God’s Mosaic

The scripture for today, February 21 (2/21), is Daniel 2:21 as found in the Old Testament of the Bible:

10-Daniel-KindleMedium“He [God] changes times and seasons; he sets up kings and deposes them. He gives wisdom to the wise and knowledge to the discerning.”

It seems there is always some amount of restlessness within each nation regarding who is ruling. Some people like the ruler, some do not. Or people may start out liking the ruler, but later dislike him. Some rulers are okay, a few are considered outstanding, and a few others are outright evil.

But God sets up the rulers of nations and deposes them. Many places among the prophets of the Old Testament, God explains that he may raise up a cruel leader just because he is strong enough to get rid of other cruel people. After that, God deposes the cruel leader.

In the midst of all this, innocent people are always hurt. That is why it is important for us not to complain, but to bear up under a hard government with patience and courage. It is in hardship that the true heart of a Christian is revealed. And it is in hardship that many people turn to God who might never have done so.

God knows what he is doing, even if we do not understand ~ at least, on this side of eternity. Remember Romans 8:28 ~ “All things work together for good to those who love the Lord.” Life is a mosaic of many colors ~ sometimes bright and sometimes dark ~ but in the end, it will be beautiful.

.

10-Daniel-KindleThumnailA CHILD’S BIBLE HEROES:  DANIEL.  This amazing young man managed to become an old man because he figured out how to get along with many emperors — sometimes very bad, sometimes very good.  His secret? He concentrated on keep himself godly rather than changing everyone else.  When God wanted someone to change, He handled things himself.  To BUY NOW, click a book cover or paste this……….https://bit.ly/3dBf70e
https://inspirationsbykatheryn.wordpress.com/a-childs-bible-heroes-book-10-daniel/?frame-nonce=25eaefacf3

In His World

The scripture for today, February 17 (2/17), is 1st John 2:17 as found in the New Testament of the Bible:

0-BK 8-ComeFlyWithMe-Cover-Medium-New“The world and its desires pass away, but the man who does the will of God lives forever.”

Have you lost anything very important to you lately? Has it left you feeling empty?

Were you injured and cannot participate in a certain sport anymore? Are your bones growing old, and you have to get around in a wheelchair?  Did you lose a savings or part of your income and no longer can buy fancy clothes, a shiny car, a big house?  Did you miss out on being a chairman for your committee or official for your community and all the importance that comes with it?

The previous verse in the KJV says there are three basic types of sins: Lust of the flesh and eye, and pride.

Is your loss devastating to you? Do you now feel worthless?  Do you sometimes even have fleeting thoughts that life is no longer worth living?

Or perhaps you recently obtained your heart’s desire. Were you satisfied? Or have you already begun to look higher, wanting a little more?

Take a deep look at yourself?  Do you think you will ever be truly satisfied?  What are your cravings? Are they all that important?  Are they all that valuable?

Only one thing can ever give you what you truly crave ~ doing the gentle will of God. He is your Creator, and he knows what will make you happy. Then you can have all you ever craved in his world ~ forever.

.

0-BK 8-ComeFlyWithMe-Cover-Thumbnail-NewTHEY MET JESUS:  COME FLY WITH ME.  Jesus is dead and so is the dream.  Three years of hopes dashed. Three years of winning plunged into despair. Three years wasted.  All that is left is to pick up the pieces. But where are the pieces.  Jesus’ eleven descend into a world of nothingness.  “Calm down.  Have peace.”  Huh?  Who said that?  You’re alive? He’s alive! Hopes now soar, but the hard work has just begun.  He leaves them with the keys to enliven dead souls. They are beaten but keep on. They are jailed but keep on. They are lied about, stalked, defied but keep on.  Then one day…then one day…they’re HOME.  To BUY NOW, click a book cover or paste this:  https://bit.ly/2OzEnXc

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

The God of Second Chances

I praise you, God of my life, my soul, my being. You are all I need to exist. Without you the world is formless and empty just as it Inside-COVER-lg thumbnailwas at the beginning.  You give my life form and substance. You give me a reason to be, to live, to die. You are beyond the finiteness of my comprehension. Oh, how I wish I could understand you more.

Forgive my inability to forgive 490 times like you said ~ 70 x 7.  If I forgive, I know I am opening myself up to them doing it again, then I’ll have to forgive again. 490 times? I haven’t even begun to reach that. Slow me down, Lord, and help me unburden myself of others’ sins.

