Effectual Calling...

There is a period known to God When all His sheep, redeemed by blood, shall leave the hateful ways of sin, turn to the fold, and enter in. At peace with Hell, with God at war, in sin's dark maze, they wander far, indulge their lust, and still go on, as far from God, as sheep can run. 

But see how God's indulgent care attends their wanderings, here and there; Still tracking them, wherever they stray, with piercing thorns, to hedge their way. When wisdom calls, they stop their ear, and headlong seek, their mad career; Judgments and mercies, can never sway, 

Their roving feet, to wisdom's way. Glory to God, they never shall rove, Beyond the limits of His love; Fenced with Jehovah's Shalls and wills, Firm as the everlasting hills. The appointed time rolls on apace, to call effectually, by His grace; To change the heart, renew the will, and turn the feet, to Zion's hill. 

[John Kent] 

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Romans 8:29-30 ... For whom he did foreknow, he also did predestinate to be conformed to the image of his Son, that he might be the firstborn among many brethren. Moreover whom he did predestinate, them he also called: and whom he called, them he also justified: and whom he justified, them he also glorified.

John 6:44 ... No man can come to me, except the Father which hath sent me draw him: and I will raise him up at the last day.❤

The Shepherd

The Shepherd, He is calling.  He is calling you by name. He is bidding you to follow Him.  On the path that God ordained.  

For in you has been placed a purpose of good works your father prepared. To know Jesus as your Shepherd.  And rest in His loving care. 

As you learn to follow Jesus, to trust in His will and in His ways, He may walk you through the valley, Hold onto Him don’t be afraid.

He did not say your path would be easy, With no bumps along the way. But He did say, “I will never leave you.” Which gives us hope for each new day.

He has given you a promise, that you will never walk alone. And with Jesus as your Shepherd, you will make it safely home.  

[Michelle Bondick] 

John 10:7-10 ... Then said Jesus unto them again, Verily, verily, I say unto you, I am the door of the sheep. All that ever came before me are thieves and robbers: but the sheep did not hear them.  I am the door: by me if any man enter in, he shall be saved, and shall go in and out, and find pasture. The thief cometh not, but for to steal, and to kill, and to destroy: I am come that they might have life, and that they might have it more abundantly.

John 10:27-28 ...  My sheep hear my voice, and I know them, and they follow me: And I give unto them eternal life; and they shall never perish, neither shall any man pluck them out of my hand.

Psalm 23:1-3 ... The Lord is my shepherd; I shall not want. He maketh me to lie down in green pastures: he leadeth me beside the still waters.  He restoreth my soul: he leadeth me in the paths of righteousness for his name's sake. ❤

Pilot Me!!

 Jesus, Savior, pilot me,

Over life's tempestuous sea.

Unknown waves before me roll,

Hiding rock and treacherous shoal.

Chart and compass came from Thee:

Jesus, Savior, pilot me.

As a mother stills her child,

You can hush the ocean wild;

Boisterous waves obey Your will

When You say to them, "Be still!"

Wondrous Sovereign of the sea,

Jesus, Savior, pilot me.

When at last I near the shore,

And the fearful breakers roar

'Twixt me and the peaceful rest,

Then, while leaning on Your breast,

May I hear You say to me,

"Fear not, I will pilot thee!"

[Edward Hopper]

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Psalm 77:20 ... Thou leddest thy people like a flock by the hand of Moses and Aaron.

Psalm 139:10 ... Even there shall thy hand lead me, and thy right hand shall hold me.

Isaiah 63:14 ... As a beast goeth down into the valley, the Spirit of the Lord caused him to rest: so didst thou lead thy people, to make thyself a glorious name. ❤

But God ...

I know not, but God knows;

Oh, blessed rest from fear!

All my unfolding days

To Him are plain and clear.

Each anxious, puzzled "Why?"

From doubt or dread that grows,

Finds answer in this thought;

I know not, but He knows.

I cannot, but God can;

Oh, balm for all my care!

The burden that I drop

His hand will lift and bear.

Though eagle pinions tire

I walk where once I ran,

This is my strength, to know

I cannot, but God can.

I see not, but God sees;

Oh, all-sufficient light!

My dark and hidden way

To Him is always bright.

