The Lion of Judah Has Conquered

Revelation 5:1-5  New English Translation (NET Bible)

The Opening of the Scroll

5 Then I saw in the right hand of the one who was seated on the throne a scroll written on the front and back and sealed with seven seals. 2 And I saw a powerful angel proclaiming in a loud voice: “Who is worthy to open the scroll and to break its seals?” 3 But no one in heaven or on earth or under the earth was able to open the scroll or look into it. 4 So I began weeping bitterly because no one was found who was worthy to open the scroll or to look into it. 5 Then one of the elders said to me, “Stop weeping! Look, the Lion of the tribe of Judah, the root of David, has conquered; thus he can open the scroll and its seven seals.”

“Safe?” said Mr. Beaver; “don’t you hear what Mrs. Beaver tells you? Who said anything about safe? ‘Course he isn’t safe. But he’s good. He’s the King, I tell you.” 

― C.S. Lewis, The Lion, the Witch, and the Wardrobe

Hallelujah Chorus [Live]

CASTING CROWNS - At Calvary Song: Song Session

MATT MAHER - He Shall Reign Forevermore: Song Session

Not Even Weekends Off...

Sigh...not even weekends, Sally.  

Romans 6:6 New English Translation (NET Bible)

6 We know that our old man was crucified with him so that the body of sin would no longer dominate us, so that we would no longer be enslaved to sin.

Thankfully, we are no longer in bondage to sin.  Jesus gives us the power to overcome.  It still isn't going to be easy, Sally, but it is truly worthwhile.

Philippians 4:13 English Standard Version (ESV)

13 I can do all things through him who strengthens me.

MATT MAHER - Glory (Let There Be Peace): Song Session

Christmas Classics Medley | Anthem Lights

Hope Is Alive

Hope Is Alive - Ellie Holcomb 

It's Christmas Sunday!

Margaret Tarrant

O come let us adore Him!

C.S. Lewis and Linus on Christmas

What Is Christmas All About? | A Charlie Brown Christmas

Gloria (Our Savior Found Us) - Darlene Zschech (from Majesty In A Manger)

A Christmas Shout Out...

Carl Larsson

Psalm 29:11 English Standard Version (ESV)

11 May the Lord give strength to his people!

    May the Lord bless[a] his people with peace!

...to my Swedish relatives.  May your peace come from the Lord.

I'm Still Proving It...Sigh...

But it's good to have a goal.

O Astonishing Grace - Summit Church

O Astonishing Grace - Summit Church

Joy to the World [Live]

O Holy Night (A Capella) | MattNickleMusic

A Merry Little Christmas

Christmas Eve Battle of the Bulge, 99th Infantry Division

Isaiah 25:8 English Standard Version (ESV)

8     He will swallow up death forever;

and the Lord God will wipe away tears from all faces,

    and the reproach of his people he will take away from all the earth,

    for the Lord has spoken.

I found myself wishing today that I had gotten the story of my father's Christmas during the Battle of the Bulge; and out of that desire came today's upload, "Have Yourself a Merry Little Christmas" as sung by Brett Eldredge.

I'm not likely to know now that he's gone home to Jesus and may never know, because Heaven is perfect for this lovely man who rarely talked about his wartime experiences.  Why talk of war when all war is no more?  

Have Yourself a Merry Little Christmas - Brett Eldredge 

Rejoice!

Galatians 4:4-7 The Message (MSG)

4-7 But when the time arrived that was set by God the Father, God sent his Son, born among us of a woman, born under the conditions of the law so that he might redeem those of us who have been kidnapped by the law. Thus we have been set free to experience our rightful heritage. You can tell for sure that you are now fully adopted as his own children because God sent the Spirit of his Son into our lives crying out, “Papa! Father!” Doesn’t that privilege of intimate conversation with God make it plain that you are not a slave, but a child? And if you are a child, you’re also an heir, with complete access to the inheritance.

We have been redeemed and adopted!

Amy Grant - To Be Together (Music Video)

It's Sunday!

Hebrews 13:1 NRSV

Let mutual love continue.

Because There's A Happy Dog...

...in my house tonight.

