In Christ Alone- Verse 3

There in the ground His body lay,
Light of the world by darkness slain;
John 8:12- “I am the light of the world. Whoever follows me will not walk in darkness, but will have the light of life.”

Then bursting forth in glorious day,
Up from the grave He rose again!
Matthew 28:2-6- “And Behold, there was a great earthquake, for an angel of the Lord descended from heaven and came and rolled back the stone and sat on it. His appearance was like lightning, and his clothing white as snow. And for fear of him the guards trembled and became like dead men. But the angel said to the women, ‘Do no be afraid, for I know that you seek Jesus who was crucified. He is not here, for he has risen, as he said. Come see the place where he lay.”

And as He stands in victory
1 Corinthians 15:55-56- “O death, where is your victory. O death, where is you sting? The sting of death is sin, and the power of sin is the law. But thanks be to God, who gives us the victory through our Lord Jesus Christ.”

Sin's curse has lost its grip on me
Galatians 3:13- “Christ redeemed us from the curse of the law by becoming a curse for us—for it is written, ‘Cursed is everyone who is hanged on a tree.’”

For I am His and He is mine
Bought with the precious blood of Christ
1 Peter 1:18-22- “Knowing that you were ransomed from the futile ways inherited from your forefather, not with perishable things such as silver or gold, but with the precious blood of Christ, like that of a lamb without blemish or spot. He was foreknown before the foundation of the world but was made manifest in the last times for your sake, who through him are believers in God, who raised him from the dead, and gave him glory, so that your faith and hope are in God.”

In Christ Alone- Verse 2

In Christ alone, Who took on flesh,
Fullness of God in helpless babe!
1 Peter 3:18- “For Christ also suffered once for sins, the righteous for the unrighteous, that he might bring us to God, being put to death in the flesh but made alive in the spirit.”

This gift of love and righteousness
Romans 5:5- “And hope does not put us to shame, because God’s love has been poured into our hearts through the Holy Spirit who have been given to us.”

Scorned by the ones He came to save
Matthew 27:29- “And twisting together a crown of thorns, they put it on his head and put a reed in his right hand. And kneeling before him, they mocked him, saying, ‘Hail the King of the Jews’”

Till on that cross as Jesus died
Romans 5:6-8- “For while we were still weak, at the right time Christ died for the ungodly. For one will scarcely die for a righteous person—though perhaps for a good person one would dare even to die—but God shows his love for us in that while we were still sinners, Christ died for us.”

The wrath of God was satisfied
Romans 5:9- “Since, therefore, we have now been justified by his blood, much more shall we be saved by him from the wrath of God.”

For ev'ry sin on Him was laid
1 Peter 2:24-25- “He himself bore our sins in his body on the tree that we might die to sin and live to righteousness. By his wounds you have been healed. For you were straying like sheep, but have now returned to the Shepherd and Overseer of you souls.”

Here in the death of Christ I live!!!

In Christ Alone- Verse 1

For about a week or so now, I keep finding myself singing “In Christ Alone” in my head (and sometimes out loud =). I decided to put scripture to the lines of the verses. I’ve found this to be very helpful and beneficial. Check back over the next few days for the others verses!

In Christ alone my hope is found
2 Corinthians 1:10 –“He delivered us from such a deadly peril, and he will deliver us. On him we have set our hope that he will deliver us again.”

He is my light, my strength, my song
Psalm 27:1- “The Lord is my light and my salvation; whom shall I fear? The Lord is the stronghold of my life; whom shall I be afraid?”

This cornerstone, this solid ground
Isaiah 28:16- “Behold, I am the one who has laid as a foundation in Zion, a stone, a tested stone, a precious cornerstone, of a sure foundation: Whoever believes will not be in haste.”

Firm through the fiercest drought and storm
2 Timothy 2:19- “But God’s firm foundation stands, bearing this seal: ‘The Lord knows those who are his,’ and ‘Let everyone who names the name of the Lord depart from iniquity.’”

What heights of love, what depths of peace
John 3:16- “For God so loved the world, that he gave his only Son, that whoever believes in him should not perish but have eternal life”

Colossians 3:15- “And let the peace of Christ rule in your hearts, to which indeed you were called in one body, and be thankful.”

When fears are stilled, when strivings cease
Psalm 34:4- “I sought the Lord, and he answered me and delivered me from all my fears.”

My comforter, my all in all
Isaiah 51:12- “I am he who comforts you!”

Here in the love of Christ I stand!!!

