Category: Religion and Spirituality

Rescue: A Spiritual Journey Through Heart Issues

I thought I was having a stroke last week. I was so dizzy and I couldn’t read the words on a page, it kept moving. I got my husband up and Bob brought me to the hospital. After blood tests, EKG, CT scan, Chest X-ray, and exam they told me it was not a stroke. Thank you Jesus! However they did find something else with the EKG. They called it a secondary heart block- type 1. In layman’s terms it means my heart is skipping beats.

My father who has since passed away had a defibrillator. His heart didn’t skip beats, it just plain stopped. He had his first heart attack and fell off a stool. The paramedics worked on him for like 20 minutes, and he was resuscitated. He had a Cardiologist too. He ended up getting a device implanted in his upper chest. His internal device would shock him every time his heart tried to do that again. Genetics? Yes, I guess so.

Then I wore an Event Monitor for a week. Just looked at those test results this morning, ugggh. Some things should not be Googled! I see an Electrophysiologist in February. That’s a Cardiologist that specializes in the hearts electrical systems.

So what is a girl to do? I could hibernate and stay in bed letting fear and anxiety take over. That is what I did in the past. But, definitely not helpful. But that’s not me today. I knew I needed to turn to Jesus. I needed a rescue, a deliverance. So, I started reading a Bible in a Year plan. I needed to fill my spirit with God’s Word everyday. I needed my hope and faith cup filled again.

I also joined a group called Nashville Christian Songwriters to help me to continue to write Christian music. I am learning so much there about songwriting. We start our weekly calls with a prayer. It’s a great group of Christian Songwriters. Listening to everyone’s songs lifts my spirit too. Thank you NCS!

So here is a song I wrote called Rescue. It is my prayer this month.

RESCUE

Copyright 2026 Diana Rasmussen

[verse]
God, I’m a wreck, longing for your grace,
For the burdens I can’t seem to erase
I am still carrying this weight
I’m feeling trapped inside this heavy place
Lord I need your rescue

[Chorus]
Lord, I need your rescue,
I’m reaching out to make a new start.
Can you guide my inner heart?
Check my spirit and my sight
Show me what is wrong and right
Oh Lord, I need your rescue.

[verse]
I’ve fallen at your feet countless times.
Will I always have battles in my mind?
You know the paths I have traveled
Teach me to follow where your Spirit guides

[Chorus]
Lord, I need your rescue,
I’m reaching out to make a new start.
Can you guide my inner heart?
Check my spirit and my sight
Show me what is wrong and right
Oh Lord, I need your rescue.

[Bridge]
Now I turn my focus to you, my God.
Renew my heart, my mind and my spirit
With your living Word
Lord I need your rescue

[Chorus]
Lord, I need your rescue,
I’m reaching out to make a new start.
Can you guide my inner heart?
Check my spirit and my sight
Show me what is wrong and right
Oh Lord, I need your rescue.

Bible Verses About the Heart

  • Above all else, guard your heart,
    for everything you do flows from it. Proverbs 4:23
  • As water reflects the face,
    so one’s life reflects the heart. Proverbs 27:19 
  • The heart is deceitful above all things
    and beyond cure. Who can understand it?
    “I the Lord search the heart and examine the mind,
    to reward each person according to their conduct,
    according to what their deeds deserve.”Jeremiah 17:9-10 
  • You will seek me and find me when you seek me with all your heart. Jeremiah 29:13 
    Create in me a pure heart, O God, and renew a steadfast spirit within me. Psalm 51:10 
  • May he give you the desire of your heart
    and make all your plans succeed. Psalm 20:4 
  • But the Lord said to Samuel, “Do not consider his appearance or his height, for I have rejected him. The Lord does not look at the things people look at. People look at the outward appearance, but the Lord looks at the heart.”1 Samuel 16:7
  • Trust in the Lord with all your heart
    and lean not on your own understanding;
    in all your ways submit to him,
    and he will make your paths straight.Proverbs 3:5-6 
  • I will give you a new heart and put a new spirit in you; I will remove from you your heart of stone and give you a heart of flesh. Ezekiel 36:26 
  • For where your treasure is, there your heart will be also.Matthew 6:21 
    Jesus replied: ‘Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind.” Matthew 22:37
  • Let love and faithfulness never leave you;
    bind them around your neck,
    write them on the tablet of your heart.
    Then you will win favor and a good name
    in the sight of God and man. Proverbs 3:3-4 
  • Take delight in the Lord,
    and he will give you the desires of your heart. Psalm 37:4
  • A cheerful heart is good medicine,
    but a crushed spirit dries up the bones. Proverbs 17:22 
  • He heals the brokenheart
    and binds up their wounds.Psalm 147:3

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Sunday, November 2, 2025: Revival Fire—The Need Of Revival

Key Verse: “Wilt thou not revive us again: that thy people may rejoice in thee?” — Psalm 85:6 Rooted Truth: Revival doesn’t begin in a nation or a …

Sunday, November 2, 2025: Revival Fire—The Need Of Revival
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Groovy Grandma Gospel

I love gospel music, the chords, the harmonies, the beat. So this week I decided to take some of my songs and convert them to Gospel.

Here are 18 of my songs in Gospel. I used SUNO. Yes it’s AI. Love it or hate it. For me it’s only a tool. Every profession has its tools. SUNO allows musicians to create music. I wrote all the lyrics. SUNO added the band. I bought the Professional Version so I am able to use these songs commercially.

