Friday, August 22, 2025

Blessed Sonshine

S NIKITENKO

Blessed Son-shine

In dawn’s first glow, the world awakes,

Soft petals drink the golden rays,

Mountains blush at morning’s grace,

And rivers gleam like sparkling praise.

Yet far more radiant lights my soul—

The Blessed Son-shine in my heart.

Like sunbeams glist'ning on the sea,

Each promise flickers hope anew;

In every whisper of the breeze,

I sense Your Spirit’s gentle clue.

Creation’s wonders bow and sing,

To honor what Your love imparts.

The sunflower lifts its cheerful face,

In humble faith it yearns for light,

Same, in my weakness, You give strength,

Morning dusk turning dark to bright.

Each seed you plant of joy and peace

Blossoms beneath Your sovereign art.

When storms roll in with mounting winds,

And shadows stretch across the land,

Your promise stands—steadfastly true,

Casting out fear, we trust in you.

No mountain high, no valley low,

Can hide the power of Your heart.

O Blessed Son-shine, touch my life.

With blessings only You bestow.

That I may always reflect Your light,

In ev'ry step following you.

For though your love paints skies so grand,

Your Spirit’s blessing guides my heart.

John8:12

Then spake Jesus again unto them, saying,

I am the light of the world: he that followeth me

shall not walk in darkness, but shall have the light of life.

S NIKITENKO

Susan Barker Nikitenko August 21,2025©

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Poetry And Other Materials On This Site Can Be Freely Used For Christian Bible Centered Non-Profit Ministries And must Remain Unchanged In Any Way. All Other Purposes Are With Permission Only. You May Make Requests At "treasurebox18@yahoo.com" All my poems with stories are both real and fictional designed to illustrate a biblical truth. All Rights Reserved. Please Include Site Name And Link Back To This Blog. Thank-You.Images are not all Christian, but put here for the purposes of doing good works of faith, family and country.

Tuesday, August 19, 2025

"Sunflowers in Your Sancuary"

“Sunflowers in Your Sanctuary”
Lord God Ou Father, of Light and Life,
This morning we gather in Your house,
Like a field of sunflowers turning toward the dawn—
Unified, expectant, and full of praise.
Bless this church, O God,
Let Your Spirit shine upon every person,
Warming cold places, healing broken hearts,
And drawing each soul toward Your radiant truth.
May our worship rise like golden blooms,
Our prayers stretch upward in faith,
And our fellowship reflect Your beauty—
Bright, bold, and rooted in love.
Strengthen our leaders, refresh our weary,
And sow new seeds of hope among us.
Let this sanctuary be a garden of grace,
Where joy blossoms and Your Word takes root.
We thank You for the light of this day,
And the light of Your presence.
May we grow together, always turning toward You.

May our lives and choices bless you and honor You
.
In Jesus' Name, Amen.
Susan Barker Nikitenko 2025©
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For Christian Bible Centered Non-Profit Ministries And must Remain Unchanged In Any Way. All Other Purposes Are With Permission Only. You May Make Requests At "treasurebox18@yahoo.com" All my poems with stories are both real and fictional designed to illustrate a biblical truth. All Rights Reserved. Please Include Site Name And Link Back To This Blog. Thank-You.Images are not all Christian, but put here for the purposes of doing good works of faith, family and country.

Wednesday, August 13, 2025

A Devotion on Trustworthiness

A Devotion on Trustworthiness

"A false balance is abomination to the LORD: but a just weight is his delight." - Proverbs 11:1

Trust is the bedrock of all relationships—with our family, our friends, our communities, and most importantly, with our God. It is a fragile gift, easily shattered and difficult to repair. In a world where commitments are often fleeting and promises are made without intention, the call to be trustworthy is more vital than ever. It is a character trait that sets us apart, a testament to the transformative power of a life lived in Christ. To be trustworthy is to be a reflection of God's own unwavering faithfulness.

The Lord delights in a "just weight," a metaphor for a life of integrity and honesty. This isn't just about financial transactions; it's about the way we handle our words, our commitments, and our responsibilities. A false balance, a deceitful measure, is an abomination to Him because it perverts the very nature of truth and justice. When we are untrustworthy, we are essentially operating with a "false balance," giving a deceptive impression of who we are and what we stand for.

Consider the story of Abraham and how he was called to a place he did not know. His faith was built on a trust in God that was absolute. God's promises were his "just weight." When we are trustworthy, we become a living testament to the trustworthiness of our God. Our friends and colleagues should be able to look at our lives and see a pattern of reliability, a promise keeper, someone who means what they say and says what they mean.

Being trustworthy is not just about avoiding lies; it's about being consistent in our actions. It's about being the person others can rely on to show up, to follow through, and to stand by their word, even when it is difficult. This consistency is a powerful witness to the world, a light in the darkness that points back to the One who is the same yesterday, today, and forever.

