"Renewed"

Bless the Lord, O my soul! 

Sometimes we forget how much He’s done for us. Today, let’s take a moment to list the benefits: He forgives, He heals, and He crowns us with love and compassion. Your soul is being renewed like the eagle’s!

                                                 https://word-of-encouragement.com/

Isaiah 40:29-31 ... He giveth power to the faint; and to them that have no might he increaseth strength.  Even the youths shall faint and be weary, and the young men shall utterly fall:  But they that wait upon the Lord shall renew their strength; they shall mount up with wings as eagles; they shall run, and not be weary; and they shall walk, and not faint. ❤

It's Not Your Battle!!

The encounter between David and Goliath is one of the best-known stories in all of Scripture. In fact, it’s so well-known that it’s become a cliché. Today, any contest that involves an underdog is invariably referred to as a “David versus Goliath battle.” The irony is that, strictly speaking, there’s no such thing as a David versus Goliath battle. No such fight ever occurred. David himself said so when he went out to meet the giant on the battlefield. “And everyone assembled here will know that the LORD rescues his people, but not with sword and spear. This is the LORD’s battle, and he will give you to us!” (1 Samuel 17:47 NLT)

It wasn’t David’s battle; it was the Lord’s battle. David didn’t defeat Goliath; the Lord did. One reason David was chosen to represent God on the battlefield is that he was humble enough to recognize and acknowledge that truth. He was also wise enough not to rely on his own strength and skills when faced with a ridiculously powerful opponent. That’s an important takeaway from this story because we are living in a critical time right now. I think all of us can agree that the devil is working overtime. He knows his days are numbered. He knows his judgment is certain. So, he is doing everything he can to wreak havoc until the day he faces his judgment. That means we, as the targets of his attacks, must stay battle-ready. Not to fight him using our own strength and tactics, but to stay close to the Lord so that we can call on His power and wisdom. The apostle Paul wrote, “The night is almost gone; the day of salvation will soon be here. So, remove your dark deeds like dirty clothes, and put on the shining armor of right living. Because we belong to the day, we must live decent lives for all to see” (Romans 13:12–13 NLT). 

Before we put on our spiritual armor, we need to cast off the works of darkness. We need to be done with the compromising life. We need to be done with trying to live in two different worlds. We need to get busy living as Christian soldiers. No matter how much the devil tries to trip us up, our Commander-in-Chief will lead us to victory if we stay close to Him. Remember, “The battle is the Lord’s.” You will never get in over your head if you let God fight your spiritual battles. The battle cry, the cry of victory, went forth from the cross as Jesus hung suspended between Heaven and earth, with nails in His hands and feet. In triumph, He cried out, “It is finished!” Those three words reverberated through Heaven and Hell. Every demon likely heard them. So, now we can stand in the victorious strength of Jesus. We can fight for Him as He works through us, marching on, taking ground for the kingdom. 

[Greg Laurie]

Ephesians 6:11 ...  Put on the whole armour of God, that ye may be able to stand against the wiles of the devil.

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The Saints Marveling at Jesus!

My imagination can hardly bear to gaze upon the glittering ranks of white-robed saints, who have come out of the great tribulation. They are now standing before the throne and before the Lamb. Their unified testimony is, "We have washed our filthy robes, and made them white in the blood of the Lamb!"

Like all of mankind, they were once dead in trespasses and sins, and heirs of wrath. They had all like sheep gone astray and turned to their own sinful ways. But see how Jesus has saved them, washed them, cleansed them, and perfected them! His power and wisdom, and grace, are seen in each of them.

In each one, the memory of the horrible pit from whence they were drawn, and the miry clay out of which they were uplifted, shall make them extremely astonished at their Savior.

Some were supremely stubborn; their neck was as an iron sinew and yet Jesus conquered them by love.  Others were densely ignorant, but He opened their blind minds.  Others were grossly infected with the leprosy of lust, but Jesus healed and purified them.  Others were held captive by Satan, but Jesus freed them from the bondage of the devil. Others were drunkards, but Jesus made them into saints. Others were blasphemers, but Jesus turned them into loving disciples.  Others were persecutors, but Jesus taught them to everlastingly sing, "Salvation to our God who sits on the throne, and to the Lamb!"

All these saints now made perfect in Heaven, would have been in eternal Hell had it not been for the sin-atoning sacrifice of Jesus. We will remember this the more vividly, because we will see multitudes of others damned for the same sins which we were once polluted by. The crash of vengeance upon the ungodly, will make us magnify the Lord the more, as we see ourselves delivered from eternal wrath!

