Faith is to believe what you do not see; the reward of this faith is to see what you believe.
From 1 Peter 1:8-9: “Although you have not seen Him, you love Him, and even though you do not see Him now, you believe in Him and rejoice with an indescribable and glorious joy, for you are receiving the outcome of your faith, the salvation of your souls.”
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.
From Luke 2:1-7: “In those days a decree went out from Emperor Augustus that all the world should be registered. This was the first registration and was taken while Quirinius was governor of Syria. All went to their own towns to be registered. Joseph also went from the town of Nazareth in Galilee to Judea, to the city of David called Bethlehem, because he was descended from the house and family of David. He went to be registered with Mary, to whom he was engaged and who was expecting a child. While they were there, the time came for her to deliver her child. And she gave birth to her firstborn son and wrapped him in bands of cloth, and laid him in a manger, because there was no place for them in the inn.”
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Hallelujah!
Angels sing, from heavens above
Glory forever, to a newborn King
Praising Emmanuel, as they sing
Hallelujah!
Virgin Mary, mother to this Son
Jesus will be His blessed name
This world, never to be the same
Hallelujah!
Born in a bustling hamlet, Bethlehem
Chiseled in history, forever renowned
Baby in a manger, shepherds found
Hallelujah!
God with us, in flawless human form
Walking in our steps, we will trust
Witnessing a Cross, our Savior must
Hallelujah!
God lifts the veil of His great plan
His Son will bear our bloody sins
Forever, God’s flock will say “Amen”
Hallelujah!
All bow, take a bended knee
Praise our Savior in prayer
Darkness leaves, Jesus cares
Hallelujah!
God’s divine, sacrificial plan
Jesus comes in person, to save
He overpowers sin and the grave
Hallelujah!
Birth of this blessed, Holy child
Peace and joy, we will follow Him
His righteousness, a lasting hymn
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Originally published December, 2019.
Rather than trying hard to grope our way through the maze of man-made ideas and opinions, through Christ we find ourselves empowered by the tragedy and triumph of the cross.
From Romans 5:10: “For if while we were enemies we were reconciled to God through the death of His Son, much more surely, having been reconciled, will we be saved by His life.”
Watch out:
The word of the world; yes it has much to say . . .
. . . You have planning, and shopping, and shopping some more.
Then comes cooking, and wrapping and baking galore.
It’s a hustle and bustle that grows every day.
The snowball grows larger and rolls where it may.
You just can’t stop it, so watch out . . .
GET OUT OF THE WAY!
Watch out:
The word of the Lord, yes it has much to say . . .
. . . Rest your body and spirit, and then rest in me.
There’s a reason and meaning, a meaning to see.
It’s not parties or Santa behind that one day.
Go slowly and stop now, the star leads the way.
Some may have missed it, so watch out . . .
HE SLEPT ON THE HAY!
Such a small gift; so humble and so dear.
Could you possibly give it?
Could you be that bold?
Such a rich gift; so special and so near.
Could you possibly share it?
Could the truth be told?
Watch out:
The word of your life, yes it has much to say . . .
. . . Wrap the gift of the baby who brought us God’s grace.
Give His love to the world and to all you embrace.
Tell the world that this baby grew to be the way.
Go slowly and stop now, to hear Jesus say.
Don’t let them miss it, so watch out . . .
MY CROSS WAS THE WAY!
Watch out:
The word of the world; yes it has much to say . . .
. . . Still the word of your life can be of much more worth.
If you share with the world to celebrate His birth
Tell the world it’s not Santa, but Jesus who says.
Go slowly and stop now at my cross today.
Salvation is there, accept it . . .
I LOVE YOU ALWAYS!
Such a small gift; so humble and so dear.
Could you possibly give it?
Could you be that bold?
Such a rich gift; so special and so near.
Could you possibly share it?
Could the truth be told?
(All photos courtesy of Pinterest.)
