Big Sky Buckeye

A writer's journey continues

John Newton Quote

Posted on February 16, 2026 by bigskybuckeye

If the Lord be with us, we have no cause to fear. His eye is upon us, His arm over us, His ear open to our prayer–His grace sufficient, His promise unchangeable.

From Deuteronomy 31:8: “The Lord Himself goes before you and will be with you; He will never leave you nor forsake you. Do not be afraid; do not be discouraged.”

John Newton (1725-1807) was an English pastor who also was a writer of several hymns, including the beloved “Amazing Grace.” His early life is filled with contrasts, when compared to his later life. He served as a ship’s captain during the slave trade, but later renounced his work after his conversion to Christianity. He became an outspoken opponent of the slave trade later in his life.

Messiah’s Love

Posted on February 4, 2026 by bigskybuckeye

From Colossians 13:13-14: “Bear with one another and, if anyone has a complaint against another, forgive each other; just as the Lord has forgiven you, so you also must forgive. Above all, clothe yourselves with love, which binds everything together in perfect harmony.”

Faith’s journey with Christ

Seeking all things above

Heavenly treasures wait

Revealed in Messiah’s love

Bitterness removed

Embracing Christian love

Salvation’s welcome voice

Nourished from heavens above

Spirit of patience

Spreading each truth of love

Just as Scripture teaches

Joined in Christ, grace shines above

God’s mercy forgives

Sharing peace from above

Harmony’s hope brings joy

Marked with unlimited love

Resurrection’s light

Raising praises of love

Redemption fills each heart

Witnessed by Lord from above

From the words of American pastor, Harry Emerson Fosdick: “Bitterness imprisons life; love releases it.”

Jerry Bridges Quote

Posted on February 2, 2026 by bigskybuckeye

**Photo by RDNE Stock project on Pexels.com**

The great antidote to anxiety is to come to God in prayer. We are to pray about everything. Nothing is too big for Him to handle, and nothing is too small to escape His attention.

From Philippians 4:6-7: “Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known to God. And the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.”

Jerry Bridges (1929-2016) was an American Christian author and speaker. In his autobiography, God Took Me by the Hand, Jerry said, “When I was seventeen years old, it seemed as if God took me by the hand and said, ‘Come with Me.’ And for more than sixty-five years, God has, as it were, continued to hold my hand and lead me in the path He has marked out for me.”

Oswald Chambers Quote

Posted on February 1, 2026 by bigskybuckeye

If our common sense decisions are not God’s order, He will press them and check; then we must be quiet and wait for the direction of His presence.

From Isaiah 40:31: “But those who wait for the Lord shall renew their strength; they shall mount up with wings like eagles; they shall run and not be weary; they shall walk and not faint.”

Oswald Chambers (1874-1917) was a Scottish evangelist and Christian teacher. Following his death from an illness while in Egypt during World War I, his wife took on the task of transcribing the detailed notes she had written from his lectures and sermons. Gertrude Hobbs Chambers’ efforts resulted in the publication in 1924 of MY UTMOST FOR HIS HIGHEST. I frequently read from this devotional, and it has greatly deepened my faith and understanding of God’s Word.

Special Guest Post: In Your Way

Posted on January 31, 2026 by bigskybuckeye

I see the sunrise.

The day is new.

I lift my voice Lord, in praise to You.

I feel the warmth of Your care.

I know You’re with me everywhere.

All Your goodness, I must share with those I meet.

I know You’re here, God.

To You I yield.

I thank You Father, for You are real.

You give Your strength when I’m weak.

You lead me as Your will I seek.

In my spirit, I feel peace as I praise You.

I see Your children,

Live in defeat.

I share Your love, God, with those I meet.

I know our life is Your Son.

In Him, the war’s already won.

All Your mercy, You do give to all for free.

I worship Father,

My heart renews.

I thank You Jesus for all You do.

I feel Your strength when I fail.

You protect me when the storms rail.

All Your love holds me through sorrow and through pain.

Oh Lord, please live Your life through me.

Shine through me every day.

Every moment, help me stay . . .

Walking . . . talking . . . loving . . .

In Your way!