Ah, thank you, my Lord, for your simple Word. You never left me guessing what you are doing or wanting or saying. I can just follow your Words with simple, childlike faith. When I read it and meditate on it, I feel as though I am sitting at the foot of your very throne. And thank you for sleep.  And for watching over me while I rest. Thank you for chances to start all over again each new day. You are the God of second chances.

.

Inside-COVER-lg thumbnailINSIDE THE HEARTS OF BIBLE WOMEN is twelve stories of twelve women in their normal life, their life during tragedy, and their life trying to pull out of the tragedy.  Thought questions at the end.  AUDIO also available.  ADVERTISING MANUAL and LEADER’S GUIDE also available.  Great for outreach as a private reading book or group enrichment.  To BUY NOW, click a book cover or paste this:  https://bit.ly/3hr2bJR

https://inspirationsbykatheryn.wordpress.com/1107-2/my-book-inside-the-hearts-of-bible-women/

 

 

See? He’s running after you.

The scripture for today, February 8 (2/8), is Genesis 2:8 as found in the Old Testament of the Bible:

Pearls Cover-Palms-300dpi-Medium“Now the Lord God had planted a garden in the east, in Eden; and there he put the man he had formed.”

Just think: Mankind’s nursery was a garden. How God wanted to spoil us, his children. And dote on us.

He even visited us sometimes. He walked with us in the cool of the evening through the beautiful home he had given us. It was the first of many times in the future he would walk with man. It was a beautiful time.

Then jealous Satan appeared out of the shadows of time and lied to us. He claimed God was our enemy. How could he say that with God providing us with tasty food to eat and sparkling water to drink beautiful flowers and trees and…  Well, we had everything.

Satan knew he couldn’t deny that, so he planted in their minds what they did not have.  “See that tree over there? God doesn’t like you or he would let you touch that tree.  See that fruit over there? God doesn’t like you or he would let you eat anything you want.”  Oh, and the biggie. “God doesn’t want you to be as smart as him.  Evil is fun, but he is keeping you from knowing what evil is.  It’s the most wonderful thing in the world. If God hates you that much, then hate him back.”

So, they did. And Satan laughed. They were so gullible. Too late they discovered God had been trying to protect them.

Do you believe God doesn’t want you to have any fun? That is not true. God does not hate you. God is not trying to keep you from having a good time. The real good time is in heaven and he is trying to get you there.

Do not listen to Satan. He is the one who hates you. Do not wait until it is too late. Turn around and try once more listening to God. See?  He is running after you. He wants to protect you. He loves you beyond comprehension. And wants to spoil you. In heaven.

.

Pearls Cover-Palms-300dpi-Thumbnail365 PEARLS OF WISDOM: GOD’S SOUL TO YOURS provides one proverbs plus one passage from a wisdom literature — Job, Psalms, Ecclesiastes, Song of Solomon.  This is book two in the devotional trilogy — GOLDEN BIBLE THOUGHTS: GOD’S HEART TO YOURS and SILVER-WINGED PRAYERS: YOUR SPIRIT TO GOD’S.  Original art on the cover and classical papyrus font on the inside.  Perfect gift for yourself in these trying times of Covid uncertainty or a gift to someone else.  To BUY NOW, click a book cover or paste this:  https://bit.ly/3epvDgU

https://inspirationsbykatheryn.wordpress.com/365-pearls-of-wisdom-gods-soul-to-yours/

 

The crown of a victor

The scripture for today, February 7 (2/7), is Proverbs 2:7 as found in the Old Testament of the Bible:

0-REV-Cover-No Logo-KINDLE-medium“He holds victory in store for the upright, he is a shield to those whose walk is blameless.”

Do you feel like a loser sometimes? Once someone gets into that mindset, it is hard to break out. One dream after another has been shattered. One goal after another has been blockaded. One effort after another has been a failure.

The world can be a cruel place in which to live. It is ruled by Satan.

But look up! Victory is still possible! There is an old song called “Victory in Jesus.” We may be losers to our friends, but victors to God. Just remember, we cannot have victory in Jesus unless we have something to be victorious over.

Life is hard. But each day problems face us and we refuse to give in, that’s victory. Each day we search God’s Word for answers in the right places, that’s victory. Each day we refuse to give up on Jesus despite opposition to him by those around us, that’s victory.

Satan hates it when you don’t give up. Satan wants you to, not only give up on yourself, but also give up on God.

Do not give up. Never give up. Turn to God who can help you — with all your sins — be blameless and victorious. Keep on fighting and walking, fighting and walking until at last you walk right through the gates into heaven and are given the crown of a victor.

