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.

Have I Done My Best for Jesus? ~ Hymn

Have I Done My Best for Jesus?

I wonder, have I giv’n my best to Jesus,
Who died upon the cruel tree?
To think of His great sacrifice at Calv’ry,
I know my Lord expects the best from me.

Refrain

How many are the lost that I have lifted?
How many are the chained I’ve helped to free?
I wonder, have I done my best for Jesus,
When He has done so much for me?

The hours that I have wasted are so many,
The hours I’ve spent for Christ so few.
Because of all my lack of love for Jesus,
I wonder if His heart is breaking, too?

Refrain

I wonder, have I cared enough for others,
Or have I let them die alone?
I might have helped a wand’rer to the Savior,
The seed of precious Life I might have sown.

Refrain

No longer will I stay within the valley,
I’ll climb to mountain heights above;
The world is dying now for want of someone
To tell them of the Savior’s matchless love.

How many are the lost that I have lifted?
How many are the chained I’ve helped to free?
I wonder, have I done my best for Jesus,
When He has done so much for me?

Words: E. Edwin Young, 1923.

Swinging with the Hodgepodge

Our son, Josh, golfing at St. Michaels golf club in Scotland before we visited St. Andrews. Our dear DIL, Laura is the photographer.

Since Joyce informed us that August is National Golf month, I’m adding some photos of some favorite golf shots involving our family.

It is Wednesday and time to post answers to Joyce’s weekly Hodgepodge questions.

1. August is National Golf month…do you play? Do you enjoy following golf? Have you ever been to a professional tournament?

When our kids were in high school and I was part of the PTA, we raised money by serving at snack bars for a professional tournament in our town at the Inglewood Golf Club.

In 2024 while travelling in Scotland with Josh and Laura we toured one of the most famous Golf courses in the world, St. Andrews.

I don’t follow golf except for enjoying photos of our sons or nephew from the golf courses they enjoy a round of golf at. Just this past week our son, Josh, enjoyed a course in Otsego, New York. Josh and Laura traveled for a Baseball tournament that Laura’s brother and nephew were participants in at Cooperstown Dream Park.

Otsego Golf Club was established in 1894 and is one of America’s oldest courses. it is located on the shores of Otsego Lake and just nine miles from Cooperstown, NY.

In 1904 the club was taken over by Arthur Ryerson who as history tells traveled to St. Andrews golf course in his lifetime. Ryerson, traveling back from Great Britain, died heroically in the sinking of the Titanic in 1912.

2. Astronaut Jim Lovell of Apollo 13 fame passed away this past Thursday. Are you interested in outer space and what’s happening today in terms of space exploration? If space travel became common in your lifetime would you go? How do you personally relate to the idea of exploring something vast and mysterious…does the idea excite you, intimidate you, or something else?

I’m not leaving the earth until the Rapture occurs or until God calls me home. I do admire space travelers. I’ll stick to exploring less vast and mysterious places like abbeys and cathedrals and ancient towns.

3. Describe your communication style in three words.

I might need 4 words. Better written than spoken.

My spoken words can get jumbled and aren’t as clear to my intentions as my written words can be. I’m not a great verbal communicator.

Our present culture is so divided that I’m passive in my communication amongst those with certain ‘strong feelings’ about things that do not pertain to eternity. I’m amending what I said before here with the fact that although it is not politics that set the standard for salvation, there are moral issues in policies and laws that go against the Bible and will be a hindrance to peace with God. I do speak up about these issues that do matter and applaud others with a strong voice. It does matter who you are spiritually.

I’ll still be bold in communicating things that matter eternally regardless of ‘feelings’. Every person in the human race has only two destinations eternally. The Bible is clear about these two destinations, heaven and hell.

“Enter by the narrow gate. For the gate is wide and the way is easy that leads to destruction, and those who enter by it are many. For the gate is narrow and the way is hard that leads to life, and those who find it are few.” (Matthew 7:13-14)

Jesus Christ will return to this world in judgement. The only way to be saved from the eternal consequences of your sin is to enter through the narrow gate, repenting (turning from your sin) and calling on the Son of God who gave his life for you, taking the penalty for our sins.

There was one door into the ark that saved Noah and his family from the flood. Similarly, there is only one door that can save us from eternal judgement. Jesus Christ is that door. The Bible states that now is the day of salvation. If you have not already done so, will you turn from your sins and call on the risen Lord Jesus to save you?

By faith, enter the only door that leads to eternal life today. Here’s a link that gives life saving information.

4. Do you have a favorite cookbook?

I’ll have to toot my own horn and say that the cookbooks that I’m part of with the Mennonite girls are my favorites, Mennonite Girls Can Cook, Celebrations by Mennonite Girls Can Cook and Bread for the Journey.