Through Fiery Trials

Normally when we’re struggling with trusting God, anxiety, joy, or even waiting, it’s usually because we’re suffering through different situations that God has placed in our lives. I know this has been the case for me many times! This past year I’ve had to rely wholly on God for strength and rest in His sovereignty numerous times to get me through different trials. Finding that strength didn’t always come easy! It took a lot of work! There were many hours of crying out to God and reading scripture. There were many days of doubting that God was at hand and days when He brought much joy. All in all, by His grace He was faithful to help me grow in my weaknesses and draw me closer to Him.

Maybe today you are walking through a fiery trial and feeling like God isn’t at hand. It could be finances, a work or family problem, pain or sickness in your life or someone else’s life, or maybe even bearing the weight of someone else’s burdens. Whatever it may be, I pray you find the following scripture verses encouraging and they fill you with the hope that God is faithful in all things and through all things. Let’s remember that Christ died not mainly to make things go well with us, but to bring us closer to God! How exciting that we can have joy in our trials because no matter what comes our way, God is our salvation and strength!

James 1:2, 12- “Count it ALL joy, my brothers, when you meet trials of various kinds…Blessed is the man who remains steadfast under trial, for when he has stood the test he will receive the crown of life, which God has promised to those who love him.”

Psalm 23:4- “Even though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil, for you are with me; your rod and your staff, they comfort me.”

Isaiah 41:10- “Fear not, for I am with you; be not dismayed, for I am your God; I will strengthen you, I will help you, I will up hold your righteous right hand.”

Romans 8:28- “And we know that God causes all things to work together for good to those who love God, to those who are called according to his purpose.”

2 Corinthians 4:17-18- “For this slight momentary affliction is preparing for us an eternal weight of glory, beyond all comparison, as we look not to the things that are seen but to the things that are transient, for the things that are unseen are eternal.”

Psalm 18:1-2- “I love you, O Lord, my strength. The Lord is my rock and my fortress and my deliverer; my God, my rock, in whom I take refuge, my shield, and the horn of my salvation, my stronghold.”

Psalm 40:2- “He drew me up from the pit of destruction, out of the miry bog, and set my feet upon a rock, making my steps secure.”

Romans 5:3-5- “…We rejoice in our sufferings, knowing that suffering produces endurance, and endurance produces character, and character produces hope, and hope does not put us to shame, because God’s love has been poured out into our hearts through the Holy Spirit who has been given to us.”

Romans 8:18- “For I consider that the sufferings of this present time are not worth comparing with the glory that is to be revealed to us.”

Romans 12:12- “Rejoice in hope, be patient in tribulation, be constant in prayer.”

Colossians 1:24- “Now I rejoice in my sufferings for your sake, and in my flesh I am filling up what is lacking in Christ’s afflictions for the sake of his body, that is, the church.”

Nahum 1:7- “The Lord is good, a stronghold in times of trouble; he knows those who take refuge in him.”

2 Corinthians 12:9- “My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness. Therefore I will boast all the more gladly of my weakness, so that the power of Christ may rest upon me.”

1 Corinthians 10:13- “No temptation has overtaken you that is not common to man. God is faithful, and he will not let you be tempted beyond your ability, but with the temptation he will also provide the way of escape, that you may be able to endure it.”

1 Peter 1:6-7- “In this you rejoice, though now for a little while, if necessary, you have been grieved by various trials, so that the tested genuineness of your faith- more precious than gold that perishes though it is tested by fire – may be found to result in praise and glory and honor at the revelation of Jesus Christ.”

1 Peter 4:19- “Therefore let those who suffer according to God’s will entrust their souls to a faithful Creator while doing good.”

1 Peter 4:12-13- “Behold, do not be surprised at the fiery trial when it comes upon you to test you, as though something strange were happening to you. But rejoice insofar as you share Christ’s sufferings, that you may also rejoice and be glad when his glory is revealed.”

1 Peter 5:10- “And after you have suffered a little while, the God of all grace, who has called you to his eternal glory in Christ, will himself restore, confirm, strengthen, and establish you.”

Philippians 4:19- “And my God will supply every need of yours according to his riches in glory in Christ Jesus.”

Psalm 23:6- “Surely goodness and mercy shall follow me all the days of my life!”

Psalm 84:11- “No good thing does he withhold from those who walk uprightly.”

Romans 8:28- “For those who love God all tings work together for good, for those who are called according to his purpose.”

