Redeemer Reigns (A-to-Z Challenge)

R

RedeemerChrist Jesus whom I exalt, who rescued me from my

E

Egypt,  land of slavery to deceiving demons of:

D

Darkness and delusion which debilitate, damn, discount, denigrate, demolish; and deem and declare “Defeat”~

E

Each loss, You restore…You right the fallen and the wronged…You’re the only one who can~

E

Every remedy for what ails this heart and soul is in Your hands of healing, in Your Voice, The Word…and so I

M

Meditate on the Gospel–it’s not a single Good News meal, but a feast of continual Truth and Grace that gives Life and Light~

E

Each day I need saving, for Life is so “life-y” (fraught with challenges)–You are my Savior, and my salvation~

R

Redeemer Christ, who reigns as God for all Eternity–please, make haste to return…Your people ardently await that Day of Perfect Glory.

©V.Sparrow, 2024

ONE (A-to-Z Challenge & NaPoWriMo/GloPoWriMo)

Could not imagine

I’d marry very wrong one

Harsh wedded desert–

Small girlhood dreams romantic

Seemed modest, simple request

Never meant to be–

God had more perfect story

Draft He’d written, saved

For silvered later season

Solitude, He gifted me

~

Some shun solo life

Fear silence’ shivered embrace

Quiet suited me–

Heart did not long for children

Normal world of family days

~

Mine are rich, brimfull

No lonely moments–indeed

Finest adventure–

Chosen by the One, my Lord

His ever-warm company

©V.Sparrow, 2024

Love and Light to See (A-to-Z Challenge)

💖

Light of dismayed World

For eyes that see

God’s Love which hung

On Calvary’s tree…

But Jesus rose, He lives

To blast chains–call souls free…

He reserved my place

At Heaven’s table

In blessed Eternity

His Light burns deep

Deep within, that I

Might shine His Hope

To others ’round me–near

And far across the seas…

Those with fading, waiting

Hearts, needing only a spark

To see–but it’s really not

‘All about me’–

Jesus’ love is bigger, greatest

Mankind will ever meet

Though His face is hid

In those we nod to, pass

On any ordinary street

He touches, loves everyone

Brings His Light to lives

Turned dim by burdens

Sorrows which can’t be

Borne anymore–

He restores what’s

Lost, having paid the cost

Today, He still heals and

Feeds multitudes…

Please don’t hear this

As platitude

Just because there’s

Paucity of Good News

Even now He’s rescuing

 Lifting someone up…

I know, because often

He’s lifted me ~ loves and

Unveils more Light to see

©V.Sparrow, 2024

LIGHT

But the path of the just (righteous) is like the light of dawn, That shines brighter and brighter until [it reaches its full strength and glory in] the perfect day. Proverbs 4:18, AMP

Once more Jesus addressed the crowd. He said, “I am the Light of the world. He who follows Me will not walk in the darkness, but will have the Light of life.” John 8:12, AMP

LOVE

No one has greater love [nor stronger commitment] than to lay down his own life for his friends. John 19:15, AMP

and walk continually in love [that is, value one another—practice empathy and compassion, unselfishly seeking the best for others], just as Christ also loved you and gave Himself up for us, an offering and sacrifice to God [slain for you, so that it became] a sweet fragrance. Ephesians 5:2

Known by God (A-to-Z Challenge) Acrostic Poem

~~†~~

“KNOWN”

K

Known by Him, my Father God (long before I ever was born), known as His very own! 

N

Now I know I’m deeply loved, as He is kind–with enduring kindness.  For He created me, you see, and remembers I’m nought but dust…oh I love Him so, and honor Him…His heart is where I’ve locked my trust.

O

One blessed day I’ll meet Him face to face, know Him fully–just as He has always and quite thoroughly known me!

W

When this imperfect time has passed (mere blurred reflection, riddle, enigma)–I’ll live with Him, in His Kingdom–where love, truth, faithfulness do meet…and righteousness and peace kiss!  Then His glory’s colored fragments will be revealed, complete–everyone will view His multi-faceted majesty.

N

Nowadays, I wait…not always patient…but in hope, expectant.  Soon The King, my Father, will return and take me home–my heart will overflow with awe, joy, thankfulness…He’ll hear me squeal, so happy!

