Category: joy

Monday 10/21 ~ Golden lips

On By Inspirations By KatherynIn blessings, Daily, ethics, healing, Inspirational, joy, love, patience, praise, ThanksgivingLeave a comment

The scripture for today, October 21 (10/21), is Proverbs 10:21 as found in the Old Testament of the Bible:

0-Michel-COVER-Kindle-Thumbnail“The lips of the righteous nourish many, but fools die for lack of judgment.”

What do you talk about during the day? What kind of judgment do you use? Do you nourish the spirit of others by what you say to them? Do people want to be around you?

Are you a complainer or complementor? Are you rude or patient? Do you glare or smile? Do you criticize the wrong a person does, or praise the right that person does? Do you sing of your love of God on Sunday and use swear words on Monday?

Today, go out of your way to nourish everyone you talk to. Start a new habit. They will see God in you and be fed glory.

 

0-Michel-COVER-Kindle-ThumbnailMICHEL: THE FOURTH WISE MAN and descendant of Daniel, tolerated the foolish prattle of the other so-called wise men who insisted on finding the meaning of the star from the gods of every nation on earth except Israel that actually believed in an invisible God. When they were ready to give up, Michel introduced them to his ancestor’s writings and found the meaning of the star.  To BUY NOW, click a book cover or paste this:  https://amzn.to/2JcXELM

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Monday 9/9 ~ Glory in the “new”

On By Inspirations By KatherynIn Bible, Inspirational, joy, judging, Scripture, teaching, truth1 Comment

The scripture for today, September 9 (9/9), is Zechariah 9:9 as found in the Old Testament of the Bible:

Matthew's Life of Christ-Cover-thumbnail“Rejoice greatly, O Daughter of Zion! Shout, Daughter of Jerusalem! See, your King comes to you righteous and having salvation, gentle and riding on a donkey, on a colt, the foal of a donkey.”

Most people think Jesus riding on a donkey made him humble. Not at all. Donkeys and mules were rides of kings.

Judges 5:9-10 says, “My heart is with Israel’s princes….you who ride on white donkeys.” Supreme Judge Jair led Israel 22 years and had 30 sons who rode 30 donkeys (Judges 10:3-4). Supreme Judge Abdon, who ruled Israel 8 years, had 70 sons and grandsons who rode on 70 donkeys (Judges 12:14).

II Samuel 18:9 says Absalom, King David’s son, rode on a mule. In I Kings 1:33,38,44, David ordained that his son, Solomon, ride on his own mule through the street as one proof that he chose Solomon to be the next king.

The people of Jerusalem knew Jesus was not only riding the ride of kings when he entered their capital city, but he was also, at last, fulfilling the centuries-old prophecy they all knew so well (today’s scripture).

This is the humility that Jesus did exhibit: He rode on the colt of a donkey.

Do you blindly follow whatever our religious leaders tell you? Do you know the scriptures as well as you think you do?

Glory in learning new things about your King of Glory.

 

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Thursday 9/5 ~ Then stand. And act.

On By Inspirations By KatherynIn blessings, good works, Inspirational, joy, praise, teaching, Thanksgiving, worshipLeave a comment

The scripture for today, September 5 (9/5), is Nehemiah 9:5a as found in the Old Testament of the Bible:

Applied Christianity“And the Levites ~ Jeshua, Kadmiel, Bani, Hashabneiah, Sherabiah, Hodiah, Shebaniah and Pethahiah ~ said ‘Stand up and praise the Lord your God, who is from everlasting to everlasting.’ “

Who in the world are these eight men?  We know nothing about them before this event and nothing about them after this event. But they are forever memorialized in the Bible because, on this one day, within this one hour, in this one moment in time they “stood on the steps of the temple…and called with a loud voice” (Nehemiah 9:4) for the people to “stand up and praise the Lord”.

Can you do that? Can you stand and call out to people around you, “Stand up and praise the Lord your God”? Yes, you can. You can write letters to the editor, you can encourage other students of the Bible, you can start Bible studies in your home or even the internet for adults or children, you can take scripture tray favors to a hospital or nursing home.

