tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4557889932323944502024-03-13T15:54:04.140-04:00KT Under GraceUnknownnoreply@blogger.comBlogger775125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-455788993232394450.post-53451636742342718982024-01-19T14:28:00.005-05:002024-01-28T13:34:47.353-05:00A Message on Suffering, Free Streaming Session for Pastors & Elders, & Audio LSB<p><b> Are you suffering illness or trials in your life? </b></p><p>We generally want to escape suffering and pain and difficulty, but God may be using it to turn you to Him.</p><p>Don Green gave a message on January 16, 2024, that I recommend for you and those you want to share it with. It's called, <b><i><a href="https://www.sermonaudio.com/solo/tcomm/sermons/117241931595870/" target="_blank">"What If Suffering Is a Gift?"</a></i></b></p><b>Free streaming session for newer elders and pastors on February 9, 2024, at 6 AM Pacific (9 AM Eastern and 2 PM GMT)!<br /></b><br />Don Green is planning to share things that weren't taught to him in pastoral ministries classes. The streaming should be on the church site <a href="https://www.truthcommunitychurch.org/live"><b>HERE</b></a> (and you can see alternative sites to stream from on that page as well).<p><b>An audio version of the Legacy Standard Bible:</b></p><p>If you like the <b><a href="http://LSBible.org" target="_blank">LSB</a></b> translation and would like to listen to someone else's reading, it is available <b><a href="https://www.youtube.com/@lsbaudiobible" target="_blank">HERE</a></b>.</p>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-455788993232394450.post-55151891334993701342023-12-06T11:01:00.000-05:002023-12-06T11:01:10.406-05:00Grace Community Church Christmas Concert, Christmas Music, and a Song of Christian Encouragement<p><b><span style="font-size: medium;">Grace Community Church Concert & Christmas Music MP3 Album</span></b></p><p>Grace Community Church in Southern California has Christmas concerts every year, and this year they are scheduled to stream the one on December 17th. I look forward to watching the stream online each year. </p><p>The time it is scheduled for is: 6 PM Pacific / 8 PM Central / 9 PM Eastern (U.S.) / 2 AM on the 18th GMT. Don't miss it! Look for the choice of Livestream links on the <b><a href="https://www.gracechurch.org/music/posts/3861" target="_blank">Concert Page Here</a></b>.</p><p>I also discovered a Christmas album on the church's site called <b><i><a href="https://www.gracechurch.org/news/posts/3869" target="_blank">A Church Notes Christmas</a></i></b> that has a few Christmas songs available. </p><p><b><span style="font-size: medium;">Music to Encourage Christians in Troubling Times</span></b></p><p>The following music has lyrics, so you may be able to sing along!</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><iframe allowfullscreen="" class="BLOG_video_class" height="266" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/zMWKeEVbljA" width="458" youtube-src-id="zMWKeEVbljA"></iframe></div>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-455788993232394450.post-45076614522401977972023-11-30T12:52:00.001-05:002023-11-30T15:12:42.049-05:00A Timely Message on Israel by John MacArthur, Natalie's Story, Psalms of Grace MP3 Files, & Christmas Carols<p><b><span style="font-size: medium;">God Will Keep His Promises to Israel - Don't Miss This!</span></b></p><p>There was a timely message John MacArthur gave on November 19th of this year that Christians should listen to. God's keeping His promises to Israel in the future should encourage all believers. It's on the <b><a href="http://GTY.org" target="_blank">GTY</a></b> website: <b><a href="https://www.gty.org/library/sermons-library/82-23/in-god-we-trust" target="_blank"> In God We Trust (sermon by John MacArthur).</a></b></p><p><b><span style="font-size: medium;">Natalie's Story</span></b></p><p>I have been following the story of Natalie (a child) for quite some time, and God has used what could have seemed tragic for His purposes. It's amazing to be reminded again about how God made the body in a wonderful way. <b><a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?reload=9&app=desktop&v=PVH1H9_u_nc&fbclid=IwAR0xIQB2BmIeB41RgNLFFRjRBB3XZz1zBF-8J2MsR7_YsY68jpKOU0xYLYA" target="_blank">Watch Here</a></b>.</p><p><b><span style="font-size: medium;">Free Psalms of Grace MP3 Files (available at the time of this post)</span></b></p><p>I saw that these files are still free which are good for those who want to use them. There are also ones available in Spanish! You can find them <b><a href="https://hymnsofgrace.com/collections/free-mp3-files?fbclid=IwAR1xsK6PMrVbMSh5YKCZ9YkTCdYfo7AGAryIg47N7aZmmqCjx2GHuzkaKXE" target="_blank">HERE</a></b>. </p><p><b><span style="font-size: medium;">Celebrating the Incarnation with Music</span></b></p><p>I often have shared music on here around Christmas, and here are some carols with violin and guitar for you to listen to.</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><iframe allowfullscreen="" class="BLOG_video_class" height="266" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/FUysgrU9-pk" width="466" youtube-src-id="FUysgrU9-pk"></iframe></div>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-455788993232394450.post-21768868055547031412023-10-31T13:45:00.005-04:002023-10-31T13:45:53.152-04:00Don't Look Away<p> What Hamas did in Israel on October 7, 2023, was horrific. I did not watch everything, but I saw some still photos that were gruesome. I've read and heard accounts. I know it happened. Deniers are liars...just like those who deny the Holocaust of Hitler's time. Some recently have said things like, "Do not look away." I understand, as some want to deny the truth.... deny reality.... pretend like there is a good excuse. They are deluded and blind to the truth.</p><p>I was thinking today about how I feel sometimes when I read the account of the crucifixion in the Gospels. I feel like I don't want to read that part even though I should want to. I don't like to think of the suffering and humiliation and the injustice. Yet I know that what Christ suffered...physically and also the wrath of God (which he willingly suffered for others as He was sinless) ...well, that was the only way that my sins could be properly atoned for. He was my substitute. </p><p>So, while I can't see the physical blood of Christ, or know the depth of His suffering of the wrath of God against my sins and the sins of all who would ever believe, it is necessary to remember and to see the reality with the spiritual eyes He has given me.</p><p>Have you seen Christ on the cross in that way? Have you seen the depth of your sins? Turn to Christ. Read His Word, and don't look away from the cross. Look to Jesus. Only in Him is forgiveness and eternal life. </p><p><b><span style="font-size: medium;"><a href="http://LSBible.org" target="_blank">The Bible</a></span></b></p><p><br /></p>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-455788993232394450.post-63407391077702469922023-10-24T13:23:00.000-04:002023-10-24T13:23:41.794-04:00Fall Colors of 2023<p> </p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgvOqnYLei455_cRA4dvHVfbEQiszB-thyV_uqvrAE5ViLSMoycoEaQ2E_n7Byapwl3Ywh4Z9aZQSbTmUUDiCZ2mMPXli8A24VDbfUWYxKZ5r34iRn5WcSEKi3iNlOXV4VQeS6LQ8BnaSrV6TRkiZukpOkspn0kTTll_pcBQqy6IRsVCOqSDjxJtwMBYwQ/s4608/P1100193.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3456" data-original-width="4608" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgvOqnYLei455_cRA4dvHVfbEQiszB-thyV_uqvrAE5ViLSMoycoEaQ2E_n7Byapwl3Ywh4Z9aZQSbTmUUDiCZ2mMPXli8A24VDbfUWYxKZ5r34iRn5WcSEKi3iNlOXV4VQeS6LQ8BnaSrV6TRkiZukpOkspn0kTTll_pcBQqy6IRsVCOqSDjxJtwMBYwQ/s320/P1100193.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; 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text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj3HkiIuS5V49A9INCEV4yBOS6Y4eSZ9RJdO8j3w8AKCE_T_Lp0Y955Jm8TfcgNhBrAbAbCvgCW7VhZTZG3oyLa5lfEVNaCSdTd79W0p-YkNpQvvfcd7CSW2Bc_ABjS7SnUkMcqsBwefzEaTH0h0RgCCKQpICFKJrynajZcqGWTChJx_KNcEGYNynlHJC0/s4608/P1100215.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3456" data-original-width="4608" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj3HkiIuS5V49A9INCEV4yBOS6Y4eSZ9RJdO8j3w8AKCE_T_Lp0Y955Jm8TfcgNhBrAbAbCvgCW7VhZTZG3oyLa5lfEVNaCSdTd79W0p-YkNpQvvfcd7CSW2Bc_ABjS7SnUkMcqsBwefzEaTH0h0RgCCKQpICFKJrynajZcqGWTChJx_KNcEGYNynlHJC0/s320/P1100215.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><br /><p></p>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-455788993232394450.post-15381672339794231162023-08-10T11:39:00.003-04:002023-08-10T11:43:25.788-04:00The Wind Does God's WordPraise Yahweh from the earth,<br />Sea monsters and all deeps;<div>Fire and hail, snow and clouds;<br />Stormy wind, doing His word;<br />Psalm 148:7-8 <a href="http://LSBible.org" target="_blank">LSB</a><br /><br />Doing His word.<br />They are to praise Yahweh.<br />This is a good reminder that God is in control.<br />A lot of people are trying to stir up panic today over the climate, and there are those who want to use that panic to gain control over the world and do crazy things (and waste a lot of money, resources, and effort, etc.).<br />But as I was reminded on another site, the wind and the seas obeyed Jesus.</div><div><br /></div><div>There really is no need to fear, because all of the efforts of the climate alarmists will not change what God's plans are for the future. I don't believe there is any climate crisis, but sadly some people want to shut down opposing viewpoints. </div><div><br /></div><div>For now, I can be content with knowing this:</div><div><br /></div>While all the days of the earth remain, <div>Seedtime and harvest,</div><div> And cold and heat, And summer and winter, </div><div>And day and night Shall not cease.”