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Archive for the ‘Faith’ Category

Peace and Love

Good morning to you
Hope you have a happy day
Filled with peace and love

The world’s in turmoil
But in my heart there is peace
It comes from my faith

I know God’s in charge
I know I have no control
Over behavior

Others’ behavior
Others’ mindset and actions
Are beyond my reach

Pray serenity
Is yours today and always
Let’s just love, okay?

Hugs,
JanBeek

  1. Matthew 5:9 – “Blessed are the peacemakers, for they shall be called sons of God.”
  2. James 3:18 – “And a harvest of righteousness is sown in peace by those who make peace.”
  3. Romans 12:18 – “If possible, so far as it depends on you, live peaceably with all.”
  4. Colossians 3:15 – “And let the peace of Christ rule in your hearts, to which indeed you were called in one body.”
  5. Proverbs 12:20 – “Deceit is in the heart of those who devise evil, but those who plan peace have joy.”
  6. Isaiah 52:7 – “How beautiful upon the mountains are the feet of him who brings good news, who publishes peace.”

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Bible Lessons, Faith, God, Haiku, happiness, Life's Challenges, Living in Harmony, Love, optimism, peace, Poetry, prayer

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In the Wilderness

The sermon title at church today was “In the Wilderness.”
The message by our interim pastor, Brian Conklin,
was inspired by Matthew 4:1-11

Jesus Is Tested in the Wilderness

4 Then Jesus was led by the Spirit into the wilderness to be tempted[a] by the devil. 2 After fasting forty days and forty nights, he was hungry. 3 The tempter came to him and said, “If you are the Son of God, tell these stones to become bread.”

4 Jesus answered, “It is written: ‘Man shall not live on bread alone, but on every word that comes from the mouth of God.’[b]”

5 Then the devil took him to the holy city and had him stand on the highest point of the temple. 6 “If you are the Son of God,” he said, “throw yourself down. For it is written:

“‘He will command his angels concerning you,
    and they will lift you up in their hands,
    so that you will not strike your foot against a stone.’[c]”

7 Jesus answered him, “It is also written: ‘Do not put the Lord your God to the test.’[d]”

8 Again, the devil took him to a very high mountain and showed him all the kingdoms of the world and their splendor. 9 “All this I will give you,” he said, “if you will bow down and worship me.”

10 Jesus said to him, “Away from me, Satan! For it is written: ‘Worship the Lord your God, and serve him only.’[e]”

11 Then the devil left him, and angels came and attended him.

Here are the sermon notes I took as I listened to today’s message:

It’s no accident
That Jesus ends up
In the wilderness

It’s a place of clarity
He spent forty days –
Forty days and nights there

These forty days of Lent
Are our chance, like Jesus,
To stand up for our beliefs

What happens in the wilderness
Doesn’t stay in the wilderness
Jesus rejects political power

The promise of the Gospel
Is that God has gone –
He has gone ahead of us

Like our Lord Jesus,
We venture into the wilderness
It’s a place that propels us forward

In seasons of disorientation
We wander without a clear end in sight
We feel alone, but God is ahead of us

Instead of feeling overwhelmed
Accept Jesus’ inspiration
Let God catch and shape us

Gain inspiration in the wilderness
It comes when we walk with Jesus
May we gain clarity of purpose

May we walk with courage
May we wander with a clear end in sight
And let the wilderness propel us forward.

Amen?
Amen!!


What’s your wilderness experience?

Love ya,
JanBeek

Category:

Bible Lessons, Faith, God, Jesus, Life's Challenges, Love, Poetry, sermon notes

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What Do You Seek?

Photo by icon0.com on Pexels.com

{{{Donna}}} posted this on her blog 6 years ago at https://thefathersfeet.wordpress.com/ She quoted Matthew … and I decided to repost this today to follow up on my post from yesterday where I explored the subject of seeking happiness. What are you seeking? {{{Donna}}} chose this:

Matthew 6:33-34 “But seek first the kingdom of God and his righteousness, and all these things will be added to you. … Each day has enough trouble of its own… Seek the Kingdom of God above all else, and live … So don’t worry about tomorrow, because tomorrow will have its own worries. … “So do not worry about tomorrow; for tomorrow will care for itself.”

