Together In Unity - Scripture Sunday...

Lake at Mount Gretna, PA

How good and pleasant it is when God’s people live together in unity! 

 Psalm 133:1

While this may sound like an easy scripture to follow... 

I recognize that it can be difficult at times.

Hopefully we are truly showing honor to one another

 and treating each other with love and respect.  

But when we interpret scripture differently and each feel that

 'our view' is the right one - that's when it can get sticky. 

May God give us grace in these times too.  Let us keep studying 

and have humble hearts to hear God's truth on any given subject.  

And may we each do whatever His Spirit and Word teach us to do.

(His Spirit will never contradict His Word.)

Always Seeking...  ~Joyce

 

Scripture Sunday - Now Is the Day...

I often assume that my readers have already given their hearts and lives to Jesus.

Since my blog topics are related to obeying Jesus and his Word - the result of our salvation.  

But perhaps that is not the case for you.  

If not - I invite you today... to choose Jesus over this world.  

The result is life abundant in this life - and eternity in heaven in the next.   

It's truly a life worth living - not easy to be sure - but oh so worth it!
Won't you let this day - be your day - of salvation!

Scripture Sunday - The Heavens Declare...

Taken on the way home from church today

We're enjoying all the snow we're getting this year.

  The Psalms tell us that nature itself declares that there is a God.  

He is a God that desires our worship.   

He wants to be involved in the most intimate details of our lives. 

Let us say with the Psalmist...

"Let the words of my mouth and the meditation of my heart
Be acceptable in Your sight,
O Lord, my strength and my Redeemer."

Psalms 19:14

Sunday Scripture...

  ^{As we approach 2014 - let us recall the words of Jesus...}

What a comfort... and what a challenge.  

God is with me!  I want to represent Him in all that I do.

Wise Men...

Behold, wise men from the East came to Jerusalem saying, 

“Where is He who has been born King of the Jews?

 For we have seen His star in the East 
and have come to worship Him.”

Matthew 2:1b-2

What a beautiful example these wise men left for us... 

They sought Jesus - the One they knew to be King.  

May we too seek Him and allow Him to Rule

over every area our lives.

Scripture Sunday...

(Quilted Nest Antiques is my other blog)

Assuredly, I say to you, unless you are converted 

and become as little children, you will by no means 

enter the kingdom of heaven.

Matthew 18:3 

How precious is childhood...a time when not everything

has to make sense or follow logical rules of explanation.  

Children simply believe... simply love - with their whole hearts.

  What inspiration for us as we enter this Christmas season.  

A season about a precious Child and the gift of

 eternal life that He offers us.

If we simply...

Scripture Sunday...

  ...The dome of our state capitol building in Harrisburg, PA.  

How I pray each of us would allow God's will to be done 

in our own lives. Changing hearts is how we change nations.

Scripture Sunday....

Do you feel alone in your Christian walk and beliefs?  Sometimes we need 

to remind ourselves that no matter how lonely it feels - Jesus has promised 

to always be with us.  Cry out to Him!  Trust and know that He is with you and beside you. 

 Bask in His presence and experience His Peace - even amidst many tears.  

We are never alone or left on our own!

Spending time with Jesus always gives strength for the journey.

My love to you this day ~ Joyce

Scripture Sunday...

Quilted Nest is my other blog.

What a beautiful testimony if this is true of our homes.  

But perhaps some of us feel like we have failed - and the Lord 

was not served in our homes the way He should have been.  

We need not despair.  We can still choose this day whom we 

will serve in your own house - our own body.  We can only choose

for ourselves - not our family members - not even
those dearest to us.  

But yes, with the Spirit's help - we can choose - each one of us - 

to serve the Lord - this day!  

And be encouraged to know that fervent prayer will unleash the 
Spirit to continue to work in the lives our loved ones.

With a Plan and Purpose ~ Joyce
Linking to Modest Monday 

Scripture Sunday...

So teach us to number our days, 
That we may gain a heart of wisdom

Psalm 90:12 

Spotted on a tree in Chautauqua Mount Gretna, PA

Tonight at church we were reminded to live each day in the present.  
Not in the past with regrets or in the future hoping or waiting 
for things to 'get better'.  But to live each day to the
 glory and honor of the Lord - right now - just how it is.

With the Lord's help I can do that!  Will you join me?

One day at a time with Jesus ~ Joyce  

Scripture Sunday...

Being 'different' can be hard...

Blessed are they which are persecuted for righteousness' sake: 

for theirs is the kingdom of heaven.

Blessed are ye, when men shall revile you, and persecute you, 

and shall say all manner of evil against you falsely, for my sake.

Rejoice, and be exceeding glad: for great is your reward in heaven: 

for so persecuted they the prophets which were before you.

Matthew 5:10-12

Sometimes doing or standing for what we believe is right 

results in hurtful responses from those we love. 

Take courage - Jesus knows this feeling and so did the prophets of old.  

Have a pure heart before the Father, stand tall, and let Him handle the rest!

A blessed Lord's Day to you ~Joyce 

Incidentally - if you want to watch something inspiring and encouraging - 

this is a beautiful testimony of a Godly Amish family...
They have since, sadly, been excommunicated for doing the film.