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Dianne Thornton

Dianne Thornton

December 9, 2016 · 19 Comments

A Not-So Silent Night

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The Christian Life

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Do you love the well-known Christmas Carol, "Silent Night"? It's one of my favorites, too. But maybe it wasn't so silent after all!

Do you love the well-known Christmas Carol, "Silent Night"? It's one of my favorites, too. But maybe it wasn't so silent after all!Silent night, holy night.
All is calm, all is bright.

Sounds a lot like most of the nativity sets I have in my home. Beautiful, breakable. Set just so.

I do love this old, German/Austrian Christmas carol. It’s a favorite of many. As a young girl, I remember trying to slide into that high note at the end–not so beautifully–as evidenced by the adults staring and winking in my direction.

Yes … favorite, tender lyrics. But are they an accurate depiction for the night of Jesus’ birth?

It most certainly was a holy night. But it I don’t think it was as silent and calm as one might think. It was also a dark time politically for Israel. Israel was under Roman oppression and bucking its political system.

Bethlehem. My sentimental heart squeezes when I remember that Ruth adopted it as her home town. King David was born there. Then, God arranged circumstances perfectly, so that Mary and Joseph would be there at the right time for our Savior to be born there as well.

A small town about the size of Dime Box, Texas, Bethlehem was not a calm town. It was crowded with cranky and tired travelers, who were there to take care of required, government business. Caesar Augustus had ordered a census, with each family reporting to its ancestral city (Luke 2:1-3).

Joseph and Mary were desperate when they arrived. All the guest rooms were full–and Mary was in full-term labor. Finally, someone allowed them to stay with their animals. Mary and Joseph were alone as she painfully labored to bring her Son into the world.

Darkness Dispelled!

Shepherds, who lived in the nearby fields, were watching over their flocks of sheep. An angel of the Lord appeared to them, and the glory of the Lord shone all around them (Luke 2:9).

Think about that for a minute. You are a shepherd, sitting on the ground in the middle of the night, with only the moon and the stars for light. Suddenly, the radiance of the Lord shines all around you. What must that have been like? Calmness did not describe their night. They must have been in shock! Did they cover their eyes with their arms? Did their eyes ache from the blinding light?

Silence Shattered!

The shepherds were terrified! Breaking the silence, the angel told them …

“Don’t be afraid!” he said. “I bring you good news that will bring great joy to all people. The Savior—yes, the Messiah, the Lord—has been born today in Bethlehem, the city of David! And you will recognize him by this sign: You will find a baby wrapped snugly in strips of cloth, lying in a manger.” (Luke 2:10-12)

and then this …

Suddenly, the angel was joined by a vast host of others—the armies of heaven—praising God and saying, “Glory to God in highest heaven, and peace on earth to those with whom God is pleased.” (Luke 2:13-14)

Their usually calm night transitioned from fear–to joy. The silence was exchanged for glorious rejoicing! In their excitement, they said to each other, “Let’s go! We gotta see this!” So they left their sheep and hurried to see what the angel had told them.

The shepherds found Mary, Joseph, and the baby Jesus, just as the angels said. With news this great, they couldn’t keep it to themselves. They told everyone about it! And then …

The shepherds went back to their flocks, glorifying and praising God for all they had heard and seen. It was just as the angel had told them. (Luke 2:20)

Did their hearts swell with hope as they realized the Promise foretold long ago was being fulfilled before their very eyes?

The Cry of Every Heart

Silent night, holy night. All is calm, all is bright … is the cry of every heart. For most of us, our worlds are anything but silent, calm, and bright. But Jesus came to change all that. He enters our space and …

The Light of the World dispels our darkness.
The Prince of Peace replaces our anxiety with rest.
The Hope of the world gives us a reason to rejoice!

Silent night, holy night is the cry of every heart. Click to Tweet

The next time you sing this beloved carol, don’t leave the lyrics in the manger. Bring them forward to your own heart’s need, and let the Babe change everything!

Wishing you and your loved ones a beautiful Christmas.

 

Your Christmas Lights Chase the Darkness Away
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Reader Interactions

Comments

  1. Michele Morin says

    December 9, 2016 at 6:20 am

    Oh, how I love Christmas carols! I’m teaching my Sunday school kids “While Shepherds Watched Their Flocks” just because I don’t think they’ll hear it any other way, and because it has the whole story. Thanks for sharing these beautiful songs of the season.