A favorite celebrity chef?

Jamie Oliver and Ina Garten are two celebrity favorites and I’m happy to say I’ve met both of them in person. We met Jamie Oliver at one of his restaurants in London and I met Ina Garten at a book signing in Kirkland, Washington at Sur La Table.

Do you watch any cooking shows on TV?

I do enjoy the Great British Baking Show but we do not have Netflix so I haven’t been able to watch it recently.

5. As a child did you have any back to school traditions? If so, did you carry on those same traditions with your own children? Do you have any back to school traditions you’ve started on your own?

Growing up our back to school traditions involved new outfits and a new pair of shoes to wear for school. Our children were given the option to wear something new for back to school.

6. Insert your own random thought here.

More golfing favorites.

Our son, Dan, golfing with our dear friend, David Dickinson (1950-2016), who shared his love of golf with his sons and our sons. This was the day before Dan and Jamie’s wedding, June of 2015. Dave died a year later.

Our boys golfing with Jamie Dickinson, Dave’s youngest son and a best friend to our boys. This was just a couple weeks ago.

I can take great joy in vicariously enjoying golf through our loved ones experiences.

“Hit em long and straight, boys!”

I went to play golf and tried to shoot my age, but I shot my weight instead. – Bob Hope

Thy Goodness, Lord, Our Souls confess ~ Hymn

Thy Goodness, Lord, Our Souls Confess

Thy goodness, Lord, our souls confess,
Thy goodness we adore:
A spring, whose blessings never fail,
A sea without a shore.

Sun, moon and stars Thy love attest,
In every cheerful ray:
Love draws the curtains of the night,
And love restores the day.

Thy bounty every season crowns,
With all the bliss it yields;
With joyful clusters bend the vines,
With harvests wave the fields.

But chiefly Thy compassions, Lord,
Are in the Gospel seen;
There, like the sun, Thy mercy shines,
Without a cloud between.

Thy Son, Thy noblest, choicest gift,
Was from Thy bosom sent
To bear from off a sinking world
Its load of punishment.

Pardon, acceptance, peace and joy
Are published in His name;
Ours is the life, the glory ours,
And His the death and shame.

Of sovereign grace how wide the reign;
How strong the current rolls
That bears to Heav’n’s unbounded bliss
Our hell-deserving souls!

Words: Thomas Gibbons, 1775.

Truth for Today #156

Thursday August 7th

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

Isaiah 61:10-11

I will rejoice greatly in the Lord,
My soul will exult in my God;
For He has clothed me with garments of salvation,
He has wrapped me with a robe of righteousness,
As a bridegroom decks himself with a garland,
And as a bride adorns herself with her jewels.
¹¹For as the earth brings forth its sprouts,
And as a garden causes the things sown in it to spring up,
So the Lord God will cause righteousness and praise
To spring up before all the nations.

From Vera:

Joel‬ ‭2‬:‭12‬-‭13‬ ‭ESV‬‬

“Yet even now,” declares the Lord, “return to me with all your heart, with fasting, with weeping, and with mourning; and rend your hearts and not your garments.” Return to the Lord your God, for he is gracious and merciful, slow to anger, and abounding in steadfast love; and he relents over disaster.”

From Nikkipolani:

James 1:21

Therefore lay aside all filthiness and overflow of wickedness, and receive with meekness the implanted word, which is able to save your souls.

From Leonard:

Jeremiah 31:3-4

…“I have loved you with an everlasting love; I have drawn you with unfailing kindness. I will build you up again, and you will be rebuilt. Again you will take up your tambourines and go out to dance with the joyful.”

From Karen:

Psalm 73:28

But it is good for me to draw near to God: I have put my trust in the Lord GOD, that I may declare all thy works.

From Marilyn:

Matthew 1:24

Then Joseph being raised from sleep did as the angel of the Lord had bidden him.

‭‭From Dianna:

“For the Lord takes pleasure in His people; He will beautify the afflicted ones with salvation.” Psalm 149:4

Truth for Today #155

Thursday July 31st

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

1 Timothy 6:11-16

¹¹But as for you, O man of God, flee these things. Pursue righteousness, godliness, faith, love, steadfastness, gentleness. ¹²Fight the good fight of the faith. Take hold of the eternal life to which you were called and about which you made the good confession in the presence of many witnesses. ¹³I charge you in the presence of God, who gives life to all things, and of Christ Jesus, who in his testimony before Pontius Pilate made the good confession, ¹⁴to keep the commandment unstained and free from reproach until the appearing of our Lord Jesus Christ, ¹⁵which he will display at the proper time—he who is the blessed and only Sovereign, the King of kings and Lord of lords, ¹⁶who alone has immortality, who dwells in unapproachable light, whom no one has ever seen or can see. To him be honor and eternal dominion. Amen.

