On Way to Heaven

From 1 John 1:5:  “This is the message we have heard from him and proclaim to you, that God is light and in him there is no darkness at all.”

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On way to Heaven

With each passing day

Envisioning New Earth

Jesus leads our way

 

Righteousness proceeds

Praises filled with joy

All marching to Zion

Jesus leads convoy

 

Blessed harvest waits

Feast upon light’s grace

Leaving sin’s darkened street

Jesus takes our place

 

Chains of bondage break

Freedom’s bells now ring

Reaching heavenly peace

Jesus always King

 

On way to Heaven

Mercy’s opened door

Forgiving voice of love

Jesus evermore!

 

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You are invited to sing or follow along with Isaac Watts’ hymn, “We’re Marching to Zion.”  Watts, an English pastor, wrote these lyrics in 1707.

Transforming Experiences (Elfchen Series #288)

Gratitude

Stepping

From shadows

Leaving enemy’s darkness

Christ rises for us

Trusting

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Encouragement

Strengthening

Faith’s heart

Building core values

Discipleship in Christ matures

Following

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Assurance

Sharing

Infinite love

Flowing with grace

Christ’s own daily delight

Interacting

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Oswald Chambers Quote

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I know that Jesus Christ did not come to teach only:  He came to make me what He teaches I should be.

From Colossians 1:9-10:  “For this reason, since the day we heard it, we have not ceased praying for you and asking that you may be filled with the knowledge of God’s will in all spiritual wisdom and understanding, so that you may walk worthy of the Lord, fully pleasing to Him, as you bear fruit in every good work and as you grow in the knowledge of God.”

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.

David Jeremiah Quote

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With Jesus living in our hearts, we can experience heaven on the way to heaven.

From Romans 14:17:  “For the kingdom of God is not food and drink but righteousness and peace and joy in the Holy Spirit.”

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

Redemption’s Lasting Prize

From Isaiah 9:2:  “The people who walked in darkness have seen a great light; those who lived in a land of deep darkness—on them light has shined.”

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Outlook’s scarred landscape

Uncertainty’s shadows

Pervading, cold darkness

Hope’s final ember glows

 

Peace overpowered

Gloom of night never leaves

Witnessing life’s heartbreaks

Another day must grieve

 

Despair comes ashore

Empty vessel of grace

Asking, where has light gone?

Hope discovers its place

 

Each burden gathered

Sunrise at last arrives

Breaking oppressor’s rod

Messiah’s love alive

 

Resurrection breathes

Savior’s mercy shall rise

Sharing heavenly view

Redemption’s lasting prize

 

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From Isaiah 9:6:  “For a child has been born for us, a son given to us; authority rests upon His shoulders, and He is named Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace.”

Measuring Every Word

From Proverbs 16:22:  “Wisdom is a fountain of life to one who has it, but folly is the punishment of fools.”

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Wisdom’s fountain of life

Vision of Christ unblurred

Blessing days without strife

Measuring every word

 

Wisdom’s voice fills each mind

Left hand joins truth of right

Maturing faith aligned

Cascading from Christ’s light

 

Wisdom’s appetite knows

Joy in Christ, never cease

Sowing hope’s seeds, trust flows

Reaping from fields of peace

 

Wisdom’s patience merging

Just as Father hath planned

Witnessing strength surging

Reaching out from Christ’s hand

 

Wisdom’s honest sweetness

Christ transforms man’s blindness

Filling life’s completeness

Building grace of kindness

 

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From Proverbs 16:24:  “Pleasant words are like a honeycomb, sweetness to the soul and health to the body.”

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.

Salvation’s Refreshment (Elfchen Series #286)

Quenching

All

Who thirst

Seek living waters

Flowing into believer’s heart

Come

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Enriching

Given

From Jesus

Precious living waters

Flowing from Spirit’s depths

Life

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Praising

Accepting

Christ’s nourishment

Blessed living waters

Flowing outward from heavens

Grace

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From Isaiah 12:3:  “With joy you will draw water from the wells of salvation.”

Hudson Taylor Quote

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When the heart submits, then Jesus reigns.  When Jesus reigns, there is rest.

From Jeremiah 29:13-14:  “When you search for Me, you will find Me; if you seek Me with all your heart, I will let you find Me, says the Lord.”

Hudson Taylor (1832-1905) was a British-born Christian missionary.  He spent 54 years in China.

Oswald Chambers Quote

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The Son’s obedience was as Redeemer, because He was Son, not in order to be Son.

From John 13:13:  “You call me Teacher and Lord, and you are right, for that is what I am.”

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.