faith

We need some work done around the house, but realized/decided we need a professional.   After researching companies online at the BBB site (Better Business Bureau), I found several good possibilities.  Occasionally we get an envelope in the mail with a bunch of company coupons/flyers.  We got such an envelope yesterday, and there was a coupon for my first choice.  As it turns out, the coupon has a Christian fish (ichthys).  Below that is 2 Cor. 5:7 - For we live by faith, not by sight. 

My heart smiles when I see a business display a public testimony of the Word of God!

beautiful words, wonderful words, wonderful words of life

Every so often I come across a verse (or verses) that I focus on the meaning of each word.  The verse from this week covered a few responsibilities of Christians.  (Note the word ‘few’)

Be on your guard; stand firm in the faith; be courageous; be strong. Do everything in love.

(1 Corinthians 16:13-14 NIV)

guard – Be alert.  Be watchful.  Be prepared.  Be ready.  Be focused.

stand firm –  Stand certain.  Stand sure.  Stand steadfast.  Stand fixed.

courageous – Be brave.  Be bold.  Be confident.  Be fearless.  Be secure.   

strong – Be fit.  Be able.  Be capable.  Be determined.   
  
love – Love God with all your heart, soul, and mind.  Love your enemies.  Love one another.

Since I’m not a Biblical scholar, I’ve most likely ‘interpreted’ some of this verse incorrectly.  But, I do believe the entire Bible is the inerrant and infallible Word of God.

pause 'n ponder

song of the Shepherd

There’s a song I’ve held close to my heart for a very long time.  I can listen to the words and the music thousands of times and never grow tired of the message it holds.  It soothes my soul and calms my heart.  I take comfort knowing I’m safe inside my Shepherd’s care.  He laid down his life for me, He leads me so carefully, and He is the way back home.

the Shepherd Song by Kelly Willard, Evening Tapestry album

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=TSoEIP2-Bcg

(This album was a gift from Mary (my sister) many years ago.)

declares the LORD

For I know the plans I have for you," declares the LORD, "plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future.

 

Jeremiah 29:11 NIV

I have read and/or seen and/or studied this verse a zillion times – in the Bible and on greeting cards and devotionals and on bookmarks and calendars and encouraging quotes and videos and in lessons and on web pages and sermons and in books and wall art and blogs and Bible covers and Facebook and coffee mugs and paintings and more...

Then you will call on me and come and pray to me, and I will listen to you. You will seek me and find me when you seek me with all your heart.

Jeremiah 29:12-13

Verses 12 and 13 are just as powerful. 

I’m certainly no Bible scholar, but from what I understand, these verses are reminding His chosen people of His unbreakable covenant with Abraham.

These verses hold a special place in my heart.  He knows what I am.  He knows what He wants me to be.  He knows He is here for me.  He knows He will hear when I pray.  He knows I will find Him in my heart. 

reflective reads

Happy 2nd Birthday J!

J, you have lots of smiles inside of you!  From sweet to big and happy to mischievous.  Your laughter just bubbles over and your eyes twinkle brightly.  J, you’re a fun little fellow!  Happy 2nd Birthday!  I love you bunches and bunches, Nana

on a hill an empty cross

I have been crucified with Christ; and it is no longer I who live, but Christ lives in me; and the life which I now live in the flesh I live by faith in the Son of God, who loved me and gave Himself up for me.     Galatians 2:20 NAS

There are times when the cross comes to the forefront of my mind.  Not just any cross, but that cross on the hill.  I contemplate exactly what that cross means to me.  That cross: it’s a powerful thing.  Jesus died and rose around 2,000 years ago, yet because of His sacrifice on that cross, I’m saved by His mercy and grace.  As a Christian, I have faith in that cross.  On that cross I was crucified with Jesus.  That’s a fact.  It’s a concept that’s difficult to wrap my mind around.  But, in my heart?  I know it was there that Jesus willingly died for me.  I know for a fact, I have total confidence, I’m definitely certain, I’m absolutely sure, I’m a believer, I’m positive it’s true, I have no doubt, I completely accept, I’m assured and secure, yet I don’t fully comprehend nor understand.  In every respect, I have faith that He died and rose for all, even a filthy sinner like me.

On that hill, there stands the empty cross.  I know that is true.  I have faith

There’s a hymn titled ‘Only a Sinner’ (James M Gray, 1905) that nails it. 

Refrain

Only a sinner, saved by grace!
Only a sinner, saved by grace!
This is my story, to God be the glory
I’m only a sinner, saved by grace!

Another hymn, ‘Nothing but the Blood’ (Ro­bert Low­ry, 1876) lays it out clear and simple.What can wash away my sin?
Nothing but the blood of Jesus;
What can make me whole again?
Nothing but the blood of Jesus.

Refrain

Oh! precious is the flow
That makes me white as snow;
No other fount I know,
Nothing but the blood of Jesus.

music to my ears

quick quotes

*Trials teach us what we are; they dig up the soil, and let us see what we are made of.

*Faith goes up the stairs that love has built and looks out the windows which hope has opened.

*There is no more blessed way of living, than the life of faith based upon a covenant-keeping God to know that we have no care, for He cares for us; that we need have no fear, except to fear Him; that we need have no troubles, because we have cast our burdens upon the Lord, and are conscience that He will sustain us.

Charles H Spurgeon