached it <span style="text-decoration: underline">right</span>, people were changed completely! How else can you describe hardened sinners following John&#8217;s message of repentance and producing the fruit of righteousness as anything but a godly effect?</p>
<p><span style="font-size: large"><strong>Exhibit B&#8230; Godly Wisdom Will Produce An Ever Increasing Following!</strong></span></p>
<p>Granted, almost anything good or bad can be said to have a following, but godly wisdom will be seen in her children. Notice the plurality used. Jesus said &#8220;children&#8221; in verse 35, not &#8220;child&#8221;. Furthermore, in verse 29 you find the great report of a following of John&#8217;s ministry recorded! Consider: <em>&#8220;And all the people that heard him, and the publicans, justified God, being baptized with the baptism of John.&#8221;</em> In essence Jesus is saying that God&#8217;s way, &#8220;<strong>WISDOM</strong>&#8220;, is justified as it produces the proper effect in people, and it continues on day by day. These people mentioned in verse 29 not only heard John, but believed. They acted on what they heard and followed completely; being publicly identified with the message, and manner of John&#8217;s ministry.</p>
<p><span style="font-size: large"><strong>Exhibit C&#8230; Godly Wisdom Will Produce A Viciousness In The Ungodly! </strong></span></p>
<p>One way to know that you are right is when your enemies accuse you of doing right! This is clearly seen in the passage we have been examining. Those pharisees came to see what he was doing on the river banks of Jordan. Nobody could refute what John did. However, they were not done yet. His enemies resolved to discredit him by name calling and character assignation. They did this to Jesus as well, and some speculated  that He was conceived outside of wedlock. Even to the casual observer of the aforementioned passage we see the anger and viciousness of these so-called religious leaders. Be sure, as you seek to do right, many will make it their purpose for living to put out your righteous flame with the water of wicked words!</p>
<p><span style="font-size: large"><strong>The Verdict&#8230;</strong></span></p>
<blockquote><p><span style="font-size: medium">&#8220;While we cannot &#8220;make things happen&#8221;, we can do what is right and look for the fruit of godly wisdom.&#8221;</span></p></blockquote>
<p>In summation, you can see the evidence that godly wisdom produces in it&#8217;s exercise. When we make decisions as leaders we sometimes wonder how things will turn out. While we cannot &#8220;make things happen&#8221;, we can do what is right and look for the fruit of godly wisdom. It is hard to go forward when much criticism is in the air. We must seek to please the Lord as never before when we face this. Discouragement and poor subsequent decisions will result when focusing attention on the cry of critics. Dr. Bob Jones Sr. used to say something like this, &#8220;Do right, if the stars fall do right!&#8221; I say, &#8220;AMEN, Dr. Jones!&#8221;</p>
<p style="text-align: center">**********</p>
<p>Are you concerned about your sin? Do you need help? It would be an       honor to help you. Click through the links below or email me at       andrew@togetherinthegap.com and I will do my best to help you with your       sin from a Biblical perspective!</p>
<p>If you have any questions about how to go to Heaven            when      you die, then please <a title="Plan Of Salvation     Information" href="http://www.togetherinthegap.com/index.php?option=com_content&amp;view=article&amp;id=53&amp;Itemid=75" target="_blank"><strong>CLICK     HERE</strong></a> and view our video             and information on this all     important question of life!</p>
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		<pubDate>Wed, 18 Aug 2010 04:01:35 +0000</pubDate>
		<dc:creator>Andrew Schank</dc:creator>
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		<description><![CDATA[With so much misinformation out there about , it is refreshing to know that there are some things angels do that we can do as well. You may have given no thought to the fact that angel express their emotions. That&#8217;s right! They feel, are inquisitive, and express themselves much like we do. Though they [...]]]></description>
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				<img src="http://api.tweetmeme.com/imagebutton.gif?url=http%3A%2F%2Ftogetherinthegap.com%2Fblog%2F%3Fp%3D4000&amp;style=normal&amp;b=2" height="61" width="50" /><br />