  2. Dianne Thornton says

    December 9, 2016 at 7:18 am

    That’s great, Michele! It’s important for our children to know these hymns. Thanks for coming by today. Praying you have a blessed holiday.

  3. Anita Ojeda says

    December 9, 2016 at 12:33 pm

    There’s a book about the origins or Christmas carols that I saw today and it looked really interesting. That’s the side note ;). Beautiful post and reminder that Jesus brings us calm–no matter what our surroundings look like.

  4. ~Karrilee~ says

    December 9, 2016 at 5:57 pm

    Beautiful!!! Truly – this is the cry of my heart!

  5. Dianne Thornton says

    December 10, 2016 at 10:25 am

    I have a couple of books that detail the history of favorite hymns. I enjoy knowing the thought behind poetry and prose. So glad you stopped by, Anita. Rejoicing with you that we can experience the Prince of Peace in the midst of he not-so calm!

  6. Dianne Thornton says

    December 10, 2016 at 10:26 am

    Praying you know peace this season, Karillee.

  7. Deb Wolf says

    December 10, 2016 at 10:52 am

    Love this, Dianne! It’s my favorite of the Christmas carols and you added so much in this telling… Can you imagine the sky filling with the singing of an angel choir! Wow! Blessings!!

  8. Kristi Woods says

    December 13, 2016 at 7:06 am

    You bring a smile, Dianne. I wonder how many times we’ve sang those familiar Christmas carols and left them in the manger? Praise God for that Babe and how He comes with us into everyday life. Merry Christmas! Visiting via #raralinkup.

  9. Mary Geisen says

    December 13, 2016 at 8:19 am

    Silent Night is one of my favorite carols because my maiden name is Gruber. Franz Gruber is a distant relative. With that aside, I agree that in reality the night Jesus was born was anything but silent. But all the other characters and activities needed to happen so the story unfolded as we know it today. I love how you challenge us at the end not to leave the lyrics in the manger but bring them forward to our own heart’s needs. Blessings!

  10. Marva | SunSparkleShine says

    December 13, 2016 at 8:29 am

    Oh, Dianne, I just love this! You painted such a vivid picture that it wasn’t hard for us to imagine what that night must have been like — truly it was awe-inspiring. I’m going to share this one to #spreadtheshine, my friend.
    Wishing Christmas blessings to you and yours.

  11. Dianne Thornton says

    December 13, 2016 at 8:31 am

    Makes me think of listening to Handel’s “Messiah” by an incredible choir! Merry Christmas to you, Deb!

  12. Dianne Thornton says

    December 13, 2016 at 8:32 am

    Praising God with you, Kristi! Thanks for taking time to read and respond! Merry Christmas!!

  13. Dianne Thornton says

    December 13, 2016 at 8:34 am

    Wow, Mary! How exciting to be related to There is so much more history to this carol … which I’m sure you are familiar with. The same for Franz and the organist … the timing was just write for the pieces to fall together for this beautiful Christmas carol.

  14. Dianne Thornton says

    December 13, 2016 at 8:36 am

    Merry Christmas, my sweet friend! Thank you for taking time to read and respond. LOVE YOU!

  15. Joanne Viola says

    December 13, 2016 at 4:36 pm

    Dianne, this was such a meaningful post because I so love Christmas music. I’ve been known to play it all year long 🙂 Your last paragraph is such truth. May we not leave the lyrics in the manger. May we bring them forward and let the Baby change everything. Just beautiful! May you and yours have a blessed Christmas!

  16. Lisa notes says

    December 13, 2016 at 8:52 pm

    I don’t think my nativity set is very accurate either. And there probably was not much silence in a stable full of animals. ha. So grateful that Jesus steps into all our spaces!

  17. Dianne Thornton says

    December 14, 2016 at 7:02 am

    Thanks, Joanne. I love Christmas music, too. Traditional and contemporary. Focuses my heart where it needs to be. Merry Christmas to you as well!

