Tireless Persistence

From Hebrews 12:1-2:  “Therefore, since we are surrounded by so great a cloud of witnesses, let us also lay aside every weight and the sin that clings so closely, and let us run with perseverance the race that is set before us, looking to Jesus, the pioneer and perfecter of faith, who for the sake of the joy that was set before Him endured the cross, disregarding its shame, and has taken His seat at the right hand of the throne of God.”

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Facing challenges

Darkest, stressful times

Feeling need to flee

Days no longer rhyme

 

Cresting floodwaters

Race seems lost, no doubt

Overwhelming doom

Path blocked, no way out

 

Inner voice speaking

Quitters never win

Winners never quit

Life’s new road begins

 

Looking to Jesus

Faith’s firm cornerstone

Enduring His fate

Never feel alone

 

Hearing His message

Persistence wins out

Yielding victory

Timeless turnabout

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From James 1:12:  “Blessed is anyone who endures temptation.  Such a one has stood the test and will receive the crown of life that the Lord has promised to those who love Him.”

Charles Stanley Quote

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Every time you see a cross, remember what it really was–an instrument of execution.  Though the scene of your redemption was horrendous, Christ turned the cross into a place of great triumph.

From Colossians 2:13-14:  “And when you were dead in trespasses and the uncircumcision of your flesh, God made you alive together with Him, when He forgave us all our trespasses, erasing the record that stood against us with its legal demands.  He set this aside, nailing it to the cross.”

Monday Memories: Receiving Peace

photo of person standing on cliff

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From John 14:25-27:  “I have said these things to you while I am still with you.  But the Advocate, the Holy Spirit, whom the Father will send in My name, will teach you everything, and remind you of all that I have said to you.  Peace I leave with you; My peace I give to you.  I do not give to you as the world gives.  Do not let your hearts be troubled, and do not let them be afraid.”

Receiving peace, covering far and near

Generating from God’s genuine love

Peace be within us, God blesses our souls

Through His Word, accepting grace from above

 

Tranquility resting, among God’s flock

Lord forever standing, with heaven’s peace

Surpassing all of our understanding

Jesus lives, delivering life’s new lease

 

Rely on Christ, seeking His inner peace

Through our Savior, nurturing hearts and minds

In faithfulness, accepting Him as Lord

Teach us to follow, salvation we find

 

Living Holy Spirit, guided by God

Transforming love, joy, peace—granted from God

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Turning to Jesus

From Psalm 18:2-3:  “The Lord is my rock, my fortress, and my deliverer, my God, my rock in whom I take refuge, my shield, and the horn of my salvation, my stronghold.  I call upon the Lord, who is worthy to be praised, so I shall be saved from my enemies.”

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Darkest storms rocking our world

Feeling faith washing away

Turning to Jesus, we hope

His solid rock, never sways

 

Raging floods rocking life’s peace

Hearing His bold, righteous voice

Turning to Jesus, we kneel

His solid rock, let’s rejoice

 

Perils rocking daily lives

Seeking comfort in His grace

Turning to Jesus, we pray

His solid rock, let’s embrace

 

No longer rocking in fear

Stepping over sinking sand

Turning to Jesus, we praise

His solid rock, holds our hand

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Edward Mote (1797-1874) was an English pastor and prolific hymn writer.  One of his most beloved hymns, “My Hope is Built on Nothing Less,” was composed in 1834.

Watchman Nee Quote

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It does not matter what your personal deficiency, or whether it be a hundred and one different things, God has always one sufficient answer, His Son Jesus Christ, and He is the answer to every need.

From John 14:6:  “Jesus said to him, ‘I am the way and the truth and the life.  No one comes to the Father except through Me.'”

Watchman Nee (1903-1972) was a Chinese church leader and Christian teacher.  He authored a collection of Christian books, and he endured persecution for his beliefs.  Ultimately, he died while being imprisoned for the final twenty years of his life.

Filling Life’s Void

From Isaiah 55:3:  “Incline your ear, and come to Me; listen, so that you may live.  I will make with you an everlasting covenant, My steadfast, sure love for David.”

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Searching, still searching

Wanting something more

Living unfulfilled

Looking past life’s door

 

Listening to heart

Searching deep within

Thirsting for mercy

Crashing, life’s tailspin

 

Surrounding darkness

Running from its lies

Escaping away

Searching in His eyes

 

Inclining each ear

Hearing hope-filled voice

Kneeling at one cross

Searching, now rejoice

 

Satisfying peace

Feeling much stronger

Finding Jesus Christ

Searching no longer

 

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From the words of American pastor and Christian teacher, Charles Stanley:  “If your soul feels depleted, make unhurried time with Jesus a priority.”

Beth Moore Quote

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We want Christ to hurry and calm the storm.  He wants us to find Him in the midst of it first.

From Isaiah 41:10:  “Do not fear, for I am with you; do not be afraid, for I am your God; I will strengthen you; I will help you; I will uphold you with My victorious right hand.”

Beth Moore (born 1957) is an American Christian evangelist, author, and teacher.

Trinity’s Blessings (Elfchen Series #101)

Father

Listen

Fear not

Never be afraid

Be strong and courageous

Follow

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Son

Follow

With faithfulness

Voice leads us

Hear name now called

Faith

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Spirit

Faith

Strengthened daily

Breathing with hope

Never forsaking each believer

Promise

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Oswald Chambers Quote

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If you have heard Jesus Christ’s voice on the billows, let your convictions go to the winds, let your consistency go to the winds, but maintain your relationship to Him.

From John 21:7:  “That disciple whom Jesus loved said to Peter, ‘It is the Lord!’  When Simon Peter heard that it was the Lord, he put on his outer garment, for he had taken it off, and jumped into the sea.”

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.

Savior Lives

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Conquering darkness

Empty tomb declares

Risen Savior lives

Grace pours out, God cares

 

Mourning no longer

Calvary’s cross bends

Righteous Savior lives

Love pays dividends

 

Looking to heavens

Evil crawls away

Faithful Savior lives

God’s Word, final say

 

Walking in His light

God’s design sustains

Steadfast Savior lives

Never changing lanes

 

Singing hymns of praise

God’s glory beyond

Blessed Savior lives

Mercy’s lasting bond

 

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