A variety of Christian poetry, Christian short fiction and others Christian posts.
God, you have filled my mornings with praise
You have set apart this hour with me
Excitement reaches into my heart and soul…
You consume my mind with assurance.
© Chrissy Siggee
ALL RIGHTS RESERVED
From my book Glimpses of His Glory 🦋 Under Copyright: https://catalogue.nla.gov.au/catalog/4537869
Archived in: 🦋 Christian Reads
Archived in: Christian Reads
1 Corinthians 15:14-22 “And if Christ has not been raised, our preaching is useless and so is your faith. More than that, we are then found to be false witnesses about God, for we have testified about God that he raised Christ from the dead. But he did not raise him if in fact the dead are not raised. For if the dead are not raised, then Christ has not been raised either. And if Christ has not been raised, your faith is futile; you are still in your sins. Then those also who have fallen asleep in Christ are lost. If only for this life we have hope in Christ, we are to be pitied more than all men. But Christ has indeed been raised from the dead, the first fruits of those who have fallen asleep. For since death came through a man, the resurrection of the dead comes also through a man. For as in Adam all die, so in Christ all will be made alive.” (NIV)
Christians worldwide celebrate the resurrection of their Lord and Saviour, Jesus Christ, on Easter Sunday. Christianity teaches that the author and creator of the faith are alive today. No other religion in the world makes such an amazing claim. Other religions may claim that the “spirit” of their founder lives in his religious teachings, but Christians declare that Jesus Christ lives today — bodily.
True biblical Christianity teaches that Jesus really died AND really rose from the dead – physically. Jesus rose bodily as well as spiritually from the grave. He then appeared alive to a variety of people at many different times over a period of forty days. Christianity further teaches that after these indisputable “physical” appearances, Jesus Christ “physically” left this earth and promised to return “physically” one day.
John 14:1-3 says, “Let not your heart be troubled. Ye believe in God; believe also in Me. In My Father’s house are many mansions; if it were not so, I would have told you. I go to prepare a place for you. And if I go and prepare a place for you, I will come again and receive you unto Myself, that where I am, there ye may be also.”
Acts 1:9-12 describes what the disciples saw on the Mount of Olives: “After he said this, he was taken up before their very eyes, and a cloud hid him from their sight. They were looking intently up into the sky as he was going when suddenly two men dressed in white stood beside them. “Men of Galilee,’ they said, ‘why do you stand here looking into the sky? This same Jesus, who has been taken from you into heaven, will come back in the same way you have seen him go into heaven.’ Then they returned to Jerusalem from the hill called the Mount of Olives, a Sabbath day’s walk from the city.” (NIV)
If there was no foundation for the Christian faith, if Jesus Christ did not die on the cross, if He didn’t rise from the dead, then the whole basis of the Christian faith would be — empty.
The Christian faith holds that Jesus was resurrected from the dead bodily, ascended into heaven bodily, lives today in glory in a body, and will someday return to this earth bodily.
1 Corinthians 15:3-8 “For I delivered unto you first of all that which I also received, how that Christ died for our sins according to the scriptures; And that he was buried, and that he rose again the third day according to the scriptures: And that he was seen of Cephas, then of the twelve: After that, he was seen of above five hundred brethren at once; of whom the greater part remain unto this present, but some are fallen asleep. After that, he was seen by James; then of all the apostles. And last of all, he was seen of me also, as of one born out of due time.”
Father, thank you for dying on the cross for us so that we may be saved from eternal death. We praise you this Resurrection day for the faith of the Christian church and the hope of your return. Amen
© Chrissy Siggee 2011
Scripture Verses used are from the New International Version of the Bible
Archived in: 🦋 Christian Reads
Both Matthew and Mark recorded these words cried out by Jesus on the cross. These same words occur interestingly enough in the opening verse of the Twenty Second Psalm. Yet neither Matthew nor Mark referred to them as a fulfilment of prophecy and after six hours of agony in body and soul on the cross, this cry escapes from our Saviours lips.
There were not many words spoken by Jesus while he was on the cross. The words He did say are recorded specifically.
His first words were “Father forgive them, for they know not what they do”—-a prayer for pardon.
His second proclamation made was a promise of peace.
“Today you shall be with me in Paradise”
His third decree was one of kindness to and for his mother.
“Woman behold thy son….Son behold thy mother.”
When the darkness had fallen, three last announcements where uttered. They followed in rapid succession.
“I thirst”
“It is finished”
“Father into thy hands I commend my spirit”–
Then, there was this cry of sorrow.
“My God, my God, why Hast Thou Forsaken Me?
There is something of extraordinary power and feeling in these words of Jesus on the Cross. This is obvious from the fact that both Matthew and Mark have diligently given the words in the language our Lord used.
“Eli Eli, lama Sa-bach-thani”
Nowhere else in Scripture do we find recurrence of these words except in the Twenty Second Psalm. When Jesus cried these words, he was expressing suffering that was never at any other time felt in this world and I believe, never will again.
To the historian, to the poet or to the theologian, the description and the language of these words in Psalms 22 might suggest it could have been either history or prophecy. However, the context of Psalm 22 is not clear either way.
Matthew and Mark may not have recognised the connection. However, Jesus, a learned scholar of the Scriptures from a very young age, would have known the Psalms well. He said many times through out His ministry “it is written”.
To the believer, nevertheless, this cry is a revelation of the deep suffering and anguishes our Saviour bore, and a proof of His infinite love for sinners.
It challenges us, with all the saints, to be strong to understand what is:
“..the length and breadth and height and depth of the love of God”…
Ephesians 3 verses 18 & 19 KJV
If the cross is the fundamental Truth of the New Testament, this cry is the heart of this truth and its inmost expression. This is the Holy of Holys to the reverent reader of the story of the passion.