  18. Dianne Thornton says

    December 14, 2016 at 7:03 am

    Thanks for taking time to read toda, Lisa. And praying many. Christmas blessings for you and yours.

  19. Wendy Munsell says

    December 14, 2016 at 7:07 am

    Your beautiful post reminds me that our Heavenly Father seems to delight in doing the unexpected. Our assumptions about how God would or should make His presence known have been proven wrong for over two thousand years! I’m always amazed (and very grateful) that our Savior chose to humble himself in coming to live and walk among us. His birth in a stable heralded a very different type of king indeed!

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THERE IS NOTHING QUITE LIKE THE FEELING OF LOSING YOUR FOOTING.⁠
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I should know. I’m an expert at the slip-and-fall. In the rain with flip flops that have lost their tread. On frozen snow in hiking boots that are supposed to have grip. Even in my kitchen when I’m wearing my slippers. (Why are they called that???) Then there was that time I trekked out across some sand to grab a bucket and ended up knee deep in drilling mud.⁠
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AS HIS FAITHFUL SERVANT, GOD HAS **SET YOU APART** ➡️ FOR HIMSELF!!⁠
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Wow. That's powerful. ⁠
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Do you have something very special that you keep in a special place -- just for you? (I'm not talking about hiding those special cookies. 😉😂)⁠
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=> distinctly different.<= ⁠
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Whenever you speak [or write], may God give you words so you will fearlessly make known the mystery of the gospel and that you may declare it fearlessly, as you should. (Ephesians 6:19-20)⁠
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Be blessed today as you proclaim the gospel of peace to a world that is crying out for it!!⁠
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-----------⁠
✨ What other holy purposes has God called you to?⁠
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Feb 10

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PSALM 15 IS SHORT, YET JAM-PACKED WITH GOODNESS.⁠ ⁠⁠
Tough goodness, but goodness all the same. I had to include all of it in my images. Scroll through the pages so you don't miss any of it.⁠⁠
⁠⁠
When I journaled through this Psalm, I was knee-deep in the edits for my Bible study, STANDING FIRM IN CHRIST: Biblical Principles for Fighting Spiritual Battles. Edits from my awesome editor and edits from my sweet friends who wanted this Bible study to be its best.⁠⁠
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Let me tell you, allowing trusted friends inside your writing world is scary! It's a good thing, but it can also sting. As I read through the psalmist's words, God brought a principle to my mind. You know the one--what's in our hearts shows up in our words (and even our thoughts!!).⁠⁠
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Psalm 15, explains that the *blameless person* enjoys a close relationship with God, and describes this person in detail. ⁠⁠
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This person SPEAKS TRUTH FROM THE HEART. In other words, it's not just the words this person speaks, but the response to difficult words! I wrote the following in my journal:⁠⁠
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"A blameless person's speech is wholesome. She doesn't just not curse--she encourages. AND she accepts criticism without being critical."⁠⁠
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Wow. That can be hard to do. Receiving edits can be a challenge. But what about when someone who cares about you confronts you (in love) about a difficult life issue? ⁠⁠
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How we respond to criticism is a test of what's really in our hearts.⁠⁠
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When our hearts are tender and match up with God's truth, our lives are built on a firm foundation that will never be shaken.⁠⁠
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✨ What other truths can we remember to keep our hearts tender instead of tough and critical?⁠⁠
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Feb 8

