Category Archives: Christianity

Truth for Today #161

Thursday September 18th

On Thursdays my posts will include verses that stood out in my readings from the Bible during week. One, two, three or maybe more. If you have a verse/verses that you read during the week and would like to share, leave it/them in the comments and I will add it/them to the post. Let’s dig deep in God’s Truth again this year!

The verses that you share are appreciated and so encouraging, I’m thankful for them and for each of you! 

James 3:1-5

 Not many of you should become teachers, my brothers, for you know that we who teach will be judged with greater strictness.  For we all stumble in many ways. And if anyone does not stumble in what he says, he is a perfect man, able also to bridle his whole body.  If we put bits into the mouths of horses so that they obey us, we guide their whole bodies as well.  Look at the ships also: though they are so large and are driven by strong winds, they are guided by a very small rudder wherever the will of the pilot directs.  So also the tongue is a small member, yet it boasts of great things.

From Dianna:

“Let nothing be done through strife or vain glory; but in lowliness of mind let each esteem other better than themselves. Look not everyone on his own things, but every man also on the things of others.” Philippians 2:3-4 KJV

From Vera:

“On this mountain the Lord of hosts will make for all peoples a feast of rich food, a feast of well-aged wine, of rich food full of marrow, of aged wine well refined. And he will swallow up on this mountain the covering that is cast over all peoples, the veil that is spread over all nations. He will swallow up death forever; and the Lord God will wipe away tears from all faces, and the reproach of his people he will take away from all the earth, for the Lord has spoken. It will be said on that day, “Behold, this is our God; we have waited for him, that he might save us. This is the Lord; we have waited for him; let us be glad and rejoice in his salvation.””
‭‭Isaiah‬ ‭25‬:‭6‬-‭9‬ ‭ESV‬‬

From Karen:

Then saith he unto his disciples, The harvest truly is plenteous, but the labourers are few. Matthews 9:27

From Nikkipolani:

John 6:29

Jesus answered and said to them, “This is the work of God, that you believe in Him whom He sent.”

He Hideth My Soul ~ Hymn

He Hideth My Soul

A wonderful Savior is Jesus my Lord,
A wonderful Savior to me;
He hideth my soul in the cleft of the rock,
Where rivers of pleasure I see.

Refrain

He hideth my soul in the cleft of the rock
That shadows a dry, thirsty land;
He hideth my life with the depths of His love,
And covers me there with His hand,
And covers me there with His hand.

A wonderful Savior is Jesus my Lord,
He taketh my burden away;
He holdeth me up, and I shall not be moved,
He giveth me strength as my day.

Refrain

With numberless blessings each moment He crowns,
And filled with His fullness divine,
I sing in my rapture, oh, glory to God
For such a Redeemer as mine!

Refrain

When clothed in His brightness, transported I rise
To meet Him in clouds of the sky,
His perfect salvation, His wonderful love
I’ll shout with the millions on high.

Refrain

Words: Fanny Crosby

Smoke Gets in Your Eyes Hodgepodge

Our current views are smoke filled and our air is very unhealthy. When I was at the library yesterday they were handing out smoke rated masks.

Continuing with Wednesday Hodgepodge with Joyce From This Side of the Pond this historic week for our family and nation. 

1. What gives you energy?

Planning for a trip or an event gives me energy.

What takes it away?

Confrontation

2. How often do you shop for clothes?

Not often. If I’m going to shop for clothes it would be for a wedding or another special event.

What accessory do you always wear? 

My wedding ring and my watch.

3. What’s something free that you feel grateful for? 

The air we breathe. This is what came to mind because of the smoke filled skies and ash in the air. My throat is scratchy and my eyes are sore. Looking forward to our fires being put out and our skies clearing.

There are 5 fires burning in our area, maybe more. The two largest in our tri-county part of the state are within 15 miles from us. Agencies from across the state are camping in our little town as they help with the fires. I’ll have to get a photo of the camp sites to share.

4. Breakfast, lunch, dinner…which meal of the day do you enjoy most? What’s your go-to comfort food? 

Any one of them is enjoyed when the food is tasty and good. I find soup to be very comforting. Russian foods that our mom made are high on the list for comfort, pirishky, lopsha, apricot filled pastry, Vareniki, Roolyet, blintzes.

5. This week the world remembers the tragic events of 9/11. Do you mark the day in any way?

A day we’ll never forget.

This was taken in 2001. In reaction to sitting and watching all the horror unfold on our television, the attacks on our country, I found the flag that was presented to Greg’s mom at his father, Rex’s, funeral. I slipped it out our daughter’s window on the street side of our home in support of our country.

On the 20 year anniversary we put out all the flags!

There is a 9/11 ride here in our town every year and when we can we go out and wave our flags somewhere along the route.

How do historical events shape your perspective on your personal challenges?

In our travels in Oxford and in Scotland and interest in reading books about the reformation and reformers and all the history surrounding those who stood for truth and were martyred for their faith makes my personal challenges seem trivial in comparison.