© Chrissy Siggee
Archived in: 🦋 Christian Reads
Beaten and humiliated,
they led my Lord away
to the mount of death—
He was nailed and hung
on a wooden cross—
Naked and shamed
like a common thief.
They mocked.
They cursed.
They laughed.
Bleeding head hung low,
nails ripped hands and feet
A body slashed and torn—
Blood flowed down
onto the rugged ground—
Pain and dread
etched on His face.
Shame.
Sorrow.
Shunned.
Blamed and disgraced,
all purity discredited
Guilt and sin He bore—
My beautiful Jesus,
You did this for me—
You bled and died
So I could live.
They seized His clothes.
They pierced His side.
They crucified my Lord!
© Chrissy Siggee
Archived in: 🦋 Christian Reads
And when they had crucified him, they parted his garments, casting lots upon them, what every man should take. Mark 15:24
This stripping of Jesus was so appalling that it was referred to in all four Gospels.
Matthew observed that this occurrence was a fulfillment of Psalm 22:18 “They part my garments among them, and cast lots upon my vesture.”
Mark also fled naked from the mob in the garden.
Luke 23:34 Then said Jesus, Father, forgive them; for they know not what they do. And they parted his raiment and cast lots.
John also refers to the Psalm, as Matthew did, but also gives the most detailed and accurate description of the whole agony of the crucifixion.
The Christ lived in purity and dignity of manhood. Almost all pictures of the crucifixion give us the view of a dignified Jesus. But one gospel records the scene — “They stripped Him,” John said. Naked He came from His mother’s womb, and naked He hangs from a tree.
Adam experienced the shame of nakedness in Eden because of his transgression. So too, the Son of God took our sinful flesh and the shame of our nakedness upon Himself.
I believe there were two elements to the crucifixion; one of the physical and the other of the mental suffering. Jesus was despised and rejected, even by His own friends. He was oppressed by sinners, held in contempt by the soldiers, cursed by men, and stripped of His garments.
His garments. His seamless robe. A garment fit for a king. His clothing wouldn’t have been a beggar’s rags.
But when I read Psalm 93:1 “The LORD reigneth, he is clothed with majesty; the LORD is clothed with strength, wherewith he hath girded himself: the world also is established, that it cannot be moved.” It puts a put a whole new perspective and horror into the story. They parted His garments and cast lots…
© Chrissy Siggee
Scripture Verses used are from the King James Version of the Bible
Archived in: 🦋 Christian Reads
Mark 15:25-28: And it was the third hour, and they crucified him. And the superscription of his accusation was written over, THE KING OF THE JEWS. And with him, they crucify two thieves; the one on his right hand, and the other on his left. And the scripture was fulfilled, which saith, and he was numbered with the transgressors.
We have read about the cruelty of inhuman treatment of Jesus by the soldiers, servants, and the people, who assembled to witness his beating. Much can be said again about the unwarranted punishment our Lord received prior to His crucifixion. We have also read and heard repeatedly of the death of Christ. Many of us have seen the “Passion of the Christ” movie. Without playing down the significance of the crucifixion itself in any way, let’s move on to the mysteries of His death.
The message of the cross is indeed a mystery. The message can be learned through the Scriptures, movies, and witnessing. Prophecies and teachings were recorded throughout the Old Testament; including the Psalms.
‘I thank my God always on your behalf, for the grace of God which is given you by Jesus Christ; That in everything ye are enriched by him, in all utterance, and in all knowledge; Even as the testimony of Christ was confirmed in you: So that ye come behind in no gift; waiting for the coming of our Lord Jesus Christ: Who shall also confirm you unto the end, that ye may be blameless in the day of our Lord Jesus Christ. God is faithful, by whom ye were called unto the fellowship of his Son Jesus Christ our Lord. Now I beseech you, brethren, by the name of our Lord Jesus Christ, that ye all speak the same thing, and that there be no divisions among you; but that ye be perfectly joined together in the same mind and in the same judgment.’ 1 Corinthians 1:4-10
Yet…it’s not only that we see in the death of Jesus the highest demonstration of God’s love, but also of His infinite sorrow and compassion. “But as far as the east is from the west, so shall he remove our sin”. (paraphrased) Not even an earthly father can pay the penalty of his child’s transgression, nor can any man pay the price of the sin of another.
When Paul speaks of the suffering of Jesus on the cross, he deals with facts so awe-inspiring that he calls them: “the depths of God”. (1 Corinthians 2:10) These mysteries are so deep that they are unfathomable of all human thinking – even more unfathomable as the deepest, unreachable, bottomless ocean. This act of love is beyond measure. But, by His Holy Spirit, God reveals it to even the youngest of children, the simplest-minded, and the uneducated. His love for us is infinite. Although we cannot understand these mysteries, we thank Him with absolute gratefulness and humility.
My hope, my strength, my redeemer, my God, my King, and my all…they crucified my Lord.
© Chrissy Siggee
Archived in: 🦋 Christian Reads
A blazing sun reaches its peak with the rising noonday heat—
The din from the emerging crowd ascends the hill like a surging tide.
The sound of mournful weeping mingles with the soldiers mocking feat
Cheers and jeers rise and fall while casting lots for his clothes to divide.
Embedded thorns gripped his brow to expose the bleeding flesh beneath
The blood-smeared stripes elongated the contorted flesh upon his back.
With all the cruelty of the day, his painful bones scream out for relief—
And, his wounded body echoes with memories that won’t distract.
Darkness falls.
The crowd flees.
Fear strikes.
A voice cries out.
‘Eloi, Eloi lama sabachthani?‘ (Matthew 27:46 NIV)
The earth shakes.
The tremor spreads.
Tombs split open.
Lives come forth.
‘My God, my God, why have you forsaken me?’ (Matthew 27:46 NIV)
Head hangs low,
All strength is gone.
The weight of sin
On a cross of shame.
There was no other good enough to go through this place of shame,
He went to the cross, our sins to forgive and evil to defeat.
