Category: Our Exceptional God

Our Greatest Joy

Celebrating The Birth of Our Greatest Joy     

celebrating the birth of our greatest joy

Have you noticed that Christmas lights are going up early this year?

I used to think, “Before Thanksgiving? Way too early.”

Not this year!

This week, we’re getting out our Christmas decorations and joining our fellow neighbors and friends who are decorating their homes right now for the holidays.

I know, I know. It’s not even Thanksgiving yet.

This year is different.

The joy and excitement that Christmas provides seems especially needed this year, and sooner rather than later.

Everyone I’ve talked to says that they’re just “tired of all of it.”

If you’re feeling this way also, please know that you’re not alone.

I’m sad too about all of the negatives and hardships this year – family losses, the continued suffering, the virus itself, the cancellations, the masks, and the political volatility.

Our hearts are crying out for the joyful holiday celebrations that we remember and love.

In truth, how could they not?

I can’t wait to see more Christmas lights and decorations go up.

They’re a beautiful sight for the eyes, but we should always remember what this time of year is really all about – our Blessed Savior.

Politicians and the like may try, but they will never “cancel” Him.

the birth of our greatest joy

Courtesy of Geralt on Pixabay

Focus On The Lord

Jesus, our Deliverer, is our greatest Joy.

We are not defeated Christians!

Paul said the following words of truth to the Colossians – an encouragement that we can also find rest in:

Therefore, if you have been raised with Christ, keep seeking the things that are above, where Christ is, seated at the right hand of God. 2 Set your minds on the things that are above, not on the things that are on earth. – Colossians 3:1-2, (NASB).1

Our Greatest Joy – Guaranteed!

I’ll leave you with this beautiful poem I found recently that really touched my heart.

Jill Briscoe’s lovely words are a reminder of God’s unequaled love for His creation, and that includes you and me.

We are treasured and we are loved.

No matter what we go through, and will go through in the coming days, evil will take a defeated nosedive before King Jesus at the appointed time.

Undeniably, our greatest joy is ahead, guaranteed!! 

Kneeling with Kings
by Jill Briscoe

Kneeling with kings at the crib of my Savior,
Singing in praise with the angels on high;
Here with Your people, wondering about You,
I’m thinking of Jesus and wanting to cry!

Father, I love You for giving me heaven
Wrapped in the form of a newborn so small,
But how could You stand to know all that would happen
When You left Him in Bethlehem in an animal stall?

Treasured in glory and praised by creation
God as a baby to humans on loan;
Why didn’t You run down the stairway of heaven,
Snatch up Your God Child and take Him back home?

What’s that You’re saying?  You left Him to save me?
You love me as much as You love Your sweet Son?
You gave me Your heart when You gave me Your Jesus
And my Father’s full giving is only begun.

I bring You my life and the years lent for living
For Your crib-and-cross sacrifice tear me apart;
When You count all my tears as I kneel at this altar,
May You know it worthwhile when You look at my heart!

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Nativity Illustration courtesy of Geralt/22312images on pixabay.

1 Scripture quotation is from the New American Standard Bible (NASB) Copyright © 1960, 1962, 1963, 1968, 1971, 1972, 1973, 1975, 1977, 1995 by The Lockman Foundation.

2 Poetry courtesy of Jill Briscoe, “Kneeling with Kings.” [online post]. From The Garden of Grace © 2007. Posted December 4, 2018, Web. Accessed November 13, 2020 from Telling The Truth,  https://www.tellingthetruth.org/read/individual-post/read/2018/12/05/kneeling-with-kings

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A Stunning Display of God’s Creation

A Can’t Be Missed Stunning Display of God’s Creation

a stunning display of God's creation

One of the most breathtaking sights the world has to offer, in my opinion, is the Aurora Borealis.

It’s always been a dream of mine to go to Alaska and witness this natural phenomenon and stunning display of Gods creation.

Ahhh, some day.

Aurora Borealis: magnificent display of God's creation

I don’t know about you, but I’m awestruck just looking at some of the stunning photos of the northern lights on the internet.

A symphony of brilliant colors literally dance across the sky.

How can people not believe in our Creator God when they see something like this?

And how can people not believe in our Creator God when they see a broken life transformed through the saving knowledge of salvation through Christ alone?

God is good, all the time.

Only He can create such a beautiful phenomenon as the Aurora Borealis.