I asked Donna, “Do you know that song?”
She replied, “I do!” and then she sent me the song she was singing.

Here’s the one I was singing:

“Seek ye first the kingdom of God…”

Here I am up in my sanctuary…
early morning squished head!!

What is it you seek?
Is it the Kingdom of God?
Let’s pursue God first.

What are “all these things”? The scripture was referring to food and clothing… the basics… and reminding us how God takes care of the birds and the lilies of the field.

When I pursue the Kingdom of God and His righteousness,
I am seeking His wisdom.
I am seeking the peace that only He can give.
I am seeking understanding
and the deep compassion
that God’s Son taught us.
I am seeking to exemplify His love ❤️
and the joy that comes with Trust in His Promises.
🙏🏽 I seek His righteousness
so that I may exhibit greater patience,
kindness,
gentleness,
and goodness.

Seek Ye first the kingdom of God … and all these things will be given unto you.

Jesus prays with me each day!

Romans 12:2
“Do not be conformed to this world,
but be transformed by the renewing of your minds,
so that you may discern what is the will of God –
what is good and acceptable and perfect.”

Pray for discernment
I love the Lord’s perfect will
Freckles and lashes!!

SnapChat can do wonders!

Hah!!

Do not let the world
Trick you into seeking pride –
It’s a dead-end street.

Do not let the world
Trick you into seeking wealth –
Not in hoarded coins.

Do not let the world
Tell you what to dream about –
Look in God’s Word.

Photo by Luis Quintero on Pexels.com

Let the Son set you free.
You shall know the Truth
And the Truth shall set you free.
Trust in the Lord with all your heart.
In all your ways acknowledge Him.

I pray for you, my friend…
For your health, happiness, safety,
And for God to guide you in His Way.


God bless you!
See you tomorrow.
Love,
JanBeek

Category:

Bible Lessons, blessings, contentment, Faith, Family, friendship, God, Haiku, Jesus, Life's Challenges, Living in Christ's Family, Love, music, peace, Poetry, prayer, truth

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Keep the Faith

Today’s message of hope was revealed
Through the scriptures with deep joy
And peace that passeth understanding:
Do not become withdrawn or discouraged.

Keep the faith, reach out and serve.
Set down what isn’t yours and pick up what is.
Love those around you; lift others up.
Psalm 27:1, 5 spoke to me today.

Psalms 27 of David.

1 The Lord is my light and my salvation—

whom shall I fear?

The Lord is the stronghold of my life—

of whom shall I be afraid?

5 For in the day of trouble

He will keep me safe in His dwelling;

He will hide me in the shelter of his sacred tent

and set me high upon a rock…

We are called to leave what was …

Leave that over which we have no control.

Step out into a great light and rejoice –

Bring gladness into your new, uplifting role.

Keep the faith and walk in the light;

Spread hope and joy and gladness everywhere.

Be so positive and helpful and vibrant

That your faith and light give out hope to spare!

In Hope and Faith and Love,
JanBeek

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Category:

Bible Lessons, Faith, Living in Christ's Family, Love, optimism, Poetry

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Take Joy!

The following poem was inspired by the message from our visiting pastor this morning, Phil Taylen.

Be anxious about nothing
Let your requests be known
To God who hears your pleas
In you, His love has always shone

Read one chapter of Philippians each day for a week
Your life will catch the contagious joy
God has a plan for your life
He’s sending that message daily through His Boy!

Don’t let your struggles pull you down
Lean on Jesus and celebrate His love
Behold, the Savior of the world is here
God sent His Son for us from Heaven above.

