Tag Archives: faith

Love’s Transforming Scope (Fourth Sunday of Advent)

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From Isaiah 7:14:  “Therefore the Lord Himself will give you a sign.  Look, the young woman is with child and shall bear a son and shall name Him Immanuel.”

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God’s plan of redemption

Viewed through love’s transforming scope

Faithful virgin shall bear His Son

Fulfilling flame of eternal hope

 

God’s warm heart offers love

Promised Prince at Heaven’s gate

Empty darkness shall fill with joy

Breathing from cold, humble stable’s fate

 

God’s peace nurtures man’s trust

Filled with mercy’s lasting grace

Sacred Word witnessed in Son’s flesh

Living waters share love to embrace

 

God’s creation speaks truth

Blessed news fills shepherds’ ears

Advent’s greatest virtue breathes love

Silencing night, morning’s sun appears

 

Light born in Bethlehem

Delivered hope sharing peace

Angels’ unbelievable joy

Praising Savior’s love, shall never cease

 

Courtesy of Pinterest.

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.

The final hymn of this Advent series comes from the inspiration of American pastor and Christian writer Phillips Brooks.  Recalling his 1865 trip to Bethlehem, he wrote the lyrics for “O Little Town of Bethlehem” in 1868.

Phillips Brooks Quote

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For the Christ-child who comes is the Master of all; no palace too great, no cottage too small.

From Matthew 2:6:  “And you, Bethlehem, in the land of Judah, are by no means least among the rulers of Judah, for from you shall come a ruler who is to shepherd my people Israel.”

Phillips Brooks (1835-1893) was an American pastor and Christian author.  He was remembered for his charismatic preaching as well as writing the lyrics of the beloved Christmas hymn, “O Little Town of Bethlehem.”

Ruth Bell Graham Quote

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God’s work is not in buildings, but in transformed lives.

From Matthew 3:2:  “Repent, for the kingdom of heaven has come near.”

Ruth Bell Graham (1920-2007) was an American Christian author.  Born to American parents who were dedicated to medical missionary work in China, she would later become the wife of evangelist Billy Graham.  They met when both were attending Wheaton College in Illinois.

Called to Discipleship

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From Psalm 92:12-13:  The righteous flourish like the palm tree and grow like a cedar in Lebanon.  They are planted in the house of the Lord; they flourish in the courts of our God.”

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Witnessing early morning’s light of peace

Feeling Father’s presence, always nearby

Descending tranquility, never cease

Wiping away tears from yesterday’s cry

 

Harvesting faith’s sustaining, living bread

Accepting Savior’s forgiveness, now freed

Receiving Father’s grace, hope shall be fed

Thriving with righteousness, sowing her seeds

 

Praying with thanks, praising Father most high

Sharing eternity’s light, nourished with love

Sending Spirit, among bluest of sky

Scaling merciful path, heavens above

 

Called to discipleship, with Jesus Christ

Purchased at Calvary, blood sacrificed

 

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From Psalm 92:1-2:  “It is good to give thanks to the Lord, to sing praises to Your name, O Most High, to declare Your steadfast love in the morning and Your faithfulness by night.”

David Jeremiah Quote

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God resides in our hearts, steering us toward an ever-fixed mark.

From Proverbs 16:9:  “The human mind plans the way, but the Lord directs the steps.”

David Jeremiah (born 1941) is an American pastor and Christian author.

Monday Memories: Faithful Journey

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From Psalm 85:8-9:  “Let me hear what God the Lord will speak, for He will speak peace to His people, to His faithful, to those who turn to Him in their hearts.  Surely His salvation is at hand for those who fear Him, that His glory may dwell in our land.”

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Uncertain darkness

Surrounds me this day

Humbly take a knee

Bowing now to pray

 

Prayers calling God

Remain unhurried

Unanswered questions

Never be worried

 

Christ’s teachings feed thee

With the bread of life

This eternal gift

Blessings without strife

 

Lord of life and love

He feeds and frees all

Through His Holy Word

Never builds a wall

 

Allow me to pause

God prods thee along

Hearing His questions

Answers make me strong

 

God everlasting

Faith remains with thee

Through life’s harsh chaos

Calming stormy seas

 

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From Romans 10:10-13:  “ For one believes with the heart and so is justified, and one confesses with the mouth and so is saved.  The scripture says, ‘No one who believes in Him will be put to shame.’  For there is no distinction between Jew and Greek; the same Lord is Lord of all and is generous to all who call on Him.  For, ‘Everyone who calls on the name of the Lord shall be saved.'”

Originally published September, 2020.

Henri Nouwen Quote

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The spiritual life is a life beyond moods.  It is a life in which we choose joy and do not allow ourselves to become victims of passing feelings of happiness or depression.

From Philippians 4:4:  “Rejoice in the Lord always; again I will say, Rejoice“

Henri Nouwen (1932-1996) was a Dutch priest, professor, writer, and theologian.

Overflowing with Joy (Third Sunday of Advent)

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From Philippians 4:4-5:  “Rejoice in the Lord always; again I will say, Rejoice.  Let your gentleness be known to everyone.  The Lord is near.”

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Waiting hope, in darkness

World absent of peace

When will joy truly arrive?

Faith’s brokenness must cease

 

Trusting God without fear

His comfort coming

Joy draws salvation’s water

Messiah forthcoming

 

Leading to Bethlehem

Hope shall be restored

Peace overflowing with joy

Heaven’s angels onboard

 

Praising with humble hearts

God’s gentleness seeks

Joy’s rejoicing voices sing

Shepherd’s emotions speak

 

Proclaiming hope’s presence

Repentance brings peace

Faith’s witness fills lungs with joy

Love opens heaven’s lease

 

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From Isaiah 12:5-6:  “Sing praises to the Lord, for He has done gloriously; let this be known in all the earth.  Shout aloud and sing for joy, O royal Zion, for great in your midst is the Holy One of Israel.”

An Advent hymn accompanies this poem, “God Rest Ye Merry, Gentlemen.”  This traditional English carol was first discovered in an anonymous manuscript in the 1650s.  

Promise Fulfilled (Elfchen Series #230)

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Devotion

Witnessed

Discipleship’s faith

Always take courage

Christ offers His peace

Love

Vision

Trusted

Father above

Rising above darkness

Christ’s light delivers peace

Hope

Gratitude

Seasoned

Spirit descends

Righteousness fills journey

Guided by Christ’s peace

Joy

 

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Charles Swindoll Quote

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God doesn’t build skyscrapers; men build skyscrapers.  And they all have the touch of genius, human genius.  But you cannot find a man who can make a star.  And when God steps in, His working is like the difference between a skyscraper and a star.

From Job 28:24:  “For He looks to the ends of the earth and sees everything under the heavens.”

Charles Swindoll (born 1934) is an American pastor and Christian author.