How can it be, my Lord?

0-Mefiboset-KINDLE MediumHow can it be, oh Lord, that you love me, a mere worm crawling through the dust of sin? Won’t what your eyes behold take away your holiness? Won’t what you hear take away your purity?  My Lord, how can it be? Before your eyes behold my sin, you take it away. Before your ears hear my sin, you take it away. You never change. Sin cannot touch you. Sin does not exist where you are.  Your throne glistens white with sinlessness. You are crowned with virtue and you hold the scepter of goodness.

Thank you that I can freely breathe. There are some people whose lungs are bad and they struggle for their every breath. And thank you that I have two strong legs to stand on. There are some people wheel-chair bound and have to look up at everyone. And thank you that I can hear and speak. There are some people out there who can do neither. Lord, may I take a deep breath, walk to someone’s door and knock on it, and use the voice you gave me to tell them how much you love them. My every breath, my every step, my every word are gifts from you. May I ever use those gifts to glorify you and bring more souls to the safety of your heaven.

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0-Mefiboset-KINDLE ThumbnailMEFIBOSET: CRIPPLED PRINCE is a biblical historical novel about the son of Jonathan who David loved like a brother.  Through crippled for life, he had his father’s disposition of loving even his enemies.  It got him through an otherwise stormy life.  How about you?  Read and be inspired.  To BUY NOW, click a book cover or paste this……….   http://bit.ly/crippledprince

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https://inspirationsbykatheryn.wordpress.com/books-more-biblical-historical-novels/book-4-mefiboset-crippled-prince/

Smarter than God

Pearls Cover-Palms-300dpi-MediumThe scripture for today, September 2 (9/2), is Job 9:2 as found in the Old Testament of the Bible:

“Though one wishes to dispute with Him [God], he could not answer Him one time out of a thousand.”

There are so-called sophisticated intellectuals in the world who want to come up with all the answers about God. Many even make God in their image instead of we being made in God’s image. They try to reduce God to complete human understanding.

I smile sometimes when I hear TV evangelists declare, “God likes it when you…” or “God approves when you…” or, “God thinks…” and they’re all different.  He must look down on it all, shake his head, and think, “You know nothing.”

This was Satan’s temptation and Eve’s desire ~ to know everything God knows. She bought into Satan’s lie.  How can we even begin to figure out God?  There are two trillion galaxies out there ~ not stars but galaxies. And one hundred thousand stars in each galaxy.  And God is larger than them all. Dispute with the all-knowing God?

That cannot be! If we could understand everything about God, He would not be God! He has told us everything about Himself in his Word that he wants us to know and that we are able to comprehend.  Actually, He has poured out his heart to us in His Word.

Let us rejoice that there are things about God we do not understand. Let us rejoice that there are events in our life that we do not understand with our finite minds. Let us rejoice that such a God loves us in our finiteness. He said so Himself.

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Pearls Cover-Palms-300dpi-Thumbnail365 PEARLS OF WISDOM: GOD’S SOUL TO YOURS provides one proverb and a passage from one of the other wisdom books ~ Job, Psalms, Ecclesiastes, Song of Solomon ~ for each day of the year.  It is a companion to 365 GOLDEN BIBLE THOUGHTS AND 365 PRAYERS, all gift-book quality.  To BUY NOW, click a book cover or paste this……….  https://bit.ly/3i1Y4TY

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With you my soul is at peace

00-1st Century Worship KINDLE-COVER-ThumbnailLord God Almighty, as long as I walk with you, I am safe. Nothing others can say or do to me can harm me. They may insult me, threaten me, beat me, but all the while I will be safe. I will not hear their words because your words will echo through my mind ~ words of love and comfort. I will not notice their threats because I will be hiding under the shadow of your wings and only hear your breath of life.  I will not feel the beatings they batter me with because I will feel only your loving arms around me. Lord, with you I am strong. With you my soul is at peace.

Ah, my Lord, I remember the day of my baptism. It was long ago, but I remember everything about it. I remember walking up and sitting on the front pew. I remember the preacher asking me if I believed Jesus is the Son of God. I said yes, but in my young heart I thought the question was so unnecessary because, of course he is the Son of God!  I remember my mother and her friend helping me put on a white robe and stepping down into the baptistry. I remember the preacher’s words: “I now baptized you in the name of the Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit for the forgiveness of your sins.” I remember leaning back and going down into the water. Most vividly I remember coming up out of the water and telling myself, “I am sinless! I am pure!” Thank you for making all this possible and for the good memory of it.

