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Of Plates and Blue Jeans: Europe, Here We Come! Part 2

Fri, 17 Apr 2026 01:04:00 GMT

<center> <table align="center" border="0" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" height="100%" id="bodyTable" width="100%"> <tbody> <tr> <td align="center" id="bodyCell" valign="top"> <table border="0" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" width="100%"> <tbody> <tr> <td align="center" data-template-container="" id="templateHeader" valign="top"> <table align="center" border="0" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="templateContainer" width="100%"> <tbody> <tr> <td class="headerContainer" valign="top"> <table border="0" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="mcnTextBlock" style="min-width:100%;" width="100%"> <tbody class="mcnTextBlockOuter"> <tr> <td class="mcnTextBlockInner" style="padding-top:9px;" valign="top"> <table align="left" border="0" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="mcnTextContentContainer" style="max-width:100%; min-width:100%;" width="100%"> <tbody> <tr> <td class="mcnTextContent" style="padding-top:0; padding-right:18px; padding-bottom:9px; padding-left:18px;" valign="top"> <div style="text-align: center;"><span style="color:#FFFFFF"><span style="font-family:merriweather,georgia,times new roman,serif">Welcome To</span></span></div> <h2 class="null" style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://sermonillustrator.org"><span style="color:#FFFFFF">THE ILLUSTRATOR</span></a></h2> </td> </tr> </tbody> </table> </td> </tr> </tbody> </table> </td> </tr> </tbody> </table> </td> </tr> <tr> <td align="center" data-template-container="" id="templateBody" valign="top"> <table align="center" border="0" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="templateContainer" width="100%"> <tbody> <tr> <td class="bodyContainer" valign="top"> <table border="0" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="mcnBoxedTextBlock" style="min-width:100%;" width="100%"> <tbody class="mcnBoxedTextBlockOuter"> <tr> <td class="mcnBoxedTextBlockInner" valign="top"> <table align="left" border="0" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="mcnBoxedTextContentContainer" style="min-width:100%;" width="100%"> <tbody> <tr> <td style="padding-top:9px; padding-left:18px; padding-bottom:9px; padding-right:18px;"> <table border="0" cellspacing="0" class="mcnTextContentContainer" style="min-width: 100% !important;background-color: #FFFFFF;" width="100%"> <tbody> <tr> <td class="mcnTextContent" style="padding: 18px;color: #000000;font-family: "Helvetica Neue", Helvetica, Arial, Verdana, sans-serif;font-size: 16px;font-style: normal;font-weight: normal;text-align: center;" valign="top"> <h1 style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://sermonillustrator.org/2027/04/22/dealing-with-dem/"><span style="color:#000000;">Of Plates and Blue Jeans: Europe, Here We Come! Part 2</span></a></h1> <h4 style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size:16px;">April 17, 2026</span></h4> <hr style="width:20%; height: 2px; background: black !important; border: none !important; display:flex; justify-content: center; align-items: center;" /> <p style="margin-bottom: 11px; text-align: center;"><em><span style="font-family:Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size:14px;"><span style="color:#4e5f70;">And no one pours new wine into old wineskins…</span></span></span></em><br /> <span style="color:#4e5f70;"><span style="font-family:Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size:14px;"><em><span style="line-height:107%"><span style="font-style:normal">~ Luke 5:37 NIV ~</span></span></em></span></span></span></p> </td> </tr> </tbody> </table> </td> </tr> </tbody> </table> </td> </tr> </tbody> </table> <table border="0" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="mcnDividerBlock" style="min-width:100%;" width="100%"> <tbody class="mcnDividerBlockOuter"> <tr> <td class="mcnDividerBlockInner" style="min-width: 100%; padding: 9px 18px 0px;"> <table border="0" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="mcnDividerContent" style="min-width:100%;" width="100%"> <tbody> <tr> <td> </td> </tr> </tbody> </table> </td> </tr> </tbody> </table> <table border="0" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="mcnDividerBlock" style="min-width:100%;" width="100%"> <tbody class="mcnDividerBlockOuter"> <tr> <td class="mcnDividerBlockInner" style="min-width:100%; padding:18px;"> <table border="0" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="mcnDividerContent" style="min-width: 100%;border-top: 2px none #EAEAEA;" width="100%"> <tbody> <tr> <td> </td> </tr> </tbody> </table> </td> </tr> </tbody> </table> <table border="0" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="mcnImageBlock" style="min-width:100%;" width="100%"> <tbody class="mcnImageBlockOuter"> <tr> <td class="mcnImageBlockInner" style="padding:0px" valign="top"> <table align="left" border="0" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="mcnImageContentContainer" style="min-width:100%;" width="100%"> <tbody> <tr> <td class="mcnImageContent" style="padding-right: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-top: 0; padding-bottom: 0; text-align:center;" valign="top"><img align="center" alt="" class="mcnImage" height="320" src="https://sermonillustrator.org/cgi-bin/dada/mail.cgi/show_img/ill_html/20260417020456/d1dc99cb33f6e9f193a18a825ee7367d_Pants-N.jpg" style="max-width: 500px; padding-bottom: 0px; vertical-align: bottom; border-radius: 0%; width: 350px; display: inline !important; height: 233px;" width="400" /></td> </tr> </tbody> </table> </td> </tr> </tbody> </table> <table border="0" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="mcnDividerBlock" style="min-width:100%;" width="100%"> <tbody class="mcnDividerBlockOuter"> <tr> <td class="mcnDividerBlockInner" style="min-width:100%; padding:18px;"> <table border="0" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="mcnDividerContent" style="min-width: 100%;border-top: 2px none #EAEAEA;" width="100%"> <tbody> <tr> <td> </td> </tr> </tbody> </table> </td> </tr> </tbody> </table> <table border="0" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="mcnBoxedTextBlock" style="min-width:100%;" width="100%"> <tbody class="mcnBoxedTextBlockOuter"> <tr> <td class="mcnBoxedTextBlockInner" valign="top"> <table align="left" border="0" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="mcnBoxedTextContentContainer" style="min-width:100%;" width="100%"> <tbody> <tr> <td style="padding-top:9px; padding-left:18px; padding-bottom:9px; padding-right:18px;"> <table border="0" cellspacing="0" class="mcnTextContentContainer" style="min-width: 100% !important;background-color: #FFFFFF;" width="100%"> <tbody> <tr> <td class="mcnTextContent" style="padding: 18px;color: #000000;font-family: "Helvetica Neue", Helvetica, Arial, Verdana, sans-serif;font-size: 16px;font-weight: normal;line-height: 200%;text-align: left;" valign="top"> <p aria-label="Block: Paragraph" aria-multiline="true" aria-readonly="false" contenteditable="true" data-block="59bbf5f3-083f-4a93-97e2-2ab2efc4c63f" data-empty="false" data-title="Paragraph" data-type="core/paragraph" data-wp-block-attribute-key="content" id="block-59bbf5f3-083f-4a93-97e2-2ab2efc4c63f" role="document"><span style="font-family:Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size:18px;"><span style="color:#2c3e50;">This trip to the Alpen countries that my family and I embarked on in 2010 would be memorable in every way...<br /> <br /> Even though I had visited my parents in Belgium a few times, those were brief visits, usually at Christmas time, when my focus was on family. I hadn't had the opportunity to revisit the culture—or my old stomping grounds on the French/Swiss border—in at least 30 years. And let's just say that my memory of the culture was—Well, how can we put this nicely—a bit off?<br /> <br /> I'm pretty sure my kids wouldn't have stated it in quite that bit of a positive light, but since my boys were teens, their opinion doesn't count, right?<br /> <br /> First of all, no where in my memory of European style was there any mention of "blue jeans". As a young man, I, along with all of my peers, had prided myself in dressing neatly. In fact, my friends and I would chuckle at the American tourists in their blue jeans, claiming that we could spot them from afar, simply by the fabric of their pants! In our minds, not only did Americans have no sense of style, but they also didn't even seem to <em>care </em>how they looked. And so it was that as the suitcases came out, I laid down the law: <em>No blue jeans on this trip!</em> I wasn't about to be "labeled" as an—<em>American tourist!</em><br /> <br /> Secondly, in my era, everyone was taught to eat with manners. We used cutlery, and the knife belonged in the right hand at all times. We even ate French Fries with forks and knives, and ice cream was sold in cups with a spoon. At <em>no time</em> would anyone <em>ever </em>eat fast food without a plate! However, I knew that daily visits to fancy restaurants were way outside of our travel budget, and therefore, we would be eating a lot of sandwiches and street food. Since we also weren't going to be able to take said food back "home" to eat at a table, we would need to eat it sitting on park benches and the steps of buildings. Therefore, I absolutely insisted that we bring a supply of plastic plates and cutlery. I would <em>not </em>have my family labeled as—<em>"uncultured"! </em><br /> <br /> Was I in for a major shock...<br /> <br /> I refused to believe it at first, even when my family pointed it out to me. All those people in jeans just <em>had </em>to be American tourists! But when those "American tourists" didn't speak English, I was forced to rethink my beliefs…<br /> <br /> And then there were all those people eating with their—fingers! No cutlery or plates in sight! Even though those same people were also wearing blue jeans, I had to accept the facts: Europe had become "Americanized"…<br /> <br /> I don't think those plastic plates ever got used, and I know my boys wished they had packed their jeans. It made me very sad, however. I mean, it was like the Europe I grew up with was a thing of the past…<br /> <br /> Whether we like it or not, change is part of life. Jesus even had some interesting things to say about change: "And no one pours new wine into old wineskins. Otherwise, the new wine will burst the skins; the wine will run out and the wineskins will be ruined. No, new wine must be poured into new wineskins.” (Luke 5:37-38 NIV).<br /> <br /> Jesus used this illustration to explain that His new covenant of grace couldn't be contained by the old systems of legalism and tradition. Just like new wine needs fresh and pliable wineskins, God’s new work requires open and renewed hearts.<br /> <br /> My boys have never said anything, but I'm pretty sure they would have been much happier if I hadn't tried to force the culture of my upbringing on the European culture of 2010. And I know beyond a doubt that I am happy God has provided a new covenant, of grace through faith, to replace the old covenant of works, traditions and legalism: "For it is by grace you have been saved, through faith—and this is not from yourselves, it is the gift of God—not by works, so that no one can boast." (Ephesians 2:8-9 NIV).<br /> <br /> The problem is, as humans, we like our old traditions. In much the same way that I refused to wear blue jeans in Europe, we cling to attending church services and paying tithes and offerings, teaching Sunday school, all without knowing Jesus as our Lord and Saviour. But without God's saving grace, our lives are not changed. We continue in our anger, our worry, our unforgiveness, our selfish endeavours.<br /> <br /> Not that there is anything wrong with attending church or paying tithes. Neither is there anything wrong with dressing up and having good table manners! On the contrary, these are all highly recommended to us! But those things were no longer required, and therefore, they are to be embraced, not because it is the rule, but rather, because we love and respect our Lord Jesus Christ!<br /> <br /> Friends, let's stop looking to our traditions, our works and our actions to save us. Rather, let's embrace the new way, the way of Salvation by grace through faith in Jesus!<br /> <br /> Inspired by Rob Chaffart<br /> Founder, Answers2Prayer ministries</span></span></span></p> </td> </tr> </tbody> </table> </td> </tr> </tbody> </table> </td> </tr> </tbody> </table> <table border="0" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="mcnDividerBlock" style="min-width:100%;" width="100%"> <tbody class="mcnDividerBlockOuter"> <tr> <td class="mcnDividerBlockInner" style="min-width:100%; padding:18px;"> <table border="0" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="mcnDividerContent" style="min-width: 100%;border-top: 2px none #EAEAEA;" width="100%"> <tbody> <tr> <td> </td> </tr> </tbody> </table> </td> </tr> </tbody> </table> <table border="0" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="mcnBoxedTextBlock" style="min-width:100%;" width="100%"> <tbody class="mcnBoxedTextBlockOuter"> <tr> <td class="mcnBoxedTextBlockInner" valign="top"> <table align="left" border="0" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="mcnBoxedTextContentContainer" style="min-width:100%;" width="100%"> <tbody> <tr> <td style="padding-top:9px; padding-left:18px; padding-bottom:9px; padding-right:18px;"> <table border="0" cellspacing="0" class="mcnTextContentContainer" style="min-width: 100% !important;background-color: #FFFFFF;" width="100%"> <tbody> <tr> <td class="mcnTextContent" style="padding: 18px; font-weight: normal; line-height: 200%; text-align: left;" valign="top"> <h1 class="null" style="color: rgb(0, 0, 0); font-family: "Helvetica Neue", Helvetica, Arial, Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 16px; text-align: center; padding-left: 15px !important; padding-right: 15px !important;"><span style="font-size:24px;">Announcements</span></h1> <p style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family:Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size:18px;"><span style="color:#2c3e50;"><span style="font-variant: normal; white-space: pre-wrap;"><span style="font-weight:400"><span style="font-style:normal"><span style="text-decoration:none">Hello Answers2Prayer subscribers and followers!</span></span></span></span><br /> <br /> <span style="font-variant: normal; white-space: pre-wrap;"><span style="font-weight:400"><span style="font-style:normal"><span style="text-decoration:none">Answers2Prayer Ministries is happy to announce that we are now publishing two weekly devotionals in Spanish! Please access these and forward them to your Spanish friends and family! </span></span></span></span><br /> <br /> <span style="font-variant: normal; white-space: pre-wrap;"><span style="font-weight:400"><span style="font-style:normal"><span style="text-decoration:none">You can access these devotionals in three different ways: </span></span></span></span><br /> <br /> <span style="font-variant: normal; white-space: pre-wrap;"><span style="font-weight:400"><span style="font-style:normal"><span style="text-decoration:none">1. 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Please visit and "like" our Spanish facebook page, </span></span></span></span></span><a href="https://www.facebook.com/groups/352491520740004/" style="text-decoration:none"><span style="color:#2c3e50;"><span style="font-variant: normal; white-space: pre-wrap;"><span style="background-color:#ffffff"><span style="font-weight:700"><span style="font-style:normal"><span style="text-decoration:underline"><span style="text-decoration-skip-ink:none">Respuestas a la oración: Ministerios de Answers2Prayer</span></span></span></span></span></span></span></a><br /> <br /> <br /> <span style="color:#2c3e50;"><span style="font-variant: normal; white-space: pre-wrap;"><span style="font-weight:400"><span style="font-style:normal"><span style="text-decoration:none">¡Hola suscriptores y seguidores de Answers2Prayer!</span></span></span></span><br /> <br /> <span style="font-variant: normal; white-space: pre-wrap;"><span style="font-weight:400"><span style="font-style:normal"><span style="text-decoration:none">¡Answers2Prayer Ministries se complace en anunciar que ahora estamos publicando dos devocionales semanales en español! ¡Acceda a estos y reenvíelos a sus amigos y familiares españoles!</span></span></span></span><br /> <br /> <span style="font-variant: normal; white-space: pre-wrap;"><span style="font-weight:400"><span style="font-style:normal"><span style="text-decoration:none">Puedes acceder a estos devocionales de tres maneras diferentes:</span></span></span></span><br /> <br /> <span style="font-variant: normal; white-space: pre-wrap;"><span style="font-weight:400"><span style="font-style:normal"><span style="text-decoration:none">1. 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Por favor visite y haga clic en "Me gusta" en nuestra página de Facebook en español, Respuestas a la oración: Ministerios de Answers2Prayer</span></span></span></span></span></span></span></p> </td> </tr> </tbody> </table> </td> </tr> </tbody> </table> </td> </tr> </tbody> </table> <table border="0" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="mcnDividerBlock" style="min-width:100%;" width="100%"> <tbody class="mcnDividerBlockOuter"> <tr> <td class="mcnDividerBlockInner" style="min-width: 100%; padding: 18px 18px 0px;"> <table border="0" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="mcnDividerContent" style="min-width:100%;" width="100%"> <tbody> <tr> <td> </td> </tr> </tbody> </table> </td> </tr> </tbody> </table> </td> </tr> </tbody> </table> </td> </tr> <tr> <td align="center" data-template-container="" id="templateFooter" valign="top"> <table align="center" border="0" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="templateContainer" width="100%"> <tbody> <tr> <td class="footerContainer" valign="top"> <table border="0" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="mcnCodeBlock" width="100%"> <tbody class="mcnTextBlockOuter"> <tr> <td class="mcnTextBlockInner" valign="top"> <div style="text-align: center; font-family:helvetica;"><a href="https://sermonillustrator.org/cgi-bin/dada/mail.cgi" style="color: white; padding: 20px;">Subscribe</a><a href="https://sermonillustrator.org/" style="color: white; padding: 20px;">Our Devotionals</a><a href="http://sermonillustrator.org/contact/" style="color: white; padding: 20px;">Contact</a></div> </td> </tr> </tbody> </table> <table border="0" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="mcnDividerBlock" style="min-width:100%;" width="100%"> <tbody class="mcnDividerBlockOuter"> <tr> <td class="mcnDividerBlockInner" style="min-width:100%; padding:18px;"> <table border="0" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="mcnDividerContent" style="min-width: 100%;border-top: 2px solid #505050;" width="100%"> <tbody> <tr> <td> </td> </tr> </tbody> </table> </td> </tr> </tbody> </table> <table border="0" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="mcnTextBlock" style="min-width:100%;" width="100%"> <tbody class="mcnTextBlockOuter"> <tr> <td class="mcnTextBlockInner" style="padding-top:9px;" valign="top"> <table align="left" border="0" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="mcnTextContentContainer" style="max-width:100%; min-width:100%;" width="100%"> <tbody> <tr> <td class="mcnTextContent" style="padding-top:0; padding-right:18px; padding-bottom:9px; padding-left:18px;" valign="top"><em>Copyright © 2020 Answers2Prayer, All rights reserved.</em><br /> <br /> Want to change how you receive these emails?<br /> You can <a href="" target="_blank">unsubscribe from this list</a>.</td> </tr> </tbody> </table> </td> </tr> </tbody> </table> </td> </tr> </tbody> </table> </td> </tr> </tbody> </table> </td> </tr> </tbody> </table> </center> <img src="https://sermonillustrator.org/cgi-bin/dada/mail.cgi/spacer_image/ill_html///spacer.png" width="1" height="1" alt="" />

