Category Archives: God

Truth for Today #125

Thursday December 12th

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! 

Notice: Our Truth for Today posts will resume in January.

Hebrews 1:3-14

And He is the radiance of His glory and the exact representation of His nature, and upholds all things by the word of His power. When he had made purification of sins, He sat down at the right hand of the Majesty on high, having become as much better than the angels, as He has inherited a more excellent name than they.

 For to which of the angels did He ever say,

“You are My Son,
Today I have begotten You”?

And again,

“I will be a Father to Him
And He shall be a Son to Me”?

6 And when He again brings the firstborn into the world, He says,

“And let all the angels of God worship Him.”

7 And of the angels He says,

“Who makes His angels winds,
And His ministers a flame of fire.”

8 But of the Son He says,

“Your throne, O God, is forever and ever,
And the righteous scepter is the scepter of His kingdom.
9 “You have loved righteousness and hated lawlessness;
Therefore God, Your God, has anointed You
With the oil of gladness above Your companions.”

10 And,

“You, Lord, in the beginning laid the foundation of the earth,
And the heavens are the works of Your hands;
11 They will perish, but You remain;
And they all will become old like a garment,
12 And like a mantle You will roll them up;
Like a garment they will also be changed.
But You are the same,
And Your years will not come to an end.”

13 But to which of the angels has He ever said,

“Sit at My right hand,
Until I make Your enemies
A footstool for Your feet”?

14 Are they not all ministering spirits, sent out to render service for the sake of those who will inherit salvation?

From Vera:

“Beloved, let us love one another, for love is from God, and whoever loves has been born of God and knows God. Anyone who does not love does not know God, because God is love. In this the love of God was made manifest among us, that God sent his only Son into the world, so that we might live through him. In this is love, not that we have loved God but that he loved us and sent his Son to be the propitiation for our sins. Beloved, if God so loved us, we also ought to love one another.”
‭‭1 John‬ ‭4‬:‭7‬-‭11‬ ‭ESV‬‬

The Roads We Travel

On Sunday our children’s choir started our services off with a preview of their upcoming Children’s Christmas play/musical. It is always a treat to have the children perform. As soon as the service was over we hit the road for our trip to the west side of the mountains.

We made a quick stop in Spokane to get a sandwich for the road before we reached I-90 for our 284 mile stretch to Bothell.

For most of our eastern Washington journey we were happy for sunshine and clear roads.

It’s a family tradition that when we spot the Columbia River and Vantage Bridge we send out a group text with the words, ‘Roll On’. Everyone knows exactly where we are and will be able to calculate when we’ll arrive at our destination.

From this point we would be starting our ascent up and through the Cascade mountain range.

On the eastern slopes the skies changed. We were patting ourselves on the back for replacing our windshield wipers the day before.

At Snoqualmie Pass I snapped this shot before our descent into Western Washington.

We made it to Josh and Laura’s house and had a good catch-up before we met up with Andrew and Katie for Thai food to continue our Anniversary celebrations. Josh and Laura baked a cake for all of us to enjoy after dinner. We have some very thoughtful kids.

Soon we were all ready to put our heads on our pillows for the night.

That reminds me of this sweet photo that was sent to us of JJ after a long morning of shopping this past Saturday on the Eastside.

Hope you all have time to rest and contemplate all that this season holds for mankind.

A portion of the Nicene Creed;

We believe in one God,
the Father almighty,
maker of heaven and earth,
of all things visible and invisible.

And in one Lord Jesus Christ,
the only Son of God,
begotten from the Father before all ages,
God from God,
Light from Light,
true God from true God,
begotten, not made;
of the same essence as the Father.
Through him all things were made.
For us and for our salvation
he came down from heaven;
he became incarnate by the Holy Spirit and the virgin Mary,
and was made human.

The Deity and Humanity of Christ ~ Hymn

 

The Deity and Humanity of Christ

Ere the blue heav’ns were stretched abroad,
From ev­er­last­ing was the Word:
With God He was; the Word was God,
And must di­vine­ly be ad­ored.

By His own pow­er were all things made;
By Him sup­port­ed all things stand;
He is the whole cre­ation’s head,
And an­gels fly at His com­mand.

Ere sin was born, or Sa­tan fell,
He led the host of morn­ing stars:
Thy ge­ne­ra­tion who can tell,
Or count the num­bers of Thy years?

But lo, He leaves those heav’n­ly forms,
The Word des­cends and dwells in clay,
That He may hold con­verse with worms,
Dressed in such fee­ble flesh as they.

Mortals with joy be­held His face,
Th’eter­nal Fa­ther’s on­ly Son;
How full of truth! how full of grace!
When thro’ His eyes the God­head shone.