<br />Genesis 8:22 <a href="http://LSBible.org">LSB</a><div><br /></div><div><br /><b><span style="font-size: medium;">God sets up and throws down governments and determines boundaries.</span></b> </div><div>Even though the world is going crazy and evil governments are gaining control and there is corruption all over the place (even in the U.S.), I again can go to the Bible to remember that God is still sovereign even over governments.</div><div><br /></div>And He changes the times and the seasons;<br />He removes kings and establishes kings;<br />He gives wisdom to wise men<br />And knowledge to men of understanding.<br />Daniel 2:21 <a href="https://lsbible.org/">LSB</a><br /><br /><br />and He made from one man every nation of mankind to inhabit all the face of the earth, having determined their appointed times and the boundaries of their habitation,<br />Acts 17:26 <a href="http://LSBible.org">LSB</a><br /><div><span style="background-color: white; font-family: "Linguistics Pro"; font-size: 16px; letter-spacing: -0.16px; text-align: justify; white-space-collapse: preserve-breaks; word-spacing: -0.16px;"><br /></span></div><div>I've been reading Job again lately, and it's a reminder that while Job suffered the loss of family, possessions, livestock, and health (boils and misery) that God was still sovereign even over Satan's evil schemes. </div><div>God has purposes that we might not see now. </div><div>Job is quite the example of blessing the Lord even though he did want the day of his birth cursed in chapter 3. </div><div><br /></div><span style="font-size: x-small;"><b>Scripture quotations taken from the (LSB®) Legacy Standard Bible®, Copyright © 2021 by The Lockman Foundation. Used by permission. All rights reserved. Managed in partnership with Three Sixteen Publishing Inc. <a href="http://lsbible.org/">LSBible.org</a> and <a href="http://316publishing.com/">316publishing.com</a>.</b></span></div>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-455788993232394450.post-30669559340728041442023-02-16T14:01:00.001-05:002023-02-16T14:01:30.463-05:00Looking to the Lord & His Word in Crazy Times<br />Trusting in the Lord in these times is the anchor I have to know that despite all of the evil in this nation and world, and despite of the threats to our health and lives (chemicals, illnesses, weapons of war) I know that God's good purposes won't be thwarted. <br /><br />My health already isn't good, but God has continued to care for us one way or another. He will help us through each trial until we are safely Home with Him. Without this knowledge, I would have no hope to cling to. Hoping in deliverance by man or man's weaponry is useless. In the Bible, it is made clear that people must turn to the Lord. It is not always His will to deliver us out of trials, but we must learn to look to Him in our trials here on earth.<div><br />When anxious thoughts come, I can go back to what I know and have learned from Scriptures and from others who teach the Scripture. </div><div>Even if my brain stops functioning well enough to do much of anything one day, He will still care for me.<br />It isn't based on my worthiness, because I'm not.<br />My hope is in Christ and His righteousness and mercy and love and faithfulness. <br />When I doubt His kindness, when I fail in my sinfulness, He brings me back to looking to Him.</div><div><br /></div><div>After someone at a store was telling about a supposed vision she had, a part of a song came to my mind. I trust in the already finished canon of Scripture. It is complete. </div><div>I don't need anything else to verify what is in it apart from what God has already given.</div><div><div>Nothing new is needed to trust in Christ. (She doesn't realize we are cessationists.)<br /><br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;">My heart is leaning on the Word,</div><div style="text-align: center;">The written Word of God,</div><div style="text-align: center;">Salvation by my Savior’s name,</div><div style="text-align: center;">Salvation through His blood.</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">Refrain:</div><div style="text-align: center;">I need no other argument,</div><div style="text-align: center;">I need no other plea,</div><div style="text-align: center;">it is enough that Jesus died,</div><div style="text-align: center;">and that he died for me.</div><br /><div style="text-align: center;"> (Author: E. E. Hewitt - Public Domain)</div></div></div><div><br /></div>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-455788993232394450.post-33227319423426716322023-01-15T13:59:00.001-05:002023-01-15T13:59:49.250-05:00The "My Truth" FallacyI've been quiet on here awhile again.<div>I often think I don't have much to say, but I do want to encourage people somehow today.</div><div><br /></div><div>The world seems to be going downhill fast in many ways, and people are becoming more aware of all of the lies and corruption they have been fed.</div><div><br /></div><div>The encouragement is this. God and His Word (the 66 books of the Bible) do not change. </div><div>The Triune God is unchanging. His words are true (Psalm 119:160).</div><div>The truth of God is objective. It doesn't change with the times.</div><div>Your feelings can and do change...sometimes daily.</div><div>Often what people call "my truth" is just a statement of their feelings. </div><div>Feelings are not truth. They often lie to us. They send us into depression or unreality.</div><div>They will not satisfy us.</div><div>Reality is not based on what you feel or what you want. </div><div>You cannot be whatever you feel like.</div><div>God created you, and whatever you do to paste on another identity...your facade does no good before Him.</div><div><br /></div><div>So, the Bible may hurt feelings, but the Spirit saves eternal souls and transforms lives through God's Word. The Word of God pierces through, and all of our thoughts and motives are visible to God (based on Hebrews 4:12-13).</div><div><br /></div><div>Absolute truth cannot be found apart from God and His Word.</div><div>What is right and what is wrong are based on the character of God and that is revealed in the Scriptures.</div><div>Have you read the Bible through?</div><div><br /></div><div>Jesus is the truth. (See John 14:6 for full verse.)</div><div><br /></div><div>For the Christian, we can be encouraged knowing that God is true/truth, and His words are true, and we know that His death for our many sins was enough. His righteousness imputed. His resurrection. We can trust Him that He will sanctify us, provide our needs, and that He will bring about His good purposes through our many trials (and those trials are there to bring about perseverance, proven character, and hope...See Romans 5). We can trust Him that we will be resurrected and glorified. We can trust that He really is faithful, and His lovingkindness is everlasting. We can know that His future Kingdom will come, and that there will be an eternity with Him for those who are His. </div><div>We can trust that He is just and that evil will not be unpunished.</div><div><br /></div><div>We need to look to the Word of God, listen to preaching, and examine everything from the lens of Scripture (as there is a lot of heresy and false teaching out there).</div><div>God will never leave the believer even when homebound, disabled, or in distress.</div><div>I hope this will encourage you, because in composing this I am encouraging myself by reminding myself of what the Bible says.</div><div>As my mind is a fog so often, I don't know how clear this will be to anyone else.</div><div><br /></div><div>Without Christ, there is no truth.</div><div>But God is real, and He is absolutely true and trustworthy, and so is His<b><a href="https://www.gracechurch.org/about/gospel?fbclid=IwAR2xLX6l_-EODJccVEGNVR6GWKa8LcqhLpZcswpqpaLnJ7eikPc6yP0E0a8" target="_blank"> Gospel</a></b>.</div><div>So, please read His Word, and let me know if you would like me to pray for you.</div><div>Read the Legacy Standard Bible. <b><span style="font-size: medium;"><a href="https://read.lsbible.org/?q=John" target="_blank">Here is the book of John.</a></span></b></div><div><br /></div>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-455788993232394450.post-29002554991020911292022-12-12T13:12:00.006-05:002022-12-12T14:32:55.309-05:00Nostalgia & Christmas Concert<p><b>Nostalgia</b></p><p>There was a place that my family went in December occasionally to look at the seasonal displays of lights and decorations. I'm pretty sure I was singing Christmas carols on the way at least one of the times I went.</p><p>One of last times (perhaps not the very last) I went, we took my Grandma out of a nursing home to go see them. We couldn't get her out of the car I'm sure, but...</p><p>It's kind of sad to see from a search that Mr. Balian of that house died a few years back, and things were being sold off from the estate (including the decorations). We also have visited another street with lights (probably Christmas Tree Lane), but it wasn't to the level of the Balian house. The lights and decorations of the Balians were quite something spectacular to look at. They also often had audio music going on. I'm wondering if one of the last times they had that silenced. I wasn't a fan of the Santa parts of the decorations, but they had a section for the nativity and other things that <i>were</i> of interest to me. </p><p>I've seen people (more than one source) sharing some of the luxuriousness they saw at the estate for the sale (including the inside). Art, architecture, carpets, light fixtures, fancy windows, furniture, swimming pool, a grandfather clock, and expensive looking (and probably older) doodads. There was a painting or art of the couple which looked like it depicted their wedding. I know they were supposed to be known for their ice cream, but I don't remember ever having Balian ice cream. Perhaps some of you do. I don't know what has become of the house since the estate sale, but perhaps someone else can do more research. </p><p><b><a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4mzbJzVlEgQ" target="_blank">BALIAN HOUSE DISPLAY</a></b> someone else took perhaps 7 years ago (date on video upload).