A Kindness Witnessed

Wed, 15 Apr 2026 00:40:00 GMT

<center> <table align="center" border="0" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" height="100%" id="bodyTable" width="100%"> <tbody> <tr> <td align="center" id="bodyCell" valign="top"> <table border="0" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" width="100%"> <tbody> <tr> <td align="center" data-template-container="" id="templateHeader" valign="top"> <table align="center" border="0" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="templateContainer" width="100%"> <tbody> <tr> <td class="headerContainer" valign="top"> <table border="0" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="mcnTextBlock" style="min-width:100%;" width="100%"> <tbody class="mcnTextBlockOuter"> <tr> <td class="mcnTextBlockInner" style="padding-top:9px;" valign="top"> <table align="left" border="0" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="mcnTextContentContainer" style="max-width:100%; min-width:100%;" width="100%"> <tbody> <tr> <td class="mcnTextContent" style="padding-top:0; padding-right:18px; padding-bottom:9px; padding-left:18px;" valign="top"> <div style="text-align: center;"><span style="color:#FFFFFF"><span style="font-family:merriweather,georgia,times new roman,serif">Welcome To</span></span></div> <h2 class="null" style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://sermonillustrator.org"><span style="color:#FFFFFF">THE ILLUSTRATOR</span></a></h2> </td> </tr> </tbody> </table> </td> </tr> </tbody> </table> </td> </tr> </tbody> </table> </td> </tr> <tr> <td align="center" data-template-container="" id="templateBody" valign="top"> <table align="center" border="0" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="templateContainer" width="100%"> <tbody> <tr> <td class="bodyContainer" valign="top"> <table border="0" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="mcnBoxedTextBlock" style="min-width:100%;" width="100%"> <tbody class="mcnBoxedTextBlockOuter"> <tr> <td class="mcnBoxedTextBlockInner" valign="top"> <table align="left" border="0" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="mcnBoxedTextContentContainer" style="min-width:100%;" width="100%"> <tbody> <tr> <td style="padding-top:9px; padding-left:18px; padding-bottom:9px; padding-right:18px;"> <table border="0" cellspacing="0" class="mcnTextContentContainer" style="min-width: 100% !important;background-color: #FFFFFF;" width="100%"> <tbody> <tr> <td class="mcnTextContent" style="padding: 18px;color: #000000;font-family: "Helvetica Neue", Helvetica, Arial, Verdana, sans-serif;font-size: 16px;font-style: normal;font-weight: normal;text-align: center;" valign="top"> <h1 style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://sermonillustrator.org/2026/04/14/a-kindness-witnessed/"><span style="color:#000000;">A Kindness Witnessed</span></a></h1> <h4 style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size:14px;">April 15, 2026</span></h4> <hr style="width:20%; height: 2px; background: black !important; border: none !important; display:flex; justify-content: center; align-items: center;" /> <p style="padding-left: 5%;padding-right: 5%;color: #000000;font-family: "Helvetica Neue", Helvetica, Arial, Verdana, sans-serif;font-size: 16px;font-style: normal;font-weight: normal;text-align: center;"><em><span style="font-family:Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size:14px;"><span style="color:#4e5f70;">...fixing our eyes on Jesus, the pioneer and perfecter of faith.</span></span></span></em><br /> <span style="font-family:Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size:14px;"><span style="color:#4e5f70;"><span style="line-height:107%">~ </span>Colossians 3:12 NIV<span style="line-height:107%"> ~</span></span></span></span></p> </td> </tr> </tbody> </table> </td> </tr> </tbody> </table> </td> </tr> </tbody> </table> <table border="0" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="mcnDividerBlock" style="min-width:100%;" width="100%"> <tbody class="mcnDividerBlockOuter"> <tr> <td class="mcnDividerBlockInner" style="min-width: 100%; padding: 9px 18px 0px;"> <table border="0" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="mcnDividerContent" style="min-width:100%;" width="100%"> <tbody> <tr> <td> </td> </tr> </tbody> </table> </td> </tr> </tbody> </table> <table border="0" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="mcnDividerBlock" style="min-width:100%;" width="100%"> <tbody class="mcnDividerBlockOuter"> <tr> <td class="mcnDividerBlockInner" style="min-width:100%; padding:18px;"> <table border="0" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="mcnDividerContent" style="min-width: 100%;border-top: 2px none #EAEAEA;" width="100%"> <tbody> <tr> <td> </td> </tr> </tbody> </table> </td> </tr> </tbody> </table> <table border="0" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="mcnImageBlock" style="min-width:100%;" width="100%"> <tbody class="mcnImageBlockOuter"> <tr> <td class="mcnImageBlockInner" style="padding:0px" valign="top"> <table align="left" border="0" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="mcnImageContentContainer" style="min-width:100%;" width="100%"> <tbody> <tr> <td class="mcnImageContent" style="padding-right: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-top: 0; padding-bottom: 0; text-align:center;" valign="top"><span style="color:#2c3e50;"><span style="font-size:18px;"><img align="center" alt="" class="mcnImage" height="400" src="https://sermonillustrator.org/cgi-bin/dada/mail.cgi/show_img/ill_html/20260415014017/6060ec697859b204ef47c8d09665a2d3_Old-Truck-N.jpg" style="max-width: 500px; padding-bottom: 0px; vertical-align: bottom; border-radius: 0%; width: 350px; display: inline !important; height: 233px;" width="300" /></span></span></td> </tr> </tbody> </table> </td> </tr> </tbody> </table> <table border="0" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="mcnDividerBlock" style="min-width:100%;" width="100%"> <tbody class="mcnDividerBlockOuter"> <tr> <td class="mcnDividerBlockInner" style="min-width:100%; padding:18px;"> <table border="0" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="mcnDividerContent" style="min-width: 100%;border-top: 2px none #EAEAEA;" width="100%"> <tbody> <tr> <td> </td> </tr> </tbody> </table> </td> </tr> </tbody> </table> <table border="0" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="mcnBoxedTextBlock" style="min-width:100%;" width="100%"> <tbody class="mcnBoxedTextBlockOuter"> <tr> <td class="mcnBoxedTextBlockInner" valign="top"> <table align="left" border="0" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="mcnBoxedTextContentContainer" style="min-width:100%;" width="100%"> <tbody> <tr> <td style="padding-top:9px; padding-left:18px; padding-bottom:9px; padding-right:18px;"> <table border="0" cellspacing="0" class="mcnTextContentContainer" style="min-width: 100% !important;background-color: #FFFFFF;" width="100%"> <tbody> <tr> <td class="mcnTextContent" style="padding: 18px; font-weight: normal; line-height: 200%; text-align: left;" valign="top"> <p aria-label="Block: Paragraph" aria-multiline="true" contenteditable="true" data-block="20abf776-d96d-4c2d-b6dc-e97494f37d77" data-empty="false" data-title="Paragraph" data-type="core/paragraph" data-wp-block-attribute-key="content" id="block-20abf776-d96d-4c2d-b6dc-e97494f37d77" role="document"><span style="font-family:Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size:18px;"><span style="color:#2c3e50;">"Since God chose you to be the holy people he loves, you must clothe yourselves with tenderhearted mercy, kindness, humility, gentleness, and patience." (Colossians 3:12 NLT)<br data-rich-text-line-break="true" /> <br data-rich-text-line-break="true" /> “I hate to ask, but we need to borrow a car,” our daughter-in-law muttered in an emotional-filled voice.<br data-rich-text-line-break="true" /> <br data-rich-text-line-break="true" /> Had the request come from our daughter and her family, we would have thought little of it. We had helped our daughter many times—before and after she married—and numerous times since. Helping her family was typically convenient since they lived near us, except for the three years they lived in Arkansas. Even then, we made at least two trips per year and helped during the week we stayed with them.<br data-rich-text-line-break="true" /> <br data-rich-text-line-break="true" /> Although our son and his family lived only an hour away, they rarely asked for help. Getting </span><a><span style="color:#2c3e50;">assistance</span></a><span style="color:#2c3e50;"> from us was more inconvenient for them than convenient. Our daughter-in-law’s parents lived near them and usually gave whatever help they needed. But not this time.<br data-rich-text-line-break="true" /> <br data-rich-text-line-break="true" /> As our daughter-in-law and her kids traveled down the highway through their small town, another driver pulled into the line of traffic, t-boning her car. Fortunately, no one </span><a><span style="color:#2c3e50;">was injured</span></a><span style="color:#2c3e50;">, but her car was undrivable. Our son’s insurance policy didn’t provide a rental car, so they had to wait for the offender’s insurance company to okay one. In the meantime, they needed a car.<br data-rich-text-line-break="true" /> <br data-rich-text-line-break="true" /> Since my wife and I care for our aging parents—none of whom drive but who still had cars—we have a virtually used car lot at our house. Mom didn’t want us to drive her car on an out-of-state trip we planned to take the following weekend. A kindness denied. My old truck certainly wouldn’t do for someone with three kids. A kindness not possible.<br data-rich-text-line-break="true" /> <br data-rich-text-line-break="true" /> But my mother-in-law had a nice van she wasn’t using—one that would shortly be ours.<br data-rich-text-line-break="true" /> <br data-rich-text-line-break="true" /> “Ya’ll drive my van to the writer’s conference,” she said.<br data-rich-text-line-break="true" /> <br data-rich-text-line-break="true" /> A kindness witnessed. The perfect solution. Now, our daughter-in-law could use our car, and we had a way to the writer’s conference. And this kind act cemented our relationship with our son and his family even more. After all, helping each other is what families should do.<br data-rich-text-line-break="true" /> <br data-rich-text-line-break="true" /> God has clothed believers with Christ’s righteousness. Paul maintains that one way we demonstrate this to others is through kindness.<br data-rich-text-line-break="true" /> <br data-rich-text-line-break="true" /> The ways we can show kindness to others are as varied and numerous as the stars in the heavens. Sometimes, it takes creativity on our part, and at other times, the way to do so is as plain as the nose on our faces. Taking our eyes off ourselves and slowing down typically helps us see the opportunities more clearly.<br data-rich-text-line-break="true" /> <br data-rich-text-line-break="true" /> How about you? What are some ways you have shown kindness? Try to show at least one act of kindness daily. Father, give me eyes to see how I can demonstrate kindness.<br data-rich-text-line-break="true" /> <br data-rich-text-line-break="true" /> Martin Wiles</span></span></span></p> </td> </tr> </tbody> </table> </td> </tr> </tbody> </table> </td> </tr> </tbody> </table> <table border="0" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="mcnDividerBlock" style="min-width:100%;" width="100%"> <tbody class="mcnDividerBlockOuter"> <tr> <td class="mcnDividerBlockInner" style="min-width:100%; padding:18px;"> <table border="0" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="mcnDividerContent" style="min-width: 100%;border-top: 2px none #EAEAEA;" width="100%"> <tbody> <tr> <td> </td> </tr> </tbody> </table> </td> </tr> </tbody> </table> <table border="0" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="mcnBoxedTextBlock" style="min-width:100%;" width="100%"> <tbody class="mcnBoxedTextBlockOuter"> <tr> <td class="mcnBoxedTextBlockInner" valign="top"> <table align="left" border="0" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="mcnBoxedTextContentContainer" style="min-width:100%;" width="100%"> <tbody> <tr> <td style="padding-top:9px; padding-left:18px; padding-bottom:9px; padding-right:18px;"> <table border="0" cellspacing="0" class="mcnTextContentContainer" style="min-width: 100% !important;background-color: #FFFFFF;" width="100%"> <tbody> <tr> <td class="mcnTextContent" style="padding: 18px; font-weight: normal; line-height: 200%; text-align: left;" valign="top"> <h2 class="null" style="color: rgb(0, 0, 0); font-family: "Helvetica Neue", Helvetica, Arial, Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 16px; text-align: center; padding-left: 15px !important; padding-right: 15px !important;"><span style="font-size:36px;">Announcements</span></h2> <p style="line-height: 1.2; text-align: center;"><br /> <span style="font-family:Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size:18px;"><span style="color:#2c3e50;"><span style="font-variant: normal; white-space: pre-wrap;"><span style="font-weight:400"><span style="font-style:normal"><span style="text-decoration:none">Got questions about the Bible? Let our team of Bible experts help you! You can submit your Bible questions via </span></span></span></span></span><a href="mailto:answertoallprayers@PROTECTED" style="text-decoration:none"><span style="color:#2c3e50;"><span style="font-variant: normal; white-space: pre-wrap;"><span style="font-weight:400"><span style="font-style:normal"><span style="text-decoration:underline"><span style="text-decoration-skip-ink:none">email</span></span></span></span></span></span></a><span style="color:#2c3e50;"><span style="font-variant: normal; white-space: pre-wrap;"><span style="font-weight:400"><span style="font-style:normal"><span style="text-decoration:none">; via What’sApp: +91 98696 68137; or via </span></span></span></span></span><a href="https://www.facebook.com/groups/answers2prayer/members/" style="text-decoration:none"><span style="color:#2c3e50;"><span style="font-variant: normal; white-space: pre-wrap;"><span style="font-weight:400"><span style="font-style:normal"><span style="text-decoration:underline"><span style="text-decoration-skip-ink:none">Facebook Messenger</span></span></span></span></span></span></a><span style="color:#2c3e50;"><span style="font-variant: normal; white-space: pre-wrap;"><span style="font-weight:400"><span style="font-style:normal"><span style="text-decoration:none">!</span></span></span></span></span></span></span></p> </td> </tr> </tbody> </table> </td> </tr> </tbody> </table> </td> </tr> </tbody> </table> <table border="0" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="mcnDividerBlock" style="min-width:100%;" width="100%"> <tbody class="mcnDividerBlockOuter"> <tr> <td class="mcnDividerBlockInner" style="min-width: 100%; padding: 18px 18px 0px;"> <table border="0" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="mcnDividerContent" style="min-width:100%;" width="100%"> <tbody> <tr> <td> </td> </tr> </tbody> </table> </td> </tr> </tbody> </table> </td> </tr> </tbody> </table> </td> </tr> <tr> <td align="center" data-template-container="" id="templateFooter" valign="top"> <table align="center" border="0" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="templateContainer" width="100%"> <tbody> <tr> <td class="footerContainer" valign="top"> <table border="0" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="mcnCodeBlock" width="100%"> <tbody class="mcnTextBlockOuter"> <tr> <td class="mcnTextBlockInner" valign="top"> <div style="text-align: center; font-family:helvetica;"><a href="https://sermonillustrator.org/cgi-bin/dada/mail.cgi" style="color: white; padding: 20px;">Subscribe</a><a href="https://sermonillustrator.org/" style="color: white; padding: 20px;">Our Devotionals</a><a href="http://sermonillustrator.org/contact/" style="color: white; padding: 20px;">Contact</a></div> </td> </tr> </tbody> </table> <table border="0" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="mcnTextBlock" style="min-width:100%;" width="100%"> <tbody class="mcnTextBlockOuter"> <tr> <td class="mcnTextBlockInner" style="padding-top:9px;" valign="top"> <table align="left" border="0" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="mcnTextContentContainer" style="max-width:100%; min-width:100%;" width="100%"> <tbody> <tr> <td class="mcnTextContent" style="padding-top:0; padding-right:18px; padding-bottom:9px; padding-left:18px;" valign="top"><em>Copyright © 2020 Answers2Prayer, All rights reserved.</em><br /> <br /> Want to change how you receive these emails?<br /> You can <a href="" target="_blank">unsubscribe from this list</a>.</td> </tr> </tbody> </table> </td> </tr> </tbody> </table> </td> </tr> </tbody> </table> </td> </tr> </tbody> </table> </td> </tr> </tbody> </table> </center> <img src="https://sermonillustrator.org/cgi-bin/dada/mail.cgi/spacer_image/ill_html///spacer.png" width="1" height="1" alt="" />

When Help Doesn't Help

Mon, 13 Apr 2026 00:17:00 GMT

<center> <table align="center" border="0" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" height="100%" id="bodyTable" width="100%"> <tbody> <tr> <td align="center" id="bodyCell" valign="top"> <table border="0" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" width="100%"> <tbody> <tr> <td align="center" data-template-container="" id="templateHeader" valign="top"> <table align="center" border="0" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="templateContainer" width="100%"> <tbody> <tr> <td class="headerContainer" valign="top"> <table border="0" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="mcnTextBlock" style="min-width:100%;" width="100%"> <tbody class="mcnTextBlockOuter"> <tr> <td class="mcnTextBlockInner" style="padding-top:9px;" valign="top"> <table align="left" border="0" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="mcnTextContentContainer" style="max-width:100%; min-width:100%;" width="100%"> <tbody> <tr> <td class="mcnTextContent" style="padding-top:0; padding-right:18px; padding-bottom:9px; padding-left:18px;" valign="top"> <div style="text-align: center;"><span style="color:#FFFFFF"><span style="font-family:merriweather,georgia,times new roman,serif">Welcome To</span></span></div> <h2 class="null" style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://sermonillustrator.org"><span style="color:#FFFFFF">THE ILLUSTRATOR</span></a></h2> </td> </tr> </tbody> </table> </td> </tr> </tbody> </table> </td> </tr> </tbody> </table> </td> </tr> <tr> <td align="center" data-template-container="" id="templateBody" valign="top"> <table align="center" border="0" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="templateContainer" width="100%"> <tbody> <tr> <td class="bodyContainer" valign="top"> <table border="0" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="mcnBoxedTextBlock" style="min-width:100%;" width="100%"> <tbody class="mcnBoxedTextBlockOuter"> <tr> <td class="mcnBoxedTextBlockInner" valign="top"> <table align="left" border="0" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="mcnBoxedTextContentContainer" style="min-width:100%;" width="100%"> <tbody> <tr> <td style="padding-top:9px; padding-left:18px; padding-bottom:9px; padding-right:18px;"> <table border="0" cellspacing="0" class="mcnTextContentContainer" style="min-width: 100% !important;background-color: #FFFFFF;" width="100%"> <tbody> <tr> <td class="mcnTextContent" style="padding: 18px; color: rgb(0, 0, 0); font-family: "Helvetica Neue", Helvetica, Arial, Verdana, sans-serif; font-style: normal; font-weight: normal; text-align: center;" valign="top"> <h1 style="font-size: 16px; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size:36px;"><a href="https://sermonillustrator.org/2026/04/12/when-helping-doesnt-help/"><span style="color:#000000;">When Helping Doesn't Help...</span></a></span><br />  </h1> <h4 style="font-size: 16px; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size:16px;">April 13, 2026</span></h4> <hr style="width:20%; height: 2px; background: black !important; border: none !important; display:flex; justify-content: center; align-items: center;" /> <p style="padding-left: 5%; padding-right: 5%; color: rgb(0, 0, 0); font-family: "Helvetica Neue", Helvetica, Arial, Verdana, sans-serif; font-style: normal; font-weight: normal; text-align: center;"><em><span style="font-family:Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><span style="color:#4e5f70;"><span style="font-size:14px;">The plans of the diligent lead surely to abundance, but everyone who is hasty comes only to poverty.</span></span></span></em><br /> <span style="color:#4e5f70;"><span style="font-size:14px;"><span style="font-family:Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">~ Proverbs 21:5 NIV ~</span></span></span></p> </td> </tr> </tbody> </table> </td> </tr> </tbody> </table> </td> </tr> </tbody> </table> <table border="0" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="mcnDividerBlock" style="min-width:100%;" width="100%"> <tbody class="mcnDividerBlockOuter"> <tr> <td class="mcnDividerBlockInner" style="min-width: 100%; padding: 9px 18px 0px;"> <table border="0" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="mcnDividerContent" style="min-width:100%;" width="100%"> <tbody> <tr> <td> </td> </tr> </tbody> </table> </td> </tr> </tbody> </table> <table border="0" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="mcnDividerBlock" style="min-width:100%;" width="100%"> <tbody class="mcnDividerBlockOuter"> <tr> <td class="mcnDividerBlockInner" style="min-width:100%; padding:18px;"> <table border="0" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="mcnDividerContent" style="min-width: 100%;border-top: 2px none #EAEAEA;" width="100%"> <tbody> <tr> <td> </td> </tr> </tbody> </table> </td> </tr> </tbody> </table> <table border="0" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="mcnImageBlock" style="min-width:100%;" width="100%"> <tbody class="mcnImageBlockOuter"> <tr> <td class="mcnImageBlockInner" style="padding:0px" valign="top"> <table align="left" border="0" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="mcnImageContentContainer" style="min-width:100%;" width="100%"> <tbody> <tr> <td class="mcnImageContent" style="padding-right: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-top: 0; padding-bottom: 0; text-align:center;" valign="top"><img align="center" alt="" class="mcnImage" height="300" src="https://sermonillustrator.org/cgi-bin/dada/mail.cgi/show_img/ill_html/20260413011724/c9d1c9311878aaca246110897917f28c_Slapping-N.jpg" style="max-width: 500px; padding-bottom: 0px; vertical-align: bottom; border-radius: 0%; width: 350px; display: inline !important; height: 233px;" width="400" /></td> </tr> </tbody> </table> </td> </tr> </tbody> </table> <table border="0" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="mcnDividerBlock" style="min-width:100%;" width="100%"> <tbody class="mcnDividerBlockOuter"> <tr> <td class="mcnDividerBlockInner" style="min-width:100%; padding:18px;"> <table border="0" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="mcnDividerContent" style="min-width: 100%;border-top: 2px none #EAEAEA;" width="100%"> <tbody> <tr> <td> </td> </tr> </tbody> </table> </td> </tr> </tbody> </table> <table border="0" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="mcnBoxedTextBlock" style="min-width:100%;" width="100%"> <tbody class="mcnBoxedTextBlockOuter"> <tr> <td class="mcnBoxedTextBlockInner" valign="top"> <table align="left" border="0" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="mcnBoxedTextContentContainer" style="min-width:100%;" width="100%"> <tbody> <tr> <td style="padding-top:9px; padding-left:18px; padding-bottom:9px; padding-right:18px;"> <table border="0" cellspacing="0" class="mcnTextContentContainer" style="min-width: 100% !important;background-color: #FFFFFF;" width="100%"> <tbody> <tr> <td class="mcnTextContent" style="padding: 18px;color: #000000;font-family: "Helvetica Neue", Helvetica, Arial, Verdana, sans-serif;font-size: 16px;font-weight: normal;line-height: 200%;text-align: left;" valign="top"> <p aria-label="Block: Paragraph" aria-multiline="true" contenteditable="true" data-block="2c97ef55-184a-442d-a584-8f64da9810c3" data-empty="false" data-title="Paragraph" data-type="core/paragraph" data-wp-block-attribute-key="content" id="block-2c97ef55-184a-442d-a584-8f64da9810c3" role="document"><span style="font-family:Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size:18px;"><span style="color:#2c3e50;">"The plans of the diligent lead surely to abundance, but everyone who is hasty comes only to poverty." (Proverbs 21:5 NIV)<br data-rich-text-line-break="true" /> <br data-rich-text-line-break="true" /> A man entered a drug store and asked to see the pharmacist. When the pharmacist came out, the man asked if he could give him a cure for the hiccups. The pharmacist immediately reached out and slapped him across the face.<br data-rich-text-line-break="true" /> <br data-rich-text-line-break="true" /> The man asked, "What'd you do that for?" He said, "Well, you don't have the hiccups anymore, do you?" " The man said, “No, but my wife out in the car still does!"<br data-rich-text-line-break="true" /> <br data-rich-text-line-break="true" /> Sometimes, like that pharmacist, we’re so eager to fix a problem that we act before fully understanding the situation.  He meant well, but he jumped to a solution without gathering enough information.  In the end, he didn’t solve the problem.  In fact, he made things worse.<br data-rich-text-line-break="true" /> <br data-rich-text-line-break="true" /> How often do we do the same thing?  Maybe we see a friend struggling and immediately offer advice when all they needed was someone to listen.  Or perhaps we jump into fixing a family member’s issue without taking the time to pray and seek God's wisdom.  Our intentions are good, but if we rush into action without truly understanding the need, we might cause more harm than good.<br data-rich-text-line-break="true" /> <br data-rich-text-line-break="true" /> Proverbs 21:5 reminds us that careful planning leads to success, while haste leads to trouble.  God values thoughtful action.  He wants us to be people who seek wisdom, not just quick fixes.<br data-rich-text-line-break="true" /> <br data-rich-text-line-break="true" /> Here are some suggestions when you’re tempted to respond to a situation quickly:<br data-rich-text-line-break="true" /> <br data-rich-text-line-break="true" /> 1. <strong>Pause Before Acting</strong> – Before jumping to conclusions, take a moment to pray and ask God for wisdom.<br data-rich-text-line-break="true" /> <br data-rich-text-line-break="true" /> 2. <strong>Listen First</strong> – Instead of assuming what someone needs, ask questions.<br data-rich-text-line-break="true" /> <br data-rich-text-line-break="true" /> 3. <strong>Seek God’s Guidance</strong> – Not every problem is ours to solve. Sometimes, our role is simply to encourage, pray, or walk alongside someone instead of "fixing" things for them.<br data-rich-text-line-break="true" /> <br data-rich-text-line-break="true" /> 4. <strong>Be Patient</strong> – God’s timing is perfect.  Rushing into action may feel good in the moment, but true wisdom often requires waiting and trusting God.<br data-rich-text-line-break="true" /> <br data-rich-text-line-break="true" /> Prayer: Lord, help me to be patient and wise in my actions. Give me discernment to truly understand the needs of others before I try to help. Teach me to listen well, love well, and look to you for guidance in all things.  In Jesus’ name, amen.<br data-rich-text-line-break="true" /> <br data-rich-text-line-break="true" /> Alan Smith<br data-rich-text-line-break="true" /> Reprinted with permission from </span><a href="https://www.facebook.com/groups/998642318987215/"><span style="color:#2c3e50;">Alan Smith's Thought For the Day</span></a></span></span><br data-rich-text-line-break="true" /> <br data-rich-text-line-break="true" />  </p> </td> </tr> </tbody> </table> </td> </tr> </tbody> </table> </td> </tr> </tbody> </table> <table border="0" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="mcnDividerBlock" style="min-width:100%;" width="100%"> <tbody class="mcnDividerBlockOuter"> <tr> <td class="mcnDividerBlockInner" style="min-width:100%; padding:18px;"> <table border="0" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="mcnDividerContent" style="min-width: 100%;border-top: 2px none #EAEAEA;" width="100%"> <tbody> <tr> <td> </td> </tr> </tbody> </table> </td> </tr> </tbody> </table> <table border="0" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="mcnBoxedTextBlock" style="min-width:100%;" width="100%"> <tbody class="mcnBoxedTextBlockOuter"> <tr> <td class="mcnBoxedTextBlockInner" valign="top"> <table align="left" border="0" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="mcnBoxedTextContentContainer" style="min-width:100%;" width="100%"> <tbody> <tr> <td style="padding-top:9px; 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Streak