©V.Sparrow, 2024 (“K” word Bible verses for reference below)

KINGDOM of GOD

Your kingdom is an everlasting kingdom, and Your dominion endures through all generations. The LORD is faithful in all His words and kind in all His actions. Psalm 145:13, Berean Standard Bible

For the kingdom of God is not in word, but in power. I Corinth 4:20, KJB

There shall be no end to the increase of His government and of peace, [He shall rule] on the throne of David and over his kingdom, To establish it and to uphold it with justice and righteousness From that time forward and forevermore. The zeal of the LORD of hosts will accomplish this. Isaiah 9:7, AMP

HOLY KISS

Greet one another with a holy kiss., 2 Corinth 13:12, AMP

Greet one another with the kiss of Christian love. May peace be with all of you who belong to Christ. I Peter 5:14, Good News Translation

10Steadfast love and truth and faithfulness meet together;

Righteousness and peace kiss each other.

11Truth springs from the earth,

And righteousness looks down from heaven. Psalm 85:10-11, AMP

KNOWN By GOD

To the Chief Musician. A Psalm of David. O LORD, you have searched me [thoroughly] and have known me. Psalm 139:1, AMP

13As a father is kind to his children,

so the LORD is kind to those who honor him.

14He knows what we are made of;

he remembers that we are dust. Psalm  103: 13-14, Good News Translation

Who [faithfully] remembered us in our lowly condition, For His lovingkindness endures forever; Psalm 136:23, AMP

For those whom He foreknew, He also predestined to become conformed to the image of His Son, so that He would be the firstborn among many brothers and sisters; Romans 8:29, NASB

For now [in this time of imperfection] we see in a mirror dimly [a blurred reflection, a riddle, an enigma], but then [when the time of perfection comes we will see reality] face to face. Now I know in part [just in fragments], but then I will know fully, just as I have been fully known [by God]. 1 Corinth 13:12, AMP

But if anyone loves God [with awe-filled reverence, obedience and gratitude], he is known by Him [as His very own and is greatly loved]. 1 Corinth 8:3, AMP

 

Ageing In True Identity (A-to-Z Challenge)

Alright-y then, this post is about ageing/maturing in my true identity:  by understanding God’s identityand through Him, mine.

And I confess, but probably won’t repent…I’ve pretty much given up on succeeding at Brevity😉.

†††

I remember years ago hearing the term “identity crisis”.  People–young and old–were going here and there, trying to “find themselves”.  I don’t recall that phase of my life, if it occurred in adolescence.  What is certain now that I’m officially “old”, is that I’m without question or doubt about my identity

I’m very clear and secure in the knowledge that I’m a beloved daughter of the One True God, my dear Father in HeavenAnd if it took a long while to finally own and wear that name, I’m okay with that–better late than never.

I want to speak about God bringing His people out from slavery in Eypt, a historic and heroic rescue that is both REAL and fascinating. 

I imagine that many Believers speak of experiencing their own “Egypt”, metaphorically.  I do–it encompasses the decades filled with hardship, whether by another’s hands or my own ignorant and rebellious decisions…Egypt, the years of struggle before my epiphany in 2011.

It’s nothing short of miraculous (as it was for the people Moses set free, at God’s direction) that the Lord brought me out of a hard Past, into a land of freedom I often call “The Land of Hallelujah!”  So much to overcome, but the Lord has faithfully stuck by me, leading the way.  Thus, part of God’s identity is Rescuer, Redeemer and Restorer.

As with the Israelites who went on to encounter multiple wildernesses, Christians like myself will likely have seasons of wildernessafter leaving Egypt

Life on Earth is not going to be a smooth ride, so I had to toss that prayerful expectation aside, and cut back on my complaining.  There are lessons in store as long as we’re breathing air.  I could either learn the hard way, or learn with God’s grace–I continue to choose Grace.

I’ve learned that wildernesses needn’t be dreaded or feared–because the Lord always, always tucks blessings & treasures among my burdens & trials.  I just have to be watching & listening so I don’t miss them! 

He’s a GOOD God, a LOVING Father, a FAITHFUL Provider and Guardian.  He loves to bless us, and calls us to “boldly” come to Him for whatever we need–big and small requests are always accepted. 

How He answers prayers involves my trust–I truly believe He only gives me the BEST, so trusting has become easier.  But, it’s not a great idea for me to always submit a list of specifics regarding “time-frame–and/or–who, what and how much”. 

Approaching Him that way isn’t a sin, or “impolite”–I can ask for anything (‘in Jesus’ name’), but I need to hold my preferences lightly because:  “My thoughts are nothing like your thoughts,” says the LORD. “And my ways are far beyond anything you could imagine.” (Isaiah 55:8, NLT) 

This is a seriously Good Deal!

