How is Your "Wonder"?

 "Those who live at the ends of the earth stand in awe of your wonders. 

From where the sun rises to where it sets, you inspire shouts of joy." 

Psalm 65:8

Little children are full of awe and wonder. It's a joy to watch them in their excitement of the simplest of things like blowing a dandelion into the wind or jumping for joy over snowflakes twirling in the snow.

Our wonder sometimes gets lost in the busyness and work of life. I like what Cheri wrote on, I believe,  the God of Wonder Facebook page: "Many of us adults, however, have lost our sense of wonder and awe. This is why we are given psalms which describes God's absolute power and creative miracles. These psalms draw us out of our ho-hum, busy existence, back to a childlike wonder of our great God, the God who fills the sky with clouds, gives His orders to the world, sends the snow like white wool, and hurls the hail like stones. Who treated everything and possesses all power and yet cares for the weak and brokenhearted. Who reigns over every nation and galaxy and yet delights in the simple, heartfelt devotion of those who trust Him. He is a God whose understanding is beyond human comprehension. Surely a God like this can inspire our wonder and awe."

It is true. The psalms remind us of all God is and all He does. What a great reminder!

In George Beverly Shea's book, "How Sweet the Sound," he tells a story about a man he met on a passenger ship. The man was the president of a New York publishing company. They began talking about a crusade that was happening in England and the man asked, "What goes on?" Shea wrote: "I mentioned the necessary weeks of preparation for each event and the beautiful volunteer choir led by Cliff Barrows. Then I began to speak of the message of God's love extended to everyone, and so eloquently expressed by the gracious southern gentleman, Billy Graham . . . I found myself quickly adding, 'Oh sir, if you could see it, the wonder of it all!' The man pulled out an envelope and wrote something in large letters. He flashed in front of me these words: 'The Wonder of It All.'" And that's how that lovely song came to be.

Revive your awe and wonder as we continue celebrating the birth of Christ and look forward to the joy before us from a loving God. 

"O the wonder of it all! The wonder of it all!

Just to think that God loves me.

O the wonder of it all! The wonder of it all! 

Just to think that god loves me."

By His Grace . . .

One Life

 

"The testimony of one life lived for Christ is powerful! One life cleansed through faith in the blood of Jesus. One life that confesses, 'Jesus is Lord.' One life that has the courage to stand for godly convictions in the midst of moral compromise. One life that tells the truth. One life that lives the truth. One life that lifts high the Light! You can be that one life!" Anne Graham Lott, The Joy of My Heart

Are you that one life? The one who stands for Christ? The one who sings His praises? The one who studies His Word? The one who seeks the lost? The one who believes completely? The one who has that deep-settled confidence that Jesus Christ is the Savior of the world?

I want to me that one life! I want to shine bright for Christ so others can see His glory by what I do. I fail miserably. Yet, just knowing it is obtainable and having the desire to do it, even when I fail, keeps me pressing on.

This month as we celebrate His birth and focus our attention on all He has done for us, remember you are one who believes and let it shine within your life. 

Any good we do to reach the heart of another is acceptable to God. Think of that friend you haven't heard from and give her a call. Do you have a friend going through a difficult time? Write a note or drop off a homemade treat. Visit an elderly neighbor who may be all alone with no family to reach out too. 

You are one life. Your one life can make a difference. Even if you are hurting this Christmas season, your heart will be encouraged if you'll reach out to someone else to encourage them.

Be that one life! Shine for Jesus! Tell the world He is your Savior, and you are celebrating Him. Bring joy to your heart and others as we walk through this Christmas season. 

By His Grace . . .

Singing Joy!

Have you started singing Christmas Carols? Yesterday I did! Every morning I'm singing one Christmas Carol and then reading the story behind the song in my hymn devotion book.

"Joy to the World" was the first carol I sang. It was written by Isaac Watts at a time when most of the singing in British churches was from the Psalms. He became dissatisfied with the quality of singing so, he "invented" the English hymn.

"Taking various psalms, he studied them from the perspective of Jesus and the New Testament, and then formed them into verses for singing," Robert J. Morgan wrote in his book: Then Sings My Soul: Special Edition. "Watts said: 'I have rather expressed myself as I may suppose David would have done if he lived in the days of Christianity, and by this means, perhaps I have sometimes hit upon the true intent of the Spirit of God in those verse farther and clearer than David himself could ever discover.'"

Think about all the beautiful Christmas Carols we sing during this blessed season. Just by reading lines from a carol you know the music and can't help but sing! Give it a try!

"The First Noel," "Noel, Noel, Noel, Noel, Born is the King of Israel." 

"It Came Uon the Midnight Clear," "Peace on the earth good will to men, From heaven's all gracious King! The world in solemn stillness lay To hear the angels sing."

"Angels We Have Heard on High," . . . Sweetly singing o'er the plains, And the mountains in reply Echoing their joyous strains." 

"I Heard the Bells on Christ Day," . . . Their old familiar carols play. And wild and sweet the words repeat, Of peace on earth, good will to men." 

