The coward slinked away

05-Joseph-KindleThumbnailAh, my Lord, You are the only God and you are glorious. You are powerful in love, in justice, in mercy. You are life and must ever be creating life. Woe to those who kill, for they are fighting you.  Those who lie dare to deny you. Those who boost their will over yours are siding with Satan who desires to be over you.  Ah, my Lord God, I adore you and fall at your feet.  You are beyond understanding and fill my heart with the unspeakable joy of seeing you face to face some day.

Help me see myself as others do and as you do. Open my eyes to the real me. Make me go through things that reveal to me the stuff I am truly made of.

Thank you, Lord, for providing Words in writing so I know what and who my God is and how you react to people like me. You love me so and never stop thinking about me. Lord Jesus, thank you for being willing to go backward ~ leaving heaven to dwell on earth as one of us, resisting all the temptations of Satan. You went backward so I could go forward ~ leaving earth to dwell in heaven. You risked it all for me. What if Satan had succeeded? But you stood strong, head-to-head against him, refusing to obey him, side with him, or even to give you what he dared think you wanted ~ his kingdoms. They were not his to give. They were already yours. The coward slinked away in your mighty presence.

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    I pen my thoughts to inspire souls. Will you help me spread the word?      https://amzn.to/35ZOf44

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05-Joseph-KindleThumbnailJOSEPH is storybook in the series A CHILD’S BIBLE HEROES.  Everything and everyone in life were against him but his feeble father.  He was thirty years old before the world saw him as a great man worthy to lead the nation of Egypt. To BUY NOW, click a book cover or paste this……….https://amzn.to/35ZOf44

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Christians during plague of 3rd Century AD

At the first onset of the disease, they [pagans] pushed the sufferers away and fled from their dearest, throwing them into the roads before they were dead and treating unburied corpses as dirt, hoping thereby to avert the spread and contagion of the fatal disease; but do what they might, they found it difficult to escape.

Most of our brother Christians showed unbounded love and loyalty, never sparing themselves and thinking only of one another. Heedless of danger, they took charge of the sick, attending to their every need and ministering to them in Christ, and with them departed this life serenely happy; for they were infected by others with the disease, drawing on themselves the sickness of their neighbors and cheerfully accepting their pains. Many, in nursing and curing others, transferred their death to themselves and died in their stead. 

~ Dionysius of Alexandria

There is nothing remarkable in cherishing merely our own people with the due attentions of love, but that one might become perfect, he who should do something more than heathen men or publicans; overcoming evil with good, and practicing a merciful kindness like that of God, he should love his enemies as well…Thus the good was done to all men, not merely to the household of faith. 

By the terrors of mortality and of the times, lukewarm men are heartened, the listless nerved, the sluggish awakened; deserters are compelled to return; heathens brought to believe; the congregation of established believers is called to rest; fresh and numerous champions are banded in heartier strength for the conflict, and having come into warfare in the season of death, will fight without fear of death, when the battle comes. 

~ Cyprian of Carthage

You dared expose your deepest feelings to me

03-Abraham-ThumbnailCoverI adore you, my God. I cannot see or hear you, but I know you are beside me and in love with me. You are higher than the stars, louder than the thunder, gentler than the butterfly, deeper than the ocean, sweeter than a flower. They are all a touch of you. I bask in the warmth of your love, the gentle breezes of your mercy, the quietude of safety in you.

Lord, I lied. I did not tell a lie, but I failed to reveal the truth. I remained quiet and led someone to believe something that did not happen that way at all.  I knew the way it happened, but did not speak up. I must go to them and reveal the truth so you will forgive me.

Ah, my Lord, thank you for the Bible and revealing yourself in it. I never have to guess. Your mind is laid bare to me. You’ve exposed all your joys and pain, laughter and tears, hopes and desires, strengths and tenderness, justice and mercy. You dared expose yourself to me. All the rawness and transparency is there for me. Do I dare do less? My God, my hope is in you. My will I surrender to you. My heart I give you. My soul bows forever to you.