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<p><a href="http://togetherinthegap.com/blog/wp-content/uploads/2010/04/Angel-Gabriel.jpg"><img class="alignleft size-thumbnail wp-image-3618" style="margin: 6px;" title="Angel Gabriel" src="http://togetherinthegap.com/blog/wp-content/uploads/2010/04/Angel-Gabriel-150x150.jpg" alt="" width="150" height="150" /></a>With so much misinformation out there about <a href="http://togetherinthegap.com/blog/?p=3617">angels</a>, it is refreshing to know that there are some things angels do that we can do as well. You may have given no thought to the fact that angel express their emotions. That&#8217;s right! They feel, are inquisitive, and express themselves much like we do. Though they can do many things that we cannot do, there are at least three things which we have in common. Let&#8217;s take a look&#8230;</p>
<p><span style="font-size: large;"><strong>Angels Worship&#8230;</strong></span></p>
<blockquote><p><em>(<a class="biblija_link" href="http://www.biblija.net/biblija.cgi?id7=1&amp;pos=0&amp;set=5&amp;m=Revelation+5%3A11-12">&#82;&#101;&#118;&#101;&#108;&#97;&#116;&#105;&#111;&#110;&#32;&#53;&#58;&#49;&#49;&#45;&#49;&#50;</a>) &#8220;And I beheld, and <strong>I heard the voice of many angels round about the throne</strong> and the beasts and the elders: and <strong>the number of them was ten thousand times ten thousand, and thousands of thousands</strong>; Saying with a loud voice, Worthy is the Lamb that was slain to receive power, and riches, and wisdom, and strength, and honour, and glory, and blessing.&#8221;  (KJV)</em></p></blockquote>
<p>Probably the greatest thing any being (or created thing &#8211; <a class="biblija_link" href="http://www.biblija.net/biblija.cgi?id7=1&amp;pos=0&amp;set=5&amp;m=Luke+19%3A36-40">&#76;&#117;&#107;&#101;&#32;&#49;&#57;&#58;&#51;&#54;&#45;&#52;&#48;</a>) can do is worship God! In Revelations 5:11-12 we find that angels do a lot of praising and worshiping around the throne. They are exalting Jesus Christ. I cannot think of anyone who deserves more adoration and exaltation than Him. Can you think of anyone?</p>
<p>Just as angels give themselves to worship, you and I can do the same. Though many around the world have a perverted and misguided view about what genuine worship is, you and I who know Christ as a personal Savior, have no problem understanding the concept. Our dilemma is that we do not exercise our freedom to worship enough. In fact, we should be worshiping more than the angels. After all, we know what it means to be redeemed! The fallen angels were never given the opportunity to be saved after their wicked acts of rebellion.</p>
<p><span style="font-size: large;"><strong>Angels Express Joy&#8230;</strong></span></p>
<blockquote><p><em>(<a class="biblija_link" href="http://www.biblija.net/biblija.cgi?id7=1&amp;pos=0&amp;set=5&amp;m=Job+38%3A7">&#74;&#111;&#98;&#32;&#51;&#56;&#58;&#55;</a>) &#8220;When the morning stars sang together, and all the sons of God shouted for joy?&#8221;  (KJV) </em>(&#8220;sons of God&#8221; is a reference to angels)<em><br />
</em></p></blockquote>
<p>In Job 38, as God is questioning Job about the creation of earth, He emphatically declares that angels shouted for joy upon the laying of the foundations. This speaks to me in a marvelous way. If angels, who saw the creating of the earth, can shout for joy, then I can shout too! Though I have not seen all that angels have seen, what I have seen fans a flame in my soul. As lava pushes its was up through the bowels of a volcano to explode into the air, so my souls bursts with joy as I think about who God is and how He has been so good to me and my family!</p>
<p>Those who know Christ should express their joy! <a class="biblija_link" href="http://www.biblija.net/biblija.cgi?id7=1&amp;pos=0&amp;set=5&amp;m=Psalm+107%3A2">&#80;&#115;&#97;&#108;&#109;&#32;&#49;&#48;&#55;&#58;&#50;</a> says in part, &#8220;Let the redeemed of the LORD say so&#8230;&#8221; What we need are some &#8220;say so-ers&#8221;! When was the last time you expressed your joy for a spiritual matter? I&#8217;ll bet you expressed your joy over your favorite <a class="zem_slink freebase/guid/9202a8c04000641f800000000000a368" title="Basketball" rel="wikipedia" href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Basketball">basketball</a> team&#8217;s recent victory! If angels can shout for joy, then so can I!</p>
<p><span style="font-size: large;"><strong>Angels Celebrate The Salvation Of A Soul&#8230;</strong></span></p>