If you can’t go see this stunning light display in person, like me, you can soak in the photos and the videos online.

A welcome breather from all of the political news, right?

The Aurora Borealis Explained

So what exactly are the Northern Lights?

I’ll leave that explanation to the experts.

The Northern Lights are actually the result of collisions between gaseous particles in the Earth’s atmosphere with charged particles released from the sun’s atmosphere.–  Northern Lights Centre.1

If you live in Alaska or Finland, your chances of seeing the Northern Lights are excellent.

But here’s something even better . . .

Do you know what will be even more grand than seeing the Northern Lights?

No earthly beautiful thing, even the Aurora Borealis, will ever be able to compare with being in Heaven with our Savior.

Can you imagine the complete joy and excitement to finally be in His presence?

God’s Creation On Display: The Aurora Borealis

Thinking about that future joy reminded me of a great video I saw recently.

This video features a sweet family with their young son seeing the northern lights in Fairbanks for the first time.

As you will see and hear, you don’t have to be a five year old child to enjoy the wonder of God’s creation.

The video is a little longer than what I normally post, but it’s worth the watch.

This, my brothers and sisters in Christ, is just a foretaste of our humility, wonder, and joy when we receive our eternal lives in Heaven.

That promise is why I delight in God.

 

What do you think your reaction will be when you see Jesus in Heaven?

After falling humbly at His feet in reverence, I think our happiness will turn to shouts of joy similar to the video above.

As God promised victory to Israel over her enemies so long ago, likewise when Jesus returns, the enemies of our faith will be defeated.

Hallelujah!

But the righteous shall be glad; they shall exult before God; they shall be jubilant with joy! – Psalm 68:3, (NASB).

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1 Quotation from The Northern lights Centre, from “Northern Lights” n.d., para. 2. Web. Accessed October 31, 2020. Retrieved from https://www.northernlightscentre.ca/northernlights.html

2 Scripture quotation is from the New American Standard Bible (NASB) Copyright © 1960, 1962, 1963, 1968, 1971, 1972, 1973, 1975, 1977, 1995 by The Lockman Foundation.

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We Can Rejoice On Election Day

Yes, We Can Rejoice On Election Day

We can rejoice on Election Day

What day is it today?

November 3, 2020, you might say.

But I bet many more of you would say it’s Election Day.

This has been a very long year.

Can I get a witness?

Please raise your hand if you’re suffering from Election Overload.

Too many hands to count.

I’m guessing many would also say that this is the most important election decision of our lifetime.

If you haven’t already voted, please brave the long lines and do so. Don’t let the mainstream media tell you it’s all over – until it actually is.

Our right to vote is a precious freedom that we Americans shouldn’t take for granted.

By the way, anyone even suggesting that you shouldn’t vote is being completely irresponsible.

Yes, we must prepare for persecution, but not usher it in via silence. Should we not contend for freedom and godly legislation? Should we remain silent and let the waves of political correctness run our vessels into the rocks of destruction? – Lead Pastor Shane Idleman, Westside Christian Fellowship.1

Excellent points the pastor makes.

Keep Your Eyes On The Big Picture

As contentious as election day is, regardless, this is “a day the Lord has made.”

Let us rejoice

The Lord created this day and every other day – past, present, and future because He is always good.

But, what if my presidential choice doesn’t win?

Trust me, I’m right there with you.

If my choice doesn’t win, I’ll be understandably disappointed, but it won’t ruin the rest of my life.

The second part of that lovely Psalm puts it right on the line.

“Let’s rejoice and be glad in it.”

What we can rejoice about the day after election day is that, ultimately, God will triumph over evil.

No matter what.

In God’s timing, Jesus will return and put an end to all Evil in all of its forms.

The evils of abortion, selfish pride, trafficking, violence, idolatry – all of it.

I can’t wait for that, can you?

Rejoice on Election Day – We Know Who Wins

Keep your eyes on the prize, even on election day.

For Christ’s victory on the cross, we can truly and eternally rejoice.

You know who wins the final election?

My brothers and sisters in Christ – we do.

Maranatha!