What Child Is This? "So bring Him incense, gold, and myrrh; come peasant king to own Him. The King of kings, salvation brings, let loving hearts enthrone Him." 

"O Little Town of Bethlehem," 'O holy child of Bethlehem, Descend to us we pray; Cast out our sin and enter in, Be born in us today."

"There's a Song in the Air," "In the light of that star Lie the ages impearled; And that song from afar Has swept over the world."" 

Away in a Manger," "The cattle are lowing, the baby awakes, But little Lord Jesus, no crying He makes."

This Christmas Season enjoy a Christmas hymn each day, both singing and reading the words. The joy that fills your soul will carry you through each day. If concerns are heavy on your heart this year, remembering these hymns from childhood may help you go through this month with a lighter heart and the HOPE God has given us.

By His  Grace . . .

Someone to Thank

 

“And let us give thanks for Someone to thank.” 
Gerhard E. Frost

I was looking through my quotation book, “Draper’s Book of Quotations for the Christian World,” to see if there were any quotes about Thanksgiving I could use in this post and came across the one above.

I liked the words and decided to look up the person who said it. I could find no information on the writer except for the simple words, “he was a well-known author, speaker, Bible teacher, and seminary professor.”

I found out the quote is the last line in a poem Frost wrote titled: “Let Us Give Thanks.” The poem is appropriate for this month of Thanksgiving.

 “Let us give thanks this moment: for the sturdy fact of God’s continuing love, for mercies which go before us and follow after us, for those free gifts which cost God so much.

 “Let us give thanks: for memory and expectation, for the good that we have known and know today in Jesus Christ, for the Spirit’s brooding presence in our nights and our days.

 “Let us give thanks: for pleasures which comfort and pains which force our growth and keep us at the Shepherd’s side, for deep meanings revealed and mysteries mercifully concealed, for the image of God within us, the capacity to inquire and adore.

  “Let us give thanks for one another, for just being together, for differences that complement and  complete, for gifts which enrich and disagreements which challenge, for our oneness in Christ.

"Let us give thanks for melody and mirth, for rhythm and beat, for the repeated and the common, for the ever-unfolding, and for senses with which to respond.

And let us give thanks for Someone to thank."

There are many reasons you may have to be thankful this year. Family, health, work, love, abilities, friends, and hundreds of other reasons. Yet, there is Someone who gave us a Person to believe in, to live for and to thank for all things. That Someone is God, our Redeemer and Savior, Jesus Christ.

 Happy Thanksgiving!

By His Grace . . .

Spiritual Fervor

 

“Catch on fire with enthusiasm and people will come for miles to watch you burn.”

John Wesley

I like that quote. Especially the words “catch on fire with enthusiasm.” People are attracted to others that are enthusiastic and alive in spiritual fervor.

Being on 24 hours a day, seven days a week can be tough though. The ups and downs are part of life and we tend to sway with what is happening at the time. But our hearts and souls can still be secure and confident in our Lord. And other people will see that.

"Never allow anything to cause your heart to beat more strongly than it does from your love for God. Let this ambition be the fire of your soul. the foundation of every endeavor you begin, and your sustaining motivation when your zeal for Him starts to cool."

Charles Spurgeon

Look Unto Me

If you are using the gift(s) God has given you, your example will help others be encouraged. Using your gift(s) is an easy thing, for God doesn’t have us do something that He doesn’t equip us for and give us joy in doing.

“When you first came to Christ, did you spend some time discovering your spiritual gift? Finding it most likely sparked your spiritual fire, so ready were you to serve God by using it to grow His Kingdom. But, as the years went by, your initial spark may have died out.

“It’s time to fan back into a flame those embers of your gift so that you can serve God in a way no one else can. God equipped you with a unique talent. Use it, knowing that He has also given you the power, peace, love, and mind to do so.” Wanda E. Brunstetter, The Prayer Jar Devotional: HOPE

Do you remember how you realized your gift(s)? What happen that brought understanding that said: “This is what God wants me to do?” For me, someone who I didn’t know, except for passing in the hallway at church, sent me a note to encourage me. It made such an impact in my life that I knew I wanted to do that for others. That’s how I started my note writing ministry.

Chris Tiegreen, in his book “Walk With God” asked this question: “How would you characterize your level of zeal? Does it drive you to pursue God’s Kingdom and His righteousness with a passion? If He dwells within you and your fellowship with Him is deep, it will. It is not possible to be powerfully filled with the Holy Spirit and yet to be lukewarm in our love or our service.”

You should enjoy and love doing what God has given you do to. Your zeal and passion should drive you to do God’s work. Find that flame you discovered when you were saved. Let it burn!

“Never be lacking in zeal, but keep your spiritual fervor, serving the Lord.”

Romans 12:11

Let the Lord inspire you to serve with courage and passion. "Catch on fire with enthusiasm" and let your life touch others with God’s love. 

By His Grace . . . 

Always Go Up

"Hear my cry, O God; listen to my prayer.

From the ends of the earth I call to you,

I call as my heart grows faint;

Lead me to the rock that is higher than I."

