Evening Song - I Must Tell Jesus

Psalm 102:1 A Prayer of the afflicted, when he is overwhelmed, and poureth out his complaint before the LORD. Hear my prayer, O LORD, and let my cry come unto thee. 

Psalm 109:26 Help me, O LORD my God: O save me according to thy mercy: 

Matthew 11:28-30 Come unto me, all ye that labour and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you, and learn of me; for I am meek and lowly in heart: and ye shall find rest unto your souls. For my yoke is easy, and my burden is light. 

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The Thousand Word Project - Moss Roses

 

Portulaca - Moss Roses

Should Christians Be In Hollywood, Politics, and other Nasties?

Originally published Oct. 26, 2010.  Edited.

Psalm 101:3-7 I will set no wicked thing before mine eyes: I hate the work of them that turn aside; it shall not cleave to me. A froward heart shall depart from me: I will not know a wicked person. Whoso privily slandereth his neighbour, him will I cut off: him that hath an high look and a proud heart will not I suffer. Mine eyes shall be upon the faithful of the land, that they may dwell with me: he that walketh in a perfect way, he shall serve me. He that worketh deceit shall not dwell within my house: he that telleth lies shall not tarry in my sight.

This passage struck me as a good reason for Christians to stay out of politics, Hollywood, Nashville (and the secular music industry in general), and other ungodly professions or areas of life. If you go down through the verses above and think about the things that go on in politics and Hollywood, the entertainment industry, etc., you can see how difficult and even impossible it would be for a Christian to work among and with these people. 

How would it be possible to avoid seeing wicked things in Hollywood, for example? In fact, that’s what Hollywood (and Bollywood) are largely about – making wicked things for people to look at. And, being involved with those kinds of people would make it very difficult to avoid contact with it. 

The gaming world is another area that is full of ungodly and wicked things. My own husband, as a programmer, has knowledge of how difficult it is for a Christian to find a place in the gaming world and to still live by the high calling of God in Christ Jesus (Phil. 3:14). Indeed, we might say it is impossible outside of having one's own private company. And, in addition to this, the whole world of artificial intelligence (AI), is highly suspect as much of it tends to lend itself to wicked uses, if not in its original intent, then down the road a bit when it is utilized for some wicked end. 

Politics is full of wicked people, but it requires those who are involved in it to treat these people with respect and to even “work deals” with them at times in order to get legislation passed. This is not to say that it is in every case impossible, since Daniel worked and lived in Babylon as part of the government and was connected to a lot of nasty people in that job. But, he was a captive at the time and didn't have much choice, and he very nearly died for his faithfulness to God (as did he three friends).

Those with high looks and proud hearts are very common in Hollywood, politics, Nashville/the secular music industry, etc. It kind of goes with the territory. If you don’t think rather highly of yourself you probably won’t make it, especially in politics. (In fact, I might be so bold as to say that it’s impossible to make it in modern politics if you don’t think a lot of yourself and your abilities.)

Those who walk in a perfect way are pretty scarce in these areas as well. And, if one won’t hang around with liars, politics is absolutely out. Yes, I know that God is true and every man is a liar (Rom. 3:4) but politicians excel at it. It is undoubtedly a necessary ability to “make it” in that profession more than most. And just to be clear, it doesn't seem to matter how conservative or "honorable" the person is, sooner or later they will have to live to keep their position, or they will have to leave it.

Although David was not always perfect in acting out these things, it was the desire of his heart. I cannot imagine him condoning politics, Hollywood, Nashville, Bollywood, etc. in our day as a place for a Christian to find a profession or make a living. I have to admit that I always kind of wonder about Christians who say they want a career or life work in one of those areas. I have known of some who tried and couldn’t do it with a clear conscience, or were forced out because they wouldn’t run to the same excess of riot (1 Peter 4:3-4).  In some political cases I suspect they just couldn’t “get the votes” because they didn’t promote themselves enough – they weren’t proud. A few actors who are professing Christians appear to manage it, but sadly it seems to be only that - an appearance. Most of the time you will find they ended up in some film or T.V. show which they really had no business being part of as a Christian. (1 Thessalonians 5:22  Abstain from all appearance of evil.) 

To be the friend of sinners in the way that the Lord Jesus was when He lived on this earth is one thing, but to associate and dwell among these sort of people or in these professions is something else altogether. It reminds me of Lot who “pitched his tent toward Sodom” (Gen. 13:12) and ended up living among them and finally in a terrible mess.

Ephesians 4:17-19 This I say therefore, and testify in the Lord, that ye henceforth walk not as other Gentiles walk, in the vanity of their mind, Having the understanding darkened, being alienated from the life of God through the ignorance that is in them, because of the blindness of their heart: Who being past feeling have given themselves over unto lasciviousness, to work all uncleanness with greediness.