Perhaps the chief point in which Jesus will be glorified, will be in the absolute perfection of all the saints. We shall then be without spot or wrinkle, or any such thing. We have not experienced what perfection is, and therefore we can hardly conceive of it; our thoughts are now too sinful for us to get a full idea of what this must be.

But dear brethren, we shall have no sin left in us, for we shall be without fault before the throne of God!  We shall have not even have any remaining propensity to sin.

There shall be no bias in our WILL towards that which is evil, but it shall be fixed forever upon that which is holy, and righteous, and good.  Our AFFECTIONS will never again rove after forbidden lusts.  Our UNDERSTANDING will never again make mistakes. We shall never put bitter for sweet, nor sweet for bitter. He shall be perfect, even as our Heavenly Father is perfect. We shall forever marvel at and adore Jesus, for what He transforms us into.

O mighty Master, with what a strange moral chemistry did You work, to turn that bitter and morose man, into a mass of love! What a marvel that You lifted that selfish Mammonite up from his hoarded gains, to make him find his all in You. How did you contrive to overcome that proud spirit, that lazy spirit, that lustful spirit? How did you extirpate the very roots of sin, and every little rootlet of sin, out of your glorified people, so that not a tiny fiber can be found?

This is but the beginning, however. There will be seen in every saint, in that last wondrous day, the wisdom and power and love of Jesus, in having sustained them through all the trials of their dangerous earthly journey. He kept their faith alive, when otherwise it would have died out. He held them fast in their integrity, when temptation solicited them, and they had almost fallen.

[Charles H. Spurgeon]

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Revelation 1:5-6 ... And from Jesus Christ, who is the faithful witness, and the first begotten of the dead, and the prince of the kings of the earth. Unto him that loved us, and washed us from our sins in his own blood, And hath made us kings and priests unto God and his Father; to him be glory and dominion for ever and ever. Amen.

1 John 3:2 ... Beloved, now are we the sons of God, and it doth not yet appear what we shall be: but we know that, when he shall appear, we shall be like him; for we shall see him as he is.

2 Thessalonians 1:10 ... When he shall come to be glorified in his saints, and to be admired in all them that believe (because our testimony among you was believed) in that day. ❤

Names Written in Heaven!!

This blessed title the Savior gives to his disciples, is above all present gifts in value. They returned with joy from a successful exercise of their ministry. He lifted their minds to a higher privilege than that. He himself rejoiced over their possession of this privilege. It was the father's gift. It was a special gift to his elect. The Lord knew those who were his. Their record was on high. 

But it belongs equally to the whole church of the firstborn. They are all written in heaven an imperishable record the Lamb's book of life. (Revelation 21:27) They are called by his Spirit on earth, according to this record. They are acknowledged, when their earthly pilgrimage is passed, as the children of God, thus chosen and registered. He will own them as his, when he makes up his jewels. (Malachi 3:17)

It is an inestimable privilege a glorious prospect! Am I one of this recorded company? If I believe in Jesus, and love him, and follow him, I am. And how great are the blessings of it!

[Unknown Author]

Luke 10:20 ... Notwithstanding in this rejoice not, that the spirits are subject unto you; but rather rejoice, because your names are written in heaven.

Hebrews 12:23 ... To the general assembly and church of the firstborn, which are written in heaven, and to God the Judge of all, and to the spirits of just men made perfect,

Psalm 87:6 ... The Lord shall count, when he writeth up the people, that this man was born there. Selah. ❤

Are You Transformed?

Any faith in Christ that does not change your life 

is the faith of devils.

[Charles H. Spurgeon]

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John 5:39 ...  Search the scriptures; for in them ye think ye have eternal life: and they are they which testify of me.

Romans 12:2 ... And be not conformed to this world: but be ye transformed by the renewing of your mind, that ye may prove what is that good, and acceptable, and perfect, will of God.

John 3:7 ...  Marvel not that I said unto thee, Ye must be born again. ❤

Death is Defeated!!

Originally painted this image back in 2019 during the week of Easter. My goal was showing the victorious lion of Judah standing over the empty tomb, having defeated death and the grave. It is interesting to note that both Jesus and Satan are referred to as lions in the New Testament. (Revelation 5:5 and 1st Peter 5:8) 

You could say that the Lion defeated the lion. And the irony is that the Lion used the strongest weapon that the lion has to defeat him: Since therefore the children share in flesh and blood, he himself likewise partook of the same things, that through death he might destroy the one who has the power of death, that is, the devil. (Hebrews 2:14) 

Through the cross and empty tomb, Jesus took away the biggest power that the enemy has: the sting of death. But in order to take it away, Jesus had to first succumb to it. He went through the sting, so that we don't have to.