I also joined Nashville Christian Music to better my craft of songwriting. I usually use scripture to begin my songwriting and write from there. The Message and the Amplified versions of the Bible are great for writing songs!

Here is my bio from Nashville Christian Songwriters:

Hello everyone. I am Diana Rasmussen based in southern Wisconsin. I have been leading worship for over 20+ years now, thank you Jesus. We have an 8 piece band and all of us are over 50! I started playing piano/keyboards in 3rd grade. (Thanks Mom!)

I started writing music after one of our band mates Russ, brought his first song to the team. We all learned it and loved it! That was over 20 years ago. I believe God is still talking to his kids and I wanted to share the gift that God gave me.

I am also a blogger. I started ‘Prayers and Promises’ after my counselor told me I should find more people that I could relate to. Well, here we are 15+ years later and today I mostly write about God and not trauma. I am happily married for over 17 years now with 6 kids and 9 grandkids. My husband is one of the Pastors at our church. Man, God sure can turn things around for a girl!

I really enjoyed the One Song Challenge and I’m looking forward to getting to know you all better and listen to what Holy Spirit is saying through your music. God bless you all!

Here is ‘Groovy Grandma Gospel’

Groovy Grandma Gospel

Enjoy!

Diana Rasmussen

Here are some statistics on AI and music:

As of November 2025, it is estimated that over 50,000 fully AI-generated songs are being delivered to major streaming services like Deezer every single day. This represents a massive surge in AI content, accounting for approximately 34% of all new tracks uploaded to certain platforms. 

Key statistics regarding AI music in 2025:

  • Daily Output: The volume of AI-generated music has rapidly increased throughout the year, rising from 10,000 daily tracks in January 2025 to 50,000 by November.
  • Total Percentage: Approximately 34% of daily music deliveries on platforms like Deezer are now fully AI-generated.
  • Artist Usage: A survey by Ditto Music found that 48% of artists are using AI in some aspect of their music production, including songwriting, mixing, and mastering.
  • Market Impact: Fully AI-generated tracks have begun to reach the top of digital sales charts, with examples like the AI-driven artist “Breaking Rust” topping the Billboard Country Digital Song Sales chart.
  • Listener Reception: Data suggests that 97% of listeners cannot distinguish between fully AI-generated music and human-made music. 

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Praying for Peace

We live in a crazy world, that’s for sure. It breaks my heart to see what is happening in the USA. When my heart is overwhelmed I turn to the Lord, read the Word, and pray the opposite.


“From the end of the earth I call to You, when my heart is overwhelmed and weak; Lead me to the rock that is higher than I [a rock that is too high to reach without Your help].” Psalm 61:2 AMP

So this week I am reading what God has to say about PEACE!

Bible Verses on Peace

The Lord bless you and keep you; The Lord 

make His face shine upon you, And be gracious to you; The Lord lift up His countenance upon you, And give you peace. Numbers 6:24-26 

Great peace have those who love Your law, And nothing causes them to stumble.
Psalm 119:165 

These things I have spoken to you, that in Me you may have peace. In the world you will have tribulation; but be of good cheer, I have overcome the world. John 16:33 

Be anxious for nothing, but in everything by 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 minds through Christ Jesus. Philippians 4:6-7 

Peace I leave with you, My peace I give to you; not as the world gives do I give to you. Let not your heart be troubled, neither let it be afraid. John 14:27 

Now may the Lord of peace Himself give you peace always in every way. The Lord be with you all. 2 Thessalonians 3:16 

Blessed are the peacemakers, For they shall be called sons of God. Matthew 5:9 

For “He who would love life And see good days,Let him refrain his tongue from evil, And his lips from speaking deceit. Let him turn away from evil and do good; Let him seek peace and pursue it.” 1 Peter 3:10-11 

For to be carnally minded is death, but to be spiritually minded is life and peace. Romans 8:6 

I will both lie down in peace, and sleep; For You alone, O Lord, make me dwell in safety.
Psalm 4:8 

Now the fruit of righteousness is sown in peace by those who make peace. James 3:18 

You will keep him in perfect peace, Whose mind is stayed on You, Because he trusts in You.
Isaiah 26:3 

And let the peace of God rule in your hearts, to which also you were called in one body; and be thankful. Colossians 3:15 

Mercy, peace, and love be multiplied to you. Jude 1:2 

Bearing with one another, and forgiving one another, if anyone has a complaint against another; even as Christ forgave you, so you also must do. Colossians 3:13 

He who is slow to anger is better than the mighty, And he who rules his spirit than he who takes a city. Proverbs 16:32 

Depart from evil and do good; Seek peace and pursue it. Psalm 34:14 

Pursue peace with all people, and holiness, without which no one will see the Lord.  Hebrews 12:14 

Endeavoring to keep the unity of the Spirit in the bond of peace. Ephesians 4:3 

But the wisdom that is from above is first pure, then peaceable, gentle, willing to yield, full of mercy and good fruits, without partiality and without hypocrisy. James 3:17 

The Lord will give strength to His people; The Lord will bless His people with peace. Psalm 29:11 

The things which you learned and received and heard and saw in me, these do, and the God of peace will be with you. Philippians 4:9 

My son, do not forget my law, But let your heart keep my commands; For length of days and long life And peace they will add to you. Proverbs 3:1-2 

Be still, and know that I am God; I will be exalted among the nations, I will be exalted in the earth!
Psalm 46:10 

How beautiful upon the mountains are the feet of him who brings good news, Who proclaims peace, Who brings glad tidings of good things,Who proclaims salvation, Who says to Zion, “Your God reigns!” Isaiah 52:7 

