What Faith Is

Lou Fellingham - I Will Say

So We Pray

Pietro Antonio Rotari - La Penitente

Psalm 9:10 King James Version (KJV)

10 And they that know thy name will put their trust in thee: for thou, Lord, hast not forsaken them that seek thee.

God of Mercy (Prayer Song) - Lou Fellingham

God of mercy hear our cry 

Turn your hand tonight 

Bring relief from their pain 

Be their comfort 

And every day theyʼre given breath 

Give them strength to live 

And as their weary bodies fail 

Fighting is over, flesh gives way 

Be their light to guide them home 

God of mercy hear our cry 

Heal their souls tonight 

Give them peace from their fears 

Be their hope Lord 

And every day you give them breath 

Give them strength to live 

And as their weary bodies fail 

Fighting is over, flesh gives way 

Be their star to guide them home 

Sometimes I donʼt know what to ask for 

Sometimes I donʼt know what say 

But I know that you are watching over them 

Sometimes I donʼt know what to pray for 

Sometimes I donʼt know how to give 

But I know that You are watching over them 

And their life is not vain 

God of mercy hear our cry 

Turn your hand tonight 

Bring relief from their pain 

Be their comfort 

And every day theyʼre given breath 

Give them strength to live 

And as their weary bodies fail 

Fighting is over, flesh gives way 

Be their light to guide them home 

Louise Fellingham 

Copyright © 2002 Kingswayʼs Thankyou Music/MCPS

Audrey Assad- Breaking You (Live)

My Job and My Little Light

Colossians 3:23 English Standard Version (ESV)

23 Whatever you do, work heartily, as for the Lord and not for men,

Matthew 5:16 English Standard Version (ESV)

16 In the same way, let your light shine before others, so that[a] they may see your good works and give glory to your Father who is in heaven.

I needed these verses today as I am training for a new job as well as training others on my old job, which can be confusing and stressful.  It's even a little fearful to take on new work and longer hours while dealing with rheumatoid arthritis; but if this is God's provision for me, I shouldn't be afraid.  He can and will sustain me, even through my pain and fatigue.  I just need to be thankful for the work ... and let my little light shine.

Flash Mob - This Little Light

Seventy Years Since of the Liberation of Auschwitz

Psalm 122:6 English Standard Version (ESV)

6 Pray for the peace of Jerusalem!

    “May they be secure who love you!

Malachi 3:6 English Standard Version (ESV)

6 “For I the Lord do not change; therefore you, O children of Jacob, are not consumed.

Deuteronomy 32:9-10English Standard Version (ESV)

9 But the Lord's portion is his people,

    Jacob his allotted heritage.

10 “He found him in a desert land,

    and in the howling waste of the wilderness;

he encircled him, he cared for him,

    he kept him as the apple of his eye.

Matthew 25:40 English Standard Version (ESV)

40 And the King will answer them, ‘Truly, I say to you, as you did it to one of the least of these my brothers,[a] you did it to me.’

May we never forget.

Fishing Lessons

Philippians 2:13 King James Version (KJV)

13 For it is God which worketh in you both to will and to do of his good pleasure.

Psalm 32:8 NIV

8 I will instruct you and teach you in the way you should go; I will counsel you and watch over you

We're celebrating a birthday in my house.  A birthday is a good time to consider how we are living for God.  Are we doing as we ought and are we doing enough?  Is our salvation giving God pleasure?  Is our work both right and good?   We can both think and overthink this.  I like the way Jesus called Peter and his brother, Andrew, simply and directly.   There were no contracts to sign or pledges to make or dues to pay.   Just follow and He'll teach you to fish. 

Fishers of Men - Rhonda Vincent

Living For Jesus

“True humility is not thinking less of yourself; it is thinking of yourself less.” 

― C.S. Lewis, Mere Christianity

Galatians 2:20 English Standard Version (ESV)

20 I have been crucified with Christ. It is no longer I who live, but Christ who lives in me. And the life I now live in the flesh I live by faith in the Son of God, who loved me and gave himself for me.