1 Peter 4:1-4 Forasmuch then as Christ hath suffered for us in the flesh, arm yourselves likewise with the same mind: for he that hath suffered in the flesh hath ceased from sin; That he no longer should live the rest of his time in the flesh to the lusts of men, but to the will of God. For the time past of our life may suffice us to have wrought the will of the Gentiles, when we walked in lasciviousness, lusts, excess of wine, revellings, banquetings, and abominable idolatries: Wherein they think it strange that ye run not with them to the same excess of riot, speaking evil of you:

It seems like it would be very hard to make it in Hollywood, politics, etc. and not do the will of the Gentiles. It would be hard, if not impossible, to do the will of God while living and working in those fields. 

It may seem odd that I would address this here, but truly there are too many Christians who believe that it is their job to "win the war on culture" (a fake battle meant to distract from the real warfare - the spiritual one). Because of this thinking and those who are pushing it, there are some who think it is great to get their kids involved in politics early and encourage them in that direction. I can't speak for other countries, but in the U.S. we also have an element of trying to compete with or be involved with Hollywood and the entertainment world in general which leads people into things that cannot be glorifying to God.

It's something to think about, especially if you are in a position to influence someone looking in any of those directions.

Evening Song - Sin Will Take Your Farther

John 8:34-36 Jesus answered them, Verily, verily, I say unto you, Whosoever committeth sin is the servant of sin. And the servant abideth not in the house for ever: but the Son abideth ever. If the Son therefore shall make you free, ye shall be free indeed. 

Romans 6:6-8 Knowing this, that our old man is crucified with him, that the body of sin might be destroyed, that henceforth we should not serve sin. For he that is dead is freed from sin. Now if we be dead with Christ, we believe that we shall also live with him: 

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Texas Memories - Artichokes

 

My dad grew these artichokes. They were perennials, so they came back a year or two, as I recall. These were not the variety that you would find in the grocery store. These are the buds. The following picture I think was from the next year.

FREE Vintage Graphic - Psalm 138:8

Here is another vintage graphic that I edited. I got the original graphic somewhere online. I made some changes and added the verse. You can save the image from here, but it will not be very high quality. You can get it in higher quality if you go over and download it here. (Use the download button on the left.) 

If you wish to use this online, please do not link to the graphic from either of my locations. Save it to your own computer and then upload it to the place where you store graphics online for you own use. Thank you. 

[Note: It's OK to link the graphic from here only if you are sharing the link to this specific post on my blog - either on your own blog or in social media.] :-)

Enjoy!

A Good Reminder – Faith Is Rest

"Faith is rest, not toil. It is the giving up all the former weary efforts to do or feel something good, in order to induce God to love and pardon; and the calm reception of the truth so long rejected, that God is not waiting for any such inducements, but loves and pardons of His own goodwill, and is showing that goodwill to any sinner who will come to Him on such a footing, casting away his own poor performances or goodnesses, and relying implicitly upon the free love of Him who so loved the world that He gave His only-begotten Son." Horatius Bonar

Galatians 3:11-14 But that no man is justified by the law in the sight of God, it is evident: for, The just shall live by faith. And the law is not of faith: but, The man that doeth them shall live in them. Christ hath redeemed us from the curse of the law, being made a curse for us: for it is written, Cursed is every one that hangeth on a tree: That the blessing of Abraham might come on the Gentiles through Jesus Christ; that we might receive the promise of the Spirit through faith.

"This is such a good reminder that faith is resting in what God has given us through Jesus Christ in His death on the cross." - Elizabeth Van Nattan (my mom)

(First published here Oct. 2011)

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I was having a conversation with my brother this past week and was reminded of this quote by Horatius Bonar. It is so easy to fall into the way of thinking that faith is work or that somehow our works add to our faith. True faith does produce good works, as we read in James, but faith itself is rest, not work. It is resting in Christ's finished work and knowing that He is sufficient, He finished to work of salvation on Calvaty, and we are complete in Him.

Romans 10:17 So then faith cometh by hearing, and hearing by the word of God.

Are you having trouble having faith? Get into God's word. Notice it doesn't say that faith cometh by preaching. Not by theology, not Christian fiction, not philosophy, not following a Christian personality, not watching cheesy (or even good) Christian videos on YouTube. Hearing the word of God. Read it out loud. Listen to it online or recordings. Read it. Read it. :-) 

Evening Song - Rejoice, the Lord Is King

Psalm 149:1-2 Praise ye the LORD. Sing unto the LORD a new song, and his praise in the congregation of saints. Let Israel rejoice in him that made him: let the children of Zion be joyful in their King. 