It was Christ’s blood alone that covered all my guilt and blame—
The scars I left will forever remain imprinted on his hands and feet.
No sight will you find as precious as my Saviour saw today,
for this hill with a view revealed more than a price one man paid.
But the wonder of the sacrifice made; so lost souls can be saved—
Rejoice with me my child because this too, is the day the Lord has made.
‘Father into your hands I commit my spirit‘ (Luke 23:46 NIV)
Guards terrified
at the scene.
Surely He was
the Son of God.
© Chrissy Siggee
Archived in: Christian Reads
Archived in: 🦋 Christian Reads
Archived in: Christian Reads
Finally, be strong in the Lord and in his mighty power. – Ephesians 6:10 (NIV)
Finally, my brethren, be strong in the Lord, and in the power of his might. – Ephesians 6:10 (KJV)
One verse, two translations. I like them both and couldn’t decide which to use, so I’ll use both. It’s a powerful way to bring to a close the book of Ephesians. It’s also a letter addressed to a church. If you ever get the chance to read the six chapters, it’s worth the read.
If you remember anything from reading Ephesians this is the ‘above all else’ verse. The Lord, the one above all else, the creator of our world who gently placed every star in place, delights in you. He delights in me. He is strong and mighty but also gentle and faithful. Always.
Don’t think for a moment longer that He doesn’t care about you, because He truly does. Take a moment to take that in… Read more of the Bible and seek out the strength of this truth. Find a Christian author who has written of their experiences in this truth and listen to the words of Christian music that express this truth. In His presence, you will find strength.
Father, thank You for the strength You pour out to us through Your Word, through the inspiration of others, and through Your Truth in music that is so freely available to us. Help us to be strong in Your power and might. Amen
Chrissy Siggee
Scripture Verses used are from the New International and the King James Versions of the Bible
Archived in: 🦋 Christian Reads
Archived in: 🦋 Christian Reads
Archived in: Christian Reads
Isaiah 53:3 says: “He was despised and rejected by mankind, a man of suffering, and familiar with pain. Like one from whom people hide their faces he was despised, and we held him in low esteem.”
Have you ever felt alone?
Do you ever feel afraid?
Have you ever been misunderstood or rejected?
Are there rumours rising against you?
Have there been lies told about you?
Has someone broken your trust?
Are you or a loved one in pain?
I think every one of us has experienced one or more of the above in some way or another. I know I have and have been guilty of forgetting to hand everything over to the Father. When I was a much younger Christian, I often thought He just wouldn’t understand, but through His Word and experiencing His grace, I now know He does.
Jesus encountered temptation, fear, and exhaustion. He’s been doubted, questioned, misunderstood, insulted, even betrayed and so much more. He feels what we feel. We can be confident, and find understanding, compassion, and grace when we seek His presence and step into His throne room.
It’s good to know that we can approach the throne of grace, at any time day or night, knowing we can do so with confidence that He will hear us.
Isn’t that awesome?
Father, thank you for being with us in our time of need. Help us to remember that whatever we have been through, you have to. Teach us to read Your Word to find understanding, compassion, and Your Grace. Amen
Scripture Verses used are from the New International Version of the Bible
First published 2018
Archived in: 🦋 Christian Reads
From the Archives:
To the cross You went to die for me,
For every sin, You carried them all;
The heaviness and shame You paid the fee—
Father, forgive them, You did call.
– Nowhere will I find a friend so true.
At the cross I laid my burdens down,
For all the wrongs You heard my plea;
The trauma and burden weighed You down—
You shed Your blood for all to see.
– Nowhere will I find a friend so real.
On the cross You took my faults,
For each and every guilt and pain;
The sadness and despair came with assaults—
This bitterness of sin, full of strain.
– Nowhere will I find a friend who loved.
From the cross you paid for it all,
For my life alone I know You would give;
The man of sorrows, a death cruel and brutal—
Your life you gave so I could live.
– Nowhere will I find a friend like You.
© Chrissy Siggee
Under Copyright: https://catalogue.nla.gov.au/catalog/4537869
From my book: Glimpses of His Glory
Archived in: 🦋 Christian Reads
Hebrews 11:1 tells us: “Now faith is the substance of things hoped for, the evidence of things not seen.” (NIV)
Ephesians 3:16-19 says: “that He would grant you, according to the riches of His glory, to be strengthened with might through His Spirit in the inner man, that Christ may dwell in your hearts through faith; that you, being rooted and grounded in love, may be able to comprehend with all the saints what is the width and length and depth and height— 19 to know the love of Christ which passes knowledge; that you may be filled with all the fullness of God.” (NKJV)
Without faith, I’m nothing. Faith is a part of me, the hope of my salvation, and all that I live for and all that I do. Life is not an easy road and it’s not a perfect one.
Life at times can really be the pits – At times life can be lonely and life can often be full of pain.
No matter what life throws our way, life without faith is no life at all.
2 Corinthians 5:7 clearly says: “For we walk by faith, not by sight.” When news spread that Jesus had risen from the grave, Thomas wanted to see Jesus before he would believe it.
Faith believes in something before it’s seen. Not the other way around.
All we need is a little faith.
Matthew 17:20 – So Jesus said to them, “Because of your [a]unbelief; for assuredly, I say to you, if you have faith as a mustard seed, you will say to this mountain, ‘Move from here to there,’ and it will move; and nothing will be impossible for you. (NKJV)
In 2017, my faith was put to the test. I faced the real possibility of living the rest of my life in a wheelchair – possibly not live it at all. With a lot of prayer, the gift of an amazing spine surgeon, two surgeries seven days apart and months of rehabilitation, I returned home without assistance. Faith in the Father, I never doubted.