Brett Eldredge - I'll Be Home For Christmas | The Candlelight Sessions

BrettEldredge

This Just Made Me Smile

Chris Sheban, Artist

James 1:17 English Standard Version (ESV)

17 Every good gift and every perfect gift is from above, coming down from the Father of lights, with whom there is no variation or shadow due to change.[a]

Because the young man who once lived in this house but now lives in a dorm is coming home for Christmas break tomorrow, this just made me smile, a smile mixed with a sweet nostalgia for when a young boy lived in my home.

Celtic Thunder - 'Christmas 1915'

Oh What Joy!

Isaiah 9:6 New International Version (NIV)

6 For to us a child is born,

    to us a son is given,

    and the government will be on his shoulders.

And he will be called

    Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God,

    Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace.

Matthew 2:10 English Standard Version (ESV)

10 When they saw the star, they rejoiced exceedingly with great joy.

King of Israel - Folk Angel

O Holy Night (Hear the Gospel Story) [Acoustic Sessions]

I Don't Know the Artist...

But I have loved this image of Mary and the infant Jesus.

Stars Go Dim – How Glorious The Love of Heaven (Lyric Video)

Turn to Him Now

What a powerful Scripture passage!

Selah - God Rest Ye Merry Gentlemen/We Three Kings (Official Lyric Video)

Indescribable Gift

John 1:12 New English Translation (NET Bible)

12 But to all who have received him—those who believe in his name—he has given the right to become God’s children

I was at a Christmas party this weekend where the entertainment consisted of multiple drawings for gifts, some very generous.  I wasn't in the drawing as it was my husband's party, but I was right there hoping that he'd win something good, totally ignoring that we'd already received the greatest gift possible, our Savior, a salvation freely given, freely bestowed upon all who would receive Him, not a drawing but a gift.  Indescribable gift indeed!

Ginny Owens- The Greatest Gift (Official Lyric Video)

A Content Discontent

Psalm 34:17-20 English Standard Version (ESV)

17 When the righteous cry for help, the Lord hears

    and delivers them out of all their troubles.

18 The Lord is near to the brokenhearted

    and saves the crushed in spirit.

19 Many are the afflictions of the righteous,

    but the Lord delivers him out of them all.

20 He keeps all his bones;

    not one of them is broken.

Romans 15:13 English Standard Version (ESV)

13 May the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace in believing, so that by the power of the Holy Spirit you may abound in hope.

Sometimes Christmas is tough.  Sometimes Christmas is sad.  Sometimes Christmas hurts and hurts deeply.  There's no shame in it, however, when circumstances bring pain, because we have a Savior who brings hope.  In a season of suffering?  Hold fast to your salvation and know you are safe in your Savior's keeping.  Be content.

Melancholy Christmas - Amy Grant

It's Sunday!

For all those who are dashing through the snow to church...

JUDY GARLAND: 'MEET ME IN ST LOUIS'. 'HAVE YOURSELF A MERRY LITTLE CHRIS...

Tenth Avenue North - No One Can Steal Our Joy (Official Lyric Video)

The Hill That Matters

2 Corinthians 5:21 New English Translation (NET Bible)

21 God made the one who did not know sin to be sin for us, so that in him we would become the righteousness of God.

I have hills I'm willing to die on, especially when it comes to making people who I think should, could but won't conform to my ideals.  Then in anger I sin, even knowing that this sin is why God sent His son, why Jesus died, why my soul was  redeemed.  My God knew I couldn't purity myself, so He sent his Son to purify me.  I couldn't deserve it; I couldn't earn it; I couldn't expect it, this grace, mercy and life that was extended to me.  Forgiveness.  It was on that hill that my Savior died, the only hill that should matter to me. 

   

Downhere Performing "How Many Kings"

Mary did you know the singing contractors

Snow!

Isaiah 1:18 English Standard Version (ESV)

18 “Come now, let us reason[a] together, says the Lord:

though your sins are like scarlet,

    they shall be as white as snow;

though they are red like crimson,

    they shall become like wool.

It's snowed and more snow is coming!  I need to find my inner child that loved a good snow day, instead of worrying about how to get around in it...and how to stay upright!  A coworker, who slipped and fell in our parking lot today, is now hurting.  I figure if I fall just plan to call 911 for me.  I no longer have joints that can take a beating.  I do love this verse from Isaiah, however, because it gives me reason enough to appreciate snow. 

