Hope is being able to see that there is light despite all of the darkness.
From Psalm 18:28: “It is You who light my lamp; the Lord, my God, lights up my darkness.”
Desmond Tutu (1931-2021) was a South African Anglican bishop and Christian theologian. He was perhaps best known for his efforts as a human rights activist in dismantling his nation’s system of apartheid.
If you are overcome by burdens in your life, it is time to trust the only One who can carry your heavy load.
From Matthew 11:28-30: “Come to Me, all you who are weary and are carrying heavy burdens, and I will give you rest. Take My yoke upon you, and learn from Me, for I am gentle and humble in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. For My yoke is easy, and My burden is light.”
From John 16:27: “For the Father Himself loves you because you have loved Me and have believed that I came from God.”
Walking with Jesus
Coming to know Him
Rising from ashes
Life no longer grim
Kneeling with Jesus
Joining now as one
Praying to Father
His work shall be done
Standing with Jesus
Hearing trusted Word
Subduing darkness
Faith’s walk undeterred
Sitting with Jesus
Receiving His peace
Forgiving each sin
Light shall never cease
Talking with Jesus
Accepting His love
Sharing Father’s grace
Glory shines above
From John 16:33: “I have said this to you so that in Me you may have peace. In the world you face persecution, but take courage: I have conquered the world!”
God is constantly working in our hearts and circumstances to achieve His will in our lives.
From Psalm 143:10: “Teach me to do Your will, for You are my God. Let Your good spirit lead me on a level path.”
The friend in my adversity I shall always cherish most. I can better trust those who helped to relieve the gloom of my dark hours.
Hold fast to the Bible. To the influence of this Book we are indebted.
Ulysses S. Grant (1822-1885) was the 18th President of the United States.
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.”
Walking through trials
Shepherd’s voice of peace
Trusting to follow
Grasping faith’s newfound lease
Seeking to believe
Wonders offer signs
Trusting to follow
Rising faith shall align
Affirming Lord’s Word
Each day follows night
Trusting to follow
Watching darkness take flight
Feeling love come forth
Savior’s light proclaims
Trusting to follow
Witnessing heaven’s flame
Overcoming death
Christ shall never rest
Trusting to follow
Tasting grace, faith digests
Filling hope with joy
Resurrection thrives
Trusting to follow
Knowing Shepherd’s alive
From John 11:14-16: “I am the good shepherd. I know My own, and My own know Me, just as the Father knows Me, and I know the Father. And I lay down My life for the sheep. I have other sheep that do not belong to this fold. I must bring them also, and they will listen to My voice. So there will be one flock, one shepherd.”
Selected verses from Psalm 122 bring inspiration for this poem. America, as a nation, needs healing and reconciliation. The two verses of Scripture take us on a journey from where we have been to where we wish to go.
From Jeremiah 6:14: “They have treated the wound of my people carelessly, saying, ‘Peace, peace,’ when there is no peace.”
Praying for peace in our city
Loving Jesus takes center stage
Welcoming peace into all hearts
Hearing love of God over rage
Listening to cries of anguish
Walking with Jesus protects all
Showing empathy for neighbors
Sharing His peace at every call
Stepping forward with trusting words
Treating these wounds with Jesus’ care
Saying “peace, peace” with conviction
Lifting hands high, love fills the air
Standing and feeding His lost flock
Replacing discord, Jesus comes
Proclaiming a new dawn today
Following Grace-filled, beating drum
From Isaiah 57:19: “Peace, peace, to the far and the near, says the Lord; and I will heal them.”
Originally published June, 2020.
Safety comes in our nearness to God, not in our distance from our enemies.
From Psalm 91:1-4: “You who live in the shelter of the Most High, who abide in the shadow of the Almighty, will say to the Lord, ‘My refuge and my fortress; my God, in whom I trust.’ For He will deliver you from the snare of the hunter and from the deadly pestilence; He will cover you with His pinions, and under His wings you will find refuge; His faithfulness is a shield and defense.”
Dillon Burroughs (born 1976) is a best-selling American writer with nearly 40 books published. His birthplace is Norwalk, Ohio.
From John 17:25-26: “Righteous Father, the world does not know You, but I know You, and these know that You have sent Me. I made Your name known to them, and I will make it known, so that the love with which You have loved Me may be in them and I in them.”
With every waking hour
Reading from faith’s Good Book
Guided by Jesus Christ
Spirit waits by quiet brook
Righteous steps lead to God
Praying for mercy’s light
Gathered by Jesus Christ
Faith growing, now taking flight
Journey of faith goes forth
Approaching grace-filled curve
Propelled by Jesus Christ
Goodness awaits those who serve
Endless lessons of faith
Teaching fills precious space
Mentored by Jesus Christ
Hope speaks, “Let’s finish this race”
Given tasks to complete
Hearing One lasting voice
Promised by Jesus Christ
Faith always trusting His choice
From 1 Corinthians 9:24: “Do you not know that in a race the runners all compete, but only one receives the prize? Run in such a way that you may win it.”
Jesus is saying that the great care of the life is to put the relationship to God first, and everything else second.
From Matthew 6:33: “But seek first the kingdom of God and His righteousness, and all these things will be given to you as well.
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.
Big Sky Buckeye 