Soul To Keep Music

Deuteronomy 32:4
He is the Rock, his works are perfect, and all his ways are just. A faithful God who does no wrong, upright and just is he.

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Hello friends, I hope you all had a wonderful and joyous Thanksgiving, reflecting on His goodness and all the gifts that He provides to us each and every day. His light is constantly shining, even through all the chaos and confusion that the world brings.

This week we are joined again by my sweet children for the memory verse melody of Deuteronomy 32:4, a family favorite – enjoy!

This verse is in the song of Moses that he recited to Joshua and the Israelites before they were to finally enter into the Promised Land. Along their journey God provided food to eat, water to drink, clothing and shoes that never wore out, and protection against the surrounding nations. He guided them as a pillar of cloud during the day, a pillar of fire at night, parted the Red Sea to cross on dry land, and healed the sick. He made himself known, giving promises of deliverance and protection, and even spoke from the mountain at Sinai. What a rock!

All the while, every step of the way, the people questioned God, complained, rejected Him, and placed their trust in other gods. If God’s people were that rebellious during a time of so many miracles and expressions of might, they were sure to repeat this pattern in subsequent generations. Moses’ song is a reminder, sung to the young and old, as a way to remember God’s promises, His strength, His goodness, and how rebellious and prone we are to wander. We are like the Israelites in many ways. But God is good. He provides for us every day and gives us the living scriptures as a way to draw near to him as we wander.

Psalm 118:1-2
I love you, O Lord, my strength. The Lord is my rock and my fortress and my deliverer, my God, my rock, in whom I take refuge, my shield, and the horn of my salvation, my stronghold.

The Lord is my rock. I can rely on Him for all my needs. A great example of this is found in Exodus 17, again in the wilderness travels. The people are thirsty and start complaining, desiring to return to Egypt under slavery. God provided water for them that came gushing out of a rock! We can trust that his works are perfect and He will provide all that we need as we seek to serve Him. Water from a rock is impossible, yet for God nothing is impossible. We may not always understand His ways, but we can trust in Him as faithful and just, even through our doubts.

God used Abraham and Sarah, a couple that was too old to have children, to build a nation that would ultimately restore all nations back to God. We are separated from His holiness through our sinful nature. Through the sacrifice and resurrection of Jesus Christ, we can be reunited with God. The Israelites were set apart by God to be a witness to all nations of His goodness and His plan to restore the world. They looked forward in anticipation to the fulfillment of God’s promise. We have seen that fulfillment and look forward to the complete restoration of this world in Christ’s return. In the meantime, we get to proclaim the Good News of hope and deliverance as we anticipate His return.

While we know the truth and have seen the fulfillment of God’s covenant with Abraham, we wander just like each generation of God’s chosen people of Israel. Deuteronomy 32:4 re-calibrates the heart, which is why this memory verse is a family favorite. I thank God that He is a rock that I can build my whole life upon.

Isaiah 28:16
So this is what the Sovereign Lord says: “See, I lay a stone in Zion, a tested stone, a precious cornerstone for a sure foundation; the one who relies on it will never be stricken with panic.

Psalm 118:22
The stone the builders rejected has become the cornerstone.

Another rock analogy is attributed to Jesus – the cornerstone. The stone that the builders rejected. That’s the story of humanity. We replace Jesus as the rightful ruler with ourselves on the throne. But the scriptures tell us time and time again of the goodness and grace of God. He can be trusted in all things. We each have our own testimony of this; God is active in our lives.

If anything is clear in 2020, it’s that the world needs healing. The world needs hope. The world needs the love of God. Join me in sharing this good news to the world!

May God bless you as you lean on Him this week as the Rock, the Cornerstone, the sure foundation!

In Christ’s Strength Alone,

Leyna

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1 Thessalonians 5:15-18
See that no one repays anyone evil for evil, but always seek to do good to one another and to everyone. Rejoice always, pray without ceasing, give thanks in all circumstances; for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus for you.

Art compliments of Alicia Rassmussen @ www.hertearshisfeet.art

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Hello dear ones, this week we give thanks to the Lord, remembering all that He has done for us each and every day. Rejoice with me in His goodness as we memorize 1 Thessalonians 5:15-18 together.

It is God’s will that we give thanks in ALL circumstances. We are approaching Thanksgiving Day where we get to pause and remember all that God has blessed us with in this joyous life. I am so thankful for the family that God has placed me in. I’m thankful to have the opportunity to raise up 4 beautiful children (perhaps more?), I’m thankful for the home we have and the food on our table and the clothes on our backs. God has blessed us! But I’m also thankful for the struggles and trials and pain that I’ve endured up unto this point in my life. They’ve shaped me, they’ve pointed me back to God when I’ve wandered, they’ve humbled me.

