Friday, September 30, 2016
It's Been A Busy Evening...
Thursday, September 29, 2016
For a Day When the Rheumatoid Arthritis Medicine...
Psalm 51:8 New English Translation (NET Bible)
8 Grant me the ultimate joy of being forgiven!
May the bones you crushed rejoice!
...feels worse than the cure.
I can still rejoice.
Joy In These Bones - Sarah Hart
Wednesday, September 28, 2016
Tuesday, September 27, 2016
Turn Your Eyes Upon Jesus
Artist Michael Dudash
Hebrews 12:2 New English Translation (NET Bible)
2 keeping our eyes fixed on Jesus, the pioneer and perfecter of our faith. For the joy set out for him he endured the cross, disregarding its shame, and has taken his seat at the right hand of the throne of God.
Cross Eyed Life (Sermon Jam) - Art Azurdia
Truth Endures
Monday, September 26, 2016
So I Watched the Debate Tonight...
Psalm 47:8 New International Version (NIV)
8 God reigns over the nations;
God is seated on his holy throne.
1 Chronicles 16:31 English Standard Version (ESV)
31 Let the heavens be glad, and let the earth rejoice,
and let them say among the nations, “The Lord reigns!”
Psalm 103:19 New International Version (NIV)
19 The Lord has established his throne in heaven,
and his kingdom rules over all.
Hebrews 4:14-16 New International Version (NIV)
Jesus the Great High Priest
14 Therefore, since we have a great high priest who has ascended into heaven,[a] Jesus the Son of God, let us hold firmly to the faith we profess. 15 For we do not have a high priest who is unable to empathize with our weaknesses, but we have one who has been tempted in every way, just as we are—yet he did not sin. 16 Let us then approach God’s throne of grace with confidence, so that we may receive mercy and find grace to help us in our time of need.
...and wanted to look up verses reminding me of the sovereignty of our great God. He is still on the throne! Hold fast!
Newsboys - He Reigns
Sunday, September 25, 2016
Coast Guard to the Rescue
When you pass through the waters,
I will be with you.
Isaiah 43:2a
I was rescued by the Coast Guard today. Parked in front of Walmart, waiting for my husband, I turned the keys in the ignition and rolled down the windows, because it was getting too hot in the car for the the dog and me. It took longer than expected and when my husband returned, the battery was dead. Apparently, my keys were turned just enough to run it down. This, being a Seahawks game day, meant there weren't many people around. Sigh. Who would help? My husband went looking and found a Coastie, who had been manning a sales table with his scout troop. He willingly came to our rescue. We needed help and God provided the Coast Guard. Thank you! The song I uploaded to Youtube today, "You Will Never Run" by the Rend Collective, is appropriate for the day.
You Will Never Run - Rend Collective
It's Sunday!
Daufuskie Island, South Carolina, 1952
| Ph: Constantine Manos
13w
Babies will be dedicated to the Lord!
1 Samuel 1:27-28 English Standard Version (ESV)
27 For this child I prayed, and the Lord has granted me my petition that I made to him. 28 Therefore I have lent him to the Lord. As long as he lives, he is lent to the Lord.”
And he worshiped the Lord there.
Saturday, September 24, 2016
Friday, September 23, 2016
Thursday, September 22, 2016
Wednesday, September 21, 2016
Tuesday, September 20, 2016
Sweet Relief
They gained relief from all their enemies... Esther 9:16
This is the summary statement on the Jews being able to not only defend themselves against their Persian "hosts" who had been given a green light to annihilate them.
Wouldn't it be nice to be able to say that about our enemies? Or rather, wouldn't it be nice to realize it is true?
Who or what are your enemies? Christ has conquered death, so that knocks out quite a few right there. What about work, people, sickness, finances, family stuff? Can God not defend us against them as well?