Philippians 2:2
New International Version
then make my joy complete by being like-minded, having the same love, being one in spirit and of one mind.
New Living Translation
Then make me truly happy by agreeing wholeheartedly with each other, loving one another, and working together with one mind and purpose.
English Standard Version
complete my joy by being of the same mind, having the same love, being in full accord and of one mind.

Hallelujah!
Take Joy!!

Love,
JanBeek

Category:

Bible Lessons, Faith, God, Love, Poetry

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Prayers Appreciated

Bob’s in surgery as I type this. He’s getting a cochlear implant. Praying the surgery goes without a hitch and the end result will bring him back into the world of better hearing. Prayers appreciated.

Bob was prepped by very excellent folks here at Billings Hospital

Love from

JanBeek

Tis the season!

Category:

Faith, health, Life's Challenges, prayer

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People on the Way

Sermon notes from Brian Conklin‘s message
at Madison Valley Presbyterian Church today.

Isaiah painted a picture
of people on their way.
They arrive atop a mountain
Where everyone has their say.

Nations shall not rise up
Against other nations anymore.
Isaiah promises our future
Will hold that peace from shore to shore.

We’re all moving toward God’s judgement.
Our hope is rooted to God’s future.
Romans 13:11-14 says, “Live like people
Who are headed for the dawn.”

God is asking us to wake up
And be a people on the move…
Moving toward God’s promised peace.
Pick God’s goals as The Way you choose.

Don’t stop, my friends. The hike is worth it.
The view is stunning from the top.
You’re on a journey to the new Kingdom.
So, be reminded: keep engaged; don’t stop.

Live in a way that causes you to see
There is a beautiful Kingdom to come.
Love, pursue peace, and resist darkness.
Walk in the light of the Lord. Don’t be dumb!

No, Brian’s sermon didn’t include “Don’t be dumb!”
I had to add that cuz it caught my mood – – –
And besides, I needed something that rhymed with kingdom!

Happy first day of Advent! Did you go to church today?
If so, what message did you take away?
What does this Advent season mean to you?

Love ya,
Thanks for visiting
JanBeek

Category:

Bible Lessons, Faith, God, Jesus, Living in Harmony, peace

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Holding On to Hope

The inspired, hopeful scripture
and another inspirational Sunday sermon
from our dear Interim Pastor,
Brian Conklin,
yesterday at
Madison Valley Presbyterian Church

The Glorious New Creation

17 For I am about to create new heavens
    and a new earth;
the former things shall not be remembered
    or come to mind.
18 But be glad and rejoice forever
    in what I am creating,
for I am about to create Jerusalem as a joy
    and its people as a delight.
19 I will rejoice in Jerusalem
    and delight in my people;
no more shall the sound of weeping be heard in it
    or the cry of distress.
20 No more shall there be in it
    an infant who lives but a few days
    or an old person who does not live out a lifetime,
for one who dies at a hundred years will be considered a youth,
    and one who falls short of a hundred will be considered accursed.
21 They shall build houses and inhabit them;
    they shall plant vineyards and eat their fruit.
22 They shall not build and another inhabit;
    they shall not plant and another eat,
for like the days of a tree shall the days of my people be,
    and my chosen shall long enjoy the work of their hands.
23 They shall not labor in vain
    or bear children for calamity,[a]
for they shall be offspring blessed by the Lord—
    and their descendants as well.
24 Before they call I will answer,
    while they are yet speaking I will hear.
25 The wolf and the lamb shall feed together;
    the lion shall eat straw like the ox,
    but the serpent—its food shall be dust!
They shall not hurt or destroy
    on all my holy mountain,
            says the Lord.

The world seems very fragile
Seems everything’s falling apart
Between despair and hope we are
Wondering how to take heart

Promises and warnings go hand in hand
Isaiah speaks of a new world beginning
He promises the Kingdom has arrived
But Luke reports Jesus’ warnings of sinning

Luke 21:5-19
NRSV Updated Edition

The Destruction of the Temple Foretold

5 When some were speaking about the temple, how it was adorned with beautiful stones and gifts dedicated to God, he said, 6 “As for these things that you see, the days will come when not one stone will be left upon another; all will be thrown down.”