Sun, 12 Apr 2026 00:25:00 GMT

<center> <table align="center" border="0" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" height="100%" id="bodyTable" width="100%"> <tbody> <tr> <td align="center" id="bodyCell" valign="top"> <table border="0" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" width="100%"> <tbody> <tr> <td align="center" data-template-container="" id="templateHeader" valign="top"> <table align="center" border="0" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="templateContainer" width="100%"> <tbody> <tr> <td class="headerContainer" valign="top"> <table border="0" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="mcnTextBlock" style="min-width:100%;" width="100%"> <tbody class="mcnTextBlockOuter"> <tr> <td class="mcnTextBlockInner" style="padding-top:9px;" valign="top"> <table align="left" border="0" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="mcnTextContentContainer" style="max-width:100%; min-width:100%;" width="100%"> <tbody> <tr> <td class="mcnTextContent" style="padding-top:0; padding-right:18px; padding-bottom:9px; padding-left:18px;" valign="top"> <div style="text-align: center;"><span style="color:#FFFFFF"><span style="font-family:merriweather,georgia,times new roman,serif">Welcome To</span></span></div> <h2 class="null" style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://sermonillustrator.org"><span style="color:#ffffff;">THE ILLUSTRATO</span></a><a href="http://sermonillustrator.org"><span style="color:#ffffff;">R</span></a></h2> </td> </tr> </tbody> </table> </td> </tr> </tbody> </table> </td> </tr> </tbody> </table> </td> </tr> <tr> <td align="center" data-template-container="" id="templateBody" valign="top"> <table align="center" border="0" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="templateContainer" width="100%"> <tbody> <tr> <td class="bodyContainer" valign="top"> <table border="0" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="mcnBoxedTextBlock" style="min-width:100%;" width="100%"> <tbody class="mcnBoxedTextBlockOuter"> <tr> <td class="mcnBoxedTextBlockInner" valign="top"> <table align="left" border="0" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="mcnBoxedTextContentContainer" style="min-width:100%;" width="100%"> <tbody> <tr> <td style="padding-top:9px; padding-left:18px; padding-bottom:9px; padding-right:18px;"> <table border="0" cellspacing="0" class="mcnTextContentContainer" style="min-width: 100% !important;background-color: #FFFFFF;" width="100%"> <tbody> <tr> <td class="mcnTextContent" style="padding: 18px;color: #000000;font-family: "Helvetica Neue", Helvetica, Arial, Verdana, sans-serif;font-size: 16px;font-style: normal;font-weight: normal;text-align: center;" valign="top"> <h1 style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://sermonillustrator.org/2026/04/11/streak/"><span style="color:#000000;">Streak</span></a></h1> <h4 style="text-align: center;">April 12, 2026</h4> <hr style="width:20%; height: 2px; background: black !important; border: none !important; display:flex; justify-content: center; align-items: center;" /> <p style="padding-left: 5%;padding-right: 5%;color: #000000;font-family: "Helvetica Neue", Helvetica, Arial, Verdana, sans-serif;font-size: 16px;font-style: normal;font-weight: normal;text-align: center;"><em><span style="font-family:Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size:14px;"><span style="color:#4e5f70;">Yet I want your will to be done, not mine.</span></span></span></em><br /> <span style="font-size:14px;"><span style="font-family:Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><span style="color:#4e5f70;"><span style="line-height:107%">~ 1 Timothy 3:16-17 ESV ~</span></span></span></span></p> </td> </tr> </tbody> </table> </td> </tr> </tbody> </table> </td> </tr> </tbody> </table> <table border="0" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="mcnDividerBlock" style="min-width:100%;" width="100%"> <tbody class="mcnDividerBlockOuter"> <tr> <td class="mcnDividerBlockInner" style="min-width: 100%; padding: 9px 18px 0px;"> <table border="0" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="mcnDividerContent" style="min-width:100%;" width="100%"> <tbody> <tr> <td> </td> </tr> </tbody> </table> </td> </tr> </tbody> </table> <table border="0" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="mcnDividerBlock" style="min-width:100%;" width="100%"> <tbody class="mcnDividerBlockOuter"> <tr> <td class="mcnDividerBlockInner" style="min-width:100%; padding:18px;"> <table border="0" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="mcnDividerContent" style="min-width: 100%;border-top: 2px none #EAEAEA;" width="100%"> <tbody> <tr> <td> </td> </tr> </tbody> </table> </td> </tr> </tbody> </table> <table border="0" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="mcnImageBlock" style="min-width:100%;" width="100%"> <tbody class="mcnImageBlockOuter"> <tr> <td class="mcnImageBlockInner" style="padding:0px" valign="top"> <table align="left" border="0" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="mcnImageContentContainer" style="min-width:100%;" width="100%"> <tbody> <tr> <td class="mcnImageContent" style="padding-right: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-top: 0; padding-bottom: 0; text-align:center;" valign="top"><img align="center" alt="" class="mcnImage" height="533" src="https://sermonillustrator.org/cgi-bin/dada/mail.cgi/show_img/ill_html/20260412012541/a33922fe88ce9afbf007a147ea0f1fc1_Bible-18-N-Hor.jpg" style="max-width: 500px; padding-bottom: 0px; vertical-align: bottom; border-radius: 0%; width: 350px; display: inline !important; height: 233px;" width="400" /></td> </tr> </tbody> </table> </td> </tr> </tbody> </table> <table border="0" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="mcnDividerBlock" style="min-width:100%;" width="100%"> <tbody class="mcnDividerBlockOuter"> <tr> <td class="mcnDividerBlockInner" style="min-width:100%; padding:18px;"> <table border="0" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="mcnDividerContent" style="min-width: 100%;border-top: 2px none #EAEAEA;" width="100%"> <tbody> <tr> <td> </td> </tr> </tbody> </table> </td> </tr> </tbody> </table> <table border="0" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="mcnBoxedTextBlock" style="min-width:100%;" width="100%"> <tbody class="mcnBoxedTextBlockOuter"> <tr> <td class="mcnBoxedTextBlockInner" valign="top"> <table align="left" border="0" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="mcnBoxedTextContentContainer" style="min-width:100%;" width="100%"> <tbody> <tr> <td style="padding-top:9px; padding-left:18px; padding-bottom:9px; padding-right:18px;"> <table border="0" cellspacing="0" class="mcnTextContentContainer" style="min-width: 100% !important;background-color: #FFFFFF;" width="100%"> <tbody> <tr> <td class="mcnTextContent" style="padding: 18px; font-family: "Helvetica Neue", Helvetica, Arial, Verdana, sans-serif; font-weight: normal; line-height: 200%; text-align: left;" valign="top"> <p style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue", Helvetica, Arial, Verdana, sans-serif; font-weight: normal; line-height: 200%; text-align: left; padding-left: 15px !important; padding-right: 15px !important;"><span style="font-family:Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size:18px;"><span style="color:#2c3e50;">"All Scripture is breathed out by God and profitable for teaching, for reproof, for correction, and for training in righteousness,…" (2 Timothy 3:16-17 ESV)<br /> <br /> To keep my brain ticking over, I use a free language learning program. The app reports that I’ve been successful in completing the lessons for 730 days in a row. As a result of my competitive nature, maintaining a really long streak actually becomes high motivation to login every day. So, I am really focused to succeed, yet I am not truly the successful doer of 730 consecutive days of lessons.<br /> <br /> One of the program's concessions is to make an allowance for missing a day by using what it calls a streak-freeze -- a kind of cheat. When a day's input is missed, to avoid the streak being reset to zero, you can automatically use a streak-freeze, if you have saved them up. Initially, they are limited to only three in about three months: not many. I have needed several streak-freeze days to keep the streak going over the previous two years.<br /> <br /> So I ask why is my desire to keep a streak going sometimes more pressing than my desire to read my Bible every day?  Have I been sucked into the challenge of learning over and above hearing from God?  As it is, I spend enough time in front of the computer.  Surely the Bible should come first and not be supplanted by a mere program.<br /> <br /> For sixty years, through school and finally, university religious studies training and teaching, I consider myself familiar with the Word of God.  However I have acquired the conceit of thinking I know what God is saying through my previous encounters with His Word and past revelation.<br /> <br /> Sadly, if I am not praying, asking for and engaging with the Holy Spirit’s illumination to hear from God today and aid my reading of the Bible, my mind if not yours, wanders off into the world, because of the absence of God’s inspiring influence through the daily reading of His Word.<br /> <br /> For me prayer is just the start of the dialogue with God where we first become still and wait, wanting to hear His voice, asking for the presence of the Holy Spirit to come.  How else can we expect to hear from God when reading Scripture? The Bible is often God's unpretentious way of speaking truth to us for today!  In truth sometimes, by an act of Grace, His Word leaps from the page-no prayers needed-but not every day!<br /> <br /> Does it matter if we miss a day?  Can we get by until tomorrow without reading? Yes, but there are no cheats to hearing from God, only lessons to be learnt about missing God’s Voice for the day and prayers for grace later as He looks to our return.<br /> <br /> Prayer: Lord, here I am before the throne of grace again.  Please fan into flame those embers of longing for reading and hearing Your Word to feed my soul for today, for we need You. In Jesus' name, I pray. Amen.</span><br /> <br /> <span style="color:#2c3e50;"><span style="background:white"><span style="line-height:107%">Rod Marshall</span></span><br style="box-sizing:border-box; color:rgba(0, 0, 0, 0.5); font-variant-ligatures:normal; text-align:start; text-decoration-thickness:initial; text-decoration-style:initial; text-decoration-color:initial" /> <span style="line-height:107%"><span style="background:white"><span style="text-align: start;"><span style="font-variant-ligatures:normal"><span style="text-decoration-thickness:initial"><span style="text-decoration-style:initial"><span style="text-decoration-color:initial"><span style="float:none">Reprited with permission from </span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span><span style="line-height:107%"><a href="https://roderickmarshall.blogspot.com/" style="box-sizing:border-box; font-variant-ligatures:normal; font-variant-numeric:inherit; font-variant-east-asian:inherit; font-variant-alternates:inherit; font-variant-position:inherit; font-variant-emoji:inherit; font-stretch:inherit; line-height:inherit; font-optical-sizing:inherit; font-size-adjust:inherit; font-kerning:inherit; font-feature-settings:inherit; font-variation-settings:inherit; font-language-override:inherit; color:rgba(0, 0, 0, 0.75); word-break:break-word; overflow-wrap:break-word; text-align:start; text-decoration:underline"><span style="color:#2c3e50;"><span style="border:none windowtext 1.0pt; background:white; padding:0cm"><span style="text-decoration:none">Roderick Henry Marshall’s Christian Reflections</span></span></span></a></span></span></span><br /> </p> </td> </tr> </tbody> </table> </td> </tr> </tbody> </table> </td> </tr> </tbody> </table> <table border="0" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="mcnDividerBlock" style="min-width:100%;" width="100%"> <tbody class="mcnDividerBlockOuter"> <tr> <td class="mcnDividerBlockInner" style="min-width:100%; padding:18px;"> <table border="0" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="mcnDividerContent" style="min-width: 100%;border-top: 2px none #EAEAEA;" width="100%"> <tbody> <tr> <td> </td> </tr> </tbody> </table> </td> </tr> </tbody> </table> <table border="0" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="mcnBoxedTextBlock" style="min-width:100%;" width="100%"> <tbody class="mcnBoxedTextBlockOuter"> <tr> <td class="mcnBoxedTextBlockInner" valign="top"> <table align="left" border="0" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="mcnBoxedTextContentContainer" style="min-width:100%;" width="100%"> <tbody> <tr> <td style="padding-top:9px; padding-left:18px; padding-bottom:9px; padding-right:18px;"> <table border="0" cellspacing="0" class="mcnTextContentContainer" style="min-width: 100% !important;background-color: #FFFFFF;" width="100%"> <tbody> <tr> <td class="mcnTextContent" style="padding: 18px;color: #000000;font-family: "Helvetica Neue", Helvetica, Arial, Verdana, sans-serif;font-size: 16px;font-weight: normal;line-height: 200%;text-align: left;" valign="top"> <h2 class="null" style="padding-left: 15px !important; padding-right: 15px !important; text-align: center;"><span>Announcements</span></h2> <p style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family:Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size:18px;"><span style="color:#2c3e50;"><span style="font-variant: normal; white-space: pre-wrap;"><span style="font-weight:400"><span style="font-style:normal"><span style="text-decoration:none">Need prayer? Let us join you in lifting your prayer requests to the King of Kings! 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Eating Flowers? Europe, Here We Come! Part 1