Thank You for the trials
For the fire, for the pain
Thank You for the strength
Knowing You have ordained
Every day
- SG Music

I can't remember a trial or a pain
He did not recycle to bring me gain
I can't remember one single regret
In serving God only, and trusting His hand
All I have need of, His hand will provide
He's always been faithful to me.
-Sara Groves

Though trials come
And every one
Can take me further from Your truth
You calm my fears
Dry all my tears
And draw me closer, Lord, to You
-SG Music

“Two women looked through prison bars,
One saw mud the other saw stars”
-Linda Dillow

Where are you looking today?

I've got the wonderful love....

Of my blessed redeemer way down in the depths of my heart…. Where?! You all know the rest! =) As you can see I loved this song when I was little and maybe...just maybe... I still like it now ;) I can assure you all that this will be one of the first out of a few songs I will teach my kids. Now on with the post…

Recently I’ve become more and more amazed of God’s love. Not just what He accomplished on the cross for us, but the fact that He would choose ME! A wretched, undeserving sinner that deserves His wrath. Oh the grace that He has poured out! His love NEVER changes and we have the wonderful truth to rest in that our spiritual failures do not affect God’s love one iota. Amazing!

"The truly godly person never forgets that he was at one time an object of God’s holy and just wrath. He never forgets that Christ Jesus came into the world to save sinners, and he feels along with Paul that he is himself the worst of sinners. But then as he looks to the cross, he sees that Jesus was his atoning sacrifice. He sees that Jesus bore his sins in His own body and that the wrath of God- the wrath that he, a sinner, should have borne- was expended completely and totally upon the Holy Son of God. And in this view of Calvary, he sees the love of God. How much we appreciate God’s love is conditioned by how deeply we fear Him. The more we see God in His infinite majesty, holiness, and transcendent glory, the more we will gaze with wonder and amazement upon His love poured out at Calvary.” -Jerry Bridges

1 John 4:9-10- “In this the love of God was made manifest among us, that God sent His only Son into the world, so that we might live through Him. In this is love, not that we have loved God but that He loved us and sent His Son to be the propitiation for our sins.”

Psalm 40:2- “He drew me up from the pit of destruction, out of the miry bog, and set my feet upon a rock, making my steps secure.”

Ephesians 2:4-5- “But God, being rich in mercy, because of the great love with which he loved us, even when we were dead in our trespasses, made us alive together with Christ… by grace you have been saved.”

Titus 2:11-12- “For the grace of God has appeared, bringing salvation for all people, training us to renounce ungodliness and worldly passions, and to live self-controlled, upright, and godly live in the present age.”

Lamentations 3:23-24- “The steadfast love of the Lord never ceases; his mercies never come to an end; they are new every morning; great is your faithfulness. The Lord is my portion, says my soul, therefore I will hope in him.”

Psalm 86:13- “For great is your steadfast love toward me; you have delivered my soul from the depths of Sheol.”

Psalm 100:5- “For the Lord is good; his steadfast love endures forever, and his faithfulness to all generations.”

Psalm 103:8, 11, and 13-“The Lord is merciful and gracious, slow to anger and abounding in steadfast love… For as high as the heavens are above the earth, so great is his steadfast love toward those who fear him…But the steadfast love of the Lord is from everlasting to everlasting on those who fear him…”

Psalm 118:1- “Oh give thanks to the Lord, for he is good; his steadfast love endures forever!”

Psalm 138:7-8- “The Lord will fulfill his purpose for me; your steadfast love, O Lord, endures forever….”

John 3:16- “For God so loved the world, that he gave his only Son, that whoever believes in him should not perish but have eternal life.”

Romans 5:8- “But God shows his love for us in that while we were still sinners, Christ died for us.”

Romans 8:38- “For I am sure that neither death nor life, not angels nor rulers, not things present nor things to come, nor powers, not height nor depth, nor anything else in all creation, will be able to separate us from the love of God in Christ Jesus our Lord.”

Amazing grace, how sweet the sound,
That saved a wretch like me,
I once was lost but now am found,
Was blind but now I see

I've got the joy joy joy joy down in my heart, where?...

Down in my heart, where? Down in my heart, I've got the joy joy joy joy down in my, where? down in my heart to stay. And I'm so happy, so very happy, I've got the love of Jesus in my hhheeaarrt...Ok I'm done! =) In doing all this meditating on joy, I got a flash back of pre school days in children's ministry. Oh what fun those days where! I pray wherever you are today, you are finding the joy of the Lord as your strength! Sorry for the length of this post, I just kept coming across more and more to share on this topic.

Nehemiah 8:10- “For this day is holy to our Lord. And do not be grieved, for the joy of the Lord is your strength.”

Psalm 51:12- “Restore to me the joy of your salvation, and uphold me with a willing spirit.”