.

0-REV-Cover-No Logo-KINDLE-thumbnailREVELATION: A LOVE LETTER FROM GOD.  Revelation is so simple when you understand the symbolism of history and of numbers.  Revelation is not a book to scare you to death, but to lift you up and give your courage.  To BUY NOW, click a book cover or paste this……….https://bit.ly/36W2CqT

https://inspirationsbykatheryn.wordpress.com/1107-2/my-book-revelationa-love-letter-from-god/

It’s never too late. Look up!

The scripture for today, February 6 (2/6) is Jonah 2:6f as found in the Old Testament of the Bible:

09-Jonah-KindleMedium“To the roots of the mountains I sank down; the earth beneath barred me in forever. But you brought my life up from the pit, O Lord my God. When my life was ebbing away, I remembered you, Lord, and my prayer rose to you, to your holy temple.”

This is what was going through Jonah’s mind as he was swallowed by the great fish and on his way to certain death.

It is never too late.

As long as the breath of life is in you, it is never too late to cry out to God. You may be in the pits of your life. You may feel you cannot sink any lower than where you are now.

But look up! God is watching you with tears. You are not only breaking your own heart, but you are breaking the heart of your Maker who loves you so. God wants to lift you up out of your pit.

Still, he cannot do it without your help. What is your part? You must lift up your hands so God can grab hold of them.

Look up! God is right there within your grasp.

.

09-Jonah-KindleThumbnailA CHILD’S BIBLE HEROES:  JONAH.  Jonah could have kept running to the end of his life.  He didn’t.  He could have refused to tell his enemies how to be saved. He didn’t.   He recognized that, where ever he went, God was there.  Teach your child God will be where ever they go too.  To  BUY NOW, click a book cover or paste this……….https://bit.ly/3b78DVE

https://inspirationsbykatheryn.wordpress.com/a-childs-bible-heroes-book-9-jonah/?frame-nonce=1e7c6b1760

 

Holy Tears

The scripture for today, January 28 (1/28), is 1st Chronicles 1:28  s found in the Old Testament of the Bible:

04-Isaac&Jacob-KindleMedium“The sons of Abraham: Isaac and Ishmael.”

Are you a parent with a grown or nearly-grown child who is going in the wrong direction? Have you tried everything you can think of, and nothing is working? Do you know in your heart that you have been a good example and things shouldn’t have turned out like they have?

Abraham has been called the Father of the Faithful. Yet he had one son who followed Jehovah ~ Isaac ~ and one son who followed idols ~ Ishmael. Certainly, Abraham tried everything he could to “talk some sense” into Ishmael. Certainly, he prayed earnestly for Ishmael. So, what went wrong?  He also had two grandsons who fought each other all the time ~ Jacob and Esau.  Again, what went wrong? He was a godly man. His son, Isaac was a godly man?  How could this have happened when they tried to raise their sons right?

Just as God has given each of us free will, our children and grandchildren also have free will. Just as God will never force us to follow him, we cannot force our children to follow God. You did not refrain from having your children because they may have difficulties in their life, and neither did God. And when our children rebel and break our hearts, imagine what God goes through when we rebel and break his heart.

Who knows? Perhaps your child will return to God someday in your old age, or even after you have died.  If your child deep down has a good heart, that is enough for God to work with.

Keep hope alive. And try not to weep too often.

.

04-Isaac&Jacob-KindleThumbnailA CHILD’S BIBLE HEROES: ISAAC AND JACOB is a book of hope for dysfunctional families.  Twins Jacob and Esau fought all the time. Then Jacob stole from Esau, so Jacob ran away.  For twenty years they were apart and missed each other and eventually forgave each other.  What a reunion it was.  How happy Isaac must have been.  To BUY NOW, click a book cover or paste this……….https://bit.ly/3rcRNtZ

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

 

You brought eternity into my soul

0-BK 5-FloodGates-Cover-Medium-NewI praise and adore you, Lord God of heaven and earth. Of angels and people. Of stars and beasts. Of galaxies and molecules. So great and so minuscule ~ too large and too small for me to even see. You are in all.  You made all.  Your glory and might and wonders are reflected in all.  You are my Maker, my Defender, the Lover of my soul. You make darkness light. You make rough roads smooth. You make my chains break and fall away. I feel so warm and loved in your presence. You alone are worthy of worship.