He’s the Much More God (and wealthy Father) and I’m taking Him at His Word–to ASK for MORE.  Everyday I need more wisdom and discernment, more grace and guidance–and when I ASK, HE SUPPLIES. 

Why?  Because, my identity is “God’s beloved daughter”.  And His identity is all about loving, giving, helping, fixing, restoring–everything you’d want in a Father…but this one is PERFECT.

PS x 3:

I’m repeating myself, I know–but I wish I’d caught the revelations I share in these posts before I’d reached 59.  There was so much to learn–the riches of God’s Word, the abundant blessings of being in close relationship with Him–but He did graciously fast-track me so that at 71, I know a few things!

I realize we’re not even half-way through April, and I’ve copied out a goodly portion of the Bible!  But I figure if some folks are reluctant to pick up the whole big heavy book…they just might be inclined to read a few verses here and there in my A-to-Z Challenge posts…ya never know, I’m just sayin’–not intentionally pushing.😊

The scripture verses that follow describe some aspects of God’s identity–and how a person’s identity can be connected to His (IF you “Believe in the Lord Jesus [as your personal Savior and entrust yourself to Him] and you will be saved, you and your household [if they also believe].” Act 16:31, AMP.

God bless you, Everyone…with Much More!💙

©V.Sparrow, 2024

For you [who are born-again have been reborn from above—spiritually transformed, renewed, sanctified and] are all children of God [set apart for His purpose with full rights and privileges] through faith in Christ Jesus. Galatians 3:26, AMP

See what an incredible quality of love the Father has shown to us, that we would [be permitted to] be named and called and counted the children of God! And so we are! …Beloved, we are [even here and] now children of God, and it is not yet made clear what we will be [after His coming]. We know that when He comes and is revealed, we will [as His children] be like Him, because we will see Him just as He is [in all His glory]. 1 John 3:1-2, AMP

But by the [remarkable] grace of God I am what I am, and His grace toward me was not without effect. I Corinth 15:10, AMP

This is what the LORD, your Redeemer, the Holy One of Israel says: I am the LORD your God, who teaches you for your benefit, who leads you in the way you should go. Isaiah 48:17, Christian Standard Bible

“I am the Alpha and the Omega [the Beginning and the End],” says the Lord God, “Who is [existing forever] and Who was [continually existing in the past] and Who is to come, the Almighty [the Omnipotent, the Ruler of all].” Rev 1:8, AMP

For when He was invested with honor and [the radiance of the Shekinah] glory from God the Father, such a voice as this came to Him from the [splendid] Majestic Glory [in the bright cloud that overshadowed Him, saying], “This is My Son, My Beloved Son in whom I am well-pleased and delighted”— 2 Peter 1:17, AMP

This is what the LORD says—Israel’s King and Redeemer, the LORD of Heaven’s Armies: “I am the First and the Last; there is no other God. Isaiah 44:6, NLT

“I am the LORD your God, Who brought you up from the land of Egypt. Open your mouth wide and I will fill it. Psalm 81:10, AMP

“I am the LORD your God, who rescued you from the land of Egypt, the place of your slavery. Ex 20:2, NLT

‘Do not fear [anything], for I am with you; Do not be afraid, for I am your God. I will strengthen you, be assured I will help you; I will certainly take hold of you with My righteous right hand [a hand of justice, of power, of victory, of salvation].’ Isaiah 41:10

Ageing With Hope & Happiness! (A-to-Z Challenge)

Hope and Happiness are both gifts, and choices.  2024 has ushered in a boatload of each for me–God is GOOD! 

My hope everyday is IN HIM–it’s a confident expectation that He has me in His big strong hands, so I don’t need to waste valuable time fretting about stuff that He’s already taking care of on my behalf.  Trusting Him is the best way for me to live–He gives me peace, and makes me Happy.

The Bible has many verses beginning with the phrase, “Happy is…”  Some versions say, “Blessed is…” and check out what the Amplified Bible says (makes me want to ask the Lord every day for a double portion of wisdom, understanding, and insight!):

Happy [blessed, considered fortunate, to be admired] is the man who finds [skillful and godly] wisdom, And the man who gains understanding and insight [learning from God’s word and life’s experiences], Proverbs 3:13, AMP

Happy are those who keep his decrees and seek him with all their heart. Psalm 119:2, Christian Standard Bible

How happy are those whose strength comes from you, who are eager to make the pilgrimage to Mount Zion. Psalm 84:5, Good News Translation  I have such a visual of this pilgrimage to Mount Zion.

