Spreading love, joy, peace, faith & unity

Posts tagged ‘scripture’

Quench Thirst With Living Water

timelapse photography off water fountain
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Quench my thirst, Lord,
With Your Living Water clear.
Bring me peace from you to help me
Feel Your love and know You’re near.

crop woman sitting near sea
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Drench me in Your Living Water;
Wash my sins from head to toe.
Help me know Your saving Grace
Make me pure as fresh, white snow.

person holding white heart decor
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Quench my thirst for Living Water
By sending me Your love anew.
Help me feel Your healing power
And share with others my love for You.

person cleaning hands under water
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John 4:13-15
ESV

Jesus said to her,
“Everyone who drinks of this water 
will be thirsty again,
but whoever drinks of the water 
that I will give him
will never be thirsty again.”

Come down to the Living Waters. We welcome you!

Have a blessed Tuesday evening – and a Wonderful Wednesday!

Love,

JanBeek

Category:

Bible Lessons, Faith, God, Jesus, Living in Christ's Family, Living in Harmony, Love, music, peace, Poetry

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Don’t Understand

What’s something most people don’t understand?

If “most people” are folks like me,
they don’t understand
why bad things
happen to good people
and some “bad people” seem to prosper.

Evil is not cute!

Why do some evil folks
seem to accumulate wealth & comfort
while the righteous suffer poverty, loneliness, and pain?

I want the bad to be punished
and the good to be rewarded.

Why doesn’t it seem to work that way
in too many cases!?

Let Justice Reign!

Amos 5:24 
ESV

“But let justice roll down like waters,
and righteousness like an ever-flowing stream.”

Amen?

Thanks for visiting today
and letting me know:
What’s something YOU don’t understand?

JanBeek

See ya tomorrow.
Have a Terrific Tuesday!

Category:

life, Life's Challenges, mental health, relationships, Serving One Another

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Let’s Laugh!

Humor
Freely shared
Increases your endorphins
Good for your health
Laughter

OK, so you don’t wear earrings?
Well, we all go to bed at night, right?
How about this one:

We all need snacks, correct?
What’s your favorite?
This was Bob’s choice:

Bob is the original cookie monster!
But I like salty things…
And then they make me thirsty.

John 4:14 
ESV 

But whoever drinks of the water
that I will give him
will never be thirsty again.
The water that I will give him
will become in him
a spring of water
welling up to eternal life.”

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Job 8:21: 

“He will once again
fill your mouth with laughter
and your lips with shouts of joy.”

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Hear children’s laughter
Nothing makes me happier
Let’s share some of it

Have a laughing kind of day!
What makes you laugh the most?

God bless you with
joy,
laughter,
and
untold happiness.

Love & Silly Smiles,
JanBeek

Category:

children, Faith, happiness, humor, Living in Harmony, Love, mental health, music, Poetry, relationships

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Got Wisdom?

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They talk about the wise old owl –
But is he really wise?
He looks menacing to me –
Just take a gander at his eyes!

Did God make some birds wiser
Than the rest of birds and folks?
I know He made some funnier –
Some share the greatest jokes!

Animals do the darndest things –
You know God made them smart.
Where do humans get such wisdom?
Where do we go for a start?

The Bible is full of ideas
for finding wisdom and where.
I think a lot of different books
Suggest that wisdom’s there.

You can search the shelves forever
And find words to the wise, for sure.
But if you want to GAIN that wisdom,
Go first to the Book that’s pure.

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No, it doesn’t take a lot of searching.
The Book is the most ever sold.
Every word in it is God breathed –
It’s the wisest story ever told.

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James 3:17-18

“But the wisdom
that comes from heaven
is first of all
* pure, then
* peace-loving,
* considerate,
* submissive,
* full of mercy, and
* good fruit,
* impartial, and
* sincere.
Peacemakers who sow in
peace raise a harvest
of righteousness.”

Righteousness = free from guilt or sin; justifiable; genuine & excellent.

Hah! There are Bible coloring books,
But they are for beginners who want to start
Getting used to those Bible stories
Before taking them to heart.

