Grace reigns through righteousness

Peanuts
Charles Shultz

Romans 5:1-11
"Therefore having been justified by faith, we have peace with God 
through our Lord Jesus Christ, through whom also 
we have obtained our introduction by faith into this grace 
in which we stand; and we exult in hope of the glory of God.

And not only this, but we also exult in our tribulations, 
knowing that tribulation brings about perseverance;
and perseverance, proven character; and proven character, hope;
and hope does not disappoint, because the love of God has been 
poured out within our hearts through the Holy Spirit 
who was given to us.

For while we were still helpless, 
at the right time Christ died for the ungodly.

For one will hardly die for a righteous man; 
though perhaps for the good man someone would dare even to die.

But God demonstrates His own love toward us, 
in that while we were yet sinners, Christ died for us.

Much more then, having now been justified by His blood, 
we shall be saved from the wrath of God through Him.

For if while we were enemies we were reconciled to God 
through the death of His Son, much more, having been reconciled, 
we shall be saved by His life.

And not only this, but we also exult in God through 
our Lord Jesus Christ, through whom we have now 
received the reconciliation..."

Romans 5:1-21

"...The Law came in so that the transgression would increase; 
but where sin increased, grace abounded all the more, so that, 
as sin reigned in death, even so grace would reign 
through righteousness to eternal life through 
Jesus Christ our Lord."

We are the Temple of the Living God!

"...what has a believer in common with an unbeliever?..."

2 Corinthians 6:11-18

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Put on a Heart of Compassion

Colossians 3:12-17

"So, as those who have been chosen of God, 
holy and beloved, put on a heart of compassion, 
kindness, humility, gentleness and patience;
bearing with one another, and forgiving each other, 
whoever has a complaint against anyone; 
just as the Lord forgave you, so also should you.

Beyond all these things put on love, 
which is the perfect bond of unity.

Let the peace of Christ rule in your hearts, 
to which indeed you were called in one body; 
and be thankful.

Let the word of Christ richly dwell within you, 
with all wisdom teaching and admonishing one another 
with psalms and hymns and spiritual songs, 
singing with thankfulness in your hearts to God.

Whatever you do in word or deed, 
do all in the name of the Lord Jesus, 
giving thanks through Him to God the Father."

With Humility of Mind Regard Others

Philippians 2:1-18

"Therefore if there is any encouragement in Christ, 
if there is any consolation of love, 
if there is any fellowship of the Spirit, 
if any affection and compassion,
make my joy complete by being of the same mind, 
maintaining the same love, united in spirit, intent on one purpose.

Do nothing from selfishness or empty conceit, 
but with humility of mind regard one another 
as more important than yourselves;
do not merely look out for your own personal interests, 
but also for the interests of others.

Have this attitude in yourselves which was also in Christ Jesus,
who, although He existed in the form of God, 
did not regard equality with God a thing to be grasped,
but emptied Himself, taking the form of a bond-servant, 
and being made in the likeness of men.

Being found in appearance as a man, 
He humbled Himself by becoming obedient 
to the point of death, even death on a cross. 

For this reason also, God highly exalted Him, 
and bestowed on Him the name which is above every name,
so that at the name of Jesus every knee will bow, 
of those who are in heaven and on earth and under the earth,
and that every tongue will confess that Jesus Christ is Lord,
to the glory of God the Father.

So then, my beloved, just as you have always obeyed,
not as in my presence only, but now much more in my absence,
work out your salvation with fear and trembling;
for it is God who is at work in you, 
both to will and to work for His good pleasure.

Do all things without grumbling or disputing;
so that you will prove yourselves to be blameless and innocent,
children of God above reproach in the midst
of a crooked and perverse generation,
among whom you appear as lights in the world,
holding fast the word of life, so that in the day of Christ 
I will have reason to glory because I did not run in vain nor toil in vain.

But even if I am being poured out as a drink offering 
upon the sacrifice and service of your faith, 
I rejoice and share my joy with you all.

You too, I urge you, rejoice in the same way and share your joy with me."

God comforts us thus we can comfort others

A life filled with kindness, love, care, and compassion for family members glorifies God.

2 Corinthians 1:3-4

"Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, 

the Father of mercies and God of all comfort,

who comforts us in all our affliction

so that we will be able to comfort those who are in any affliction 

with the comfort with which we ourselves are comforted by God."