James 1:2-4
Count it all joy, my brothers, when you meet trials of various kinds, for you know that the testing of your faith produces steadfastness. And let steadfastness have its full effect, that you may be perfect and complete, lacking in nothing.

Yes, it is good to rejoice in our trials, but what about all of the persecution and injustice that goes unpunished in this world? Or what about evil that is inflicted upon us personally? In our pursuit of justice, fairness, and equality; our anger clouds our judgement and we are inclined to express even greater pain, suffering, and harm to those that harm us. We see this retaliatory behavior in our kids but we also see it culturally and politically. It is ingrained in our sinful nature.

The only way to break this pattern is through our radical and life changing understanding of the gospel. We understand the sacrifice that God made through His son, Jesus, who died a sinners death: homeless, penniless, naked, put on trial in the dead of night, unjustly convicted, mocked, humiliated, and killed. All for loving the unloved and fighting against the religious leaders and elite. He modeled the life that God intended for us. He changed lives and brought healing to the world. Our love for one another is how God continues that healing in the lives of those around us.

Colossians 1:21-22
And you, who once were alienated and hostile in mind, doing evil deeds, he has now reconciled in his body of flesh by his death, in order to present you holy and blameless and above reproach before him

With that reminder of who we are in Christ, we can read the words of Jesus in his sermon on the mount with more clarity of this counter-intuitive concept of loving our enemies.

Matthew 5:43-48
“You have heard that it was said, ‘You shall love your neighbor and hate your enemy.’ But I say to you, Love your enemies and pray for those who persecute you, so that you may be sons of your Father who is in heaven. For he makes his sun rise on the evil and on the good, and sends rain on the just and on the unjust. For if you love those who love you, what reward do you have? Do not even the tax collectors do the same? And if you greet only your brothers, what more are you doing than others? Do not even the Gentiles do the same? You therefore must be perfect, as your heavenly Father is perfect.“

God’s mercy given to us is a triumph over the judgement we deserve. We know that God’s love has conquered death through the resurrection and we get to pass that mercy on to every single person that God puts in our lives. My prayer for us all is that HIS grace and mercy is expressed with gratitude this holiday season in a state of prayer, without ceasing. Be steadfast in your prayers and dependent on Christ to bring the change this world needs. In the process, God will change your heart, filling it with compassion and grace, as you lean on Him for the strength to share His love in this broken world.

James 5:13
Is anyone among you suffering? Let him pray. Is anyone cheerful? Let him sing praise.

May you be blessed this week as you trust in our sovereign God, knowing that he has conquered sin through the death and resurrection of Jesus Christ. We can rejoice in this, always! Join me in giving thanks to God for this life changing truth.

In Christ’s Strength Alone,

Leyna

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Isaiah 41:10
Do not fear, for I am with you; do not be dismayed, for I am your God. I will strengthen you and I will help you; I will uphold you with my righteous right hand.

Art compliments of Alicia Rassmussen @ www.hertearshisfeet.art

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Hello dear ones, this week we turn to Isaiah 41:10 for our strength with each uncertainty that life throws at us. Do not fear; God is with you. As such, there is nothing that we cannot handle. God has created you for a purpose in this time and place. He will prepare you, strengthen you, and hold you up. There is a lot of comfort in that. I’m reminded of David’s Psalm 23 & Psalm 34:

Psalm 23:4
Even though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil, for you are with me; your rod and your staff, they comfort me.

Psalm 34:4
I sought the Lord, and he answered me and delivered me from all my fears.

This is not a promise that the Christian life will be easy but rather a promise that God will be with us every step of the way. In fact, God has a rescue plan for the world and he has invited us into it. He’s given us a job to tell all people from all nations of His love and salvation.

When Jesus prepares his disciples for their job, he says he’ll be sending them out as sheep among wolves. But he promises them the Holy Spirit who will be with them and speak for them.

Matthew 10:16-20
“Behold, I am sending you out as sheep in the midst of wolves, so be wise as serpents and innocent as doves. Beware of men, for they will deliver you over to courts and flog you in their synagogues, and you will be dragged before governors and kings for my sake, to bear witness before them and the Gentiles. When they deliver you over, do not be anxious how you are to speak or what you are to say, for what you are to say will be given to you in that hour. For it is not you who speak, but the Spirit of your Father speaking through you.“

We have that same Holy Spirit with us through these confusing times in a culture that celebrates relative truth – in a time when our lives feel turned upside down and nothing makes sense. We have the same job, the Great Commission, as the early Church. We have the same God who is never changing as societal philosophies and ideologies change.

DO NOT FEAR

For our Lord God and Savior will uphold you with his righteous right hand. In fact, it is in times of uncertainty that we grow in HIM as we curl up in our Father’s lap.

Hebrews 13:8
Jesus Christ is the same yesterday and today and forever.

Isaiah 40:8
The grass withers, the flower fades, but the word of our God will stand forever.

