Stay open to a new idea for at least five minutes. You could be surprised at the benefit of remaining open those three hundred seconds.
From Isaiah 43:19: “I am about to do a new thing; now it springs forth; do you not perceive it? I will make a way in the wilderness and rivers in the desert.”
From Hebrews 10:22: “Let us approach with a true heart in full assurance of faith, with our hearts sprinkled clean from an evil conscience and our bodies washed with pure water.”
Faith filled with confidence
Sanctuary’s door opens wide
Backed by shed blood of Christ
Flesh given at cross, where He died
Faith’s lasting commitment
Inner resources standing firm
Backed by trust found in Christ
Great High Priest shall always affirm
Faith witnesses Good News
Sufficient to pass any test
Backed by grace, sent from Christ
Holy Spirit shall never rest
Faith’s hunger filled with hope
Unwavering assurance holds
Backed by love, shared through Christ
Mercy guides heart to Heaven’s fold
Faith walks with endurance
Always forward to God’s reward
Backed by witness of Christ
Redemption brings one more onboard
From Hebrews 10:35-36: “Do not, therefore, abandon that boldness of yours; it brings a great reward. For you need endurance, so that when you have done the will of God you may receive what was promised.”
It is imperative that preachers of today learn how to declare the spiritual law of God; for, until we learn how to wound consciences, we shall have no wounds to bind with Gospel bandages.
From Romans 8:14-15: “For all who are led by the Spirit of God are children of God. For you did not receive a spirit of slavery to fall back into fear, but you received a spirit of adoption. When we cry, ‘Abba! Father!'”
Walter J. Chantry (born 1938) served for 39 years as pastor of Grace Baptist Church in Carlisle, Pennsylvania. He has also been a prolific Christian writer and editor.
I know nothing which can so comfort the soul; so calm the swelling billows of sorrow and grief; so speak peace to the winds of trial, as a devout musing upon the subject of the Godhead.
From Isaiah 26:3: “Those of steadfast mind You keep in peace, in peace because they trust in You.“
Charles Spurgeon (1834-1892) was an influential English preacher. Even in modern times, his writings and many sermons have remained a constant source of encouragement to Christians around the world. He has often be referred to as the “Prince of Preachers.”
From Isaiah 30:18: “Therefore the Lord waits to be gracious to you; therefore He will rise up to show mercy to you. For the Lord is a God of justice; blessed are all those who wait for Him.”
Hearing Father’s voice
Every mountain sings
With faithful echoes
Praising heaven’s King
Showering His grace
Every valley sings
With earnest promise
Sowing trust, faith brings
Sending His mercy
Every village sings
With truth in His Word
Soaring eagle’s wings
Scattering His seeds
Every landscape sings
With divine beauty
Welcoming each spring
Walking in His light
Every neighbor sings
With each beating heart
Pulling on love’s strings
Witnessing His Son
Every sinner sings
With His righteousness
Grasping heaven’s swing
From Isaiah 30:20-21: “Though the Lord may give you the bread of adversity and the water of affliction, yet your Teacher will not hide Himself any longer, but your eyes shall see your Teacher. And when you turn to the right or when you turn to the left, your ears shall hear a word behind you, saying, ‘This is the way; walk in it.'”
There is a place of quiet rest. There is a place of comfort sweet, near to the heart of God. (Taken from the hymn, “Near to the Heart of God.”)
From James 4:8: “Draw near to God, and He will draw near to you. Cleanse your hands, you sinners, and purify your hearts, you double-minded.”
Cleland Boyd McAfee (1866-1944) was an American pastor, Christian theologian, and hymn writer. One of his most renowned hymns is “Near to the Heart of God.” He penned the lyrics after the tragic deaths of his young nieces from diphtheria.
From Deuteronomy 10:12: “So now, O Israel, what does the Lord your God require of you? Only to fear the Lord your God, to walk in all His ways, to love Him, to serve the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul.”
Facing yet another day
Father’s mercy offers hand
Overcoming each challenge
Solid ground covers sinking sand
Trusting path of wisdom’s light
Father’s Word guides each step
Escaping evil’s darkness
Destined for Calvary’s doorstep
Looking back at long journey
Father’s love fills wayward heart
Trading pride with humbleness
Hope renewing from faith’s restart
Embracing His proven ways
Father’s grace shining ahead
Resisting darkest shadows
Filled with Son’s everlasting bread
Blessing Savior’s righteous road
Father’s sovereignty leads
Offering bridge to follow
Blood of Christ saves each tender reed
From John 14:5-6: “Thomas said to Him, ‘Lord, we do not know where You are going. How can we know the way?’ Jesus said to him, ‘I am the way and the truth and the life. No one comes to the Father except through Me.'”
Hope is being able to see that there is light despite all of the darkness.
From Psalm 18:28: “It is You who light my lamp; the Lord, my God, lights up my darkness.”
Desmond Tutu (1931-2021) was a South African Anglican bishop and Christian theologian. He was perhaps best known for his efforts as a human rights activist in dismantling his nation’s system of apartheid.
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From 1 Peter 2:24: “He himself bore our sins in His body on the Cross, so that, free from sins, we might live for righteousness; by His wounds you have been healed.”
Chosen and precious in God’s sight
To believers, Christ’s Spirit brings Salvation
Jesus Christ turns darkness into light
Our faith’s chosen and precious cornerstone
Christ comes forward to redeem us
We can live by His bread alone
Jesus becomes our Holy, High Priest
Believe and never put to shame
God’s own Son takes His seat
Nonbelievers reject God’s Holy, chosen one
Christ prevails to become our Rock
Salvation goes through God’s Holy Son
Christ suffers mightily for His flock
Yet, He never commits any sin
Following God’s steps around the clock
Christ never waivers, He follows through
Entrusting Himself to His Heavenly Father
Bearing our sins, Resurrection’s glorious view
Our lives feel threatened with gloom
Jesus never ceases caring for us
Standing by, Christ prevents our doom
Jesus at our side, always a friend
Loving us with passion and intensity
Our opportunity for Salvation, God sends
Christ, the Good Shepherd, beckons us
No longer gone astray and lost
Christ’s body and blood heal us
The old, rugged cross stands tall
Freeing us from our endless sins
Washing us white, Salvation calls all
Living in bondage, forever in sin
Emancipation by Christ, paying the ransom
Accepting Christ, brings all believers in
From Luke 24:6: “Remember how He told you, while He was still in Galilee, that the Son of Man must be handed over to sinners, and be crucified, and on the third day rise again.”
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Originally published September, 2019.
From John 16:27: “For the Father Himself loves you because you have loved Me and have believed that I came from God.”
Walking with Jesus
Coming to know Him
Rising from ashes
Life no longer grim
Kneeling with Jesus
Joining now as one
Praying to Father
His work shall be done
Standing with Jesus
Hearing trusted Word
Subduing darkness
Faith’s walk undeterred
Sitting with Jesus
Receiving His peace
Forgiving each sin
Light shall never cease
Talking with Jesus
Accepting His love
Sharing Father’s grace
Glory shines above
From John 16:33: “I have said this to you so that in Me you may have peace. In the world you face persecution, but take courage: I have conquered the world!”
Big Sky Buckeye 