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I pen my thoughts to inspire souls. Will you help me spread the word?

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03-Abraham-ThumbnailCoverABRAHAM is book #3 in the series, A CHILD’S BIBLE HEROES. Abraham did not like all the false gods in his city so was glad to leave.  After that, he seemed as though he was moving all the time.  THINK & DO at the end of each chapter.  To BUY NOW, click a book cover.    https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B077MT8G5C/ref=dbs_a_def_rwt_bibl_vppi_i21

 

 

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You smile and the deserts awaken.

0000-BK 1-StarSong-Cover-new-MediumIt is morning. The sun is red and gold with excitement, for you returned to earth life on a Sunday morning after all the earthquakes. You showed the world how you are indeed God. You light up the world and brighten my day. You bring love and laughter into my life and the stars sing. You take a step and the earth quakes. You breathe and the oceans roll. You smile and the deserts awaken.  Ah, Lord God, you are my world.

I feel as though I have looked for seekers all my life so I can bring them to you, but it is never enough. There are so few seekers. Help me find a way to meet them and recognize them. I am so far from doing what needs to be done.

I thank you because you are so powerful in what is right and never give in. You would not be God if you did. You are strong in justice but find ways to temper it with mercy.  When Satan accuses, you forgive. When Satan makes sick, you heal. When Satan creates bitterness, you create peace. When Satan trapped our souls and we could not break away, you materialized and took our punishment for us. You paid the death ransom because we were too weak. In your mighty power, you set us free. How amazing you are. In my sinfulness, you see me as white and pure.  My soul enlarges and bursts with deep thankfulness.

 

STAR SONG IS LYRICAL NOVEL #1 in the series, THEY MET JESUS, which includes 100 people Jesus met and struggled with.  Life Application questions at the end of each chapter.  To  BUY NOW, click a book cover.

You’re not home yet.

00-Stephen-Cover-Kindle-ThumbnailThe scripture for today, May 10 (5/10), is 1st Peter 5:10 as found in the New Testament of the Bible:

“And the God of all grace, who called you to his eternal glory in Christ, after you have suffered a little while, will himself restore you and make you strong and firm and steadfast. To him be the power forever and ever.”

This earth is not meant to be your paradise, to be your eternal home. This earth is just the foyer. God stands at the door to heaven and calls you.

Over the past years, have you been too busy watching over things here to look over at his door? Were you too caught up with temporary things of this world to stop and listen for God?

Was there too much noise in your life? The noise of problems with job, home, family, government, neighbors, health? The noise of getting a better job, home, family, government, neighbor, health? Remember, you are only in the foyer.

Life is not always easy. Do you have the stamina to not be sidetracked? Do you have the fortitude to keep walking toward God’s door?

Perhaps God has stepped in and slowed us down.  God can make you strong and firm and steadfast if you will stop the noise and listen for him. The noise has nearly stopped.  Have you taken advantage of the quiet?  God is calling you.  Do you hear him?  God wants to make you strong and firm and steadfast. Listen for him and keep your eyes on his door.

You’re not home yet.

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00-Stephen-Cover-Kindle-ThumbnailSTEPHEN: UNLIKELY MARTYR had always let him mouth get him into trouble.  Always said the wrong thing at the wrong time to the wrong people.  Journey with Stephen as he matures from a 17-year-old teenager to a church leader at age 28.  Then, when the future was most promising, he gives it all up.  Why?  How could he?  To  BUY NOW, click a book cover.

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The twinkle in God’s eye

02-Noah-KindleThumbnailIt is spring. Little by little the flowers are blooming and showing a little more of your glory. Some will fade and rest until this time next year when they will return. Some will become fruit and nourish me with zest and delight, just like you nourish my heart. It is spring. Raindrops soften the earth, breezes waft and tease, the sun shares its warm rays while declaring you are the light of the world. What a wonderful, beautiful God you are!

