Sunday, January 31, 2016
Saturday, January 30, 2016
In All Things
Tell Your Heart To Beat Again (Lyrics) By: Danny Gokey
Friday, January 29, 2016
Becoming Beautiful
Romans 11:33 English Standard Version (ESV)
33 Oh, the depth of the riches and wisdom and knowledge of God! How unsearchable are his judgments and how inscrutable his ways!
Job 5:9 New American Standard Bible (NASB)
9 Who does great and unsearchable things,
[a]Wonders without number.
Ecclesiastes 8:17 New American Standard Bible (NASB)
17 and I saw every work of God, I concluded that man cannot discover the work which has been done under the sun. Even though man should seek laboriously, he will not discover; and though the wise man should say, “I know,” he cannot discover.
I am relieved to know that there are things beyond my understanding and also that God can be trusted with that knowledge. I simply have to learn and appreciate what He has set before me. It's easier to do when what it is lovely and beautiful in my world view, harder to do when it's not so. God doesn't spare me from trials and griefs; and He doesn't turn difficult people away from my path, even when it is the desperate desire of my heart that He would. He is in the process of making everything beautiful for His children, including me. I'll have an eternity to get those tough questions answered. Yes, I can wait, maybe not always happily or contentedly; but I can wait.
Dolly Parton & Willie Nelson - Everything's Beautiful (In It's Own Way)
Thursday, January 28, 2016
A God Beyond Our Understanding
"Joseph's Coat Brought to Jacob", (c.1640), Giovanni Andrea de Ferrari (1598–1669).
Then Jacob tore his clothes and put on sackcloth. He mourned deeply for his son for many days. Gen. 37:34.
As far as I am concerned, God turned into good what you meant for evil. Gen. 50:20a
Just prior to the first verse, Joseph's brothers had sold him into slavery, then presented his father his coat dipped in animal's blood. Jacob formed the conclusion hoped for by his brothers, that is, that Joseph had been mauled to death by an animal.
Certainly Joseph's brothers didn't anticipate how cruel this was to their father. I'm certain they didn't want to hurt Jacob. They merely wanted to cover up their wrongdoing with a timely lie. After all, it was surely going to stir things up if they came clean and admitted their hatred of Joseph had led to their actions. The truth would hurt everyone. Instead Jacob's damaged emotions were collateral damage. Joseph was his favorite son, not just a son, but the favorite. Cruel indeed, was the collateral damage.
In light of this, it is striking to consider Joseph's conclusion in Genesis 50. Good came out of the brothers' evil, but Jacob was still lied to, hurt, and lived without the comfort of knowing his favorite son was doing right well in the long run. Would it have been possible for God to just lead Joseph by legitimate means to Egypt? Why couldn't God have just appeared to Jacob, explained that Joseph had a job to do in Egypt, but that he would have a grand reunion someday? Instead, we have this dark side of human nature show up, which God uses, but doesn't protect Jacob from.
God's sovereign plan is sometimes a head scratcher.
beanscot's husband
Wednesday, January 27, 2016
Tuesday, January 26, 2016
Scripture For the Man Who Is...
Psalm 5:12 New American Standard Bible (NASB)
12 For it is You who blesses the righteous man, O Lord,
You surround him with favor as with a shield.
...celebrating a birthday today. May you be blessed.
It's Your Birthday (New Christian Happy Birthday Song)
Trina Feliciano
(I don't know any of these singers, but I like their song!)
Monday, January 25, 2016
Fill'er Up!
Romans 10:9 New American Standard Bible (NASB)
9 [a]that if you confess with your mouth Jesus as Lord, and believe in your heart that God raised Him from the dead, you will be saved;
Acts 22:16 New American Standard Bible (NASB)
16 Now why do you delay? Get up and be baptized, and wash away your sins, calling on His name.’
Hebrews 2:3 New American Standard Bible (NASB)
3 how will we escape if we neglect so great a salvation? [a]After it was at the first spoken through the Lord, it was confirmed to us by those who heard,
I do miss that young man who doesn't want to be blogged about and now lives in a dorm. When he was here for his winter break, he gassed my tank for me whenever it was low, so much so I think it spoiled me. I actually, stupidly, ran out of gas last week on the way home from work. I called home but my husband was already heading to his second job; and the dog doesn't have his own phone; so I walked. Walking with rheumatoid arthritis hurts.