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00-1st Century Worship KINDLE-COVER-ThumbnailWORSHIP THE FIRST-CENTURY WAY is one of a series of two, WANDERING SOUL, ENTITLED HEART, AND THE SIDE-TRACKED CHURCH.  Each chapter begins with a famous “theologian” (considered to be the founder of some denomination), then gradually takes readers from what everyone agrees on to something new and exciting for them. To BUY NOW, click a book cover or paste this……….  http://bit.ly/worshipfirst

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https://inspirationsbykatheryn.wordpress.com/1107-2/my-book-worship-the-first-century-way/

And They Wept

04-Isaac&Jacob-KindleMediumThe scripture for today, August 10 (8/10), is Nehemiah 8:10b as found in the Old Testament of the Bible:

“This day is sacred to our Lord. Do not grieve, for the joy of the Lord is your strength.”

After exile over 70 years for forsaking God, the Jews were led by Ezra and Nehemiah back to Jerusalem to rebuild the temple and rebuild the wall. On a special day, Ezra read the Law of Moses to all the people.

And they wept.

They were so embarrassed and so sorry they had betrayed God. The above scripture quotation is from that occasion.

But many people find it too humiliating to admit to others they were wrong. Others find it easy to repent, but never regroup and pull themselves up so they can try again. Still, others say, “What I’ve done is so bad, God could never forgive me.”

God can perform miracles. That means he can forgive the greatest sinner. So grieve. Ask for forgiveness. Then start over fresh ~ innocent in the eyes of God.

Remember, when you feel weak, the joy of the Lord is always your strength. And it is magnificent.

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04-Isaac&Jacob-KindleThumbnailISAAC & JACOB is storybook #4 in A CHILD’S BIBLE HEROES.  You would think a little lie wouldn’t hurt.  Or even a big lie.  But Jacob’s lie cost him everything. It disrupted his entire family.  His twin brother tried to kill him.  He was gone from home for 20 years and during that time he lost his mother.  Talk about a dysfunctional family. But God healed them.  To BUY NOW, click a book cover or paste this……….  http://bit.ly/2LacnWf

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https://inspirationsbykatheryn.wordpress.com/a-childs-bible-heroes-book-4-isaac-jacob/?frame-nonce=1e7c6b1760

It is August and I am happy

00-Hero Alone-COVER-KINDLE-MediumAt first, when I learned about you, Lord God, my faith was a slight spark, barely visible. Later, my faith enlarged to the size of a pin light. Eventually, the light of my faith filled the little space around my body.  Finally, the light of my faith filled a room and I rejoiced in it. But that was not all.  I continued to study your Word and pray and share, and after all that, I realized the light of my faith was large enough to fill an arena. Now that I am growing old, my body is weaker and starting to shrivel, but not the light of my faith. Now, and now oh, Lord, my faith flares up high and wonderous beyond my wildest dreams, fills the world, and draws wanderers to it. All because of you, Lord, for the light of my faith comes from you.

It is August and hot outside. I don’t care. At least it isn’t snowing, Besides, in August I don’t have to worry about shoveling sunshine! In August I slow down a little and take life easy before the bustle of harvest and autumn. I can go out in the cool of the morning and pick strawberries or blueberries. I can wade in mud puddles after a summer shower. I can sit under a tree, look up through the branches, and imagine the top of the tree are reaching the canopy of the sky. I can even lie on my back on a blanket and imagine what kind of animals the clouds look like. Ah, yes, it is August and I am happy.

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00-hero-alone-cover-kindle-lgthumbnailYOU CAN BE A HERO ALONE:  SURVIVAL STORIES OF ISOLATED CHRISTIANS. Inside are stories of Bible people who had to survive alone ~ Noah, Daniel, Elijah, John the Baptist and many more.  A few multiple questions are at the end for personal reflection or class study.  To BUY NOW, click a book cover or paste this……….  http://bit.ly/HeroesAlone

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https://inspirationsbykatheryn.wordpress.com/1107-2/you-can-be-a-hero-alone-survival-stories-for-the-isolated-christian/

Goodness in every country on earth

Silver Cover-KINDLE-thumbnailThe way you designed the trees is so much like the growth of my soul.  We start out life as a little ball, so tiny and full of wonder.  Then as toddlers, that tiny ball develops into a bud with just a touch of color peeking through. Finally, we open up in full bloom and our faith in you is so innocent and pure. Then we reach our teens and doubts creep in. One by one the sweet-smelling blossoms lose their colorful leaves. But, in young adulthood after we come out of our dares and doubts, we form into something else. The flower has turned into a miniature green fruit, a promise of things to come. In full adulthood the fruit becomes yellow or red or whatever it is supposed to be and adorns the branch it has grown from. In middle age we are plucked and become nourishment to others. Finally, in old age, the tiny seeds that fall from the fruit are buried once again, some day to start all over again as a little green ball, tiny and full of hope. May my life blossom the way you intended and, after I am gone, may the seeds I leave behind develop into a brand-new generation to carry on your work and your glory.

