God Loves Us

God knows all about us and sees value in each of us. He takes active concern in our life and mercifully prearranged a gift of love through His Son. What an example to follow and this love in action gives inspiration as we follow this pathway to passion with grace.

This day with God will be amazing because we will be made aware that He loves us beyond measure. This love will enter our hearts and then be returned unconditionally to others. Here’s a powerful video that mixes a message from John Piper along with a great song: How He Loves Us – David Crowder (Matt Chandler & John Piper). I hope it makes you aware how much He loves you and sets the tone for a wonderful Sunday. 

For God so loved the world that he gave his one and only son, that whoever believes in him shall not perish but have eternal life. – John 3:16

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This Day with God Devotional

The Results of Unity

In Psalm 133-134, unity is described like oil that is poured over the head because its influence spreads. God wants unity but Satan works to make sure it doesn’t exist. In verse 3 of Psalm 133, unity is described as dew. Where rainfall is not plentiful, dew can provide the moisture needed. It makes up the difference little by little but persistently and cumulatively produces the moisture that rain would otherwise provide. It also softens the ground similar to softening a heart to receive the good seed of the Word.

 Photo Credit – vionnaswatching.wordpress.com

Unity has the same effect on Christianity. Its influence spreads over the body with attitudes of kindness, love, goodness, and faithfulness. The members of the body receive what is needed for growth and yield. I remember just getting out of college and moving to Waco Texas. I began attending a Singles Sunday school class and Bible study; meeting many friends during that time who I continue to stay in touch with. Also, there were several marriages that occurred from that group since it was a great place to meet Christians from the opposite sex.  

Christians that stand together become strong enough to cause the enemy to have second thoughts. If you try to break one stick, it’s easy but three or four sticks together are hard to break. The same principle works in suspension bridges as one strand of wire is easy to break but many stranded together form a cable that is strong enough to support a bridge.

In this reading, the psalmist desires that people work together to glorify the Lord. As a community of faith bloggers, it’s neat to see us all working together to provide food for the soul. When someone comes to me with questions about life and about God, one of you may be a better fit than me to help that person understand. I can always give them the link to your blog to help them understand. It’s good to know I don’t have to do it alone and there is a team working together to bring others to Christ.

For growing in unity, there is an on-line devotional being used to keep me on track. I invite you to join the journey or check in from time to time. You can like or follow at any of the links below and be notified of new posts:

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This Day with God Devotional

The Model Fatherhood

Happy Father’s Day!

The picture above was taken Christmas morning 1967. That's my Dad setting up the race track Santa gave me and that's me wearing my new football jersey.  My sister Tracy is on the right side of the picture holding her new baby doll.

The message today at the church I attend is from Rev. Brandon Frenzel. There is a Pastor’s Podcast at this link: Father’s Day Message. Below is the outline of the message.

Our Father in Heaven:

I. Is relational

Then I will dwell among the Israelites and be their God. - Exodus 29:45

II. Can be trusted

Be strong and courageous. Do not be afraid or terrified because of them, for the Lord your God goes with you; he will never leave you nor forsake you. - Deut. 31:6

III. Is giving; does not withhold

He who did not spare his own Son, but gave him up for us all – how will he not also, along with him, graciously give us all things? - Romans 8:32

IV. Loves extravagantly

The Lord your God is with you,

     The Mighty Warrior who saves.

He will take great delight in you;

     In His love He will no longer rebuke you

     But will rejoice over you with singing. - Zeph. 3:17

The Lord your God, who is going before you, will fight for you, as He did for you in Egypt, before your very eyes, and in the wilderness. There you saw how the Lord you God carried you, as a father carries his son, all the way you went until you reached this place. - Deut. 1:30-31

A New Devotional Each Day

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Local Musician Back From The Voice TV Show

Our family went this past Friday night to the summer concert series called Brazos Nights. They had a special guest named Holly Tucker who has been competing in the television show “The Voice”. Holly is from Lorena Texas which is a suburb of Waco, the city in which I reside.

While my daughter and I were waiting in line to get her autograph, her father was talking to her fans in the line. One fan was talking about her husband who was having surgery soon. Holly’s dad told the fan that he would be praying for her husband.

Holly’s parents, Johnny and Cheryl tucker founded a professional Christian band when they were in college called Revised Edition. They traveled all over the U.S. for six years and entrusted a producer to begin recording their own album but were ultimately taken advantage of.  

They eventually settled down in Lorena and have three children. Holly, the youngest is carrying out their love of Music. In addition to following her ultimate dream of being a solo artist in the country music industry, Holly is also a member of a family trio, the Tuckers, who sing positive country and Christian music locally and around the state.

Holly is a student at Baylor University and like I said above, for the past 2 ½ months has been competing on the television show “The Voice”.  Here’s one of the songs she performed on the show: “How Great Thou Art” – The Voice Highlight -Holly Tucker.

On her website, it says that Holly’s dream is to become a country singer. She believes that it’s important to know where you come from and who blessed you with everything you have. To her, everything is about God. She goes on to say on her website that even if she never gets a record deal in Nashville, she is determined to use what God has given her with music to glorify Him.

Daily Devotional

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Those Who Sow in Tears Shall Reap in Joy

Most things worth having took hard work and it is much more rewarding when you get them through effort and blessings from God. Once rewarded, it’s important to be humble; giving credit to those who helped and praising God.

These attributes of hard work, humility, and praise are brought out in Psalm 126 as the exiles returned from Babylon and began rebuilding the Temple. After they laid the foundation, they gave thanks to the Lord, rejoiced, and then celebrated their freedom.

In the same way, we can give thanks, rejoice, and celebrate each day for our freedom from captivity because of Christ who frees from the power of sin. He fills the void of an otherwise empty life. We can give thanks to God and give Him credit for good relationships, sound character, excellent study habits, and a solid work ethic.

Even though the days ahead may have difficulty, we can still give thanks in all circumstances because there is hope in the future. Those Who Sow in Tears Shall Reap in Joy. Continue to want others to know about this reward Jesus Christ talks about in Revelation 22:12, “Look, I am coming soon! My reward is with me, and I will give to each person according to what they have done”.

Each day with God is amazing when we give those who have not accepted Jesus a link to our blog or the blog of those we follow, when we pray for them, and are a positive witness for them.