Good morning! The Bible Recap Reading: Revelation 19-22 The Bible Recap Podcast: Day 365 Jesus Calling Devotional, by Sarah Young: December 31 As this year draws to a close, receive My Peace. This is still your deepest need, and I, your Prince of Peace, long to pour Myself into your neediness. My abundance and your emptiness are a perfect match. I designed you to have no sufficiency of your own. I created you as a jar of clay, set apart for sacred use. I want you to be filled with My very Being, permeated through and through with Peace. Thank Me for My peaceful Presence, regardless of your feelings. Whisper My Name in loving tenderness. My Peace, which lives continually in your spirit, will gradually work its way through your entire being. RELATED SCRIPTURE: Isaiah 9:6 (NLT) 6 For a child is born to us, a son is given to us. The government will rest on his shoulders. And he will be called: Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace. 2nd Corinthians 4:7 (NLT) 7 We now have this light shining in our hearts, but we ourselves are like fragile clay jars containing this great treasure. This makes it clear that our great power is from God, not from ourselves. John 14:26-27 (NLT) 26 But when the Father sends the Advocate as my representative—that is, the Holy Spirit—he will teach you everything and will remind you of everything I have told you. 27 “I am leaving you with a gift—peace of mind and heart. And the peace I give is a gift the world cannot give. So don’t be troubled or afraid. Happy New Year! God Wins! Have a blessed day!
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Good morning, The Bible Recap Reading: Revelation 12-18 The Bible Recap Podcast: Day 364 I will not be posting TBR podcasts every day in the new year... I can't claim I successfully did this 100%. More like 60%. Personally, I plan to participate still, but this page will redirect to something less time consuming and maybe more in line with the goal of the page. Still trying to figure out what to do with this site. I love the idea of it but lack the time and the motivation to work out how to make it successful as a "faith and family friendly entertainment" site. If anyone wants to do TBR this year, The Bible App (get it on your phone or Ipad or even your laptop) is a great place to get access to the actual Daily Plan. You can then listen to the podcast many ways. The YouTube videos. Podbean Podcasts. Even Spotify. I think she has them available pretty much anywhere you can get podcasts. There are also several Facebook groups that do daily discussions about the daily reading. It's worthwhile so check it out if you can. You can't get much more "faith and family friendly" then a podcast highlighting a daily reading plan. The Chosen Season 4 will be coming around early in 2024. It will be available first in theaters and then through Livestreams. I will probably wait for the Livestreams. I regret to inform you, we rented the musical "Journey to Bethlehem" on Christmas Eve, expecting a wonderful telling of the Nativity and ... well, let's just say I want my ten dollars back. I love musicals, but I didn't love this one; not at all. Reading some reviews, some loved it; some hated it. You can see where I fell on the subject. Funny though, I read a review from one who overly criticizes The Chosen for the same reason he was critical of this movie. "Too many liberties with scripture; not telling the bible story exactly as the Bible depicts it, etc.". While I fully get his point with this movie (I hated the way Mary and Joseph were depicted, for example), I do not see The Chosen writers the same at all. They work hard to get it right with their panel of faith leaders helping them find ways to tell the story consistent with the culture of the day Jesus lived in, and all. Those who say "if you love The Chosen, you've never read the gospels" are just wrong. I think it's more likely they have never seen The Chosen so no not what they are talking about. I've read the gospel's many times through. And I simply love and get inspired by The Chosen. As far as faith and family entertainment, Great American Family has become a frontrunner in the effort to restore faith and decency back into TV Programming. Their merge with Pureflix was inspired. I could see us find a lot to talk about and promote for them in the new year if they continue as they have been. Looking forward to seeing what is coming around for the new year; in particular if they begin to air some of the fabulous Pureflix original series on Great American to get greater exposure for them. But you know what I really am looking forward to seeing one day? Something truly faith and family friendly successfully finding its way into the mainstream. We have seen a hint of that with The Chosen being included in the line up on The CW, which no one can claim