Signs and Persecutions

7 They asked him, “Teacher, when will this be, and what will be the sign that this is about to take place?” 8 And he said, “Beware that you are not led astray, for many will come in my name and say, ‘I am he!’[a] and, ‘The time is near!’[b] Do not go after them.

9 “When you hear of wars and insurrections, do not be terrified, for these things must take place first, but the end will not follow immediately.” 10 Then he said to them, “Nation will rise against nation and kingdom against kingdom; 11 there will be great earthquakes and in various places famines and plagues, and there will be dreadful portents and great signs from heaven.

12 “But before all this occurs, they will arrest you and persecute you; they will hand you over to synagogues and prisons, and you will be brought before kings and governors because of my name. 13 This will give you an opportunity to testify. 14 So make up your minds not to prepare your defense in advance, 15 for I will give you words[c] and a wisdom that none of your opponents will be able to withstand or contradict. 16 You will be betrayed even by parents and siblings, by relatives and friends, and they will put some of you to death. 17 You will be hated by all because of my name. 18 But not a hair of your head will perish. 19 By your endurance you will gain your souls.

Jesus tells of a world that trembles
He encourages us to stand and endure
“By your endurance you will save your soul”
Dig deep into your heart and persevere

We’re caught between joy and sorrow
We’re asked to trust God even when we
Can’t see evidence of His promises
The Kingdom of God is now and not yet to see

Where you see the church planted, you see
Signposts that point to the kingdom to come
God’s love wins out over human nature
So keep speaking peace over poverty and slum

God’s love holds us together when we feel
The world is falling apart at the seams
May we see even now glimpses of this
New Heaven and New Earth – and know what it means.

Amen?

Love,
JanBeek

Category:

Belief, Bible Lessons, blessings, Faith, God, Living in Christ's Family, optimism, Poetry, sermon notes

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Favorite Place

Daily writing prompt
What is your favorite place to go in your city?
View all responses

It won’t surprise you
That my favorite place
Is not in a city
It’s not far from my space

It’s my sanctuary
Up a circular flight of stairs
I talk with Jesus there
And give Him all my cares!

Come and join me there!

Hugs,
JanBeek

Category:

Faith, Jesus, Poetry, prayer

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In the Shadow…

Ps. 17:8
Keep me as the apple of your eye;
    hide me in the shadow of your wings

The smiling face below belongs to our interim pastor, Brian Conklin, who delivered a beautiful sermon Sunday inspired by the prayer of David found in Psalm 17. I posted my sermon notes here and then (while messing around on WordPress on my phone), I accidentally erased the post. Some of my friends saw it before the mishap, I hope. Anyway… heeeeeere’s Brian…

And heeeere’s “A prayer of David”

1 Hear me, Lord, my plea is just;
    listen to my cry.
Hear my prayer—
    it does not rise from deceitful lips.
2 Let my vindication come from you;
    may your eyes see what is right.

3 Though you probe my heart,
    though you examine me at night and test me,
you will find that I have planned no evil;
    my mouth has not transgressed.
4 Though people tried to bribe me,
    I have kept myself from the ways of the violent
    through what your lips have commanded.
5 My steps have held to your paths;
    my feet have not stumbled.

6 I call on you, my God, for you will answer me;
    turn your ear to me and hear my prayer.
7 Show me the wonders of your great love,
    you who save by your right hand
    those who take refuge in you from their foes.
8 Keep me as the apple of your eye;
    hide me in the shadow of your wings
9 from the wicked who are out to destroy me,
    from my mortal enemies who surround me.

Heaven knows, I need to be one of those protected chicks under “the shadow of your wings!”

Can’t redo what I lost… Need to get to bed.
Oh well…

See ya tomorrow. It’ll be a better day.

Love,
JanBeek

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Bible Lessons, blessings, Faith, God, Jesus, Living in Christ's Family, Love, Montana, Poetry, sermon notes, writing

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