~†~

Zechariah 9:12 has been a verse that fascinated me from the first time I read it.  The concept of being “prisoners of Hope”…I mean really, I wouldn’t have thought those two words fit together.  But the more I pondered it, the better it sounded–if I had to be a prisoner, where better to ‘serve my time’ than in God’s Hope?  The Lord revealed to me that Hope which resides in Him is a comforting place I’m locked into, can’t escape–Hope is a refuge, a fortress of God’s protection.

I’ve been collecting bird cages since I first became a Hobby Lobby fan–so the photo above with little birdies was well suited to display Zechariah’s message of God’s promise to restore double for all that His children have lost.

More Bible verses follow, for those who are interesed.  God bless you all abundantly!💙Vee

©V.Sparrow, 2024

Let your unfailing love surround us, LORD, for our hope is in you alone. Psalm 33:22, NLT

For I know the plans and thoughts that I have for you,’ says the LORD, ‘plans for peace and well-being and not for disaster, to give you a future and a hope. Jeremiah 29:11, AMP

Such hope [in God’s promises] never disappoints us, because God’s love has been abundantly poured out within our hearts through the Holy Spirit who was given to us.  Romans 5:5, AMP

Through Him we also have access by faith into this [remarkable state of] grace in which we [firmly and safely and securely] stand. Let us rejoice in our hope and the confident assurance of [experiencing and enjoying] the glory of [our great] God [the manifestation of His excellence and power].
Romans 5:2,  AMP

Amplified Bible Copyright © 2015
by The Lockman Foundation
All rights reserved www.lockman.org
Bible Hub

The Christian Standard Bible. Copyright © 2017 by Holman Bible Publishers. Used by permission. Christian Standard Bible®, and CSB® are federally registered trademarks of Holman Bible Publishers, all rights reserved.

Good News Translation® (Today’s English Version, Second Edition)

© 1992 American Bible Society.  All rights reserved.

Bible text from the Good News Translation (GNT) is not to be reproduced in copies or otherwise by any means except as permitted in writing by American Bible Society, 101 North Independence Mall East, Floor 8, Philadelphia, PA 19106-2155 (www.americanbible.org). Learn more at www.gnt.bible .

Holy Bible, New Living Translation, copyright © 1996, 2004, 2015 by Tyndale House Foundation. Used by permission of Tyndale House Publishers, Inc., Carol Stream, Illinois 60188. All rights reserved.
Bible Hub

Ageing with Gratitude! (A-to-Z Challenge)

I was beyond glad and grateful when I realized Gratitude was the Key to living the Abundant Life.  

It’s shameful to recall how awful, unpleasant, ungrateful I used to be.  Nothing was good enough for me, nothing was enough period.  But I chose to “live and learn”, and I now have better sense to make better choices.  Color me Thankful!

In recent years I caught a most beneficial revelation:  the connection between Gratitude and Generosity–wow!  The more blessings God pours into my life, the greater my desire to eagerly share the overflow–it’s FUN🤗. 

What a wonderful feeling, to experience “wealth” in a way some wouldn’t understand…it’s like “Less is MORE” wrapped with bright ribbons.  All praise and glory goes to the Lord.  His resources are phenomenal, immeasurable, limitless–He takes care of my needs and, amazingly, most of my ‘wants’.

Some things I’m grateful for today:

Perfectly-small, lovely home in the Upper Room🏰

Best friend, Deb–faraway in miles, but not in heart💖

A freezer that seems to have an endless supply of food🍗🍞

Reasonably good health (meeting new doctor soon)👨‍⚕️

Free books & movies accessible online from my local library📚

New blog, and blogging friends😊

Gift of writing, so satisfying…and oodles of writing challenges✍

Online church, with on-demand messages (in case I miss a service)⛪

Bible collection!

Spring’s longer days🌞

Gift of LAUGHTER😂

Prayers of others on my behalf, and privilege of praying for them as well🙏

Goodness, Grace, Mercies & JOY of the Lord💖

©V.Sparrow, 2024

O taste and see that the LORD [our God] is good; How blessed [fortunate, prosperous, and favored by God] is the man who takes refuge in Him.

Psalm 38:4, AMP

Amplified Bible Copyright © 2015
by The Lockman Foundation
All rights reserved www.lockman.org
Bible Hub

Ageing Divinely with Delight (A-to-Z Challenge)

Note:  I began this post as my testimony about the miracle of Easter 2011.  It ran over 1100 words…so I cut it, and it will be a separate “Page” (lest I lose all my readers today).   

Today’s post is still long-ishI’ll not curse anyone who skips it😊  (the 900+ word-count includes 12 Bible verses at the end, if that helps you decide where to stop😉)

The first part in green is a snippet of the back-story. 

