Tag: Delight in God

Creation’s Splendor and Delight In God

Creation’s Splendor and Take Delight In The Lord

God’s gracious gift, beauty unparalleled.

We don’t worship creation itself, of course, but we can and should thank God for this beautiful gift.

God Created Creatures of the Sea and Every Living Thing

Have you ever seen a Mandarinfish? It was new to me until one day when I was doing an internet search on amazing animals, I saw a photo.

Here’s a picture if you’ve never seen one. Look at that little guy. Those colors are gorgeous! Only the Master Creator can design a beautiful creature like that.

https://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/thumb/b/b5/Synchiropus_splendidus.jpg/256px-Synchiropus_splendidus.jpg

Photo courtesy of: By Gdiggers (Own work),© 14 July 2012, “Green mandarin in a reef aquarium”,  [CC BY-SA 3.0], via Wikimedia Commons, https://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/b/b5/Synchiropus_splendidus.jpg

Thank You God for the Splendor of Your Works!

Creation's splendor and delight in God

It’s sometimes hard to put into words my appreciation for the magnificence of God’s palette of brilliant colors, but I wanted to share a lovely poem that comes close to doing that. It’s from a fellow Christian writer and it’s called “When I Look Around.” I hope it blesses you as much as it did me.

 

When I Look Around
By Deborah Ann Belka

Lord, when I look all around,
I see all You have made
I see the beauty in the sunrise
and the splendor when it fades.

I see the majestic mountain peaks,
the hills brilliant, golden tops
I see the stars sparkle ever brightly
in a sky that never seems to stop.

Lord, when I look all around,
I see all the things You have done
I see everything I’m blessed with
and I am grateful for every one.

I see a warm and cozy home,
filled with all the love I need
I see the bounty on my full plate
and a Bible I can always read.

Lord, when I look all around,
I see the mercy You have given
I see the cross on Mount Calvary
and I’m thankful I am forgiven.

I see a world who doesn’t believe,
in the glory of Your grace
I see millions of lost people
who refuse to seek Your face.

