Psalm 122 Revisited

Psalm 122
I was glad when they said to me,
“Let us go to the house of the Lord.”
Our feet are standing within your gates, O Jerusalem,
Jerusalem, that is built
As a city that is compact together;
To which the tribes go up, even the tribes of the Lord—
An ordinance for Israel—
To give thanks to the name of the Lord.
For there thrones were set for judgment,
The thrones of the house of David.
Pray for the peace of Jerusalem:
“May they prosper who love you.
“May peace be within your walls,
And prosperity within your palaces.”
For the sake of my brothers and my friends,
I will now say, “May peace be within you.”
For the sake of the house of the Lord our God,
I will seek your good.


I posted this Psalm several weeks ago before I left on an exciting adventure that God had brought to me. I had the privilege of spending 11 days touring the land of the Bible, Israel. It was an amazing and incredible experience that has changed the way I read the Bible. I decided to come back to this Psalm, that so beautifully talks about Jerusalem. I cannot describe the joy of standing within the gates of this city that is indeed “compact”. I do give thanks to the name of the LORD for the opportunity He gave me, and I urge you to join me in praying for the peace of Jerusalem, both physically and spiritually. It is a city that is filled with people who need the salvation that only Jesus Christ can offer.

Pray for the peace of Jerusalem.

The Christian Home

As Christians, our relationship with Christ and His work in our hearts should overflow into every aspect of our lives. As women, one of these aspects is the home. A Christian home should have a different atmosphere from non-Christian homes. Our homes should proclaim Christ to both those who live there and those who visit. But how do we encourage a Christ-centered atmosphere in our homes? Well, there is an opportunity next month that will help us in this area!

On Saturday, May 8, 2010, 8:30am - 4:30pm, Biblical Womanhood Seminars will host their spring seminar at Cedar Springs Christian Conference Center in Sumas Washington. The title of the seminar is Christ in Me … The Heart of the Home. Nine women will be sharing how we, as Christian women, can create a Christ-centered atmosphere in our homes using the fruits of the Spirit. The seminar costs $15 per person, and includes breakfast and lunch.

I have attended three seminars hosted by Biblical Womanhood Seminars and have been greatly encouraged by the teaching and the fellowship. It is a group of godly women striving to live Christ-centered, God-glorifying lives, and encourage other women to do the same.

If you would like information on how to register,
please e-mail me at: brighthope4him@gmail.com!

A Post to Read

I found an excellent post on not judging others based on their appearance. I encourage you to hop over to Joyfully At Home to read it. Click HERE to read the post.

Christ Is Risen, Christ Is Living

Christ Is Risen, Christ Is Living
Christ is risen, Christ is living.
Dry your tears; be unafraid.
Death and darkness could not hold Him,
Nor the tomb in which He lay.
Do not look among the dead
For One who lives forevermore.
Tell the world that Christ is risen;
Make it known He goes before.

If the Lord had never risen,
We’d have nothing to believe.
But His promise can be trusted:
“You will live because I live.”
As we share the death of Adam,
So in Christ we live again.
Death has lost its sting and terror;
Christ the Lord has come to reign.

Death has lost its old dominion;
Let the world rejoice and shout!
Christ, the firstborn of the living,
Gives us life and leads us out.
Let us thank our God who causes
Hope to spring up from the ground.
Christ is risen, Christ is giving
Life eternal, life profound.

The Cost of Salvation

Salvation is not easy. It cost God everything, even His own Son, and it costs you the same, even yourself. - John MacArthur

Good Friday 2010

“Behold the Man upon a cross,
My sin upon His shoulders.
Ashamed I hear my mocking voice
Call out among the scoffers.
It was my sin that held Him there
Until it was accomplished.
His dying breath has brought me life.
I know that it is finished.”

“My sin, o the bliss of this glorious thought, my sin not in part but the whole
is nailed to the cross and I bare it no more. Praise the Lord!”