Thu, 09 Apr 2026 23:27:00 GMT

<center> <table align="center" border="0" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" height="100%" id="bodyTable" width="100%"> <tbody> <tr> <td align="center" id="bodyCell" valign="top"> <table border="0" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" width="100%"> <tbody> <tr> <td align="center" data-template-container="" id="templateHeader" valign="top"> <table align="center" border="0" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="templateContainer" width="100%"> <tbody> <tr> <td class="headerContainer" valign="top"> <table border="0" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="mcnTextBlock" style="min-width:100%;" width="100%"> <tbody class="mcnTextBlockOuter"> <tr> <td class="mcnTextBlockInner" style="padding-top:9px;" valign="top"> <table align="left" border="0" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="mcnTextContentContainer" style="max-width:100%; min-width:100%;" width="100%"> <tbody> <tr> <td class="mcnTextContent" style="padding-top:0; padding-right:18px; padding-bottom:9px; padding-left:18px;" valign="top"> <div style="text-align: center;"><span style="color:#FFFFFF"><span style="font-family:merriweather,georgia,times new roman,serif">Welcome To</span></span></div> <h2 class="null" style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://sermonillustrator.org"><span style="color:#FFFFFF">THE ILLUSTRATOR</span></a></h2> </td> </tr> </tbody> </table> </td> </tr> </tbody> </table> </td> </tr> </tbody> </table> </td> </tr> <tr> <td align="center" data-template-container="" id="templateBody" valign="top"> <table align="center" border="0" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="templateContainer" width="100%"> <tbody> <tr> <td class="bodyContainer" valign="top"> <table border="0" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="mcnBoxedTextBlock" style="min-width:100%;" width="100%"> <tbody class="mcnBoxedTextBlockOuter"> <tr> <td class="mcnBoxedTextBlockInner" valign="top"> <table align="left" border="0" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="mcnBoxedTextContentContainer" style="min-width:100%;" width="100%"> <tbody> <tr> <td style="padding-top:9px; padding-left:18px; padding-bottom:9px; padding-right:18px;"> <table border="0" cellspacing="0" class="mcnTextContentContainer" style="min-width: 100% !important;background-color: #FFFFFF;" width="100%"> <tbody> <tr> <td class="mcnTextContent" style="padding: 18px;color: #000000;font-family: "Helvetica Neue", Helvetica, Arial, Verdana, sans-serif;font-size: 16px;font-style: normal;font-weight: normal;text-align: center;" valign="top"> <h1 style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://instructionforlife #newlifeinjesuschrist #livingwordofgod"><span style="color:#000000;">Eating Flowers? Europe, Here We Come! Part 1</span></a> </h1> <h4 style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size:16px;">April 10, 2026</span></h4> <hr style="width:20%; height: 2px; background: black !important; border: none !important; display:flex; justify-content: center; align-items: center;" /> <p style="margin-bottom: 11px; text-align: center;"><em><span style="color:#4e5f70;"><span style="font-size:14px;"><span style="font-family:Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">For everything that was written in the past was written to teach us, so that through the endurance taught in the Scriptures and the encouragement they provide we might have hope.</span></span></span></em><br /> <span style="color:#4e5f70;"><em><span style="font-size:11.0pt"><span style="line-height:107%"><span style="font-family:"Calibri",sans-serif"><span style="font-style:normal">~ Romans 15:4 NIV ~</span></span></span></span></em></span></p> </td> </tr> </tbody> </table> </td> </tr> </tbody> </table> </td> </tr> </tbody> </table> <table border="0" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="mcnDividerBlock" style="min-width:100%;" width="100%"> <tbody class="mcnDividerBlockOuter"> <tr> <td class="mcnDividerBlockInner" style="min-width: 100%; padding: 9px 18px 0px;"> <table border="0" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="mcnDividerContent" style="min-width:100%;" width="100%"> <tbody> <tr> <td> </td> </tr> </tbody> </table> </td> </tr> </tbody> </table> <table border="0" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="mcnDividerBlock" style="min-width:100%;" width="100%"> <tbody class="mcnDividerBlockOuter"> <tr> <td class="mcnDividerBlockInner" style="min-width:100%; padding:18px;"> <table border="0" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="mcnDividerContent" style="min-width: 100%;border-top: 2px none #EAEAEA;" width="100%"> <tbody> <tr> <td> </td> </tr> </tbody> </table> </td> </tr> </tbody> </table> <table border="0" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="mcnImageBlock" style="min-width:100%;" width="100%"> <tbody class="mcnImageBlockOuter"> <tr> <td class="mcnImageBlockInner" style="padding:0px" valign="top"> <table align="left" border="0" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="mcnImageContentContainer" style="min-width:100%;" width="100%"> <tbody> <tr> <td class="mcnImageContent" style="padding-right: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-top: 0; padding-bottom: 0; text-align:center;" valign="top"><img align="center" alt="" class="mcnImage" height="300" src="https://sermonillustrator.org/cgi-bin/dada/mail.cgi/show_img/ill_html/20260410002727/ea27a6a654e0822cc641eee5b98302da_Zucchini-Flower-N.jpg" style="max-width: 500px; padding-bottom: 0px; vertical-align: bottom; border-radius: 0%; width: 350px; display: inline !important; height: 233px;" width="400" /></td> </tr> </tbody> </table> </td> </tr> </tbody> </table> <table border="0" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="mcnDividerBlock" style="min-width:100%;" width="100%"> <tbody class="mcnDividerBlockOuter"> <tr> <td class="mcnDividerBlockInner" style="min-width:100%; padding:18px;"> <table border="0" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="mcnDividerContent" style="min-width: 100%;border-top: 2px none #EAEAEA;" width="100%"> <tbody> <tr> <td> </td> </tr> </tbody> </table> </td> </tr> </tbody> </table> <table border="0" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="mcnBoxedTextBlock" style="min-width:100%;" width="100%"> <tbody class="mcnBoxedTextBlockOuter"> <tr> <td class="mcnBoxedTextBlockInner" valign="top"> <table align="left" border="0" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="mcnBoxedTextContentContainer" style="min-width:100%;" width="100%"> <tbody> <tr> <td style="padding-top:9px; padding-left:18px; padding-bottom:9px; padding-right:18px;"> <table border="0" cellspacing="0" class="mcnTextContentContainer" style="min-width: 100% !important;background-color: #FFFFFF;" width="100%"> <tbody> <tr> <td class="mcnTextContent" style="padding: 18px;color: #000000;font-family: "Helvetica Neue", Helvetica, Arial, Verdana, sans-serif;font-size: 16px;font-weight: normal;line-height: 200%;text-align: left;" valign="top"> <p style="padding-left: 15px !important;padding-right: 15px !important;color: #000000;font-family: "Helvetica Neue", Helvetica, Arial, Verdana, sans-serif;font-size: 16px;font-weight: normal;line-height: 200%;text-align: left;"><span style="font-family:Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size:18px;"><span style="color:#2c3e50;">It was 2010, and for the first time since our kids were old enough to appreciate such a thing, I was taking my family to Europe. We would first see my mother, who at the time had significant dementia and was residing in a home in Ostend, Belgium, and then we would take a train to Switzerland, where we would rent a car and tour all of the Alpine region.<br data-rich-text-line-break="true" /> <br data-rich-text-line-break="true" /> And that's what we did. We drove through all of Switzerland, we dipped down into northern Italy, we drove over into western Austria, we spent a day or two in Bavaria, in southern Germany, and we even spent a night in the tiny kingdom of Liechtenstein and walked the paths that inspired the children's story, Heidi. We terminated the trip in Northern France visiting the famous Mt. Blanc! It was a trip that none of us would ever forget. Especially my kids, who somehow seem to remember things a bit differently than I do... but those are, perhaps, stories for another day!<br data-rich-text-line-break="true" /> <br data-rich-text-line-break="true" /> Having spent 4 years of my late teens and early adulthood on the French/Swiss border, I wanted our kids to experience the culture of Switzerland. I carefully selected a restaurant that served some of the typical Swiss dishes I had learned to love, and we all sat down for what I hoped would be a special and memorable meal. And it was. Even in the unanticipated ways...<br data-rich-text-line-break="true" /> <br data-rich-text-line-break="true" /> We all knew what we wanted. My wife had also spent some months in Switzerland and she wanted <em>Raclette—</em>a dish of melted Swiss mountain cheese served with potato and pickles. That sounded good to our oldest son as well, but I had my heart set on something different, something that I considered infinitely better: <em>Fondu</em>! I could already taste the tangy, garlicy flavour of the blend of Swiss cheeses melted in a pot... Our younger son, Darien, wanted that as well, and we ordered a pot of Fondu and a plate of Raclette to be shared appropriately.<br data-rich-text-line-break="true" /> <br data-rich-text-line-break="true" /> Both dishes came with a side of salad. No problem. As vegetarians, we love salad! My enthusiasm waned, however, when the salad came garnished with a large, orange flower! Wait. Just because I am a vegetarian doesn't mean I eat ALL plants! I furtively pushed it off my plate.<br data-rich-text-line-break="true" /> <br data-rich-text-line-break="true" /> Darien's response was priceless: "I'm NOT eating a flower!"<br data-rich-text-line-break="true" /> <br data-rich-text-line-break="true" /> I kind of smiled to myself and looked over at my wife and older son to see how they would respond. To my astonishment, they had both already eaten the offensive orange things! "You should try it, Darien!" urged my wife. "It's good!"<br data-rich-text-line-break="true" /> <br data-rich-text-line-break="true" /> "No way!"<br data-rich-text-line-break="true" /> <br data-rich-text-line-break="true" /> She turned to me. "Try it, Darien! Even papa ate his!"<br data-rich-text-line-break="true" /> <br data-rich-text-line-break="true" /> She may not have seen me hide it under the rim of my plate, But Darien had! Oops! Caught red-handed...<br data-rich-text-line-break="true" /> <br data-rich-text-line-break="true" /> My wife normally pushed Darien to try new foods, but for some reason that day, she backed down. Instead, she gave us both a stern scolding about refusing good food...<br data-rich-text-line-break="true" /> <br data-rich-text-line-break="true" /> It has been 16 years since that incident, and I still don't get it. How could she have possibly thought to call a flower, "good food"?<br data-rich-text-line-break="true" /> <br data-rich-text-line-break="true" /> I have learned that it was actually a Zucchini flower, which is considered a delicacy in Italian cuisine. Nonetheless, if my wife ever puts a flower on my salad plate, I will have the same reaction... Maybe I just like to pick and choose what I eat! But then, don't we all?<br data-rich-text-line-break="true" /> <br data-rich-text-line-break="true" /> Unfortunately, most of us also like to pick and choose the Spiritual food we are given. God has given us specific guidance in the Bible, a book that shows God's love for us from the beginning to the end. I will be the first to admit, however, that there are some parts of His Word that I like better than others! Let's take "grace" for example (See </span><a href="https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Ephesians%202%3A8-9&version=NIV"><span style="color:#2c3e50;">Eph. 2:8-9</span></a><span style="color:#2c3e50;">). I'm all into grace. The fact that Jesus died for my sin, thus absolving me of guilt is my favorite part of the Book! I kind of like the concept of Heaven too (See </span><a href="https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Philippians%203%3A20&version=NIV"><span style="color:#2c3e50;">Phil. 3:20</span></a><span style="color:#2c3e50;">). But I will admit there are "Zucchini flowers" in the Word as well. The part about not worrying, for example (See </span><a href="https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Matthew%206%3A25&version=NIV"><span style="color:#2c3e50;">Matthew 6:25</span></a><span style="color:#2c3e50;">). Just how DOES one do THAT! And then there's the part about giving of your hard-earned money to the Lord... Or what about the part that tells us to love our neighbour as ourselves (See </span><a href="https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Mark%2012%3A31&version=NIV"><span style="color:#2c3e50;">Mark 12:31</span></a><span style="color:#2c3e50;">)... Even the one who poisons my grass, tells me what kinds of trees I can plant, and parks on my lawn? You mean I have to love THAT ONE as well?<br data-rich-text-line-break="true" /> <br data-rich-text-line-break="true" /> The thing is, God gives us the WHOLE word! EVERY part is for our instruction: "For everything that was written in the past was written to teach us, so that through the endurance taught in the Scriptures and the encouragement they provide we might have hope." (Romans 15:4 NIV; See also </span><a href="https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=1%20Timothy%203%3A16-17&version=NIV"><span style="color:#2c3e50;">1 Timothy 3:16-17</span></a><span style="color:#2c3e50;">)! We can't just pick and choose. We can't push the "Zucchini flowers" aside or hide them under our plates!<br data-rich-text-line-break="true" /> <br data-rich-text-line-break="true" /> Of course, no real harm was done by Darien and I not eating our zucchini flowers. Unfortunately, avoiding the "zucchini flowers" of the Word of God is far more dangerous. The good news is, God knows how to make "zucchini flowers" taste good. With His help, I CAN love my neighbour. I CAN stop worrying. I can find JOY in giving. The only caveat is that <em>I </em>must be willing to try!<br data-rich-text-line-break="true" /> <br data-rich-text-line-break="true" /> Don't push aside parts of God's word because you don't like what you read. Instead, embrace the <em>entire </em>Word of God. When you do, your life will be blessed beyond comprehension.<br data-rich-text-line-break="true" /> <br data-rich-text-line-break="true" /> Inspired by Rob Chaffart<br data-rich-text-line-break="true" /> Founder, Answers2Prayer Ministries</span></span></span></p> </td> </tr> </tbody> </table> </td> </tr> </tbody> </table> </td> </tr> </tbody> </table> <table border="0" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="mcnDividerBlock" style="min-width:100%;" width="100%"> <tbody class="mcnDividerBlockOuter"> <tr> <td class="mcnDividerBlockInner" style="min-width:100%; padding:18px;"> <table border="0" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="mcnDividerContent" style="min-width: 100%;border-top: 2px none #EAEAEA;" width="100%"> <tbody> <tr> <td> </td> </tr> </tbody> </table> </td> </tr> </tbody> </table> <table border="0" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="mcnBoxedTextBlock" style="min-width:100%;" width="100%"> <tbody class="mcnBoxedTextBlockOuter"> <tr> <td class="mcnBoxedTextBlockInner" valign="top"> <table align="left" border="0" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="mcnBoxedTextContentContainer" style="min-width:100%;" width="100%"> <tbody> <tr> <td style="padding-top:9px; padding-left:18px; padding-bottom:9px; padding-right:18px;"> <table border="0" cellspacing="0" class="mcnTextContentContainer" style="min-width: 100% !important;background-color: #FFFFFF;" width="100%"> <tbody> <tr> <td class="mcnTextContent" style="padding: 18px;color: #000000;font-family: "Helvetica Neue", Helvetica, Arial, Verdana, sans-serif;font-size: 16px;font-weight: normal;line-height: 200%;text-align: left;" valign="top"> <h2 class="null" style="padding-left: 15px !important; padding-right: 15px !important; text-align: center;"><span>Announcements</span></h2> <p style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family:Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size:18px;"><span style="color:#2c3e50;"><span style="font-variant: normal; white-space: pre-wrap;"><span style="font-weight:400"><span style="font-style:normal"><span style="text-decoration:none">What has God been doing in YOUR life? Your testimony could be a real encouragement to someone. We are looking for testimonies … stories of ordinary people being touched by the extraordinary God … to put on the </span></span></span></span></span><a href="http://www.sermonillustrator.org/" style="text-decoration:none"><span style="color:#2c3e50;"><span style="font-variant: normal; white-space: pre-wrap;"><span style="font-weight:400"><span style="font-style:normal"><span style="text-decoration:underline"><span style="text-decoration-skip-ink:none">Sermon Illustrator</span></span></span></span></span></span></a><span style="color:#2c3e50;"><span style="font-variant: normal; white-space: pre-wrap;"><span style="font-weight:400"><span style="font-style:normal"><span style="text-decoration:none">. Please consider writing down your God stories and sending them in either via </span></span></span></span></span><a href="mailto:lyn@PROTECTED" style="text-decoration:none"><span style="color:#2c3e50;"><span style="font-variant: normal; white-space: pre-wrap;"><span style="font-weight:400"><span style="font-style:normal"><span style="text-decoration:underline"><span style="text-decoration-skip-ink:none">email</span></span></span></span></span></span></a><span style="color:#2c3e50;"><span style="font-variant: normal; white-space: pre-wrap;"><span style="font-weight:400"><span style="font-style:normal"><span style="text-decoration:none">, or via What’sApp to +1 (905) 228-5072.</span></span></span></span></span></span></span></p> </td> </tr> </tbody> </table> </td> </tr> </tbody> </table> </td> </tr> </tbody> </table> <table border="0" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="mcnDividerBlock" style="min-width:100%;" width="100%"> <tbody class="mcnDividerBlockOuter"> <tr> <td class="mcnDividerBlockInner" style="min-width: 100%; padding: 18px 18px 0px;"> <table border="0" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="mcnDividerContent" style="min-width:100%;" width="100%"> <tbody> <tr> <td> </td> </tr> </tbody> </table> </td> </tr> </tbody> </table> </td> </tr> </tbody> </table> </td> </tr> <tr> <td align="center" data-template-container="" id="templateFooter" valign="top"> <table align="center" border="0" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="templateContainer" width="100%"> <tbody> <tr> <td class="footerContainer" valign="top"> <table border="0" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="mcnCodeBlock" width="100%"> <tbody class="mcnTextBlockOuter"> <tr> <td class="mcnTextBlockInner" valign="top"> <div style="text-align: center; font-family:helvetica;"><a href="https://sermonillustrator.org/cgi-bin/dada/mail.cgi" style="color: white; padding: 20px;">Subscribe</a><a href="https://sermonillustrator.org/" style="color: white; padding: 20px;">Our Devotionals</a><a href="http://sermonillustrator.org/contact/" style="color: white; padding: 20px;">Contact</a></div> </td> </tr> </tbody> </table> <table border="0" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="mcnDividerBlock" style="min-width:100%;" width="100%"> <tbody class="mcnDividerBlockOuter"> <tr> <td class="mcnDividerBlockInner" style="min-width:100%; padding:18px;"> <table border="0" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="mcnDividerContent" style="min-width: 100%;border-top: 2px solid #505050;" width="100%"> <tbody> <tr> <td> </td> </tr> </tbody> </table> </td> </tr> </tbody> </table> <table border="0" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="mcnTextBlock" style="min-width:100%;" width="100%"> <tbody class="mcnTextBlockOuter"> <tr> <td class="mcnTextBlockInner" style="padding-top:9px;" valign="top"> <table align="left" border="0" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="mcnTextContentContainer" style="max-width:100%; min-width:100%;" width="100%"> <tbody> <tr> <td class="mcnTextContent" style="padding-top:0; padding-right:18px; padding-bottom:9px; padding-left:18px;" valign="top"><em>Copyright © 2020 Answers2Prayer, All rights reserved.</em><br /> <br /> Want to change how you receive these emails?<br /> You can <a href="" target="_blank">unsubscribe from this list</a>.</td> </tr> </tbody> </table> </td> </tr> </tbody> </table> </td> </tr> </tbody> </table> </td> </tr> </tbody> </table> </td> </tr> </tbody> </table> </center> <img src="https://sermonillustrator.org/cgi-bin/dada/mail.cgi/spacer_image/ill_html///spacer.png" width="1" height="1" alt="" />