Lord, when I look all around,
I see Your glorious splendor
and I pray more hearts to Your love
will truly yield and surrender!

~~~~~~~~~~~

John 3:16

“For God so loved the world,
that he gave his only begotten Son,
that whosoever believeth in him
should not perish, but have everlasting life”

King James Version
by Public Domain

Copyright 2016
Deborah Ann Belka
bdebby@hotmail.com
http://www.hiswingsshadow.com
 http://poetrybydeborahann.wordpress.com/
TO GOD BE THE GLORY! Article Source: http://www.faithwriters.com-CHRISTIAN WRITER

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Delight In God With Cana’s Voice

Delight In God With Cana’s Voice – Christian Recording Artists 

What happens when three award-winning Christian vocalists decide to combine their talents into an impressive powerhouse trio – you get Cana’s Voice!

I’ve mentioned this before, but I love all types of Christian Music. When I hear great musicians perform, I can’t wait to add their music to my iPod.

Cana's Voice Sounds of Joy tourThis past Saturday, my husband and I attended the “Sounds of Joy” tour at our church. Cana’s Voice, piano virtuoso Stan Whitmire, and talented vocalist/comedian Mark Lowry delighted the crowd with their passionate performances.

I could have easily renamed the concert “An Evening of Joy”.

Talk about uplifting. I walked out of church singing.

Captivating Harmonies

I’d never heard Cana’s Voice before. Each individual member of Cana’s Voice – Taranda Greene, Doug Anderson of Ernie Haass and Signature Sound, and Jody McBrayer formerly of Avalon, are talented artists in their own right. I could list all of the awards and nominations they’ve won as recording artists since they started sharing their voices with the world, but this blog post would then be very, very long. 🙂

I was thrilled when they sang one of my all-time favorites, “Jesus Never Fails.” I’ve sung it in choirs before and this heavenly song gives me goosebumps every time.

Close your eyes and listen. Let the beautiful harmonies and words sink into your soul. I’m sure you’ll be blessed by it as much as I am.

Have you ever sung a song in church and found yourself shedding a few tears because it’s so powerful and beautiful? I have.

It’s no wonder that TaRanda wiped away some tears while singing this song. I felt it too just being in the audience. When you simply let go and lose yourself in a love song to God, something amazing happens. Let the words of praise and lovely melodies fill every part of you and you can experience a lot of peace.

I was able to buy the limited pre-release of the Cana’s Voice CD at the concert. There are seven songs on the CD. It will be available in music retail outlets in late May of this year. I have a feeling it will be a success. How could it not?

For more information about the “Sounds of Joy” tour with Cana’s Voice, you can click their social media here:  

Website: http://canasvoice.com/

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/Canas-Voice-1544640015826556/

Twitter: @canasvoice

Be blessed this week, delight in our amazing God, and may you keep His songs in your heart.

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A Missionary Here at Home

Can You Be a Missionary Here at Home?

Yes, you most certainly can!

I used to be confused about that myself until, over the years, I came to understand that God will call you where He wants you to be. It may be overseas, or it may be as a missionary here at home. God is calling you to spread His message of salvation through Jesus Christ, and it doesn’t matter where you live.

Our Courageous Brothers and Sisters in Christ

There’s no doubt, the brave men and women who work in the foreign mission field are doing God’s work. They are working tirelessly right there on the front lines, with family in tow, planting seeds for the Kingdom and helping to lead people to Christ.

missionary here at homeI admire foreign missionaries more than I can say. It takes a special person to take the training and learn the culture to be able to acclimate abroad. Many of these missionaries risk their lives every day. They gladly accept the risks, including facing religious persecution and death, to spread the gospel.

But, what if you can’t travel right now? Is missionary work strictly a “ticket overseas” kind of thing? Not at all. In fact, God has endowed all of us with spiritual gifts which we can use for His kingdom no matter where we are. It could be overseas, it could be here in the U.S., it could even be at your place of work during your lunch hour.

*If we give God service it must be because He gives us grace. We work for Him because He works in us. – Christian pastor, Charles Spurgeon.

Blessed Giving

Opening your checkbook and donating to missions is a great thing. That’s being a good financial steward. But, if you can also discover your spiritual gifts and use them in a way to bring glory to God, then you’re in the mission field God has chosen just for you.

These are just a few of the many possible examples:

  • Volunteer at a local organization that clothes and feeds the needy and demonstrates God’s love.
  • Become an ESL teacher. Use that wonderful opportunity to break through the language barrier and share Christ’s love.
  • Establish a college campus ministry to support other Christian students in public universities.
  • Use your gift as a musician or vocalist to perform songs that glorify God, especially to our nation’s youth.
  • Start a Bible study for co-workers during your lunch hour.
  • Encourage others through social media.
  • Anonymously buy a meal at a restaurant for someone, for example, a soldier, an elderly person, or a cancer patient.
  • Write articles, a novel, or a screenplay that honors God and reaches a dying world.
  • Share your testimony, especially with a lost friend or neighbor.
  • Hand out gospel tracts in a busy downtown area.
  • Sponsor a child overseas or here at home.

sharing faithIf you are actively sharing your faith with others, then you’re working in a mission field. Don’t feel discouraged if you’re not able to travel with a missionary team. Your mission field doesn’t have to be overseas. It can be where you are right now. We must all look for those opportunities where we can talk about our delight in God with the world.

God will bless you for it!

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*Charles Spurgeon quotation, public domain, as quoted from ChristianQuotes.info.

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Favorite Bible Verse

Do You Have a Favorite Bible Verse?

