Tag: NASB

Happy New Year 2020

Happy New Year 2020

Wishing You A Happy New Year 2020

Is it me, or did the month of December just speed by like a freight train?

Phew!

Are you ready for the new year?

I need to start remembering to write “2020” now.

That might take about a week. 

Looking Back on Challenges From Last Year

challenges

Looking back over the year 2019, I can honestly say that we have never been hit with so many challenges.

These were both emotional and physical challenges that packed a wallop.

It was surreal because they came without warning, in rapid succession, seemingly out of left field.

We got through it all by holding onto our faith, but that doesn’t mean it was easy.

And, the challenges weren’t just happening to us.

It seemed like most of our friends were dealing with major difficulties during the topsy-turvy year that was 2019.

A Close Call For Someone We Love

There’s something on my heart, and I have to share it.

I’d like to encourage you to pray for God’s protection over all of the dear ones in your life, both now and for their futures.

I believe this is crucial to add to your prayer lists.

You know as well as I do that this is a dangerous world that is getting even worse.

There are hostile people, in need of a Savior, who are running around unrestrained and hell-bent on hurting others, whether through words or deeds.

Recently, and as delicately as I can put it, we almost lost a shining light in our lives in the midst of a horrific crime.

It was that close.

We praise God for His hedge of protection over this situation.

Physical injuries can heal, but emotional wounds take much, much longer.

Comfort from God’s Word, our prayers, and the support from loved ones is vital when life deals a blow.

Honestly, I don’t know how people can get through this life without a strong faith and relationship with Jesus Christ.

The Beauty Of Grace

I‘m grateful that God places certain people in our lives whom we can mutually love and support, pray with, and pray for. There’s nothing sweeter in my eyes than to have someone put their arms around you and pray right then and there for a situation, or to hear the sweet voice of a friend on the phone as he or she prays for you. Prayers are not shackled by distance in the eyes of our Heavenly Father.

In the following passage from Scripture, the Apostle Paul is talking about the sufficiency of believers being found in Jesus Christ. We can often see His grace most clearly in the valleys of our sufferings.

3 Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of mercies and God of all comfort, 4 who comforts us in all our affliction so that we will be able to comfort those who are in any affliction with the comfort with which we ourselves are comforted by God. – 2 Corinthians 1:3-4, NASB.

See The Miracle

Every day is a gift.

Cherish those in your life who love you back, and pray for those who don’t.

We have our mission.

the Christian life

Happy New Year 2020

Make it count!

the new year 2020

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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.

2Francis August Schaeffer, (1912-1984), evangelical Christian and theologian. Schaeffer quotation, courtesy of AZquotes.com. “The Complete Works of Francis A. Schaeffer: A Christian view of the church.” Accessed 22 December, 2019. 

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The Music Of Christmas

the music of Christmas

Delighting in the Music of Christmas

Oh, the music of Christmas.

What a special time of year this is!

I can’t help it – I find myself humming a little Christmas song, no matter where I am – at the grocery store, the gym, lots of places.

And, sometimes, it’s loud enough for people to hear.  🙂

I love the music of Christmas!

Don’t you?

Gentri Does it Again

The Gentlemen’s Trio, also known as “Gentri,” has won me over again with their Christmas music.

I fell in love with them, actually last Christmas, when I heard their rendition of The Little Drummer Boy.

They’re back!

With their delightful and recently released Christmas song, “Mary’s Boy Child,” and the wonderfully talented and awfully cute members of the Rise Up Children’s Choir – Gentri has succeeded in bringing me once again to tears of joy.

Have you heard their latest Christmas collaboration?

This is an upbeat, hope-filled, song.

Get ready to tap your feet.

I hope you enjoy it as much as I do.  🙂

The Coming Glory

So much hope in one little baby – Who is Christ the Lord.