Dustin
by Kelly and Parker

Honor, Love, and Compassion

Rose is Rose
-Brady

Freedom is not free

The American War cemetery of Colleville sur Mer, Normandy, France. 

The cemetery overlooks Omaha Beach, one of the landing beaches of 
the Normandy Invasion, and contains the remains of 9,387 American 
military dead, most of whom were killed during the invasion of Normandy 
and ensuing military operations in World War II. 
(AP Photo/David Vincent)

The kindness of God leads you to repentance

Romans 2

"Therefore you have no excuse...

...do you think lightly of the riches of His kindness and tolerance and patience, 

not knowing that the kindness of God leads you to repentance?...

...There will be tribulation and distress for every soul of man who does evil, of the Jew first and also of the Greek,  

but glory and honor and peace to everyone who does good, 

to the Jew first and also to the Greek. 

For there is no partiality with God.

For all who have sinned without the Law will also perish without the Law, and all who have sinned under the Law will be judged by the Law; 

for it is not the hearers of the Law who are just before God, but the doers of the Law will be justified. 

For when Gentiles who do not have the Law do instinctively the things of the Law, these, not having the Law, are a law to themselves, in that they show the work of the Law written in their hearts, their conscience bearing witness and their thoughts alternately accusing or else defending them, on the day when, according to my gospel, God will judge the secrets of men through Christ Jesus...

[this next part is speaking of outward and inward circumcision and what the LORD desires from us]:

...For indeed circumcision is of value...

...  For he is not a Jew who is one outwardly, 

nor is circumcision that which is outward in the flesh. 

But he is a Jew who is one inwardly; and

circumcision is that which is of the heart by the Spirit not by the letter; and his praise is not from men, but from God."

Needed: Full Disclosure

Non-Sequitur 
-Wiley

Ephesians 5
"Therefore be imitators of God, as beloved children; and walk in love, just as Christ also loved you and gave Himself up for us, an offering and a sacrifice to God as a fragrant aroma.

But immorality or any impurity or greed must not even be named among you, as is proper among saints; and there must be no filthiness and silly talk, or coarse jesting, which are not fitting, but rather giving of thanks. For this you know with certainty, that no immoral or impure person or covetous man, who is an idolater, has an inheritance in the kingdom of Christ and God.

Let no one deceive you with empty words, for because of these things the wrath of God comes upon the sons of disobedience. Therefore do not be partakers with them;  for you were formerly darkness, but now you are Light in the Lord; walk as children of Light (for the fruit of the Light consists in all goodness and righteousness and truth), trying to learn what is pleasing to the Lord.

Do not participate in the unfruitful deeds of darkness, but instead even expose them; for it is disgraceful even to speak of the things which are done by them in secret. 

But all things become visible when they are exposed by the light, for everything that becomes visible is light. For this reason it says,

“Awake, sleeper,

And arise from the dead,

And Christ will shine on you.”

Therefore be careful how you walk, not as unwise men but as wise, making the most of your time, because the days are evil. So then do not be foolish, but understand what the will of the Lord is. 

And do not get drunk with wine, for that is dissipation, but be filled with the Spirit, speaking to one another in psalms and hymns and spiritual songs, singing and making melody with your heart to the Lord; always giving thanks for all things in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ to God, even the Father; and be subject to one another in the fear of Christ.

Wives, be subject to your own husbands, as to the Lord. For the husband is the head of the wife, as Christ also is the head of the church, He Himself being the Savior of the body. But as the church is subject to Christ, so also the wives ought to be to their husbands in everything.

Husbands, love your wives, just as Christ also loved the church and gave Himself up for her, so that He might sanctify her, having cleansed her by the washing of water with the word, that He might present to Himself the church in all her glory, having no spot or wrinkle or any such thing; but that she would be holy and blameless. 

So husbands ought also to love their own wives as their own bodies. He who loves his own wife loves himself; for no one ever hated his own flesh, but nourishes and cherishes it, just as Christ also does the church, because we are members of His body. 

For this reason a man shall leave his father and mother and shall be joined to his wife, and the two shall become one flesh. [it is implied that both husband and wife leave and cleave]

This mystery is great; but I am speaking with reference to Christ and the church. Nevertheless, each individual among you also is to love his own wife even as himself, and the wife must see to it that she respects her husband."