My strained and peering eyes

May close in restful ease,

And I in peace may sleep;

I see not, but He sees.

[Annie Johnson Flint]

                                                                           

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He Knows the Way!!

My Father’s way may twist and turn My heart may throb and ache, 

but in my soul, I’m glad to know, He maketh no mistake. 

 

My cherished plans may go astray, my hopes may fade away, 

but still, I’ll trust my Lord to lead, For He doth know the way. 

 

Tho’ night be dark, and it may seem That day will never break, 

I’ll pin my faith, my all, in Him, He maketh no mistake. 

 

There’s so much now I cannot see, my eyesight far too dim, 

but come what may, I’ll simply trust and leave it all to Him. 

 

For by and by the mist will lift, and plain it all He’ll make, through all the way, 

Tho’ dark to me, He made not one mistake. 

 [A.M. Overton]

Jeremiah 29:11 ... For I know the thoughts that I think toward you, saith the Lord, thoughts of peace, and not of evil, to give you an expected end.

Romans 8:28 ... And we know that all things work together for good to them that love God, to them who are the called according to his purpose. ❤

Long to Soar!!

Do not I love You, Oh my Lord? 

Behold my heart and see, 

And turn each cursed idol out, 

That dares to rival Thee! 

 You know I love You, dearest Lord, 

But oh, I long to soar, 

Far from the sphere of mortal joys,

 And learn to love You more! 

 [Philip Doddridge]

Psalm 55:6 ... And I said, Oh that I had wings like a dove! for then would I fly away, and be at rest. 

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My Hearts Reprise

He's the whisper in the wind, He's the high tide rolling in.

The sunbeam on my face, He floods me with His grace.

He's the song the mockingbird sings, the aroma the honey suckle brings. 

He's the light of the morning sunrise, He is my hearts reprise.

He's the pearls that compliment a gown, The beauty of golden honey running down. He's the taste of sweet milk chocolate, No, He's more than a feast at a banquet.  

He is perfect love, perfection. I pause I close my eyes.  I breathe. He is my cause. 

Can't think, can't speak, my throat grows tight I'm weak, numb all over, losing sight.

Could this be? I've fallen for a man I can't even see. But I feel Him. His scent surrounds me.  Beautiful, amazing, bold yet soft. 

I've fallen free.  I'm in love. I'm in love.  I'm in HIS love. 

The chamber room is right. No one but He and I to dance in the twilight. 

 [Christina Kelty]

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One Day At a Time!

One day at a time, with its failures and fears,

With its hurts and mistakes, with its weakness and tears,

With its portion of pain, and its burden of care;

One day at a time, we must meet and must bear.

One day at a time, to be patient and strong,

To be calm under trial, and sweet under wrong;

Then its toiling shall pass, and its sorrow shall cease;

It shall darken and die, and the night shall bring peace.

One day at a time, but the day is so long,

And the heart is not brave, and the soul is not strong,

O piteous Christ, be near all the way;

Give courage and patience, and strength for the day.

Swift cometh His answer, so clear and so sweet;

"Yes I will be with you, your troubles to meet;

I will not forget you, nor fail you, nor grieve;

I will not forsake you; I never will leave."

Not yesterday's load, we are called on to bear,

Nor the morrow's uncertain and shadowy care;

Why should we look forward, or back with dismay?

Our needs, as our mercies, are but for the day.

One day at a time, and the day is His day;

He has numbered its hours, though they haste or delay.

His grace is sufficient, we walk not alone;

As the day so the strength, that He giveth His own.

[Annie Johnson Flint]

Deuteronomy 33:25 ...  Thy shoes shall be iron and brass; and as thy days, so shall thy strength be.

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Hard Christmas ~

If Christmas is hard, if you’ve lost someone dear. 

 Just look in your heart, and you’ll know they’re still here. 

 The star in the sky, the light falling snow. 

 The robin outside, it seems like they know. 

If this is a time, when you’re struggling through. 

 Just do what you can, for what matters, is you. 

 There’s no need to be merry, there’s no need to be bright. 

 Just do what you can, it will all be alright. 

[Source: @Toots Design]

Deuteronomy 31:8 ...  And the Lord, he it is that doth go before thee; he will be with thee, he will not fail thee, neither forsake thee: fear not, neither be dismayed.

