Hark! The Herald Angels Sing

Here's the song lyricks to this wonderful Christmas carol.

When was the last time you just read the song lyricks?? Message in Song.

Hark! the herald angels sing
"Glory to the newborn King
Peace on earth and mercy mild,
God and sinners reconciled!"
Joyful, all ye nations rise;
Join the triumph of the skies;
With angelic host proclaim
"Christ is born in Bethlehem!"
Hark! the herald angels sing
"Glory to the newborn King!"

Christ, by highest heaven adored;
Christ the everlasting Lord;
Late in time behold Him come,
Offspring of the favored one.
Veiled in flesh, the Godhead see;
Hail the incarnate Deity
Pleased as man with men to dwell,
Jesus, our Emmanuel
Hark! the herald angels sing,
"Glory to the newborn King"

Hail! the heaven-born Prince of Peace!
Hail! the Son of Righteousness!
Light and life to all He brings,
Risen with healing in His wings.
Mild He lays His glory by,
Born that man no more may die;
Born to raise the sons of earth,
Born to give them second birth
Hark! the herald angels sing,
"Glory to the newborn King"

Psalm 118:24

"This is the day of the Lord's victory; let us be happy, let us celebrate."

Version TEV

God's Christmas Gift to You

"God's Christmas gift to you has three qualities that make it unique. First, it is the most expensive gift you'll ever receive. It's priceless. Jesus paid for it with his life. Second, it's the only gift you'll ever receive that will last forever. Finally, it is an extremely practical gift - one you'll use every day for the rest of your life."

Rick Warren's "The Purpose of Christmas"

Jesus Birthday on the Calendar

In Rick Warren's "The Purpose of Christmas" book, he points out that everytime you check your calendar or use the date you are using Jesus Christ as a reference point.

History is divided by BC (before Christ) and AD (anno Domini, in the year of the Lord)

Jesus Christ was so important that the world changed the calendar. Think about that.

My birthday (and yours) is dated by His birthday!

It's Cold!

Here in Charlotte, it's very cold. 17 degrees right now.

How cold is it where you are??

Pink Poinsettias

Pretty light pink poinsettias with Christmas scripture.

Luke 2:11 "A Savior has been born to you; He is Christ the Lord."

The Christmas Story in Matthew

The Message version of Matthew 2:1-20.

Mat 2:1-20
(1) After Jesus was born in Bethlehem village, Judah territory--this was during Herod's kingship--a band of scholars arrived in Jerusalem from the East.
(2) They asked around, "Where can we find and pay homage to the newborn King of the Jews? We observed a star in the eastern sky that signaled his birth. We're on pilgrimage to worship him."
(3) When word of their inquiry got to Herod, he was terrified--and not Herod alone, but most of Jerusalem as well.
(4) Herod lost no time. He gathered all the high priests and religion scholars in the city together and asked, "Where is the Messiah supposed to be born?"
(5) They told him, "Bethlehem, Judah territory. The prophet Micah wrote it plainly:
(6) It's you, Bethlehem, in Judah's land, no longer bringing up the rear. From you will come the leader who will shepherd-rule my people, my Israel."
(7) Herod then arranged a secret meeting with the scholars from the East. Pretending to be as devout as they were, he got them to tell him exactly when the birth-announcement star appeared.
(8) Then he told them the prophecy about Bethlehem, and said, "Go find this child. Leave no stone unturned. As soon as you find him, send word and I'll join you at once in your worship."
(9) Instructed by the king, they set off. Then the star appeared again, the same star they had seen in the eastern skies. It led them on until it hovered over the place of the child.
(10) They could hardly contain themselves: They were in the right place! They had arrived at the right time!
(11) They entered the house and saw the child in the arms of Mary, his mother. Overcome, they kneeled and worshiped him. Then they opened their luggage and presented gifts: gold, frankincense, myrrh.
(12) In a dream, they were warned not to report back to Herod. So they worked out another route, left the territory without being seen, and returned to their own country.
(13) After the scholars were gone, God's angel showed up again in Joseph's dream and commanded, "Get up. Take the child and his mother and flee to Egypt. Stay until further notice. Herod is on the hunt for this child, and wants to kill him."
(14) Joseph obeyed. He got up, took the child and his mother under cover of darkness. They were out of town and well on their way by daylight.
(15) They lived in Egypt until Herod's death. This Egyptian exile fulfilled what Hosea had preached: "I called my son out of Egypt."
(16) Herod, when he realized that the scholars had tricked him, flew into a rage. He commanded the murder of every little boy two years old and under who lived in Bethlehem and its surrounding hills. (He determined that age from information he'd gotten from the scholars.)
(17) That's when Jeremiah's sermon was fulfilled:
(18) A sound was heard in Ramah, weeping and much lament. Rachel weeping for her children, Rachel refusing all solace, Her children gone, dead and buried.
(19) Later, when Herod died, God's angel appeared in a dream to Joseph in Egypt:
(20) "Up, take the child and his mother and return to Israel. All those out to murder the child are dead."

The Christmas Story in Luke

When was the last time you read the Christmas passage in Luke??

In Rick Warren's book "The Purpose of Christmas", he suggests reading the story when you gather with your friends and family at Christmas.

Here's The Message version.

Luk 2:1-52

(1) About that time Caesar Augustus ordered a census to be taken throughout the Empire.
(2) This was the first census when Quirinius was governor of Syria.
(3) Everyone had to travel to his own ancestral hometown to be accounted for.
(4) So Joseph went from the Galilean town of Nazareth up to Bethlehem in Judah, David's town, for the census. As a descendant of David, he had to go there.
(5) He went with Mary, his fiancée, who was pregnant.
(6) While they were there, the time came for her to give birth.
(7) She gave birth to a son, her firstborn. She wrapped him in a blanket and laid him in a manger, because there was no room in the hostel.
(8) There were sheepherders camping in the neighborhood. They had set night watches over their sheep.
(9) Suddenly, God's angel stood among them and God's glory blazed around them. They were terrified.
(10) The angel said, "Don't be afraid. I'm here to announce a great and joyful event that is meant for everybody, worldwide:
(11) A Savior has just been born in David's town, a Savior who is Messiah and Master.
(12) This is what you're to look for: a baby wrapped in a blanket and lying in a manger."
(13) At once the angel was joined by a huge angelic choir singing God's praises:
(14) Glory to God in the heavenly heights, Peace to all men and women on earth who please him.
(15) As the angel choir withdrew into heaven, the sheepherders talked it over. "Let's get over to Bethlehem as fast as we can and see for ourselves what God has revealed to us."
(16) They left, running, and found Mary and Joseph, and the baby lying in the manger.
(17) Seeing was believing. They told everyone they met what the angels had said about this child.
(18) All who heard the sheepherders were impressed.
(19) Mary kept all these things to herself, holding them dear, deep within herself.
(20) The sheepherders returned and let loose, glorifying and praising God for everything they had heard and seen. It turned out exactly the way they'd been told!

The Hands of God: December – The month for peace

The Hands of God: December – The month for peace: "“Glory to God in the highest, and on earth peace, goodwill toward men” (Luke 2:14) December brings a chilly, gray looking sky. Colors are ..."

The Purpose of Christmas

I picked up this book the other day because I wanted to be ever mindful of the real reason for Christmas. In the following days, I want to share things from the book.

I hope you get a chance to buy this book because it's one of those that you'll keep on your bookshelf for a long time.

The Reason for the Season

Pearl Harbor Day

69 years ago today. Let's remember those who died, the survivors and I thank them for their service.

God bless them!

By Faith

"I have gained access by faith into this grace in which I now stand, and I rejoice in the hope of the glory of God."

Romans 5:2

Fill Me With Joy

Psalm 65:9

"Flood my dry soul with the streams of God and fill me with joy."

Christmas Poinsettias

Beautiful poinsettia photos!

This one can be downloaded for only $6.00.

Christmas Desktop Wallpaper

I have some Christmas wallpaper on my website! I hope you enjoy these. Probably more to come if you want to check back.