Psalm 66:1-2- “Shout for joy to God, all the earth; sing the glory of his name.”

Psalm 92:4- “For you O Lord, have made me glad by your work; at the works of your hands I sing for joy.”

Proverbs 10:28- “The hope of the righteous brings joy, but the expectations of the wicked will perish.”

Proverbs 12:20- “Deceit is in the heart of those who devise evil, but those who plan peace have joy.”

John 15:11- “These things I have spoken to you, that my joy may be in you, and that your joy may be full.”

“Spiritual joy, on the other hand, is not an attitude on chance or circumstances. It is the deep and abiding confidence that, regardless of one’s circumstances in life, all is well between the believer and the Lord. No matter what difficulty, pain, or disappointment, failure, rejection, or other challenge one is facing, genuine joy remains because of the eternal well-being established by God’s grace in salvation. Thus, Scripture makes it clear that the fullest; most lasting and satisfying joy is derived from a true relationship with God. It is not based on circumstances or chance, but is the gracious and permanent possession of every child of God.”-John MacArthur

Galatians 5:2- “The fruit of the spirit is JOY!”

Philippians 2:2- “Complete my joy by being of the same mind, having the same love, being in full accord and in one mind.”

James 1:2- “Count it all joy, my brothers, when you meet trials of various kinds.”

1 Peter 1:8- “Though you have not seen him, you love him, though you do not now see him, you believe in him and rejoice with joy that is inexpressible and filled with joy.”

Psalm 98:4- “Make a joyful noise to the Lord, all the earth; break forth into joyous song and sing praises!

Proverbs 17:22- “A joyful heart is good medicine, but a crushed spirit dries up bones.”

Philippians 4:4- “Rejoice in the Lord Always; again I will say, REJOICE.”

Habakuk 3:17-19- “Yet I will rejoice in the Lord, I will take joy in the God of my salvation. God, the Lord, is my strength…”

Psalm 37:4, 23- “Delight yourself in the Lord, and he will give you the desires of your heart…The steps of a man are established by the Lord, when he delights in his ways.”

Psalm 5:11- “But let all who take refuge in you rejoice; let them ever sing for joy, and spread protection over them, that those who love your name may exult in you.”

Psalm 13:5- “But I have trusted in your steadfast love; my heart shall rejoice in your salvation.”

Psalm 35:27- “Let those who delight in my righteousness shout for joy and be glad and say evermore, ‘great is the Lord, who delights in the welfare of his servant!’”

Psalm 70:4- “May all who seek you rejoice and be glad in you.”

Psalm 119:15-16- “I will meditate on your precepts and fix my eyes on your ways. I will delight in your statutes; I will not forget your word.”

Romans 5:2-3- "Through him we have also obtained access by faith into this grace in which we stand, and we rejoice in hope of the glory of God. More than that, we rejoice in our sufferings, know that suffering produced endurance."

John Piper say’s, “knowing God is the key to being happy in God.” We need to remember daily that to have our joy in the Lord is not just a gift, it’s a command!

Trusting God

“Do not look forward to what may happen tomorrow. The same everlasting Father who cares for you today will care for you tomorrow, and every day. Either He will shield you from suffering, or He will give you unfailing strength to bear it. Be at peace, then, put aside all anxious thoughts and imaginations”- Frances de Sales

Psalm 9:9-10- “The Lord is a stronghold for the oppressed, a stronghold in times of trouble. And those who know your name put their trust in you.”

Psalm 25:1-2- “To you, O Lord, I lift up my soul. O my God, in you I trust!”

Psalm 31:14- “But I trust in you, O Lord; I say, ‘you are my God.’”

Psalm 36:3- “When I am afraid, I put my trust in you.”

Psalm 62:8- “Trust in him at ALL times, O people; pour out your heart before him; God is a refuge for us.”

Proverbs 3:5-6- “Trust in the Lord with all your heart, and do not lean on your own understanding. In all your ways acknowledge him, and he will make straight your paths.”

Jeremiah 17:7- “Blessed is the man who trusts in the Lord, whose trust is in the Lord.”

“If you are in deep shadows because of some strange mysterious providence, do not be afraid. Simply go on in faith and love, never doubting. God is watching, and He will bring good and beauty out of all your pain and tears.” –J.R. Miller

Psalm 13:5- “But I have trusted in your steadfast love; my heart shall rejoice in your salvation.”

Proverbs 16:20- “Whoever gives thought to the will of the Lord will discover good, and blessed is he who trusts in the Lord.”