The scriptures are filled with examples of individuals who were trusted by God and man alike because of their character. Joseph, in Egypt, was entrusted with the entire kingdom's affairs because his integrity was unquestionable. Daniel was elevated to a position of power because his adversaries could find no fault in him, save for his devotion to his God. These were men who lived with a "just weight" in their hearts, and the Lord blessed their faithfulness.

Our trustworthiness is a direct reflection of our relationship with God. The more we grow in our understanding of His faithfulness, the more we are empowered by His Spirit to be faithful ourselves. It is a process of sanctification, where we are daily being conformed to the image of Christ, who is the ultimate embodiment of truth and reliability.

Let us commit to being people of our word, individuals whose actions align with our promises. Let us be diligent in our commitments, whether big or small, for it is in the small things that our character is truly forged. Let us seek to be a "just weight" in our homes, our workplaces, and our communities, so that the Lord's delight may rest upon us.

In a world full of shifting sands, let us be the rock of reliability, a beacon of integrity, and a testament to the unchanging faithfulness of our God. May our lives be a living sacrifice of truth, a fragrant offering that brings glory to His name.

"He that is faithful in that which is least is faithful also in much: and he that is unjust in the least is unjust also in much." - Luke 16:10

Chosen Scripture Reading: Proverbs 11:1-8

Closing Prayer:

Heavenly Father, we come before you with grateful hearts, seeking to be more like You. You are the ultimate example of trustworthiness and faithfulness. Forgive us for the times we have been unreliable, for the promises we have failed to keep, and for the times we have operated with a "false balance." Lord, we ask that you would work in us to create a clean heart and a steadfast spirit. Help us to be faithful in the little things, so that we may be trusted with much. May our lives be a reflection of Your unwavering character, and may our words and actions bring delight to Your heart. In Jesus' name, Amen.

A Thought for the Day:

Your integrity is your most valuable asset. Guard it with diligence, for it is a testament to the faithfulness of your God.☺☺Susan Barker Nikitenko August 13th, 2025©

Sunday, August 10, 2025

Roses of Truth

🌹 Roses of Truth

I searched the soil, the garden bed,
No bloom arose, no blush of red—
No velvet petal kissed the air,
No rose to tend with loving care.

Yet in my heart, a garden grew,
With blossoms bathed in morning dew—
Not planted deep in earthen sod,
But rooted in the love of God.

You are the roses, truth and grace,
A fragrant light in sacred space—
Companions on this winding way,
Who speak of hope and kneel to pray.

Though thorns may press and shadows fall,
Your kindness lifts, your faith stands tall—
You bloom in silence, bloom in song,
You help the weary walk along.

So even if my hands are bare,
No roses in the garden there—
I hold you close, a holy part:
The roses blooming in my heart.

Susan Barker Nikitenko August 10th, 2025©

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Poetry And Other Materials On This Site Can Be Freely Used For Christian Bible Centered Non-Profit Ministries And must Remain Unchanged In Any Way. All Other Purposes Are With Permission Only. You May Make Requests At "treasurebox18@yahoo.com" All my poems with stories are both real and fictional designed to illustrate a biblical truth. All Rights Reserved. Please Include Site Name And Link Back To This Blog. Thank-You.Images are not all Christian, but put here for the purposes of doing good works of faith, family and country.

August Prayer - Roses in My Garden

Susan Barker Nikitenko 2025©

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Friday, August 8, 2025

Morning Prayer Poem/Song

Morning Joy Poem

A Devotional Poem Inspired by Psalm 30:5 “...weeping may endure for a night, but joy cometh in the morning.”

Tears may fall like evening rain, Soft and silent, full of pain. Hearts may ache and voices hush, As sorrow paints the world in blush.

But morning breaks with golden light, A whisper chasing off the night. The sun ascends with gentle grace, And joy begins to take its place.

Not fleeting fun or worldly cheer, But peace that draws the Spirit near. A holy gladness, deep and wide, That walks with us and will abide.

For some, the night is long and cold, A story heavy, grief retold. A sister lost, a mother gone, A prayer repeated till the dawn.

Yet even then, through tear-stained eyes, God’s comfort like a blanket lies. He holds our hearts, He hears our cries, And lifts our gaze toward morning skies.

Joy is not a perfect day, But knowing Christ is here to stay. It’s hope that sings when words are few, A quiet strength that carries through.

So let the morning rise again, With healing light and soft Amen. For in the hush of breaking day, God’s love will never drift away.

And when the final morning comes, With heaven’s light and trumpet drums, No more tears, no more goodbye— Just Morning Joy that fills the sky.

Reflection: Morning Joy isn’t just a poetic phrase—it’s a promise. In seasons of sorrow, God’s presence brings renewal. This poem reminds us that joy isn’t the absence of pain, but the presence of Christ in the midst of it. May this morning bring you peace, hope, and the quiet assurance that you are held.

🌟 Devotion: Morning Joy

Opening Scripture:
"These things have I spoken unto you, that my joy might remain in you, and that your joy might be full." — John 15:11 (KJV)

Joy, in the biblical sense, is not a mood—it’s a miracle. It’s not the absence of sorrow but the presence of Christ. The world offers joy like a balloon: bright, floating, and easily popped. But the Spirit of Christ offers joy like a wellspring—deep, enduring, and flowing even in drought.

Some people suffer every day. Some carry the weight of chronic pain, the ache of loss, or the silence of unanswered prayers. The loss of a child, the unraveling of a dream, the long nights of grief—these are not light burdens. And yet, scripture reminds us: “Weeping may endure for a night, but joy cometh in the morning” (Psalm 30:5). Sometimes that “morning” feels far off. But it comes. Not always with fanfare, but with the quiet presence of God whispering, “I am with thee.”

Consider Hannah in 1 Samuel. Her sorrow over infertility was deep and bitter. She wept, she prayed, she poured out her soul before the Lord. And in time, God restored her joy—not just through the birth of Samuel, but through the intimacy of her trust in Him. Her story reminds us that joy is not found in the outcome—it’s found in the outpouring. As we talk to Him, cry to Him, and trust Him, joy begins to rise.

Paul and Silas sang in prison. David danced after defeat. Jesus, “for the joy that was set before him,” endured the cross (Hebrews 12:2). These were not moments of ease—they were moments of eternal perspective. Joy is not a denial of pain; it’s a declaration of hope.

To continue in joy is to choose trust over despair. It’s to say, “God, I don’t understand, but I believe.” It’s to pray through tears, sing through sorrow, and walk through valleys with the assurance that He walks with us. Joy is not a mask—it’s a miracle born of communion.

Let’s teach this to our children, model it in our homes, and carry it into our communities. Whether we’re crafting coloring pages, writing devotionals, or simply living faithfully, joy should be the undercurrent. Not forced smiles, but Spirit-filled gladness. The kind that sings even when life is hard.

Closing Scripture:
"Rejoice evermore." — 1 Thessalonians 5:16 (KJV)

Thought of the Day:
Tears may endure for a night or a season, but God will restore our joy as we talk to Him, as we cry to Him, as we trust Him.

Chosen Bible Reading:
📖 Psalm 126:5–6 — “They that sow in tears shall reap in joy. He that goeth forth and weepeth, bearing precious seed, shall doubtless come again with rejoicing, bringing his sheaves with him.”

Closing Prayer:
Lord, You see every tear and hear every cry. Thank You for the promise of joy that comes not from circumstances, but from Your Spirit within us. Help us to continue in joy, even when the night is long. Teach us to trust You, to talk with You, and to lean into Your presence. May our lives reflect the hope and gladness that only You can give. In Jesus’ name, Amen.

Friday, August 1, 2025

Walking Out What We Talk About

🌅 Morning Devotion: Walking Out What We Talk About Based on James 1:22 – “But be ye doers of the word, and not hearers only, deceiving your own selves.”

Many of us begin our day with the best intentions. We read our devotionals, sip coffee, and whisper prayers before rushing off into the whirlwind of the day. It’s comforting to hear God’s Word. But James reminds us of a powerful truth—we are not transformed by just hearing. We are changed when we do. It’s like listening to a beautiful symphony but never picking up an instrument to join the harmony.

Take, for example, a man who reads the weather forecast each morning and nods solemnly at the warning of rain. Yet, he walks out without an umbrella. The forecast was heard, but it didn’t change his steps. Likewise, we can read "Love thy neighbor" and still ignore the hurting soul next to us in the checkout line. It's the doing that draws us into God's purpose.

James points out that being a hearer without being a doer is like looking in a mirror and forgetting what you saw. Most mornings, we glance at our reflection—tidy our hair, adjust our clothes—because we care how we present ourselves. But imagine walking away and forgetting entirely what we looked like. God’s Word is that mirror, revealing the condition of our heart. It’s meant to lead us to action, not just acknowledgment.

A young mother I know began placing sticky notes around the house with simple scriptures—on the fridge, above the laundry hamper, even inside her kids’ lunchboxes. She’d read James 1 and decided she didn’t just want her children to know about kindness, she wanted them to live it. She turned passive Bible reading into a family mission: do the Word. That home became a place of little acts of love that echoed Jesus.

In the workplace, someone may overhear gossip and silently walk away—but a “doer of the word” finds a way to speak truth and restore dignity. In traffic, a doer lets someone merge even when they're in a hurry. In conflict, a doer chooses grace, not grudges. These aren’t grand gestures—they’re everyday proofs of a faith that breathes.

The book of James is a clarion call to authenticity. No masks. No empty religion. Just real faith doing real things. It’s not about perfection, but direction—leaning daily into a life that reflects the love and wisdom of Christ. When our walk matches our talk, the world gets a glimpse of God's heart.

✨ Thought of the Day: "True faith is never idle. It hears the Word, embraces it, and puts it into motion." – Inspired by James 1:22

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Friday, August 22, 2025