Focus on Jesus (Elfchen Series #129)

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

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.”

Always Knowing

From 2 Timothy 13-14:  “Hold to the standard of sound teaching that you have heard from me, in the faith and love that are in Christ Jesus.  Guard the good deposit entrusted to you, with the help of the Holy Spirit living in us.”

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Grateful to Father

Clear conscience worships free

Prayers seek encouragement

Always knowing thee

 

Heart filling with joy

Trust growing, day by day

God’s Word leading each journey

Molding us like clay

 

Surrounded by truth

Self-discipline stands fast

Spirit of resolve and love

Lord’s grace built to last

 

Saved by Christ’s mercy

Hallowed be His power

Called to always follow Him

With each passing hour

 

Light conquers darkness

Faith in Christ, living free

Guided by Holy Spirit

Always knowing thee

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From the words of American pastor and Christian teacher, Charles Stanley:  “The Bible is our protection against deception.”

Origen of Alexandria Quote

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Now the true soldiers of Christ must always be prepared to do battle for the truth, and must never, so far as lies with them, allow false convictions to creep in.

From Ephesians 6:13-15:  “Therefore take up the whole armor of God, so that you may be able to withstand on the evil day and, having prevailed against everything, to stand firm.  Stand, therefore, and belt your waist with truth and put on the breastplate of righteousness and lace up your sandals in preparation for the gospel of peace.”

Origen of Alexandria (c. 185 – c. 253) was also known as Origen Adamantius.  He was a Christian scholar and theologian who spent the first half of his life in Alexandria (Egypt).

Winter’s Teases (Haiku Series #206)

Not Yet!

First snowflake arrives

Autumn’s spirit carries on—

Lingering voices

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Going, Going, Gone!

Morning’s frost whispers

Autumn’s voice fading away—

Winter’s shadow calls

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Hang On!

Winter’s coldest words

Warmest phrases lifting up—

Sunrise welcomed back

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Amy Weatherly Quotes

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Friendship is about real, no-filter-needed life.

Friendship involves efforts on both parts.  On your part.  On theirs.  Make your peace with this truth right now or you will forever be disappointed.

Amy Weatherly is an American author who remains active with writing and her down-to-earth blog (amyweatherly.com).  

Monday Memories: God’s Masterpiece

From Isaiah 65:17: “For I am about to create new heavens and a new earth; the former things shall not be remembered or come to mind.”

green grass field under white clouds

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From the beginning of time

God’s creation changes each day

 

This eternal blueprint conveys mastery

His design takes center stage

 

His earthly canvas presents wonder

Artistic palette of colors astonish

 

His imaginative mind never ceases

Earth’s treasures continue to impress

 

Traveling around this awesome planet

Breathtaking venues await our call

 

Majestic mountains loom high above

Immense beauty reaches the clouds

 

Rolling plains shine with beauty

Grasslands thick with green tapestry

 

Swift rivers travel for months

Mountain-fed water reaches blue seas

 

Dense forests blanket the terrain

Trees of every description stand

 

Endless oceans bombard distant shores

Continuous tides frolic with beaches

 

Wide canyons stretch above rivers

Featuring amazing sculptures and hue

 

Desert sands infinitely scatter themselves

Continually sifting from God-inspired winds

 

Days launch with illuminating sunrises

Nights commence when the moon rises

 

God continues molding and shaping

Praise His incredible creation forevermore

 

daylight environment forest idyllic

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Originally published May, 2019.

Desmond Tutu Quote

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Anger may be justified, but “getting even” won’t make you feel better.

From Ephesians 4:26-27:  “Be angry but do not sin; do not let the sun go down on your anger, and do not make room for the devil.”

Desmond Tutu (1931-2021) was a South African Anglican bishop and Christian theologian.  He was perhaps best known for his efforts as a human rights activist in dismantling his nation’s system of apartheid.