Joyful Spring

 

Words

"The saddest words 

are those that are left unspoken."

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"The Opposite of Love is Indifference."

 Psalm 11

In the Lord I take refuge;


How can you say to my soul, 

“Flee as a bird to your mountain;

For, behold, the wicked bend the bow,


They make ready their arrow upon the string


To shoot in darkness at the upright in heart.

If the foundations are destroyed,


What can the righteous do?”

 

The Lord is in His holy temple; 

the Lord’s throne is in heaven;


His eyes behold, 

His eyelids test the sons of men.

The Lord tests the righteous and the wicked,


And the one who loves violence His soul hates.

Upon the wicked He will rain snares;


Fire and brimstone and burning wind 

will be the portion of their cup.

For the Lord is righteous, 

He loves righteousness;


The upright will behold His face.

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Good Old Books

~Thank you to Patriot Post

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A Little Levity

 

When I survey the Wondrous Cross

 When I survey the wondrous cross


On which the Prince of glory died,


My richest gain I count but loss,


And pour contempt on all my pride.

Forbid it, Lord, that I should boast,


Save in the death of Christ my God!


All the vain things that charm me most,


I sacrifice them to His blood.

See from His head, His hands, His feet,


Sorrow and love flow mingled down!


Did e’er such love and sorrow meet,


Or thorns compose so rich a crown?

Were the whole realm of nature mine,


That were a present far too small;


Love so amazing, so divine,


Demands my soul, my life, my all.

~Isaac Watts

"When I survey the wondrous Cross": Hamburg

What a Name!

Man of sorrows what a name

for the Son of God, who came

ruined sinners to reclaim:

Hallelujah, what a Savior!

Bearing shame and scoffing rude,

in my place condemned he stood,

sealed my pardon with his blood:

Hallelujah, what a Savior!

Guilty, helpless, lost were we;

blameless Lamb of God was he,

sacrificed to set us free:

Hallelujah, what a Savior!

He was lifted up to die;

"It is finished" was his cry;

now in heaven exalted high:

Hallelujah, what a Savior!

When he comes, our glorious King,

all his ransomed home to bring,

then anew this song we'll sing:

Hallelujah, what a Savior!

~Bliss

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White as Snow

Isaiah 1:18

...“Come now, and let us reason together,”

Says the Lord,

“Though your sins are as scarlet,

They will be as white as snow;

Though they are red like crimson,

They will be like wool."...

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I can be White as Snow!

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"He said, 'It is Finished.'"

Alas! and did my Savior bleed


And did my Sov’reign die?


Would He devote that sacred head


For such a worm as I?

Was it for crimes that I had done


He groaned upon the tree?


Amazing pity! grace unknown!


And love beyond degree!

Well might the sun in darkness hide


And shut his glories in,


When Christ, the mighty Maker died,


For man the creature’s sin.

Thus might I hide my blushing face


While His dear cross appears,


Dissolve my heart in thankfulness,


And melt my eyes to tears.

But drops of grief can ne’er repay


The debt of love I owe

:
Here, Lord, I give myself away,


’Tis all that I can do.

-Isaac Watts

John 18,19:28-30

..."After this, Jesus, knowing that all things 

had already been accomplished, to fulfill 

the Scripture,  He said, “I am thirsty.”

 

A jar full of sour wine was standing there;

so they put a sponge full of the sour wine 

upon a branch of hyssop and brought it up 

to His mouth.

Therefore when Jesus had received the sour wine, 

He said, “It is finished!” 

And He bowed His head and gave up His spirit."...

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We Live in a Precarious Life

We know what it is like to have a cat think we have bent over just for them to sit on us.  

This is may be what has happened with this photographer - he has a great photo to take and then his cat takes advantage of his owner for a nice sit down.

In this life what can we do when life is tough?  

Where can we go when life is precarious?

PRECARIOUS:

adjective

-Dangerously lacking in security or stability.

-Subject to chance or unknown conditions.

-Based on uncertain, unwarranted, or unproved premises.

A Precarious Life in the Scriptures:

2 Corinthians 4:16-18

..."Therefore we do not lose heart, 

but though our outer man is decaying, 

yet our inner man is being renewed day by day.

For momentary, light affliction is producing 

for us an eternal weight of glory far beyond 

all comparison, while we look not at the things 

which are seen, but at the things which are not seen; 

for the things which are seen are temporal, 

but the things which are not seen are eternal."