From Dianna:

John 1:12-13 NASB

“But as many as received Him, to them He gave the right to become children of God, even to those who believe in His name, who are born, not of blood nor the will of the flesh, nor the will of man, but of God.”

From Vera:

‭‭James‬ ‭1‬:‭19‬-‭21‬

“Know this, my beloved brothers: let every person be quick to hear, slow to speak, slow to anger; for the anger of man does not produce the righteousness of God. Therefore put away all filthiness and rampant wickedness and receive with meekness the implanted word, which is able to save your souls.”

From Leonard:

Isaiah 41:10

“Do not fear for I am with you; do not be dismayed, for I am you God. I will strengthen you and help you; I will uphold you with my righteous right hand.”

From Karen:

Isaiah 1:18.

Come now, and let us reason together, saith the Lord: though your sins be as scarlet, they hall be as white as snow; though they be red like crimson, they shall be as wool.

‭

Goodbye July Hodgepodge

Here we are at the end of July but before it’s over we have one more July Wednesday Hodgepodge. Thank you, Joyce from This Side of the Pond.

1. On July 29th 1957 The Tonite Show premiered with Jack Parr as it’s host. This marked the beginning of the modern day talk show. Do you watch any daytime or late night talk shows today? Do you have any thoughts on the hubbub surrounding the cancellation of The Late Show with Stephen Colbert, or are you more in the camp of ‘who is Stephen Colbert?

“Leave politics to the politicians and just get on with being entertaining. That’s the advice iconic late-night talk show host Jay Leno gave.”

I’m in the ‘who is yada yada’ camp. When supposed comedians and movie producers and sports teams become political it’s a shame and their demise is their own fault.

2. What’s the best part of your day?

I have to say it’s the peace and quiet of the morning. My cup of coffee time and time in the Word of God starts the day off in a pleasant subtle life changing way. It plays a part in my Sanctification that has been ongoing since God called me to be one of His own through the door Jesus opened through His sacrifice for sin on the cross and His resurrection from the dead. The words of this song from Chris Tomlin speak to this life changing Faith. One God, One Savior, One Way to peace with God.

There is a savior for the sinnerHe is my friend and my forgiverThere is new mercy that flows like riversIt washes me, it washes me

I believe in JesusHe is the Son of GodHe died and rose to save my soulI confess that He is Lord

There is a cross that reminds meThere’s only one who is worthyAnd there is a grave forever emptyOh, I believe

Yes, I believe, oh

I believe in JesusHe is the Son of GodHe died and rose to save my soulI confess that He is Lord

You are LordYou are LordYou are LordI confess, You are Lord

My salvation, my rewardYou are all I’m living forYou are LordYou are LordI confess, You are Lord

Every knee will bow beforeJesus Christ forevermore

I believe in JesusHe is the Son of GodHe died and rose to save my soulI confess that He is LordOh, I believe in JesusHe is the Son of God(He died) He died (and rose) and rose to save my soulI confess that He is Lord

He died and rose to save my soulI confess that He is Lord

https://youtu.be/TjRSCpeBgm8?si=Ozhiig7ozRUX7_rA

3. What’s something your generation does that you actually dislike?

I’m tweaking this question a little by changing does to did. My generation was a smoking generation and that is something I dislike/disliked. There was cigarette smoke everywhere including restaurants, offices I worked in, airplanes, and in many homes. What a relief it was when smoking was not allowed in contained public spaces anymore, especially in restaurants and airplanes. ‘Smoking sections’ were such a joke but we put up with them for years.

4. When you cook do you clean as you go, or clean it all up once you’re finished cooking? What’s the last thing you cooked/baked in your own kitchen?

It varies on whether I clean as I go or after I’m finished. It really depends on how complicated a recipe or method is and if I need the same space to complete the recipe.

On Tuesday, I baked a cake for my youngest brother who is visiting us with his son. It was his birthday. Tuesday dinner was a true taco Tuesday here. I browned the meat, fried the taco shells and made guac and pica de gallo, etc. etc. It was a mess. Today, Wednesday, we are taking them to the airport in Spokane for their flight back to Dallas, Texas.

As I hurry this morning to finish this post my dear husband is washing up some of the pans from our taco meal prep from our dinner last night and also bringing me my morning cuppa. He’s a keeper, y’all!