May you be blessed this week as you seek God in your daily life, trusting that He is with you. He is your God and he gives you everything you need as you go forth to help build His kingdom!

1 Peter 5:7
Casting all your anxieties on him, because he cares for you.

In Christ’s Strength Alone,

Leyna

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Proverbs 3:5-7
Trust in the Lord with all your heart, and do not lean on your own understanding. In all your ways acknowledge him, and he will make straight your paths. Be not wise in your own eyes; fear the Lord, and turn away from evil.

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Hi Friends! This week’s verse, Proverbs 3:5-7, is such an encouragement in times when life just does not seem to make any sense! That basically sums up the year 2020! Whether personally or externally, life certainly dishes out a lot of curve balls. I’m thankful we have an Almighty God, the Prince of Peace, who we can trust with every single aspect of our lives. Nothing takes God by surprise, and we can rest in that, especially knowing that His love for us is personal.

Romans 8:38-39
For I am sure that neither death nor life, nor angels nor rulers, nor things present nor things to come, nor powers, nor height nor depth, nor anything else in all creation, will be able to separate us from the love of God in Christ Jesus our Lord.

There is a lot of darkness and injustice in the world. So much is working against us as we live out each day and serve our Lord. But there is not one single thing that can separate us from the love of God. With all the decisions that must be made each day, we have a God who, in our seeking, provides clarity; who makes our paths straight.

This world has a way of throwing uncertainties at us on a daily basis. How do we lean not on our own understanding, discerning a wise path for each decision? I’m reminded of a devotional from “My Utmost for His Highest” by Oswald Chambers on April 29th:

The nature of spiritual life is that we are certain in our uncertainty…To be certain of God means that we are uncertain in all our ways, we do not know what a day may bring forth. This is generally said with a sigh of sadness; it should be rather an expression of breathless expectation. We are uncertain of the next step, but we are certain of God…If we are only certain in our beliefs, we get dignified and severe and have the ban of finality about our views; but when we are rightly related to God, life is full of spontaneous, joyful uncertainty and expectancy. – Oswald Chambers

This paints a blunt picture of the byproducts of worldly wisdom in contrast to the certainty we have in Christ amidst the uncertainties “under the sun”. When we aren’t trusting and leaning into the Lord, we can easily get caught up in the power and strength that comes from our experiences, knowledge, and achievements. We have pride in our accomplishments that curb our humility found in Christ’s unmerited salvation. This self centered hope and certainty is wisdom in our own eyes.

Colossians 2:8
See to it that no one takes you captive through philosophy and empty deception, according to the tradition of men, according to the elementary principles of the world, rather than according to Christ.

There are a lot of smart people trying to solve complex problems. Without Christ as the cornerstone, this is vanity and a chasing after the wind that produces self seeking desires and corrupt decisions. As we turn from the evils of this world, we turn our eyes upon our Lord and sovereign King.

James 3:17-18
But the wisdom from above is first pure, then peaceable, gentle, open to reason, full of mercy and good fruits, impartial and sincere. And a harvest of righteousness is sown in peace by those who make peace.

May you be blessed this week as you trust in the Lord. May He give you peace and clarity through life’s uncertainties. My dear friends, is there anything troubling you? Is there a decision, circumstance, or crisis that is weighing heavy on your heart? I leave you today with some wise words that my dad once said to me, “now give it to the Lord and don’t take it back.”

Proverbs 21:30
No wisdom, no understanding, no counsel can avail against the Lord.

In Christ’s Strength Alone,

Leyna

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Colossians 3:23
Whatever you do, work at it with all your heart, as working for the Lord, not for human masters

Art compliments of Alicia Rassmussen @ www.hertearshisfeet.art

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Hi Friends! This week at SoulToKeepMusic, we are joined by my children on backup vocals! Be sure to listen to the track and let me know how they sound : )

Today’s verse, Colossians 3:23, reminds us that the work we do is to be done unto the Lord, not for human masters. Our work would be in vain any other way. It would be a burden. Does your work ever feel that way? I know mine can.

With 4 children ranging in ages from 8 years to 6 months, there is never a dull moment. In fact, there is rarely a moment of rest or a quiet pause either. I can quickly become overwhelmed with the responsibilities of running a household and homeschooling my children. It is in these moments that my autopilot kicks in and I begin running on my own strength. Inevitably I become weary and worn out. But folks, the Lord is Good! His work that he chose for you to do before you were even born is not wearisome!

Matthew 11:28-30 (NLT)
“Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you and learn from me, for I am gentle and humble in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. For my yoke is easy and my burden is light.”