Free Christmas Desktop Wallpaper

God Knows Us by Name

The LORD is my shepherd; I have everything I need.   Psa 23:1

Sheep aren't smart. They tend to wander into running creeks for water, then their wool grows heavy and they drown. They need a shepherd to lead them to "calm water" (Psa_23:2 ). They have no natural defense—no claws, no horns, no fangs. They are helpless. Sheep need a shepherd with a "rod and … walking stick" (Psa_23:4 ) to protect them. They have no sense of direction. They need someone to lead them "on paths that are right" (Psa_23:3 ).

So do we. We, too, tend to be swept away by waters we should have avoided. We have no defense against the evil lion who prowls about seeking whom he might devour. We, too, get lost.

We need a shepherd. We need a shepherd to care for us and to guide us. And we have one. One who knows us by name.

Max Lucado - A Gentle Thunder

You who Promised are Faithful

Lord, I can't claim a blameless walk, but I ask You to please empower me to walk with You faithfully and to never cease pursuing it. Help me, Lord, to hold unswervingly to the hope I profess, for You who promised are faithful.

Hebrews 10:23

Let the Earth Rejoice

The LORD reigns; Let the earth rejoice; Let the multitude of isles be glad!
(Psa 97:1)

A fire goes before Him, And burns up His enemies round about.
(Psa 97:3)

His lightnings light the world; The earth sees and trembles.
(Psa 97:4)

The mountains melt like wax at the presence of the LORD, At the presence of the Lord of the whole earth.
(Psa 97:5)

The heavens declare His righteousness, And all the peoples see His glory.
(Psa 97:6)

Happy Thanksgiving!

Wishing everyone a great Thanksgiving and the start to the Christmas season!

A Diligent Search

Anyone who comes to God must believe that he is real and that he rewards those who truly want to find him. —Heb_11:6

One translation renders Heb_11:6 : "God … rewards those who earnestly seek him" (NIV). I like the King James translation: "He is a rewarder of them that diligently seek him" (italics mine).

Diligently—what a great word. Be diligent in your search. Be hungry in your quest, relentless in your pilgrimage. Let this book be but one of dozens you read about Jesus… Step away from the puny pursuits of possessions and positions, and seek your king.

Don't be satisfied with angels. Don't be content with stars in the sky. Seek him out as the shepherds did. Long for him as Simeon did. Worship him as the wise men did. Do as John and Andrew did: ask for his address. Do as Matthew: invite Jesus into your house. Imitate Zacchaeus. Risk whatever it takes to see Christ.

Just Like Jesus - Max Lucado

The Lord will guide you continually

Isaiah 58:11



This is a beautiful path in the Deep Creek Area, on the way to some waterfalls in NC.

My Utmost for His Highest

They have a Facebook page!

The Lord is my Shepherd

When I read the 15 provisions from Psalm 23, I wanted to share.

"The Lord is my shepherd, I shall not want." (Psalm 23:1).

Jesus is Lord and King, Conqueror, Savior, the Mighty God, Prince of Peace, the Christ, Emmanuel, Teacher, Prophet and Master. Of the many titles given to the Lord, Shepherd must undoubtedly be one of His favorite. It links Him in the most personal way to those He loves.
Say it out loud and let the truth settle deep in your heart: "The Lord is my Shepherd."
Isaiah prophesied, "He shall feed his flock like a shepherd: he shall gather the lambs with his arm, and carry them in his bosom, and shall gently lead those that are with young." (Isaiah 40:11). Peter preached, "For ye were as sheep going astray; but are now returned unto the Shepherd and Bishop of your souls." (1 Pet 2:25).

David, himself a shepherd, penned the Twenty-third Psalm as a comprehensive tribute to the Lord. He encompasses in this short poem at least fifteen provisions that are made for us when we follow the Lord as our Shepherd.

1. Rest - He maketh me to lie down in green pastures
2. Peace - He leadeth me beside the still waters
3. Restoration - He restoreth my soul
4. Guidance - He leadeth me in paths of righteousness
5. Honor - for His name's sake
6. Hope - I walk through the valley of the shadow of death
7. Courage - I will fear no evil
8. Companionship - Thou art with me
9. Comfort - Thy rod and Thy staff comfort me
10. Sustenance - Thou preparest a table before me
11. Vindication - in the presence of my enemies
12. Blessing - Thou anointest my head with oil
13. Fulness - My cup runneth over
14. Abundant Life- goodness and mercy will follow me all the days of my life
15. Eternal Security - I will dwell in the house of the Lord forever

As you can see, there is nothing left out. No wonder David said, "I shall not want!" The Lord gives us everything we need when we follow Him as our Shepherd.

"And now may the God of peace, who brought again from the dead our Lord Jesus, equip you with all you need for doing his will. May he who became the great Shepherd of the sheep by an everlasting agreement between God and you, signed with his blood, produce in you through the power of Christ all that is pleasing to him. To him be glory forever and ever. Amen." (Hebrews 13:20,21).

Rylisms - James Ryle

“Behold, I have graven thee upon the palms of my hands.”

Isaiah 49:16

No doubt a part of the wonder which is concentrated in the word “Behold,” is excited by the unbelieving lamentation of the preceding sentence. Zion said, “The Lord hath forsaken me, and my God hath forgotten me.” How amazed the divine mind seems to be at this wicked unbelief! What can be more astounding than the unfounded doubts and fears of God’s favoured people? The Lord’s loving word of rebuke should make us blush; he cries, “How can I have forgotten thee, when I have graven thee upon the palms of my hands? How darest thou doubt my constant remembrance, when the memorial is set upon my very flesh?” O unbelief, how strange a marvel thou art! We know not which most to wonder at, the faithfulness of God or the unbelief of his people. He keeps his promise a thousand times, and yet the next trial makes us doubt him. He never faileth; he is never a dry well; he is never as a setting sun, a passing meteor, or a melting vapour; and yet we are as continually vexed with anxieties, molested with suspicions, and disturbed with fears, as if our God were the mirage of the desert.

“Behold,” is a word intended to excite admiration. Here, indeed, we have a theme for marvelling. Heaven and earth may well be astonished that rebels should obtain so great a nearness to the heart of infinite love as to be written upon the palms of his hands. “I have graven thee.”It does not say, “Thy name.” The name is there, but that is not all: “I have graven thee.” See the fulness of this! I have graven thy person, thine image, thy case, thy circumstances, thy sins, thy temptations, thy weaknesses, thy wants, thy works; I have graven thee, everything about thee, all that concerns thee; I have put thee altogether there. Wilt thou ever say again that thy God hath forsaken thee when he has graven thee upon his own palms?

Spurgeon Devotional

Vote!

Be sure to get out and vote tomorrow!

Blue Ridge Mountains

Get out and enjoy the fall color! The NC mountains are beautiful this time of year.

Delight yourself in the Lord and He will give you the desires of your heart. Psalm 37:4

Facebook Page

Please help me get to 30! Thanks!

Autumn Country Road

Piney Mountain Road in the Fall

Psalm 25:4 "O Lord, teach me your paths"

In the Arms of God

Everyone who lives and believes in me will never die. —Joh_11:26

"We don't like to say good-bye to those whom we love. Whether it be at a school or a cemetery, separation is tough. It is right for us to weep, but there is no need for us to despair. They had pain here. They have no pain there. They struggled here. They have no struggles there. You and I might wonder why God took them home. But they don't. They understand. They are, at this very moment, at peace in the presence of God…

When it is cold on earth, we can take comfort in knowing that our loved ones are in the warm arms of God. And when Christ comes, we will hold them, too."

Max Lucado
When Christ Comes

Autumn Scripture

Beautiful fall trees against the Carolina blue sky

Ecclesiastes 3:1 To everything there is a season, A time for every purpose under heaven

Isaiah Facts

I'm studying from the Life Change series on Isaiah. 2 semesters for 1 year. One whole year of Isaiah!

I'm going to be writing some new things I've learned, things I have known but forgotten, questions I have, facts....

His name means "the LORD is salvation".