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If you want an apple from the Teacher,
Don’t search Google for the book.
Just go to your own Bible, my friends.
You’ll find wisdom there, if you look.

Don’t let it sit upon the shelf
Gathering cobwebs, dust and dirt.
Take it down, dust it off, and read.
Gaining a little more wisdom never hurt!

Proverbs 1:7

The fear of the LORD is the beginning of knowledge;
fools despise wisdom and instruction.

Kristyn Getty has such a pure and sweet voice.
The words to this song are wise indeed.
I hope you’ll take time to listen and enjoy.
Gaining God’s wisdom is an every day need.

God bless you, dear friends.
May His wisdom increase in you every day.
May you dress yourself daily in His strength!

Sending you love, hugs, and best wishes
for a happy, healthy, and wise Friday.
JanBeek

Category:

Bible Lessons, Faith, God, learning, Life's Challenges, Living in Christ's Family, Love, mental health, music, Poetry, prayer

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Show Up and Never Give Up!

Let all that you do be done in love.  

1 Corinthians 16:14

Above all,
keep loving one another earnestly,
since love covers a multitude of sins.

 1 Peter 4:8

May the God of hope
fill you with all joy
and peace in believing,
so that by the power of the Holy Spirit 
you may abound in hope.

Romans 15:13

For God gave us a spirit not of fear

but of power and love and self-control.  

2 Timothy 1:7

John 14:26 
ESV

But the Helper, the Holy Spirit,
whom the Father will send in my name,
He will teach you all things
and
bring to your remembrance
all that I have said to you.

Romans 8:37 
ESV

No,
in all these things
we are
more than conquerors
through Him who loved us.

Get up – dress up – show up!

And never give up!

Galatians 6:9 
ESV 

And let us not grow weary
of doing good,
for in due season we will reap,
if we do not give up.

I’m never giving up
I want to be proud
Of who I’m becoming
With God’s help
I’m reaching for the sky
I’m gonna get up
Dress up
Show up
and
Never give up

You, too?

I pray you have
wonderful neighbors/friends
who come, help, encourage
and inspire you
in your Daily Walk,
like we do!

Yes, count your blessings!

I made green eggs and ham
yesterday for St. Patrick’s Day
and then we shared
corned beef and cabbage
with those dear neighbors
who inspire us
to get up, dress up,
show up, and
never give up.

What have you done recently
to thank those who inspire you
to show up everyday
and never give up?

I send my love and encouragement to you.
Thanks for showing up at JanBeek
and encouraging me to keep on
keepin’ on!

I love you!

Photo by Pixabay on Pexels.com

Here is some very soothing music
to calm your spirit
as you get up,
show up,
and
never give up!

Enjoy!!

Have a blessed weekend!
Hugs,
JanBeek

Category:

Bible Lessons, blessings, courage, Faith, friendship, Giving, God, kindness, Life's Challenges, Living in Christ's Family, Love, mental health, music, peace, Poetry, relationships, Serving One Another

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Happy International Women’s Day!

As a senior woman who has enjoyed eight decades of life on this earth (8+ and still counting) , I am here to tell you that women all over the world need to be celebrated every day … not just one day a year!

I mean, gosh, where would the guys be if it weren’t for us gals in the kitchen? They’d be hurting, that’s for sure!

That’s not to say all the guys are stupid. No, I didn’t say that! Heck, my daughter would be in a world of hurt if she lived without her husband! He’s got the kitchen! Her apartment doesn’t even have a hot plate!

And in addition to the kitchen, he has the wine cellar! Not too dumb, that guy! Let’s celebrate International Women who know how to pick ‘em!!

And how about International Women who keep all their marbles intact while managing to find their phone, keys, and glasses before heading out for their executive board meetings?

Now, don’t get me wrong – – – I’m not saying you have to be beautiful on the outside to be a celebrated woman. But, it helps to shed your caterpillar skin and learn to fly! Even if you stay earth-bound, you can fly from one multi-task to another, right? There’s something quite gorgeous about what all those celebrated international women can get done!!

I don’t know what that had to do with International Women’s Day, but it made me laugh 😹 And I guess that’s one thing all us ladies can agree on, right? Laughter is great medicine – and we need more of it in this world!