When working for the Lord, he gives you what you need for each challenge that you face. He promises that the burden is light! With so much pain and suffering, death and disease, how can this be? Well, we have a God that is gentle and humble in heart. We can rest in him as we wrestle through all that life throws at us from living in a world plagued with sin. We can trust that He is making things new. When we turn to him, he will show us what work he has for us to do in every moment. Work that was created FOR US. Work that we can do with all our heart and that does not make our souls weary.

We live in a world full of distractions. We hold little computers in our hands with multiple social media outlets. Everyone showing everyone else what it is that they have accomplished that day. There are classes to take, things to buy, books to read, hobbies to learn, etc, etc. And yes, many of these are very good things!! It takes intentionality to turn away from the world, from human masters, and to turn to our Lord and Savior and say, “Lord, here I am, how can I serve you today.” What is your loving father asking of you right now? No matter how mundane or profound that task, no matter how big or how small, it can be a joy, it can be light, it can be soul fulfilling, when we rest in HIM.

Philippians 2:13 (NLT)
For God is working in you, giving you the desire and the power to do what pleases him.

So in moments of chaos, despair, frustration, Colossians 3:23 is the truth I need to remind me that in EVERYTHING I do, I am to do it for the Lord with all my heart. And this is light. Why? Because HE gave us our heart, HE gives us our desires, and so when we work for him, it is a JOY.

May you be blessed this week as you seek the Lord in everything you do. I encourage you to invite Him into your day and into every task.

In Christ’s Strength Alone,

Leyna

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Ephesians 2:10
For we are God’s handiwork, created in Christ Jesus to do good works, which God prepared in advance for us to do.

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Welcome to SoulToKeepMusic for our second week of Memory Verse Melodies!  My prayer during this past week has been that through Jeremiah 29:11, the hope found in our Sovereign Lord has allowed a more complete trust in Him during these uncertain times.

This week, we are diving deeper into His plans for you – to do good works – which God prepared in advance for us to do! What a blessing to be invited into the story of God, to be His handiwork; to be His image bearer; to be made alive through Christ, by which all things were made!

John 1:1-3
In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God. He was with God in the beginning. Through him all things were made; without him nothing was made that has been made.

In the beginning, all things were made through Christ and yet we are living in a fallen world, dead in our sins. “But because of his great love for us, God, who is rich in mercy, made us alive with Christ” Ephesians 2:4-5(a). He did this by conquering death through the resurrection!

So if we are God’s workmanship and He has prepared work for us in advance, how are we to respond? I’m reminded of The Parable of The Talents in Matthew 25:14-30. In this story, a master entrusts different amounts of talents to three servants. Two of the servants used the money that was provided to earn more but the third servant hides his in a hole. Which of these servants was a good steward of the gifts that their master entrusted them to? If you answered the two servants who multiplied their master’s talents then you are correct. Are we hiding our gifts in a hole or are we using them to glorify God and further his kingdom?

There is no shortage of work for God’s children as His kingdom is realized on this earth. The world is crying out for justice, looking for hope. Yet the world’s response to justice invites violence, oppression, shame, and fear. It is our job as children of God to be salt and light in this world, spreading God’s love, giving a voice to the marginalized, caring for the poor and needy.

Proverbs 31:9
Speak up for those who cannot speak for themselves, for the rights of all who are destitute. Speak up and judge fairly; defend the rights of the poor and needy.

Ask God what plans He has for you today. What good works can you do in His name, for His glory?

In Christ’s Strength Alone,

Leyna

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Jeremiah 29:11
For I know the plans I have for you, declares the Lord, plans for welfare and not for evil, to give you a future and a hope.

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Welcome to SoulToKeepMusic’s first week of Memory Verse Melodies!  Each week you will receive a new melody to assist you in learning God’s Word.  My prayer for you and your families is that you grow in the Lord together as you meditate on His Word.

2 Tim.3:16-17
All scripture is breathed out by God and profitable for teaching, for reproof, for correction, and for training in righteousness, that the man of God may be complete, equipped for every good work.

Jeremiah was a priest that God used as a prophet to warn His people of the coming destruction and exile, should they continue to rebel.  As Judah is carried into exile, God tells the people to build houses, bear children, seek the welfare of Babylon, and to pray for the nation on its behalf.  This is quite a humbling request for God’s chosen people!

During today’s uncertain times, Jeremiah 29:11 reminds me that our God is sovereign and that we can trust Him completely.  God has plans for you! God has plans for our country! God has plans for restoring this world – giving us a future and a hope!  Lean into Him, even when the world is plagued with illness, anger, riots, racism, fear, and anxiety.

The nation needs our prayer.  The world needs the Gospel Message.  It will be restored through the proclamation of His story – a God who lived a perfect life, died a sinners death, and conquered sin – all for His love for us. 

Through the Great Commission, God has written us into his rescue plan!  What is God’s calling in your life?

As we begin this memorization journey together, please share your thoughts, prayers, and testimonies.  Let’s grow together into the persons that God designed us to be.

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