Over the past six months I have again endured much physical pain. And yes, I will need more medical treatment. I don’t know about anyone else but sometimes when pain is severe, I find it difficult to pray for myself. However, I don’t have to. I have many people praying for me and with me and I hold to my faith that the Great Physician will bring me through yet again. Always.
I would like to share with you some of Bible verses I have always found encouraging and reassuring during my most painful days and sleepless nights.
Psalm 41:3: “The LORD sustains them on their sickbed and restores them from their bed of illness”.
Matthew 9:21-22 – For she said within herself, if I may but touch his garment, I shall be whole. But Jesus turned him about, and when he saw her, he said, Daughter, be of good comfort; thy faith hath made thee whole. And the woman was made whole from that hour.
Mark 5:34: “He said to her, ‘Daughter, your faith has healed you. Go in peace and be freed from your suffering.'”
1 Peter 2:24: “‘He Himself bore our sins’ in His body on the cross, so that we might die to sins and live for righteousness; ‘by His wounds you have been healed.’”
Living by faith is a way of life – Life is living by faith – Faith is believing
Father, we sometimes feel in times of pain and loneliness that our faith is weak. Teach us, help us, to keep believing even when we don’t see answers. Show us how to walk by faith and not by sight. Amen.
© Chrissy Siggee First published in 2012 Revised in 2026
Scripture Verses used are from the New International & the New King James Versions of the Bible
Archived in 🦋 Christian Reads
Archived in: 🦋 Christian Reads
Why?
Why is life like the ebbing tide?
The ebb of tides is never-ending…
Devastation can come in one huge wave
Or glide you gently into the shore.
Why is life like the shining sun?
Its radiance never ceases to glow…
Harsh heat often sets the earth ablaze
Or softly warms us on a winter’s day.
Why is life like the lilies of the field?
They stand so tall in their Sunday best…
Winter winds causes them to tilt and bend
Or makes them dance in a summers breeze.
Why is life like a shooting star?
Sometimes you see it, sometimes not…
Leaving a trail of light across the evening sky
Or gone in an instant, to be no more.
© Chrissy Siggee
ALL RIGHTS RESERVED
From my book: Glimpses of His Glory
under copyright: https://catalogue.nla.gov.au/catalog/4537869
Archived in: 🦋 Christian Reads
Psalm 32:8 says: “I will instruct thee and teach thee in the way which thou shalt go: I will guide thee with mine eye.”
Seeking wisdom should be a part of life. Wisdom should be sought when making decisions for a lifetime partner, parenting wisdom (from newborns through school days) teens, their wedding plans, etc. Wisdom is so important for guidance. Of course, there’s an assortment of classes, counseling, and generational pass-downs of valuable experience. Wisdom is also needed during times of crisis and when under financial pressure.
Where do we find such wisdom?
James 1:5 – “If any of you lack wisdom, let him ask of God, that giveth to all men liberally, and upbraideth not; and it shall be given him.”
So why do we allow ourselves to stress out, panic, or worry in times like this? How often do we seek wisdom from the Lord?
In the early years of my marriage, I used to stress over every minor crisis, especially when my husband was interstate with work or on a course where I couldn’t contact him. When it came to a serious dilemma, I was panic-stricken. It took sheer willpower to seek wisdom through His word and be strengthened by His truths. By seeking wisdom when a situation arose, I could take my concerns immediately to the Lord in prayer.
The next time there’s a crisis or situation that requires wisdom, pray and seek out God’s wisdom in your circumstances. Through His Word and prayer, He will guide you through.
Father, show us wisdom in all situations that arise in our day-to-day lives. Teach us to trust you, seek out insights through your word, and prompt us to pray through every crisis. Strengthen us so we may stand firm when things happen that need your wisdom to see us through. Amen.
First Published 2009
Scripture Verses used are from the King James Version of the Bible
Archived in: 🦋 Christian Reads
Archived in: 🦋 Christian Reads
My heart reaches out
with a passion for your love
Your love flows through me
like a river going home.
I stand in awe
at your loveliness
and lift my hands
to praise your name.
My mind reaches out
with a passion for your Word—
Your presence surrounds me
like the vastness of this land.
I stand in awe
at this establishment
and lift my gaze
to see your power.
My hand reaches out
with a passion for your touch—
Your glory lights the way
like a rainbow after the storm.
I stand in awe
of the creator’s design
and lift my head
to worship you.
My soul reaches out
with a passion for your peace—
Your presents overwhelm
like the vastness of the sea.
I stand in awe
at your creation
and lift my eyes—
Lord, I adore you.
© Chrissy Siggee
Under Copyright: https://catalogue.nla.gov.au/catalog/4537869
ALL RIGHTS RESERVED
Archived in: 🦋 Christian Reads
2 Thessalonians 3:11 – For we hear that there are some which walk among you disorderly, working not at all, but are busybodies.
1 Peter 4:15: But let none of you suffer as a murderer, or as a thief, or as an evildoer, or as a busybody in other men’s matters.
Rumours are harmful, and no one should take rumours as truth but place it in the Lord’s hands, seeking His wisdom and truth. Even friends and family don’t always know the truth of rumours and we need to protect each other in love by stopping rumours as they occur. Rumours do injury to the innocent and encourage mistrust, which in turn, ruin relationships with others.
God is our judge and counsellor, and if one of His children needs counselling and discipline, He will instruct and administrate. We have no right to judge anyone on others’ hearsay.
Rumours seem to be present in most churches and ministries and as leaders, we need to seek out the truth before we give discipline to the wrong person or persons. Discipline and action should be according to the deed and under God’s instruction.
The old saying: ‘nip it in the bud’ means to stop something before it grows or gets worse. It’s kind of like nipping a flower when it’s still a bud so it can’t grow. We as Christians can ‘nip’ a rumour in the ‘bud’ before it becomes uncontrollable and causes harm. To pass on hearsay or word-of-mouth tattle-tales is immature and falls short of Christ in us.