It is honorable for a man to stop striving, Since any fool can start a quarrel. Proverbs 20:3 

Now no chastening seems to be joyful for the present, but painful; nevertheless, afterward it yields the peaceable fruit of righteousness to those who have been trained by it. Hebrews 12:11 

If it is possible, as much as depends on you, live peaceably with all men. Romans 12:18 

Finally, brethren, farewell. Become complete. Be of good comfort, be of one mind, live in peace; and the God of love and peace will be with you. 2 Corinthians 13:11 

Therefore, having been justified by faith, we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ.
Romans 5:1 

“For the mountains shall depart And the hills be removed, But My kindness shall not depart from you, Nor shall My covenant of peace be removed,” Says the Lord, who has mercy on you. Isaiah 54:10 

Deceit is in the heart of those who devise evil, But counselors of peace have joy. Proverbs 12:20 

Grace to you and peace from God our Father and the Lord Jesus Christ. Romans 1:7b 

Do not think that I came to bring peace on earth. I did not come to bring peace but a sword. Matthew 10:34 

So Jesus said to them again, “Peace to you! As the Father has sent Me, I also send you.”
John 20:21 

Glory to God in the highest, And on earth peace, goodwill toward men!
Luke 2:14 

Now may the God of peace who brought up our Lord Jesus from the dead, that great Shepherd of the sheep, through the blood of the everlasting covenant, make you complete in every good work to do His will, working in you what is well pleasing in His sight, through Jesus Christ, to whom be glory forever and ever. Amen. Hebrews 13:20-21 

Flee also youthful lusts; but pursue righteousness, faith, love, peace with those who call on the Lord out of a pure heart. 2 Timothy 2:22 

And the God of peace will crush Satan under your feet shortly. The grace of our Lord Jesus Christ be with you. Amen.Romans 16:20 

Then the churches throughout all Judea, Galilee, and Samaria had peace and were edified. And walking in the fear of the Lord and in the comfort of the Holy Spirit, they were multiplied. Acts 9:31 

Stand therefore, having girded your waist with truth, having put on the breastplate of righteousness, and having shod your feet with the preparation of the gospel of peace; above all, taking the shield of faith with which you will be able to quench all the fiery darts of the wicked one.stand. Ephesians 6:13

 

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Unlocking Divine Messages: How God Speaks to Us Through Dreams and Visions

Tho other night I woke up at 3 am. I do this a lot lately. I went out to the living room and sat in the new recliner my kids got me for Christmas. I opened up my Bible App and started reading. I started a plan to read the Bible in a year.

After that I put down my iPad and fell asleep. Then I had a dream. I make a point to write down my dreams, as God does speak to us during our dreams.

Bible Verses About Dreams

“In a dream, a vision of the night [one may hear God’s voice], When deep sleep falls on men While slumbering upon the bed,”
‭‭Job‬ ‭33‬:‭15‬ ‭AMP‬‬

“After these things the word of the Lord came to Abram in a vision, saying, “Do not be afraid, Abram, I am your shield; Your reward [for obedience] shall be very great.” And the Lord brought Abram outside [his tent into the night] and said, “Look now toward the heavens and count the stars—if you are able to count them.” Then He said to him, “So [numerous] shall your descendants be.” [Heb 11:12] Then Abram believed in (affirmed, trusted in, relied on, remained steadfast to) the Lord; and He counted (credited) it to him as righteousness (doing right in regard to God and man). [Rom 4:3, 18-22; Gal 3:6; James 2:23]”
‭‭Genesis‬ ‭15‬:‭1‬, ‭5‬-‭6‬ ‭AMP‬‬

The LORD your God in your midst,
The Mighty One, will save;
He will rejoice over you with gladness,
He will quiet you with His love,
He will rejoice over you with singing.” Zephaniah 3:17 NKJV

My Dream

I was in a house and looked outside. It was a night of evil like Halloween. I could sense the evil spirits flying around. It frightened me. I stayed inside behind a glass sliding door. I double checked all the locks of the house and then went to bed.

During the night the evil spirits jumped on me and scratched me. They were using their hands/paws to slash me, cutting my arms and legs. They hurt me. I woke up. I had scratches on my arms and leg.

I was not in my home anymore. I was separated from my loved ones. I was trapped in what seemed like a snow globe.

There were other people trapped in there with me. I didn’t recognize anyone. I sensed they were all from another denomination of Christians . I felt it was the Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints congregation. In my spirit I was told they own much of the wealth on Earth.

I was so hungry, starving in fact. They wanted me to start building wealth, from situation to situation, their way. Then they would hide the cash.

I was told I would get fed by the amount of money I hid. I could only eat if I had cash. I had a fabric envelope/pouch on my left wrist and that was where I could pick up and any hide cash.

Then I saw that the people would steal from each other. I was told to keep hiding cash, and then I would finally get fed.

I saw a child. She had a little square of tissue paper in her right hand. It was maybe 4” x 4”. It was so thin. She smiled at me and gave me a tissue paper square. I picked it up with my right hand and held it to my heart.

God spoke to me and said the right hand is where the treasure is. Every time you capture the heart of a child they give you a tissue paper square. Yes it is thin and you can see through it because children have open hearts and open minds. Be kind. God loves the heart of a child.

Once I collected those tiny tissue squares the snow globe I was trapped in melted and I could get out. God said He would feed me, and I could buy milk with no money.

I threw all cash that I had and a pile of car keys and their titles in a car trunk. I walked out and left that place.