Happy Memories

This Pluggers reminds me of our 2nd home before it was repaired.  

The one living room wall was riddled with holes. Soon enough they were spackled and the walls were newly painted. 

As always, when we eventually moved away we left that dear home nail hole free!

Simply Trusting Thee, Lord Jesus

Jesus I am resting, resting
In the joy of what Thou art
I am finding out the greatness 
of Thy loving heart
Thou hast bid me gaze upon Thee
And thy beauty fills my soul
For by thy transforming power
Thou hast made me whole.

Jesus I am resting, resting
In the joy of what Thou art
I am finding out the greatness 
of Thy loving heart.

O How great Thy loving-kindness
Vaster broader than the sea
How marvelous Thy goodness
Thou bestowed on me
Yes I rest in Thee Beloved
Oh what wealth of grace is Thine
No uncertainty of promise
And hath made it mine.

Jesus I am resting, resting
In the joy of what Thou art
I am finding out the greatness 
of Thy loving heart.

Simply trusting Thee, Lord Jesus,
I behold Thee as Thou art,
And Thy love, so pure, so changeless,
Satisfies my heart,
Satisfies its deepest longings,
Meets, supplies its every need,
Compass me round with blessings,
Thine is love indeed.

Jesus I am resting, resting
In the joy of what Thou art
I am finding out the greatness 
of Thy loving heart.

Ever lift Thy face upon me,
As I work and wait for Thee;
Resting ’neath Thy smile, Lord Jesus,
Earth’s dark shadows flee.
Brightness of my Father’s glory,
Sunshine of my Father’s face,
Keep me ever trusting, resting,
Fill me with Thy grace.

Jesus I am resting, resting
In the joy of what Thou art
I am finding out the greatness 
of Thy loving heart.

--J. S. Pigott

Be Sincere

Honoring Those who gave their lives for our Freedoms

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Before the Throne of God Above

Before the throne of God above 
I have a strong and perfect plea 
A great High Priest whose name is love 
Who ever lives and pleads for me 
My name is graven on His hands 
My name is written on His heart 
I know that while in heav’n He stands 
No tongue can bid me thence depart 
No tongue can bid me thence depart

When Satan tempts me to despair 
And tells me of the guilt within 
Upward I look and see Him there 
Who made an end of all my sin 
Because the sinless Savior died 
My sinful soul is counted free 
For God the Just is satisfied 
To look on Him and pardon me 
To look on Him and pardon me

Behold Him there, the risen Lamb 
My perfect, spotless Righteousness 
The great unchangeable I AM 
The King of glory and of grace 
One with Himself, I cannot die 
My soul is purchased by His blood 
My life is hid with Christ on high 
With Christ my Savior and my God

One with Himself, I cannot die 
My soul is purchased by His blood 
My life is hid with Christ on high 
With Christ my Savior and my God 
With Christ my Savior and my God
With Christ my Savior and my God

--C. Bancroft

With all the sacred throng at His feet!

All hail the power of Jesus' name!
Let angels prostrate fall.
Bring forth the royal diadem,
and crown him Lord of all.
Bring forth the royal diadem,
and crown him Lord of all!

O seed of Israel's chosen race
now ransomed from the fall,
hail him who saves you by his grace,
and crown him Lord of all.
Hail him who saves you by his grace,
and crown him Lord of all!

Let every tongue and every tribe
responsive to his call,
to him all majesty ascribe,
and crown him Lord of all.
To him all majesty ascribe,
and crown him Lord of all!

Oh, that with all the sacred throng
we at his feet may fall!
We'll join the everlasting song
and crown him Lord of all.
We'll join the everlasting song
and crown him Lord of all.

--E. Perronet

A sinner rejoicing in His abounding grace!

"Lord Jesus, I sin.  Grant that I may never cease grieving because of it, never be content with myself, never think I have reached a point of perfection. Kill in me all that is displeasing to You, all that is contrary to the spirit of love and holiness!  And though we ever mourn for our sin, grant that we would also always rejoice in Your abounding grace!"