John 16:33 ... These things I have spoken unto you, that in me ye might have peace. In the world ye shall have tribulation: but be of good cheer; I have overcome the world.

Proverbs 3:5 ... Trust in the Lord with all thine heart; and lean not unto thine own understanding. ❤

"Fine With Me"

Was sittin' in the saddle, 

 Nowhere I needed to be. 

Just me and my pony,

And that was fine with me. 

As we rode along Mountains,

were all I could see.

 No one else around,

 That was fine with me.

 The trail got a bit rough,

 But I was ridin' ol' Flea.

 He never stumbled once.

 That was fine with me.

 Stopped for a breather,

Under a big oak tree.

 Restin' in the shade.

 That was fine with me.

 Said, This is the life,

 Asked Flea if he would agree.

 He didn't say a word,

 And that was fine with me.

 Then the wind began to howl,

 It sure was hard to see.

 Then it died down,

 That was fine with me.

 It was then I heard a voice,

 Really it sounded like three.

 My heart began to break,

 That was fine with me.

 Stepped out of the saddle,

 Got on bended knee.

 I knew the Lord was the answer,

 That was fine with me.

 There on that mountain,

 I didn't have to beg or plea.

 Just admitted I was lost,

 That was fine with me.

 When I got back to my feet,

 Felt like I'd been set free.

 My sins had been forgiven,

 That was fine with me.

 Climbed back in the saddle,

 Knowin' I now had life's key.

 Headed back down the mountain,

 That was fine with me.

 It was then I realized,

 I was now a trainee.

 New at ridin' for the Lord,

 That was fine with me.

 Shouted, we're ridin' for The Brand,

Flea didn't disagree.

 No longer just me and my pony,

 That is fine with me.

[Brad Curtis]

Romans 6:22 ... But now being made free from sin, and become servants to God, ye have your fruit unto holiness, and the end everlasting life. ❤

"A Christian Pumpkin"

 I am a Jack O' Lantern, My light will shine so bright.

For I am a Christian pumpkin, my symbols tell what's right.

My nose is like the cross, on which our Savior died.

To set us free from sin, sin, we need no longer hide.

My mouth is like a fish, the whole wide world to show. 

That Christians live in this house, and love their Savior so! 

The story starts at Christmas, my eyes are like the star. 

That shone on Baby Jesus, and wise men saw from far. 

My color it is orange, just like the big bright sun. 

That rose on Easter Day, along with Gods' own Son.

And so on Halloween, let's set our pumpkins out. 

And tell the trick or treaters, what Gods' love is all about! 

[Author Unknown]

Matthew 5:16 ... Let your light so shine before men, that they may see your good works, and glorify your Father which is in heaven.

Christian printable and tracks ~ 20 Best Christian Halloween Printables PDF for Free at Printablee.com

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So Long, September

September days are here then gone
She leaves behind her transient song
Through paths of green then golden vale
She walks and calls, "So long! Farewell!"

September days are here then gone
She never stays around too long
Her fleeting star flies through the sky
We watch in awe and wave goodbye.

[The Homespun Wife]

Psalm 104:19 ... He appointed the moon for seasons: the sun knoweth his going down.❤

Trust and Believe!!

Doubt sees the obstacles.

FAITH SEES THE WAY.

Doubt sees the

darkest night.

FAITH SEES THE DAY.

Doubt dreads

to take a step.

FAITH SOARS ON HIGH.

Doubt questions.

"Who BELIEVES?".

FAITH ANSWERS.

"I".

Trust and have faith in God!

[message from the Internet]

Mark 5:36 ... As soon as Jesus heard the word that was spoken, he saith unto the ruler of the synagogue, Be not afraid, only believe. ❤

What Had He Done?

The people were many and the cry was loud “Crucify, crucify!” came out from the crowd.  The faint sound, a whisper, ran fast through the streets, “What has He done? Why won’t He speak?” Thrice, then the cock crowed, His last friend was gone, Still the crowd mocked, but what had He done? 

On His head a thorn crown was placed, all human likeness had hence been erased. A robe of purple was given to wear. They tore from his beard, great handfuls of hair. Once more from the mob came out the fierce call, “Crucify! Crucify up on Mount Skull!” 

