Look Inside Beautiful Words from God Volume 1
From God,
To Us,
To You
Cathy & Joyce
To:
From:
Date:
Beautiful Words
From God
Cathy Cates
Joyce Kruse
Dakota Beacon Publishing
Preface
I never had plans to write a book, especially a book of poetry. How the "beautiful words from God" came is especially surprising.
The idea for a book was entirely the Lord's doing. It was my quiet time of studying the Word of God and reflection that He revealed His heart and purpose. As I leaned in to hear His voice the poems came to be. It was that partnership that made the poems flow without effort. The poems are my revelation of His character and goodness.
Contents
2Sing With Grace
Cathy
By grace we encounter the priceless gift of His Presence.
Joyce
When I listen to the songbird, I am reminded how singing praises to the Father lifts my attention away from the daily stress to God's goodness and grace. As I sing to the Lord, I enter God's sweet presence. His rest and strength fills my heart.
Reflect
- Why are these encounters so priceless?
- How have they marked your life?
- What particular hymn has helped you draw nearer to God?
- Where can I find the Holy Place to enter?
Scripture
Psalm 16:11 · Psalm 26:8 · Psalm 59:16 · 1 Corinthians 6:19 · Hebrews 10:19–22
3
4Good Morning Holy Spirit
Cathy
Make room for Holy Spirit.
Joyce
At the dawning of each day my awakening thought turns to God. Like the sun I rise and shine and offer to God the first fruits from my lips by saying, "Good morning Holy Spirit." He then anoints my head with oil. Surely His love, gentleness, peace and faithfulness has brought victory to my day.
Reflect
- Does Holy Spirit need an invitation?
- How can you make room in your heart?
- Before getting out of bed each morning, what can I first say to God's Holy Spirit?
- How will giving God's Holy Spirit the first fruits of my lips impact my day?
Scripture
Psalm 5:3 · Psalm 23:3 · Psalm 23:5 · Romans 8:27 · Hebrews 13:15
5
6Have Your Way In This City
Cathy
My aim is to partner with God in bringing His will to pass.
Joyce
As I allow God to do His work in my heart, He will reveal His Heart for the city and nation that I live in. Since I am seated with Christ, I have been given spiritual authority to rule and reign not only in heaven, but on earth. I will decree God's Word over my city and nation. God will have His way!
Reflect
- Where can you rule and reign with the Lord?
- What is God calling you to do?
- What decree can I speak over my city and nation?
- What thing can I do or say each day to contribute to specific leaders in the church, to my family, to educators, government officials, news media, arts and entertainment, and businesses?
Scripture
Psalm 22:28 · Jeremiah 29:7 · Ephesians 2:5–6 · 2 Timothy 1:9
7
8Called To Be A Blessing
Cathy
God's blessing is your empowerment to prosper in every area of life.
Joyce
Daisies are my favorite flower. When I was young, I used to draw daisies on my school folders, sidewalks, the walls in my basement, everywhere! In the center of each daisy, I'd sketch a happy face, and on each petal, I'd pen a positive word. Now that I'm older, I enjoy visualizing each petal of the daisy as a post-it note to pluck off and remind someone of God's blessings. As I share His blessings, I am overtaken with His goodness.
Reflect
- What is God calling you to?
- How can you develop this discipline?
- In what way can I enrich someone's life today?
- Has God ever called me to respond to someone with a blessing after they have insulted me?
Scripture
Genesis 12:2 · Proverbs 11:25 · Ephesians 1:3 · 1 Peter 3:8–9
9
10With Thanksgiving In Our Hearts
Cathy
I come into His Presence with my offering of praise and thanksgiving.
Joyce
A life transformation has taken place in the life of the believer. Christ Jesus moved us out of the dark and into His light. Dressed in robes of His righteousness, we function as priests who are kings. Jesus did this so that we would shine brightly and broadcast His glorious wonders in His courts and everywhere.
Reflect
- How do you prepare yourself to enter His Presence?
- Do you long for Him?
- As a member of God's royal court, how do I first approach Him?
- Having been crowned with His glory, in what practical way can I broadcast Jesus in my everyday life?
Scripture
Psalm 93:5 · Psalm 100:4 · Ephesians 2:10 · 1 Peter 2:9 · 1 Corinthians 15:57
11
12Can I Come Closer
Cathy
My hunger for God is a work of His Spirit.
Joyce
Can we come closer to God? He desires us to draw near to Him. When we seek God with a fully surrendered heart, His passion consumes our entire being! Everything that has no eternal value is burned away by His Holy Spirit's unquenchable fire. What is left is a vessel for honor, sanctified, useful for the Master, prepared for every good work.
Reflect
- Ask Holy Spirit to reveal places not fully surrendered.
- Ask for grace to fully yield.
- Is there any chaff/spiritual hindrances I am holding onto?
- Is surrender a one-time event?
Scripture
Proverbs 23:26 · Isaiah 54:2 · Romans 12:1 · 2 Timothy 2:21 · Hebrews 11:6
13More to Come
Beautiful Words from God, Volume 1 is being prepared for publication. Join our newsletter to follow along and receive more pages, art and poems from the book.
Beautiful Words
From God
Dakota Beacon Publishing
Cover
Click the arrows, a page, or drag a corner to turn the pages.
Inside Every Spread
The Poem
Each poem hand-lettered in calligraphy and illustrated by Joyce Kruse.
A Word from Cathy
A thought from Cathy Cates, who wrote the poem.
Joyce’s Reflection
What the poem means to Joyce, in her own words.
Questions & Scripture
Questions to reflect on, with scripture to read alongside.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Beautiful Words from God?
Beautiful Words from God is a heartfelt collection of poetry and original art created with God’s direction. Cathy Cates wrote the poems, and Joyce Kruse hand-lettered each one in calligraphy and illustrated it, so every poem is its own work of art.
Who wrote and illustrated the book?
The poems were written by Cathy Cates. They were birthed out of her quiet time with the Lord, beginning in the early 2000s. Joyce Kruse, a calligrapher and artist, penned and illustrated them; over the years she has illustrated 250 of Cathy’s poems. Read their story.
What is inside each spread?
Each spread pairs a poem, hand-lettered and illustrated by Joyce Kruse, with a companion page: a thought from Cathy, Joyce’s reflection, questions to reflect on, and scripture to read alongside.
Is it a devotional or a Bible study?
As the book’s preface puts it: “A coffee table book? An art book? A daily devotional? A Bible study guide? A present that becomes a treasured keepsake? Hopefully all of the above.”
Which Bible translation does the book use?
The scripture in the book is taken from the New King James Version (NKJV).
When will the book be available?
Beautiful Words from God, Volume 1 is being prepared for publication. Join our newsletter to hear as soon as it is released.
Can I see pages from the book?
Yes. At the top of this page you can turn the pages of the book’s opening, including six poems. Our newsletter shares more pages, art, and poems from the book.
Who publishes Beautiful Words from God?
Dakota Beacon Publishing, LLC, a publisher based in Bismarck, North Dakota.
Can I share the poems or artwork?
You’re welcome to share links to our pages. To use a poem or artwork itself, for example in a church bulletin or a Bible study, please ask us first through our Contact page.