Thank you that I live in a free country to do whatever kind of work I desire to do, to live where I want, and worship you freely. And, thank you, for the other countries of the world. They may not have the freedoms I have, but many of them have opportunities not available here. And they live in areas full of so much ancient history, much of it having been lived out in your Bible. How exciting for them. There is something good in every country. I thank you for helping me not become arrogant and think my country is better than anyone else’s country. Thank you for opening my eyes.

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Silver Cover-KINDLE-thumbnail365 SILVER-WINGED PRAYERS: YOUR SPIRIT TO GOD’S is the third book in the TOUCHING GOD trilogy.  Prayers of praise, repentance, and thanksgiving are provided to help get you started with a few reminders.  Prayers of request are left for you to apply to your own life.  This series is a great gift for weddings, showers, graduations, baptisms, restored Cristians, birthdays, Christmas.  Beautiful original cover art and ancient papyrus font on the inside.  To BUY NOW, click a book cover or paste this………https://bit.ly/3ia96a0

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https://inspirationsbykatheryn.wordpress.com/365-silver-winged-prayers-your-spirit-to-gods/

Splendor from the oil of mercy

Golden Cover-KINDLELord, when I first heard your Words, they seemed rough and uncaring. Then I scraped away my resentments and bad habits. Oh, my. Your Words seemed not so bad after all.  Then I brushed away my ego. And wonder of wonders.  I saw your Words were for my benefit. Excitedly, I polished them with the oil of mercy and revealed a splendor I had not imagined. In your Words I saw the beauty of your holiness. I saw the epitome of love and majesty and glory. I am sorry for misunderstanding you for so long. Let me now share your holiness and grace with others.

Ah, my Lord, as I came out from my childhood, I began to sin ~ usually sins of attitude like jealousy, impatience, But sometimes I gossipped in order to make someone else look bad and me good, or I borrowed something and never gave it back, or I disobeyed my parents.  As I grew older, my sins were more sophisticated.  And I could not stop.  I still cannot.  Neither can anyone else.  You could have condemned me and left me in the hands of Satan. Instead, though you are my Judge, you also became my Public Defender, and I became a Christian.  You saved me from Satan’s punishment instead. I fall at your feet unworthy.  Lift me up, Lord, so I may always be yours.

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Golden Cover-KINDLE-thumbnail365 GOLDEN BIBLE THOUGHTS: GOD’S HEART TO YOURS is book one in the TOUCHING GOD series.  Beautiful art work on the cover and ancient papyrus print inside.  Buy all three for a wedding gift, new parents, birthdays, anniversaries, Christmas. For all ages.  To BUY NOW, click a book cover or paste this……….  https://bit.ly/33obxBJ

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https://inspirationsbykatheryn.wordpress.com/golden-bible-thoughts-gods-heart-to-yours-touching-god-series/

Plans you can only imagine

0-BK 8-ComeFlyWithMe-Cover-Medium-NewThe scripture for today, July 30 (7/30), is John 7:30 as found in the New Testament of the Bible:

“At this, they tried to seize him, but no one laid a hand on him, because his time had not yet come.”

Even thoughm, during the last two years of his life, many people wanted to kill Jesus out of jealousy or fear or pure meanness, he was never afraid to keep teaching. Why? Because he knew he was life and truth and that he came forth from the Father of lights.

Do you feel fear sometimes because of things going on around you? Do we fear failure, or ruin, or false rumors, being stricken by Covid-19, or  imprisonment, or your life? Remember, each life is in the heavenly Father’s hands.

So do not fear. Keep on keeping on. Hold fast. Stand firm. Do the right thing. Stand up for Jesus. And, when someday, your time does come, know that God has everything under control.  He had big plans for Jesus at his death, and he has big plans for you.  Plans you can only imagine.