Thank you for the seasons, each with their own gifts. Purifying winter with gentle snows, awakening spring with all its rebirths. Hazy summer when nature plays games with the world. Cozy autumn to say goodnight until another promised awakening. Thank you for the delightful earth you made for me. How much fun it must have been for you make! I can see the twinkle in your eye, the flicking of your wrist, the hum on your lips, the coo of a dove tantalizes your ears, the sunshine in your heart.

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I write to encourage souls.  Will you help me share today’s book with someone?         

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02-Noah-KindleThumbnailNOAH is book two in the series, A CHILD’S BIBLE HEROES.  He and his family stood alone while the rest of the world made fun of them.  “Think & Do” at the end of each chapter.  To BUY NOW, click a book cover.

 

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A hundred years

01-Adam&Eve-KindleThumbnailIt is spring. Little by little the flowers are blooming and showing a little more of your glory. Some will fade and rest until this time next year when they will return. Some will become fruit and nourish me with zest and delight, just like you nourish my heart. It is spring. Raindrops soften the earth, breezes waft and tease, the sun shares its warm rays while declaring you are the light of the world. What a wonderful, beautiful God you are!

I have to confess that I would rather watch something on television in the evening than spend that time writing a little note of encouragement or telephoning someone who is lonely, especially at this time when people are separating from others to protect their health. Help me break loose of my habit of preferring my pleasure over that of others.

Thank you for the seasons, each with their own gifts. Purifying winter with gentle snows, awakening spring with all its rebirths. Hazy summer when nature plays games with the world. Cozy autumn to say goodnight until another promised awakening. Thank you for the delightful earth you made for me. How much fun it must have been for you make! I can see the twinkle in your eye, the flicking of your wrist, the hum on your lips, the coo of a dove tantalizes your ears, the sunshine in your heart.

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I pen my thoughts to encourage souls. Will you help me share today’s book with someone?          https://amzn.to/2Wfee4g

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01-Adam&Eve-KindleThumbnailADAM & EVE are remembered for their first sin.  But, according to the age of Seth. they went some hundred years without sinning at all.  This books tells the good side of the parents of us all.  “Think and Do” at the end of each chapter for this CHILD’S BIBLE HEROES book 1.  To BUY NOW, click a book cover or paste this………https://amzn.to/2Wfee4g

Shhh. Listen. Do you hear?

Love Letters of Jesus & his Bride, Eccelsia-THUMBNAILThe scripture for today, May 6 (5/6), is Song of Solomon 5:6 as found in the Old Testament of the Bible:

“I opened [the door] for my lover, but my lover had left; he was gone. My heart sank at his departure. I looked for him but did not find him. I called him, but he did not answer.”

Jesus is the lover of your soul. He hears you knock, so opens the door for you. But you are now sidetracked. Perhaps you’re spending all your time thinking about material things. His heart sinks when you run away from him. Oh, how his heart aches with loneliness for you.

So, Jesus goes out looking for you. He looks everywhere you go. He calls you by name. But perhaps your life is so full of the noise of doing and going and accomplishing, that you do not hear him.

God has brought the world into silence and introspection.  How are you doing? Ah, but listen.

     Shhh.

          Do you hear?

              He wants you to be his Ecclesia.

Jesus is calling for you.

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I write to encourage souls. Will you help me share today’s book with someone?          https://amzn.to/2QcwHcq

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Love Letters of Jesus & his Bride, Eccelsia-THUMBNAILLOVE LETTERS OF JESUS AND HIS BRIDE, ECCLESIA.  Ecclesia is a beautiful name.  That’s because Jesus’ ecclesia is his bride, the church.  This book is a paraphrase of the Song of Solomon thought to have been written on his wedding day.  Each chapter in the book corresponds with each chapter in S of S.  And each chapter is a letter of one of them, usually looking for the other.  Numerous footnotes to explain the beautiful symbolism of this poetic book of the Bible.  Beautiful gift book with papyrus font and the watermark of a bride on each page.  A real keepsake.  To BUY NOW, click a book cover or paste this……….  https://amzn.to/2QcwHcq

