Three Encouraging Bible Verses

Finding Hope in Three Encouraging Bible Verses

Do you have a special time of day when you read your Bible?

For me, the best time is right when I wake up.

I love the peace and quiet of the morning.  

Often, I’m up between the hours of 4:30 and 5:00 a.m. 

Granted, my PJ’s are still on and my bed hair could frighten children, but God doesn’t care.

He delights when we study His Word and worship Him.

There are so many passages in Scripture to treasure, but I wanted to share three encouraging Bible verses that speak to my heart.

Finding Hope in Three Encouraging Bible Verses

When I came to a saving faith in Christ and started reading my Bible at age 30, my whole perspective on life changed.

No longer did my faith take a backseat and I earnestly sought how I could use my God-given skills to glorify Him.

In this often dangerous world that we live in, His Word is the shining light that cuts through this present darkness and lights the way to our eternal victory through Jesus.

This universal calamity we’re all witnessing is temporary.

Delight in God Because He Delights in Us

Psalm 18 is a Psalm of David.

From what we read in the pages of this amazing scripture, God brought David out of the depths of despair into a life marked by humility and gratitude.

The verses end with “. . . because He delighted in me.”

18 They confronted me in the day of my disaster,
But the Lord was my support.
19 He also brought me out into an open place;
He rescued me, because He delighted in me. – Psalm 18:18-19, (NASB).

Today’s world is consumed with distractions, temptations of the flesh, and fear.

It’s enough to grieve the heart of every Christian.

But, God hasn’t gone anywhere.

He loves us and delights in us as our Heavenly Father. That is the beauty of His character – we are still His children.

We fail Him daily and yet He still loves and delights in us. Someday we will be with Him in Heaven.

Talk about encouragement!

One of the reasons I named this blog “Delight-in-God” in the first place is because, as Christians, we know that He delights in us and wants us all to come to repentance in Him.

God Is Our Strength

The following verse in 2 Corinthians is a great example for us of the Apostle Paul’s complete trust in God, no matter how challenging and dangerous his daily circumstances were.

Remember that Paul was beaten, stoned, and thrown in prison several times for preaching the gospel.

2 Corinthians 12:10

I have to admit when I first became a Christian and read those words from Paul, it was a shocker.

How can anyone “delight” in persecutions? Is this for real?

Of course when you’re being persecuted, your first reaction might be sadness or anger . . . but delight?

I once read that sometimes God has to bring us to our knees for us to realize our need to trust Him, no matter what.

This is a constant lesson I need to remind myself in my very human desire to make a bad situation better quickly.

Jesus is the perfect divine example of endurance through suffering.

It may feel like we’re struggling with a mountain of issues, but we are not alone.

As I grow older and look back on the past challenging circumstances in my own life, I realize that my prayers for perseverance to cope with those situations and move forward were answered.

He Knows You and Me By Name

He knows our names

Our God – God of the entire universe knows you and me by name.

He knew you before you were even born . . . He saw you being born!

He sees you in a crowd, standing in line, sleeping . . . everywhere.

And, He looks upon you as His child, worthy of redemption and salvation through His Son – that blessed gift of grace when what we really deserve is death for our sins.)

Jesus wants to have a relationship with us.

What do you do when you love someone?

You think about them  – a lot and all the time.

Lord, You have searched me and known me.
2You know 
when I sit down and when I get up;
You understand my thought from far away.
3You 
scrutinize my path and my lying down,
And are acquainted with all my ways
. – Psalm 139:1-3, (NASB).

He knows us better than we know ourselves and, for that, we should be grateful.

Better Place, Divine Grace

I hope you’ve enjoyed these three encouraging Bible verses that I’ve shared.

There are many more that capture my heart that I’ll share at another time.

I’m grateful that God chose me and I rejoice with you that He chose you – my brother and sister in Christ.

As much as I love the many wonderful things that have happened (and will happen) in the rest of this life, I know that Heaven is going to be so much better.

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All scripture quotations are 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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God’s Amazing Creation

Delighting in God’s Amazing Creation

Out of all of the amazing creatures that God created, the crow is usually not the “first” one that comes to my mind.

Let’s face it – in the “beauty” department, the crow just doesn’t measure up to, let’s say, the colorful and talkative parrot.

God's Amazing Creation

But, as only our Creator can do, He has equipped the crow with fascinating characteristics and intelligence that can only come from the Most High.

Did you know that crows can hold grudges?

If you pick a fight with a crow, it just may dive-bomb you the next time you cross their path.

From now on, I just plan to smile and wave at them.  😉

God’s Amazing Creation – Carpenter Crows

Did you know that crows can also make tools?

