Monday, November 30, 2015
Before Getting Swallowed Up In Christmas Shopping...
1 John 2:15-17 English Standard Version (ESV)
Do Not Love the World
15 Do not love the world or the things in the world. If anyone loves the world, the love of the Father is not in him. 16 For all that is in the world—the desires of the flesh and the desires of the eyes and pride of life[a]—is not from the Father but is from the world. 17 And the world is passing away along with its desires, but whoever does the will of God abides forever.
Hebrews 13:5 English Standard Version (ESV)
5 Keep your life free from love of money, and be content with what you have, for he has said, “I will never leave you nor forsake you.”
Luke 12:33-34 English Standard Version (ESV)
33 Sell your possessions, and give to the needy. Provide yourselves with moneybags that do not grow old, with a treasure in the heavens that does not fail, where no thief approaches and no moth destroys. 34 For where your treasure is, there will your heart be also.
...consider what the Bible says. Since Cyber Monday is nearly upon us, I thought I should look up some pre-shopping Scripture. Even as I was looking at Scripture, though, I found myself sneaking a look at the Amazon site. God has good reasons, I fear, for including the love of money in His Holy Word. Other things, not nearly so important, He let's us just wonder about, such as our Thanksgiving dinner guest did over whether angels have wings. (Cherubim and Seraphim are described as having them but no others; and, yes, I was curious and looked it up.) Fortunately, or rather unfortunately, a lack of liquid funds will keep me from going overboard; but I still need to guard myself from being more in love with Christmas things than Christ Himself.
Christmas Flash Mob by Journey of Faith at South Bay Galleria - official video
jofmediamonkey
Sunday, November 29, 2015
Saturday, November 28, 2015
Love Does No Wrong
Love does no wrong to anyone, so love satisfies all of God's requirements. Romans 13:10
In Bible study today we were discussing the need for love to be the underlying disposition of our lives. It should be the response we tend to exhibit in a given situation.
For example, if a family heirloom plate falls and breaks, how do I respond?
(This did recently happen.) It is amazing how events can bring our underlying attitudes to the surface, like a submerged buoy that has been pushed underwater no longer, but rockets to the surface and beyond. Possibly worse yet are the mistakes on which we can blame no one but ourselves, thereby surfacing self-dislike.
As in I Cor. 13, Paul pushes love to the foreground, saying that if we can major on it, other commands and even other qualities fall into place, which is, in the background.
by beanscot's husband
Friday, November 27, 2015
And I'm Headed There Now
Matthew 11:28 English Standard Version (ESV)
28 Come to me, all who labor and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest.
Thursday, November 26, 2015
When It's Hard to Be Thankful
1 Thessalonians 5:16-18 New International Version (NIV)
16 Rejoice always, 17 pray continually, 18 give thanks in all circumstances; for this is God’s will for you in Christ Jesus.
Be thankful still. When we lost our home to foreclosure, I tried to reassure my then teenaged son with more conviction then I had saying, "Don't worry! God will not leave us homeless."
He answered me then with a certain conviction, "We may be living under a bridge somewhere, but we will be together."
Sometimes I am astounded by him, thankfully convinced that God is raising him in spite of his parents. Today as we enjoyed Thanksgiving in this house of the level path, I remain deeply thankful. We are still together.
And, yes, I know he doesn't want to be blogged about, but sometimes my gratitude just spills out. I have a good son.
Thanksgiving Song - Mary Chapin Carpenter
Wednesday, November 25, 2015
Come Ye Thankful!
Philippians 4:8-9 English Standard Version (ESV)
8 Finally, brothers, whatever is true, whatever is honorable, whatever is just, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is commendable, if there is any excellence, if there is anything worthy of praise, think about these things. 9 What you have learned and received and heard and seen in me—practice these things, and the God of peace will be with you.
The young man who lives in a dorm and doesn't want to be blogged about made it safely home for Thanksgiving, and I am thankful.
Tuesday, November 24, 2015
For Those Who Have Suffered Loss...
Job 1:20-22 New International Version (NIV)
20 At this, Job got up and tore his robe and shaved his head. Then he fell to the ground in worship 21 and said:
“Naked I came from my mother’s womb,
and naked I will depart.[a]
The Lord gave and the Lord has taken away;
may the name of the Lord be praised.”
22 In all this, Job did not sin by charging God with wrongdoing.
7 And the peace of God, which passeth all understanding, shall keep your hearts and minds through Christ Jesus.
Monday, November 23, 2015
It's Monday!
Lamentations 3:22-24 New International Version (NIV)
22 Because of the Lord’s great love we are not consumed,
for his compassions never fail.
23 They are new every morning;
great is your faithfulness.
24 I say to myself, “The Lord is my portion;
therefore I will wait for him.”
