The heavens declare the glory of God,and the sky above proclaims his handiwork. 

Day to day pours out speech,and night to night reveals knowledge. 

There is no speech, nor are there words,whose voice is not heard. 

Their voice goes out through all the earth,and their words to the end of the world.

In them he has set a tent for the sun,     which comes out like a bridegroom leaving his chamber,and, like a strong man, runs its course with joy. 

Its rising is from the end of the heavens,and its circuit to the end of them,and there is nothing hidden from its heat.

Ps.19.1-6

 One of my daughters took this morning’s sunrise…

The intricacies of the inside of a larkspur flower, the sunflowers tracking the sun, the other sitting in an sunbeam…a minute piece of God’s handiwork .

Thank YOU…

He’s everything to me…

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dMVmJjbjh0w

Romans…

 Original blog had short video from movie, Gods not dead…

Romans….

A friend shared this video from a movie …in a way it goes along with these words penned in Romans…the pastor taking the stand and making a stand for right…

When I watched this movie the first time, I thought about our trips to the capital…the Scriptures written in stone, a solid foundation for our country…

Monuments everywhere with Bible verses chiseled deeply into them…like the Word should be engrained into  our minds , hearts and souls…but as time has passed, some have forgotten and turned away from that foundation, not only as a country, but as human beings…

The author of this small New Testament book does not mince words…he says in the beginning that he has wanted to come in person to deliver his message and minister to these people, but was prevented…I wonder if he had been able to make it, the book may not have been written by him…God wanted these words in His scripture…so here they are…

 For I am not ashamed of the gospel, for it is the power of God for salvation to everyone who believes, to the Jew first and also to the Greek. For in it the righteousness of God is revealed from faith for faith, as it is written, “The righteous shall live by faith.”

Rom.1.16-17

 For the wrath of God is revealed from heaven against all ungodliness and unrighteousness of men, who by their unrighteousness suppress the truth. For what can be known about God is plain to them, because God has shown it to them. For his invisible attributes, namely, his eternal power and divine nature, have been clearly perceived, ever since the creation of the world, in the things that have been made. So they are without excuse. For although they knew God, they did not honor him as God or give thanks to him, but they became futile in their thinking, and their foolish hearts were darkened. Claiming to be wise, they became fools, and exchanged the glory of the immortal God for images resembling mortal man and birds and animals and creeping things. 

And since they did not see fit to acknowledge God, God gave them up to a debased mind to do what ought not to be done. They were filled with all manner of unrighteousness, evil, covetousness, malice. They are full of envy, murder, strife, deceit, maliciousness. They are gossips, slanderers, haters of God, insolent, haughty, boastful, inventors of evil, disobedient to parents, foolish, faithless, heartless, ruthless. Though they know God's righteous decree that those who practice such things deserve to die, they not only do them but give approval to those who practice them.

RomRom.1.18-23, Rom.1.28-32

 the righteousness of God through faith in Jesus Christ for all who believe. For there is no distinction: for all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God, and are justified by his grace as a gift, through the redemption that is in Christ Jesus,

Rom.3.22-24

 For the wages of sin is death, but the free gift of God is eternal life in Christ Jesus our Lord.

Rom.6.23

Thank YOU….

Blessed assurance…

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wPZMlvgN1Hw

Marbled memories…..

 “Marbled memories “….

I inherited my dad’s glass marbles which I mixed with the marbles I had acquired as a child…they sit in a glass canning jar that is older than I am…sparkling reminders of past days…

This week, I was reminded over and over of answered prayers…and I had the privilege to remind others of their answered prayers as well..what a joy to remember and see God’s answers…

The Title of this is from an article in Multnomah University’s president’s report of 2008…written by the late Daniel Lockwood, a friend and former president of Multnomah University…I saved this particular report because of this article…a visual used in everyday life of God’s provision and care…

“He wants us to remember His great accomplishments in the past so we will trust Him for the challenges that lie ahead.” Daniel Lockwood…

We get prayer requests frequently and we have our own …but there are times to look back and see how God worked in those…reading through Acts and the epistles, there are numerous times when Paul or others, or Jesus in the Gospels speak of answered prayers…when they are praying…or others are praying for them …sometimes we see the answers in the Word and other times we don’t…but we know that God has worked, is working  and will work, taking care of those requests, desperate pleas, whispered words, silent cares, public announcements…

Sometimes it takes a jar of marbles to remind us that God cares for our every need…spoken and unspoken….

 Give attention to the sound of my cry,my King and my God,for to you do I pray. 