<blockquote><p><em>(<a class="biblija_link" href="http://www.biblija.net/biblija.cgi?id7=1&amp;pos=0&amp;set=5&amp;m=Luke+15%3A7-10">&#76;&#117;&#107;&#101;&#32;&#49;&#53;&#58;&#55;&#45;&#49;&#48;</a>) &#8220;I say unto you, that likewise joy shall be in heaven over one sinner that repenteth, more than over ninety and nine just persons, which need no repentance. Either what woman having ten pieces of silver, if she lose one piece, doth not light a candle, and sweep the house, and seek diligently till she find it? And when she hath found it, she calleth her friends and her neighbours together, saying, <strong>Rejoice with me; for I have found the piece which I had lost. Likewise, I say unto you, there is joy in the presence of the angels of God over one sinner that repenteth</strong>.&#8221;  (KJV)</em></p></blockquote>
<p>There is joy in the birthing rooms of hospitals all around the world. In the huts, cabins, and jungles of <a class="zem_slink freebase/en/third_world" title="Third World" rel="wikipedia" href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Third_World">Third World</a> countries families rejoice over the arrival of those little babies. It is very instinctive to be happy when their is a physical birth, and their should be expressions of joy and happiness when someone is born spiritually! This is certainly the case with angels. Though they never have been saved, nor have they any conception of redemption in an experiential way, they rejoice when one soul is born again.</p>
<p>Consider the passage above, and examine what makes you happy. When someone makes a profession of faith in Christ, does it move you? Does your heart burst with joy and exhilaration upon knowledge of the fact that a man, woman, boy or girl has asked God to forgive them of their sin and placed their faith in Christ&#8217;s atoning work of redemption? This is certainly something to think about isn&#8217;t it?</p>
<p><span style="font-size: large;"><strong>Bottom Line&#8230;</strong></span></p>
<p>The fact of the matter is that there are numerous things angels can do and do well. Many of which, you nor I can&#8217;t even think about doing. However, we hold in common the ability to express our emotions. After contemplating the fact that angels express themselves in this fashion, as has been presented, I feel that I need to express my joy more as God lead me to do! Selah</p>
<p style="text-align: center;">**********</p>
<p>Are you concerned about your sin? Do you need help? It would be an      honor to help you. Click through the links below or email me at      andrew@togetherinthegap.com and I will do my best to help you with your      sin from a Biblical perspective!</p>
<p>If you have any questions about how to go to Heaven            when      you die, then please <a title="Plan Of Salvation     Information" href="http://www.togetherinthegap.com/index.php?option=com_content&amp;view=article&amp;id=53&amp;Itemid=75" target="_blank"><strong>CLICK     HERE</strong></a> and view our video             and information on this all     important question of life!</p>
<p><strong><strong>If you have any prayer requests and            want      me to help you   pray  about    them, then go to our <strong><a title="Our Prayer Center" href="http://www.togetherinthegap.com/index.php?option=com_prayercenter&amp;task=newreq&amp;Itemid=116" target="_blank">prayer           center</a></strong></strong> and             follow the instructions! WE ARE IN  THIS      THING   TOGETHER!</strong></p>
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		<title>A Spiritual “Chill Pill”!</title>
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		<comments>http://togetherinthegap.com/blog/?p=3978#comments</comments>
		<pubDate>Tue, 17 Aug 2010 04:01:36 +0000</pubDate>
		<dc:creator>Andrew Schank</dc:creator>
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		<guid isPermaLink="false">http://togetherinthegap.com/blog/?p=3978</guid>
		<description><![CDATA[Years ago, while working in a factory, a wise lady related a saying she heard when she was a child. It goes something like this: &#8220;If everyone in my church were just like me, what kind of church would my church be?&#8221; As then, so now&#8230; I say AMEN! What a powerful motto we should [...]]]></description>
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<p>Years ago, while working in a factory, a wise lady related a saying she  heard when she was a child. It goes something like this: &#8220;If everyone in  my church were just like me, what kind of church would my church be?&#8221;  As then, so now&#8230; I say AMEN! What a powerful motto we should have! The context of our conversation was how various church members appear to keep something stirred up. Each of us can think of people that fit this description.</p>
<blockquote><p><em><span style="font-size: medium">&#8220;If everyone in  my church were just like me, what kind of church would my church be?&#8221;</span></em></p></blockquote>