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OUR THOUGHTS OF GOD ARE NOT GREAT ENOUGH. -- J. I. Packer⁠
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The Scripture focus for Chapter 3 of ENJOYING INTIMACY WITH GOD, is Isaiah 40, which holds many favorite passages, including:⁠
⁠
"But those who hope in the Lord will renew their strength. They will soar on wings like eagles; they will run and not grow weary, they will walk and not be faint." (Isaiah 40:31, NIV)⁠
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Isaiah 40 is lengthy, but oh, so beautiful. It was written to encourage Israel after her discipline (captivity in Babylon) was completed. God wanted them to know that He was fully worthy of their trust. ⁠
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It is an interesting contrast. It describes man’s utter weakness—and God’s transcendence. But this God who is so other than anything we know, LOVES **US**. The God who made the universe, who holds the oceans in His hands, who never grows weary—is our friend. ⁠
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Sanders shares the first verse from “How Great Thou Art.” It is fitting. ⁠
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O Lord, my God, when I in awesome wonder⁠
Consider all the worlds Thy Hands have made⁠
I see the stars, I hear the rolling thunder⁠
Thy power throughout the universe displayed.⁠
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In what ways, as you move forward to serve our King, do you need to fully depend on God? ⁠
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I've been on somewhat of a social media hiatus--working tirelessly with my husband on some much needed household repairs/updates. Finding my way and rhythm back into this special world is a bit overwhelming!⁠
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Let's remember, God goes before us and strengthens us for all He calls us to do.⁠
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#JOswaldSanders #EnjoyingIntimacyWithGod #HowGreatThouArt #JIPacker⁠
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#StudyScripture #LampToMyFeet #WordOfGodSpeaks #LovetheBible #LoveGodsWord #StudyGodsWord #BibleCommunity #JesusIsTruth #BibleBeliever #BibleWisdom #LifeWithJesus #DevotionalTime #BibleVersesDaily #WordOfGodSpeak #GodsWordIsTruth #JesusAndCoffee #BibleStudyMoments  #InTheWord #BibleTruth #SeekHimFirst

dianne.thornton.tx

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Nov 18

Open
HOLY FATHER, GIVE ME GREAT LOVE FOR YOUR WORD AND THE TRUTH IN IT.⁠
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May the Holy Spirit illumine truth as I read its pages. Teach me to use your Sword as my weapon against Satan.⁠
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Help me to study it well, hiding its treasures in my heart.⁠
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Bring to mind truth from Your Word for my needs today. ⁠
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In Jesus's Name,⁠
Amen!⁠
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Collecting Scriptures as we read God's Word can be a great help for when we face temptation. Writing them in a journal on an index card or a sticky note keeps them "at the ready" for when we need them.⁠
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If you struggle with memorizing Scripture, I have a resource to help you hide God's Word in your heart:⁠
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The PSALMS Meditation Method is a set of worksheets that guides your meditation process so that you know a verse thoroughly, even though you may not have "memorized" it.⁠
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You can find it in my SHOP under "Bible Study Helps." (See the Instagram links in my bio.)⁠
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#DianneThorntonTX #DianneMicroBlog #MiniBibleStudies  #FaithfulFollowers ⁠#SwordOfTheSpirit ⁠
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#StandingFirmBibleStudy #ArmorOfGod🗡🛡#CharacterOfChrist #PrayerIsAWeapon #WholeArmorOfGod #Ephesians 610 #StandFirmInYourFaith #BeStrongInTheLord #NamesOfGod #ArmorOfGodStudy #standfirminchrist #newbiblestudy #SpiritualBattles #NameOfGod  #standfirminthefaith #fullarmorofgod #Christlikeness #Ephesians6 #VictoryInJesus⁠

dianne.thornton.tx

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Nov 12

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HOLY FATHER, PROTECT MY MIND WITH THE TRUTH FROM YOUR WORD.⁠ Bring to mind Scripture I have stored in my heart for my needs today. ⁠
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Where my mind is too busy, remind me to be still and know that You are God (Psalm 46:10) so I can sense the Holy Spirit's leading. ⁠
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For any thoughts that do not honor You, remind me to ⁠
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--set aside these thoughts⁠
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--shift my thinking⁠
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--and focus on things that are true, admirable, excellent, and worthy of praise. ⁠
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In essence, I choose to worship YOU rather than anything else.⁠ (Philippians 4:8-9)⁠
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As I study Your Word, please move that truth from my mind to my heart so I experience life change.⁠
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Help me think properly about my circumstances today. ⁠
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In Jesus's Name,⁠
Amen!⁠
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Think about how your thought life affects your spiritual battles. Do any thoughts need to come under the authority of Jesus Christ?⁠
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Drop an emoji if you are wearing the Helmet of Salvation today! 🙏🙏🙏⁠
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#DianneThorntonTX #DianneMicroBlog #MiniBibleStudies  #FaithfulFollowers ⁠#HelmetOfSalvation⁠
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#StandingFirmBibleStudy #ArmorOfGod🗡🛡#CharacterOfChrist #PrayerIsAWeapon #WholeArmorOfGod #Ephesians 610 #StandFirmInYourFaith #BeStrongInTheLord #NamesOfGod #ArmorOfGodStudy #standfirminchrist #newbiblestudy #SpiritualBattles #NameOfGod  #standfirminthefaith #fullarmorofgod #Christlikeness #Ephesians6 #VictoryInJesus