 

Winter Snow (feat. Audrey Assad) - Chris Tomlin 

God Made Low [Acoustic Sessions]

Selah - Where Are You Christmas (Official Music Video)

A Greater Joy

Jesu, Joy of Man's Desiring - JJ Heller

The Dayspring

By Margaret Tarrant

Luke 1:78-79 New International Version (NIV)

78 because of the tender mercy of our God,

    by which the rising sun will come to us from heaven

79 to shine on those living in darkness

    and in the shadow of death,

to guide our feet into the path of peace.”

Dance In the Dawn - Selah 

It's Sunday!

Someone has left a light on for you.

Unspoken - Life In The Death Of Me (Performance Video)

Because Waking Up Is Hard to Do

Romans 13:11English Standard Version (ESV)

1 is you know the time, that the hour has come for you to wake from sleep. For salvation is nearer to us now than when we first believed.

JJ Heller - Jesu, Joy of Man's Desiring & Silent Night (Official Lyric V...

Our Steadfast God

Psalm 94:22 New International Version (NIV)

22 But the Lord has become my fortress,

    and my God the rock in whom I take refuge.

Isaiah 54:10New International Version (NIV)

10 Though the mountains be shaken

    and the hills be removed,

yet my unfailing love for you will not be shaken

    nor my covenant of peace be removed,”

    says the Lord, who has compassion on you.

Tornados and fire storms are in the news tonight.  For many it will mean a difficult Christmas this year.  If our holiday hopes are dashed, and it doesn't take a natural disaster for that to happen, we find our hope in God.  He is our fortress and our refuge.  The gift of the Savior is both the need and the desire

of our hearts.  He is our home, our place of belonging.

Steadfast

Wrap This One Up

No Room...

Luc Olivier Merson, The Arrival in Bethlehem (1897)

Luke 2:7 New English Translation (NET Bible)

7 And she gave birth to her firstborn son and wrapped him in strips of cloth and laid him in a manger, because there was no place for them in the inn.

...for your Redeemer?

Matt Maher - Glory (Let There Be Peace) [Official Lyric Video]

He's Coming!

And I'm not talking about Santa Claus.

The King Is Coming Prelude - Christy Nockels 

He Forgets Not His Own

John 10:27-28 New English Translation (NET Bible)

27 My sheep listen to my voice, and I know them, and they follow me. 28 I give them eternal life, and they will never perish; no one will snatch them from my hand.

Tonight I was playing Christmas Youtube videos on the computer while my husband finished watching his recording of the Seahawks game.  They lost, the TV was shut down, and I then heard my husband's voice behind me saying, "I want to hear "We Gather Together!"  Thanksgiving remains and will likely always remain his favorite holiday of the year.  It's good to remember at all times, in victory or defeat...and I'm not just talking about football...that God forgets not his own.  
Go Hawks!

We Gather Together - Celtic Spirits

Matt Redman - Hearts Waiting (Joy To The World) (Lyrics And Chords)

Matt Redman - Glory Hallelujah (Lyrics And Chords)

Because Christmas Has Come...

2 Corinthians 9:8 New English Translation (NET Bible)

8 And God is able to make all grace overflow to you so that because you have enough of everything in every way at all times, you will overflow in every good work.

...to a store near you.

Lauren Daigle - Have Yourself A Merry Little Christmas

A Priceless Thanksgiving

Matthew 19:6 New English Translation (NET Bible)

6 So they are no longer two, but one flesh. Therefore what God has joined together, let no one separate.”

I truly had a nice Thanksgiving holiday; and, while the men of my family slept off their turkey hangovers, I was able to upload a pretty video.  Thirty years ago as a bride I vowed before God to honor my groom; and it was a vow not just intended for my wedding day.  So I let him sleep on the couch while a football game played on the TV, and his son as well; and, in a strange way, I honored them both.  They are priceless indeed, and they are mine.

Priceless (The Film Ballad) [feat. Bianca Santos] - for KING & COUNTRY 

Thanks In Every Circumstance

Three GIs eat K rations in the rain, Thanksgiving Day, 1944, France.

1 Thessalonians 5:18English Standard Version (ESV)

18 give thanks in all circumstances; for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus for you.

I'm having trouble feeling thankful because I'm going to be strictly dieting tomorrow on our holiday that's built around a feast.  This image of three GI's during my father's war reminds me to be thankful, nevertheless.  Now if I can only keep from weeping at the table while my husband and the young man who lives in a dorm but is now home for the holiday stuff themselves that would be good for all...Sigh...It could be worse.  I have an abundance of grace.  I have my Savior's love.  I will be thankful.