John 3:30 English Standard Version (ESV)

30 He must increase, but I must decrease.”[a]

We need to be instructed to regard others as more important than ourselves because it's not something that comes easily; at least it doesn't to me.  I'd like to get to the place where I think more about what I can do for God than what He can do for me.  I want to experience death to self some time before this body dies; and, when I do arrive in Heaven, I want Jesus to see there's a family resemblance.    

Béla Fleck & Abigail Washburn | And Am I Born to Die

It's Sunday!

Psalm 27:4 King James Version (KJV)

4 One thing have I desired of the Lord, that will I seek after; that I may dwell in the house of the Lord all the days of my life, to behold the beauty of the Lord, and to enquire in his temple.

I'm So Glad The Master...

...touched me. 

"Touch of the Master’s Hand," 
by Myra Welsh (1921)

T’was battered and scarred, and the auctioneer

Thought it scarcely worth his while

To waste much time on the old violin,

But held it up with a smile.

"What am I bidden, good folks," he cried,

"Who’ll start the bidding for me?"

"A dollar, a dollar," then, two! Only two?

"Two dollars, and who’ll make it three?

"Three dollars, once; three dollars, twice;

Going for three . . . "But no,

From the room, far back, a grey haired man

Came forward and picked up the bow;

Then, wiping the dust from the old violin,

And tightening the loose strings,

He played a melody pure and sweet

As a caroling angel sings.

The music ceased, and the auctioneer,

With a voice that was quiet and low,

Said: "What am I bid for the old violin?"

And he held it up with the bow.

"A thousand dollars, and who’ll make it two?

Two thousand! And who’ll make it three?

Three thousand, once; three thousand, twice;

And going and gone," said he.

The people cheered, but some of them cried,

"We do not quite understand

What changed its worth?" Swift came the reply:

"The touch of a master’s hand."

And many a man with life out of tune,

And battered and scarred with sin,

Is auctioned cheap to the thoughtless crowd,

Much like the old violin.

A "mess of potage," a glass of wine;

A game, and he travels on.

He is "going" once, and "going" twice,

He’s "going" and almost "gone."

But the Master comes and the foolish crowd

Never can quite understand

The worth of a soul and the change that’s wrought

By the touch of the Master’s hand.

Moriah Peters "You Carry Me" LIVE at K-LOVE

Come Ye Sinners

The Return of the Prodigal Son (Rembrandt)

Luke 15:18-20 King James Version (KJV)

18 I will arise and go to my father, and will say unto him, Father, I have sinned against heaven, and before thee,

19 And am no more worthy to be called thy son: make me as one of thy hired servants.

20 And he arose, and came to his father. But when he was yet a great way off, his father saw him, and had compassion, and ran, and fell on his neck, and kissed him.

If Rembrandt had wanted his life story and his gratitude towards the rich mercy he received from our Heavenly Father's hands to be depicted in one painting, he succeeded, so much so that it has been described as the greatest painting ever painted.  In this age of moral relativism where sin is described as "mistakes" or "lapses in judgment" this profound truth about God's forgiveness is being lost.  I  don't know if there is anything sweeter than forgiveness given or forgiveness received; and, when it comes from the Savior, it is a comforting balm, a blessed sustenance to the starving soul.   Come Ye Sinners, Poor and Needy, a hymn written by Joseph Hart and also known as I Will Arise and Go to Jesus, is in essence the story of the prodigal son set to verse.  

I Will Arise and Go to Jesus/Musical Priest - Michael Card

Come, ye sinners, poor and needy,

Weak and wounded, sick and sore;

Jesus ready stands to save you,

Full of pity, love and power.

Refrain

I will arise and go to Jesus,

He will embrace me in His arms;

In the arms of my dear Savior,

O there are ten thousand charms.

Come, ye thirsty, come, and welcome,

God’s free bounty glorify;

True belief and true repentance,

Every grace that brings you nigh.

Refrain

Come, ye weary, heavy laden,

Lost and ruined by the fall;

If you tarry till you’re better,

You will never come at all.

