You Are More

February 22, 2022 Gracie

You are Loved and You are More

Are you a “speck”?

Wait, a “what”?

If anyone (including a well-known “scientist”) ever called you a speck, you’d probably think he or she was not only rude, but out of their minds.

As Bible-believing Christians, we know that we’re not “specks.”

Still, it’s hard to believe that some people support the theory that we’re insignificant people, living among other insignificant people, in an insignificant universe.

you are more

I am more, and you are more.

What our human bodies can do is nothing short of amazing.

Why? Because God created us that way.

This isn’t human emotions talking, it’s evidentiary.

God made each one of us with special gifts and talents, ultimately, that we can use for His glory.

amazing feats of the human body

The human body is the ultimate example of the marriage of design and function, enabling athletic abilities that showcase just how perfectly God engineered us. It takes all parts functioning together as one well-balanced system to achieve amazing athletic feats like ballet or skiing or throwing a baseball. – Institute For Creation Research.¹

Speaking of baseball, according to Guinness World Records, Aroldis Chapman threw the fastest pitch in a game against the San Diego Padres in 2010.

His recorded pitching speed? 105.1 miles an hour.

amazing feat in baseball

You are More Than a Speck

Anyone with an advanced degree who wants to call us all “specks” has the right to do so.

But, he or she doesn’t speak for us.

We have the truth of God’s Word.

In the presence of our Heavenly Father, yes – we are small, but we are more than insignificant thoughts.

Naysayers of Biblical creation aren’t going to stop promoting their theories, but we can remember what He has told us through His Word.

There is evidence of the God of the Bible everywhere.

We just need to look.

Blessed is that man who seeth God in trifles! It is there that it is the hardest to see him; but he who believes that God is there, may go from the little providence up to the God of providence. Rest assured, when the fish in the sea take their migration, they have a captain and a leader, as well as the stars; for He who marshals the stars in their courses, and guides the planets in their march, is the master of the fly, and wings the bat, and guides the minnow, and doth not despise the tiniest of His creatures. – Charles Spurgeon, pastor and author.²

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¹Institute For Creation Research quotation. Courtesy of Discovery Center For Science And Earth History. [Blog]. Staff Writer. 2015. Made in His Image: The Amazing Design of the Human Body. Acts & Facts. 44 (10).

²Quotation by Charles Spurgeon, influential Christian pastor and author, (1834-1892). Taken from The Spurgeon Center. “Providence.” April 11, 1858., para. 12. Retrieved from https://www.spurgeon.org/resource-library/sermons/providence/#flipbook/

Our Exceptional God

God’s Word Says Fear Not

February 15, 2022 Gracie

God’s Word Says “Fear Not”

Let’s talk about the elephant in the room – this mysterious global pandemic.

fear not

This hot-button topic promotes (and continues to promote) a lot of fear and isolation.

The mainstream media just makes it worse.

Do not fear each other

Christians friends – we can’t let the fear of the unknown overtake our lives and forever stall our purpose here on earth.

In short, Satan wants mass fear and panic.

Did you know that, in the Bible, the words “fear not” appear over 100 times?

We must take the words of Jesus to heart.

The Bible clearly says, “Fear Not.”

It doesn’t say, “Fear Now.”

Our Sovereign God gave us life, to actually live it.

Fear Not – God’s Word Doesn’t Lie

God's Word says fear not

God always says what He means.

If this can encourage you in any way, please read the following wise words from a pastor that I listen to a lot.

I hope it’s a helpful reminder for you of our victory through Christ because we’re living in a world that appears to have lost its collective mind.

Find rest and God’s peace in Biblical passages that remind us what Jesus has already done, and what He will do. Seek out those passages!

Jesus speaks about what has yet to be done as already completed, I HAVE. He has already overcome this world. He already has the victory. He has triumphed already. When I read one word it completely changed my perspective. I realized that I need to see this ongoing national crisis, this global pandemic through the words of Jesus. Jesus has already overcome the world. If He has already overcome, why do we worry? If our King is already victorious, and He has already given us the outcome, there is no need to fear. – Pastor John Randall, Calvary Chapel San Juan Capistrano

Jesus already overcame the world.