[Kevin Carden]

www.ChristianPhotoshops.com

1 Corinthians 15:55 ...  O death, where is thy sting? O grave, where is thy victory? ❤

My Times Are in His Hands!!

What a sweet and sovereign declaration from the lips of David: "My times are in Your hands!" In the midst of trouble, betrayal, and weakness, David casts himself wholly upon the Lord. These are not merely words of resignation, but of restful trust in the absolute sovereignty of God. The believer knows that his every moment, every event, every affliction, and every joy are lovingly decreed and directed by a wise and gracious Father. Nothing is random. Nothing is meaningless. Nothing is outside of His control.

"My times" not just the favorable ones, but the painful ones too. Times of darkness and delay, times of persecution and sorrow, times of temptation and confusion they are all in His hands.

Whose hands?

The hands that fashioned the heavens and laid the foundation of the earth. The hands that uphold all things by the word of His power. The hands that were pierced for our transgressions. The hands that gently lead His flock, carry His lambs, and uphold the falling. Into those hands David entrusts not only his soul, but his very hours and seasons.

This is the anchor for every storm-tossed saint: that his life is not governed by chance, nor is it at the mercy of evil men or fickle circumstances. His times are in the hands of Him who cannot err, who always acts for the good of His people and the glory of His Name. The believer may not know what tomorrow holds but he knows Who holds tomorrow. He may not understand the present sorrow, but he is assured that not a moment of it is wasted, for all is measured out by divine love.

Here is rich comfort: Nothing can touch the believer, but what first passes through the hands of his heavenly Father. Sickness may come, but it is sent by Him who is the Great Physician. Loss may break in, but it is ordained by Him who gives and takes away with perfect wisdom. Disappointment may shadow the path but behind every dark cloud is the smile of sovereign mercy.

Christian, rest your weary soul in this truth today: "My times are in Your hands." Not in my own hands prone to folly. Not in the hands of man frail and fickle. Not in the hands of fate blind and cruel. But in Your hands Fatherly, faithful, and full of compassion. Trust Him. Wait upon Him. Lean not on your own understanding, but surrender every hour, every season, every unknown into His wise and loving care.

"My times are in Your hands" and therefore I am safe.

[Charles H. Spurgeon]

Psalm 31:15 ... My times are in thy hand: deliver me from the hand of mine enemies, and from them that persecute me.

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15 Powerful Girl Names from the Bible

Eve ~ The first woman mentioned in the Bible can also be the first in the life of a mother or father. The name Eve means "to live," "to give life," "she who lives," "the living one," "she who has life," "full of life," and "mother of life."

Mary ~ Another widely used name, whether on its own or in compound forms, Mary means "sovereign," "beloved," or "desired."

Esther ~ In the Bible, Esther was the most beautiful queen of Persia. The name means "star."

Rebecca ~ a name with Hebrew origins and means "union," "connection," "she who unites." In the book of Genesis in the Old Testament, Rebecca is described as the wife of Isaac and the mother of Jacob and Esau.

Rachel ~ a name used all over the world and has many variations. Its meaning is "gentle," "peaceful," "gentle woman," or "peaceful woman."

Deborah ~ Its origin is the Hebrew name "Debhoráh," which means "bee." Therefore, it is associated with meanings like "hardworking and industrious woman."

Abigail ~ In its etymology, Abigail means "my father's joy," or possibly "she whose father is joy." Its origin is in the Hebrew name "Abhigáyil," composed of the elements "abh," meaning "father," and "gil," meaning "rejoice."

Elizabeth ~ The name Elizabeth has its origin in the Hebrew world and derives from "Elisheva." It means "God is my oath."

Leah ~ A name of Hebrew origin, Leah, in the Old Testament, was the first wife of Jacob. The meaning varies between "lioness," "she who has gentle eyes," "hardworking," and "bearer of good news."

Martha ~ Martha means "lady," or "protector of the home." Its origin is Aramaic, and in the Bible, she is the sister of Lazarus, friends of Jesus who are mentioned in the Gospels.

Dinah ~ Dinah has its origins in Hebrew and means "my Lord," "place of delight," "the Lord has granted benefits," "ornament," "beauty," "delicate," "gracious," "loving," and "messenger."

Joanna ~ The name Joanna has several meanings related to the divine. It is of Latin origin and means "God is full of grace," "graced by God," "the grace and mercy of God," and "God forgives."

Ruth ~ Short and strong, the name Ruth has its origins in Hebrew and means "friend" and "companion." In the Bible, her story is told in the Book of Ruth, found in the Old Testament.

