Never in Doubt

From Isaiah 43:2:  “When you pass through the waters, I will be with you, and through the rivers, they shall not overwhelm you; when you walk through fire you shall not be burned, and the flame shall not consume you.”

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Man navigates life’s way

Some survey ocean’s charts

Searching through its vastness

Peace fills every heart

 

Other times, sailing ahead

Without any vision

Vanishing in darkness

Journey’s poor decision

 

Life’s opportunities

Man’s knowledge not enough

Setting sail, just by chance

Tomorrow’s seas, too rough

 

Sound advice waits with God

His Word highlights life’s route

Sharing grace, peace follows

Time’s fate, never in doubt

 

God’s righteous hand steering

Toward harbor’s safe dock

Aligning ship’s rudder

Destination . . . faith’s rock

 

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From Psalm 37:23-24:  “Our steps are made firm by the Lord when He delights in our way; though we stumble, we shall not fall headlong, for the Lord holds us by the hand.”

Oswald Chambers Quote

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To set our mind on the things of God, we must consistently choose to have the Lord’s viewpoint and reject conformity with the ways of the world.

From Romans 12:2:  “Do not be conformed to this age, but be transformed by the renewing of the mind, so that you may discern what is the will of God—what is good and acceptable and perfect.”

Monday Memories: Opportunity Knocks

From Psalm 23:1-3:  The Lord is my shepherd, I shall not want.  He makes me lie down in green pastures; He leads me beside still waters; He restores my soul.  He leads me in right paths for His name’s sake.”

gray and white filled of snow trees and pathwalk

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Walking lost in the still darkness of night

Realizing the Lord delivers His might

 

Knocking at the door of life, He arrives

Granting a safe place, helps us to survive

 

Finding lasting peace in His Holy verse

Quenching our parched thirst, like a caring nurse

 

Coming with righteousness, Christ our Shepherd

Refueling us today, always treasured

 

Re-energizing empty hearts and souls

Blowing away blackest clouds, God controls

 

Lighting our way, God’s eternal love shines

Breathing His Word, offering faithful signs

 

Facing life’s challenges, Christ walks with us

Giving Grace, His way never brings a fuss

 

Guiding us to the Promised Land, Christ leads

Saving us from sin, from a Cross which bleeds

forest at night

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Watchman Nee Quote

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If you would test the character of anything, you only need to enquire whether that that thing leads you to God or away from God.

From James 1:2-4:  “My brothers and sisters, whenever you face various trials, consider it all joy, because you know that the testing of your faith produces endurance.  And let endurance complete its work, so that you may be complete and whole, lacking in nothing.”

Watchman Nee (1903-1972) was a Chinese church leader and Christian teacher.  He authored a collection of Christian books, and he endured persecution for his beliefs.  Ultimately, he died while being imprisoned for the final twenty years of his life.

Help in Trouble

From Psalm 46:1-3:  “God is our refuge and strength, a very present help in trouble.  Therefore we will not fear, though the earth should change, though the mountains shake in the heart of the sea, though its waters roar and foam, though the mountains tremble with its tumult.”

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Drowning in sinfulness

Darkness covers this land

Needing help in trouble

God reaches out His hand

 

Facing our transgressions

Mighty hand bringing grace

Saving us, all alone

God tapping life’s backspace

 

Sending love through His Son

Refuge found in one cross

Squashing dark’s empty hope

God triggers evil’s loss

 

Leaning on His wisdom

Strength flows from His power

Living with righteousness

God rebuilds faith’s tower

 

Knowing we walk with Him

Lord’s armor covers thee

Praying in Christ’s spirit

God’s mercy sets us free

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From Ephesians 6:13:  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.”

Charles Stanley Quote

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When God asks us to surrender our will to His, it’s our job to trust He will show us the way.

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.”

Shepherding Actions (Elfchen Series #109)

Serving Others

Christ’s

Central command

Love, care, feed

Shepherd’s hands at work

Disciples

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Extending Grace

Life’s

Puzzle pieces

Scattered and lost

Shepherd finds each one

Savior

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Coming Home

Hearing

Shepherd’s calling

Following in faith

Spirit leads our way

Believing

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This series of poems (written in the German-inspired style of Elfchen or Elevenie) shares a total of eleven words in each poem, with a sequence by line of one, two, three, four, and one words.

Franklin Graham Quote

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Guilt is a gift that leads us to grace.

From Colossians 3:1-2:  “So if you have been raised with Christ, seek the things that are above, where Christ is, seated at the right hand of God.  Set your minds on the things that are above, not on the things that are on earth.”

Season of Discouragement

From Nehemiah 1:3:  “They replied, ‘The remnant there in the province who escaped captivity are in great trouble and shame; the wall of Jerusalem is broken down, and its gates have been destroyed by fire.'”

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Shining locomotive churning along

Life ascending every mountain peak

Suddenly, trusty light turns to darkness

Disappointment abounds, whom shall we seek?

 

Loyal tracks of faith, now wrecked and ruined

Trusting walls of protection, now in shambles

Shepherd’s gate to heaven, forever crushed

Life in darkness, attempts to unscramble

 

Season of discouragement, shrouds small faith

Eyes filling with tears, overwhelming scene

Kneeling below bloody, Golgotha cross

Prayer fills with forgiveness, hope blooms green

 

God’s attentive ear, mercy listens in

Rebuilding life within Christ, faith’s linchpin

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From Nehemiah 1:11:  “O Lord, let Your ear be attentive to the prayer of Your servant and to the prayer of Your servants who delight in revering Your name.  Give success to Your servant today, and grant him mercy in the sight of this man!”