Psalm 61:1-2

This Scripture verse is one of the first ones I was directed to as a new Christian. I called my sister for emotional support, and her husband said to read Psalm 61.

"The Rock. The psalm conveys a desire for elevation, asking God to 'lead me to the rock that is higher than I.' Here, the metaphor of the rock signifies divine stability, safety, and strength—elements that are essential for overcoming life's challenges. The rock represents God Himself, who provides refuge and protection." thebiblesays.com  

David knew there would be times when his heart was overwhelmed. In those moments he needed a place of stability, a place above himself and someone to lead him.

I've needed this Rock my times as I've walked with God. Through sorrow, disappointment, sadness and hurt, I've gone to Psalm 61 and read those words directing me to the Rock. Reassuring me that my God was there, will always be there and I could rest in Him.

"This means the Rock that is too high for me, the Rock that I cannot reach unaided . . . And just Who is that Rock? This Rock is Christ. For ancient Israel, the Rock was a symbol of the love and protection of God, a figure of the security, serenity and protection provided for the believer by the Lord. For this generation, 'Our Lord Jesus Christ is the true Rock for human souls.'" Coffman’s Commentaries on the Bible

Our Rock is our one true defense and refuge where we will be lifted up and enabled to bear rough times. It's so easy to forget to call on God when we're overwhelmed with hard times. Yet, He is the only One who can get us through those hard times. 

My sister and her husband prayed for me for five years after they were saved. And I continue to be encouraged by them. I will always be thankful to them for leading me to this Scripture verse when I was a new Christian.

"Christ is the Rock on which the Christian church is built; and of the streams that issue therefrom, all believers drink, and are refreshed. It typified the sacred influences of the Holy Spirit, as given to believers through Christ."

Matthew Henry

By His Grace . . .

Remembrances

The devotion I read this morning in "Look Unto Me: The Devotions of Charles Spurgeon" compiled by Jim Reimann, gave me hope that today, November 5, 2024, our country will prevail as a notable date in our history of God's deliverance.

Scripture verse: "No weapon forged against You will prevail." Isaiah 54:17 

Spurgeon wrote: "Two great events of God's deliverance prevailed on this date. In 1605 there was a plot to destroy England's House of Parliament, and it was uncovered and defeated. In 1688 William III landed at Torbay, England and support was gained to secure religious liberty.

"Our Puritan forefathers were quite devout in making today a special time of thanksgiving. In fact, a record of Matthew Henry's sermons preached in celebration of this day still exists. Our Protestant sense and our love of liberty should make us regard this anniversary with holy gratitude. May our hearts and mouths exclaim, 'We have heard with our ears, O God; our fathers have told us what you did in their days, in days long age.' (Psalm 44:1)

"May the heart of everyone who loves the gospel of Jesus be burdened today to plead for the destruction of false doctrines and the advancement of God's truth."

Today is an important day in the history of the United States. We are at the brink of destruction of America as a nation founded on Godly principles. My hope is, this too, will be a notable date in our history of God's deliverance.

As I pray each morning, I thank God for being in control of ALL THINGS and for knowing everything. His Will will be played out today and through the rest of history until Jesus returns to this earth.

We can have confidence that whatever happens today, whether to our liking or not, it will continue to move us forward in God's plan. He will reign again. He is in control.

By His Grace . . .

Who Can We Trust?

 

Who can we trust? Hopefully our immediate family members. Hopefully a few close friends. Maybe a neighbor or two. Hopefully your doctor. Maybe service companies that come into your home to fix a problem. 

There aren't many we can trust. We have to be very careful who we put our trust in. We can't trust what we read. We can't trust what we see on television or online. Even after researching and studying to find truth we can't be sure it is the truth.

There are a number of times "trustworthy" appears in the Bible. There are four verses written by the Apostle Paul that are trustworthy words. The Bible is the only place we can believe the words are true. All God's Word is trustworthy and worthy to be cemented in our hearts.

The following trustworthy sayings can be applied to our life and help us through each day:

1 Timothy 1:15: "Here is a trustworthy saying that deserves full acceptance: Christ Jesus came into the world to save sinners." 

1 Timothy 4:8-9: "Godliness has value for all things, holding promise for both the present life and the life to come. This is a trustworthy saying that deserves full acceptance."

2 Timothy 2:11-12: "Here is a trustworthy saying: If we died with Him, we will also live with Him; if we endure, we will also reign with Him."

Titus 3:8: "This is a trustworthy saying . . . that those who have trusted in God may be careful to devote themselves to doing what is good."

"Thus, we have the root of salvation in free grace; next, the privileges of that salvation in our present life and in that to come; and we have the two great teachings regarding our suffering with Christ and our serving with Him, both filled with the blessings of the Spirit. May we treasure these 'trustworthy' sayings' and may they guide our life, our comfort, and our instruction . . . May these four 'trustworthy sayings' be written on the four corners of my house." Charles Spurgeon

These are words that we can trust and depend on. They were written under the inspiration of Almighty God and are truth. If we believe and live our life knowing the Words, each day will be easier to live because we know God's truth.