The New Testament writers quote Isaiah more than any other book. It foretold more about Jesus Christ than any other book.

"But Isaiah was more than just a prophet of the Messiah. He was a statesman who spoke God's word to steer a nation through sixty years of crisis."

Isaiah 40:11

He will feed His flock like a shepherd; He will gather the lambs with His arm, And carry them in His bosom, And gently lead those who are with young.

e-Sword Bible Study Software

e-Sword is a great software for studying the Bible!  It's also free.  You can download Bible versions, commentaries, dictionaries and more.  I use this program and love it!

Check this out and you can make a donation of you want.

What's Your Choice?

"Eternity is serious business, because it never ends. Where you will spend eternity is your own choice. If you haven't made up your mind yet, here is a thought that might be of help.

For Christians, life on this earth is as close as they will ever get to hell. For people who reject God, life on this earth is as close as they will ever get to heaven."

John 3:15 "Everyone who believes in me will have eternal life."

God is in the Small Stuff

Isaiah

I'm starting a study on Isaiah this fall.  Look forward to it and will be posting more on Isaiah here.

Note Cards

The Scripture note cards are on sale through October 10, 2010.

Sale price is $9.99 for 12.  (Regular 12/$13.99)

Purchase note cards through Shutterfly.

Truth Shall Make You Free

John 8:32

"And you shall know the truth, and the truth shall make you free."

Here's a pretty Swallowtail butterfly enjoying the Abelia. What a beauty!

God Knows What's Best

"Trust the LORD with all your heart, and don't depend on your own understanding. —Pro_3:5


The problem with this world is that it doesn't fit. Oh, it will do for now, but it isn't tailor-made. We were made to live with God, but on earth we live by faith. We were made to live forever, but on this earth we live but for a moment…

We must trust God. We must trust not only that he does what is best but that he knows what is ahead. Ponder the words of Isa_57:1-2 : "The good men perish; the godly die before their time and no one seems to care or wonder why. No one seems to realize that God is taking them away from the evil days ahead. For the godly who die shall rest in peace" (TLB).

My, what a thought. God is taking them away from the evil days ahead. Could death be God's grace? Could the funeral wreath be God's safety ring? As horrible as the grave may be, could it be God's protection from the future?

Trust in God, Jesus urges, and trust in me."

Max Lucado A Gentle Thunder

The Master Builder

He restores my soul; He leads me in the paths of righteousness for His name's sake. —Psa_23:3 NKJV


It's hard to see things grow old. The town in which I grew up is growing old… Some of the buildings are boarded up. Some of the houses are torn down… The old movie house where I took my dates has "For Sale" on the marquee…

I wish I could make it all new again. I wish I could blow the dust off the streets … but I can't.

I can't. But God can. "He restores my soul," wrote the shepherd. He doesn't reform; he restores. He doesn't camouflage the old; he restores the new. The Master Builder will pull out the original plan and restore it. He will restore the vigor. He will restore the energy. He will restore the hope. He will restore the soul.

Max Lucado - The Applause of Heaven

The Spiritually Self-Seeking Church

Eph 4:13 (NKJV)
(13) till we all come to the unity of the faith and of the knowledge of the Son of God, to a perfect man, to the measure of the stature of the fullness of Christ;

"Reconciliation means the restoring of the relationship between the entire human race and God, putting it back to what God designed it to be. This is what Jesus Christ did in redemption. The church ceases to be spiritual when it becomes self-seeking, only interested in the development of its own organization. The reconciliation of the human race according to His plan means realizing Him not only in our lives individually, but also in our lives collectively. Jesus Christ sent apostles and teachers for this very purpose— that the corporate Person of Christ and His church, made up of many members, might be brought into being and made known. We are not here to develop a spiritual life of our own, or to enjoy a quiet spiritual retreat. We are here to have the full realization of Jesus Christ, for the purpose of building His body.

Am I building up the body of Christ, or am I only concerned about my own personal development? The essential thing is my personal relationship with Jesus Christ— “. . . that I may know Him. . .” ( Philippians 3:10 ). To fulfill God’s perfect design for me requires my total surrender— complete abandonment of myself to Him. Whenever I only want things for myself, the relationship is distorted. And I will suffer great humiliation once I come to acknowledge and understand that I have not really been concerned about realizing Jesus Christ Himself, but only concerned with knowing what He has done for me.

My goal is God Himself, not joy nor peace, Nor even blessing, but Himself, my God.

Am I measuring my life by this standard or by something less?"

Oswald Chambers
My Utmost for His Highest
July 12

Have Patience

"It's impossible to have patience unless you first have to wait. It's the waiting, which for most of us is difficult and unpleasant, that brings about the virtue of patience. It's an honorable thing to look for ways to wait so you can develop your patience. And what is the highest form of patience? Waiting on the Lord. That's where your patience is at it's highest point."

God is in the Small Stuff by Bruce & Stan

Romans 8:25 "If you look forward to something we don't have yet, we must wait patiently and confidently."

Spiritual Ambition

This has been a good devotional for me today.

"It's only natural to have ambitions and to do everything necessary to attain your goals. But should you be ambitious just because it comes naturally? Jesus taught that gaining everything on earth - all things that are supposed to make you happy - will still leave you emotionally bankrupt if you don't have a spiritual relationship with God. God wants you to live with ambition and purpose, but He doesn't want your focus to be self-centered"

"How do you benefit if you gain the whole world but lose or forfeit your own soul in the process?" Luke 9:25


God is in the Small Stuff
Bruce & Stan

The Big Choice

If you don't want to serve the LORD, you must choose for yourselves today whom you will serve. —Jos_24:15

[God's] invitation is clear and nonnegotiable. He gives all and we give him all. Simple and absolute. He is clear in what he asks and clear in what he offers. The choice is up to us. Isn't it incredible that God leaves the choice to us? Think about it. There are many things in life we can't choose. We can't, for example, choose the weather. We can't control the economy.

We can't choose whether or not we are born with a big nose or blue eyes or a lot of hair. We can't even choose how people respond to us.

But we can choose where we spend eternity. The big choice, God leaves to us. The critical decision is ours.

That is the only decision which really matters.

Max Lucado And the Angels Were Silent

Pink Summer Roses

Psalm 46:1 "God is our refuge and strength..."

SmugMug FREE Shipping Promotion

Receive FREE standard shipping on SmugMug orders that are over $23.00!

Use coupon code "FreeShipping" at the end of order.

My SmugMug Gallery.

Memorial Day Weekend

Have a great and safe holiday!

Thank you, Veterans!!

God Bless America

He Guides You

Pro 4:11-12


(11) I have taught you in the way of wisdom; I have led you in right paths.

(12) When you walk, your steps will not be hindered, And when you run, you will not stumble.

NKJV

Pro 4:11-12


(11) I'm writing out clear directions to Wisdom Way, I'm drawing a map to Righteous Road.

(12) I don't want you ending up in blind alleys, or wasting time making wrong turns.

The Message

2 Corinthians 5:7

"We live by faith, not by sight."

Psalm 37:4

"Delight yourself in the Lord and He will give you the desires of your heart."

Happy Mother's Day!

Hoping everyone has a great Mother's Day weekend!

I Love You, Mom!

God's Passion and Plan

Your word is like a lamp for my feet and a light for my path. Psalm 119:105

The purpose of the Bible is simply to proclaim God's plan to save His children. It asserts that man is lost and needs to be saved. And it communicates the message that Jesus is the God in the flesh sent to save his children.

Though the Bible was written over sixteen centuries by at least forty authors, it has one central theme—salvation through faith in Christ. Begun by Moses in the lonely desert of Arabia and finished by John on the lonely Isle of Patmos, it is held together by a strong thread: God's passion and God's plan to save His children.

What a vital truth! Understanding the purpose of the Bible is like setting the compass in the right direction. Calibrate it correctly and you'll journey safely. But fail to set it, and who knows where you'll end up.

"How to Study the Bible" Max Lucado

National Day of Prayer

Today is the National Day of Prayer for our country. 