</p><p><b><a href="https://www.facebook.com/whatsupinaltadena/photos/pcb.733344283747754/733340390414810" target="_blank">BALIAN HOUSE ESTATE</a> </b>photos<b>.</b></p><p>I realize that Christmas is more than about decorations for Christians. The mythology about Santa was always a distraction from remembering the Incarnation of Christ. My parents didn't teach me to believe the myth (though reportedly the myth was based on a real person or two from history).</p><p><b>Christmas Concert</b></p><p>Grace Community Church in California usually streams their Sunday Christmas concert in December (not the other ones), so if you live a long way off like I do you probably will be able to watch on December 18, 2022, on the church live-stream site. If I learn differently, I'll try to update this post. The concert starts at 6 PM Pacific / 8 PM Central / 9 PM Eastern / 2 AM Monday for GMT. It's a 2-hour concert. Look <b><a href="https://www.gracechurch.org/music/posts/1558" target="_blank">HERE</a></b> about the concert & <b><a href="https://www.gracechurch.org/live" target="_blank">HERE</a></b>.</p>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-455788993232394450.post-63078752841589571372022-08-17T12:13:00.000-04:002022-08-17T12:13:05.214-04:00Bible Basics, Truth Moment, & Music for Your Day<div><b><span style="font-size: medium;">Bible Basics</span></b></div>The Scriptures are to be trusted as God's Word. Grace Community Church had a Sunday night series on "The Wonder of the Word" not long ago. They highlighted the inspiration, preservation, sufficiency, canonicity, and the clarity of Scripture.<div>You can check it out <b><a href="https://www.gracechurch.org/sermons/series/2528" target="_blank">HERE</a></b>.</div><div><br /></div><div><b><span style="font-size: medium;">Truth Moment</span></b></div><div>There is a newer set of videos called "A Moment of Truth" featuring short clips from Pastor Don Green of Truth Community Church in the Cincinatti area.</div><div>I watched the video clip I'm sharing today and listened to another portion of his <b><a href="https://www.sermonaudio.com/search.asp?seriesOnly=true&currSection=sermonstopic&sourceid=thetruthpulpit&keyword=Trusting+God+in+Trying+Times&keyworddesc=Trusting+God+in+Trying+Times" target="_blank">"Trusting God in Trying Times"</a></b> audio series today. I had heard and shared the series in the past, but I need to be reminded of these things.</div><div>I need to rehearse truth about God and often feel like a flop being majorly stressed out with things that are going on for us (on top of other things).</div><div>God's purposes are good and right, and He is faithful still. He will help us through what He has for us even if we can't see how and are weak physically and in faith. He won't leave us or forsake us.</div><div>Christians, please continue to pray for us.</div><div>I'm also excited for others that a book on <i>Trusting God in Trying Times</i> is scheduled to come out at some point as well. </div><div><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><iframe allowfullscreen="" class="BLOG_video_class" height="266" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/DBZRXeyxGbs" width="425" youtube-src-id="DBZRXeyxGbs"></iframe></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><b><span style="font-size: medium;">Music for Your Day (The Itzels):</span></b></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><iframe allowfullscreen="" class="BLOG_video_class" height="266" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/b5FGa0euk2g" width="423" youtube-src-id="b5FGa0euk2g"></iframe></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-455788993232394450.post-46546110365224782882022-06-30T17:57:00.002-04:002022-06-30T17:57:37.936-04:00Cessationist Movie, Psalm 142 ("My Lonely Cry") Message, Hymn of the Day<p><b><span style="font-size: medium;">Cessationist</span></b> - There is a new documentary being worked on that will examine the gifts of the Spirit and how the Spirit actually works today. Much of what people attribute to the Spirit isn't of Him. The makers of the film (who also did <i>Calvinist </i>and some other documentaries) have been fundraising for it on Kickstarter, and it did reach its goal. Some of the people I follow online have given toward this, so I look forward to what comes from it. Phil Johnson is on the video clip they shared, so I suspect it will be good. Learn more <b><a href="https://www.kickstarter.com/projects/brokenstonestudio/cessationist?ref=section-film-projectcollection-3-category" target="_blank">HERE</a></b>.</p><p><b><span style="font-size: medium;">My Lonely Cry (Sermon by Don Green)</span> </b>- Tuesday night, Don Green gave a very encouraging message for Christians going through trouble. He is going through the Psalms, and this one is from Psalm 142. David was in a cave calling for help from God. This is one that I believe people will want to share! You can listen <b><a href="https://www.sermonaudio.com/solo/tcomm/sermons/629221649386502/" target="_blank">HERE</a></b>.</p><p><b><span style="font-size: medium;">Jesus is Lord (Hymn for your day):</span></b></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><iframe allowfullscreen="" class="BLOG_video_class" height="266" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/N8qzRNf6vB0" width="320" youtube-src-id="N8qzRNf6vB0"></iframe></div>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-455788993232394450.post-72042344203160563742022-06-24T16:13:00.000-04:002022-06-24T16:13:01.641-04:00Rejoicing Roe Rejected and Reaction to Rage<p><b><span style="font-size: medium;">Roe v. Wade was overturned today, and I'm thankful to God!</span></b></p><p>Sadly, it won't make the murder of babies in the womb illegal nationwide. </p><p>Abortion is wrong, because mankind was created in God's image, and God's moral law makes it plain that we are not to murder. Babies in the womb have their own DNA, and they are not the body of the mother. Rape and incest do not give the right to take the life of another person either, as that life is given by God no matter the criminal action of one of the parents. Each person will answer to God for the taking of a human life. Justice will be done. Sin was either punished on the cross when Jesus died for sinners that He redeemed and mercifully saved, or it will be paid for by the unrepentant sinner.</p><p><b><a href="https://www.supremecourt.gov/opinions/21pdf/19-1392_6j37.pdf" target="_blank">TEXT of Dobbs decision by SCOTUS</a></b></p><p><span style="font-size: medium;"><b>In Tennessee, here are links on what this means</b></span>:</p><p><b><a href="https://www.guttmacher.org/fact-sheet/state-facts-about-abortion-tennessee" target="_blank">Guttmacher on TN</a></b></p><p><b><a href="https://tennesseestar.com/2022/06/24/exclusive-beth-harwell-lauds-scotus-decision-overturning-roe-v-wade/" target="_blank">Candidate Rightfully Rejoices</a></b></p><p><b><a href="https://www.msn.com/en-us/news/us/tenn-attorney-general-files-motion-for-immediate-abortion-ban/ar-AAYQcjo" target="_blank">TN AG Seeks Immediate Ban</a></b> (Hooray!)</p><p><b><span style="font-size: medium;">What This Means in Other States</span></b></p><p><b><a href="https://states.guttmacher.org/policies/" target="_blank">Interactive Map of the U.S. and what this may mean in each state (Guttmacher)</a></b></p><p><b><span style="font-size: medium;">Response of President Trump </span></b>who chose Justices who rightly realized that Roe vs Wade was not Constitutional. (Babies in the womb aren't the property of the mother due to location.)</p><p><b>View response: <a href="https://www.ntd.com/trump-responds-after-supreme-court-overturns-roe-v-wade_799113.html" target="_blank">President Trump responds, and it is true that God is sovereign</a></b>.</p><div class="poetry" style="background: inherit; hyphens: none; padding-left: calc(var(--base-indent) + var(--poetry-indent) + var(--poetry-hanging-indent)); text-align: left; text-indent: calc(0em - var(--poetry-hanging-indent)); white-space: break-spaces;">For You formed my inward parts;</div><div style="background: inherit;"></div><p><span class="verse" data-key="19-139-013" face="var(--content-font-family)" style="-webkit-font-smoothing: auto; -webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; background-color: white; color: black; font-size: 16px; font-style: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-weight: 400; letter-spacing: -0.16px; line-height: var(--verse-line-height); orphans: 2; text-align: justify; text-decoration-color: initial; text-decoration-style: initial; text-decoration-thickness: initial; text-indent: 0px; text-transform: none; white-space: pre-line; widows: 2; word-spacing: -0.16px;"><i class="float" style="float: left; padding: 0 calc(var(--poetry-hanging-indent) + var(--double-quote-width)) 0 0 !important; text-indent: -100%; word-spacing: var(--i-padding-right);"></i></span></p><div class="poetry" style="background: inherit; hyphens: none; padding-left: calc(var(--base-indent) + var(--poetry-indent) + var(--poetry-hanging-indent)); text-align: left; text-indent: calc(0em - var(--poetry-hanging-indent)); white-space: break-spaces;">You wove me in my mother’s womb.