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1 Quotation from Pastor and Author Shane Idleman, Westside Christian Fellowship.  “Why Are We Divided? A Response to John Piper’s Article: Policies, Persons, and Paths to ruin.” [Blog Post]. October 23, 2020, Web. Accessed October 25, 2020. Retrieved from: https://shaneidleman.com/2020/10/23/why-are-we-divided-a-response-to-john-pipers-article-policies-persons-and-paths-to-ruin/?doing_wp_cron=1603796156.9492709636688232421875

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Spending Time With God

Spending Time With God is More Important Than You Think

time with God

Okay, it’s true confession time.

I hate to admit it, but here goes.

There have been a few days when my schedule has been so jam-packed that I’ve neglected to read my Bible.

I’ve always regretted it later that night when I’m tucked into bed and saying my prayers.

There’s no doubt, our lives can get so busy that we miss out on spending time with God.

Even so, He is always ready and waiting to hear from us.

Missing a few days of Bible reading is understandable – but, it’s our loss.

We miss out on so much when we don’t have that precious time alone with our Savior.

Why should we read the Bible?

We should read God’s Word in order to know Him more.

Do you remember when you were first saved?

Like me, I’m sure your spiritual thirst went through the roof.

I never want to lose that joyful feeling that I am His child and He knows my name.

The Bible is the portrait of Jesus Christ.
– John Stott, Christian pastor (1921-2011.)

Reflections on the Busyness of Life

Distractions of all kinds can get in the way of what’s really important in our lives – spending time with God.

With that in mind, I wrote the following poem as a reminder.

Convict My Heart

Please don’t be mad, Lord
that I didn’t pray.
There were so many things I had to do today.

Please don’t be mad, Lord
I’ve got so much work.
My job’s real important, and the boss is a jerk.

Please don’t be mad, Lord
my Bible’s in a drawer.
I’ve been meaning to read it,
but someone’s at the door.

Please don’t be mad, Lord
I’ll just worship later.
I’m still looking for a church
where the music’s much greater.

Please don’t be mad, Lord.
My devotions weren’t read.
Just one more post on Facebook
then it’s time for bed.

I’ve put You behind
other things in my life.
I have no excuse,
it must cut like a knife.

Tomorrow’s the day
for a brand new start.
My precious Lord and Savior, please convict my heart.

By Gracie Jane © October 2020, All rights reserved.   

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1 Scripture quotation is from The Holy Bible, English Standard Version®, copyright © 2016 by Crossway Bibles, a division of Good News Publishers. Used by permission. All rights reserved.

2 John Stott quotation, as quoted from Christian quotes.info

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Helpful Bible Pronunciation Guides

Helpful Bible Pronunciation Guides for Honest People

helpful bible pronunciation guides

Okay, be honest.

Do you have trouble pronouncing some of the names and geographical locations in the Bible?

You can tell me, it will be our little secret.  🙂

My friends, I have been in your shoes.

Take it from this once “star speller” in the seventh grade, some Bible names and locations are hard to say and difficult to spell.

But, because I love the Bible so much and because it is His Story, it’s important to get help when needed.

Say What You Mean to Say

how to pronounce bible guides

Let’s take the Book of Isaiah for example. In chapter 8, we read about a very real person named Maher-shalal-hash-baz.

That’s 18 letters!!!

What were his parent’s thinking, right?

Maher-shalal-hash-baz was one of Isaiah’s sons, and the Lord Himself prescribed the name.

When the Lord says do it, you do it.

As little Maher-shalal-hash-baz was born, his name had great significance concerning the coming Assyrian invasion.

God always knows best.

Let’s take a look at another one.

Take the name “Sennacherib.”

Important person, right?

He was the boastful and godless Assyrian king who sought to invade Judah.

The Lord had other plans and Sennacherib failed.

Every time I came across his name in my Bible reading, I pronounced it differently.

I needed some help, obviously.

My Four Picks: Helpful Bible Pronunciation Guides

bible pronunciation guides

Here are a few resources for Bible name pronunciations that you may not have heard about.

Here are my go-to’s:

  1. BibleSpeak.org
  2. How To Pronounce.com
  3. www.netministries.com.
  4. Bible Gateway.com

Now granted, these resources may not have absolutely every single name and every single geographical location in the Bible, but they have many.

If the first resource doesn’t have the name that you’re looking for, try the second resource and so on.

If you visit each website you will see the little audio icon that corresponds to the Bible verse containing the difficult name you’re potentially having trouble with. audio pronunciation guide bible names

I hope these resources are helpful to you.

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