God's Word is Timeless

Psalm 119:142-143

Your justice is eternal, and your law is perfectly true. As pressure and stress bear down on me, I find joy in your commands.

"The Bible doesn't have an expiration date. It is timeless. Its description of God is never obsolete because God's nature never changes. He is the same yesterday, today, and forever, so what was written about Him centuries ago by Moses and the apostle Paul is still true. God's plan to connect with the human race through Jesus Christ hasn't changed. The truth of the Bible will never be outdated."

God is in the Small Stuff

May Promotion

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Use coupon code "FreeShipping" at the end of order to receive discount.

Secondhand Spirituality

Come near to God, and God will come near to you. James 4:8

Some of us have tried to have a daily quiet time and have not been successful. Others of us have a hard time concentrating. And all of us are busy. So rather than spend time with God, listening for his voice, we'll let others spend time with him and then benefit from their experience. Let them tell us what God is saying. After all, isn't that why we pay preachers? …

If that is your approach, if your spiritual experiences are secondhand and not firsthand, I'd like to challenge you with this thought: Do you do that with others parts of your life? …

You don't do that with vacations… You don't do that with romance… You don't let someone eat on your behalf, do you? [There are] certain things no one can do for you.

And one of those is spending time with God.

Max Lucado - Just Like Jesus

Hooker Falls in the Autumn

John 4:14 "but whoever drinks of the water that I shall give him shall never thirst...”

God is Thinking About You

Psalm 139:17-18
How precious are your thoughts about me, O God! They are innumerable! I can't even count them; they outnumber the grains of sand!

"The Bible identifies God as our heavenly Father. He isn't a father who is too busy with His work that He doesn't have time for you. You are God's work. You are what He thinks about all day long. Since before the world was created, God knew and loved you. As you go about your hectic schedule today, take a little time to think about God - He is thinking about you."

"God is in the Small Stuff"

Lyrid Meteor Showers

For those who enjoy watching the sky at night...  God's Lightshow!

The Lyrid Meteor Showers are this week.

The Lyrid meteor shower is not one of the strongest of the annual meteor showers, but it can be enjoyable to those meteor observers thirsting for something after over three and a half months of weak meteor activity.

The Lyrids generally begin on April 16 and end on April 26, with maximum generally occurring during the night of April 21/22. At maximum, hourly rates can reach about 10 meteors per hour. The Lyrids are particularly interesting for two reason. First, observations have been identified back to at least 2600 years, which is longer than any other meteor shower. Second, the meteor shower occasionally experiences an outburst of about 100 meteors per hour and the reason is basically unknown.

There are other, weaker meteor showers going on around the same time as the Lyrids. The Lyrids move rather fast. When you see a meteor, mentally trace it backwards. If you end up at the constellation Lyra then you have probably seen a Lyrid meteor! If you are not sure where Lyra is in the sky, the following charts will help you find it from both the Northern Hemisphere and Southern Hemisphere:

One Nation Under God

Beautiful Bald Eagle and the American Flag

National Day of Prayer is Under Attack

Comment and leave your suggestions here.

National Day of Prayer declared unconstitutional

The National Day of Prayer is UNDER ATTACK!

What are you going to do about it??

April 17, 2010
National Day of Prayer declared unconstitutional
Phil Boehmke

On Thursday, American Patriots from all across our nation gathered together in a celebration of national unity in defense of our freedom. As we exercised our God given rights under the protection of the First Amendment to our Constitution, a terrible injustice was being perpetrated in Wisconsin. The Milwaukee Journal Sentinel reports.


A Wisconsin federal judge on Thursday found the National Day of Prayer unconstitutional, saying it violates the First Amendment prohibition against laws respecting an establishment of religion.

The decision by U.S. District Judge Barbara B. Crabb of the Western District of Wisconsin was a victory for the Madison-based Freedom From Religion Foundation.


Crabb, a Jimmy Carter appointee claims that since the purpose of the National Day of Prayer is to "encourage" all Americans to pray, it is unconstitutional. The operative word here is "ecourage," this is not a mandate or even a request from the government, it is merely encouragement.

The federal government and our 50 states all have spent valuable resources to encourage us all to refrain from using tobacco products and in fact they actively encourage us to quit smoking through onerous taxation. Mrs. Obama is encouraging us all (especially the children) to eat healthier foods and exercise. There are a myriad of ways in which our government acts through advertising, regulation and taxation to encourage us to live in the manner that they feel is best.

The First Amendment states that, "Congress shall make no law respecting an establishment of religion, or prohibition the free exercise thereof..." and as the National Day of Prayer carries no mandate and no penalty and does not exclude any religious belief (or lack thereof) it could hardly be in conflict with the constitution.


Jordan Sekulow of the American Center for Law and Justice, which filed an amices brief in the case on behalf of 31 members of Congress, said he was confident the decision would be overturned on appeal.

"This is one district court judge," said Sekulow, an attorney with the public interest law firm founded by evangelist Pat Robertson. "It's not like it's happening all over the country. In no way do we think this is the mainstream of judicial thinking in the United States."


If the loyal Americans that I had the great pleasure of joining with in friendship during the Crystal Lake, Illinois Tea Party had been aware of Ms. Crabb's outrageous decision it is safe to say that they would have aroused her anger...by praying for her!


Phil Boehmke

Article Link

The Only Path

I am the way, and the truth, and the life. The only way to the Father is through me. —Joh_14:6

Tolerance. A prized virtue today. The ability to be understanding of those with whom you differ is a sign of sophistication. Jesus, too, was a champion of tolerance:

• Tolerant of the disciples when they doubted.

• Tolerant of the crowds when they misunderstood.

• Tolerant of us when we fall.

But there is one area where Jesus was intolerant. There was one area where he was unindulgent and dogmatic…

As far as he was concerned, when it comes to salvation, there aren't several roads … there is only one road… There aren't several paths … there is only one path. And that path is Jesus himself.

That is why it is so hard for people to believe in Jesus. It's much easier to consider him one of several options rather than the option. But such a philosophy is no option.

Max Lucado - A Gentle Thunder

Love Hung on a Cross

God loved the world so much that he gave his one and only Son so that whoever believes in him may not be lost, but have eternal life. —Joh_3:16


He looked around the hill and foresaw a scene. Three figures hung on three crosses. Arms spread. Heads fallen forward. They moaned with the wind.

Men clad in soldier's garb sat on the ground near the trio…

Women clad in sorrow huddled at the foot of the hill, … faces tear-streaked.

All heaven stood to fight. All nature rose to rescue. All eternity poised to protect. But the Creator gave no command.

"It must be done …" he said, and withdrew.

The angel spoke again. "It would be less painful …"

The Creator interrupted softly. "But it wouldn't be love."

Max Lucado - In the Eye of the Storm

Mother's Day Gift Ideas

Mother's Day Gift Ideas: Tote Bags, Aprons, Ceramic Tiles, Keepsake Boxes, Mouse Pads, Coasters, Coffee Mugs, T-Shirts, Framed Art, Canvas Gallery Wraps

http://jillwlang.smugmug.com/Galleries/Scripture-Quotes

National Day of Prayer

Thursday May 6, 2010

Mark Your Calendar

We need it now more than ever!

National Day of Prayer Website

http://www.ndptf.org/

Tipped Scales

Christ's love is greater than anyone can ever know, but I pray that you will be able to know that love. —Eph_3:19
It wasn't right that spikes pierced the hands that formed the earth. And it wasn't right that the Son of God was forced to hear the silence of God.
It wasn't right, but it happened.

For while Jesus was on the cross, God sat on his hands. He turned his back. He ignored the screams of the innocent.

He sat in silence while the sins of the world were placed upon his Son. And he did nothing while a cry a million times bloodier than John's echoed in the black sky: "My God, my God, why have you forsaken me?"

Was it right? No.
Was it fair? No.
Was it love? Yes.