And we need more compassion. More hand holding. More understanding. More reaching out in love 😻

Photo by Stokpic on Pexels.com

Thank you, International Women, and all you men out there who appreciate us. We appreciate you, too.

Wouldn’t be many of us around if it weren’t for you!

Photo by Flickr on Pexels.com

Who’s some “international Woman” that you appreciate today? I love all those who’ve got us covered with their love and laughter and far-reaching kindness.

I Love YOU, ❤️ janbeek😍

Category:

friendship, God, happiness, humor, kindness, Life's Challenges, Love, relationships

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Being Human

“Humans don’t always know how to be human.”
That was the sentence that caught my attention
In last Sunday’s sermon about love.
Is loving one another our sincere intention?

Most of us know the Bible’s definition;
We’ve heard the scripture countless times.
But reading it, saying it, and doing it
Aren’t the same – not even sometimes.

Mary Grace Reynolds took the topic
Of love on Super Bowl Sunday
(The week of Valentine’s Day)
And related it to a movie and play.

The movie was “Remember the Titans.”
The play was football and dance.
Some newly integrated football players
Were brought together by chance.

Photo by football wife on Pexels.com


On the football field they never joined
Together and danced as one.
During practice their coach
Sent the players out on a run.

The coach stopped them at
Gettysburg – a place of war –
A place where 50,000 men died
Fighting the fight we’ve fought before.

Take a lesson from the dead;
Come together on hallowed ground.
Learn to play in harmony.
Set aside prejudice; let oneness be found.

Push yourself aside for the good
Of the whole – learn to love.
Display the honest hope and possibilities
Born of God – born to hug and not shove.

The Galatians had the same problem –
Fighting, arguing, not loving.
Paul wrote a letter to them,
Encouraging huddling, not shoving!

Galatians 3:19-29

Paul says we are wearing the identity of Christ
and while we come from difference,
and difference is beauty.
We are nothing except Christians

Galatians 5

Like the Titans, we have to change our actions and attitudes.
We have to put on the uniform and come ready to win.
Recognize we as the players need one another.
Remember we are the players,
not the coach.

Photo by Kampus Production on Pexels.com

Come ready to play the game
Of patience forgiveness, and love,
Do not be a slave to estrangement.
Take coaching from our God above.

Faith working through love frees us –
So be careful you don’t get eaten up
By the ways we differ – find unity.
Play to win – not to get beaten up!

Let God teach us to be human.
Christ is our coach – always!
He made us to play together in peace.
Let’s claim that identity and give God the praise.

Amen?

You will know I am human –
You will know I was made by God
to love you and guard your dignity
by my love!

Love to you…
and hugs in unity
from
JanBeek

Category:

Bible Lessons, God, Life's Challenges, Living in Christ's Family, Living in Harmony, Love, music, Poetry, sermon notes

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A Valentine Message

I first posted this message 4 years ago, but it is timeless – – – and it is worth reposting as February 14th is tomorrow and we all are thinking seriously about the topic of LOVE, right?

What is TRUE love? And how do we exhibit it? How do we receive it? What is its origin? Poets have written of love for centuries. None resonates more perfectly to me than the words of love in the Bible, like Romans 12.

“Love must be sincere.

Hate what is evil; cling to what is good.

Be devoted to one another in brotherly love.

Honor one another above yourselves.

Never be lacking in zeal, but keep your spiritual fervor, serving the Lord.

Be joyful in hope, patient in affliction, faithful in prayer.

Share with God’s people who are in need.

Practice hospitality.”

…. Romans 12:9-13

No better Valentine’s message of love ever has been written. To add to it, go to your Bible and read the next few verses, Romans 12:14-16 … and get caught up in the wonderful message of Jesus’ love!

Of course, the scripture that often is read at weddings is also one that must not be forgotten:

1 Corinthians 13:4-8
New International Version

4 Love is patient, love is kind. It does not envy, it does not boast, it is not proud. 5 It does not dishonor others, it is not self-seeking, it is not easily angered, it keeps no record of wrongs. 6 Love does not delight in evil but rejoices with the truth. 7 It always protects, always trusts, always hopes, always perseveres.