dianne.thornton.tx

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Nov 9

Open
DO YOU CARE FOR LITTLE ONES OR AGED ONES?⁠
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Do you teach students?⁠
Do you move within the corporate world?⁠
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Are you walking through a valley of suffering?⁠
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What task has God given you in your arena of ministry? ⁠
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It doesn’t matter what it is, God wants us to give ourselves *fully* to the work He assigns us. ⁠
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And here’s the “why.”⁠
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“Therefore, my dear brothers and sisters, stand firm. Let nothing move you. Always give yourselves fully to the work of the Lord, because you know that your labor in the Lord is not in vain.” (1 Corinthians 15:58-59 NIV)⁠
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Our labor is in not in vain! Because, as the verses prior to these say, Jesus has conquered the sting of death. Through Him we have victory. ⁠
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Everything we do can point to Jesus so He receives glory in all our tasks. ⁠
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So if you’re feeling discouraged today, take heart. Victory is yours. God will use your efforts for His kingdom.  He loves you so. ⁠
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What work has God given you today? ⁠
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Double tap if you agree!⁠
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#DianneThorntonTX #DianneMicroBlog #MiniBibleStudies  #FaithfulFollowers⁠ #StandFirmInChrist⁠
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#StudyScripture #LampToMyFeet #WordOfGodSpeaks #LovetheBible #LoveGodsWord #StudyGodsWord #BibleCommunity  #JesusIsTruth #BibleBeliever #BibleWisdom #LifeWithJesus #DevotionalTime #BibleVersesDaily #WordOfGodSpeak #GodsWordIsTruth #JesusAndCoffee #BibleStudyMoments  #InTheWord #BibleTruth #SeekHimFirst

dianne.thornton.tx

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Nov 6

Open
HOW TO CULTIVATE AN ATTITUDE OF THANKSGIVING ALL YEAR ROUND.⁠
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If you're like me, your mind is spinning with all the craziness of this week. You might even be a bit afraid of what the future holds. I know that I am doing a good amount of "instructing my heart" to trust the Lord. ⁠
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The best cure of worry and fear is a shift in focus -- from our circumstances to the One who controls them. With Thanksgiving approaching, this shift can include listing all the the wonderful ways God has cared for us in the past -- which builds our trust that He will continue to care for us in the coming days. ⁠
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Would you join me in focusing on the wonderful deeds of the Lord as Thanksgiving approaches? ⁠
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This 5-Day Mini Bible Study is a special Thanksgiving treat that will help you cultivate an attitude of thanksgiving (and trust) all year long.⁠ ⁠
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🦃 Get your copy from the Instagram link in my profile. 🦃⁠
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⁠Psalm 77:11-12 “I will remember the deeds of the LORD; yes, I will remember your miracles of long ago. I will consider all your works and meditate on all your mighty deeds.” 

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#DianneThorntonTX #DianneMicroBlog #MiniBibleStudies  #FaithfulFollowers⁠
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#GiveThanksAlways #GiveThanksEveryDay #GiveThanksToTheLord #GiveThanksDaily #GiveThanks🙏 #GratefulHeart #Psalm136 #Psalm107 #Psalm100 #CountYourManyBlessings #CountYourManyBlessingsNameThemOneByOne #Psalm100 #PsalmOfTheDay #Psalms #Thanksgiving2020 #EnterHisGatesWithThanksgiving #EnterHisCourtsWithPraise⁠
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#LifeWithJesus #DevotionalTime #BibleVersesDaily #WordOfGodSpeak #GodsWordIsTruth #JesusAndCoffee #BibleStudyMoments  #InTheWord #BibleTruth ⁠