Jim Reimann, in "Look Unto Me" wrote: "When we consider the number of biblical prophecies already fulfilled, we shouldn't need a reminder that  God's Word can be trusted. Yet mankind is forgetful, although we shouldn't be . . . Nevertheless, in light of our forgetfulness, may the following passages from Revelation remind us of the trustworthiness of God's word:

"Revelation 21:5: 'He who was seated on the throne said, 'I am making everything new!' Then He said, 'Write this down, for these words are trustworthy and true.'

"Revelation 22:6: 'These words are trustworthy and true. The Lord, the God of the spirits of the prophets, sent His angel to show His servants the things that must soon take place.'"

There is one we can trust. For everything, and all that happens in our lives and this world.

By His Grace . . .

Seasons of Life

"Each moment of the year has its own beauty . . . a picture which was never seen before, and which shall never be seen again."

Ralph Waldo Emerson, 1803-1882 

One Sunday morning this prayer was said at the beginning of the worship service: "Thank you, God, for the fall season we are coming into, which reminds us that God is with us in all seasons of life."

"There's winter, spring, summer, and fall. Just like the natural seasons change, so do the seasons in our lives. The Bible tells us in Ecclesiastes 3:1, 'For everything there is a season.' It tells us in Ecclesiastes 3:11, '[God] has made everything beautiful in its time.'"

Two days after I heard that prayer reminding us of our seasons of life, I read these words in "Beautiful Wisdom":

"The Bible teaches us that God ordained the seasons. He set them in place and wants us to enjoy them. In the same way, we go through different 'seasons' in our spiritual lives too. Think about it. Our hearts can get frozen over (winter). Then God breathes new life into us, and a thawing begins (springtime). From there, we move into full blossom, a season of productivity (summer). Then, as with all things, we slow down, preparing for change (autumn)."  Beautiful Wisdom, Barbour Publishing

The glory of the season of Fall is without compare. The colors of Fall are stunning to the eye. Yes, snow thrills my heart; baby leaves in the Spring are a sign of God's Hope, and wildflowers in the summer turn out a lovely scene. But there's just something about the orange and the red and the gold of Fall that is just plain beautiful!

Just as God created the seasons for His purpose and our enjoyment, every life season we go through was ordained by God and is used for His purpose.

You can find beauty in each season of the year, and each season of your life. We are playing out our seasons just as God has planned them to be.

In this season of my life, most of my lifelong friends, and many of my friends on Facebook are snowcapped. It's what happens when you reach the age of 60 and above. I like what Charles Spurgeon said:

"What a glorious sight to watch a saint mature to the point of becoming like a mighty Alp--snowcapped, chosen of God, and magnificently reflecting the bright rays of 'the sun of righteousness' and His radiance, lifting Christ up for all to see the glory of His Father who is in heaven." 

A mighty Alp! Snowcapped! Redeemed! Living for Jesus! Dare I say it's a description most of us would like said about us?

A favorite fall picture painted by my neighbor, Norma, 

which now sits in my living room. Thank you!

Yes, Fall is a beautiful month and so is each season of our lives. There are many things we can complain about, and yet, there are infinitely more that we can rejoice in. Let's rejoice and be thankful, for every season is part of God's plan for each of our lives.

By His Grace . . .

I Have a HOPE!

 

Last week I was working on a hymn study for the hymn "I Have a Hope." It was written in the late 1800s. I found a few videos with that name on YouTube, but different words. The author was Charles Wesley Naylor. Here's a little sample of what I wrote:

I chose this hymn to study for the title alone. I write many words about HOPE. It's what fills me with the strength and courage to face each new day. One of my favorite Scripture verses is Psalm 71:14: “But as for me, I will always have HOPE; I will praise you more and more.”

I liked the words Paul David Tripp wrote in his book, "New Morning Mercies": “Reliable HOPE is Jesus! In His life, death, and resurrection, your life is infused with HOPE . . . The One who is HOPE has infused my life with HOPE . . . To find HOPE, find Him.”

Naylor experienced long and intense suffering during his life, being an invalid for nearly 41 years. He learned to trust God for the supply of his temporal needs because there was no other to trust. He learned to commune with God by being deprived of the opportunity of mingling much with his fellow men.

Yet he did not lose the joy out of life. He built up the kingdom of God with his words of good cheer. He demonstrated the efficacy of God's grace to sustain one and give joy in the very discouraging circumstances of life. 

Perhaps the words to this hymn is just what you need today. The words have certainly enriched my soul as I wrote the study!

“I have a hope, serene and sure, That anchors past the veil;
In all the storms it holds secure, Nor will it ever fail.”

 “I have a hope that looks away, From present woes and tears;

To heaven’s bright eternal day, Till sorrow disappears.”

“I have a hope that doth not fear, The silent grave to view;
Nay, doth not shrink though death appear, For I shall live anew.”

Refrain:
My hope is born of God’s own word, And nourished by His grace;
His promise true my soul hath heard, And hope beholds His face.”

Joyful HOPE! Glorious HOPE! Forever HOPE! We have a reason to celebrate! I have a HOPE!

By His Grace . . .