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0-BK 8-ComeFlyWithMe-Cover-Thumbnail-NewCOME FLY WITH ME is the last book in the 8-novel series THEY MET JESUS. Witness his apostles hiding for fear they will be crucified next. In the depths of despair because all their dreams are dead.  Witness as he interrupts their meal. The tomb really is empty! Witness their last days with him and hoping he really won’t leave them.  Witness as they move their families to Jerusalem then gradually scatter. Witness John, now an old man, reunite with his friend, Jesus, in the heaven of heavens. Click a book cover or paste this……….  http://bit.ly/ComeToHeaven

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https://inspirationsbykatheryn.wordpress.com/historical-novel-about-jesus/book-8-come-fly-with-me-adults-childs-versions/

 

You can prepare the way for…

The scripture for today, July 27 (7/27), is Luke 7:27 as found in the New Testament of the Bible:

05-Joseph-KindleMedium“This is the one about whom it is written: ‘I will send my messenger ahead of you, who will prepare your way before you.’ “

Jesus had a difficult task ahead of him.  He had to prove to the world who he was while not scaring them to death with lightning strikes out of the sky or being a giant, or striking unbelievers dead.  So, John the Baptizer announced his coming ahead of time, smoothing out the crooked roads in the hearts of people.

Do you know a dreamer who is struggling to accomplish something very important to them? Have they been in trying to overcome all the obstacles for weeks or months or years?  Do you know anyone who is an obstacle for them? Can you say or do  something to that obstacle in order to help smooth the way for the dreamer? Does this dreamer need something in their climb that you can provide for them? How about encouragement? 

On the other hand, do you have a dream and sometimes slump into times of discouragement or depression? You can prepare “the way” for yourself.  We all have our ups and downs. You know yourself better than anyone. You know best what you need to hear when you are down in order to lift you back up.  Write yourself a letter. Tell yourself what you need to hear. Then put your letter away in preparation for one of your down times.

Life is hard. It is full of both promise and discouragement.  Today, sit down and write yourself that letter.  Then contact someone else for whom you can begin to prepare “the way.”

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05-Joseph-KindleThumbnailJOSEPH is storybook #5 in A CHILD’S BIBLE HEROES.  Joseph was a dreamer.  His dream came true but his path to fulfill it was full of “monsters” and pits and darkness.  Great for children up to age 12 with “think and do” at the end of each chapter. Get the whole set of 10 books.  To BUY NOW, click a book cover or paste this……….  

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https://inspirationsbykatheryn.wordpress.com/a-childs-bible-heroes-book-5-joseph/

But they acted so holy

Our scripture for today, July 21 (7/21), is Matthew 7:21ff as found in the New Testament of the Bible:

00-1st Century Worship KINDLE-COVER-Thumbnail“Not everyone who says to me ‘Lord, Lord’ will enter the kingdom of heaven, but only he who does the will of my Father who is in heaven. Many will say to me on that day, ‘Lord, Lord, did we not prophesy in your name, and in your name drive out demons and perform many miracles?’ Then I will tell them plainly, ‘I never knew you. Away from me, you evildoers!’ “

Evil doers?  Church people evildoers?  There are hundreds of denominations and sects out there all contradicting each other. It’s impossible for them all to be right. They cannot all be on different roads going to the same place. They cannot all be pleasing God if we decide opposing things please him.

You can never rely on what someone else says just because they look and act holy and say all the right holy words and phrases and pray such holy-sounding prayers. You must never rely on your religious leaders to tell you what to believe. Shall you take their opinion or God’s opinion?

Romans 10:1 in the Bible mentions some people who had a lot of zeal for God, but were lost because it was not according to the proper knowledge.

Well, how do you get God’s opinion? Read the Bible for yourself! Use a concordance (lists every word in the Bible and every scripture with that word ~ Bible Hub has one on the internet) and look up your chosen subject.  Then, having found the truth, why not go back to your religious leaders in love and try to teach your teachers? Some just might listen to you.

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00-1st Century Worship KINDLE-COVER-ThumbnailWORSHIP THE FIRST-CENTURY WAY is a collection of scriptures (1st-century Christians), statements of famous theologians going back centuries, and statements of 2nd-century Christians about the way God wants to be worshiped, not the way we want to “worship” him. The reader is taken gently step by step toward understanding and acceptance.  It ends with a history of the churches of Christ mostly in Europe from the third to the 18th century.  To BUY NOW, click a book cover or paste this……….

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https://inspirationsbykatheryn.wordpress.com/1107-2/my-book-worship-the-first-century-way/