is a truly "clean" network. But at least they are open to decent programming. Will be interesting to watch. Isaiah 43:19 “Behold, I am doing a new thing; now it springs forth, do you not perceive it? I will make a way in the wilderness and rivers in the desert.” Jesus Calling Devotional, by Sarah Young: December 30 I am Leading You along a way that is uniquely right for you. The closer to Me you grow, the more fully you become your true self--the one I designed you to be. Because you are one of a kind, the path you are traveling with Me diverges increasingly from that of other people. However, in My mysterious wisdom and ways, I enable you to follow this solitary path while staying in close contact with others. In fact, the more completely you devote yourself to Me, the more freely you can love people. Marvel at the beauty of a life intertwined with My Presence. Rejoice as we journey together in intimate communion. Enjoy the adventure of finding yourself through losing yourself in Me. RELATED SCRIPTURE: 2nd Corinthians 5:17 (NLT) 17 This means that anyone who belongs to Christ has become a new person. The old life is gone; a new life has begun! The Season 4 Trailer for The Chosen. Enjoy. Have a blessed day! Good morning, The Bible Recap Reading: Revelation 6-11 The Bible Recap Podcast: Day 363 Jesus Calling Devotional, by Sarah Young - December 29th, 2023 Trust Me with every fiber of your being! What I can accomplish in and through you is proportional to how much you depend on Me. One aspect of this is the degree to which you trust Me in a crisis or major decision. Some people fail miserably here, while others are at their best in tough times. Another aspect is even more telling: the constancy of your trust in Me. People who rely on Me in the midst of adversity may forget about Me when life is flowing smoothly. Difficult times can jolt you into awareness of your need for Me, whereas smooth sailing can lull you into the stupor of self-sufficiency. I care as much about your tiny trust-steps through daily life as about your dramatic leaps of faith. You may think that no one notices, but the One who is always beside you sees everything--and rejoices. Consistently trusting in Me is vital to flourishing in My Presence. RELATED SCRIPTURE: Psalm 40:4 (NLT) 4 Oh, the joys of those who trust the Lord, who have no confidence in the proud or in those who worship idols. Psalm 56:3-4 (NLT) 3 But when I am afraid, I will put my trust in you. 4 I praise God for what he has promised. I trust in God, so why should I be afraid? What can mere mortals do to me? Good morning, The Bible Recap Reading: Revelation 6 - 11 The Bible Recap Podcast: Day 363 Jesus Calling Devotional, by Sarah Young: December 28I AM your refuge and strength, an ever-present Help in trouble. Therefore, you don't need to be afraid of anything -- not even cataclysmic circumstances. The media are increasingly devoted to fear-inducing subject matter: terrorism, serial killers, environmental catastrophes. If you focus on such dangers and forget that I am your Refuge in all circumstances, you will become increasingly fearful. Every day I manifest My grace in countless places and situations, but the media take no notice. I shower not only blessings but also outright miracles on your planet. As you grow closer to Me, I open your eyes to see more and more of My Presence all around you. Things that most people hardly notice, like shifting shades of sunlight, fill you with heart-bursting joy. You have eyes that see and ears that hear, so proclaim My abiding Presence in the world. RELATED SCRIPTURE: Psalm 46:1-3 (NLT) Psalm 46 For the choir director: A song of the descendants of Korah, to be sung by soprano voices. 1 God is our refuge and strength, always ready to help in times of trouble. 2 So we will not fear when earthquakes come and the mountains crumble into the sea. 3 Let the oceans roar and foam. Let the mountains tremble as the waters surge! Psalm 89:15 (NLT) 15 Happy are those who hear the joyful call to worship, for they will walk in the light of your presence, Lord. Have a blessed day! Good morning, The Bible Recap Reading: Revelation 1 - 5 The Bible Recap Podcast: Day 362 Jesus Calling Devotional, by Sarah Young: December 27 I am preparing you for what is on the road ahead, just around the bend. Take time to be still in My Presence so that I can strengthen you. The busier you become, the more you need this time apart with me. So many people think that time spent with Me is a luxury they cannot afford. As a result they live and work in their own strength -- until that becomes depleted. Then they either cry out to Me for help or turn away in bitterness. How much better it is to walk close to Me, depending on My strength and trusting Me in every situation. If you live in this way, you will do less but accomplish far more. Your