<p>We have all heard the priceless admonishment, &#8220;Churches would be perfect if it were not for those that make them up!&#8221; <img src='http://togetherinthegap.com/blog/wp-includes/images/smilies/icon_biggrin.gif' alt=':-D' class='wp-smiley' />  Not too long ago, I heard a pastor take it a step further, while jesting, and said &#8220;I could pastor my church if it weren&#8217;t for the people in it!&#8221; The truth of the matter is that when gathering numerous souls in the same room, activity, forum, etc. you are putting a fuse to a powder keg. No matter how Christ-like people are, you are dealing with different personalities, likes and dislikes, opinions, and so on. Odds are, whatever you say, preach, teach, and sing, someone is bound to not approve in varying manners.</p>
<p><span style="font-size: large"><strong>The Dilemma&#8230;</strong></span></p>
<p>If you are like most, then you get frustrated, in the very least, with contention in the church family. It is so wearisome when you continually go to a local assembly and you know that there is hostility to come. Many tire to the point of either changing churches or giving up altogether and remaining at home when they should be in church. Those that wait it out often battle bitterness and getting pulled into the quarrel; taking sides.</p>
<p><span style="font-size: large"><strong>A Closer Look&#8230;</strong></span></p>
<p>It has been my experience that most problems come from a credible issue. There are always some off the wall firebrands thrust our way, but most problems in a church family are authentic. Think about it! Have you ever had a question or issue that someone thought was absurd? How did you react? Did you become the object of criticism? Is this not the major route of mainstream church debates? Even in the early church there was a problem with people not getting the necessary attention many thought they were due. The apostles, as recorded in the Book of Acts, had the church family address the issue and Deacons were assigned to remedy the situation.</p>
<p><span style="font-size: large"><strong>The Crux&#8230;</strong></span></p>
<p>We all could speculate on the gossip and backbiting that occurred over this problem. The Bible just doesn&#8217;t exalt it by recording it in the text. However, we can learn from this by remembering that just because something is not big in your eyes, the one speaking to the issue does. We should respond to it as we would want to be treated! Much contention arises in the church, not over the original issue, but on what has been said by those reacting to the problem.</p>
<p><span style="font-size: large"><strong>The Remedy&#8230;</strong></span></p>
<p>It is the Bible&#8217;s position that we take a spiritual &#8220;chill pill&#8221; when we sense adversity ahead amongst the church family. Consider that we should take a stand and not compromise, but that we also deal with our brothers and sisters in Christ as just that: <strong>BROTHERS AND SISTERS</strong>! You might say, &#8220;We are behaving like brothers and sister, that&#8217;s why we fuss so much!  <img src='http://togetherinthegap.com/blog/wp-includes/images/smilies/icon_biggrin.gif' alt=':-D' class='wp-smiley' />  While the point is made, just remember that God the Father is glorified in the Son. It is our dire responsibility to glorify and magnify Jesus. So instead of always wanting it your way, try and pursue the mind of God on things. It might prove to be much more palatable!</p>
<p><span style="font-size: large"><strong>The Prescription&#8230;</strong></span></p>
<p>It behooves me to prescribe a Bible passage that can serve to help each of us stay in the will of God and keep our testimonies when problems come our way! Consider the following:</p>
<blockquote><p><em>(<a class="biblija_link" href="http://www.biblija.net/biblija.cgi?id7=1&amp;pos=0&amp;set=5&amp;m=Ephesians+4%3A30-32">&#69;&#112;&#104;&#101;&#115;&#105;&#97;&#110;&#115;&#32;&#52;&#58;&#51;&#48;&#45;&#51;&#50;</a>) &#8220;And <span style="text-decoration: underline">grieve not the holy Spirit of God</span>, whereby ye are sealed unto the day of redemption. <span style="text-decoration: underline">Let all</span> bitterness, and wrath, and <a class="zem_slink freebase/en/anger" title="Anger" rel="wikipedia" href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Anger">anger</a>, and clamour, and evil speaking, be put away from you, with all malice: <span style="text-decoration: underline">And be ye kind one to another, tenderhearted, forgiving one another, even as God for Christ&#8217;s sake hath forgiven you.</span>&#8220;  (KJV)</em></p></blockquote>
<ol>
<li>Don&#8217;t Grieve The Holy Ghost By Responding In The Flesh!</li>
<li>Watch What You Say, How You Say It, And How You Respond To The Response You Get!</li>
