Ralph Waldo Emerson Quote

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It is one of the most beautiful compensations of life that no man can sincerely try to help another without helping himself.

From Philippians 2:3-4:  “Do nothing from selfish ambition or empty conceit, but in humility regard others as better than yourselves.  Let each of you look not to your own interests but to the interests of others.”

Ralph Waldo Emerson (1803-1882) was an American essayist, poet, and philosopher.  He was a leading voice in America’s transcendentalist movement in the 19th century.

Until New Day Begins

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Sunset’s closing breath

Daytime’s curtain descends

Witness tranquility

Where peace shall never end

 

Sunset’s horizon

Evening darkness transcends

Witness each gentle breeze

Where beams of moonlight bend

 

Sunset forgotten

Night sky never pretends

Witness galaxy’s flight

Where creation intends

 

Sunset holds spirit

Until new day begins

Witness pre-dawn’s glimmer

Where morning will call in

 

Sunrise renews light

Daytime’s curtain ascends

Witness glorious grace

Where each breath welcomes friends

 

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Charles Stanley Quote

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We must be careful not to judge our situations by appearance, because what seems insignificant to us may be very important in God’s eyes.

From Proverbs 19:21:  “The human mind may devise many plans, but it is the purpose of the Lord that will be established.”

Charles Stanley (1932-2023) was an American pastor and Christian writer.  He was dedicated to leading a teaching ministry.

Leonard Ravenhill Quote

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Prayer does not condition God; prayer conditions us.  Prayer does not win God to our view; it reveals God’s view to us.

From Colossians 4:2-4:  “Devote yourselves to prayer, keeping alert in it with thanksgiving.  At the same time, pray for us as well, that God will open to us a door for the word, that we may declare the mystery of Christ, for which I am in prison, so that I may reveal it clearly, as I should.

Leonard Ravenhill (1907-1994) was a British Christian author.  Many of his chosen themes focused on prayer and revival.

Special Guest Post: Choose Jesus

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Take a look around your life.
Tell me what you see.
Do you have a future?
Are you living free?
Perhaps you haven’t seen the time
you had to make a choice.
Will you choose to follow them,
or listen to another voice?

Make a vow unto yourself.
Let the whole world see.
Make a choice for yourself.
Be the best that you can be.
Be sure you know what you’re doing.
Stand up and shout it out loud.
Know where your life is going.
Choose to know Jesus, be proud.

Take a look around your life.
Tell me what you see.
Can you see the future,
where you’re living free?
Perhaps you know that He loves you.
He gave His life for all.
Will you listen to the world,
or listen to our Savior’s call?

Make a vow to yourself.
Let the whole world see.
Make a choice for yourself.
Be the best that you can be.
Be sure you know what you’re doing.
Stand up and shout it out loud.
Know where your life is going.
Choose to know Jesus, be proud.

 

Today’s poem is selected from Colleen Peterson’s recently published book.  Her book is dedicated to themes of Family and Christian life.

My wife accumulated countless thoughts and writings over the years while her two daughters were in their childhood.  Eventually, these treasured bits and pieces formed the foundation of her book.

Here are some of Colleen’s thoughts about the book: 

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.

More information is available on Amazon, Barnes & Noble, and several other platforms.

Oswald Chambers Quote

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God instructs us in what we choose, that is, He guides our common sense, and we no longer hinder His Spirit by continually saying–“Now Lord, what is Thy will?”

From Psalm 25:14:  “The friendship of the Lord is for those who fear Him, and He makes his covenant known to them.”

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.

Oswald Chambers Quote

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The one thing that keeps us from the possibility of worrying is bringing God in as the greatest factor in our calculations.

From Psalm 37:5:  “Commit your way to the Lord; trust in him, and he will act.”

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.

John Eldredge Quote

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Security is not found in the absence of danger, but in the presence of Jesus.

From John 10:  28-30:  “I give them eternal life, and they will never perish.  No one will snatch them out of My hand.  My Father, in regard to what He has given Me, is greater than all, and no one can snatch them out of the Father’s hand.  The Father and I are one.”

John Eldredge (born 1960) is an American author, counselor, and lecturer on Christianity.  More details are available on his website:  wildatheart.org.

Charles Swindoll Quote

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God specializes in turning the mundane into the meaningful.  Whether you see Him or not, He is at work in your life as this very moment.

From Zepaniah 3:17:  “The Lord, your God, is in your midst, a warrior who gives victory; He will rejoice over you with gladness; He will renew you in His love; He will exult over you with loud singing as on a day of festival.”

Charles Swindoll (born 1934) is an American pastor and Christian author.

Monday Memories: Pleasing to God

From Proverbs 13:7:  “Some pretend to be rich, yet have nothing; others pretend to be poor, yet have great wealth.”

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Living a life, pleasing only to self

Ignoring God, leaving Him on a shelf

 

Competitive world, craving ambition

Pleasing to God, never this life’s mission

 

High expectations, demanding more time

Living the dream, seeking ladders to climb

 

Mankind commands, chasing full-time career

Pleasing to God, never happens this year

 

Targets set higher, with each passing week

Hustling to scale, another highest peak

 

Life fills with emptiness, something amiss

Pleasing to God, change focus . . . lasting bliss

 

God lights the way, spiritual journey

Coming to Him, forgo the attorney

 

Heart and mind, accept Father’s deepest love

Pleasing to God, eyes now find Him above

 

Daily meditation, filled with God’s Word

Rejoicing in His truth, no longer blurred

 

Priorities flip, following the Lord’s light

Pleasing to God, faithful voyage takes flight

 

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From Ephesians 5:8-10:  “For once you were darkness, but now in the Lord you are light. Live as children of light–for the fruit of the light is found in all that is good and right and true.  Try to find out what is pleasing to the Lord.”

Originally published November, 2020.