Beanscot's husband
Hold to God's Unchanging Hand [Live]
Monday, September 19, 2016
Claimed and Redeemed
Revelation 5:9 New International Version (NIV)
9 And they sang a new song, saying:
“You are worthy to take the scroll
and to open its seals,
because you were slain,
and with your blood you purchased for God
persons from every tribe and language and people and nation.
Psalm 107:1-3 New International Version (NIV)
BOOK V
Psalms 107–150
Psalm 107
1 Give thanks to the Lord, for he is good;
his love endures forever.
2 Let the redeemed of the Lord tell their story—
those he redeemed from the hand of the foe,
3 those he gathered from the lands,
from east and west, from north and south.[a]
1 Peter 1:12 New International Version (NIV)
12 It was revealed to them that they were not serving themselves but you, when they spoke of the things that have now been told you by those who have preached the gospel to you by the Holy Spirit sent from heaven. Even angels long to look into these things.
I've been enjoying songs form Casting Crown's new album, "The Very Next Thing." I've also tried uploading the one, "Song That the Angels Can't Sing;" but, because of copyright restrictions, I'm not sure how many can view that video. Still, I enjoyed putting the video together. There are songs that the angels can't sing. They have not been redeemed and they do not share in that inheritance. They do not hold the copyright! No, amazing grace how sweet the sound that saved a wretch like me, for them! Only we wretches, bought with a price, saved by the blood of the lamb, can sing of such a glorious salvation. I do have a song I love to sing, since I have been redeemed!
Big Daddy Weave - "Redeemed" (Official Music Video)
Sunday, September 18, 2016
Saturday, September 17, 2016
Unashamed
And my message and my preaching were very plain. Rather than using clever and persuasive speeches, I relied only on the power of the Holy Spirit. I did this so you would trust not in human wisdom but in the power of God. I Cor. 2:4-5
I find myself often less than enthusiastic to share the Gospel. I suspect it is because I am so self-conscious, so wondering how I will be received or how I come across. I also wonder if the person I would talk to would care about what I have to say. This didn't appear to be Paul's problem, though. He authored both of these passages.
When it first rolled out, Christianity was a new thing, the Gospel a plain thing, not appealing to scholars and sophisticated thinkers. It still isn't. Christians were new kids on the block, and often despised. Today genuine believers can be despised.
If Paul was alive today, he would tell us that the Gospel hasn't changed, it still is actually plain, almost deceptively simple in its content. He would also say that it has the power to make alive those who are dead. Paul relied on the power of God, and so should you and I. He has our back.
Beanscot's husband
Friday, September 16, 2016
It Makes Me Want to Say...
1 Peter 1:18-19 English Standard Version (ESV)
18 knowing that you were ransomed from the futile ways inherited from your forefathers, not with perishable things such as silver or gold, 19 but with the precious blood of Christ, like that of a lamb without blemish or spot.
...Thank you. Thank you for a salvation so rich and free. I've often sung the chorus to this song, but just learned tonight there are verses. It makes me want to sing, my husband as well, as he reads over my shoulder while waiting for his turn at the computer. He's just walked away singing giving me a moment more for this blog.
Words and Music by Mr and Mrs Seth Sykes
© 1940, renewal 1968 by Seth Sykes
Assigned to Singspiration/ASCAP
All rights reserved
1 Chronicles 16:34
"O give thanks unto the LORD; for he is good;
for his mercy endureth for ever."
Some thank the Lord for friends and home,
For mercies sure and sweet;
But I would praise Him for His grace -
In prayer I would repeat:
Chorus
Thank you, Lord, for saving my soul,
Thank you, Lord, for making me whole;
Thank you, Lord, for giving to me
Thy great salvation so rich and free.
Some thank Him for the flow'rs that grow,
Some for the stars that shine;
My heart is filled with joy and praise
Because I know He's mine.
Chorus
Thank you, Lord, for saving my soul,
Thank you, Lord, for making me whole;
Thank you, Lord, for giving to me
Thy great salvation so rich and free.
