Blog – Page 14

My Strength and Song

December 29, 2021

Bird, Singer, Singing, Chirp, Tweet, Chirrup, Robin

Behold, God is my salvation, I will trust and not be afraid; ‘For Yah, the Lord, is my strength and song; He also has become my salvation.’ ”Therefore with joy you will draw water from the wells of salvation. Isaiah 12:2-3 NKJV

See the picture of that little bird? He is singing his little heart out! Do you ever do that when God blesses you real good? Do you, like me, not feel like singing your heart out in the bad times? It is tough, isn’t it! The emotion is not there.

But you know what IS there? God. His strength. His wisdom. His truth. His love. His Son. His Holy Spirit. We have so many resources at our disposal! And they are spiritual, never-ending resources! Even when we are going through trials and do not feel joy, we can still KNOW, without a single doubt, that God has our back. THAT is worth singing our little hearts out!

Because God is our strength(when we have none) He will give us a song to sing(when we have none.) What a good witness it would be to others if we sang through our trials because we knew who held us in His hand!

Dear Father, Although I do not have a trial now, I am sure there will be some to come. You tell us in Your Word that we will have problems. When those time comes, please help me do the impossible and sing my heart out to You. Remind me that I am not alone and not as weak as I feel, because You are my strength. You are awesome and I love You so much! I ask these things because I know You hear me and will answer as You will. Thank you, God! Amen

With love from the Father to you, have a great day. I pray you lean on the Lord each day, so you are able to sing about how good He is! If you have a favorite song that lifts you up, feel free to tell me what it is! Love, Tina

P.S. One of my favorite songs to sing is…My Faith Still Holds.

I thought I had to see and feel
To prove that what I loved was really real
A passion turned to ashes things I held to dust
I found reality in simple trust

My faith still holds on to the Christ of Calvary
Oh blessed Rock of Ages cleft for me
I gladly place my trust in things I can not see
My faith still holds on to the Christ of Calvary

I tried to find life’s mysteries
Just by the reason of my mind to see
But void remain between me and where I longed to be
‘Til childlike faith there built a bridge for me

And oh what joy to walk the way
I followed nailed pierced footprints all the way
Though the end of where I’m bound I may not see
I choose to place my trust in Calvary

My faith still holds on to the Christ of Calvary
Oh blessed Rock of Ages cleft for me
I gladly place my trust in things I can not see
My faith still holds on to the Christ of Calvary

Songwriters: Bill Gaither / Gloria L Gaither My Faith Still Holds lyrics © Gaither Music Co., Hanna Street Music

Like An Elevator

December 29, 2021

The Lord sustains all who fall and raises up all who are bowed down. Psalm 145:14

There’s an old song that I love and it’s about love. It’s called, ‘Love Lifted Me.’ James Rowe wrote this is 1912!The words tell the story of a sinner saved when God’s love lifted Him out of the angry waves of sin. God is the master of the sea, the One who made the Sea, the One who made us. He hears our need and answers with love that lifts us from our sin or sorrow, so love is a lifter, sort of like an elevator!

Love is an elevator? Yep! As elevators work for people that need to be lifted, over and over again. God’s love is like that. He lifts the needy from wherever they are, to the higher place they need to go.

He raises the poor from the dust and lifts the needy from the ash heap; he seats them with princes, with the princes of his people. Psalm 113:7-8

The idea of love being the lifting agent is priceless. Why? Because we can all love someone else, thereby lifting their day, burden or their worries. Love is like an elevator for people that need a positive lift. We can all be elevators, of sorts. Please excuse the cheesy, simplistic analogy, but sometimes it takes a silly analogy to really grasp great things of God. (At least for me!)

God’s a lifter. I’m a lifter. Wouldn’t you like to be a lifter too? (This reminds me of the old Dr. Pepper commercial…you who are old like me will get that!)

Dear God, I want to be an elevator of sorts. Help me to carry someone to a higher more positive place by caring about them. Remind me when I am down, that others feel that way sometimes, too. Help me to recognize that and be a lifter. Thank You for lifting me above the world’s problems and giving me peace. I love You so much! Tina

With love from our awesome Father to you, have a great day. If you get a chance, be a lifter. It’s fun! Love, Tina

My Strength and Song

December 28, 2021

P.S. One of my favorite songs to sing is…My Faith Still Holds.

I thought I had to see and feel
To prove that what I loved was really real
A passion turned to ashes things I held to dust
I found reality in simple trust

My faith still holds on to the Christ of Calvary
Oh blessed Rock of Ages cleft for me
I gladly place my trust in things I can not see
My faith still holds on to the Christ of Calvary

I tried to find life’s mysteries
Just by the reason of my mind to see
But void remain between me and where I longed to be
‘Til childlike faith there built a bridge for me

And oh what joy to walk the way
I followed nailed pierced footprints all the way
Though the end of where I’m bound I may not see
I choose to place my trust in Calvary

My faith still holds on to the Christ of Calvary
Oh blessed Rock of Ages cleft for me
I gladly place my trust in things I can not see
My faith still holds on to the Christ of Calvary

Songwriters: Bill Gaither / Gloria L Gaither My Faith Still Holds lyrics © Gaither Music Co., Hanna Street Music

Hide and Seek

December 27, 2021

“Who can hide in secret places that I cannot see them?” declares the Lord. “Do I not fill heaven and earth?” declares the Lord. Jeremiah 23:24

As a kid, did you play hide and seek with your friends or siblings? How fun was it to try and fool them and remain hidden the longest! We cannot hide from God, though we may try. I admit… I have hoped, a time or two, that God would look the other way when I strayed from where I should be. But, as His Word says, He fills up heaven and earth, so He is everywhere.