The Heart of the Home

The fruit of the Spirit is
love, joy, peace, patience, kindness,
goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, self-control.
Galatians 5:22-23

The fruit of the Spirit is something that is to be present and evident in every Christian’s life. However, did you ever think that these are characteristics that can and should be found in the Christian home? An up-coming Biblical Womanhood Seminar will teach on this very topic.

Christ in Me …
The Heart of the Home
Saturday, May 8, 2010
8:30 am -- 4:30 pm
Cost: $15 per person
Breakfast and lunch provided

This one-day seminar, open to all ladies age 15 and older, will be held at the beautiful Cedar Springs Christian Conference Center in Sumas, Washington. It will be a wonderful day filled with Biblical encouragement on filling our homes with the fruit of the Spirit.

If you would like more information on registering for this seminar, please leave a comment!

God's Love for Me

February 14th means different things to different people. Generally, it is recognized as a day to express your love for a certain person. But, I have found that many singles, especially ladies, find it one of the worst days of the year. I have heard of it being renamed “Singles Awareness Day”, a day when singles remind themselves and everyone around them that they are single. However, I find that viewing the day in this way causes a slight, or severe, case of self-pity and discouragement. So, I decided to see the holiday in a different light this year. Instead of looking at the love two humans have for each other, I looked at the love God has for me. I searched for verses in the Bible, songs, and quotes that tell me of God’s love for me. As I studied and read, I again realized that I am loved by the God of the universe with the greatest love of all time, and found myself falling deeper in love with Him. I would like to share with you some of the things I found, and invite you, whether single or married, to join with me in celebrating God’s love for us this Valentine’s Day.

The Father Himself loves you, because you have loved Me
and have believed that I came forth from the Father.
John 16:27

God’s steadfast, sure love for us is:
Unbelievable - so worship!
Unwarranted - so rejoice!
Unshakable - so love!

God’s steadfast, sure love is unshaken by:
Death - when you die God’s love keeps going.
Time - God’s love never wears out.
Sin - sin does not break God’s eternal love for you.

Who will separate us from the love of Christ?
Romans 8:35a

The Love of God
The love of God is greater far
Than tongue or pen can ever tell,
It goes beyond the highest star
And reaches to the lowest Hell;
The guilty pair, bowed down with care,
God gave His Son to win;
His erring child He reconciled
And pardoned from his sin.

When years of time shall pass away
And earthly thrones and kingdoms fall,
When men, who here refuse to pray,
On rocks and hills and mountains call;
God’s love so sure shall still endure,
All measureless and strong;
Redeeming grace to Adam’s race
The saints’ and angels’ song.

Could we with ink the ocean fill
And were the skies of parchment made,
Were every stalk on earth a quill
And every man a scribe by trade.
To write the love of God above
Would drain the ocean dry;
Nor could the scroll contain the whole
Though stretched from sky to sky.

O love of God, how rich and pure,
How measureless and strong.
It shall forever more endure
The saints’ and angels’ song.

For I am convinced that neither death, nor life, nor angels, nor principalities, nor things present, nor things to come, nor powers, nor height, nor depth, nor any other created thing, will be able to separate us from the love of God, which is in Christ Jesus our Lord.
Romans 8:38-39

How Deep the Father’s Love for Us
How deep the Father’s love for us,
How vast beyond all measure,
That He should give His only Son
To make a wretch His treasure.

How great the pain of searing loss.
The Father turns His face away.
As wounds which mare the chosen One,
Bring many sons to glory.

Behold the Man upon a cross,
My sin upon His shoulders.
Ashamed I hear my mocking voice,
Call out among the scoffers.

It was my sin that held Him there.
Until it was accomplished.
His dying breath has brought me life.
I know that it is finished.

I will not boast in anything,
No gifts, no power, no wisdom.
But I will boast in Jesus Christ,
His death and resurrection.

Why should I gain from His reward?
I cannot give an answer.
But this I know with all my heart,
His wounds have paid my ransom.