The Spell-Breaker

Wed, 08 Apr 2026 01:38:00 GMT

<center> <table align="center" border="0" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" height="100%" id="bodyTable" width="100%"> <tbody> <tr> <td align="center" id="bodyCell" valign="top"> <table border="0" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" width="100%"> <tbody> <tr> <td align="center" data-template-container="" id="templateHeader" valign="top"> <table align="center" border="0" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="templateContainer" width="100%"> <tbody> <tr> <td class="headerContainer" valign="top"> <table border="0" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="mcnTextBlock" style="min-width:100%;" width="100%"> <tbody class="mcnTextBlockOuter"> <tr> <td class="mcnTextBlockInner" style="padding-top:9px;" valign="top"> <table align="left" border="0" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="mcnTextContentContainer" style="max-width:100%; min-width:100%;" width="100%"> <tbody> <tr> <td class="mcnTextContent" style="padding-top:0; padding-right:18px; padding-bottom:9px; padding-left:18px;" valign="top"> <div style="text-align: center;"><span style="color:#FFFFFF"><span style="font-family:merriweather,georgia,times new roman,serif">Welcome To</span></span></div> <h2 class="null" style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://sermonillustrator.org"><span style="color:#FFFFFF">THE ILLUSTRATOR</span></a></h2> </td> </tr> </tbody> </table> </td> </tr> </tbody> </table> </td> </tr> </tbody> </table> </td> </tr> <tr> <td align="center" data-template-container="" id="templateBody" valign="top"> <table align="center" border="0" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="templateContainer" width="100%"> <tbody> <tr> <td class="bodyContainer" valign="top"> <table border="0" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="mcnBoxedTextBlock" style="min-width:100%;" width="100%"> <tbody class="mcnBoxedTextBlockOuter"> <tr> <td class="mcnBoxedTextBlockInner" valign="top"> <table align="left" border="0" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="mcnBoxedTextContentContainer" style="min-width:100%;" width="100%"> <tbody> <tr> <td style="padding-top:9px; padding-left:18px; padding-bottom:9px; padding-right:18px;"> <table border="0" cellspacing="0" class="mcnTextContentContainer" style="min-width: 100% !important;background-color: #FFFFFF;" width="100%"> <tbody> <tr> <td class="mcnTextContent" style="padding: 18px;color: #000000;font-family: "Helvetica Neue", Helvetica, Arial, Verdana, sans-serif;font-size: 16px;font-style: normal;font-weight: normal;text-align: center;" valign="top"> <h1 style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://sermonillustrator.org/2026/04/07/the-spell-breaker/"><span style="color:#000000;">The Spell-Breaker</span></a></h1> <h4 style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size:14px;">April 8, 2026</span></h4> <hr style="width:20%; height: 2px; background: black !important; border: none !important; display:flex; justify-content: center; align-items: center;" /> <p style="padding-left: 5%;padding-right: 5%;color: #000000;font-family: "Helvetica Neue", Helvetica, Arial, Verdana, sans-serif;font-size: 16px;font-style: normal;font-weight: normal;text-align: center;"><em><span style="font-family:Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size:14px;"><span style="color:#4e5f70;">...fixing our eyes on Jesus, the pioneer and perfecter of faith.</span></span></span></em><br /> <span style="font-family:Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size:14px;"><span style="color:#4e5f70;"><span style="line-height:107%">~ </span>Hebrews 12:2a NIV<span style="line-height:107%"> ~</span></span></span></span></p> </td> </tr> </tbody> </table> </td> </tr> </tbody> </table> </td> </tr> </tbody> </table> <table border="0" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="mcnDividerBlock" style="min-width:100%;" width="100%"> <tbody class="mcnDividerBlockOuter"> <tr> <td class="mcnDividerBlockInner" style="min-width: 100%; padding: 9px 18px 0px;"> <table border="0" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="mcnDividerContent" style="min-width:100%;" width="100%"> <tbody> <tr> <td> </td> </tr> </tbody> </table> </td> </tr> </tbody> </table> <table border="0" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="mcnDividerBlock" style="min-width:100%;" width="100%"> <tbody class="mcnDividerBlockOuter"> <tr> <td class="mcnDividerBlockInner" style="min-width:100%; padding:18px;"> <table border="0" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="mcnDividerContent" style="min-width: 100%;border-top: 2px none #EAEAEA;" width="100%"> <tbody> <tr> <td> </td> </tr> </tbody> </table> </td> </tr> </tbody> </table> <table border="0" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="mcnImageBlock" style="min-width:100%;" width="100%"> <tbody class="mcnImageBlockOuter"> <tr> <td class="mcnImageBlockInner" style="padding:0px" valign="top"> <table align="left" border="0" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="mcnImageContentContainer" style="min-width:100%;" width="100%"> <tbody> <tr> <td class="mcnImageContent" style="padding-right: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-top: 0; padding-bottom: 0; text-align:center;" valign="top"><span style="color:#2c3e50;"><span style="font-size:18px;"><img align="center" alt="" class="mcnImage" height="300" src="https://sermonillustrator.org/cgi-bin/dada/mail.cgi/show_img/ill_html/20260408023824/c02c3feac184588c392f417c29a8be95_Barking-N.jpg" style="max-width: 500px; padding-bottom: 0px; vertical-align: bottom; border-radius: 0%; width: 350px; display: inline !important; height: 233px;" width="400" /></span></span></td> </tr> </tbody> </table> </td> </tr> </tbody> </table> <table border="0" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="mcnDividerBlock" style="min-width:100%;" width="100%"> <tbody class="mcnDividerBlockOuter"> <tr> <td class="mcnDividerBlockInner" style="min-width:100%; padding:18px;"> <table border="0" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="mcnDividerContent" style="min-width: 100%;border-top: 2px none #EAEAEA;" width="100%"> <tbody> <tr> <td> </td> </tr> </tbody> </table> </td> </tr> </tbody> </table> <table border="0" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="mcnBoxedTextBlock" style="min-width:100%;" width="100%"> <tbody class="mcnBoxedTextBlockOuter"> <tr> <td class="mcnBoxedTextBlockInner" valign="top"> <table align="left" border="0" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="mcnBoxedTextContentContainer" style="min-width:100%;" width="100%"> <tbody> <tr> <td style="padding-top:9px; padding-left:18px; padding-bottom:9px; padding-right:18px;"> <table border="0" cellspacing="0" class="mcnTextContentContainer" style="min-width: 100% !important;background-color: #FFFFFF;" width="100%"> <tbody> <tr> <td class="mcnTextContent" style="padding: 18px; font-weight: normal; line-height: 200%; text-align: left;" valign="top"> <p style="font-weight: normal; line-height: 200%; text-align: left; padding-left: 15px !important; padding-right: 15px !important;"><span style="font-family:Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size:18px;"><span style="color:#2c3e50;">"...fixing our eyes on Jesus, the pioneer and perfecter of faith." (Hebrews 12:2a NIV)<br /> <br /> My daughter’s dog is a barker. Once he gets focused on something to yap about, it is difficult to get him to stop.  Using a bark collar, which emits a tiny shock when he barks, is quite effective. Without the collar however, the barking spells continue, robbing our walks of peaceful enjoyment.<br /> <br /> I have recently discovered though, that there is another way to break the spell of this negative habit.  I am employing a command, which has been effective with my own dogs for years.  When Tonys’ barking erupts, I speak firmly and clearly to him, these words: <em>Tony, look at me</em>.  I find that it only takes two to three repeat commands until he looks at me and stops barking.  Once I have his attention, calling him over, I give him hugs and head rubbings. Then I tell him what a good dog he is, and <em>no more barking</em>.  Amazingly it is working. Once his attention is focused on me, and the positive re-enforcement that it brings, the barking spell is broken and we are able to joyfully resume a quiet and peaceful walk.<br /> <br /> Often times our daily walks, through this world, can also be robbed of inner peace and joy if we allow ourselves to fall under the spell of all the negativity, discouraging events and predictions yapping and barking forth from our phones, televisions, computers, radios and social gatherings.  Much like Tony, we too need to learn to refocus our attention on something more positive and encouraging.<br /> <br /> Helen H. Lemmel in 1918 understood this need in people’s lives when she wrote these beautiful words:<br /> <br /> "O soul, are you weary and troubled?<br /> No light in the darkness you see?<br /> There's light for a look at the Savior<br /> And life more abundant and free<br /> <br /> Turn your eyes upon Jesus<br /> Look full in His wonderful face<br /> And the things of earth will grow strangely dim<br /> In the light of His glory and grace"<br /> (Turn Your Eyes Upon Jesus by Helen H. Lemmel)<br /> <br /> When we turn our eyes upon Jesus and away from the barking and yapping of this world, the things of this world, with all their negativity, truly do grow strangely dim in the light of the truths Christ shares with us.  God has a plan for this world, as well as for each and every one of us and it is a good plan.  So, let us not become discouraged and fall under the spell of this worlds’ doom, gloom and fear mongering ways.  Let us break its spell by focusing upon God’s promises, predictions and the future joy of eternity that are promised to all who trust and believe in Christ as Lord and Saviour.  As we do so, our daily walking in this world will once again become a time of inner peace and enjoyment.<br /> <br /> <u>Prayer</u>:  Father God, remind us to focus our hearts and minds upon You and Your truths, ahead of the yapping and barking of this world around us.  In Christ’s name.  Amen.<br /> <br /> Lynne Phipps<br /> Tawatinaw, Alberta, Canada</span></span></span></p> </td> </tr> </tbody> </table> </td> </tr> </tbody> </table> </td> </tr> </tbody> </table> <table border="0" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="mcnDividerBlock" style="min-width:100%;" width="100%"> <tbody class="mcnDividerBlockOuter"> <tr> <td class="mcnDividerBlockInner" style="min-width:100%; padding:18px;"> <table border="0" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="mcnDividerContent" style="min-width: 100%;border-top: 2px none #EAEAEA;" width="100%"> <tbody> <tr> <td> </td> </tr> </tbody> </table> </td> </tr> </tbody> </table> <table border="0" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="mcnBoxedTextBlock" style="min-width:100%;" width="100%"> <tbody class="mcnBoxedTextBlockOuter"> <tr> <td class="mcnBoxedTextBlockInner" valign="top"> <table align="left" border="0" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="mcnBoxedTextContentContainer" style="min-width:100%;" width="100%"> <tbody> <tr> <td style="padding-top:9px; padding-left:18px; padding-bottom:9px; padding-right:18px;"> <table border="0" cellspacing="0" class="mcnTextContentContainer" style="min-width: 100% !important;background-color: #FFFFFF;" width="100%"> <tbody> <tr> <td class="mcnTextContent" style="padding: 18px; font-weight: normal; line-height: 200%; text-align: left;" valign="top"> <h2 class="null" style="color: rgb(0, 0, 0); font-family: "Helvetica Neue", Helvetica, Arial, Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 16px; text-align: center; padding-left: 15px !important; padding-right: 15px !important;"><span style="font-size:36px;">Announcements</span></h2> <p style="line-height: 1.2; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family:Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size:18px;"><span style="color:#2c3e50;"><span style="font-variant: normal; white-space: pre-wrap;"><span style="font-weight:400"><span style="font-style:normal"><span style="text-decoration:none">Have you experienced any answered prayers? No matter how big or small, our testimony can be a blessing to others. Please consider submitting your testimonies of answered prayers for inclusion on the </span></span></span></span></span><a href="http://www.sermonillustrator.org" style="text-decoration:none"><span style="color:#2c3e50;"><span style="font-variant: normal; white-space: pre-wrap;"><span style="font-weight:400"><span style="font-style:normal"><span style="text-decoration:underline"><span style="text-decoration-skip-ink:none">Sermon Illustrator</span></span></span></span></span></span></a><span style="color:#2c3e50;"><span style="font-variant: normal; white-space: pre-wrap;"><span style="font-weight:400"><span style="font-style:normal"><span style="text-decoration:none"> website. </span></span></span></span><br /> <br /> <span style="font-variant: normal; white-space: pre-wrap;"><span style="font-weight:400"><span style="font-style:normal"><span style="text-decoration:none">Submit your testimonies via email </span></span></span></span></span><a href="http://lyn@PROTECTED" style="text-decoration:none"><span style="color:#2c3e50;"><span style="font-variant: normal; white-space: pre-wrap;"><span style="font-weight:400"><span style="font-style:normal"><span style="text-decoration:underline"><span style="text-decoration-skip-ink:none">here</span></span></span></span></span></span></a><span style="color:#2c3e50;"><span style="font-variant: normal; white-space: pre-wrap;"><span style="font-weight:400"><span style="font-style:normal"><span style="text-decoration:none">; or via What'sApp to +1 (905) 228-507</span></span></span></span></span></span></span></p> </td> </tr> </tbody> </table> </td> </tr> </tbody> </table> </td> </tr> </tbody> </table> <table border="0" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="mcnDividerBlock" style="min-width:100%;" width="100%"> <tbody class="mcnDividerBlockOuter"> <tr> <td class="mcnDividerBlockInner" style="min-width: 100%; padding: 18px 18px 0px;"> <table border="0" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="mcnDividerContent" style="min-width:100%;" width="100%"> <tbody> <tr> <td> </td> </tr> </tbody> </table> </td> </tr> </tbody> </table> </td> </tr> </tbody> </table> </td> </tr> <tr> <td align="center" data-template-container="" id="templateFooter" valign="top"> <table align="center" border="0" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="templateContainer" width="100%"> <tbody> <tr> <td class="footerContainer" valign="top"> <table border="0" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="mcnCodeBlock" width="100%"> <tbody class="mcnTextBlockOuter"> <tr> <td class="mcnTextBlockInner" valign="top"> <div style="text-align: center; font-family:helvetica;"><a href="https://sermonillustrator.org/cgi-bin/dada/mail.cgi" style="color: white; padding: 20px;">Subscribe</a><a href="https://sermonillustrator.org/" style="color: white; padding: 20px;">Our Devotionals</a><a href="http://sermonillustrator.org/contact/" style="color: white; padding: 20px;">Contact</a></div> </td> </tr> </tbody> </table> <table border="0" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="mcnTextBlock" style="min-width:100%;" width="100%"> <tbody class="mcnTextBlockOuter"> <tr> <td class="mcnTextBlockInner" style="padding-top:9px;" valign="top"> <table align="left" border="0" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="mcnTextContentContainer" style="max-width:100%; min-width:100%;" width="100%"> <tbody> <tr> <td class="mcnTextContent" style="padding-top:0; padding-right:18px; padding-bottom:9px; padding-left:18px;" valign="top"><em>Copyright © 2020 Answers2Prayer, All rights reserved.</em><br /> <br /> Want to change how you receive these emails?<br /> You can <a href="" target="_blank">unsubscribe from this list</a>.</td> </tr> </tbody> </table> </td> </tr> </tbody> </table> </td> </tr> </tbody> </table> </td> </tr> </tbody> </table> </td> </tr> </tbody> </table> </center> <img src="https://sermonillustrator.org/cgi-bin/dada/mail.cgi/spacer_image/ill_html///spacer.png" width="1" height="1" alt="" />

John Wesley's Covenant Prayer

Mon, 06 Apr 2026 01:04:00 GMT

<center> <table align="center" border="0" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" height="100%" id="bodyTable" width="100%"> <tbody> <tr> <td align="center" id="bodyCell" valign="top"> <table border="0" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" width="100%"> <tbody> <tr> <td align="center" data-template-container="" id="templateHeader" valign="top"> <table align="center" border="0" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="templateContainer" width="100%"> <tbody> <tr> <td class="headerContainer" valign="top"> <table border="0" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="mcnTextBlock" style="min-width:100%;" width="100%"> <tbody class="mcnTextBlockOuter"> <tr> <td class="mcnTextBlockInner" style="padding-top:9px;" valign="top"> <table align="left" border="0" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="mcnTextContentContainer" style="max-width:100%; min-width:100%;" width="100%"> <tbody> <tr> <td class="mcnTextContent" style="padding-top:0; padding-right:18px; padding-bottom:9px; padding-left:18px;" valign="top"> <div style="text-align: center;"><span style="color:#FFFFFF"><span style="font-family:merriweather,georgia,times new roman,serif">Welcome To</span></span></div> <h2 class="null" style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://sermonillustrator.org"><span style="color:#FFFFFF">THE ILLUSTRATOR</span></a></h2> </td> </tr> </tbody> </table> </td> </tr> </tbody> </table> </td> </tr> </tbody> </table> </td> </tr> <tr> <td align="center" data-template-container="" id="templateBody" valign="top"> <table align="center" border="0" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="templateContainer" width="100%"> <tbody> <tr> <td class="bodyContainer" valign="top"> <table border="0" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="mcnBoxedTextBlock" style="min-width:100%;" width="100%"> <tbody class="mcnBoxedTextBlockOuter"> <tr> <td class="mcnBoxedTextBlockInner" valign="top"> <table align="left" border="0" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="mcnBoxedTextContentContainer" style="min-width:100%;" width="100%"> <tbody> <tr> <td style="padding-top:9px; padding-left:18px; padding-bottom:9px; padding-right:18px;"> <table border="0" cellspacing="0" class="mcnTextContentContainer" style="min-width: 100% !important;background-color: #FFFFFF;" width="100%"> <tbody> <tr> <td class="mcnTextContent" style="padding: 18px;color: #000000;font-family: "Helvetica Neue", Helvetica, Arial, Verdana, sans-serif;font-size: 16px;font-style: normal;font-weight: normal;text-align: center;" valign="top"> <h1 style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://sermonillustrator.org/2026/04/05/john-wesleys-covenant-prayer/"><span style="color:#000000;">John Wesley's Covenant Prayer</span></a></h1> <h4 style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size:16px;">April 6, 2026</span></h4> <hr style="width:20%; height: 2px; background: black !important; border: none !important; display:flex; justify-content: center; align-items: center;" /> <p style="margin-bottom: 11px; text-align: center;"><span style="color:#4e5f70;"><em><span style="font-family:Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size:14px;">I beseech you therefore, brethren, by the mercies of God, that ye present your bodies a living sacrifice, holy, acceptable unto God, which is your reasonable service.</span></span></em><br /> <em><span style="font-size:11.0pt"><span style="line-height:107%"><span style="font-family:"Calibri",sans-serif"><span style="font-style:normal">~ Romans 12:1 KJV ~</span></span></span></span></em></span></p> </td> </tr> </tbody> </table> </td> </tr> </tbody> </table> </td> </tr> </tbody> </table> <table border="0" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="mcnDividerBlock" style="min-width:100%;" width="100%"> <tbody class="mcnDividerBlockOuter"> <tr> <td class="mcnDividerBlockInner" style="min-width: 100%; padding: 9px 18px 0px;"> <table border="0" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="mcnDividerContent" style="min-width:100%;" width="100%"> <tbody> <tr> <td> </td> </tr> </tbody> </table> </td> </tr> </tbody> </table> <table border="0" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="mcnDividerBlock" style="min-width:100%;" width="100%"> <tbody class="mcnDividerBlockOuter"> <tr> <td class="mcnDividerBlockInner" style="min-width:100%; padding:18px;"> <table border="0" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="mcnDividerContent" style="min-width: 100%;border-top: 2px none #EAEAEA;" width="100%"> <tbody> <tr> <td> </td> </tr> </tbody> </table> </td> </tr> </tbody> </table> <table border="0" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="mcnImageBlock" style="min-width:100%;" width="100%"> <tbody class="mcnImageBlockOuter"> <tr> <td class="mcnImageBlockInner" style="padding:0px" valign="top"> <table align="left" border="0" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="mcnImageContentContainer" style="min-width:100%;" width="100%"> <tbody> <tr> <td class="mcnImageContent" style="padding-right: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-top: 0; padding-bottom: 0; text-align:center;" valign="top"><img align="center" alt="" class="mcnImage" height="267" src="https://sermonillustrator.org/cgi-bin/dada/mail.cgi/show_img/ill_html/20260406020418/0358edc4b4d1ffc955ff8721cd80b70d_Hymnal-N.jpg" style="max-width: 500px; padding-bottom: 0px; vertical-align: bottom; border-radius: 0%; width: 350px; display: inline !important; height: 233px;" width="400" /></td> </tr> </tbody> </table> </td> </tr> </tbody> </table> <table border="0" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="mcnDividerBlock" style="min-width:100%;" width="100%"> <tbody class="mcnDividerBlockOuter"> <tr> <td class="mcnDividerBlockInner" style="min-width:100%; padding:18px;"> <table border="0" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="mcnDividerContent" style="min-width: 100%;border-top: 2px none #EAEAEA;" width="100%"> <tbody> <tr> <td> </td> </tr> </tbody> </table> </td> </tr> </tbody> </table> <table border="0" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="mcnBoxedTextBlock" style="min-width:100%;" width="100%"> <tbody class="mcnBoxedTextBlockOuter"> <tr> <td class="mcnBoxedTextBlockInner" valign="top"> <table align="left" border="0" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="mcnBoxedTextContentContainer" style="min-width:100%;" width="100%"> <tbody> <tr> <td style="padding-top:9px; padding-left:18px; padding-bottom:9px; padding-right:18px;"> <table border="0" cellspacing="0" class="mcnTextContentContainer" style="min-width: 100% !important;background-color: #FFFFFF;" width="100%"> <tbody> <tr> <td class="mcnTextContent" style="padding: 18px;color: #000000;font-family: "Helvetica Neue", Helvetica, Arial, Verdana, sans-serif;font-size: 16px;font-weight: normal;line-height: 200%;text-align: left;" valign="top"> <p style="padding-left: 15px !important;padding-right: 15px !important;color: #000000;font-family: "Helvetica Neue", Helvetica, Arial, Verdana, sans-serif;font-size: 16px;font-weight: normal;line-height: 200%;text-align: left;"><span style="font-family:Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><span style="color:#2c3e50;">"I beseech you therefore, brethren, by the mercies of God, that ye present your bodies a living sacrifice, holy, acceptable unto God, which is your reasonable service." (Romans 12:1 KJV)<br /> <br /> John Wesley was raised in a preacher’s home by a godly mother, Susanna Wesley. At age 6, he was rescued from a house fire by someone pulling him out of a window at the last minute. After this, he felt that God had a special calling on his life, and called himself “a brand [branch] plucked from the burning.” <br /> <br /> He became a preacher and professor, but still didn’t know for certain if he was right with God, not realizing that he could be right with God by faith instead of his own efforts. At age 35, he put his faith fully in Christ for his salvation, and “felt his heart strangely warmed,” believing that he was accepted by God.<br /> <br /> John became known for being passionate for living in holiness, and for spreading the Gospel. One of his sisters described him as “out of breath, pursuing souls.” He preached all across England, founded the Methodist movement, and over 130,000 people were Methodists by the time he died. He and his brother Charles Wesley, </span><a href="https://www.newstartdiscipleship.com/post/23-of-charles-wesley-s-most-famous-hymns"><span style="color:#2c3e50;">wrote many hymns</span></a><span style="color:#2c3e50;"> and </span><a href="https://www.newstartdiscipleship.com/post/an-index-of-john-wesley-s-essential-sermons-in-today-s-english"><span style="color:#2c3e50;">many sermons</span></a><span style="color:#2c3e50;">. He wrote this prayer as a renewal of commitment to God to be used at the New Year, but it’s good for any time:<br /> <br /> <em>“I am no longer my own, but thine.</em><br /> <em>Put me to what thou wilt, rank me with whom thou wilt.</em><br /> <em>Put me to doing, put me to suffering.</em><br /> <em>Let me be employed by thee or laid aside for thee,</em><br /> <em>exalted for thee or brought low for thee.</em><br /> <em>Let me be full, let me be empty.</em><br /> <em>Let me have all things, let me have nothing.</em><br /> <em>I freely and heartily yield all things</em><br /> <em>to thy pleasure and disposal.</em><br /> <em>And now, O glorious and blessed God,</em><br /> <em>Father, Son, and Holy Spirit,</em><br /> <em>thou art mine, and I am thine. So be it.</em><br /> <em>And the covenant which I have made on earth,</em><br /> <em>let it be ratified in heaven. Amen.”</em><br /> (Source: </span><a href="https://www.40daysofholiness.com/post/john-wesley-s-covenant-prayer"><span style="color:#2c3e50;">John Wesley’s Covenant Prayer</span></a><span style="color:#2c3e50;">)<br /> <br /> Darrell Stetler II is a pastor and author of 40 Days of Holiness, a </span><a href="http://www.40daysofholiness.com"><span style="color:#2c3e50;">Bible study on holiness</span></a><span style="color:#2c3e50;">.</span></span></p> </td> </tr> </tbody> </table> </td> </tr> </tbody> </table> </td> </tr> </tbody> </table> <table border="0" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="mcnDividerBlock" style="min-width:100%;" width="100%"> <tbody class="mcnDividerBlockOuter"> <tr> <td class="mcnDividerBlockInner" style="min-width:100%; padding:18px;"> <table border="0" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="mcnDividerContent" style="min-width: 100%;border-top: 2px none #EAEAEA;" width="100%"> <tbody> <tr> <td> </td> </tr> </tbody> </table> </td> </tr> </tbody> </table> <table border="0" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="mcnBoxedTextBlock" style="min-width:100%;" width="100%"> <tbody class="mcnBoxedTextBlockOuter"> <tr> <td class="mcnBoxedTextBlockInner" valign="top"> <table align="left" border="0" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="mcnBoxedTextContentContainer" style="min-width:100%;" width="100%"> <tbody> <tr> <td style="padding-top:9px; padding-left:18px; padding-bottom:9px; padding-right:18px;"> <table border="0" cellspacing="0" class="mcnTextContentContainer" style="min-width: 100% !important;background-color: #FFFFFF;" width="100%"> <tbody> <tr> <td class="mcnTextContent" style="padding: 18px;color: #000000;font-family: "Helvetica Neue", Helvetica, Arial, Verdana, sans-serif;font-size: 16px;font-weight: normal;line-height: 200%;text-align: left;" valign="top"> <h2 class="null" style="padding-left: 15px !important; padding-right: 15px !important; text-align: center;"><span>Announcements</span></h2> <p style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family:Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size:18px;"><span style="color:#2c3e50;"><span style="font-variant: normal; white-space: pre-wrap;"><span style="font-weight:400"><span style="font-style:normal"><span style="text-decoration:none">Do you have questions about the Bible? Send us your Bible questions and we'll be happy to help you learn Truth.</span></span></span></span><br /> <br /> <span style="font-variant: normal; white-space: pre-wrap;"><span style="font-weight:400"><span style="font-style:normal"><span style="text-decoration:none">Send via email </span></span></span></span></span><a href="http://answertoallprayers@PROTECTED" style="text-decoration:none"><span style="color:#2c3e50;"><span style="font-variant: normal; white-space: pre-wrap;"><span style="font-weight:400"><span style="font-style:normal"><span style="text-decoration:underline"><span style="text-decoration-skip-ink:none">here</span></span></span></span></span></span></a><span style="color:#2c3e50;"><span style="font-variant: normal; white-space: pre-wrap;"><span style="font-weight:400"><span style="font-style:normal"><span style="text-decoration:none">; and via What'sApp to +91 98696 68137.</span></span></span></span></span></span></span></p> </td> </tr> </tbody> </table> </td> </tr> </tbody> </table> </td> </tr> </tbody> </table> <table border="0" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="mcnDividerBlock" style="min-width:100%;" width="100%"> <tbody class="mcnDividerBlockOuter"> <tr> <td class="mcnDividerBlockInner" style="min-width: 100%; padding: 18px 18px 0px;"> <table border="0" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="mcnDividerContent" style="min-width:100%;" width="100%"> <tbody> <tr> <td> </td> </tr> </tbody> </table> </td> </tr> </tbody> </table> </td> </tr> </tbody> </table> </td> </tr> <tr> <td align="center" data-template-container="" id="templateFooter" valign="top"> <table align="center" border="0" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="templateContainer" width="100%"> <tbody> <tr> <td class="footerContainer" valign="top"> <table border="0" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="mcnCodeBlock" width="100%"> <tbody class="mcnTextBlockOuter"> <tr> <td class="mcnTextBlockInner" valign="top"> <div style="text-align: center; font-family:helvetica;"><a href="https://sermonillustrator.org/cgi-bin/dada/mail.cgi" style="color: white; padding: 20px;">Subscribe</a><a href="https://sermonillustrator.org/" style="color: white; padding: 20px;">Our Devotionals</a><a href="http://sermonillustrator.org/contact/" style="color: white; padding: 20px;">Contact</a></div> </td> </tr> </tbody> </table> <table border="0" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="mcnDividerBlock" style="min-width:100%;" width="100%"> <tbody class="mcnDividerBlockOuter"> <tr> <td class="mcnDividerBlockInner" style="min-width:100%; padding:18px;"> <table border="0" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="mcnDividerContent" style="min-width: 100%;border-top: 2px solid #505050;" width="100%"> <tbody> <tr> <td> </td> </tr> </tbody> </table> </td> </tr> </tbody> </table> <table border="0" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="mcnTextBlock" style="min-width:100%;" width="100%"> <tbody class="mcnTextBlockOuter"> <tr> <td class="mcnTextBlockInner" style="padding-top:9px;" valign="top"> <table align="left" border="0" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="mcnTextContentContainer" style="max-width:100%; min-width:100%;" width="100%"> <tbody> <tr> <td class="mcnTextContent" style="padding-top:0; padding-right:18px; padding-bottom:9px; padding-left:18px;" valign="top"><em>Copyright © 2020 Answers2Prayer, All rights reserved.</em><br /> <br /> Want to change how you receive these emails?<br /> You can <a href="" target="_blank">unsubscribe from this list</a>.</td> </tr> </tbody> </table> </td> </tr> </tbody> </table> </td> </tr> </tbody> </table> </td> </tr> </tbody> </table> </td> </tr> </tbody> </table> </center> <img src="https://sermonillustrator.org/cgi-bin/dada/mail.cgi/spacer_image/ill_html///spacer.png" width="1" height="1" alt="" />