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 12:9-13

"...Let love be without hypocrisy. 

Abhor what is evil; cling to what is good.

Be devoted to one another in brotherly love; 

give preference to one another in honor;

not lagging behind in diligence, fervent in spirit, 

serving the Lord; rejoicing in hope, persevering 

in tribulation, devoted to prayer, contributing to 

the needs of the saints, practicing hospitality."...

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More scriptures to help lift your head and remind you who holds onto you no matter what is happening in this life. 

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He is a shield about me and He lifts my head!

I have known many Christian women who have had traumas, heartaches, and agonies in their lives and yet they choose to find JOY in life because of the LORD. 

On the other hand I have known many Christian women who -with traumas or without traumas- can barely find any joys in life.

I have lived in sadnesses, known traumas, and agonies. I am nothing special. I can be sad, very sad, but I choose to rise to the reality of the LORD who loves us and glorify Him by living in JOYS - even if crying, I can live in His JOY. He lifts my head everytime!

Let Him lift your head also!

Psalm 3

O Lord, how my adversaries have increased!


Many are rising up against me.


Many are saying of my soul,


“There is no deliverance for him in God.” Selah.

But You, O Lord, are a shield about me,


My glory, and the One who lifts my head.


I was crying to the Lord with my voice,


And He answered me from His holy mountain. Selah.


I lay down and slept;


I awoke, for the Lord sustains me.


I will not be afraid of ten thousands of people


Who have set themselves against me round about.

Arise, O Lord; save me, O my God!


For You have smitten all my enemies on the cheek;


You have shattered the teeth of the wicked.


Salvation belongs to the Lord;


Your blessing be upon Your people! Selah.

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Sweet as Honey: give your griefs to Him

Commit now all your griefs 

and ways into His hands;

to His sure truth and tender care, 

who earth and heav'n commands.

Who points the clouds and storm 

He gently clears your ways;

He shall direct your wandering feet, 

He shall prepare your ways.

Give to the winds your fears;

hope, and be undismayed;

God hears your sighs and counts your tears,

God shall lift up your head.

Through waves and clouds and storms

He gently clears your way;

soon end in joyous day.

Still heavy is your heart?

Still sink your spirits down?

Cast off the weight, let fear depart,

and every care be gone.

He everywhere has sway,

and all things serve His might;

He every act pure blessing is,

His path unsullied light.

Far, far above your thought

His counsel shall appear,

when fully He the work has wrought

that caused your needless fear.

Leave to His sovereign sway

to choose and to command;

with wonder filled, you then shall own

how wise, how strong His hand.

~Gerhardt

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FYI: Lyrics are different wherever you look, but this link rendition is beautiful with the guitar. :o)

Oh...say can you see...

 

Precious in His Sight

 ~Thank you to Patriot Post

Psalm 116

Sometimes you just need a break

 ~internet photo

What? Never having to say you are sorry?!

"Victimhood" Means You Never Have to Say You're Sorry

"Behavior that is objectively wrong, violence, hate, harassment and terrorism, becomes right if the perpetrators are victims who claim to be striving for a society of moral equity. 

But the truth about victims is that they never want to stop being what they are. If they did, they would become survivors. 

Victimhood is convenient and comforting. Victims never have to learn to do better. They spend all of their time telling others to do better so that xer’s feelings aren’t hurt again.

Victimhood views failure as a conspiracy, rather than a choice, and nations and societies that embrace victimhood quickly turn into failed states. 

America used to get things done. Now we no longer win wars or can even stock supermarkets. 

There are a thousand points of failure and they begin with a culture that is hostile to achievement and supportive of victimhood."

~Daniel Greenfield, A Nation of Victims is Doomed to Fail.

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Micah 7:2

..."The godly person has perished from the land,

And there is no upright person among men.

All of them lie in wait for bloodshed;

Each of them hunts the other with a net."...

Psalm 37:35-37

..."I have seen a wicked, violent man

Spreading himself like a luxuriant tree in its native soil.

Then he passed away, and lo, he was no more;

I sought for him, but he could not be found.

 

Mark the blameless man, and behold the upright;

For the man of peace will have a posterity."...

Habakkuk 2:4

..."“Behold, as for the proud one,

His soul is not right within him;

But the righteous will live by his faith."...