See how great a love the Father has bestowed on us,
that we would be called children of God; and such we are.
1 John 3:1a

A Milestone Reached

Well, I have now been blogging for a year. I can hardly believe it! It’s been a good year. God has grown me in many ways, and because of the lessons He has taught me, Strength for Today has grown. I honestly believe this blog is what it is today because of what God has been doing in my life. As I pass the 1-year marker of blogging, I would like to take the time to say some “thank you”s.

First and foremost, all thanks and glory belongs to God. He is the One who placed it on my heart to encourage young women through a blog. He is the One who gave me the courage to take the plunge. He is the One who has shaped Strength for Today. All of my posts are a result of the many things He has been teaching me. Ultimately, He is the One writing this blog!

Next, I would like to say a huge thank you to my family, especially my parents. Both my parents have been an encouragement from the time I first mentioned my idea. They have watched me create Strength for Today with enthusiasm and support.

Last, but definitely not least, thank you to all my faithful readers! It’s a lot more fun to write a blog when you know there are people reading it! :) Those of you who leave comments, thank you! They are very much appreciated! To those of you who have never left a comment, please do! I would love to here from you and get to know my readers a little.

In honor of reaching the 1-year milestone, I thought I’d make a slight change to my Saturday Psalms. I will be working through the Psalms posting verses that tell us about who God is. I’ve already begun collecting the Psalms and thinking through them, and I have to say I’m very excited to share them with you!

Thank you for stopping by and reading! May God bless you as you strive to become more like Him! ~ Bright Hope

Another Year Is Dawning

I found this hymn by Frances R. Havergal and was so encouraged by it. May this be our prayer as we begin another year.

Another year is dawning: Dear Father, let it be,
In working or in waiting, another year with Thee;
Another year of progress, another year of praise,
Another year of proving Thy Presence all the days.

Another year of mercies, of faithfulness and grace;
Another year of gladness in the shining of Thy face;
Another year of leaning upon Thy loving breast;
Another year of trusting, of quiet, happy rest.

Another year of service, of witness for Thy love;
Another year of training for holier work above.
Another year is dawning: Dear Father, let it be,
On earth or else in heaven, another year for Thee.

Happy New Year!

Happy Thanksgiving!

May we all remember to be truly thankful today.

Happy (American) Thanksgiving everybody!

Thanksgiving Challenge 2009

For Americans, the month of November brings the Thanksgiving holiday. Originally established as a day set aside to thank God for His many blessings in our lives, the fourth Thursday in November, to most people, is just an extra day off from work that is filled with football, food, and strategy planning for the “day-after-Thanksgiving” sales. People seem to have forgotten the meaning and purpose of this day. Even Christians can get caught up in the festivities and the excitement of the holiday. Do we take the time to thank God for all He’s given us over the past year? Even if we do take the time, are we sincere? Or do we say our thanks and then forget about it as we dig into the turkey? I have been just as guilty of doing this as anyone else, but I want to change that. This year, I have decided to make the entire month of November Thanksgiving. Each day, for 30 days, I plan to write down in a journal something I am thankful for that day. Even if you don’t live in America and/or don’t celebrate the American Thanksgiving, I encourage you to join me in this. Let’s start thanking God for His blessings on November 1st and continue, past Thanksgiving Day, all the way through the 30th. Who knows, maybe we’ll even go farther!

Remebering 9/11 2009

Today marks the 8th anniversary of the September 11, 2001 tragedy when two passenger planes were flown into the Twin Towers in New York, a third flown into the Pentagon, and a forth crashed in a field in Pennsylvania. It is an event that should be remembered. The patriotism of eight years ago has faded and people are complaining about the war being fought overseas. May we take the time today to remember the lives that were lost that day, and thank the Lord for the men and women who have put their lives on the line to ensure that we continue to live in freedom.

Saturday Psalm ~ 7-4-09

The LORD is exalted over all the nations,

His glory is above the heavens.

Psalm 133:4

While the majority of our nation doesn't glorify the Lord with their lives, may we always remember that there will come a day when everyone will proclaim that there is a God and that Jesus Christ is Lord!

