Welcome to my MicroBlog. I don’t write full blog posts as often anymore. Instead, you can find brief, “micro blog” posts on Instagram! They are short reads. These are my most recent posts. To view the entire post on Instagram, simply click on the image. I window will open with the post!
Something GOOD is coming in 🎄2023🎄
Christmas Advent is probably my favorite time of the year. Yes, I do love the hustle and bustle to some extent. I am an avid chaser of Christmas light displays. And the music! Is there any music more glorious than that which proclaims our Savior’s birth?
But what I love most are the tender mornings I spend in God’s Word, reading through the Christmas story in an intentional manner. I have some favorite advent devotionals that I have enjoyed many times over.
But this year, my heart yearns for something different, and I’m not exactly sure what that is. I have a pretty good idea, though.
SO — I built a framework to journal through this advent season. The resulting content will be the foundation for what comes next year.
Because advent is so tender, I don’t think you can start writing about it in March, or even in January. You have to capture the anticipation in the moment. And that’s what I intend to do.
I will keep y’all posted as things move along!!!
(eeeek! I announced it — now I have to do it! Thankfully — FAITHFUL IS HE WHO CALLS US, WHO WILL ALSO DO IT! 2 Thess 5:24)
#DianneThorntonTX #DianneMicroBlog #MiniBibleStudies #FaithfulFollowers #StandingFirmBibleStudy
#ChristmasAdvent #ChristmasInTheWord #ChristmasDevo #ChristmasDevotional #oHolyNight #Emmanuel #Immanuel #ChristmasAdvent2023 #Advent2023 #AdventDevotional #AdventBibleStudy
#GodIsMyRefuge #WriteTheWord #DailyBibleVerses #ScriptureWriting #SheSpeaksTruth #WordBeforeWorld #SheWritesTruth #IAmAChildOfGod #InTheWord #SeekHimFirst
It’s been about a week since we “fell back” to Standard Time. Many mourn the loss of daylight hours and post their frustration on social media. But I’m thinking about Christmas and how we celebrate light. In some ways, this frustration is a celebration. It reveals our deep need for light and how we suffer without it.
It impacts all of us.
I don’t think it’s an accident that we have this quiet desperation over encroaching darkness exactly when we do. Every day for the next 5 weeks, we will continue to lose bits of daylight. Around December 20-22, comes the Winter Solstice, the day with the least amount of sunlight. A few days later, in this darkness, we celebrate the Light of the World!
Read more from the link in my bio!
#DianneThorntonTX #DianneMicroBlog #MiniBibleStudies #FaithfulFollowers
#LightOfTheWorld
#ReadingTheWord #EveryDayWithJesus #BibleAndCoffee #QuietTimeWithJesus #BibleBlog #BibleQuotesOfTheDay #FixYourEyesOnJesus #ReadTheBibleDaily #ScriptureDaily #JesusChick #StudyTheBible #GodsWisdom #BibleStudies #GodIsEnough #MorningDevo #WordOfLife #BibleScriptures #WordBeforeWorld #Devotions #JesusFollower
Hey Friends! I have a special treat 🍬 for you today.
Thanksgiving 🦃 is a few weeks away and I have TWO 5-Day Bible Studies ready for your “Thanksgiving Advent.” Both are available on Etsy individually, or as a bundle. (Link in bio)
✅ These mini Bible studies are “work at your own pace.”
📖 GIVING THANKS by Pondering the Wonderful Works of the Lord focuses on being thankful for *specific things*.
📖 GIVING GRATEFUL PRAISE (🥳BRAND NEW🥳) focuses on 7 word studies in Psalm 100 that deepen our worship for who God is.
🙏 Together, they cultivate an attitude of thanksgiving all year long!
#DianneThorntonTX #DianneMicroBlog #FaithfulFollowers #MiniBibleStudy #MiniBibleStudies #StandingFirmInChrist
#EnjoyGodsWord #BibleBlog #StudyScripture #LampToMyFeet #BibleCommunity #LovetheBible #StudyGodsWord #LoveTruth #ScriptureOfTheWeek #LoveTheWord #GodIsMyRefuge #LifeWithJesus #ScriptureDaily #GiveThanksDaily #Psalm136 #Psalm107 #Psalm100#CountYourManyBlessings #WonderfulWordsOfLife #CountYourManyBlessingsNameThemOneByOne #GiveThanksToTheLord #GiveThanksEveryDay #Thanksgiving2022#ThanksgivingAdvent
It’s been a minute since I’ve posted here. But some things are just too good to keep to yourself!
