Conviction about God’s truth is like an anchor holding you steady in the waves of temptation and the winds of opinion.
From Daniel 1:16-17: “So the guard continued to withdraw their royal rations and the wine they were to drink and gave them vegetables. To these four young men God gave knowledge and skill in every aspect of literature and wisdom; Daniel also had insight into all visions and dreams.”
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As nature’s seasons begin another transition, our Creator opens another avenue of joy.
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 or adding so much to my journal.
(Updated December 19)
I keep a daily journal of “take-aways” from my devotional readings. This poem was crafted from some of my February entries.
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Sitting alone and hopeless
Faith’s shadow, covered in rust
God awakens mind and soul
In His Spirit, words bring trust
Turning to God, always there
His footprints walking ahead
Through life’s hefty challenges
Our Lord brings our daily bread
Reading from His Holy Word
Always giving thanks and praise
Marvelous things, God has done
Our hope alive and ablaze
Growing in faith, from our woes
Therefore, pray . . . listen . . . follow
Righteous life following Christ
Savior’s hope, never hollow
Facing temptation each day
Alignment with Son of God
Blood and body shed for us
Boldly fleeing evil’s fraud
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From Galatians 6:1-2: “My friends, if anyone is detected in a transgression, you who have received the Spirit should restore such a one in a spirit of gentleness. Take care that you yourselves are not tempted. Bear one another’s burdens, and in this way you will fulfill the law of Christ.”
Originally published May, 2020.
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Our Father continually sees life’s Big Picture, which our tiny lens can never fully appreciate.
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 or adding so much to my journal.
(Updated December 18)
Nothing so clears the vision and lifts up the life, as a decision to move forward in what you know to be entirely the will of the Lord.
From Proverbs 3:5-6: “Trust in the Lord with all your heart, and do not rely on your own insight. In all your ways acknowledge Him, and He will make straight your paths.”
John Gibson Paton (1824-1907) was a Scottish-born Christian missionary who lived and served the Lord in the South Pacific.
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.”
Offering God’s promises
Distant joy asking, who’s yet to come?
Echoing in wilderness
Voices no longer numb
Faithful witnesses of peace
Salvation’s Messiah now descends
Mercy’s joy-filled tenderness
Lasting goodness shall extend
Holy Spirit rejoices
Promised deliverance emerges
Virgin’s heart flowing with love
Angels praise as joy surges
Rejoice always, now rejoice
Eternity’s spring of love endures
Mankind’s hope shall be transformed
Filling joy from grace, so pure
Each believer investing
Ripples of God’s blessed love invite
Messiah opening gates
Outlook’s joy forever bright
Bethlehem’s joy in shining star
Gentleness in spirit, blessings come
Long-awaited Prince of Peace
Each knee bends, to heaven’s drum
Advent Prayer: Heavenly Father, as we remember and reflect upon this Advent season, assist us in turning our hearts toward You as we approach the birth of Your blessed Son. Encourage us to celebrate the gifts received from that very first Christmas: hope, peace, joy, and love. Amen.
German hymnwriter, Laurentius Laurenti (1660-1722), wrote a reverent hymn which works well with the expectations of the Advent season, but it also looks ahead to the return of Jesus Christ. Here is “Rejoice! Rejoice Believers.”
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When we humble our imperfect thoughts before God, He will open another page of joy.
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 or adding so much to my journal.
(Updated December 17)
Rather than trying hard to grope our way through the maze of man-made ideas and opinions, through Christ we find ourselves empowered by the tragedy and triumph of the cross.
From Romans 5:10: “For if while we were enemies we were reconciled to God through the death of His Son, much more surely, having been reconciled, will we be saved by His life.”
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Spending time outdoors with nature’s harmony makes life seem more comfortable when we just go with its flow.
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 or adding so much to my journal.
(Updated December 16)
Clear
Path ahead
Father’s guiding light
Spirit’s daily, quiet intervention
Conscience
Righteous
Fatherly lessons
Understanding, character counts
Faith’s season of grace
Integrity
Experience
Father’s goodness
Backed with love
Endurance, walking with peace
Self-control
Big Sky Buckeye 