The answer of the need of the human heart is found in that little Child—God in the flesh [John 1:1, 14]—suffering our suffering, weeping our tears, living our life, dying our death [1 Corinthians 15:3], the great Lord God of heaven who understands and sympathizes with us [Hebrews 4:14-16], and who someday, in His coming, will lift us to glory and to heaven [1 Thessalonians 4:16-17]. – Dr. W.A. Criswell, beloved expository preacher.2

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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 Dr. W.A. Criswell (1909-2002) quotation, courtesy of W.A Criswell Sermon Library. “The Christ of Christmas.” 12-23-90. Web. Accessed 4 December, 2019. Retrieved from https://wacriswell.com/sermons/1990/the-christ-of-christmas-2/

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Here’s Your Sign

Here’s Your Sign

Have you ever been to Myrtle Beach, South Carolina?

Walks on Myrtle Beach

It’s a fun place to visit!

I am seriously missing those long walks on the beach right now.

Seriously . . . missing.

One morning, when we ventured out of our hotel to walk the property, we saw a very interesting sign.

Check it out.

warning up ahead

You know, I thought I saw something move by that bush over there.

“Here’s your sign,” as Bill Engvall used to say in his comedy routine.

It’s a good thing the hotel put out a warning, right?

danger up ahead

Venture too far out into that marsh and you could end up as appetizer for a real live alligator.

No thanks.

Another Warning Sign

Here’s another sign we need to be aware of.

Jesus Himself issued a warning to His disciples to beware of false teachers.

A Tree and Its Fruit

15 “Beware of the false prophets, who come to you in sheep’s clothing, but inwardly are ravenous wolves. – Matthew 7:15. NASB.1

Fortunately, there are still good Bible teachers out there.

Unfortunately, there are also false teachers (and book authors) who are teaching anything but sound doctrine.

Discernment is a must.

For instance, just because a popular book in the Christian category of a bookstore becomes a best seller – that doesn’t mean it’s biblically sound. 

You’d be wise to read reviews from people who have actually purchased and read the book.

Going strictly by the endorsements isn’t always the best method (what if the endorser is also a false teacher?)

Beware of buying “Christian” books whose messages don’t line up with Scripture. If a teacher or author tells you they’ve received a “new revelation from God,” your red flags should be flying.

Jesus was the most loving person that ever lived and would say “neither do I condemn you. Go and sin no more.” He did not judge in the condemnatory sense but He certainly made a judgment of discernment. And that’s where we get confused. When the Bible tells us not to be judgmental, it means we are not to have a spirit of condemnation towards fallen people. We are to love them, be concerned for them, pray for them—all of that. But we are still supposed to have discernment—to be able to distinguish between what is righteous and what is unrighteous. – R.C. Sproul, theologian, Founder of Ligonier Ministries.2

Let’s Get Equipped

If you’re not familiar with a teacher’s background, then what?

Here’s some good advice.

In summary:

  • What does this teacher say about Jesus?
  • Does this teacher preach the complete gospel? (including the Resurrection of Christ, repentance for our sins, and salvation by grace alone. Remember, helping the needy is not the entire gospel message.)
  • Does this teacher exhibit qualities that glorify the Lord?

I hope this is helpful to you.

God bless

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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 R.C. Sproul quotation, courtesy of  Ligonier.org/blog. 23 November, 2016. para. 2. Web. Accessed 27 October, 2019. Retrieved from https://www.ligonier.org/blog/difference-between-being-judgmental-and-exercising-discernment/

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Light To Pierce The Darkness

There’s A Storm Coming In The Darkness

I’ll never forget that spring afternoon when a tornado formed just up the street from our house.

darkness

My husband wasn’t home from work yet, and I was by myself (with our dogs) monitoring the weather.

Things happened fast.

I remember looking out the window and seeing a scud cloud go racing by.

Uh oh.

It took me only a few seconds to grab the dogs plus a flashlight so we could get inside the bathroom to take cover.

My concerned husband was driving home during all this.  The weather was so bad on the interstate that he had to exit and duck into a retail store for safety.