When we are tempted to sin, it is actually a relief to know that He sees everything. It is a good thing that we cannot hide from God, nor can we hide anything we do from Him. He always sees us, because He is always there, caring for us. I have often said that I feel like God is our cheerleader. He is on the sidelines encouraging us to do our best and when we fail, He still cheers for us to get back up and try again. He tells us we can do the impossible with Him.

Whether the sin be pride or selfishness or any matter of the soul that no one else can see, God sees it. It is something to be thankful for. We do not have to play a game to find Him. We just need to seek Him in prayer and He always comes.

Dear Lord- You are so perfectly what I need. Thank You for always watching me and cheering me on. Knowing You are doing so with Your merciful eyes and loving heart, makes me know You love me. Please help friends and loved ones who are going through trials. Won’t you please show me how I can make a difference at this holiday time, for them? Make me their cheerleader. You are the best and I love You so much! Amen

With love from our Father who is our greatest cheerleader and Father, have a wonderful day! Happy New Year to you! With many blessings, Tina

My Favorite Comforter

December 24, 2021

In the multitude of my anxieties within me, Your comfort delights my soul. Psalm 94:19

Do you have a favorite comforter that you snuggle in, say for movies? Maybe you had a hard day and at the end of the day you look forward to relaxing in the comfort of your favorite blanket on the sofa? Our favorite things are things that are tried and true and work for us. They comfort us like a friend. The dog’s blanket or a towel or a coat won’t do when I am stressed or tired. As old as I am, I still like my own, soft, warm, comforting blanket to relax in.

In the same way, we can relax in Jesus’ arms. He is our greatest comforter! Always available before we even seek Him, He is ready to meet our needs. We can go to Him at any time and get the rest and comfort we need. All it takes is a word from us and we have His comfort at our right hand. His comfort is special and spiritual and soothes the soul. His warmth penetrates our hurts and stress and, if we let Him, He takes them from us. He replaces them with hope and love. Is there anything more comforting than His love? Nope!

We can call on God’s own Son! Does that thought blow your mind? It does mine. I can talk to the creator of the universe and His only beloved Son…and He hears and answers me!!! He does the same for anyone who calls on His name. It is that simple and that amazing. Just say His name…Jesus…and revel in the warmth it brings. Jesus is my favorite comforter!

Dear Jesus, Thank You for being there for me, even before I realize I need You. What a joy to know I can call on You and You will comfort me. Your grace and mercy to me are much appreciated. As I try to do the best I can here on earth, help me to do my best for YOU. You can call on me, count on me to do Your will. Remind me to use the comfort You give me to comfort others. I just love you so much! Amen.

With love from our Father, have a wonderful day and week. When you wrap up in a comforter or blanket next, remember the best comforter ever, Jesus. Love, Tina

Take Five

December 23, 2021

Sun, Five, Dawn, Sunset, Girl, Hand, Hat

So do not fear, for I am with you; do not be dismayed, for I am your God. I will strengthen you and help you; I will uphold you with my righteous right hand. Isaiah 41:10 NIV

Good morning! I thought we would try something new! I don’t know about you, but I find that I need verses in the morning to set my focus for the day. God guides us with His righteous right hand, so how about we apply His Word to our hand, one finger at a time? It will be like giving God a high five for His Word that sustains us! I think this will help me and I hope you get benefit from it too!

A- (thumb)All to You I surrender

All the ways of the Lord are loving and faithful toward those who keep the demands of his covenant. Psalm 25:10

B-(pointer finger)Be my guide today

I will instruct you and teach you in the way you should go; I will counsel you with my eye upon you. Psalm 32:8

C- (middle finger) Create in me a clean heart

Create in me a clean heart, O God, And renew a steadfast spirit within me. Psalm 51:10

D- (ring finger)Do not let me be anxious

Do not fear, for I am with you; do not be dismayed, for I am your God. Isaiah 41:10

E- (pinky) Encourage me to encourage others

Each of us should please our neighbors for their good, to build them up. Romans 15:2

Dear Lord,

Please help me with Your Holy Spirit, to submit all to You and follow Your commandments. Thank You for being my constant help. Create in me a clean heart. This is something I cannot do myself. When I am afraid, remind me that I am listening to someone other than You. Encourage me to encourage others. Help me to see things from another’s perspective and be sensitive to their needs and meet them as You would have me do. I ask these things because I love You and need You and desire to serve You. Amen

With love from our awesome Father to you, may you have a blessed day and week. In the busyness, remember how much God loves you. Love, Tina

On the Way to Forever

December 22, 2021

For I reckon that the sufferings of this present time are not worthy to be compared with the glory which shall be revealed in us. Romans 8:18 KJV

I came down to my office with a heavy urging to have God help me write something that matters, something that will encourage you and myself, too, something from the Word of God. Just saying those three words…Word of God…how blessed are we to have that resource of truth and hope?! Not only that, but we can have the Word and hope inside us, with us, every second of every day!