Resurrection Sunday? Or Family Dinner?

Sun, 05 Apr 2026 01:24:00 GMT

<center> <table align="center" border="0" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" height="100%" id="bodyTable" width="100%"> <tbody> <tr> <td align="center" id="bodyCell" valign="top"> <table border="0" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" width="100%"> <tbody> <tr> <td align="center" data-template-container="" id="templateHeader" valign="top"> <table align="center" border="0" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="templateContainer" width="100%"> <tbody> <tr> <td class="headerContainer" valign="top"> <table border="0" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="mcnTextBlock" style="min-width:100%;" width="100%"> <tbody class="mcnTextBlockOuter"> <tr> <td class="mcnTextBlockInner" style="padding-top:9px;" valign="top"> <table align="left" border="0" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="mcnTextContentContainer" style="max-width:100%; min-width:100%;" width="100%"> <tbody> <tr> <td class="mcnTextContent" style="padding-top:0; padding-right:18px; padding-bottom:9px; padding-left:18px;" valign="top"> <div style="text-align: center;"><span style="color:#FFFFFF"><span style="font-family:merriweather,georgia,times new roman,serif">Welcome To</span></span></div> <h2 class="null" style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://sermonillustrator.org"><span style="color:#FFFFFF">THE ILLUSTRATOR</span></a></h2> </td> </tr> </tbody> </table> </td> </tr> </tbody> </table> </td> </tr> </tbody> </table> </td> </tr> <tr> <td align="center" data-template-container="" id="templateBody" valign="top"> <table align="center" border="0" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="templateContainer" width="100%"> <tbody> <tr> <td class="bodyContainer" valign="top"> <table border="0" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="mcnBoxedTextBlock" style="min-width:100%;" width="100%"> <tbody class="mcnBoxedTextBlockOuter"> <tr> <td class="mcnBoxedTextBlockInner" valign="top"> <table align="left" border="0" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="mcnBoxedTextContentContainer" style="min-width:100%;" width="100%"> <tbody> <tr> <td style="padding-top:9px; padding-left:18px; padding-bottom:9px; padding-right:18px;"> <table border="0" cellspacing="0" class="mcnTextContentContainer" style="min-width: 100% !important;background-color: #FFFFFF;" width="100%"> <tbody> <tr> <td class="mcnTextContent" style="padding: 18px;color: #000000;font-family: "Helvetica Neue", Helvetica, Arial, Verdana, sans-serif;font-size: 16px;font-style: normal;font-weight: normal;text-align: center;" valign="top"> <h1 style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://sermonillustrator.org/2026/04/05/resurrection-sunday-or-family-dinner/"><span style="color:#000000;">Resurrection Sunday? Or Family Dinner?</span></a></h1> <h4 style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size:16px;">April 5, 2026</span></h4> <hr style="width:20%; height: 2px; background: black !important; border: none !important; display:flex; justify-content: center; align-items: center;" /> <p style="margin-bottom: 11px; text-align: center;"><em><span style="font-family:Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size:14px;"><span style="color:#4e5f70;">And whatever you do, whether in word or deed, do it all in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God the Father through him.</span></span></span></em><br /> <em><span style="font-size:11.0pt"><span style="line-height:107%"><span style="font-family:"Calibri",sans-serif"><span style="font-style:normal">~ Colossians 3:17 NLT ~</span></span></span></span></em></p> </td> </tr> </tbody> </table> </td> </tr> </tbody> </table> </td> </tr> </tbody> </table> <table border="0" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="mcnDividerBlock" style="min-width:100%;" width="100%"> <tbody class="mcnDividerBlockOuter"> <tr> <td class="mcnDividerBlockInner" style="min-width: 100%; padding: 9px 18px 0px;"> <table border="0" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="mcnDividerContent" style="min-width:100%;" width="100%"> <tbody> <tr> <td> </td> </tr> </tbody> </table> </td> </tr> </tbody> </table> <table border="0" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="mcnDividerBlock" style="min-width:100%;" width="100%"> <tbody class="mcnDividerBlockOuter"> <tr> <td class="mcnDividerBlockInner" style="min-width:100%; padding:18px;"> <table border="0" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="mcnDividerContent" style="min-width: 100%;border-top: 2px none #EAEAEA;" width="100%"> <tbody> <tr> <td> </td> </tr> </tbody> </table> </td> </tr> </tbody> </table> <table border="0" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="mcnImageBlock" style="min-width:100%;" width="100%"> <tbody class="mcnImageBlockOuter"> <tr> <td class="mcnImageBlockInner" style="padding:0px" valign="top"> <table align="left" border="0" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="mcnImageContentContainer" style="min-width:100%;" width="100%"> <tbody> <tr> <td class="mcnImageContent" style="padding-right: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-top: 0; padding-bottom: 0; text-align:center;" valign="top"><img align="center" alt="" class="mcnImage" height="300" src="https://sermonillustrator.org/cgi-bin/dada/mail.cgi/show_img/ill_html/20260405022438/375a474ef740a60079565ff97db0b27c_Resurrected-Christ-N-Hor-scaled.jpg" style="max-width: 500px; padding-bottom: 0px; vertical-align: bottom; border-radius: 0%; width: 350px; display: inline !important; height: 233px;" width="400" /></td> </tr> </tbody> </table> </td> </tr> </tbody> </table> <table border="0" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="mcnDividerBlock" style="min-width:100%;" width="100%"> <tbody class="mcnDividerBlockOuter"> <tr> <td class="mcnDividerBlockInner" style="min-width:100%; padding:18px;"> <table border="0" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="mcnDividerContent" style="min-width: 100%;border-top: 2px none #EAEAEA;" width="100%"> <tbody> <tr> <td> </td> </tr> </tbody> </table> </td> </tr> </tbody> </table> <table border="0" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="mcnBoxedTextBlock" style="min-width:100%;" width="100%"> <tbody class="mcnBoxedTextBlockOuter"> <tr> <td class="mcnBoxedTextBlockInner" valign="top"> <table align="left" border="0" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="mcnBoxedTextContentContainer" style="min-width:100%;" width="100%"> <tbody> <tr> <td style="padding-top:9px; padding-left:18px; padding-bottom:9px; padding-right:18px;"> <table border="0" cellspacing="0" class="mcnTextContentContainer" style="min-width: 100% !important;background-color: #FFFFFF;" width="100%"> <tbody> <tr> <td class="mcnTextContent" style="padding: 18px;color: #000000;font-family: "Helvetica Neue", Helvetica, Arial, Verdana, sans-serif;font-size: 16px;font-weight: normal;line-height: 200%;text-align: left;" valign="top"> <p style="padding-left: 15px !important;padding-right: 15px !important;color: #000000;font-family: "Helvetica Neue", Helvetica, Arial, Verdana, sans-serif;font-size: 16px;font-weight: normal;line-height: 200%;text-align: left;"><span style="font-family:Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size:18px;"><span style="color:#2c3e50;">It all started on Thursday before Easter 2025 ...<br /> <br /> "I hope that my brother washed your feet!"<br /> <br /> The reference was to my pastor son, the questioner my spiritual son in Pakistan.<br /> <br /> Foot washing is a beautiful service, one that highlights humility and helps us remember the Last Supper. It isn't, however, part of my family's traditions…<br /> <br /> Later that day I met up with a sweet lady while I was out on a walk. She told me she wasn't celebrating Easter this year, because she and her family had had their Easter dinner together two weeks earlier...<br /> <br /> Then there was Friday ... The Good Friday service at my son's church was ... in the evening? Why? Isn't morning when you're supposed to celebrate Good Friday?<br /> <br /> How shocked I was when I went out later to visit my husband to see that all of the stores were open! Last I checked, I still live in Canada, and as far as I knew, Canada is still considered to be a Christian country, yet on this statutory holiday, all the stores were still open. "It's because we're a multi-cultural city," was the explanation I received. "We have so many people of so many different religious backgrounds who don't celebrate Good Friday and Easter!"<br /> <br /> Well, at least I understood why the Good Friday service was in the evening! It was so that those who were forced to work on Good Friday would be able to attend services!<br /> <br /> Later that day, as I was out walking my dog yet again, someone asked me how I would celebrate Easter. I responded by saying that I would go to the Good Friday service at my son's church later that evening. The person stared at me blankly. "What about you?" I asked, to break the tension. "Oh our grandson is coming over tonight. Then we'll gather as a family tomorrow (Saturday) for dinner, then the kids will be free to do whatever they want on Sunday!"<br /> <br /> Wait. Has Easter become a glorified excuse for families to get together for a dinner?<br /> <br /> The Good Friday service was beautiful, powerful, anointed, and I was determined to carry that blessing through to Resurrection Sunday. And for the most part, with the help of God, I did stay focused on Jesus throughout Saturday.<br /> <br /> Then came the text early Sunday morning from my spiritual son in Pakistan: "My dear mother tell me did you also take out a procession with candles?"<br /> <br /> Procession with candles? I had never heard of this. Apparently it is a custom amongst Christians in this part of Pakistan to gather together at 3:45 am. They light candles and march through the streets singing hymns and Psalms and shouting, "Jesus Christ is risen!" Then at 5:30 AM, they go to church and worship there for another two hours until the Resurrection day service begins.<br /> <br /> I attended the Resurrection service Sunday morning in my church in Canada, but it started at the normal time (10:30 am), it lasted the normal 90 minutes, and although it was a powerful service where we clearly felt God's presence, following the service the children all went outside to decorate Easter eggs, and the adults began talking about where they would go for Easter lunch.<br /> <br /> Now before I get too pious, I must admit that I also joined my family for Easter lunch, at their house. We had a lovely time talking about things and going for a walk, but we didn't talk too much about Jesus. Here I am building a case for how people aren't focusing on Jesus on Resurrection Sunday; meanwhile, I am no better.<br /> <br /> It all made me think: It's okay for different cultures to have different traditions, God loves each one. He does hope, however, that somehow He can make it into the middle of our traditions. It is, after all, a day to celebrate the greatest act of love in History. Would we do well to follow the example of our Pakistani brothers and sisters and actually make Easter about—Jesus??? After all, Jesus went to the cross for each one of us! Shouldn't He be allowed to be part of our celebrations?<br /> <br /> Or better, shouldn't He be the CENTRE of our celebrations?<br /> <br /> Whatever you are planning to do today to celebrate Easter, may I encourage you to let God be the centre of it. It was, after all, Jesus who suffered and died so that we might live: "And whatever you do, whether in word or deed, do it all in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God the Father through him." (Colossians 3:17 NIV).<br /> <br /> Perhaps we need to take some lessons from the women who came to the tomb. They heard the good news, "He is not here; he has risen, just as he said. Come and see the place where he lay." (Matthew 28:6 NIV), they "... hurried away from the tomb, afraid yet filled with joy, and ran to tell his disciples." (Matthew 28:8 NIV)!<br /> <br /> How will YOU spend Easter this year?<br /> <br /> In His love,<br /> Lyn<br /> <br /> <br /> Lynona Gordon Chaffart<br /> Author, Moderator, Answers2Prayer Ministries</span></span></span></p> </td> </tr> </tbody> </table> </td> </tr> </tbody> </table> </td> </tr> </tbody> </table> <table border="0" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="mcnDividerBlock" style="min-width:100%;" width="100%"> <tbody class="mcnDividerBlockOuter"> <tr> <td class="mcnDividerBlockInner" style="min-width:100%; padding:18px;"> <table border="0" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="mcnDividerContent" style="min-width: 100%;border-top: 2px none #EAEAEA;" width="100%"> <tbody> <tr> <td> </td> </tr> </tbody> </table> </td> </tr> </tbody> </table> <table border="0" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="mcnBoxedTextBlock" style="min-width:100%;" width="100%"> <tbody class="mcnBoxedTextBlockOuter"> <tr> <td class="mcnBoxedTextBlockInner" valign="top"> <table align="left" border="0" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="mcnBoxedTextContentContainer" style="min-width:100%;" width="100%"> <tbody> <tr> <td style="padding-top:9px; padding-left:18px; padding-bottom:9px; padding-right:18px;"> <table border="0" cellspacing="0" class="mcnTextContentContainer" style="min-width: 100% !important;background-color: #FFFFFF;" width="100%"> <tbody> <tr> <td class="mcnTextContent" style="padding: 18px;color: #000000;font-family: "Helvetica Neue", Helvetica, Arial, Verdana, sans-serif;font-size: 16px;font-weight: normal;line-height: 200%;text-align: left;" valign="top"> <h2 class="null" style="padding-left: 15px !important; padding-right: 15px !important; text-align: center;"><span>Announcements</span></h2> <p style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family:Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><span style="color:#2c3e50;"><span style="font-size:18px;"><span style="font-variant: normal; white-space: pre-wrap;"><span style="font-weight:400"><span style="font-style:normal"><span style="text-decoration:none">The Illustrator is now available via What’sApp! 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It Was Empty