Tomorrow

This post is a devotion by Charles Spurgeon, Beside Still Waters, that I enjoyed reading. Gave me some food for thought. Maybe you'll look at "tomorrow" a little different after reading it

"A Christian can look forward to tomorrow with joy. Tomorrow is a happy thing. It is one stage nearer to glory, one step nearer to heaven, one more mile sailed across life’s dangerous sea, one mile closer to home.

"Tomorrow is a fresh lamp of the fulfilled promise that God has placed in His firmament. Use it as a guiding star or as a light to cheer your path. Tomorrow the Christian may rejoice. You may say that today is black, but I say that tomorrow is coming. You will mount on its wings and flee. You will leave sorrow behind.

"Look forward to tomorrow with ecstasy, because our Lord may come. Tomorrow, Christ may be on this earth. 'Therefore, you also be ready for the Son of Man is coming at an hour you do not expect.' Matt. 24:44

"Tomorrow, we may all be in heaven. Tomorrow we may lean on Christ’s breast.

"Tomorrow, or perhaps before then, this head will wear the crown. This arm will wave the palm. This lip will sing the song. This foot will walk the golden streets. Tomorrow, this heart will be full of immortal, everlasting, eternal bliss. Be of good cheer, fellow Christians, tomorrow can have nothing negative for you.

"Do not boast about tomorrow, for you do not know what a day may bring forth, rather, comfort yourself with tomorrow. You have a right to do that. You cannot have a bad tomorrow. It may be the best day of your life, for it may be your last day on earth."

By His Grace . . . 

What's Your Choice

"Though the fig tree does not bud, and there are no grapes on the vines.

Though the olive crop fails, and the fields produce no food.
Though there are no sheep in the pen, and no cattle in the stalls,

Yet I will rejoice in the Lord, I will be joyful in God my Savior."

Habakkuk 3:17-18

In Wanda Brunstetter's delightful book, "A Prayer Jar Devotional," I liked the devotion titled "Choose." Here are her words:

"It's easy to be happy when everything is going well--when your pay is good, your tasks are rewarding, your love life more than satisfying, your dwelling secure, your church prospering, your kids on the right track, and your body in tip-top shape. The challenge comes when something (or everything) is going off the rails--when your pay is lousy, your assignment mundane, your mate unhappy, your house flooded, your church on the brink of closing, your kids hanging out with the wrong people and your body aching.

But God wants us to choose to rejoice in Him no matter what's happening, no matter what earthly ills have befallen us. He wants us to trust in Him, not our circumstances, and to find our joy complete in Himself. For in Him alone lie all our strength, hope, and joy."

I think most of us will relate to the second group she mentions. Challenges. They seem to be a constant fix in our everyday lives. But we can choose joy because our God is bigger than anything that happens to us. 

I like these words by David Guzik on Enduringword.com on Habakkuk 3:17-18:

"In what was almost a vision, Habakuk saw the Judean countryside desolate, perhaps from the invading Babylonian army or perhaps from natural calamity. In the midst of this almost complete loss, Habakkuk could still rejoice in the Lord. He knew that this God of majesty and power is not diminished because man faces difficult trials. [He knew God was] strong and mighty . . .  and would rejoice in the Lord because He is unchanging.

" Benhamin Franklin . . . who had great respect for the Bible, used Habakkuk 3:17-18 to confound a group of sophisticated, cultured despisers of the Bible. When he was in Paris, he heard this group mocking the Bible, and mocking Franklin for his admiration of it. One evening he came among them and said that he had a manuscript containing an ancient poem, that he was quite impressed by, and he wanted to read it to them. When he read Habakkuk 3:17-18, his listeners received it with praise and admiration. 'What a magnificent poem!' they said, and wanted to know where they could get copies. Franklin told them to just look in Habakkuk Chapter 3." (Boice)

How can you always choose joy? By staying in God's Word and singing hymns. Dancing in your living room or just swaying to the music. Listening to a message online or making your own video! Do what focuses your mind on God's daily presence to keep your perspective on Him and not what is happening.

Make sure you have deep-settled confidence in your faith. It keeps your heart calm and your mind free of negative thoughts. You can't help but turn to God when you have confidence in Him. I choose to rejoice in the Lord and choose joy. It's the best choice we can make.

By His Grace . . . 

Double Good

Designed by Lovesvg.com 

I was listening to Anthony George from First Baptist Church in Atlanta recently. His message was titled “Is There a Standard.” One of his illustrations included the numbers 3:16. We all know what verse he was speaking about. John 3:16, "For God so loved he world that He gave His one and only Son, that whoever believes in Him shall not perish but have eternal life.”

Actually, though, he was talking about another 3:16 that is just as important to our understanding and learning of Scripture: “All Scripture is God-breathed and is useful for teaching, rebuking, correcting and training in righteousness." 2 Timothy 3:16

This was one of George’s points in proclaiming that there is a standard and it’s the Bible: all Scripture is God-breathed. The Greek word is “theopneustos.” God-breathed. Scripture just isn’t inspired by God, it is God-breathed.  God exhaling the ideas and truths into those who wrote the words. He integrated His divine revelation into their human limitations.