Blessed Spirit (Puritan Prayer) - Stuart Townsend 

Sing Hallelujah

"Eagle Creek into Cumberland River"- Elmer L. Foote Lantern Slide Collection, ca. 1900-1915 (Lexington Public Library)

Revelation 19:6 New International Version (NIV)

6 Then I heard what sounded like a great multitude, like the roar of rushing waters and like loud peals of thunder, shouting:

“Hallelujah!

    For our Lord God Almighty reigns"

What a wonder it will be to hear our Hallelujah's in Heaven some day!  What a wonder it is to hear our Hallelujah's now!  I pray that I may live a Hallelujah life both sides of eternity.  Turn my thoughts toward the one who deserves my upmost praise and highest glory.  Take my strangled Hallelujah's and turn them to full throated declarations of praise to our God Almighty.  

Hallelujah!

Hallelujah - Blue Highway 

THANKFUL - Dwayne Reed

More Cows...

...because I do like them...

Home Free - How Great Thou Art

It's Sunday!

Come, ye thankful people come!

The Oak Ridge Boys - Rest In You Tonight

Stand Fast

Years ago "I Shall Not Be Moved" was my go to song when dealing with a sometimes unreasonable toddler.  It seemed better to sing then to shout...and to sing before I shed mommy tears.  My child didn't know it then but I had his back, not letting him go where he shouldn't go.  So it also is with our God.

I Shall Not Be Moved - Johnny Cash 

Chris Tomlin - All Yours (Lyric Video)

Because It's A Birthday Today!

When I See the Blood

The animal you select must be a one-year-old male, either a sheep or a goat, with no defects.“Take special care of this chosen animal until the evening of the fourteenth day of this first month. Then the whole assembly of the community of Israel must slaughter their lamb or young goat at twilight. 7 They are to take some of the blood and smear it on the sides and top of the doorframes of the houses where they eat the animal.But the blood on your doorposts will serve as a sign, marking the houses where you are staying. Ex. 12:5-7

When I see the blood, I will pass over you. This plague of death will not touch you when I strike the land of Egypt. Ex. 13:12

The next day John saw Jesus coming toward him and said, “Look! The Lamb of God who takes away the sin of the world! John 1:29

Christ, our Passover Lamb, has been sacrificed for us. I Cor. 5:7

The connections between the Exodus passages and the New Testament passages is clear. John, Peter, and Paul all saw how the Passover predicted the sacrifice of Christ. The lamb in Exodus is a type, corresponding to Christ in the NT. To a reasonable person, this is, in fact, reasonable.

I used this recently when talking to someone about the Lord. Sometimes we wonder how to get a conversation seated on a spiritual track. Here I used the interesting Bible story containing the type, then turned the conversation corner by essentially saying "In the same way..." to get to the all-important fulfillment in Jesus. The necessity of applying the lamb's blood was not optional to the Israelites. No blood, no avoiding the death angel. So it is now with the necessity of applying Christ's death to oneself. No Christ, no avoiding God's judgment.
Beanscot's Husband

When I See The Blood (Hymn)

Beloved Sleep

I find myself falling asleep before I ever get to my blog.  I know I could start earlier, but I still don't.  I call it "the tyranny of the blog" and rebel against writing.  You might call it laziness and you'd be right.  Thankfully, I still sleep so I am still God's beloved; and it's a wondrous love indeed.

Blue Highway - Wondrous Love

Behold (Then Sings My Soul) Lyric Video - Hillsong Worship

No Other Name But Jesus [Live]

Surrender to the Worthy One

Psalm 22:27-28 New International Version (NIV)

27 All the ends of the earth

    will remember and turn to the Lord,

and all the families of the nations

    will bow down before him,

28 for dominion belongs to the Lord

    and he rules over the nations.

Daniel 2:20-22 New International Version (NIV)

20 and said:

“Praise be to the name of God for ever and ever;

    wisdom and power are his.

21 He changes times and seasons;

    he deposes kings and raises up others.

He gives wisdom to the wise

    and knowledge to the discerning.

22 He reveals deep and hidden things;

    he knows what lies in darkness,

    and light dwells with him.