My thoughts :

See the child in all of us

God sees us adults as His child

See the child and Be kind

What do you think? Share your thoughts below!

Examples of God Speaking to His people in their dreams:

Old Testament Examples:

  • Jacob: Dreamed of angels ascending and descending a ladder (Genesis 28).
  • Joseph (Son of Jacob): Had dreams foretelling his rise to power (Genesis 37).
  • Pharaoh/Abimelech: God gave them prophetic dreams (Genesis 40, Genesis 20).
  • Gideon: Dreamed of a barley loaf and a tent, which was interpreted as a sign of victory (Judges 7). 

New Testament Examples:

  • Joseph (Mary’s Husband): Received instructions from an angel in dreams (Matthew 1:20-24, 2:13, 2:19-20).
  • Wise Men: Warned in a dream not to return to Herod (Matthew 2:12).
  • Pilate’s Wife: Warned in a dream about Jesus (Matthew 27:19).
  • Ananias: Told in a vision/dream to go to Saul (Acts 9).
  • Cornelius: Instructed in a vision to send for Peter (Acts 10).
  • Paul: Received guidance and encouragement through dreams and visions (Acts 16, 18, 23, 27). 

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Version 3 – God Revive Us Again

Hello friends, Happy New Year! This year I have decided to look for new opportunities with my music and my job. I have been reselling clothes on Poshmark for the last 3 years and let’s just say, it has dwindled down. I am going to sell my inventory at a discount over the next few months and start a new adventure.

Plus, if God really did put me down here to write songs, I think I better learn the best way and write a few more. How about you? Was 2025 everything you thought it would be? Any changes that you would like to make for 2026 (other than the diet thing, we all want that!)?

So in my travels online I came across the Nashville Christian Songwriters Association and their One Song Challenge on FaceBook. It looks like an amazing organization run by John Chisum (Integrity Music/Star Song Media). Here is their About Page,

So, for $15 I entered the One Song Challenge. Here is the course content:

Course Content

Day 1: Concepts, Hooks, and Finding Great Ideas

Day 2: Writing Lyrics That Last

Day 3: Crafting Magical Melodies

Day 4: Song Structure, Arrangement, and Production

Day 5: Stepping Into Your Calling as a Christian Songwriter

If you are a musician I encourage you to join the challenge! I have finished the first two modules and I have to say, I am impressed. It’s great to learn from someone like John Chisum (Integrity Music/Star Song Media). He has tons of experience and knows the business.

Help me choose which version of my song, “God Revive Us Again” I should send in to the One Song Challenge!

Here is where I need your help. One of the challenges was to rewrite an Old Hymn. I Googled Old Hymns and chose “Revive Us Again” as my title. I found a version by W. P. Mackay (1863, 1867) from the Hymnary Website. I purposely didn’t play it, I like to come up with my own version first. Then I’ll play it and see how different things are now, lol!

(Press LISTEN IN BROWSER if you do not have a Soundcloud Account)

Version 1 – God Revive Us Again

https://soundcloud.com/prayersandpromises12/god-revive-us-again?utm_source=clipboard&utm_medium=text&utm_campaign=social_sharing&si=e333f96a3fa54f16b133c65f3e6cd4bc

Version 2 – God Revive Us Again

https://soundcloud.com/prayersandpromises12/god-revive-us-again-version2?utm_source=clipboard&utm_medium=text&utm_campaign=social_sharing&si=7883e620159c4332ae85ca4615b68f5f

Version 3 – God Revive Us Again

https://soundcloud.com/prayersandpromises12/god-revive-us-again-version3?utm_source=clipboard&utm_medium=text&utm_campaign=social_sharing&si=393bb21a74d641d3a9d9a44127fba880

Make Your Choice Below, Thanks for your input! I’ll let you know which one wins on or about January 17th!

Checkboxes

Best Bible Verses for a New Year

Revelation 21:5 “And He who sits on the throne said, “Behold, I am making all things new.”

2 Corinthians 5:17 ” Therefore if anyone is in Christ [that is, grafted in, joined to Him by faith in Him as Savior], he is a new creature [reborn and renewed by the Holy Spirit]; the old things [the previous moral and spiritual condition] have passed away. Behold, new things have come [because spiritual awakening brings a new life].”

Philippians 4:8 Finally, believers, whatever is true, whatever is honorable and worthy of respect, whatever is right and confirmed by God’s word, whatever is pure and wholesome, whatever is lovely and brings peace, whatever is admirable and of good repute; if there is any excellence, if there is anything worthy of praise, think continually on these things [center your mind on them, and implant them in your heart].

Hebrews 13:5 “Let your character [your moral essence, your inner nature] be free from the love of money [shun greed—be financially ethical], being content with what you have; for He has said, “I will never [under any circumstances] desert you [nor give you up nor leave you without support, nor will I in any degree leave you helpless], nor will I forsake or let you down or relax My hold on you [assuredly not]!”

Job 8:7: ““Though your beginning was insignificant, Yet your end will greatly increase.”

Psalm 71:23: ” My lips will shout for joy when I sing praises to You, And my soul, which You have redeemed.”
Isaiah 43:18-19:
“Do not remember the former things,
Or ponder the things of the past.
“Listen carefully, I am about to do a new thing,
Now it will spring forth;
Will you not be aware of it?
I will even put a road in the wilderness,
Rivers in the desert.”

Colossians 3:17: “Whatever you do [no matter what it is] in word or deed, do everything in the name of the Lord Jesus [and in dependence on Him], giving thanks to God the Father through Him.”

Psalm 65:11: “You crown the year with Your bounty, And Your paths overflow.”

Lamentations 3:21-26
“But this I call to mind,
Therefore I have hope.
It is because of the Lord’s lovingkindnesses that we are not consumed,
Because His [tender] compassions never fail.
They are new every morning;
Great and beyond measure is Your faithfulness.
“The Lord is my portion and my inheritance,” says my soul;
“Therefore I have hope in Him and wait expectantly for Him.”
The Lord is good to those who wait [confidently] for Him,
To those who seek Him [on the authority of God’s word].
It is good that one waits quietly
For the salvation of the Lord.”

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Finding Peace This Christmas Season

Christmas season is so busy. So many things to do. So many people to take care of. Lord, help me not to forget anyone. I feel so pressured. I feel so rushed. Help me Lord to rest in You! You have told me I would have peace in your presence. You have have told me you would never leave me nor for forsake me. Help me Jesus, to rest in You this season…

You are the reason for this season. Your birth is the miracle on Earth. Unto us a Savior is born who is Christ the Lord! Holy Spirit help me rest in you. Let me rejoice in your beautiful presence. Let me dance for joy in your glory! Praise the Lord, the Spirit of the Lord is Here!

Bible Verses to Rest in the Lord:

  1. “I keep my eyes always on the Lord. With him at my right hand, I will not be shaken. Therefore my heart is glad and my tongue rejoices; my body also will rest secure . . .” Psalm 16:8-9 (NIV).
  2. “Yes, my soul, find rest in God; my hope comes from him. Truly he is my rock and my salvation; he is my fortress, I will not be shaken” Psalm 62:5-6 (NIV).
  3. “Whoever dwells in the shelter of the Most High will rest in the shadow of the Almighty” Psalm 91:1 (NIV).
  4. “Return to your rest, my soul, for the LORD has been good to you” Psalm 116:7 (NIV).
  5. “This is what the Sovereign Lord, the Holy One of Israel, says: ‘In repentance and rest is your salvation, in quietness and trust is your strength, but you would have none of it’” Isaiah 30:15 (NIV).
  6. “I lie down and sleep; I wake again, because the LORD sustains me” Psalm 3:5 (NIV).
  7. “Then, because so many people were coming and going that they did not even have a chance to eat, he said to them, ‘Come with me by yourselves to a quiet place and get some rest’” Mark 6:31 (NIV).
  8. “By the seventh day God had finished the work he had been doing; so on the seventh day he rested from all his work” Genesis 2:2 (NIV).
  9. “In peace I will lie down and sleep, for you alone, LORD, make me dwell in safety” Psalm 4:8 (NIV).
  10. “In vain you rise early and stay up late, toiling for food to eat— for he grants sleep to those he loves” Psalm 127:2 (NIV)
  11. “But Martha was distracted by all the preparations that had to be made. She came to him and asked, ‘Lord, don’t you care that my sister has left me to do the work by myself? Tell her to help me!’ ‘Martha, Martha,’ the Lord answered, ‘you are worried and upset about many things, but few things are needed—or indeed only one.  Mary has chosen what is better, and it will not be taken away from her’” Luke 10:40-42 (NIV).
  12. “here remains, then, a Sabbath-rest for the people of God; for anyone who enters God’s rest also rests from their works, just as God did from his” Hebrews 4:9-10 (NIV).

My Prayer for You:

Dear Lord,

Quiet our hearts. Bring us back to you and and your peace. Help us remember that You are the reason for this season of Christmas. Unto us is born a Savior, Christ the Lord! Let us rest in Him and celebrate His wonderful Salvation and Redemption in Jesus Name!

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Thanksgiving Bible Study

I have been using the YouVersion Bible App because of the many Bible Studies it offers. This month I chose:

Follow Sola Areogun Ministries on YouVersion, a free Bible app helping millions seek God daily.

Here is an excerpt:

“RETURNING TO SAY THANK YOU

Praise is celebrating what God can do; worship is celebrating who He is; thanksgiving is your intentional response to what He has already done. It is the attitude of a heart that acknowledges mercy received, aid given, and danger escaped. In Luke 17, there were ten cured men but one who came back to thank — and he was healed. God wants you to “return.” Do not take things for granted. Thank Him for what He has done, what He is not giving you, and what He is not giving you from.

Gratitude magnifies what matters and protects your heart against entitlement.

Condition your inner eyes to see God’s fingerprints on daily life. If you can think well enough, you will be able to thank well; when you rush thoughtlessly, ingratitude is multiplied. I would like you to develop the habits that cause you to “return”: have a gratitude list, bear witness on time when God answers prayer, and turn every provision into praise. The more you recall, the more you will come back; the more you come back, the more you will be filled. Have your life testify, “I will enter into His gates with thanksgiving.”

I want to be the one who returns to say thank you to the Lord.

“On the way to Jerusalem he was passing along between Samaria and Galilee. And as he entered a village, he was met by ten lepers, who stood at a distance and lifted up their voices, saying, “Jesus, Master, have mercy on us.” When he saw them he said to them, “Go and show yourselves to the priests.” And as they went they were cleansed. Then one of them, when he saw that he was healed, turned back, praising God with a loud voice; and he fell on his face at Jesus’ feet, giving him thanks. Now he was a Samaritan. Then Jesus answered, “Were not ten cleansed? Where are the nine? Was no one found to return and give praise to God except this foreigner?” And he said to him, “Rise and go your way; your faith has made you well.””
‭‭Luke‬ ‭17‬:‭11‬-‭19‬ ‭ESV‬‬
https://bible.com/bible/59/luk.17.11-17.ESV

Join me in this powerful Bible Study and learn what thanksgiving looks like, how to share it, and how to give God the glory, in Jesus Name!

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Video Playlist to Honor Veterans Day

Thank you Veterans, for fighting the fight for our freedom. We honor you.

Here are songs to honor our Veterans:

Click the link below, I guess I can’t embed a Playlist…

YouTube Playlist to Honor Our Veterans

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Bible Verses on Good vs Evil: Reflections from Our Halloween SOAK

Halloween was interesting on a Friday. My husband Bob and I had SOAK, a time for reading God’s Word on a specific subject and playing praise songs. We do this every Friday with our Church family. I love it. There is something special about resting in God’s presence, the Word and Worship.

I play piano, my husband Bob (also a Pastor) plays acoustic guitar. And our anointed singers Carmen (another Pastor’s wife – Jeff) and sometimes Mike add to the worship. Doug our drummer couldn’t be there this Friday. We do have 8 people in our band, however on Friday some of them have to work or have family commitments. We also have Brother Erik, a very prophetic voice at JAM (Janesville Apostolic Ministries) who shared what God told him about the upcoming church. It was exciting, and pure, and just amazing.

We are blessed with so many faithful worshippers. Thanks you Jesus. All glory and honor to You! SOAK lets us just rest in God’s Presence and minister to Him.

  • “ Come to Me, all you who labor and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest. Take My yoke upon you and learn from Me, for I am gentle and lowly in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. For My yoke is easy and My burden is light.”” – Matthew 11:28-30
  • “Then another angel, having a golden censer, came and stood at the altar. He was given much incense, that he should offer it with the prayers of all the saints upon the golden altar which was before the throne.  And the smoke of the incense, with the prayers of the saints, ascended before God from the angel’s hand. ” – Revelation 8:3-4
  • “Be still, and know that I am God;
    I will be exalted among the nations,
    I will be exalted in the earth!” – Psalm 46:10
  • “The Lord is my shepherd;
    I shall not want.
    He makes me to lie down in green pastures;
    He leads me beside the still waters.
    He restores my soul;
    He leads me in the paths of righteousness
    For His name’s sake.” – Psalm 23:1-3
  • “Truly my soul silently waits for God;
    From Him comes my salvation.
    He only is my rock and my salvation;
    He is my defense;
    I shall not be greatly moved” – Psalm 62:1-2

This Friday was awesome! We shared verses on Good vs Evil. Appropriate for Halloween right? Anyway, here is the video. I hope you enjoy it. I’ll put a few Bible verses. There were over 11 pages on Good verses Evil!

Feel free to follow our JAMJanesville YouTube Channel and join us Thursday at 6:30 for Bible Study (we just learned about Hell), Friday SOAK at 6 pm, and regular Praise and Worship Service Sunday at 10:30 am CST. We really do have many people all over the world that join us weekly! Thank you Jesus!

Bible Verses on Good verses Evil:

  • Romans 12:21 Do not be overcome by evil, but overcome evil with good.
  • Do not be overcome by evil, but overcome evil with good.
  • Isaiah 5:20 Woe to those who call evil good and good evil, who put darkness for light and light for darkness, who put bitter for sweet and sweet for bitter!
  • Proverbs 3:7 Be not wise in your own eyes; fear the Lord, and turn away from evil.
  • 1 Corinthians 15:33 Do not be deceived: “Bad company ruins good morals.”
  • Psalm 34:14 Turn away from evil and do good; seek peace and pursue it.
  • Proverbs 8:13 The fear of the Lord is hatred of evil. Pride and arrogance and the way of evil and perverted speech I hate.
  • Proverbs 4:27 Do not swerve to the right or to the left; turn your foot away from evil.
  • Genesis 3:1-5 Now the serpent was more crafty than any other beast of the field that the Lord God had made. He said to the woman, “Did God actually say, ‘You shall not eat of any tree in the garden’?” And the woman said to the serpent, “We may eat of the fruit of the trees in the garden, but God said, ‘You shall not eat of the fruit of the tree that is in the midst of the garden, neither shall you touch it, lest you die.’” But the serpent said to the woman, “You will not surely die. For God knows that when you eat of it your eyes will be opened, and you will be like God, knowing good and evil.” 
  • Psalm 37:27 Turn away from evil and do good; so shall you dwell forever.
  • Isaiah 45:7 I form light and create darkness; I make well-being and create calamity; I am the Lord, who does all these things.
  • Ephesians 6:12 For we do not wrestle against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the authorities, against the cosmic powers over this present darkness, against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly places.
  • Romans 12:9 Let love be genuine. Abhor what is evil; hold fast to what is good.
  • 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 2:6-8 He will render to each one according to his works: to those who by patience in well-doing seek for glory and honor and immortality, he will give eternal life; but for those who are self-seeking and do not obey the truth, but obey unrighteousness, there will be wrath and fury.
  • Romans 5:3-5 Not only that, but 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 into our hearts through the Holy Spirit who has been given to us.
  • Proverbs 17:15 He who justifies the wicked and he who condemns the righteous are both alike an abomination to the Lord.
  • Romans 12:2 Do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewal of your mind, that by testing you may discern what is the will of God, what is good and acceptable and perfect.
  • James 1:13-15 Let no one say when he is tempted, “I am being tempted by God,” for God cannot be tempted with evil, and he himself tempts no one. But each person is tempted when he is lured and enticed by his own desire. Then desire when it has conceived gives birth to sin, and sin when it is fully grown brings forth death.
  • John 1:5 The light shines in the darkness, and the darkness has not overcome it.
  • Genesis 50:20 As for you, you meant evil against me, but God meant it for good, to bring it about that many people should be kept alive, as they are today.
  • James 1:13 Let no one say when he is tempted, “I am being tempted by God,” for God cannot be tempted with evil, and he himself tempts no one.
  • Psalm 97:10 O you who love the Lord, hate evil! He preserves the lives of his saints; he delivers them from the hand of the wicked.
  • Mark 7:20-23 And he said, “What comes out of a person is what defiles him. For from within, out of the heart of man, come evil thoughts, sexual immorality, theft, murder, adultery, coveting, wickedness, deceit, sensuality, envy, slander, pride, foolishness. All these evil things come from within, and they defile a person.”
  • Genesis 6:5 The Lord saw that the wickedness of man was great in the earth, and that every intention of the thoughts of his heart was only evil continually.
  • Matthew 6:13 And lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from evil.
  • Ephesians 6:11 Put on the whole armor of God, that you may be able to stand against the schemes of the devil.
  • 1 John 1:9 If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just to forgive us our sins and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness.
  • 1 Thessalonians 5:21-22 But test everything; hold fast what is good. Abstain from every form of evil.
  • John 3:20 For everyone who does wicked things hates the light and does not come to the light, lest his works should be exposed.
  • Genesis 3:5 For God knows that when you eat of it your eyes will be opened, and you will be like God, knowing good and evil.”
  • 1 Thessalonians 5:15 See that no one repays anyone evil for evil, but always seek to do good to one another and to everyone.
  • John 14:6 Jesus said to him, “I am the way, and the truth, and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me.
  • Luke 1:37 For nothing will be impossible with God.”
  • 1 Thessalonians 5:22 Abstain from every form of evil.
  • Genesis 3:22 Then the Lord God said, “Behold, the man has become like one of us in knowing good and evil. Now, lest he reach out his hand and take also of the tree of life and eat, and live forever—”
  • Isaiah 1:16 Wash yourselves; make yourselves clean; remove the evil of your deeds from before my eyes; cease to do evil,
  • Genesis 2:17 But of the tree of the knowledge of good and evil you shall not eat, for in the day that you eat of it you shall surely die.”
  • 1 Peter 3:9 Do not repay evil for evil or reviling for reviling, but on the contrary, bless, for to this you were called, that you may obtain a blessing.
  • Romans 3:23 For all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God,
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Bible verses on Miracles, Signs, and Wonders

Miracles, signs, and wonders

Acts 4:30:
While you stretch out your hand to heal, and signs and wonders are performed through the name of your holy servant Jesus.”

John 4:48:
So Jesus said to him, “Unless you see signs and wonders you will not believe.”

Acts 3:16: 
And his name—by faith in his name—has made this man strong whom you see and know, and the faith that is through Jesus has given the man this perfect health in the presence of you all.

Matthew 17:20:
He said to them, “Because of your little faith. For truly, I say to you, if you have faith like a grain of mustard seed, you will say to this mountain, ‘Move from here to there,’ and it will move, and nothing will be impossible for you.”

Mark 16:17:
And these signs will accompany those who believe: in my name they will cast out demons; they will speak in new tongues;

John 14:12:
“Truly, truly, I say to you, whoever believes in me will also do the works that I do; and greater works than these will he do, because I am going to the Father.

Acts 19:11:
And God was doing extraordinary miracles by the hands of Paul.

Psalm 77:14:
You are the God who works wonders; you have made known your might among the peoples.

Acts 9:34:
And Peter said to him, “Aeneas, Jesus Christ heals you; rise and make your bed.” And immediately he rose.

Mark 16:20:
And they went out and preached everywhere, while the Lord worked with them and confirmed the message by accompanying signs.

Acts 14:3:

So they remained for a long time, speaking boldly for the Lord, who bore witness to the word of his grace, granting signs and wonders to be done by their hands.
 
Romans 15:19:
By the power of signs and wonders, by the power of the Spirit of God—so that from Jerusalem and all the way around to Illyricum I have fulfilled the ministry of the gospel of Christ;

Acts 3:6:
But Peter said, “I have no silver and gold, but what I do have I give to you. In the name of Jesus Christ of Nazareth, rise up and walk!”

Daniel 3:28:
Nebuchadnezzar answered and said, “Blessed be the God of Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego, who has sent his angel and delivered his servants, who trusted in him, and set aside the king’s command, and yielded up their bodies rather than serve and worship any god except their own God.

Exodus 14:31:
Israel saw the great power that the Lord used against the Egyptians, so the people feared the Lord, and they believed in the Lord and in his servant Moses.

2 Timothy 1:6:
For this reason I remind you to fan into flame the gift of God, which is in you through the laying on of my hands,

2 Corinthians 12:12:
The signs of a true apostle were performed among you with utmost patience, with signs and wonders and mighty works.

1 Corinthians 12:10:
To another the working of miracles, to another prophecy, to another the ability to distinguish between spirits, to another various kinds of tongues, to another the interpretation of tongues.

Acts 16:18:
And this she kept doing for many days. Paul, having become greatly annoyed, turned and said to the spirit, “I command you in the name of Jesus Christ to come out of her.” And it came out that very hour.

Do not neglect the gift you have, which was given you by prophecy when the council of elders laid their hands on you.

Acts 28:9:
And when this had taken place, the rest of the people on the island who had diseases also came and were cured.