The Applause of Heaven - Max Lucado

The Debt is Paid

Though your sins are like scarlet, they can be as white as snow. Though your sins are deep red, they can be white like wool. —Isa_1:18

When Jesus told us to pray for forgiveness of our debts as we forgive our own debtors, he knew who would be the one to pay the debt. As he would hang on the cross he would say, "It is finished"… the debt is paid!

There are some facts that will never change. One fact is that you are forgiven. If you are in Christ, when he sees you, your sins are covered—he doesn't see them. He sees you better than you see yourself. And that is a glorious fact of your life.

Max Lucado "Walking with the Savior"

Autumn Path

Hosea 14:9

"For the ways of the LORD are right, and the upright walk in them"

Divine Design

Teenagers quickly learn that it is easier to ask forgiveness than to ask permission.  We often take the same approach with God.  We make plans for what we want, and we leave God out of the planning process.  Then we involve God by asking Him to "bless" what we have already decided to do.  Don't treat God like a magic wand that you wave over your plans.  Involve Him at the very beginning.

I know I'm guilty of this and it really hits home for me.

Pro 3:5-6
(5) Trust in the LORD with all your heart, And lean not on your own understanding;

(6) In all your ways acknowledge Him, And He shall direct your paths.

God is in the Small Stuff - By Bruce & Stan (Devotional)

Steps to Peace With God

Step 1: God's Purpose: Peace and Life

God loves you and wants you to experience peace and life—abundant and eternal.

The Bible says ...

"We have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ." —Romans 5:1 (NIV)

"For God so loved the world that He gave His one and only Son, that whoever believes in Him should not perish but have everlasting life." —John 3:16 (NIV)

"I have come that they may have life, and that they may have it more abundantly." —John 10:10 (NIV)

Step 2: The Problem: Our Separation

God created us in His own image to have an abundant life. He did not make us as robots to automatically love and obey Him. God gave us a will and a freedom of choice.
We chose to disobey God and go our own willful way. We still make this choice today. This results in separation from God

The Bible says ...

"For all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God." —Romans 3:23 (NIV)

"For the wages of sin is death, but the gift of God is eternal life in Christ Jesus our Lord." —Romans 6:23 (NIV)

Our Attempts to Reach God

People have tried in many ways to bridge this gap between themselves and God ...

The Bible says ...

"There is a way that seems right to a man, but in the end it leads to death." —Proverbs 14:12 (NIV)

"But your iniquities have separated you from your God; your sins have hidden his face from you, so that he will not hear." —Isaiah 59:2 (NIV)

No bridge reaches God ... except one.

Step 3: God's Bridge: The Cross

Jesus Christ died on the Cross and rose from the grave. He paid the penalty for our sin and bridged the gap between God and people.

The Bible says ...

"For there is one God and one mediator between God and men, the man Jesus Christ."
—1 Timothy 2:5 (NIV)

"For Christ died for sins once for all, the righteous for the unrighteous, to bring you to God."
—1 Peter 3:18 (NIV)

"But God demonstrates his own love for us in this: While we were still sinners, Christ died for us."
—Romans 5:8 (NIV)

God has provided the only way. Each person must make a choice.

Step 4: Our Response: Receive Christ

We must trust Jesus Christ as Lord and Savior and receive Him by personal invitation.

The Bible says ...

"Here I am! I stand at the door and knock. If anyone hears my voice and opens the door, I will
come in and eat with him, and he with me."
—Revelation 3:20 (NIV)

"Yet to all who received him, to those who believed in his name, he gave the right to
become children of God."
—John 1:12 (NIV)

"That if you confess with your mouth, 'Jesus is Lord,' and believe in your heart that God raised
Him from the dead, you will be saved."
—Romans 10:9 (NIV)
Where are you?

Will you receive Jesus Christ right now?

Here is how you can receive Christ:
1. Admit your need (I am a sinner).
2. Be willing to turn from your sins (repent).
3. Believe that Jesus Christ died for you on the Cross and rose from the grave.
4. Through prayer, invite Jesus Christ to come in and control your life through the Holy Spirit.
(Receive Him as Lord and Savior.)

Resource: Billy Graham Website

He is Risen!

Happy Easter!

Luke 24:1-8

Luk 24:1-8
(1) Now on the first day of the week, very early in the morning, they, and certain other women with them, came to the tomb bringing the spices which they had prepared.
(2) But they found the stone rolled away from the tomb.
(3) Then they went in and did not find the body of the Lord Jesus.
(4) And it happened, as they were greatly perplexed about this, that behold, two men stood by them in shining garments.
(5) Then, as they were afraid and bowed their faces to the earth, they said to them, "Why do you seek the living among the dead?
(6) He is not here, but is risen! Remember how He spoke to you when He was still in Galilee,
(7) saying, 'The Son of Man must be delivered into the hands of sinful men, and be crucified, and the third day rise again.' "
(8) And they remembered His words.

Also read Matthew 28:1-6, Mark 16:1-6, John 20 & 21

The Cross

Wishing everyone a blessed holiday!

Isaiah 53 - The Suffering Servant

The Holy of Holies

Another Old Testament prophet's predictions on Jesus' sufferings at the cross.

Start with Isaish 52:13 and read through chapter 53.

Isa 52:13-53:12
(13) Behold, My Servant shall deal prudently; He shall be exalted and extolled and be very high.
(14) Just as many were astonished at you, So His visage was marred more than any man, And His form more than the sons of men;
(15) So shall He sprinkle many nations. Kings shall shut their mouths at Him; For what had not been told them they shall see, And what they had not heard they shall consider.
(1) Who has believed our report? And to whom has the arm of the LORD been revealed?
(2) For He shall grow up before Him as a tender plant, And as a root out of dry ground. He has no form or comeliness; And when we see Him, There is no beauty that we should desire Him.
(3) He is despised and rejected by men, A Man of sorrows and acquainted with grief. And we hid, as it were, our faces from Him; He was despised, and we did not esteem Him.
(4) Surely He has borne our griefs And carried our sorrows; Yet we esteemed Him stricken, Smitten by God, and afflicted.
(5) But He was wounded for our transgressions, He was bruised for our iniquities; The chastisement for our peace was upon Him, And by His stripes we are healed.
(6) All we like sheep have gone astray; We have turned, every one, to his own way; And the LORD has laid on Him the iniquity of us all.
(7) He was oppressed and He was afflicted, Yet He opened not His mouth; He was led as a lamb to the slaughter, And as a sheep before its shearers is silent, So He opened not His mouth.
(8) He was taken from prison and from judgment, And who will declare His generation? For He was cut off from the land of the living; For the transgressions of My people He was stricken.
(9) And they made His grave with the wicked— But with the rich at His death, Because He had done no violence, Nor was any deceit in His mouth.
(10) Yet it pleased the LORD to bruise Him; He has put Him to grief. When You make His soul an offering for sin, He shall see His seed, He shall prolong His days, And the pleasure of the LORD shall prosper in His hand.
(11) He shall see the labor of His soul, and be satisfied. By His knowledge My righteous Servant shall justify many, For He shall bear their iniquities.
(12) Therefore I will divide Him a portion with the great, And He shall divide the spoil with the strong, Because He poured out His soul unto death, And He was numbered with the transgressors, And He bore the sin of many, And made intercession for the transgressors.

The accuracy is amazing!

The Cloak of Humanity

The Cloak of Humanity

Jesus took Peter, James, and John with him, and he began to be very sad and troubled. Mark 14:33

"During the days of Jesus' life on earth, he offered up prayers and petitions with loud cries and tears to the one who could save him from death" (Heb_5:7 ).
My, what a portrait! Jesus is in pain. Jesus is on the stage of fear. Jesus is cloaked, not in sainthood, but in humanity.
The next time the fog finds you, you might do well to remember Jesus in the garden. The next time you think that no one understands, reread the fourteenth chapter of Mark. The next time your self-pity convinces you that no one cares, pay a visit to Gethsemane. And the next time you wonder if God really perceives the pain that prevails on this dusty planet, listen to him pleading among the twisted trees.

No Wonder They Call Him the Savior

Max Lucado

The Good Shepherd

John 10:11

"I am the good shepherd. The good shepherd gives His life for the sheep."