HEC, PCA

May God grant them repentance

2 Timothy 2:24-26
"The Lord’s bond-servant must not be quarrelsome, 
but be kind to all, able to teach, patient when wronged,
with gentleness correcting those who are in opposition, 
if perhaps God may grant them repentance 
leading to the knowledge of the truth,
and they may come to their senses 
and escape from the snare of the devil, 
having been held captive by him to do his will."

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The evil one is pernicious and sneaky. 

The deceiver's snares are shrewd. 

You could be easily deceived by the adversary 
and have not realized you are his willing captive doing his will.

Satan is the father of lies. He is clever, cunning, and crafty.

The father of lies has no truth in him. He is a murderer.

Possibly, you have believed you are following the LORD, but in reality, 
you are actually caught in the adversary's destructive snare.

If you are in his snare, there is a way out! Cry out to God, repent, 
shun the tethers of the evil one, stop listening to the people who
are telling you lies! 

There is a way which will lead you to the knowledge of God's truth! 

God can grant repentance to you! 

The LORD has the truth which can help you come to your senses!

1 Corinthians 10:13
"No temptation has overtaken you but such as is common to man; 
and God is faithful, 
who will not allow you to be tempted beyond what you are able, 
but with the temptation will provide the way of escape also, 
so that you will be able to endure it."

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John 8:34-44
"Jesus answered them, 

“Truly, truly, I say to you, everyone who commits sin is the slave of sin. The slave does not remain in the house forever; the son does remain forever. So if the Son makes you free, you will be free indeed. 

I know that you are Abraham’s descendants; yet you seek to kill Me, because My word has no place in you. I speak the things which I have seen with My Father; therefore you also do the things which you heard from your father.”

They answered and said to Him, “Abraham is our father.” 

Jesus *said to them, “If you are Abraham’s children, do the deeds of Abraham. But as it is, you are seeking to kill Me, a man who has told you the truth, which I heard from God; this Abraham did not do. You are doing the deeds of your father.”

They said to Him, “We were not born of fornication; we have one Father: God.” 

Jesus said to them, “If God were your Father, you would love Me, for I proceeded forth and have come from God, for I have not even come on My own initiative, but He sent Me. Why do you not understand what I am saying? It is because you cannot hear My word. 

You are of your father the devil, and you want to do the desires of your father. He was a murderer from the beginning, and does not stand in the truth because there is no truth in him. Whenever he speaks a lie, he speaks from his own nature, for he is a liar and the father of lies."

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Precious Memories

ROSE is ROSE
by Brady

In sweet memory of my precious Mary Nell.

Precious Jewels, Bright Gems for His Crown

So many years ago I began my walk with Jesus as my Savior. At that time I could not even fathom what real life in this sinful world would be like.  Instead, I lived on the "mountain tops" with the "valleys" only a mist to me. We lived a blessed and precious life, giving God all the glory.

As life went on the troubles of life began to touch us, even so, these difficult times we experienced were nothing compared to what lay in store for us way, way down the road. 

All through these years we have made friendships, treasured brothers and sisters in the LORD who broadened our view of what real life in this sinful world meant. We learned to run to the LORD in all things, praying for others all along the way. All of this drew us closer and closer to the LORD as we learned to trust Him with the small and the big traumas.

Eventually the gross, ugliness of real life in this evil world crashed into our lives. Our lives shattered, but we were held tightly, so tightly by the LORD from the beginning of the agonies. 

We have literally lived in the LORD's comfort and strength.  In Him we get up and do things in life we would never have imagined ever doing.  Even though we have no strength--it is His strength we live in.

Lately, I have been thinking of the treasured people we know who love the LORD. They are so precious to us! So many, many are now with Him! and we miss them, but someday we will be united again when we meet the LORD in glory! Meanwhile, we who remain in this world continue living for Him.

As I contemplated all of this I thought of the handfuls of dear sisters and brothers who are His Jewels.  

Glory to God! Praises to His Name!

Malachi  3:16-18

"Then those who feared the Lord spoke to one another, 
and the Lord gave attention and heard it, 
and a book of remembrance was written before Him 
for those who fear the Lord and who esteem His name. 
 “They will be Mine,” says the Lord of hosts, 
“on the day that I prepare My own possession* , 
and I will spare them as a man spares his own son who serves him.” 
So you will again distinguish between the righteous and the wicked, 
between one who serves God and one who does not serve Him."