dianne.thornton.tx

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Nov 4

Open
HOLY FATHER, I'M GRATEFUL THAT YOU PROTECT ME WITH THE SHIELD OF YOUR FAITHFULNESS (Psalm 91:4). ⁠
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Where the enemy tries to get me to doubt, remind me of the truth in Your Word that ... ⁠
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... although much in life changes, You remain the same (James 1:17). ⁠
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⁠Thank You for meeting my needs in the past. Because You are our Faithful God, I know You will meet my needs today. ⁠
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I know You can grow my small faith.⁠
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In Jesus's Name,⁠
Amen!⁠
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In your spiritual battles, where are you tempted to doubt God's plan? How has God met your needs in the past? Trust Him meet you now!!⁠
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Drop an emoji if you are using the Shield of Faith today!! 🙏🙏🙏⁠
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#DianneThorntonTX #DianneMicroBlog #MiniBibleStudies  #FaithfulFollowers ⁠#ShieldOfFaith⁠ #GodIsFaithful #James117⁠
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#StandingFirmBibleStudy #ArmorOfGod🗡🛡#CharacterOfChrist #PrayerIsAWeapon #WholeArmorOfGod #Ephesians 610 #StandFirmInYourFaith #BeStrongInTheLord #NamesOfGod #ArmorOfGodStudy #standfirminchrist #newbiblestudy #SpiritualBattles #NameOfGod  #standfirminthefaith #fullarmorofgod #Christlikeness #Ephesians6 #VictoryInJesus

dianne.thornton.tx

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Nov 2

Open
ISN'T IT JUST LIKE GOD TO USE SMALL THINGS TO ACCOMPLISH BIG THINGS?⁠
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Psalm 8:2 “Through the praise of children and infants you have established a stronghold against your enemies, to silence the foe and the avenger.”⁠
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The NIV Application Commentary says, “The recognition of one’s own weakness is the starting point for recognizing dependence on the strength of God.”⁠
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Do you feel small in your efforts to serve God and others?⁠
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That’s okay!! ⁠
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God takes our meager offering and multiplies it to accomplish His purposes—not only in our lives, but in the world!!⁠
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What are some small efforts that make a big difference?⁠
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#DianneThorntonTX #DianneMicroBlog #MiniBibleStudies  #FaithfulFollowers⁠ #Psalm8 #Psalm82⁠
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#StudyScripture #LampToMyFeet #WordOfGodSpeaks #LovetheBible #LoveGodsWord #StudyGodsWord #BibleCommunity  #JesusIsTruth #BibleBeliever #BibleWisdom #LifeWithJesus #DevotionalTime #BibleVersesDaily #WordOfGodSpeak #GodsWordIsTruth #JesusAndCoffee #BibleStudyMoments  #InTheWord #BibleTruth #SeekHimFirst

dianne.thornton.tx

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Oct 28

Open
⁠HOLY FATHER, I WANT YOUR PEACE TO RULE MY LIFE.⁠
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First, I confess my sin and thank You for Your forgiveness. ⁠
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Thank You that through Jesus, the Prince of Peace, I can have peace with You.⁠
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Please show me where I need to make amends in my relationships. ⁠
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Help me to humbly approach my friends and family and ask for forgiveness so peace can be restored in our relationships. ⁠
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And in my circumstances, where I am anxious and afraid, I fix my eyes on You and trust You to settle my heart and mind.⁠
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Father, please give me courage to share the Gospel of Peace with those who cross my path today. ⁠
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You've given me the great privilege of partnering with You to spread the gospel. Give me sensitivity to recognize when to speak up so others can hear the good news and know salvation.⁠
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In Jesus's Name,⁠
Amen!⁠
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In your personal spiritual battles, is there anyone with whom you need to reconcile?⁠
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How does Satan disrupt your peace? ⁠
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Drop an emoji if you want to share the gospel of peace today! 🙏🙏🙏 ⁠(kinda scary, huh!)⁠
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#DianneThorntonTX #DianneMicroBlog #MiniBibleStudies  #FaithfulFollowers ⁠#GospelOfPeace #PrinceOfPeace⁠
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#StandingFirmBibleStudy #ArmorOfGod🗡🛡#CharacterOfChrist #PrayerIsAWeapon #WholeArmorOfGod #Ephesians 610 #StandFirmInYourFaith #BeStrongInTheLord #NamesOfGod #ArmorOfGodStudy #standfirminchrist #newbiblestudy #SpiritualBattles #NameOfGod  #standfirminthefaith #fullarmorofgod #Christlikeness #Ephesians6 #VictoryInJesus

