Pride, fear, resentment, and habit are all tough evidences of the flesh. But those who are being shaped into the image of Christ do not go the way of the flesh.
From 1 Timothy 4:7-8: “Train yourself in godliness, for, while physical training is of some value, godliness is valuable in every way, holding promise for both the present life and the life to come.”
The confession of the thief on the cross was both a first and final one. But . . . Christ received it. Maybe you never heard your loved one confess Christ, but who’s to say Christ didn’t?
From 2 Peter 3:9: “The Lord is not slow about His promise, as some think of slowness, but is patient with you, not wanting any to perish but all to come to repentance.”
Someday we will stand before God. We will need a living Redeemer, whose nail-pierced hands hold our salvation.
From Galatians 3:13-14: “Christ redeemed us from the curse of the law by becoming a curse for us—for it is written, ‘Cursed is everyone who hangs on a tree’—in order that in Christ Jesus the blessing of Abraham might come to the gentiles, so that we might receive the promise of the Spirit through faith.”
Charles Swindoll (born 1934) is an American pastor and Christian author. With a long career in pastoral ministry and authorship of over 70 books, he has become one of America’s most valued Christian teachers.
Calling
From God
Following His righteousness
Running away from temptation
Living
Living
Through Christ
Calvary’s cross waits
Blessed salvation rises ahead
Fortifying
Fortifying
Against enemy
Darkness stirs doubt
Stand now, follow Jesus
Light
From Psalm 34:6: “This poor soul cried and was heard by the Lord and was saved from every trouble.”
Desiring smoother path
Journey faces pitfalls
Stressful days wait ahead
Darkness erecting walls
Showing what’s possible
Spirit lights Father’s way
Humbly see and follow
Walls crumble, new causeway
Turning toward Father
Life surrendered to Him
Troubled times diminished
Days no longer as grim
Tasting acts of goodness
Challenges overcome
Father’s peace now descends
Doubts reduced to breadcrumbs
Walking in Father’s love
Mercy remains steadfast
Every promise trusted
Faith transformed, hope recast
From Psalm 34:19: “Many are the afflictions of the righteous, but the Lord rescues them from them all.”
Our Lord has written the promise of the resurrection, not in books alone, but in every leaf in springtime.
From John 11:25-26: “Jesus said to her, “I am the resurrection and the life. Those who believe in Me, even though they die, will live, and everyone who lives and believes in Me will never die. Do you believe this?”
From Psalm 23:1-3: “The Lord is my shepherd; I shall not want. He makes me lie down in green pastures; He leads me beside still waters; He restores my soul. He leads me in right paths for His name’s sake.”
Through life’s foggy mist
God’s mercy filled
With eternal peace
Feeling trust build
Darkness to light
God’s spirit flowing
Faith’s quiet brook
Leading and knowing
Greenest meadow calls
God’s deepest love
Creation’s wings stir
Flying above
No greater warmth
God’s grace melts away
Life’s icy outlook
Kneeling now, let’s pray
One heart transformed
God shall never rest
New day’s promise
Seeking another quest
From 1 Chronicles 29:12-13: “Riches and honor come from You, and You rule over all. In Your hand are power and might, and it is in Your hand to make great and to give strength to all. And now, our God, we give thanks to You and praise Your glorious name.”
Gallant ship at risk
Battered by stormy seas
Crew now in peril
Bringing all to their knees
Wayward direction
No other help about
Lost in dark tempest
Navigating with doubt
Evil’s doom waiting
Chaos stirring despair
Waves follow waves
Growling like hungry bears
Hope draining away
Gloomy clouds hiding day
Erratic compass
Searching for tranquil bay
Turmoil faced alone
Unwelcome darkness roams
Light ahead invites
Sailing toward safety’s home
Beacon now fading
Promise dwindles away
Tomorrow postponed
Surrendering its way
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.”
Spiritual sunrise
Grief stricken for three days
Tomb open and empty
God fulfills Word, ablaze
All of creation sings
Rejoice in faith’s Good News
Risen Christ conquers death
God rejects evil’s ruse
Morning’s promise brings truth
Resurrection affirms
Prophetic Scripture scenes
God shares love, grace confirms
From darkness, world bends knees
Redemption offers peace
Savior pays debts in full
God ensures life’s new lease
From Psalm 105:4-5: “Seek the Lord and His strength; seek His presence continually. Remember the wonderful works He has done, His miracles, and the judgments He has uttered.”
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.”
Lost in hidden wilderness
Walking gloomy path, alone
Life’s never-ending circle
Frozen in time’s endless zone
Abandoned without refuge
Searching hellish, barren land
Emptiness speaks with silence
Tireless quest, sinking in sand
Days feel as chilling as nights
Shivering, icy outlook
Hopelessness without promise
Shadow circles, pause to look
Eagle flying overhead
Calling out to thee, follow
Sunrise filling empty heart
Journey no longer hollow
Calvary’s cross stands over
Kneeling upon sacred ground
Tears’ cascading emotions
Life no longer lost, grace found
From John 20:18: “Mary Magdalene went and announced to the disciples, ‘I have seen the Lord’; and she told them that He had said these things to her.”