Everything in the Bible is important, but sometimes there’s a verse or two that you keep referring back to. I know that’s the way it is for me.

favorite Bible verseIt may be a verse that gives you strength or comfort during a difficult time in your life. Or, it may be a verse that reflects your gratitude towards God for His many blessings.

If you’ve read my blog before, then you know I’ve posted some of the favorite Bible verses from friends of mine from all over the country. It has been my joy to be able to share these verses with you because they come straight from the heart of fellow Christians.

In this deeply dark world we’re living in now, we can use all the encouragement we can get, right?

I was reading a new book I bought yesterday and came across a Bible verse in it that has become a new source of encouragement for me.

First, the book. If you haven’t read it yet, I highly recommend Pastor Chip Ingram’s, “The Invisible War.” It’s a book about the spiritual attacks we face as Christians and it helps guide us how to put on the armor of God. We know we’re supposed to wear the armor, but do we really know how to use it?

I’ve personally had several spiritual attacks lately. They’ve been distressing, but we know that in life, satan hates all of us. His intent is to discourage and destroy all that is of God. He will use whatever he can to distract Christians from bringing glory to God. It could come from a low blow from a friend, a public put-down at work, or even nasty comments from someone you love. These spiritual attacks seemingly pop up, almost out of nowhere. This excellent book is a great resource for when those attacks come.

The verse that really stood out for me was from 2 Kings. It’s a loving reminder that we are not alone in the battle. God does not allow us to go into a spiritual battle unarmed.

The verse is:

2 Kings 6:15-17 —

*15 Now when the attendant of the man of God had risen early and gone out, behold, an army with horses and chariots was circling the city. And his servant said to him, “Alas, my master! What shall we do?” 16 So he answered, “Do not fear, for those who are with us are more than those who are with them.” 17 Then Elisha prayed and said, “O Lord, I pray, open his eyes that he may see.” And the Lord opened the servant’s eyes and he saw; and behold, the mountain was full of horses and chariots of fire all around Elisha.

Briefly, the prophet Elisha and his servant were facing a seemingly impossible situation. They were surrounded by the marauding army of King Aram. Their situation seemed dire, but Elisha did not lose faith. He assured his frightened servant that there was nothing to be afraid of.

invisible army of angelsThe Lord heard Elisha’s prayers and the servant was at once able to see, really see, the invisible army of angels who were there by their side the whole time.

I love this! “…those who are with us are more than those who are with them.”

Boom, there it is!

I don’t know about you, but those verses really comfort me. We face a lot of tough times in our lives. Sometimes it’s so overwhelming, that we forget that God allows trials in our lives to perfect our faith.

The Invisible War

There is most definitely an invisible war going on right now between Heaven and satan. Our assurance? We have an army of God’s angels fighting on our behalf.

Ultimately, the victory is ours. We know who wins! We have that encouraging and blessed assurance through Jesus Christ.

The God who created this beautiful creation, also created you and me…to be victors through our steadfast belief in Him.

beautiful creationHeavenly Father, we rejoice in the knowledge that you’ve shared your Word with us in Scripture and that we have the ultimate victory through You. We continue to pray for your protection over us and for strength and courage in the challenging times ahead. Thank you for being You and for loving us so completely.

In Jesus name, amen.

Dear child of God, try not to be discouraged. You have millions of brothers and sisters in Christ across the globe who are fighting alongside you. Delight in God. He loves you so much!

Believers*Bible reference: New American Standard Bible (NASB) Copyright © 1960, 1962, 1963, 1968, 1971, 1972, 1973, 1975, 1977, 1995 by The Lockman Foundation

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Delight In God, Love Him More Than Everything

Delight In God, Love Him Completely

How many Facebook followers do you have?

Ten, twenty, a hundred?

I know people whose friends list numbers in the thousands.

Thousands!

That’s a lot of friends 🙂

Delight in God Your Number One FanDid you know that, despite how large your friends list is on social media, there is One who loves you more than anyone.

He’s always there, loving you from the start, when you were just a baby in the womb.

Psalm 37:23 tells us that:

*23 The steps of a man are established by the Lord, And He delights in his way. – Psalm 37:23 NASB

He is the God of Second Chances

God is always ready to forgive, if you repent.

How many of your friends can you say that about? I suspect not many. God not only has the power to forgive, He provides the gift of eternal life to those He has chosen according to His will.

We deserve death, but Jesus paid our fine. That is the most sacrificial, beautiful expression of love that has ever existed in this world.

Please, if you haven’t put your total faith in Christ and repented of your sins, I urge you to do so. I also encourage you to start reading the Bible. The book of John is a great place to start. It’s also important to attend a solid, Bible-believing church in your area where you can hear the authentic gospel message of love, repentance, forgiveness, and salvation.

I watch the news sometimes and it’s so disturbing how evil this world has become. It’s getting worse every day. The abortion holocaust is just one example. I see the combative women holding up signs at rallies celebrating planned parenthood and I cringe for their lost souls.

There is still time for us to seek God’s forgiveness.

How long til you return, Lord? No one knows.

Time is running out, though. Jesus Christ will come again and, with all urgency, I say you don’t want to be left behind.

This song from Charles Billingsley is one I listen to a lot on my iPod. I hope you enjoy.

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*Bible reference: New American Standard Bible (NASB) Copyright © 1960, 1962, 1963, 1968, 1971, 1972, 1973, 1975, 1977, 1995 by The Lockman Foundation

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