Our Real Source Of Power

August 11, 2020 Gracie

Our Real Source of Power – Where Does It Come From?

news across America

The mainstream news coverage of what’s going on in America, when you can bear to listen to the reports, continues to be disturbing.

I’m sure you’ve heard that our Christian faith (as well as some churches across the country) is under attack.

A reported bible-burning during a Portland riot.

Churches closed down.

Threatening churches with fines, or shutting off their power and water, and in some cases, arresting the pastors – these are incidents that are happening more often.

If you’d told me about these news stories twenty years ago, I wouldn’t have believed you.

No, it can’t be, not in America –we’re the Land of the Free and the Home of the Brave.

Christians, fasten your seatbelts, unsettling times are ahead.

Regardless of which side of the mask debate you are on, (both viewpoints have merit) the fact is, shutting down churches *with no end in sight* would set a very dangerous precedent for the future.

Wouldn’t the Evil One just love that?

What an upside-down world we live in.

our real source of power

The godless can try and shut off the power to a church all they want, but they will never be able to turn off our “real source of power”.

I’m talking about the real power that we have as believers in Jesus Christ.

Are we ready for this ongoing spiritual battle?

Be prepared . . . for anything.

Can they stop us from worshiping?

The godless may win some victories along the way.

That means we may have to get more creative and find other ways of being together and/or sharing our faith.

God’s Word reminds us that no matter how awful the persecution gets, the light of the gospel always shines through the darkness.

Consider Paul and Silas in the Book of Acts.

Although they were severely beaten and bound, Paul and Silas prayed and sang to God – a powerful witness to their jailer and his family, as well as the other prisoners in that brutal jail.

Paul and Silas witness in prison

Do we have that same admirable courage and conviction today?

Our real source of power comes from our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ.

No one will ever be able to shut off His light.

We’re going to see, in the days and years to come, evil as we have never seen it. And we’re also going to see the greatest revivals, the greatest awakenings, and multiplied millions of people are going to come to Jesus Christ. – Pastor Dr. Ray Pritchard, keepbelieving.com.

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² Quotation from Pastor, Dr. Ray Pritchard. Courtesy of AFA Journal magazine interview by Matthew White, “In a World of Chaos, Keep Believing.” n.d. Accessed August 5, 2020.

Our Exceptional God

God’s Copyright On Creation

August 4, 2020 Gracie

Giving Credit Where Credit Is Due

Several years ago, I visited a college friend of mine who lived in Chicago.

One of the coolest things we did during that trip was to visit the famous Art Institute.

If you haven’t been there yet, it is huge 🙂

We saw so many exquisite art collections that day.

After walking around for hours, I wasn’t even tired.

My favorite memory was getting to see the works of Pierre-Auguste Renoir, and specifically my favorite, “The Two Sisters, On the Terrace.”

Here’s a picture of it for you to see . . .

The Two Sisters, on the Terrace” by Pierre-Auguste Renoir.

Trust me, there’s no comparison between the picture above, and the real painting.

The vivid reds of the older woman’s hat were striking to see in person.

It was hard to look away.

I remember thinking about the effort it took for the master artist to get just that right shade of eye-pleasing red.

Did you know that one of Renoir’s paintings sold at Sotheby’s for $78.1 million dollars?

Think about this for a minute — can you imagine the public backlash from M. Renoir if another artist had the gall to take credit for his work?

That would be a crime of theft, and rightfully so.

Likewise, in our context as thinking human beings, why would our Sovereign Lord, the Master Creator of the entire universe, share His glory with anyone or anything else?

He wouldn’t.

Man-exalted replacements are graven idols.

God’s copyright on creation is to be revered.

Idol worship robs God of the glory that is rightfully His, and that is something He will not tolerate. (Isaiah 42:8). – Got Questions Website.¹

The Golden Calf

You might think that the golden calf of ancient Biblical history was melted down for good, and it was.

“That” particular calf was burned down to a powder, and later consumed as punishment for Israel’s wickedness.

But, idolatry still exists in our modern day.

Any “golden calves” we set up for worship other than the one true God makes God very angry.

We need to learn this and many other valuable lessons from the experience of the Israelites. The major and minor prophets warned God’s people time and time again to stop worshiping false gods.

But, as history unfolded, we read in Scripture that they didn’t always listen, to their own detriment.

God is both merciful and patient with us, more than we could ever deserve, but He won’t tolerate idolatry forever without judgment at the appointed time.

God’s Copyright on Creation

God's copyright on creation Consider the amazing and even the still-to-be-discovered wonders of God’s creation.

Here’s just one stunning example of why the ultimate Master Artist deserves all our praise – the recent Comet Neowise.

Comet Neowise

Comets have vapor trails up to 10,000 miles long. If you could capture all that vapor, and put it in a bottle, the amount of vapor actually present in the bottle would take up less than 1 cubic inch of space. – David Guzik, Christian pastor and author.³

Less than one cubic inch!

So, here’s my question: why would anyone risk their eternal life and happiness by insisting that there is more than one way to Heaven, than thru Jesus Christ alone?

This is such a serious question, but I fear many people aren’t taking it seriously.

Gratitude For the One Who Gave Us Life

Consider just one of the many excruciating details about Jesus’ crucifixion on the cross for yours and my sins.

Spikes about 7 inches long and 3/8 of an inch in diameter were driven into the wrists. – allaboutjesuschrist.org website.⁴

That horrific measurement is about the length of your wrist to the crook of your elbow.

Jesus suffered all of that for yours and my sins.

With that in mind, how could anyone even think of praying to anyone else?

Not surprisingly, even angels warned against it.

God is on His throne at this very moment.

The angels and the saints are worshiping Him forevermore and, at some glorious time in the future, by trusting in Jesus Christ alone, we will join them!

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Photo credits:

Renoir painting photo, “The Two Sisters On The Terrace” photo, courtesy of the Art Institute of Chicago, Created: 1881date QS:P571,+1881-00-00T00:00:00Z/9. [Public domain], via Wikimedia Commons. Source Credit Line is the Mr. and Mrs. Lewis Larned Coburn Memorial Collection.

Comet Neowise photo, taken in Caliente, CA; July 2020. Courtesy of author, Jason Hullinger / CC BY (https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/2.0).Source: https://www.flickr.com/photos/amewzing/50122920178/. Accessed from https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:Comet_Neowise,_taken_in_Caliente,_CA;_July_2020.jpg

¹ Quotation from gotquestions.org, from “What is the definition of Idolatry?” n.d., para. 3. Web. Accessed 29 July, 2020. Retrieved from https://www.gotquestions.org/idolatry-definition.html.

³ Quotation from Christian pastor David Guzik. “Bible-Commentary/Collossians-1.” n.d., Web. Accessed July 29, 2020. Retrieved from https://enduringword.com/bible-commentary/colossians-1/.

⁴ Quotation from allaboutjesuschrist.org, from “Crucifixion.” n.d., para. 3. Web. Accessed 29 July, 2020. Retrieved from https://www.allaboutjesuschrist.org/crucifixion.htm

Our Exceptional God

Senior Adults On Lockdown

July 28, 2020 Gracie

Please Pray For Senior Adults on Lockdown

Praying friends – I have to ask a favor.

If you haven’t already done so, please take a moment and say a prayer for our senior adults/young-at-hearts/and veterans who are confined to their rooms during this terrible virus.

They need interaction, we all do, but it’s especially hard on our senior adults right now.

I have talked with several friends who have seen this firsthand.

Imagine being confined to a small room during a lockdown and your only interaction is a masked individual wheeling in your food on a cart three times a day.

What horrific picture does that paint?

Many seniors on lockdown are going downhill fast.

People need people.

Distancing Isn’t “Social” at All

Recently, my husband and I went to visit a dear couple in an assisted living facility whom we have known for several years. They are like a second set of parents to us.

We were all looking forward to that visit. Sadly, as soon as we got to their parking lot, they called and told us that their facility just went on lockdown and, effective immediately, no visitors allowed.

What a sad day it was. We had to get creative after that with FaceTime/video options, but that won’t cut it forever.

With the masks and the distancing (I refuse to call it “social”) – most interaction now is very difficult, and also discouraged.

Senior adults on lockdown – I couldn’t have even imagined this happening a year ago, nor would I want to.

I’m not really liking the year 2020, but we press on through these and future challenges to come.

Everyone I have talked to is experiencing a feeling of loss, but especially those who can’t get out at all.

How frustrating this is because it seems like there is no end in sight.

Sadly, there are some who would be fine with this mask requirement going on into next year.

Pray (please pray) for our senior adults.

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Our Exceptional God

The Big Picture

July 21, 2020 Gracie

More Than Meets the Eye

Every morning, a beautiful hummingbird appears outside my office window.

It took us several days to get his picture because he won’t slow down to pose. 🙂

God's work in creation

Our hummingbird friend may be tiny, but his mighty wings are strong.

I love to watch him as he darts through our garden to check out every colorful flower and eagerly sample the nectar from each one.

That’s the kind of picture that I love to see.

What I hate to see, and wish was just a bad dream, is the accelerated downslide of America demonstrated by current events. What a sad picture this is for all of us and for generations to come.

Kinda seems like things are falling apart, right?

But, as we read the Bible and consider its prophecies, events are actually falling into place.

the big picture

There’s a big picture at work here, beyond the small details of each day.

There’s so much to say, but suffice it to say, as Christians we have to be watchful, pray every day for God’s grace and mercy, and stay in His Word.

The Big Picture in the Bible

As you study Scripture, over and over again you read about God’s people turning their backs on Him and plunging instead into idolatry.

An idol is anything we value more than God.

Just as in the ancient days, we still have idols today.

Consider the foolish obsession some people have with celebrities and you’ll see what I mean.

Some other modern-day idols can include . . .

The love of money

The love of things

Political causes

Substance abuse

Other people

Ourselves

obsessed with self

God takes idolatry very seriously.

Your salvation and recognition of Jesus alone as Savior is that important.

The alternative to Jesus, let’s not sugarcoat it, is hell.

Since you know the true God, and are in him, let your light and love guard you against all that is advanced in opposition to him, or competition with him. Flee from the false gods of the heathen world. They are not comparable to the God whose you are and whom you serve. Adore not your God by statues and images, which share in his worship. Your God is an incomprehensible Spirit, and is disgraced by such sordid representations.- Matthew Henry, Christian minister and author.²

We must examine our hearts and tear down the idols that we have.

There’s another big issue that God takes seriously.

Repentance.

Why do we have to repent if our sins are already forgiven?

That’s a great question.

We are sinners saved by grace, but that doesn’t mean we keep on sinning without a care and in blatant rebellion against God.

This is not a works-based issue. Salvation is reflected by a changed heart, remorse when we do wrong, and continual gratitude for God’s grace.

The Christian life is a life of continued repentance, humiliation for and mortification of sin, of continual faith in, thankfulness for, and love to the Redeemer, and hopeful joyful expectation of a day of glorious redemption, in which the believer shall be fully and finally acquitted, and sin abolished for ever. – Matthew Henry, Christian minister and author.³

Let’s be thankful for a loving and righteous God who forgives those who repent and believe.

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²Matthew Henry quotation, courtesy of Bible Study Tools.com/commentaries/matthew-henry-complete/1-john/1.html., n.d., para. 6. Web. Accessed 15 July, 2020. Retrieved from https://www.biblestudytools.com/commentaries/matthew-henry-complete/1-john/5.html

³ Matthew Henry quotation, courtesy of Bible Study Tools.com/commentaries/matthew-henry-complete/1-john/1.html., n.d., para. 4. Web. Accessed 15 July, 2020. Retrieved from https://www.biblestudytools.com/commentaries/matthew-henry-complete/1-john/1.html

Our Exceptional God

The God Who Loves You

July 14, 2020 Gracie

The God Who Loves You Created Everything

God created everything

Maybe it’s just me, but I happen to think that parrots are one of the prettiest birds out there.

With their stunning colors and playful personality, it’s no wonder that parrots are a popular pet. They’re smart too.

Listed in Guinness World Records, a famous parrot from California named “Puck” is said to have known over 1700 words.

Incredible, right?

The God who created beautiful and intelligent parrots and every bird species on this earth is the God who loves you.

God’s Living Creative Display in the Animal Kingdom

Can you name Australia’s cutest animal?

You might be tempted to guess that it’s the Koala Bear.

Actually, it’s the Quokka, pronounced “quo – kah.”

The what-tah?

Here’s a picture of one of the cuties right here.

God's creativity in the animal kingdom

It’s cute alright.

I want one!

However, did you know that you could face a $300 fine for even petting one of these?

I’ll have to hold off for now.

The same God with an obvious sense of humor is the God who loves you.

When we look at the infinite variety of the animal kingdom (both living and extinct), we must be impressed with God’s creative power, as well as His sense of humor. Any Being who makes the giraffe, the platypus, and the peacock is a God of joy and humor. – David Guzik, Christian pastor and author. ¹

God Cares for the Flowers

God cares for the flowers

I have always been a big fan of orchids.

Hint, hint for anyone I know who is reading this.

Besides being just a pretty face in the garden, certain species of orchids have also been used as medicine.

The same God who can create a breathtaking flower with the amazing properties to heal is the God who loves you!

The Sea Is His

the God who loves you

The God who loves you created our vast and magnificent oceans.

Did you know that the oceans contain real gold?

It’s not the amounts you could get rich off of, (or everybody would be panning for it), but we’re talking about small, microscopic grams of gold.

Where did all of those beautiful blue colors in the large oceans come from?

They come from the light of the sun!

Praising our Creator

The God Who Gave Us Life

Can we just reflect on God’s glory for a moment?

The God who created all things, is the same God who loves you.

Here, Christian musician, Fernando Ortega, sings my favorite version of this beloved hymn based on Psalm 148.

You may want to turn this one up!

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¹ Quotation from Christian pastor David Guzik. “Genesis 1 – The Account of God’s Creation.” n.d., Web. Accessed July 8, 2020. Retrieved from https://enduringword.com/bible-commentary/genesis-1/.

² Quotation from Christian pastor Mike Fabarez, Focal Point Ministries. “Devotionals – Creation.” n.d., Web. Accessed July 10, 2020. Retrieved from https://focalpointministries.org/devotional/creation/

Our Exceptional God

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