Recently my husband and I began leading a small group with our church. Because there is so much uncertainly in the world, he suggested we study how God keeps every promise He makes. It has been a source of encouragement for all of us. The great news is that no matter what is going on in our world, we can trust God because He keeps every promise He makes.
For no matter how many promises God has made, they are “Yes” in Christ. And so through him the “Amen” is spoken by us to the glory of God. (2 Corinthians 1:20)
New post on the blog to encourage you today!! Click link in bio 😍
#DianneThorntonTX #DianneMicroBlog #MiniBibleStudies #FaithfulFollowers
#PromisesOfGod #GodKeepsHisPromises #YesAndAmen #GodsPromises #GodsPromise #GodsPromisesAreTrue
#StudyScripture #LampToMyFeet #WordOfGodSpeaks #LovetheBible #LoveGodsWord #StudyGodsWord #BibleCommunity #JesusIsTruth #BibleBeliever #BibleWisdom #LifeWithJesus #DevotionalTime #BibleVersesDaily #WordOfGodSpeak #GodsWordIsTruth #JesusAndCoffee #BibleStudyMoments #InTheWord #BibleTruth #SeekHimFirst
The holidays are upon us! Soon we will celebrate Thanksgiving and immediately following, the Christmas rush begins. Children are easily caught up in the excitement of Christmas. For them, it’s almost magical.
As we mature, however, childlike awe dissipates. “Adulting” replaces wonder. Pressure to find the right gift, decorate the tree just so, and prepare Pinterest-worthy meals can steal the true joy that Christmas brings. I've found that intentionally anticipating Christ's birth during the Christmas Advent season brings true joy.
✨I’ve curated a list of my favorite Advent devotionals and Bible studies. There is something for everyone! ✨
✨ How do YOU like to celebrate Christmas Advent? ✨
#DianneThorntonTX #DianneMicroBlog #MiniBibleStudies #FaithfulFollowers
#StudyScripture #LampToMyFeet #WordOfGodSpeaks #LovetheBible #LoveGodsWord #StudyGodsWord #BibleCommunity #JesusIsTruth #BibleBeliever #BibleWisdom #LifeWithJesus #DevotionalTime #BibleVersesDaily #WordOfGodSpeak #GodsWordIsTruth #JesusAndCoffee #BibleStudyMoments #InTheWord #BibleTruth #SeekHimFirst
#ChristmasAdvent #ChristmasAdvent2021 #ChristmasDevo #ChristmasJoy #JesusIsTheReasonForTheSeason #ChristIsBorn
THERE IS NOTHING QUITE LIKE THE FEELING OF LOSING YOUR FOOTING.
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.
In those times we are NOT in control, and we know it. We take a few steps, falter, and realize we are going down.
Suffering can be like that—but there is no humor in it.
We all walk through suffering. Sometimes it feels so dark and deep we can’t see what’s ahead.
🎵I waited patiently for the Lord; he turned to me and heard my cry. He lifted me out of the slimy pit, out of the mud and mire; he set my feet on a rock and gave me a firm place to stand. (Ps 40:1-2)
Our road seems slippery, and we may feel we have no hope. But God is near, and He hears our cries. As we draw near to Him, He gives us a new perspective and firm footing. He also gives us a song of joy amid our suffering.
🎵 He put a new song in my mouth, a hymn of praise to our God. Many will see and fear the Lord and put their trust in him. (Ps 40:3)
This song of praise is for the express purpose of encouraging others who are suffering so they too can draw near to the Lord and experience His peace and the abundant life He came to give.
This is how a watching world comes to know God. They see our suffering. But they also see a heart that trusts God during it. A heart that is not bitter, but one that sings for joy.
Do you know a fellow sufferer who willingly shares their song of joy? How has their example encouraged you?