**Photo by Gratisography on Pexels.com**

Today’s Christian poem is one of several contained in BITS ‘N’ PIECES OF MY HEART. The proud writer is my wife, Colleen Peterson.

From her own words:

BITS ‘N’ PIECES OF MY HEART contains stories, devotions and poetry for the adults, activities to do with your children, and fun little songs. The devotions and poetry will strongly open up your faith walk to more of God’s light. Doing the fun activities and singing little songs with your children will bring smiles to everyone’s heart.

Colleen appreciates the kind reception her book has received. It is available on your favorite online bookstore site.

Charlotte Bronte Quote

Posted on January 31, 2026 by bigskybuckeye

I try to avoid looking forward or backward, and try to keep looking upward.

From Psalm 121:1-2: “I lift up my eyes to the hills—from where will my help come? My help comes from the Lord, who made heaven and earth.”

Charlotte Bronte (1816-1855) was an English novelist and poet. Many of her writings are considered classics in English literature.

Holley Gerth Quote

Posted on January 28, 2026 by bigskybuckeye

Whatever your day holds, you’re deeply loved.

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.”

Holley Gerth is an American Christian author.

Randy Pausch Quote

Posted on January 21, 2026 by bigskybuckeye

**Photo by ROCKETMANN TEAM on Pexels.com**

The key question to keep asking is, Are you spending your time on the right thing? Because time is all you have.

From James 4:8-10: “Draw near to God, and He will draw near to you. Cleanse your hands, you sinners, and purify your hearts, you double-minded. Lament and mourn and weep. Let your laughter be turned into mourning and your joy into dejection. Humble yourselves before the Lord, and He will exalt you.”

Randy Pausch (1960-2008) was an American educator and professor of computer science at Carnegie Mellon University. His life was cut short by pancreatic cancer, but he persevered to share his final lecture a few months before his death.

Good Shepherd

Posted on January 14, 2026 by bigskybuckeye

From Jeremiah 31:2-3: “Thus says the Lord: The people who survived the sword found grace in the wilderness; when Israel sought for rest, the Lord appeared to him from far away. I have loved you with an everlasting love; therefore I have continued my faithfulness to you.”

Brought out of wilderness

Darkness no longer speaks

Good Shepherd offers rest

Strengthened, no longer weak

Joyful journey of peace

Mountains singing with praise

Faith’s vineyards now planted

Harvest reaping God’s ways

Gladness fills every heart

Light rises to applaud

Good Shepherd gathers flock

Destiny’s Lamb of God

Redemption flows from love

Forgiveness sown from grace

Bethlehem bears God’s Son

Enemy gives up chase

Darkness replaced with hope

Mercy’s love fulfills peace

Good Shepherd quiets storm

Spirit transforms faith’s lease

**Photo by Gantas Vaiu010diulu0117nas on Pexels.com**

From John 10:14-16: “I am the good shepherd. I know my own, and my own know me, just as the Father knows me, and I know the Father. And I lay down my life for the sheep. I have other sheep that do not belong to this fold. I must bring them also, and they will listen to my voice. So there will be one flock, one shepherd.”

Journey’s Protector

Posted on January 11, 2026 by bigskybuckeye

From 1 Corinthians 15:56-58: “The sting of death is sin, and the power of sin is the law. But thanks be to God, who gives us the victory through our Lord Jesus Christ. Therefore, my beloved brothers and sisters, be steadfast, immovable, always excelling in the work of the Lord because you know that in the Lord your labor is not in vain.”

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

Each advancing year

Blessed by Father’s love

Overcoming through faith

Joy’s praises soar above

Journey’s protector

Loved by Holy Son

Reconciling sin’s sting

Heaven’s work shall be done

Resurrection’s light

Powered by Son’s grace

Transforming forgiveness

Today’s peace to embrace

Steadfast in spirit

Encouraged by Son

Raising up hope’s outlook

Tomorrow’s rising sun

Mercy found in Christ

Discouraged no more

Witnessing Calvary

Redemption’s open door

From the words of English preacher, Charles Spurgeon: “By perseverance the snail reached the ark.”

Share this:

Share this:

Share this:

Share this:

Share this:

Share this:

Share this:

Share this:

Share this:

Share this: