ThoughtSeeds

What does it mean to live a life "above reproach?" To be "blameless" in the way we conduct ourselves? Even more importantly, *how* can we achieve that? Join me as we dig into this important and transforming topic in God's Word.

https://www.challies.com/articles/the-character-of-the-christian-above-reproach/

Reproach. What comes to mind when you hear that word? If you've ever been chastised or condemned for something, you've faced reproach. Sometimes, we're the ones condemning ourselves, and we carry around our reproach like a badge of shame. Jesus came to remove our reproach. As far as the east is from the west, that is how far He has removed our sins from us. Join me in learning more about how God views reproach, and His promise to remove it from us.

A poem thought through on a Sunday walk home from church ended up being matched to partially unfinished music from Philip P. Bliss. John Sumner had vowed to finish that music and see it paired with lyrics to become a hymn, in tribute to his friend, Mr. Bliss, who'd died in a train accident.

The chorus tells us that with Jesus as our Savior, we're children of the King. Are you a child of the King? I hope so! Join me to learn more about this uplifting hymn.

https://dianaleaghmatthews.com/a-child-of-the-king/#.YDXbOunPxPY

Names and what they mean are important to God. There are occasions where He personally named people, and also where He changed people's names. In changing their actual public identity, He also altered the course of their lives. Join me to learn more about how God's new name for you also alters your life.

https://www.biblestudytools.com/bible-study/topical-studies/whats-in-a-name-5-times-god-changed-a-person-s-name.html

https://www.faithgateway.com/names-reveal-value-and-meaning/#.YDXWRunPxPZ

What is your identity? How do you identify yourself for your own purposes and to others? Going further, how does God identify you? Join me as we explore some of the identities God has given us as His children.

A simple question from a believing child ("Don't you believe God will take care of Mother while you are gone?") led that mother, Civilla Martin, to pen the words to this famous hymn, "God Will Take Care of You." Later that evening, her husband sat down at his little organ and composed the melody.

Do WE believe that God will take of US? Join me as we study this hymn -- where it came from and what it means.

https://www.umcdiscipleship.org/resources/history-of-hymns-god-will-take-care-of-you
http://littlebirdieblessings.blogspot.com/2015/03/hymn-story-god-will-take-care-of-you.html
https://wordwisehymns.com/2010/08/21/today-in-1866-civilla-martin-born/
https://wordwisehymns.com/2011/03/02/god-will-take-care-of-you/

What are the greatest needs you can think of? Food and water for those who are starving? Desperately needed medical care in remote regions? Those ARE tremendous needs, and we are called to be the hands and feet of Jesus, delivering His provision to those who need it. The greatest need of all, though, is salvation, and God the Almighty Provider did indeed provide it. Join me as we discuss these two subjects, intertwined and important.

Numerous times in the Bible, we are assured of God's provision, and His role as our provider. Even the very air we breathe to stay alive is supplied by Him. Can we trust God for our basic needs, like air, water, food, and shelter? Can we trust Him for other needs beyond that? Philippians 4:19 tells us that God will supply our every need, according to the riches in glory of Jesus Christ. Do you believe that? Join me today as we start this week's discussion and study about God as our Provider.

https://www.etymonline.com/word/provide#etymonline_v_2751
https://www.etymonline.com/word/provision#etymonline_v_2755

Perhaps no other song has made such an impact on so many lives across the world than Amazing Grace. In our study this week of "Lost and Found," I find the lostness of John Newton exceedingly profound, as well as how he was found and went from blindness to sight, from wretch to covered by amazing grace. Join me as we look further at John Newton's life, and dig into this life-changing hymn.

Morgan, Robert J. Then Sings My Soul: Special Edition; W. Publishing Group © 2010; Pg 163
https://www.umcdiscipleship.org/resources/history-of-hymns-amazing-grace-part-i

Lost and found. Are you lost? Were you lost, and now you're found? In the same way that a shepherd searches for just one lost sheep and rejoices and celebrates when he finds it, Jesus is searching for you. And when He finds you, all of heaven will rejoice.

https://hymnary.org/text/i_will_serve_thee_because_i_love_thee
https://www.bible-history.com/links.php?cat=39&sub=414&cat_name=&subcat_name=Shepherds