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Cats: How they view themselves

~internet photo 

Springtime

 

You Are To Love on Your Family Right Now

2 Timothy 4:1-5

"I solemnly charge you in the presence of God and of Christ Jesus, who is to judge the living and the dead, and by His appearing and His kingdom:

preach the word; 

be ready in season 

and out of season; 

reprove, 

rebuke, 

exhort, 

with great patience 

and instruction.

For the time will come when they will not endure sound doctrine; but wanting to have their ears tickled, they will accumulate for themselves teachers in accordance to their own desires, and will turn away their ears from the truth and will turn aside to myths.

But you, be sober in all things, endure hardship, do the work of an evangelist, fulfill your ministry."...

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Survivors

"We are all the descendants of survivors. 

Our grandparents and great-grandparents fought in wars, persisted through economic turmoil and didn’t give up. 

Whatever happened to them, they didn’t see themselves as the victims. 

They were strong, not because they postured on social media, but because they got up whenever they were knocked down. 

They had their grievances and resentments, but they didn’t build their lives around them.

Survivors are motivated by love and duty. 

They understand that there is more to life than their own pain. 

They redeem their suffering by making their lives matter. 

That is the essence of the human ideal. 

It’s how nations and families are built." …

-Daniel Greenfield, A Nation of Victims is Doomed to Fail.

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Titus

...2 "But as for you, speak the things which are fitting for sound doctrine

Older men are to be temperate, dignified, sensible, sound in faith, in love, in perseverance.

Older women likewise are to be reverent in their behavior, not malicious gossips nor enslaved to much wine, teaching what is good, so that they may encourage the young women to love their husbands, to love their children, to be sensible, pure, workers at home, kind, being subject to their own husbands, so that the word of God will not be dishonored.

Likewise urge the young men to be sensible; in all things show yourself to be an example of good deeds, with purity in doctrine, dignified, sound in speech which is beyond reproach, so that the opponent will be put to shame, having nothing bad to say about us.

Urge bondslaves to be subject to their own masters in everything, to be well-pleasing, not argumentative, not pilfering, but showing all good faith so that they will adorn the doctrine of God our Savior in every respect.

For the grace of God has appeared, bringing salvation to all men, instructing us to deny ungodliness and worldly desires and to live sensibly, righteously and godly in the present age, looking for the blessed hope and the appearing of the glory of our great God and Savior, Christ Jesus, who gave Himself for us to redeem us from every lawless deed, and to purify for Himself a people for His own possession, zealous for good deeds.

These things speak and exhort and reprove with all authority. Let no one disregard you.

3 Remind them to be subject to rulers, to authorities, to be obedient, to be ready for every good deed, to malign no one, to be peaceable, gentle, showing every consideration for all men.

For we also once were foolish ourselves, disobedient, deceived, enslaved to various lusts and pleasures, spending our life in malice and envy, hateful, hating one another.

But when the kindness of God our Savior and His love for mankind appeared, He saved us, not on the basis of deeds which we have done in righteousness, but according to His mercy, by the washing of regeneration and renewing by the Holy Spirit, whom He poured out upon us richly through Jesus Christ our Savior, so that being justified by His grace we would be made heirs according to the hope of eternal life.

This is a trustworthy statement; and concerning these things I want you to speak confidently, so that those who have believed God will be careful to engage in good deeds. 

These things are good and profitable for men.

But avoid foolish controversies and genealogies and strife and disputes about the Law, for they are unprofitable and worthless.

Reject a factious man after a first and second warning, knowing that such a man is perverted and is sinning, being self-condemned."...

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I've Found a Friend, O Such a Friend!

 I’ve Found A Friend; O Such A Friend!

He Loved Me Ere I Knew Him;


He Drew Me With The Cords Of Love,


And Thus He Bound Me To Him;


And Round My Heart Still Closely Twine


Those Ties Which Naught Can Sever;


For I Am His, And He Is Mine,


For Ever And For Ever.

I’ve Found A Friend; O Such A Friend!


He Bled, He Died To Save Me;


And Not Alone The Gift Of Life,


But His Own Self He Gave Me,


Nought That I Have, Mine Own I Call,


I Hold It For The Giver:


My Heart, My Strength, My Life, My All


Are His, And His For Ever.

I’ve Found A Friend; O Such A Friend!


