Taken From a Church Sign

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Be a mirror for Jesus.

From James 1:23-25:  “For if any are hearers of the word and not doers, they are like those who look at themselves in a mirror; for they look at themselves and, on going away, immediately forget what they were like.  But those who look into the perfect law, the law of liberty, and persevere, being not hearers who forget but doers who act—they will be blessed in their doing.”

Oswald Chambers Quote

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We have to take the first step as though there were no God.  It is no use to wait for God to help us, He will not; but immediately we arise we find He is there.

From Isaiah 60:1:  “Arise, shine, for your light has come, and the glory of the Lord has risen upon you.”

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.

Oswald Chambers Quote

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If I am united with Jesus Christ, I hear God by the devotion of hearing all the time.  A lily, or a tree, or a servant of God, may convey God’s message to me.

From 1 Samuel 3:10-11:  “Now the Lord came and stood there, calling as before, ‘Samuel! Samuel!’  And Samuel said, ‘Speak, for your servant is listening.’  Then the Lord said to Samuel, ‘See, I am about to do something in Israel that will make both ears of anyone who hears of it tingle.'”

Ken Burns Quotes

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History repeat itself, but human nature remains the same.

There is no communication in this world except between equals.

Ken Burns (born 1953) is an American filmmaker who specializes in documentaries about American history and culture.  Many of his works have been presented in PBS.

Stop to Think

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Attention mankind

Pause now, stop to think

Look at your actions

Before more ships sink

 

Ecosystems fail

Fragile planet cries

Look at your actions

Before more dark skies

 

Poverty and crime

Stealing life’s spirit

Look at your actions

Before more fear it

 

Corruption’s headlines

Does anyone speak truth?

Look at your actions

Before more untruth

 

Clouds of war breathing

Death ravages world

Look at your actions

Before more unfurled

  

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Ken Burns Quotes

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Do not lose your enthusiasm.  In its Greek etymology, the word enthusiasm means, “God in us.”

Do something that will last and be beautiful.

Ken Burns (born 1953) is an American filmmaker who specializes in documentaries about American history and culture.  Many of his works have been presented in PBS.

Desmond Tutu Quote

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Do your little bit of good where you are; it’s those little bits of good put together that overwhelm the world.

From Romans 8:28:  “We know that all things work together for good for those who love God, who are called according to His purpose.”

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.  

Journey of Contrasts (Haiku Series #199)

Sour Moment

Life’s thorny issues

Tainting our experience—

Tasting bitterness

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Gift to Share

Sitting down to write

Rediscovering lost art—

Letter to dear friend

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Rhythm’s Beat

Sooner or later

Actions bringing correction—

Life’s daily cadence

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Jane Austen Quotes

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It isn’t what we say or think that defines us, but what we do.

I must learn to be content with being happier than I deserve.

Jane Austen (1775-1817) was an acclaimed English novelist.  Much of her writings dealt with women’s pursuit of a more favorable social standing as well as economic security.