Refrain

View Him prostrate in the garden;

On the ground your Maker lies.

On the bloody tree behold Him;

Sinner, will this not suffice?

Refrain

Lo! th’incarnate God ascended,

Pleads the merit of His blood:

Venture on Him, venture wholly,

Let no other trust intrude.

Refrain

Let not conscience make you linger,

Not of fitness fondly dream;

All the fitness He requireth

Is to feel your need of Him.

Refrain

I Like This

Ephesians 2:8 English Standard Version (ESV)

8 For by grace you have been saved through faith. And this is not your own doing; it is the gift of God,

Psalm 32:1 English Standard Version (ESV)

Blessed Are the Forgiven

A Maskil[a] of David.

32 Blessed is the one whose transgression is forgiven,

    whose sin is covered.

Because of Answered Prayer...

...I uploaded this song today.  I am thankful.

Plead For Me - West Coast Revival

Because Sometimes We Need a Sign...

Hebrews 10:23-25 New Living Translation (NLT)

23 Let us hold tightly without wavering to the hope we affirm, for God can be trusted to keep his promise. 24 Let us think of ways to motivate one another to acts of love and good works. 25 And let us not neglect our meeting together, as some people do, but encourage one another, especially now that the day of his return is drawing near.

...to remind us what to do.

Hold On - Witherow

Sinner Saved By Grace [Live]

Let Justice Roll Down

Gustave Doré 1832 – 1883

The Prophet Amos

Amos 5:24 English Standard Version (ESV)

24 But let justice roll down like waters,

    and righteousness like an ever-flowing stream.

I've stopped to read the speech by Martin Luther King, Jr., "I've Been to the Mountaintop" and it's about time that I did so.  I've also read some of the book of Amos in the old Testament, the prophet who reminded Israel that God desired justice for those suffering mistreatment over their shows of religion.  Amos and Martin Luther King, Jr. were both men used by God for the times they lived in and we can still learn from them today.  Their waters are still rolling. 

Martin Luther King's Last Speech: "I've Been To The Mountaintop"

MLK - U2

Today Was a Good Day...

1 Corinthians 12:26 English Standard Version (ESV)

26 If one member suffers, all suffer together; if one member is honored, all rejoice together.

...to be a Seahawks fan.  Yes, it was the Lord's day; and yes, church attendance was sparse in the late service; and yes, the worship team left right after they lead worship so we had no closing song; but I suspect even God understands.  It's also good we had two other services to choose from.  My husband, who still had to work his retail job wore this attached to his shirt.

A Seahawks fan does what he has to do.  

for King & Country "Shoulders" LIVE at K-LOVE

It's Sunday!

You've got the joy, joy, joy, joy down in your heart!

My Worth Is Not in What I Own

Home on God's Range

Luke 2:41-52 New International Version (NIV)

The Boy Jesus at the Temple

41 Every year Jesus’ parents went to Jerusalem for the Festival of the Passover. 42 When he was twelve years old, they went up to the festival, according to the custom. 43 After the festival was over, while his parents were returning home, the boy Jesus stayed behind in Jerusalem, but they were unaware of it. 44 Thinking he was in their company, they traveled on for a day. Then they began looking for him among their relatives and friends. 45 When they did not find him, they went back to Jerusalem to look for him. 46 After three days they found him in the temple courts, sitting among the teachers, listening to them and asking them questions. 47 Everyone who heard him was amazed at his understanding and his answers. 48 When his parents saw him, they were astonished. His mother said to him, “Son, why have you treated us like this? Your father and I have been anxiously searching for you.”

49 “Why were you searching for me?” he asked. “Didn’t you know I had to be in my Father’s house?”[a] 50 But they did not understand what he was saying to them.

51 Then he went down to Nazareth with them and was obedient to them. But his mother treasured all these things in her heart. 52 And Jesus grew in wisdom and stature, and in favor with God and man.