<li>No Matter What Happens, Forgive As You Have Been Forgiven!</li>
</ol>
<p><strong>Conclusion&#8230;</strong></p>
<p>When you feel the pressure mounting, take a spiritual &#8220;chill pill&#8221;! You don&#8217;t have to be right! They don&#8217;t have to be wrong! Let cooler heads prevail. This doesn&#8217;t mean that you compromise, but it does mean doing right! I have done things that were right, but accomplished them by doing wrong. Though I got what I wanted, thinking I was right, I actually lost. Jesus spoke about being wise as serpents and harmless as doves. It is hard to do, but with Jesus help, we can do anything!</p>
<p style="text-align: center">**********</p>
<p>Are you concerned about your sin? Do you need help? It would be an     honor to help you. Click through the links below or email me at     andrew@togetherinthegap.com and I will do my best to help you with your     sin from a Biblical perspective!</p>
<p>If you have any questions about how to go to Heaven            when      you die, then please <a title="Plan Of Salvation     Information" href="http://www.togetherinthegap.com/index.php?option=com_content&amp;view=article&amp;id=53&amp;Itemid=75" target="_blank"><strong>CLICK     HERE</strong></a> and view our video             and information on this all     important question of life!</p>
<p><strong><strong>If you have any prayer requests and            want      me to help you   pray  about    them, then go to our <strong><a title="Our Prayer Center" href="http://www.togetherinthegap.com/index.php?option=com_prayercenter&amp;task=newreq&amp;Itemid=116" target="_blank">prayer           center</a></strong></strong> and             follow the instructions! WE ARE IN  THIS      THING   TOGETHER!</strong></p>
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		<title>3 Things Diligence Leads To!</title>
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		<pubDate>Mon, 16 Aug 2010 04:01:39 +0000</pubDate>
		<dc:creator>Andrew Schank</dc:creator>
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		<description><![CDATA[Most people are diligent in some area of their life. With many, sports is a pursued pass-time, while others may enjoy working in their gardens. Even lazy people are diligent. You guessed it&#8230; they work at doing nothing! One thing is certain, everybody, especially God&#8217;s people, must be diligent in whatever they come into contact [...]]]></description>
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<p>Most people are diligent in some area of their life. With many, <a class="zem_slink freebase/en/sport" title="Sport" rel="wikipedia" href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Sport">sports</a> is a pursued pass-time, while others may enjoy working in their gardens. Even lazy people are diligent. You guessed it&#8230; they work at doing nothing!  <img src='http://togetherinthegap.com/blog/wp-includes/images/smilies/icon_biggrin.gif' alt=':-D' class='wp-smiley' />  One thing is certain, everybody, especially God&#8217;s people, must be diligent in whatever they come into contact with. By that, I mean we should endeavor to work hard at the task at hand. If we are to clean our house, then we should do it deliberately, and effectively! If we are praying, then we should actively engage ourselves in that labor.</p>
<p><span style="font-size: large"><strong>One Will Benefit From Diligence!</strong></span></p>
<p>Even to the casual observer, you can see the benefits of being diligent. <a class="zem_slink freebase/en/michael_jordan" title="Michael Jordan" rel="wikipedia" href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Michael_Jordan">Michael Jordan</a> did not become the mighty athlete that he did by mediocrity. <a class="zem_slink freebase/en/lou_ferrigno" title="Lou Ferrigno" rel="wikipedia" href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Lou_Ferrigno">Lou Ferrigno</a>&#8216;s strength was not acquired by laziness and eating pretzels. Each of these men benefited from <a class="zem_slink freebase/en/diligence" title="Diligence" rel="wikipedia" href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Diligence">diligence</a>! This is plain to see. The Bible vividly portrays three specific things which diligence can produce. Let&#8217;s examine them!</p>
<p><span style="font-size: large"><strong>#1 &#8211; Diligence Can Produce Favor</strong></span></p>
<blockquote><p><em>(<a class="biblija_link" href="http://www.biblija.net/biblija.cgi?id7=1&amp;pos=0&amp;set=5&amp;m=Proverbs+11%3A27">&#80;&#114;&#111;&#118;&#101;&#114;&#98;&#115;&#32;&#49;&#49;&#58;&#50;&#55;</a>) &#8220;He that <strong>diligently</strong> seeketh good procureth favour: but he that seeketh mischief, it shall come unto him.&#8221;  (KJV)</em></p></blockquote>