Thu, 02 Apr 2026 23:58:00 GMT

<center> <table align="center" border="0" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" height="100%" id="bodyTable" width="100%"> <tbody> <tr> <td align="center" id="bodyCell" valign="top"> <table border="0" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" width="100%"> <tbody> <tr> <td align="center" data-template-container="" id="templateHeader" valign="top"> <table align="center" border="0" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="templateContainer" width="100%"> <tbody> <tr> <td class="headerContainer" valign="top"> <table border="0" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="mcnTextBlock" style="min-width:100%;" width="100%"> <tbody class="mcnTextBlockOuter"> <tr> <td class="mcnTextBlockInner" style="padding-top:9px;" valign="top"> <table align="left" border="0" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="mcnTextContentContainer" style="max-width:100%; min-width:100%;" width="100%"> <tbody> <tr> <td class="mcnTextContent" style="padding-top:0; padding-right:18px; padding-bottom:9px; padding-left:18px;" valign="top"> <div style="text-align: center;"><span style="color:#FFFFFF"><span style="font-family:merriweather,georgia,times new roman,serif">Welcome To</span></span></div> <h2 class="null" style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://sermonillustrator.org"><span style="color:#FFFFFF">THE ILLUSTRATOR</span></a></h2> </td> </tr> </tbody> </table> </td> </tr> </tbody> </table> </td> </tr> </tbody> </table> </td> </tr> <tr> <td align="center" data-template-container="" id="templateBody" valign="top"> <table align="center" border="0" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="templateContainer" width="100%"> <tbody> <tr> <td class="bodyContainer" valign="top"> <table border="0" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="mcnBoxedTextBlock" style="min-width:100%;" width="100%"> <tbody class="mcnBoxedTextBlockOuter"> <tr> <td class="mcnBoxedTextBlockInner" valign="top"> <table align="left" border="0" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="mcnBoxedTextContentContainer" style="min-width:100%;" width="100%"> <tbody> <tr> <td style="padding-top:9px; padding-left:18px; padding-bottom:9px; padding-right:18px;"> <table border="0" cellspacing="0" class="mcnTextContentContainer" style="min-width: 100% !important;background-color: #FFFFFF;" width="100%"> <tbody> <tr> <td class="mcnTextContent" style="padding: 18px; color: rgb(0, 0, 0); font-family: "Helvetica Neue", Helvetica, Arial, Verdana, sans-serif; font-style: normal; font-weight: normal; text-align: center;" valign="top"> <h1 style="font-size: 16px; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size:36px;"><a href="https://sermonillustrator.org/2026/04/02/it-was-found-empty/"><span style="color:#000000;">It Was Empty</span></a></span></h1> <h4 style="font-size: 16px; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size:16px;">April 3, 2026</span></h4> <hr style="width:20%; height: 2px; background: black !important; border: none !important; display:flex; justify-content: center; align-items: center;" /> <p style="padding-left: 5%; padding-right: 5%; color: rgb(0, 0, 0); font-family: "Helvetica Neue", Helvetica, Arial, Verdana, sans-serif; font-style: normal; font-weight: normal; text-align: center;"><span style="color:#4e5f70;"><span style="font-size:14px;"><span style="font-family:Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><em>He is not here; he has risen!</em><br /> ~ Luke 24:6 NIV ~</span></span></span></p> </td> </tr> </tbody> </table> </td> </tr> </tbody> </table> </td> </tr> </tbody> </table> <table border="0" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="mcnDividerBlock" style="min-width:100%;" width="100%"> <tbody class="mcnDividerBlockOuter"> <tr> <td class="mcnDividerBlockInner" style="min-width: 100%; padding: 9px 18px 0px;"> <table border="0" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="mcnDividerContent" style="min-width:100%;" width="100%"> <tbody> <tr> <td> </td> </tr> </tbody> </table> </td> </tr> </tbody> </table> <table border="0" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="mcnDividerBlock" style="min-width:100%;" width="100%"> <tbody class="mcnDividerBlockOuter"> <tr> <td class="mcnDividerBlockInner" style="min-width:100%; padding:18px;"> <table border="0" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="mcnDividerContent" style="min-width: 100%;border-top: 2px none #EAEAEA;" width="100%"> <tbody> <tr> <td> </td> </tr> </tbody> </table> </td> </tr> </tbody> </table> <table border="0" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="mcnImageBlock" style="min-width:100%;" width="100%"> <tbody class="mcnImageBlockOuter"> <tr> <td class="mcnImageBlockInner" style="padding:0px" valign="top"> <table align="left" border="0" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="mcnImageContentContainer" style="min-width:100%;" width="100%"> <tbody> <tr> <td class="mcnImageContent" style="padding-right: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-top: 0; padding-bottom: 0; text-align:center;" valign="top"><img align="center" alt="" class="mcnImage" height="600" src="https://sermonillustrator.org/cgi-bin/dada/mail.cgi/show_img/ill_html/20260403005841/d8623c41f4e3a2cd13c4c52c3a7c7283_Resurrection-is-a-Reality-1.jpg" style="max-width: 500px; padding-bottom: 0px; vertical-align: bottom; border-radius: 0%; width: 350px; display: inline !important; height: 233px;" width="400" /></td> </tr> </tbody> </table> </td> </tr> </tbody> </table> <table border="0" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="mcnDividerBlock" style="min-width:100%;" width="100%"> <tbody class="mcnDividerBlockOuter"> <tr> <td class="mcnDividerBlockInner" style="min-width:100%; padding:18px;"> <table border="0" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="mcnDividerContent" style="min-width: 100%;border-top: 2px none #EAEAEA;" width="100%"> <tbody> <tr> <td> </td> </tr> </tbody> </table> </td> </tr> </tbody> </table> <table border="0" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="mcnBoxedTextBlock" style="min-width:100%;" width="100%"> <tbody class="mcnBoxedTextBlockOuter"> <tr> <td class="mcnBoxedTextBlockInner" valign="top"> <table align="left" border="0" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="mcnBoxedTextContentContainer" style="min-width:100%;" width="100%"> <tbody> <tr> <td style="padding-top:9px; padding-left:18px; padding-bottom:9px; padding-right:18px;"> <table border="0" cellspacing="0" class="mcnTextContentContainer" style="min-width: 100% !important;background-color: #FFFFFF;" width="100%"> <tbody> <tr> <td class="mcnTextContent" style="padding: 18px;color: #000000;font-family: "Helvetica Neue", Helvetica, Arial, Verdana, sans-serif;font-size: 16px;font-weight: normal;line-height: 200%;text-align: left;" valign="top"> <p style="padding-left: 15px !important;padding-right: 15px !important;color: #000000;font-family: "Helvetica Neue", Helvetica, Arial, Verdana, sans-serif;font-size: 16px;font-weight: normal;line-height: 200%;text-align: left;"><span style="font-size:14px;"><span style="color:#4e5f70;"><em>Classic Illustrator</em></span></span></p> <p style="padding-left: 15px !important;padding-right: 15px !important;color: #000000;font-family: "Helvetica Neue", Helvetica, Arial, Verdana, sans-serif;font-size: 16px;font-weight: normal;line-height: 200%;text-align: left;"><span style="font-family:Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size:18px;"><span style="color:#2c3e50;">It is with tears in my eyes that I am writing this devotional, this Easter Sunday, April 24, 2011. For over two months I have been praying daily for a miracle to happen in the life of a young girl named Haydelle, who I never had the opportunity to meet.<br /> <br /> Like any teenager, she had plans for a bright future, a future where she would make a difference in people's lives. However she had a condition that was deteriorating rapidly. She had cancer that metastasized quickly into her liver, lungs and other organs as well, and her doctors were far from hopeful.<br /> <br /> I have a son who is about her age, and I can only imagine the nightmare she had to face on a daily basis.  But she didn't let it get to her.  She was fortunate enough to be surrounded by people who gave her encouragement. <br /> <br /> And in return, she gave them hope!  Each day she would joyfully say that even though her prayer was not yet answered, she was one day closer to its fulfillment.  She would truthfully declare that she wasn't disappointed that she hadn't yet received her miracle, for she trusted in God!<br /> <br /> This girl's faith was contagious. Although she was suffering deeply, she focused on the positive and relied on the Saviour she believed in.<br /> <br /> One of the volunteers with this ministry felt led to make her a beautiful frosted glass egg, adorned by a butterfly. Just like an egg is found empty once the chick hatches, this one was empty. Why? Because Jesus' tomb was found empty, this empty egg signified hope.<br /> <br /> The volunteer who made the egg wrote, "The design on the egg is just handmade, but it carries with it the love of Jesus and mine. While I was making the egg, I prayed over every item that became a part of it, just as Jesus fashioned each part of us all for His glory."<br /> <br /> It took almost 4 weeks for this present to reach this young girl, four days before her death. Upon seeing the egg, she uttered in her faint voice "Thank you". The words "The tomb is empty because 'He is not here. He is risen' had such an important significance to that youngster. Her wish before she passed away was to see her Heavenly Father and to hear Him say "It is finished!"<br /> <br /> Just a few days later, during the night, Haydelle's wish was fulfilled. No one doubted that this young one was now in the presence of her Maker, enjoying His glorious company.<br /> <br /> Without knowing it, this youngster has touched more lives in her death than she could ever have done if she had lived a full life on this Earth. Her message is clear to all of us: "There is hope in our God!" Her dream of making a difference in this world was realized, as was her wish for healing. Haydelle is now walking on the golden streets of Heaven. How can she stop herself from laughing? Jesus redeemed her!  He welcomed her personally into His Kingdom. There is rejoicing, absolute rejoicing in heaven, for that pure soul believed in the empty tomb where Jesus had been buried, as was symbolized by that present she received.<br /> <br /> Those of us who are left behind mourn. We have lost someone precious. One day though, I will personally experience that empty egg as well! Why? Because I also believe in the promise of the empty tomb! Haydelle is indeed alive and well, and she wouldn't want to be in any other place, except in the arms of Jesus.<br /> <br /> Easter is a reminder to all of us that the tomb is indeed empty.  We also commemorate this every Sunday.  And because the tomb is empty, we have hope!<br /> <br /> When those, who had seen Jesus die 2000 years ago, realized that He had, indeed, been raised from the dead, they were also filled with hope. Read their words of excitement, their words of hope:<br /> <br /> "I have seen the Lord!" (John 20:18 NIV)<br /> <br /> "We have seen the Lord!" (John 20:25 NIV)<br /> <br /> "This is the disciple who testifies to these things and who wrote them down. We know that his testimony is true." (John 21:24 NIV)<br /> <br /> "They found the stone rolled away from the tomb…" (Luke 24:2 NIV)<br /> <br /> "He is not here; he has risen!" (Luke 24:6 NIV)<br /> <br /> "He has risen from the dead." (Matt 28:4 NIV)<br /> <br /> "He appeared to more than five hundred of the brothers at the same time, most of whom are still living, though some have fallen asleep." (1 Cor 15:6 NIV)<br /> <br /> Because Jesus has risen from the tomb, we too can expect a bright future!<br /> <br /> "If the Spirit of him who raised Jesus from the dead is living in you, he who raised Christ from the dead will also give life to your mortal bodies through his Spirit, who lives in you." (Rom 8:11 NIV)<br /> <br /> "But about the resurrection of the dead - have you not read what God said to you, 'I am the God of Abraham, the God of Isaac, and the God of Jacob'? He is not the God of the dead but of the living." (Matt 22:31-32 NIV)<br /> <br /> We are truly alive if we are filled by His presence, the presence of victory, the presence of the Risen One.<br /> <br /> The tomb is indeed empty. "He is not here; he has risen!" Hallelujah!<br /> <br /> Welcome home, my friend!<br /> <br /> Rob Chaffart<br /> Founder, Answers2Prayer Ministries</span></span></span></p> </td> </tr> </tbody> </table> </td> </tr> </tbody> </table> </td> </tr> </tbody> </table> <table border="0" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="mcnDividerBlock" style="min-width:100%;" width="100%"> <tbody class="mcnDividerBlockOuter"> <tr> <td class="mcnDividerBlockInner" style="min-width:100%; padding:18px;"> <table border="0" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="mcnDividerContent" style="min-width: 100%;border-top: 2px none #EAEAEA;" width="100%"> <tbody> <tr> <td> </td> </tr> </tbody> </table> </td> </tr> </tbody> </table> <table border="0" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="mcnBoxedTextBlock" style="min-width:100%;" width="100%"> <tbody class="mcnBoxedTextBlockOuter"> <tr> <td class="mcnBoxedTextBlockInner" valign="top"> <table align="left" border="0" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="mcnBoxedTextContentContainer" style="min-width:100%;" width="100%"> <tbody> <tr> <td style="padding-top:9px; padding-left:18px; padding-bottom:9px; padding-right:18px;"> <table border="0" cellspacing="0" class="mcnTextContentContainer" style="min-width: 100% !important;background-color: #FFFFFF;" width="100%"> <tbody> <tr> <td class="mcnTextContent" style="padding: 18px;color: #000000;font-family: "Helvetica Neue", Helvetica, Arial, Verdana, sans-serif;font-size: 16px;font-weight: normal;line-height: 200%;text-align: left;" valign="top"> <h2 class="null" style="padding-left: 15px !important; padding-right: 15px !important; text-align: center;"><span>Announcements</span></h2> <p style="line-height: 1.2; margin-bottom: 11px; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family:Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size:18px;"><span style="color:#2c3e50;"><span style="font-variant: normal; white-space: pre-wrap;"><span style="font-weight:400"><span style="font-style:normal"><span style="text-decoration:none">Do you have a prayer request? Do you know someone who needs to be prayed for? Prayer works! The Bible confirms this in James 5:16: "The prayer of a righteous man is powerful and effective.” (NIV) Send your prayer request by email here, or through What'sApp to this number: +91 98696 68137, and let us pray in agreement with you! "For where two or three come together in my name, there am I with them.” (Matt 18:20 NIV) Hallelujah!</span></span></span></span></span></span></span></p> </td> </tr> </tbody> </table> </td> </tr> </tbody> </table> </td> </tr> </tbody> </table> <table border="0" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="mcnDividerBlock" style="min-width:100%;" width="100%"> <tbody class="mcnDividerBlockOuter"> <tr> <td class="mcnDividerBlockInner" style="min-width: 100%; padding: 18px 18px 0px;"> <table border="0" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="mcnDividerContent" style="min-width:100%;" width="100%"> <tbody> <tr> <td> </td> </tr> </tbody> </table> </td> </tr> </tbody> </table> </td> </tr> </tbody> </table> </td> </tr> <tr> <td align="center" data-template-container="" id="templateFooter" valign="top"> <table align="center" border="0" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="templateContainer" width="100%"> <tbody> <tr> <td class="footerContainer" valign="top"> <table border="0" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="mcnCodeBlock" width="100%"> <tbody class="mcnTextBlockOuter"> <tr> <td class="mcnTextBlockInner" valign="top"> <div style="text-align: center; font-family:helvetica;"><a href="https://sermonillustrator.org/#subscribe" style="color: white; padding: 20px;">Subscribe</a><a href="https://sermonillustrator.org/" style="color: white; padding: 20px;">Our Devotionals</a><a href="mailto:lyn@PROTECTED" style="color: white; padding: 20px;">Contact</a></div> </td> </tr> </tbody> </table> <table border="0" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="mcnDividerBlock" style="min-width:100%;" width="100%"> <tbody class="mcnDividerBlockOuter"> <tr> <td class="mcnDividerBlockInner" style="min-width:100%; padding:18px;"> <table border="0" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="mcnDividerContent" style="min-width: 100%;border-top: 2px solid #505050;" width="100%"> <tbody> <tr> <td> </td> </tr> </tbody> </table> </td> </tr> </tbody> </table> <table border="0" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="mcnTextBlock" style="min-width:100%;" width="100%"> <tbody class="mcnTextBlockOuter"> <tr> <td class="mcnTextBlockInner" style="padding-top:9px;" valign="top"> <table align="left" border="0" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="mcnTextContentContainer" style="max-width:100%; min-width:100%;" width="100%"> <tbody> <tr> <td class="mcnTextContent" style="padding-top:0; padding-right:18px; padding-bottom:9px; padding-left:18px;" valign="top"><em>Copyright © 2020 Answers2Prayer, All rights reserved.</em><br /> <br /> Want to change how you receive these emails?<br /> You can <a href="" target="_blank">unsubscribe from this list</a>.</td> </tr> </tbody> </table> </td> </tr> </tbody> </table> </td> </tr> </tbody> </table> </td> </tr> </tbody> </table> </td> </tr> </tbody> </table> </center> <img src="https://sermonillustrator.org/cgi-bin/dada/mail.cgi/spacer_image/ill_html///spacer.png" width="1" height="1" alt="" />