I trust in Him from day to day,
I prove His saving grace;
I'll sing this song of praise to Him
Until I see His face.
Chorus
Thank you, Lord, for saving my soul,
Thank you, Lord, for making me whole;
Thank you, Lord, for giving to me
Thy great salvation so rich and free.
Thursday, September 15, 2016
Behold The Man
“Ecce Homo”, - Behold the Man. 1660-66, Mateo Cerezo.
John 19:5 English Standard Version (ESV)
5 So Jesus came out, wearing the crown of thorns and the purple robe. Pilate said to them, “Behold the man!”
Matthew 27:29 English Standard Version (ESV)
29 and twisting together a crown of thorns, they put it on his head and put a reed in his right hand. And kneeling before him, they mocked him, saying, “Hail, King of the Jews!”
Hebrews 4:15 English Standard Version (ESV)
15 For we do not have a high priest who is unable to sympathize with our weaknesses, but one who in every respect has been tempted as we are, yet without sin.
Romans 8:17 English Standard Version (ESV)
17 and if children, then heirs—heirs of God and fellow heirs with Christ, provided we suffer with him in order that we may also be glorified with him.
It is truly amazing what Jesus went through in order to bring me into His kingdom and truly shocking how easy it is for me to wander from such a love. I rebel from sharing in His suffering, but still expect to share in his glory. Sigh. I can be such a lightweight Christian.
I like the new Crowder song, "Back To the Garden," so much that I wanted to do my own upload of it. I need to embrace whatever directs me back to my identity in Christ.
Back To the Garden - Crowder
Wednesday, September 14, 2016
I'm Still Thinking About Leadership
Proverbs 16:7 English Standard Version (ESV)
7 When a man's ways please the Lord,
he makes even his enemies to be at peace with him.
John 13:13-17English Standard Version (ESV)
13 You call me Teacher and Lord, and you are right, for so I am. 14 If I then, your Lord and Teacher, have washed your feet, you also ought to wash one another's feet. 15 For I have given you an example, that you also should do just as I have done to you. 16 Truly, truly, I say to you, a servant[a] is not greater than his master, nor is a messenger greater than the one who sent him. 17 If you know these things, blessed are you if you do them.
Tuesday, September 13, 2016
We're Going to Need a Bigger Basket
3 Do nothing out of selfish ambition or vain conceit. Rather, in humility value others above yourselves,
Luke 6:31 New International Version (NIV)
31 Do to others as you would have them do to you.
Matthew 20:26 New International Version (NIV)
26 Not so with you. Instead, whoever wants to become great among you must be your servant,
Proverbs 29:2 English Standard Version (ESV)
2 When the righteous increase, the people rejoice,
but when the wicked rule, the people groan.
Proverbs 29:14 English Standard Version (ESV)
14 If a king faithfully judges the poor,
his throne will be established forever.
5 having the appearance of godliness, but denying its power. Avoid such people.
This has been an presidential campaign like no other in my lifetime. It has been deplorable, truly deplorable, on both sides. Where are men and women of great character and sound judgment with a burning desire to serve others? Please, step up, and we will gladly with great relief jump into your baskets.
Rise Up O Men Of God | Paul Washer
Monday, September 12, 2016
Sunday, September 11, 2016
Like A Weaned Child
Psalm 131 New Living Translation (NLT)
Psalm 131
A song for pilgrims ascending to Jerusalem. A psalm of David.
1 Lord, my heart is not proud;
my eyes are not haughty.
I don’t concern myself with matters too great
or too awesome for me to grasp.
2 Instead, I have calmed and quieted myself,
like a weaned child who no longer cries for its mother’s milk.
Yes, like a weaned child is my soul within me.
3 O Israel, put your hope in the Lord—
now and always.
Many through wishing to be great have failed to be good.