*(KJV: in that day when I make up my jewels)

Jewels

When He cometh, when He cometh

To take up His jewels

All His jewels, precious jewels

His Loved and His own.

Like the stars of the morning

His bright crown adorning

They will shine in their beauty

Bright gems for His crown.

He will gather, He will gather

The gems for His kingdom

All the pure ones, all the bright ones

His loved and His own.

Like the stars of the morning

His bright crown adorning

They will shine in their beauty

Bright gems for His crown.

Little children, little children

O love their Redeemer

All the jewels, precious jewels

His loved and His own.

Like the stars of the morning

His bright crown adorning

They will shine in their beauty

Bright gems for His crown

William O. Cushing

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Let us continue to be bright gems for His crown!

Letting endurance have its perfect result

 "Consider it all joy, my brethren, 

when you encounter various trials, 

knowing that the testing of your 

faith produces endurance. 

And let endurance have its perfect 

result, so that you may be perfect 

and complete, lacking in nothing.

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Happiness is a special Surprise Party!

Momma Bears know what is needed

ROSE is ROSE

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Pasquale has just announced he can put himself to bed from now on, 

but is just now rethinking this decision.

Meanwhile, Mom knows to touch base.

Be a Momma Bear.

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It's Wednesday

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Thanks to Charles Schulz

Praise God, You Servants of the Lord

Praise God, you servants of the Lord,
And bless His name with one accord;
O praise the LORD, His name adore
from this time forth forevermore,
from this time forth forevermore.


From rising unto setting sun
praised be the LORD, the Mighty One;
He reigns o’er all, supreme in might,
above the heavens in glory bright,
above the heavens in glory bright.


On whom but God can we rely,
the One who sits enthroned on high,
who condescends to see and know
the things of heaven and earth below?
The things of heaven and earth below?

God lifts the poor and makes them great;
With joy He fills the desolate.
The barren come to motherhood.
Sing hallelujah! God is good!
Sing hallelujah! God is good!

From Psalm 113
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YIKES!

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1 Corinthians 13

If I speak with the tongues of men and of angels, but do not have love, I have become a noisy gong or a clanging cymbal. 

If I have the gift of prophecy, and know all mysteries and all knowledge; and if I have all faith, so as to remove mountains, but do not have love, I am nothing.

And if I give all my possessions to feed the poor, and if I surrender my body to be burned, but do not have love, it profits me nothing.

Love is patient, love is kind and is not jealous; love does not brag and is not arrogant,

does not act unbecomingly; it does not seek its own, is not provoked, does not take into account a wrong suffered,

does not rejoice in unrighteousness, but rejoices with the truth; 

bears all things, believes all things, hopes all things, endures all things.

Love never fails; but if there are gifts of prophecy, they will be done away; if there are tongues, they will cease; if there is knowledge, it will be done away.

For we know in part and we prophesy in part;

but when the perfect comes, the partial will be done away.

When I was a child, I used to speak like a child, think like a child, reason like a child; when I became a man, I did away with childish things.

For now we see in a mirror dimly, but then face to face; now I know in part, but then I will know fully just as I also have been fully known.

But now faith, hope, love, abide these three; but the greatest of these is love.

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You're the Word of God the Father

You're the Word of God the Father
From before the world began.
Ev'ry star and ev'ry planet
Has been fashioned by Your hand.
All creation holds together
By the power of Your voice.
Let the skies declare Your glory;
Let the land and seas rejoice!

You're the Author of creation;
You're the Lord of ev'ry man;
And Your cry of love rings out across the lands.

Yet You left the gaze of angels,
Came to seek and save the lost,
And exchanged the joy of heaven
For the anguish of the cross.
With a prayer You fed the hungry;
With a word You stilled the sea;
Yet how silently You suffered
That the guilty may go free!

You're the Author of creation;
You're the Lord of ev'ry man;
And Your cry of love rings out across the lands.

With a shout You rose victorious,
Wresting vict'ry from the grave,
And ascended into heaven,
Leading captives in Your way.
Now You stand before the Father,
Interceding for Your own;
From each tribe and tongue and nation,
You are leading sinners home!

You're the Author of creation;
You're the Lord of ev'ry man;
And Your cry of love rings out across the lands.

-Getty and Townend

The Third of May

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Second Day of May

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Happy May Day!

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