Spreading love, joy, peace, faith & unity

Posts tagged ‘scripture’

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.”

Category:

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

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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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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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Playful Pup

Today our 9 1/2 month old pup, Kenny, received a new toy in the mail from our bonus daughter, Laina. She seems to find just the right things for us and for Kenny, and manages to send them just when we need them most. Cookies and a book for Bob. A special message and gift for me… her timing and choices are perfect! Kenny really is enjoying his new toy:

Kenny is so playful! He heard this video and it really set him off!

I hope you are having a lovely, playful start to summer, too.
Kenny wears himself out and then goes to sleep.
Cheers, my friends!

Happy 2nd day of Summer.
I hope you’re having beautiful weather.
Our rainbow tonight as beautiful as they come!!

God bless you and give you peace.
We need peace in this world.
Let’s create it in the corner where we are!

God bless you all… and pray with me for peace in this troubled world.

John 14:27 

Peace I leave with you;
my peace I give to you.
Not as the world gives do I give to you.
Let not your hearts be troubled,
neither let them be afraid.

Love to you from
JanBeek

Category:

Animals, Bible Lessons, Life's Challenges, Living in Christ's Family, Love, peace

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How D’ya Wanna Die?

We’re all gonna die someday.
How d’ya wanna die?

When you’re in your mid-80’s
and both your parents
died before their 90th birthdays,
it’s natural to think about your own death.

It’s the winter season of my life.
Family and friends are leaving
this earth before me.
Many are a decade or more younger than I.

Yesterday I received a message from a friend.
Her husband has been battling lung cancer
I’ve been praying for him and his wife daily.
He developed pneumonia recently.

Along with his other health issues,
lung cancer and interstitial lung disease,
she wrote, “That wasn’t a good mix!”
Sadly, he passed away.

But soon the “sadly” changed to “gratitude.”
She continued, telling me, “… alert, no pain,
and telling stories right up to the end.”
What a wonderful blessing that was!


No, this isn’t him, but I can imagine the scene.
“All of us were with him,” she wrote.
“He said he was ready to meet Jesus.
His faith was unbelievably strong.

He let everybody know he was joyfully checking out.”
My friend played Merle Haggard’s song on her cell phone:
Sing Me Back Home, and put the phone by his ear.
He smiled, closed his eyes, “So long ’til we meet on the other side.”

How d’ya wanna die?
I’ve decided my friend’s scenario
is the one I want when I leave this earth.
How about you?

Luke 23:43 

And he said to him,
“Truly, I say to you,
today you will be with me in paradise.”


I want to hear those words, too.
But not too soon, okay?

Love,
JanBeek

Category:

Aging Gracefully, Bible Lessons, Faith, God, Jesus, Life and Death, Living in Christ's Family, Love, music, Poetry

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Oh My! T is for Trouble!!

T is for Trouble!
KT is for Kenny Trouble!!
How long do you think it took Kenny to remove these 8 tassels?

Where did they come from?
Oh, my poor pillow!!
Four tassels gone from each end!!!
I was up in my sanctuary having my peaceful time in prayer, Bible study, and devotionals. And Kenny?
He was barking at Bob to come play with him!
Bob didn’t see him sitting by the door asking to go out. A dump in the floor was the consequence.
Oh my!!!

Kenny sure can get into trouble when we don’t pay attention to him.

We need to keep our noses alert to Kenny trouble!

How about you?
Do you spell trouble with a capital T when you’re ignored?

Yup, me, too!

Facing Trials

In the journey of faith, we encounter various trials that test our strength, resilience and patience. The Bible reminds us that facing troubles is part of life, and rather than shunning them, we can embrace them as opportunities for growth. These challenges, while tough at the moment, can refine our character and deepen our reliance on God. By reflecting on Bible verses about troubles, we can find encouragement and hope, realizing that God walks with us every step of the way. Our “Oh My!” can change to “Oh Thanks!” as we turn in prayer with those trials. God, will You play with Kenny?

“Consider it pure joy, my brothers and sisters, whenever you face trials of many kinds, because you know that the testing of your faith produces perseverance.” – James 1:2-3

“And the God of all grace, who called you to his eternal glory in Christ, after you have suffered a little while, will himself restore you and make you strong, firm and steadfast.” – 1 Peter 5:10

Ah yes… God will make us strong and steadfast. But God, will You restore my pillow?
And what about this rambunctious Kenny? Oh my, will You send over a playmate for him?
Oh, and while You are at it, will you send over a buyer for our kayak? It’s too heavy for Bob to manage it these days. We took it down from its hooks on the garage ceiling… and it’s sitting outside waiting for the right person to come and buy it … and enjoy many years of kayaking fun (just as we have).

Kenny would love to go out on Ennis Lake with it. Wouldn’t you?
Oh my! I need to do my French lesson
and this pup wants to play.
Come play with him!!

Sending playful fun your way.
Hugs, too…
from
JanBeek

Category:

Animals, Bible Lessons, Faith, humor, Life's Challenges, Love, pets, prayer, Serving One Another

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Dec. 16- Word of the Day

The word for today is:
REPAIR

All the AI images depicted
a man’s hands with tools.