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Fourteen Children

Sichuan China 2008 Earthquake Journal, Part 3 – Dr. Kit Miyamoto's ...
A native preacher in Nigeria where Boku Harem still terrorizes, received this from a friend:

    In the country of Armenia in Asia, in 1988, Samuel and Danielle sent their young son, Armand, off to school. Samuel squatted before his son and looked him in the eye. “Have a good day at school, and remember, no matter what, I’ll always be there for you.” They hugged and the boy ran off to school.
    Hours later, a powerful earthquake rocked the area. In the midst of the pandemonium, Samuel and Danielle tried to discover what happened to their son but they couldn’t get any information. The radio announced that there were thousands of casualties.  Samuel then grabbed his coat and headed for the schoolyard. When he reached the area, what he saw brought tears to his eyes. Armand’s school was a pile of debris. Other parents were standing around crying.
    Samuel found the place where Armand’s classroom used to be and began pulling a broken beam off the pile of rubble.  He then grabbed a rock and put it to the side, and then grabbed another one.
    One of the parents looking on asked, “What are you doing?”   “Digging for my son,” Samuel answered. The man then said, “You’re just going to make things worse! The building is unstable,” and tried to pull Samuel away from his work.
    Samuel just kept working. As time wore on, one by one, the other parents left. Then a worker tried to pull Samuel away from the rubble.  Samuel looked at him and said, “Won’t you help me?”   The worker left and Samuel kept digging.
    All through the night and into the next day, Samuel continued digging.  Parents placed flowers and pictures of their children on the ruins.  But, Samuel just kept working.  He picked up a beam and pushed it out of the way when he heard a faint cry. “Help! Help!”  Samuel listened but didn’t hear anything again.  Then he heard a muffled voice, “Papa?”
    Samuel began to dig furiously.  Finally he could see his son.  “Come on out, son!” he said with relief. “No,” Armand said.  “Let the other kids come out first because I know you’ll get me.”  Child after child emerged until, finally, little Armand appeared.  Samuel took him in his arms and Armand said, “I told the other kids not to worry because you told me that you’d always be there for me!”
    Fourteen children were saved that day because one father was faithful.
    How much more faithful is our God Almighty!  Whether trapped by fallen debris or ensnared by life’s hardships and struggles and diseases such as Covid 19, we are never cut off from God’s faithfulness.  He is true to His character.  He is reliable and trustworthy and can always be counted on.

Prayer of Infinity

Bible Puzzles for Young And Old-CoverThe wind rushes anxiously down the mountains to worship you. The waters pound the shore so the sands will move aside and worship you. The snow falls in silence to purify the ground so it will worship you. All things worship you. They exist because of you. You are their Creator and their life force. Let me shout it to the world both now and in the infinity of forever.

Oh, Jesus, that cross was intended to be an instrument of torture and shame outside of Jerusalem but turned into a tower of light for the world. That crown of thorns was intended to be a mockery but turned into a crown of gold that pronounced you king of the world. Those nails were intended to pierce human flesh; instead, they pierced the heart of the world. How can I thank you? How can any of us thank you for rescuing my wounded soul and making me a child of the King of all kings?

I was in the valley of sin. You called me and lifted me a little higher. I got to my knees, you called again and lifted me even higher. I rose to a stoop, you called again and lifted me to greater heights. I stood tall, you called me louder and lifted me to the gate of heaven, forgiven. You called one last time and lifted me to your throne completely saved. I could not help myself. I descended again. Only this time it was to the foot of your throne where I worshiped once again.

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I write to encourage souls. Will you help me share today’s book with someone?          https://amzn.to/3b6mhVw

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Bible Puzzles-Cover-ThumbnailBIBLE PUZZLES FOR YOUNG AND OLD includes (a) word searches, (b) crosswords, (c) secret codes, and (4) fill-in-the-blank.  Perfect as rewards in Bible classes, as gifts to shut-ins, for homeschoolers, birthday gifts and fillers in the church bulletin.   To BUY NOW, click a book cover or paste this……….  https://amzn.to/3b6mhVw

 

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