Up the steep road He carried the cross, knowing today His life would be lost. They pierced through His hands with old rusty nails. Then through His feet. Oh, the pain that prevailed! With all of His weight and the weight of the cross, the sound of flesh tearing as it plunged in the rocks. 

The earth trembled ’neath the darkening skies, The mocking ceased as they looked in his eyes. Not hatred or madness from Him did ascend, but love and kindness from a heart-broken friend. With one final breath, “It’s finished!” He cried, He gave up the ghost and willingly died. 

“Oh, what has He done?” I cried with a shout. “And where is this paradise He told me about?” The cold over-whelmed me, but now I’m so warm, for now I’m in Heaven, this thief’s been reborn. 

[Ben Andrews]

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Mark 15:12-14 ... And Pilate answered and said again unto them, What will ye then that I shall do unto him whom ye call the King of the Jews? And they cried out again, Crucify him. Then Pilate said unto them, Why, what evil hath he done? And they cried out the more exceedingly, Crucify him.

John 19:30 ... When Jesus therefore had received the vinegar, he said, It is finished: and he bowed his head, and gave up the ghost.

Luke 23:42-46 ... And he said unto Jesus, Lord, remember me when thou comest into thy kingdom.  And Jesus said unto him, Verily I say unto thee, Today shalt thou be with me in paradise.  And it was about the sixth hour, and there was a darkness over all the earth until the ninth hour.  And the sun was darkened, and the veil of the temple was rent in the midst.  And when Jesus had cried with a loud voice, he said, Father, into thy hands I commend my spirit: and having said thus, he gave up the ghost. ❤

Rose.

Ten little fingers. 

Ten little toes. 

 On Christmas He came. 

 On Easter He rose.

[Author Unknown]

Luke 18:33 ... And they shall scourge him, and put him to death: and the third day he shall rise again.

1 Corinthians 15:3-4 ... For I delivered unto you first of all that which I also received, how that Christ died for our sins according to the scriptures; And that he was buried, and that he rose again the third day according to the scriptures:

Acts 10:39-40 ... And we are witnesses of all things which he did both in the land of the Jews, and in Jerusalem; whom they slew and hanged on a tree: Him God raised up the third day, and shewed him openly; ❤

Nature's Church

Did you ever see the mountains that are covered up with snow, or see a sun set in the West with purple afterglow? 

Have you ever seen a newborn calf a-wobbling to its feet, and though it's only minutes old it knows just where to eat? 

You can't climb upon a saddle horse and cross the prairie sod, or see an eagle on the wing and not believe in God. 

A cowboy doesn't worship in a building made of stone, but worships with his Maker out with nature all alone. 

His church is in the great outdoors; the valley, heaven's gate, his favorite hymn's a coyote that is calling to its mate. 

He makes his own communion as a choir of songbirds sing, as he cups his hands and drinks the fresh cold water from a spring. 

With the budding of the springtime and with autumn's goldenrod a cowboy lives with nature and the wonders of his God. 

So, when you hear a meadowlark that's singing from his perch, he's inviting you to worship with him there at Nature's Church. 

 [Yvonne Hollenbeck]

Cowboys 4 Christ

Psalm 29:2 ... Give unto the Lord the glory due unto his name; worship the Lord in the beauty of holiness. ❤

Hard Times.

If Christmas is hard, 

If you’ve lost someone dear. 

 Just look in your heart, 

And you’ll know they’re still here. 

 The star in the sky, 

The light falling snow. 

The robin outside, 

It seems like they know. 

 If this is a time, 

When you’re struggling through. 

Just do what you can, 

For what matters, is you. 

 There’s no need to be merry, 

There’s no need to bright. 

Just do what you can, 

It will all be alright.

[Author Unknown]

Psalm 30:5 ...  For his anger endureth but a moment; in his favour is life: weeping may endure for a night, but joy cometh in the morning.❤

Shoes in Church

I showered and shaved, I adjusted my tie. I got there and sat in a pew just in time. Bowing my head in prayer as I closed my eyes, I saw the shoe of the man next to me touching my own. I sighed.   With plenty of room on either side I thought, 'Why must our soles touch?' It bothered me, his shoe touching mine. But it didn't bother him much. 