</div><p><span class="verse" data-key="19-139-013" face="var(--content-font-family)" style="-webkit-font-smoothing: auto; background-color: white; font-size: 16px; letter-spacing: -0.16px; line-height: var(--verse-line-height); text-align: justify; white-space: pre-line; word-spacing: -0.16px;"></span><span class="verse" data-key="19-139-014" face="var(--content-font-family)" style="-webkit-font-smoothing: auto; background-color: white; font-size: 16px; letter-spacing: -0.16px; line-height: var(--verse-line-height); text-align: justify; white-space: pre-line; word-spacing: -0.16px;"><small class="left" data-verse="14" style="color: var(--verse-number-color); font-size: 1em; margin-left: 0px; padding: 0px;"><span face="var(--verse-number-font-family)" style="bottom: unset; display: unset; float: left; font-size: 0.7em; margin-right: var(--double-quote-width); position: relative; top: 0.3ex; white-space: pre; width: 0px;"> </span></small></span></p><div style="background-attachment: inherit; background-clip: inherit; background-image: inherit; background-origin: inherit; background-position: inherit; background-repeat: inherit; background-size: inherit;"></div><p><span class="verse" data-key="19-139-014" face="var(--content-font-family)" style="-webkit-font-smoothing: auto; background-color: white; font-size: 16px; letter-spacing: -0.16px; line-height: var(--verse-line-height); text-align: justify; white-space: pre-line; word-spacing: -0.16px;"><i class="float" style="float: left; padding: 0 calc(var(--poetry-hanging-indent) + var(--double-quote-width)) 0 0 !important; text-indent: -100%; word-spacing: var(--i-padding-right);"></i></span></p><div class="poetry" style="background-attachment: inherit; background-clip: inherit; background-image: inherit; background-origin: inherit; background-position: inherit; background-repeat: inherit; background-size: inherit; hyphens: none; padding-left: calc(var(--base-indent) + var(--poetry-indent) + var(--poetry-hanging-indent)); text-indent: calc(0em - var(--poetry-hanging-indent)); white-space: break-spaces;">I will give thanks to You, for I am fearfully and wonderfully made;</div><div style="background-attachment: inherit; background-clip: inherit; background-image: inherit; background-origin: inherit; background-position: inherit; background-repeat: inherit; background-size: inherit;"></div><p><span class="verse" data-key="19-139-014" face="var(--content-font-family)" style="-webkit-font-smoothing: auto; background-color: white; font-size: 16px; letter-spacing: -0.16px; line-height: var(--verse-line-height); text-align: justify; white-space: pre-line; word-spacing: -0.16px;"><i class="float" style="float: left; padding: 0 calc(var(--poetry-hanging-indent) + var(--double-quote-width)) 0 0 !important; text-indent: -100%; word-spacing: var(--i-padding-right);"></i></span></p><div class="poetry" style="background-attachment: inherit; background-clip: inherit; background-image: inherit; background-origin: inherit; background-position: inherit; background-repeat: inherit; background-size: inherit; hyphens: none; padding-left: calc(var(--base-indent) + var(--poetry-indent) + var(--poetry-hanging-indent)); text-indent: calc(0em - var(--poetry-hanging-indent)); white-space: break-spaces;">Wonderful are Your works,</div><div style="background-attachment: inherit; background-clip: inherit; background-image: inherit; background-origin: inherit; background-position: inherit; background-repeat: inherit; background-size: inherit;"></div><p><span class="verse" data-key="19-139-014" face="var(--content-font-family)" style="-webkit-font-smoothing: auto; background-color: white; font-size: 16px; letter-spacing: -0.16px; line-height: var(--verse-line-height); text-align: justify; white-space: pre-line; word-spacing: -0.16px;"><i class="float" style="float: left; padding: 0 calc(var(--poetry-hanging-indent) + var(--double-quote-width)) 0 0 !important; text-indent: -100%; word-spacing: var(--i-padding-right);"></i></span></p><div class="poetry" style="background: inherit; hyphens: none; padding-left: calc(var(--base-indent) + var(--poetry-indent) + var(--poetry-hanging-indent)); text-align: left; text-indent: calc(0em - var(--poetry-hanging-indent)); white-space: break-spaces;">And my soul knows it very well.</div><div class="poetry" style="background: inherit; hyphens: none; padding-left: calc(var(--base-indent) + var(--poetry-indent) + var(--poetry-hanging-indent)); text-align: left; text-indent: calc(0em - var(--poetry-hanging-indent)); white-space: break-spaces;"><b><a href="https://lsbible.org/" target="_blank">Psalm 139:13-14 LSB</a></b></div><div class="poetry" style="background: inherit; hyphens: none; padding-left: calc(var(--base-indent) + var(--poetry-indent) + var(--poetry-hanging-indent)); text-align: left; text-indent: calc(0em - var(--poetry-hanging-indent)); white-space: break-spaces;"><br /></div><div class="poetry" style="background: inherit; hyphens: none; padding-left: calc(var(--base-indent) + var(--poetry-indent) + var(--poetry-hanging-indent)); text-align: left; text-indent: calc(0em - var(--poetry-hanging-indent)); white-space: break-spaces;"><b><span style="font-size: medium;">Warning of Danger</span></b></div><div class="poetry" style="background: inherit; hyphens: none; padding-left: calc(var(--base-indent) + var(--poetry-indent) + var(--poetry-hanging-indent)); text-align: left; text-indent: calc(0em - var(--poetry-hanging-indent)); white-space: break-spaces;"><b><span style="font-size: medium;"><br /></span></b></div><div class="poetry" style="background: inherit; hyphens: none; padding-left: calc(var(--base-indent) + var(--poetry-indent) + var(--poetry-hanging-indent)); text-align: left; text-indent: calc(0em - var(--poetry-hanging-indent)); white-space: break-spaces;"><span>Pregnancy Centers and Clinics and other pro-life people have been threatened, and SCOTUS families need protection as well. A number of Pregnancy places that support life have been damaged. There was even fire-bombing. This is terrorism, and sadly some well-known politicians are not being helpful by standing against our third branch of government's decision. Even "Attorney General" Merrick Garland is not being helpful.</span></div><div class="poetry" style="background: inherit; hyphens: none; padding-left: calc(var(--base-indent) + var(--poetry-indent) + var(--poetry-hanging-indent)); text-align: left; text-indent: calc(0em - var(--poetry-hanging-indent)); white-space: break-spaces;"><br /></div> <blockquote class="twitter-tweet"><p dir="ltr" lang="en">Attorney General Merrick Garland called the Supreme Court's decision to strike down Roe v. Wade “a devastating blow to reproductive freedom,” and he vowed to use the Justice Department’s authority to protect the right to abortions. <a href="https://t.co/FPF3Tspnv1">https://t.co/FPF3Tspnv1</a> <a href="https://t.co/7Vv6frMdS7">pic.twitter.com/7Vv6frMdS7</a></p>— The New York Times (@nytimes) <a href="https://twitter.com/nytimes/status/1540392589433704448?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">June 24, 2022</a></blockquote><p><b>(Disclaimer: I'm not a fan of the NY Times and don't recommend them.) </b></p><p><b>Christians, </b>please pray for the safety of the people and properties threatened and for the safety of those who share the Gospel with people at places still doing abortions.</p><p><b><br /></b></p> <script async="" charset="utf-8" src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js"></script>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-455788993232394450.post-15997849153561622812022-06-07T12:57:00.004-04:002022-06-07T12:57:35.400-04:00Window to God's CreationThere are so many things going on that are stressful in life and evil in this world, but today I saw something of God's Creation that cheered me up a little. Two deer were walking through our yard. It took me so long to get my camera flash off that the best picture I got was of only one of them, and it wasn't nearly as good as seeing them up close. I'm also sharing one of the blurred photos as well for you.<div>We see rabbits in our yard, sometimes a snake, and other creatures occasionally in the past, but it's been especially rare to see deer. Seeing God's creation can be a blessing and a reminder that some things are continuing the same.</div><div><br /><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhADl-2ejuXczInwAfBhhsFAbKZ13-akkmv1cJ4fMBdemcVFwb7WIKa8eet4E6HgCXP7K7gsfRl6qWEZSIdN7LImE64m_vzenCRChBERHqqLRNQRT1xr5sgK1OyKdbPJ6MM7ySC-8_XjCSx88qNgodwd6z5UPkKqBk-Gp8Lo272FqwuVz-K86XGIELY/s4608/100_0463.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3456" data-original-width="4608" height="232" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhADl-2ejuXczInwAfBhhsFAbKZ13-akkmv1cJ4fMBdemcVFwb7WIKa8eet4E6HgCXP7K7gsfRl6qWEZSIdN7LImE64m_vzenCRChBERHqqLRNQRT1xr5sgK1OyKdbPJ6MM7ySC-8_XjCSx88qNgodwd6z5UPkKqBk-Gp8Lo272FqwuVz-K86XGIELY/w400-h232/100_0463.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><br /></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiZvZZf8XVanZ1GdG57lV6bsxyXfrfgIzsWFgADiIl0KfVN0k8wbEvf6QVtiKT_gIGfrpGMlCy_cyeL30lhGhJyCK9i3Z0rkNMQwYpt7NBLZLMDTvTiZmK4el8-eIAQBLA0_Yt6Xb8NQ8-j_2XdmqsxvQaWIWxu2XzObOQ0nUKCemRJDPTuRHCvc4H8/s4608/100_0461.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3456" data-original-width="4608" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiZvZZf8XVanZ1GdG57lV6bsxyXfrfgIzsWFgADiIl0KfVN0k8wbEvf6QVtiKT_gIGfrpGMlCy_cyeL30lhGhJyCK9i3Z0rkNMQwYpt7NBLZLMDTvTiZmK4el8-eIAQBLA0_Yt6Xb8NQ8-j_2XdmqsxvQaWIWxu2XzObOQ0nUKCemRJDPTuRHCvc4H8/w400-h300/100_0461.