<p>Did you know that you can gain favor from God and man by simply being diligent? The implication from this verse of Scripture is that when someone is early at the task of doing good and right they get favor. This goes a long way in shoring up a solid Christian testimony. On the other hand, when somebody is actively pursuing wrong, they receive their due reward.</p>
<p>Every leader, whether in the business world or in the church body, must have favor to be effective. The tendency is to get favor at any cost which can lead to sin. Hypocrisy is rampant among many leaders. From parents raising a family on Main Street to the CEO on Commerce Avenue, people are ever increasingly finding themselves guilty of ill gotten favor. God says that diligently following good will result in favor. Being held in high regard with our fellow man for the consistent and persistent race for righteousness is priceless!</p>
<p>One never knows just exactly how favor pays off. It might be one lone act that you thought nobody saw which will lead to that much needed raise in pay or promotion to another position. It might be that act of kindness years ago that leads to someone going the extra mile for you in your emergency! Diligence can produce favor and favor can pay off!</p>
<p><strong><span style="font-size: large">#2 &#8211; Diligence Can Produce Prosperity</span></strong></p>
<blockquote><p><em>(<a class="biblija_link" href="http://www.biblija.net/biblija.cgi?id7=1&amp;pos=0&amp;set=5&amp;m=Proverbs+10%3A4">&#80;&#114;&#111;&#118;&#101;&#114;&#98;&#115;&#32;&#49;&#48;&#58;&#52;</a>) &#8220;He becometh poor that dealeth with a slack hand: but the hand of the <strong>diligent</strong> maketh rich.&#8221;  (KJV)</em></p></blockquote>
<blockquote><p><em>(<a class="biblija_link" href="http://www.biblija.net/biblija.cgi?id7=1&amp;pos=0&amp;set=5&amp;m=Proverbs+13%3A4">&#80;&#114;&#111;&#118;&#101;&#114;&#98;&#115;&#32;&#49;&#51;&#58;&#52;</a>) &#8220;The soul of the sluggard desireth, and hath nothing: but the soul of the <strong>diligent</strong> shall be made fat.&#8221;  (KJV)</em></p></blockquote>
<p>One reason why I like the <a class="zem_slink freebase/en/market_economy" title="Market economy" rel="wikipedia" href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Market_economy">Free Market Economy</a> and Capitalist System is because of this Bible principle. When you are diligent, you will be rewarded. The Bible makes the statement that in all labor there is profit. How True! The slacker and the sluggard will not benefit by their behavior and will, no doubt, suffer loss. However, when someone works hard at their job, they will be rewarded. Yes, there are numerous examples of where people were overlooked and Corporate America hurting the little man, but that is because of the sin of man. God blesses those who work hard!</p>
<p>Notice also that diligence doesn&#8217;t necessarily produce material things. God says that one can be made &#8220;rich&#8221; and &#8220;fat&#8221;. Both of these terms are relative to God&#8217;s divine touch on our lives. Yes, Abraham, Job, and Jacob, are all examples of wealthy men in the Scripture. They all had the touch of God on their lives. Their testimony is well marked by the wealth they received, but consider the fact that numerous people in the Bible were diligent and did not have great <a class="zem_slink freebase/en/wealth" title="Wealth" rel="wikipedia" href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Wealth">material wealth</a>. For example, the Apostle Peter did not have vast stores of material things as Abraham did, but certainly he had God&#8217;s blessing and was prosperous.</p>
<p>Applying this idea to the business world is very easy. When you diligently perform your tasks at hand, your team, office division, etc. will be prosperous. You can be more productive by not wasting time, thereby inviting the opportunity to be rewarded by superiors. Considering Main Street; what family is not prosperous! Having children to attend to, a place to shelter you from the elements, parents to feed and nurture you, are all examples of prosperity!</p>
<p><span style="font-size: large"><strong>#3 &#8211; Diligence Can Produce Honor/Position </strong></span></p>
<blockquote><p><em>(<a class="biblija_link" href="http://www.biblija.net/biblija.cgi?id7=1&amp;pos=0&amp;set=5&amp;m=Proverbs+12%3A24">&#80;&#114;&#111;&#118;&#101;&#114;&#98;&#115;&#32;&#49;&#50;&#58;&#50;&#52;</a>) The hand of the <strong>diligent</strong> shall bear rule: but the slothful shall be under tribute.  (KJV)</em></p></blockquote>
