Forgiving Light

From John 3:16-17:  “For God so loved the world that He gave His only Son, so that everyone who believes in Him may not perish but may have eternal life.  Indeed, God did not send the Son into the world to condemn the world but in order that the world might be saved through Him.”

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Witnessing distant light

Christ in Bethlehem born

Journey makes way toward cross

Thorns of man’s transgressions worn

 

Raising light, seeing grace

Father’s love bears His Son

Calvary moves from shadows

Hope’s fulfillment shall be done

 

Marking truth’s difference

Faith’s Messiah shows up

Destiny’s light serves pardons

Mercy flows from Heaven’s cup

 

Leaving days of darkness

God’s blueprint marks Christ’s way

Man’s sinful spirit transformed

Light nourishes peace each day

 

Exchanging world’s sorrows

Savior’s forgiving light

Every iniquity paid

Redemption’s dynamic flight

 

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From John 3:19-21:  “And this is the judgment, that the light has come into the world, and people loved darkness rather than light because their deeds were evil.  For all who do evil hate the light and do not come to the light, so that their deeds may not be exposed.  But those who do what is true come to the light, so that it may be clearly seen that their deeds have been done in God.”

John Angell James Quote

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Afflictions tend to wean us from the world–and to fix our affections on things above.

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.

John Angell James (1785-1859) was an English pastor and Christian writer.

Louise Hay Quote

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I see a blanket of benevolence covering the planet, helping to transform Earth’s consciousness from fear to love.

From 1 Corinthians 1:30-31:  “In contrast, God is why you are in Christ Jesus, who became for us wisdom from God, and righteousness and sanctification and redemption, in order that, as it is written, ‘Let the one who boasts, boast in the Lord.'”

Louise Hay (1926-2017) was an American author and motivational speaker.

Trusting Father

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.”

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Daily interactions

Shared through Father’s grace

Trusting His guidance

Patience rises to embrace

 

Bountiful blessings

Reaped from Father’s love

Trusting His outlook

Hope’s voice descends from above

 

Count on each promise

Heard in Father’s Word

Trusting His mercy

Heaven’s peace shares its password

 

Eternity’s breath

Shaped from Father’s grace

Trusting His boldness

Faith’s journey strengthens its pace

 

Spirit’s nourishment

Stirred with Father’s love

Tasting His sunrise

Compassion fed from above

 

Navigation’s light

Fueled through Father’s Word

Trusting His vision

North Star forever unblurred

 

Courtesy of Pinterest.

From Proverbs 2:9-10:  “Then you will understand righteousness and justice and equity, every good path, for wisdom will come into your heart, and knowledge will be pleasant to your soul.”

Moments of Affirmation (Elfchen Series #289)

Guidance

Father

Calling us

Accepting His Word

Trusting His divine plan

Faithfulness

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Assurance

Father

Empowering us

Igniting spirit’s fire

Lighting way through darkness

Trustworthy

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Endurance

Father

Teaching us

Forgiving each stumble

Sending out as disciples

Worthiness

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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.

John Newton Quote

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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

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.”

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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

 

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

Jerry Bridges Quote

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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

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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

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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!

 

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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.