Reflecting Up

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reflective glass

It is not for modesty — but for Glory’s sake.

If there be any good that come from me, my words or the work of my hands: It is not I, but Christ from within; with the Holy Spirit as my guide.

I’ve found if compliments to me are given, I may receive them for just a bit. Then, rather than reject them, reflecting them upward to the heavenly.

For I know too well who I have been apart from God. I know the (old) man I still wrestle with inside. And, while glad for the praise, I more adore finding ways I can give proper attribution to the One from whom all good gifts come:

To God be the glory, through Christ Jesus, by the Holy Spirit given.

Photo via Pixabay

Giving Benefit of the Doubt Godward

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Worn Bible

Giving Benefit of the Doubt Godward

Scripture, when compared to itself, is without contradiction.
Penned by many men;
Preserved over thousands of years;
Widely accepted as inspired word of God.

When I don’t understand,
or even find myself in doubt
about something within the Bible –
I pray, but more than that:

I give the benefit of my doubt to God
rather than myself and the limits of my knowledge.
To do otherwise, would like eating an apple
from a certain tree and making this choice:

Do I have faith in God to guide me
into good and away from evil,
or do I prefer my own ability
to know the difference apart from God?

I have, at times in my life, questioned
validity and accuracy of the Bible as God’s word.
And while I still have questions of the Bible
I no longer question the Bible. Or God.

And now without doubt of God or His word,
the Bible is become to me more than a book.
It is a guide, a counselor, a mirror, a sage…
The more I read, the more I love each word and page.

Image via Pixabay

As Sirens Go By – A Clarion Call to Pray

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Siren Call to Pray

As Sirens Go By

There are moments
I cannot deny.
I lose my focus,
I’ll tell you why.

A siren cries
and it’s coming near,
Its call gets louder
Somewhere there’s a tear.

This sound is a #PrayerTrigger
to the one called to pray.
Hope for the waiting,
Safety for those on the way.

Protection for those in danger.
Healing for those in pain.
Patience for those affected.
Salvation for any that are slain.

Before the echo of distance,
Just beyond it’s shrill,
Praying for all in its path and to its end:
Father, rescue them, if it be Your will.

Photo via DollarPhotoClub

Path of My Day(s)

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pathways
Path of My Day(s)
A prayer,
A song of worship,
Much time in God’s word (2Tim 2:15)
 
A bounty of nourishment,
A thanksgiving (1Th 5:18)
Before another voice is heard.
 
Then onto service (Rom 12:1)
And to this day’s work,
My purpose not deferred.
 
I am a whosever (John 3:16)
Therefore whatsoever (Col 3:17)
No matter what has occurred.
 
Entering the night’s rest
Cleanse me with mercy (Lam 3:22-23)
And if I may, awaken renewed.
Personal Note: This is not so much a routine, but a template for my day, from beginning through end. It is the path I aspire to always travel.
Photo via Pixabay

Always Carrying

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Bibles and Coffee

I’ve done my best at always having a Bible at the ready. For a long time, I would have a small Bible in my pocket. The writing had become too small for my eyes.

For the past few years, I’ve carried a thin Bible behind the small of my back. Like a sword in its sheath, my Bible is ready to share with others or protect myself.

It is true, my mobile devices have Bibles to read, most often YouVersion or BlueLetterBible apps. You can connect with me on the former here: Mike Sansone on YouVersion

Bible BeltBut if I’m at Panera and someone from across the way sees me studying God’s Word, they are more likely to recognize the book in front of me. My taps and swipes on a phone look like I’m texting or on Facebook.

If you ever join me for coffee, bring your Bible. (Don’t worry, I often bring extras).