Words can be powerful and very harmful. Proverbs 18:21 says: Death and life are in the power of the tongue: and they that love it shall eat the fruit thereof.
We need to check our hearts and protect our brothers and sisters in Christ. Close your ears to rumours. Nip them in the bud, and if need be, check some details yourself and clear up any rumours that are causing harm against your brother/sister and love them.
Philippians 4:8 – Finally, brethren, whatsoever things are true, whatsoever things are honest, whatsoever things are just, whatsoever things are pure, whatsoever things are lovely, whatsoever things are of good report; if there be any virtue, and if there be any praise, think on these things.
Father, help us to keep our tongues restrained and stop rumours before they do harm. Give each of us a heart of love for all our brothers and sisters in Christ and protect relationships with truth and honesty. Keep our hearts pure and give testimony to it. Amen.
© Chrissy Siggee 2012
Scripture Verses used are from the New International Version of the Bible
First written 2012
Updated for Riverside Peace 2019.
Archived in: 🦋 Christian Reads
Today’s Thoughts
All sins, including the generational consequences often referred to as the “sins of the fathers” (Exodus 20:5), were paid for and forgiven through Jesus’ sacrifice on the cross.
Did you know while the results of generational sins might persist, the spiritual guilt and curse are broken for those who turn to Christ. The cross provided us with His grace so the guilt and the cycle of generational sin is broken.
By accepting the cross, we are forgiven, and the record of sin is removed, leading to a state of “no condemnation”.
While some Christians feel the need to judge those who are already forgiven, I believe that Salvation is a gift of God’s grace received through faith, “not earned by personal works” or by human judgmental intimidation.
Just my thoughts.
– Chrissy
Archived in: Christian Reads
Spring has replaced the winter’s frosty dawn;
Birds return with sounds reclaimed—
Their brilliant colours grace the skies.
Honey-suckle scent lingers in the air!
Buds burst open to reveal their hidden treasure
Amid the shades of a rainbow, flowers flourish.
Butterflies dance from blossom to bloom,
Trees announce the season with tender leaves—
Like fingers, they point towards the sky.
The distant roar of an aircraft engine
Threatens to steal the tranquil peace—
I smile at the sunshine and capture its warmth.
O Lord, this is a new day!
I breathe in your freshness
And walk in your truth;
I stand in your righteousness
Kneel in your holy presence
And take in a glimpse of your glory.
© Chrissy Siggee
From my book: Glimpses of His Glory ALL RIGHTS RESERVED
Archived in: 🦋 Christian Reads
Archived in: 🦋 Christian Reads
Heal me, LORD, and I will be healed; save me and I will be saved, for you are the one I praise. – Jeremiah 17:14
Most of us have prayed for healing at some time in our life. Some of us have prayed more often than we can count and still we are not healed.
Does he hear us? Does He care?
Yes, I believe God cares and He does hear us. I also believe that He desires good health for all His children, but if healing does not appear to come, we must understand that God has a much bigger perception of our lives.
Although God does heal, we must never presume that it’s His duty to heal. It’s not mandatory for Him to heal us, and although there were many miracle healings throughout the Bible, there were many times when God did not heal pain and suffering straight away – but He did work with it for good.
Romans 5:3-5 says: “Not only so, but 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, because God’s love has been poured out into our hearts through the Holy Spirit, who has been given to us.”
Here God responded to Paul’s prayers for healing not by making him well but rather by working through his suffering to draw him closer to God.
I often desire God’s healing and I honestly believe He can heal me but I also know I need to continue to wait on Him and to trust Him with my life.
2 Corinthians 12: 9 tells us that His grace is sufficient for us, because His power is made perfect in our weakness.
May God give you peace in the knowledge that He will work with your suffering and pain for good.
Father, I pray that you will comfort me in my suffering and fill me with confidence that in the power of your grace, that even when I am afraid, I may put my whole trust in you; through our Saviour Jesus Christ. Amen
Scripture Verses used are from the New International Version of the Bible
Archived in: 🦋 Christian Reads
Today’s Thoughts…
Matthew 18:20: “For where two or three gather in my name, there am I with them”.
Did you know this refers to spiritual alignment, unity, and agreement in Jesus’ name rather than exclusively requiring physical proximity? Christ’s presence is not limited by numbers or location, but focuses on hearts united in prayer and purpose.
I’m very appreciative of my international, national and local friends who keep me in their prayers. You know who you are. 
Thank you. I feel very blessed.
– Chrissy
Archived in: Christian Reads & Living with Chronic Illness
Archived in: 🦋 Christian Reads
Your peace flows through me like a river,
soothing and graceful.
Your presence embraces my soul like a hug,
comforting and restful.
I drink in the beauty of your establishment—
how wonderful is your supremacy?
The promises you gave are with me every day,
directing and truthful.
The assurance you provided is one to treasure,
enduring and fruitful.
I feed on the awesomeness of your creation—
how magnificent is your power?
You transformed me to this new way of thinking,
obeying and heedful.
You changed my soul to one of obedience,
willing and dutiful.
I taste the sweetness of your ambiance—
how comforting is your presence?
I found this piece of God’s paradise,
calming and peaceful.
I have met with the Creator and Master,
redeeming and powerful.
I leave with the knowledge of His peace—
How majestic is our God!
© Chrissy Siggee
Under Copyright: https://catalogue.nla.gov.au/catalog/4537869
ALL RIGHTS RESERVED
Archived in: 
Christian Reads
For the Lord is a sun and shield; the Lord bestows favour and honour; no good thing does he withhold from those whose walk is blameless. – Psalm 84:11 (NIV)
Do you find yourself at times focusing on how you messed up rather than the emphasis on the goodness Jesus gives? I know I do and sometimes I despair over what I don’t have and forget to look at just what He has provided.
Reading a verse like this one in Psalm 84 certainly is a wake-up call. His provision is perfect and His possibilities are endless. He is doing new things, great things, every moment of every day of our lives.