Having a son-in-law who was deployed twice to Afghanistan and friends and a brother-in-law who served in Viet Nam and knowing all the challenges that they faced during and after their military service also gives me a different perspective on my aches and pains.

6. Insert your own random thought here. 

In 2026 we will celebrate the 250th Anniversary of our Country and the 25th Anniversary of 2011. We’ll have to pull out all the stops with all of our red, white, and blue!

Christus Victor (Amen) ~ Hymn

Christus Victor (Amen)
O Most High, King of the agesGreat I AM, God of wondersBy the blood You have redeemed usLed us through mighty watersOur strength, our song, our sure salvation
~
Now to the Lamb upon the throneBe blessing, honor, glory, powerFor the battle You have wonHallelujahAmen
~
O Most High, dwelling among usSon of Man sent for sinnersBy Your blood You have redeemed usSpotless Lamb, mighty SaviorWho lived, who died, who rose victorious
~
Now to the Lamb upon the throneBe blessing, honor, glory, powerFor the battle You have wonHallelujah
~
With every tribe and every tongueWe join the anthem of the angelsIn the triumph of the SonHallelujahAmen
~
O Most High, King of the nationsRobed in praise, crowned with splendorOn that day who will not tremble?When You stand, Christ the VictorWho was, and is, and is forever
~
Now to the Lamb upon the throneBe blessing, honor, glory, powerFor the battle You have wonHallelujah
~
With every tribe and every tongueWe join the anthem of the angelsIn the triumph of the SonHallelujahAmen
~
Amen, amen, amenAmen, amen, amenAmen, amen, amen
~
Now to the Lamb upon the throneBe blessing, honor, glory, powerFor the battle You have wonHallelujah
~
With every tribe and every tongueWe join the anthem of the angelsIn the triumph of the SonHallelujahAmenSing the victory of the LambHallelujah
~Amen
~
Amen
~
Source: LyricFind
Songwriters: Bryan Fowler / Keith Getty / Kristyn Lennox Getty / Matt Boswell Pub Designee Designee / Matt Papa
Christus Victor (Amen) lyrics © Capitol CMG Publishing

Truth for Today #160

Thursday September 4th

On Thursdays my posts will include verses that stood out in my readings from the Bible during week. One, two, three or maybe more. If you have a verse/verses that you read during the week and would like to share, leave it/them in the comments and I will add it/them to the post. Let’s dig deep in God’s Truth again this year!

The verses that you share are appreciated and so encouraging, I’m thankful for them and for each of you! 

Note: This is a travel day for me so I’ll be late in adding your verses.

Revelation 2:1-5

To the angel of the church in Ephesus write: The words of him who holds the seven stars in his right hand, who walks among the seven golden lampstands. I know your works, your toil and your patient endurance, and how you cannot bear with those who are evil, but have tested those who call themselves apostles and are not, and found them to be false. I know you are enduring patiently and bearing up for my names’ sake, and you have not grown weary. But I have this against you, that you have abandoned the love you had at first. Remember therefore from where you have fallen; repent, and do the works you did at first. If not, I will come to you and remove your lampstand from its place, unless you repent.

From Dianna:

“Retain in the standard of sound words which you have heard from me, in the faith and love which are in Christ Jesus. Guard, through the Holy Spirit who dwells in us, the treasure which has been entrusted to you.” 2 Timothy 1:13-14 NASB

From Jan C:

“Christ is the visible image of the invisible God. He existed before anything was created and is supreme over all creation, for through him, God created everything in the heavenly realms and on earth. He made the things we can see and the things we can’t see-such as thrones, kingdoms, rulers, and authorities in the unseen world. Everything was created through him and for him.” Colossians 1:15-16 NLT

From Vera:

“Teach me to do your will, for you are my God! Let your good Spirit lead me on level ground!”
‭‭Psalm‬ ‭143‬:‭10‬ ‭ESV

 

The King of Love My Shepherd Is ~ Hymn

The King of Love My Shepherd Is

The King of love my Shep­herd is,
Whose good­ness fail­eth nev­er,
I no­thing lack if I am His
And He is mine for­ev­er.

Where streams of liv­ing wa­ter flow
My ran­somed soul He lead­eth,
And where the ver­dant pas­tures grow,
With food ce­les­ti­al feedeth.

Perverse and fool­ish oft I strayed,
But yet in love He sought me,
And on His shoul­der gent­ly laid,
And home, re­joic­ing, brought me.

In death’s dark vale I fear no ill
With Thee, dear Lord, be­side me;
Thy rod and staff my com­fort still,
Thy cross be­fore to guide me.

Thou spread’st a ta­ble in my sight;
Thy unc­tion grace be­stow­eth;
And O what trans­port of de­light
From Thy pure cha­lice flow­eth!

And so through all the length of days
Thy good­ness fail­eth nev­er;
Good Shep­herd, may I sing Thy praise
Within Thy house for­ev­er.

Words: Henry W. Baker, 1868.