Jon Gleason at mindrenewers.com wrote: “The concept of the breath of God has important connotations in Scripture, referring to God’s creative and life-giving power.  The Bible clearly says the Word of God is living, life-giving, and life-changing, and the connotations of theopneustos match those characteristics.

“Those who translated theopneustos for hundreds of years using the words 'inspired' or 'inspiration' weren’t just making stuff up. There was a very real basis in the connotations of the breath of God for the translational choice they made. “God breathed the Scriptures into existence, and God breathed life and vitality into the Scriptures.”

This Greek word, theopneustos only occurs once in Scripture, but what a meaning it has.

2 Timothy 3:16 is a Scripture verse that tell us all of the Bible will help us through life, guiding and directing us, so that we can live with assurance and truth. I hope whenever you read or hear someone mention John 3:16 that your mind will remember there’s another 3:16 that teaches us the words in the Bible come directly from our God as He breathes the information to the writers and the readers.

I've always liked the words my pastor says when praying after reading God's Word: "May the Lord add His blessing to the reading of His divine, inspired, inerrant and infallible Word." Indeed!

Is there a standard? Most definitely. Three sixteen. 3:16. Double good.

By His Grace . . . 

Fellowshipping

 
Katie and Molly, Special Friends, Lang, 1997

“If you are getting dull in your spiritual life, you need to be in proximity to others who are on fire so their fire can ignite you . . . Fellowship is designed to keep the fire burning . . .  The best of us sometimes falls flat . . . Fellowship is a place where we can help each other to grow and hold each other accountable to spiritual growth as well.” Tony Evans, Life Under God

Most of us are well aware of the fact that being in touch with other Christians is a necessary need to encourage and cheer us and share the joy of Jesus. We toss and turn in life, but knowing we have a bouquet of believers to share it with and help turn our eyes towards Jesus with His Everlasting Arms is essential in our walk with God.

I had the joy of meeting with three ladies I worked with at the Baptist Convention in Maryland last week. These ladies schooled me each day in my Christian walk as we worked together and spent great amounts of time in the duties we shared.

I witnessed mature and confident Christian ladies as they worked with others, and I learned how to interact and accomplish my job in a right frame of mind.

I’m so thankful God saw fit to place me in that work environment and provide me with examples of Christ-like people. I never had Christian role models growing up or in my early working years. Lest you think they are idols, let me reassure you that is not the case. They are not perfect. Even in a Christian establishment, we are all sinners. Their faith is what I am thankful for and how they used it each day in a world of imperfect people.

Choose your bouquet of Christian friends wisely for they will be the ones to ignite your fire when the flame gets low. And it will get low. But the aroma of Christian friends will guide you to your Savior and help you flame your fire.

Fellowshipping. Be thankful for those friends who have walked with Jesus and share His love with others.

"One of the things Paul tells us is that Christians can only experience the spiritual growth they need as they are linked with other believers." Tony Evans

Don't get dull in your spiritual life. Keep your fire going. Talk to God. Read God's Word. Sing hymns and praise songs. Fellowship with Christian friends.

I'm sure thankful for the bouquet of Christian friends God has given to me since I first believed. I hope you have a bouquet of Christian friends. And never forget, Jesus is your very BEST FRIEND!

By His Grace . . .

GIANT Faith

Goldenrod bringing beauty to a field on Fisher Road.

Most of us have heard or read this expression before: "The size of my faith doesn't matter. I'm confident in the size of my God."

It is true. We are told if we only have faith the size of a mustard seed, we can move mountains. He is BIG. He is ABLE. He can MOVE mountains! He tells us this is Matthew 17:20:

"Because you have so little faith. Truly I tell you, if you have faith as small as a mustard seed, you can say to this mountain, 'Move from here to there,' and it will move. Nothing will be impossible for you."

Jesus' disciples couldn't heal a young boy who was having seizures and suffering greatly. Bridgeway Bible Commentary said:  "They [the disciples] needed a faith that relied completely upon the unlimited capacity of the all-powerful God and that expressed itself through sincere prayer."

I want my faith to be that big. To be huge. To be a giant in my life. To completely captivate me. That I always know the all-powerful God is able and willing to move mountains [my most difficult undertakings].

How do we get a deep settled confidence in God that gives us this giant faith? Jeremy Myers on RedeemingGod.com said: "There are truths in Scripture, life, and theology that are hard to believe, but people with great faith believe them. Such ideas often take great thought, insight, understanding, research, investigation, or deep spiritual experiences in order to believe them. When people come to believe these things, they believe something that few others believe, and can therefore be described as having great faith."

Giant faith prays and prevails. Giant faith believes all of the Bible, even those parts that we can't understand. We take God at His Word, and in turn, we know He is capable of any and all sizes of need.

I am confident in the size of my God. And I have a deep settled confidence in His ability. It gives me giant faith. How big is your faith? Make it GIANT! 

By His Grace . . .