unhurried pace of living will stand out in this rush-crazed age. Some people may deem you lazy, but many more will be blessed by your peacefulness. Walk in the Light with Me, and you will reflect Me to the watching world. RELATED SCRIPTURE: Isaiah 64:4 (NLT) 4 For since the world began, no ear has heard and no eye has seen a God like you, who works for those who wait for him! John 15:5 (NLT) 5 “Yes, I am the vine; you are the branches. Those who remain in me, and I in them, will produce much fruit. For apart from me you can do nothing. Have a blessed day! Good morning, The Bible Recap Reading: 2 John 1, 3 John 1 The Bible Recap Podcast: Day 361 Jesus Calling Devotional, by Sarah Young: December 26 I AM the Gift that continuously gives -- bounteously, with no strings attached. Unconditional Love is such a radical concept that even My most devoted followers fail to grasp it fully. Absolutely nothing in heaven or on earth can cause Me to stop loving you. You may feel more loved when you are performing according to your expectations. But My Love for you is perfect; therefore, it is not subject to variation. What does vary is your awareness of My loving Presence. When you are dissatisfied with your behavior, you tend to feel unworthy of My Love. You may unconsciously punish yourself by withdrawing from Me and attributing the distance between us to My displeasure. Instead of returning to Me and receiving My Love, you attempt to earn My approval by trying harder. All the while, I am aching to hold you in My everlasting arms, to enfold you in My Love. When you are feeling unworthy or unloved, come to Me. Then ask for receptivity to My unfailing Love. RELATED SCRIPTURE: 1st John 4:15-18 (NLT) 15 All who declare that Jesus is the Son of God have God living in them, and they live in God. 16 We know how much God loves us, and we have put our trust in his love. God is love, and all who live in love live in God, and God lives in them. 17 And as we live in God, our love grows more perfect. So we will not be afraid on the day of judgment, but we can face him with confidence because we live like Jesus here in this world. 18 Such love has no fear, because perfect love expels all fear. If we are afraid, it is for fear of punishment, and this shows that we have not fully experienced his perfect love. Have a blessed day! The Bible Recap Reading 2 Peter 1-3, Jude 1 The Bible Recap Podcast: Day 259 Jesus Calling Devotional, by Sarah Young: December 25As you wait attentively in My Presence, the Light of the knowledge of My Glory shines upon you. This radiant knowledge transcends all understanding. It transforms every fiber of your being: renewing your mind, cleansing your heart, invigorating your body. Open yourself fully to My Presence, be awed by My glorious Being. Try to imagine what I gave up when I came into your world as a baby, I set aside My Glory, so that I could identify with mankind. I accepted the limitations of infancy under the most appalling conditions--a filthy stable. That was a dark night for Me, even though angels lit up the sky proclaiming "Glory!" to awe-struck shepherds. When you sit quietly with Me, the process I went through is reversed in your experience. As you identify with Me, heaven's vistas open up before you--granting you glimpses of My Glory. I became poor so that you might become rich. Sing hallelujahs to My Holy Name! Luke 2:13-14 (NLT) 13 Suddenly, the angel was joined by a vast host of others—the armies of heaven—praising God and saying, 14 “Glory to God in highest heaven, and peace on earth to those with whom God is pleased.” A very Merry Christmas to you all! Have a blessed day! Good morning and Merry Christmas Eve to you All! The Bible Recap Reading: 2 Timothy 1 - 4 The Bible Recap Podcast: Day 358 Jesus Calling Devotional, by Sarah Young - December 24th, 2023 I speak to you from the depths of eternity. Before the world was formed, I AM! You hear Me in the depths of your being, where I have taken up residence. I am Christ in you, the hope of Glory. I, your Lord and Savior, are alive within you. Learn to tune in to My living Presence by seeking Me in silence. As you celebrate the wonder of My birth in Bethlehem, celebrate also your rebirth into eternal life. This everlasting gift was the sole purpose of My entering your sin-stained world. Receive My gift with awe and humility. Take time to explore the vast dimensions of My Love. Allow thankfulness to flow freely from your heart in response to My glorious gift. Let My Peace rule in your heart, and be thankful. RELATED SCRIPTURE: Psalm 90:2 (NLT) 2 Before the mountains were born, before you gave birth to the earth and the world, from beginning to end, you are God. Wishing for you all a beautiful Christmas Eve and Day. The Lord bless you and keep you; the Lord make his face shine on you and be gracious to