The Lord has heard my plea;the Lord accepts my prayer.

Ps.5.2,Ps.6.9

 And they went to a place called Gethsemane. And he said to his disciples, “Sit here while I pray.”

Mark.14.32

John 17

 So Peter was kept in prison, but earnest prayer for him was made to God by the church.

Acts.12.5

 Rejoice in hope, be patient in tribulation, be constant in prayer.

Rom.12.12

 And so, from the day we heard, we have not ceased to pray for you, asking that you may be filled with the knowledge of his will in all spiritual wisdom and understanding, 

At the same time, pray also for us, that God may open to us a door for the word, to declare the mystery of Christ, on account of which I am in prison…..

Col.1.9,Col.4.3

Thank YOU…

The Lord’s Prayer…two renditions…

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=BKaUf7QiU5Y&t=21s 

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=v4Kp6S5smnE

 

Everything….?….

 Everything…..?….

I was reading our women’s Bible study book this am. The chapter was on kindness and goodness.  Near the end, the author shared the 10th verse of 1 Peter 4. I had to read on to capture the rest of the thought…it included the word, “everything “…

That word is so descriptive…in the ESV translation, it appears 135 times, so I had to find a few of those verses…everything means everything, not partial, or a few, or something incomplete…but the the whole…

 As each has received a gift, use it to serve one another, as good stewards of God's varied grace: whoever speaks, as one who speaks oracles of God; whoever serves, as one who serves by the strength that God supplies—in order that in everything God may be glorified through Jesus Christ. To him belong glory and dominion forever and ever. Amen.

1Pet.4.10-11

 And above all these put on love, which binds everything together in perfect harmony.

 And whatever you do, in word or deed, do everything in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God the Father through him.

Col.3.14, 17

A few “everythings”….such ramifications…the completeness…nothing lacking…

 And God made the beasts of the earth according to their kinds and the livestock according to their kinds, and everything that creeps on the ground according to its kind. 

And God saw that it was good. 

And to every beast of the earth and to every bird of the heavens and to everything that creeps on the earth, everything that has the breath of life, I have given every green plant for food.” And it was so. 

And God saw everything that he had made, and behold, it was very good. And there was evening and there was morning, the sixth day.

Gen.1.25,30, 31

 The hail struck down everything that was in the field in all the land of Egypt, both man and beast. And the hail struck down every plant of the field and broke every tree of the field. Only in the land of Goshen, where the people of Israel were, was there no hail.

Exod.9.25-26

  “Everything that I command you, you shall be careful to do. You shall not add to it or take from it.

Deut.12.32

 “God understands the way to it,and he knows its place. 

For he looks to the ends of the earth and sees everything under the heavens. 

When he gave to the wind its weight and apportioned the waters by measure, when he made a decree for the rain and a way for the lightning of the thunder, then he saw it and declared it;

he established it, and searched it out.

 And he said to man,‘Behold, the fear of the Lord, that is wisdom,

and to turn away from evil is understanding.’”

Job.28.23-28

 Let everything that has breath praise the Lord!Praise the Lord!

Ps.150:6

 He has made everything beautiful in its time. Also, he has put eternity into man's heart, yet so that he cannot find out what God has done from the beginning to the end.

Eccl.3.11

 I will bring upon that land all the words that I have uttered against it, everything written in this book, which Jeremiah prophesied against all the nations.

Jer.25.13

 Then Peter said in reply, “See, we have left everything and followed you. What then will we have?”

Matt.19.27

 Then he said to them, “These are my words that I spoke to you while I was still with you, that everything written about me in the Law of Moses and the Prophets and the Psalms must be fulfilled.” Then he opened their minds to understand the Scriptures,

Luke.24.44-45

 Now they know that everything that you have given me is from you.

 For I have given them the words that you gave me, and they have received them and have come to know in truth that I came from you; and they have believed that you sent me.

John.17.7-8

 The God who made the world and everything in it, being Lord of heaven and earth, does not live in temples made by man, nor is he served by human hands, as though he needed anything, since he himself gives to all mankind life and breath and everything.

Acts.17.24-25

 Indeed, I count everything as loss because of the surpassing worth of knowing Christ Jesus my Lord. 

For his sake I have suffered the loss of all things and count them as rubbish, in order that I may gain Christ and be found in him, not having a righteousness of my own that comes from the law, but that which comes through faith in Christ, the righteousness from God that depends on faith— that I may know him and the power of his resurrection, and may share his sufferings, becoming like him in his death, 

do not be anxious about anything, but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known to God. And the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.

