My Redeemer Lives

As for me, I know that my Redeemer lives,

 and at the last He shall take His stand on the earth.

Job 19:25

My Hope Is You

To you, O Lord, I lift my soul

In you, O God, I place my trust
Do not let me be put to shame
Nor let my enemies triumph over me
My hope is you
Show me your ways
Guide me in Truth
In all my days
My hope is you

Third Day

In Your Light We See Light

How precious is Your lovingkindness O God!

 Therefore the children of men put their trust 

under the shadow of Your wings. 

They are abundantly satisfied with the fullness of Your house, 

and You give them drink from the river of your pleasure.

 For with You is the fountain of life; 

In Your light we see light.

Psalm 36:7-9

Let the Children Come

I was thrilled to get to attend a play put on by Kaedyn's kindergarten class this past week.  The children filed into the school chapel early and I was amazed at how orderly and quiet they were as they waited for all the elementary classes to come in.

Then some of the kindergarteners began to sing spontaneously, "God's not dead. He's surely alive, and He's living on the inside, roaring like a lion!" Soon the staff and audience were singing along.

If you know me, you wouldn't be surprised to see that I was moved to tears. After teaching in public schools in recent years, I am so grateful for an atmosphere where the children can freely pray and worship God.

Fittingly, the Bible verse they recited from memory was Mark 10:14
Let the little children come to me, and do not hinder them, for the kingdom of God belongs to such as these.

How Clouds Turn Pink

I was teaching first graders about the water cycle and evaporation one day. I asked the six year olds, "Why does your Mom tell you not to leave the lid off of her nail polish? What happens if the lid is not replaced?"

After deep thought, Harlan spoke up. "Well, I'd say if it was pink nail polish, it goes up in the sky and turns the clouds pink."

The Lifter of My Head

Wait on the Lord; be of good courage, 

and He shall strengthen your heart.

Wait, I say, on the Lord!

Psalm 27:14

Thou O Lord art a shield about me.

You're my glory and the lifter of my head.
Psalm 3:3

I am remembering a young single mom and her three children singing praise to God at the homeless shelter in KC. So grateful for the Bible study and praise. They brought much joy to other homeless people, even though they were living in a temporary shelter, waiting to see how God would provide. 

They sang many worship songs with hand motions and dance steps. And the little five year old boy really lifted the spirit of a new lady by singing to her "You Are So Beautiful to Me".

Searching for Gold

When I was a child in Georgia, our elderly neighbor lived in the 100 year old house across the street. She filled my head with tales of Union Soldiers who once occupied the house as their headquarters, and how the neighbors hid their treasures from the Yankees by burying then in their yards. I felt sure that I would eventually discover diamonds and silver as I played out back in my sandbox.

I recalled that memory early today when I read this quote:

Starting the day in God's Word 
is better than finding a treasure chest of pure gold.

Haven of Rest

I've anchored my soul

In the haven of rest.

I'll sail the wide seas no more.

The tempest may sweep

O'er the wild stormy deep.

In Jesus I'm safe ever more.

Henry Gilmour

The name of the Lord is a strong tower;

the righteous run to it and are safe.

Proverbs 18:10

A Prayer of Habakkuk

I have heard all about you, Lord.

I am filled with awe by your amazing works.

In this time of our deep need,

help us again as you did in years gone by.

And in your anger, remember your mercy.

I see God moving across the deserts from Edom,

the Holy One coming from Mount Paran.

His brilliant splendor fills the heavens,

and the earth is filled with his praise.

And His brightness was like the sunlight;

Rays streamed from His hand,

and there [in the sunlike splendor]

was the hiding place of His power.

Hab 3:1-4

Right Motives

An atheist confronted a Christian pastor with this observation: "You Christians just want to receive the honor of men."

It made me think about why I do what I do?

I guess a good indicator is how easily I get offended if no one says thank you.

Lord, help me to remember that what I do, I do for You, and what I fail to do, I fail to do for You.

Jesus said, "When you do a kindness, do it secretly...and your Father, who knows all secrets, will reward you." Matthew 6:3-4

Cleansed

I, even I, am He who blots out your transgressions 

for My own sake,

and remembers your sins no more.

Isaiah 43:25

For Your own sake, God!  Your heart, Father, is that You wants fellowship with us. While we were yet sinners, You sent Your Son Jesus Christ to die for us.

Thank You, God, for forgiving me, healing me, and washing away my sin. Thank You for Your great love.

One of Kaedyn's favorite songs they sing at kindergarten is:

 I've been washed in the fountain, 

cleansed by His blood,

 Joint heirs with Jesus as we travel this sod. 

I'm glad I'm a part of the family of God.

Everlasting Love

The LORD appeared to us in the past, saying:

"I have loved you with an everlasting love;

I have drawn you with loving-kindness."

Jeremiah 31:3

In Him I Live

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 came into being through Him, 
and apart from Him
nothing came into being that has come into being.
In Him was life,
and the life was the Light of men.

John 1:1-4

In Jesus I live and move and have my being.

(Acts 17:28)