Strong, Firm, and Steadfast

1 Peter 5:10 New International Version (NIV)

10 And the God of all grace, who called you to his eternal glory in Christ, after you have suffered a little while, will himself restore you and make you strong, firm and steadfast.

A good song for these times is Needtobreathe's "Won't Turn Back."  I pray that when my next turn comes to suffer, and it will, that I will stay faithful.  

The lyrics:

"Won't Turn Back"

Lonely like a sailor
Who's left his girl at home
No storm could overtake the love he knows

So tell me why I should run for cover
At the sound of the coming thunder
All I hear is the cry of my lover
So take your shot
I won't turn back

Faithful like a soldier
Who's answered to the call
Even when his back's against the wall

So tell me why I should run for cover
At the sound of the coming thunder
All I hear is the cry of my lover
So take your shot
I won't turn back

So tell me why I should run for cover
At the sound of the coming thunder
All I hear is the cry of my lover
So take your shot
I won't turn back

Won't Turn Back-Need to Breathe

Finding Favour - Refuge (Official Lyric Video)

I Am A Christian...

Matthew 16:24 English Standard Version (ESV)

Take Up Your Cross and Follow Jesus

24 Then Jesus told his disciples, “If anyone would come after me, let him deny himself and take up his cross and follow me.

...but not just a Christian.  

A Good Word...

...from one of God's brave martyrs.

Wondrous Ways, Unexpected Grace

Matthew 6:21 New International Version (NIV)

21 For where your treasure is, there your heart will be also.

Psalm 111:4-5 English Standard Version (ESV)
4 He has caused his wondrous works to be remembered;
    the Lord is gracious and merciful.
5 He provides food for those who fear him;
    he remembers his covenant forever.

An unusual thing happened to us this last week.  On a family outing to our windy beach my husband spotted something strange in the grass and asked our young man, "What's that?"  What it was turned out to be a one hundred dollar bill.  God's provision came to us in the wind!  How exciting is that?  Exciting enough that I held out open hands as if to say, "OK, God, Bring it on!"  

As we all looked at the bill in amazement,  I wondered out loud, as it had been some time since I've seen one, "Is that what they look like now?"  If it could only always be so easy, even me of little faith could have a great trust in God's provision....Sigh...I know God expects me to work and has provided work for me.   I will be thankful and find my treasure in Him.  I don't think He minds though, if I yet give a little yippee for unexpected grace.

My husband still has the bill; and, as it makes for a great show and tell, he may be carrying it around for a while yet.  God does move in mysterious ways, his wonders to behold.

Indelible Grace: God Moves in a Mysterious Way

Chris Tomlin - God's Great Dance Floor (Live)

In the Fire, Not the Smoke

Wenatchee Canyon Fire, Photographer unknown

Acts 2:19-21 New International Version (NIV)

19 I will show wonders in the heavens above

    and signs on the earth below,

    blood and fire and billows of smoke.

20 The sun will be turned to darkness

    and the moon to blood

    before the coming of the great and glorious day of the Lord.

21 And everyone who calls

    on the name of the Lord will be saved.’[a]

The sky was hazy overhead as we left church this morning and there remains a red moon above.  Smoke from wildfires (not the fire pictured) north of us have altered what was expected to be a bright and sunny day.  The air quality is bad and our normal sea breezes aren't enough to dissipate the smoke.  So this Scripture from Acts and these Leonard Ravenhill quotes seem especially appropriate for this Fifth of July.  It is far better to live in the fire of God's moral authority than in the smoke of cultural tolerance; for it is there that the church, the bride of Christ, is being made ready.

Ephesians 5:27 English Standard Version (ESV)

27 so that he might present the church to himself in splendor, without spot or wrinkle or any such thing, that she might be holy and without blemish.[a]

Pure Bride - Leeland