Jesus the Resolute

Wed, 01 Apr 2026 00:50:00 GMT

<center> <table align="center" border="0" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" height="100%" id="bodyTable" width="100%"> <tbody> <tr> <td align="center" id="bodyCell" valign="top"> <table border="0" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" width="100%"> <tbody> <tr> <td align="center" data-template-container="" id="templateHeader" valign="top"> <table align="center" border="0" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="templateContainer" width="100%"> <tbody> <tr> <td class="headerContainer" valign="top"> <table border="0" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="mcnTextBlock" style="min-width:100%;" width="100%"> <tbody class="mcnTextBlockOuter"> <tr> <td class="mcnTextBlockInner" style="padding-top:9px;" valign="top"> <table align="left" border="0" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="mcnTextContentContainer" style="max-width:100%; min-width:100%;" width="100%"> <tbody> <tr> <td class="mcnTextContent" style="padding-top:0; padding-right:18px; padding-bottom:9px; padding-left:18px;" valign="top"> <div style="text-align: center;"><span style="color:#FFFFFF"><span style="font-family:merriweather,georgia,times new roman,serif">Welcome To</span></span></div> <h2 class="null" style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://sermonillustrator.org"><span style="color:#ffffff;">THE ILLUSTRATO</span></a><a href="http://sermonillustrator.org"><span style="color:#ffffff;">R</span></a></h2> </td> </tr> </tbody> </table> </td> </tr> </tbody> </table> </td> </tr> </tbody> </table> </td> </tr> <tr> <td align="center" data-template-container="" id="templateBody" valign="top"> <table align="center" border="0" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="templateContainer" width="100%"> <tbody> <tr> <td class="bodyContainer" valign="top"> <table border="0" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="mcnBoxedTextBlock" style="min-width:100%;" width="100%"> <tbody class="mcnBoxedTextBlockOuter"> <tr> <td class="mcnBoxedTextBlockInner" valign="top"> <table align="left" border="0" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="mcnBoxedTextContentContainer" style="min-width:100%;" width="100%"> <tbody> <tr> <td style="padding-top:9px; padding-left:18px; padding-bottom:9px; padding-right:18px;"> <table border="0" cellspacing="0" class="mcnTextContentContainer" style="min-width: 100% !important;background-color: #FFFFFF;" width="100%"> <tbody> <tr> <td class="mcnTextContent" style="padding: 18px;color: #000000;font-family: "Helvetica Neue", Helvetica, Arial, Verdana, sans-serif;font-size: 16px;font-style: normal;font-weight: normal;text-align: center;" valign="top"> <h1 style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://sermonillustrator.org/2026/03/24/the-marshal/"><span style="color:#000000;">Jesus the Resolute</span></a></h1> <h4 style="text-align: center;">April 1, 2026</h4> <hr style="width:20%; height: 2px; background: black !important; border: none !important; display:flex; justify-content: center; align-items: center;" /> <p style="padding-left: 5%;padding-right: 5%;color: #000000;font-family: "Helvetica Neue", Helvetica, Arial, Verdana, sans-serif;font-size: 16px;font-style: normal;font-weight: normal;text-align: center;"><span style="font-family:Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size:14px;"><span style="color:#4e5f70;">Yet I want your will to be done, not mine.</span></span></span><br /> <span style="font-size:14px;"><span style="font-family:Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><span style="color:#4e5f70;"><span style="line-height:107%">~ Luke 22:42 NLT</span><span style="line-height:107%"> ~</span></span></span></span></p> </td> </tr> </tbody> </table> </td> </tr> </tbody> </table> </td> </tr> </tbody> </table> <table border="0" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="mcnDividerBlock" style="min-width:100%;" width="100%"> <tbody class="mcnDividerBlockOuter"> <tr> <td class="mcnDividerBlockInner" style="min-width: 100%; padding: 9px 18px 0px;"> <table border="0" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="mcnDividerContent" style="min-width:100%;" width="100%"> <tbody> <tr> <td> </td> </tr> </tbody> </table> </td> </tr> </tbody> </table> <table border="0" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="mcnDividerBlock" style="min-width:100%;" width="100%"> <tbody class="mcnDividerBlockOuter"> <tr> <td class="mcnDividerBlockInner" style="min-width:100%; padding:18px;"> <table border="0" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="mcnDividerContent" style="min-width: 100%;border-top: 2px none #EAEAEA;" width="100%"> <tbody> <tr> <td> </td> </tr> </tbody> </table> </td> </tr> </tbody> </table> <table border="0" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="mcnImageBlock" style="min-width:100%;" width="100%"> <tbody class="mcnImageBlockOuter"> <tr> <td class="mcnImageBlockInner" style="padding:0px" valign="top"> <table align="left" border="0" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="mcnImageContentContainer" style="min-width:100%;" width="100%"> <tbody> <tr> <td class="mcnImageContent" style="padding-right: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-top: 0; padding-bottom: 0; text-align:center;" valign="top"><img align="center" alt="" class="mcnImage" height="300" src="https://sermonillustrator.org/cgi-bin/dada/mail.cgi/show_img/ill_html/20260401015004/222a9fc8f7b4f43cb8a700195082f9c8_Polar-Ice-N.jpg" style="max-width: 500px; padding-bottom: 0px; vertical-align: bottom; border-radius: 0%; width: 350px; display: inline !important; height: 233px;" width="400" /></td> </tr> </tbody> </table> </td> </tr> </tbody> </table> <table border="0" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="mcnDividerBlock" style="min-width:100%;" width="100%"> <tbody class="mcnDividerBlockOuter"> <tr> <td class="mcnDividerBlockInner" style="min-width:100%; padding:18px;"> <table border="0" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="mcnDividerContent" style="min-width: 100%;border-top: 2px none #EAEAEA;" width="100%"> <tbody> <tr> <td> </td> </tr> </tbody> </table> </td> </tr> </tbody> </table> <table border="0" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="mcnBoxedTextBlock" style="min-width:100%;" width="100%"> <tbody class="mcnBoxedTextBlockOuter"> <tr> <td class="mcnBoxedTextBlockInner" valign="top"> <table align="left" border="0" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="mcnBoxedTextContentContainer" style="min-width:100%;" width="100%"> <tbody> <tr> <td style="padding-top:9px; padding-left:18px; padding-bottom:9px; padding-right:18px;"> <table border="0" cellspacing="0" class="mcnTextContentContainer" style="min-width: 100% !important;background-color: #FFFFFF;" width="100%"> <tbody> <tr> <td class="mcnTextContent" style="padding: 18px; font-family: "Helvetica Neue", Helvetica, Arial, Verdana, sans-serif; font-weight: normal; line-height: 200%; text-align: left;" valign="top"> <p style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue", Helvetica, Arial, Verdana, sans-serif; font-weight: normal; line-height: 200%; text-align: left; padding-left: 15px !important; padding-right: 15px !important;">During my last teaching stint, the school was raising money for new playground equipment. The principal asked if any of the teachers were interested in joining one of the parents who had volunteered to be sponsored for a Polar Dip into the local lake. The principal was shocked when, as the oldest teacher there, I agreed to do it!<br data-rich-text-line-break="true" /> <br data-rich-text-line-break="true" /> Winters are cold in Alberta, Canada. I would have to jump into freezing cold water via a large square hole cut into the thick ice of the lake. A few people thought I was crazy, including Terry, my husband. My doctor checked me out, and gave me the go-ahead.<br data-rich-text-line-break="true" /> <br data-rich-text-line-break="true" /> During the month preceding the event I wondered, “What have I gotten myself into?” It seemed more scary every time I thought about it. I was determined to go through with my commitment, however. Finally, by the grace of God, I was at peace with the idea.<br data-rich-text-line-break="true" /> <br data-rich-text-line-break="true" /> The actual dip was not as frightening as I had imagined, although it was -16 degrees C (3 degrees F) that February day. Before I knew it, the two firemen on standby were helping me clamber out of the water. I did not have time to feel the cold, and was satisfied that I had done my small part in contributing to the school's goal of playground equipment.<br data-rich-text-line-break="true" /> <br data-rich-text-line-break="true" /> Jesus had one major goal in life, and gradually began to prepare his followers. “From then on Jesus began to tell his disciples plainly that it was necessary for him to go to Jerusalem, and that he would suffer many terrible things at the hands of the elders, the leading priests, and the teachers of religious law. He would be killed, but on the third day he would be raised from the dead.” (Matthew 16:21 NLT)<br data-rich-text-line-break="true" /> <br data-rich-text-line-break="true" /> “As the time drew near for him to ascend to heaven, Jesus resolutely set out for Jerusalem.” (Luke 9:51 NLT)<br data-rich-text-line-break="true" /> <br data-rich-text-line-break="true" /> In Jerusalem, Jesus shared the Passover meal with His disciples.<br data-rich-text-line-break="true" /> <br data-rich-text-line-break="true" /> “Then, accompanied by the disciples, Jesus left the upstairs room and went as usual to the Mount of Olives... He walked away, about a stone’s throw, and knelt down and prayed, 'Father, if you are willing, please take this cup of suffering away from me. Yet I want your will to be done, not mine.'" (Luke 22: 39, 41,42 NLT)<br data-rich-text-line-break="true" /> <br data-rich-text-line-break="true" /> Feeling anguished, Jesus told His disciples, “My soul is crushed with grief to the point of death.” (Matthew 16:36a NLT) Despite His distress, Jesus went ahead with God's plan. He was resolute, unwavering in His commitment to do the will of the Father. Because of Jesus' obedience, we who waver in so many things can have a new quality of life now, and life that will continue into all eternity.<br data-rich-text-line-break="true" /> <br data-rich-text-line-break="true" /> Let us thank the Lord for being resolute on our behalf!<br data-rich-text-line-break="true" /> <br data-rich-text-line-break="true" /> Thank You, Jesus, that You went ahead with God's plan for humankind. May we be ever grateful, and remain committed to You. In Your name we pray. Amen.<br data-rich-text-line-break="true" /> <br data-rich-text-line-break="true" /> Alice Burnett<br data-rich-text-line-break="true" /> Red Deer, Alberta Canada<br /> </p> </td> </tr> </tbody> </table> </td> </tr> </tbody> </table> </td> </tr> </tbody> </table> <table border="0" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="mcnDividerBlock" style="min-width:100%;" width="100%"> <tbody class="mcnDividerBlockOuter"> <tr> <td class="mcnDividerBlockInner" style="min-width:100%; padding:18px;"> <table border="0" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="mcnDividerContent" style="min-width: 100%;border-top: 2px none #EAEAEA;" width="100%"> <tbody> <tr> <td> </td> </tr> </tbody> </table> </td> </tr> </tbody> </table> <table border="0" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="mcnBoxedTextBlock" style="min-width:100%;" width="100%"> <tbody class="mcnBoxedTextBlockOuter"> <tr> <td class="mcnBoxedTextBlockInner" valign="top"> <table align="left" border="0" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="mcnBoxedTextContentContainer" style="min-width:100%;" width="100%"> <tbody> <tr> <td style="padding-top:9px; padding-left:18px; padding-bottom:9px; padding-right:18px;"> <table border="0" cellspacing="0" class="mcnTextContentContainer" style="min-width: 100% !important;background-color: #FFFFFF;" width="100%"> <tbody> <tr> <td class="mcnTextContent" style="padding: 18px;color: #000000;font-family: "Helvetica Neue", Helvetica, Arial, Verdana, sans-serif;font-size: 16px;font-weight: normal;line-height: 200%;text-align: left;" valign="top"> <h2 class="null" style="padding-left: 15px !important; padding-right: 15px !important; text-align: center;"><span>Announcements</span></h2> <p style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family:Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size:18px;"><span style="color:#2c3e50;"><span style="font-variant: normal; white-space: pre-wrap;"><span style="font-weight:400"><span style="font-style:normal"><span style="text-decoration:none">Is it easier for you to access information via What'sApp than via email? 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Two Ways to Control Your Fears

Mon, 30 Mar 2026 01:16:00 GMT

<center> <table align="center" border="0" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" height="100%" id="bodyTable" width="100%"> <tbody> <tr> <td align="center" id="bodyCell" valign="top"> <table border="0" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" width="100%"> <tbody> <tr> <td align="center" data-template-container="" id="templateHeader" valign="top"> <table align="center" border="0" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="templateContainer" width="100%"> <tbody> <tr> <td class="headerContainer" valign="top"> <table border="0" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="mcnTextBlock" style="min-width:100%;" width="100%"> <tbody class="mcnTextBlockOuter"> <tr> <td class="mcnTextBlockInner" style="padding-top:9px;" valign="top"> <table align="left" border="0" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="mcnTextContentContainer" style="max-width:100%; min-width:100%;" width="100%"> <tbody> <tr> <td class="mcnTextContent" style="padding-top:0; padding-right:18px; padding-bottom:9px; padding-left:18px;" valign="top"> <div style="text-align: center;"><span style="color:#FFFFFF"><span style="font-family:merriweather,georgia,times new roman,serif">Welcome To</span></span></div> <h2 class="null" style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://sermonillustrator.org"><span style="color:#FFFFFF">THE ILLUSTRATOR</span></a></h2> </td> </tr> </tbody> </table> </td> </tr> </tbody> </table> </td> </tr> </tbody> </table> </td> </tr> <tr> <td align="center" data-template-container="" id="templateBody" valign="top"> <table align="center" border="0" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="templateContainer" width="100%"> <tbody> <tr> <td class="bodyContainer" valign="top"> <table border="0" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="mcnBoxedTextBlock" style="min-width:100%;" width="100%"> <tbody class="mcnBoxedTextBlockOuter"> <tr> <td class="mcnBoxedTextBlockInner" valign="top"> <table align="left" border="0" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="mcnBoxedTextContentContainer" style="min-width:100%;" width="100%"> <tbody> <tr> <td style="padding-top:9px; padding-left:18px; padding-bottom:9px; padding-right:18px;"> <table border="0" cellspacing="0" class="mcnTextContentContainer" style="min-width: 100% !important;background-color: #FFFFFF;" width="100%"> <tbody> <tr> <td class="mcnTextContent" style="padding: 18px;color: #000000;font-family: "Helvetica Neue", Helvetica, Arial, Verdana, sans-serif;font-size: 16px;font-style: normal;font-weight: normal;text-align: center;" valign="top"> <h1 style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://sermonillustrator.org/2026/03/29/two-ways-to-overcome-your-fears/"><span style="color:#000000;">Two Ways to Control Your Fears</span></a></h1> <h4 style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size:16px;">April 30, 2025</span></h4> <hr style="width:20%; height: 2px; background: black !important; border: none !important; display:flex; justify-content: center; align-items: center;" /> <p style="margin-bottom: 11px; text-align: center;"><span style="color:#4e5f70;"><span style="font-family:Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><em><span style="font-size:14px;">Anyone who belongs to Christ has become a new person. The old life is gone; a new life has begun!</span></em></span></span><br /> <em><span style="font-size:11.0pt"><span style="line-height:107%"><span style="font-family:"Calibri",sans-serif"><span style="font-style:normal">~ 2 Corinthians 5:17 NLT ~</span></span></span></span></em></p> </td> </tr> </tbody> </table> </td> </tr> </tbody> </table> </td> </tr> </tbody> </table> <table border="0" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="mcnDividerBlock" style="min-width:100%;" width="100%"> <tbody class="mcnDividerBlockOuter"> <tr> <td class="mcnDividerBlockInner" style="min-width: 100%; padding: 9px 18px 0px;"> <table border="0" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="mcnDividerContent" style="min-width:100%;" width="100%"> <tbody> <tr> <td> </td> </tr> </tbody> </table> </td> </tr> </tbody> </table> <table border="0" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="mcnDividerBlock" style="min-width:100%;" width="100%"> <tbody class="mcnDividerBlockOuter"> <tr> <td class="mcnDividerBlockInner" style="min-width:100%; padding:18px;"> <table border="0" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="mcnDividerContent" style="min-width: 100%;border-top: 2px none #EAEAEA;" width="100%"> <tbody> <tr> <td> </td> </tr> </tbody> </table> </td> </tr> </tbody> </table> <table border="0" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="mcnImageBlock" style="min-width:100%;" width="100%"> <tbody class="mcnImageBlockOuter"> <tr> <td class="mcnImageBlockInner" style="padding:0px" valign="top"> <table align="left" border="0" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="mcnImageContentContainer" style="min-width:100%;" width="100%"> <tbody> <tr> <td class="mcnImageContent" style="padding-right: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-top: 0; padding-bottom: 0; text-align:center;" valign="top"><img align="center" alt="" class="mcnImage" height="300" src="https://sermonillustrator.org/cgi-bin/dada/mail.cgi/show_img/ill_html/20260330021607/cb044266d711e2ffb9c670ad0dd4c7c5_Fear-2-N.jpg" style="max-width: 500px; padding-bottom: 0px; vertical-align: bottom; border-radius: 0%; width: 350px; display: inline !important; height: 233px;" width="400" /></td> </tr> </tbody> </table> </td> </tr> </tbody> </table> <table border="0" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="mcnDividerBlock" style="min-width:100%;" width="100%"> <tbody class="mcnDividerBlockOuter"> <tr> <td class="mcnDividerBlockInner" style="min-width:100%; padding:18px;"> <table border="0" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="mcnDividerContent" style="min-width: 100%;border-top: 2px none #EAEAEA;" width="100%"> <tbody> <tr> <td> </td> </tr> </tbody> </table> </td> </tr> </tbody> </table> <table border="0" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="mcnBoxedTextBlock" style="min-width:100%;" width="100%"> <tbody class="mcnBoxedTextBlockOuter"> <tr> <td class="mcnBoxedTextBlockInner" valign="top"> <table align="left" border="0" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="mcnBoxedTextContentContainer" style="min-width:100%;" width="100%"> <tbody> <tr> <td style="padding-top:9px; padding-left:18px; padding-bottom:9px; padding-right:18px;"> <table border="0" cellspacing="0" class="mcnTextContentContainer" style="min-width: 100% !important;background-color: #FFFFFF;" width="100%"> <tbody> <tr> <td class="mcnTextContent" style="padding: 18px;color: #000000;font-family: "Helvetica Neue", Helvetica, Arial, Verdana, sans-serif;font-size: 16px;font-weight: normal;line-height: 200%;text-align: left;" valign="top"> <p style="padding-left: 15px !important;padding-right: 15px !important;color: #000000;font-family: "Helvetica Neue", Helvetica, Arial, Verdana, sans-serif;font-size: 16px;font-weight: normal;line-height: 200%;text-align: left;"><span style="font-family:Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size:18px;"><span style="color:#2c3e50;">“I’m going to be brutally honest.” Mary said in our recent Zoom meeting.<br /> <br /> She cleared her throat. “Are Christians lying? Or are some of them faking or covering up the real truth? Even though we’re believers, how can we not feel fear, have moments of doubt, and feel like screaming, ‘God, this is enough!’”<br /> <br /> No one in the group answered. <em>Could it be because we agreed with her?</em><br /> <br /> Silently, we hide those same emotions deep inside. We managed to cover them under the notion of “I have enough faith.”<br /> <br /> A survey involving 2,400 churchgoers revealed that 80% experienced moderate to significant levels of fear, with only 20% reporting occasional fear.<br /> <br /> Who could blame us? We’re humans and although we’re believers in Christ, we’re afraid to open up and admit that yes, sometimes we wake up and wonder, what will be next? Will my loved one heal? Will I make ends meet? Will my marriage heal?<br /> <br /> Other times we can’t even internalize God’s Word to help us face a chaotic world. That’s when we battle between sinking in fear or standing in faith.<br /> <br /> <strong>Peter experienced the same dilemma when the storm came.</strong><br /> <br /> He should have believed Jesus would protect him and kick fear to the side. But instead, he expressed fear and worry, contagious enough to spread to the other disciples.<br /> <br /> We’re all in that same boat, buffeted by that same storm of uncertainty. And while holding on tight hoping we won’t crash; we must choose the group to which we belong. The one that will sink in the deep waters of anxiety, swallowed by fear? Or the group who looks to God for His wisdom and has the audacity to look beyond the circumstances and dare to trust, truly trust, in God?<br /> <br /> <strong>Even in the middle of the fiesta of fear, we have to choose joy.</strong><br /> <br /> Sounds unrealistic? Not so if we possess the boldness to avoid these two traps:<br /> <br /> 1. <em>Avoid following your feelings.</em><br /> <br /> “I feel so out of control,” my neighbor said, “like I’m just floating along and not accomplishing anything. I feel frustrated and anxious too. This has to end soon.”<br /> <br /> She’s walking into the danger zone. If she <em>feels</em> strongly enough that she’s out of control, Her fear will win and she will indeed end up out of control.<br /> <br /> So where do those feelings come from? They begin in the mind. Thoughts are like the ingredients for a cake. Blend them all together and put them in the oven of your mind. After a while, you’ll be serving the results. Thoughts of fear feed fear. Thoughts of gloom produce discouragement. Conversely, thoughts that align with God’s Word result in encouragement, hope, and reassurance which all cancel fear.<br /> <br /> -- If Abigail had entertained thoughts of fear when her people were threatened, feeling like a victim would have ruled her heart. (See </span><a href="https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=1%20Samuel%2025%3A14-20&version=NIV"><span style="color:#2c3e50;">1 Samuel 25:14-20</span></a><span style="color:#2c3e50;">)<br /> -- If Joseph allowed thoughts of fear while in prison, weakness would have put him in an emotional prison. (See </span><a href="https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Genesis%2039%3A19-21&version=NIV"><span style="color:#2c3e50;">Genesis 39:19-21</span></a><span style="color:#2c3e50;">)<br /> -- Had David shaken with fear and placed his focus and thoughts on the size of Goliath, his feelings of inadequacy would have brought defeat instead of victory. (See </span><a href="https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=1%20Samuel%2017%3A45-46&version=NIV"><span style="color:#2c3e50;">1 Samuel 17:45-46</span></a><span style="color:#2c3e50;">)<br /> <br /> We’re all facing a giant today. Each is unique to our circumstance. To come out victorious, we must first overcome fear and "take captive every thought to make it obedient to Christ." (2 Corinthians 10:5 NIV)<br /> <br /> <br /> 2. <em>Refuse to remain in fear.</em><br /> <br /> Fear knocks at every door, nothing wrong with that. It’s when we invite it to come in, offer a seat in our heart, and feed it more negative information from news or social media that it becomes a well-fed monster.<br /> <br /> But we can defeat it and rise up victorious when we reject Satan’s gift of fear, because “God has not given us the spirit of fear; but of power, and of love, and of a sound mind.” (2 Timothy 1:7 NIV)<br /> <br /> It’s that sound mind that reassures us that in that heartache, God is watching each detail. He’s at work to bring the outcome. And He’s pouring His grace that helps us endure, become strong, and rise up triumphantly. <br /> <br /> Let’s pray: Father, I confess to the fear that kept me awake last night. But today I shall trust in You, look beyond the circumstance, and with my lips I shall praise and thank You for your gift of love, power, and sound mind. In Jesus’ name.<br /> <br /> <em>What thoughts fuel your fear? How will you overcome them?</em></span><br /> <br /> <a href="https://billygraham.org/articles/how-to-overcome-fear-anxiety-and-worry" rel="noreferrer noopener" target="_blank"><span style="color:#2c3e50;"><strong>Bonus article</strong></span></a><span style="color:#2c3e50;"> on today’s topic.<br /> <br /> Janet P. 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