In what way can you tell people around you to “stand up and praise the Lord your God”? List for yourself some ideas. Then stand. And act.

 

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Sunday 9/1 ~ My constant companion

On By Inspirations By KatherynIn #friendships, blessings, faith, Heaven, Inspirational, joy, love, praise, prayer, Thanksgiving, worship1 Comment

The scripture for today, September 1 (9/1), is Psalm 9:1 as found in the Old Testament of the Bible:

Silver Cover-KINDLE-thumbnail“I will praise you, O Lord, with all my heart; I will tell of all your wonders.”

I knew a lady many years ago who talked to God all day as though he was sitting or standing beside her, whether she was cleaning floors, washing dishes, going shopping, or had just received a telephone call. She talked to God about everything she was doing. God was her constant companion.

Your throne, oh God, rises above and far beyond everything I know or can comprehend.  Glory greater than the brightest star radiates from you.  The dome of the universe is your mantel of holiness. Rays more dazzling than the sun shoot out, penetrating the darkness surrounding my soul and bringing me into everlasting day. A path of mercy you make for me lighted up with love. I tread that path day by day knowing it leads to you. With all my filthiness, you allow me near. How I worship you.

Thank you, God, for a good summer. We had somewhat of a drought, but my plants were strong and most survived. How I love walking through my garden and pulling up a radish to nibble on, a strawberry to devour, a handful of peas to feast on. I did nothing to make them grow except keep the weeds away. You are the one who took my tiny seeds and turned them into delicious food for my table. That’s when I feel a little like a creator with you. Thank you, my Lord, for all this.

 

Silver Cover-KINDLE-thumbnail365 SILVER-WINGED PRAYERS: YOUR SPIRIT TO GOD’S is one of the TOUCHING GOD trilogy.  The other two are daily scripture thoughts and daily wisdom. Part of today’s thoughts is taken from September 1 of this prayers book.   Perfect for CHURCH LIBRARIES, WEDDINGS, SHOWERS, BIRTHDAYS, CHRISTMAS.  To buy now, click a good cover or past this:  https://amzn.to/30ZfQiV

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Thursday 8/29 ~ And what about demons?

On By Inspirations By KatherynIn Enemies, faith, Fear, joy, knowledge, power, problems, Satan, truth1 Comment

The scripture for today, August 29 (8/29), is Matthew 8:29 as found in the New Testament of the Bible:

365 Dat by Date-Front-Thumbnail” ‘What do you want with us, Son of God?’ they shouted. ‘Have you come here to torture us before the appointed time?’ “

If you are not familiar with this passage, these are the words of a demon. If you have ever studied demons in the Bible, you will find they never tried to spook or scare people. They never made dishes rattle or lamps fall over.

All they did was cause physical problems during the lifetime of Jesus and his apostles. There is no evidence of demons doing this in the Old Testament before Jesus, nor after his apostles died, either in the Bible or in the writings of the apostolic fathers. It is as though the demons were loosed for a season so Jesus could show his power over them also ~ Ephesians 1:20-21.

Notice, demons never said bad things. If they talked at all, it was out of fear and honesty.  James 2:19 says all demons believe in Jesus. In the book of Matthew, they knew who Jesus was. They called him the Son of God.

Jesus told them to be quiet. Why? He didn’t want evil beings telling people who he was; he wanted goodness to tell people who he was. And Jesus never did incantations or any begging to lure demons out. He demanded them to leave and immediately they obeyed him.

The movies have warped our understanding of demons. Let us search the scriptures to find out their true nature. Then we no longer have to guess. We can know.

 

365 Dat by Date-Front-Thumbnail

 

365 LIFE-CHANGING SCRIPTURES DAY BY DATE provides a daily devotional to think about during the day or even during the night. Perfect for WEDDINGS, BABY SHOWERS, CHRISTMAS.  To BUY NOW, click a book cover or paste this:  https://amzn.to/2yQgWkh

 

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Saturday 8/17 ~ Go ahead! Do it!