Archangels leave their high abode
To learn new mys­te­ries here, and tell
The loves of our des­cend­ing God,
The glories of Im­ma­nu­el.

Words: Isaac Watts, 1707.

Truth for Today #124

Thursday December 5th

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! 

Hebrews 1:1-3a

Long ago, at many times and in many ways, God spoke to our fathers by the prophets, 2 but in these last days he has spoken to us by his Son, whom he appointed the heir of all things, through whom also he created the world. 3 He is the radiance of the glory of God and the exact imprint of his nature, and he upholds the universe by the word of his power. 

From Vera:

“In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God. He was in the beginning with God. All things were made through him, and without him was not any thing made that was made. In him was life, and the life was the light of men. The light shines in the darkness, and the darkness has not overcome it.”
‭‭John‬ ‭1‬:‭1‬-‭5‬

From Willow:

Joel 2:32,

And everyone who calls
on the name of the Lord will be saved;

From Karen:

I John 4:11

Beloved, if God so loved us, we ought also to love one another.

Tis the Season Hodgepodge

The tree is up and some of the ornaments are on it. I’m debating about how many to fill it with. Maybe it will be simplified this year. The rest of the Christmas bins are coming down today (Tuesday) and hopefully all the decorating will be accomplished before I visit Hodgepodgers this week!

Thank you to Joyce for the Wednesday Hodgepodge Questions! Click over to join in.

1. What’s the best $5 gift to give someone? 

Oh boy, this is a tough one. How about meet someone for a cuppa that you pay for and give them an hour of your time. I would have said buy them a cup of whatever and a little sweet to go with it but it would have to be a cookie because pastries are up in the $6 range these days!!

2. What’s your favorite way to relax/unwind during the busy holiday season? 

Sitting with my feet up and enjoying some quiet. Going for a drive and enjoying the winter views.

3. How do you feel about gingerbread? Love it or no thanks? Are gingerbread houses a part of your holiday tradition? If you said yes, how does that look? Do you like ginger flavor in other kinds of dishes? 

A little gingerbread is enjoyable but it wouldn’t be missed. Houses have not been a big part of our tradition until lately with the Grands and it’s a nice craft for them to enjoy. Ginger is a nice addition to other kinds of dishes and in tea.

4. December 5th is National Blue Jeans Day…will you be celebrating? Do you have a favorite brand? A favorite pair? Do you have a hard time parting with a favorite pair of jeans? Blue jeans-joggers-leggings-yoga pants…which one do you wear most often? 

Any jeans that fit well and stay put at the waist are fabulous in my book. When I find a brand that will do that I’ll cling to them forever! Around the house and working in the yard joggers are the comfort go to for bending, kneeling, pulling weeds, etc.

At night when the day and work is done it is always time for comfy pants! (Jammy bottoms)

5. As we head into this holiday season what’s your biggest priority or goal for the end of the year? 

Remembering that God is my portion. With Him I have all I need. He is the strength of my heart.

“Christ’s divinity has no starting point in time. He always was. He was God before time began. He is God at this very moment. And He will continue to be God forever.” Alistair Begg ~Let Earth Receive Her King. 

6. Insert your own random thought here. 

Now Hail We Our Redeemer ~ Hymn

 

Now Hail We Our Redeemer

Now hail we our Re­deem­er,
Eternal Son of God,
Born in the flesh to save us,
And cleanse us in His blood.
The Morn­ing Star as­cend­eth,
Light to the world He lend­eth,
Our guide in grief and gloom.

A man, of God be­got­ten,
Brought in the age of grace;
Lo, all the earth is ra­di­ant
With light, and hope, and peace.
Our pri­son He de­mol­ished,
Death’s pow­er He abol­ished,
And op­ened Hea­ven’s gate.

O Je­sus, grant us mer­cy,
And grace on us be­stow,
To walk by Thine own guid­ance,
Thy sav­ing truth to know.
For Thee our hearts are yearn­ing,
From world­ly plea­sures turn­ing
Unto Thy right­eous­ness.

Into Thy hand the Fa­ther
Gave all, that we might be
In bonds of faith unit­ed,
And de­di­cate to Thee,
A people through Thy mer­it
Entitled to in­her­it
Thy realm eter­nal­ly.

Words: Ambrose of Milan (340-397)

Who Are These Like Stars Appearing ~ Hymn

Who Are These Like Stars Appearing

Who are these like stars ap­pear­ing,
These be­fore God’s throne who stand?
Each a gold­en crown is wear­ing;
Who are all this glo­ri­ous band?
Alleluia! Hark, they sing,
Praising loud their heav’n­ly king.