In the experiment highlighted in the video below, a crow actually bends a small twig to reach the desired but, difficult-to-reach, morsel of food!

Check this out …

I don’t think I’ll ever look at a crow the same way again.

A fascinating bird that I barely looked at before, has now gotten my attention.

As Christians, we know that all of the praise for God’s amazing creation go to Him alone.

On the glorious splendor of Your majesty
And on Your wonderful works, I will meditate. – Psalm 145:5, (NASB).1

Admiring the majesty of God’s creation honors Him.

Only God is to be worshiped, for creation exists by His power and for His glory. His existence knows no beginning or end, and He will reign forever. He is the King. Today, exalt Him as He alone deserves. Go for a walk or look out of the window and praise Him as you see His beauty displayed in what He has made. Praise Him as He continues to rule over His creation, holding you in His sovereign hand.Alistair Begg, Christian pastor and author.2

Are you feeling a little distracted today? Look outside and delight in what God has done!

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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 Quotation from Alistair Begg, Christian pastor, author, founder of Truth For Life Teaching Ministry. Web. Accessed 30, May, 2022. Retrieved from  https://truthforlife.org/devotionals/alistair-begg/1/1/2022/

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Happy Easter 2022

Happy Easter 2022

Happy Easter 2022

He is Risen!

He is Risen indeed!

Every time I hear those words, whether it’s in church or being said among friends, I get goosebumps.

We have a risen Savior!

Recently, I saw a short video that was filmed in the Garden of Gethsemane.

Could it be any better than this?Wishing You A Happy Easter 2022

Tell the world we have good news.

Our Light of the World, Jesus, is Risen!

May the wondrous Resurrection of our Savior be an encouraging reminder to all of us of His love and grace and promise of eternal life.

On behalf of Delight-in-God.com,

we wish you and your loved ones a very

Happy Easter 2022!

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God’s Delightful Creatures

God’s Delightful Creatures

There’s exciting news around our house!

God's delightful creaturesMeet “Ellie” – the newest addition to our family.

Granted, this isn’t like my usual blog posts, but she’s one of God’s delightful creatures and I couldn’t wait to share her photo.

We are so thankful she’s become a part of our family.

Our new girl is a Siberian Husky and a former show dog.

We like to think that we rescued her.

Her life as a former “beauty queen” was very different from what you might expect.

She spent a lot of time traveling, staying in hotel rooms in various towns, in her crate for many hours, and she didn’t have much play time.

Today, she is a happy and spoiled “companion” dog in our home.

sweet Ellie

She’s full of energy too.

For instance, we were sitting on the couch the other day and she leapt into our laps wagging her tail and wanting to be petted.

We love her so much.

Bonus: She gets along with our other Sibe perfectly.

delightful creatures

After losing our sweet Jazz a few months ago, Ellie is a blessing.

We’re thankful to God for bringing her to us – yet one more reason we delight in Him!

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Mac Powell’s “New Creation” Album

Mac Powell’s “New Creation” Album

Mac Powell's New Creation album

Are you a Mac Powell fan?

If you are a fan, I have great news!

If not, what in the world are you thinking?

Kidding!

Just a few days ago fans across the globe celebrated a new arrival.

Mac Powell’s “New Creation” Album debuted on October 15th.

Released through Capitol Christian Music Group, the album features ten great songs showcasing his exceptional song writing ability, engaging vocals, and musical expertise.

Former lead member of the award-winning group, Third Day, Mac’s “solo” works do not disappoint.

In fact, I already have my favorites.

I love the lyrics of his title song because the words are so meaningful to our lives as Christians.

And, the words really spoke to me because they’re a reflection of my own life.

(If you haven’t yet read my testimony of faith, you can find my life-changing testimony here.

In Mac’s own words,

“I believe this collection of songs have come from God, and I can’t wait to hear the stories of how they connect with and help people through the days we’re living in.” – Mac Powell, as quoted, from a Jesus Freak Hideout.1

I believe he hit it right out of the park with this song.

Here is “New Creation,” (a celebration of 2 Corinthians 5:17), by Mac Powell.

This one’s going in my music library of keepers.

Mac Powell is currently on tour! You can find his tour dates here.

Can Blessings Really Come Out of a Tragedy?

Is it possible?

Can blessings really come out of tragedy, like the song says?

Yes they can.

I am living proof.

When those difficult challenges turn your life upside down, it may seem there’s no end in sight.

But, we have this: God always keeps His promises.

2 Corinthians 4:16-18

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1 Mac Powell quotation. “Mac Powell Releases Debut Solo Christian Album, New Creation, Today.” [Jesus Freak Hideout]. October 15, 2021, Web. Accessed October 17, 2021. 

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

*Mac Powell photo from my private collection.

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