Truth for Today #159

Thursday August 28th

On Thursdays my posts will include verses that stood out in my readings from the Bible during week. One, two, three or maybe more. If you have a verse/verses that you read during the week and would like to share, leave it/them in the comments and I will add it/them to the post. Let’s dig deep in God’s Truth again this year!

The verses that you share are appreciated and so encouraging, I’m thankful for them and for each of you! 

This week I’m sharing 10 verses to prompt you for prayer for your kids and teachers as they go back to school.

Ephesians 4:32 ~Be kind to one another; tenderhearted, forgiving one another, as God in Christ forgave you.

Joshua 1:9 ~Have I not commanded you? Be strong and courageous. Do not be frightened, and do not be dismayed, for the LORD your God is with you wherever you go.

Proverbs 10:9 ~Whoever walks in integrity walks securely, but he who makes his ways crooked will be found out.

Psalms 56:3-4 ~When I am afraid, I put my trust in you. In God, whose word I praise, in God I trust; I shall not be afraid. What can flesh do to me?

Philippians 4:6-7 ~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 understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.

2 Peter 3:18 ~But grow in the grace and knowledge of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. To him be the glory both now and to the day of eternity. Amen.

Proverbs 17:17 ~A friend loves at all times, and a brother is born for adversity.

Colossians 3:23-24 ~Whatever you do, work heartily, as for the Lord and not for men, knowing that from the Lord you will receive the inheritance as your reward.

James 1:5 ~If any of you lacks wisdom, let him ask God, who gives generously to all without reproach, and it will be given him.

I Timothy 6:6-7 ~But godliness with contentment is great gain, for we brought nothing into the world, and we cannot take anything out of the world.

From Vera:

“His divine power has granted to us all things that pertain to life and godliness, through the knowledge of him who called us to his own glory and excellence, by which he has granted to us his precious and very great promises, so that through them you may become partakers of the divine nature, having escaped from the corruption that is in the world because of sinful desire.”
‭‭2 Peter‬ ‭1‬:‭3‬-‭4‬ ‭ESV‬‬

From Cindy:

Psalm 27. Verse 1 reads, The Lord is my light and my salvation, whom shall I fear? The Lord is the stronghold of my life, of whom shall I be afraid?

God Holds the Future In His Hands ~ Hymn

God Holds the Future in His Hands

Dread not the things that are ahead,
The burdens great, the sinking sands,
The thorns that o’er the path are spread,
God holds the future in His hands.

Refrain

God holds the future in His hands
And every heart He understands.
On Him depend,
He is your Friend,
He holds the future in His hands.

We know not what tomorrow hides,
Of sun or storm or good or ill;
We only know His dear hand guides,
And He will be our Father still.

Refrain

His hand created earth and sky,
The zephyrs and the storms that rage,
And years to come and years gone by
To Him are but an open page.

Refrain

Live close to Him and trust His love,
Assured that while on earth we roam,
Whate’er may come, He bends above
To guide His children safely home.

Refrain

Words by James Rowe, 1922.

Zephyrs are west winds in case you were wondering…

John MacArthur 1939-2025

This morning at 10:30 Pacific Time we will be live streaming the Memorial Service for Pastor John MacArthur. He was our first Pastor after Greg and I were married.

The Youtube I shared above is of a song that MacArthur wrote.

You can live stream the service if interested at the Grace Community Church Website.

The Program can be seen here, too.

The Los Angeles Police Department will do the Flag Presentation. A bagpiper will perform Amazing Grace.

It will be a God honoring and Jesus exalting memorial with many participating in the service, Alistair Begg, John Piper, Sinclair Ferguson, the Getty’s, Joni and others. Tune in for a encouraging time.

 

Truth for Today #158

Thursday August 21st

On Thursdays my posts will include verses that stood out in my readings from the Bible during week. One, two, three or maybe more. If you have a verse/verses that you read during the week and would like to share, leave it/them in the comments and I will add it/them to the post. Let’s dig deep in God’s Truth again this year!

The verses that you share are appreciated and so encouraging, I’m thankful for them and for each of you! 

Romans 8:18-25

 For I consider that the sufferings of this present time are not worth comparing with the glory that is to be revealed to us.  For the creation waits with eager longing for the revealing of the sons of God.  For the creation was subjected to futility, not willingly, but because of him who subjected it, in hope  that the creation itself will be set free from its bondage to corruption and obtain the freedom of the glory of the children of God. For we know that the whole creation has been groaning together in the pains of childbirth until now.  And not only the creation, but we ourselves, who have the firstfruits of the Spirit, groan inwardly as we wait eagerly for adoption as sons, the redemption of our bodies.  For in this hope we were saved. Now hope that is seen is not hope. For who hopes for what he sees?  But if we hope for what we do not see, we wait for it with patience.

From Leonard:

Ezekiel 46:1-3

“Prepare buckler and shield, and advance for battle! Harness the horses; mount, O horsemen!
Take your stations with your helmets, polish your spears, put on your armor!” (Also see Ephesians 6)

From Karen:

Romans 12:18

If it be possible, as much as lieth in you, live peaceably with all men.