Crossing as a pedestrian the same bridge I usually drive over, I noticed someone had covered the rails with numerous stickers encouraging people not to take their own lives, so many that I was concerned that my own slow walk and pained expression might leave the impression I was considering that option; and as much as I wanted to stop and rest, I kept going. One of those notes said, "Suicide is a permanent solution to a temporary problem," and so it is. Ignoring your spiritual need for Christ, however, is a temporary solution for a permanent sin problem. Only Jesus can wash them away.
Nothing But the Blood - Kathryn Scott
Sunday, January 24, 2016
Every Head Bowed, Every Eye Closed
Acts 2:41-42 King James Version (KJV)
41 Then they that gladly received his word were baptized: and the same day there were added unto them about three thousand souls.
42 And they continued stedfastly in the apostles' doctrine and fellowship, and in breaking of bread, and in prayers.
I wasn't raised in a Southern church but I was raised Baptist, so my spiritual growth came with altar calls, potluck suppers, revival preachers and public baptisms. It might be why I so enjoyed the Mercyland Vol. 2 album and it's song, "I See That Hand" by The Lone Bellow. I'm thankful that Phil Madeira of Mercyland Records gave me permission to upload it to Youtube.
Saturday, January 23, 2016
Friday, January 22, 2016
Pull Up A Chair and Rest Awhile
Matthew 11:28-30 New American Standard Bible (NASB)
28 “Come to Me, all [a]who are weary and heavy-laden, and I will give you rest. 29 Take My yoke upon you and learn from Me, for I am gentle and humble in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. 30 For My yoke is [b]easy and My burden is light.”
With my combined auto-immune diseases, I really like a good chair; and, if the chair reclines, I like it even more. Today work was hard, especially with the annoying, even embarrassing, brain fog that appears at the most inopportune times, a part of my illnesses that is most unwelcome. Tonight this scripture passage came to mind. It is as if Jesus said, "Pull up a chair and rest awhile. Let me sweep away the fog."
I believe I will. Thank you, Lord. I need a little time out.
Jamie Grace the young woman who sings "Come To Me" started her battle with Tourette Syndrome when she was only nine. You can read her story at imafighter.org.
Come To Me (Official Music Video) - Jamie Grace
Thursday, January 21, 2016
This Is True!
2 Corinthians 5:17 King James Version (KJV)
17 Therefore if any man be in Christ, he is a new creature: old things are passed away; behold, all things are become new.
Wednesday, January 20, 2016
My Jesus Who Comforts
John 14:1-3 New American Standard Bible (NASB)
Jesus Comforts His Disciples
14 “Do not let your heart be troubled; [a]believe in God, believe also in Me. 2 In My Father’s house are many dwelling places; if it were not so, I would have told you; for I go to prepare a place for you. 3 If I go and prepare a place for you, I will come again and receive you to Myself, that where I am, there you may be also.
John 14:26 English Standard Version (ESV)
26 But the Helper, the Holy Spirit, whom the Father will send in my name, he will teach you all things and bring to your remembrance all that I have said to you.
John 14:27 New American Standard Bible (NASB)
27 Peace I leave with you; My peace I give to you; not as the world gives do I give to you. Do not let your heart be troubled, nor let it be fearful.
I don't know if there's anyone who's never lost a night's sleep over worries. If there is such a blessed soul, I've never met him. Jesus, knowing our nature, took time to instruct but also comfort his disciples before his crucifixion, and I find comfort in His words. The late Rich Mullins recorded a song from this passage of Scripture on "The Jesus Record." Released ten months after his death by the Ragamuffin band, the song has Michael W. Smith filling in on the vocals along with Rich Mullins.