He's Always Been Faithful - Sara Groves
Sunday, November 22, 2015
It's Sunday!
Julius Gari Melchers, The Sermon, 1886
Where you can't be sure if your neighbor is praying or sleeping...
Saturday, November 21, 2015
Learning to Dance...
Psalm 37: 23-24
...is best accomplished on the top your father's shoes as he holds your hands. It's lovely dance, as we are our Father's delight.
Fields of Grace (Acoustic) - Big Daddy Weave
Friday, November 20, 2015
Thirsty Much?
John 4:14 English Standard Version (ESV)
14 but whoever drinks of the water that I will give him will never be thirsty again.[a] The water that I will give him will become in him a spring of water welling up to eternal life.”
Isaiah 55:1 King James Version (KJV)
55 Ho, every one that thirsteth, come ye to the waters, and he that hath no money; come ye, buy, and eat; yea, come, buy wine and milk without money and without price.
John 7:37 English Standard Version (ESV)
Rivers of Living Water
37 On the last day of the feast, the great day, Jesus stood up and cried out, “If anyone thirsts, let him come to me and drink.
There is a water that satisfies. So come and thirst no more.
Spring Up O Well - Phil Wickham
Thursday, November 19, 2015
Wednesday, November 18, 2015
Grace and Peace, France
2 Thessalonians 1:2 New International Version
Grace and peace to you from God the Father and the Lord Jesus Christ.
Acts 4:12 New King James Version (NKJV)
12 Nor is there salvation in any other, for there is no other name under heaven given among men by which we must be saved.”
Blaise Pascal quotes (French Mathematician, Philosopher and Physicist, 1623-1662)
May the one true God bless France with His grace and peace, as they recover from this attack from radical Islamic terrorists.
Grace and Peace (2 Thessalonians 1:2) - Fernando Ortega
Confident of Better Things
Even though we we speak like this, dear friends, we confident of better things in your case -- things that accompany salvation. God is not unjust; he will not forget your work and the love you have shown him as you have helped his people and continue to help them. Hebrews 6:9-10
I am often analyzing people who claim to be Christians but may not speak or act in the way I expect, and it is easy to become a doubter when I don't see or hear what I am looking for. The writer of Hebrews seems to evaluate the recipients of the letter as needing exhortation to live the Christian life in the midst of persecution. For example, in 12:1 he says to run with endurance the Christian race. Well, they are in the race, and the writer is confident of this "better thing". They will run the race doing good deeds, a "better thing". Even if they haven't done much lately (not true, if they are continuing to help believers, as 6:10 suggests) God will remember what they have done. These are all optimistic, hopeful comments. Maybe I should be a little more optimistic and hopeful when I wonder if a particular person is really in the race.
Beanscot's husband
A Pilgrim's Progress (Keep Runnin') - Matt Papa
Tuesday, November 17, 2015
Are You Yet Weeping for France?
Weeping Angel. Notre Dame, Amiens (France). Seventeenth century statue of a weeping angel. Many soldiers during the first world war sent a postcard to their families with this image.
Matthew 10:28 English Standard Version (ESV)
28 And do not fear those who kill the body but cannot kill the soul. Rather fear him who can destroy both soul and body in hell.[a]
Psalm 37:9 English Standard Version (ESV)
9 For the evildoers shall be cut off,
but those who wait for the Lord shall inherit the land.
John 18:36 English Standard Version (ESV)
36 Jesus answered, “My kingdom is not of this world. If my kingdom were of this world, my servants would have been fighting, that I might not be delivered over to the Jews. But my kingdom is not from the world.”
Psalm 47:8 New International Version (NIV)
8 God reigns over the nations;
God is seated on his holy throne.
I still weep and continue in prayer for France, whether they want my prayers or not. I know that there are citizens of the country who are proud to fight against religion while celebrating the French way of life; who equate God with sin-stained churches; but there is so much more then this life alone. There is a kingdom not of this world and it belongs to God. Yes, stand with France. My grandfather's and my father's generations both fought for it in the World Wars; and, because of their sacrifices, I shall ever be invested in this country. So I weep and I pray. God is God whether a nation recognizes Him as such or not; and over them He reigns.
Newsboys - He Reigns
Monday, November 16, 2015
Then Sings My Soul
Philippians 4:11-13New International Version (NIV)
11 I am not saying this because I am in need, for I have learned to be content whatever the circumstances. 12 I know what it is to be in need, and I know what it is to have plenty. I have learned the secret of being content in any and every situation, whether well fed or hungry, whether living in plenty or in want. 13 I can do all this through him who gives me strength.
Philippians 4:8 New International Version (NIV)
8 Finally, brothers and sisters, whatever is true, whatever is noble, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is admirable—if anything is excellent or praiseworthy—think about such things.
