Big Sky Buckeye

A writer's journey continues

John Wilbur Chapman Quote

Posted on December 5, 2022 by bigskybuckeye

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. ¹⁷For 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)

Posted on December 4, 2022 by bigskybuckeye

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.”

**Photo by Daniel Coello on Pexels.com**

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

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

Posted on December 4, 2022 by bigskybuckeye

**Photo by Tima Miroshnichenko on Pexels.com**

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.”

Focus on Jesus (Elfchen Series #129)

Posted on December 2, 2022 by bigskybuckeye

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

**Photo by cottonbro studio on Pexels.com**

Unselfish Love

Father’s

Righteous expectations

Swallowed by sin

Mercy arrives at Calvary

Jesus

**Photo by Marcos Felipe on Pexels.com**

A. B. Simpson Quote

Posted on December 2, 2022 by bigskybuckeye

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

Posted on December 1, 2022 by bigskybuckeye

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.”

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

**Photo by Pau Sabatu00e9 on Pexels.com**

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

Posted on December 1, 2022 by bigskybuckeye

**Photo by Maruxa Lomoljo Koren on Pexels.com**

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

Posted on November 30, 2022 by bigskybuckeye

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.”

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

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

Origen of Alexandria Quote

Posted on November 30, 2022 by bigskybuckeye

**Photo by RODNAE Productions on Pexels.com**

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).

Monday Memories: God’s Masterpiece

Posted on November 28, 2022 by bigskybuckeye

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.”

Photo by Scott Webb on Pexels.com

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

Photo by Pixabay on Pexels.com

Originally published May, 2019.

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Son of God

Savior’s Actions

Unselfish Love

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