I've been running into citizens of my almost zealously blue state who are extremely upset over our Presidential election.  I watch on the news as my countrymen are marching in near anarchy over it.  Friendships have been broken.  Things have been said that may not be unsaid.  

In these times I look to Jesus.  He is Lord.  He is worthy.  He keeps His promises.  I surrender to Him.  

Yes and Amen - Chris Tomlin

It's Sunday!

7eventh Time Down - Lean On

Thank You for Serving

Philippians 1:3 New International Version (NIV)

Thanksgiving and Prayer

3 I thank my God every time I remember you.

Gone Home - Ricky Skaggs & Kentucky Thunder

Lord Give Me One More

Luke 15:7 New English Translation (NET Bible)

7 I tell you, in the same way there will be more joy in heaven over one sinner who repents than over ninety-nine righteous people who have no need to repent.

Galatians 6:9 English Standard Version (ESV)

9 And let us not grow weary of doing good, for in due season we will reap, if we do not give up.

Tonight my husband and I went to see "Hacksaw Ridge," the real life story of Desmond Doss, the only medal of honor winner who was also a Conscientious Objector.  It was an impressive movie and I would recommend it.  I was especially moved by the prayer, Desmond Doss, repeated through the long night of bringing wounded off the battlefield to safety, "Please Lord, give me one more."   It was a good prayer for Christians as we daily go out onto God's battlefield, "Please give me one more soul to save."  

Do not give up, weary Christian, while there's still one more soul to save.

HACKSAW RIDGE Official Trailer (2016) Andrew Garfield, Teresa Palmer

Tenth Avenue North - Fighting For You (Official Lyric Video)

The Spirit of 76

Galatians 5:13 English Standard Version (ESV)

13 For you were called to freedom, brothers. Only do not use your freedom as an opportunity for the flesh, but through love serve one another.

John 8:36English Standard Version (ESV)

36 So if the Son sets you free, you will be free indeed.

Walt Disney's Johnny Tremain, "The Sons of Liberty" (1957)

It's Time to Decide

1944- Undecided - by Norman Rockwell who presents a voter pondering the choice between FDR - running for a fourth term- and Thomas Dewey.

Isaiah 30:21 English Standard Version (ESV)

21 And your ears shall hear a word behind you, saying, “This is the way, walk in it,” when you turn to the right or when you turn to the left.

Proverbs 16:33 English Standard Version (ESV)

33 The lot is cast into the lap,

    but its every decision is from the Lord.

Mary, Did You Know - Voctave feat. Mark Lowry

Take Courage Take A Stand

2 Timothy 3:12 English Standard Version (ESV)

12 Indeed, all who desire to live a godly life in Christ Jesus will be persecuted,

John 16:33 New American Standard Bible (NASB)

33 These things I have spoken to you, so that in Me you may have peace. In the world you have tribulation, but take courage; I have overcome the world.”

2 Timothy 4:3-4 The Voice (VOICE)

3 because a time will come when some will no longer tolerate sound teaching. Instead, they will live by their own desires; they’ll scratch their itching ears by surrounding themselves with teachers who approve of their lifestyles and tell them what they want to hear. 4 They will turn away from the real truth you have to offer because they prefer the sound of fables and myths.

“Leave safety behind. Put your body on the line. Stand before the people you fear and speak your mind--even if your voice shakes. When you least expect it, someone may actually listen to what you have to say. Well-aimed slingshots can topple giants.” --Maggie Kuhn

My pastor spoke this morning on being a confident witness.  We need this confidence as Christians in what is rapidly becoming a post-Christian America.  Take the courage Jesus is offering and put it to good use.  Standing up for Jesus is more than a song sung in church.  It is our charge, our rallying cry. 

Ready for the Times to Get Better - Doc Watson and David Holt 

It's Sunday!

Do we remember when most children went to Sunday School?

Sometimes It's Later

Farther Along - The Grascals

It's Sunday!

And the choir is warming up!

The Digital Age - I Belong [Official Lyric Video]

Off To Work!

Colossians 3:23 English Standard Version (ESV)

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

Psalm 90:17 English Standard Version (ESV)

17 Let the favor[a] of the Lord our God be upon us,

    and establish the work of our hands upon us;

    yes, establish the work of our hands!

Sigh...I may look more like the wary horse than the enthusiastic cowgirl.