This guest poem is written by the real Mrs. Buckeye. My wife, Colleen, is the author, and this poem will be included in her upcoming book, Bits ‘n’ Pieces of My Heart. The book is written for young families, and it will include devotions, poetry, short stories, and activities. She expects to publish it sometime in 2024.
God grants us an uncommon life to the degree we surrender our common one.
From Matthew 16:24-25: “Then Jesus told His disciples, ‘If any wish to come after me, let them deny themselves and take up their cross and follow me. For those who want to save their life will lose it, and those who lose their life for My sake will find it.'”
From Christian campus ministry founder, Bill Bright: “The joy of God is experienced as I love, trust, and obey God–no matter the circumstances.”
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Celebrating Jesus each and every day
Receiving our lasting, priceless gift of joy
Smiling faces, always with kind words spoken
Experiencing our Lord’s vigorous joy
Child of God, leaping with joy
Messiah’s birth, sends great joy
Rejoicing, today rises up as God’s day
Praising our faithful, Almighty Lord with joy
Sending out His strength and hope, God’s justice reigns
Experiencing our Lord’s vigorous joy
Fruit of the Spirit, brings joy
God’s love, proclaiming His joy
Fleeing life’s messy scene, sorrow and worry
Lasting an eternity, singing with joy
Restoring in us, His joy of Salvation
Experiencing our Lord’s vigorous joy
Life’s trials, nothing but joy
Holy Spirit, shouts with joy
Waking all of the city on Easter morn
Singing praises of “Alleluia” with joy
Restoring hope, defeating death on the Cross
Experiencing our Lord’s vigorous joy
Jesus, lasting source of joy
He’s Risen! Salvation’s joy
Photo by Bekka Mongeau on Pexels.com
From John 15:11: “I have said these things to you so that my joy may be in you, and that your joy may be complete.”
Originally published April, 2020.
From Ephesians 2:8 “For by grace you have been saved through faith, and this is not your own doing; it is the gift of God.”
Dotting I’s, crossing T’s
Life’s performance checklist
Nice life bestowed on thee
Knowing Father shall insist
Worshipping each Sunday
Dollars fill collection
Mirror says, “Good Christian”
Seeking Father’s affection
Feeling faith’s emptiness
Life’s perfection falls short
Redemption’s ticket waits
Striving for Father’s passport
Hearing at last, Word’s truth
New covenant shall rise
Hope’s mercy calls for faith
Fulfilling Father’s franchise
Receiving salvation
Despite life’s sinful walk
By grace, Savior redeems
Grasping Father’s faithful rock
Leaving life’s performance treadmill, the Gospel’s true road offers guidance through our Savior’s blessed grace–as we walk faithfully in His light into new life.
Standing outside door
Holy Son of Man
Knocking and waiting
Sharing Father’s grace plan
Conquering darkness
Timeless gift He brings
Coming to serve man
Soaring on eagle’s wings
Hearing now His voice
Sacred, divine love
Calling to repent
Witnessing from above
Opening thy door
Christ boldly walks in
Showing wounded hands
Forgiving every sin
This short poem is inspired from two different hymns: “Lord, Speak to Me, That I May Speak” and “I Love to Tell the Story.”
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Telling His true story
Jesus, His glory reigns
Unseen, heaven above
Breaking sinful chains
Hungering and thirsting
Weary, endless despair
Message of Salvation
Answering these prayers
Firm rock, speaking to thee
Living echoes of hope
Children, lost and alone
Faith walking life’s tightrope
Hidden depths, troubled sea
Precious wisdom fills thee
Hearing His glowing words
Loving hand calms the sea
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One of my favorite hymns is “Earth and All Stars” which we sang many times at my former church in Montana. Here is a link for the hymn:
Do you have a favorite hymn (an old favorite or a more current one)? Let’s have a discussion in the comments.
Originally published May, 2020.
Big Sky Buckeye 