5. Sum up your July in ten words or less.

July a mix of celebration, organization, grief, sorrow ending with joy.

6. Insert your own random thought here.

I’m coming in late because we have been busy with my brother and our nephew. Lots to share on another day. I’d like to clarify that this iconic view that our family loves is from our kids’ driveway, not ours. We usually are inspired to take a photo here on our way home from their house.

I’ll be coming around late to visit, Hodgepodgers!

Truth for Today #154

Thursday July 24th

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

Psalm 25:4-5

Make me know your ways, O LORD; teach me your paths. Lead me in your truth and teach me, for you are the God of my salvation; for you I wait all the day long.

Psalm 56:8-11

You have kept count of my tossings; put my tears in your bottle. Are they not in your book? Then my enemies will turn back in the day when I call. This I know, that God is for me. In God, whose word I praise, in the LORD, whose word I praise, in God I trust; I shall not be afraid. What can man do to me?

From Dianna:

Psalm 112:5

It is well with the man who deals generously and lends; who conducts his affairs with justice.

From Vera:

“The steadfast love of the Lord never ceases; his mercies never come to an end; they are new every morning; great is your faithfulness. “The Lord is my portion,” says my soul, “therefore I will hope in him.” The Lord is good to those who wait for him, to the soul who seeks him. It is good that one should wait quietly for the salvation of the Lord.”
‭‭Lamentations‬ ‭3‬:‭22‬-‭26‬ ‭ESV‬‬

From Karen:

John 8:36

If the Son therefore shall make you free, ye shall be free indeed.

From Cheryl:

“It is the Lord. Let him do what seems good to him.” ~ I Samuel 3:18

Chosen Not for Good in Me ~ Hymn

Chosen Not for Good in Me

Chosen not for good in me,
Waked from coming wrath to flee,
Hidden in the Savior’s side,
By the Spirit sanctified—
Teach me, Lord, on earth to show
By my love, how much I owe.

Oft I walk beneath the cloud,
Dark as midnight’s gloomy shroud:
But, when fear is at the height,
Jesus comes, and all is light;
Blessèd Jesus! bid me show
Doubting saints how much I owe.

Oft the nights of sorrow reign—
Weeping, sickness, sighing, pain;
But a night Thine anger burns—
Morning comes, and joy returns:
God of comforts! bid me show
To Thy poor how much I owe.

When in flowery paths I tread,
Oft by sin I’m captive led;
Oft I fall, but still arise—
Jesus comes—the tempter flies;
Blessèd Jesus! bid me show
Weary sinners all I owe.

Words: Robert M. McCheyne, (1813-1843)

Truth for Today #153

Thursday July 17th

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

2 Timothy 4:1-8

I solemnly charge you in the presence of God and of Christ Jesus, who is to judge the living and the dead, and by His appearing and His kingdom: preach the word; be ready in season and out of season; reprove, rebuke, exhort, with great patience and teaching. For the time will come when they will not endure sound doctrine, but wanting to have their ears tickled, they will accumulate for themselves teachers in accordance to their own desires, and will turn away their ears from the truth and will turn aside to myths. But you, be sober in all things, endure hardship, do the work of an evangelist, fulfill your ministry. For I am already being poured out as a drink offering, and the time of my departure has come. I have fought the good fight, I have finished the course, I have kept the faith; in the future there is laid up for me the crown of righteousness, which the Lord, the righteous Judge, will award to me on that day; and not only to me, but also to all who have loved His appearing.

From Vera:

“O God, you are my God; earnestly I seek you; my soul thirsts for you; my flesh faints for you, as in a dry and weary land where there is no water. So I have looked upon you in the sanctuary, beholding your power and glory. Because your steadfast love is better than life, my lips will praise you. So I will bless you as long as I live; in your name I will lift up my hands.”
‭‭Psalm‬ ‭63‬:‭1‬-‭4‬ ‭ESV‬‬

From Dianna:

“For I am not ashamed of the gospel, for it is the power of God for salvation to everyone who believes, to the Jew first and also to the Greek.” Romans 1:16 ESV

From Karen:

Psalms 27:1 The LORD is my light and my salvation; whom shall I fear? the LORD is the strength of my life; of whom shall I be afraid?

The Happy Wonderer ~ ellen b.

To honor and encourage

Category Archives: Christianity

Truth for Today #158

Have I Done My Best for Jesus? ~ Hymn

Swinging with the Hodgepodge

Thy Goodness, Lord, Our Souls confess ~ Hymn

Truth for Today #156

Truth for Today #155

Goodbye July Hodgepodge

Truth for Today #154

Chosen Not for Good in Me ~ Hymn

Truth for Today #153