Zechariah 9:9 Rejoice greatly, O daughter of Zion; shout, O daughter of Jerusalem: behold, thy King cometh unto thee: he is just, and having salvation; lowly, and riding upon an ass, and upon a colt the foal of an ass. 

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Texas Memories - Noodle Beans

 

These noodle beans made a lot of food, however, the consistency was just a little weird and they didn't can or freeze well. I don't remember if my dad grew them one or two years before we decided that ordinary green beans were more to our liking. Plus, if you tried to cook them without cutting them up they just looked weird. Like earthworms. Yeah, not the most appetizing thing to have on your plate, unless you happen to like earthworms. 

A Simple Denim Rag Quilt

Photo property of Simple Inspirations.

Here is a link to instructions for a simple denim rag quilt. This is posted at the blog of "Sister in the Mid-West" - Simple Inspirations.

Denim Rag Quilt

This quilt is a good way to use up denim scraps, old clothing, and other fabric scraps as well. I'm not sure, but I think you could make this with corduroy in place of the denim, although, that might get a bit messy, and you might not want the super bulky types. :-)

Following Jesus

Mark 2:14 And as he passed by, he saw Levi the son of Alphaeus sitting at the receipt of custom, and said unto him, Follow me. And he arose and followed him. 

John 10:27 My sheep hear my voice, and I know them, and they follow me: 

1 Peter 2:21 For even hereunto were ye called: because Christ also suffered for us, leaving us an example, that ye should follow his steps: 

Follow Thou Me

Follow - not go ahead at thine own pleasure,
Nor turn aside at thine own wayward will,
Nor stray afar in search of other treasure,
But close at hand, where I can aid thee still;
Across the sea and through the desert places,
Onward and upward by the one sure way,
Till thou shalt sit with me in heavenly places
Amid the splendors of eternal day.

And - follow thou; for thee my call is sounded;
All that I suffered - was it not for thee?
For thee my soul was bruised, my body wounded,
I died, from sin and death to set thee free;
No other hand could write thine own life-story,
No other make thy choice of gain or loss,
No other win and wear thy crown of glory,
No other lift and bear thy destined cross.

Follow thou me - though stranger voices hail thee,
I am the way and there is none beside;
There is no other staff that shall not fail thee,
There is no other eye than mine to guide;
There is no other shepherd who can fold thee
By such still waters, in such pastures fair;
There is no other arm can safely hold thee
In doubt and danger, darkness and despair.

Trust me to lead thee home to God and heaven;
What others do or say is naught to thee;
No other light, no other truth, is given;
Follow - follow thou - follow me.

By Annie Johnson Flint

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Evening Song - Are You Washed In the Blood?

1 John 1:7 But if we walk in the light, as he is in the light, we have fellowship one with another, and the blood of Jesus Christ his Son cleanseth us from all sin. 

Hebrews 9:13-14 For if the blood of bulls and of goats, and the ashes of an heifer sprinkling the unclean, sanctifieth to the purifying of the flesh: How much more shall the blood of Christ, who through the eternal Spirit offered himself without spot to God, purge your conscience from dead works to serve the living God? 

Revelation 1:4-5 John to the seven churches which are in Asia: Grace be unto you, and peace, from him which is, and which was, and which is to come; and from the seven Spirits which are before his throne; And from Jesus Christ, who is the faithful witness, and the first begotten of the dead, and the prince of the kings of the earth. Unto him that loved us, and washed us from our sins in his own blood, 

The Thousand Word Project - Pick A Pepper

Dear Struggling Mother, We See You...

Dear Struggling Mother,

We see you. We see you and we are not judging you the way you may be feeling judged. No, I'm not speaking for everyone. Obviously I can't. But there are more of us than you may think.

We see you struggling with that baby that is giving you sleepless nights or is constantly sick. We see your tired eyes and that you don't believe that it will ever end. Sometimes we wish we could do more to help. We also know that this time is limited and won't last forever. We can't make it go away. We watch and feel your pain as you stand quietly and try to politely listen to that lady who has lost touch with reality offer more "helpful" advice than you need. We know she is thinking that somehow that will make it better. You know it won't and we know it won't, and we appreciate your frustration and your patience with people hard to bear. We see you. We're on your team. Even, when we forget ourselves and are that "helpful" lady.

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Evening Song - I Am Not Worthy

Psalm 115:1 Not unto us, O LORD, not unto us, but unto thy name give glory, for thy mercy, and for thy truth's sake. 

1 Timothy 1:15 This is a faithful saying, and worthy of all acceptation, that Christ Jesus came into the world to save sinners; of whom I am chief. 

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Feel Good Friday - The Cowboy Painter

A Texas artist who is recording the life the cowboy.

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