Psalm 22 - A Prophecy at the Cross

A Prophecy of Christ at the Cross.

Psalm 22 prophecies the suffering Jesus had at the cross. It describes the spiritual, emotional and physical agony He experienced that day.

(Psa 22:1) My God, My God, why have You forsaken Me? Why are You so far from helping Me, And from the words of My groaning?

(Psa 22:7) All those who see Me ridicule Me; They shoot out the lip, they shake the head, saying,

(Psa 22:8) "He trusted in the LORD, let Him rescue Him; Let Him deliver Him, since He delights in Him!"

(Psa 22:13) They gape at Me with their mouths, Like a raging and roaring lion.

(Psa 22:14) I am poured out like water, And all My bones are out of joint; My heart is like wax; It has melted within Me.

(Psa 22:15) My strength is dried up like a potsherd, And My tongue clings to My jaws; You have brought Me to the dust of death.

(Psa 22:16) For dogs have surrounded Me; The congregation of the wicked has enclosed Me. They pierced My hands and My feet;

(Psa 22:17) I can count all My bones. They look and stare at Me.

(Psa 22:18) They divide My garments among them, And for My clothing they cast lots.

Just a few verses and I encourage you to read the whole chapter this week.

One Incredible Plan

One Incredible Plan

He humbled himself and was fully obedient to God, even when that caused his death—death on a cross. —Php_2:8
When human hands fastened the divine hands to a cross with spikes, it wasn't the soldiers who held the hands of Jesus steady. It was God who held them steady. Those same hands that formed the oceans and built the mountains. Those same hands that designed the dawn and crafted each cloud. Those same hands that blueprinted one incredible plan for you and me.
Take a stroll out to the hill. Out to Calvary. Out to the cross where, with holy blood, the hand that placed you on the planet wrote the promise, "God would give up his only Son before he'd give up on you."

Six Hours One Friday

Max Lucado

Monday and Tuesday of the Holy Week

Events of Monday and Tuesday

Matthew 22, 23 - Jesus continues to teach in parables and continues to answer the questions of the Pharisees and Sadducees.

Passover

Passover is being celebrated March 29 - April 6, 2010.

Wishing you a Happy Passover!

Pink Dogwood Blooms

Luke 24:6

"He is not here, but is risen."

They Didn't Know the Time of His Visitation

Jesus weeps over Jerusalem.

Luk 19:41-44
(41) Now as He drew near, He saw the city and wept over it,
(42) saying, "If you had known, even you, especially in this your day, the things that make for your peace! But now they are hidden from your eyes.
(43) For days will come upon you when your enemies will build an embankment around you, surround you and close you in on every side,
(44) and level you, and your children within you, to the ground; and they will not leave in you one stone upon another, because you did not know the time of your visitation."

He was to be crucified at the end of the 69th week of Daniel or 483 years after the command to rebuild Jerusalem at the end of the Babylonian captivity.

This is a mathmatical prophecy in Daniel! He gives Israel the exact number of years when the Mashiyach Nagid (the Annointed One) would appear. The exact days are 173,880. (483 yrs times 360 days.) If they had known Daniel, then they would have "known the time of your visitation".

Dan 9:24-27
(24) "Seventy weeks are determined For your people and for your holy city, To finish the transgression, To make an end of sins, To make reconciliation for iniquity, To bring in everlasting righteousness, To seal up vision and prophecy, And to anoint the Most Holy.
(25) "Know therefore and understand, That from the going forth of the command To restore and build Jerusalem Until Messiah the Prince, There shall be seven weeks and sixty-two weeks; The street shall be built again, and the wall, Even in troublesome times.
(26) "And after the sixty-two weeks Messiah shall be cut off, but not for Himself; And the people of the prince who is to come Shall destroy the city and the sanctuary. The end of it shall be with a flood, And till the end of the war desolations are determined.
(27) Then he shall confirm a covenant with many for one week; But in the middle of the week He shall bring an end to sacrifice and offering. And on the wing of abominations shall be one who makes desolate, Even until the consummation, which is determined, Is poured out on the desolate."

Palm Sunday

Today is Palm Sunday. This event marks the beginning of the last week of Jesus' life.

Luk 19:29-44
(29) And it came to pass, when He drew near to Bethphage and Bethany, at the mountain called Olivet, that He sent two of His disciples,
(30) saying, "Go into the village opposite you, where as you enter you will find a colt tied, on which no one has ever sat. Loose it and bring it here.
(31) And if anyone asks you, 'Why are you loosing it?' thus you shall say to him, 'Because the Lord has need of it.' "
(32) So those who were sent went their way and found it just as He had said to them.
(33) But as they were loosing the colt, the owners of it said to them, "Why are you loosing the colt?"
(34) And they said, "The Lord has need of him."
(35) Then they brought him to Jesus. And they threw their own clothes on the colt, and they set Jesus on him.
(36) And as He went, many spread their clothes on the road.
(37) Then, as He was now drawing near the descent of the Mount of Olives, the whole multitude of the disciples began to rejoice and praise God with a loud voice for all the mighty works they had seen,
(38) saying: " 'BLESSED IS THE KING WHO COMES IN THE NAME OF THE LORD!' Peace in heaven and glory in the highest!"
(39) And some of the Pharisees called to Him from the crowd, "Teacher, rebuke Your disciples."
(40) But He answered and said to them, "I tell you that if these should keep silent, the stones would immediately cry out."
(41) Now as He drew near, He saw the city and wept over it,
(42) saying, "If you had known, even you, especially in this your day, the things that make for your peace! But now they are hidden from your eyes.
(43) For days will come upon you when your enemies will build an embankment around you, surround you and close you in on every side,
(44) and level you, and your children within you, to the ground; and they will not leave in you one stone upon another, because you did not know the time of your visitation."

Prophecy fulfilled in Zechariah.

Zec 9:9
(9) "Rejoice greatly, O daughter of Zion! Shout, O daughter of Jerusalem! Behold, your King is coming to you; He is just and having salvation, Lowly and riding on a donkey, A colt, the foal of a donkey.

The Carpenter's Journey

Great book on the events of Jesus at the Cross.

The Empty Tomb and Cross

The Cross, The Empty Tomb and The Resurrection!

John 14:19

"Because I live, you will also live."

See more Easter photos.

Purple Orchids

Beautiful purple orchids! This is an oil painting from the original photo.

2 Corinthians 5:7
"We walk by faith, not by sight"





See the entire Scripture Gallery

Walk by Faith

The Bible encourages us to walk consistantly with the Lord even when it's difficult.

2 Corinthians 5:7

For we walk by faith, not by sight.

The Message Version

It's what we trust in but don't yet see that keeps us going.

God Bless America

Purchase Patriotic t-shirts through SmugMug.

God Help...

God help this country.

Kill the Bill!

Don't let them take over our Healthcare!

Contact your representatives today!

Footprints in the Sand

The famous poem about how God is with us even if we can't visibly see Him.

One night a man had a dream.
He dreamed he was walking along the beach with the LORD.
Across the sky flashed scenes from his life.
For each scene he noticed two sets of footprints in the sand:
one belonging to him, and the other to the LORD.
When the last scene of his life flashed before him,
he looked back at the footprints in the sand.
He noticed that many times along the path of his life
there was only one set of footprints.
He also noticed that it happened
at the very lowest and saddest times in his life.

This really bothered him and he questioned the LORD about it:
"LORD, you said that once I decided to follow you,
you'd walk with me all the way.
But I have noticed that during the most troublesome times in my life,
there is only one set of footprints.
I don't understand why when I needed you most you would leave me."

The LORD replied:
"My son, my precious child,
I love you and I would never leave you.
During your times of trial and suffering,
when you see only one set of footprints,
it was then that I carried you."

Margaret Fishback Powers

Patriotic Photos - American Flag & Bald Eagle

Here's one of my American USA Flag and Bald Eagle photos.  This is perfect to use for all your patriotic designs!

See the Flag gallery.