Sarah ~ The name Sarah has Hebrew origins and means "princess," "lady," or "noblewoman." In the Bible, she is mentioned in the Old Testament as the wife of Abraham and the mother of Isaac.

Madeleine ~ The name Madeleine means "inhabitant of Magdala," a village near the Sea of Galilee, which in Hebrew means "tower." Therefore, for some scholars, the name means "Tower of God" or "she who lives in the Tower of God."

[Story by showbizzdaily.com]

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Time to Pray!!

As the war in Iran rages on, experts are warning that World War III may be closer than ever. Scientists have moved the Doomsday Clock to just 85 seconds before midnight the closest it has ever been to symbolic global catastrophe.

Not surprisingly, fear and anxiety are surging. Among adults under 30, depression rates have nearly doubled since 2017. Almost one in five American adults experienced an anxiety disorder last year alone. Millions are glued to their phones, doomscrolling, constantly looking down, absorbing one alarming headline after another.

But Jesus told us to do something very different. He said, “When you see these things begin to happen, look up, for your redemption is drawing near.” (Luke 21:28)

In other words... don’t panic. Look up.

Don’t panic. Pray.

[Greg Laurie]

Philippians 4:6-7 ... Be careful for nothing; but in every thing by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known unto God. And the peace of God, which passeth all understanding, shall keep your hearts and minds through Christ Jesus. ❤

"Give Us Barabbas!"

It feels like we’re about to watch the world shout, “Give us Barabbas.” 

That moment in Scripture was never just history it was a mirror. The crowd didn’t choose Barabbas because he was innocent. They chose him because he fit their spirit. A revolutionary. A disruptor. A man of violence instead of repentance. And standing right next to him was Jesus, truth incarnate, peace incarnate, God in the flesh. 

One demanded surrender. The other demanded nothing but rage. And the crowd screamed for the one who let them keep their sin. And here we are again. We are watching a world that would rather be ruled by chaos than corrected by truth. A world that mocks holiness but celebrates lawlessness. A world that cries for “freedom” while chaining itself to deception. 

Don’t miss this: Pilate didn’t force the choice, the people demanded it. That’s what makes this moment terrifying. The rejection of Christ isn’t accidental. It’s intentional. Because Jesus still confronts the heart, and Barabbas still gives permission to rebel. 

So, when you see truth silenced, righteousness mocked, and lies crowned as virtue, don’t be surprised. We were told this would happen. The crowd always gets louder right before the crucifixion. But remember this too: Barabbas walked free that day because Jesus took his place. And that same mercy is still being offered even as the world sharpens its voice and shouts his name again.

Choose wisely.

[Ryan Teaford]

 

Matthew 27:17-23 ...  Therefore when they were gathered together, Pilate said unto them, Whom will ye that I release unto you? Barabbas, or Jesus which is called Christ? For he knew that for envy they had delivered him. When he was set down on the judgment seat, his wife sent unto him, saying, Have thou nothing to do with that just man: for I have suffered many things this day in a dream because of him. But the chief priests and elders persuaded the multitude that they should ask Barabbas, and destroy Jesus.The governor answered and said unto them, Whether of the twain will ye that I release unto you? They said, Barabbas.Pilate saith unto them, What shall I do then with Jesus which is called Christ? They all say unto him, Let him be crucified. And the governor said, Why, what evil hath he done? But they cried out the more, saying, Let him be crucified. ❤

Scullion in Your Kitchen

The prayer is, "Teach me to do Your will." This is a practical prayer. David does not say merely, "Teach me to know your will." That is a very excellent prayer; but there are a great many who never progress past the knowing of God's will, to the doing of His will. These are forgetful hearers, deceiving themselves. An ounce of doing, is worth a ton of knowing. The most orthodox faith in the world, if it is accompanied by an unholy life, will only increase a man's damnation. If there is not both the knowing and the practicing of God's will then the more we know, the greater will be our condemnation! 

There are many who long to know all the mysterious aspects of Scripture. Others labor incessantly to understand the depths of prophecy, and a nice muddle they make when they get there. We have had, I do not know how many theories of prophecy, each one of them more absurd than the rest; and so, it will be, I fear, to the world's end. Truly, it would be a good thing to understand the prophecies and fathom all mysteries and all knowledge. But "I will show you the most excellent way". That most excellent way is to live a life of humility, godly sincerity, and faith; and to show forth the love of Jesus in your life. Lord, I chiefly long to please You and obey Your will. Teach me that, and I am content. Let me be a scullion in Your kitchen, if so, I may glorify You. 

[Charles H. Spurgeon] 

Psalm 143:10 ...  Teach me to do thy will; for thou art my God: thy spirit is good; lead me into the land of uprightness.

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