Sleep well.
That Where I Am, There You Rich Mullins
Tuesday, January 19, 2016
It Was A Hard Day at Work Today...
Philippians 4:4 English Standard Version (ESV)
4 Rejoice in the Lord always; again I will say, rejoice.
Rejoice In The Lord Always - Anonymous
Monday, January 18, 2016
Some Call This Courage
Psalm 46 English Standard Version (ESV)
God Is Our Fortress
To the choirmaster. Of the Sons of Korah. According to Alamoth.[a] A Song.
46 God is our refuge and strength,
a very present[b] help in trouble.
2 Therefore we will not fear though the earth gives way,
though the mountains be moved into the heart of the sea,
3 though its waters roar and foam,
though the mountains tremble at its swelling. Selah
4 There is a river whose streams make glad the city of God,
the holy habitation of the Most High.
5 God is in the midst of her; she shall not be moved;
God will help her when morning dawns.
6 The nations rage, the kingdoms totter;
he utters his voice, the earth melts.
7 The Lord of hosts is with us;
the God of Jacob is our fortress. Selah
8 Come, behold the works of the Lord,
how he has brought desolations on the earth.
9 He makes wars cease to the end of the earth;
he breaks the bow and shatters the spear;
he burns the chariots with fire.
10 “Be still, and know that I am God.
I will be exalted among the nations,
I will be exalted in the earth!”
11 The Lord of hosts is with us;
the God of Jacob is our fortress. Selah
It's a scary world out there. Should Christians be afraid? As long as we live in this world with our human frailties we will be. God doesn't promise safety but he does promise his Presence. We've got to remember who our God is, and when we forget, be reminded again and again. We don't want to live in fear; we want to live in spite of fear. Some call this courage.
Directions to the Well
Rebekah at the Well
The man fell down to the ground and worshiped the Lord. "Praise be to the Lord, the God of my master, Abraham," he said. "The Lord has been so kind and faithful to Abraham, for he has led me straight to my master's relatives." Genesis 24:26-27
The context here is Abraham sending this servant to his home area to find a wife for Isaac. He travels overland with a caravan for what must have been over 200 miles, because Abraham is insistent that Isaac not marry a pagan Canaanite woman. The servant, without knowing just who he is looking for, is remarkably led by God to Rebekah, who fits Abraham's prescription for a proper wife.
The servant shows faith as well as obedience and asks God for a sign. He is rewarded by being led right to her. How often do we fail to show faith and obedience and do not get led straight to our goal? For myself, I am sure I am more like the double-minded person James talks about, and end up wandering around like the Israelites in the wilderness. Doesn't God reward faith? Yes, it is guaranteed in Hebrews 11:6. Would you rather wander or be led straight to the goal God has for you?
by beanscot's husband
Sunday, January 17, 2016
Saturday, January 16, 2016
Friday, January 15, 2016
Blessed Is the Man
Psalm 1:1 King James Version (KJV)
1 Blessed is the man that walketh not in the counsel of the ungodly, nor standeth in the way of sinners, nor sitteth in the seat of the scornful.
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.
Lord of Eternity - Fernando Ortega (Live)
Lord of Eternity
Blessed is the man
Who walks in Your favor
Who loves all Your words
And hides them like treasure
In the darkest place
Of his desperate heart,
They are a light
A strong, sure light.
Sometimes I call out Your name
But I cannot find You.
I look for Your face,
But You are not there.
By my sorrows, Lord,
Lift me to You,
Lift me to Your side.
Chorus:
Lord of Eternity,
Father of mercy,
Look on my fainting soul.
Keeper of all the stars,
Friend of the poorest heart
Touch me and make me whole.
If You are my defender,
Who is against me?
No one can trouble or harm me
If You are my strength.
All I ask, all I desire
Is to live in Your house all my days.