Thank you, Jesus, for all your sacrifices. Over and over you sacrificed ~ heaven, a normal childhood, being a suspected bastard, being hounded by would-be assassins for two years. You went in and out of hiding. You dared them to live what they demanded of others. They hated you for it. They tortured you, insulted you, crucified you. Then death and hell.  So much. Because of my sins. My sins. You never gave up on me. Satan tried to destroy you. No one can destroy God.  You destroyed him. You destroyed my sins. Your persistence brought light into my life.  Your love brought eternity into my soul. Your love is unfathomable.

.

THEY MET JESUS:  FLOOD GATES.  Jealous leaders feel threatened by Jesus.  The people follow him everywhere.  He is feeding them free.  Healing them free.  Teaching them free.  Even commanding demons. He must be crushed. He must be destroyed.  Spreading rumors about him has not worked.  Blaming him for breaking the law has not worked.  He must be killed.  To BUY NOW, click a book cover or paste this……….https://bit.ly/2XsOXDS

https://inspirationsbykatheryn.wordpress.com/historical-novel-about-jesus/book-5-flood-gates-adults-childs-versions/

 

Staggering beyond comprehension

0-BK 5-FloodGates-Cover-Medium-NewYou are the fountain of all things, the cause of all things, the manifestation, the life-giver and mover of all things. The thought of you is staggering and beyond my comprehension.  Still you reveal yourself and leave it up to me to understand what I can. That understanding is just a shadow, a whisper in this vast cosmos. Someday I will understand ~ well, maybe. Will it ever be possible? I am only human. Still, on that Someday, I will comprehend and praise you more than I ever imagined.

If I stayed to myself and minded my own business instead of encouraging others, I would not be opening myself up to insults. That’s just being a coward. Help me open myself up to taunts. Help me share in the suffering of Jesus.

Your Bible is such a blessing. It is not confusion. It is not chaos in its wondering about this and that. It is not madness in careless guessing. It is order and harmony, peace and tranquility, it is ultimate truth. There it is just waiting for me to discover it. You open your mind and heart to me in your Bible, along with your plans, your movings, your yearnings for me. A love letter from God it is. When I read, it is as though I am in a mist and seeing you afar. Thank you for your Bible.

.

0-BK 5-FloodGates-Cover-Thumbnail-NewFLOOD GATES is biblical historical novel #5 in the series THEY MET JESUS.  By now, Jesus has turned the world upside down.  More and more people want to make him their king.  Free medical care so they wouldn’t have to rely on doctors.  Free food so they wouldn’t have to work.  What could be better? To the Temple leadership, it is a nightmare. Some are moving their money to banks in other countries. Others are making arrangements to flee on a moment’s notice.  Jesus has opened the flood gates.  To BUY NOW, click a book cover or paste this:  https://bit.ly/2XsOXDS

https://inspirationsbykatheryn.wordpress.com/historical-novel-about-jesus/book-5-flood-gates-adults-childs-versions/

Light of Divinity

0-BK 2-DreamMaker-cover-kindle-medium-newAh, my Lord Jehovah, I praise you ~ God the Father and First Cause of all things, God the Son who carries out the will of the Father, God the Spirit and Life Bringer.  In every way you have revealed yourself. In every way you are the white radiance of eternity quivering in the intense delight of divinity.  I am not in the dark, wondering about your glorious will for me. You provide light in your Word. You are Word. You are Light.  The rays of your wisdom stream down to me, I catch them, and my heart is filled with You.

 Lord God, help me work through forgiving seventy times seven. That’s 490 forgiving the same person for sometimes the same thing. So hard to do. Make me die to self so I can.

Your Bible is a gift I shall never tire of because I never have to guess what is going on in the world. It is so astounding, I never comprehend all that is in it ~ about the past, the right now, and the forever future. Your Plan for this world affects the next world ~ your place of ethereal love and joy. I thank you for revealing all this to me through your Words and keeping my heart as receptive as that of a little child.

.

0-BK 2-DreamMaker-cover-kindle-new-thumbnailDREAM MAKER is biblical historical novel 2 in the THEY MET JESUS series.  Now grown, Jesus meets one by one with his future apostles.  He faces down Satan with a strong will while his body is sunburned, cut, bleeding, and reduced to almost a crawl out of weakness.  He is baptized, then astounds his friends with a miraculous instant healing.  To BUY NOW, click a book cover or paste this………. https://bit.ly/30P7jSi

https://inspirationsbykatheryn.wordpress.com/historical-novel-about-jesus/book-2-dream-maker-adults-childs-versions-2/