Photo by Public Domain Pictures on Pexels.com
We are faced with a series of great opportunities, brilliantly disguised as unsolvable problems. Unsolvable without God’s wisdom, that is.
From Psalm 34:19: “Many are the afflictions of the righteous, but the Lord rescues them from them all.”
From Lamentations 3:22-23: “The steadfast love of the Lord never ceases, His mercies never come to an end; they are new every morning; great is your faithfulness.”
Photo by Kaique Rocha on Pexels.com
Waking on an early morn
Winter’s darkness invites
Kitchen wood stove warms
Hot coffee always delights
Opening the family Bible
Reading God’s Holy Word
Feeling ever close to Him
God’s peace, gladly heard
Morning light, brings a smile
Caressing sunshine’s charm
Anxiously awaiting the day
Jesus protects all from harm
Sun disappears behind clouds
Transmitting a wintry scene
No need to go anywhere today
Playing for retirement’s team
Days are short, nights long
Thoughts of spring, far away
Feeling at peace, but alone
Who visits on this snowy day?
Peeking out the window again
In the distance, twin headlights
Daughter’s family, safely arrives
Making this day, absolute delight
Photo by Louis on Pexels.com
Photo by Snapwire on Pexels.com
Gratitude is an offering precious in the sight of God, and it is one that the poorest of us can make and be not poorer but richer for having made it.
From Psalm 50:23: “Those who bring thanksgiving as their sacrifice honor Me; to those who go the right way I will show the Salvation of God.”
Photo by Lisa Fotios on Pexels.com
There was once a leader in a far-off land in the “Make Believe” world of a toy box. This leader was made of wood, and featured the well-crafted workmanship of his Creator.
Despite appearances, there were flaws in the leader’s character. He was dishonest and bullied everyone around him. His actions as leader led to friction and decisiveness in the toy box. The leader continued to govern with a misguided mind and agenda. His heart seemed hardened to the point that other toys really wondered if he even possessed a heart.
One day, the boy who played with the toy box every day asked the leader, “Why is your character so bad?”
The leader ignored the question, and the boy played with his other toys. Perhaps being made out of wood had made him inflexible with a hardness of attitude. Everything the other toys did or said seemed to go against his grain.
Meanwhile, more and more heat came from some of the fiery citizens in the toy box. Their patience was wearing thinner with each passing day. A few toys even threatened the leader with more than just words. The leader was paranoid about being literally “put on fire” from some of the other toys’ actions. After all, he was made out of solid wood.
After observing the crippling turmoil in his toy box, the boy told the other toys, “I will ask the Creator to help us with this mess.”
The boy prayed a special prayer to the Creator:
Dear Creator, the toys and I ask for your help. Our leader needs to change his bad ways so that all of the toys will enjoy a better life here in this toy box. We look to you for aid and support. Amen.
The Creator heard the boy’s prayer-filled words. Overnight, he came into the toy box and removed the leader, who was sleeping soundly. He remolded the leader into a better person with a benevolent and caring heart, which had been missing all along.
The leader was returned to the toy box with a heart no longer as hard as wood. He was transformed into a Gospel-led leader.
From John 15:11: “I have said these things to you so that my joy may in you, and that your joy may be complete.”
Photo by rovenimages.com on Pexels.com
Blessed sun rises, starting a new day
A precious day, under Lord’s watchful eyes
Celebrate this day, riding in love’s sleigh
Nothing ever holding back, watching doves fly
Singing of praises, blessing this fresh start
Jesus walking with us, our daily bread
Sharing this day, between loving sweethearts
Together, God’s Word keeps us full and fed
Our love sparks an endless celebration
God’s love filling hearts, fulfilling our fate
Singing songs, with love and adoration
Celebrate this day, love’s delightful taste
Jesus shares His joy, smiling from above
Making our joy complete, filling with love
Photo by J carter on Pexels.com
Photo by Luis Fernandes on Pexels.com
Solitude is an oasis of the soul where we see ourselves, others, and especially our God in new ways. God, who probes our deepest thoughts during protracted segments of solitude, opens our eyes to things that need attention.
From Psalm 94:19: “When cares of my heart are many, your consolations cheer my soul.”
Photo by Pixabay on Pexels.com
Christians have spent their whole lives mastering all sorts of principles, done their duty, carried on the programs of their church . . . and never known God intimately, heart to heart.
From Ephesians 1:20-23: “God put this power to work in Christ when He raised Him from the dead and seated Him at His right hand in the heavenly places, far above all rule and authority and power and dominion, and above every name that is named, not only in this age but also in the age to come. And He has put all things under His feet and has made Him the head over all things for the church, which is His body, the fullness of Him who fills all in all.”
Photo by Pixabay on Pexels.com
I still believe we ought to talk about Jesus. The old country doctor of my boyhood days always began his examination by saying, “Let me see your tongue.” That’s a good way to check a Christian: the tongue test. Let’s hear what he is talking about.
From Proverbs 10:14: “The wise lay up knowledge, but the babbling of a fool brings ruin near.”
From 2 Corinthians 3:18: “And all of us, with unveiled faces, seeing the glory of the Lord as though reflected in a mirror, are being transformed into the same image from one degree of glory to another; for this comes from the Lord, the Spirit.”
Photo by Simon Matzinger on Pexels.com
Sometimes life resembles a lonely road
Walking endless miles, filling with shame
Surrounded by darkness, bearing life’s load
Feeling mixed up, never into the game
God’s Word and Spirit bring transformation
Empty, spiritual desert . . . leaving now
Bringing dramatic change, new foundation
An oasis of faith becomes a vow
Discovering new hope, suffering ends
God’s light shines ahead of our faithful steps
Stumbling and failing, no longer contend
God’s Glory reigns supreme, without missteps
Old ways transforming to a better life
Exchanging total control with our Lord
God’s Grace gives, without cutting like a knife
His everlasting love, brings rich accord
God’s army of angels, walking ahead
Lonely road left . . . following Christ instead
Photo by Darrell Fraser on Pexels.com
Photo by Pixabay on Pexels.com
Peace begins with a smile.
If you can’t feed a hundred people, then feed just one.