Repeat chorus
Thursday, January 14, 2016
Wednesday, January 13, 2016
A Sparrow Most Valuable
Matthew 6:26 New American Standard Bible (NASB)
26 Look at the birds of the [a]air, that they do not sow, nor reap nor gather into barns, and yet your heavenly Father feeds them. Are you not worth much more than they?
Colossians 3:23 English Standard Version (ESV)
23 Whatever you do, work heartily, as for the Lord and not for men,
Today I was told at the end of my workday that I looked tired. And so I was. Working with chronic pain has a way of doing that to one's appearance, especially after a hard day as it was today. So I smile and agree, because I am tired. What I can't say, however, in a secular workplace that I can carry on because the Lord, who values and provides for me, also sustains me. It's good to work for the Lord and not for men. He pays better too with His grace upon grace.
Sparrow - Audrey Assad
Tuesday, January 12, 2016
The Lord Bless You and Keep You
5. Les Choristes - ''The Lord Bless You and Keep You''. ( En Concert ).
Monday, January 11, 2016
Comfort One Another
Romans 8:37-39 New American Standard Bible (NASB)
37 But in all these things we overwhelmingly conquer through Him who loved us. 38 For I am convinced that neither death, nor life, nor angels, nor principalities, nor things present, nor things to come, nor powers, 39 nor height, nor depth, nor any other created thing, will be able to separate us from the love of God, which is in Christ Jesus our Lord.
Friday we will be celebrating the life of a loved one who has gone home to Heaven. Today I uploaded an Ellie Holcomb song to Youtube, "We Shall Always Be With the Lord," and was truly comforted by it. One day, I will see and know, just as my loved ones who have gone before me, the physical presence of my Lord; but until that day I still am with Him and He with me.
Sunday, January 10, 2016
Grace and the Seahawks
Proverbs 16:33 Living Bible (TLB)
33 We toss the coin,[a] but it is the Lord who controls its decision.
Church attendance was a lighter than normal this Seahawks game day morning, but I expect the Saturday night service was full! Yes, there may have been sparse attendance, but plenty still prayed. The final score was an undeserved gift, a picture of God's grace. Our worship leader led us this morning in Dustin Kenrue's song, "Grace Alone." In hindsight, it seems fitting.
Go Hawks!
Grace Alone - The Modern Post
It's Sunday!
1 Thessalonians 5:11 English Standard Version (ESV)
11 Therefore encourage one another and build one another up, just as you are doing.
Come and be encouraged.
Saturday, January 9, 2016
Friday, January 8, 2016
Great Sinner, Great Savior
Malmström, August (b,1829)- Cookie Jar
1 Corinthians 10:13 English Standard Version (ESV)
13 No temptation has overtaken you that is not common to man. God is faithful, and he will not let you be tempted beyond your ability, but with the temptation he will also provide the way of escape, that you may be able to endure it.
Hebrews 2:18 English Standard Version (ESV)
18 For because he himself has suffered when tempted, he is able to help those who are being tempted.
1 John 2:1 English Standard Version (ESV)
Christ Our Advocate
2 My little children, I am writing these things to you so that you may not sin. But if anyone does sin, we have an advocate with the Father, Jesus Christ the righteous.
Acts 3:19 New International Version (NIV)
19 Repent, then, and turn to God, so that your sins may be wiped out, that times of refreshing may come from the Lord,
Romans 3:23 English Standard Version (ESV)
23 for all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God
I wish all my sins were as cute as this girl with her hands in the cookie jar, but they're not. They're ugly, detestable, vile and rebellious acts against Jesus Christ the righteous, whose own blood was shed so that I might be forgiven. Knowing this, how weak am I that I still go on sinning? Knowing this, how great is God that he still forgives? Pretty great, I'd say! Pretty great!
Thursday, January 7, 2016
I Really Kind of Love This Old Photo...
Proverbs 3:15 English Standard Version (ESV)
15 She is more precious than jewels,
and nothing you desire can compare with her.