<blockquote><p><em>(<a class="biblija_link" href="http://www.biblija.net/biblija.cgi?id7=1&amp;pos=0&amp;set=5&amp;m=Proverbs+22%3A29">&#80;&#114;&#111;&#118;&#101;&#114;&#98;&#115;&#32;&#50;&#50;&#58;&#50;&#57;</a>) Seest thou a man <strong>diligent</strong> in his business? he shall stand before kings; he shall not stand before mean men.  (KJV)</em></p></blockquote>
<p>From our verses above you can see how diligence plays a vital role in holding position (bear rule: has the idea of a &#8220;marshal&#8221;) rather than being a slave, and how hard work brings promotion! Although there is always an exception to the rule, 99.9999999% of the time nobody is promoted unless they, in some form or fashion, have earned it. The standard by which the promotion came is relative to the circumstance, but diligence played an active part.</p>
<blockquote><p><em>(<a class="biblija_link" href="http://www.biblija.net/biblija.cgi?id7=1&amp;pos=0&amp;set=5&amp;m=Psalms+75%3A6-7">&#80;&#115;&#97;&#108;&#109;&#115;&#32;&#55;&#53;&#58;&#54;&#45;&#55;</a>) &#8220;For promotion cometh neither from the east, nor from the west, nor from the south. <strong>But God is the judge</strong>: he putteth down one, and setteth up another.&#8221;  (KJV)</em></p></blockquote>
<p>I feel that the Bible clearly indicates that we can increase the scope of our dominion, if I can put it that way, by diligence. A <a class="zem_slink freebase/en/small_business" title="Small business" rel="wikipedia" href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Small_business">small business</a> owner can open a second store and a third, and a fourth, etc. by diligence. A Sunday School teacher can increase their class size by diligent study and preparation as well as by personally inviting people to come to class. Before long, the diligence pays off and a second class is formed. With each example, you can see how that reputation/honor is gained and public recognition could take place.</p>
<p><span style="font-size: large"><strong>Bottom Line&#8230;</strong></span></p>
<p>In summary, one must be diligent in order to be the effective servant leader that God intends them to be. Inconsistent behavior will drain the swamp, so to speak. Many try to take shortcuts in their business and personal lives, but God sees all. Even though we might see the flaws in other folks&#8217; character and wonder how they get by without practicing a diligent work ethic, God will take care of us! Bottom line&#8230; <strong>BE DILIGENT! </strong></p>
<p style="text-align: center">**********</p>
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		<title>Handling The “Stoplights” In Leadership!</title>
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		<pubDate>Sun, 15 Aug 2010 04:01:51 +0000</pubDate>
		<dc:creator>Andrew Schank</dc:creator>
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		<description><![CDATA[As long as I can remember, stoplights have been such an irritation to me. Though used for safety and proper traffic flow, these electric lights can be so inconvenient. Almost everybody can attest to some incident where a stoplight hindered getting to some event on time, or caused the loss of sight of someone you [...]]]></description>
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<p>As long as I can remember, stoplights have been such an irritation to me. Though used for safety and proper <a class="zem_slink freebase/en/traffic_flow" title="Traffic flow" rel="wikipedia" href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Traffic_flow">traffic flow</a>, these electric lights can be so inconvenient. Almost everybody can attest to some incident where a stoplight hindered  getting to some event on time, or caused the loss of sight of  someone you were following. In spite of these unavoidable drawbacks, stoplights are so iconic to us that many towns are noted for having few, if any, in their jurisdiction. With all of this stated, there are some great lessons to be learned from the stoplight.</p>
<p><span style="font-size: large"><strong>Stoplights Were Created For A Purpose!</strong></span></p>
<p>It was <a title="More info on origin of stoplights" href="http://wiki.answers.com/Q/Was_the_inventor_of_the_traffic_light_an_African-American" target="_blank">Garrett Augustus Morgan</a> who first patented the <a class="zem_slink freebase/en/traffic_light" title="Traffic light" rel="wikipedia" href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Traffic_light">traffic light</a>. It was based upon railroad signaling and first set up in <a class="zem_slink freebase/en/detroit_michigan" title="Detroit" rel="geolocation" href="http://maps.google.com/maps?ll=42.3313888889,-83.0458333333&amp;spn=0.1,0.1&amp;q=42.3313888889,-83.0458333333%20%28Detroit%29&amp;t=h">Detroit, Michigan</a> in 1920. Necessity being the mother of invention, the Morgan Light was used and modified into what we use today. It&#8217;s purpose was to handle the ever increasing congestion in big cities. It suffices to say that stoplights were specifically designed to carry out a specific purpose.</p>