Hebrews 13:3 New International Version (NIV)
3 Continue to remember those in prison as if you were together with them in prison, and those who are mistreated as if you yourselves were suffering.
Saturday found me in my work cubicle, mostly alone, on an exceedingly slow day. I was literally hooked to a phone, surrounded by windowless cubicle walls. Word had come down that week that using electronic devices or reading was not allowed. I was obedient but unhappy about it, even though I knew full well that there were others in living in greater distress under terrible circumstances. Like a stubborn toddler, I wanted what I wanted.
Then it occurred to me to sing and sing I did, mostly the gospel songs I've known from childhood. I couldn't sing in full voice, as proselytizing at work wasn't allowed, but I could still sing loud enough for myself and my God. It was good and lovely to have nearly uninterrupted worship. I'll never be asked to sing on "The Voice" or even in a choir, such is my voice, but I can sing in my cubicle on any slow Saturday.
Alan Jackson - "How Great Thou Art" ((Live))
Sunday, November 15, 2015
Saturday, November 14, 2015
Friday, November 13, 2015
Thursday, November 12, 2015
It's Finished
John 19:28-30 New King James Version (NKJV)
It Is Finished
28 After this, Jesus, knowing[a] that all things were now accomplished, that the Scripture might be fulfilled, said, “I thirst!” 29 Now a vessel full of sour wine was sitting there; and they filled a sponge with sour wine, put it on hyssop, and put it to His mouth. 30 So when Jesus had received the sour wine, He said, “It is finished!” And bowing His head, He gave up His spirit.
It's good when I can put a bad day behind me, and this day was such a day; but I still had some hours to go before I could. So the song I liked this afternoon, "It's Already Done" by Big Daddy Weave became my Youtube upload this evening because I needed to put my focus on my Savior. My worst day on earth will never, ever, ever match His. There must have been a sweet and great relief to say, "It is finished!"
Wednesday, November 11, 2015
Thank a Veteran, Hug a Veteran
John 15:13 New International Version (NIV)
13 Greater love has no one than this: to lay down one’s life for one’s friends.
Tuesday, November 10, 2015
Sometimes Truth Hurts
Romans 8:28 English Standard Version (ESV)
28 And we know that for those who love God all things work together for good,[a] for those who are called according to his purpose.
Monday, November 9, 2015
Don't Poke the Sleeping Bear...
Proverbs 19:11 New International Version (NIV)
11 A person’s wisdom yields patience;
it is to one’s glory to overlook an offense.
Ecclesiastes 7:8 New International Version (NIV)
8 The end of a matter is better than its beginning,
and patience is better than pride.
...because you may have to dance with it. I should know. I've danced with plenty of bears in my life. There really are some battles not worth fighting, some dances better to sit out. Know that Satan, your real enemy, gets a kick out of watching fools dance.
As Far as the East Is From the West
Psalm 103 English Standard Version (ESV)
Bless the Lord, O My Soul
Of David.
103 Bless the Lord, O my soul,
and all that is within me,
bless his holy name!
2 Bless the Lord, O my soul,
and forget not all his benefits,
3 who forgives all your iniquity,
who heals all your diseases,
4 who redeems your life from the pit,
who crowns you with steadfast love and mercy,
5 who satisfies you with good
so that your youth is renewed like the eagle's.
6 The Lord works righteousness
and justice for all who are oppressed.
7 He made known his ways to Moses,
his acts to the people of Israel.
8 The Lord is merciful and gracious,
slow to anger and abounding in steadfast love.
9 He will not always chide,
nor will he keep his anger forever.
10 He does not deal with us according to our sins,
nor repay us according to our iniquities.
11 For as high as the heavens are above the earth,
so great is his steadfast love toward those who fear him;
12 as far as the east is from the west,
so far does he remove our transgressions from us.
13 As a father shows compassion to his children,
so the Lord shows compassion to those who fear him.
14 For he knows our frame;[a]
he remembers that we are dust.
15 As for man, his days are like grass;
he flourishes like a flower of the field;
16 for the wind passes over it, and it is gone,
and its place knows it no more.
17 But the steadfast love of the Lord is from everlasting to everlasting on those who fear him,
and his righteousness to children's children,
18 to those who keep his covenant
and remember to do his commandments.
19 The Lord has established his throne in the heavens,
and his kingdom rules over all.
20 Bless the Lord, O you his angels,
you mighty ones who do his word,
obeying the voice of his word!
21 Bless the Lord, all his hosts,
his ministers, who do his will!
22 Bless the Lord, all his works,
in all places of his dominion.
Bless the Lord, O my soul!