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><br /><div><br /></div></div>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-455788993232394450.post-70626141158069248282022-05-30T15:15:00.000-04:002022-05-30T15:15:35.548-04:00Anxiety Addressed Biblically & Christian Movie Recommendation<p><span style="font-size: medium; font-weight: bold;">Anxiety Addressed Biblically</span></p><p>There is a teaching video I watched recently which gave some Biblical ways to address anxiety. With all of the seeming chaos going on in the world, it is so easy to wallow in anxiety instead of focusing on God and His Word and trusting in His sovereignty. Another thing to remember is that the second death is something the Christian doesn't have to face, as Christ faced the worst on our behalf. We don't control what goes on in this world in the way that we may think we do. I think I too often am like the disciples in the boat thinking I'm about to drown with Jesus right there instead of like Polycarp who had courage to say that the fire would last no longer than an hour...less than the eternal fire the person having him executed would face from God.</p><p><b><a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=S8rX7VsLJlk" target="_blank">Safe in the Storm: Biblical Strategies for Overcoming Anxiety</a> (Phil Moser)</b></p><p><br /></p><p><b><span style="font-size: medium;">Christian Movie Recommendation: <i>Play the Flute</i></span></b></p><p>Our family recently rewatched a movie that I got for one of them in the past. It is about a guy who is planning to be a pastor, but he decides to lead a youth group first. Yeah, I know, some of you may be against youth groups, but his focus was Scripture and even memorization of Scripture. He faced a lot of challenges with seemingly only one Christian in the group. If you are interested to watch it, it is called <b><a href="https://www.playtheflutemovie.com/" target="_blank"><i>Play the Flute</i></a></b>.</p>
<iframe src="https://player.vimeo.com/video/288296283?h=119f9b58ac" width="420" height="236" frameborder="0" allow="autoplay; fullscreen; picture-in-picture" allowfullscreen></iframe>
<p><a href="https://vimeo.com/288296283">Play The Flute - Trailer</a> from <a href="https://vimeo.com/user87772335">Play the Flute movie</a> on <a href="https://vimeo.com">Vimeo</a>.</p>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-455788993232394450.post-73989167543659196812022-04-30T14:12:00.001-04:002022-04-30T14:12:33.207-04:00Church in France & American Gospel Part 3 Docuseries<p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><b><span style="font-size: medium;">Cannes, France: Prayer Request</span></b></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">Every now and then I highlight someone I have followed on social media. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">This time I'm sharing a video of a man who is teaching at a church plant in France.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">Manuel has been a student of TMAI, and you can watch this video and pray for this church plant.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><iframe allowfullscreen="" class="BLOG_video_class" height="231" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/kGs6aNqXRUk" width="461" youtube-src-id="kGs6aNqXRUk"></iframe></div><br /> <div><b><span style="font-size: medium;">American Gospel: "Spirit & Fire"</span></b></div><div><b><span style="font-size: medium;"><br /></span></b></div><div>This is a new documentary (in a series format) that may be released (or partially released?) this year (2022).</div><div>It is supposed to address the teaching of the New Apostolic Reformation, and I'm interested to find out who they have on it. </div><div>I'm hopeful that it will be useful to warn a lot of people about the NAR movement which has led a lot of people astray.</div><div>I had some issues with the first American Gospel documentary as some of the people used for the right side of the topic either were already off or have since gone off more from a solid gospel message (though not all, of course). I would recommend Pastors Don Green and John MacArthur. I've heard some good messages by Paul Washer and a little bit by Voddie Baucham as well. </div><div>The first documentary had a modesty issue too which detracted from it some in my view. </div><div>God has used that first documentary though to pull people away from the false prosperity gospel or "word of faith" movements and toward the true Gospel, and for that I am thankful. </div><div>I'll admit I didn't watch the second in the series.</div><div>The next one in the <b><i>American Gospel</i></b> series apparently was on hold, and they reportedly were looking to watch and possibly address some response videos before finalizing their new documentary series.</div><div>Justin Peters has addressed the NAR (New Apostolic Reformation) movement and prosperity "gospel" teaching before as well, and I can recommend the <b><a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=uUDUJEtkgAA" target="_blank"><i>Snatch Them from the Flames</i></a></b> presentation...at least I once watched one streaming live version of that. He also has a presentation called<i> <b><a href="https://justinpeters.org/product/clouds-without-water-ii/" target="_blank">"Clouds Without Water."</a></b></i></div><div>You can read more about the upcoming <b><i>American Gospel: Spirit & Fire</i></b> docuseries <b><a href="http://www.americangospelfilm.com/spirit--fire-ag3.html" target="_blank">HERE</a></b>.</div><div><br /></div>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-455788993232394450.post-8266027419812848822022-04-15T16:20:00.004-04:002022-04-15T16:29:45.297-04:00Slander Warning, A World of Lies, & Fun Photo<p><b><span style="font-size: medium;">Warning! Slander Is Sin</span></b></p><p>There has been slander and defamation going on lately online of some pastors and elders where they are accused of wrongdoing without all of the facts being known. This is not where people are warning of real doctrinal error or true heresy. There is a place for discernment about teaching as Christians want to avoid straying from the truth of what Scripture teaches (although some wrongfully call Biblical truth "heresy"). There needs to be unity among true believers. There are some people who want to harm the reputation of those who teach truth that they don't like, and so they try to dig up anything they can to destroy their reputations. This week I listened to a seminar session online by George Crawford that would be worth your time to take a listen to as well. There was an interesting point too about how in persecuted countries public disagreements can be used by persecutors as well. We have been so used to freedom in the past that I don't think that we have wanted to consider that aspect. </p><p><b><a href="https://www.gracechurch.org/sermons/18620?fbclid=IwAR3NGIL2KY5nGGEZK5cuyrdTadkM02fQN3-0_bf5zBoL9Vwj-SS1iMz5B78" target="_blank">Slander & Defamation</a></b></p><p><span style="font-size: medium;"><b>A World of Lies</b></span></p><p>On a closely related topic, last Sunday, John MacArthur gave a message about the sin of lying. He spoke about parents training the consciences of their children to fear lying. There is so much lying in the world today. </p><p><b><a href="https://www.gty.org/library/sermons-library/49-23/the-disastrous-sin-of-lying" target="_blank">The Disastrous Sin of Lying</a></b></p><p><br /></p><p><b><span style="font-size: medium;">How many birds do you see in the photo below?</span></b></p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEijEQ5d_ekRwpzDr_jvgRrk4g3jx6YMD3wp3UJMwdq8QZ8l5Z9fxZ0g4AsU-sKxPbibvNOyjk84HBgz3ZGxKBFDGbUHC2WvW6WS3PToo0BHehDyOQTLRTLngUfJKrGFJlNFN_e04LeQvgiYFw_MeOCectz9zGUG0k1NG92ZtjapWCpPVR9fJ2DenHoi/s4608/100_0387.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3456" data-original-width="4608" height="296" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEijEQ5d_ekRwpzDr_jvgRrk4g3jx6YMD3wp3UJMwdq8QZ8l5Z9fxZ0g4AsU-sKxPbibvNOyjk84HBgz3ZGxKBFDGbUHC2WvW6WS3PToo0BHehDyOQTLRTLngUfJKrGFJlNFN_e04LeQvgiYFw_MeOCectz9zGUG0k1NG92ZtjapWCpPVR9fJ2DenHoi/w454-h296/100_0387.JPG" width="454" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">The bird with the nest had a baby or so.</div><p></p>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-455788993232394450.post-2979777520493912052022-03-31T10:52:00.000-04:002022-03-31T10:52:19.871-04:00Surprises, Sanctity of Truth, & Singing<p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhAXpcgu1ReuS7g0IM2kfMqD8N4M3iyzr07dq2llBpayfyjnv6dgz3OP9dy5ihv86Hg9r7r_MBp2Uy8uyMqATdcg59jr44ys7WxmxJEgZV1BEnd_1l-PMdrYnaS_UBnaMKarg1ptzDIlhCvZXI4Ziq2YTeIcUoHtKWsSLdQfuHat6vG6POurs25IopL/s3486/100_0336.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2908" data-original-width="3486" height="280" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhAXpcgu1ReuS7g0IM2kfMqD8N4M3iyzr07dq2llBpayfyjnv6dgz3OP9dy5ihv86Hg9r7r_MBp2Uy8uyMqATdcg59jr44ys7WxmxJEgZV1BEnd_1l-PMdrYnaS_UBnaMKarg1ptzDIlhCvZXI4Ziq2YTeIcUoHtKWsSLdQfuHat6vG6POurs25IopL/w332-h280/100_0336.JPG" width="332" /></a></div></div><p><b><span style="font-size: medium;">Surprises!</span></b></p>Yesterday and today some more of the tulips were blooming outside in addition to the ones that have been open for a while.<p></p><p>The yellow ones below were here before we lived here, and they continue to come back. The other ones I planted last year, and this is the first year they have come up. It was a surprise to me that I got a mix rather than all one look. Sometimes life is like that (with surprises), but it's not always a bad thing.