James 1:17 says: Every good and perfect gift is from above, coming down from the Father of the heavenly lights, who does not change like shifting shadows.
Today, will you join me and reach out to grab every opportunity?
Look with expectancy for every good gift that comes from Him.
Father, help me to focus on you and what you have given me. Help me to look for those blessings that you shower on me every day. May I not focus on what could have been or what I don’t have. Amen
© Chrissy Siggee 2019
Scripture Verses used are from the New International Version of the Bible
Archived in: 🦋 Christian Reads
Sweet solitude of silence
Brushes against my soul—
With a touch of His presence,
He brings rest to my bones.
Verses of faith drift through me,
Soothing battered senses—
Inspired by the silence,
He captivates my heart.
God’s Holiness bathes me,
Tender anointing falls—
In compassion He gives me
His peace in the silence.
Gems of joy, whispered hope,
Shown in His love and grace
Consoling in the silence…
He kisses away my tears.
© Chrissy Siggee
Archived in: 🦋 Christian Reads
Archived in: 🦋 Christian Reads
There isn’t time to change her mind
They told my mother lies,
Restricted by these clamps that bind
I hear her inward cries.
There isn’t room to shift and squirm
Please take that thing away,
I was made to grow full-term
My hope you did betray.
Before I formed you in the womb,
I knew you…
There isn’t time to understand
No time to move aside,
Save me from this glove-swathed hand
I need a place to hide.
There’s no time to shun the tomb
This fear has taken hold,
My heart beats strong within her womb
I’ve never felt so cold.
I will never leave nor forsake you,
Don’t be afraid…
There isn’t time to know my name
My face she will not see,
All I feel is my mother’s shame
My life will never be.
There isn’t even time to cry
All I can do is pray,
No! I do not want to die
Please just go away.
When you walk through the valley,
Fear no evil…
There isn’t time to hug you, Mum
Or look upon your face,
Listen to you sing or hum
And know your true embrace.
I’ll never walk upon the earth
It’s time to say goodbye,
This wasn’t meant to be my birth
Mother…it’s time for me to die.
I have called you by name,
Take my hand…
© Chrissy Siggee
Archived in: Christian Reads
Isaiah 41:10 says: “So do not fear, for I am with you; do not be dismayed, for I am your God. I will strengthen you and help you; I will uphold you with my righteous right hand.”
Are you afraid of anything? I’m afraid of answering machines. You know, when you are all ready to speak to someone over the phone and suddenly you’re listening to a recorded voice that says something like: Please leave a short message and we’ll get back to you.
Your fear may be going to the dentist, speaking in front of an audience, or even the fear of spiders. Mmm…I have to admit I don’t like spiders. Whatever your fear is, we all have experienced times in our lives when we are afraid.
Today’s Bible verse gives us some hope when it comes to fear. It tells us to “not be afraid”. We don’t have to be afraid because we have a hope that others do not have. We know that God will strengthen us and help us in each situation that we face.
Our Father knows the future and the past and has boundless amounts of wisdom to help us in even the most difficult of times. God is on our side and He is always walking with us and through any situation that we might face we can see why He tells us to not be afraid. God won’t let us down, so we have no reason to be afraid.
Simple? No not at all but when you come face to face with your fear, remember that our Father is always with us.
Father, we thank you that you are with us even in times we have to face our fears. Help us to remember the words of promise that You are our God and that You will strengthen us and help us. Amen
© Chrissy Siggee
Scripture Verses used are from the New International Version of the Bible
Archived in: 🦋 Christian Reads
Romans 8:38-39 – For I am convinced that neither death nor life, neither angels nor demons, neither the present nor the future, nor any powers, neither height nor depth, nor anything else in all creation, will be able to separate us from the love of God that is in Christ Jesus our Lord.
This is one of those passages of Scripture that lingers in the air and echoes in the mind long after it’s been read. There is nothing that can separate us from the love of God. That’s one reassuring promise. There’s no one else who can make a promise like that and keep it.
Have you ever had someone make you a promise and not keep it? It hurts; especially when if someone made it you thought you could trust to fulfill that promise. Perhaps time overwhelmed them or situations changed, but it still leaves a sense of being totally rejected.
Have you told someone you would do something and didn’t follow through? We need to be careful what we promise. I remember one time when my children were little that I had to break a promise in relation to a birthday party venue. The venue had changed owners and I was unaware of changed circumstances. I was no longer comfortable taking my children on the premises with its new clientele and their disturbing behavior. I broke a promise and had to explain my reasons, but as children are, I still broke my promise. I eventually found a more suitable place that the children were delighted with but from that time I usually added the words: unless something unforeseen happens and if it’s God’s will.
Promises of love can sometimes lead to devastation. Norm and I have had many friends over the years whose marriages have ended often in ugly divorces. Their ultimate reasons were usually based on broken promises. How sad.
God’s promises to us can never be broken and when I see God’s handiwork in the stars, breathe in the ocean air, take in the endless mountain views or the beauty in the land, I think how awesome his love is for me. Knowing that nothing or no one can stop that love is precious and eternal.
Oh Lord, the God of all creation, I praise your holy name. I am thankful for your overwhelming love for me. Your promises from Scripture fill me with hope and joy. Thank you for Your truth and honour that reigns forever. Amen.
© Chrissy Siggee 2019
Scripture Verses used are from the New International Version of the Bible
Archived in:🦋 Christian Reads
Jesus speaks to open hearts
Fills them with His awesome love.
Through Him, we seek a healing touch
and feel his presence near.
Father, move within our hearts
Change our lives and set us free.
At the cross, we bear our all
and find an answer there.
Holy Spirit, seeks my willing heart
to hear and obey his holy word.
Let my heart be open to your voice
and heed the message of your love.