The practice of free-range parenting was in the news today.  As I understand it involves giving your child freedom to develop self-confidence and self-reliance, even if it means potential risks to the child.  It sounds a bit stupid, frankly, to let your kids do what they want and call it parenting.  Conversely, it's about as stupid as over-scheduling your children so that no one in the family has time to just kick back and be themselves.  My own childhood had elements of both.  Coming from a big family, I was rarely alone, but it sometimes meant my older siblings were supervising me.   After school activities cost more money than my parents could afford, so outside of church, they weren't especially encouraged.  My dreams of wearing a Brownie uniform went unrealized but I don't think it scarred me.  

I've tried to think of a Biblical example of free-parenting and could only come up with young Jesus staying back in Jerusalem to discuss things of God with the temple teachers.  What made perfect sense to him, frightened his parents.  Jesus knew he was in his Father's house; but his parents thought their home was his, and it was.  Jesus obeyed and returned to Nazareth.  So even Jesus was never a free-range kid.  He belonged to his Father and was obedient to Him, as we should all be.  I'm thankful that I'm not a free-range child of God.  

Rest Easy (Official Music Video) - Andrew Peterson

Andrew Peterson - After All These Years (Official Lyric Video)

I Know I Should Have Been Blogging...

...but I got a Skype call from the young man who lives in the dorm!

Behold The Lamb!

Henry Ossawa Tanner, (American, 1859-1937) | Behold! The Lamb of God, 1891.

John 1:29 English Standard Version (ESV)

Behold, the Lamb of God

29 The next day he saw Jesus coming toward him, and said, “Behold, the Lamb of God, who takes away the sin of the world!

Behold the Lamb of God - Andrew Peterson

Whiter Than Snow

Psalm 51:1-2 New International Version (NIV)

1 Have mercy on me, O God,

    according to your unfailing love;

according to your great compassion

    blot out my transgressions.

2 Wash away all my iniquity

    and cleanse me from my sin.

Psalm 51:7-8 New International Version (NIV)

7 Cleanse me with hyssop, and I will be clean;

    wash me, and I will be whiter than snow.

8 Let me hear joy and gladness;

    let the bones you have crushed rejoice.

Hammered Dulcimer Whiter Than Snow - Medley

For Those Who Can't Speak (feat. Derek Minor and KB) [Official Music Video]

God of The Nations

Robert Doisneau

1 Timothy 2:1 English Standard Version (ESV)

Pray for All People

2 First of all, then, I urge that supplications, prayers, intercessions, and thanksgivings be made for all people,

Psalm 47:8 New International Version (NIV)

8 God reigns over the nations;

    God is seated on his holy throne.

I've been doing my own internet searches on France, ever since the horrific killings placed this country in the news.  This nation yet needs our prayers.  Whether or not a country acknowledges God, He still is God and He still reigns over them.  I pray that many will rise up and call Him Lord.  

Le Reve - The City Harmonic

Jesus Did...

...and so should I.  Too often I let the mundane and unimportant things keep me from prayer; and when it does as I've realized it has again today, it is my loss.  I would love for people to look at me and say, "Yes, she's been with God," instead of asking, "Where is her God?"  

Watches of The Night-Jesus Draw Me Nearer

It's Sunday!

They're on their way to church!

Moms and Mighty Men of God

Matthew 4:19 New King James Version (NKJV)

19 Then He said to them, “Follow Me, and I will make you fishers of men.”

Psalm 139:8-10 New International Version (NIV)

8 If I go up to the heavens, you are there;

    if I make my bed in the depths, you are there.

9 If I rise on the wings of the dawn,

    if I settle on the far side of the sea,

10 even there your hand will guide me,

    your right hand will hold me fast.

The young man who lived in my house but now lives in a dorm has returned to college after his winter break.  His dog and I are a little sad about that, probably his dad too.  My heart is encouraged, however, because I know he's following Jesus.  Even if doing so leads him away from us, this is what I've always wanted for him, to be one of Christ's disciples, a mighty man of God, as my prayers have always been, no matter what vocation he chooses.    So I continue to pray for him and the companions that come alongside him in his journey and, as a mom, remain ever so thankful for Skype.