Who are these of dazz­ling bright­ness,
These in God’s own truth ar­rayed,
Clad in robes of pur­est white­ness,
Robes whose lus­ter ne’er shall fade,
Ne’er be touch­ed by time’s rude hand?
Whence come all this glo­ri­ous band?

These are they who have con­tend­ed
For their Sav­ior’s hon­or long,
Wrestling on till life was end­ed,
Following not the sin­ful throng;
These who well the fight sus­tained,
Triumph through the Lamb have gained.

These are they whose hearts were riv­en,
Sore with woe and ang­uish tried,
Who in pray­er full oft have striv­en
With the God they glo­ri­fied;
Now, their pain­ful con­flict o’er,
God has bid them weep no more.

These, like priests, have watched and wait­ed,
Offering up to Christ their will;
Soul and body con­se­crat­ed,
Day and night to serve Him still:
Now in God’s most ho­ly place
Blest they stand be­fore His face.

Words: Theobald H. Schenk, 1719.

Truth for Today #123

Thursday November 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! 

Next Thursday is Thanksgiving Day so we will resume Truth for Today on the following Thursday. 

Isaiah 42:5-9

Thus says God the LORD,
Who created the heavens and stretched them out,
Who spread out the earth and its offspring,
Who gives breath to the people on it
And spirit to those wo walk in it,
“I am the LORD, I have called You in righteousness,
I will also hold You by the hand and watch over You,
And I will appoint You as a covenant to the people,
As a light to the nations,
To open blind eyes,
To bring prisoners from the dungeon
And those who dwell in darkness from the prison.
I am the LORD, that is My name;
I will not give My glory to another,
Nor My praise to graven images.
Behold the former things have come to pass,
Now I declare new things;
Before they spring forth I proclaim them to you.”

From Vera:

“Therefore David blessed the Lord in the presence of all the assembly. And David said: “Blessed are you, O Lord, the God of Israel our father, forever and ever. Yours, O Lord, is the greatness and the power and the glory and the victory and the majesty, for all that is in the heavens and in the earth is yours. Yours is the kingdom, O Lord, and you are exalted as head above all. Both riches and honor come from you, and you rule over all. In your hand are power and might, and in your hand it is to make great and to give strength to all. And now we thank you, our God, and praise your glorious name.”
‭‭1 Chronicles‬ ‭29‬:‭10‬-‭13‬

From Leonard:

Psalm 144:2

“He is my loving ally and my fortress, my tower of safety, my rescuer. He is my shield, and I take refuge in him.”

From Willow:

“Worthy is the Lamb, who was slain,
to receive power and wealth and wisdom and strength
and honor and glory and praise!”

Rev 5:12

From Karen:

James 1:19

Wherefore, my beloved brethren, let every man be swift to hear, slow to speak, slow to wrath:

Sunday Prayer ~Knox

You Only Give Us What We Need

We give you thanks, Lord God, for all the benefits we continue to receive from your generous hand.

You not only give us what we need in this life, but in your free mercy you have fashioned us anew into an assured hope of a far better life —declared to us in the gospel.

So we humbly ask, heavenly Father, do not let our affections be so entangled or rooted in these earthly things that will not last.

Instead may we always have our minds directed to you on high, always watching for the coming of our Lord and Savior, when he will appear for our full redemption.

To whom, with you and the Holy Spirit, be all honor and glory, forever and ever. So be it.

(John Knox in Grace from Heaven)

Truth for Today #122

Thursday November 14th

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! 

Philippians 1:27-30

Only conduct yourselves in a manner worthy of the gospel of Christ, so that whether I come and see you or remain absent, I will hear of you that you are standing firm in one spirit, with one mind striving together for the faith of the gospel; in no way alarmed by your opponents–which is a sign of destruction for them, but of salvation for you, and that too, from God. For to you it has been granted for Christ’s sake, not only to believe in Him, but also to suffer for His sake, experiencing the same conflict which you saw in me, and now hear to be in me.

From Vera:

“For a day in your courts is better than a thousand elsewhere. I would rather be a doorkeeper in the house of my God than dwell in the tents of wickedness. For the Lord God is a sun and shield; the Lord bestows favor and honor. No good thing does he withhold from those who walk uprightly. O Lord of hosts, blessed is the one who trusts in you!”
‭‭Psalm‬ ‭84‬:‭10‬-‭12‬

From Aritha:

Remember those who rule over you, who have spoken the word of God to you, whose faith follow, considering the outcome of their conduct. Jesus Christ is the same yesterday, today, and forever. Hebrews 13: 7-8

From Nikkipolani:

Turn away my eyes from looking at worthless things, And revive me in Your way.

Psalm 119:37

From Karen:

I John 4:1

Beloved, believe not every spirit, but try the spirits whether they are of God: because many false prophets are gone out into the world.