Phil.3.8-10Phil.4.6-7

 Now may the God of peace who brought again from the dead our Lord Jesus, the great shepherd of the sheep, by the blood of the eternal covenant, equip you with everything good that you may do his will, working in us that which is pleasing in his sight, through Jesus Christ, to whom be glory forever and ever. Amen.

Heb.13.20-21

Thank YOU….

God of my everything….

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Inhz4Z1cyhU

 

Grace of giving…l

 

Grace of giving…

But since you excel in everything—in faith, in speech, in knowledge, in complete earnestness and in the love we have kindled in you—see that you also excel in this grace of giving.2 Cor. 8:7

Paul talks about  giving several times …but, I loved this statement “grace of giving”…another description is “gracious inclination to give”…

These people gave out of their poverty, graciously, to others who were even in more need…

One illustration, was a man who experimented with giving attitudes…..dressing poorly, going to am affluent section of town, he stood waiting for donations with no success…upon going to the poorer section, he found much more generous people…those who realized what a donation might mean, gave liberally…

Grace meaning. Merriam Webster Online…

1

a

: unmerited divine assistance given to humans for their regeneration or sanctification

b

: a virtue coming from God

c

: a state of sanctification enjoyed through divine assistance

2

a

: APPROVAL, FAVOR

stayed in his good graces

b

archaic : MERCY, PARDON

“Gracious inclination to give”…

“Giving is a matter of grace from beginning to end. Christ gave himself for us. We receive his grace, and then we give ourselves to him and to others in his name. This response to grace includes giving what we have. That is how the Macedonians gave out of their poverty with great liberality. And that is how we give out of our affluence. It is the same.” https://faculty.wts.edu/posts/the-grace-of-giving/

 But since you excel in everything—in faith, in speech, in knowledge, in complete earnestness and in the love we have kindled in you—see that you also excel in this grace of giving.

 I am not commanding you, but I want to test the sincerity of your love by comparing it with the earnestness of others. 

For you know the grace of our Lord Jesus Christ, that though he was rich, yet for your sake he became poor, so that you through his poverty might become rich. 

At the present time your plenty will supply what they need, so that in turn their plenty will supply what you need.

 The goal is equality, 

The Cheerful Giver 

The  point is this: whoever sows sparingly will also reap sparingly, and whoever sows bountifully will also reap bountifully. Each one must give as he has decided in his heart, not reluctantly or under compulsion, for God loves a cheerful giver. 

And God is able to make all grace abound to you, so that having all sufficiency in all things at all times, you may abound in every good work. “He has distributed freely, he has given to the poor;his righteousness endures forever.” 

He who supplies seed to the sower and bread for food will supply and multiply your seed for sowing and increase the harvest of your righteousness. 

You will be enriched in every way to be generous in every way, which through us will produce thanksgiving to God.

 For the ministry of this service is not only supplying the needs of the saints but is also overflowing in many thanksgivings to God.

2Cor.8.7-9, 2Cor.8.14,2Cor.6-12

We who have much to be thankful for, can extend that grace of giving…

Thank YOU….

How can I say thanks….

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jYRXN2WeAKc

Thank you for giving to the Lord…

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=UFrdJ2V3r7Y

https://www.patheos.com/blogs/jimerwin/2017/09/28/benefits-grace-giving/

A night at the movies…l

 Not my usual kind of blog…

A night at the movies…

“A nights at the movies “ usually means, for me, a fun, uplighting evening of entertainment, leaving the movie house feeling good, cheerful and exhilarated…”La, la land music” type of feelings…

Not so this week…

This week was “Sound of Freedom”…not the usual entertaining , uplifting genre …I didn’t go home blissfully entertained, feeling good about the world…

This week was a message, a brutal message…of loss…of  children used, abused and thrown away…

“Human trafficking is a global business generating $150 billion in illegal profits. It encompasses forced labor, sex trafficking, organ trafficking and more.” https://www.heritage.org/immigration/commentary/fighting-human-trafficking-and-battling-bidens-open-border

Scenes from  scripture came to mind..

 You shall not give any of your children to offer them [by fire as a sacrifice] to Molech [the god of the Ammonites], nor shall you profane the name of your God [by honoring idols as gods]. I am the Lord. 