I Will Follow - John Guerra

Andrae Crouch - A Jesus Music Pioneer

Andrae Crouch *Soon And Very Soon* "Live"

Pray For France

Colossians 1:16 English Standard Version (ESV)

16 For by[a] him all things were created, in heaven and on earth, visible and invisible, whether thrones or dominions or rulers or authorities—all things were created through him and for him.

1 Chronicles 29:11English Standard Version (ESV)

11 Yours, O Lord, is the greatness and the power and the glory and the victory and the majesty, for all that is in the heavens and in the earth is yours. Yours is the kingdom, O Lord, and you are exalted as head above all.

Psalm 47:8 New King James Version (NKJV)

8 God reigns over the nations;

God sits on His holy throne.

Exodus 14:14 English Standard Version (ESV)

14 The Lord will fight for you, and you have only to be silent.”

My heart aches for those who were murdered in France.  I'm so sorry for the country's loss and great pain it is now experiencing.  I also wonder at terrorists who have a god so small he needs defending from cartoonists.  My God is big!  He is secure in who He is.  We do not need to worry for him about the insults of mere men.  We can trust Him to judge correctly.  As Genesis 18:25 asks, "Shall not the Judge of the earth do right?"  So tonight I raise my own pencils for those we have lost.  

And I pray for France.

The Joy that Is to Come

Psalm 30:5 New King James Version (NKJV)

5 For His anger is but for a moment,

His favor is for life;

Weeping may endure for a night,

But joy comes in the morning.

Absent From Flesh (Featuring Jamie Barnes) - Sojourn

How Can It Be - Lauren Daigle

Because It's Just So Hard...

Matthew 7:13 New International Version (NIV)

The Narrow and Wide Gates

13 “Enter through the narrow gate. For wide is the gate and broad is the road that leads to destruction, and many enter through it.

John 14:6 New International Version (NIV)

6 Jesus answered, “I am the way and the truth and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me.

2 Peter 3:9New International Version (NIV)

9 The Lord is not slow in keeping his promise, as some understand slowness. Instead he is patient with you, not wanting anyone to perish, but everyone to come to repentance.

...to talk about sin and judgment.  It's so hard that I'd rather talk about tithing and fasting than the wages of sin. This is a hard truth, but to be almost persuaded is to be totally lost.  Please don't take the broad road.  The narrow gate is your salvation.

Almost Persuaded - Josh Turner

Crowder - Come As You Are (Lyric Video)

I'm No Superman

Luke 10:27 English Standard Version (ESV)

27 And he answered, “You shall love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your strength and with all your mind, and your neighbor as yourself.”

2 Timothy 2:15 English Standard Version (ESV)

15 Do your best to present yourself to God as one approved,[a] a worker who has no need to be ashamed, rightly handling the word of truth.

I went to work one day last week wearing one black shoe and one white shoe.  Of course the more observant of us noticed right away and called my attention to it.  She can but I can no longer put pays attention to detail on my resume.  Sigh.  I'm no Superman.  Thankfully, God doesn't expect me to be.   He loves me, just as I am.  

John 6:37 King James Version (KJV)

37 All that the Father giveth me shall come to me; and him that cometh to me I will in no wise cast out.

Bill & Gloria Gaither - Just As I Am (Live)

1. Just as I am, without one plea, 

but that thy blood was shed for me, 

and that thou bidst me come to thee, 

O Lamb of God, I come, I come. 

2. Just as I am, and waiting not 

to rid my soul of one dark blot, 

to thee whose blood can cleanse each spot, 

O Lamb of God, I come, I come. 

3. Just as I am, though tossed about 

with many a conflict, many a doubt, 

fightings and fears within, without, 

O Lamb of God, I come, I come. 

4. Just as I am, poor, wretched, blind; 

sight, riches, healing of the mind, 

yea, all I need in thee to find, 

O Lamb of God, I come, I come. 