Specifically, the word “overcome” means “to defeat.”

Christ our Lord defeated the Enemy.

To put it another way, we have reason to rejoice!

Encourage each other to “fear not,” keep watch, and see what the Lord will do.

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Senior Pastor John Randall quotation. Courtesy of PastorJohnRandall.com.[Blog]. “He ‘has’ Overcome.” April 30, 2020., para. 2. Retrieved from https://www.pastorjohnrandall.com/blog/6tae5bnv4059vcp50bqwmupxupeljo

Our Exceptional God

Use Your Voice

February 8, 2022 Gracie

Use Your Voice – The World Needs The Savior

Has anyone ever said to you:

No one cares what you think

You don’t matter

First of all, pity those people.

The truth is: God loves you.

Your value comes from Him and no one can take that away from you.

What a precious thought!!

You’re worth it!

Each of us are created in His image, and God doesn’t make mistakes.

Therefore, you are not a mistake.

He wired you with passions, convictions, and gifts to reflect His heart to a world in need. You’ve got some good work to do, battles to fight, and giants to confront. You have some gifts to steward, moments to enjoy, and wisdom to acquire. You were crafted by God’s own hand.¹ – Susie Larson, Christian author.

Isn’t that beautiful?

But, why would a sovereign God create any of us, when all of us fail Him daily?

And, what about those lost people who reject Him entirely?

Why would He create something that causes Him pain? I say ask your parents. Why do parents bring children into the world, knowing that they will cause us pain? Because we are made in God’s image and, like God, we want to to give and to receive love. Parents will endure all kinds of pain because of this love. – John Oaks, Christian author and teacher.

parental love

Perhaps you’ve heard the expression, “With all your faults, I love you still.”

That represents the essence of what I’m saying here.

God knows our faults full well, yet He forgives.

Through His Son Jesus, we have been granted incomprehensible and immeasurable grace.

Use Your Voice, Tell Your Story

For those people in your life who cut you down with their words or actions, remember, the one Who gave you life is with You through this often difficult life journey.

Try not to let their petty comments bother you.

Our purpose is to glorify Him, no matter what our circumstances and through the good times and the bad.

Use your voice

If you’re breathing, He has handpicked you to help shine His light in your sphere of influence . . . wherever you are and through whatever challenges you’re facing.

It’s not because He needs your help, but because He has uniquely gifted you.

But how can I glorify Him in a nursing home, for example?

Here’s just a couple of suggestions:

Use your voice

Talk about Jesus and share your journey to faith

Write down your testimony (or get someone to do it for you)

It can be a part of your legacy for your children and grandchildren

I do feel like, looking at the mess our country is in today . . . time is short.

Fear isn’t our authority, God is.

Christians – we need to get to work wherever God has placed us.

Use your voice, tell your story – whatever it takes.

If God has brought you through, or is bringing you through something difficult, share the Source of your strength.

One day soon, we will see Jesus face to face, and all of our sorrows will be wiped away, never to trigger us again. We’ll only know everlasting joy. We’ll know Jesus like we never imagined possible. What treasured gifts await us! – Susie Larson, Christian author.

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Susie Larson quotations, courtesy of susielarson.com, “You Are A Masterpiece”. Adapted from Susie’s 365 Devotional, Prevail.

John Oakes quotation, courtesy of EvidenceforChristianity.org, Doctrinal questions. “Why did God create us if He knew we would be imperfect and cause Him such pain?” June 3, 2015., para. 4. Retrieved from https://evidenceforchristianity.org/why-did-god-create-us-if-he-knew-we-would-be-imperfect-and-cause-him-such-pain/

Our Exceptional God

See Me Through It

February 1, 2022 Gracie

God Will See Me Through It

If God promised it, you can count on it!

People you know may let you down, but when it comes to our Sovereign God, you can trust Him completely.

Knowing God through His Word is the fuel for our faith.

⁶For he will never be shaken;
The righteous will be remembered forever.

⁷He will not fear bad news;
His heart is steadfast, trusting in the Lord. – Psalm 112:6-7, (NASB).