Proverbs 16:9- “The heart of man plans his way, but the Lord establishes his steps.”

Psalm 37:3, 5- “Trust in the Lord, and do good; dwell in the land and befriend faithfulness…Commit your way to the Lord; trust in him, and he will act.”

“Trust implies more than this, it sees and feels, and leans upon a person, a great, true, living heart of love. So let us “trust in him,” through al the delays, in spite of all the difficulties, in the face of all the denials, not withstanding all the seemings, even when we cannot understand the way, and know not the issue; still “trust in him, and he will act.” The way will open, the right issue will come, the end will be peace, the cloud will be lifted, and the light of an eternal noonday shall shine at last.” –Streams in the Desert

Jeremiah 29:11-13- “For I know the plans I have for you, declares the Lord, plans for wholeness and not for evil, to give you hope and a future. Then you will call upon me and come pray to me, and I will hear you. You will seek me and find me when you seek me with your whole heart.”

Isaiah 50:10- “Who among you fears the Lord and obeys that voice of his servant? Let him who walks in darkness and has no light trust in the name of the Lord and rely on his God.”

“Trusting Christ today includes trusting Him to give you tomorrow’s trust when tomorrow comes. God will not let His children be tested in any given day beyond what His mercy for that day will sustain. God’s mercies are new [every] morning because each day has enough mercy in it for that day. This is why we tend to despair when we think that we may have to bear tomorrow’s load on today’s troubles. Today’s mercies are for today’s troubles. Tomorrow’s mercies are for tomorrow’s troubles.” –John Piper

The duty to trust God will never be out of season!

Anxiety

Matthew 6:34- “Therefore do not be anxious about tomorrow, for tomorrow will be anxious for itself. Sufficient for the day is its own trouble.”

“It has been said that our anxiety does not empty tomorrow of its sorrow but only empties today of its strength” –Charles Spurgeon

Philippians 4:5-7- “…The Lord is at hand; do not be anxious about anything, but in prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known to God. And the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.”

1 Peter 5:6-7- “Humble yourselves, therefore, under the mighty hand of God so that at the proper time he may exult you, casting ALL your anxieties on him, because he cares for you.”

Proverbs 12:25- “Anxiety in a man’s heart weighs him down, but a good word makes him glad.”

Isaiah 35:3-5 –“Strengthen the weak hands, and make firm the feeble knees. Say to those who have an anxious heart, ‘be strong; fear not! Behold, your God will come with vengeance, with the recompense of God. He will come and save you.”

I have a shelter in the storm
When troubles pour upon me
Though fears are rising like a flood
My soul can rest securely
O Jesus, I will hide in You
My place of peace and solace
No trial is deeper than Your love
That comforts all my sorrows

I have a shelter in the storm
When all my sins accuse me
Though justice charges me with guilt
Your grace will not refuse me
O Jesus, I will hide in You
Who bore my condemnation
I find my refuge in Your wounds
For there I find salvation

I have a shelter in the storm
When constant winds would break me
For in my weakness, I have learned
Your strength will not forsake me
O Jesus, I will hide in You
The One who bears my burdens
With faithful hands that cannot fail
You’ll bring me home to heaven

By Steve & Vikki Cook and Bob Kauflin

Diving Into Scripture

Over the last few days I’ve been spending quite a bit of time searching for scripture on certain areas. Some are areas that I’ve been struggling with in my own heart and some are areas that I believe the Lord has been drawing me to that I might be able to encourage others. I’m going to take some each day this week to share scripture on the specific topics of waiting, anxiety, trusting God, joy/delighting in God and His word, and God’s love. I pray you find this helpful and encouraging!

Scripture on waiting:

Lamentations 3:25- "The Lord is good to those who wait for him, to the soul who seeks him."

Psalm 37:7- "Be still before the Lord and wait patiently for Him…"

Isaiah 40:31- "But they who wait for the Lord shall renew their strength; they shall mount up with wings like eagles; they shall run and not be weary; they shall walk and not faint."

Psalm 40:1- "I waited patiently for the Lord; he inclined to me and heard my cry. He drew me up from the pit of destruction, out of the miry bog."

Psalm 33:20- "Our soul waits for the Lord; he is our help and our shield."

Psalm 62:5-7- "For God alone, O my soul, wait in silence, for my hope is from him. He only is my rock and my salvation, my fortress; I shall not be shaken. On God rests my salvation and my glory; my mighty rock, my refuge is God."

Psalm 130:5- "I wait for the Lord, my soul waits, and in his word I hope; my soul waits for the Lord."

Strength will rise as we wait upon the Lord!