dianne.thornton.tx

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Oct 26

Open
HOW MANY TIMES HAVE YOU READ 1 CORINTHIANS 10:13?⁠
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I've read it many times, but something new popped out to me.⁠
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“No temptation has overtaken you except what is common to mankind. And God is faithful; he will not let you be tempted beyond what you can bear. But when you are tempted, he will also provide a way out so that you can endure it.” (1 Corinthians 10:13, NIV)⁠
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It’s that last phrase … SO YOU CAN ENDURE IT.⁠
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Prior to the other day, whenever I thought about this verse, I thought about temptation LEAVING once I ESCAPED, by being obedient to take God’s way out.⁠
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But that’s not what the last phrase indicates. It says that we can ENDURE TEMPTATION. ⁠
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If you're like me, this offers great hope. Sometimes temptation sticks around. It doesn't just go away. That’s why it’s so important to wear the Helmet of Salvation and protect our minds with the Truth from God’s Word. ⁠
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Whatever temptation you are facing, God’s “way out” will help you ENDURE your temptation, especially if it is a lingering one. ⁠
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He is present—you don’t face it alone. He strengthens you each step of the way until you are clear of it.⁠
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Drop an emoji if you agree!⁠
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#DianneThorntonTX #DianneMicroBlog #MiniBibleStudies  #FaithfulFollowers⁠ #HelmetOfSalvation #BeltOfTruth #StandingFirmBibleStudy ⁠
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#StudyScripture #LampToMyFeet #WordOfGodSpeaks #LovetheBible #LoveGodsWord #StudyGodsWord #BibleCommunity  #JesusIsTruth #BibleBeliever #BibleWisdom #LifeWithJesus #DevotionalTime #BibleVersesDaily #WordOfGodSpeak #GodsWordIsTruth #JesusAndCoffee #BibleStudyMoments  #InTheWord #BibleTruth #SeekHimFirst

dianne.thornton.tx

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Oct 21

Open
⁠HOLY FATHER, THE BREASTPLATE OF RIGHTEOUSNESS⁠ ⁠protects my heart--which is the core of who I am. ⁠
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May the truth of Your Word guard and protect my heart (Proverbs 4:23).⁠
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On my own, it is impossible to live righteously. ⁠
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As I yield my will to the Holy Spirit, however, You give me the power to live in victory. ⁠
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Give me the courage to surrender the areas of my life You put Your finger on.⁠
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May my time in Your Word work change in my heart so I can live the righteous life You desire.⁠
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In Jesus's Name,⁠
Amen!⁠
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In your personal spiritual battle, is there any area of your life where you need to surrender? ⁠
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What do your thoughts, words, and actions reveal about your heart?⁠
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Drop an emoji if you are wearing the Breastplate of Righteousness today! 🙏🙏🙏⁠
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I would consider it a privilege to partner in prayer with you. Feel free to send me a DM!⁠
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#DianneThorntonTX #DianneMicroBlog #MiniBibleStudies  #FaithfulFollowers ⁠#BreastplateOfRighteousness⁠ #Proverbs423 #Ephesians 518⁠
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#StandingFirmBibleStudy #ArmorOfGod🗡🛡#CharacterOfChrist #PrayerIsAWeapon #WholeArmorOfGod #Ephesians 610 #StandFirmInYourFaith #BeStrongInTheLord #NamesOfGod #ArmorOfGodStudy #standfirminchrist #newbiblestudy #SpiritualBattles #NameOfGod  #standfirminthefaith #fullarmorofgod #Christlikeness #Ephesians6 #VictoryInJesus

dianne.thornton.tx

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Oct 20

Open
So this is me. Headed back into the classroom for my first substitute assignment of the 2020-2021 year. 

We started off with a fire drill! 😱 And the knowledge that students are being sent home with COVID. 🙏

Builds great appreciation for teachers—who also serve on the front lines. 💜

#DianneThorntonTX #DianneMicroBlog #MiniBibleStudies  #FaithfulFollowers
#substituteteacher #thankyouteachers #subplans #substituteteaching #substituteteacherlife
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