#DianneThorntonTX #DianneMicroBlog #MiniBibleStudies #FaithfulFollowers #StandingFirmBibleStudy #StudyScripture #LampToMyFeet #WordOfGodSpeaks #LoveTheBible #LoveGodsWord #StudyGodsWord #BibleCommunity #JesusIsTruth #BibleBeliever #BibleWisdom #LifeWithJesus #DevotionalTime #BibleVersesDaily #WordOfGodSpeak #GodsWordIsTruth #JesusAndCoffee #BibleStudyMoments #InTheWord #BibleTruth #SeekHimFirst #Ps40 #Psalm40 #GodIsNear #DrawNearToGod
AS HIS FAITHFUL SERVANT, GOD HAS **SET YOU APART** ➡️ FOR HIMSELF!!
Wow. That's powerful.
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. 😉😂)
I love coffee mugs. But certain mugs are different than the others. One was a gift from a special friend. One looks a lot like one my grandfather let me drink from when I visited my grandparents. One is from Disney, and I don't let ANYONE use that one!
Yes, these are "just things." But they are special to me, and anytime I pull one of these mugs out of the cabinet, I remember why it's special. Why it's different from the mugs that match my dishes.
In the Old Testament, “set apart” means to be ...
=> distinctly different.<=
You are God’s faithful servant. He made you distinctly different from everyone else—for His purposes. God’s purposes for you are distinctly different from anyone else’s.
In the New Testament when we read the words “set apart,” they have the added meaning of being sanctified, or holy.
God created you => to be holy for holy purposes. <=
One such purpose is to be a messenger of the gospel of peace (Ephesians 6:15)--showing others how they can be reconciled to God. What a privilege we have to be His messengers!
My prayer for you is the same as that of Paul's at the close of his letter to the Ephesian church:
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)
Be blessed today as you proclaim the gospel of peace to a world that is crying out for it!!
-----------
✨ What other holy purposes has God called you to?
#DianneThorntonTX #DianneMicroBlog #MiniBibleStudies #FaithfulFollowers
#GodsPurpose #SetApart #TheGospel
#ReadingTheWord #EveryDayWithJesus #BibleAndCoffee #QuietTimeWithJesus #BibleBlog #BibleQuotesOfTheDay #FixYourEyesOnJesus #ReadTheBibleDaily #ScriptureDaily #JesusChick #StudyTheBible #GodsWisdom #BibleStudies #GodIsEnough #MorningDevo #WordOfLife #BibleScriptures #WordBeforeWorld #Devotions #JesusFollower
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.
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!!).
Psalm 15, explains that the *blameless person* enjoys a close relationship with God, and describes this person in detail.
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:
"A blameless person's speech is wholesome. She doesn't just not curse--she encourages. AND she accepts criticism without being critical."
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?
How we respond to criticism is a test of what's really in our hearts.
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.
✨ What other truths can we remember to keep our hearts tender instead of tough and critical?
#DianneThorntonTX #DianneMicroBlog #MiniBibleStudies #FaithfulFollowers #StandingFirmBibleStudy
#TruthInLove #Psalm15
#ReadingTheWord #EveryDayWithJesus #BibleAndCoffee #QuietTimeWithJesus #BibleBlog #BibleQuotesOfTheDay #FixYourEyesOnJesus #ReadTheBibleDaily #ScriptureDaily #JesusChick #StudyTheBible #GodsWisdom #BibleStudies #GodIsEnough #MorningDevo #WordOfLife #BibleScriptures #WordBeforeWorld #Devotions #JesusFollower
OUR THOUGHTS OF GOD ARE NOT GREAT ENOUGH. -- J. I. Packer
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)
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.
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.
Sanders shares the first verse from “How Great Thou Art.” It is fitting.
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.
In what ways, as you move forward to serve our King, do you need to fully depend on God?
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!
Let's remember, God goes before us and strengthens us for all He calls us to do.
#DianneThorntonTX #DianneMicroBlog #MiniBibleStudies #FaithfulFollowers
#JOswaldSanders #EnjoyingIntimacyWithGod #HowGreatThouArt #JIPacker
#StudyScripture #LampToMyFeet #WordOfGodSpeaks #LovetheBible #LoveGodsWord #StudyGodsWord #BibleCommunity #JesusIsTruth #BibleBeliever #BibleWisdom #LifeWithJesus #DevotionalTime #BibleVersesDaily #WordOfGodSpeak #GodsWordIsTruth #JesusAndCoffee #BibleStudyMoments #InTheWord #BibleTruth #SeekHimFirst