 “Moreover, you shall say to the children of Israel,‘Any Israelite or any stranger residing in Israel who gives any of his children to Molech (the god of the Ammonites) [as a human sacrifice] shall most certainly be put to death; the people of the land shall stone him with stones.  I will also set My face against that man [opposing him, withdrawing My protection from him] and will cut him off from his people [excluding him from the atonement made for them], because he has given some of his children to Molech, so as to defile My sanctuary and profane My holy name.  If the people of the land should ever tolerate that man when he gives any of his children [as a burnt offering] to Molech, and fail to put him to death [as My law requires],  then I shall set My face against that man and against his [extended] family, and I will cut off from their people both him and all who follow him in playing the prostitute (commit apostasy) with Molech.

Lev.18.21,Lev.20.2-5

 Now the men of Sodom were wicked, great sinners against the Lord.

Gen.13.13

 But before they lay down, the men of the city, the men of Sodom, both young and old, all the people to the last man, surrounded the house. And they called to Lot, “Where are the men who came to you tonight? Bring them out to us, that we may know them.” Lot went out to the men at the entrance, shut the door after him, and said, “I beg you, my brothers, do not act so wickedly. Behold, I have two daughters who have not known any man. Let me bring them out to you, and do to them as you please. Only do nothing to these men, for they have come under the shelter of my roof.”

Gen.19.4-8

 “Whoever receives one such child in my name receives me, but whoever causes one of these little ones who believe in me to sin, it would be better for him to have a great millstone fastened around his neck and to be drowned in the depth of the sea.

Matt.18.5-6

 As we were going to the place of prayer, we were met by a slave girl who had a spirit of divination and brought her owners much gain by fortune-telling. She followed Paul and us, crying out, “These men are servants of the Most High God, who proclaim to you the way of salvation.” And this she kept doing for many days. Paul, having become greatly annoyed, turned and said to the spirit, “I command you in the name of Jesus Christ to come out of her.” 

And it came out that very hour. But when her owners saw that their hope of gain was gone, they seized Paul and Silas and dragged them into the marketplace before the rulers.

Acts.16.16-19

I thought this interesting…instead of dwelling on the problems this movie presents, some people are skimming over reason behind it to tear it down…whitewashing the darkness…

https://news.yahoo.com/sound-freedom-brings-culture-wars-180504104.html

https://www.newsweek.com/sound-freedom-movie-creator-tim-ballard-responds-qanon-allegations-sick-1812204

There is help…there is hope…

 if my people who are called by my name humble themselves, and pray and seek my face and turn from their wicked ways, then I will hear from heaven and will forgive their sin and heal their land.

2Chr.7.14

Psalm 11

Joel

I don’t have nice pictures to include in this blog…but lists of places to look up…to find info…search out…

Let the children come…

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JU5GLYlRCPE

 

Look to Jesus…

 

Look to Jesus…

The song “turn your eyes upon Jesus “ has long been a favorite…it comes to mind when days are long, weary and tiredness overtakes…bringing focus back to the One who gives rest…the gentle Savior who carries us along…who desires that we cast our burdens  on Him rather than carrying them ourselves…

Thank YOU….

 Therefore, since we are surrounded by such a great cloud of witnesses, let us throw off everything that hinders and the sin that so easily entangles. 

And let us run with perseverance the race marked out for us, fixing our eyes on Jesus, the pioneer and perfecter of faith. 

For the joy set before him he endured the cross, scorning its shame, and sat down at the right hand of the throne of God. 

Consider him who endured such opposition from sinners, so that you will not grow weary and lose heart.

Heb.12.1-3 NIV

 [looking away from all that will distract us and] focusing our eyes on Jesus, who is the Author and Perfecter of faith [the first incentive for our belief and the One who brings our faith to maturity], who for the joy [of accomplishing the goal] set before Him endured the cross, disregarding the shame, and sat down at the right hand of the throne of God [revealing His deity, His authority, and the completion of His work]. Just consider and meditate on Him who endured from sinners such bitter hostility against Himself [consider it all in comparison with your trials], so that you will not grow weary and lose heart.

Heb.12.2-3 AMP

 So from now on we regard no one from a worldly point of view. 

Though we once regarded Christ in this way, we do so no longer. Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, the new creation has come: 

The old has gone, the new is here! All this is from God, who reconciled us to himself through Christ and gave us the ministry of reconciliation: that God was reconciling the world to himself in Christ, not counting people’s sins against them.

 And he has committed to us the message of reconciliation. 

We are therefore Christ’s ambassadors, as though God were making his appeal through us. We implore you on Christ’s behalf: 

Be reconciled to God. 

God made him who had no sin to be sin for us, so that in him we might become the righteousness of God.

2Cor.16-21

History of “turn your eyes upon Jesus”…

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VjilbkUrt84

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xgvRSZU1V7

Lyrics…hymnary.org.