Is that what image comes to mind
when you think of the word
REPAIR?

Since I am in a healing mode after my nasty fall when we were in Italy,
and my leg is healing from an ugly cut earlier this month,
my image for repair comes from a different place.
I am looking for God to repair my body!
Here is scripture assuring me,
He will do that!!

Jeremiah 30:17a

“For I will restore health to you,
and your wounds I will heal, declares the Lord…”

God uses the healing hands of His servants
to help repair our bodies when they need it.
I am so grateful for the physical therapist,
the nurses, and the doctors who help
to repair our wounds, our breaks, our cuts,
our boo-boos!!

What comes to mind for you
when you think of the word
REPAIR?

Maybe it is the repair of a broken relationship.
If so, I willl pray that this Christmas season
with God’s help, you can do that!
God bless you with whatever repair you need.
I pray it will come to pass!

See you tomorrow for another
Word of the Day!

Love,
JanBeek

Category:

Bible Lessons, blessings, friendship, God, health, Life's Challenges

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Dec. 14 -Word of the Day

Using the prompts from @sanctifiedart,
I am enjoying the opportunity to share
the “Words for the Beginning”
each day with you during this Advent season.

Today’s Word is:
GOODNESS
When I put the prompt in AI, it generated
an assortment of blond, blue-eyed,
smiling 20-year-old females.
I kept asking AI to try again until finally it
generated something different.
I got this!

Goodness me!
That’s not what the word conjures up in my mind.
When I think of goodness, I think of the innocence
of babies and young children
and the unconditional love of our furry friends
(maybe that’s what that AI image is depicting).

These are the images that come to my mind
when I think of the word GOODNESS.

I also think of the goodness of a meal lovingly prepared
and shared generously with friends.

Photo by Kaboompics .com on Pexels.com

I asked Bob what image comes to mind
when he hears the word GOODNESS.
His answer surprised me. He said,
“Mothers… and the loving environment a good mother creates.
THAT’S GOODNESS!”

The goodness a good mother exudes
is certainly multiplied when she has
the support of her children’s father, too.
Loving families RADIATE goodness!

What does the Bible say about goodness?

There is more about the root word, GOOD,
than there is about GOODNESS.

So, goodness is a God-like quality in people.
It is a purity and innocence in children and animals.
It is a gift of delectable taste from a skilled chef.
It is a unifying force in a family.

You don’t have to be a 20-something, blue-eyed blond
to exhibit goodness!!
You are in the land of the living…
and goodness is in you
and all around you.
All you have to do is open your heart to it
and exhibit the goodness that is in you!

Aren’t you grateful for that?

What image does the word GOODNESS bring to your mind?

Join me again tomorrow for another
Word of the Day.

Love ya,
JanBeek

P.S. My maiden name is DeAngeles.
It means “Of Angels.”
Do you see the angelic goodness in me?

Category:

Bible Lessons, children, Faith, kindness, Living in Christ's Family, Living in Harmony, Love, pets, relationships

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Dec. 13 Word of the Day

Happy Friday the 13th to you!
Using the prompts from @sanctifiedart,
I am enjoying the opportunity to share
the “Words for the Beginning”
each day with you during this Advent season.

Today’s Word is:

When I put the prompt in AI, it generated the word above.
What image would you display if you were depicting enough?
Here is my choice:

Bob Perks wrote that poem
Unfortunately, he often doesn’t get credit for it.
He has a book by the same title,
but it is no longer in print.
I love this poem… and Bob Perks!

Several others have used his theme
and written their own “Enough” poems.
Here is another.

This poem was posted on New Years Eve 2013
Posted by blogger, Doina , at 11:11 PM 

I want to join the bloggers who are wishing you enough.
May you live with a sense of “Enough” by:
1. Counting your blessings
2. Knowing you have more than 99.9% of all the folks on earth
3. Focusing on your can’s, not your can’ts
4. Appreciating your HAVEs and not worrying about the HAVE NOTs
5. Reaching out in love to those who have less
6. Prioritizing your needs – and allowing your faith to guide you

My office used to look a little like this:

Obviously I had more than enough “stuff.”
Getting rid of the excess,
Clearing out the clutter
Helped me receive that sense of ENOUGH.

My desk will never look as clean as these:

If I had to maintain that level of cleanliness,
I would be fired in a nano-second!
So, there is a middle ground on this sense of “enough.”
God does bless us with “stuff.” It’s not all bad.
But the key is moderation, don’t you think?

Share what you have. Reach out to those without.
God will bless your generosity.
Ask for what you need. That’s okay!!
And remember, YOU are enough, too!!

If you have “enough,”
make your requests
on behalf of others’ needs!

God bless you, dear blogging friends.
May this be a day of “Enoughness” for you.
Friday the 13th can be your lucky day!

See ya tomorrow
with another
“Word of the Day.”

Love,
JanBeek

Category:

Bible Lessons, blessings, God, Gratitude, Love, optimism, Poetry, prayer

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