‭‭James‬ ‭3‬:‭5‬ ‭NIV‬‬ — Likewise, the tongue is a small part of the body, but it makes great boasts. Consider what a great forest is set on fire by a small spark.

Kurt Kaiser wrote the words and music to “Pass It On” in 1969. You can find more information on Hymnary.org. He was a great musician who eventually was elected into the Gospel Music Hall of Fame. I love this song because of the simplicity it takes for one spark to get a fire going. Once you experience God’s love, you want to share it with the world. 

In our key verse, James instructs us that our tongue is a small but very powerful tool in spreading the Gospel to everyone. How will you pass it on today? Will you be elected into God’s hall of fame for passing on His love to others?

This hymn isn’t as widely sung. A very cool music video to view is by EMC Vesper Choir. I encourage you to watch the video. It is amazing to see all these singers harmonize together, yet each is in a separate location.. 

Let’s pray. Dear God. Thank You for the tongue. Help me to use it for good and not for bad. Help me not fall short of gossip or anger. Help me to pass on Your love through my words and actions. In Jesus’ name I pray, Amen.

‭‭1 Chronicles‬ ‭17‬:‭16‬-‭17‬ ‭NIV‬ — Then King David went in and sat before the Lord, and he said: “Who am I, Lord God, and what is my family, that you have brought me this far? And as if this were not enough in your sight, my God, you have spoken about the future of the house of your servant. You, Lord God, have looked on me as though I were the most exalted of men.

The well known lyrics of “Amazing Grace” were written by John Newton in 1772. You can read more on Wikipedia. Some of the lyrics sing; “Amazing grace, how sweet the sound, that saved a wretch like me. I once was lost, but now I’m found. Was blind but now I see.”

In our key verse, David is telling the Lord that he didn’t deserve all that He had done for him. How often do we say; who am I? For me, I often think about it when I fall short to sin. 

Many artists have sung this song. A personal favorite of mine is a modernized version of Amazing Grace, from the a cappella group, Pentatonix.

Let’s pray. Dear God, Thank You for saving me. Thank You for Your unending grace that rescues me. Help me to live out my life so that others may experience this same love and grace that only You can provide. In Jesus’ name I pray, Amen.

We read in ‭‭John‬ ‭16‬:‭22‬ ‭NIV‬‬ — So with you: Now is your time of grief, but I will see you again and you will rejoice, and no one will take away your joy.

Many of you have heard the story of Horatio Spafford who wrote the song, “It Is Well With My Soul.” If you haven’t, you can read more on Wikipedia. In 1871 Horatio lost his entire family. First, his son had died of pneumonia, followed by his four other children, who drowned. Some of the lyrics include; “Whatever my lot, thou hast taught me to say, it is well, it is well with my soul.”

In our key verse John teaches us that no matter the grief we experience here on Earth, no one can take away the joy we will experience one day in our heavenly home. I am so thankful for the eternal lot that I have in Heaven. 

There are many artists who have sung this song. A version I like is by Reawaken Hymns.

Let’s pray. Dear God, Thank You that no matter what I face, I can still experience joy. Help me to rejoice through my trials so that others may see You. Help me to find joy here on earth through Your goodness that continues to follow me. In Jesus’ name I pray, Amen.

‭‭Philippians‬ ‭1‬:‭21‬ ‭ASV‬‬ — For to me to live is Christ, and to die is gain.

This week I want us to get back to our roots and worship with some old hymnal songs. One of my favorites, “Blessed Assurance” was created in 1873. The words written by Fanny Crosby and music by Phoebe Knapp. Some of the lyrics sing; “This is my story, this is my song, praising my Savior all the day long.” 

We all have a story. Would you believe that Fanny Crosby’s story includes that she was blind? In our key verse the Apostle Paul doesn’t promise the Christian life to be easy. To live in Christ is the constant pursuit to follow Him, knowing that we have the promise of eternal life no matter what our present circumstances are. 

You can read more about Blessed Assurance on Wikipedia. There are many artists that have sung this song. I personally enjoy listening to Carrie Underwood’s rendition.

Let’s pray. Dear God, Thank You for the freedom to pursue You. Help others to see You through my story. In my present circumstances, help me to remember that my story isn’t over yet. There is victory ahead. In Jesus’ name I pray, Amen.

Romans‬ ‭8‬:‭15‬ ‭NIV‬‬ — The Spirit you received does not make you slaves, so that you live in fear again; rather, the Spirit you received brought about your adoption to sonship. And by him we cry, “Abba, Father.”

Join me for See You Saturday as I talk about releasing the chains of fear and receiving the freedom we have in Christ Jesus.

‭‭Psalms‬ ‭23‬:‭4‬ ‭NIV – Even though I walk through the darkest valley, I will fear no evil, for You are with me; Your rod and Your staff, they comfort me.‬‬

Were you able to guard your heart and thoughts yesterday? It’s not easy, right? We are never promised easy. In today’s verse from David we are reminded that no matter what we are walking through, God can comfort our fears. I don’t have my earthly father to run to when life gets hard. I do have a red bird that is feeding from my bird feeder as I am writing to you today. This is my God Wink. Although my dad is not physically here to help my troubles seem small, I know he is another angel around God’s Throne to comfort me. 

We have all lost someone. Maybe it isn’t a parent but a mentor that you have looked up to. I encourage you to listen to “Jealous Of The Angels” by Donna Taggart. Be reminded that you are never alone. 

Let’s pray. Dear God, Hallelujah, Hallelujah, Hallelujah. Thank You and Your angels for comforting my fears through all of life’s troubles. May Your rod and Your staff guide and comfort me when the fear becomes too much. You know the need today. I surrender all my fears to You in holy surrender. In Jesus’ name I pray, Amen.

‭‭Psalms‬ ‭27‬:‭3‬ ‭NIV – Though an army besiege me, my heart will not fear; though war break out against me, even then I will be confident.‬‬

Do you still have what-if scenarios lingering today? As I write to you today from my bird sanctuary I am reminded that if God takes care of the birds, He will take care of me. Thank You, God, for this beautiful God Wink. Proverbs tells us that we should guard our hearts because everything flows from them (Proverbs 4:23). In today’s key verse from David we are reminded that no matter what is going on around us, we have control over our hearts. 

Guarding our hearts isn’t an option but rather a must. Each of us is responsible for his or her own boundaries and what is allowed in and out. Imagine building a guard around your heart and your thoughts. That guard is the barrier that God’s word builds over time of studying and sitting in His word. 

Let’s pray. Dear God, Thank You for Your word that acts as a barrier around my heart and thoughts. I ask that You help guard my heart and thoughts as I go about my day. I pray that I can keep the fear from taking control. No matter what war is raging around me, I know that I can do all things through You who strengthens me. In Jesus’ name I pray, Amen.