John Wilbur Chapman Quote

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It is not the ship in the water but the water in the ship that sinks it.  So it is not the Christian in the world but the world in the Christian that constitutes the danger.

From Galatians 5:16-17:  “Live by the Spirit, I say, and do not gratify the desires of the flesh. 17 For what the flesh desires is opposed to the Spirit, and what the Spirit desires is opposed to the flesh, for these are opposed to each other, to prevent you from doing what you want.”

American-born John Wilbur Chapman (1859-1918) was a Christian evangelist who traveled much of the United States and the world.  He was influenced by the preaching of D. L. Moody as well as the ministry of Billy Sunday.

Peace Yet to Come (Second Sunday of Advent)

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From Micah 5:3-5:  “Therefore He shall give them up until the time when she who is in labor has brought forth; then the rest of His kindred shall return to the people of Israel.  And He shall stand and feed His flock in the strength of the Lord, in the majesty of the name of the Lord His God.  And they shall live secure, for now He shall be great to the ends of the earth, and He shall be the one of peace.”

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From root of Jesse

Rises spirit of man’s hope

Filling believers with peace

Climbing up faith’s slope

 

Called to one body

Newborn King shall share His peace

Extending bridges to God

Writing hope’s new lease

 

As children of God

Blessed be His peacemakers

Filled with Father’s righteous peace

Hope’s new groundbreakers

 

Future hope muffled

Reconciled through Father’s grace

Reclaiming merciful peace

Bethlehem’s birthplace

 

Hope’s light filled with peace

Easing burdens of others

Shattering sinful darkness

For every brother

 

Creation’s spirit

Promise of restoration

Foretaste of peace yet to come

Hope’s new foundation

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Another beloved Advent hymn is “What Child is This.”  The lyrics were crafted by English hymn writer and poet, William Chatterton Dix, in 1865.  In 1871, the tune of a traditional English song, “Greensleeves,” was added to the lyrics.  This hymn shares the spirit of peace, forever witnessed in the birth of Jesus Christ, our Savior.

Helen Keller Quote

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Many persons have a wrong idea of what constitutes true happiness.  It is not attained through self-gratification, but through fidelity to a worthy purpose.

From Job 36:11:  “If they listen and serve Him, they complete their days in prosperity and their years in pleasantness.”

Coldest Darkness

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Courtesy of Pinterest.

Candlelight reaches into darkness

Lasting symbol of perseverance

 

Winter’s persistent cold approaches

Gallant and stalwart hearts warm within

 

Interrupted basic needs of life

Power, heat, and water sometimes dwindle

 

Daily tension builds, never leaving

Terror rains down from harsh sky above

 

Civilians facing frequent attacks

Resilience shadows endless fear

 

Taking nothing today for granted

Blessed gratitude for another day

 

Nation’s spirit remains vigilant

Looking ahead to final breakthrough

 

Coldest darkness shall be overcome

Determined faces tell the world so

 

Always looking toward tomorrow

Morning’s light, never cast away

 

Everlasting dreams of victory

Proud people keep freedom’s fire glowing

 

Calling out to fellow world nations

Never forget lessons we teach you

Courtesy of Pinterest.

The journey of a vicious and unforgiving war in Ukraine has touched countless people in profound ways.  May a compassionate world continue to pray for this nation.  The spirit of freedom and self-determination survives each and every day.

Trivia’s Facts and More (12/3)

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This informative post will be posted on Saturday along with my usual writing.  You are invited to participate with the opening question.

Brain Teaser Question

Put these statements in the right order:

(A) The ship stopped to anchor in Commander Bay

(B) A boy awoke and saw a sea lion

(C) A boy went ashore and napped in a meadow

(D) A boy did not tell what he had seen

(E) A boy got a job on a ship

(answer found at the end of this post)

Featured Facts

The bald eagle is one of the largest birds in the United States.  It is the only eagle unique to the continent of North America.  Since 1782, the bald eagle has been the National Bird and Emblem of the United States.

Here are a few interesting facts about the bald eagle:

  • Habitat:  coastlines and waterways (U.S. and southern Canada)
  • Wingspan:  up to 8 feet
  • Top speed:  between 40 and 45 miles per hour
  • Congress:  name for a group of eagles
  • Lifespan:  between 25 and 40 years in the wild

Facing near extinction in the 1960s from the use of the pesticide DDT, conservation efforts and federal protection of the eagles has led to a dramatic increase in its numbers.  Estimated known nesting pairs have increased from a low of 417 in 1963 to more than 71,000 in 2020.

Courtesy of Pinterest.

Answer to Brain Teaser Question

E, A, C, B, D

Elie Wiesel Quotes

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Human suffering anywhere concerns men and women everywhere.

There may be times when we are powerless to prevent injustice, but there must never be a time when we fail to protest.

Elie Wiesel (1928-2016) was a Romanian-born writer and professor.  As a Holocaust survivor, he later lived in France and the United States.  He recounted his experiences from the Auschwitz and Buchenwald concentration camps when he wrote NIGHT in 1960.  In 1986, he was awarded the Nobel Peace Prize.

Focus on Jesus (Elfchen Series #129)

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Son of God

Witnessing

God’s truth

Feeding faith’s hunger

Mercy saving another soul

Jesus

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Savior’s Actions

Hope’s

Emptiness fading

Nourished with mercy

Living Water quenches thirst

Jesus

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Unselfish Love

Father’s

Righteous expectations

Swallowed by sin

Mercy arrives at Calvary

Jesus

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A. B. Simpson Quote

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We do not always feel joyful, but we are always to count it joy.

From James 1:2-3:  “My brothers and sisters, whenever you face various trials, consider it all joy, because you know that the testing of your faith produces endurance.”

A. B. (Albert Benjamin) Simpson (1843-1919) was a Canadian-born pastor, theologian, and Christian author.  He founded the Christian and Missionary Alliance.

His Voice

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From the words of American pastor and Christian teacher, Charles Stanley:  “Many voices compete for our attention, but abundant life comes when we listen to our Good Shepherd.”

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Good Shepherd’s voice

Searching for sheep

Finding lost ones

Mercy won’t sleep

 

Recognizing

True Shepherd’s Word

His voice shares grace

Forever heard

 

Good Shepherd’s faith

Persistence heeds

Calling His sheep

Voice gently leads

 

Shepherd holding

Salvation’s keys

Closed gate opens

God’s voice agrees

 

As faithful sheep

Hearing His voice

Safely at home

Always rejoice

 

Coming to Christ

Believers walk

Trusting His voice

Hope’s solid rock

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From John 10:3-5:  “The gatekeeper opens the gate for him, and the sheep hear his voice.  He calls his own sheep by name and leads them out.  When he has brought out all his own, he goes ahead of them, and the sheep follow him because they know his voice.  They will not follow a stranger, but they will run from him because they do not know the voice of strangers.”

August Wilson Quote

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Confront the dark parts of yourself, and work to banish them with illumination and forgiveness.

From Psalm 32:5:  “Then I acknowledged my sin to You, and I did not hide my iniquity; I said, ‘I will confess my transgressions to the Lord,’ and You forgave the guilt of my sin.”

August Wilson (1945-2005) was an American playwright, who was honored to receive the  Pulitzer Prize in Drama twice in 1987 and 1990.  He has been referred to as the “theater’s poet of Black America.”