When I published my “I with I hadn’t done that” post several days ago, I got an interesting flip side perspective. . . Continue reading
One of my favorite contemporary worship songs is, O Lord, You’re Beautiful by Keith Green.
I call it one of my cry song, because every time I hear it or sing it with our praise team, I cry. It’s a beautiful cry and I’m full of joy when I hear it sung. My favorite lines in the song are in the first verse:
“And when I’m doing well, help me to never seek a crown
For my reward is giving glory to You“
What a beautiful attitude: As we serve others, as we love others, as we worship our Almighty Father, to have as our only reward bringing glory to God.
Think about it. The way we relate to others, the way we talk, the way we act, the way we respond in difficult circumstances, the way we respond to injuries, hurts and insults, the way we treat our enemies, the way we serve and love others–all with the attitude of bringing glory to God.
Wouldn’t that be a wonderful, life-changing, world-changing attitude for us to live out each day?
Oh Lord You’re Beautiful
by Keith Green
Oh Lord, You’re beautiful
Your face is all I seek
For when Your eyes are on this child
Your grace abounds to me
I wanna to take Your word and shine it all around
But first help me to just, live it Lord
And when I’m doing well, help me to never seek a crown
For my reward is giving glory to You
Oh Lord, please light the fire
That once burned bright and clear
Replace the lamp of my first love
That burns with holy fear
I want to take Your word and shine it all around
But first help me just to live Lord
And when I’m doing well, help me to never seek a crown
For my reward is giving glory to You
Mom,
Yesterday in church Pastor Gearl recognized all the moms in the audience. His message was about how important a good mom is to her family and to others. I wish you could have been there with me.
I can’t believe it’s been 11 years since Jesus called you home. I sure do miss you. I can’t count the times I’ve wanted to pick up the phone and call you. I loved to call you and share some way God blessed me, or tell you about something exciting or fun I did that day.
My conversations over the years with you and Dad created some of my most precious memories. Though we spent most of our lives living a thousand miles apart, I loved being able to pick up the phone and connect with you just to chat.
You gave me something few of my friends here share. For almost 60 years you gave me consistency. You stayed married to each other, despite some extremely difficult times. No matter where I was, or what I was doing, or not doing, I could always 
pick up the phone and dial 712-246-2655. You were always there. I often brag about my hometown and my wonderful growing up years in my loving family to my friends. Most of them marvel at the wonderful childhood I enjoyed in our small Iowa hometown. Many of my friends have never known the consistence and security you and Dad gave me.
I know we didn’t have a perfect life, either. I know I gave you more than my share of grief and heartaches. For all those, I am genuinely sorry.
I have to confess, Mom: the day you died, I was absolutely jubilant. Not because you died, but because I knew where you were. Your suffering from the cancer that took you from us was over. Not only was I jubilant because I knew where you were. I was jubilant because I knew that someday we would be reunited and basking in the love of Jesus in God’s Kingdom forever. We’ll never be apart again. We’ll never know pain or suffering or sorrow or dismay or any other health problems. And you’d never have to fuss at me again to pick up my clothes.
What a glorious day that will be!
Until then, Mom, please know that I love you and miss you still. I am grateful for everything you were to me, everything you gave me, everything you taught me, and everything you did for me.
I will always love you,
Your loving son, Steve
A gay Charlotte, North Carolina waitress was dismayed this week when a woman customer scribbled Leviticus 20:13 on the ticket where the tip should be. Continue reading
Talking about reinstating slavery today would probably draw fire from liberals and conservatives alike. You’d have the ACLU and the SCLC and the NAACP and a bunch of other acronyms draggin’ you into court faster than you could say “Swing Low Sweet Chariot.” Continue reading
Today we are posting the third message in a three-part series by guest blogger Bryan Ridenour. Bryan is a Christian,
a husband, a father of four, and a music/youth pastor, and occasional blogger at brvan.com. He writes his blog, “as the opportunity presents itself,” he says. “I enjoy writing short stories, poetry, and biblical studies, genres that I hope God uses to encourage other believers. “
Living a life of faith opens opportunities for ministry
Question: What nudged a valiant warrior, a decorated army officer…a national hero to consider the suggestion of a lowly servant girl? Continue reading
Most people could admit to serving up an excuse or two now and again.
What if you offered similar excuses for not going to a championship football game as you did for not going to church? Such as . . .
Truth is, we can usually think up pretty good excuses for not doing something, especially if we think we’re not qualified.
Moses was just like us. The story, and Moses’ excuses, pick up in Exodus 3.
Continue reading
Some pastors will tell you they perform more crisis counseling during the Christmas season than at any other time of year.
Our 23rd year - we are one of Iowa's oldest Internet news and opinion sites!
Christ-centered, family-friendly devotionals that glorify God
I Dare You to Figure Me Out
"...Then a great and powerful wind tore the mountains apart and shattered the rocks before the Lord, but the Lord was not in the wind. After the wind there was an earthquake, but the Lord was not in the earthquake. After the earthquake came a fire, but the Lord was not in the fire. And after the fire came a gentle whisper." 1 Kings 19: 11-12
Sharing God's love with the world, one heart at a time.
Where irrationality trumps reason
Sharing the Gospel message of hope, strength, love, and peace through Jesus Christ to those who are hurting in their soul or spirit. This is the mission of Healthy Mind Ministry
Hope For Needful Things
Del Parkerson's Blog
Beholding and reflecting the glory of the Lord through glass.
"He sendeth rain on the just and on the unjust." (Matt. 5:45)
Share The Word
Wheelchair Reflections of Sacred Wonder
Encouraging widows to "Reviresco" (flourish) again
Grace, hope and Truth for each day.
if I had to do it all over again, I wouldn't change a thing!!!!
Let's Talk!
Prime my subconscious, one hint at a time
Our 23rd year - we are one of Iowa's oldest Internet news and opinion sites!
Christ-centered, family-friendly devotionals that glorify God
I Dare You to Figure Me Out
"...Then a great and powerful wind tore the mountains apart and shattered the rocks before the Lord, but the Lord was not in the wind. After the wind there was an earthquake, but the Lord was not in the earthquake. After the earthquake came a fire, but the Lord was not in the fire. And after the fire came a gentle whisper." 1 Kings 19: 11-12
Sharing God's love with the world, one heart at a time.
Where irrationality trumps reason
Sharing the Gospel message of hope, strength, love, and peace through Jesus Christ to those who are hurting in their soul or spirit. This is the mission of Healthy Mind Ministry
Hope For Needful Things
Del Parkerson's Blog
Beholding and reflecting the glory of the Lord through glass.
"He sendeth rain on the just and on the unjust." (Matt. 5:45)
Share The Word
Wheelchair Reflections of Sacred Wonder
Encouraging widows to "Reviresco" (flourish) again
Grace, hope and Truth for each day.
if I had to do it all over again, I wouldn't change a thing!!!!
Let's Talk!
Prime my subconscious, one hint at a time
For His Glory 