God always keeps His promises, so we have the very best reason to stay encouraged.

And, we have Jesus.

With that in mind, we can rest assured that when troubles come, He hears our cries.

Through constant prayer, we can depend on God to give us comfort, strength and the peace we need to endure whatever comes our way.

Those assurances are the reason I think that Brandon Heath’s new song has really hit a chord with people.

“See Me Through It” released a couple of weeks ago, and is already appearing on the Billboard chart.

With a chorus like “You’re gonna see me through it” – it also serves as a great reminder that God can see us through any trial.

Catchy, isn’t it?

I don’t know about you, but I love this song!

I know, I know, I’ve said that before about other songs.

But . . .

You knew a “but” was coming, didn’t you?

This song has a piano intro that I love, singable lyrics, and a “hook” in the chorus that makes it unforgettable.

Over one million people have viewed the video so far.

I’d say it’s going to be a hit – at least at the top of my own Christian music chart!

Brandon Heath in the Bahamas – We Were There!

My first introduction to Brandon Heath was in the Bahamas when we were attending a marriage retreat with friends.

Brandon Heath - See Me Through It

He’s an amazing artist, and his songs are so up-lifting.

What I really like is that they tell a story.

Brandon’s lyrics speak to what’s going on in our culture and how to live the Christian life when the world around us is falling apart.

Remember, whatever is going on in your life, you can turn to Him.

Like the Bible says and the song reminds us, “He will see you through it.”

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Our Exceptional God

God First

January 25, 2022 Gracie

Is God First In Your Life?

is God first in your life

Admittedly, there are days when I don’t spend time with God.

Sometimes there are appointments to get to or other pressing demands that take up the day.

Those aren’t excuses, mind you, and I feel disappointed in myself later.

I want to have time with God every day.

For me, that means reading the Bible and praying, but sometimes it just doesn’t happen.

That’s on me.

Has that happened to you, too?

While I do talk to God every day, I want less distractions and more devoted time to reading my Bible.

For awhile there, I was up around 4:30am in my office.

I appreciated the stillness.

Just me and God in my thoughts.

Considering all of the amazing blessings He has given me and His presence during some of the most difficult times in my life, I want to do better.

After all, giving Him all the glory is why we’re here.

The Lord Before Me

Our Sovereign God knows everything about us – including our busy schedules.

A “skip” here and there isn’t a big deal, but Satan knows how to use distractions to keep us away from our Bible studies.

With that in mind, here’s a verse to treasure from Psalm 16:8.

In the Psalm, David issues a declaration that he will make God first in his life.

I have set the Lord continually before me;
Because He is at my right hand, I will not be shaken. – Psalm 16:8, (NASB).

God First

The first thing I see after lifting our window shades in the morning is a sunrise.

God first

So beautiful.

I wake up and see beauty like this and it reminds me that, while I was sleeping, God was “up” the entire time and on His throne.

The bad things that are happening in our world right now – God has got this!

I found a great poem that I believe attests to this.

It’s by an anonymous Christian poet.

If I had to pick, I think the second stanza is my favorite.

God will not go back on His promises to save His faithful people.

“God hath made His saints victorious.

Sin and death shall not prevail.”

Now those are words we can count on for eternity!

Praise the Lord, Ye Heavens, Adore Him

Praise the Lord: ye heavens, adore Him;
Praise Him, angels in the height.
Sun and moon, rejoice before Him;
Praise Him, all ye stars of light.
Praise the Lord, for He hath spoken;
Worlds His mighty voice obeyed.
Laws which never shall be broken
For their guidance He hath made.

Praise the Lord, for He is glorious;
Never shall His promise fail.
God hath made His saints victorious;
Sin and death shall not prevail.
Praise the God of our salvation;
Hosts on high, His power proclaim.
Heaven and earth and all creation,
Laud and magnify His Name.

Worship, honor, glory, blessing,
Lord, we offer unto Thee.
Young and old, Thy praise expressing,
In glad homage bend the knee.
All the saints in heaven adore Thee;
We would bow before Thy throne.
As Thine angels serve before Thee,
So on earth Thy will be done.

Anonymous Christian Poetry
Public Domain

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