Charles Spurgeon
On this 9/11 anniversary, facing a contentious and sad presidential election, this psalm reminds me to put my hope not in men, but in the Lord. Yes, in the Lord, now and always, I can be still.
Be Still My Soul (Psalm 131) - Sandra McCracken
Saturday, September 10, 2016
Friday, September 9, 2016
Hello, You Can Call Me Fool
Calvin and Hobbes - Susie Derkins
Ecclesiastes 7:9 New Living Translation (NLT)
9 Control your temper,
for anger labels you a fool.
Proverbs 19:11 New Living Translation (NLT)
11 Sensible people control their temper;
they earn respect by overlooking wrongs.
Tomorrow I hope you can call me Sensible.
Thursday, September 8, 2016
Prepare To Be Tested
If the king is so inclined, let a royal edict go forth from him, and let it be written in the laws of Persia and Media that cannot be repealed, that Vashti may not come into the presence of King Ahasuerus, and let the king convey her royalty to another who is more deserving than she. Esther 1:19 NLT
This action by king Xerxes cleared the way for Esther to replace Vashti as king. She would later use her position of influence to subvert Haman's plan for genocide of the Jews in Persia.
God sets the stage here for the action to follow. Sometimes there is a long lead time between God setting the stage and the main action. The wheels to get Esther in her throne preceded even Haman's plan. It is like having an anti-aircraft gun in place before the aircraft have been invented.
Doubtless in God's providence he uses a number of events chained together to get us in just the right position for His plan. This can take a lot of time, or at least a lot to us. It is then that our impatience shows and our faith wavers.
This time passing by is a test, one that Abraham passed. "And Abraham’s faith did not weaken, even though, at about 100 years of age, he figured his body was as good as dead—and so was Sarah’s womb." Romans 4:19. May we pass the test and be in the action.
Beanscot's husband
Wednesday, September 7, 2016
Tuesday, September 6, 2016
The Moment A Mom Realizes...
1 Thessalonians 2:7-8 English Standard Version (ESV)
7 But we were gentle[a] among you, like a nursing mother taking care of her own children. 8 So, being affectionately desirous of you, we were ready to share with you not only the gospel of God but also our own selves, because you had become very dear to us.
I pray that I might see those God has placed before me as dearly as He sees them.
Monday, September 5, 2016
Goodbye Summer!
Luke 4:10 English Standard Version (ESV)
10 for it is written,
“‘He will command his angels concerning you,
to guard you,’
It is hard to say goodbye to summer, even this summer with less ups and more downs. My Jesus who has gone with me through it all, will stay with me through every season of my life. It's good to remember this truth.
Everywhere I Go - Tim Timmons
Sunday, September 4, 2016
How Can You Say No?
9 Nicodemus replied, “How can these things be?” 10 Jesus answered, “Are you the teacher of Israel and yet you don’t understand these things? 11 I tell you the solemn truth, we speak about what we know and testify about what we have seen, but you people do not accept our testimony. 12 If I have told you people about earthly things and you don’t believe, how will you believe if I tell you about heavenly things? 13 No one has ascended into heaven except the one who descended from heaven—the Son of Man. 14 Just as Moses lifted up the serpent in the wilderness, so must the Son of Man be lifted up, 15 so that everyone who believes in him may have eternal life.”
Idiom: As plain as the nose on your face
I would have liked to have been on that rooftop with Nicodemus and Jesus. Perhaps I would then learn how to explain the simple truth of the gospel to even the learned. Perhaps I would understand it better myself; because when I wonder how people can say no to Jesus, I say no to Him myself every time I sin. How would I live without His forgiveness? How does anyone?
Say yes to Jesus.
How Could You Say No - Julie Miller
Friday, September 2, 2016
Congratulations!
Philippians 4:13 English Standard Version (ESV)
13 I can do all things through him who strengthens me.
You made it through another day! Isn't it good to have God on you side?
Thursday, September 1, 2016
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