5. Just as I am, thou wilt receive, 

wilt welcome, pardon, cleanse, relieve; 

because thy promise I believe, 

O Lamb of God, I come, I come. 

6. Just as I am, thy love unknown 

hath broken every barrier down; 

now, to be thine, yea thine alone, 

O Lamb of God, I come, I come. 

God is Awake

Psalm 4:8 New International Version (NIV)

8 In peace I will lie down and sleep,

    for you alone, Lord,

    make me dwell in safety.

Sidewalk Prophets- This Is Not Goodbye (Official Lyric Video)

It's Sunday!

Maria Wiik (1853 – 1928, Finnish)

Just keeping it holy...

When I've Got Nothing...

...I've got all. Nothing in my hands I bring, simply to thy cross I cling.

Rock of Ages, Cleft For Me - Sovereign Grace

Psalm 18:2 New International Version (NIV)

2 The Lord is my rock, my fortress and my deliverer;

    my God is my rock, in whom I take refuge,

    my shield[a] and the horn[b] of my salvation, my stronghold.

You Can't Keep A Good Man Down

Romans 8:10 New International Version (NIV)

10 But if Christ is in you, then even though your body is subject to death because of sin, the Spirit gives life[a] because of righteousness.

Philippians 2:16-18 New International Version (NIV)

16 as you hold firmly to the word of life. And then I will be able to boast on the day of Christ that I did not run or labor in vain. 17 But even if I am being poured out like a drink offering on the sacrifice and service coming from your faith, I am glad and rejoice with all of you. 18 So you too should be glad and rejoice with me.

Psalm 78:4 English Standard Version (ESV)

4 We will not hide them from their children,

    but tell to the coming generation

the glorious deeds of the Lord, and his might,

    and the wonders that he has done.

2 Timothy 2:2 English Standard Version (ESV)

2 and what you have heard from me in the presence of many witnesses entrust to faithful men[a] who will be able to teach others also.

I was working a bit tonight on an obituary for our loved one who went home Christmas morning and reading the story of his life made it very clear that you can't keep a good man down.  Yes, he is with the Savior but his life is still being lived out in every individual he poured himself into.  May our lives be proof that he did not run or labor in vain.  May those who come after us be able to say the same of our own testimonies.  May we all be about our Father's business of bringing others into the Kingdom of God.  Then when we are all gathered together on the the day Christ returns, we will rejoice, indeed.  

  Promised Land - Fee

Yes, He Cares

Isaiah 53:4a New International Version (NIV)

4 Surely he took up our pain

    and bore our suffering,

Guy Penrod & George Beverly Shea - Does Jesus Care

New Year's Psalm

Psalm 65 New King James Version (NKJV)

Praise to God for His Salvation and Providence

To the Chief Musician. A Psalm of David. A Song.

65 Praise is awaiting You, O God, in Zion;

And to You the vow shall be performed.

2 O You who hear prayer,

To You all flesh will come.

3 Iniquities prevail against me;

As for our transgressions,

You will provide atonement for them.

4 Blessed is the man You choose,

And cause to approach You,

That he may dwell in Your courts.

We shall be satisfied with the goodness of Your house,

Of Your holy temple.

5 By awesome deeds in righteousness You will answer us,

O God of our salvation,

You who are the confidence of all the ends of the earth,

And of the far-off seas;

6 Who established the mountains by His strength,

Being clothed with power;

7 You who still the noise of the seas,

The noise of their waves,

And the tumult of the peoples.

8 They also who dwell in the farthest parts are afraid of Your signs;

You make the outgoings of the morning and evening rejoice.

9 You visit the earth and water it,

You greatly enrich it;

The river of God is full of water;

You provide their grain,

For so You have prepared it.

10 You water its ridges abundantly,

You settle its furrows;

You make it soft with showers,

You bless its growth.

11 You crown the year with Your goodness,

And Your paths drip with abundance.

12 They drop on the pastures of the wilderness,

And the little hills rejoice on every side.

13 The pastures are clothed with flocks;

The valleys also are covered with grain;

They shout for joy, they also sing.