We just got back from a road trip that took us from the far west of our state to the far east and back again. It was a long trip, but worth it, for the chance to see that young man who now lives in a dorm and doesn't want to be blogged about. I asked my husband to read this Psalm that I love to us before we started our return trip home. Our long marathon of a drive home illustrated well God's promise that our sins are not removed from us as far as the east is from the west.
Yes, Bless the Lord, O my soul.
Marshall Hall - Bless The Lord O My Soul
Sunday, November 8, 2015
Saturday, November 7, 2015
I Still Like Cows
Psalm 50:10 New International Version (NIV)
10 for every animal of the forest is mine,
and the cattle on a thousand hills.
He owns the cattle on a thousand hills,
The wealth in every mine;
He owns the rivers and the rocks and rills,
The sun and stars that shine.
Wonderful riches, more than tongue can tell -
He is my Father so they're mine as well;
He owns the cattle on a thousand hills -
I know that He will care for me.
Friday, November 6, 2015
Thursday, November 5, 2015
No Blood, No Forgiveness
Matthew 26:28 English Standard Version (ESV)
28 for this is my blood of the[a] covenant, which is poured out for many for the forgiveness of sins.
Hebrews 9:22 English Standard Version (ESV)
22 Indeed, under the law almost everything is purified with blood, and without the shedding of blood there is no forgiveness of sins.
Ephesians 2:13 English Standard Version (ESV)
13 But now in Christ Jesus you who once were far off have been brought near by the blood of Christ.
Revelation 1:5-6 English Standard Version (ESV)
5 and from Jesus Christ the faithful witness, the firstborn of the dead, and the ruler of kings on earth.
To him who loves us and has freed us from our sins by his blood 6 and made us a kingdom, priests to his God and Father, to him be glory and dominion forever and ever. Amen.
I was speaking today with someone who is planning to lead a new age forgiveness circle this weekend. For a fee those who attend can experience a false forgiveness, one not bought with the blood of Christ. There was so much I wanted to say but couldn't say because it was in a place where I was not allowed to speak of my Savior. I finally dared to say that they only needed Jesus for forgiveness. The reply was that the circle would be for those who don't come from that background. How sad! How very sad, indeed, it is to not know the forgiveness that can only be found at the foot of the cross. How much more precious is that forgiveness now to me.
Andy Cherry - Nothing But The Blood
Wednesday, November 4, 2015
The Cure for Pain
Philippians 1:29 King James Version (KJV)
29 For unto you it is given in the behalf of Christ, not only to believe on him, but also to suffer for his sake;
I've been considering the song by Jon Foreman, "The Cure for Pain," and all the ways I try to avoid pain, drawing water from broken cisterns of my own making instead of Christ, the source of living water. Why I don't go straight to the source can be nothing but foolish pride. I suffer more trying to escape suffering rather than accepting the gift of suffering for His sake. God has a reason and a purpose for my pain. I need not reject it.
The Cure for Pain - Jon Foreman
A Smile Because...
Psalm 28:7 English Standard Version (ESV)
7 The Lord is my strength and my shield;
in him my heart trusts, and I am helped;
my heart exults,
and with my song I give thanks to him.
John 16:22New International Version (NIV)
22 So with you: Now is your time of grief, but I will see you again and you will rejoice, and no one will take away your joy.
...today has been a very good day; and I am both thankful and joyful.
Tim Neufeld - Sunshine (feat. the Glory Boys)
Tuesday, November 3, 2015
Visions and Dreams
Acts 2:17 New International Version (NIV)
17 “‘In the last days, God says,
I will pour out my Spirit on all people.
Your sons and daughters will prophesy,
your young men will see visions,
your old men will dream dreams.
A visit with family, you and old, sons and daughters, has had me thinking of this verse of Scripture. I pray that our young men are seeing visions and our old men dreaming dreams; and that the Holy Spirit is evident in how we live our lives. Let us not forget God as we go about the business of living and eventually dying. He certainly doesn't forget us.
Monday, November 2, 2015
Grace Both Day and Night
He Giveth More Grace
He giveth more grace as our burdens grow greater,
He sendeth more strength as our labors increase;
To added afflictions He addeth His mercy,
To multiplied trials He multiplies peace.
When we have exhausted our store of endurance,
When our strength has failed ere the day is half done,
When we reach the end of our hoarded resources
Our Father’s full giving is only begun.
Fear not that thy need shall exceed His provision,
Our God ever yearns His resources to share;
Lean hard on the arm everlasting, availing;
The Father both thee and thy load will upbear.
His love has no limits, His grace has no measure,
His power no boundary known unto men;
For out of His infinite riches in Jesus
He giveth, and giveth, and giveth again.
Annie Johnson Flint, writer, "He Giveth More Grace"
Sunday, November 1, 2015
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