Behold His Mercy!

Be kind and loving to each other, and forgive each other just as God forgave you in Christ. —Eph 4:32

"[Jesus] wraps a servant's girdle around his waist, takes up the basin, and kneels before one of the disciples. He unlaces a sandal and gently lifts the foot and places it in the basin, covers it with water, and begins to bathe it. One by one, one grimy foot after another, Jesus works his way down the row…
You can be sure Jesus knows the future of these feet he is washing. These twenty-four feet will not spend the next day following their master, defending his cause. These feet will dash for cover at the flash of a Roman sword. Only one pair of feet won't abandon him in the garden. One disciple won't desert him at Gethsemane—Judas won't even make it that far! …
Behold the gift Jesus gives his followers! He knows what these men are about to do… And when they do, he wants them to remember how his knees knelt before them and he washed their feet. He wants them to realize those feet are still clean… He forgave their sin before they even committed it. He offered mercy before they even sought it."

Max Lucado
Just Like Jesus

Easter Lily and Cross

Easter Lily and The Cross

This image is downloadable for websites, graphic designs, bulletins, etc.




Thanks for your support!

How Does God Want Us to Live?

Deu 6:5-7

(5) You shall love the LORD your God with all your heart, with all your soul, and with all your strength.

(6) "And these words which I command you today shall be in your heart.

(7) You shall teach them diligently to your children, and shall talk of them when you sit in your house, when you walk by the way, when you lie down, and when you rise up.

NKJV

Deu 6:5-7 Love GOD, your God, with your whole heart: love him with all that's in you, love him with all you've got! (6) Write these commandments that I've given you today on your hearts. Get them inside of you (7) and then get them inside your children. Talk about them wherever you are, sitting at home or walking in the street; talk about them from the time you get up in the morning to when you fall into bed at night.

The Message

Contact Congress Today!

Contact Congress Today and All Week!!

A Close Walk with the Lord

Isaiah 2:3

NKJV

Many people shall come and say, "Come, and let us go up to the mountain of the LORD, To the house of the God of Jacob; He will teach us His ways, And we shall walk in His paths." For out of Zion shall go forth the law, And the word of the LORD from Jerusalem.

The Message

Many people shall come and say, "Come, and let us go up to the mountain of the LORD, To the house of the God of Jacob; He will teach us His ways, And we shall walk in His paths." For out of Zion shall go forth the law, And the word of the LORD from Jerusalem.

Spring Crocus Blooms

"The day the Lord created hope was probably the same day He created Spring."

Bern Williams
White and Purple Crocus Blooms - Welcome Spring!

Manna-fest Episodes

Watch Perry Stone Manna-fest episodes.

Great prophecy and current events shows!

What God Requires of Man

Micah 6:8

NKJV

"He has shown you, O man, what is good; And what does the LORD require of you But to do justly, To love mercy, And to walk humbly with your God?"

The Message

"But he's already made it plain how to live, what to do, what GOD is looking for in men and women. It's quite simple: Do what is fair and just to your neighbor, be compassionate and loyal in your love, And don't take yourself too seriously-- take God seriously."

Walking with the Lord

Walking close with the Lord is an important part of life.

"Come and let us walk in the light of the LORD."

Isaiah 2:5

Amazed

"The more I study nature, the more I am amazed at the Creator."

Louis Pasteur

No Religion Necessary

"If your religion is just a bunch of dos and don'ts, then God isn't interested in it. God wants your genuine faith, not your meaningless rituals. He wants you to respond to Him out of love, not out of compulsion or guilt or habit. He wants you to enjoy the freedom of faith without dreading rigid rules."

From the book "One-Minute Meditations"

Dogwood Easter Cards

White dogwood blooms Easter cards are available through Shutterfly.

Thanks for your support!

Within Us

"What lies behind us and what lies before us are tiny matters compared to what lies within us."

Ralph Waldo Emerson

Pretty in Pink

Pink Dogwood Blooms

The Legend of the Dogwood

The Legend of the Dogwood

"In Jesus' time, the dogwood grew To a stately size and a lovely hue. 'Twas strong & firm it's branches interwoven For the cross of Christ its timbers were chosen.

Seeing the distress at this use of their wood Christ made a promise which still holds good: "Never again shall the dogwood grow Large enough to be used so Slender & twisted, it shall be With blossoms like the cross for all to see.

As blood stains the petals marked in brown The blossom's center wears a thorny crown. All who see it will remember me Crucified on a cross from the dogwood tree.

Cherished and protected this tree shall be A reminder to all of my agony."

~ Author Unknown ~

White Dogwood Blooms

Beautiful white blooms from the Dogwood tree. I'm looking forward to Spring!

Luke 24:6

"He is not here, but is risen."

Easter Cards - Empty Tomb

Empty Tomb Photo - Luke 24:6

Purchase Easter Cards through Shutterfly

Shutterfly Sale through March - Buy $50.00 and get 20% off!

Contact Congress Today!

Congress

Use this link to contact your local, state and federal reps.

e-Sword Bible Study Software

Download this software program for free! (They do accept donations.) This is great software that I use all the time.

The Soul

Matthew 16:26

(NKJV) For what profit is it to a man if he gains the whole world, and loses his own soul? Or what will a man give in exchange for his soul?

(MSG) What kind of deal is it to get everything you want but lose yourself? What could you ever trade your soul for?

Bible Knowledge Commentary

"If it were possible for an individual, in preserving his own life, to gain the whole world, but in the process lose his soul, of what value then would be the possessions of the world? True discipleship involves following Christ and doing His will, wherever that path might lead."

Only One Thing Counts

No one has ever imagined what God has prepared for those who love him. —1Co_2:9

"Think about the day Christ comes. There you are in the great circle of the redeemed… Though you are one of a throng, it's as if you and Jesus are all alone…

I'm speculating now, but I wonder if Christ might say these words to you: "I'm so proud that you let me use you. Because of you, others are here today. Would you like to meet them?"

At that point Jesus might turn to the crowd and invite them… One by one, they begin to step out and walk forward.

The first is your neighbor, a crusty old sort who lived next door. To be frank, you didn't expect to see him. "You never knew I was watching," he explains, "but I was. And because of you, I am here." …

It's not long before you and your Savior are encircled by the delightful collection of souls you've touched. Some you know, most you don't, but for each you feel the same… You feel what Paul felt …" "I'm so proud of your faith" (see 1Th_2:19 ).

Max Lucado
Grace for the Moment

The Empty Tomb

Easter is fast approaching. It's on April 4th this year.

You can download the jpeg file and use for your graphic designs, websites, church bulletins, etc.

Signs of His Coming

Matthew 24:3-8

3) Now as He sat on the Mount of Olives, the disciples came to Him privately, saying, "Tell us, when will these things be? And what will be the sign of Your coming, and of the end of the age?"
(4) And Jesus answered and said to them: "Take heed that no one deceives you
(5) For many will come in My name, saying, 'I am the Christ,' and will deceive many.
(6) And you will hear of wars and rumors of wars. See that you are not troubled; for all these things must come to pass, but the end is not yet.
(7) For nation will rise against nation, and kingdom against kingdom. And there will be famines, pestilences, and earthquakes in various places.
(8) All these are the beginning of sorrows.

The beginning of Birth Pains. As a woman labors, the pains grow quicker together and more intense.

Roar and Fury of the Sea

Luke 21:25

"And there will be signs in the sun, in the moon, and in the stars; and on the earth distress of nations, with perplexity, the sea and the waves roaring;"

Prayers up for the people involved!

Psalm 91:1

The Message Version

You who sit down in the High God's presence, spend the night in Shaddai's shadow,
Say this: "God, you're my refuge.
I trust in you and I'm safe!"

Psalm 91:1

Psa 91:1

He who dwells in the secret place of the Most High Shall abide under the shadow of the Almighty.

Wintery scene with old barns and silos.

Beautiful Autumn in the Mountains

Psalm 37:4

Delight yourself in the Lord and He will give you the desires of your heart.