</p><p><br /></p><p><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhT6vHpHG9x4r86M5ZrRq4uZthFHeUD6si9Vio14SNsZy6KgGshEfNDFkNR-KbS18aOVHCgrlkJR8YtzWtV7Kv76Ta_vljOM5mh1UKLr4jphEdyfMYQ5iAhRKizs_1BpixyYhmApO_mR4iEsppmmSbZDq3zSofYYo8PwKEQzYFzlJU9WAvGaIM8bPrN/s4608/100_0339.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3456" data-original-width="4608" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhT6vHpHG9x4r86M5ZrRq4uZthFHeUD6si9Vio14SNsZy6KgGshEfNDFkNR-KbS18aOVHCgrlkJR8YtzWtV7Kv76Ta_vljOM5mh1UKLr4jphEdyfMYQ5iAhRKizs_1BpixyYhmApO_mR4iEsppmmSbZDq3zSofYYo8PwKEQzYFzlJU9WAvGaIM8bPrN/w320-h240/100_0339.JPG" width="320" /></a></p><p><b><span style="font-size: medium;">How important is truth to God?</span></b></p><p>Don Green gave a message on the commandment to not bear false witness last Sunday. I recommend it. You can currently get to it <b><a href="https://www.sermonaudio.com/solo/tcomm/sermons/328221632402497/" target="_blank">HERE</a></b>. </p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><b><span style="font-size: medium;">Hymn For Your Day</span></b></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">The following hymn is one that stood out to me not too long ago, and I found this rendition with the lyrics that you can sing along with.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><iframe allowfullscreen="" class="BLOG_video_class" height="266" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/6DxVYnTSCHk" width="458" youtube-src-id="6DxVYnTSCHk"></iframe></div>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-455788993232394450.post-68365532588964253132022-03-15T15:20:00.000-04:002022-03-15T15:20:05.055-04:00Quieting the Heart<p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiCyRTXwNmAN85MCdeWQ9rhN4BNIBn_SqFmp0pMrQnEmS5Y_0VYYN7xYhHc_RPErEovvg7U3u_7d8N43iEFDUETG9mUzAuFWAl_WAUhsRouFL2yk0j_mMzd4lk8KrJcWVASdU1SnlVTUob9IRU54WbQBnpRvQ0nuGUnycHd2jBb_RkdYcXbnAfLhGLI/s4295/Tulip for Blog.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3422" data-original-width="4295" height="272" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiCyRTXwNmAN85MCdeWQ9rhN4BNIBn_SqFmp0pMrQnEmS5Y_0VYYN7xYhHc_RPErEovvg7U3u_7d8N43iEFDUETG9mUzAuFWAl_WAUhsRouFL2yk0j_mMzd4lk8KrJcWVASdU1SnlVTUob9IRU54WbQBnpRvQ0nuGUnycHd2jBb_RkdYcXbnAfLhGLI/w342-h272/Tulip for Blog.JPG" width="342" /></a></div><br /><br /><p></p><p>While all of the things going on in the world are distressing, God reminds me in His Word and through His Creation that He is Yahweh ... powerful, sovereign, trustworthy, enduring. </p><p>He goes before His sheep and is with us. While I'm feeling fearful and losing sleep and praying for the things that are troubling me, He is sovereignly working things out and will bring His children safely Home one way or another. He answers prayer, and He even works things out that we don't even know to pray about. Sunshine, tulips, daffodils, grape hyacinths, squirrels, robins, red cardinals, rabbits, etc., are reminders of our Creator's constancy and faithfulness. Old Testament accounts remind us how God works even in and through times of turmoil and war. God's purposes and plans don't fail even when evil looks like it's winning. Even the death of Jesus was His plan, and all of the details of Christ's life. </p><p>Persecution and suffering have a purpose in God's plan. The evil plans of men cannot thwart Him, and He even is working through them for His good eternal purposes. Physical trials are not meaningless either though they make us feel helpless and vulnerable. They are reminders to trust God for the present and future no matter what and to focus more on eternal things. Oh, that I would but trust God more and love Him the way I want to. So, I remind myself that I need to look to God and His perfection in His purposes. I may fail often, but He hasn't. He won't. He can't. That's not who He is. </p><p>As Steve Lawson once said, "Glance at what's going on around us, but gaze on God." So, today in my weakness, tiredness, and distress, I read Psalm 23 and have kept it on a tab to keep going back to. I watched an ocean video. I spent a little less time listening to distressing things this morning...the things that I can't change. I went out and saw the tulip and some birds, and the beauty of the day is also calming. I must continue to pray and realize all the workings of things and details are still in God's hands, and I must remind myself that His purposes are good. I know these things in my mind, but my mind always thinks of how God's people do still suffer. We don't always escape the trials. We still have to go through them at times. That doesn't negate His good eternal purposes though or even His purposes in time here on earth. I'm thankful that God doesn't give up on His weak sheep, and that He pursues and will keep us forever. This life and its trials are short compared with an eternity of joy with God.</p>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-455788993232394450.post-29581603790769009912022-02-28T15:59:00.001-05:002022-02-28T15:59:20.891-05:00It's Almost Time!<p><b><span style="font-size: medium;">Shepherds' Conference Streaming</span></b></p><p>It's almost here! I don't know about you, but I get excited around the time of the Shepherds' Conference, because some of my online friends go to it and I get to watch some of the sessions. This year, it's scheduled for March 9th to 11th, and the theme is "Unashamed." You can check out the scheduled streams and speakers already listed on their site <b><a href="https://www.shepherdsconference.org/#schedule" target="_blank">HERE</a></b>.</p><p><br /></p><p><b><span style="font-size: medium;">Pray for Christians Around the World</span></b></p><p>A war is raging, freedoms are being demolished, and Christians are being persecuted in various parts of the world. Christians around the world need encouragement and prayer that they will walk as children of light as well as be reminded that God is with them...with all of us who are in Christ. Also, please pray that people will turn to Christ while there is still time.</p><p><br /></p><p><b><span style="font-size: medium;">Books S</span></b><b><span style="font-size: medium;">oon to Be Released</span></b></p><p>There is a set of books by Chris Mueller soon to be released about Christian men and Christian women. It seems that this is a controversial topic these days, but it shouldn't be for Christians who want to follow what the Bible says.</p><p>Learn more <b><a href="https://316publishing.com/products/two-book-set-let-the-men-be-men-let-the-women-be-women?fbclid=IwAR3DqVdz_DInyiJk6T5QaxshKh4tycvq5LrNlJOdXv5VizK3_9OZoEIwROw" target="_blank">HERE</a></b>.</p><p><br /></p><p><b><span style="font-size: medium;">Sing Along</span></b></p><p>Here is an older hymn (1887) that you can sing along to in these tumultuous times in the world. No matter how awful or crazy things get, God is using these times to conform Christians to be more like Him. We can still trust Him and remember His mercy and goodness toward us. </p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><iframe allowfullscreen="" class="BLOG_video_class" height="266" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/SxPgfNsRdws" width="454" youtube-src-id="SxPgfNsRdws"></iframe></div>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-455788993232394450.post-53109514903129241012022-02-14T13:52:00.002-05:002022-02-14T13:55:54.742-05:00Modesty & Sexual Immorality<p>Not long ago there was a kerfuffle on social media (on a site that I am not currently able to be active on) where a pastor named Brian Sauvé (whose music I shared before) had a post that was about modesty.</p><p>Again, I don't know a lot about him other than glancing at the church website (and I believe there was some disagreement that was not salvific that I could easily see). </p><p> So, I'm not giving him an unreserved recommendation, but what he said on this tweet has merit.</p><p>Here is what he said:</p><blockquote class="twitter-tweet"><p dir="ltr" lang="en"><span style="background-color: white; color: #050505; font-family: inherit; font-size: 15px; white-space: pre-wrap;">Dear Ladies,<br /><br />There is no reason whatsoever for you to post pictures of yourself in low cut shirts, bikinis, bra and underwear, or anything similar—ever.<br /><br />Not to show your weight loss journey.<br /><br />Not to show your newborn baby.<br /><br />Not to document your birth story.<br /><br />-Your Brothers</span></p><span style="background-color: white; color: #050505; font-family: inherit; font-size: 15px; white-space: pre-wrap;">— Brian Sauvé (@Brian_Sauve) <a href="https://twitter.com/Brian_Sauve/status/1490781210909446146?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">February 7, 2022</a></span></blockquote><p> </p><div>A firestorm of attacks reportedly came at him.... wrongfully accused and nasty pictures sent.<br />One or more of the negative comments <a href="https://twitter.com/BethMooreLPM/status/1492165280436563974" target="_blank">came from Beth Moore</a> (one was deleted by her).<br />I highly would urge women to avoid listening to Beth Moore for her false teaching in general, but that's another matter.<br /><br /><br />The guy addressed men in further posts, but naturally people threw accusations like he is a "patriarchal control freak" or "hyper fundamentalist dudes objectifying women" or worse yet, sent immodest pictures to him.<br /><br /><br />Christians,<br />If you knowingly and purposefully dress in a way to draw lust after it has been pointed out to you that you are tempting your brothers who desire to not sin (not speaking of those who have not been made aware and are willing to change when it is pointed out), don't accuse the opposite sex of objectifying you.<br /><br /><br />You are objectifying yourself.