A prayer began: 'Our Father,' I thought, 'This man with the shoes, has no pride. They’re dusty, worn, and scratched. Even worse, there are holes on the side!' 'Thank You for blessings,' the prayer went on.   The shoe man said a quiet 'Amen.' I tried to focus on the prayer but my thoughts were on his shoes again.  Aren't we supposed to look our best. When walking through that door? 'Well, this certainly isn't it,' I thought, glancing toward the floor. Then the prayer was ended and the songs of praise began.  

The shoe man was certainly loud sounding proud as he sang. His voice lifted the rafters, his hands were raised high. The Lord could surely hear the shoe man's voice from the sky.  It was time for the offering and what I threw in was steep. I watched as the shoe man reached into his pockets so deep. I saw what was pulled out, what the shoe man put in. Then I heard a soft 'clink' as when silver hits tin. 

The sermon really bored me to tears, and that's no lie. It was the same for the shoe man  for tears fell from his eyes.   At the end of the service as is the custom here, we must greet new visitors, And show them all good cheer. But I felt moved somehow and wanted to meet the shoe man. So after the closing prayer I reached over and shook his hand.

He was old and his skin was dark and his hair was truly a mess.  But I thanked him for coming, for being our guest.  He said, 'My name’s Charlie, I'm glad to meet you, my friend.'  There were tears in his eyes but he had a large, wide grin; 'Let me explain,' he said, wiping tears from his eyes. 'I've been coming here for months and you're the first to say Hi.  I know that my appearance is not like all the rest, But I really do try to always look my best.  I always clean and polish my shoes before my very long walk.  But by the time I get here they're dirty and dusty, like chalk.' 

My heart filled with pain and I swallowed to hide my tears. As he continued to apologize for daring to sit so near.  He said, 'When I get here I know I must look a sight. But, I thought if I could touch you then maybe our souls might unite.' I was silent for a moment  knowing whatever was said would pale in comparison. I spoke from my heart, not my head. 'Oh, you've touched me,' I said, 'And taught me, in part that the best of any man is what is found in his heart.' 

The rest, I thought, his shoe man will never know. Like just how thankful I really am that his dirty old shoe touched my soul. 

[message from the Internet]

1 Samuel 16:7 ... But the Lord said unto Samuel, Look not on his countenance, or on the height of his stature; because I have refused him: for the Lord seeth not as man seeth; for man looketh on the outward appearance, but the Lord looketh on the heart.❤

Did You Know?

 Did you know; that He was only thirty-three;

When they walked Him up that hill and nailed

Him to that tree?

Did you know; that He wore a crown of thorns;

And He had been battered, His skin ripped and torn?

Did you know; He could have chosen not to die;

But He knew He was our path, to His Father's side?

Did you know; if from Him, you turn away;

You might as well as held, the hammer on that day?

Did you know; as He lay upon the cross;

Satan rejoiced; while the Angel's mourned their loss?

Did you know; in that tomb where he lay;

Death was defeated on that Easter day?

Did you know; that with just one simple prayer;

Eternity is yours; because the Son arose from there!

[Ron L Willis]

1 Corinthians 15:3-4 ... For I delivered unto you first of all that which I also received, how that Christ died for our sins according to the scriptures;  And that he was buried, and that he rose again the third day according to the scriptures:

Romans 10:9 ...  That if thou shalt confess with thy mouth the Lord Jesus, and shalt believe in thine heart that God hath raised him from the dead, thou shalt be saved.

Acts 2:21 ... And it shall come to pass, that whosoever shall call on the name of the Lord shall be saved. ❤

I'd Rather ...

 I'd Rather see a sermon, then hear one any day.

I'd rather once you walk with me, than merely point the way.

The eye's a better pupil, and more willing than the ear.

Fine counsel is confusing, but the example's always clear.

I soon can learn to do it, if you let me see it done.

I can see your hands in action, but your tongue too fast may run.

And the lectures you deliver, may be very fine and true.

But I'd rather get my lesson, by observing what you do.

For a person must understand you, and the high advice you give.

But there's no misunderstanding, how you act and how you live.

[Edgar A. Guest]

1 John 2:6 ... He that saith he abideth in him ought himself also so to walk, even as he walked. ❤