Proverbs 3:17English Standard Version (ESV)
17 Her ways are ways of pleasantness,
and all her paths are peace.
...because it reminds me how good it is to have sisters.
Wednesday, January 6, 2016
Still Standing
2 Corinthians 4:8-10 English Standard Version (ESV)
8 We are afflicted in every way, but not crushed; perplexed, but not driven to despair; 9 persecuted, but not forsaken; struck down, but not destroyed; 10 always carrying in the body the death of Jesus, so that the life of Jesus may also be manifested in our bodies.
Psalm 37:24 New International Version (NIV)
24 though he may stumble, he will not fall,
for the Lord upholds him with his hand.
I've wondered since taking on full time employment, not only if I could do it with Rheumatoid Arthritis and other health issues, but also if I could keep making Youtube videos. I've enjoyed being beanscot, especially since creating these slideshows to songs have given me quality time with God. Today I've been able to upload a Crowder song and I'm thankful that I was still able to do so. I may be painfully standing but I'm still standing. God remains good to me.
Tuesday, January 5, 2016
The Still, Small Voice
Kings 19:11-12 New King James Version (NKJV)
God’s Revelation to Elijah
11 Then He said, “Go out, and stand on the mountain before the Lord.” And behold, the Lord passed by, and a great and strong wind tore into the mountains and broke the rocks in pieces before the Lord, but the Lord was not in the wind; and after the wind an earthquake, but the Lord was not in the earthquake; 12 and after the earthquake a fire, but the Lord was not in the fire; and after the fire a still small voice.
It was an unusually busy day at work and I was alone answering the phones. As I processed a customer's request, I did notice a warning going off in my head (some may call it my personal idiot light); but I ignored it, because I just didn't have the time! Of course, it would come back to bite me later. Thankfully, the error was revealed before any harm or inconvenience could happen. Still, it would have been better and less embarrassing to have listened the first time.
It reminded me of Elijah on Mount Horeb. I would have thought God would have been in the wind, certainly the earthquake, and especially the fire; so much so that I'm not sure that I would have heard or recognize His still small voice. He didn't need to speak up; He just needed Elijah to listen; and He wants the same from me.
Monday, January 4, 2016
Rest For the Weary
Dear Refuge of My Weary Soul - Indelible Grace (feat. Sandra McCracken)
God Be With You
3 John 4 English Standard Version (ESV)
4 I have no greater joy than to hear that my children are walking in the truth.
The young man who lives in a dorm and doesn't want to be blogged about has been home for Christmas. I was able to spend the day with him today and truly enjoyed his company. Soon he'll return to the university. Sigh. It won't be just his dog that will try to cling to him when he goes. Thankfully, where he goes so will God.
God Be With You - Selah
Sunday, January 3, 2016
Saturday, January 2, 2016
As You Face Your New Year's Resolutions......
Charm School
Proverbs 31:30 English Standard Version (ESV)
30 Charm is deceitful, and beauty is vain,
but a woman who fears the Lord is to be praised.
1 Samuel 16:7 English Standard Version (ESV)
7 But the Lord said to Samuel, “Do not look on his appearance or on the height of his stature, because I have rejected him. For the Lord sees not as man sees: man looks on the outward appearance, but the Lord looks on the heart.”
...remember this. Your beauty comes from the very heart of God.
Beautiful - MercyMe
Friday, January 1, 2016
Teach Us This Year...
Psalm 39:3-5 New Living Translation (NLT)
3 The more I thought about it,
the hotter I got,
igniting a fire of words:
4 “Lord, remind me how brief my time on earth will be.
Remind me that my days are numbered—
how fleeting my life is.
5 You have made my life no longer than the width of my hand.
My entire lifetime is just a moment to you;
at best, each of us is but a breath.” Interlude
Psalm 90:12 New American Standard Bible (NASB)
12 So teach us to number our days,
That we may [a]present to You a heart of wisdom.
...to number our days.
Rachel Joy Scott, Columbine victim,Christian martyr
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