Acts 28:8:
It happened that the father of Publius lay sick with fever and dysentery. And Paul visited him and prayed, and putting his hands on him healed him.
 
Acts 19:6:
And when Paul had laid his hands on them, the Holy Spirit came on them, and they began speaking in tongues and prophesying.

Acts 14:10:
Said in a loud voice, “Stand upright on your feet.” And he sprang up and began walking.

1 Corinthians 12:8-10:
For to one is given through the Spirit the utterance of wisdom, and to another the utterance of knowledge according to the same Spirit, to another faith by the same Spirit, to another gifts of healing by the one Spirit, to another the working of miracles, to another prophecy, to another the ability to distinguish between spirits, to another various kinds of tongues, to another the interpretation of tongues.

Source – https://epicpew.com/24-verses-prove-god-still-works-miracles-people/

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Embracing Suffering: A Journey of Faith

My last post, Coping With Loneliness: A Personal Journey, dealt with my feelings about my current medical condition. I was frustrated and yes, lonely. But God knew that already. He heard my heart as I typed every word. Do you know what God did? He met me right where I was, in the middle of the pit of my own despair.

The next morning I was up early, really early as usual. I grab my iPad and started reading the Bible. These days I’m reading the Message version. I like reading different versions to open my eyes to what God is trying to teach me. I was in the book of Mark learning about all the miracles and healings Jesus did.

I came across these verses on suffering and carrying your cross. I really had no idea what it meant to ‘carry your cross’. All I could picture is the man carrying Jesus’ cross up the hill. How on Earth was I supposed to do that? Thank you Lord for opening my eyes!

Mark‬ ‭8‬:‭34‬-‭38‬ ‭MSG‬‬

“Calling the crowd to join his disciples, he said, “Anyone who intends to come with me has to let me lead. You’re not in the driver’s seat; I am. Don’t run from suffering; embrace it. Follow me and I’ll show you how. Self-help is no help at all. Self-sacrifice is the way, my way, to saving yourself, your true self. What good would it do to get everything you want and lose you, the real you? What could you ever trade your soul for? “If any of you are embarrassed over me and the way I’m leading you when you get around your fickle and unfocused friends, know that you’ll be an even greater embarrassment to the Son of Man when he arrives in all the splendor of God, his Father, with an army of the holy angels.””

Embrace suffering? How do you do that? So That got my interest peaked. I headed over to the Amplified version for more…

Mark 8:34-38 AMP

34 Jesus called the crowd together with His disciples, and said to them, “If anyone wishes to follow Me [as My disciple], he must deny himself [set aside selfish interests], and take up his cross[expressing a willingness to endure whatever may come] and follow Me[believing in Me, conforming to My example in living and, if need be, suffering or perhaps dying because of faith in Me]. 35 For whoever wishes to save his life [in this world] will [eventually] lose it [through death], but whoever loses his life [in this world] for My sake and the gospel’s will save it [from the consequences of sin and separation from God]. 36 For what does it benefit a man to gain the whole world [with all its pleasures], and forfeit his soul? 37 For what will a man give in exchange for his soul and eternal life [in God’s kingdom]? 38 For whoever is ashamed [here and now] of Me and My words in this adulterous and sinful generation, the Son of Man will also be ashamed of him when He comes in the glory of His Father with the holy angels.”  Mark 8:34-38 AMP

That I can do. I can definitely have a willingness to endure whatever may come. I can set aside my personal interests and follow Jesus, even if it includes suffering or death because of my faith in Him. I believe in Jesus. I believe in life after death. I believe in Heaven. I believe in no more suffering and no more sorrow and no more tears. Thank you Holy Spirit for leading me to the truth!

‭Here are more Bible verses on suffering:

Romans 8:18, which compares present suffering to future glory;

Romans 5:3, which says suffering builds endurance, character, and hope; and

1 Peter 2:21, which notes that Christ’s suffering provides an example for believers to follow.

Other verses like Isaiah 43:2 and Psalm 119:50 offer comfort and promise God’s presence during difficult times. 

For encouragement and endurance

  • Romans 5:3-5: “…we also glory in our sufferings, because we know that suffering produces perseverance; perseverance, character; and character, hope. And hope does not put us to shame…” 
  • Romans 8:18: “For I consider that the sufferings of this present time are not worthy to be compared with the glory which shall be revealed in us.” 
  • James 1:2-4: “Consider it pure joy, my brothers and sisters, whenever you face trials of many kinds, because you know that the testing of your faith produces perseverance. Let perseverance finish its work so that you may be mature and complete, not lacking anything.” 

For understanding Christ’s suffering and example

  • 1 Peter 2:21: “For to this you have been called, because Christ also suffered for you, leaving you an example, so that you might follow in his steps.” 
  • 1 Peter 3:18: “For Christ also suffered once for sins, the just for the unjust, that He might bring us to God…” 
  • Isaiah 53:3-4: “He was despised and rejected by mankind, a man of suffering, and familiar with pain… Surely he took up our pain and bore our sorrows…” 

For God’s presence and comfort

  • Isaiah 43:2: “When you pass through the waters, I will be with you; and when you pass through the rivers, they will not overwhelm you…” 
  • Psalm 34:19: “The righteous person may have many troubles, but the Lord delivers him from them all.” 
  • Psalm 119:50: “My comfort in my suffering is this: Your promise has given me life.” 
  • 2 Corinthians 1:3-4: “[God] comforts us in all our troubles, so that we can comfort those in any trouble with the comfort we ourselves receive from God.” 

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