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Thanksgiving
Give thanks to the Lord, for He is good. His love endures forever. Psalm 136:1 The Heart Acknowledges Numerous Kindnesses Sent by God In Various ways Invoking Never-ending Gratefulness Our country is celebrating Thanksgiving this week. It’s a time to reflect on the many blessings in our lives. Last year my pastor challenged his congregation to write down 3 different things every day that we are thankful for during the month of November. It was part of a list of things we can do when we are disappointed. When we focus on our blessings rather than our misfortunes, it changes our attitude. At first it was easy to think of…
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Committed to Christ
If anyone would come after me, let him deny himself and take up his cross and follow Me. For whoever would save his life will lose it, but whoever loses his life for My sake will find it. Matthew 16:24-25 What is driving me? What's the purpose of my actions? To serve God? Others? Me? Where lie my passions? I don't want to be a lukewarm Christian. Giving God what is left Instead of offering Him my best Would only leave me bereft. So I will examine my heart daily: What needs to be laid down? What is my cross to bear So that I serve God alone? I'll commit…
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In My Prayer Closet
My soul, wait in silence for God only, For my hope is from Him. Psalm 62:5 Solitude Get alone with God Just as Jesus did. Pencil in some time with Him On your daily grid. Silence Turn off all the noises As you come to Him to meet; So you can be tuned in to Him, Hearing God’s heartbeat. Serenity When you’re quiet before the Lord, A sense of peace will descend. You’ll hear the still small voice of God Calling from deep within. In the last post I wrote, Being a Mary, I talked about finding the Mary inside you. Once you’ve “found” her, you’ll need to carve out…
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Being a Mary
She had a sister called Mary, who sat at the Lord’s feet listening to what He said. Luke 10:39 Busy! Busy! Busy! That seems to be the thing to say when asked how you’re doing. Busyness is almost worn like a badge. It’s as if the busier we are, the more successful we look. I heard a quote the other day: “Busy is the new happy.” I beg to differ. I like doing things and being productive, but I don’t want to be busy. That would make me stressed, not happy. Which is what Martha was feeling. (But Martha was distracted with much serving. And she went up to Him…
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Blessed Be Those That Mourn
Blessed are those who mourn, for they will be comforted. Matthew 5:4 “Blessed be those that mourn,” Preached Jesus on the mount, “For they shall be comforted,” Like an overflowing fount. He weeps with those who weep, And mourns with those who mourn; His promises bring comfort When we feel forlorn. Lean on a brother or sister, To sympathize with you. They will share your sorrow, And help you pull through. As you call to Jesus in your sorrow, Express to Him your grief; He will give you peace unending And bring your heart relief. Death is a natural part of life on earth. We’ve all been affected by it.…
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Ode to Big Bend National Park
How many are your works, Lord! In wisdom you made them all; the earth is full of your creatures. Psalm 104:24 As we entered Big Bend National Park, We were ready to explore the outdoors. City noises replaced by warbling birds and City sights replaced by a hawk as it soared. The rock formations were gigantic, It's Texas after all! From mesas, buttes, volcanoes, and ranges, To cliffs that formed a wall. The Rio Grande shaped the canyons; We saw its waters flowing. It carved the Santa Elena Canyon 1500 feet deep and growing! The plant life is just as beautiful As the park's topography: From the unfamiliar potols and…
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The Gift of Repentance
Isaiah 32:17 The fruit of that righteousness will be peace; its effect will be quietness and confidence forever. Psalm 66:18, 19 If I had cherished sin in my heart, the Lord would not have listened; but God has surely listened and has heard my prayer. Righteousness begets peace When we have no sin in our hearts; God honors our repentance With peace which He imparts. A by-product of righteousness Is a quieted soul, Because our focus is on God, We've given Him control. We're also filled with confidence, There is no need to fuss; No matter what the situation, It's in God we trust. So rid yourself of every malice,…
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Ambassador For Christ
We are therefore Christ’s ambassadors, as though God were making His appeal through us. We urge you on Christ’s behalf: Be reconciled to God. 2 Corinthians 5:20 I am calling you to be An ambassador for Me. You must in My Word immerse, So you can cite a particular verse. I will give you a discerning heart, If you will but do your part: Pray and meditate each day On My Word and what I say. Do not confuse My will with yours, A discerning mind is par for the course. You must pray, “Thy will be done.” All other thoughts? From them you run! Allow yourself for Me to…
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The Greatest Good
Great is the Lord and most worthy of praise; His greatness no one can fathom. Psalm 145:3 God is the greatest good In all the universe; He is incomparable, And yet He is diverse. There is no other like Him, All things come from Him alone; He watches over everything From His glorious throne. He is diverse in how He shows His unending love for us; From pursuing us with a fierce love To a gentle, comforting touch. In turn we honor God By loving one another; Treating everybody as A sister and a brother. Make God priority one In a daily sense; Devoted to Him above all else As…
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Making the Moments Count
Concentrate on doing your best for God, work you won’t be ashamed of, laying out the truth plain and simple. 2 Timothy 2:15 God breathed life into us On the day of our first birth; Our lives are but a fleeting moment On this planet we call Earth. We can spend each moment Doing whatever we want; God's given us a free will While on our earthly jaunt. But He wants much more for us, And calls us to be born again. When our lives revolve around Him, not us, Heaven is our gain. Make each moment count for God, Allow Him to guide your day; Keep your spirit tuned…