As all rivers are gathered into the ocean, which is congregation or meeting-place of all waters in the world: so Christ is that ocean in which all true delights and pleasures meet.
From John 1:14: “And the Word became flesh and lived among us, and we have seen His glory, the glory as of a father’s only son, full of grace and truth.”
John Flavel (c. 1627-1691) was an English Puritan pastor and Christian author.
From Psalm 4:3: “But know that the Lord has set apart the faithful for Himself; the Lord hears when I call to Him.”
God’s invitation to pray
Strengthening faith’s shallow roots
Blessing hope’s journey each day
Harvesting heavenly fruit
God’s mercy never relents
Building faith’s firm foundation
Sending Christ as light unbent
Kindling peace in each nation
God’s energized light exhales
Writing faith’s eternal hymn
Witnessing Calvary’s nails
Deepening closeness to Him
God’s approaching grace descends
Filling faith’s heart to now trust
Raising His Son’s love to mend
Redeeming through actions just
God’s unselfish approach heals
Trusting righteousness to lead
Living waters now reveal
Transforming faith’s hardy seeds
From Acts 3:16: “And by faith in His name, His name itself has made this man strong, whom you see and know, and the faith that is through Jesus has given Him this perfect health in the presence of all of you.”
God used (and uses!) people to change the world. And what they may lack in perfection, God makes up for in love.
From Psalm 146:5: “Happy are those whose help is the God of Jacob, whose hope is in the Lord their God“
Max Lucado (born 1955) is an American pastor and Christian author.
Make your life count by being a beacon of Christ and the gospel for everyone around you.
From Matthew 5:14-16: “You are the light of the world. A city built on a hill cannot be hid. People do not light a lamp and put it under the bushel basket; rather, they put it on the lampstand, and it gives light to all in the house. In the same way, let your light shine before others, so that they may see your good works and give glory to your Father in heaven.”
Charles Swindoll (born 1934) is an American pastor and Christian author.
From Galatians 5:22-25: “By contrast, the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, generosity, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control. There is no law against such things. And those who belong to Christ Jesus have crucified the flesh with its passions and desires. If we live by the Spirit, let us also be guided by the Spirit.”
Seeing mankind standing along the road
Bearing heavy burdens, life’s overload
Stopping to say, travel the other way
Sharing some kindness, from our Lord today
Shining Jesus’ light, for all to follow
Hearing His Word, rich wisdom to swallow
Overlooking life’s narrow-minded walk
Sharing some kindness, truth becomes our rock
Lending helping hands, sisters and brothers
Showering daily grace, like none other
Forsaking life’s blindness, opening eyes
Sharing some kindness, never in disguise
Helping others who travel beside us
Inviting them, catching rides on God’s bus
Loving with patience, goodwill overflows
Sharing some kindness, warming hearts aglow
Recalling Christ’s call, handing out His love
Sharing His mercy, planted from above
Paying it forward, kindness shared each day
Harvesting endless treasures from God’s way
This poem is inspired by singer Glen Campbell’s classic tune, “Try a Little Kindness.” Here is one of his renditions of this remarkable song. Pay it forward, show the world some kindness.
Originally published December, 2020.
There is but one kind of love; God is love, and all His creatures derive theirs from His.
From 1 John 4:19: “We love because He first loved us.”
John James Audubon (1785-1851) was a French-American self-trained artist, naturalist, and ornithologist.
It is our best work that God wants, not the dregs of our exhaustion. I think He must prefer quality to quantity.
From Proverbs 6:6-9: “Go to the ant, you lazybones; consider its ways and be wise. Without having any chief or officer or ruler, it prepares its food in summer and gathers its sustenance in harvest. How long will you lie there, O lazybones? When will you rise from your sleep?”
George MacDonald (1824-1905) was a Scottish pastor and writer.
From Matthew 14:22-24: “Immediately He made the disciples get into the boat and go on ahead to the other side, while He dismissed the crowds. And after He had dismissed the crowds, He went up the mountain by Himself to pray. When evening came, He was there alone, but by this time the boat, battered by the waves, was far from the land, for the wind was against them.”
Life’s storms intensify
Overcoming with fear
Facing each hostile sea
Darkness, nothing seems clear
Spiritual squalls come
Turning world upside down
Battered by strongest gales
Fearing each wave’s knockdown
Christ’s love intercedes
Praying hands, clay’s potter
Mountains to heavens
Walking on calm water
Jesus never leaves us
Storms quietly subside
His blessed protection
Lasting, sovereign guide
Fear not, faith’s spark ablaze
Christ’s true light boldly seeds
Following Son of God
Hope ripens from His deeds
From Matthew 14:25-27: “And early in the morning He came walking toward them on the sea. But when the disciples saw Him walking on the sea, they were terrified, saying, ‘It is a ghost!’ And they cried out in fear. But immediately Jesus spoke to them and said, ‘Take heart, it is I; do not be afraid.'”
Originally published December, 2020.
Whatever God did and was able to do and willing to do at any time, God is able and willing to do again, within the framework of His will.
From Psalm 29:3-4: “The voice of the Lord is over the waters; the God of glory thunders, the Lord, over mighty waters. The voice of the Lord is powerful; the voice of the Lord is full of majesty.”
Aiden Wilson (A. W.) Tozer (1897-1963) was an American pastor and Christian author. He served as spiritual mentor for many Christians.
Living for Christ is the most exciting adventure in the world.
From Titus 3:4-5: “But when the goodness and loving kindness of God our Savior appeared, He saved us, not because of any works of righteousness that we had done, but according to His mercy, through the water of rebirth and renewal by the Holy Spirit.”
Charles Swindoll (born 1934) is an American pastor and Christian author.
Big Sky Buckeye 