Following that are main points related to the title–and the last section provides Bible verses, some relate to ageing and “delight”

I did not expect to live this long, nor did I desire to.  My life had lacked nurturing, I was an empty shell of bleak depression.  During one year, I knew three people who were dying of cancer and desperately wanted to live–I’d have gladly traded places with any of them.

There came a point when I was so weary I resigned myself to slog through life–sooner or later God would have to let me die.

This was actually good–because when I gave up, having no energy to fight anything, God was free to begin the reconstruction project.

I wish I’d known then what was going to happen–I’d have been more cooperative!

~~†~~

Ageing in the divine life with delight began, and continues, because I keep the Lord God at the center.  It’s key to gaining what most of us would pay every last dollar to have–but Jesus already paid the bill, on the Cross. 

As I daily seek/invite His Presence, He’s the “MUCH MORE” GOD of provision, protection, unconditional love and immeasurable grace. 

Love, Joy, happiness, hope, contentment, peace and security, wholeness–everything I’ll ever need, and more, are found in HIM.  That’s why He’s Everything to me! 

(I marvel at His math:  He adds and multiplies provisions–practical and intangible–and only subtracts what would be unhealthy.)

And even though He already knows my needs, His Word says I should keep asking, knocking, seeking:  persistence is rewarded!  I try to place my gratitude and praises before my requests…that’s how things work between the Father and His beloved daughter.

He loves passionately, and has the solution to every problem I’ll face.  He’s not a harsh task-master–He’s kind, patient, compassionate; gentle when He speaks, and teaches me.  He knows everything about me because He created me–He’s not surprised by anything. 

He knew my faith-walk had to begin with learning to trust Him–that He’s the Good Father and Shepherd who leads and guides; that His promises to care for me (in the Bible/His Word) are unbreakable.

All I do is LISTEN for His Voice and DO what HE says–and give thanks and honor to Him in every way I can, serving as His messenger of  encouragement and blessings.

Trust me, it’s not all somber-seriousness between us–Jesus and I have FUN!

Thank you for reading, I pray you are blessed and encouraged.💙V.Sparrow, 2024

~~†~~

BIBLE VERSES:

Delight yourself in the LORD, And He will give you the desires and petitions of your heart. Ps 37:4 AMP

For wisdom will enter your heart, and knowledge will delight your soul. Prov 2:10 BSB

Every good thing given and every perfect gift is from above; it comes down from the Father of lights [the Creator and Sustainer of the heavens], in whom there is no variation [no rising or setting] or shadow cast by His turning [for He is perfect and never changes]. James 1:17 AMP

He who did not spare [even] His own Son, but gave Him up for us all, how will He not also, along with Him, graciously give us all things? Roman 8:32 AMP

…how much more will your Father who is in heaven [perfect as He is] give what is good and advantageous to those who keep on asking Him. Matt 7:11 AMP

When You said, “Seek My face [in prayer, require My presence as your greatest need],” my heart said to You, “Your face, O LORD, I will seek [on the authority of Your word].” Ps 27:8 AMP

Trust in and rely confidently on the LORD with all your heart And do not rely on your own insight or understanding. Prov 3:5 AMP

For the LORD God is a sun and shield; The LORD bestows grace and favor and honor; No good thing will He withhold from those who walk uprightly.
Ps 84:11 AMP

And he* will be like a tree firmly planted [and fed] by streams of water, Which yields its fruit in its season; Its leaf does not wither; And in whatever he does, he prospers [and comes to maturity]. Ps 1:3 AMP *man/woman

[Growing in grace] they will still thrive and bear fruit and prosper in old age; They will flourish and be vital and fresh [rich in trust and love and contentment]; Ps 92:14 AMP

But those who wait for the LORD [who expect, look for, and hope in Him] Will gain new strength and renew their power; They will lift up their wings [and rise up close to God] like eagles [rising toward the sun]; They will run and not become weary, They will walk and not grow tired. Isa 40:31 AMP

Even to your old age I am He, And even to your advanced old age I will carry you! I have made you, and I will carry you; Be assured I will carry you and I will save you. Isa 46:4 AMP

Amplified Bible Copyright © 2015
by The Lockman Foundation
All rights reserved www.lockman.org
Bible Hub

The Holy Bible, Berean Standard Bible, BSB is produced in cooperation with Bible Hub, Discovery Bible, OpenBible.com, and the Berean Bible Translation Committee. This text of God’s Word has been dedicated to the public domain. Free resources and databases are available at BereanBible.com.