“For God so loved the world that He gave His one and only Son, that whoever believes in Him shall not perish but have eternal life. For God did not send His Son into the world to condemn the world, but to save the world through Him.” John 3:16-17
“And if the Spirit of Him who raised Jesus from the dead lives in you, He who raised Christ Jesus from the dead will also give life to your mortal bodies through His Spirit, who lives in you.” Romans 8:11
Hope Quotes
“God doesn’t sweep the broken up into a dustpan and discard it. In order to reach the broken in our world, God Himself broke, allowing His own Son to die a broken death on a cross for us. God brings beauty in the broken. God loves the broken. God uses the broken.”– Elisa Morgan
“We can trust that our Painter is exposing us, lifting us onto His brush, placing us in the intense pressure between the bristles and the canvas for something more beautiful that we can imagine (Ephesians 3:20-21).” – Becky Elie
“Your Heavenly Daddy loves to be with you. Not because you are doing anything for Him, but simply because you are His.” – Renee Swope
Nature Retreat
“Stop every now and then. Just stop and enjoy. Take a deep breath. Relax and take in the abundance of life.” ~ Anonymous ~
Thank you to my brother John for these stunning photos. 🙂 Please respect copyright laws. 🙂
Hummingbird Nest in My Brother’s Backyard
The eggs are as small as coffee beans.
You can see how small the nest is compared to the thorns. An average nest is only 1.5 inches, about the size of a large walnut.
A few years ago I saved this picture from a Christmas card. It still fills my heart with awe. The reaching out of Jesus’ Hands forever in love is humbling and amazing at the same time. May our hands also reach out in love to others!
The following poem is on the backside of this photo:
In His Hands
The Hands that made the world
And gave the sun and moon their light
Are the tiny Hands of a baby
Born one cold December night.
The Hands that still the wind
And tame the fury of the sea
Are the calloused Hands of a carpenter
Who lived in poverty.
The Hands that held the power
To break the binding chains of sin
Are the gentle Hands that washed the feet
Of tired and dusty men.
The Hands that cleansed the leper,
Healed the blind, and raised the dead
Are the praying Hands of one who cried,
“Not My will, but Thine instead.”
The Hands that shaped the universe
And flung the stars in space
Are the nail-pierced Hands of a dying man
Who suffered in our place.
The Hands of our Creator,
Lord and King of Heaven above,
Are the Savior’s Hands,
Forever reaching out to us with love.
B. J. Hoff
When I searched for Bible verses about God’s hand(s), I was surprised at how many there are. I haven’t begun to find them all and I definitely can’t name them all here, so I’ll just share a few.
“My own hand founded the earth, and My right hand spread out the heavens; when I summoned them, they stood up together.”
Isaiah 48:13 HCSB
“The life of every living thing is in His hand, as well as the breath of all mankind.”
Job 12:10 HCSB
“Riches and honor come from You, and You are the ruler of everything. Power and might are in Your hand, and it is in Your hand to make great and to give strength to all.” 1 Chronicles 29:12 HCSB
“Your hands made me and formed me;
give me understanding
so that I can learn Your commands.”
Psalm 119:73 HCSB
“For the Lord your God dried up the waters
of the Jordan before you until you had crossed over,
just as the Lord your God did to the Red Sea,
which He dried up before us until we had crossed over.
This is so that all the people of the earth may know
that the Lord’s hand is mighty,
and so that you may always fear
the Lord your God.” Joshua 4:24 HCSB
“My enemies surround Me like a pack of dogs; an evil gang closes in on Me. They have pierced My hands and feet.”
Psalm 22:16 NLT
“See, I have engraved you on the palms of My hands; your walls are ever before Me.” Isaiah 49:16 NIV
“Sing a new song to the Lord,
for He has done wonderful deeds. His right hand has won a mighty victory; His holy arm has shown His saving power! Psalm 98:1 NLT
“Don’t be afraid, for I am with you. Don’t be discouraged, for I am your God. I will strengthen you and help you. I will hold you up with My victorious right hand.”
Isaiah 41:10 NLT
Your Hands
by JJ Heller
“When my world is shaking, heaven stands When my heart is breaking I never leave Your hands…”
They were unwanted, unappreciated, and unnoticed by society. Despised, disapproved, dirty. Yet God knew them by name. He wanted them. He appreciated them. He noticed each and every one. He even chose them to be the first ones to hear the awesome news of our Savior’s birth.
Shepherds lovingly kept their flocks safe from thieves and wild animals and guarded them from straying and getting lost. Yet society regarded them with contempt. Their occupation was despised. They were denied civil rights of holding a judicial office or being a witness in court. Jewish leaders even commanded no one should buy by-products of their sheep or goats directly from them. (“Shepherd Status” by Randy Alcorn)
They were continually reminded of their insignificance. They must have felt so worthless at times. Yet the King of all kings regarded them from on high. He gave the message of HOPE first to them, not to the high-ranking officials, the rich, or the famous.
The darkness of night robbed them of light, and yet God knew exactly where the shepherds were. He sent an angel and the sunshine of His glory. So glorious that it terrified them. The angel said:
“Don’t be afraid, for look,
I proclaim to you good news of great joy
that will be for all the people:
Today a Savior, who is Messiah the Lord,
was born for you in the city of David.
This will be the sign for you:
You will find a baby wrapped snugly in cloth
and lying in a feeding trough.”
Luke 2:10-12 HCSB
Then suddenly, a vast heavenly choir joined the angel in praising God:
“Glory to God in the highest heaven, and peace on earth to people He favors!” Luke 2:14 HCSB
What an exciting message! The shepherds hurried to see their Savior with their own eyes. Where? Not in a castle or a palace, but in a stinky stable. Not wrapped in royal robes, but swaddled in tattered cloths. Not lying on sheets of silk, but in an animal’s feed trough. But by faith, the shepherds saw their Savior, their Rescuer, their Peace-Giver.
Do you feel unwanted?
Jesus says, “Arise, My darling, My beautiful one, and come with Me.” (Song of Solomon 2:8-10) We are beautiful in His sight. He was born for us and invites us to hope in Him.
Do you feel unappreciated?
Jesus recognizes our worth. He was born because He values us so highly. We are precious and honored in His sight, and He loves us so deeply. (Isaiah 43:4)
Do you feel unnoticed?
Jesus notices us! We are wonderfully created by Him. His thoughts towards us are precious and can’t even be counted. He sees us, no matter where we are, even in the darkest of nights. He knows the innermost pain in our hearts. (Psalm 139)
Praying the Greatest Gift May Fill
Your Hearts This Christmas and Always!
“Unto Us”
by J.J. Heller
“Love wrapped in swaddling clothes Born to bind up our wounds All Weary souls will rejoice When they hear the good news…”
Thank you all for visiting this year. I appreciate each of you, whether or not you comment. You remain in my heart and prayers. God knows who you are, each and every one. He cares about every little detail of your lives. He invites you into the hope, healing, and freedom that is only possible in Christ Jesus.
I hope to post again on January 2, 2018! Meanwhile, never forget how special you are in Jesus’ eyes!
Freed to Fly 