On By Inspirations By KatherynIn attitude, blessings, death, Enemies, eternity, Heaven, joy, persecution, sacrifice, Satan, Thanksgiving, truth1 Comment

The scripture for today, August 17 (8/17), is Romans 8:17 as found in the New Testament of the Bible:

00-Stephen-Cover-Kindle-Thumbnail“Now if we are children, then we are heirs ~ heirs of God and co-heirs with Christ, if indeed we share in his sufferings in order that we may also share in his glory.” (see also Galatians 3:16)

I Peter 4:12-14 says we should not be surprised when persecution happens, “as though something strange was happening to you.” If we are insulted because of Jesus, we are blessed.

Notice, we are co-heirs with Christ IF we share in his suffering. Have you shared in Jesus’ sufferings lately? Have you ever in your entire life shared in Jesus’ sufferings? If not, you haven’t told very many people about Jesus loving them or stood up for Jesus when people around you were making fun of him or using his name as a swear word.

Are you sinning by omission? Do you huddle with your church friends all the time and brag that all the friends you have are Christians? Jesus didn’t. Jesus went out to “seek and save the lost.” Are you seeking?

Sometime today, say something to someone about Jesus ~ someone in a store, at work, a neighbor, a fellow passenger on a bus. They probably won’t insult you. This may be exactly what they’ve been looking for. But if they do insult you, smile and say, “Thank you.” If they threaten you, say, “God bless you.”  If they hit you, say, “I appreciate that.”

Go ahead.  Do it!  Share!  I double dare you!

 

00-Stephen-Cover-Kindle-ThumbnailSTEPHEN: UNLIKELY MARTYR had a wife and two children and was 28 years old (in the story) when he sacrificed it all. Did he dread death? He’s never done it before. But he also saw what was on the other side of the door ~ Jesus rooting for him.  “Come home, Stephen. Come on home.”  To BUY NOW, click a book cover or paste this:  https://amzn.to/2P0ABJv

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Tuesday 8/13 ~ He loves me still

On By Inspirations By KatherynIn #friendships, blessings, eternity, Inspirational, joy, love, patience, prayer, rest, Thanksgiving, worship1 Comment

The scripture for today, August 13 (8/13), is Isaiah 8:13f as found in the Old Testament of the Bible:

Silver Cover-KINDLE-thumbnail“The Lord Almighty is the one you are to regard as holy, he is the one you are to fear, he is the one you are to dread, and he will be a sanctuary.”

Righteous God in heaven, so far and yet so near. You made the rules so I wouldn’t hurt myself. No matter how hard I wanted you to change them, you refused to change. You are forever the same. My rock. My foundation, My wall of salvation. My sword of truth. My rainbow of love.  You have clothed me with your perfection because I can never attain it. You have clothed me with your purity because this I can never accomplish either. You have clothed me with your majesty to rule with you somewhere in your realm someday because I could never have the wisdom or patience you do.  You have given the earth to me and all that is in it to rule with you. You have granted me a canopy of stars over my head and a rainbow of delight to encircle my heart. I love you, my God.

From the night, you call forth light.  From the soil you call forth a flower. My tears you turn into diamonds. My laughter you turn into mountains of love. My weariness you make be sweet peaceful rest before the dawn. My soul rises to meet yours, my heart flies to touch yours, my mind, my understanding soars to try to understand you. You are so great and I am so small.  Yet you love me so. I do not deserve it, for I am sinful. You love me still. I worship you.

 

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Saturday 8/10 ~ In weakness, strengthened by God’s joy

On By Inspirations By KatherynIn attitude, Daily, discouragement, healing, Inspirational, joy, Loss, victory, weakness1 Comment

The scripture for today, August 10 (8/10), is Nehemiah 8:10b as found in the Old Testament of the Bible:

3 Great Kings Kindle-Thumbnail“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 will be your strength and see you through.