Talking to Yourself

Admit it. You talk to yourself. I do. We all talk to ourselves. In "The Prayer Jar Devotional" by Wanda E. Brunstetter, she wrote: "Some people have said that they have the most intelligent conversations when they are talking to themselves. And, as it turns out, they might be right. Studies have shown that talking to yourself indicates a higher level of intelligence!"

I'm not sure if I agree with it indicating a higher level of intelligence. Brunstetter 's devotion was on words in Psalm 42, verse 5: "Why, my soul, are you downcast? Why so disturbed within me? Put your hope in God, for I will yet praise Him, my Savior and my God."  The psalmist talks to himself to encourage him and direct his thoughts to our hope in God.

I've turned to this psalm many times in my life. I was first drawn to it because of the first verse: "As the deer pants for streams of water, so my soul pants for you, my God." I love watching deer and have always wanted to get a snap of one near the water. 

The second verse say: "My soul thirsts for God, for the living God. When can I go and meet with God?" I liked how Brunstetter referenced these verses to encouraging us by talking to ourselves.

On Medicalnewsstoday.com it said: "Researchers say that the act of talking to yourself -- self-talk -- is a common and normal behavior at any age. It may help people find mislaid items and understand instructions, among other benefits."

Brunstetter continues: "Take a cue from this psalmist. When your soul is down, when the inner woman is wearing a frown, due to fear, hopelessness, restlessness, and anxiety, have a talk with her. Remind her that she can put her hope in God. He will come through in His time. He will turn things around. and she will be praising Him with all joy!"

I can certainly agree with that! I will do all the self-talk I can to put myself in the mindset of the hope we have in God and His great love!

How about you? Let's hear those words to encourage ourselves to always meet with God as we go through each day.

By His Grace . . .

Under the Circumstances

 

We've all heard, or perhaps said ourselves: "I guess I'm doing okay under the circumstances." So, it tickled me when I read this story in Nancy McGuire's book, "Rest Assured": "Author and Christian educator, Howard Hendricks, had a favorite reply to someone who said, 'Not bad, under the circumstances' when asked how he was doing. Dr. Hendricks would retort, 'Well, what in the world are you doing under there?'"

And really, friends, what are we doing under our circumstances when we have a GREAT God who guides and leads us through all things?

Nancy continued: "From my own experience, there is not a worse place to live than 'under the circumstances' whether good or bad. If we live our lives according to our circumstances, we're either pinned to the ground, floating in the clouds, or muddling along in neutral waiting for something to happen. God never intended for circumstances to determine our spiritual frame of mind."

I liked her title for this devotion: "Living Above the Circumstances." It's all in our mind. The way we think. What we believe. What we're used to doing. If we have a deep-seated confidence in our God, we should always be living above our circumstances.

It's not always easy when difficult times come, but we have so many avenues to pursue to help us live above our circumstances. First and foremost, we have our Bible. We have music. We have devotion books. We have Christian television shows that inspire. We have Christian friends. We are part of a local body of Christ. We have prayer. Let me say that again. We have prayer, and that's the best thing we can do. 

Don't ever live under your circumstances. Choose to live above your circumstances and be able to take each day as a new day, fresh with mercies from God.  Feed your soul and you will find the frame of mind you need to overcome.

Under my circumstances? No. Above my circumstances. Yes. We only need to ask the One who cares for us.

I guess you could say, 'I'm under the circumstances' looking at this flower,

but, you know, I like the beauty!

By His Grace . . .

Untilled Corners

I drove past this lightpost every morning on my way to work. I especially enjoyed seeing it

in the Spring when it was dressed in all its beauty. One lovely Spring morning when I

drove past, the light was on. I stopped and got this lovely picture which has spoke

to me of Jesus, the light of the world.

One of my favorite quotes always leaves me thinking about what I am doing and realizing it is never enough if it wasn't for Jesus:

"Few are needed to do the out-of-the-way tasks which startle the world, and one may be most useful just doing common place duties and leaving the issue with God. And when it is all over,  and our feet will run no more, and our hands are helpless, and we have scarcely strength to murmur a last prayer, then we shall see that, instead of needing a larger field, we have left untilled many corners of our single acre, and that none of it is fit for our Master's eyes were it not for the softening shadow of the cross."

George MacDonald

We all can do good things. We can serve God with the gifts given us. We can read the Scriptures every day. We can attend church and worship God. We can talk to others about Jesus. We can help those in need. We can pay our tithe. 

Yet, none of it is good enough alone to be acceptable to God. It is only through Jesus and His crucifixion and resurrection that we can boast. And, indeed, that should be the only thing we boast about. 

"Nothing in my hand I bring,

Simply to Thy cross I cling."

Augustus Montague Toplady

1740-1778

Author of the hymn "Rock of Ages"

By His Grace . . .

A Moment of Leisure

"Therefore my heart is glad and my tongue rejoices; my body also will rest in hope."

Acts 2:26

From the Just Breathe Facebook page.

Since the first of August I've taken a moment of leisure. A moment of rest. A moment of thought. It's taking a while to adjust.