<br /><br /><br />The messengers whether they are men or women are not the ones to be shot at, and it doesn't mean that we consider ourselves as sinless or superior people (most certainly we are not).<br /><br />Men and women are responsible for sin if they intentionally continue to look at what draws them to sin or dwell on what they've unintentionally seen or sin in their minds even when nobody is dressed seductively, but those who are immodest can be responsible for enticing someone to commit adultery or fornication (lust in the heart).</div><div><br /><b>And behold, a woman comes to meet him,<br />Dressed as a harlot and cunning of heart.<br />Proverbs 7:10 <a href="https://www.blogger.com/#">LSB</a></b></div><div><br />You may say that you don't intend to commit adultery (or fornication) when you share photos or go out in public like the woman in Proverbs did, but are you drawing someone to commit adultery in their heart? </div><div>If you are seeking men to look at you sensually, you are also sinning. </div><div>You are also not showing love to the brothers who are seeking to avoid or break from a sin that they do not want to continue in.</div><div>Low shirts, tight clothes, lots of skin showing...these things even make victorious men have to look away from women to avoid sinning.</div><div>Men are visually stimulated, and a lot of women know this and use this fact...not all do it consciously, but many do.</div><div>There are women who also struggle with thoughts.</div><div>Christians shouldn't be like the person waving a red flag at a bull and telling it not to look or charge at us.</div><div>More mothers & fathers and churches need to address these things...matters not only of the clothing but of our hearts. </div><div><br /></div><div>I'm not speaking of people wearing uniforms like the Amish, Mennonites, or the rules of some Independent Baptists, or any churches that get to the point where you might be considered an unbeliever or outsider for wearing nice slacks as a woman rather than a long skirt (though long skirts aren't a bad thing).</div><div>To make the assumption that it does mean that would be incorrect...a false charge that any mention of modesty or examples of things that tempt men makes one a legalist. </div><div>It doesn't mean you should quickly charge someone with hypocrisy or even use what you've seen as actual hypocrisy as an excuse for your own heart and behavior and sinful attitudes toward other Christians.</div><div><br />Christians need to flee youthful lusts, and they need to fight sin with Scripture and prayer and removing and fleeing from things that tempt them.... the same is true of women as of men. </div><div>We all need to spend time in Scripture and fight and flee whatever sins might tempt or entangle us. </div><div>We need to pursue what leads to sanctification. </div><div>God is present at all times, and Christians need to remember Him in everything and seek to honor Him. </div><div>We can only be successful as believers through the power of the Spirit...with His help and in His strength.<br />Let's do what we can to be modest and discreet and to not put a stumbling block in front of another Christian.</div><div><br /></div><div>I'm not anybody important, and I know that I have a long way to go in sanctification.</div><div>I hope the verses are helpful, and the message below them will also be helpful to you.</div><div><b><br /></b></div><b>Likewise, I <i>want </i>women to adorn themselves with proper clothing, with modesty and self-restraint, not with braided hair and gold or pearls or costly clothing, but rather by means of good works, as is proper for women professing godliness.</b><div><b>1 Timothy 2:9-10 <a href="https://read.lsbible.org/?q=1+timothy+2" target="_blank">LSB</a></b><div><br /></div><b>But I say, walk by the Spirit and you will not carry out the desire of the flesh. </b></div><div><b>For the flesh sets its desire against the Spirit, and the Spirit against the flesh; for these are in opposition to one another, so that you do not do the things that you want. </b></div><div><b>But if you are led by the Spirit, you are not under the Law.</b></div><div><b>Galatians 5:16-18 LSB</b></div><div><b><br />Now those who belong to Christ Jesus crucified the flesh with its passions and desires. </b></div><div><b>If we live by the Spirit, let us also walk in step with the Spirit.</b></div><div><b>Galatians 5:24-25 LSB</b><div><br /></div><b>“Woe to the world because of <i>its</i> stumbling blocks! For it is inevitable that stumbling blocks come; nevertheless, woe to that man through whom the stumbling block comes!<br /><br /></b></div><div><b>And if your eye causes you to stumble, tear it out and throw it from you. It is better for you to enter life with one eye, than, having two eyes, to be cast into the fiery hell.<br />Matthew 18:7, 9 <a href="https://read.lsbible.org/" target="_blank">LSB</a></b><div><b><br /></b></div><b>Now <i>flee</i> from </b>youthful<b> lusts and pursue righteousness, faith, love, and peace, with those who call on the Lord from a pure heart.</b><div><b>2 Timothy 2:22 <a href="https://lsbible.org/" target="_blank">LSB</a></b></div></div><div><br /></div><div><span class="verse first-verse" data-key="18-031-001" style="-webkit-font-smoothing: auto; line-height: var(--verse-line-height); text-align: justify;"><b>“I have cut a covenant with my eyes;<br />How then could I gaze at a virgin?<br />Job 31:1 <a href="https://www.blogger.com/#">LSB</a><br /><br />Do not desire her beauty in your heart,</b></span></div><div><span class="verse first-verse" data-key="18-031-001" style="-webkit-font-smoothing: auto; line-height: var(--verse-line-height); text-align: justify;"><b>Nor let her capture you with her eyelids.<br />Proverbs 6:25 <a href="https://read.lsbible.org/?q=Proverbs+6" target="_blank">LSB</a><br /></b></span></div><div><span class="verse first-verse" data-key="18-031-001" style="-webkit-font-smoothing: auto; line-height: var(--verse-line-height); text-align: justify;"><br /></span></div><div><div><b><span style="font-size: large;"><a href="https://www.sermonaudio.com/solo/tcomm/sermons/214221841446206/" target="_blank">Please Listen to This Message: Sexual Immorality & You</a></span></b></div><div><br /></div><div>Pastor Don Green (who I would definitely recommend) gave an excellent message on Sunday about adultery/sexual immorality where he had a quote in the message that also pointed out about the way women dress. </div><div>Some weeks there seems to be a theme on things.... whether intentional by people or not... though there are no coincidences with God. </div><div>Don Green's messages on the moral commandments of Scripture gather from other places in Scripture to show the depth of our sins that the commandments point to. The Law points out sin, and they show our need of a Savior. They also are a guide to believers who desire to walk by the Spirit.</div></div>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-455788993232394450.post-14772957587174418282022-02-02T15:36:00.002-05:002022-02-02T15:37:10.778-05:00American Puritans & Psalm 30 to Music<div><b>American Beginnings </b></div><div><br /></div> I was able to get a free download (sorry, I doubt you can find it free now) of <i><b><a href="https://www.heritagebooks.org/products/the-american-puritans-benge-pickowicz.html" target="_blank">The American Puritans</a></b></i> book (Nate Pickowicz/ Dustin Benge), and I started chapter 2 this week about John Winthrop. <div>I'm really enjoying it so far. I sit there trying to do the math in my poor brain about some of the facts (figuring out ages of death or how much older one person is than another). The poor guy's first two wives died, and he's on his third one at the point that I stopped reading today. It looks like the third one lived longer...maybe 56 years?<div><br /></div><div>The first chapter was about William Bradford, and it was also very informative of how people immigrated to more than one place, and how there were successes and failures in their trips and people left behind. I found myself discussing something of what I learned from the book in a conversation online. </div><div><br /></div><div>I have an interest in my own ancestry, but so far, I've not found a connection with one of these groups of people...though there were some people from a different group of immigrants that I wasn't thrilled about due to some errant beliefs. Reading this may keep me digging to see if I find any who were connected to some of these groups of immigrants mentioned in the book.</div><div><br /></div><div>I realize I have not given a complete book review, but it should whet your appetite if you like biographies or history!</div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><b>Psalm 30 to Music</b></div><div><b><br /></b></div><div>Recently, I shared a song based on Psalm 2 which I really enjoyed the tune of. </div><div>I was introduced yesterday to music with Psalm lyrics by someone else. </div><div>Of the ones I tried by this person, this one was my favorite.</div><div>I enjoy sharing music by people that are not well-known, and all the better that this has lyrics from the Bible!</div><div>Apparently, the music was borne out of the loss of a friend, and I read how a family member of that friend read this Psalm around the homegoing of that loved one. </div><div>(You can see his description on the site with the video.)</div><div><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><iframe allowfullscreen="" class="BLOG_video_class" height="272" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/5H5szL-VAmU" width="456" youtube-src-id="5H5szL-VAmU"></iframe></div><div><br /></div></div>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-455788993232394450.post-81100334695863978972022-01-21T12:15:00.002-05:002022-01-21T12:19:40.667-05:00Responding to News With PrayerChristians shouldn't bury their heads in the sand about the suffering of Christians around the world. <div>We should be praying for them.