you; the Lord turn his face toward you and give you peace. Numbers 6:24-26 I have a goal to make 2024 the year when this site becomes a bit more what it was designed to be. A place to highlight Faith and Family Friendly content in media. It really does feel like God is raising up people and ministries to compete with the mainstream. The truth is GOD is the creator of all things. Including music, storytelling as an art form, movies, books, etc. I do see a turning towards interest in faith friendly content. People need encouragement and hope, especially now while we are walking through a darkness that most of us have never experienced before. But even though our struggles might be real; we have encouragement in this truth. Jesus is real. Jesus brings hope. Jesus is the answer to everything we struggle with. Take heart. GOD WINS! And... as Tara Leigh Cobble likes to remind us. Jesus IS where the joy is! Have a very Merry Christmas. Wishing the best for you all in 2024. Good morning, The Bible Recap Reading: Hebrews 11-13 The Bible Recap Podcast: Day 357 Jesus Calling Devotional, by Sarah Young - December 23rd, 2023 I am King of Kings and Lord of lords, dwelling in dazzlingly bright Light! I am also your Shepherd, Companion, and Friend--the One who never lets go of your hand. Worship Me in My Holy Majesty; come close to Me and rest in My Presence. You need Me both as God and as Man. Only My Incarnation on that first, long-ago Christmas could fulfill your neediness. Since I went to such extreme measures to save you from your sins, you can be assured that I will graciously give you all you need. Nurture well your trust in Me as Savior, Lord, and Friend. I have held back nothing in My provision for you. I have even deigned to live within you! Rejoice in all that I have done for you, and My Light will shine through you into the world. RELATED SCRIPTURE: 1st Timothy 6:15-16 (NLT) 15 For, At just the right time Christ will be revealed from heaven by the blessed and only almighty God, the King of all kings and Lord of all lords. 16 He alone can never die, and he lives in light so brilliant that no human can approach him. No human eye has ever seen him, nor ever will. All honor and power to him forever! Amen. Psalm 95:6-7 (NLT) 6 Come, let us worship and bow down. Let us kneel before the Lord our maker, 7 for he is our God. We are the people he watches over, the flock under his care. If only you would listen to his voice today! Romans 8:32 (NIV) 32 He who did not spare his own Son, but gave him up for us all—how will he not also, along with him, graciously give us all things? Have a blessed Christmas! Good morning, The Bible Recap Reading: Hebrews 7 - 10 The Bible Recap Podcast: Day 356 Jesus Calling Devotional - December 22nd, 2023by Sarah YoungCome to Me, and rest in My Presence. As you ponder the majestic mystery of the Incarnation, relax in My everlasting arms. I am the only person who was ever sired by the Holy Spirit. This is beyond your understanding. Instead of trying to comprehend My Incarnation intellectually, learn from the example of the wise men. They followed the leading of a spectacular star, then fell down in humble worship when they found Me. Praise and worship are the best responses to the wonder of My Being. Sing praises to My Holy Name. Gaze at Me in silent adoration. Look for a star of guidance in your own life, and be willing to follow wherever I lead. I am the Light from on high that dawns upon you, to guide your feet into the way of Peace. RELATED SCRIPTURE: Luke 1:35 (NLT) 35 The angel replied, “The Holy Spirit will come upon you, and the power of the Most High will overshadow you. So the baby to be born will be holy, and he will be called the Son of God. John 1:14 (NLT) 14 So the Word became human and made his home among us. He was full of unfailing love and faithfulness. And we have seen his glory, the glory of the Father’s one and only Son. Matthew 2:9-11 (NLT) 9 After this interview the wise men went their way. And the star they had seen in the east guided them to Bethlehem. It went ahead of them and stopped over the place where the child was. 10 When they saw the star, they were filled with joy! 11 They entered the house and saw the child with his mother, Mary, and they bowed down and worshiped him. Then they opened their treasure chests and gave him gifts of gold, frankincense, and myrrh. Luke 1:78-79 (NLT) 78 Because of God’s tender mercy, the morning light from heaven is about to break upon us, 79 to give light to those who sit in darkness and in the shadow of death, and to guide us to the path of peace.” Have a blessed day! The Bible Recap Reading: Hebrews 1 - 6 The Bible Recap Podcast: Day 355 Jesus Calling Devotional, by Sarah Young: December 21
