From My Journal (1/31)

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From Big Sky Buckeye

When we truly believe in Jesus Christ as Savior and Lord, we embrace destiny’s greatest 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 January 31)

Oswald Chambers Quote

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Keep your soul fit to manifest the life of the Son of God.  Never live on memories; let the Word of God be always living and active in you.

From 2 Corinthians 4:11:  “For we who are living are always being handed over to death for Jesus’s sake, so that the life of Jesus may also be made visible in our mortal flesh.”

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.

Heartfelt Reflections (Haiku Series #264)

Noise

Emotions boiling

Hate-filled rhetoric building—

Where has reason gone?

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Pause

Mankind’s fading peace

Far too many emotions—

Bleeding in silence

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Future

Hope in tomorrow

Listening to each other—

Emotions stand down

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From My Journal (1/30)

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From Big Sky Buckeye

Faith acts as a bulwark against the erosion of one’s emotions.

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 January 30)

William Penn Quotes

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In all debates, let truth be thy aim, not victory, or an unjust interest.

No man is fit to command another that cannot command himself.

William Penn (1644-1718) was an English writer and religious thinker.  This influential Quaker founded the province of Pennsylvania in the American colonies under British rule.

 

Monday Memories: Failing Once Again

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Failing once again

Life’s troubles bomb away

 

Whom shall I turn to?

 

Failing once again

Darkness moves ever closer

 

Where is the light?

 

Failing once again

Shame swallows me up

 

How can my spirit be restored?

 

Failing once again

Life’s torments engulf me

 

Why . . . why?

 

Failing once again

Loneliness surrounds my heart

 

What recourse do I have?

 

Failing once again

Life’s hour glass, now nearly empty

 

When will I be free?

 

selective focus photography of hour glass

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Failing once again . . .

 

Turning to my Heavenly Father

Never thinking of me as a bother

 

From a Cross, Salvation’s light sheds hope

Pulled up from the Pit by a Holy rope

 

Kneeling before the Savior, sins and all

Humbling following Him will be my call

 

Through a broken body and shed blood

By Grace alone, escaping life’s flash flood

 

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The structure of this poem features dual parts.  In the beginning verses, the reader is taken to a much darker place.  Using themes of sorrow, darkness, and hopelessness presents a challenge to both the reader and the writer.  In answering the questions found in the poem, the ending verses are structured around common Christian themes of hope, joy, light, and rebirth.

Originally published May, 2020.

From My Journal (1/29)

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From Big Sky Buckeye

View failure as an opportunity to learn more about yourself as you accept God’s will in your life.  From Psalm 40:16:  “But may all who seek you rejoice and be glad in you; may those who love Your salvation say continually, ‘Great is the Lord!'”

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 January 29)

Frederick Buechner Quote

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The place where God calls you to is the place where your deep gladness and the world’s deep hunger meet.

From John 15:16:  “You did not choose Me, but I chose you.  And I appointed you to go and bear fruit, fruit that will last, so that the Father will give you whatever you ask Him in My name.”

Frederick Buechner (1926-2022) was an American pastor, Christian theologian, and author.  His writings were published in 39 books, which included several different genres.

Faith’s Lasting Choice

From Psalm 111:10:  “The fear of the Lord is the beginning of wisdom; all those who practice it have a good understanding.  His praise endures forever.

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Father filled with compassion

Reaching out with love-filled grace

Delivering eternity’s flame

Marked upon Calvary’s faithful place

 

Every whole heart giving thanks

Following Messiah’s voice

Blessings endure from His righteous deeds

Marked upon trust in faith’s lasting choice

 

Knowledge shall strengthen weakness

Resurrecting faith’s highway

Receiving mercy from one Savior

Marked upon covenant’s trusted way

 

Gospel spreads across nations

Moving every man to hear

Bearing Father’s truth to light each day

Marked upon faithful hearts, cross appears

 

Body and blood paying price

Sparing man from sin’s true cost

Tendering faithful actions of love

Marked upon new life, no longer lost

 

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The chosen hymn to accompany this poem’s message is “Lord of Glory, You Have Bought Us.”  The lyrics were crafted by English poet and hymn writer, Eliza S. Alderson (1818-1889).  This video is presented by Mary Munson.

From My Journal (1/28)

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From Big Sky Buckeye

God blesses us with one clear choice:  step into the ways of the Lord and show that you truly care about your journey with Him.

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 January 28)