© Chrissy Siggee
ALL RIGHTS RESERVED
under copyright: https://catalogue.nla.gov.au/catalog/4537869
From my book: Glimpses of His Glory
Archived in: 🦋 Christian Reads
Breathe in.
Breathe in His presence.
The Holy Spirit is here.
Seek now.
Seek now and listen.
Holy blessings are given.
Be still.
Be still in the now.
Receive all that He gives you.
Submit.
Submit fully.
His grace will sustain – always.
Chrissy Siggee
Archived in: 🦋 Christian Reads
From the Archives:
One day I gave my life to Jesus,
I was only six years old you know—
My soul I knew, was not my own.
To church we went but once a week,
It was like that every Sunday—
My soul went with me, like always.
The church we went to was so big,
All the people and the noise they made,
Within my soul, I was afraid.
I didn’t know the preacher that day,
He talked about lilies and sparrow birds—
My soul was alert, to these words.
My soul is worth far more than these,
Jesus died for me; why that’s absurd!
What is this, my soul has heard?
Then finally some words I understood,
This man was talking right to me—
Yes, into my soul, he could see.
I heard the choir sing “Just as I am,”
They sang those words so bold—
And to my soul, they were like gold.
Wake up my child, this is for you,
A family ticket I cannot give—
For this your soul, it needs to live.’
An altar call the preacher made,
What will you do with Jesus today?
As for my soul and I, we did obey.
I walked on by my mum and dad,
My brothers and my sister too;
I think my soul it knew, just what to do.
I prayed a prayer I won’t forget,
I have remembered it to this day—
My life and soul, to God I gave.
Now one day I will live with Him,
And no matter how long I will be known—
This soul of mine, it’s not my own.
© Chrissy Siggee
Archived in: 🦋 Christian Reads
Archived in: 🦋 Christian Reads
Archived in: 🦋 Christian Reads
Archived in: 🦋 Christian Reads
From the Archives:
I’ve written and posted here, spoke in small groups, but I have not shared in front of a congregation for years. Today I had been given that opportunity. Here’s what I shared.
Hebrews 11 – It’s often known as the Faith chapter.
It’s opening line says: “Now faith is confidence in what we hope for and assurance about what we do not see.”
If we look up the word Faith in any dictionary, we will read that it means to trust, to believe and to be confident in something or someone, without complete proof or evidence.
Faith can be a deeply personal subject and if I were to ask everyone here today what faith is to you, each of you would give a different response. We all read the same Bible. We all believe in the same God but – each life is different. Our life experiences are different. Our challenges are different.
2017 was a difficult year for me – for Norm and our family. I had suffered from severe back pain for months. During that time, I was only able to walk using Canadian crutches.
I started to lose the feeling in both legs – especially my right leg below the knee. For many years until that time, I had to wear a lower leg splint.
‘A drop foot’ doctors had said. Cause – unknown.
At times it was easier to just stay in bed… only the pain didn’t ease. We sought medical advice from the best doctors and we sought prayers for healing from many.
I needed a miracle.
There were a few favourite Bible verses I hung onto during the bleakest days and sleepless nights.
Verses like:
Psalm 41:3 – “The Lord sustains them on their sickbed and restores them from their bed of illness.”
2 Corinthians 5:7 – “For we walk by faith, not by sight.”
I focused on walking by faith – Literally.
With Norm working most days, and no family nearby, my life was lonely and I was always in pain. However, I had always believed, and still do, that life without faith in God the Father, would be no life at all.
We all know the verses in John’s Gospel when Thomas was told of the good news of Christ’s resurrection, and how he doubted the news by saying: “Unless I see … I will not believe.”
In this instance, Thomas had to see what seem to be impossible to believe it.
Matthew 17:20 tells us that if we have faith as small as a mustard seed nothing will be impossible for us.
I needed to believe I would walk again before I was healed – not the other way round.
That wasn’t an easy thing to do. My surgeon, well actually, there were three surgeons, in the theatre that day in October 2017. They told me that they could take the pain away but I may not walk again. But focusing on “Jehovah-Rapha” which means, “The Lord Who Heals” – I found myself at peace. Then, surrendered to the effects of general anaesthetic.
As you can see, I came through that surgery – plus another surgery a week later, followed by weeks of intense rehabilitation so I could stand before you today.
I truly believe that faith – and prayer carried me through.
Each one of us have different responses on the topic of faith. Each of us will have a different testimony of how faith brought us through an illness, a financial crisis, a family situation or a life changing decision that needed to be made; even through times we grieve.
Let’s move on to verse 8 of Hebrews 11.
“By faith Abraham, when called to go to a place he would later receive as his inheritance, obeyed and went, even though he did not know where he was going”.
This verse highlights Abraham’s obedience to God’s call, even without knowing the destination, he demonstrated a profound trust in God’s promises.
Abraham is presented in the New Testament as: “the outstanding example of those who live by faith”.
Abraham is an essential figure revered as the patriarch of the Israelites and the father of the faithful. But, did you know that Abraham’s faith is not only vital to the Christian faith but also to Jewish and Islamic traditions?
If we look back into the book of Genises, we see that Abraham was called by God to leave his homeland and journey to Canaan, where he established a covenant with God, who promised him descendants and ‘a land’.
That is clear evidence to Abraham’s deep faith.
The promises were significant which involved a vast multitude of descendants and a land that was already inhabited. Yet, Abraham believed and obeyed God’s commands, even before seeing the fulfillment of those promises.
And let’s not forget Sarah.
Verse 11 says: “And by faith even Sarah, who was past childbearing age, was enabled to bear children because sheconsidered him (God) faithful, who had made the promise.”
Sarah’s faith in God’s promises is an influential illustration of trusting in God’s faithfulness – even when circumstances seemed impossible. Remembering that initially, Sarah doubted God’s promise to give her a son in her old age, and even laughed at the idea, she later demonstrated faith and received strength to conceive. This suggests a change in her faith.