My plan for your life is unfolding before you. Sometimes the road you are traveling seems blocked or it opens up so painfully slowly that you must hold yourself back. Then, when time is right, the way before you suddenly clears -- through no effort of your own. What you have longed for and worked for I present to you freely, as pure gift. You feel awed by the ease with which I operate in the world, and you glimpse My Power and My Glory. Do not fear your weakness, for it is the stage on which My Power and Glory perform most brilliantly. As you persevere along the path I have prepared for you, depending on My strength to sustain you, expect to see miracles -- and you will. Miracles are not always visible to the naked eye, but those who live by faith can see them clearly. Living by faith, rather than sight, enables you to see My Glory. RELATED SCRIPTURE: Psalm 63:2 (NLT) 2 I have seen you in your sanctuary. and gazed upon your power and glory. Have a blessed day! Good morning, The Bible Recap Reading: 1 Peter 1-5 The Bible Recap Podcast: Day 354 Jesus Calling Devotional, by Sarah Young: December 20 When I joined the ranks of humanity, born into the humblest conditions, My Glory was hidden from all but few people. Occasionally, streaks of Glory shone out of Me, especially when I began to do miracles. Toward the end of My life, I was taunted and tempted to display more of My awesome Power than My Father's plan permitted. I could have called down legions of angels to rescue Me at any point. Imagine the self-control required of a martyr who could free Himself at will! All of this was necessary to provide the relationship with Me that you now enjoy. Let your life become a praise song to Me by proclaiming My glorious Presence in the world. RELATED SCRIPTURE: John 2:11 (NLT) 11 This miraculous sign at Cana in Galilee was the first time Jesus revealed his glory. And his disciples believed in him. Have a blessed day! Good morning, The Bible Recap Reading: Titus 1 - 3 The Bible Recap Podcast: Day 353 Jesus Calling Devotional, by Sarah Young: December 19thDo not be weighed down by the clutter in your life: lots of little chores to do sometime, in no particular order. If you focus too much on these petty tasks, trying to get them all out of the way, you will discover that they are endless. They can eat up so much time as you devote to them. Instead of trying to do all your chores at once, choose the ones that need to be done today. Let the rest slip into the background of your mind, so I can be in the forefront of your awareness. Remember that your ultimate goal is living close to Me, being responsive to My initiatives. I can communicate with you most readily when your mind is uncluttered and turned toward Me. Seek My Face continually throughout this day. Let My Presence bring order to your thoughts, infusing Peace into your entire being. RELATED SCRIPTURE: Proverbs 16:3 (NLT) 3 Commit your actions to the Lord, and your plans will succeed. Have a fantastic day and a wonderful Christmas week. Good morning, The Bible Recap Reading: 1 Timothy 1 - 6 The Bible Recap Podcast: Day 352 We Need the PromiseWe must look to a baby born not with fanfare, pomp, and circumstance, but to poor parents in desperate times. Joseph and Mary, and the Baby Jesus for that matter, were real historical figures. But in a way, Joseph and Mary extend beyond themselves, beyond their particular place and time. They represent all of us. We are all poor and living in desperate times. Some of us are better than others at camouflaging it. Nevertheless, we are all poor and desperate, so we all need the promise bound up in that baby. ~ from “Peace: Classic Readings for Christmas” by Stephen Nichols. Devotion for Day of December 18, 2021 | Daily Prayer Have a blessed day! Good morning, The Bible Recap Reading: Philippians 1 - 4 The Bible Recap Podcast: Day 351 Jesus Calling Devotional, by Sarah Young: December 17 Come to Me with your gaping emptiness, knowing that in Me you are complete. As you rest quietly in My Presence, My Light within you grows brighter and brighter. Facing the emptiness inside you is simply the prelude to being filled with My fullness. Therefore, rejoice on those days when you drag yourself out of bed, feeling sluggish and inadequate. Tell yourself that this is a perfect day to depend on Me in childlike trust. If you persevere in this dependence as you go through the day, you will discover at bedtime that Joy and Peace have become your companions. You may not realize at what point they joined you on your journey, but you will feel the beneficial effects of their presence. The perfect end to such a day is a doxology of gratitude. I am He from whom all blessings flow! RELATED SCRIPTURE: 2nd Corinthians 4:6 (NLT) 6 For God, who said, “Let there be light in the darkness,” has made this light shine in our hearts so we could know the glory of God that is seen in the face of Jesus Christ. Have a blessed day! |