 

3 Great Kings Kindle-ThumbnailA CHILD’S BIBLE HEROES: 3 GREAT KINGS introduces your child or grandchild to Saul, David and Solomon.  Saul wasn’t all bad. He conquered four nations of Israel’s enemies. He was a warrior king.  David was a warrior with a song in his heart which soothed him when others were doing bad to him or he was doing bad.  Solomon lived a life doing whatever he wanted and lived to regret it as expressed in his brilliant proverbs. To BUY NOW, click a book cover or paste this:  https://amzn.to/2yTxGax

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Thursday 7/11 ~ Overwhelmed

On By Inspirations By KatherynIn blessings, forgiveness, healing, Inspirational, joy, praise, worshipLeave a comment

The scripture for today, July 11 (7/11), is Matthew 7:11 as found in the New Testament of the Bible.

00-PAUL COVER-Thumbnail-“If you, then, though you are ‘evil’, know how to give good gifts to your children, how much more will your Father in heaven give good gifts to those who ask him!”

Yes, we are evil.  Evil and sin mean the same thing.  Let’s face it:  If we are sinful, then we are evil.  Hard to think of ourselves that way.  Could we do nice things to someone who did bad things to us every day?  God can. God does. He is the God of the impossible. The God who absorbs the black hole of sin and brings light into it, not to reveal it but to forgive it.

The Creator of the Universe our Father? The master-mind behind the intricacies of our bodies our Father? The Creator of over two trillion galaxies (not stars, but galaxies of stars) our Father?  The one who occupies the tiniest atom our Father? The One who can be everywhere at once our Father?

How unworthy we are. All we can do is fall at his feet and whisper, “You are so great. I am so small. I am overwhelmed by your love.”

 

00-PAUL COVER-Thumbnail-PAUL: THE UNSTOPPABLE called himself a violent man, and that he was.  He imprisoned, tortured, and executed people for believing in Jesus.  Then he switched sides. So overwhelmed was he for God’s ability to forgive him, he endured beatings, slashings, storms, floods, hunger, shipwrecks, and each time he cried out, “Jesus! This is for you!” To BUY NOW, click a book cover or paste this:  https://amzn.to/2SHeQPg

 

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Sunday 6/30 ~ The heavenly temple

On By Inspirations By KatherynIn church, discouragement, emptiness, faith, governments, Inspirational, joy, patience, victoryLeave a comment

The scripture for today, June 30 (6/30), is 1st Kings 6:30 as found in the Old Testament of the Bible:

00-Hero Alone-COVER-KINDLE-Thumbnail“He also covered the floors of both the inner and outer rooms of the temple with gold.”

About 40 years ago it was figured that Solomon put $3 trillion worth of gold in the temple to line the ceiling, walls, and floor. And that figure would probably be around $12 trillion today. Talk about streets of gold in heaven!

There are some people today asking for money to rebuild the temple in Jerusalem. Even if they accomplished it, what would it do for Christians? The book of Hebrews in the New Testament explains to the Hebrew (Jewish) Christians that they no longer need or want the temple. Why? Hebrews 8:13 says, “By calling this covenant (Testament) ‘new’ he has made the first one [Old Testament] obsolete.”

Let’s look at the temple in a spiritual sense through the eyes of a Christian ~ and of Jesus himself in Hebrews 9:1. “Now the FIRST  COVENANT  [TESTAMENT] had regulations for worship and also an earthly sanctuary. 7 Only the High Priest entered the inner room [Most Holy Place]…and never without blood.…. 11When Christ came as High Priest of the good things that are already here, he went through the greater and more perfect tabernacle [temple] that is not man-made. 12. He did not enter by means of the blood of goats and calves, but he entered the Most Holy Place once for all by his own blood [He being the Lamb of God ~ John 1], having obtained eternal redemption. 24. For Christ did not enter a man-made sanctuary that was only a copy of the true one; he entered HEAVEN  ITSELF. For this reason, Christ is the mediator of a NEW  COVENANT  [TESTAMENT].’

Why in the world would anyone want an imitation temple and holy of holies made with hands back in Jerusalem again, along with all the animal sacrifices on the altar, and priests who would have to be of the Tribe of Levi, and tithing and all the other over 600 laws of Moses? 

Thank God, we live in a more spiritual age ~ the age of Christ and the temple of heaven itself.

 

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