If I’m to be completely honest, there have been situations and times in my life that I have doubted and experienced fear – just like the time when I faced back surgeries, or times when I had been wronged or treated unfairly – or when faced with disappointments.
Sarah would have experienced fear, doubt and uncertainty during the upheaval of moving to another land, living in tents along the way AND – to discover she was to have a child in her old age.
Sarah’s journey not only was a lesson for her, but for me as well.
And so, as stated in verse 12, and paraphrased by me – from this one old man, approaching his 100th birthday and – as good as dead at the time the promises were made to him, came descendants as numerous as the stars in the sky and as countless as the sand on the seashore.”
Now that’s faith!
It’s interesting to note that in verse 13 we read that all the people mentioned in Hebrews chapter 11 were still living ‘by’ faith when they died and not having received the things promised; they only saw them and welcomed them from a distance…”
This illustrates that we need to believe in God’s promises, even if they don’t immediately occur. It means having a firm faith and trust in God’s character and timing.
Faith involves actively choosing to believe, even when situations seem to contradict God’s promises, and to recognize that His ways are higher than our own. – We need to believe in God’s promises regardless of their outcomes.
In those long months of 2017, often pain drove me to tears – and yes – sometimes to fear.
Sometimes I couldn’t even pray for myself. But I didn’t have to. Others prayed.
Trusted prayer warriors kept up their vigil. I just needed to believe that the Great Physician would carry me through. Faith was the key to surviving that challenge. For me, and for Norm.
Without faith, I’m nothing. Faith is a part of me, the hope of my salvation, all that I live for and all that I do.
Life is not an easy road for any of us and… it’s not perfect, but believing God’s promises gives us hope.
I will continue to face difficult situations that may be painful, challenging and yes, even at times fearful, but faith in the Father is not an option. It’s a necessity.
Living by faith is a way of life.
Life is living by faith.
Faith is believing the unseen promises given to us by God.
What Faith is not, is needing to see His promises fulfilled before we believe.
Lord God, help us to grow in our understanding and practice of our faith. May your Holy Spirit give guidance and strength to overcome challenges we all face. Give us courage to trust your promises, even when they seem impossible. Help us always to seek strength from you to continue in our faith and keep our eyes on your promises. – Amen
Archived in: Christian Reads
Archived in: 🦋 Christian Reads
Archived in: 🦋 Christian Reads
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. James 1:2-4 (NIV)
How should we view the trials that we go through? First, we should reflect on the reasons why we are facing them. Unfortunately, for most of us, our questioning comes from our human form of questioning of the— ‘why me?’ aspect. This is of course just questioning God. Often this type of thinking easily moves into anger. This is the exact opposite of how we are directed to respond.
We are told to “consider it pure joy.” Now that seems a strange statement. If someone were to teach me to do that when facing trials, I would be tempted to call him an idiot. This would of course reveal only an immaturity and the unbiblical nature of my biblical and spiritual thinking.
We should view our trials with joyfulness, knowing what is really happening. That is, when we are being tried, our faith is being tested. What does that mean? When we face a challenge, do we respond by what we see and feel—or by what we believe to be true? If we are being tested it should increase our stability, our steadfastness, and our faith.
Father, help me to count all things as pure joy, whatever we face today. Give me the faith that is unwavering in all trials and let me found tested and true. Amen.
© Chrissy Siggee 2019
Scripture Verses used are from the New International Version of the Bible
Archived in: 🦋 Christian Reads
It was a beautiful morning for a walk. After parking my car close to the footpath that led to the river, I stepped onto the paved walkway and turned left toward my favourite place. The water was as smooth as silk. Its glass-like appearance mirrored the beauty of God’s creation that surrounded it. The sun was warm and not a single cloud in the sky. The air was filled with the aroma of damp earth after the rain. I breathed in the fresh clean air, deep into my lungs. The heavens were filled with the sound of a flock of geese; all the indications of a beautiful day filled my senses.
It came from under the bridge. It was flying very low. Every now and then it skimmed the surface so delicately that a slight ripple formed and died.
I know there’s a song ‘on the wings of a snow-white dove’ and there’s Isaiah 40:31 that says ‘we’ll soar on the wings of an eagle’ – but on the wings of a duck was something new to me.
As I watched this unattractive but graceful, swift-moving creature, I began to wonder just how awesome God really is. The power in those wings gave it the speed of an eagle, yet the gracefulness reminded me of a dove.
The charm of that duck brought me into a new understanding of beauty. God the designer and creator of the whole world, made all things, well.
Father, thank you for showing your glory in nature. I thank you that you continually reveal your power to us even with the simpleness and plainness of this duck.
Scripture Verses used are from the King James Version of the Bible
© Chrissy Siggee
Under Copyright: https://catalogue.nla.gov.au/catalog/4537869
ALL RIGHTS RESERVED
Archived in: 🦋 Christian Reads
A king is born today,
within a stable full of straw—
This baby in a manger lay,
is who the shepherds saw.
He came to earth to breathe as man,
to live, to die for us all—
This was God’s own plan,
what shall I bring the Father’s son?
Worship in humble adoration,
to this child our offering bring—
Praise, love, faith and hope,
heavenly angels sing.
© Chrissy Siggee
Archived in: 🦋 Christian Reads
It twinkles high above the earth
Once glistened on a royal birth—
Encircled by an angel’s choir
Proclaiming God’s desire.
Shepherds feared that dazzling light
Attending their sheep that holy night
It lured wise men from afar—
Vowed to follow this shining star.
Jesus was born in a cattle stall
Found wrapped in a shabby shawl
Beneath a clear night sky—
His mother Mary sits nearby.
No matter where we are
You can see the Christmas star—
Look within your heart He called,
It’s the brightest star of all.
© Chrissy Siggee
Archived in: 🦋 Christian Reads
Riverside Peace 
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