</div><div>I believe that following news at least of a certain sort is not something that should be entirely avoided.<br />I'm concerned for Christians in Ukraine, Afghanistan, China, Indonesia, and other countries as well. Please keep aware of what's going on for the sake of praying for people. </div><div>I remember that Russia does not allow evangelism outside of church which includes fines for evangelicals witnessing.</div><div>There are Christians who need prayer beyond your immediate circle of friends.</div><div>Also, Christians need to be praying for those who are not Christians to hear the Gospel, repent, and to trust in Christ. </div><div>God uses our prayers and encourages us when we see how He is working, although His plans are eternal. Our prayers are a part of His plan. Revelation even mentions golden bowls full of incense, which are the prayers of the saints.</div><div>When we pray for things He has promised already, we can be certain that it is within His will. Clearly, we don't know all of His plans that have not been revealed in Scripture.</div><div>I also need to continue to pray for sanctification both for myself and for other believers. </div><div>I desire the prayer of other believers, and I want to pray for people as the requests and news stories and people stand out to me to pray for. </div><div>Even if my prayers are simple, I know God cares and is sovereign and can help people in ways I can't even think of. </div><div>He can save people I might think are hopeless for seeming so hardened for so long. When I don't feel like praying for someone, then that is on me. Loving one's enemies and praying for them may not always be easy, but it is still right.</div><div>While I tend to be fearful when I shouldn't, I don't think we as believers should entirely close our eyes and shut ourselves off from what is going on...though for a time it could be sensible for our sanity and health or to avoid sinful responses.</div><div>While we don't know all of the immediate future, the things set in Scripture are certain. So, my focus should be foremost on God and the Kingdom and not on the storms and waves and looming wars, yet I need to care enough to pray.</div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-455788993232394450.post-4359560535238477732022-01-18T10:12:00.002-05:002022-01-18T10:14:34.556-05:00Speaking The Truth in Love Conference Streaming & Hymn of The Day<p><span style="font-size: medium;"><b>Speaking The Truth in Love Conference</b></span></p><p>The "Speaking The Truth in Love" Conference is scheduled for January 21-23, 2022. The speakers listed include: John MacArthur, Owen Strachan, Lance Quinn, Phil Johnson, Steve Lawson, H.B. Charles, Jr., Paul Washer, Richard Caldwell, and a Q & A with Darrell Harrison & Virgil Walker. It is to be streamed on YouTube, and the times listed are U.S. Central Time, so that would mean the time would be an hour later Eastern U.S. Time and two hours earlier Pacific Time. GMT would be 6 hours later than the times you see on the schedule.</p><p><b>You can look at the schedule linked</b> <b><a href="https://truthinlove.org/#shedule" target="_blank">HERE</a></b>.</p><p><b>The streaming will be found</b> <b><a href="https://www.youtube.com/foundersbaptist" target="_blank">HERE</a></b>.</p><p><br /></p><p><b><span style="font-size: medium;">Hymn of The Day</span></b></p><p>These are times that Christians need to remind ourselves of old truths. We still must remember to look to Jesus who cares for us and reminds us through our trials of our continuous need of Him.</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><iframe allowfullscreen="" class="BLOG_video_class" height="388" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/JTjUDJXTC6A" width="467" youtube-src-id="JTjUDJXTC6A"></iframe></div>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-455788993232394450.post-79127261230534470772022-01-01T16:02:00.001-05:002022-01-01T16:02:40.632-05:00An Adoption Story, Canada's New Law Affecting Christians, & Songs of Comfort<b><span style="font-size: large;">Adoption Story Follow-Up</span></b><div>I believe I shared about an adoption story in the past. Now here is a little more information to complete the story of this soon to be pastor (Lord-willing). I feel free to share even about the second adoption, as he has blogged about it! I have been waiting so long to see this.</div><div>First, this couple successfully adopted one daughter, but what you may not have known...</div><div><a href="https://maximummandatum.com/2021/12/29/what-already-was-our-second-adoption-story/" target="_blank"><b>Read More...</b></a></div><div><br /></div><div><b><span style="font-size: large;">Canada's New Law Could Punish Biblical Christians</span></b></div><div><span>Some of you already have learned about Bill C-4 in Canada that would make it possible for Christians to get accused and prosecuted even for sharing the Gospel or using Scripture about sexual immorality of a certain nature. Some pastors in Canada and the U.S. (and perhaps other places) are planning to take a stand and preach on Biblical morality on January 16, 2022.</span></div><div><span><b><a href="https://www.gracechurch.org/news/posts/2307" target="_blank">Read More...</a></b></span></div><div><span><br /></span></div><div><b><span style="font-size: large;">Songs of Comfort</span></b></div><div>I'm starting off this new year by sharing some songs that aren't new I grant you. Yet, knowing that this year is again likely not to be an easy one, they may give encouragement to you. The second one is simply music with lyrics, but you can sing along to it!</div><div><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><iframe allowfullscreen="" class="BLOG_video_class" height="266" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/W0HCnU3V3Jw" width="320" youtube-src-id="W0HCnU3V3Jw"></iframe></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><iframe allowfullscreen="" class="BLOG_video_class" height="266" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/gC5qkTh3VCs" width="320" youtube-src-id="gC5qkTh3VCs"></iframe></div><div><br /></div>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-455788993232394450.post-3418035010023994412021-12-20T13:38:00.000-05:002021-12-20T13:38:27.407-05:00Merry Christmas & Christmas Concert Highlights<p>Merry Christmas to those of you who are Christians and visiting my blog this week. I have not been feeling that well in recent times. I still have much to be thankful for. God has provided much for my family despite my great limitations. </p><p>It has been a crazy year with the world in a mess, and so much deception and attempts at control by so many in various places. I was blessed earlier in the year to be able to make it to visit Truth Community Church one Tuesday night, and I saw the Ark Encounter using a driving wheeled chair. Even though I had some difficulties on that trip, I am thankful that I was doing better then than now as far as energy goes. Please excuse any mistakes I make in typing this, as my brain is so often tired. It's a struggle.</p><p>What many of us celebrate this time of year is the birth of Jesus to a virgin named Mary, and He was a real man and yet also truly God. He came to save His people from their sins, and He lived a holy life without sin. He came to die on a cross to take the punishment for sinners like you and me, and He rose from the dead so that we who trust in Him would be forgiven, have a right relationship with Him, and live forever in Heaven with Him.</p><p><span style="text-align: justify;"><b><i>And the Word became flesh, and dwelt among us, and we beheld His glory, glory as of the only begotten from the Father, full of grace and truth. John 1:14 LSB</i></b></span> <a href="https://www.blogger.com/#">(Legacy Standard Bible)</a></p><p>Jesus didn't come to save good people. There is none righteous. All have sinned and fall short of His glory. You can find that out by <a href="https://read.lsbible.org/" target="_blank">reading the Bible</a>. If you haven't trusted in Christ for the forgiveness of your sins, please go to the Bible reading link I shared.. You can start with searching for and reading John, Romans, or even Genesis.</p><p><b><span style="font-size: medium;">Grace Community Church Concert</span></b></p><p>For those who missed the <a href="https://www.gracechurch.org/" target="_blank">Grace Community Church</a> Christmas concert, here is the video they shared that was linked on their website (from Vimeo). (See more information <a href="https://www.gracechurch.org/music/posts/1558?fbclid=IwAR3-fIVKgiKlYW_Nu7F5Jb73Wyo_2IXagE-bSnkUM-A3KBNnJJcmaLkjets" target="_blank">HERE</a>.) I hope they don't mind my sharing their official video through this page. I watched the concert, and it has a variety of styles (so don't stop if there is a song or two that isn't in your taste), and some of the favorite soloists that sing there were in superb form. The kids were especially cute, and they also had bells and other instruments.</p><p>I was glad to see that one choir member was able to make it for the final concert though going through a great trial in life. </p><p>Enjoy!</p>
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<p><a href="https://vimeo.com/658470015">Christmas Concert 2021</a> from <a href="https://vimeo.com/gracecomchurch">Grace Community Church</a> on <a href="https://vimeo.com">Vimeo</a>.</p>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0