I like to be productive, to have something to do that I consider worthwhile. Since November 2022, I have written hymn studies and enjoyed doing it immensely. When we first moved to NW PA, I became involved in the quilt ministry at church and worked at it for five years. I learned a skill I never thought I'd be able to do. It was a worthwhile project.

Although I'm always creating online with my pictures, writing for this and that, and enjoying the gifts I believe God gave me and using them for His glory, not having a daily purpose is hard to adjust too.

The first of August I prayed and asked God if He wanted me to continue writing hymn studies. I still have 28 new hymn studies to post online. Is there something else He wants me to do now? 

My life is changing with the advance of age of myself and my husband. I'm noticing the many changes that are becoming needs for me to meet. 

"Return to your rest, my soul, for the Lord has been good to you."

Psalm 116:7

Unknown source.

The best thing I can do is continue my daily time with God, finding encouragement through study and singing, and resting my mind from the "I have to do this to be productive." It may be a few weeks or longer until I know I am ready to continue the work I have been doing, or God brings another avenue of service to me. 

Immersing myself into the story behind a hymn and finding Scripture that is relevant to each verse has been an inspiring and joyful activity. Just in these two short weeks I have missed the fulfillment of doing something with purpose. Resting isn't as easy as it sounds. 

I can be still. Being an introvert, solitude fills me up. Recharges me. But not doing something fulfilling, that is hard.

Allie Boman, on Biblestudytools.com wrote: "Waiting on the Lord is a deeply personal and transformative experience that requires trust, patience, and active faith. It's not about passively standing by but about confidently expecting God's perfect timing and guidance. For me, it's been a journey of learning to trust that God's plans are far greater than my own.

"Even when it's hard to see, God is always working behind the scenes, aligning everything for our good. Waiting on the Lord means believing that His timing is perfect and that He will fulfill His promises in ways beyond our imagination."

Between books that encourage and inspire me and hymns to sing and praise God with, I am blessed. I am thankful. I am grateful. I am loved. A moment of leisure. I am smiling. I'm trying to enjoy.

"Yes, my soul, find rest in God; my hope comes from Him."

Psalm 62:5

By His Grace . . .

The Creator. He's Amazing!

 "All things were made through Him, and without Him, nothing was made that was made."

John 1:3

The four pictures on this post are of the four gardens God gave me after I retired. I had never played in dirt before, never wanted too. But God gave me this unknown joy after I retired. It was a joyful blessing in my life, and I miss God walking with me "In the Garden." I'm thankful to have pictures to remember it by, and I look at them often during this season of the year. This was the first garden created in the Spring, the Summer garden.

I don't always have words to share, and I didn't for this post. During times like this I pray and ask God to give me words to write. He has never failed me. Yesterday morning during my reading time, my heart was encouraged by an unknown hymn in my hymnal and words by Anne Graham Lotz in her book, The Joy of My Heart." They sealed my joy. This post is in honor of our wonderful Creator of all things.

This is the second garden created the following fall, the Spring garden. The bird house sign says: "God lives here" from a picture I saw in Karla Dornacher's book, "Down a Garden Path."

My daily devotion time always includes the reading of two hymns in the hymnal I have. I read straight through the hymnal every year. When I turned to the reading yesterday morning, I saw a hymn where I had previously highlighted all the verses. A hymn I was not familiar with and have never heard sung. I couldn't find a video of this hymn, so I don't know the music, but the words are enough.

Creator of the Universe

Wesley I. Forbis

"Creator of the universe, of cosmic wind and storm;

Creator of all life on earth, of atom, cell and form;

Of all the wonders that You are, or that You may yet be,

The birth of Christ, love's Morning Star, Your greatest gift to me.

"Creator of the universe, of matter, space, and time;

Creator of all life on earth, of body, soul, and mind;

Of all the wonders that You share, I tremble at Your call;

That I should go, that I should dare to share Your gift to all.

"Creator of the universe, of water, fire, and stone;

Creator of all life on earth, of wonders yet unknown;

The cross that shattered death's domain is love's triumphant call;

God's love in Christ, I must proclaim the greatest gift of all."

This is the Wildflower garden created the next spring. A buck statue guards the garden. 

Then I picked up Anne Graham Lotz's book, "The Joy of My Heart" and read these words:

The Greatness of God's Power

Anne Graham Lotz

" God created atoms and angels and ants,

crocodiles and chiggers and clouds,

elephants and eagles and electrons,

orchids and onions and octopuses,

frogs and feathers and sea foam,

diamonds and dust and dinosaurs,

raindrops and sweat drops,

dewdrops and blood drops,

and me! and You!

"The greatness of His power to create and design and form,

 and mold and make and build and arrange, defies the limits of our imagination.

And since He created everything, 

there is nothing beyond His power to fix or mend or heal or restore!"

This is the Peony/Hibiscus garden created the following fall. I was able to enjoy these gardens for four years before moving to NW PA. 

I thank God for always bringing words to my heart so that I can share them with others, hoping to encourage hearts and inspire readers to live for Christ. And I thank Him for my gardens that He gave me to inspire my soul and draw closer to Him as I walked through them.

The creator. He's amazing!

By His Grace . . .