Blue Ridge Parkway

1935 - 2010

Celebrating 75 years!

Happy Birthday, Parkway!

Daniel Series

End Times Prophecy

Daniel... the ultimate power, sovereignty and faithfulness of God.

Calvary Church is having a series of messages from the book of Daniel.  You can get their podcasts here.

When You Need Guidance

Proverbs 3:5-6

(5) Trust in the LORD with all your heart, And lean not on your own understanding;
(6) In all your ways acknowledge Him, And He shall direct your paths.

NCV New Century Version

Alexander Haig

RIP, Alexander Haig.  Thanks for your service to our country.

Must Read This Book

For those who are interested in Bible prophecy and the United States, this is a MUST read book!

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Proverbs 3:5 - Trust God

Don't assume you know it all.

"Trust God from the bottom of your heart;
don't try to figure out everything on your own.

Listen for God's voice in everything you do, everywhere you go;
he's the one who will keep you on track."

The Message Bible version

Winter Tree Branches

Proverbs 2:6

Only the Lord gives wisdom; He gives knowledge and understanding.

God is Love

This passage is from The Message Bible.

7-10My beloved friends, let us continue to love each other since love comes from God. Everyone who loves is born of God and experiences a relationship with God. The person who refuses to love doesn't know the first thing about God, because God is love—so you can't know him if you don't love. This is how God showed his love for us: God sent his only Son into the world so we might live through him. This is the kind of love we are talking about—not that we once upon a time loved God, but that he loved us and sent his Son as a sacrifice to clear away our sins and the damage they've done to our relationship with God.
11-12My dear, dear friends, if God loved us like this, we certainly ought to love each other. No one has seen God, ever. But if we love one another, God dwells deeply within us, and his love becomes complete in us—perfect love!

13-16This is how we know we're living steadily and deeply in him, and he in us: He's given us life from his life, from his very own Spirit. Also, we've seen for ourselves and continue to state openly that the Father sent his Son as Savior of the world. Everyone who confesses that Jesus is God's Son participates continuously in an intimate relationship with God. We know it so well, we've embraced it heart and soul, this love that comes from God.

Happy Valentine's Day!

God is Love!

1Jn 4:7-21
(7) Beloved, let us love one another, for love is of God; and everyone who loves is born of God and knows God.
(8) He who does not love does not know God, for God is love.
(9) In this the love of God was manifested toward us, that God has sent His only begotten Son into the world, that we might live through Him.
(10) In this is love, not that we loved God, but that He loved us and sent His Son to be the propitiation for our sins.
(11) Beloved, if God so loved us, we also ought to love one another.
(12) No one has seen God at any time. If we love one another, God abides in us, and His love has been perfected in us.
(13) By this we know that we abide in Him, and He in us, because He has given us of His Spirit.
(14) And we have seen and testify that the Father has sent the Son as Savior of the world.
(15) Whoever confesses that Jesus is the Son of God, God abides in him, and he in God.
(16) And we have known and believed the love that God has for us. God is love, and he who abides in love abides in God, and God in him.
(17) Love has been perfected among us in this: that we may have boldness in the day of judgment; because as He is, so are we in this world.
(18) There is no fear in love; but perfect love casts out fear, because fear involves torment. But he who fears has not been made perfect in love.
(19) We love Him because He first loved us.
(20) If someone says, "I love God," and hates his brother, he is a liar; for he who does not love his brother whom he has seen, how can he love God whom he has not seen?
(21) And this commandment we have from Him: that he who loves God must love his brother also.

Psalm 34:4 in Photo

Tree stump with lush ferns and pretty flowers.

Psalm 34:4

Psalm 34

God delivers those who hold fast to their faith.

Psa 34:1-22
(1) A Psalm of David When He Pretended Madness Before Abimelech, Who Drove Him Away, and He Departed. I will bless the LORD at all times; His praise shall continually be in my mouth.
(2) My soul shall make its boast in the LORD; The humble shall hear of it and be glad.
(3) Oh, magnify the LORD with me, And let us exalt His name together.
(4) I sought the LORD, and He heard me, And delivered me from all my fears.
(5) They looked to Him and were radiant, And their faces were not ashamed.
(6) This poor man cried out, and the LORD heard him, And saved him out of all his troubles.
(7) The angel of the LORD encamps all around those who fear Him, And delivers them.
(8) Oh, taste and see that the LORD is good; Blessed is the man who trusts in Him!
(9) Oh, fear the LORD, you His saints! There is no want to those who fear Him.
(10) The young lions lack and suffer hunger; But those who seek the LORD shall not lack any good thing.
(11) Come, you children, listen to me; I will teach you the fear of the LORD.
(12) Who is the man who desires life, And loves many days, that he may see good?
(13) Keep your tongue from evil, And your lips from speaking deceit.
(14) Depart from evil and do good; Seek peace and pursue it.
(15) The eyes of the LORD are on the righteous, And His ears are open to their cry.
(16) The face of the LORD is against those who do evil, To cut off the remembrance of them from the earth.
(17) The righteous cry out, and the LORD hears, And delivers them out of all their troubles.
(18) The LORD is near to those who have a broken heart, And saves such as have a contrite spirit.
(19) Many are the afflictions of the righteous, But the LORD delivers him out of them all.
(20) He guards all his bones; Not one of them is broken.
(21) Evil shall slay the wicked, And those who hate the righteous shall be condemned.
(22) The LORD redeems the soul of His servants, And none of those who trust in Him shall be condemned.

Psalm 34:4

"I sought the LORD, and He heard me, And delivered me from all my fears."

Barnes Commentary:

Psa 34:4
I sought the Lord, and he heard me - That is, on the occasion referred to in the psalm, when he was exposed to the persecutions of Saul, and when he sought refuge in the country of Abimelech or Achish: 1Sa_21:1-15. The idea is, that at that time he did not confide in his own wisdom, or trust to any devices of his own, but that he sought the protection and guidance of God, alike when he fled to Gath, and when he fled from Gath.
And delivered me from all my fears - From all that he apprehended from Saul, and again from all that he dreaded when he found that Abimelech would not harbor him, but drove him from him.

Ocracoke Lighthouse

The top of Ocracoke Lighthouse in the Outer Banks of NC.

Psalm 27:1

The Lord is my light and my salvation.

Empty Tomb

Easter is April 4th this year. I've got quite a few Empty Tomb photos available for your designs.

Thanks for your support!

Cast Your Burden Upon the Lord

Oswald Chambers

"Cast thy burden upon the Lord." Psalm 55:22

We must distinguish between the burden-bearing that is right and the burden-bearing that is wrong. We ought never to bear the burden of sin or of doubt, but there are burdens placed on us by God which He does not intend to lift off, He wants us to roll them back on Him. "Cast that He hath given thee upon the Lord." (R.V. marg.) If we undertake work for God and get out of touch with Him, the sense of responsibility will be overwhelmingly crushing; but if we roll back on God that which He has put upon us, He takes away the sense of responsibility by bringing in the realization of Himself.

Many workers have gone out with high courage and fine impulses, but with no intimate fellowship with Jesus Christ, and before long they are crushed. They do not know what to do with the burden, it produces weariness, and people say - "What an embittered end to such a beginning!"

"Roll thy burden upon the Lord" - you have been bearing it all; deliberately put one end on the shoulders of God. "The government shall be upon His shoulder." Commit to God "that He hath given thee"; not fling it off, but put it over on to Him and yourself with it, and the burden is lightened by the sense of companionship. Never disassociate yourself from the burden.

My Utmost for His Highest

God's Promises

Psalm 55:22

Cast your burden upon the Lord, and He will sustain you.

Winter Storms

Waiting on a winter storm to arrive! Perfect for "being still" and staying home.

(Scene from our small snow storm last year.)

Waterfall in Autumn

Psalm 46:10

Glen Falls in North Carolina

The Message Version of Psalm 46:10

"Step out of the traffic! Take a long, loving look at me, your High God, above politics, above everything."

Psalm 46:10

God Protects His People

God's strength provides security, protection from harm, peace for His people.