As humans, we forget that we are totally provided for and supported by God, especially when the enemy tempts us to fix things ourselves. We need to remember that God is our fix! We should also remember that our current sufferings are just that, current. They will not last forever!

We are on our way to forever and we need to suffer a bit, perhaps to appreciate God’s strength, Jesus’ teaching and the Holy Spirit’s guidance. It is too much for our brains to figure out all the whys of this world or life, but God has it all planned. Since we are on our way to forever, we can trust the One who made the forever plan!

Thank you for reading! I pray to the Father that you have a great day and holiday week and you feel the joy and hope of Jesus in your heart for now and always. He was born just for us! Love, Tina

Light Came to Earth

December 21, 2021

Today is a poetry day! I was thinking of the Christmas story when I wrote this. Jesus’ birthday is coming up and I just want to marvel in the purpose of His life. He had one purpose…to do God’s will. Isn’t that amazing? He did not come to accomplish one thing for Himself. It was all for us. I hope you know Jesus and also still marvel at His light that changed our world and hearts forever.

Light Came to Earth

Light came to earth by virgin birth, salvation to fulfill.

He took His place. Our Jesus graced a cross, died on a hill.

Death could not stand against God’s plan, so breath and life returned.

God’s success was Jesus’ best, the dark of death was spurned!

Now Jesus lives and longs to give, says, “Please abide in me.”

His birthday’s near, good cause to cheer for all eternity!!

Dear Jesus,

Thank You for loving me and saving me. Never let me forget all that You did for me, because God wanted You to. Thank You for obeying our Father and help me to do that, too. I love You so much! Amen

With love from our Father to you,

Have a beautiful day and make someone else’s day beautiful, too!

TIna

It’s Time to Praise Him!

December 20, 2021

Folks, I have been absent a bit and have missed writing. You know how life hits you hard and it kind of stops you in your tracks? Yeah, that happened to us this last month. However…no matter what is going on in our lives, what emotions, doubts or insecurities we may face…it is ALWAYS time to praise the Lord! Why? He has never failed us yet! He always hears us! He loves us! He has a plan for us! He died for us!

So…on that note….

This is a poem I wrote while looking out my office window at a mountain. Mountains always make me think of Jesus and Mt. Calvary. It was just a hill, but oh, what a mountain of clove was spilled there!

My office window frames a scene
scene of peaks with purple hue
hue that brings to mind your mount
Mount Calvary, I love you true.

Upon your hill, the world was changed
changed when Jesus paid sin’s due
due to grace spilled on your mount
Mount Calvary, I love you true.

I long to see you, mountain friend
friend that quaked as mercy grew
grew by volumes on your mount
Mount Calvary, I love you true.

copyright © 2021 Christina Crute

Dear Jesus,

Looking at a beautiful mountain makes me think of the hill you died on. But then You lived again and still do! Thank You for what You did for me that day, before I even knew I needed YouThere are millions of thank-yous I owe You. Please see inside my heart and know how grateful I am. Your birthday is coming up. What can I do for You to show how much I love You? Please bless all my friends and family and church with Your loving care as we navigate a tough time in our country. Help us to still be like You, even more so and love others as You love us. Amen

Friends, have a wonderful Lord’s Day! With love from the Father to you…

Tina

Momma’s Songs

December 3, 2021

Good morning! Here’s a poem you may enjoy if you grew up on gospel music. I wrote this a few days ago, about my Mom who played and sang gospel music to me for years. She is in heaven now, but I am grateful for her!

This image has an empty alt attribute; its file name is img_20211126_214703580-1.jpg

Momma’s Songs
I gaze upon the sunshine in the sky
and wonder where it went in eighty-two.
The day my Momma died, it disappeared
and left me in the dark without a clue.

For solace, I began to sing her songs,
for Jesus songs were ones that she adored
and as the notes fell from these lips of mine,
I felt her teaching me about her Lord.

Through her piano keys, she played her part
with melodies that mothered eighteen years.
I now remember every gospel tune.
Each lyric echoes lessons in my ears.

I didn’t know that she would leave that soon
and felt so unprepared to be so strong,
But God knew everything and had a plan
for me to grow up leaning on her songs.

Of course I wish my Momma was still here,
but I can’t fault the Lord for anything,
for if I want the sun to shine again,
He tells me all I have to do is sing.

I hope you all have a great day in the Lord, praising Him and singing songs:)

About midnight Paul and Silas were praying and singing hymns to God, and the other prisoners were listening to them. Acts 16:25

Tina