Happy 4th!

Mother, a Gift from God

Mother, a Gift from God
Words by J. Paul Williams

A mother is a gift from God,
Her voice is music to the ears.
A mother is a gift from God,
She gently wipes away each tear.
She takes the time for girls and boys,
She makes the sacrifice to bring her children joy.

God is working through her to teach us how to live,
God is working through her to show us how to give.
Teaching us to walk by faith,
Keeping our feet on solid ground,
God is working though her, love is her finest crown.

We can see God’s gift of grace in the way that she forgives,
We can see God’s gift of love in the way that she lives.

God is working through her to teach us how to live,
God is working through her to show us how to give.
Teaching us to walk by faith,
Keeping our feet on solid ground,
God is working though her, love is her finest crown.

God is working through her, love is her finest crown!


Happy Mother’s Day!

He is Risen!

As Christ hung on the cross on Friday, He said, “It is finished”. In Greek, this sentence is one word. Interestingly, on Sunday, the angel at the tomb told the women “He is risen”, which is also a one-word sentence. Two of the most powerful statements in history were only one word long in their original language. The word used for “He is risen” is a single word that announces the greatest miracle ever. This one word has changed people’s lives forever!

He is Risen!

For You

The life of Jesus given for you.

“For you” two of the most precious words in the New Testament.

May we each take time today to remember the price Jesus paid so that we could live eternally and thank Him for His precious gift to us.

Via Dolorosa

“The last thing men did to Christ was beat, crucify, and bury Him.”

Via Dolorosa

Down the Via Dolorosa in Jerusalem that day,
the soldiers tried to clear the narrow street,
but the crowd pressed in to see
the man condemned to die on Calvary.

He was bleeding from a beating,
There were stripes upon His back,
and He wore a crown of thorns upon His head;
and He bore with every step
the scorn of those who cried out for His death.

Down the Via Dolorosa,
called “The Way of Suffering,”
like a lamb came the Messiah,
Christ the King.
But He chose to walk that road
out of His love for you and me;
down the Via Dolorosa,
all the way to Calvary.

The blood that would cleanse the hearts of all men
made its way through the heart of Jerusalem.

Down the Via Dolorosa,
called “The Way of Suffering,”
like a lamb came the Messiah,
Christ the King.
But He chose to walk that road
out of His love for you and me;
down the Via Dolorosa,
all the way to Calvary.

Two Cups

“Christ drank the cup of wrath so that we could drink the cup of remembrance.”

Tonight is the night Jesus had what we call the last supper. At that last meal He had before going to the cross, Jesus passed around some bread to His disciples and said “This is My body”. He then passed around a cup of wine saying, “This is my blood, poured out for forgiveness of sins.” That night, Christ instituted communion. Later that evening, Jesus prayed to His Father asking Him to take the cup of His wrath from Him. However, Jesus held onto the cup and went to the cross. Today, we partake of communion to remind us of the sacrifice Christ paid so we could have our sins forgiven.

Presidential Trivia

I know that, as I write this, there are only a few hours left in President's Day, but I found these fun presidential facts and thought I'd share them.

• William Taft was the first president to open the baseball season by throwing out the first pitch.
  
• Nine presidents have never obtained a college degree.
  
• Truman doesn’t have a middle name.
  
• Kennedy won a Pulitzer Prize in 1957 before becoming president.
  
• Eisenhower commanded D-Day.
  
• Buchanan was the only bachelor president.
  
• Clinton appointed more women to cabinet positions than any other president.
  
• Harrison served his term for only one month.
  
• Ford played college football (and was good at it) before entering the White House.
  
• Cleveland was the only president to marry and have a baby in the White House.
  
• Garfield was the only preacher to be elected.
  
• Washington’s false teeth have become a part of American folklore.
  
• Hoover presided over the most devastating stock market crash in history.
  
• Reagan had an intense fondness for jellybeans.