Thankfully, he called to check on us. It was so good just to hear his voice, even though I could hear a crashing sound outside our windows. Unfortunately, right in the middle of our conversation, the electricity went out and the phone went dead. My connection to his voice of encouragement disappeared – just like that.

Of course, I prayed a lot in that dark bathroom.  The comforting light of that one flashlight helped make a difference – even if it was just a little bit of light to pierce the darkness.

Light To Pierce The Darkness

Can Christians be the light that pierces the darkness?

Our world is consumed by darkness and sin. I’ve never seen it so bad.

But that’s a blog post for a different day.

What does this world need?

There’s only one answer.

Our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ!

light to pierce the darkness

As Christians, we should “shine a light” to help point a dying world towards Him, and Him alone.

Remember this passage from Jesus Himself at the Sermon On The Mount.

We are here for the glory of God.

May everyone see His mercy and power and forgiveness reflected in our own lives and through our spiritual transformation.

16Let your light shine before men in such a way that they may see your good works, and glorify your Father who is in heaven. – Matthew 5:16. NASB.1

I love this heartfelt poem written by fellow Christian writer Robin Bartholomew called, “The Light of God.”

In my opinion, her poem is a gentle reminder for all of us to “let our light shine.”

The Light of God

by Robin Bartholomew
05/02/15
Free to Share

The Light of God

Does my light shine, so that others might see,
Just what the Good Lord has put into me
Do I stand out in a crowd with God’s light shining above?
Am I bright light, to light up the darkness with Love?

Do others, when they look at me,
see the Holy Spirit within?
Does my life magnify our Lord Jesus,
So that others want more of Him?

Do I cast out a glow,
Of over whelming love from above
Or do I put out a dimming light
That no one see’s as love?

Do I only sometimes glow,
With God’s bright light from overhead?
And only show all the world
The light that’s sometimes dim?

I Pray fervently each day,
for God’s special bright light.
So that others will see what I have,
And ask how to get their own light.

So I Pray Father God
That your light within me will shine,
So that others ask of that glow up above
And they say: “Tell me, how do I get mine?”

 

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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.

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Spiritual Thirst For God

Quenching Our Thirst

life-giving water

How long do you think you could you go without water?

It’s a sobering thought.

Estimates vary from a few hours up to one week, depending on a person’s age, overall health and surroundings at the time.

But, there’s no question about this, we need water to live.

Precious, life-giving, water.

Spiritual Thirst For God

May we never lose our thirst to learn more about the One Who gives us “living water.”

Living Water that leads to eternal life with our Father in Heaven.

spiritual thirst for God

As the deer pants for the water brooks,
So my soul pants for You, O God. – Psalm 42:1. NASB1

In Psalm 42 an ode of the sons of Korah, we read that the author is downcast and in utter despair. The Psalmist pours out his heart to God.

But through the turmoil, he realizes that there is only One Who can give him peace and rest. He continues to praise Him.

I love this thought-provoking poem by fellow Christian writer, Deborah Ann Belka.

I believe it matches the heart of this psalm eloquently.

We can cry out to God and He will hear us.

To Be That Deer!
by Deborah Ann Belka
5/15/2013

Lord, may I be that deer,
that pants after You
may Your living waters
in my life, run though.

May I thirst after You,
more and more each day
may I find Your mercies
as I go along my way.

May I long to seek You,
to know Your perfect will
may You be the strength
keeping me calm and still.

May I sip from the brook,
flowing with eternal grace
may it be Your undying love
my heart, cries to embrace.

Lord, may my life reflect,
my desire to be near
may my soul pant . . .
after You, like that deer!

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Psalm 42:1-2
King James Version

“As the heart panteth after the water brooks,
so panteth my soul after thee, O God.
My soul thirsteth for God, for the living God:
when shall I come and appear before God?”

TO GOD BE THE GLORY!

Copyright 2017
Deborah Ann Belka
bdebby@hotmail.com
www.hiswingsshadow.com
http://poetrybydeborahann.wordpress.com/

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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.

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