σκοπέω - to look, to consider How often do I think only about what I can see? Even in the midst of lesser trouble, how often do I just look at my circumstances and lose heart? When was the last time I contemplated - actually considered in depth- the eternal glory of God and heaven?… Continue reading σκοπέω: consider for yourself
Tag: strength
Mondays, Bread-winning, & the Bible
It’s the first Monday of the New Year, and for many of us, it’s our first day back to work since 2020. (I know, cue collective groan, right?) Last night, I was thinking about how much I do not want to go back to being a teacher. In a pandemic. With all my students virtual.… Continue reading Mondays, Bread-winning, & the Bible
Joy Christmas Medley
http://www.instagram.com/tv/CJOoRe8BPMu/ “Hail the heav'n-born Prince of Peace! Hail the Son of Righteousness! Light and life to all He brings, Ris'n 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… Continue reading Joy Christmas Medley
Psalms, Hymns, and Spiritual Songs: a new hymn find and an old memory
“Bless the Lord, O my soul, and all that is within me, bless his holy name! Bless the Lord, O my soul, and forget not all his benefits, who forgives all your iniquity, who heals all your diseases, who redeems your life from the pit, who crowns you with steadfast love and mercy, who satisfies… Continue reading Psalms, Hymns, and Spiritual Songs: a new hymn find and an old memory
Joyful, Patient, & Faithful
“Be joyful in hope, patient in affliction, faithful in prayer.” Rejoice because hope in God and his promises is sure. Be patient because trouble and evil and even death will not win in the end. Be faithful in prayer because God is all-powerful, he is perfectly loving and wise, he listens, and he answers. And… Continue reading Joyful, Patient, & Faithful
Monday Meditation: Rejoice
When God is for us and with us and in us, there is always a reason for rejoicing. A heart constantly rejoicing in the Lord will inevitably have eyes to see the blessings and mercies given daily through Him. Even on Mondays. Even in a pandemic. Even away from family. Even at work. Even in… Continue reading Monday Meditation: Rejoice
Awake and sing
“But I will sing of your strength, in the morning I will sing of your love; for you are my fortress, my refuge in times of trouble. You are my strength, I sing praise to you; you, God, are my fortress, my God on whom I can rely.”Psalms 59:16-17
Absolute Certainty
I love the absolutes of the promises here:SURELY - for certain, truly, undoubtedly- God’s goodness and love (perfect and never-failing) will follow me…ALL the days of my life- not just the easy, successful, not confusing ones-And I SHALL - I will, this is my future- dwell in the house of the Lord FOREVER- eternity and… Continue reading Absolute Certainty
Songs of Hope and Peace: the Sure and Steady Anchor
Trouble is guaranteed in this life, but what a comfort that we need not go through this life without the peace of our Savior, Jesus Christ. He made a way for the disciples’ peace, speaking purposefully to them, and so He speaks purposefully to us through His Scripture. Even in the midst of trouble and great grief, the time and testimony of fellow believers prove that the peace of Christ emboldens Christians to take heart and even sing. Perhaps that is one reason I love both of these songs so much. ‘It is Well’ is one of the songs I would play for my grandma while she lay in bed with cancer. This song was born out of comfort in grief and has in turn comforted so many like me. The second song, ‘Christ the Sure and Steady Anchor’ speaks of the hope He gives in salvation. We hope as those who already know the answer, yes, He has, and, yes, He will.
Burdens and luxurious love
Somebody must carry these cares. If I cannot do it myself, can I find any one who will ? My Father who is in heaven stands waiting to be my burden-bearer. With broad shoulders, with omnipotence as his strength, he says “ My child, roll thy burden upon thy God.” Blessed privilege, dare I neglect… Continue reading Burdens and luxurious love
thoughts and songs 