All Power To Him Is Given,


To Guard Me On My Onward Course,


And Bring Me Safe To Heaven.


Eternal Glories Gleam Afar,


To Nerve My Faint Endeavour;


So Now To Watch, To Work, To War,


And Then To Rest For Ever.

I’ve Found A Friend; O Such A Friend!


So Kind, And True, And Tender!


So Wise A Counsellor And Guide,


So Mighty A Defender!


From Him Who Loves Me Now So Well


What Power My Soul Shall Sever?


Shall Life Or Death? Shall Earth Or Hell?


No! I Am His For Ever.

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John 15:12-17

...“This is My commandment, 

that you love one another, 

just as I have loved you.

Greater love has no one than this, 

that one lay down his life for his friends.

You are My friends 

if you do what I command you.

No longer do I call you slaves, 

for the slave does not know 

what his master is doing; 

but I have called you friends, 

for all things that I have heard from My Father 

I have made known to you.

You did not choose Me but I chose you, 

and appointed you that you would go and bear fruit, 

and that your fruit would remain, 

so that whatever you ask of the Father 

in My name He may give to you.

This I command you, that you love one another."...

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The First Week of Spring!

 

Sweet Spring Green

 

Go Green

 

Can't get away from the Green!

 

It Is A Green Weekend

 

Happy Today

 

It's Not Easy Being Green

 It doesn't matter if you are Irish...Just be happy and smile.  

:o)

and cheer when the bagpipes go by !!!

"Essentially a Cult"

 ~Ben Shaprio

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Romans 8:9-14

..."However, you are not in the flesh but in the Spirit, if indeed the Spirit of God dwells in you. 

But if anyone does not have the Spirit of Christ, he does not belong to Him.

If Christ is in you, though the body is dead because of sin, yet the spirit is alive because of righteousness.

But if the Spirit of Him who raised Jesus from the dead dwells in you, He who raised Christ Jesus from the dead will also give life to your mortal bodies through His Spirit who dwells in you.

So then, brethren, we are under obligation, not to the flesh, to live according to the flesh— for if you are living according to the flesh, you must die; but if by the Spirit you are putting to death the deeds of the body, you will live.

For all who are being led by the Spirit of God, these are sons of God."... 

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Who can save us?

Galatians 5

"It was for freedom that Christ set us free; therefore keep standing firm and do not be subject again to a yoke of slavery.

Behold I, Paul, say to you that if you receive circumcision, Christ will be of no benefit to you.

And I testify again to every man who receives circumcision, that he is under obligation to keep the whole Law.

You have been severed from Christ, you who are seeking to be justified by law; you have fallen from grace.

For we through the Spirit, by faith, are waiting for the hope of righteousness.

For in Christ Jesus neither circumcision nor uncircumcision means anything, but faith working through love.

You were running well; who hindered you from obeying the truth?

This persuasion did not come from Him who calls you. 

A little leaven leavens the whole lump of dough.

I have confidence in you in the Lord that you will adopt no other view; but the one who is disturbing you will bear his judgment, whoever he is.

But I, brethren, if I still preach circumcision, why am I still persecuted?

Then the stumbling block of the cross has been abolished.

I wish that those who are troubling you would even mutilate themselves.

For you were called to freedom, brethren; only do not turn your freedom into an opportunity for the flesh, but through love serve one another.

For the whole Law is fulfilled in one word, in the statement, 

“You shall love your neighbor as yourself.”

But if you bite and devour one another, take care that you are not consumed by one another.

But I say, walk by the Spirit, and you will not carry out the desire of the flesh.

For the flesh sets its desire against the Spirit, and the Spirit against the flesh; for these are in opposition to one another, so that you may not do the things that you please.

But if you are led by the Spirit, you are not under the Law.

Now the deeds of the flesh are evident, which are: immorality, impurity, sensuality, idolatry, sorcery, enmities, strife, jealousy, outbursts of anger, disputes, dissensions, factions, envying, drunkenness, carousing, and things like these, of which I forewarn you, just as I have forewarned you, that those who practice such things will not inherit the kingdom of God.

But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, self-control; against such things there is no law.

Now those who belong to Christ Jesus have crucified the flesh with its passions and desires.

If we live by the Spirit, let us also walk by the Spirit.

Let us not become boastful, challenging one another, envying one another."

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It Was Just a Box

 

When will You choose to Believe?

 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."...

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