8 Love never fails. But where there are prophecies, they will cease; where there are tongues, they will be stilled; where there is knowledge, it will pass away.

My blogging friend, Sue Dreamwalker, wrote today, “So, keep love in your hearts for each other and all living creatures.  And remember to love yourself…”
This was popular in the 50’s when I was growing up. It is one of my all-time favorites!

Love is more than just a game or two.
Two in love can make it…
Take my heart and please don’t break it!

Have a wonderful, love-filled Valentine’s Day!

Hugs to you and your loved ones,
JanBeek (& Bob, too)

Category:

Bible Lessons, Giving, Jesus, Living in Harmony, Love, Serving One Another

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Let’s Laugh!

Dr. David Jeremiah, whose “Turning Point” devotional is a favorite of mine each morning, quoted Orison Marden today, “Laughter begins in the lungs and diaphragm, setting the liver, stomach, and other internal organs into a quick, jelly-like vibration, which gives a pleasant sensation and exercise, almost equal to that of horseback riding.”[1]

Dr. Jeremiah continued his devotional, “Most of us worry more than we laugh. But remember, ‘A merry heart does good, like medicine’’ (Proverbs 17:22). In Luke 6:21, Jesus promised laughter to the weeping. We’ll enjoy many good laughs in the cheerfulness of heaven, but don’t wait until then. Cultivate a merry heart now. Instead of focusing on what might be, focus on what will be.

Dr. Jeremiah reminded us to, “Keep your mind regulated by the reality of God’s eternity. When we focus on life eternal, we diminish the worry of temporal things. Cheerfulness is knowing God has us today, and He also has tomorrow under His perfect control.”

Then he quoted a distant relative of my husband, Bob’s, Henry Ward Beecher, he was Harriet Beecher Stow’s brother:

“Mirth is God’s medicine.
Everybody ought to bathe in it.
Grim care…anxiety,
all this rust of life,
ought to be scoured off
by the oil of mirth.

So, let’s laugh! Let’s adopt “Mirth” as our medicine for today. OK?

Some humor is too true to be funny, but I laugh anyway!

Lots of people found COVID reasons to keep laughing…

Doesn’t need to be Friday to smile…
We can laugh any day that ends in a “Y”
Yay!

Laughter doesn’t have an age limit.
In fact, the more you laugh
and stir up those ” internal organs into a quick,
jelly-like vibrations” the better off you’ll be
at all ages!

Dogs always are good for a laugh in my book!
Every time we have lost one of our furry friends,
Bob says he doesn’t want another dog.
Can’t go through the pain of loss again…

Yup, he’s saying that now…
No more dogs!
Hah! We’ll see…

Some jokes are too trashy to be funny.
I prefer to laugh at clean jokes like this one:

“What do newborns and seniors have in common? They’ll both nap anywhere.”

Okay, okay…
Like I said,
“Some jokes are too true to be funny!”

I see you smiling!
Come on… let it out …
Laugh!

Enough already!
Keep smiling!
It’s the best look you can have!

See ya tomorrow.

Love & Hugs,
JanBeek

Category:

Aging Gracefully, Bible Lessons, happiness, humor, Life's Challenges, Living in Harmony, Love, mental health, pets

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It’s Tomorrow!

I said yesterday,
“See ya tomorrow.”
But today is tomorrow
And it’s almost gone!

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Today
Is Tomorrow
It’s February First
How’d your day go?
Swish!!

Photo by Tara Winstead on Pexels.com

Today
Buzzed by
Snowplows were working
Week’s mail was overwhelming
Whew!!

Matthew 6:25
Therefore I tell you,
do not worry about your life,
what you will eat or drink;
or about your body,
what you will wear.
Is not life more than food,
and the body more than clothes?

Today
Is gone
Tomorrow is coming
Plan for the best
Relax

See you tomorrow…
For sure!
What will you be doing?

Lots of Love,
JanBeek

Category:

Bible Lessons, Gratitude, life, Life's Challenges, Poetry

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