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About bigskybuckeye

Born in the Big Sky Country of Montana and now living in the Buckeye State of Ohio, Richard is the creative mind behind Big Sky Buckeye. Retired after 40 years of teaching, I enjoy writing, photography, traveling, and following a healthy lifestyle.

Leonard Ravenhill Quote

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Prayer does not condition God; prayer conditions us.  Prayer does not win God to our view; it reveals God’s view to us.

From Colossians 4:2-4:  “Devote yourselves to prayer, keeping alert in it with thanksgiving.  At the same time, pray for us as well, that God will open to us a door for the word, that we may declare the mystery of Christ, for which I am in prison, so that I may reveal it clearly, as I should.

Leonard Ravenhill (1907-1994) was a British Christian author.  Many of his chosen themes focused on prayer and revival.

Monday Memories: Rejoice!

From Isaiah 61:10:  “I will greatly rejoice in the Lord, my whole being shall exult in my God.”

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Promised love, Holy Grace from God

Rejoice with glory to the Lord

His glad tidings unite our faith

Not forsaken, never ignored

 

Our Father’s Word offers new life

His caring hand touches each lamb

Rejoicing with Holy goodness

Everlasting joy, sweetest jam

 

Foundation of life, through our faith

Sharing the mantle of God’s love

Deliverance heals our spirit

God’s Glory, rejoicing above

 

Every breath exalts the Lord

Clothed in garments of salvation

Covered by robe of righteousness

Rejoice in Christ’s coronation

 

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From Philippians 4:4-5:  “Rejoice in the Lord always; again I will say, Rejoice.  Let your gentleness be known to everyone. The Lord is near.”

Originally published December, 2020.

From My Journal (8/11)

agriculture countryside daylight farm

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From Big Sky Buckeye

God’s Word wraps His grace around each soul . . . filled with lasting hope, peace, joy, and love.

Do you write a daily journal?  This inspiring thought comes from my journal, and much of what is written in my journal comes from reading and commenting on other bloggers’ posts.  Thanks to many of you for adding so much to my journal.

(Updated August 11)

Henry Drummond Quote

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No one can get Joy by merely asking for it.  It is one of the ripest fruits of the Christian life, and, like all fruits, must be grown.

From Philippians 4:4-6:  “Rejoice in the Lord always; again I will say, Rejoice.  Let your gentleness be known to everyone.  The Lord is near.  Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known to God.”

Henry Drummond (1851-1897) was a Scottish evangelist, writer, and lecturer.

New Life in Christ

From Colossians 3:1-2:  “So if you have been raised with Christ, seek the things that are above, where Christ is, seated at the right hand of God.  Set your minds on the things that are above, not on the things that are on earth.”

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Resurrection’s breath

Eternal truth above

Joining hands with Savior

His light calls out with love

 

Good Shepherd’s clear voice

Every lamb follows Him

Praising new life in Christ

Journey no longer grim

 

Today’s stumbling steps

Faith’s imperfect avenue

Revealing Christ’s mercy

Spirit carries one through

 

Clothed in righteousness

Forgiven of one’s sins

Accepting Savior’s grace

Heaven’s joy, hope shall win

 

Trust welcomes Christ’s Word

Darkness leaving each heart

Tasting His peace at last

Eternity’s fresh start

 

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From Colossians 3:17:  “And whatever you do, in word or deed, do everything in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God the Father through Him.”

From My Journal (8/10)

agriculture countryside daylight farm

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From Big Sky Buckeye

Humility needs to be a part of any Christian’s toolbox.

Do you write a daily journal?  This inspiring thought comes from my journal, and much of what is written in my journal comes from reading and commenting on other bloggers’ posts.  Thanks to many of you for adding so much to my journal.

(Updated August 10)

Chip Ingram Quote

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The cross is the greatest example of humility and devotion in the universe.  Jesus put your needs ahead of His own.  He considered you more valuable than Himself.

From Philippians 2:3-5:  “Do nothing from selfish ambition or empty conceit, but in humility regard others as better than yourselves.  Let each of you look not to your own interests but to the interests of others.   Let the same mind be in you that was in Christ Jesus.”

Ralph Browne (Chip) Ingram (born 1954) is an American pastor and Christian teacher.

Special Guest Post: Choose Jesus

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Take a look around your life.
Tell me what you see.
Do you have a future?
Are you living free?
Perhaps you haven’t seen the time
you had to make a choice.
Will you choose to follow them,
or listen to another voice?

Make a vow unto yourself.
Let the whole world see.
Make a choice for yourself.
Be the best that you can be.
Be sure you know what you’re doing.
Stand up and shout it out loud.
Know where your life is going.
Choose to know Jesus, be proud.

Take a look around your life.
Tell me what you see.
Can you see the future,
where you’re living free?
Perhaps you know that He loves you.
He gave His life for all.
Will you listen to the world,
or listen to our Savior’s call?

Make a vow to yourself.
Let the whole world see.
Make a choice for yourself.
Be the best that you can be.
Be sure you know what you’re doing.
Stand up and shout it out loud.
Know where your life is going.
Choose to know Jesus, be proud.

 

Today’s poem is selected from Colleen Peterson’s recently published book.  Her book is dedicated to themes of Family and Christian life.

My wife accumulated countless thoughts and writings over the years while her two daughters were in their childhood.  Eventually, these treasured bits and pieces formed the foundation of her book.

Here are some of Colleen’s thoughts about the book: 

Bits ‘N’ Pieces Of My heart contains stories, devotions and poetry for the adults, activities to do with your children, and fun little songs. The devotions and poetry will strongly open up your faith walk to more of God’s light. Doing the fun activities and singing little songs with your children will bring smiles to everyone’s heart.

More information is available on Amazon, Barnes & Noble, and several other platforms.

From My Journal (8/9)

agriculture countryside daylight farm

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From Big Sky Buckeye

We sometimes find ourselves caught in the middle of making choices between God’s Word and our mortal, imperfect path.  His grace encourages our next righteous step.

Do you write a daily journal?  This inspiring thought comes from my journal, and much of what is written in my journal comes from reading and commenting on other bloggers’ posts.  Thanks to many of you for adding so much to my journal.

(Updated August 9)

Oswald Chambers Quote

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God instructs us in what we choose, that is, He guides our common sense, and we no longer hinder His Spirit by continually saying–“Now Lord, what is Thy will?”

From Psalm 25:14:  “The friendship of the Lord is for those who fear Him, and He makes his covenant known to them.”

Oswald Chambers (1874-1917) was a Scottish evangelist and Christian teacher.  Following his death from an illness while in Egypt during World War I, his wife took on the task of transcribing the detailed notes she had written from his lectures and sermons.  Gertrude Hobbs Chambers’ efforts resulted in the publication in 1924 of MY UTMOST FOR HIS HIGHEST.  I frequently read from this devotional, and it has greatly deepened my faith and understanding of God’s Word.