<blockquote><p><em>&#8220;Though the steps of a good man are ordered by the Lord, his stops are ordered as well&#8221; &#8211; Pastor Buster Mullins</em></p></blockquote>
<p>We can learn something here. The Bible states in <strong><em><a class="biblija_link" href="http://www.biblija.net/biblija.cgi?id7=1&amp;pos=0&amp;set=5&amp;m=Psalms+37%3A23">&#80;&#115;&#97;&#108;&#109;&#115;&#32;&#51;&#55;&#58;&#50;&#51;</a> &#8220;The steps of a good man are ordered by the LORD: and he delighteth in his way.&#8221;  (KJV)</em></strong>. Though it speaks of steps here, recently, I was reminded, by a great preacher from <a class="zem_slink freebase/en/southwest_virginia" title="Southwest Virginia" rel="wikipedia" href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Southwest_Virginia">Southwest Virginia</a>, that the stops are ordered as well. God orders our life with a purpose. Accomplishing His purpose for us should be number one on our priority list. Sometimes He puts up red lights in our path to help us as we: lead others, conduct our own Christlike walk with God, raising our families, and in leading our companies, co-workers, teams and such. Every leader loves it when things seem to be moving along. In fact, many times it can be like driving with cruise control, but handling the stops can be exasperating!</p>
<p><span style="font-size: large"><strong>Stoplights Give Clear Indications!</strong></span></p>
<p>Stoplights are rather clear in their business. It is stop, go, or slow to a stop. Every leader likes to have clear direction as to what to do in any given situation. Much of the deliberation in decision making is the matter of accepting the fact of living with the consequences of our decisions. Though we like the green lights and usually get excited upon sight of their beaming rays, the red glow from the traffic signal is probably more important.</p>
<p>Think about this truth for a minute. When we are cruising along, someone has to stop for us. They observe our behavior and meditate on their destination. It is while stopped that things were thought of that had been forgotten. Had the individual not stopped, they would have missed out on something important. The hustle and bustle of the business day can leave one bewildered and constantly going with the flow. When we are forced to slow down or stop, we can catch our breath and possibly make better decisions.</p>
<p><span style="font-size: large"><strong>Stoplights Are Providential!</strong></span></p>
<p>When I was in the second grade at <a title="Gospel Light Christian School's Website" href="http://www.glcslions.org/" target="_blank">Gospel Light Christian School of Walkertown, North Carolina</a>, my teacher related an most impressionable event one morning. Every morning she stopped by another student&#8217;s house to bring them to school. On this particular morning, my fellow student remained asleep on the couch in spite of my teacher&#8217;s best effort to wake her up by knocking on the door. What seemed like an eternity, was only a few extra minutes. The student was soon dressed and sitting in the car. Hurrying on to school and making up some time as well, they providentially were held up by an inconvenient traffic light. While motionless at the stoplight, a <a class="zem_slink freebase/en/semi-trailer_truck" title="Semi-trailer truck" rel="wikipedia" href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Semi-trailer_truck">semi-truck</a> and trailer wrecked a vehicle in the intersection. My, very thankful, second grade teacher was careful to point out that God had providentially kept the two of them from a serious accident by stopping them at that light.</p>
<p><span style="font-size: large"><strong>Ponder This A Moment&#8230;</strong></span></p>
<p>Maybe God has you stopped at a providential intersection? Instead of looking at the fact that your career is at a standstill, or that your business has not been as productive, maybe you should just enjoy the respite and meditate on the clear lesson(s) being taught to you? Properly handling the &#8220;stoplights&#8221; in your life, whether privately or publicly, can determine the longevity of your effectiveness as a leader. From my own experiences, I can tell you that this is <strong>VERY</strong> important to carrying out the divine will of God for our lives!</p>
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